Chapter Eleven
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The following morning Andy woke up early as he always did, but Helen was still sleeping. Not wanting to wake her, he quietly slipped from the bed, pulled on his clothes, and walked up to the barn to feed the horses and clean the stalls.
As he worked he thought about the conversation he’d had with her the previous night about the mystery man she knew only as Kenny. Though Andy didn’t like jumping to conclusions, he couldn’t shake off his worry. Walking into his office, he sat behind his desk, picked up his phone and called Sheriff Cooper. A few months before, Andy’s sister Annie, a celebrated country music star, had been in dire trouble and the sheriff had saved her life. Since the dramatic event, the family had become close to the likable lawman.
“Hey, there, Andy. Good to hear from you,” the sheriff exclaimed. How is everything?”
“Great. And you?”
“Couldn’t be better. I’m happy to say things have settled down since that drama with Annie, though why do I get the feelin’ something else might be brewin’?”
“I don’t know how you do that.”
“Do what?”
“Sense trouble.”
“Too many years on the job, I guess. What’s the problem?”
“Have you ever heard of a guy called Kenny?”
“Sure, I know a few fellas by that name. Can you give me a bit more info?”
“I wish I could. All I know is he’s out of Dallas.”
“I’m sure there are many guys called Kenny from Dallas. What’s goin’ on? You sound worried.”
“I am. He wants to meet Helen this afternoon at the Moonshine Restaurant. The thing is, he told her to keep it a secret and I have a bad feelin’.”
“Ah. Never ignore a bad feelin’. See if you can get a last name. I can run it by my contacts in Dallas. But regardless, I’ll make sure one of my boys is close by in case, and he can follow her home at a discreet distance and make sure she gets back okay.”
“Thanks, sheriff, that makes me feel a whole lot better.”
“In the meantime, I’ll reach out to one of my contacts and see if he’s heard of any bad actors with the first name of Ken, or Kenny. I’ll let you know if he comes up with anything.”
“I really appreciate this.”
“Any time, Andy. Any time.”
The conversation ended, but as another idea floated into Andy’s head, he placed a call to one of his closest friends. His famous sister’s husband, Brody King.
“Andy, hey, good to hear from you,” Brody exclaimed as he answered.
“Hey, Brody. How are you? How’s Annie’ doin’?”
“Great, she’s just left for the studio. Sure is handy havin’ it next door.”
“Do you have a minute?”
“Sure do, Andy. What’s up?”
As Andy explained the mysterious meeting Helen was about to have with a stranger known only as Kenny, Brody immediately agreed it was cause for concern.
“I want to be there. I’d stay in the shadows and make sure nothin’ happened, but I have a six person clinic goin’ on, and they’ll be comin’ by this afternoon right around the time Helen will be at the restaurant.”
“Ah…I totally get it and I’m more than happy to pinch hit. I’ll arrive at the parkin’ lot early, and when she meets up with this guy I’ll video them with my phone. I’ll also go inside and video in there as well, assumin’ I can do it unseen. I got to know the staff when Annie and I were married there. They’ll help me out if I need them to.”
“Perfect, thanks, Brody. I owe you one. I’m probably overreacting but I can’t shake this bad feelin’.”
“Hey, after what Annie and I went through with that crazy manager of hers I don’t take anything for granted, and I never will again. I’ll keep you posted as things play out.”
“Fantastic, thanks Brody,” Andy said gratefully, but as he spoke he heard a couple of horses whinny. “The sheriff will have a car close by as well, but I think I heard Helen come in. I’ll catch you later.”
“Sounds good. Bye for now.”
“Andy? Are you here?” she called as Andy hastily ended the call.
“Yep, in the office.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?” she asked, walking in as he stood up and stepped around the desk.
“It was early and you were sleepin’.”
“But I wanted to help you feed and clean.”
“Not to worry, it’s all done, but I’m starvin’,” he said as he hugged her. “Have you had breakfast?”
“Nope, but I’ve whipped up some pancake batter. It’s just waiting to hit the pan.”
“Sounds great. Let’s go, and when we’re done we’ll come back and put the horses in the paddocks.”
“Unfortunately I have to go home,” she said with a sigh as she pulled back. “Mom’s hosting a charity event over the weekend and I totally forgot I promised I’d give her a hand today. But I’ll come back here right after I have that meeting with Kenny—if you want me to,” she added quickly.
“Sure I do, and don’t worry about havin’ to help your mom. I’ll be tied up with my clients anyway. They’ll be comin’ by for a meet and greet.”
“Uh, Andy, about Kenny. I honestly don’t know what he wants, but I’m sure it’s nothing romantic.”
“I’m not worried about that, not for a second, but I do think it’s odd he wants you to keep it a secret. Don’t you?”
“Yes, I do. It’s weird.”
“Will you do me a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Don’t go anywhere with him.”
“Where would I go?”
“I mean, if he asks you to go for a drive or show him around, please say no.”
“Actually, he mentioned Lake View Point.”
“That place is isolated. You can’t go there with him, or anywhere else.”
“I won’t, but I’m curious. Why isn’t that place more popular? It’s so gorgeous.”
“When the mountain snow starts meltin’ the water levels can rise like crazy and flood the area.”
“Really? I never knew that.”
“You haven’t lived here long enough. It’s not every year, but it can happen. And then there’s the wildlife.”
“Oh, right. Well, regardless, I promise not to leave with him for any reason.”
“Good. Now feed me woman, I’m starvin’.”