This Cowboy of Mine--Includes a Bonus Novella

by R. C. Ryan

  With his hand beneath her elbow he helped her navigate around the littered floor, allowing her to take her time looking. After nearly half an hour she said, “My laptop is gone. It was sitting on top of my desk. And some antique picture frames…” As her voice trailed off, a little wobbly, Chief Crain saw her looking sadly at the old, torn photos of a man and woman in clothes from the turn of the century.

  “Grandparents?”

  “My great-grandparents. My uncle told me the picture frames were handmade by my great-grandfather. Like my locket, they have no value except to me, but they can’t be replaced.”

  “Anything else you can think of that could be missing?”

  She sighed. “My bank book and a credit card were in my top dresser drawer. They may be in that pile of clothing, but if he saw them, I’m sure he took them. And a little satin case of my mother’s jewelry. I’ve had it since I was a kid.”

  With each pronouncement, the chief made a note. Finally he steered her back to the landing, where Casey had patiently waited. “I’m sorry to tell you this, Kirby, but I’m going to ask you to stay away from here until I can have the state police assist in getting any evidence they can. Prints. DNA. There’s a good chance that after he stumbled upon your truck, he came here hoping to get enough cash and valuables to get as far away as possible.” He looked truly contrite as he added, “When they’re finished, I’ll ask Myrtle Fox to call her insurance agent about compensation for the cleanup, and installing new locks.”

  Kirby was shaking her head. “I’m new here in town. I have no family. Where am I supposed to go?”

  Before the chief could respond Casey spoke up. “That’s not a problem, Noble. Kirby will stay at our ranch until this is resolved.”

  “But I—”

  He gave a quick shake of his head, cutting off her protest. “My family will have my head if I don’t bring you back.”

  Noble gave a smile of satisfaction. “And that’s a fact, Kirby. The Merrick family is like that. They’re good people. You can trust them to make you feel welcome.”

  “But I’ve already overstayed—”

  Casey took her cold hand. Now that the shock of processing all that had happened was setting in, she was actually trembling. “I’ll call them. The minute they hear what’s happened, they’ll insist that you come and stay at the ranch. And after I call them, I’ll take you to your office. Your boss has a right to know what’s going on.”

  She stared down at her foot, tapping a nervous tattoo, her mind in turmoil.

  On the one hand, she resented the fact that her hard-won independence had just been snatched from her. She felt like Alice falling down a deep, dark tunnel, wondering what sort of craziness was awaiting her at the end. On the other hand, she was so grateful that Casey was here during this terrible tumble, to offer aid and comfort as she crash-landed. At least she wasn’t alone in this crazy mess.

  Noble Crain watched the play of emotions on her face. He’d seen it before, whenever an innocent was thrust into a situation completely out of their control. “I have your cell phone number, Kirby. As soon as the state guys have finished, I’ll share all the information I have with you. Hopefully, by then, we can recover your truck and identify the thief.”

  “Thank you, Chief.” She paused. “Is it all right if I take some clothes with me?

  At his nod of approval she returned to her apartment and gathered up several changes of clothes, stuffing them into an overnight case she found tossed in a corner of the room.

  As she and Casey descended the back stairs behind the police chief, she felt Casey’s hand at her back, and shivered slightly.

  When he led her toward his truck, she thought again how she would have handled all this alone.

  Alone.

  It wasn’t the first time she’d had to deal with life’s troubles on her own. But her uncle, bless him, had stepped in and taken her under his wing, making her feel safe and loved at the most vulnerable time in her life.

  And now, though she didn’t want to dwell on it too deeply, she’d happened upon another angel, Casey Merrick, just as her life had begun to unravel.

  Fate? she wondered. Or sheer luck?

  At the moment, she was too overwhelmed to sort it all out.

  Casey opened the door to his truck and settled her inside before turning to shake the police chief’s hand. In tones she couldn’t hear, the two men carried on a brief conversation.

  Casey met the chief’s narrowed gaze. “You think it’s the convict?”

  Noble Crain arched a brow. “Despite scouring the countryside, there hasn’t been a trace of him. It makes sense, if he’s the one who got hold of her vehicle. He might have made it out of Wyoming, and even out of the country. I’m sure, since it has out-of-state plates, we’ll find it abandoned somewhere in exchange for something less traceable. Right now, it could be in some rancher’s barn where a battered old truck is missing. But that could explain why our teams couldn’t find as much as a footprint in the snow. I’d say Miss Regan is damned lucky she wasn’t still inside her vehicle when he came across it. A man that desperate would have had no problem eliminating her for her wheels.”

  “Sooner or later she’s bound to come to the same conclusion.”

  Noble nodded. “Right now, she’s feeling lost and confused and angry and sad over all this. She’s been personally violated. I figure there’s no sense adding to her misery. But you’re right. In the next day or so it will dawn on her that with the theft of her truck, the vandalism of her apartment, and a desperate escapee, she’s lucky to be alive.”

  Casey climbed up to the driver’s seat before giving Kirby a warm smile. “Okay. Let’s stop by your office and bring your boss up to speed.”

  She pointed toward the end of Main Street. “We could have walked. It’s just up there.”

  He winked. “I don’t mind driving. This will give you a minute to gather yourself.” He closed a hand over hers. “Now breathe.”

  She gave him a sideways look. “Yes, sir.”

  He softened his words with a sexy grin that did strange things to her heart. “Doctor’s orders.”

  “Is that what you tell your patients?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah. And the funny thing is those damned cows and horses never listen to me.”

  She couldn’t help laughing along with him.

  Content that he’d eased her burden, at least for the moment, he put the truck in gear and headed toward her office.

  Chapter Nine

  Casey parked outside the small string of buildings that shared space with an insurance agency and a local Realtor.

  He looked at Kirby, relieved to see that some of the color had returned to her cheeks. “Are you okay to do this?”

  She took in a breath. “I’m fine.”

  He stepped out of the truck. Before he could circle around to open her door she’d already gotten out and started toward the office, moving determinedly ahead of him. Taking this as a cue to step back, he trailed behind her as she entered her office, and noted that her limp was more pronounced, probably due to all the tension.

  “Hey.” A man holding a cell phone to his ear turned with a smile. He waved a hand and said a few more things into the phone before setting it aside to hurry toward her. “Glad to see you survived the storm.”

  “Me too.” Kirby turned to include Casey. “Dan Morgan, this is Casey Merrick.”

  “Nice to meet you, Casey.” Dan offered a firm handshake while giving him a long look. “I’ve heard of the Merrick family. I hear you go way back around these parts.”

  “Four generations.” Casey smiled. “And still going strong. How about you, Dan? Are you from around here?”

  “My folks have a place in Oklahoma.” He smiled to soften his words. “I know you and your family are all ranchers. I tried my hand at ranching. It wasn’t for me.”

  “It’s not for everybody.”

  “An understatement.” Dan turned to Kirby. “I noticed you favoring your right foot when yo
u came in.”

  “And I thought I was hiding it so well.”

  “Something happen during the hike?”

  “Yeah. I took a fall in the dark and sprained my ankle.”

  “Have you had it x-rayed?”

  She shook her head.

  “Then I suggest you make a stop at the Devil’s Door Clinic. If anything happens on the job, it’s fully covered. But I’ll need signed forms from the doctor to submit to headquarters.”

  She nodded. “Okay.” She swallowed before going on. “When Casey drove me to the lookout to pick up my truck, it was gone. Stolen. I just met with Chief Crain, and he’s already filed a report with the state police.”

  “Wow.” Dan shook his head. “I’m sorry. This has not been a very warm welcome as you start your new job. I hope you’re not regretting your decision to come to Wyoming.”

  “Of course not. But there’s more.”

  At his arched brow Kirby took a breath before saying, “Apparently the thief used my truck’s GPS system to figure out where I live. The chief accompanied me to my apartment and it had been torn apart. There wasn’t a single thing left in there that he hadn’t shredded.”

  “Hey.” Hearing the pain in her voice, her boss put a hand on her arm. “That’s a whole lot of misery to come back to. Again, I’m really sorry, Kirby. Have you got a place to stay?”

  “Casey has invited me to stay with his family. It’s where I went after my fall.”

  “Good.” Dan looked past her to Casey. “That’s generous of you and your family.” He returned his attention to Kirby. “Look, you need a few days to sort all this out. Why don’t you stop by the clinic and have that ankle x-rayed? Then deal with finding new wheels and cleaning up the mess in your apartment. And when you get the all clear from the doctor that you’re able to work, and the pressure of what to drive and where to live gets cleared up, we’ll go from there.”

  “But the herds of mustangs—”

  He held up a hand. “They’ll still be there when all this blows over. Besides, until we get word that the convict is back behind bars, none of my field operatives are going near those hills, so take some time for yourself. According to your files, you have paid vacation due.”

  “Dan, I can’t thank you enough for understanding.”

  “Life happens.” He gave her a reassuring look. “Besides, I’m thinking this will give us a chance to try something new when you’re back on your feet.”

  “New?”

  He nodded. “I just sent DC a request to authorize the purchase of a drone.” He gave her a steady look. “I got the idea when I read in your file that you’re qualified to operate one. Just how much experience have you had with drones?”

  “No field experience. But I passed the qualifying test to operate them.”

  “That’s more than I can say for anyone else on my team. I figured I’d send a request for purchase and hope for the best. Hopefully I’ll get the okay and then as soon as our new piece of ultraexpensive equipment arrives, we’ll test it with you in charge and see how well it works. You may be able to count those mustang herds from a nearby hill, without ever having to hike to the high country again.”

  When his phone rang, he reached for it and studied the caller ID. “I have to take this. Why don’t you head over to the clinic, and then get settled at the Merrick ranch? I don’t need to see you back here until I hear from DC. Agreed?”

  Kirby nodded. “Sounds good. Thanks, Dan. I’ll let you know what the doctor says.”

  He waved a hand to Kirby and Casey before speaking into his phone. “Association of Land Management. Dan Morgan here. How can I be of help?”

  When they got back to the truck, Casey opened the passenger door and guided Kirby in. Once he’d settled in the driver’s side, he looked over at her.

  Kirby leaned her head back and exhaled slowly.

  “Feeling better now?”

  She managed a smile. “Much. With all that had gone wrong, I was so afraid my new boss was going to regret hiring such a loser.”

  “And now he knows he’s hired a winner. Not to mention the only one on staff who can operate an expensive drone. That’s bound to earn you points.”

  Her smile grew. “Yeah. Who knew it would come in handy?”

  Instead of starting the truck, Casey returned her smile. “I like your boss. And I agree that it’s time to pay a visit to the clinic. Dr. Peterson should take a look at that ankle and see if it’s healing properly.”

  “Okay.”

  “And then…” He turned the key and backed out of their parking slot. “Maybe while Ben Harper’s loading supplies in the back of my truck, you and I can grab some lunch at Nonie’s. A cold longneck and some hot chili. What do you say?”

  Her smile matched his. “I like the way you think, cowboy.”

  They were both laughing as he drove toward the Devil’s Door Clinic.

  Jenny Swan, Dr. Peterson’s efficient assistant, entered the consultation room where Kirby and Casey waited.

  “The doctor will be here in just a moment.”

  Kirby was jiggling her good foot, the only sign of nerves. “I figure he’ll just give me a prescription for pain before sending me on my way.”

  Just then the doctor walked in and immediately took Kirby’s hand in his. Looking into her eyes, he gave her a gentle smile. “I’ve met some strong women in my life. My wife, bless her, was one of them. She could carry a baby at her hip while cooking supper, and clean up the kitchen afterward, still carrying that wiggling child like he weighed nothing at all.” He glanced across the room at his assistant, who nodded in agreement. “But you take the cake.”

  At Kirby’s look of confusion, he patted her hand. “This is my way of saying that the X-rays show that the sprained ankle you’ve been walking on would have sent most of us to our beds.”

  “Is there a problem with it?” Kirby looked at Casey. “I thought…that is, we both thought I’d soon be free of pain.”

  Dr. Peterson shot a grin at Casey. “I bet this young lady told you it was getting better, and you never thought to argue.”

  Casey shrugged. “You’re right. But then, animals are my area of expertise, not humans.”

  Kirby was quick to defend him. “Actually, he’d been busy treating an injured mustang during a raging blizzard, and on top of that, we had to deal with an escaped convict said to be in the area, and then an avalanche. So Casey might have been just a bit distracted to worry about something as simple as a sprain.”

  Dr. Peterson merely smiled. “It wasn’t simple. In fact, it was a hairline fracture. Fortunately, there seems to be no further damage from all the walking you’ve been doing. The wrapping Casey applied might have helped hold the foot rigid enough inside your hiking boot that the swelling is going down nicely and the tiny fracture is mending. But to ensure that it continues to mend, I’m going to give you some rules to follow.”

  “Rules?”

  He began carefully wrapping her ankle. “Minimal walking, and only while wearing this soft walking boot.” He motioned toward the boot his assistant was holding. “Ice when you can. Soothing baths. And whenever you’re sitting down, elevate that leg.” He accepted the boot from Jenny and showed Kirby how to fasten the Velcro strips. “Not too tight. Not too loose. Got it?”

  Noting the way her smile faded he added, “I’ll see you back here in a week. If the healing continues, I may ease up on the rules a bit.”

  She took in a breath. “Thank you, Dr. Peterson.”

  “You’re welcome.” He turned to his assistant. “Jenny will give you a printout of everything I’ve told you, as well as a prescription for the pain if you need it. And one more thing.” He looked toward the hallway. “Avery. In here.”

  They all looked up as Brand’s wife, Avery, paused just inside the doorway. “Kirby, I assume you’ve already met Avery Merrick, Brand’s wife.”

  Kirby nodded. “I didn’t realize she worked here.”

  The doctor exchanged a smile with Av
ery. “Since her marriage to Brand, I keep wondering how we got along without her. Folks here in town used to drive more than thirty miles to see a physical therapist. Now we have our very own.” He smiled to soften his words. “And you’ll be glad of it. I told Avery what I’d seen on your X-rays and that I might need to prescribe a little physical therapy when your ankle heals. But only if you have any problems.”

  Avery squeezed Kirby’s hand. “I’m glad it wasn’t anything more serious, though Dr. Peterson said it must have caused you considerable pain. You’ll let me know if I can help, once you’re out of that boot?”

  Kirby nodded, looking slightly dazed. “Thanks, Avery.”

  “You’re welcome.” She kissed Casey’s cheek before turning back toward the door. “See you guys. I have a date with a patient out at his ranch.”

  A short time later, Kirby was wheeled through the sliding doors in a wheelchair pushed by Jenny Swan just as Casey was pulling in to a spot in front of the clinic.

  Casey helped Kirby into the truck. “Still up for a cold longneck and some hot chili at Nonie’s?”

  “More than ever.”

  As he drove, Kirby rested her head against the seat and closed her eyes. So far this day had been nothing but bad news. How she yearned for something good.

  She felt the strength of Casey’s hand as it closed over hers. Opening her eyes she looked over at him. Her poor battered heart took a sudden dive, and she found herself smiling in spite of her fears.

  “While you were being x-rayed, I talked to my family. The minute they heard about your troubles, Gram Meg insisted you come and stay with us.”

  Kirby felt warmth spread through her like a soothing balm. “Have I told you how amazing your family is?”

  Casey nodded as he backed his truck into a loading dock at Tremont’s Grain and Feed. “Yeah. They’re pretty special.”

  He parked and turned to her with his best imitation of an old movie cowboy. “Here we are, little lady. I’ll leave my truck here and we’ll head across the street. You’re about to experience the best thing the town of Devil’s Door has to offer. I hope you’re prepared for the experience of Nonie’s Wild Horses Saloon. Or as we like to call it, cowboy heaven.”