Damn. I’m happy. I’m really happy. Genuinely happy, deep happy. This is happiness. Well, I’ll be…am I in love?
The epiphany continued to haunt him through breakfast, and Matt found himself glancing across at her, then mumbling some excuse as the reason for doing so. As they did the dishes he impulsively kissed her, then gazed at her as the feelings washed over him. She looked at him quizzically, then smiled.
“You okay, cowboy?”
“Yep. You just look a treat this mornin’,” he replied.
A little while later they were climbing into the truck, and as he started the engine, Dusty could tell he was preoccupied.
“Are you worried about today?” she asked.
“No, why?”
“You’re being a bit weird.”
“I am?”
“You know you are. Please tell me what it is.”
The look on her face was so earnest he began to feel guilty, and reaching across the console he took her hand.
“Okay, there is somethin’, but it’s not about what’s goin’ down today. It’s not a bad thing, not at all, and I promise I’ll tell you later. I just need to think on it a bit more.”
“Thanks for telling me,” she sighed. “I was getting really concerned. Later is fine, but I won’t let you off the hook.”
“I’m sure you wont,” he smiled. There’s an interestin’ choice of words. I guess I am hooked. Damn.
“I guess the first thing we need to do is talk to Patrick,” she said as he backed up and started down the road. “I’m supposed to be helping him send home the last few horses. Should we go to the show together, or are you taking me to my car?”
“I’m thinkin’ we should leave your car in my parkin’ lot. If he’s watchin’, our nasty friend will assume you’re not at the show grounds.”
“Excellent suggestion,” she agreed. “It’s easy to see where we park at the show. If he does a drive-by my car won’t be there.”
“Is there someone who can drop you off at Silver Streak so you can pick it up when you’re finished?”
“Sure. Patrick, on his way back to his stable.”
“Great. What time do you think that will be?”
“Probably around one or so. Maybe sooner. The team penning should be over by eleven, and then we’re done. We’ll just see the horses off.”
“Perfect. We can have lunch, then you can head on home to be with your dad.”
“What a Godsend he’s back,” she sighed.
“Yep, it sure is.”
“So, I drop you off, we’ll tell Patrick the latest, then I’ll dash off to the office and make the necessary calls. Are you ready for all this?”
“Of course, and when it’s over I’m buying your dad something amazing. I don’t know what that could be, but something.”
Dusty and Matt had arrived at the show grounds, and were in deep conversation with Patrick, when Slim Jim was picking himself up off the couch. His wife, a canteen worker, had joyfully handed in her notice, which was no notice at all, and was in their bedroom busy packing.
“I’m gonna go rinse off,” he grunted as he staggered past, “then goin’ into town and gassin’ up the car. Make me some fresh coffee.”
Stripping off and stumbling into the shower, an evil smile twisted his lips.
“Won’t be long now,” he muttered. “A few hours and I’ll be sittin’ pretty. Fuckin’ morons. This is almost too easy.”
Had he not been so hungover, or narcissistic, or greedy, he might have listened to the wisdom of his words.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
As planned, when they’d finished at the show grounds, Patrick had taken Dusty to Silver Streak Saddlery, made sure she’d entered the building safely, then headed back to his own barn.
Dusty, Matt and Jinx had driven to the cafe and enjoyed lunch on the patio, but Dusty, though confident the afternoon would go as planned, couldn’t help feeling jittery, and it didn’t help that Matt was still distracted. When he dropped her back at her car, he gave her a long, warm hug.
“Sorry, I know I’ve been a bit deep in thought,” he apologized.
“It’s okay,” she replied. “As long as you’re not so deep in thought that it messes things up today.”
“Not a chance,” he assured her.
“Sorry, it’s just all so intense.”
“I know, darlin’, and it’s gonna be okay. All of it will, and I do mean, all of it.”
She stared up at him, and as he looked back into her eyes and saw the depth of her feelings, he wanted to share his, but it wasn’t the right time.
“Drive carefully, and call me when you get home so I know you got there safely.”
“I will,” she promised, and I’m in love with you. I am, I’m totally in love with you.
He watched her drive away, then stared at the toes of his cowboy boots.
“Little Dot Anderson,” he muttered. “I’m in love with little Dot Anderson.”
Taking a deep breath, he called to Jinx and ambled back into his building, through the steel door and up to his office. Settling behind his desk he tried to work, but with the drama of the afternoon looming over his head it was impossible. Pulling out his cell phone he called Rod, the manager at Circus Farms, just to verify that Slim Jim hadn’t changed any of the plans.
“Nope, no change. I would’ve called. He’s still comin‘ at 3:45 p.m. and we’re goin‘ to O’Neal’s place. I told him once the horse was loaded I’d drive him wherever he needed me to take him.”
“Just be careful, Rod. This guy is a real snake. Don’t take your eyes off him. He’s just as likely to try to steal your rig.”
“I thought about that after you and I talked this mornin’,” Rod replied. “I’m gonna have Trevor follow us.”
“Good idea,” Matt said solemnly. “I wish I’d thought of that.”
“Trevor’s big and tough. Jim Lewis wouldn’t take him on, not a chance.”
“I feel better knowin’ that. I’m glad I called.”
“Matt, this is a piece of cake. You’ve gotta take a breath.”
“You’re right. I know it’s all set, everyone’s in place, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” I do, of course, it’s Dusty. I need her to know how I feel.
“Have a swig, and don’t worry. This will be over quick.”
“Rod, you’re a pal. Thanks.”
Ending the call he let out a heavy breath, and though he would have liked a quick shot of whiskey, or even a beer, he wanted his senses alert and his thinking clear.
“I think what I need is a workout,” he muttered. “Come on, Jinx. Let’s hit the gym for an hour.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
It was 3:45 p.m., and as Slim Jim drove his chevy into Circus Farms he saw the horse trailer was hitched to the truck, and Rod was already sitting behind the wheel waiting for him.
“Hey,” Slim Jim waved as he stepped from his car.
“Hey,” Rod called back. “You wanna ride with me or follow?”
“I’ll ride with you,” Jim replied walking quickly towards him.
As he climbed into the passenger seat, Rod covertly looked for any bulges that could suggest a concealed weapon. The man was thin, and while Rod could see nothing obvious, Jim’s shirt was loose, hanging in folds around his body, and capable of hiding just about anything.
Trevor was waiting in a black sedan parked on the street, and as Rod drove from the yard and turned on to the main road, he checked his side mirrors and saw Trevor pull out behind him.
********
As the truck and trailer was cruising through Main Street, Matt was driving down the gravel driveway into Patrick O’Neal Stables. Patrick was in his tack room, and hearing the crunch of the tires he hurried outside, waving Matt to a parking space next to the riding ring. Leaving Jinx in the truck, Matt climbed from the cab and looked back towards the gate. Two dark blue sedans were heading towards them.
“Let the party begin,” he said looking over at Patrick.
>
“Indeed,” Patrick nodded. “Let the party begin.”
********
“Glad the traffic’s not heavy,” Rod remarked as he pulled up to a traffic light.
“Uh-huh. Turn left at the next corner,” Jim said gruffly.
“Left?”
“Yep.”
“Patrick O’Neal’s Stables is straight ahead.”
“We’re not goin’ to O’Neal’s stables. There’s been a change of plan.”
“Uh, which barn are we goin’ to?”
“We’re goin’ to a friend’s house,” Jim grunted. “The horse got moved.”
“Whatever you say,” Rod nodded.
The light turned green, and the trailer rolled forward to the next street. Pulling into the left-hand turn lane, Rod noticed Jim was studying the side mirrors and gently pumped his brakes three times, the signal to Trevor that Jim might have realized they were being followed. As the black sedan traveled past them and went straight ahead, Rod saw his passenger noticeably relax.
********
Perched on the fence of the riding ring, Matt and Patrick watched a faded blue compact car turn into the driveway, travel slowly forward, then stop in front of them. An overweight, rough looking woman stepped out.
“Can I help you?” Patrick asked.
“I’m Kathy Lewis. I’m here for the money. Where is it?” she demanded.
“I don’t understand,” Patrick frowned. “We were expecting a man by the name of Jim Lewis, and where’s the trailer?”
“Show me the money, and I’ll tell ya.”
“Wait a second,” Matt scowled moving forward. “This isn’t what we arranged.”
“Hey, I’m callin’ the shots here. You wanna risk pissin’ me off?”
“Matt, we should just do what she says,” Patrick said solemnly.
“This is bullshit!” Matt exclaimed.
“You think we’re stupid?” she cackled. “We know exactly where that horse is, and if you or that girl ever want see it alive again, you’re gonna hand over that money.”
“What?” Matt frowned.
“You heard me. Now quit stallin’. Where’s the fuckin’ money?”
“Come on, Matt,” Patrick grimaced. “We’ve got no choice.”
“You’d be right about that,” she grunted.
“How do we know you won’t take the horse anyway?” Matt demanded.
“Jim sure as fuck will take him if we don’t get our money,” she spat. “I promise he will.”
“Come on, Matt. It’s our only option,” Patrick muttered.
“Dammit,” Matt said glowering at the woman. “Okay, Patrick, let’s go.”
Matt and Patrick led her to the barn and into Patrick’s office. Pulling a leather bag from under Patrick’s desk, Matt unzipped it and let the woman inspect the contents.
“Looks like it’s all there,” she mumbled.
“Wait a second,” Matt said gruffly. “Why should I give you this to you? This is still not makin’ any sense to me.”
“You know why,” she spat. “Jim is waitin’, and if I don’t call him and tell him I’m safely on my way, and no-one is followin’ me, well, you’re gonna have a real misery party. You get my drift?”
“Just to be clear, are you sayin’ Jim is over at Dusty’s right now, and will steal her horse if I don’t give you this twenty-five grand?”
“Yep, that’s exactly what I’m sayin’,” she laughed. “So you’d better play ball.”
She grabbed the bag and marched off, but as she stepped into the barn aisle a hand grabbed her arm.
“Kathleen Lewis, you are under arrest.”
“Call you soon,” Matt said to Patrick as he bolted out the door, and running outside he jumped into his truck and peeled off down the driveway.
Patrick’s stable was just a few blocks from Dusty’s house, and as he roared on to the street he called her.
********
“Go about six more blocks and turn right,” Slim Jim directed.
“I like this neighborhood,” Rod said casually. “There are some great little ranches back here. Close to town, but decent acreage and local hills to ride on. It’s a good spot.”
“Yep,” Jim mumbled. “Keep goin’, then left by that big oak tree on the corner. A little ways down you’ll see wide area where you can park. I’ll go get the horse and walk him out. You open up the back of the trailer.”
“Sure thing,” Rod replied.
Matt had told him to do whatever Jim Lewis said, so he turned down the street, circled the trailer around, pulled into the wide open area and cut the engine.
“You don’t have a halter,” Rod remarked as Jim jumped from the cab.
“Don’t need one,” he said brusquely, stepping out of the truck.
Slim Jim knew all about the cans loaded up behind the gate. He knew that Karen Anderson was gone all day, and if Dusty was home, well, he could handle Dusty, and maybe even have a little fun with her before taking the horse and hitting the road.
He’d arranged for a long haul trailer, and it was waiting for him ten miles down the interstate just off the freeway. Kathy would walk away with the cash, and he knew exactly where he was taking the horse. Another fifteen grand was waiting when he delivered him. They’d have forty grand in their pockets before the end of the day.
Jumping the fence, he went directly to the cans and lifted the one at the top. The pile collapsed in a clanging, clattering mess. Startled he jumped back, then slightly panicked his eyes scanned the house. There was no-one to hear the noise. The curtains were all drawn, and it was obvious the house was empty. Laughing out loud he dragged the cans out of the way, then headed to the paddock where Licorice was grazing.
********
“Matt, thank God, where are you?” she asked urgently.
“I’m about a minute from you. What’s goin’ on there?”
“Jim Lewis has just arrived, and he’s heading towards Licorice.”
“Open the front door. I’ll be right there.”
Slim Jim had reached Dusty’s garden shed. Grabbing a halter and stuffing some carrots into his pockets, he was about to head out when he noticed a saddle sitting on its rack.
“Huh, maybe I should make off with this as well,” he muttered pulling off the cover. “Yeah, for sure. I’ll come back for it. Horse first.”
He walked into the field, held out a carrot, and lifting his head Licorice pricked up his ears.
“Hey, Lightenin’, remember me?”
The horse snorted, and sniffing the carrot in the outstretched hand he ambled forward and gobbled it up.
“Carrots, they make horse thievin’ so fuckin’ easy,” Slim Jim chuckled as he slipped the halter over the horse’s head. “Come on, there’s plenty more where that came from.”
********
“Thank goodness you made it in time,” Dusty exclaimed as Matt and Jinx hurried through the door.
“I knew it was going to be close,” Matt declared. “I parked across the street. No problem since he’s already here.”
“Quick, come and watch with mom and dad.”
Moving quickly through the house, Dusty led him into the master bedroom where her parents were peeking through a tiny crack in the drapes.
“He’s taking Licorice now,” Tom said turning around. “Matt, great to meet you.”
“You too,” Matt smiled as he walked forward to peer through the curtains.
********
When Slim Jim reached the gate, he kept his eye on Licorice as he opened it up, making sure the horse was properly lined up to follow him on to the street.
“Come on, boy,” he said facing him as he backed through the gate.
Licorice began to move forward, but suddenly raised his head, let out a snort, and began jigging.
“What the fuck are you doin’?” Slim Jim yelled as he tugged on the lead rope. “Come on, you’ve must’ve done this before.”
Still puffing and dancing, Licorice took a few steps on
to the street, but that was it. He planted his feet and refused to move.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Slim Jim barked.
“At long last. Hello, Jim!”
Aghast, Jim spun around.
John Draper was standing behind a Federal Agent, and the agent had his gun drawn.
“What the fuck,” Jim muttered, and frantically looking around he saw five unmarked cars parked in a semicircle around him, blocking any possible escape route.
“Your run is over, Lewis,” the agent declared. “On your knees, hands behind your head, get down real slow and quiet.”
Licorice suddenly decided he’d had enough, and letting out a bellowing whinny he leapt in the air snapping the lead rope from Jim’s hand. The unexpected distraction was all Jim needed, and he darted back through the gate, slamming it behind him and hastily locking down the padlock.
********
While Slim Jim had been trying to get Licorice through the gate, Matt, Dusty and her parents had hurried back into the kitchen, Jinx following along behind. Assuming Jim had been arrested they had opened the sliding glass door, but as they did they saw Slim Jim dart back through the gate, bolt it and and sprint away.
“Licorice, where’s Licorice,” Dusty immediately wailed dashing outside before anyone could stop her.
“Dammit, Dusty, come back,” Matt called urgently, but terrified that something had happened to her precious horse there was no stopping her.
“Where are the agents?” Tom exclaimed watching Jim run hell-bent through the field. “He’s so damn quick, he’s getting away.”
“He’s not goin’ anywhere,” Matt growled grabbing Jinx by the collar. Hurrying his dog on to the patio he pointed to the fleeing criminal. “Get him, Jinx, go get him.”
Jinx took off, leaping from the patio, running like the wind after his prey.
“Check on Dusty,” Matt called over his shoulder as he began racing after him.
********
The Cowboy and the Girl in the Hot Pink Chaps Page 16
