Shotgun Christmas Cardwell Ranch Trespasser by B.J. Daniels

Author:B.J. Daniels
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-09-15T21:43:41+00:00

* * *

Davy went down to the office the next morning. He’d smelled coffee and knew he’d find someone there working.

James was behind their father’s large old desk. He looked up, not seeming surprised. “Packing up to go?” he asked.

Davy helped himself to a cup of coffee from the pot that was usually going—except when something happened that called for them to dip into their father’s blackberry brandy. “You were right.”

James put aside his work to give Davy his full attention. “I’m always right, but you’ll have to enlighten me why this time.” Then he seemed to see his brother’s face. “You and Carla. She didn’t take it well, you returning to the circuit?”

He shook his head. “I actually thought I could talk her into going with me. Just for even a year, and if she hated it, I would have quit and come back here.”

“Did you tell her that?”

“What would be the point? She’s settled. My life isn’t for her even if I quit the rodeo. There was nothing I could say.”

“I’m sorry,” James said. “I know how you feel about her.”

All Davy could do was nod, his chest aching from the heartbreak when he thought about how much he loved her. “These days together... So tell me about Dad’s case,” he said, wanting to change the subject. “Willie thought he could get a copy of the file—or at least get a look at it.”

James shook his head. “It’s missing.”

“You know it’s those Osterman brothers’ doing. Both Osterman sheriffs were crooked as a dog’s hind leg. So there’s nothing we can do?”

“There’s a good chance there wouldn’t have been anything helpful in the file anyway,” James said.

“Or there could be something someone wanted to stay hidden,” Davy argued. “Why get rid of it otherwise?”

Before James could respond, Willie came in the door, followed quickly by their brother Tommy. One look at Davy and Willie said, “Sorry, bro. I get it, I do. But if after all this you still can’t find a way to be together—”

“You’ve never been in love,” Davy said to Willie as his brothers came in the door on a gust of winter-cold air and snow.

Willie looked as if he wanted to argue, but conceded the point since they all knew it was true. Their older brother guarded his heart closely when it came to women. “If it hurts as bad as you look, then I never want to fall in love.”

“How’s this sheriff’s deputy gig going?” Davy asked him, again anxious to change the subject.

“Good,” Willie said, sounding almost surprised himself. “I like it. I have a lot to learn and I’m definitely a rookie at this point, but...” He smiled. “I’m a fast learner.”

“We were just talking about Dad’s case,” James told them.

“I guess James told you that the file on the accident is missing,” Willie said. “But I did find out something interesting. I think Dad’s pickup might still be in Evidence. I just need to find out where if that’s the case.”

“I’m not sure I want to see his pickup if you find it,” Tommy said with a shudder.

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