Chapter Fifteen
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Though Three Oaks Ranch had been easy to find, Joe didn’t know what type of car Heather would be driving or what time she might be leaving. But he had found the perfect place to park. A small thicket of trees sat a few yards down from the ranch on the opposite side of the road. He’d been there almost half-an-hour and was trying to think of an easier way to find Heather’s address when his cell phone rang. Looking at the screen his heart skipped. It was the Sheriff’s office. Praying Courtney wasn’t causing any problems he quickly accepted the call.
“Hello, this is Joe Meyer.”
“Mr. Meyer, Sheriff Cooper here. I’m afraid I have some unfortunate news. Your client has been taken to the hospital in Fairview.”
“Why, what happened?” Joe asked, trying not to panic.
“She complained about stomach pains so we called the local doctor, but before he arrived she collapsed and we sent for an ambulance. There was nothing about any medical conditions or allergies on her intake form. Do you know if she—?”
“No, I’m not aware of anything,” Joe exclaimed, cutting him off as he started up his car. “We’ve been working together for a few years and she hasn’t mentioned anything. Do you have the address of the hospital? I’ll plug it into my navigator.”
As the sheriff relayed the information, Joe took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.
“It says it’s fifteen minutes away. Will I see you there?”
“I didn’t accompany the ambulance, but the emergency room doctor will contact me as soon as he has any information. His name is Doctor Gabe Atwater. Ask for him when you arrive.”
“Will do, thanks, Sheriff.”
“You’re welcome, and sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”
“Hopefully it’s nothing serious. I’ll speak to you later.”
In spite of his deep concern Joe did his best to drive within the speed limit. The last thing he wanted was a deputy pulling him over. But as he saw a sign that read, Lake View Point, though he didn’t know why, he had an unexpected urge to follow it.
Swerving off the road he drove down a short gravel lane and came to an abrupt stop in front of a rocky shoreline. The majestic mountains he’d seen through the window at the Moonshine restaurant loomed over a pristine lake surrounded by towering pine trees. In awe of the sight, he climbed from his car and stepped closer to the water’s edge.
“I must bring Courtney here,” he muttered, but just as the words left his lips a dark cloud crossed the sun.
He was suddenly bathed in a swathe of shadowy darkness, and an unfamiliar prickling sensation sent goosebumps popping across his skin. Though he told himself it was because the air had turned chilly, he couldn’t deny a disturbing, almost eerie feeling. Glancing around, he noticed a large, oddly shaped rock boasting an embedded plaque. Though he was intrigued, he fell victim to a third cold shudder and hurried back to his car. But as he settled behind the wheel he had a sudden realization. A hospital bed and the attention of a caring medical staff was far more preferable to a cell with a hard mattress pad and demanding deputies.
“Of course!” he exclaimed, throwing up his arms. “She’s faking it.”
Convinced his theory was right and feeling greatly relieved, he slowly turned around and made his way back to the road. But the plaque continued to dance through his head, and the voice in his head said he should have made the effort to read it.
* * *
When Blake and Heather returned to the barn, Butch immediately raced down the aisle, sat in front of Heather’s trunk and barked.
“He’s doin’ it again,” Blake declared, climbing off and removing the bareback pad. “Heather, would you put Big Ben and Apollo in the cross ties while I see what’s makin’ Butch behave that way?”
“Yes, sure.”
“Okay, Butch, let’s see what’s goin’ on,” he exclaimed, marching across the aisle.
As he lifted the lid, Butch eagerly stared inside while Blake began carefully removing the contents. But when he lifted out the sheet Buck had given Heather at the show for Henry, the dog immediately barked again.
“Is this what’s been gettin’ your attention?” Blake muttered. “But why…ooh…what a smart dog you are.”
“What is it?” Heather asked, hurrying across to join them.
“Dammit, I should’ve realized. I have a buddy who trains drug sniffin’ dogs. He knew I’d lost my golden and when Butch didn’t make the grade he called and wanted to know if I’d take him. What a good boy,” Blake exclaimed, making a fuss of the happy shepherd.
“But why would he pick up a scent from Henry’s blanket.”
“It must have come into contact with some of Courtney’s—hold on—this band around the bottom, it’s kind of thick. Damn. I think there’s something in there. I’m callin’ Sheriff Cooper.”
“And I think that’s your lesson coming down the drive,” Heather exclaimed, glancing up as she heard the sound of the approaching vehicle. “It’s Katy, right?”
“Yep.”
“So you won’t have enough time to work with Apollo and me in the round pen.”
“Doesn’t look like it. Time gets away from us sometimes. Sorry, darlin’, but we’ll do it soon, and that’s a promise.”