Because of her rude comment at the restaurant? That was before she got to know him. If he was more observant, he’d notice how her pulse often raced or how her face would slightly heat when he touched her. Good thing he couldn’t read her mind. That would be wildly embarrassing.
“As long as we’re being honest, I will admit that you were the last man on Earth I considered ever going out with—not that this is a date—but that was before I learned what you're really like.”
He smiled, and her heart beat extra hard. “Thank you.”
If anything happened to Benson or Preston while they were helping her, Ariel would never forgive herself. “Suppose a fight does break out at a casino you're visiting. How well can you handle yourself?”
“Truthfully?”
“Yes.”
“I can hold my own, but I’m not nearly as good as Preston. He’s been asking me to go to the gym for years, but I’m always too busy.”
“What if someone pulls a gun on you? Do you even own a weapon?”
“Yes. I’m sure you are aware that my father owns the Double G Ranch.”
“I am.”
“Coyotes and wolves often threaten a herd, which was why we were given rifles from a young age. I learned to be a good shot. ”
That made her feel a little better. She leaned forward. “If you go to this casino, won’t the people there know you? You are a Granger after all.”
He shrugged. “The casino in question is in Midvale, so they might not. If we deem it dangerous, we might ask a few of my cousins to tag along. The Westons are more connected than the Grangers.”
She liked that they wouldn’t be alone. “Does your uncle know of anyone who is a snitch?”
He cracked up. “A snitch? Do you mean does my uncle have confidential informants in the gambling and drug arena?”
“Yes.”
“I will have to ask him, but since Wildwood doesn’t have a big gambling or drug problem, I’m thinking not. That being said, our townsfolk would probably have to go to Midvale just like Trent if they want to gamble.”
Their server returned and asked if they needed anything else. He looked at Ariel, but she shook her head. “We’re good. Just the check.” Benson turned back to her. “What are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?”
He was probably testing her to see if she’d do what he’d asked—which was to let him and Preston investigate. Ariel told him the truth. “I need to continue packing my brother’s things since he won’t be returning to his place any time soon. While I’m at his house, I want to see if there might be anything on his computer from, say, a person threatening him or demanding money.”
“My uncle looked through it already. He is pretty thorough. Nothing was found on it regarding the case.”
“That’s good to know. Speaking of being thorough, there was black fingerprint powder all over the kitchen and bedroom, but I didn’t check outside. Did they dust the window sills and doors also?”
“I think you might have missed your calling, but the answer is yes. The bedroom window was closed but unlocked. There were no fingerprints.”
“Did anyone ask Trent whether he left the window open? Growing up, we were paranoid about people sneaking into our house. He always locked the windows.”
“I didn’t ask him. If it was warm in the room, perhaps he wanted some fresh air.”
She doubted that. “It’s a little late in the season for that. Trent said he passed out as soon as he hit the bed. Samantha could have opened the window, though, but we’ll never know.”
The server delivered the bill, and Benson paid. “Thank you,” Ariel said.
“Anytime.”
They slipped out of the booth and left. The trip back to the prison was a short one. Once they got out of the car, Ariel turned to Benson. “I appreciate you wanting to help.” And she meant it.
“Putting an innocent man in jail—if Trent is innocent—is always my worst nightmare.”
Ariel wasn’t sure what came over her, but she stepped up to him, stood on her toes, and kissed his cheek. When heat raced up her face at that bold move, she swiveled around and rushed to her car without waiting to see his reaction. Why had she done that? Was it because he had taken the time to speak with her brother, or because there was a goodness inside him that drew her to him?