The Rebel of Copper Creek Read Free Page A

commandeered the kitchen chores, much to Myrna’s dismay. Though the two shared some cooking skills, Mad’s overbearing personality often drove Myrna to hide out in other parts of the house. But when she did work in the kitchen, she was more than ready to stand up to the old curmudgeon. And though they enjoyed spirited arguments, there was an underlying affection that was obvious to everyone.
    Ash turned to his mother. “Any news from Chief Pettigrew on the investigation into Dad’s …death?” As always, the very mention of Bear MacKenzie’s murder at the hands of an unknown coward who had shot him with a long-range rifle caused a chilling silence around the table.
    Willow shook her head. “As a matter of fact, Ira called this morning just to touch base and let me know he was doing all he could. The state police crime lab has concluded the estimated distance the bullets traveled. That’s an important step in the investigation. Once they determine the exact location where the shooter was concealed, they can begin going over the area with a fine-tooth comb. Ira assured me that if even a single thread of evidence exists, they’ll find and identify it.”
    Mad patted his daughter-in-law’s hand. “Keep the faith, lass. They’ll get the coward who shot Bear.”
    She nodded. “I know, Mad. But every time I go into town, I can’t help thinking that someone smiling at me, talking to me, could be Bear’s killer.” She shuddered. “I can’t bear the thought that such a monster is still walking around, enjoying his life, while Bear is…” She couldn’t bring herself to say the word.
    Brady Storm, always sensitive to Willow’s emotions, quickly changed the subject. “I saw Lance McMillan fly in that sleek new plane. What did he want?”
    At the mention of their longtime lawyer’s son, who had recently taken over his father’s practice, Willow sighed. “I told him his father knew better than to interrupt a rancher at branding time. And without even the courtesy of a phone call. But he said he was on his way up to join his father on a fishing trip in Canada, and it was Mason who’d wanted me to sign some papers.”
    Mad looked over. “What kind of papers?”
    Willow shrugged. “Lance said they were just routine documents needed after the death of a spouse. I told him to leave them for me in the office and I’d read them later, when I have my wits about me.”
    â€œGood.” Mad nodded his approval. “Mason would have never brought documents for a signature without taking the time to explain them thoroughly.”
    Willow gave a short laugh. “That’s what I said, though in truth I didn’t want to give him any more of my time. The irony is, after I took my shower I went to Bear’s office to read them, and they weren’t there. When I phoned Lance, he said he’d spotted some typos and taken them back to be corrected. He has them with him in Canada. Now he’ll have to bring them to me when he gets back from his fishing trip with Mason.”
    â€œSo his visit was a waste of time.”
    â€œI don’t know about Lance’s time, but it was certainly a waste of mine.”
    Willow looked up as Whit clapped a hand on the foreman’s back. “How about a beer at Wylie’s?”
    Brady nodded. “I’m in.” He turned to Griff. “You joining us?”
    Griff smiled. “Good idea. Willow? Mad? Ready for a night in town?”
    Both Willow and Mad shook their heads.
    Whit turned to the newlyweds. “Ash and Brenna?”
    The two turned to one another, smiled, and shook their heads in unison. Ash spoke for both of them. “Thanks, but we’ll pass tonight.”
    Whit waved a hand toward the others. “What did I tell you? The way those two are looking, I’m betting that before the night’s over my big brother will be