Chapter Twenty-Seven
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
While Billy was seeing the sheriff to his car, Doug called Jim to make sure he was up to having visitors.
“You would be very welcome,” Jim exclaimed. “It’s lovely here, but the better I feel the more I want to get out and see people.”
“That’s great news, Jim. But try not to do too much too soon. We’ll be there shortly, and we have some news.”
“Good news, I hope.”
“Um, I’m not sure if it’s good or bad at the moment, but I’m thinking it will turn out to be good.”
“I’m very curious, but regardless, I’m looking forward to seeing you both.”
As Doug ended the call, Billy walked back into the kitchen and picked up his mug.
“I have to finish this,” he exclaimed with a grin. “Like I said, I’d drink a gallon if you made it.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Doug replied, then lowering his voice, he added, “Billy, I really appreciate all this. You’ll be gettin’ a bonus.”
“Hey, I love bein’ here and I appreciate your trust in me.”
“You do a great job. When Blake gets back from his honeymoon I’ll make sure he knows how helpful you’ve been .”
“I’m happy to do as many hours as you want. The feed store is fine, but it’s a bit borin’ and I much prefer bein’ around the horses.”
“I get that! But thanks again. We shouldn’t be too long.
* * *
Jim had been surprised by his quick recovery and was deeply curious about the medication he’d been given. He knew simple antihistamines could induce sleepiness and confusion, especially if given in high doses. They could also cause irregular heart rhythms potentially leading to death. He was grateful he hadn’t experienced anything like that, but he was beginning to feel less forgiving towards his wife and angrier at the man who had charmed her.
The cabin had a coffee maker, and he’d kept the muffins and croissants that had come with his breakfast. After brewing up a fresh pot, he set the pastries on a plate and placed them on the table in front of the couch. When there was a knock on the door, he peeked through the window to make sure it was Doug and Katy, then let them in.
“You do look better,” Katy exclaimed, hugging him as they entered. “I can’t believe it. Why do you think you’re recovering so quickly?”
“I’ve been wondering that myself, and I’ve come to the conclusion it wasn’t some deadly poison, but an over the counter medication, like an antihistamine. If you take enough they can really spin you out. But I’ve made a fresh pot of coffee. Please sit down and tell me the news.”
“The man who seduced your wife is an imposter. He’s not who he’s claiming to be,” Doug began. “We don’t know his real name, but he’s pretending to be an international surfing champion named Craig Bradley.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Jim exclaimed, shaking his head. “None of this makes any sense. Where could she have met him? And why would he pick on her.”
“All good questions, but now he’s disappeared. Apparently he was with Beth at the bar when he received a text. He said it was from an Australian promoter and he had to take the call. But he didn’t come back. We just ran into Sheriff Cooper and he said she’s absolutely panicking.”
“Oh, she would. She panics easily, and when she does it’s extremely difficult to calm her down.”
“Well, actually, he had to call in the local doctor to give her a sedative,” Katy interjected. “Given the situation we feel we should tell the sheriff everything. But we wanted to see how you’re feeling. Are you up to speaking to him and explaining how she can be…uh…easily persuaded? Is that how you’d describe it?”
“Along those lines, and yes, I am, though I should probably call my lawyer and have a quick word with him before I do. Except I left my address book in the cabin. I’m old-fashioned about stuff like that. My secretary makes fun of me but I like pen and paper.”
“Does he have a website? I’m sure I can find his number on my phone,” Doug offered.
“No, he doesn’t have a website, but yes, you probably could. His name is Peter Haskell. I’m just so upset I left that book behind. I just wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“I’ll run back and get it for you,” Katy offered. “It’s not far.”
“That’s too much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” she said with a smile, rising to her feet. “You might need it for something else.”
“While she’s gone I’ll fill you in on the other things that have been goin’ on around here,” Doug exclaimed, handing her the keys to his truck. “Like people seein’ a Bigfoot. And Katy was one of them.”
“You did?”
“I’m not sure, I think so. I couldn’t see it very clearly, but it was upright and black and in the trees just a short way up Smoky Hill. My mare freaked out.”
“Goodness, that’s unbelievable.”
“It was. Anyway, I’ll be right back. I almost forgot…where will I find it?”
“In the top drawer in the kitchen.”
“You don’t have to go through the ranch to get to the cabin. There’s a gate leading into that field from the road. You can’t miss it.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“It’s very sweet of you to do this,” Jim said gratefully. “I appreciate it,”
“It’s no trouble. See you in a bit.”
“And I just found your lawyer’s number. Here, you may as well use my phone,” Doug declared, handing it to him as she left. “Excuse me. I forgot to tell her something about that gate.”
* * *
Hurrying after her, Doug caught up to Katy just as she was about to climb into his truck.
“What’s wrong?” she asked as he strode up.
“Nothin’…it’s just…take care.”
“I’m only driving five minutes away.”
“I know, but…dammit…I love you. There. I’ve said it.”
“Doug! Oh, my gosh! I feel the same. I love you too!”
“Really?”
“Of course,” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. “I used to stand behind that counter in the pastry shop and pray you’d come in.”
“And seein’ you helped me get through the day,” he whispered, hugging her tightly. “Now go. The sooner you leave the sooner you’ll be back. I’ll be worried.”
“Why?”
“Because I won’t be there to protect you.”
“From what?”
“Who knows. Just get back here,” he murmured, then sliding his hands into her hair, he tugged back her head, pressed his lips on hers and devoured her mouth.