Page 17 of Raymond's Forever

“No offense, Raymond, but looking at you sitting there, I never would have guessed you had underlying health issues.”

“That’s the thing, I don’t think I do.”

“Explain.”

“I’ve been here for five weeks. I’ve lost almost twenty pounds, I’m exercising by mucking out the stalls, walking the horses, saddling them, rubbing them down, and I’m not calling to have my meals delivered. I’ve cut out all junk food except for the chips.” He held up the bag with a grin, and she saw that it was actually only a single snack size, but he had only taken half of the contents. “This is my only indulgence. That’s why I want to find another doctor here in Colorado to run my numbers again. Like it was mentioned earlier, my doctor told me I could control it all with diet and exercise. Back home, I didn’t have the time, here, I have all the time in the world.”

“Do you think taking my potential case will jeopardize your health?”

“No, because we’re really not doing anything except for reading files. I can do that at night after putting in a full day’swork. If something happens, and what you suspect Perkins will do happens, then I can cut back on the barn work and concentrate on the case. It won’t come to fruition overnight, but by reading what you’ve brought me, I’ll have a better handle on things.” He looked at her with a grin. “Don’t worry, just the threat of having to go on all those medications gave me a wake-up call.”

“Do you have your medical files with you?”

“No, they’re back in North Carolina, they told me to have my new doctor contact them and they can fax them over, or send them electronically.” He shook his head. “Believe it or not, I had to pay in advance to have them sent. I just don’t know who I’ll see.”

“We can talk when I return.”

“Okay, but I’m not putting any pressure on you.”

“That’s fine.” They finished their meal, and then Raymond asked her to follow him down the hall. At her look, he grinned. “Yes, it’s a bedroom, but I converted it to an office. I tossed a lot of stuff from my old home when I moved here, however, I couldn’t part with the desk. It was my great-grandfather’s.” He opened the room to his home office and watched her face as she saw the desk.

“Beautiful.”

His only thought at her comment was that she was more beautiful than the desk.

CHAPTER 7

On Thursday,Raymond pulled in front of the security building at the edge of the driveway on New Double, exited his truck, and went up the steps. He grinned when Yvonne and Kevin looked at him with shock.

“What’s up?” Yvonne asked as she looked up from filling a travel mug. She looked at her watch, and stared at him with a worried expression. “It’s a bit late.”

“Yeah, but I’m going to Colorado Springs with you.”

“Why?”

“Because I need to talk to Amelia about a couple of things. I’ll be with you as backup only when you meet up with Betty, I’m not stepping on your toes there, but after you get what she’s collected, I’m going to Amelia’s place. She knows I’m coming. Tonight are her late hours. She’s working the same hours as Betty.” He looked at the couple before him with a wide grin. “I’m taking her to dinner when she’s off work.”

“Are you two a couple?”

“No,” Raymond’s response showed his shock. “I know nothing about her. I only met her last weekend when she came out to talk to Shay about what was going on at work.”

“Oh.” Yvonne didn’t know what else to say, then she shook her head. “Sorry, none of my business. I do have a question though.”

“What’s that?”

“If you’re taking Amelia out to dinner, then I take it we’re driving separately?”

“Yes, I’ll follow you, then come back home later tonight.”

“If it gets too late, don’t be ashamed to get a hotel room. There’s no reason to hurt yourself if you don’t have to. Not that you would, but you’re not familiar with the roads going that way, yet, are you?”

“No, and thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.” He chuckled and shook his head. “I bet there are more hotels in Colorado Springs than in Fool’s Gold.” They all shared a laugh and agreed with each other.

“Well, I’m ready. Do you need any coffee for the road?”

“No, my cup is in the truck. I just wanted to stop and let you know I’ll be behind you. Also, I’ll be standing near the dumpsters, hidden, just to be sure.”

“Are you wired?” Kevin asked.