refused to leave my side, a darkness had settled into my soul. I was angry, bitter, but I certainly wasn’t confused.
Greed and power. In my mind, both were akin to creating corruption no matter how decent a person.
He took my hand, fingering my palm. “I know you do.”
“Stop worrying. This will all be over in a little while.”
Over. I had the distinct feeling we’d both suffer from nightmares for quite some time.
“I’ll be right outside.”
I turned my head, staring him in the eyes. “I know you will. You better be, or I will hunt you down.”
His boisterous laughter was exactly what I needed.
“I do love you, Danni Brexton, even if you are one hell of a brat.”
Leaning over, I gave him a quick kiss before opening the door, smoothing down my shirt after climbing out. I felt numb inside, uncertain if I was actually doing the right thing, but the truth had to come out.
I plastered a smile on my face as I walked toward the door, trying to pretend this was just a normal day. After knocking twice, my stomach did a series of flip-flops. My days at being an amateur sleuth were definitely over. When the door opened, I almost panicked.
“Hey. I didn’t know you were coming by.”
A flash of memories from both the past as well as the present rushed into my mind, both creating a wave of sadness. “I’m sorry. I just thought I’d stop by, maybe have a glass of wine. You seem surprised to see me.”
Sandra exhaled before ushering me in, but she looked over my shoulder as if expecting someone else. “I just thought you were working hard on obtaining clients. Hey, it’s five o’clock somewhere, right?”
“I’m surprised you’re home. I went by the coffee shop.”
“I know. I just decided to take a day off. I’ve been working long hours.” She walked toward the kitchen, her body tense.
“Pretty dressed up for a day off,” I said, noticing the slim skirt and beautiful blouse. “Very professional looking, as if you’re going to a meeting of some kind.”
“A meeting? For a coffee shop? I might just have a date later. Okay? You caught me.”
As I waited, I gazed around the townhouse, realizing that I’d never paid attention to the fact she didn’t have any pictures displayed. Not a single one. What I did notice was her purse positioned on the dining room table as if she’d been prepared to leave.
“Red’s okay?” she asked as she brought an already opened bottle and two glasses.
“Absolutely. I’m the mood for something robust.”
“Oh, does that mean you have exciting news? Maybe that hot cowboy of yours?” She laughed as she poured the wine, finally placing the bottle on the coffee table then walking toward me with a glass. She continued to search my eyes, a hint of fear in hers.
“I just wanted you to know that you were right that Holt Wills is a dangerous man.”
She cocked her head, swallowing hard. “What happened?”
“Well, he managed to save my life, possibly twice.”
“He did? What happened, Danni? Are you okay?”
“Oh, I am now.” I took a sip of my drink, moving toward her bookshelves and taking my time. “I’m surprised you didn’t tell me that you knew Mustang from years ago.” I heard the slight cough, although she attempted to cover it up.
“I barely knew him, mostly his reputation.”
“Hmmm… You didn’t actually consider running away with him with you were fifteen? That’s what Mustang told me. I think he cared about you deeply.” I slowly turned my head, studying her reaction.
While she paled, the same smile remained. “I thought that might bother you. We were kids. He was just a fling.”
“Right. Of course. But your father never forgave him, did he? Not only for the horses but for refusing to accept a bribe to stay out of your life. My guess is that your powerful father didn’t like the fact Mustang threatened him with telling everyone, including you about the bribe.”
“I…” She chewed on her lower lip as she stared at me. “Like I said, that was a long time ago.” She knew about the bribe all right.
“Yes, it was.” I took a few sips of wine before turning to face her. “I had to wonder why you mentioned anything about cattle fraud to me after I told you about what I’d experienced. I mean, I realize that you were tipsy, but were you attempting to see if I had what it took to come and work with you? I mean