“Ah. I guess Mila and Claudie will ride back with us.”
“Maybe. But they’re both curious about my brother. They’ve seen him but haven’t had a chance to actually talk to him so they might decide to ride back in his truck.”
“Does he have room? What does he drive?”
“A truck like mine. He has a regular backseat. Remember his remark about the shotgun?”
“Does he really keep one there?”
“He doesn’t even own one.”
“Good thing he was kidding about it. That wouldn’t go over well with Mila and Claudie. Or Monty. We’ve taken in way too many horses with gunshot wounds.”
“The only thing Cole likes to shoot is pool.”
“Then he needs to know there’s a table in the house.”
“There is?”
“You play?”
“When I get a chance. It’s a great game.”
“Then we should find time for it while you’re here.” So she played pool, too. Every conversation turned up another point of connection. Was she seeing what he was seeing?
“If we can. Maybe tomorrow. The past two days have been….”
“Intense.”
“To put it mildly.”
“Well now you can relax with a beer and some good conversation.” The street on the Raccoon’s side of the square was no longer blocked off and all the tables and chairs were gone. Two parking spots were available right in front of the Raccoon.
“Very funny.”
“You don’t have to do this.” Taking the space nearest the door, he shut off the engine and turned toward her. “It’s totally voluntary.”
She met his gaze. “Backatcha. It was Cole’s idea. You don’t have to go along.”
“But I want to. He’s known you all your life. He’s stuffed with info and I want to hear what he has to say.”
“It’ll be good for you to get his perspective. I warn you it won’t be all sunshine and roses.”
“That’s fine.”
“I thought it might be complicated with him here this weekend, but I’m glad he showed up.”
He smiled. “Almost feels like he was supposed to.”
Amusement glimmered in her eyes. “You and Marv.” Then her attention shifted. “There’s Cole’s truck.”
He looked over at a pickup that was exactly like hers. “Did you buy the same truck?”
“He got his first and made a joke about Sterling silver. When I could afford it, I got the same thing and used the association as my brand.”
“Smart.” He reached for his door handle. “Let’s do this.”
The four of them met on the sidewalk and Rio grinned. “It’s the OK Corral all over again.”
