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CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Noah could see how badly Ellie wanted to join him, but it was a bad idea. Slowly starting his breakfast, he searched for the right words.
“Darlin’, I’d love to take you on a trail ride up there, and I will, but this isn’t just a trail ride. Sorry, it’s a bad idea.”
“Why? Didn’t you say Candy is bombproof?”
“Yep, and she is, that’s not the issue. We don’t know what will be waitin’ for us. Could be nothin’, no car, no gangsters, but we could be find—“
“Dead bodies,” she declared, interrupting him. “You think I can’t handle that?”
“Is there any coffee in that pot?” he asked, wanting to change the subject.
As she let out a frustrated grunting sound and left to pour him a mug, he racked his brains. He knew she’d protest every objection, and he didn’t want to end up in an endless argument, then out of blue the answer came to him.
“Here,” she said, putting down the mug and sitting back into her chair. “I understand why you—“
“Hold on, Ellie. You know Matt was in the Special Forces.”
“Yes.”
“Whether or not you can come will be his decision.”
“Why?”
“He’ll view this as an operation, and it is. He’s the one with the experience, he’ll know exactly what to do and how to do it. There can only be one leader in a situation like this, and that’s him. If he says you can join us, you can, if he says no, that’s it.”
She didn’t respond, and taking another bite of his breakfast, he sensed she was deep in thought.
“Okay,” she finally said, “but you have to let me plead my case without interrupting.”
“I won’t say a word.”
“Or shoot him any looks!”
“Ellie, I’ll leave the room if you want me to. Now have some breakfast. If he agrees, you can’t go on an empty stomach.”
* * *
When Matt called to say he was on his way, Noah sent a text to Cody asking him to tack up Blaze and Stetson. Blaze was aptly named. He was a dark bay gelding with a streak of white down the front of his face.
Seven years before, he’d been in Dayville City’s mounted patrol, but the department had been downsized. Noah had bought him at an auction as a trail horse, and he quickly discovered he could take the big-boned gelding anywhere.
Sherlock suddenly barked and ran from the kitchen, announcing Matt’s arrival before the doorbell rang.
“Remember, you promised, not a word,” Ellie declared as Noah left to let him in.
“You don’t need to remind me,” he said over his shoulder, then marching down the hall, he opened the door to find Matt with Shelby, his German Shepherd. Overjoyed to see her, Sherlock jumped around the big dog who remained calm, but panted happily.
“Hey, Shelby,” Noah said, petting her. “How are you girl?”
“She’s doin’ great,” Matt replied. “I realized on my way over I forgot to mention I’d be bringin’ her.”
“I’m glad she’ll be with us,” Noah remarked, meaning it. The smart dog was almost legendary in the small community. “Come on through. Have you eaten?”
“Yep. I’m ready to go,” Matt said as Noah led him into the kitchen. “Hi, Ellie.”
“Hi, Matt, hello Shelby. You’re more beautiful every time I see you,” she gushed, crouching down to pet the happy shepherd. “Has Noah said anything?” she continued, straightening up.
