“She’s good,” I say with a nod before I wave and hurry across the road to the diner.
I am not about to get stuck in gossip with Martha Turner. I will never be able to get away.
“Well, howdy, Wade!” Miss Betty calls out from the kitchen as I walk in. “It’s good to see you in here. It’s been a while.”
“Hey, Miss Betty.” I grin. “It sure is nice to see you in the kitchen.”
“That daughter of mine sure tries, says it’s better for my health to relax, but I don’t agree.”
I chuckle and nod. “I understand that.”
“One of the girls will take your order real quick. We’re running a little short today.”
“No worries, take your time.”
“Hey, Wade.” Sheriff Clark smiles as he sidles up next to me. “I was just about to give you a call.”
“Uh oh,” I chuckle. “That usually doesn’t bode well.”
“I heard Dr. Reed showed up at yours and Frank’s place. They’re supposed to let me know before they go out to any of the ranches, but he’s been failing to do so since the Nance fiasco. He’s been threatening owners, and his colleagues have been asking questions they shouldn’t be asking.”
“They did. I didn’t let them push me around, but I’m not sure how some of these newer guys fared with them. They weren’t asking me the financial questions that I heard they were asking Bishop.”
He nods slowly. “Seems they were only asking the owners who got tricked into the second mortgage and the balloon payment.”
My eyes widen in surprise. Seems like Sutton’s research was probably right on the money.
“That seems convenient.”
“I’ve been doing a little digging and am only working on assumptions, of course, but I’d appreciate it if you’d keep this between us. If they come out to your ranch again, will you give me a call when they arrive?”
“Absolutely. Why don’t you want anyone to know that?”
“Well, I think they have someone in town giving them information, and I’m trying to surprise them. I don’t believe Mr. Reed or his colleagues are who they say they are, and I’d like to get to the bottom of that before someone loses their home over it.”
“I think you should talk to Sutton. She had similar thoughts. Knowing her, she’s got more research than she knows what to do with.”
“I’ll do that. I’ll call her as soon as I leave here. She’s a spitfire, that one. I was real impressed with how she stepped up for Bob.”
“She is.” I grin proudly. “I’ll definitely let you know if they show up again.”
A waitress comes up to the front counter, and I step up to give her my order.
This has been a productive trip into town in more ways than one.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Sutton
The phone rings just as I’m finishing my coffee. I glance at the screen and see Dad’s name. My stomach tightens slightly; he doesn’t usually call unless it’s important.
“Hey, Dad,” I answer.
“Sutton, I need you to come over and take a look at some of the cattle,” he says without preamble.
“I’ll be there in a few,” I reply, already grabbing my keys and heading for the door.
When I pull up, Dad is waiting by the gate, his weathered face etched with worry.
