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“I’m sure you don’t. So, you met Ms. Walters?”
“I spoke to her last night.” Alex smirked. “She crept up on me in the woods while I looked around.”
“Crept up? Onyou?”
Alex chuckled. “Yep. I didn’t hear her at all until she cocked the rifle.”
“Maybe I need to hire her. You’re slipping, Reeves.”
“No shit.”
“Well, get with her today. I want her to show you the exact location the bull was stolen from.”
“Okay. I know it was the east pasture of her property, but I was there to see if they came back.”
“I’m not sure they need to. The bull they stole was all they needed to make money. His semen sells for over eight thousand dollars a sperm straw. I don’t believe someone stole him to sell. I think someone is going to use him.” Dave shrugged. “He’s a proven breeder. They could sell his sperm on the black market. That bull is probably worth nearly a hundred thousand dollars.”
“No wonder she’s pissed.” Alex stood. “I’ll head to her place now. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Sure. Let me know if you find anything.”
“Yes, sir.” Alex strode from the office, shut off his computer, and headed for the elevator.
When the doors opened, he grinned when he saw Reece Maddox stepping off.
“Hey, Alex.” Reece shook his hand.
“Reece. How goes it?”
“Good. You?”
“Same. I’m headed for the Walters ranch.”
“I thought that was Sanchez’s case.”
“He had a family emergency.”
“I didn’t know. I was on vacation last week.”
“His father had a heart attack, but he’s doing well. I took over the case. Did you enjoy your time off?”
“We stayed home and did nothing.”
Alex laughed. “Perfect vacation. Hey, I’d better go. Tell Rissa hi for me. Talk soon.”
“Yep. Have a good day, Alex.” Reece entered the offices.
Alex stepped into the elevator, hit the button, and watched the doors close. He took a deep breath. This was a part of the job that was difficult for him. He knew the owner of any stolen livestock expected answers, and though, at times, he had them, on this one, he didn’t. Yet.
When he drove onto the property, he pulled close to the barn and parked. He exited the truck and glanced around. Not seeing anyone, he walked up the steps of the porch and knocked but when no one answered, he jogged down the steps, strode across the yard, and entered the barn. He strolled along the aisle until he saw a door withOfficeabove it on a plaque, but the room was dark.
“Damn it. Where is everyone?”
“Can I help you?”
He turned when he heard her voice. He’d never forget it.
“Mrs. Walters? I’m Agent Alexander Reeves with the Montana Department of Livestock. We spoke last night.”
