same picture to me just a few days ago.” He pushed his hat back on his head. “Somebody is going to figure this thing out, I’m mighty afraid, Journey.”
“Well, so what? You’re not doing anything illegal.”
“No, I guess I’m not.”
“The worst that could happen is that the government gets wind of it and they kidnap you to study like a specimen in a lab.”
His eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open. “What did you say?”
She giggled. “I’m kidding. Mostly. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
He didn’t look so certain. “So, who is this Skye McCoy?”
“Well, she’s Native American, like you. And she’s married to one of the McCoy’s” She emphasized the word ‘the’.”
“Really? Are the McCoy’s still feuding with the Hatfield’s?”
She stared at him blankly for a moment, then laughed. “Wrong set of McCoy’s. I think.” She shrugged. “They could be related, I don’t know. No, what I meant was that they’re a prominent family in the state. They own two of the biggest ranches in Texas. Very influential people, but very down to earth.”
“Where are these ranches of theirs?”
“Tebow is south of Austin in a town called Kerrville.”
“I know where Kerrville is.”
“The other branch of the family’s ranch is fairly close. Highland Ranch is on the left bank of Lake Buchanan.”
“I’m not familiar with that lake.”
“I guess it was built later when they built the dam.”
“What’s the nearest town to the ranch?”
“Burnet.”
“Oh, yes. I know where that is. Close to Fort Croghan. I’m familiar with the town.”
“I’ve never heard of Fort Croghan, but Burnet’s not too many miles from Packsaddle Mountain.”
“Right. I’ve been through there several times.” He seemed to consider the matter carefully. “Do they hire many ranch hands?”
His question took Journey by surprise. “Uh, I they suppose do.” Was he thinking about getting a job? “Why do you ask?”
He shrugged his wide shoulders. “I don’t know. If…I end up staying, I’ll need to earn a living somehow and ranching is all I know. Except soldiering.”
His idea thrilled her soul, but she decided not to make a big deal about it. She didn’t want to make him uncomfortable with her overt enthusiasm. “Well, if you choose to take part in the fundraiser, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to meet those ranchers.”
He gave her another level look. “I’ll think about it.”
That was all she could ask.
Dingdong-dingdong.
“What is that?” Reno asked, tensing a bit.
“Take it easy, Quick Draw. There’s someone at the door.”
“Who is it?” he asked, following her to the front hall.
“Well, I don’t know but I’m sure they’re friendly.”
“What if it’s those men who were chasing you?”
“Do you think they’d ring the doorbell?” She made a face at him as she stood on tiptoe to look through the peephole. “Oh, it’s Lou!”
Dingdong-dingdong. The bell sounded again just as she opened the door to let in her friend. “Come in! Good to see you.”
Lou gave her a quick hug. “What took you so long? I was beginning to think you’d gone to bed.”
“Well, I didn’t expect to see you tonight.” As she greeted her friend, she bent to calm the excited dachshunds.
“When you said you needed me to come early, I didn’t waste any time. What’s wrong? How can I help?”
Journey didn’t say anything. She just pointed at the cowboy who was standing to one side.
Lou followed her finger, finally noticing Reno. “Well, hello. I didn’t know you had company.” She glanced at Journey, then whipped her head back to take a second look at Reno. “Holy Mother of God!” She staggered to grab onto the edge of a table. With stark shock and disbelief, she glared at Journey. “Is that who I think it is?”
Knowing Lou recognized Reno for who he was, all she could do was nod. “Yep.”
“Why? How? Holy Mother of God!” She squealed again, bending over to catch her breath. “What the hell have you done, Journey? Sold your soul to the devil?”
Reno was just standing there, looking questioningly from one woman to the other.
Journey stepped over to pat Lou on the back. “It’s okay. Everything’s okay. Do you need a glass of water?”
“No. Give me a second. My systems are overloading.” She took some deep breaths, then raised up to stare at Reno in absolute wonder. “How in the world did you make this happen?”
“Well, we’re not really sure. That’s why I asked you to come.” Journey smiled weakly. “Lou, this is Reno. Reno this is my best friend, Louisiana Evans.”
Moving forward, he offered Lou his hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”