Page 15 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

His right-hand man, his son though not of his blood but by choice, hustled into the room.

“I want you to run a background check on him,” Marshall said.

“I already did after it looked like Mercy would be taking classes at USD regularly.”

Marshall motioned for him to continue. “And? What did you find out? Criminal background? Deadbeat dad looking to duck out on making child support payments?”Give me something to work with.

They had all sorts show up seekingrefuge. Even a couple of fugitives from the law. All could be put to good use in some capacity while he worked on healing their souls and mending their hearts.

Alex took out his cell phone, one of the few permitted inside the compound, and scrolled through the screens. “Charlotte Sharp has owned the place for about three years. She’s his cousin. Goes by Charlie. They grew up together. His mother is her aunt, and his parents became her legal guardians. Rocco moved here last year and started working at USD.”

“What was he doing before that?”

“Military for a few years.” Alex swiped through to another screen. “His record was sealed.”

“What does that mean?”

“He probably did special ops for them. But he did get a dishonorable discharge. I couldn’t find out what for. He floated around for a bit, worked as a bouncer, bartender and for a private security company before settling here as a self-defense instructor. No criminal record. No marriages. No kids. But a couple of DUIs.”

Clean. Except for that dishonorable discharge and the DUIs. “You mentioned that Charlie is his maternal cousin?”

“Yes.”

Then why did he go by Sharp if his parents were together? “What’s his father’s name?”

Alex glanced back at his phone. “Joseph Kekoa.”

“What kind of surname is that?”

“Hawaiian. I looked it up. It means warrior,” Alex said, sounding impressed.

“Do a search on Rocco Kekoa. See if anything comes up. I need it fast.”

“Will do,” Alex said, making a note. “What’s the rush?”

“I’ve agreed to let him stay here with us for a while.”

Alex paled. “But why?”

“Listen to me.” Marshall put a hand on his shoulder. “The only thing you need to know is that tonight I’m going to give you the opportunity you’ve long waited for. The one thing standing in your way is that cowboy. I’m going to give him enough rope to hang himself and you’re going to help me do it.”

At the sound of approaching footsteps, Marshall schooled his features.

Rocco waltzed back into the office. “My ears were burning. Was I the topic of discussion?”

“As a matter of fact, you were.” Marshall headed out of the office, gesturing for Rocco to walk with him. “We were trying to decide what work detail might best suit you while you’re here. Do you know anything about horses or farming?”

They headed toward the dining hall down the corridor lined with art made by his followers.

“I grew up on a ranch. Love horses. But I’ve got some military experience. I’m better with every weapon under the sun than I am with animals. Or plants.”

“Is that so?” Marshall nodded. “What did you do in the military?”

“I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.” Rocco flashed a smile that probably made women swoon and nudged him with his elbow like they were pals.

“Why not put him on security under me?” Alex said, following them closely. “I could show him the ropes.”

Translation: keep an eye on him.

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