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Annie nodded. “I’m testing the grass, but I don’t think it’s the culprit. I think someone deliberately poisoned your cattle. We won’t have any proof until the grain comes back from the lab, and even then, it could come up negative. But this doesn’t seem like an accident to me, Dallas.”
“Honestly, it doesn’t to me either.”
“Is there anyone you can think of who would want to harm you?”
“No one who has access to my grain.”
“All right.” She glanced around at the other cattle. “The cops will ask you all these questions anyway. Call them now, will you?”
He nodded.
“I’m going to have a look at the rest of these guys.”
“Thank you, Annie.”
“No need to thank me.”
“I think there is.”
Annie scoffed. “Wait till you get my bill, Cowboy. Then decide if you want to thank me.” She strode toward a staggering steer.
* * *
“That’s about the extent of it,” Dallas told Sheriff Doug Cartwright. “I trust all my men. I haven’t brought in anyone new in over two years.”
“Could any of them be bought off, do you think?” Doug asked.
“Honestly, yesterday I’d have said no way, but after lying awake all last night ruminating, I just don’t know, Doug.”
&nbs
p; “I’ll need to speak to the vet. Where is she?”
“She’s out with Chad medicating the animals. I’m sure they’ll be back shortly.”
“I’ve heard a lot about her. She as cute as the locals say she is?”
There went the knife again, twisting its way through his entrails. Was every man in the four corner states going to hit on his woman? At least Doug was married.
“She’s attractive.” Dallas’s vocal cords were tied in knots. “Here they come now.”
“Hey, Doug,” Chad said, shaking the sheriff’s hand.
“Hey yourself.” He turned to Annie and eyed her up and down.
Dallas wanted to hit him. His fingers curled into his palms.
“You must be this famous Dr. Annie I’ve heard so much about.”
“That’s me, and you are?”
“Out of uniform, I’m afraid. I’m Doug Cartwright, the county sheriff.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“I need to ask you some questions about these animals.”
“Shoot.”
