She looked at me with playful sternness. “Ruby-Rose Parker, I don’t want any modesty from you. You’re a star.”
I laughed.
“At least you will be when I publish my article.”
Despite her instructions, I had no choice but to be modest. It was the horses that did all the work, and the riders: Wyatt, Grayson, and Samuel. I was telling her about how Teddy ran the ranch, how he’d been such a model for the humane treatment of animals that the City of Magnolia had contracted him to turn the rodeo into a bigger, longer event—and an annual one of course—when we were interrupted by the doorbell.
I answered the door. “Deputy Stone,” I said with a smile. “Please, do come in.”
He took off his hat, lowered it to his chest, and inclined slightly. “Mrs. Parker, it’s good to see you.”
I introduced Lincoln to Isabel then said to him, “You’re early.”
He looked at his watch. “Right on time, actually. Three o’clock sharp.”
“Oh, my.” I put a hand to my mouth and, wide-eyed, turned to Isabel. “I completely lost track of the time. I’m sorry. We’ll have to continue this later. I’ve got to get to work.”
“Of course,” said Isabel. “And thank you again for the tickets.” She patted her pocket where she’d placed the envelope I’d given her. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the show.”
“It’s a great show,” said Lincoln. “Ruby and the riders make quite a team.”
“Speaking of team,” I said to Lincoln. “Thank you for taking care of Tamara.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m more than happy to. You know that.” He returned my kiss with a longer one on the mouth. “Have a great show.”
As I walked Isabel to her car, I said, “Why don’t you come down to the ranch? If you have the time.”
“Now? Sure. I have time.”
“You can meet the men. In fact, it’s a must.”
“Oh, is it?” she said.
“If you want to write a good story about me, you’ll want to include the men.”
THE END