“Are you alright?”
“Yes. I think I’ve finally stopped shaking.” She glanced at her rearview mirror again. “I’ve been making sure no one is following me.”
“But, if they followed you before, they know where you live.”
“Oh, thanks so much for that, Ryan. Damn.” Skylar’s chest tightened with fresh panic.
“I’m sorry. It’s true though. You be damn careful once you park.”
“Now you’re scaring me.” She wanted to sound annoyed, but her voice came out small.
“I want you to be alert, not scared. Just park, lock the vehicle and get inside. Make sure all the doors and windows are locked too.”
Skylar wanted to dismiss these precautions as overreaction. “I wouldn’t think they’d do anything since so many people saw them.”
“You never know. I cannot believe Rawley just casually walked up to them.”
“I think he wanted them to see he was a livestock agent.” She felt a flash of admiration mixed with frustration. “He said he thinks they could be involved with the rustling going on.”
“Maybe since they did see he was one, they’ll leave.”
“I hope so, but I’m telling you, they’re all cocky but the one who seems to be the leader, is way worse. He didn’t back down from Rawley at all, even though Rawley’s a lot taller.” The memory made her shiver.
“Yeah, I can see that. Sometimes those men who act all big, aren’t.”
“I know what you mean.” Skylar slowed, approaching her house with equal parts, relief and dread. “I’m pulling up to my driveway. I’ll call you in a few minutes, once I get inside. Love you.”
“Okay. Love you.”
Skylar pushed the button to shut off the vehicle and sat motionless for a moment, scanning the street. Part of her felt ridiculous, was she really going to live in fear now? But another part couldn’t stop replaying those cold eyes staring her down. She grabbed her purse, got her keys ready between her fingers like a weapon, and quickly exited the car. After locking it, she hurried up the path, constantly looking over her shoulder. On the porch, she fumbled with the lock, cursing her shaking hands. Before closing the door, she looked around once more, feeling both foolish and terrified, then slammed it shut and turned both locks.
When Cosmo wound around her ankles, Skylar screamed and looked at the cat.
“Damn, Cosmo. You just gave me a damn heart attack.”
The cat sat, lifted a paw, licked it, then headed for the kitchen with his tail held high.
“Oh, sure. You don’t care that I’m scared. All you care about is getting fed. You have dry food for the day. The only time you get special food is for breakfast.” She laughed when the cat stopped, looked over his shoulder, then blinked his eyes, as if to say, ‘so?’
“Let me change into my comfy clothes and I’ll give you a little bit of canned, but do not get used to it. You spoiled little pain in my ass.”
Skylar walked to her bedroom, entered, stripped her clothes off and changed, then headed back to the kitchen. After giving Cosmo a small bit of canned food, she made her way to the living room, sat on the sofa, and turned on the TV. She was between books right now and to be honest, she was still shaking and knew she’d never be able to concentrate.
****
As Rawley reached his truck, he heard his name being called but didn’t turn around. He placed his hands on his hips, hung his head and took deep breaths.
“Rawley.” Killian’s voice was steady as he put his hand on Rawley’s shoulder, but Rawley shrugged it away with a sharp jerk and took a few steps across the lot, pebbles crunching beneath his boots.
“I know they have something to do with this case. I know it,” he said, his voice a low growl that seemed to rumble up from his gut.
“I believe you.” Killian’s eyes held Rawley’s gaze. “I’ve seen how you work, and I’ve never doubted you over any... hunch you’ve had.”
Rawley looked at his friend. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t even think about it. I know you’re pissed. Dave’s wrong on this, Rawley. Dead wrong.”
“Yeah, he is, but he won’t listen to me.” Rawley shook his head, his jaw clenched tight enough to make a muscle twitch in his cheek.
