Page 82 of A Cowboy's Trust
“No, you’re right.” Declan rested his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “But that doesn’t mean we’ll stop trying to make a difference.”
Petra held up a finger. “I can make sure we know where she is at all times.” She coughed lightly. “Um, I might have already planted a couple tags in her stuff, but you never heard that if the police ask, okay?”
A burst of laughter rippled around the room, exactly what they needed at that moment. Jake nodded. “There’s one plan in place already.”
Something hit his hand where it rested on the table. He glanced over to see Tansy pushing his journal toward him, a pen held at the ready. “This is where your skills shine. Let’s make some plans.”
For the next half hour they brainstormed.
They’d covered just about every scenario possible when a knock sounded and the door swung open. Jinx poked her head in. “My bus will be here in five, and Logan’s on his way across the yard. Is it okay to let him in?”
“He’s fine to join us.” Petra slid toward the door, and Jake went with her. “Thank you. Did you have time to grab everything you need for the day?”
“I’m good.” Jinx glanced at Logan who was still walking slowly toward them. “Is it Melissa?”
“Yeah, but we’re dealing with her.” Jake offered his hand to Jinx. “It might not seem like you did a lot, but knowing you were out here to stop interruptions helped us concentrate. Thanks.”
To his surprise, Jinx ignored his hand and tucked herself in tight for a hug. “You guys take good care of me. When there are little things I can do, I want to help.”
Petra hugged the girl as well then pushed her toward the road. “There’s the bus. Scoot. We’ll talk tonight, okay?”
“Okay. Bye Petra. Bye Jake. Hey, Logan, you’re moving better today.”
Logan waved at her.
“Yup, definitely better. More like a turtle than an amoeba,” Jinx tossed over her shoulder. Dixie barked excitedly, racing back and forth from her to the porch.
“Just you wait. I’m going to run circles around you someday,” Logan called after her before shaking his head and pausing at the bottom of the steps. “Someday that is not today or tomorrow. Morning, guys. I hit the barn this morning, but no one was around. I did the chores, but did I miss a message?”
“Just a ranch organizational meeting,” Petra offered.
Jake nodded. “Thanks for doing all our jobs. I bet we can find you breakfast.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Logan took his time up the steps then motioned back toward the living quarters. “The kid is awake. He helped in the barn for a while, but when you didn’t show up, he went back to the apartment. His mom was messing around in her car when I went by. Looks as if she might be heading out soon.”
Dammit. Which meant there was no time to hesitate. “Thanks.” Jake met Petra’s gaze. “Guess I’m off to have a chat with Melissa.”
“Okay.” Petra looked worried but she nodded. “No matter what, we’ve got your back.”
Funny how every step toward the apartment felt as if Jake’s legs were made of lead. There was none of the joy he’d had a few days ago, playing with Jeffrey and taking deep breaths of the spring air.
He paused just shy of the corner of the residence complex. The doors were open on Melissa’s car, and she had boxes and bags piled on the walkway outside the apartment.
She hurried to the car and tucked away a couple more items then turned and made eye contact.
The change in her expression was nearly comical. She smiled brightly, all the intense focus gone as she carelessly closed the car door and paced toward him. “Morning. I was just about to come see you. Maybe we can get a coffee in the house?—”
“We’ll talk here,” Jake suggested.
She raised a brow at his interruption. “Well, let’s go inside then. I need to listen for Jeffrey. He fell asleep again right after breakfast.”
Melissa twirled on a heel and slid into his suite.
Jake took a deep breath. Maybe this wouldn’t end up a shit show—but he’d have to be Suzy Fucking Sunshine to believe that bull.
Just inside the door, Jake stopped. There wasn’t a single sign of food or breakfast dishes around, and he ached for Jeffrey all over again. But the kid was asleep on the couch, so that much was positive.
Melissa twirled toward him, face expectant. “What’s up?”
