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“Because…?”
“Because I wanted to know where I was going so I wouldn’t be late. I’d also park and take a walk so I could look in the fields with my binoculars, just like I did on our way up to Ben’s place. I didn’t know it when I left, but the ranch I was going to with Duke was off the beaten track road, and I mean way off. There were twisting, turning gravel lanes branching off all over the place.”
“Did you have an address?”
“Sure, but it was for a mailbox on the main road.”
“Ah, I see.”
“I ended up lost and I had no signal. I plugged the address of the motel into my navigator, but even that didn’t help. Anyway, I came across this paddock with a bunch of horses, so I parked in the shade under a big tree. But as I was walking up to the fence I ran into a really big problem,” she muttered, taking a deep breath. “I spotted a truck coming towards me with a bunch of guys in the back singing and drinking. Thank God they stopped before they reached me. They piled out, then climbed through the fence into the paddock. I had ducked down and hurried back to my car, but I couldn’t leave. I was scared they’d come after me, so I just sat there praying they wouldn’t notice the car. I was petrified.”
“I bet you were, but, Bailey, why did you go off into the middle of nowhere in the first place? Never mind, you’ve already told me,” he said brusquely as he turned into the motel parking lot. “But why didn’t you get in touch with Duke once you were out of there.”
“My stupid phone died. I was going to call him in the morning but I just didn’t get around to it. I know that’s a pathetic excuse, but it’s the truth. When I saw him at The Tavern I didn’t tell him because I knew he’d start asking a bunch of questions, and I couldn’t get into the whole thing about Miss Piggy being stolen. It was too public.”
“It’s a miracle nothing happened to you,” he said shaking this head as he parked the truck. “You need to explain all that to Duke, along with an apology. As for going off by yourself like you did—”
“I know, I know.”
“Let’s get inside. I’ve brought some provisions and I could use a drink.”
“I knew you’d be mad.”
“I’m more concerned about the risks you take, but like I said, let’s go inside. We can finish this conversation in your comfortable, air-conditioned room with a glass in our hands.”
Suddenly leaning across the console, she moved her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
“Sorry, it’s just who I am.”
“Come on, we’ll talk more in your room.”
He grabbed his overnight bag, and as they climbed from the truck, he stepped up beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. She wordlessly leaned against him, and stayed there until they were at her door and she reached into her pocket for the key.
“I thought you had a purse,” he remarked as she slid it in the lock.
“It’s in your motorhome, but there’s nothing in there I really need. I keep my wallet and phone with me. I suppose I should have collected it though,” she said as they moved inside. “Uh, Rick…” she said sharply, suddenly pausing her step.
“What?”
“That window. I only left it open about an inch,” she exclaimed, pointing across the room.
“Stay there!” With his pulse ticking up he walked slowly to the bathroom door, pushed down the handle, and peeked inside. “Empty. Has anything been disturbed?”
“Uh…the closet…that’s open too and I know I closed it,” she replied, hastily walking over and looking inside to check her things. “Nothing seems to be missing.”
Grabbing a chair, he carried it across to the window, stepped up, and being careful not to touch anything, he poked his head out.
“There’s a wooden crate someone used to gain entry,” he grunted, climbing down and pulling his phone from his pocket.”
“Who are you calling?”
“Trevor. You had an uninvited visitor. The question is, was it random or were they after you? Pack your things. You sure as hell can’t say here.”
“Where are we going? All the motels will be full.”
“I think I know, but first things first,” he replied, lowering his voice.
“Deputy Trevor Brown speaking.”
