The Last Cowboy In Texas Read Free Page A

you that?”
    “Yes you may, if you don’t mind my calling you Troy .”
    “Not at all. So, Aggie, what do you do?”
    “I’m an environmental scientist.”
    “Wow, that’s-” his bluster screeched to a halt, his eyes dilating, “interesting.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
    “I think so, too,” Paige volunteered, giving Troy a malicious smile. “I hadn’t had a chance to explain what you’ve found, Aggie. Why don’t you tell him?”
    She looked up from the menu. “If he’d like.”
    “Like?” he croaked. “I’m dying to know.”
    “I specialize in aquatic life, mostly rare fish and amphibians. People usually find it rather boring.”
    Paige watched him turn on the charm. He said, “I’m always intrigued with advances in environmental science, Aggie. You needn’t worry about boring me.”
    The woman’s eyes twinkled   as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “Well, what I’ve found right here in Stone County is a miniature frog. Amphibios miniare gaminos is its name. I understand they call them Gamies around here-”
    Her voice was drowned out by Troy ’s sudden coughing spell. When he regained his breath, he said, “Sorry. Something got cau-”
    “Frog in your throat, Troy ?” Paige couldn’t resist.
    “You could say that.” He glared at her before looking back at Aggie. “Go ahead.”
    She said, “That’s it, basically. The poor little things are used by local fishermen for bait. Can you believe it?”
    “Really? Hard to believe,” he muttered.
    “Well, I’m going to put a stop to that barbaric practice, I can tell you.”
    His stare would’ve put midnight to bed as he locked focus with Paige. “I see. How are you going to do that, Aggie?”
    “The Gamines are going on the endangered species list as soon as I can get them there. It’ll take time, legally, but I have to hurry. I understand some stupid land-developer jerk is trying to turn this pristine region into a theme park or some such. I’ve got to stop him.”
    “Oh…” Troy ’s face paled.
    Paige intervened. “Is there any way to do that before the Gamines are officially registered as endangered?”
    Aggie smiled her way. “I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve. First thing is to get them on the Federal Candidate list. Steve’s good at this stuff. He blocked construction of an additional nuclear power site in Missouri several years ago.”
    Troy rediscovered his voice. “Steve?”
    “Dr. Steven Carlson, my mentor. He’s Professor of Natural Sciences at Washington University in-”
    “ St. Louis ,” Paige broke in. “We know about Wash U. So, Aggie, what exactly is your relationship with the illustrious Dr. Carlson?”
    Color rose in the woman’s face. “I’m his, uh, student. He’s my dissertation advisor. We’re very close.”
    “I’ll bet you are.” Paige snickered.
    “I mean, we work very closely together.”
    “I knew what you meant.”
    Aggie ordered in the awkward silence that followed, then looked at Troy . “So, Mr. Roberts, what do you do?”
    Paige had already opened her mouth to answer for him when Troy glared at her, saying, “Oh, I’m just part of the local business scene.”
    “He’s—oww!” Pain shot up Paige’s leg from her foot that had just been stomped under the table. She stared at Troy , who gave her the kind of smile that could kill. Literally.
    “I’m president of Flanders Field Club, Aggie, a philanthropic group. We assist local youth in achieving success. As a matter of fact, I was just getting ready to tell Paige we’ve elected to offer her honorary membership in our club.”
    “You were?” Paige’s puzzled eyes locked on his.
    Aggie said, “That’s wonderful. I must say I’m surprised to learn you have such sophisticated organizations down here.”
    “So am I,” Paige whispered, allowing her face to lift in an innocent smile.
    The waitress brought their food, giving Troy a chance to escape. He hesitated, his expression