Page 58 of Moonlight Over Montana

“Susie used the word adventure so she didn’t give this a lot of thought. And didn’t she say it was for the weekend? I’m betting she expected Cash to bring her home Sunday.”

“Do you think he would have?”

“If he didn’t have something convoluted going on, he would have talked to Maggie first.”

Jed paced the length of the room, taking deep breaths while he centered himself. “I need to get back to Maggie so we can see what the SOB said to Susie.”

“I know you’re angry, but don’t do anything you’ll regret. Susie is going to need you and Maggie by her side when she realizes this wasn’t the right thing to do.”

“I’m not the girl’s father.”

“No, you’re not. But I’ve seen the two of you and you’ve created a strong bond. Cash, at best, will disappoint her, worst destroy her, but you’ll be her steady rock.” He looked over his shoulder in Maggie’s direction. “And she needs your strength too.”

“Thanks, Linc. I appreciate the pep talk. And you’re right, they do need me as much as I need them.”

Jed and Linc entered the kitchen again and Maggie had the laptop open. She didn’t look up at anyone. “I have one more try for a password before it locks.”

Jed asked, “What have you used?”

“Her birthday, my birthday, and I’m out of ideas.”

He thought about what had been on her mind the most the last several weeks. “Is it possible she’s changed it recently?”

Maggie nodded. “She’s very careful and updates her password on her computer and phone every three months.”

Jed thought that was ironic considering she went off with a man she didn’t know but was worried about her passwords. “What about barrel racing. All one word.”

Her fingers were poised over the keyboard. She looked at him. “I’ve got nothing to lose.” Slowly, she typed the letters and hit enter. The smile on her face said it all; she was in. Her fingers now flew over the keys. “Nothing in her email, but she has her instant message open. That should give us something since the other day she was very secretive about it.”

Jed didn’t know if he should be looking over her shoulder or giving Mags privacy to read the threads. Annie and Daphne laid out plates of sandwiches, carafes of what was labeled coffee and soft drinks. He wasn’t hungry and he was sure Maggie wasn’t either, but he had no idea when they’d be able to rest so he fixed her a plate and set it next to the laptop.

“Look at this. He mentions he has a place in Sheridan, Wyoming.”

Everyone in the room perked up. Jed pulled out a chair next to her and sat down. “Does it say where?”

She continued to scroll. “He’s talking a lot about her barrel racing and that she’ll be one of the best since she’s inherited her love of horses from him and wouldn’t it be amazing to have a father-daughter duo running the circuit.” Smacking the table, she said, “He just poured on the flattery, and she lapped it up like a cat with a bowl of cream.” She jumped up and paced the room. “It’s not like I prevented him from seeing her; it was his choice. He didn’t want her.” She buried her face in her hands.

Annie and Daphne rushed to her side and wrapped their arms around her. Annie smoothed Maggie’s hair back from her face. “You are a great mother and don’t you second-guess that for one minute. When she gets home, the two of you will sit down and talk about this. But for now, you need to call the sheriff and give him the information about Wyoming.”

Maggie looked at Jed. “I’m going to Sheridan; are you coming with me?”

His voice was soft but steady. “Where you go, I go.”

Annie looked at Linc. “Get chains ready for the dually. They need a heavier truck than Jed’s.”

“You’re not going to try and change my mind?” Maggie looked at her friends in a semicircle around her.

Annie placed a hand on her protruding tummy. “No. But you’re going to let us pack a cooler of food and drinks, and you’re taking our truck, but that’s after you call Tye Blackstone and tell him everything, including your plans.”

Jed handed her the cell phone. “Time’s a-wastin’.” He liked this fierce momma bear side of her.

“Hello, this is Maggie Brady, and I know where Cash is taking my daughter.”

29

Maggie shivered despite the warmth in the cab of the truck. She was anxious to get away from this storm and start making real headway to Wyoming. The roads were terrible. They had been driving for hours and so far had just gotten out of Bozeman.

“Jed?”

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