Page 26 of Cowboy Jeopardy

“Boss, got a minute?” Deacon Simpson, one of his hands, called to him from the barn.

After one final glance at Dani’s back, Dylan headed for the barn. “What’s up? The boys didn’t do their chores?”

“No, they did. I was getting ready to spread the manure and found something I thought you might want to see.” He jerked his head around the corner of the building.

What now? Dylan’s steps dragged as he followed.

“The prints aren’t fresh. More like a day or two old.” Deacon drew Dylan’s attention to the soil under the barn window.

The prints were the same as the ones under the window belonging to the boys’ room. His blood heated. This perp seemed as interested in the boys as he was in Dani. Dylan’s fingers curled, itching to wrap around the unknown man’s neck.

“What do you want to do?”

He rolled his head on his shoulders. “Guess we need to start shifts at patrolling the ranch at night. We’ll do our best to stay out of sight. There are enough of us that it shouldn’t disturb our sleep too much.”

Deacon nodded. “I’ll have all of us draw straws for the order. Want us armed or not?”

“Armed. All the time.” He spun and marched for the main house. Time to fill the women in on what had been happening. Everyone needed to be on guard. “Ladies.” The screen banged shut behind him as he entered the house. “I’d like to speak to both of you. Please, have a seat.” He motioned to the small kitchen dinette.

Mrs. White wiped her flour-covered hands on a towel. “Sounds serious.”

“It is. Marilyn?”

“If this is about the trouble my daughter brought onto the ranch, I’ve already filled Lenora in.” Marilyn hung her towel over her shoulder and sat.

“There’s more than that. We’ve had someone skulking around at night. That’s the reason for the additional dogs, security system, and the donkey.” He still thought it funny to consider Clarence part of the security team. “Someone has been watching my boys.”

Marilyn frowned. “Not Dani?”

“We’ve only found footprints under the boys’ window and by the barn. I’m sure this person is also watching Dani, but he also wants my boys.” A cold hand gripped his heart.

“To get at my girl. He knows she’ll do anything to protect those boys.” Marilyn squared her shoulders. “What do you need us to do?”

“Keep your eyes open and a gun in your apron pocket. I trust you to keep any firearms out of the hands of children, but we need to be prepared to defend this place. It’s all hands at the ready.”

The women nodded.

“Mrs. White, Marilyn, if you want to leave, no one will blame either of you.”

“Not a chance. My girl needs me.” Marilyn crossed her arms.

“This is my home, same as yours.” Mrs. White’s eyes flashed. “It’s also about time you call me Lenora, don’t you think? No, sir, we’re all in this together.”

“I couldn’t ask for better friends and workers.” He took one of each of their hands in his. “You ladies are the best. If you do see something, let me or Buster know. Do not approach the suspect yourself. Understand?”

Marilyn grinned. “I’ll be happy to call Buster for just about anything.”

His mood lifted a bit, and Dylan released their hands. “Let’s not say anything around the boys, and please keep an eye on Dani. I suspect she’s planning to flee.”

“You leave her to me.” Her mother frowned. “Dani is headstrong, for sure, but I’ll make her see reason. Guaranteed.”

“Don’t let her know I said anything.” He didn’t want her avoiding him more than she already was.

Satisfied that everyone on the ranch would be as alert as they could be, Dylan stepped back outside to the sound of children’s laughter. He could almost believe evil would stay away, the kids’ joy chasing it into the shadows.

But no, his time in the military, then as a widower, watching his wife die in his arms after falling from her horse and hitting her head—Dylan knew happiness could be fleeting and just out of reach. Still, he held onto hope that someday light and love would once again fill his heart.

Chapter Eleven

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