Page 14 of Tough Justice
He grabbed the brim of his Stetson and tossed it on the chair in the corner. “Where’s Heather?”
“Out in the barn with Celine and Parker. She’s helping with the feeding.”
Duke blew out a frustrated breath. “I should have known this would happen. Should have expected it.”
She tried to keep up with his muttering. “Did you hear something from the sheriff’s department?”
He huffed out a humorless breath. “Even better. I ran into my ex-girlfriend.”
She wasn’t sure which was more surprising, Duke’s ex showing up in Wyoming or his strong reaction at seeing her. “I’m guessing that took you by surprise?”
He went back to muttering, pacing the length of the office.
Keeping her comments to herself, she watched him work through whatever it was that had gotten him so upset. Curiosity gnawed at her gut, but if he wanted to confide in her he would. Besides, the rush of jealousy crashing over her like a wave muddled the relevant questions from ones she should keep to herself.
As if realizing Suzy was watching him, Duke stopped and shoved a hand through his tousled hair. “Sorry. The morning was crazy, but it just got crazier. I need to talk to Heather. I need to know if she was aware Chrissy followed her here.”
“Chrissy?” The name tasted bitter on her tongue.
“My ex. I haven’t seen her in years, for many reasons, and now she’s here. Said she talked to Heather and wanted to see me for closure.”
She debated the right thing to say. There had to be a reason why he was so upset, but she didn’t understand the problem. Unless he didn’t want to put his ex behind him. “Isn’t closure a good thing?”
“For normal people, yeah. And I’ve had it since the day we ended things. But she’s not the typical woman. She’s…trouble.” Cringing, he dropped his gaze to the carpeted floor.
Her stomach muscles clenched. “What do you mean by trouble?”
He finally met her gaze head on. “She might be the one who left that threat. I called Deputy Goodwin and let him know that on my way here, but I need to speak with Heather. Figure out what she knows about Chrissy’s sudden appearance.”
“Chrissy’s what?” Heather practically screeched the question in the doorway.
Duke spun around. “She’s here. In town. I ran into her when I was going to get snacks.” He let his head fall back and squeezed his eyes shut. “Damn it. I forgot the food. I planned to take your mind off things tonight with junk food and video games.”
Despite the obvious tension smothering the room, Suzy couldn’t help but grin. Lane would do anything for her but leave it to Duke to think of such a fun and sweet way to cheer up his sister. “That’s so cute.”
Duke glanced over his shoulder and a whisper of the smirk she loved lifted one corner of his mouth. “We used to do it when we were kids.”
Heather strolled further in the room and placed Duke’s hat on the floor before sitting on the oversized armchair. “He always picks the games he can win so it wasn’t that nice.”
“Too bad I wasn’t around,” Suzy said. “I bet I could give you a run for your money.”
A twinkle in Duke’s eyes curled her toes. “I bet you could.”
“But anyway,” Heather said. “Chrissy is in Hillmore?”
Sighing, Duke sank into the bucket seat across from where Suzy sat at her desk. “Yep. Said she wanted closure.”
“Oh good grief,” Heather said, tossing her hands in the air. “You two have been broken up for like two years. When I ran into her on my way out of town and mentioned coming to see you, I never imagined she’d follow me. But maybe if you just talked to her, finally give her the reasons why you broke things off, she can put you in her past.”
“It’s not as simple as you think,” Duke bit out through a clenched jaw.
Suzy wanted to ask him to explain what it was then, but kept that sentiment to herself. There was clearly some bad blood between Duke and this Chrissy chick.
“Well where is she now?” Heather asked. “Where’s she staying?”
Duke shrugged. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”
“You didn’t even ask?” Heather’s jaw dropped open.
