Page 40 of Cowboy Jeopardy

“If you were my daughter, I’d paddle you.” Her eyes sparked. “You cannot take the responsibility of someone else’s actions on your shoulders. Its weight will crush you. Chin up and figure out how to stop this man.”

Oh, she intended to.

Chapter Sixteen

Dani helped Mrs. Whiteand her mother count the supplies for the third time before they pronounced everything ready. Outside, cowboys milled in preparation for the arrival of those who had signed up for the camping trip—one of whom was most likely the man after Dani, and she had no idea which one. Secrecy was the best chance of catching the guy.

She eyed the army-green duffel bag next to the supplies. By stashing it there, ready to grab as everything else was loaded into saddlebags, she hoped to flee without her mother or Mrs. White asking too many questions.

“We’re ready.” Eric and Derrick streaked past, tossing their backpacks on the pile with the rest of the supplies.

“Hold on.” She grabbed the nearest twin. “Derrick, you and your brother will be carrying your own backpacks. Open them up and let me see that you packed what I told you to.” She peered into each bag. “No toys.” She pulled out a baseball glove and ball. “Where are your knives? If you catch fish, I’m not cleaning them. You are. Change of clothes?” She pulled out a sheet of paper containing the list of things she’d told them to pack. “Go try again.”

Groans filled the kitchen as they took their packs back to their rooms, grumbling about missing all the fun outside.

“If you’d done it last night like I said, you’d be out there with the men right now.” She shook her head and slid the duffel next to the supplies when Willy joined them in the kitchen.

He frowned at the stack. “That’s all supposed to fit on the horses? This is a camping trip, ladies, not a vacation in Hawaii.”

“Food, sleeping bags, dishes…” Mrs. White glared back. “Everything on Dylan’s list. If you ain’t happy, take it up with him.”

“Bossy old woman.” He scooped some bags into his arms.

“Cantankerous old man.” She held the door open for him.

The bickering between the two almost made Dani forget the danger this camping trip promised. “I’ll help you, Willy.” She grabbed a bag in each hand, making sure one of them was the duffel bag, and scooted outside before her mother noticed it had been added to the pile.

“Dani.” Her mother followed her outside. “Make sure you come home, okay?” Her eyes shimmered.

She dropped the bags she held and stepped into her mother’s embrace. “I will. Cowboys are looking after me. You’re the one who told me they always save the day.” She stepped back and forced a smile. “I promise not to do anything foolish.”

“That’ll be a first.” She gave a shaky laugh.

For once, Dani didn’t take offense. Her mother worried about her and didn’t mean anything malicious with her comment. Dani gave her a quick hug. “I’ll come in to say goodbye before we leave.”

“No goodbyes.” Her mother spun around and went back in the house, closing the screen door softly behind her.

“I promised your mother I’d bring you back.”

Dani turned and peered into Dylan’s face. “She’ll hold you to it.”

“I know.” He picked up the bags she’d dropped. “Tell the boys we leave in thirty minutes. You okay?”

She nodded. “The end of this nightmare is in sight.”

“That it is.” He smiled and headed to where a line of horses waited for both riders and supplies.

From the front of the house, Buster led the campers to the back deck where he asked them all to wait. “We’ll be heading out soon. Toss your packs on the steps. We’ll take care of them.”

“We’re here.” The twins barged from the house, packs on their backs, and thundered down the stairs toward the horses. The twins were the only children on this trip. The rest were married couples or single men. Even without other children to play with, there was no way they’d stay behind.

Dani studied the faces of the single men—all in their late thirties to forty, all wearing jeans that looked as if they’d just been bought. Tee-shirts and flannels. Baseball caps. They all appeared excited to be there. None looked like a killer or wannabe crime boss.

She sighed and went back inside for more supplies. Her mother sat at the table, cup of coffee in hand.

“I should be going with you. In fact, I intend to.” Her chin lifted. “I know how to ride. I can do the cooking. Tell Dylan.” She bolted up and rushed to her room, calling over her shoulder, “Don’t leave without me.”

Dani glanced at Mrs. White. “What does she think she can do?”

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