“He’s not. He would never do that to this farm or me. He’s been here for a long time. He’s fifty and the Heston’s hired him when he was eighteen.”
“Maybe he thinks it's too long and wants more money.”
“He just got a raise. I want to tell him.”
“You will say nothing to anyone. Rory, if they eventhinkyou know, they could hurt you, and I don’t mean by taking more cows.”
She stared into his eyes and saw determination. She sighed and nodded.
“All right. I won’t say anything to anyone. I promise.”
****
Wilder nodded, kissed her lips and left the house. He made his way to the parlors and helped with the cows for the rest of the day. The more he thought about having to take Boo-boo, the more pissed he got. She loved that cow. Hell, she loved them all, but he knew how much that cow meant to her, and it tore him apart knowing he’d been the one to take her.
“Fuck,” he muttered.
“What’s wrong?” Buster asked.
“Nothing. Just got a lot on my mind right now.”
“I see. A lot is going on around here lately.”
“Yeah.”
“You seem distracted, though. Anything up with you?”
“I’m fine, Buster. I need to get to work.”
“All right. I’ll be back around later.”
Wilder nodded, but Buster had already walked away. He had never gotten so involved in a case before, and if Dave knew, he’d yank him right off it. Agents were to do their jobs, then move on to the next one. Wilder didn’t want to move on. He wanted to solve this case so bad, he could taste it.
He watched Buster stroll through the building and then head outside. Wilder wasn’t sure about him. He knew Rory didn’t think he could be involved, but Wilder had to look at all of them. Bernie told him there was more than him and Hal. Who else could it be? He didn’t get a bad vibe from Abe, or Joel, so that only left Buster and Duane. Wilder always trusted his gut on cases, but his gut wasn’t telling him much this time.
****
Rory woke up and looked at the clock. Two in the morning, and she felt wide awake. She wished Wilder was with her. She loved being held by him. She lovedhim.
She tossed the blankets aside and headed for the kitchen with a deep sigh. Maybe some warm milk would help.
She flipped the overhead light on in the kitchen and blinked at the brightness. She got a mug from the cupboard, poured milk into it, placed it in the microwave, and hit the minute button.
As she waited for it to finish, she stiffened when she heard footsteps on the porch. She was about to turn the light out when someone knocked, and she slowly made her way to the door and turned on the porch light as she looked out the blinds. She blew a relieved sigh when she saw Wilder.
“Come in,” she said after unlocking the door and opening it.
He strode in, then turned to look at her.
“What are you doing up?” he asked her.
“I couldn’t sleep. Why are you up? It’s two in the morning.”
“I was just checking around and noticed your kitchen light. Are you all right?”
“Am I all right? How can I be, Wilder? My men are stealing my cows.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”