The Marshal's Hostage - By Delores Fossen Page 0,23

In addition to the dirty little secret conversation, Dallas would need to see the evidence Joelle had found that would incriminate the piece of scum who was blackmailing her into marriage.

“It’s a nice place,” Joelle said when Dallas opened his truck door.

Dallas followed her gaze to the white limestone house. It wasn’t a new structure. The ranch had been in Kirby’s family for six generations.

“Most people just describe it as big,” he mumbled. And it seemed to be constantly growing. After Kirby had taken him and his five foster brothers in, he’d added a second floor and expanded the kitchen and living areas.

Joelle got out slowly, and even though she was no longer wobbling when she walked, her steps were tentative. “I’m still not sure this is a good idea.”

Before Dallas could remind her again that they were short on options, the front door opened and Declan stepped onto the porch that stretched across the entire front of the house.

“Joelle,” Declan greeted. He said her name with some disdain. No doubt because of her inquiry that could ultimately burn Kirby.

Dallas frowned, grabbed her overnight bag and joined them. Joelle looked a little hurt by Declan’s frosty welcome, and there was good reason for that. Back at Rocky Creek, she and Declan had always been friendly in a big sister, little brother kind of way. But Dallas really didn’t want her welcomed back with open arms.

“You look good,” Joelle said to Declan. “I’ve missed you.”

That didn’t sit well with Dallas, either, and he didn’t take the bark out of his tone. “We have to talk to Kirby,” he said as he put her bag on the entry floor and pulled off his Stetson. He hung it on its usual hook next to the door.

“Yeah,” Declan acknowledged. “Clayton called and filled me in. Kirby knows, too.”

“And he’s up to seeing us?” Joelle asked.

Declan shook his head and tipped his head for her to follow him inside. “Not really up to it, but he insisted on the visit.”

“Then we’ll keep it short,” she promised.

Declan started toward Kirby’s bedroom at the back of the house. “Is Joelle staying the night?”

“No,” she answered, probably because she felt about as welcome as the flu.

“Yes,” Dallas contradicted. “Until those gunmen are found, she’s staying with one of us.”

Declan didn’t argue with him, though Dallas thought Joelle might.

“I’ll have Loretta fix up the guest room,” his brother commented. “Loretta’s our housekeeper,” Declan added, glancing back at Joelle.

“Loretta Wiggins,” she said as they wound their way through the hall.

“You know her?” Dallas asked, surprised.

Joelle nodded. “When the governor asked me to look into Webb’s death, I asked for background checks on all of you, including your help here at the ranch.”

It made him wonder what else she’d done. And learned. She certainly hadn’t learned anything from his immediate family firsthand but had instead sent her assistant, a pasty-faced lawyer, to interview him and his foster brothers. Maybe because Joelle hadn’t wanted to personally confront what she thought would be a bunch of riled lawmen.

Or maybe she just hadn’t wanted to confront him.

They stopped in front of Kirby’s door, and Declan looked at them. “He’s been out of it most of the day. Asking for Stella again.”

“Stella Doyle?” Joelle immediately asked. “The cook who was at Rocky Creek?”

Declan nodded, then scratched his head. “Didn’t even realize Kirby and Stella knew each other that well, but he wants to see her.”

“One of my people interviewed her,” Joelle offered. “I’m sure we have current contact information.”

Dallas huffed. He already had too much on his plate, but if Kirby wanted the woman to come to the ranch, he’d figure out a way to get her there. As long as Kirby didn’t want to see Stella for some deathbed farewell, that is. He didn’t want Kirby giving up on the treatments.

When Dallas reached for the doorknob, Joelle took several deeps breaths. She opened her mouth, probably to repeat that this wasn’t a good idea, but Dallas opened the door anyway. And there Kirby was on the bed.

Hell.

He looked worse than he had earlier when Dallas left for the church to stop Joelle’s wedding. Kirby opened his eyes. Not without some effort. And he turned his head in their direction. He even managed a watery smile for Joelle’s benefit.

God, it hurt to see him like this. Kirby had always been so strong. A hulk of a man. And now the cancer and the treatments had reduced him to practically a skeleton.

“I’ll get Loretta started on