Page 9 of Cowboy Peril

“You’re so infuriating, Colton Dawson.” She crossed her arms and flounced back against the seat. “I’m going with my instincts. One of these days, you’ll see I’m right, and you’ll apologize.”

Not likely. “Why not ask LRPD to help you?”

“They don’t believe me,” she said softly. “Just like everyone else. No evidence doesn’t mean a crime wasn’t committed. They could at least look into things.”

He fought the urge to shake his head. “I’m sure they did.”

“I’m not talking to you anymore.” She lifted her chin and stared out the window.

He grinned, having gotten what he wanted—a quiet ride into town.

“Why Misty Hollow?”

He should’ve known she couldn’t go long without talking. “Why not?”

AT “It’s…secluded.”

“Which is why I like it.”

“It does have charm, I’ll admit. I’m thinking about relocating.”

God forbid. “There’s no nightlife here, Parker.”

“That no longer interests me.” She shot him a frigid glance. “A lot has happened in six months to make me see thingsdifferently.” Her gaze softened. “I’m sorry, Colton. I really am.” She turned her attention back outside.

He didn’t know what to make of her apology. Did it mean anything to him? Maybe she was lying. Only time would tell. Did hewantto accept her apology? No. Would he? Yes, because it was the right thing to do, even if it put him at risk of further pain. Colt wasn’t too worried about her staying in Misty Hollow. She’d grow bored soon enough, and he’d be free of her again. He’d have to harden his heart all over and push any thoughts of Parker Wells deep inside to keep the hurt at bay.

“What kind of man is the sheriff?”

AT “A fair one. Former FBI. This town has seen more than its share of trouble, but it’s always come out on the other side in fair-enough shape.” He’d grown to love the place despite the trouble over the last year. Now, he cast a sideways glance at her. Trouble might have once again arrived in Misty Hollow. Last time, one of the ranch hands had been killed. Hopefully, this time, no one would die.IfParker was telling the truth, and that was a great big if.

Chapter Five

Parker told herselfshe no longer cared whether people believed she was being stalked or not. She did, though; in fact, she cared very much, but she wouldn’t let their disbelief sway her.

She released a pent-up breath and climbed into the passenger seat of Colt’s truck before he could open the door for her. They worked together, nothing more.Work. She’d never had a job in her life. “Colt, I also need to stop by the bank, please. I need to transfer my account since I’ll be here for a while.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw, the only sign he wasn’t excited about her sticking around. Rather than say anything, he nodded.

They stopped at the bank first. Colt stayed in the vehicle while Parker went inside. The bank manager, Wilson Stephens, seemed overjoyed to have an account the size of hers transferred to his bank.

“I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying, but I’m living and working at the Rocking W for now.” She smiled and took the account book he offered her before returning to the truck.

Before climbing inside, she glanced up and down the sidewalk. No one seemed to pay her any undue attention. Shoppers strolled, cars passed, folks went in and out of the diner on a regular basis. Some of the tension in her shoulders slipped away. She was safe in this picturesque town of Misty Hollow.

“If it’s fine with you, we’ll park at the co-op, then walk to the sheriff’s office and market.”

Not a question really. “That’s fine.” She doubted the sheriff would believe her either. Seeing him would be nothing but a waste of time.

After a short walk from the co-op, Parker found herself seated across from a handsome man with shrewd eyes and afaint five o’clock shadow who studied her for a long moment before speaking. He shot Colt a quick glance, then said, “What can I do for you? I’m assuming there’s trouble at the ranch?”

“Not yet.” Colt shrugged. “This is Parker Wells. She’s…working there for a while and believes she’s being stalked by a man who killed her parents.”

The sheriff’s brows rose. “I’m listening.”

Parker told him of her suspicions regarding her parents’ death, the man at the bar, the murder of Tanya, and the note that disappeared. When she’d finished, she crossed her arms and waited for him to dismiss her.

Sheriff Westbrook leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze focused on her. “You’re positive?”

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