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“I’m selfishly just so happy that you’re not leaving.” Megan returned the hug, squeezing tight. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
When Harper leaned away, more sure than ever that staying was the right thing to do, the bar’s door opened. She glanced over her shoulder, spotting two men entering. Both looked to be in their early forties. The one on the left had a tan cowboy hat and big golden belt buckle. The man on the right was cleaner cut, wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
“Hey, guys,” Megan called. “Take a seat anywhere. I’ll be with you in moment.” When they took the closest table to the door, Megan leaned in and whispered, “Do you know who that is?”
Harper raised her eyebrows. “Should I?”
“Ah, yeah. That’s the inspector who’s been giving Chase a hard time.”
Harper took another quick look over her shoulder, a sudden urge to throw her shoe at him overwhelming her. “How do you know that?” she asked, turning back to Megan.
“Because I researched him and saw his picture on the city’s website.”
Harper felt her eyes widen. “You researched him? Why?”
Megan turned on the faucet again, cleaning the spoons, obviously trying to look busy to continue with their conversation. “When Emma told me about the inspector and how he had failed Chase, I had a really bad feeling that maybe my dad had something to do with it.”
Harper blinked. “Why?”
“Because the only thing standing in his way of him getting the Blackshaw land is the guest ranch.”
“Oh my God, I hadn’t even considered that.”
Megan smiled. “Well, that’s because you are a nice person.”
Harper’s thoughts reeled. She shook her head, trying to clear them. “Do you think your dad would actually do that?”
Megan didn’t even hesitate. “At the time, yes, I wouldn’t have put it past him. He’s probably as slimy as that inspector over there when it comes to business. But he’s not behind it.”
“You know that for certain?”
Megan dried her hands on the towel, then gave a measured look. “Lying would be beneath my dad. He takes pride in his choices, no matter how horrible they are or how many people they hurt.”
Harper could only stare at Megan, dumbfounded. “I really don’t get it. How are you from him?”
Megan shrugged. “He’s not so bad to me and my mom. He’s just horrible to everyone else.” She leaned forward, a gleam in her eyes. “I’ll tell you this, though. When I told my dad about Chase being failed twice, he said he thought the inspector sounded shady. And usually when my dad finds something shady, it’s shady.”
Harper took a minute to absorb that while she sipped her scotch, a plan suddenly taking shape. “You know what, I think your dad is onto something. What would you say to investigating this a little further?”
Megan’s smile sparkled. She turned and grabbed a bottle of whiskey and a couple shot glasses. “How about a liquid interrogation?”
“Perfect.” Harper nodded, feeling a sudden determination to get to the bottom of this. Because the more she thought about it, the more they should have seen that wasn’t right. “Which guy is the inspector?”
Megan’s gaze flicked over Harper’s shoulder to the men before returning. “The guy in the cowboy hat.”
“I’ll take him.” Harper hastily unbuttoned her plaid button-down until she revealed her cleavage. “Ready?”
“You’re damn right I am.”
Harper waited until Megan snuck under the bar, then led the way to where the men sat. When she reached them, their heads were turned toward the flat-screen showing the highlights of the football game. Harper leaned forward, resting her hands on the table, getting her boobs out front and center. “Do you boys mind if we join you?”
Both their heads turned.
The inspector’s eyes flared with heat, solely focused right on her cleavage. When he lifted his dark eyes to her, he licked his lips. “Well, hello there, darlin’.”
She gave her best sexy smile and purred, “Hi back.”
* * *
