Page 32 of Cowboy Jeopardy

“You should’ve thought of that before chasing after someone threatening you.” Sheriff Westbrook wrapped his hands around his cup. “Start from the beginning.”

She told him the same story she’d told Dylan, and the sheriff responded in the same way.

“Not the smartest move, Miss Cooper.”

“It’s not like the man is going to shoot me. He won’t get his money if I’m dead.” She crossed her arms.

He narrowed his eyes. “You aren’t planning on luring him out, are you?” He leaned across the table. “Because I’ll lock you up. You and whoever is dumb enough to help you.” He shot a look at Marilyn.

Marilyn widened her eyes and put a hand over her heart. “I would never—”

“Right.” He planted his hands flat on the table and pushed to his feet. “I’m serious, ladies. Leave it up to me and my deputies to catch this guy.”

“You’re doing a fine job so far,” Dani muttered.

He slammed his hand on the table, causing her to jump. “Going after this man will get you, and most likely someone else, killed. I will not let that happen. This is your only warning, Miss Cooper.” He grabbed his hat from the table, jammed it on his head, and marched from the house.

“Well.” Marilyn huffed. “There went any plans we wanted to make.”

Dylan snapped his mouth shut. They’d intended to try and catch the man themselves? What next?

Chapter Thirteen

He sat ata corner table in the diner and tried to be as inconspicuous as possible. With a tattered baseball cap and denim overalls, he fit right in with all the other hillbillies and country folk. He hoped. The hardest part was speaking with a slight Southern accent rather than a New York one.

Yesterday had been a close call. He’d gotten rid of the dogs and the cowboy, temporarily at least, but he hadn’t expected Dani Cooper to give chase.

He stared into his coffee mug. His plan on scoping out the security measures had been successful. There was no way he would be able to nab Dani from the ranch itself. Hopefully, she’d come up with the money he wanted. If not, he’d immerse himself right into the thick of things and take her at the first opportunity.

“Refill?”

He stared up into the face so identical to the woman who had turned his life upside down. “Sure, thanks.” It’d be easy to nab her and hold her for ransom, but then he’d have a deputy to deal with. There were enough risks involved without dealing with in-laws.

Dani’s twin filled his cup, smiled, and moved on to another table as the cowboys from the Rocking W ranch, along with Dani and the two boys, crowded into the diner. The owner, Lucy, immediately hustled to clear enough tables for the crowd as if they were royalty.

He ducked his head and avoided eye contact. Hunching his shoulders to hide his body shape, he cut quick glances toward the group. It wouldn’t do for Dani to recognize his body shape. When the time came to get close to her, he’d wear some padding. It wouldn’t do to raise her suspicions.

Hiding a grin, he sent her a text.

Tick Tock. Time is running out.

It wasn’t often he could watch her reaction upon reading one.

She pulled her phone from the back pocket of her jeans and glanced at the screen. Her head jerked up, then she slid the phone back into her pocket, shaking her head when Dylan Wyatt said something.

It took all his willpower not to laugh out loud and give himself away. Toying with the woman between now and when he made his move would be fun. He sent another text letting her know she had one week to get his money, tossed the amount needed to pay for his breakfast on the table, plus a tip, and sauntered from the diner.

~

A week? The menu in her hand shook. She set the menu on the table and glanced at the board displaying the day’s special.

“You okay?” Dylan asked for the second time since she’d received the texts.

“Yes.”

He leaned closer, his lips to her ear. “You lying?”

She shivered as his breath tickled the hair on her neck. “I’ll tell you later.”

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