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“Because I just got one helluva good idea”

“What kind of idea?” he asked

Laughing, Stella poured herself a fresh cup of coffee “As I said, little brother, the less you know, the better”

Sky and Beau had taken the ranch pickup to check the place where Jasper had been shot At this early hour, a whisper of coolness lingered on theair They rode with the pickup s rolled down, the air blasting their faces, drinking in the freshness before the rising sun could burn it away Beau was at the wheel, Sky scouting the parched landscape for anything that looked out of place

“We don’t even know for sure if we’re dealing with slers,” Sky said

“True,” Beau said “But soarette butts out here Soal iotten too close”

“So why didn’t they ued “I’ot scared and ran when they

sahat they’d done”

“Maybe we’ll find so” Beau steered the pickup around a jutting rock A collared lizard skittered clear of the wheels In the near distance, ss skimmed and darted above the muddy seep where Jasper had been found They scattered as the truck drew closer

“Tell ” Beau’s voice had taken on a e to fall out of Lauren’s ear and roll behind the computer?”

Sky glanced away to hide a flush of heat “None of your damned business,” he said

Beau guffawed as he pulled the truck to a stop “Have it your way Your secret’s safe with ets wind of it, you’d better have a place to run”

“I wouldn’t back down frohter, which I don’t”

“Then you’ve got more pride than sense”

“Leave it alone, Beau” Sky opened the door and swung out of the truck He hadn’t been here since the night before last, when they’d found Jasper He was curious to inspect the spot by daylight And he was anxious to escape Beau’s ribbing