Hayden Barr, that was the rider’s name. As for the face that went with it … Something was familiar. A new connection.
Buck muttered a curse as the mental picture came clear. It was Hayden Barr he’d seen last night in the corridor of the hotel, fondling the spunky brunette who’d just now gone storming off down the row of stalls.
Small world. And none of his concern.
With a mental shrug, Buck turned his full attention to the horse. It was time to forget the lady and go back to minding his own damned business.
Cheyenne found Roper with the stallions. He was standing outside Fire Dance’s stall, coaxing the horse to take a carrot through the bars of the gate. So far, Fire Dance washaving none of it. He’d backed into the far corner of the stall, where he was snorting, tossing his head, and baring his big, yellow teeth.
Cheyenne stopped a few paces behind her brother. “We need to talk, Roper,” she said.
“I’m busy. Does it have to be now?” His attention was fixed on the stallion.
“I’m afraid so. There are things I need to ask you. Urgent things.”
With a sigh of impatience, he dropped the carrot into the stall and turned toward her. “Did you see Hayden? He was here looking for you a few minutes ago. Now he’s gone upstairs to check your room. If you showed up, he said to keep you here.”
“Fine. That will give us a few minutes to talk.”
“That’s all the time I have. What’s this all about, Cheyenne? Is it Hayden? Has he been pushing things too far?”
“If that were the problem, I could handle it myself,” she said. “No, it’s something more serious.”
He waited for her to go on. He knew, of course, what she was going to ask him. He’d probably known all along.
“Sam Rafferty stopped me in the lobby,” she said. “He asked me about Frank, about my relationship with him, and about yours. He seemed to be looking for a reason you might have to kill him.” Her eyes met his, their gaze unflinching. “I know our mother swore that you were at home when Frank was murdered. I thought that was the end of the trouble. But is it? I can tell you’re worried about something, and not just the horses. Roper, does the FBI still suspect you of murder?”
He took a breath. She sensed pain in the jagged rush of air. “You know I didn’t kill him, don’t you?”
“Of course. I’d fight to the death to defend you.”
“Thank you, Little Sis.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Buteven that might not be enough. I seem to be the perfect suspect. Motive, means, and opportunity. Sam Rafferty even tells me they’ve found a piece of evidence—the murder weapon, I’m guessing. But it’s all circumstantial. There’s no witness and no prints or DNA to tie me to the crime.”
“But you could still be arrested, couldn’t you?”
“Yes. But Sam agreed to let me come here and compete as long as I behave myself. It’s a safe bet on his part. Any attempt to escape would make me look guilty as hell.”
“Oh, Roper!” Heartsick for him, Cheyenne shook her head. “What about your boss, Mrs. Culhane? She could have killed Frank. It would’ve served him right. I heard that he cheated on her.”
“Lila’s not part of this. She was better off when Frank was alive. At least she wasn’t fighting Frank’s kids for the ranch.”
She studied him a moment. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
“That’s between Lila and me. I trust you to keep it to yourself.”
“Of course. Mother would have a fit. How much does she know about the FBI investigation?”
“I haven’t told her anything. But Sam’s talked with her a couple of times. She confirmed that I was home all night, and that sometime after midnight I heard barking and got up to chase a skunk off the porch. I caught the dog and shut him in the barn so he wouldn’t get sprayed. When I came back inside, wearing nothing but skivvies and the boots I’d pulled on, Mother was in the kitchen, in her robe, so she could truthfully say she saw me—and add that I wouldn’t have gone anywhere without clothes.”
“And that’s not enough of an alibi?”
“Sam claims that parents will say anything to protect their children, so he can’t accept the story as proof.”Roper glanced down the row of stalls. “Here comes Hayden. I hope I’ve satisfied your curiosity.”
The last words stung. “It wasn’t curiosity,” she said. “I’m worried about you. I want to help if I can.”
“If you want to help, Little Sister, keep quiet and don’t interfere. Understand?”
“Yes, but …” Cheyenne’s words trailed off as Hayden came within hearing. He was smiling, ready to show her around as he’d promised.