“Do you think she is?”
“I don’t know. I just got a bad vibe when we rode the fence.” Hal shrugged, then narrowed his eyes at Wilder. “She better not have a clue,” he said.
Wilder put his hands up. “Hey, don’t look at me. I’m in this too. I like that money too much.”
“You just remember what I told you about saying anything,” Hal said.
“I haven’t said a thing.”
“We’re all on edge. The… people we’re doing this for are getting anxious.”
“Anxious? About what?”
Hal shrugged. “Hell if I know. I have no idea who they are, but we do whatever they want.”
“I see.”
“I’m glad you do, but hey, all I care about is that money.” Hal slapped him on the shoulder, then strode down the aisle.
“Damn it.” Wilder shook his head and got back to work.
That evening, he sat in a chair on the porch of the bunkhouse, staring at Rory’s house. He wanted to go to her, but he couldn’t chance it.
The door behind him opened, and Abe stepped out.
“Hey, Wilder.”
“Abe. How goes it?”
“I’m damn tired, man.”
Wilder chuckled. “It never stops on a dairy farm, does it?”
“No. I’ve been here a while. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, but it can get to even the strongest men.”
“Rory seems to do her part, though.”
Abe nodded. “Yeah, I think she can outwork all of us.”
“Damn shame about her cows.”
Abe took a seat in the other chair.
“It is. Joel and I were talking about it. Rory is great to work for, and this hurts her. She doesn’t deserve it.”
“No one does. A rancher or farmer provides for people, and if people steal their livelihood, it hurts everyone.”
“You’re exactly right.” Abe put his feet up on the rail of the porch.
Wilder knew then that Abe wasn’t involved, but he had to be sure. He got to his feet and glanced over his shoulder at Abe.
“I have to make a phone call. I’ll be in later.”
“Sure thing.” Abe stood. “I’m going in.”
Wilder nodded but knew Abe didn’t see it. He walked down the steps, around the building, pulled his cellphone from his pocket, and scrolled through the numbers until he found the one he wanted and hitSend.
“Wilder? What’s up?” Reece said when he answered.