“Well, that’s just wonderful, but of course we’ll have to wait for approval from his bank,” Patty said.
“No. He’s paying cash, so there will be no need for a property appraisal, however, the inspector will still need to go through the property to identify repair issues,” Nora said.
“I guess I didn’t know he was that well-off,” Patty muttered.
Nora laughed. “Those cowboys pay tens of thousands for well-trained horses, and that’s what he does… Train them for any or all rodeo events. However, it’s apparent that you don’t know who he’s married to.”
Now Patty was beyond curious. “I don’t believe I do. Do tell.”
“Ever hear of an artist by the name of Magnolia Brennen?”
“Well, yes! Lee and I attended one of her showings in a big art studio in Santa Fe.”
“That’s his wife. She used to wait tables at the Yellow Rose. They’re buying this property for their ranch foreman and his new bride. Anyway… Just wanted to give you a heads up. He’s rodeo royalty and she’s the reigning new discovery in the art world. And they’re my friends. I know you’ll be wonderful with them. I’ll probably be leaving Crossroads before the paperwork is ready to be signed, but we’ll figure that out down the road.”
Patty was still trying to wrap her head around what Nora was saying when she tuned in to “figure that out down the road.”
“So, you’re heading back to Fort Worth,” Patty said.
“Only for a brief time. Asher’s job needs to stay inAustin, and all of my work is online. IT stuff, you know. So, I’m going back to Fort Worth just long enough to get out of my penthouse lease, and then it’s Austin and Asher, all the way.”
The first thing that went through Patty’s mind waspenthouse?And then Austin and Asher, and thought,no way.Still, she had to ask.
“Asher as in Kingston…from high school?”
“Yep. Still my best guy,” Nora said.
Now Patty was just the teeniest bit jealous. “Well, that’s just wonderful. I’m so happy for both of you. Out of curiosity, what does he do for a living?”
“Oh, he’s always been in law enforcement, and for the last few years, a special investigator for the attorney general’s office in Austin.”
Patty sucked up every snotty thing she wanted to say, and smiled instead, hoping it transferred to the tone of her voice.
“Well, honey, I couldn’t be any happier for the both of you. Now, you don’t worry yourself further. I’ve got the sale end of this covered, and we can do a remote closing on signing day.”
“Sounds perfect,” Nora said. “Thank you so much for contacting me when you did. It’s helped everything fall into place, and my best to Lee, as well.”
The call ended, and so did Nora’s patience. She’d heard the snip in Patty’s voice and rolled her eyes. Some people never get past high school drama. And she was tired and wanted nothing more than a long soak in a hot bath. Maybe Asher would call her and maybe he wouldn’t. She knew what was at stake for them, and all she could do was pray.
* * *
It was just after 6:00 p.m. on a cold, cloudless day. Sunset had already happened, and Bill Eldredge was filling his brother in on their new targets.
“Except for that trip to the hardware store, they’ve been inside since. If they leave, you are to follow, and if they take I-27 south leading to Tulia, that’s where your tracking ends, and immediately let Asher Kingston know.”
“Got it,” Phil said. “So, are we off guarding Jacob or what?”
“If the Brandts make another attempt and they catch them, then we’ll be done. But Kingston will let us know. For now, it’s proceed as usual. If the Brandts come back, then we’re still on them.”
“Got it,” Phil said. “Get some food and rest. I’ve got this.”
Bill drove away, more than ready for both, while Phil settled in, keeping his eye on the door the Brandts would exit, and on their car, which had been conveniently parked beneath one of the only working lights in the parking lot.
Phil was trying to learn Spanish and had his earbuds in, listening as he kept watch, repeating the words as instructed.
It was just past eleven o’clock when he saw two men exit the building and walk straight to the white Mustang. When the red brake lights came on, he yanked the earbuds out and started his car. As soon as they began driving toward the street, he followed a distance behind, then became part of the traffic the Brandts were in. He followed them all the way through Amarillo, and when he saw them take Highway I-27 south, he pulled over and sent Asher Kingston a text.
* * *
