“Do not.”
“This is Cindi Lou you’re talking to. When did you ever let a guy get a peek at your undies in just a couple of days?”
“They’ve been intense days.”
Cindi Lou laughed a big, booming sound of delight. “That makes a difference, how?”
“It just does.”
“I knew it. First time you ever mentioned him, you had this kind of breathy tone to your voice that I’ve never heard you use before.”
“I’d just fought a fire. I was having trouble breathing, if you must know.”
Cindi Lou laughed harder. “Couldn’t happen to a nicer gal.”
“He could be involved in the fires. I mean, he is involved because Texas Timber is trying to buy his ranch.”
“I read that in your report. You’re trying to hang him with gossamer threads. I can’t see it.”
“I know it’s a stretch to think he’d sabotage his own property to try and up the price, but I can’t rule anybody out at this point.”
“Take care not to throw the baby out with the bath.” Cindi Lou slurped her drink. “I’m still waiting for that photo.”
“Look him up online. There’re some shots of him at rodeos.”
“Yum.” Cindi Lou smacked her lips. “Now, any chance he’s a serial philanderer? I could do some in-depth research here.”
“Not a chance. I’m seeing him on his home turf with his family and friends around him. He’s true blue.” Misty picked up the bluebird and held it up to the light, thinking of Trey. “Anyway, as soon as I nail the culprit, I’ll be home and back to my real life.”
“Misty, give it a chance. Remember, we talked about you enlarging your world.” Cindi Lou grew quiet a moment. “You might actually be looking at love. Would that be so strange?”
“Trey and I were thrown together in dangerous situations, so we’ve experienced heightened emotions. That’s all.”
“My money’s on love at first sight.”
“That’s a myth.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
Misty set down the bluebird. She needed to turn the page and move on. “You read about the animal oxygen kits benefit in my report, didn’t you?”
“Great idea.”
“Would you please go online, buy five kits, and overnight them anonymously to the Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue Station? I’ll pay you back. This way they’ll have a few oxygen kits in case of a fire between now and the benefit.”
“You bet I’ll do it. And you won’t owe me a cent. It’s my contribution to the cause.”
“Thanks.”
“How’s the injured kitten?”
“I called the vet first thing this morning.” Misty felt sadness wash over her. “Sue Ann didn’t sound too sure the kitty would make it.”
“That’s a crying shame.”
“There’s still plenty of hope.”
“You better believe it.” Cindi Lou grew quiet as if thinking. “When Trey picks you up later for that ranch tour, why don’t you give him a break? Bless his heart, he’s just a guy.”
Misty chuckled, knowing folks never wanted to have “bless their heart” attached to their actions. But she took Cindi Lou’s meaning, not simply for Trey but for herself, too. “Okay. I’ll go easy on him.”
“Atta gal! You go for it. Whoops, got a call on another line. Bidness beckons. Catch you later.” And Cindi Lou clicked off.
Misty leaned back in her chair. She’d needed that talk. Cindi Lou always helped put life in perspective. But love? They both dealt in hard reality, so why had Cindi Lou taken off on this flight of fancy?
No way to know for sure. And Misty didn’t want to explore that path. She simply needed to get her mind back on business.
After a sound night’s sleep, she’d decided she’d better give the appearance of being on vacation to keep up her cover story. She’d taken a dip in the pool, breakfasted with Ruby, Charlene, and J.P., then she’d explained that she planned to nap and read in her room. They’d soon left to take care of business. Alone in the empty house, she’d quickly gotten down to her report and research.
She still wasn’t done. She looked at the laptop screen, tapping the keys with a fingertip as she considered her next move. Clickety-clack and she found a website for Wildcat Bluff. She scanned through basic information about the town and county with lists of Old Town businesses like Adelia’s Delights. Christmas in the Country and Wild West Days each had their own page with colorful photos of folks having fun at various events. Wildcat Bluff Volunteer Fire-Rescue even had a website with a list of services, names of volunteers, and photos of the rigs.
Next she typed in “Wildcat Bluff Sentinel” and discovered a surprisingly good site. She scanned articles and read the most recent ones about the drought and fires, but she didn’t learn much of anything new.