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A slow nod was her only response.
“You’re sure your ex-husband was who you saw go into the lodge?”
“Positive. Believe me, I’ll never forget Miguel’s face.”
“Why’d you divorce?”
“It’s a short, but complicated story, Logan. Not something I want to go into now.” Opening her door, she got out, walking straight toward the barn.
“Hey, Sam!”
She turned to see Amanda standing on the front porch. Smiling, she headed toward the house.
“It’s good to see you, Sam.”
“Sorry we couldn’t get here earlier.”
“Are you kidding? Mark and I are glad to have whatever help you can give us. Would you and Logan like to come inside for coffee before starting?”
Logan joined them. “We’ll pass on that for now, Amanda. Let us know what you want done and we’ll get at it.”
“Right now, we’re concentrating on repairs to the barn. The way it is now, we doubt it’ll last another Wyoming winter. I’d say start on the stalls.” She handed Logan a box. “That’s new hardware. Mark and I will be out in a few minutes.”
“No rush. Sam and I will get started.” He gave a two-finger mock salute before walking toward the barn with Sam.
The instant they entered the cavernous space, he turned to face her. “Our conversation isn’t over yet, Sam. Be prepared to answer some questions on our way back to Whistle Rock.”
Over two hours later, and after coffee with Mark and Amanda, they drove back to the ranch. Logan fought the urge to ask the promised questions. Looking at the total exhaustion on Sam’s face, he decided to put his curiosity off until another time.
“Do you feel like stopping for dinner?” When she didn’t answer, he glanced over to see Sam slouched in her seat, fast asleep.
Instead of waking her, he found himself wondering about the man she’d married. While working together to repair a horse stall, she’d confided Miguel’s last name was Hobson.
“Miguel Hobson. What do you have planned?” Logan whispered to himself, careful not to disturb her.
She’d mentioned the man meeting with Wyatt and Virgil. He was certain they’d tell Sam what was discussed with her ex if she asked. Something held her back. He wondered what.
Parking near the lodge, he sat for a moment, watching her. With her face serene, she appeared to be no more than eighteen years old. Logan hated interrupting her sleep but had little choice.
Virgil agreed to allow the ranch hands to volunteer at the Swanson ranch as long as the time didn’t interfere with their regular work. He worked for his brother at the Kelman Ranch, but Sam worked for Virgil. While Quinn might cut Logan some slack, he had no idea what Virgil would do.
Walking around to the passenger side, he opened the door, pressing a hand against her shoulder so she wouldn’t roll out. He chuckled when she didn’t stir.
“Sam.” He repeated her name again. This time, his voice penetrated, and she woke with a start.
Sitting up, she looked around. “Sorry.” She failed to stifle a huge yawn. “Guess I fell asleep.”
“You conked out within minutes of us leaving the Swanson Ranch.”
She shoved him out of the way, sliding out of the truck. “I’m starving. Bet you are, too.”
“I could eat.”
“Great. We’ll raid the kitchen. There must be leftovers just waiting for us.”
He followed behind as she led the way to the kitchen’s back door. The lights were still on inside, spotlighting a large bowl of fruit set in the center of the large working island. The place where all the real work went on in the kitchen. To the left of the bowl was a covered dish with the remainder of what appeared to be carrot cake.
Walking past the island, Sam opened the refrigerator. Within minutes, Sam had the fixings for beef and ham sandwiches. Between the two of them, Logan and Sam put together three large sandwiches. Two for Logan, and the third for Sam.
