Page 21 of Dirty Cowboy

“It’d be good if you checked out the town before Annabelle comes home. Make sure it’s safe. He hasn’t been seen in a while, but better safe than sorry.”

The lie tastes like ash in my mouth. Guilt twists in my gut, but I push forward.

Emma’s nose crinkles, but before she can ask more, Tristan and Julian return.

Tristan adjusts his suit jacket. “Ems, if you need more info on Huntz, I’m sure Eric can provide everything necessaryin Lords Valley.”

Julian adds, “You’ll be staying with Ethan and Joanne.”

I hold my breath as Emma processes the trap we’ve just set.

Nervousness and desperation churn inside me. I should’ve done more to convince her, but the fact that she’s my best friend’s little sister keeps me locked in a cage of restraint.

“Will you keep me updated on Dad’s condition?” she asks her brothers, her voice barely concealing the weight of her decision.

“Of course, we will,” Tristan assures her.

“I want daily updates.” She leans forward, gripping Julian’s arm as if anchoring herself to home.

Julian stands, placing his hand over hers. “We’ll call every day. I promise. We can FaceTime too.”

I open my big mouth. “It won’t take long. Maybe a week or so.”

Emma turns to me, her blue eyes sharp. “Dad may not have a week or so.”

Shut the fuck up, Eric.

I meet her gaze with every ounce of silent desperation I have left. She exhales, and her eyes soften.

“All right. I’ll do it. I need to pack, say goodbye to my parents, and change the oil in my car. It’s a long drive.”

Julian gestures toward the suitcase by the glass wall, and Emma follows his gaze, confusion flickering across her face.

“Grace helped us pack your stuff.”

Her frown deepens. “I’m beginning to feel like you two are trying to get rid of me.”

I stand and offer my hand. She hesitates before accepting it, her grip warm, steady.

Tristan clears his throat. “Just trying to be efficient. You don’t have time to go home. Eric’s train leaves at noon, and George is waiting downstairs to drive you to the station.”

Her fingers twitch against mine before she pulls away. Hesitation lingers in her eyes, but Tristan seals the deal.

“The sooner you leave, the sooner you come back. You know, Ems, this is the case that could open the door to your partnership.”

Her head snaps up, and her focus sharpens. She smooths down her suit and turns to me, extending her hand like a true professional.

“Congratulations, Mr. Waters. You’ve hired the best company in the country, and I promise Silver Securities will not disappoint you.”

I have no doubt, her one-zero-zero-point-zero success rate is well earned.

Her brothers exchange a knowing look, which she misses, and my guilt soars.

“Thank you, Emma.” I grab her suitcase and motion forward. “After you.”

Emma slings her sunflower-patterned laptop bag over her shoulder, the fabric worn but familiar. It’s the only thing brightening up her otherwise all-business travel outfit, a little piece of warmth she clings to as she leaves behind the city and heads into the unknown.

She embraces each of her brothers before leading us out of the office. Her fingers tighten around the handle of her laptop bag as we descend to the waiting car. George, the company’s longtime driver, stands by the limo, silver hair tousled by the breeze, his kind smile unwavering. I load Emma’s suitcase into the trunk and slide into the seat across from her.

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