Barbara Dunlop - A Cowboy Comes Home

Seth, the eldest brother, stepped in as he reached for a homemade bun. “When was the last time the state government did anything at the earliest possible date? Dad’s right, there’s something they’re not telling us.”

“I’ve put in an access to information request,” said Abigail. “Maybe that’ll solve the mystery.”

“That won’t get you anything,” Hugo grumbled. “The bureaucrats will just stonewall.”

“You should catch Caleb up,” Mandy suggested.

“This is important to you, too,” said Travis, and Caleb waited for him to elaborate.

“Any decrease in the flexibility of our water licenses, will devalue the range land.”

“Devalue the range land?” Seth interjected. “Who cares about the land value? It’ll impact our grazing density. There are operations up and down the valley that are marginal as it is. The Stevensons, for example. They don’t have river access anywhere on their land. A couple of tributaries, but they depend on their wells.”

“Seth,” Maureen put in, her voice stern. “Did anyone ask you to bring your soapbox to the dinner table?”

Seth’s lips thinned for a moment. But then he glanced down at his plate. “Sorry, Mom.”

Maureen’s face transformed into a friendly smile. “Now, Caleb. How long do you expect to be in Lyndon?”

Caleb swallowed a mouthful of potatoes smothered in the best gravy he’d ever eaten. “A few days. Maybe a week.”

“We’re sorry you missed the funeral, dear.” Maureen’s tone was even, but he detected a rebuke. One look at Mandy’s expression told him he’d detected correctly.

“I was tied up with work,” he said.

“Did you know Caleb owns his own company in Chicago?” Mandy asked.

Caleb appreciated the change in topic, and silently thanked Mandy. The Jacob family would learn soon enough that he was planning to sell the Terrell ranch. Just like everyone would soon learn about Wilton’s will. But he was in no hurry to field the inevitable questions.

“Active Equipment,” he told them. “Heavy machinery. We’re making inroads into Asia and Canada, and we hope to succeed in the South American market soon.”

“That’s lovely, dear,” said Maureen, her quick gaze going from plate to plate, obviously checking to see if anyone was ready for seconds.

“Active Equipment?” asked Hugo, tone sharp and vaguely accusing. “ The Active Equipment, loaders and backhoes?”

“Yes,” Caleb confirmed.

“So, you can get me a discount?”

Maureen scowled at her husband. Travis laughed, and Mandy’s eyes danced with amusement.

“Absolutely,” Caleb answered, unable to look away from Mandy. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds under the chandelier, and he didn’t think he’d ever seen a more kissable set of lips. “Just let me know what you need.”

“Seth and I will come up with a list,” said Hugo.

“Happy to help out,” said Caleb.

Mandy’s lashes swept briefly down over her eyes, and the tip of her tongue moistened her lower lip. He didn’t dare glance Travis’s way.

Mandy couldn’t help but stare at the tall, elegant, brunette woman standing on the porch of the Terrell ranch house. She wore a chic, textured, taupe jacket, with black piping along the neck, lapels and faux pockets. It had a matching, straight skirt, and the ensemble was layered over a black, lace camisole. Her black, leather pumps were high heeled, closed toed with an open weave along the outsides.

Her earrings were large-a woven, copper geometric pattern that dangled beneath short, stylishly cut hair. Her makeup was subtle, coral lips, soft thick lashes, sculpted brows and dusky shadow that set off her dark, hazel eyes. She held a black, rhinestone purse tucked under one arm, and a leather briefcase in the opposite hand.

How she’d made it to the porch dust-free was beyond Mandy.

“Can I help you with something?” Mandy belatedly asked.

“I’m looking for Caleb Terrell.” The woman’s voice was crisp and businesslike.

“I’m afraid he’s not here at the moment.”

The woman’s lips compressed in obvious impatience.

“Was he expecting you?” Mandy asked, confused and curious in equal measure.

“ I was expecting him. Two days ago in Chicago.” The woman clearly had a close enough relationship with Caleb that she had expectations, and she was free to express frustration if he didn’t meet them.

A girlfriend? A lover? He’d said he had none, but evidence to the contrary was standing right here in front of Mandy.

“Would you like to come in?” she offered, remembering her manners, telling herself Caleb’s personal life was none of her business. “He should be back anytime.”

Sure, he’d made a couple of flirtatious allusions in their conversations. But they were harmless. He hadn’t even kissed her. She certainly hadn’t taken any of it seriously.

The woman smiled, transforming her face, and she held out a slim, perfectly manicured hand. “Forgive me. I’m Danielle Marin.”

Mandy hesitated only a brief second before holding out her own, blunt-nailed, tanned and slightly callused hand.

She couldn’t help but wish she was wearing something other than a plain, blue cotton blouse and faded jeans. There was some eyelet detail on the collar, and at least she didn’t have manure on her boots. Then again, she’d been sweating in the barn all morning, and her casual ponytail was certainly the worse for wear.

“Mandy Jacobs,” she introduced herself. “I’m, uh. I’ve been helping out on the ranch.”

“I’m sure Caleb appreciates that.” Danielle waved a hand in the air as she stepped into the house. “I have to say, this whole situation borders on the ridiculous.”

Mandy closed the door behind them. She couldn’t disagree. “Once we find Reed, things will smooth out.”

“Any progress on that?” Danielle asked, setting her purse on the side table in the entryway and parking her briefcase beneath. “Caleb told me you were spearheading the effort.”

Mandy didn’t know what to say to that. She didn’t want to share details with a stranger, but she couldn’t very well ask about Danielle’s relationship with Caleb without being rude.

Danielle strolled her way into the great room, gazing at the high ceiling and the banks of windows overlooking the river. “I assume you’ve already checked his usual hotels.”

Mandy followed. “Reed never traveled much. But I have checked hotels, hospitals and with the police as far away as Fort Collins.”

“Car-rental agencies?”

“He took a ranch truck.”

Danielle nodded. “Have you tried checking his credit-card activity?”

Mandy tried to figure out if Danielle was joking. Judging by her expression, she was serious.

“I wouldn’t know how to do that,” Mandy said slowly. Was she even allowed to do that? It sounded like it might be illegal.

“It’s not a service we could provide, but I do have some contacts…” Danielle let the offer hang.

Mandy didn’t know what to say. Was Danielle suggesting she could help Mandy break the law?

The front door opened, and a pair of boots sounded in the entryway. Mandy took a couple of steps back and crooked her head to confirm it was Caleb. Thank goodness.

He gazed quizzically at her expression as he strode down the short hall. Then, at the living-room entrance, he halted in his tracks. “Danielle?”

“Yes,” Danielle answered shortly as she moved in on him.

“What on earth are you doing in Colorado?”

“What on earth are you still doing in Colorado?”

“I told you it was going to take a few days.”

“That was a few days ago.”