“Oh, Rawley is beyond handsome,” Maggie said. “Lucky you.”
“I’d say you’re lucky too, by the looks of that ring.”
“I am,” Maggie said fondly. “Rafe is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I saw Vanna was engaged, too.”
“Yes, to Grady. But seriously, Rawley is such a great guy. Not to mention, he’s very sexy.”
Skylar laughed. “I think so, too.” She turned toward the velvet curtain. “I’m off to Paige’s. Thank you, Maggie. Get that book in here and I’ll come back soon.”
“I will. Enjoy your day.”
“You too.” Skylar slipped past Vanna, who gave her a wave as she stepped into the bright heat.
Outside, the pavement shimmered beneath the relentless sun. Skylar crossed the street at the corner light, the neon sign of the diner buzzing behind her. The pastel storefront of Paige’s beckoned. Lace and silk dresses shimmered in the window. Skylar felt a thrill of excitement, and the undeniable certainty that she’d be spending more than she intended before the day was done.
****
Rawley sat at his desk, looking through tread patterns when Dave called his name. He pushed his chair back, stood and made his way to Dave’s office. He entered since the door was propped open.
“Dave? What’s up?”
“I talked with the Kalispell office, and it seems they’ve had a lot of livestock theft recently too. I have the name of the agent on that case, and I think you should call him ASAP.”
Rawley took the Post-it from his boss, looked at the name and nodded.
“Alright. I’ll call him now. All of this has to be connected in some way. I don’t think the same people are doing it. That’s a lot of traveling but I do think they’re all working together.”
“Exactly what I think. Get in touch with the agent and let me know.”
“Yes, sir.” Rawley walked back to his desk, pulled the chair out and sat down, then picked up the phone and called the agent in Kalispell, then spent the rest of the day going over the files he received from Agent Royce Jackson out of the Kalispell department.
Later, as he continued going through files, he looked up to see Dave standing at his desk and told him he hadn’t heard back from Agent Saunders after leaving a message.
“I’ll call him tomorrow. It’s time to head home. Go home, Rawley. Everyone else is gone. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“As soon as I upload these photos.” Rawley tapped the memory card between his fingers.
“Rawley—” Dave’s voice carried that familiar warning tone.
“I promise, Dave. Just let me get them in the system. I should have done them earlier but got bogged down.”
“Alright. Lock up.” Dave strode to the door.
“Yes, sir.” Rawley nodded, already turning to the keyboard.
As he sat there in the pool of yellow desk light, his phone vibrated on the desk with a harsh buzz. He picked it up, squinting at the unfamiliar number glowing on the screen.
“Agent Bowman.” His voice echoed in the empty room.
“Agent Bowman, this is Agent Saunders. I’m glad I caught you. I’m sorry to call so late in the day, but Dorothy forgot to give me the message. She’s seventy-eight and refuses to retire,” he said with a chuckle.
Rawley laughed, leaning back in his chair. “That’s alright. There’s one just like her in the Clifton County Sheriff’s Office.”
“So, you’re on the case for the Mitchell cattle?”
“Yes. Dave said you think it could be the same group you’re after?”
