“Pigs taking your cows?” He chuckled. “All right, but you’re in for it, woman, once they’re gone.”
She softly laughed. “Can’t wait.”
He moved to stand up, but she wrapped her fingers around his wrist and saw him look at her.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Don’t be. You were right. We jumped into bed way too fast.” He touched her cheek. “Next time, we’ll walk slower to the bedroom.”
She snorted, then covered her mouth with her hand.
“Deal,” she said as she lowered her hand.
“Stay here,” he whispered, got to his feet, and disappeared as he walked closer to the road.
Rory peered out through the dark woods but couldn’t see anything other than the trailer since the moon reflected off it. She could hear men’s voices, but she couldn’t understand what they said. Pushing to her feet, she quietly went to where Wilder had gone but stopped when she heard a truck start up and drive off.
“Damn them,” she muttered as she got to the edge of the woods.
“You have got to be the most stubborn woman I have ever met,” Wilder said from beside her.
She let out a scream and placed her hand over her heart.
“You scared me to death,” she snapped.
“Just what did you think you were going to do?”
“I heard the truck start up and leave.”
“That doesn’t mean they all left, Rory.” He shook his head. “Holy shit, woman.”
Rory gasped. “I didn’t think of that.”
“Maybe that’s whyI’mthe livestock agent, and you run a dairy farm.”
“I might be stubborn, but you’re a smartass, Agent Richards.” She looked toward the road. “Are they all gone?”
“Yes. I saw them get into the truck, but it was so damn dark and they’re wearing ski masks. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
“Where did you park?”
“My truck is on the main road. I’m hoping they won’t see it. The last time their tracks went in the opposite direction.”
“Okay. I’ll walk back to the farm.”
“I’ll drive you. Come with me.” He took her hand and led her down the road to his truck.
When he opened the door for her, she climbed in, and he closed it. She watched him walk around the front of the truck, then his door opened, but he didn’t get in.
****
Wilder stood beside the truck, removed his vest, and slid onto the seat. He pulled his cellphone from his pocket, opened the camera app, and scrolled through the photos.
“Damn it,” he swore.
“What?” Rory asked him.
“I didn’t get a license plate. I have pictures of the back of the trailer, but they covered the tag with something.” He glanced at Rory. “They know what they’re doing. They might not think any cameras are there, but they’re not taking chances.”