Jessica's Cowboy Daddy - Melinda Barron Page 0,38

phone call to Matilda Dobbs?”

Jessica shrugged. “I have no clue. I never did like the woman, so she wasn’t on my favorites list. In fact, I deleted their numbers when Grant and I split.”

“Theirs as in hers and Grant’s?”

“Yes.” Jessica wished it were lighter so she could see her lawyer’s expression.

“That’s all I needed to hear.” Leslie opened her door and said, “I hope they have something to eat I’m starved.”

Once inside, Jessica was surprised to see three pizza boxes, a carton each of regular soda and diet soda, and plates of cookies, partially empty. There was also a room full of people, including the Coleman brothers, Natalie, Lizbeth, and the retirees. They all yelled out greetings, and Jessica started to cry.

Hawk came over and gathered her in his arms. “It’s okay, babe, it’s okay.”

“Thank you, everyone,” she said.

“Have some pizza,” Marty said. “We can warm it up for you.”

“Cold pizza is the best,” Jessica said. She looked over to where Leslie stood with Reed near the pizza. They went to a corner and sat down, and Jessica moved toward the food, Hawk’s hand on the small of her back.

“We’re not going to let them get away with railroading you,” Marty said. “I’ll testify that there’s no way you killed that woman.”

“Me, too!” Steve called out.

“Thanks, guys,” Jessica said as she put a slice of pizza on her plate. She should eat, but when she thought of what was happening, she thought she would vomit. Still, she should try. She picked up a can of diet soda and took a spot at an open table.

“You’re going home after you eat,” Lizbeth said.

“No arguments,” Natalie put in.

“None at all,” Austin said. “I’ll be here to keep watch on things, making sure no one comes in and causes problems.”

“I appreciate that.”

“We have something to help with that.” Marty stood and ran out the door. He was back moments later with a sheet of paper. “We’re going to plaster these all over town.” He handed the paper to Jessica. Once it was in her hands she examined it, then she laughed.

“He’ll sue you,” she said.

“Let him try,” Marty said.

“What is it?” Lizbeth asked.

“It’s a photo of Grant, and it says he is trying to railroad the authorities into pinning a murder charge on me. Then it says to call Hawk if you see him in town.”

Everyone laughed, and Jessica handed the paper to Hawk.

“You really should just say to be on the lookout for this guy,” Hawk said. “Don’t give him any ammunition to, as Jessica said, sue you.”

“Not changing it,” Marty said. “And we’re putting them up tomorrow—I mean today.”

“Damn straight,” Steve said.

“Thanks guys,” Jessica said. “I don’t want you to get in trouble because of me.”

“We started the gossip, and we’re ready to fight the problem,” Marty said. “You can count on us.”

Jessica smiled at them, and all of a sudden she felt ready to face the world with her friends behind her. But she was also tired. Her eyes drooped.

“Let’s go,” Hawk said. “We’re going to sleep at the ranch tonight, and then go to your house to face the music there tomorrow—today.”

She didn’t argue with him. After she’d said goodbye to everyone she climbed into Hawk’s truck. She laid her head on his lap and started to cry as he pulled out of the lot. As he drove he stroked her back, and Jessica knew there was nothing she couldn’t face without Hawk by her side.

Chapter 12

Jessica stumbled into the kitchen at noon the next day, wondering how she’d ever slept so long. The room was empty, and she let her gaze roam the counters. There were various appliances lining the walls, but she couldn’t find the one she really wanted—a coffee maker.

“It’s over here.”

Jessica turned toward Leslie’s voice. She sat at the table near a counter across the room. It had a single-cup coffee maker, and an old-fashioned one that made a huge pot of coffee. “I had trouble finding it, too,” Leslie said.

“Austin keeps this kitchen so tidy and organized,” Jessica said. “I’m usually here for dinner, so I don’t look for coffee until after the meal, and he always has it made.” She crossed the room, examined the pods and picked a flavor. As it started to brew she said, “Thanks for all you did last night.”

“I’ve informed them if they want to talk to you again they need to call me.” Leslie took a sip from her own coffee. She had a laptop open in