What was his problem? That Keith was a stranger? Or did he have an issue with Indians? Fearing the growing tension, Miranda stepped in. “Hi. I’m Miranda Sutton. Maybe you know my grandparents? Bud and Josephine?”
The bartender’s expression suddenly relaxed. “Yeah, Bud was a good ’un. I was sorry to hear he passed on. How’s Jo-Jo doing these days?”
“She’s well enough,” Miranda replied, “but needing help with the ranch. That’s why Keith and I are here.”
He cocked a bushy brow. “So you ain’t just passin’ through?”
“No. I’m here to stay,” Miranda said. “I’m living at the ranch now with Jo-Jo. We’re turning it into a long-term pasture for wild horses.”
“Yeah. I heard some talk about that,” he replied. “There’s some around here who might not think much of that.”
“It’s their right to think whatever they like,” Miranda replied, “but it’s also Jo-Jo’s right to do whatever she pleases with her property.”
“That so?” His bushy brows met in a scowl. “Them’s big words from such a little lady.” He finally asked in a gravelly baritone with a hint of humor, “What’ll you have?”
“Two beers,” Keith answered. “Whatever’s on tap.”
The bartender grunted acknowledgement and turned to fill the order. A moment later he slammed two foamy mugs onto the bar beside a dish of stale pretzels.
“’Scuse me,” Miranda began again, “do you happen to know where we can find Marvin McRae? Have you seen him lately?”
“That depends on why you’re looking for him,” the bartender replied, his wariness returned.
“Some of the mustangs got loose, and we’re needing some help rounding them up.”
“Heard some talk about that too,” the bartender said.
“From whom? Marvin?” she asked.
“Mebbe.”
“So he was here?”
“Yeah, just last night, but I didn’t wait on him. You might want to talk to Janice. The ol’ horn toad was pretty chatty with her.” He signaled a redheaded waitress from a table across the room. She dropped off her order and then approached the bar. She glanced at Keith and Miranda, and her eyes widened. “Keith?”
Keith set down his beer, his brows furrowed as if struggling to place her.
“It’s all right, I don’t expect you to remember me. Janice Combes. My father was—”
“Combes Bucking Bulls,” he finished with a grin. “Yeah, I remember you now. It’s been a long time.”
“Yeah. It has. I’ve been away for years and just came back.”
“Do you know Miranda Sutton?” Keith asked. “She just moved in with her grandmother over at the Circle S in Silver Star.”
“So you’re the one who took on all those mustangs?” Janice said.
“Yeah,” Miranda answered. “You heard about it?”
“Who hasn’t?” Janice laughed. “You’ve become the talk of the county. I also heard some of them already got loose.”
“Word does spread like wildfire around here, doesn’t it?” Miranda remarked dryly.
“Well, I probably hear more talk than most, working here,” Janice said.
“The bartender said Marvin had a few words to say about it?”
“Choice words, more like,” Janice answered. “He was on a real rant last night. He’s a mean ol’ bastard, but he tips well. In fact, last night was the biggest tip I ever got from him. Come to think of it, he threw quite a bit of money around. He also ordered only call brands. Not his usual MO at all.”
“What did he have to say about the Circle S?” Keith asked.
“He’s still pissed off about getting canned and went on a long tirade about getting payback.”
“Did he now?” Keith remarked.
“Yeah, but I didn’t pay him too much heed. You know how drunks will go on. I figured he was probably just blowing smoke.”
“Maybe not. The horses didn’t push through that fence,” Keith said. “Somebody cut it. And it sounds like Marvin had as good a reason to do it as anyone.”
“The fence was cut?” Janice pursed her mouth. “Well, I reckon that sheds quite a different light on things, doesn’t it?”
“Is he a regular here?” Keith asked.
“When he has money, he is. So I expect him back. I’ll be off for the next couple of days, but I’d be glad to see what I can coax out of him for you the next time he’s in.”
“You’d do that for us?” Miranda asked.
“Absolutely. Cutting that fence was despicable. Just leave it to me.” She winked. “I’ll find out sure enough if he did it.”
*
The next morning, a number of horses had congregated in the pasture. Once more Keith’s prediction had proven true. Throwing her clothes on, Miranda rushed downstairs to the kitchen. “Did you see them, Jo-Jo?”
“Did I see what?”
“The horses! A bunch of them have come back.”
Jo-Jo went to the window to peer out. Her lips curved into a smile. “I’ll be damned.”
“Have you seen Keith yet?”
“Not yet. He’s probably out there.” Jo-Jo nodded toward the pasture.
Miranda grabbed her jacket and boots.
“No coffee?” Jo-Jo asked.
“No time,” Miranda said, rushing out the door. She found Keith saddling Sassy and Sadie.