“If it makes you feel better, Dove, I think it’s roadkill.”
I moan softly. “Doesn’t matter that it’s roadkill. They wanted me to see it. To smell it. To?—”
“I know.” He presses his forehead against mine. His breath is hot, shaking. “And I swear to God, Sarah, I’ll find out who’s doing this. I’ll put an end to it. They’re not gonna scare you off. Not again.”
CHAPTER 31
cade
When I saw the dog and the note, my blood boiled so hot it’s a wonder the asphalt didn’t melt under my boots.
The whole damn town already knows. That’s the way of Wildflower Canyon—news spreads faster than wildfire, whether it’s a calf born breech or a body in somebody’s truck bed.
The good news is that Joy came running as well. She took Sarah to her boutique so that I could deal with Hugh.
His cruiser pulls up, lights flashing, siren wailing just once before he kills it. He steps out, looking weary.
“You got me on speed dial, Mercer?” Hugh drawls.
“Yeah, it’s my dream to be callin’ the sheriff every fuckin’ day.” I jerk my chin toward Sarah’s truck, and we amble over.
I don’t bother to warn him about what he’s about tosee, so it’s no surprise when he lets loose, scorching the air with swears.
I’ve been a rancher all my life—I’ve heard it all—but Hugh is downright inventive with his use of the wordfuck. Gotta give him that.
“It’s probably roadkill,” I offer.
“Don’t make it better.” He narrows his eyes on the note. “Who wants Dr. K to shut up?”
“That’s something she’ll have to tell you.”
He arches an eyebrow.
I shrug. No way am I going to break Sarah’s trust. It’s her call how much she wants to reveal to Hugh, and considering how she was treated by his people the last time a crime was committed against her, I wouldn’t blame her if she tells him to go fuck himself.
He nods once and opens the passenger door of the truck. The smell of rotting animal hits both of us. He takes some pictures with his phone.
“Somebody wanted to scare the hell outta her,” he remarks as he closes the truck door.
“It’s working. She’s fuckin’ scared.”And I am angry as hell.
Hugh makes a call. “Yeah, outside Buck’s. I sent you pictures.” Pause. “Get a tow truck and get this to the county lab so they can dust and fingerprint and deal with the body.” He chuckles softly. “Not human, it’s a dog.” I hear cursing from the other end of the line. “Probably roadkill, according to Cade.”
He hangs up and turns to me. “Wiley will be here soon. I need to talk to her.”
Wiley Buchanan is Hugh’s deputy and a far cry from the previous asshole who screwed Sarah over. Wiley is young, ethical. I like him.
“She’s with Joy.”
“Lock the truck,” he instructs me.
Since I had taken the keys from Sarah, I pressed the lock button and walked side by side with Hugh to Bringing You Joy.
“You think this is connected to what’s goin’ on at Blue Rock?” Hugh muses aloud.
“I don’t know.”
I’ve been thinking about it as well. Coincidences are bullshit. I had wondered and dismissed whether Landon could be trying to get me to sell the ranch by killing Thunder. Now, I’m fairly convinced that he’s involved. Also, there’s only one person who has reason to leave that note for Sarah.
