EPUB 978-1-77145-924-2
Kindle 978-1-77145-925-9
WEB 978-1-77145-926-6
BWL Print 978-1-77145-927-3
Amazon Print 978-1-77362-805-9
Copyright 2017 Jude Pittman
Cover Art Michelle Lee
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.
To all the Kelly McWinter fans, Kelly’s back with some big new changes in his life
Kelly McWinter parked his pickup, fondly referred to as old Blue, in the garage behind Lake Country Stables. His wife Gillian had inherited the property from her father and when she married Kelly, he’d given up his cabin at Indian Creek and moved into her sprawling ranch house just outside of Fort Worth.
They both loved the ranch, everything from the white rail fence surrounding the immaculate grounds to the well-worn and comfortable swing that welcomed him to the back porch. Kelly and Gillian spent many a hot summer night sipping iced tea or cold beer and rocking contentedly in the sultry Texas evenings, and that’s just what Gillian had in mind when she came through the screen door with two glasses of tea just as Kelly mounted the steps and headed for the swing.
“Hey there!” she smiled and set the tea down on the table. “Not that I’m complaining but what are you doing home in the middle of the afternoon?”
“Wel-l-l-l,” Kelly drawled out the l’s, “I stopped by the Hideaway and Stella made me an offer.”
“Ah ha. She’s at it again is she? I’ll have to have a talk with that woman.” Gillian’s voice trailed into laughter.
Stella Davis had married Kelly’s best friend three years ago, and after a rocky start, which Kelly’s friend Jude Pittman told readers about in her second Kelly McWinter book, Deadly Betrayal, she and Gillian became best friends. Stella had proven a rather persistent thorn in Kelly’s side with her constant queries about when he was going to tie Gillian up before someone else came along and swept her up in his saddle. It had taken another year, but Kelly finally asked Gillian to become his wife and she had happily accepted.
“Actually, I think you might like this brainstorm of hers. You remember her niece, Marcy?”
“Of course, how could I forget after what we all went through rescuing her and saving her name. Besides, I follow her career on Entertainment Tonight, and if I miss anything I get all the details from Aunty Stella every time we talk. Did you know that she’s one of this year’s nominees for country music’s female vocalist of the year?”
Kelly chuckled. “Guess there’s not much point trying to surprise you. Did Stella tell you about the crazed fan who broke into Marcy’s house?”
“My God, no. She isn’t hurt is she?”
“No, at least not physically. He scared the hell out of her though, and Mark is fit to be tied.”
“Oh, I sense a PI project on tap.”
Kelly chuckled. “You know me too well. But you might like this one a lot better than some of my other jobs.”
“I’m all ears. First, tell me about Marcy’s break in.”
“One of her over-zealous fans climbed the wall surrounding her Nashville property, used some kind of jammer to disarm her security system, and almost made it up the stairs to Marcy’s bedroom.”
“Where was Mark?”
“Apparently he’s part of the legal team sent over to Russia to oversee the review of documents discovered in one of those Nazi vaults in East Germany. Russia has finally agreed to let United Nations appointees work alongside their own researchers to establish provenance of the materials and Mark’s part of the team. It’s a huge honor, but it’s a long process and Mark will be away for at least another three months. Marcy’s been on her own well, she’s not alone, like any celebrity she’s always got an entourage, but she doesn’t have her husband.”
“She must have been terrified.”
“She was, and believe it or not, the only reason the intruder didn’t reach Marcy’s bedroom is because Stella had given her one of Lucy’s puppies and the little fella set off an alarm.”
“Really. Hear that Jake. Good breeding.”
Jake lifted his nose and shook his head, before nuzzling it back down on Kelly leg.”
“Yep. Marcy said the pup had his basket right behind the front stairway. The intruder came in through the French doors and he’d no sooner set foot on the front step when the dog went into a frenzy of barking that brought everyone in the house out of their rooms.”
Kelly ran his hand along Jake’s back and leaned close to his ears. “Hear that, boy? One of your pups grabbed that moron’s pant leg and sent him sprawling ass over teakettle down the stairs. Knocked him out cold.”
Gillian, who had started grinning when Kelly described the intruder’s retreat down the stairs, was now laughing so hard tears streamed down her cheeks.
“I know it probably scared poor Marcy to death, but I’d give a pretty penny to have a picture of Lucy’s puppy hanging on to that idiot’s pant leg as he tumbled down the stairs.”
Kelly paused and joined her laughter.
“So what happened?” Gillian finally drew a breath, and urged him on with the story.
“Marcy’s assistant Bella called nine one one and got the police out there pronto. They arrested the suspect, some love crazed fan named Lucas Spadina. He’d been picked up a couple of times for trespassing and been suspected in a couple of peeping Tom cases, but nothing stuck. When the cops questioned him this time he claimed Marcy invited him to stop by and see her.”
Gillian scoffed. “Not damn likely.”
“Yeah, but you know how it goes. The jails are overcrowded, this guy hasn’t shown any propensity for violence, and of course Marcy couldn’t say for sure she hadn’t casually told a fan to stop and see her sometime.”
“No way!”
“Of course she didn’t, but like I said, it’s one of those cases. He was given community service and probation, plus he’s been ordered to stay away from Marcy and her property.”
“Lot of good that’ll do if he’s determined.”
“Exactly. Which is why Stella made me an offer. Seems Marcy has to travel to Los Angeles in two weeks, she’s being considered for a segment of the television show Nashville, and she’s got a bunch of meetings in LA. After that, as one of the nominees, she’ll be attending the ACM Awards in Las Vegas.”
Gillian fixed him with a direct blue eyed stare, “So?”
Kelly grinned. “Marcy asked Stella to see if you and I could go with her as her guests of course stay in a suite at the Beverly Wilshire, and then accompany her to Vegas, in a studio jet.”
Gillian’s smile grew wider and wider.
Kelly suppressed his grin and continued. “Once we get to Vegas we’ll be staying in another suite at the MGM Grand. And oh yeah, we’ll have VIP tickets to the ACM awards. You interested?”
“Are you kidding me? Am I interested? You turn that down and I might just be accused of committing justifiable homicide.”
“I knew I had no business teaching you to shoot this winter.”
“But you aren’t licensed in California or Nevada are you?”
“Nope. I told her that, but all she wants is a bodyguard to stand in for Mark and he won’t settle for anyone else. Guess we made quite an impression on the big boy.”
“Well of course. After all you are the best, and I don’t blame Mark. I’d want you too if my life was in danger well actually I’d want you even if it wasn’t.” Gillian turned in the swing and leaned into him, pressing her lips against his.
Kelly savored the long kiss before reluctantly coming up for air. “So what do you think, Gill? We never did get a chance to go on a honeymoon. First it was foaling time and then the Martin case took me all the way down to El Paso, and what with one thing and another your stables and my PI work, life’s been crazy this past year. I think we could use a little Hollywood style R&R. What’ya say, you up for some Vegas, baby?”
“Oh I’m game. Beverly Hills and then Las Vegas, first class all the way, I’d have to be crazy not to jump at the chance. You bet your life I want to go, this little gal’s papa didn’t raise no fool.”
“Good. I’ll let Stella know. I’m sure you two will have lots to discuss, like what the heck we’re supposed to wear to some of those parties. I don’t mind a monkey suit for the awards ceremony, but I hope we’re not expected to break the bank for every party she decides to attend.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it, Galahad.” Gillian patted his arm and leaned her head against his shoulder. I have a feeling you and I will be the least important spectators at the parties. As long as we’re not in beach wear it’s doubtful either one of us will warrant a second glance. I’ll talk to Stella and we’ll get it sorted out.”
“Good. That’s your department. I need to stop by the Sheriff’s office and have a chat with Gus. Apparently, one of their parolees skipped his check in and seems to have disappeared. They’re shorthanded right now and Gus wants me to see if I can run him to ground.” Kelly got up from the swing and held out his hand for Gillian.
“That’s great.” She came to her feet with a smile on her face. “It’ll be nice to have you home for a few days.”
“Suits me fine too. Especially since I have a pretty good idea where to start. It turns out our boy’s from around Azle. My biker friend Fred Todd grew up there. If anyone knows what one of the home boys are up to, it’ll be Fred.”
“Well, I’ve got chores to do, so I’ll let you get on with your biker chasing, and I’ll take myself out to the barn.” Gillian lifted her head for a kiss, and Kelly happily accommodated her.
Despite his schedule, the last year had been the happiest he could remember in a long time. He and Gillian fit like a couple of old timers who’d watched each other grow up. They’d both experienced their personal sorrows, and the highs and lows of young love and growing pains. Even though this was her first marriage, and Kelly had done some hard healing from the tragic loss of his first wife, he and Gillian seemed to be at the same place in their lives. They suited each other’s lifestyles, and met each other’s needs for companionship. It didn’t hurt that his gentle kitten of a wife was nothing less than a full grown tiger when the two of them shut the bedroom door.
Life was good, and a trip to the west coast, hobnobbing with the movers and shakers and living the high life, was something both of them could take full advantage of. So as long as he tended to business and kept Marcy safe, it sounded like just the kind of adventure he and his newlywed bride would thoroughly enjoy.
* * *
Gillian no sooner came back in from the barn than Stella was on the phone. “Well, did he tell you?”
“He sure did and before you ask, I’m nobody’s fool. You darn right’s I said yes, yes, yes.”
“Oh Gill, I’m so glad. Of course I’m worried to death about Marcy, but I also want to see you and Kelly get away and have some fun together. It’s going to be fan-damn-tastic for y’all.”
Gillian tried to get a word in, but Stella kept right on gushing.
“Now, the first thing you’re gonna do is make some decisions about your wardrobe. You’re a little thinner and a few inches taller than I am, but I was skinnier the year before Andrew died. We had plans to attend the Governor’s ball in New Orleans that year, and I had a gown designed for me by Valentino. Naturally, I didn’t go and the gown has never been worn. It’ll require some adjusting, but it’s a stunning emerald green mid-calf and should be just about knee length on you. You’ll be a knockout.”
“Stella, I can’t take your Valentino. My God, it must have cost a fortune and you’ve never even worn it.”
“No, and I’m never going to. Listen Gill, we both know Cam’s a one hundred percent good ole’ boy, and there’s never going to come a time when he’ll willingly attend anything where I need to wear a Valentino. Nope, I’ve been to all the fancy parties and formal balls I’m ever going to go to, and that’s fine with me.”
Gillian tried to protest. “Stella, you don’t know that.”
A sultry chuckle from the other end of the phone. “Sugar, it’s fine. Really. Yes, life is quiet in Indian Creek, but that’s okay. I love things the way they are. No, I never expected to be a bartender at a place like the Hideaway Bar and Barbecue, but Cam needed me and it’s a good gig for now. Maybe someday I’ll put my college degree to use, but I’m in no hurry. Cam’s a doll, and I’d do anything for him.”
“And he would for you. You know Stella, if you wanted—”
“The only thing I want is for you to get your ass over here and try on this gown. I’m thrilled at the idea it might finally be worn. I almost gave it away to the Salvation Army truck this summer but something made me hang onto it, just in case. Now it seems like there was a perfectly good reason for that. Will you come by tomorrow and try it on? At least see if it’s something you’d like to wear before we do any more arguing about it?”
“Of course I will. I’m so relieved you might have something I can wear. Trust me, I’ve been tearing my hair out ever since Kelly announced this trip, trying to figure out how I’m going to get a dress suitable for the awards dinner without having to sell a couple of horses.”
“Oh yeah. Like you’d really do that.” Stella, who knew full well how attached Gillian was to every horse in her stables, laughed at the suggestion. “So it’s settled then. See you tomorrow afternoon. How about we do lunch? I’ll get Darlene to look after the noon crowd at the Hideaway and you and I can sneak back to our place. We’ll have ourselves a crab caesar washed down with one of my famous Bloody Mary’s.”
“How could I pass up an offer like that? I’ll see you about noon.” Gillian hung up the phone and smiled to herself. Stella was one of the best friends she had in Fort Worth, and it was funny how it all came about, considering the rocky start of their early relationship when it had seemed very likely they had their caps set for the same man.
* * *
Kelly headed over to Texas B’s on Belknap. Since it was early in the day the lot was empty except for a couple of bikes, one of which probably belonged to the barmaid. Kelly pulled old Blue up next to a gleaming Chrysler parked against the back fence.
“I see you finally got her done.” Kelly walked up to the owner and stuck out his hand.
“Yo, Jake!” Fred greeted his friend with the undercover name Kelly’d used when they met.
“Well, that’s good Fred, but that’s not my name anymore, remember?”
“Oh, yeah. Hell, I still ain’t got used to the idea you were a cop all that time when I thought I was just helping a brother biker in a jam.”
“Well, you were a lot of help, and if it’s not pushing my luck, maybe I can hit you up for another favor.”
“Cop stuff?”
“Yes, and no. I’m not with the force anymore, I’m private. I’ll be honest though, I’m helping out a cop friend. You remember Augustus Graham?”
“Oh hell, yeah. Hey, I made it into the inner circle I get to call him Gus now!”
“Damn, you must be tight. He’s picky about who gets to use his nickname.”
“Funny how we ran into each other. Turns out we’ve got grandsons in the same karate school. We met up at a rank advancement ceremony not long after you took down that dirty doctor. Of course, we don’t talk shop, but we took to sitting together after that and kind of rooting on the kids. Nice guy.”
“The best. So maybe you won’t mind giving me a lead if you’ve got one. You ever heard of Wade Clements? He grew up in Azle. He’d be about ten years younger than you, but I wondered if you knew the name.”
“Sure I do. His older brother Neil and I used to be tight. He went into the army, I think it was in 2001, and got shipped to Afghanistan. Didn’t make it back. I went to the funeral. Let’s see, that would be fifteen or so years ago. He had a kid brother, must have been about six or seven. He took Neil’s death really hard. Blamed the government. I never did get the whole story, wasn’t there long enough, but my recollection is Neil wasn’t supposed to deploy. He was set for a special forces training program, but something happened, they cancelled his training at the last minute and he shipped out. He got no special training, other than Basic. He lasted about a week before the jeep he was riding in ran over a land mine. No survivors.”
“Damn, that’s tough. Probably explains what’s going on with Wade, though. He was arrested for hacking into the Defense Department’s computers. It was a first offense and his lawyer claimed the kid didn’t realize the seriousness of his crime. Got him off with ninety days and two years’ probation.”
“So what happened?”
“He missed his probation appointment and Gus got worried. He’s got a sixth sense when something’s going south and he wanted me to see what I could find out about Wade. Like you, Gus thinks he’s basically a good kid and something just isn’t right.”
“Sounds like Gus’ instincts are on target. I haven’t heard anything, but I know the family’s address. They’ve got a little farm about five miles from Azle. If Wade’s hiding, there’s plenty of places to get lost out there. I’ll get you the address.”
“Thanks, Fred.” Kelly stood and followed him over to the register.
“Here’s the address. And, I want to know what you find out. Don’t be such a stranger. You don’t have to wait until you’re trying to track a bad guy before you stop in and chew the fat.”
“You got it, bud. Thanks. And damn, that car’s hot.” Kelly took the note with the address, and made a mental note to spend an afternoon with Fred next chance he got.
Now it’s time to get my butt on back to ranch and check in with my bride. Kelly figured he’d get an early start for Azle in the morning. Tonight, he had a honeymoon to plan, something that he admitted was more than a little overdue. I need to talk to Gillian about picking up something special for Stella while we’re on this trip. That gal can be a right pain in the ass when she wants to, but I have to give her credit, she sure came up with a good one this time.
Jake, the German Shepherd who’d adopted Kelly back when he lived alone in his cabin at Indian Creek, met the truck with a chorus of yips and yaps. Kelly got out of the cab and stopped to scratch behind Jake’s ears, all the while admiring the view on the porch. Gillian had a couple of plates in one hand and a pitcher of tea in the other.
He reached the porch in a couple of strides and relieved her of the pitcher.
“Hey, you.” Her blue eyes twinkled at him.
“Hey yourself.” He let his gaze travel the length of her figure. Blonde hair flowed over her shoulders. She wore it pulled back most days, but knew how much he loved it loose, and usually tried to accommodate him in the evenings. “I was just thinking what a damn lucky guy I am.”
She laughed. “Can you smell the enchiladas from there? I put extra cheese on top, just the way you like ‘em.”
With one last pat to Jake’s head, he ascended the stairs to the porch. “Sweet tea, too.”
“Again, just the way you like it.”
Kelly took the plates from her hands and set them on the swing. He put the pitcher beside the glasses stacked on the small table next to the swing, then he drew her into his arms. “Everything about you is just the way I like it.” Leaning in, he brushed back her hair and nibbled the nape of her neck. At the same time, he fumbled with the knot she’d tied in her shirt at the waist. “Except you have on way too many clothes.”
He slid his hands under the crisp cotton blouse and over the white camisole she wore underneath.
Gillian melted against him. “You know we can fix that. I just thought you’d like to eat first. We need to talk about our trip, too.”
He straightened her cami and retied the over-shirt. “You went to a lot of trouble to fix this delicious-looking dinner, I’d hate to get the blame for ruining it.”
Smirking, she picked up their plates so they could sit, then handed him his. “But you’ll take the blame for leaving me sexually frustrated?”
Kelly swallowed his first mouthful and smiled at his bride. He waved a finger at her. “Only for now. Remind me to check with you later and see if you still feel the same way.”
She laughed. “I’m not worried.”
He took another bite of food. “I’m worried, if you keep feeding me like this, I may have to go up a size.”
Her eyes twinkled again. “I finished my shopping list for the trip, so it seemed like a tasty bribe would be in order.”
Kelly scooped a healthy portion of salad onto his plate and passed the bowl to Gillian. “If you’re gonna bribe me this good every time we take a trip, we might have to make it a regular thing.”
“That other part, too.” She nodded.
He grinned. “Seriously. Am I gonna to need to go shopping for this?”
“I don’t think so. You’ve only worn your tux twice, and it looks fabulous. Those things never go out of style. The ACM is country and even your dress clothes are cowboy sporty. You’ve got more boots than a Texas bootmaker and you don’t wear hats, so I’d say unless you want another shirt or a new sports coat, you’re in good shape.”
“Great. Then I’ll leave you and Stella to take care of the shopping.”
“And what are you going to be up to while we’re buying out the malls?”
“I’m going to take an exciting little trip down to Azle in the morning.”
“Azle? Who in the world goes to Azle?”
“I’m hoping my bail jumper. I talked to Fred yesterday and he recognized the guy’s name. Seems Fred used to be best buds with Wade’s older brother. The brother got sent to Afghanistan and never came back. The kid took it hard and got arrested for hacking into the Defense Department’s computers. I’m kinda worried.”
“I don’t blame you. Does Wade have any reason to be mad at the government?”
“Fred remembers hearing something about Neil being deployed when he wasn’t supposed to and he thinks maybe Wade blames the Army for killing his brother.”
“That sounds bad. I’m glad you’re going out there, Kelly. Hopefully you can do something before that boy gets himself into some serious trouble.”
“Exactly. So let’s finish eating and relax for a couple hours. I want to turn in early tonight.”
“Fine by me. The vet is coming first thing in the morning so I’ve got an early call. Then I promised to go out to Stella’s and try on her Valentino.”
“Valentino, is it? Maybe I better bring along my six shooters. I’ve heard a thing or two about them Hollywood types.”
“Oh, you!” Gillian giggled and batted her lashes in his direction. “Let’s finish up here and I’ll show you what type turns us Texas cowgirls on.”
* * *
Gillian stepped inside of Stella’s living room and gasped. “My God, you’ve really had it done.” The back wall consisted of a solid sheet of glass that backed onto the greenhouse and gave the illusion that you’d stepped into a tropical garden. A sandstone fireplace glinted with specks of gold. Sunbeams played with crystal prisms dangling from a chandelier and reflecting back from the glass topped table.
“Like it?”
“Like it? It’s amazing. Just as amazing as it was when I saw it up in y’all’s honeymoon suite in Oregon. However did you manage to get it recreated here?”
Stella laughed. “At least there’s some good came out of the Davis money. Cam won’t let me use any of it for our living, but I was able to convince him decorating our home with no expense spared gave me so much pleasure it sort of made up for all the misery I suffered with that family.”
Before their deaths Stella’s husband, Andrew Davis and his niece Krystal Davis, heirs to the family fortune and major shareholders in the Davis Oil empire, had introduced Kelly and Stella. Future events and the tragedy surrounding both Andrew and Krystal started a chain of events that ended with Stella married to Kelly’s best friend Cam Belcher, and the two families forever linked by the heartbreak and happiness of that fateful period in their lives.
Gillian slipped her arm around Stella’s shoulder and hugged her friend. “You’re right, and I’m glad Cam was smart enough to realize that. It’s gorgeous.”
Stella sniffed. “Thanks. I can always count on you. Now, what would you like to do first, eat, or try on the Valentino?”
“Let’s eat.” Gillian followed Stella into the kitchen. “I’d hate to try on the Valentino, find it was just an inch or so too small, and then feel too guilty to eat the fabulous luncheon I already know is waiting for me.”
“Smart lady.” Stella continued into the kitchen. “I haven’t done much in here yet, just added the stainless steel appliances and that cooking island.”
“And again, fabulous. I swear every time I come out here it’s like you’ve done another major remodel. I love that cooking island, and the eating area down at the end is perfect, so inviting. It’s great to sit here like this,” Gillian hopped up onto one of the stools, “and watch your hostess prepare your meal.”
Stella laid a place setting in front of Gillian and another one for herself. “It is, isn’t it? This room’s one of our favorites. The dining room is beautiful, of course, and we have a very nice breakfast nook.” She pointed to the end of the room, where the kitchen jutted out towards the greenhouse and a charming wicker table set for two sported a colorful basket of fresh flowers. “Once I’m done here, we’ll take our plates over there, but I know what you mean about this spot. Ninety percent of the time Cam and I end up perching on these stools, while we either both cook, or one of us cooks and the other samples.”
With crab Caesars served and quickly consumed, and the last drop of Bloody Mary trickled down their throats, the women adjourned to Stella’s dressing room.
“My one major indulgence since the Davis days,” Stella explained, opening the door to a cedar lined room with floor to ceiling mirrors covering two walls. “I got used to having my own space for my clothes and being able to spend as much time as I needed picking out what I wanted. So when Cam and I started on the remodel of this house, I gave him carte blanche to do what he wanted with the entertainment room downstairs as long as he didn’t object to this one.”
“As if he would. But I have to confess, I’m surprised at you leaving yourself wide open to have your entertainment area, as you call it, plastered with portraits of every old time singer and actor that’s ever graced a Western.”
“Don’t I know it, and you’re right. That’s exactly what’s down there. Fortunately most of our friends are like you and Kelly, they’re used to Cam and probably wouldn’t believe they were in his house if there wasn’t an excess of trivia everywhere they looked.”
“You’ve got a point. Well however you managed it, I totally envy you this room. It’s every woman’s dream. Look at those shoes.” Gillian gawked when Stella pulled open one of the mirrored doors to reveal a space about ten feet long and five feet wide, with every kind of shoe imaginable lining the walls. Dresses hung on long metal racks that rotated forward and spun around like the racks in a dry cleaning store. “There’s no possible way one woman could wear all those shoes.”
“Left over from my former days of grandeur.” Stella grinned and reached for one of the garment bags that had swiveled into position.
“Here we go. See what you think.”
Gillian’s mouth fell open as she watched Stella lift the most gorgeous gown she’d ever seen out of the bag. She gasped in admiration as Stella spread out a gown so lovely it challenged the plumes of even the most elegant peacock.
“Oh my God. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life. Stella, you can’t really mean to loan me this gown when you’ve never even worn it yourself.”
“Of course I’m not going to loan it to you. It’s a gift. I want you to have it. Gillian, please don’t argue with me. Meeting Kelly and you and finding Cam has changed my life. I have everything I’ve ever wanted and more. It gives me such pleasure to know that you’re happy with this gown and that you’ll accept it from me and wear it to those awards. Please don’t turn me down.”
“Oh, Stella.” Gillian grabbed her friend and hugged her as tight as she could. “Of course I’ll accept. I am just thrilled. It is beautiful.”
“Well then, let’s get it on you and see if it fits.”
Minutes later Gillian spun around in front of the mirrors and Stella glowed with pride at the vision reflecting back at both of them. “Just what I thought. It’s such a perfect fit, everyone will know it was made just for you. I wish I didn’t have such big feet, you could have the shoes as well.”
“Not to worry. I have a pair of strappy gold heels I’ve been saving for a long time now. They’ll be perfect. Thank you again. You’re quite a friend.”
“I’m as happy as you are. Promise me you'll get a picture of you and Kelly at the awards and make a print for us.”
“Done.”
They retired to the comfy sitting room where they chatted until time for Gillian to get back to the ranch and check that evening chores had been done. “I really love having the after school kids working with me in the stables, but they’re teenagers, it doesn’t do to leave them too much on their own.”
Stella laughed. “Point very well taken. Don’t forget, pictures of you and Kelly with every celebrity you manage to drag in front of a camera.”
“You got it.”
As soon as she drove into the yard, Gillian went straight to the stables, pulled on the coveralls she kept handy in the shed beside the corral and headed for the barn. Jake, who’d been lying out in the afternoon sun, followed her.
“Kelly left you at home today did he, Jake? Must not have been sure what he was going to run into out there in Azle.” Jake wagged his tail and headed up the path in front of Gillian.
At the barn she met up with Ben and Les, the two after school students who were her current part timers. It helped a lot to have the teenagers muck out the barns and fill the mangers. That left her time to see to each of the horses individually, give out a few treats and spend some personal time with each of them.