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“That’s right.” Logan opened it and smiled, waiting for the man to join him. “Only strangers knock.”
A wry amusement curved the man’s mouth as he crossed to the door. “Then it must be obvious to you that I am a stranger here.”
“It is,” Logan confirmed easily and followed him into the house. “By the way, my name’s Logan Echohawk.”
“You’re the sheriff, aren’t you?” The man looked at him with new interest. “Laura mentioned you.”
“You’re a friend of Laura’s?”
“We met in Rome.”
Hearing the familiar thump of a cane, Logan turned as Chase hove into view. “Oh, it’s you, Logan. I thought I heard voices,” he said in lieu of a greeting. He started to turn away, then paused to peer intently at the stranger. “Who’s that with you?”
“A friend of Laura’s,” Logan replied. “Is Jessy here?”
“In the den.” Chase bobbed his head in its direction. “Why? What’s up?”
“It looks like we have some rustlers working the area. Miller has about ten head of cattle missing from his west pasture, and a black pickup with a gooseneck trailer and Wyoming plates was seen in the area,” Logan explained, aware that even though Jessy was technically in charge of the operation, Chase liked to know all that went on. “I thought I’d better pass the word so you and your people could keep an eye out.”
Chase nodded and made a wordless sound of approval then fired a look at the stranger. “If you’re here to see Laura, you’re out of luck. She left yesterday.”
“I see.” The answer was clearly one the man had not anticipated. After a momentary pause, he asked, “When do you anticipate she will return?”
Chase treated him to a hard stare, then turned, leaning heavily on his cane, and yelled, “Jessy! Come here a minute.” The minute she walked out of the den, he waved a hand at the stranger. “There’s a young man here who wants to know when Laura’ll be back. I can’t remember what she told us.”
“She said she’d be flying back tomorrow afternoon.” Jessy directed her answer to the man and stepped forward, stretching out her hand in greeting. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Laura’s mother, Jessy Calder.”
“Sebastian Dunshill. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Calder.” He grasped her hand and bent slightly at the waist.
“Dunshill,” Jessy repeated with recognition. “You must be the current earl of Crawford. Laura told us about her visit to your home in England. I’m afraid she never mentioned that you might be coming.”
“She didn’t know. I wanted it to be a surprise.” He smiled with a touch of self-deprecating humor. “But it turns out that I am the one who is surprised. I should have known Laura would find it difficult to remain in any one place for long.”
Chase studied him with sharpened attention. “You seem to know my granddaughter rather well.”
“Well enough to know she likes places that are loud and crowded. I mean no offense, but from what little I have seen of Montana, it is neither.”
“None taken.” A smile deepened the corners of Chase’s mouth.
“It’s clear you have important matters to discuss,” Sebastian said with a glance at Logan. “So I will take no more of your time. If you could perhaps direct me to a place nearby where I might find suitable lodging, I’ll be on my way.”
Chase didn’t think twice. “The most suitable place is right here on the Triple C.”
There was a small hesitation during which Sebastian appeared to consider something more than the invitation. “As much as I would like to accept your offer of hospitality, there are some things you should know, and I would rather you heard them from me.”
Chase studied him with a steady and close regard. “Sounds like this might involve some heavy talking. Why don’t we go into the den and sit down?” He started to lead the way, then paused. “Your business isn’t so urgent that it can’t wait, is it, Logan?”
“No. I’ve already said most of what I came to tell you anyway.”
“Good. Let’s go.” Pushing off with his cane, Chase headed for the den.
Heat lightning flashed in the east while the Texas sky overhead glittered with stars. The night air had a sultry feel to it that added to the languor Laura felt as she stood within the loose circle of Boone’s arms and gazed into the land’s thickening shadows.
The low-built ranch house sprawled behind them, its thick walls and wide overhangs designed to ward off the scorching summer heat. Light spilled from some of its windows onto the broad patio, but none reached the corner she occupied
with Boone.
“I love lazy summer nights like this,” Laura murmured candidly, tightening the wrap of his arms around her waist. Her glance drifted to the shimmering surface of the swimming pool. “If I wasn’t so full from dinner, I’d go change into my suit and take a dip in the pool.”
