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Alex strapped the saddle onto his horse, mounted, then spurred it into a gallop. He made his way to the small pond on his father’s ranch. Alex lived in a small cabin on the property. He knew it would belong to him one day. The sun was beginning to heat up as he rode through the brown grassland. When he reached the pond, Alex dismounted and removed the saddle and blanket. Then, he grabbed his fishing rod from the saddlebag and strolled along the bank. The dead fall leaves crunched beneath his boots as he walked along the bank.
As he sat in a chair on the dock, he put the pole together, attached a worm, then cast it out. The hook hit the center of the pond, and Alex set the pole against the chair. He stretched out his legs, and stared out across the water.
He never should have kissed her, but when he looked at those lips, he couldn’t stop himself from tasting them. He wanted her but she wasn’t interested, and he’d never been the type to stay where he wasn’t wanted. If he could pass this case on to someone else, he would in a heartbeat. It would be better than seeing her. Wanting her and not being able to have her.
“If she’s not interested, why did she kiss me? Shit,” he muttered as he leaned his head back and covered his face with his hat, but kept his hand on the line, and closed his eyes as he wondered what she was doing.
A little while later, he felt the line jerk on the pole. He removed his hat, sat up, reeled in the line and chuckled when he saw a tiny fish dangling from the hook. He carefully unhooked the little guy and tossed him back. He never kept the fish he caught anyway. It was just a way to relax.
“Relax? Who the hell can do that when you keep thinking about Dylan? And it’s hell on your dick.”
Getting to his feet, he took the pole apart, put it in the saddle bag, then saddled the horse, vaulted into the saddle, and rode home. Well, that wasted about two hours, now what?
He rode into the barn, cooled the horse, removed the tack, then gave him oats and fresh water. As he headed out of the barn, to go to the house, he changed course, and walked to his truck. After climbing inside, he drove to town.
He parked in the lot of the office building, stepped from the truck, and entered the building. He rode the elevator to his floor, stepped off, and entered the offices. He saw Dave sitting in his office and headed toward him. He knocked on the glass door. Dave looked up and did a double take then waved him inside.
“What are you doing here? You’re off today.” Dave tossed his glasses onto the desk.
“Did you look into getting me some help on the case?”
“No one is available right now, Alex. I’m sorry.”
“All right. I’ll do what I can.”
“I know you will, but if someone finishes up, I can let them work with you. Luke said he’s about done with his case.”
“Okay.”
“What’s going on with it?”
“Nothing. No one has been back. The fence was cut, but that’s all. I’m not sure if they’re doing it just to mess with her or they saw me and thought better of it. If they know an agent’s around, they’re not going to stay there. They’ll move on.”
“True. Maybe stay away for a few days.”
“Dylan—Ms. Walters won’t be happy about that. Especially if they steal another bull.”
“This is what we do, Alex. You’re not going to catch them if they know you’re watching for them. You know how these thieves are. I can guarantee they are out there, still watching her land, and you. Tell her you’re going to step back and let her know why. We’ve caught rustlers this way before. Let’s try it.”
Alex nodded and sighed. He knew Dave was right. Those rustlers would bide their time, but if Alex was constantly around, they’d see him, and move on to another ranch or farm. He had to talk to Dylan.
“I’ll go to her place now.”
“Do you have more vacation days?”
“I have three weeks saved up, but I am not taking that long off,” Alex snapped.
Dave chuckled. “I wasn’t going to suggest that, but take a few more days. Work on the files from home, find out what you can about her ex-husband, and let’s see if those men show up again.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll do that.”
“Good. Now get the hell out of here and enjoy your time off. I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Yes, sir.” Alex walked out of Dave’s office, then left the building.
After climbing into his truck, he drove to Dylan’s ranch.
****
