a jeep parked outside the small dwelling and a man was watching their approach. He was dressed quite smartly so she assumed he had to be the seller’s representative.
“I think that’s our guy, there.” Julia pointed out of the window.
“Ya think?” Kaiden brought the truck to a stop. “Do you want me to stay here, or would you prefer me to get out with you?”
Aware that they were in the middle of nowhere with very patchy cell coverage, Julia opened her door. “You’re welcome to join me. It shouldn’t take long.”
She walked up to the guy and extended her hand.
“Hi! I’m Julia Garcia from MZB and associates. You must be Cameron.”
“That’s me.” Cameron’s gaze drifted over her shoulder toward where she assumed Kaiden was standing. “Hey.”
Kaiden spoke up. He’d left his Stetson in the truck and donned his dark glasses. “Don’t mind me. I’m just here to protect Ms. Garcia.”
Julia fought a smile as Cameron looked way more impressed than he should’ve.
“I’ve got some additional information from the ranch owner since I last spoke to your colleague at MZB.” He handed over another file. “There is a map of the boundary fences, the access to the river, and the best places to fish. He also said that there is an old roadway within the property that used to connect right through to the outskirts of the town, which maybe could be revived?”
Julia opened the folder and looked at the maps. “This is all really helpful. Thank you. Is it possible to take a tour of the boundaries noted here?”
“Yes, of course. I’ve got permission from the family to access the property and all the relevant keys and codes for the gates.” He patted his pocket and gestured at his jeep. “Would you like to come with me, or follow along behind?”
Julia turned to Kaiden and raised her eyebrows.
“What do you think?”
He regarded her impassively and took a long, slow look at the jeep as if assessing its defensive capabilities. “I’ll sit in the back.”
* * *
It wasn’t a big ranch. From the style of the fencing and the general layout, Kaiden guessed it had been started about the same time as his own family’s place around a hundred and fifty years ago. The Millers had arrived from the East Coast after a long and perilous journey in a wagon train where they’d lost several family members and eventually settled in Morgan Valley alongside the Morgans, the Lymonds, and the Gómezes.
It was also evident that the place was run-down, something that became even more apparent when they pulled into the yard of the ranch house. There were a few chickens about, but no other signs of life. Kaiden made sure to get out of the jeep first so that he could come around and get the door for Julia. Her decision to go along with his bodyguard fantasy was giving him life.
“All clear, Ms. Garcia,” he said as he scanned the area.
“Thank you, Miller.” She stepped out of the jeep like the queen she was and turned to Cameron. “Does anyone live here right now?”
As if in answer to her question, the front door of the house creaked open. An extremely old dog came out, cast them an inquiring glance, and lay down on the covered porch like it was far too much effort to bark.
“Can I help you, folks?”
Kaiden looked at the elderly man who had followed the dog out of the house and frowned. The guy looked vaguely familiar.
“Oh, hey, Mr. Evans! How are you doing today?” Cameron advanced toward the old man. “Do you remember me? I came out here with your granddaughter Jackie last week.”
“I remember you.” Mr. Evans didn’t look as if the memory gave him any joy.
“Is it okay if I walk Miss Garcia around the barn and the other structures here?”
“If you like.” He turned back toward the door. “Come into the house for a glass of lemonade when you’re done.”
“Thank you, sir,” Julia called out to him, her smile fading as he shut the door. “I feel bad disturbing him.”
“Just FYI, I don’t think he’s very happy about the decision to sell the place.” Cameron lowered his voice. “He can’t keep it going. His three daughters decided to step in to make sure he has enough money to live on for the rest of his life.”
Julia nodded, her expression thoughtful. “That’s a tough choice.” She pointed at the barn. “Shall we take a look in there?”
Kaiden touched her shoulder as she moved past