Page 68 of Meant for Her

“I can’t imagine Pete living here,” Ryan said.

“He might have had a hard time finding work after Dad died.”

“Three years, though?” Luke pointed to a small, white house on a postage size stamp piece of property. “That’s his place.”

The front door opened, and there was Pete coming out carrying a large box. Only now did Ryan notice the other boxes in the back of Pete’s truck—the same truck he’d had when Luke and he lived at home. Pete actually looked the same, other than his hair had more gray in it.

“Pull in.”

Luke blocked Pete’s exit. He stopped, set down the box, and shielded his eyes against the glare of Luke’s headlights. Luke doused them and cut the engine.

They both got out. Pete’s mouth opened. “Well, I’ll be damned. Ryan. Luke. What are you doing here?”

Pete came over and shook their hands. He seemed genuinely happy to see them. Maybe he wasn’t as upset as Ryan had thought he would have been. Ryan always thought their dad would have left Pete something in his will—only he hadn’t. After all, Pete had run the place for many years. Most likely, his father expected to live a bit longer.

“We came to see you.”

“You’re a long way from home.”

“We’d like to discuss a few things with you. Do you think we could go inside?” Ryan asked.

Pete shifted his weight. “It’s a mess inside. I’m in the process of moving.”

“We won’t be long,” Luke chimed in.

“Sure. I have some friends who are helping me move.”

“Not a problem,” Ryan said.

They stepped inside. Pete was telling the truth. He was moving. Most things were in boxes. Thankfully, the furniture was still there.

Two large werewolves appeared. Neither were carrying boxes, however.

“Why don’t you two take out the boxes nearest to the door? I need to chat with these two if you don’t mind.”

The bigger fellow nodded. They did as Pete asked, and then left.

He turned to them. “What can I help you with?”

Luke described how they had twelve cows stolen a few days ago.

“When I left, I’m not sure we even had that many. You boys must be doing well.”

He knew very well there had been twenty-five cows when Dad passed. “We’ve been growing the ranch for three years, but at the moment, what with all the bank loans dad had, it’s been tough. Real tough.” Luke said.

“I hope you aren’t here to ask for money. I’m strapped myself.”

“No. Not at all. We came because we were wondering if you knew of anyone Dad might have owed money to. That person might be looking to collect on that debt. I know he died three years ago, but some people are patient.” Luke explained that someone might have waited until the ranch was worth something again.

Pete blew out a breath. “Your dad had more gambling places than I have teeth. You say the men who robbed you were werewolves?”

“Yes.”

“I’d talk to Sherman Hicks. He’s not a high-stakes guy, but then again, your dad didn’t have a lot of money. In the end, all he had was those twelve hundred acres and a handful of cows. I don’t think your father would have wanted to bet those, however. Then he’d have nothing.”

Ryan figured that if his father hadn’t been murdered, he might have sold them.

“We’ll check him out,” Luke said. “One other thing, before we go. I know Dad got in a fight with a werewolf and lost. I understand that it wouldn’t have been smart for the medical examiner to find his body in that condition, so you had to bury him. Where is he?”

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