Chapter Four #3
Rawley hung up the receiver, rose, and placed his hat atop his head.
The late-afternoon sun filtered in through dusty blinds, striping the office floor.
He strode out, determination setting his shoulders.
He wanted to revisit those tracks at the Mitchell ranch.
Once he climbed into his truck, he fired off a quick text to Skylar; to let her know he made the reservation.
Friday evening at six.
Okay. I’ll see you then. I’ll send my address.
Sounds good. I’ll see you then.
Looking forward to it.
Rawley grinned. Not as much as I am. I’ll talk to you soon.
****
Skylar strolled along the sidewalk, pausing before each storefront to admire the window displays.
A vintage typewriter surrounded by yellowed manuscripts caught her eye, making her smile.
She pushed open the glass door of Timeless Treasures, a small brass bell announcing her arrival.
The rich aroma of beeswax polish, old leather, and cedar enveloped her, and she inhaled deeply, savoring it.
Her thoughts drifted to her upcoming date with Rawley on Friday night.
She pictured herself in her blue dress that hugged her curves just right, she hoped to see the appreciative glint in Rawley’s eyes.
But the more she thought about it, the more she wanted something new.
“Hello there, would you like some help finding anything special today?” A woman with auburn hair approached, her turquoise beaded necklace catching the light from the antique chandelier overhead.
Skylar turned in the narrow aisle and smiled. The afternoon sun slanted through the storefront windows, illuminating particles of dust dancing above rows of ancient heirlooms.
“I’m just browsing,” she said, her voice soft against the gentle creak of oak floorboards. “This place is absolutely magical. I’ve always had a weakness for antiques.”
The woman’s eyes twinkled as she extended her hand.
“I’m Savannah Collins, everyone calls me Vanna.
I own this treasure trove.” She smiled. Skylar noticed the polished wood of the counter, the sweet scent of old books mingling with rose-scented polish.
Vanna’s handshake was firm, and Skylar caught sight of a huge diamond solitaire flashing on her left ring finger.
“Skylar McCoy. Lovely to meet you, Vanna.”
“Likewise. If you need anything, just flag down either me or Maggie.” Vanna nodded toward a narrow archway curtained in burgundy velvet. “Maggie’s helping that gentleman over there with the pocket watches, but one of us will be with you in a few moments.”
“Perfect,” Skylar said, already glancing at a glass case filled with tarnished silver spoons and jeweled brooches. “I’ll wander around and see what speaks to me.”
Vanna gave her an appreciative nod and glided back toward the woman she’d been waiting on, as the brass bell chimed again when another customer stepped inside.
Skylar pushed through the velvet curtain into the back room, and her breath caught.
Rows of intricately detailed dollhouses stood on waist-high shelves; one modeled after a Tudor manor with leaded glass windows, another a gingerbread-shingled cottage with ivy climbing its painted walls.
The hush of the room, broken only by her own footsteps on the Persian rug, felt sacred.
She reached out, brushing a fingertip across the red thatch of one roof, cold and slightly rough beneath her skin.
“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” The voice came from behind her. A pretty woman with brown hair pulled into a ponytail and dark eyes that sparkled with delight stepped forward. She wore a forest-green blouse and faded jeans.
“They are.” Skylar breathed. She ran her palm over the miniature brick chimney. “They look so real. I always wanted one, but I was such a tomboy I knew I’d never fool with it.” She chuckled. “I’d rather be out riding horses.”
“I can understand that.” The woman offered her hand. “I’m Maggie Lancaster.”
“Skylar McCoy.” They shook hands, Maggie’s grip warm and welcoming.
“Skylar McCoy, the author?” Maggie’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.
Skylar smiled, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. “Yes. Are you familiar with my books?”
“I have every single one in eBook and print,” Maggie said. “If I’d known you were coming in, I would’ve brought a book for you to sign.” She laughed, brushing a stray wisp of hair behind her ear. “Like I’d know you were coming in.”
Skylar laughed alongside her. “Well, just bring one next time. If I’m back in town, I’ll stop by.”
“Are you here on vacation?” Maggie leaned forward, genuine curiosity brightening her face.
“No, I bought a home here recently.” Skylar’s voice warmed. “My best friend, Ryan, moved here from California and convinced me to give it a try.”
“That’s wonderful!” Maggie beamed. “Then I will definitely get that book in here. I just have to decide which one.” She tapped her lip playfully. “I love them all.”
“I really appreciate that, Maggie,” Skylar said softly.
Maggie waved a hand at the dollhouses. “So, maybe you should pick out one today.”
“I’ll think about it. I have the perfect spot in my home.”
“Give it some thought. Whenever Vanna sells one, she just orders another, unless it’s a special edition. You can always have your dream dollhouse.”
“Okay. I’m sure I’ll be back. Is there a shop around here where I can buy a dress?”
Maggie tilted her head, a mischievous smile curling her lips. “Sexy?”
Skylar grinned and nodded. “Yes. I have a first date with a hot cowboy, and I want to make him speechless. I thought about a dress I have at home, but I want something new and more… captivating.”
Maggie’s eyes danced. “When you exit our door, head back toward the diner. At the corner, on the opposite side, you’ll see a boutique called Paige’s. That place has everything to make a woman feel irresistible, from lacy lingerie to the sexiest dresses and shoes you’ve ever laid eyes on.”
“I’m not worried about what’s under the clothes… yet. It’s our first date.”
“Girl, when it’s right, it’s right.” Maggie lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Do you mind if I ask who the cowboy is?”
“Rawley Bowman,” Skylar replied, a happy flutter in her chest.
“Oh, Rawley is beyond handsome,” Maggie said. “Lucky you.”
“I’d say you’re lucky too, by the looks of that ring.”
“I am,” Maggie said fondly. “Rafe is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I saw Vanna was engaged, too.”
“Yes, to Grady. But seriously, Rawley is such a great guy. Not to mention, he’s very sexy.”
Skylar laughed. “I think so, too.” She turned toward the velvet curtain. “I’m off to Paige’s. Thank you, Maggie. Get that book in here and I’ll come back soon.”
“I will. Enjoy your day.”
“You too.” Skylar slipped past Vanna, who gave her a wave as she stepped into the bright heat.
Outside, the pavement shimmered beneath the relentless sun.
Skylar crossed the street at the corner light, the neon sign of the diner buzzing behind her.
The pastel storefront of Paige’s beckoned.
Lace and silk dresses shimmered in the window.
Skylar felt a thrill of excitement, and the undeniable certainty that she’d be spending more than she intended before the day was done.
****
Rawley sat at his desk, looking through tread patterns when Dave called his name. He pushed his chair back, stood and made his way to Dave’s office. He entered since the door was propped open.
“Dave? What’s up?”
“I talked with the Kalispell office, and it seems they’ve had a lot of livestock theft recently too. I have the name of the agent on that case, and I think you should call him ASAP.”
Rawley took the Post-it from his boss, looked at the name and nodded.
“Alright. I’ll call him now. All of this has to be connected in some way. I don’t think the same people are doing it. That’s a lot of traveling but I do think they’re all working together.”
“Exactly what I think. Get in touch with the agent and let me know.”
“Yes, sir.” Rawley walked back to his desk, pulled the chair out and sat down, then picked up the phone and called the agent in Kalispell, then spent the rest of the day going over the files he received from Agent Royce Jackson out of the Kalispell department.
Later, as he continued going through files, he looked up to see Dave standing at his desk and told him he hadn’t heard back from Agent Saunders after leaving a message.
“I’ll call him tomorrow. It’s time to head home. Go home, Rawley. Everyone else is gone. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“As soon as I upload these photos.” Rawley tapped the memory card between his fingers.
“Rawley—” Dave’s voice carried that familiar warning tone.
“I promise, Dave. Just let me get them in the system. I should have done them earlier but got bogged down.”
“Alright. Lock up.” Dave strode to the door.
“Yes, sir.” Rawley nodded, already turning to the keyboard.
As he sat there in the pool of yellow desk light, his phone vibrated on the desk with a harsh buzz. He picked it up, squinting at the unfamiliar number glowing on the screen.
“Agent Bowman.” His voice echoed in the empty room.
“Agent Bowman, this is Agent Saunders. I’m glad I caught you. I’m sorry to call so late in the day, but Dorothy forgot to give me the message. She’s seventy-eight and refuses to retire,” he said with a chuckle.
Rawley laughed, leaning back in his chair. “That’s alright. There’s one just like her in the Clifton County Sheriff’s Office.”
“So, you’re on the case for the Mitchell cattle?”
“Yes. Dave said you think it could be the same group you’re after?”
“I do. This operation could be huge. Several cases like it across the state.”
“It’s going to be hard to stop being statewide.” Rawley rubbed his tired eyes.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Damn. I’ll do what I can on this end.”
“Same here. I’ll be in touch if I hear anything.” Papers shuffled on Saunders’s end.
“I will too. I spoke with an Agent Jackson in Kalispell, and he thinks it’s the same operation there.”
“Damn. Worse than I thought.”
“Yeah, same here. Be careful out there, Agent Saunders.” Rawley glanced at the darkening window.
“Laramie. I have a feeling we’ll be talking a lot.”
“Rawley. Have a good night.” He hung up, the office suddenly feeling emptier than before.