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Harlan ran ahead and got the door of the run open while I pushed Louise ahead of me, bouncing her off the walls in the hallway. She fell and I whistled for the dogs.

Max and Sarge came running. They growled and snarled at Miss Candy Ann, and I finally got the response I was looking for.

Tears.

I shoved her back into her cell and locked her up. “Get used to it. It’s going to be forever.”

She spit at me, and I laughed. “We’ll have another meeting tomorrow.”

I went back to my office and washed Louise’s blood off my wall.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

The girls were dressed and ready when Harlan and I got home to the ranch. “What time is our reservation, Travis?” asked Lucy.

“Six thirty. Harlan and I have to shower and change. Is Billy ready?”

“He’s in his room,” said Tammy. “He’s already showered. He’ll be ready soon.”

“Harlan, you go first,” I said. “I’m going to have a beer and unwind a little first.”

“Yep. I’ll get ready.” He ran upstairs and I headed for the fridge.

“I made you a grocery list for when I’m not here to watch the fridge and pantry,” said Tammy. “It’s on the fridge.”

“Thanks. That was thoughtful. We’ll miss you girls all week. Especially when we have to cook our own meals.” I chuckled. “It’s so great when you girls cook.”

“Who will be cooking for all the girls at Marilyn’s camp?” asked Lucy. “They will have to make a lot of food for every meal.”

“Yeah, that’s true. She probably hires someone. If she’s with you girls on the training course, she’s not cooking for twenty girls.”

I relaxed at the kitchen table and drank a couple of beers while Harlan was in the shower, then I took my turn and got cleaned up. My hair needed to be trimmed. I liked it just touching my shoulders, but it was longer than that now.

While the girls got their purses and found their phones, I fed the dogs and when everybody was in the truck, I locked up the house.

Coyote Creek Inn.

Olivia had our table ready for us when we arrived at the Inn. Five places set on the white tablecloth, and I had a weak moment when I almost asked her to join us.

Something I couldn’t do after swearing Olivia and I were over. She wasn’t honest with me and there was no going back. It was best for me to stay away from women whenever possible.

“It’s fancy here, Travis,” whispered Lucy. “There are flowers on every table.”

“I thought you girls might like it, and the food is over the top. Just as good as Annie makes it.”

“I ate the food here before, but we didn’t sit in the dining room,” said Harlan. “We sat in the private part where Olivia lives so Travis could talk business.”

I nodded. “True story.”

A server came by and took our drink order. Billy and I ordered beer, Harlan ordered a Coke, and I ordered virgin strawberry daiquiris for the girls.

“Are we going to like the drinks you ordered for us?” asked Tammy.

“I will,” said Lucy. “Mommy always orders one of those for me when we eat out. They look pretty and taste fruity and yummy.”

Harlan was smiling across the table at Lucy, and I couldn’t help but notice the happy look on his face. If he was choosing one of the girls, it was going to be Lucy. Just a guess.

They were both the same age, but Harlan would be sixteen before Lucy would. Close enough.