“I tried not to buy it.” He shrugged. “I failed.”
“We shouldn’t be seen together.”
“I know. I miss you so much.”
Before she started to cry, she stepped back. “We’ll be better about casual meetings. Hopefully, if we’re being spied on now, this’ll seem casual.” With that, she hiked herself up on the horse and rode away.
Scarlet breathed in and out to calm herself as she put distance between them. But it wasn’t easy. Finally, though, she was able to blank her mind. When she returned to her barn, she dismounted in front of it.
Roman came around the side. “Scarlet, we had something happen.”
“Tell me.”
“A guy came here asking for you. He wanted to know if Stanley was for sale.”
“What? Of course he isn’t.”
“He didn’t say he knew you. In fact, he was really odd.”
“What did he look like?”
“Dark hair. Blue eyes. A funny color. Dressed in a suit, cowboy boots and hat. But instead of a string tie, he had this odd medallion on him.”
“You seem worried.”
“I am. I’d like you to meet with the investigator who’s in charge of the happenings at the collective. It’s why you’re here.”
“Sure, I’ll meet with him.”
“I’ll call the other members to come out.”
“Let me know when you want me again.”
“Thanks, Roman.”
“I’d do a lot more for you if you’d let me.”
She faked a smile and went into the house.
* * *
Captain Jeff Marshall was spinning his wheels. Nothing bad had taken place at the collective for three weeksand the investigation had stalled. But now Scarlet Smith had an issue and since her horse was tranqued, he took her call seriously and requested all the practitioners to come to her farm after work.
He drove up to the property and parked in front next to her sporty yellow Camero—he made a point to know what cars they all drove. He got out and shaded his eyes against the bright sun. This was some spread she’d inherited from her grandfather, entrepreneur Henson Smith.
Another car pulled in next to his. Juliet Sullivan got out of her SUV, looking like a delicate flower in a yellow dress. Her hair fell down her back. She was the easiest to like and he had an unexpected urge to protect her.
“Hi, Captain Marshall.”
“Hi, Juliet. And it’s Jeff, remember.”
“Of course.” She turned when a Prius swerved in. “The guys are here.”
Finn and Oliver exited the car. These two were the closest of the group.
Scarlet came out and called to them. “Come on in.”
Jeff just reached the door when Heath arrived. His vehicle, of course, was a luxury black Lexus.
