Page 51 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

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Ford still didn't want to look at her screen. He hated this whole deal and wished that Ty hadn't said anything to him in the first place. He understood why he had, but if anything, that just made it worse. Years ago, when Ty was still in high school, he'd heard rumors about Ford's girlfriend cheating on him and... Ford brought himself back to the moment when Amelia continued.

"Here. I've closed everything else down, and after you read the conversation, I'll explain the rest to you. The first message came in the other day, and I'd put it out of my mind. It was only when I opened it today and saw him mention Danny that..." She shrugged. "It got my attention."

He could understand that.

She jerked her chin toward the screen. "Please, would you read it – the whole thing, and tell me what you make of it?"

"Okay."

She picked the laptop up and set it on his knee. "In fact, I'll leave you with it. Do you want more coffee or...?"

"I can..."

She laughed. "So can I – and it makes more sense for me to do it while you read."

He gave her a rueful smile. "Okay then, yeah. Thanks. I'll take a coffee."

He watched her walk away and she turned to smile at him before she left the room. Then he was alone with her messages, and he frowned, wondering if some asshole was harassing her.

Rootless2: Amelia?

Subroutine: Who wants to know?

He paused and reread the first couple of lines. Subroutine? What kind of username was that? It must mean something to her – must be computer speak, but he had no idea what significance it might hold for her.

Rootless2: I'm someone Danny used to know.

Subroutine: That doesn't tell me anything. Who are you?

Rootless2: Hunter.

Subroutine: Is that your name or some kind of clue?

Rootless2: My name. You don't know who I am?

Subroutine: Why don't you tell me?

Rootless2: Do you know who Natalie is?

Subroutine: No.

Rootless2: Did you know Crystal?

Subroutine: I did.

Subroutine: What do you mean – did?

Rootless2: Crystal died.

Subroutine: When?

Rootless2: May 26 last year.

Subroutine: And who was Crystal to you?

Rootless2: I have to go now. Can I talk to you again next week? Like this? On Sunday?