Santa In Montana (Calder Saga 11)

Laredo did, then turned back, his mouth set in a hard line as he met Chase’s probing glance.

“So what’s the problem?”

Laredo didn’t immediately answer. Instead he went to a front window and looked out. “I’m not sure. But I may have to leave here. If I do, this is about as much notice as I can give you.”

“Why?”

He swung away from the window, but kept to the side of it. “Last night a friend sent me a warning that my name’s become a topic of discussion—in places where it hasn’t been mentioned in years.”

“Who told you that?”

“No one you know. Jessy doesn’t know about this, and I’d prefer that she didn’t.”

Chase’s gaze was steady. “She won’t hear a word of it from me.” He paused for a beat. “Laredo, I won’t argue. You may have good reason to be leery. But the Triple C is the safest place you can be.”

Laredo didn’t seem convinced.

“It may be wise for you to drop out of sight, but you can do that here. No one on this ranch will ever tell anyone where you are.”

“Still…” He didn’t finish the sentence.

“Ever try to search a million acres for someone? That’s how big this ranch is,” Chase reminded him.

“I know that. But I’d just as soon not put any of you in that position.”

“That’s not your choice to make,” Chase stated. “Let’s play it on the safe side for the time being, and arrange for you to stay away from headquarters for a while.”

Laredo gave an uncomfortable shrug. “Jessy will want to know why.”

“I’ll handle Jessy.”

“How?”

“Easy,” Chase replied. “I’ll simply explain that you’re taking care of some personal business for me. She may wonder, but she won’t question that.”

“It might work,” Laredo conceded.

“Of course it will. Now—we need to figure out the best spot on the ranch for you to lie low. You can’t go back to the Boar’s Nest. Too many people know that’s your bachelor quarters.”

Laredo thought a moment. “What about Wolf Meadow? I could stay at Buck Haskell’s old place there.”

Chase shook his head. “Too hard for me to reach you if I need to. The Shamrock ranch will work better.”

“O’Rourke’s old place?” Laredo asked. “What kind of shape is the house in?”

“Can’t be any worse than the Boar’s Nest,” Chase pointed out. “And like your place, it can’t be seen from the road. Trey was over there last fall and fired up the generator to make sure it was still in working order.”

Laredo nodded in approval. “Sounds good. I’ll grab some clothes and supplies and head that way.”

He turned to leave but Chase stopped him with an upraised hand. “If I need to get in touch with you, I’ll send Trey and only Trey. If anyone else shows up, you’ll know they aren’t from me.”

“Thanks, Chase.” Laredo put a lot into those two simple words.

Chase waved off the expression of gratitude. “You’ve had my back more times than I care to count. It’s time I covered yours. With any luck, this will all blow over before Christmas.”

“Let’s hope so.” Laredo walked out.

When lunchtime came, Chase made sure he was the first one to take a seat at the table. Jessy was among the last to arrive, walking in as Cat placed the last of the food dishes on the surface. She halted in the doorway and made a quick scan of the faces at the tabletop.