High-Stakes Colton by Karen Anders

Author:Karen Anders [Anders, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-08-03T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Alanna strolled down Main Street in the heart of the district. The narrow tree-lined route favored by pedestrians was also home to sidewalk restaurants, basement nightclubs and retail stores, but Alanna was here for a purpose, not to shop. She adjusted her dark sunglasses, her hair tucked under a brown Stetson as she cut through Pegasus Plaza framed by the Magnolia Hotel, Iron Cactus Restaurant, Adolphus Tower and the Kirby Building onto Commerce and walked to a high-rise overlooking the JFK Memorial Plaza.

She entered the building, stopped at the front desk and smiled at the receptionist. “Daisy Martin to see Rebecca Stratton.”

The woman gave her a bright smile and consulted her computer as Daisy, aka Alanna, signed in. “She’s expecting you. Go right on up.”

Alanna headed for the elevator and went to the correct floor. As the doors opened a large sign in metallic letters read Rebecca Stratton & Associates. She made her way to the door with Rebecca’s name engraved in gold, then gave a cursory knock and entered at the request. A woman in her late forties with deep red hair and a still-trim figure in a dove-gray suit rose when she saw Alanna, her eyes widening.

Alanna closed the door and smiled.

Rebecca’s voice a sultry alto, she said with a quirk of her brow, “I wasn’t expecting you. Are you my ten o’clock?”

“Yes. Sorry for the secrecy and the alias, but I want to make inquiries and the Colton name makes everyone sit up and take notice.”

Rebecca came around the desk as Alanna experienced a rush of adrenaline and the thought: Was she really going to do this? At this point, she was just going to look. There wasn’t a commitment. She took off the hat and sunglasses. “Well, you are being so dramatic about it, it’s making my day. I feel like I’m in a spy novel.” She hugged Alanna then indicated a seat.

Becca watched her with an indulgent maternal look, then gave her a feral smile. “Don’t tell me you want to sell Colton Valley Ranch?”

“Ha!” Alanna’s stomach jumped and the knot that had been there ever since she made the decision to come into Dallas and talk to her father’s real estate agent and friend about changing her life and taking a chance...on herself. “No. I couldn’t even if I wanted to.”

“I’m so heartbroken over Eldridge. He is one of my dearest friends and quite the character. Has there been any news?”

“He’s very fond of you, too, Becca, and no. He’s still missing.”

Rebecca stared at her for a moment, her expression intent. She sat back, the panoramic view of the city behind her through the large windows. “What can I do for you?”

Alanna looked away, trying not to let her throat cramp up. It took a minute, and then she answered, her voice as strong as she wanted it to be. “I want to look into midsize properties that have either stables already on the property or lend themselves to building stables.”

“Oh my God,

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