When he arrived at the closed bedroom door, he leaned close to it to listen for any sounds.
“Rory?”
He heard the lock turn then the door opened, and she threw herself into his arms.
“I was so scared,” she said against his shoulder.
“I know, baby. I’m sorry.”
“Did you see anyone?”
“No, but the yard lights are out.”
Rory pulled back from him. “They’re dusk to dawn lights.”
“I know, but someone must have switched them off. It’s easy to do. I think you should invest in motion detection lights. Cameras wouldn’t be a bad idea either.”
“All right. I’ll get some tomorrow.”
“The only lights on are in the parlors. As much as I hate to say this, I’m going to the bunkhouse. I want to see if anyone is awake.”
“But won’t they want to know why you’re up?”
Wilder shrugged. “I can just say I took a walk.”
“At two in the morning?”
“Yeah. I’ll just say I couldn’t sleep.” He kissed her lips. “I’d love to stay, but I need to take care of this.”
“I know. I hate it, but I know.”
“I’ll see you later in the barn.”
All right.”
Wilder stared at her for a few seconds. Then he headed for the kitchen, where he picked up his shirt, pulled it on, and walked out. He’d put his weapon in the glove box of his truck before entering the bunkhouse.
As he walked to the bunkhouse, he glanced around. Nothing seemed to be amiss, but he knew someone had been around the house, and all he could think was they were looking for him. He couldn’t believe it was to hurt or scare Rory. He knew Hal and Bernie were stealing from her, but he hoped they’d never physically hurt her.
He opened the door to the bunkhouse, entered as quietly as he could, and made his way to his bed. No one stirred. All he heard were the men snoring.
After removing his hat, he hung it on the peg, and crawled into his bunk. He knew he wouldn’t sleep. There was too much going on inside his head.
Being with Rory tonight was amazing, and he wondered how she’d feel if he told her he was in love with her. No other woman compared to her, and he wanted her in his life, but that couldn’t happen until he caught the thieves.
****
Rory entered a milking parlor to help move the cows. She had to blink back tears when she thought of Boo-boo.
“This is what you get for getting attached to them,” she murmured.
She couldn’t understand why anyone on this farm would do this to her. What had she done to make them want to steal from her? Was it because she was an easy target? She trusted them, and they betrayed her, and she would never forgive them for it.
“Hey, Rory.”
She looked behind her to see Abe.
“Hey, Abe.”