The Cattleman. Angi Morgan

afford to have at the ranch, even when she thought Juliet was the only person within earshot. The task force didn’t know who supplied information to the cartel. All the workers on the Rocking B had to be treated like suspects. As did almost all the residents of the county.

      “You know,” she said, leaning back against the seat and stretching, “this is terrific. I’m in such a good mood. Nothing is going to stop me from feeling great. Not even Nick’s running away.”

      Kate and Andrea looked at her from the front seat.

      Oops. She hadn’t meant to be that relaxed this afternoon. Should she have told the task-force team while they were sitting in the café? Yes. Instead she’d shared it with their significant others just a few moments later.

      “Nick ran away?” Andrea asked, laughing. “That’s hilarious. Are you sure his horse wasn’t frightened?”

      “Andrea, don’t make me referee. I haven’t been out in almost a year.” Kate was calm and firm.

      “Okay, I’ll take the one hit that I don’t deserve. I told everyone up-front that I don’t ride a horse, but I do apologize for missing out on all the fun that happened while I was in the mountains.”

      “If you’re talking about all the fun of being abducted, you didn’t miss much.” Andrea was still understandably upset. “I don’t know Nick very well, but I can’t blame him for not wanting to get involved further. Not after being shot last year and then almost shot a second time. I don’t want Pete to face any of those murderers again, but there’s no way around it. He’s the sheriff.”

      “I know Nick very well.” Kate caught Beth’s curious gaze in the rearview mirror. “He’ll be back.”

      If she pretended not to have an opinion, maybe the subject would change without her admitting anything. She’d seen Nick’s bravery up close. She was the reason he’d been caught and held at gunpoint. He was probably out there right now looking for signs of the cartel traveling across his land.

      “Nick’s okay. He’s just stubborn,” she finally said.

      Kate lifted her wheat-blond hair off her neck. “Cord forced this on him and he’s rebelling.”

      “From what Pete tells me, you should know. Isn’t he an old boyfriend?” Andrea asked.

      Boyfriend? That must be a bit awkward for Nick. And a small detail Kate and Juliet had left out of their proposition. The awkward conversation was definitely revealing.

      “I’ve known him since we were children. Nick was never my boyfriend, no matter how much everyone believes it.” Her eyes looked only into the mirror, connecting with Beth’s a second time. “Should you talk about this with the guys? You can call as soon as we get to Alpine.”

      “His parents assured me he rides off for two or three days at a time and that he should be back tomorrow.” He’d better be back tomorrow. Her agency had extended her involvement, but only for a few weeks, whether part of a task force or not.

      “You can help him with that, right? Help with the running away?” Kate hinted at Nick’s PTSD symptoms. “With you at the ranch, he has a reason not to run into the mountains when he’s upset.”

      Kate looked and sounded genuinely concerned for Nick’s well-being. Andrea looked confused by the conversation. And Beth found herself unable or unwilling to lie or evade.

      “Well, I might actually be what he’s upset about this time. He left right after I told him your idea for my cover.”

      “He didn’t like the idea? I thought you guys were...well, you know,” Kate hedged.

      “Sleeping together.” Andrea didn’t mince words. “What was Kate’s idea?”

      “We’re keeping it professional, thank you.” Or would they? Could she keep straight when they were supposed to like each other and when they weren’t? Could Nick do that?

      “Seriously, what was Kate’s idea?” Andrea asked again.

      Ignore. She could ignore this topic. She didn’t have to confirm or deny anything.

      “That she’s his former college girlfriend here for an extended stay,” Kate answered. She looked to Beth. “I still think you need to tell Cord about this development.”

      “I promise if Nick’s not back tomorrow, one of the hands will help me find him.” Beth wished she could speak with confidence. But she had none.

      “I’d pay to see you back on a horse.”

      “Come on, Andrea. Let it go.” Kate quirked a well-shaped eyebrow that reflected in the mirror. “Finding him is easier said than done. Even I couldn’t find him if he doesn’t want to be found.”

      Kate had been born in Marfa and knew the area like the back of her hand. If she couldn’t find Nick, what chance did Beth have? And Andrea was correct. There was no way she could get on a horse. But she certainly could try.

      Andrea peeked around the headrest. “I’m done razzing you, Beth. I honestly wish you luck finding the smugglers in those mountains. No offense.”

      “Juliet said I need a new wardrobe. I hope you know where to go, Kate.” Beth nodded and the subject was officially changed.

      “We’re headed straight there.”

      Beth had less certainty she could accomplish her mission. Mucking stalls and feeding animals was building her cover, but it wasn’t teaching her the essentials she’d need to track down a stash of guns or drugs. She had to accomplish that in less than two weeks or she wouldn’t be returning as an agent—to the Chicago office or any DEA office, for that matter.

      She heard her chipped nails clicking against the hard plastic of the door and immediately clasped her hands. The nervous habit irritated her when it occurred. She absolutely hated the way they looked and felt after all the barn work. “Do either of you have a favorite salon? My nails need some help.”

      Andrea and Kate looked at each other and both of them said, “Okay.” Did they think she was crazy for wanting nice nails? Then they giggled like teenagers and held up their polished tips.

      “Call and see if Sonya can get her in this afternoon,” Kate said. “You’ll love her. She’s the best in Alpine.” Even with the thought of her nails looking their best again, her mood turned sour. It seemed there was one thing—or man—who could dampen her beautiful day. The missing Nick Burke.

       Chapter Four

      Nick had successfully avoided seeing Beth for two days. After the ejection ultimatum from his mother, and confirmation of it from his father, he’d taken her suitcases into the guest room. Then he’d put his gear into saddlebags and hightailed it into the mountains to look for wayward heifers.

      On horseback. A sure place Beth Conrad wouldn’t follow. It hadn’t stopped her from calling or texting, though, so he’d shut off his phone. He’d slept under the stars to clear his head. A fat lot of good that had done him. Every time he looked up at the night sky he remembered making love to Beth. At least the nightmares had been replaced with sensual dreams.

      The woman had a kiss that lasted all night long. Just the memory of it got his blood pumping. He didn’t know which nightmare was worse—a faceless man with a gun or a beautiful face with a shapely body. One he’d never be able to confront and the other even living with her, he’d never confront honestly.

      No matter how confusing, the open air had been good. He hadn’t seen signs of any smugglers or the heifers. He’d checked all the box canyons, the cabin and had just ridden randomly to any place smugglers could be squatting on his land.

      Not again. He wouldn’t allow the Mexican cartel or anyone else to operate from his ranch.

      That was