A Cowboy's Redemption. Marin Thomas

study too much. Let her enjoy her childhood.” José was stuck in a time warp in Papago Springs. He had no clue what went on in the world and how important it was for children to be prepared before they entered kindergarten.

      “The work sheets are fun and keep her busy. There’s nothing wrong with exercising the brain.”

      José made a growling sound in his throat and walked into the kitchen.

      “I’ll call if we won’t be home for supper.” She hurried outside before José protested. She understood that he was suspicious of Cruz because they knew so little about him. But from the moment Sara had looked into his brown eyes, instinct had kicked in and she knew he was trustworthy and meant them no harm. Years of being a nurse and questioning parents when they brought their sick or injured children to the clinic had taught her to read between the lines and decipher facial expressions and body language. She could spot a liar before they opened their mouth to speak.

      Too bad Antonio hadn’t listened to her when she’d insisted he quit working at the clinic in the barrio because it wasn’t safe. The night he’d been killed he’d called her before leaving the hospital to head to the clinic and she’d asked him not to go. She’d had a bad feeling that something would happen. And it had—Antonio had ended up dead.

      She always trusted her gut—it had never let her down. By the end of the day she’d know a lot more about Cruz and could put José’s worries to rest.

       Chapter Four

      “I’ll wait here,” Cruz said when he parked outside the realty office located in a strip mall in Las Cruces.

      “Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind having someone else listen to the Realtor in case I forget what he says.”

      Cruz nodded to the pay phone outside the grocery store across the lot. “I need to make a call.”

      She frowned. “You don’t have a cell phone?”

      “Nope.” And he doubted he’d be able to afford one anytime soon.

      “I admire you for snubbing your nose at technology. I’d give anything to fall off the grid for a month or two—” if Sara knew just how far he’d fallen off the grid in the past twelve years, she’d be shocked “—but I’m required to carry a phone with me at all times in case there’s an emergency at the clinic.” She hopped out of the truck. “I won’t be too long.”