A Cowboy's Touch Read Free

looked toward the back of the store where Aunt Lucy was pulling a doll from the shelf, then back toward the entrance.
    Abigail squatted in front of her. Now that she was closer, Abigail noticed her wide-set green eyes and a light smattering of freckles on her nose. “Is that your mom?”
    The girl shook her head. “I need to talk to Miss Lucy.”
    “Miss Lucy’s with a customer right now. Could I help? I’m Miss Lucy’s niece, Abigail. What’s your name?”
    The girl turned her eyes on Abigail for the first time, and a fat tear slid down her face. “Maddy Ryan.” Her lip trembled. “Somebody took my bike.” Another tear tumbled down her cheek.
    Abigail frowned and took her hand. It was cold and wet from her tears. “Tell me what happened.”
    “I . . . I rode to town ’cause Dad said I need a haircut, and I wanted to buy some candy ’cause I saved some money. I parked outside the market.” She reached into her hoodie pocket and pulled out a handful of Twizzlers. “When I came out, my bike was gone.” Maddy drew a shuddery breath that threatened to turn into a full-out bawl.
    Abigail glanced at Aunt Lucy, who was introducing the customers to another blond doll, then turned back to Maddy. “Well, here, put your candy back in your pocket. Let’s go back to the store and see what we can find out.” She placed a hand on the child’s shoulder and led her out the door. “Did you call your parents or tell anyone at the store about your bike?”
    “No, I came straight to Miss Lucy.” She wiped her face with her sleeve.
    “Well, let’s see if anyone at the store saw something.”
    When they reached Pappy’s Market, Maddy gestured to the walk along the building. “I parked right here.”
    Abigail glanced along the building, down the street, and all around, as far as she could see. Pedestrians and cars bustled by on what was probably a busy Saturday for Moose Creek. No sign of a bike.
    “Are you certain?”
    “Positive. I always park here.” She pointed to the empty spot. “My dad got it for my birthday.” Her lip quivered and her eyes filled again.
    “Do you want to call him? I have a cell phone.”
    Maddy looked down at her cowboy boots and shook her head. “He’s working, and his cell phone doesn’t work too good out there.”
    Abigail squatted in front of her and took both her hands. “I know you don’t know me, Maddy, but it just so happens I’m very good at getting to the bottom of things. I promise I won’t give up until we figure this out, okay?”
    Maddy nodded.
    But an hour later, after reporting the missing bike to the sheriff and questioning the clerk at Pappy’s Market, they were no closer to finding the missing bike.
    “I still haven’t gone to the Hair Barn,” Maddy said. “Miss Greta— she’s our housekeeper—is going to be mad if I’m not home soon.”
    “Well, let’s see. How about if you get your hair trimmed, then I’ll take you home in my aunt’s car.” A thought hit her. “But your dad wouldn’t want you riding in a stranger’s car.”
    “Miss Lucy’s not a stranger. She lives in one of our houses.”
    “Oh—your dad owns Stillwater Ranch then. I’m staying at my aunt’s for the summer. Do you want to call your mom and make sure it’s okay to get a ride with me?”
    “My mom died. But my dad trusts Miss Lucy. I go to her house sometimes.”
    She was young to have lost her mother.
    “Well, let’s do this then. Go get your hair cut, then come to the doll store when you’re finished and I’ll give you a ride home.”
    “But what about my bike?” Hopeful green eyes looked up at Abigail.
    “Don’t give up; every mystery has a solution. We’ll figure out what happened to your bike, even if we don’t do it today.”
    Ten minutes later Maddy was safely ensconced in a chair at the Hair Barn, and Abigail returned to the Doll House.
    “Can I borrow your car in a few minutes, Aunt Lucy?”
    “Certainly, dear, the keys are by my purse.” The mother