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“I’m at the Rodeo, so ten minutes. Five if I put my foot down. Why?”
“Too much to explain, but Big Bad John is on his way down here, and you know him. He uses his fists first and asks questions later.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Great, thanks. When you get here make it seem like a coincidence.”
“Sure thing. See you shortly.”
“BEN HANCOCK, YOU’D BETTER GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!”
Ben scowled.
Big John’s angry voice would have been heard by everyone, including the clients who were in the arena. Penny, his rider, was showing them the mares Bailey had looked at earlier. Striding into the hall and into his den, he hurried to his gun cabinet, lifted out his keys and unlocked it. Deciding on a revolver, he stuffed it into the back of his jeans and turned to leave, only to find Pete standing in the doorway.
“Do you think you’ll need that, boss?” he asked nervously.
“Better to have it in case,” Ben replied solemnly as he strode past him and into the hall. “John’s crazy, but I’m hopin’ I’ll be able to calm him down, and Trevor’s on his way. That will help.” he continued as Pete followed him into the kitchen. “Pete, stay here, but if John sees you and starts askin’ questions, tell him you just got here a little while ago. You don’t know where I’ve been or what I’ve been doin’. Understand?”
“Sure, boss.”
“BEN, GET OUT HERE OR—”
“I was busy,” Ben exclaimed, hastily stepping outside and cutting him off. “What the hell is wrong with you, standin’ in my yard and bellowin’ like that? I’ve got client’s here.”
“I had three fuckin’ horses stolen from my back paddock, and do you wanna know where their fuckin’ hoof prints lead to?”
“You what?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, asshole,” John snapped, scowling at him. “Where are they?”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Though his cousin hung back, Big John walked menacingly forward.
Ben tried to ignore the cold chill suddenly pricking his skin.
He didn’t want to reach for his gun, but if the powerfully built man came much closer he’d have no choice.
“John, think about what you’re sayin’,” Ben began, making sure to keep his voice calm. “Why would I steal your horses? My barn is full. Every stall is taken. Feel free to look around if you don’t believe me.”
“They came down that fuckin’ hill and into this fuckin’ property!”
“Dammit, John, I’ve been gone and I just got back a little while ago.”
As he finished speaking, Ben saw a glimmer of doubt in Big John’s eyes, and he knew why. His statement had the ring of truth. He did just get back.
“I’m not stupid,” John exclaimed with a scowl. “There was a man and a woman next to my field and a rail was broken off. My horses are gone, and the trail leads through the trees and over that fuckin’ hill.”
“The only female here is my rider, Penny, and she’s been busy with clients all day. She still is, and you showin’ up here and yellin’ like that isn’t good for business.”
“What the hell is the sheriff doin’ here?” Big John suddenly demanded, darting his eyes down the driveway.
“That’s just Trevor. He stops in for a break sometimes.”
“Fuck.”
“John, I just realized…I know what happened. I understand why you’re confused,” Ben declared, taking a step towards him.
