Page 44 of The Soldier and the Cowboy

“What can I do?” she asked, pouring her own cup and sitting down across from him.

He shook his head. “I have to call my brother,” he choked.

“Would you like me to do it for you?” she asked.

“I should be the one.”

“You don’t have to. It’s going to be hard for him to hear it, no matter who gives him the news.”

“No, he’ll take it better from his wife.” He pulled out his phone and stared at it before handing it to her. “Her name is Maggie. Call her and let her tell him.”

“All right. Do you want to hear, or do you want me to go in the other room?”

He nodded toward the other room. Bailey took the phone and stepped away. She found the number for Maggie and pushed the button.

“Hey, ornery,” Maggie answered on the first ring, her voice warm and full of sunshine. Despite herself, Bailey smiled. “You up with the cows this morning or something?”

“Uh, hi, this is Bailey Dunbar, I work for Cal.”

There was a pause and then, “Is Cal okay? Is there a problem?”

“Cal’s fine, but there is a problem.” Bailey squeezed her eyes closed. “I’m sorry to tell you that Cal’s wife, Isabel, has died.”

There was a pause, and then Maggie’s voice returned to the line, shakier than before. “What happened?”

“She was murdered, presumably by a local cartel.”

“I…I…what?”

“I understand this is extremely shocking. I’m sure Cal will be able to fill in some details for you when he’s able. He’s, uh, having a difficult time right now. He was hoping you could tell his brother for him. He thought it might be easier coming from you.”

“Of course, absolutely. I just…wow. Okay. Sorry, I’m in shock. I’ll make flight arrangements. We’ll try to be there today.”

“I’m sure Cal will appreciate that,” Bailey replied.

“I should go tell Cam. Is there anything you need, anything we can bring?” Maggie offered.

“Your husband works for my father, doesn’t he?” Bailey asked.

She could almost hear Maggie blinking at the rapid subject change. “Yes. We both love and respect him a great deal.”

“I need to talk to him. I know it’s a bad time, but if you could have him call me when he’s up for it, I’d really appreciate it.”

“When he’s able, I’ll have him give you a call. Thank you for letting us know. I’m sure this hasn’t been an easy call for you to make.”

“It’s fine. I’m just incredibly sorry to be the bearer of such bad news.”

“I understand. Goodbye, Bailey. I’ll let you know our flight arrangements as soon as they’re made.”

“I’ll make sure to have someone at the airport to meet you,” Bailey promised.

“Thank you.”

They disconnected and Bailey called Sully. “I know you’re crazy busy right now, but I need a favor.”

“Name it,” he said, and so she did.

Two hours later, she, Jinx, and Sully stood at the entrance to the bunkhouse. The men stood warily before them. Since yesterday the mood had been silent, somber. Today it was worse because no one knew what she was about to say.

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