Page 41 of Cowboy Peril

Darryl grinned. “He’s got the hots for Parker Wells.”

Colt exchanged a glance with Dylan. “He tell you that?”

“Yep. Oh.” His eyes widened. “This about the cut security camera wire? I meant to repair that this morning. I’m sorry.”

“You cut it?” The sheriff frowned.

“Yeah. Collins wanted to leave Parker a surprise gift. He paid me a hundred bucks to help him do it without getting caught. Said it would ruin all the fun if it wasn’t a surprise.”

Colt wanted to strangle the idiot. “Are you aware that Collins is a suspect in a murder investigation? That he has made threats against Parker? Death threats?”

“No.” Darryl’s brows furrowed. “He said he liked her. I wouldn’t have helped him if I’d known otherwise.”

“How long have you been helping him?” The sheriff asked.

“Just a few times. I saw the chance to make an easy couple of bucks, but I didn’t mean any harm.”

“Done anything else that we aren’t aware of that would allow Collins easy access to the ranch?” Dylan’s eyes flashed.

“No, I swear. I only helped him onto the ranch a couple of times.”

“Did you take the puppy out of the barn last night? Do you know where Collins is?”

“He moved out of the motel. I don’t know where he went, and no I didn’t move the puppy out of the barn.” Again, he shook his head. “I did see him slip into the barn last night and then out, but didn’t think he intended any harm.”

“That’s the problem, Darryl. You didn’t think through any of this.” Dylan stood from his chair. “Pack your things. You’re fired. If I see you anywhere near the Rocking W, I’ll have you arrested.”

“But…”

“No buts. Your dismissal is effective immediately. I’ll make sure you receive a decent referral so you can work on a different ranch. Colt, see this man off the Rocking W.”

“Yes, sir.” Colt gripped Darryl’s arm. “Let’s go.”

They passed Parker on their way through the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I meant no harm.” He hung his head.

Her stricken gaze met Colt’s. “Guess my idea worked.”

“Guess it did. It won’t be as easy for Collins to get close to you now.” He prodded the man from the house.

Curious eyes followed them to the bunkhouse where Colt waited for Darryl to pack the few items he owned. “You’re lucky the boss is giving you a referral.”

“Yeah. I liked it here, but I’ll find work again. The cowboy life is fading, and there are always ranches in need of good hands.” He zipped his army-green duffel bag closed. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work here.”

“Maybe you’ll use your head the next time.” Colt led him to where the hired men parked their vehicles. “If you see Collins, don’t alert him. Just call the sheriff. Can you do that?”

“It’s the least I can do.” He tossed his bag into the back seat of a beat-up sedan. “Nice knowing you, Colt.”

“Yep.” He wished he could say the same, but after knowing about the man’s foolish escapades to make extra money, he’d lost all respect for him. He stood in the driveway as Darryl drove away from the ranch. Again, he felt incompetent at keeping Parker safe. How did he not suspect one of the ranch hands of helping Collins?

Because he’d trusted them, same as Dylan had. He’d trusted the wounded, the lost, and the ex-military men, assuming they all shared the same code of honor he did. That trust had led him to make a huge mistake. A mistake that could have killed Parker.

Chapter Eighteen

Colt bolted uprightwith a shout. Perspiration soaked the sheet under him. Another dream of him failing when his skills were needed most. Only this time the sightless eyes staring up at him were Parker’s.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and buried his face in his hands. The time was fast approaching when he’d see exactly how much he’d succeed or fail.Please, God, don’t let me fail.

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