Page 42 of Alex

“Nana!” Zoey ran into the kitchen. LeeAnn kneeled and hugged her.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Dylan asked.

“I would but don’t go to any trouble.” LeeAnn smiled.

“It’s no trouble. Mom? Do you miss this place?” Dylan put a cup under the coffee machine and pressed the brew button.

Her mother smiled sadly. “I miss your father. This is a reminder of him. It’s why I couldn’t live here. I’m glad he left it to you. He knew I wouldn’t keep the ranch without him.”

“I miss him too.” She shook her head. “He’d be so disappointed in Toga being stolen.”

“Oh, Dylan, honey, he wouldn’t. He knew the risks of owning livestock. It’s something all ranchers and farmers deal with. Even though farmers are growing food, there are still animals on the property. Some people don’t understand how rustlers work. They’d steal anything that isn’t nailed down and they can get money for.”

“I know.”

“Is MDOL working on it for you?”

“Yes. Agent Alex Reeves is on the case.”

“I like Alex, Mama.”

“I know you do.”

“How do you know him, Zoey?” LeeAnn frowned at Dylan.

“He, uh, has stopped in to talk to me—”

“We slept with him last night, Nana. He has a pretty dog, named Peaches. I love her.” Zoey ran from the kitchen.

Dylan nibbled on her bottom lip, then looked at her mother.

“It was completely innocent.”

“I’m sure it was, but I’m wondering why you were at his home?”

Dylan opened her mouth, but the coffee machine sputtered, and she turned to pick up the cup, then placed it on the counter for her mother.

“Your coffee is ready.”

LeeAnn tilted her head. “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

Dylan sighed, pulled a chair out from the table, and sat. After getting her coffee, her mother did the same.

“I… like him, Mom, but he’s on this case.”

“I see. How does he feel?”

“The same, I think. He knows about my feelings toward cowboys.”

“Well, he’s a livestock agent, so no cowboy there.” LeeAnn smiled.

“He’s a cowboy. He grew up on a ranch, and worked there until he went to college. He lives in a small cabin on his father’s ranch. He’ll inherit it and plans to raise a few horses.”

“So, what does that mean for you?”

“I don’t know. I like him. A lot. He’s great, but not only is he a cowboy, but I’m afraid he won’t put a lot of effort into the case if we get involved.”

“Honey, you spent the night with him. You’re already involved.”

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