Stud in Texas (Rugged and Risque 4)

“To see the sheriff. I have some evidence I remembered. And I also suggested I could set up a meeting with Mac in Luckenbach and make him think I was going to give him the money, then get him to confess to everything while the sheriff and Ryan were close by. They could easily blend into the crowd during an outdoor concert.”

She spared a glance his way and found Sam’s jaw set in a hard line.

“I’m not good at just waiting around, waiting for the other boot to drop, Sam. Even now it’s killing me to not do something. I have his cell number. I know what he wants. It doesn’t make sense to just keep quiet when I can call him and tell him I went to the authorities and that they’re looking for him. That he should turn himself in.”

With a sharp laugh, he said, “And you really think he would?”

“No, I don’t. But at least he’d know I was serious about getting him out of my life. That I absolutely am not giving him the money, now that the sheriff’s office is involved. And if everything’s on the CD that I’m thinking is…”

He shot a curious look her way. “What CD?”

“From that night in the studio. We were still recording when everything happened.”

They reached the sandy shore and stared out at the water, a few boaters enjoying the long, deep stretch of lake.

Sam remained silent for a few moments, and she glanced up at him. He wore a worried expression, tinged with anxiety. His entire body was rigid and he emitted such a massive dose of consternation, it seeped deep into her soul. Disturbing her greatly.

Still gazing out at the lake and not at her, he said, “Don’t go off on your own again. Whatever ideas you get into that pretty head of yours, tell me about them. And if you must go into town, I’ll go with you.”

Guilt ribboned through her. “I’m not trying to do anything stupid, Sam. Or get myself hurt. I’m terrified that something will go wrong around here because of me. Not to mention, I can’t stand seeing you so tense. It radiates off you—and it’s driving a huge wedge between us.”

“Hey,” he said as his fingers swept through her hair. He kissed her on top of the head and told her, “I’m still here for you, darlin’. All the way.”

Tears stung her eyes. “I know. It’s just that—”

“Don’t go making too much out of this, Sky. Everybody goes through a rough patch. We’ll get through it.”

So why was her stomach twisted in knots?

She didn’t say anything further as they walked Midnight back up to the stable, the pretzel low in her belly coiling tighter.

* * * * *

Through the window in his office, Sam saw the sheriff’s SUV coming up the long gravel drive and pulling in front of the inn. He stepped outside and crossed around in a semi-circle as the sheriff alighted.

“Sky inside?” Sheriff Johnson asked.

Sam nodded. “She said she went into town to see you this morning.”

“And she knew you’d be upset when you heard about it.”

“Worried’s more like. But she does have a few valid points. She feels like a sitting duck when she could be doing something—at least…” he said when the sheriff’s shoulders stiffened. Sam lifted a hand to placate him. “In her mind, there’s something to be done.”

“She tell you that she wanted me to let her arrange a meeting with Willet?”

“Set me off a bit, I’ll admit. On the other hand, I can’t discount her courage. Or the fact that she’s concerned about everyone out here at the ranch, including the horses. She doesn’t want to darken any doorways. I can’t blame her for that.”

“Well, then y’all be happy to hear my news.”

“Let’s go inside.”

They climbed the stairs to the veranda and entered the lobby. Sky was just coming in from the back deck and caught sight of them. She hurried over, a hopeful look on her face that made Sam’s spirits rise.

“You found him,” she said to the sheriff without preamble.

“We found his car and the place where he’s been holed up a few miles down the lake. He wasn’t there, but I suspect he’s close by, so I want you to stick around the ranch and stay with Sam.”

Her hopeful expression vanished. “You think he’s close by?” She repeated his words with a hint of fear in her voice.