Page 22 of Reckoning with the Cowboy
“We’re heading out now,” he told her. “Maybe we could talk when Max and I get back? Got to go. Wish us luck.”
“Be safe,” she said and let him go. Inhaling a breath, she tried to take it all in. Both men had been in a hurry so she’d only gotten the abbreviated update. Grimes had been caught and Max’s and Cordell’s mother’s remains had been found, which they hoped would prove that Grimes had murdered her all those years ago.
Josie closed her eyes, feeling the brothers’ pain. She had only sensed what they’d been through before. Now she knew at least some of it. Her heart broke for them. As she silently wished them a safe trip, she sensed that it wasn’t over and feared what might be waiting for them down in Wyoming.
Then she put in a call to Esther Mason to make sure she was going to be home.
“Just heard from Cordell,” she told Goldie when she got up. “They caught the man from the mug shot Max sent. But still be careful. Why are you up so early? I thought you didn’t work until the afternoon shift?”
“I’m going to have to work a double,” Goldie said as she dumped two over-the-counter pain pills in her palm and got herself a glass of water. “My waitress is sick, and Clancy has to work at her real job. Don’t worry, I’ve got it. Also, it appears Max sent his deputy to walk me the few blocks to my job. He’s so thoughtful,” she said sarcastically.
Her friend had gone from hurt to anger. “He’s worried about you and I’m sure he’s upset that he’s responsible for the danger.”
Tears filled Goldie’s eyes. Josie could see that she was more frightened for Max than for herself. “If it’s over, then why am I still worried about him?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “See you later?”
“I’m going down to Grass Range to talk to Esther,” she called after her. “I’ll stop by the café when I get back.”
“Good luck,” Goldie said. “You’re going to need it with that old battle-ax.”
From the window, Josie watched her friend and Rance go down the street to the café. The deputy was strutting more than a little and laughing as they walked. He didn’t look worried. But Josie couldn’t shake her apprehension.
She sensed just the opposite of everything being all right. It wasn’t until she saw the open sign come on down at the café and the deputy leave to head back in the direction of the sheriff’s office that she headed for the family farm.
As she drove up in the yard, her sister came out of the house. “I’m surprised to see you.”
“I came by to pick up a few things before I head out of town.”
“I made some lemonade,” Amy Sue said. “Want some?”
Josie reached into her SUV for her insulated coffee mug. “Would love some in here.” Her sister took it and they both headed for the house, her sister turning toward the kitchen while Josie ran upstairs to her room, where she grabbed her large purse she often took when leaving town. She had dropped her handgun in the bag, telling herself as she always did that she wouldn’t use it unless it was a last resort. But she didn’t want her sister to know that she might need it.
“Where are you headed?” Amy Sue asked as she handed over the container as they walked back outside.
“Grass Range.”
“I’m afraid to even ask, but does this trip have something to do with Cordell?”
“He could be in trouble.”
“Isn’t he always?”
“This time, it feels…serious for both brothers.” On impulse, she said, “I need to show you a photo.”
Her sister recoiled as she took Josie’s phone and saw the man. “Who is he?”
She shook her head. “If you see him, call the sheriff’s department. Don’t confront him.” She knew what Max had said, yet the darkness she saw coming was now here and she couldn’t explain it.
“Fine,” Amy Sue said, handing back the phone. “I can’t imagine why he’d come out here, can you?” Josie couldn’t since Max had said the man had been arrested, but whatever had her scared was still lingering. If not this man, then someone maybe even more dangerous. “What, or should I ask who, is in Grass Range?”
“Esther Mason.”
Her sister laughed. “Why would you want to go see that old crone? Iris was the nicest person I’ve ever known and even she couldn’t stand her sister. Didn’t she throw Esther out of the boardinghouse after years of carrying all the weight?”
“Sisters don’t always get along.”
“Very funny. You know it was more serious than that. Esther was always carrying tales, butting into everyone’s lives, spreading lies and suspicion everywhere she went. She was walking misfortune and misery. I bet she’s spinning conspiracy theories now that they’re the rage.” Her sister frowned. “You think she knows something about this man I should watch out for?” She nodded toward Josie’s phone.
Josie shrugged and shook her head. “Won’t know until I ask her.”
