DarkPrairieFire Read Free Page B

again, the quicker I can get up there and start looking for the parts this evening.”
    He shifted anxiously. “If only it were that easy. See, the missing bull isn't the only thing going down.
    I need those guys to help me fix the well pump. The regulator sending water into the troughs had some trouble this morning too. Guess it's our lucky day to have everything fall apart.”
    Fists formed at my sides. I turned away from him, staring up at the high sun instead. I wanted to explode.
    “Okay. Okay, okay, okay,” I muttered. “You worry about the pump. I'll go talk to Ethan and make sure everything is cool. Who knows, maybe he can help me sort through all that crap up there...”
    I climbed in my small Malibu and sped off toward Hartz Ranch. The drive took my mind off the recent troubles, if only for a brief time.
    Behind swaying wheat stalks and lazy cattle in the fields, the Dakota plains stretched out across the country. Flat, comforting, and free.
    I hadn't realized how badly I missed them during my time in the city. I looked up into my mirror, surprised to find my narrow eyes smiling back at me.
    You're free out here, girl. This is your chance to start a new life from these ashes, and who knows, maybe snag a hot cowboy in the process.
    Ethan's country house loomed tall, far more modern than the one I inherited. I parked next to it and stopped after getting out, staring up at the high reaching roof tiles broken by narrow skylights.
    Least he's used to living in high places. Hm, I wonder if asking for his help isn't so stupid after all.
    I looked around his land, impatient and searching for someone, preferably the man himself. Several workers shuffled near what looked like a big garage, too distant to answer my questions.
    As if on cue, Ethan's large truck appeared along the white picket fence he'd thrown up near his backyard. I waved, smiling to him as he approached and settled his vehicle next to mine.
    “Cat Nichols! I think I already know why you're here,” he said. I grasped his big hand, slowly filling my lungs with air as his fingers tightened around mine, and then darted away.
    “Yeah, er – the bull situation. I'm guessing you know all about it?”
    “Damned straight. Couple of my guys cornered him just a few minutes ago. They're helping load him into the trailer your men brought over as we speak.” He smiled strong and casually.
    My heart dipped into a puddle. It was the kind of smile that felt like it would wash away all my worries with a magic quirk of the lips.
    “Good. I'm happy to hear it.” My voice wavered. I hoped I didn't sound too grateful.
    “You bet. I'm sure the last thing you need are any more worries. I heard all about how the police dropped the ball.” He kicked the ground with one boot, sending a rock bouncing several feet away.
    “Ever since Smith took over, the force hasn't really been up to snuff around here. Damned shame.”
    I nodded slowly, unsure how to respond.
    “I'm surprised you've been following it so closely. I mean, our families were friendly, but not exactly close...”
    “Don't matter to me,” he said, giving me a severe look. “When something like that happens a couple miles from my place, I want to be a hundred percent sure it isn't gonna happen again. God, these fucking drug runners...”
    He took off his hat. Redness swirled beneath his tanned cheeks, simultaneously alluring and angry.
    “Sorry, Cat. It just burns me up is all.”
    “Don't worry about it,” I smiled. “Nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks there's more than meets the eye here. I seriously thought I was going crazy for awhile.”
    We exchanged another smile through the brief silence. The whole time, I my insides twisted, conflicted on how best to approach the question I wanted so desperately to ask.
    “I only wish the bull were the least of my worries,” I began softly. Ethan returned his hat to his head, narrowing his eyes with curiosity.
    “Our combine broke down this morning.