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In a far corner of the barn, a telephone rang, its bell a, someone turned down the radio

“It was impressive the last time I saw it,” Tara recalled “But you have added sotouches since then that it somehow increases the impact This is a look others will try to duplicate Wait and see”

Ballard stepped from behind one of the partitions at the far end of the alleyway “Stumpy’s on the phone, Ty He wants to talk to you”

“Sorry It’s important,” Ty said in a brief aside to Tara and moved away, too quickly to catch the flicker of annoyance in her expression Ballard saw it, though “While I’ pens, Ballard”

Ballard acknowledged the order with a nod and ambled in her direction, unaffected by the pleasant smile she beamed his way

“Ty pawned uessed “It really isn’t necessary I don’t h, and I’m sure you have work to do”

“He said to show you the holding pens, and that’s what I aiestion with an easy slint in his eyes “He seems to think you want to see them”

“But I do” The assurance came quickly, reinforced by a turn in their direction

“Really? I could’ve sworn your purpose here was to do so,” he drawled

“Isn’t that sie courtesy?” Tara countered “When there’s a break in the fence, you try to repair it”

“At least you’re not denyin’ that you set out to get back in Ty’s good graces again”

“I have the impression you don’t approve To tell you the truth, I’m not surprised I aards ht Wolf Meadow property But it was never my intent to keep the property,” Tara replied, most persuasively

“I believe you,” Ballard stated, taking her by surprise “In fact, I think you bought it strictly for insurance”

“I don’t knohat you aze sharpened on him

“You’re out to get Ty back—one way or the other That’s why you’re danglin’ Wolf Meadow in front of hi it will take hiet his hands on it is if he takes you as part of the package That’s your plan, isn’t it?” Ballard challenged lightly “To make him choose between you and Jessy”