Page 14 of Moonlight Over Montana

Susie leaned over the seat and planted a kiss on her mom’s cheek. “Lead with the line, we’re okay.”

Maggie smiled. “Thanks for the tip. When did you get so smart?”

A grin spread across her face. “I’ve spent years watching you.”

Jed turned the key and the truck rumbled to life. “Next stop, cabin six.”

After dropping off Maggie and Susie at their cabin, Jed parked his truck in front of the horse barn. He slid open the door and strode inside, his eyes adjusting to the interior from the bright sun. “Zak?”

A muffled response from the office reached him. He stopped to check on Bowie and noticed Beau was with her. “Hey, hotshot. Did you have fun showing off for Susie this morning?” The colt trotted over to him, expecting a nose scratch, and Jed didn’t disappoint. The horse stepped closer and snorted in response as if saying he was pleased with himself. With a final scratch to his neck, Jed continued on to the office. The door was standing open as he walked in and dropped to the visitor chair.

Zak leaned back. “How bad’s the diner?”

His heart was heavy when he thought of the burned-out shell of a building. “They lost it all, including her SUV.”

With a low whistle, Zak shook his head. “That’s rough. Any idea when we can start clearing the place and rebuilding?”

He liked how Zak assumed they’d all be pitching in because it’s what folks did around River Junction. “I don’t know.” He wasn’t sure how to add the final detail so he just said, “It was arson. Until the investigation is over, we’re at a standstill.”

“What are you talking about? Who’d want to burn down the diner and hurt Maggie?”

Jed wasn’t about to speculate if Gasperini was behind this, but it didn’t seem like he had a strong enough motive. Although he’d been thinking about it ever since Tye Blackstone informed Maggie he believed it was arson.

“It’s not like Maggie has enemies. She’s one of the nicest people in town and with all she does for the community? This is nuts. Maybe the sheriff is wrong.”

“We’ll have to wait and see for sure but until then, we’re in a holding pattern.” Jed got up. “Are you good for the rest of the day? I want to give Susie a riding lesson and maybe have her learn how to properly groom a horse. I was thinking Nahla would be perfect. The mare’s gentle and is a good mount for an inexperienced rider.”

“I know Polly rode Nahla when she learned, so yeah, she’s a good choice. And I can handle things for the day. Tate’s around too.”

Jed felt better knowing Zak and Tate would be taking care of things today. Both ranch hands were excellent with the horses. “Don’t forget Doc Howard is coming out today to check on a couple of the mares. Annie wants to have healthy new babies in the spring.”

He stood up. “Yeah, Doc’s office called and she’ll be out around two. But if I need something, I’ll be sure to track ya down.”

After he left the office, Jed walked over to Maggie’s cabin and Susie was sitting in a rocking chair on the small front porch, her head tipped back and eyes closed. At the sound of his boot hitting the wooden step, she looked at him and her face brightened.

“Hey. Mom said you went to work. What are you doing here?”

He noticed she was barefoot. “Where are your boots?”

She jabbed her thumb in the direction of the cabin door. “In my room, why?”

“If you’re not busy, I thought you might want to come down to the barn and take your first lesson in riding and care of a horse?”

She leaped up. “Absolutely. Let me tell Mom.” Opening the door, she flashed him a grin. “Thanks. I’m bored to tears; there’s not much to do out here.”

“Oh, there’s plenty to do all year round. It’s just a matter of changing your perspective.” He wondered what she did when she was in town. But that wasn’t any of his concern. Her friends were in school and she was bound to be at loose ends with Maggie busy on the phone trying to plan her next steps.

“Be right back.” The door closed and Jed sat down on the steps. There was no telling how long she’d take getting ready. He remembered his sister always took forever even if they were just going to the store. The door creaked and he got up.

“Ready to go?” But it was Maggie standing in the doorway.

Her brow was crinkled, and she stuck her hands in her front pockets. “Susie just told me you’re taking her for a riding lesson. Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“I’ve got a gentle horse picked out and it will give her something positive to occupy her time while you’re living at the ranch and she’s not in school.”

Maggie nodded. “Yeah, she’s already saying how she wants us to get a place in town and it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.”

“She’ll adjust; give her a little time. You’ve both had a rough day.” He couldn’t help but notice the slump in her shoulders. “Anything I can help with?”

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