Page 30 of A Cowboy's Claim
“Thanks, but first, Raj here wanted to speak with you,” Luke said quietly. “I think you need to hear this.”
7
Raj took his time glancing around as if making sure no one could overhear them before shoving both hands deep in his pockets and fixing his gaze on a spot to the right of Declan’s shoulder. “I didn’t want to say anything if I’m wrong and get an innocent man in trouble, but if I’m right, you need to know.”
“I won’t condemn anyone without solid proof, so go ahead.”
The man fidgeted uneasily until Luke placed a hand on his shoulder.
Raj dipped his chin in a determined nod. “That young hand you’ve got working for you—Logan. I met him last week at horse camp. Seems nice enough. Steady worker. But he reminded me of someone...”
He hesitated for long enough Luke gave him another nudge. “Go on,” he encouraged.
“Before I came to Silver Stone, I worked at a boarding stable outside Calgary. Lots of high-class people kept animals there. Some not-so-high-class, but they had money. One was a lawyer type who got in trouble—turned out he was helping keep gang members out of prison.”
“How does that connect to Logan?” Declan asked.
“When the guy got arrested, investigators came by with pictures. Wanted to know if we’d seen any of the gang members hanging around. Trying to make connections, I guess.” Raj glanced briefly at Luke, then back to Declan. “Your ranch hand was one of the faces they showed me. I’m pretty sure. But it was nearly a year ago, so I could be wrong.”
Christ. They’d suspected Logan had a rough past—the kid showed up at High Water nearly beaten to death. “I’m glad you said something. I’ll get to the bottom of it. But he won’t be in trouble unless he’s guilty of something. That’s a promise.”
Raj exhaled in relief. “Good. He’s a decent kid. I’d hate to see him in trouble. I ran into him when he was warning off a couple of the older campers who were sniffing around Sasha and Jinx.”
“What?” Luke’s voice sharpened. “I never heard about this.”
“Because nothing happened. The girls weren’t in danger. Logan made sure of it—told the guys if they stepped out of line they’d answer to him. Kid’s small, but wiry. I wouldn’t want to scrap with him.”
“Thanks for sharing that.” Declan offered his hand and gave Raj a firm shake. He turned to Luke, because as much as he wanted to head home and ask Logan what the hell was going on, this had to come first. “Now let’s turn off the power to this section of the barn and deal with your problem.”
He didn’t stick around too long. Just long enough to help open the wall and discover the disaster that lay beyond—wires snaking from a dozen directions, broken glass everywhere, and what looked suspiciously like felt lining.
The Silver Stone foreman was now on the scene, and he swore softly. “I’m not positive,” Tucker said grimly, “but that could be asbestos.” The foreman took in the group of helpers who had gathered. “That’s it for today. We tarp and seal the opening until we can get an inspector out. Power stays off. If you’re working in this part of the barn, get used to using a headlamp.”
Luke patted Declan’s back as he spoke quietly. “Thanks again for all your help. And you know we’ve got your back if this thing with your ranch hand needs handling.”
“You’re good neighbours,” Declan replied. “I’ll let you know. But I don’t think it’ll come to that.”
Except he fully intended to have a conversation with Logan. Immediately.
When he got home, Dixie stood outside the stall where Jinx was brushing down Rainbow. Logan was cleaning the neighbouring stall.
Dixie’s tail wagged as Declan approached, her world finally in order with Jinx’s return.
Jinx dropped the brush and ran to Declan to offer a big hug. “I got a text from Sasha. Tyler’s okay. They put his shoulder back in place. He has to wear a sling, but he’ll be fine.”
Declan hugged her back. “Good to hear. You and Sasha acted fast. I’m proud of you.”
Her mood shifted in an instant, and she sniffled. “He wouldn’t have gotten hurt in the first place if we hadn’t taken him up there?—”
“That’s a load of horse hockey.” Declan’s tone sharpened. “How many times do you think he’s been up there before? Or Sasha? Or her sister Emma? That shaft’s been hidden long enough that Caleb might’ve even been a little tyke messing around with that disaster waiting the entire time.”
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
“I’m not glad Tyler got hurt, but I’m damn glad someone found that shaft. If that wiring had sparked the wrong way? Could’ve taken out the entire barn faster than anyone could react.”
She stared at him, visibly shaken. He debated sugar-coating it—but decided against it.
“Every old building’s got funky wiring somewhere. If you’re lucky, it’s near an edge. But that shaft was dead center. Would’ve been like a bomb going off in the middle of the barn. But it’s found now and they can fix it. Tyler’s young. He’ll bounce back like a spring colt.”
