“She never left during the day?”
“Not once since I’ve been watching. Your husband could be waiting at the motel until her day ends. I can look into it, though your aunt hired me to find your sister, not him.”
“Ex-husband,” Aftyn said coolly. “I couldn’t care less where he is.”
He held up a hand. “Fair enough. But if I spot him I’ll let you know.”
“She has no idea you’re watching her?”
Peterson smirked. “I’m too good at my job. She’s clueless.”
Aftyn laughed despite herself. “And you’re sure she’s at the motel?”
“Two doors down from my room.”
“How’d you find that out? You said you couldn’t ask the desk.”
“I didn’t. Called and asked to be connected. Took a chance.” He shrugged as if it were nothing.
“According to another guest she’s been there nearly two months.”
“So, I arrived just after she did.” Aftyn shook her head. “I wish she’d walk in here right now.”
“Just be careful. If she spots you too soon she might bolt.”
“I’ll follow her again if she does. But I’ll stay out of sight.”
“Good. I’m headingback now and keep an eye on her.” He paused. “She’s not driving, by the way. Short walk. Though there’s a blue Durango registered to the room.”
Aftyn went still. “That’s his vehicle. He is with her.”
Peterson touched her hand briefly. She pulled it back. “Stay sharp,” he said, and left.
She watched him go, then noticed Connie eyeing the empty mug he’d left behind. No tip, no payment. She fished a dollar from her pocket, settled the tab, said her goodbyes, and pushed through the back door.
Upstairs, she clicked the lock, kicked off her shoes, and ran a bath, the water faintly scented with lavender. She peeled off her clothes and eased in, steam curling around her shoulders. The world went quiet. She closed her eyes and let the warmth hold her, thinking about Cole and hoping she’d hear from him soon.
Chapter Ten
Cole pushed through the door, boots thudding against the floor. He hung his Stetson on the peg and sank onto the bench, the smell of hay and horses still clinging to him. That mare had tested every muscle in his arms today, rearing and stamping like defiance was her religion. He’d broken through worse, but not by much.
“Maybe tomorrow,” he muttered, toeing off his boots.
He stripped in the laundry room, his jeans landing short of the hamper in a dusty heap. He gathered them up and shoved them in. “Time to do laundry, Harrison.” Ollie was stretched out on the rug by the hearth, tail thumping once in greeting without any intention of moving.
Cole grinned. “Don’t blame you.” He scratched the dog’s ears and headed for the shower.
Clean and refreshed, he dropped into his recliner and reached for the remote, then stopped. He needed to call Aftyn first.
She picked up on the second ring.
“Hey. How was your day?”
“Peterson found her.” Her voice was steady. “She’s working at the liquor store. Ten to six.”
“So now what?”
“He’s watching her. She’s staying at the motel. With my ex.”
