Page 96 of Concrete Evidence
Will glanced around him. “We’re okay. For the record, you have the best shot on the ranch standing beside you.”
Marc tossed Avery a grin. “Then I’m in good hands. Do you men have any questions? If you need to talk, especially if the matter’s private, text, call, or come looking for me.”
“I have a question for Miss Avery.” JC hung his empty cup on a stall latch. “What can I do for Zoom? We’ve been training him in the arena.”
“How’s he taking to the bridle?”
“Depends on his mood. I could check his temperament, and if I think he’s ready, I’ll toss on a blanket. But when I’ve tried before, he wouldn’t cooperate. He prefers you.”
She gave him a thumbs-up. “Go ahead. He might have changed his mind. I miss not riding him. Maybe later today.”
Avery and Marc moved toward the house. Once clear of earshot of the ranch hands, he pointed to the sunrise. “Gorgeous. You carry a Sig. I’d think you’d prefer a smaller handgun.”
“It’s not too clunky.”
“What kind of shot are you? You have earned the ranch hands’ respect.”
How was she to answer? “Oh... better than their mamas but not as good as their daddies.”
Marc chuckled. “One day I’ve got to see for myself.”
Avery and Marc entered the kitchen, and she watched Tessa busying herself with breakfast. She’d been frightened last night—thesecond female to fly into Marc’s arms. His mother rushed in as number three. Marc greeted his mom and Tessa.
“Couldn’t sleep, Sis?” Marc headed for the coffee. “Barely seven o’clock.”
“Not really. You can make up for last night by pouring me a cup of coffee.”
“Sugar and half-and-half?”
“Lots of both.”
Avery wrapped her arm around Tessa’s thin shoulders. Too much for one girl who had experienced more than many adults. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “He frightened all of us.”
“Is the guy from last night in jail?”
“He’s still in the hospital but from there, he’ll head to jail.”
“We’re safe now? No one’s going to hurt us?”
Another question Avery couldn’t answer. She glanced at Marc.
“Sis, we came a long way last night in ending the crimes. Avery and I are talking to him this morning. Hopefully to settle this.”
“Okay. And what about the dam holding?”
“The Army Corps of Engineers have their eye on it.”
Tessa gave Avery her attention. “Could we celebrate after lunch and give me a riding lesson?”
“I’d love it.”
Avery prayed they had reason to celebrate.
Tessa gave Marc a side hug. “Would you check on Gram before you leave?”
He held up his phone. “Checking now.” He pressed in the number and informed hospice the reason for the call. After tossing a glance in Avery’s direction, he walked to the kitchen patio door and outside. Not a good sign.
Avery sensed Tessa’s growing anxiousness. She paced the kitchen floor. Not good either. She stopped and stared after Marc outside. “Tessa, give Marc a minute to get specifics about your grandmother.”
