My pen paused. “Chuck?”
Kennedy grinned. “My dog.”
“Ahh. Well, I can come over with my SUV tomorrow afternoon, would that work?”
“That’s perfect. And thank you again for the opportunity. I promise I won’t let you down.”
I walked Kennedy out, little worry lines creasing my forehead as I watched her get on her bike and head down Main Street.
“Is that girl riding a bike in this weather?” my mom asked from behind me.
I turned and crossed to the counter. “I don’t think she has a car.”
Worry lines that mirrored my own appeared on my mom’s forehead. “You gave her the job, didn’t you?”
I grinned. My mom and I were two peas in a pod on this subject. When someone needed a hand up, and we could help, there was just no way we could say no. “Of course, I did.”
“Thank goodness.”
I rounded the counter and wrapped an arm around my mom. “You might not be saying that for long. She’s never worked in a restaurant setting before, I’m going to have to train her from the ground up.”
My mom gave my waist a squeeze. “I’ll help out as much as you need. It’ll be worth it.”
The bell over the door jingled, and Arthur pushed his way in, cane in hand. “It’s as slippery as a buttery nipple out there.”
“Arthur!” my mom chided.
I chuckled. “Come on in and get warm, old man.”
Arthur crossed to the counter. “Who you callin’ old, missy? I could take you any day of the week.”
I grinned. “I know you could. So, you want your usual?”
“Yes, please.” His face sobered. “How you holding up with the news?”
My brows pulled together. “What news?” My stomach flipped. Had someone found out that Cody was Noah’s dad and that he was back in town?
Arthur’s eyes widened a fraction. “I thought Tuck would’ve told you already. They found another horse dead yesterday morning.”
My mind flashed back to the day with Tuck. He had to have known. Why hadn’t he told me? My blood started to heat. He didn’t want me knowing, that’s why. “Thanks for letting me know. Do you have any idea where they found the mustang?”
Arthur’s eyes grew sad. “Near Clintock’s spot.”
I nodded and turned to my mom. “I need to go check on something. Can you handle the shop for a few hours?”
“Sure, honey. But be careful.”
“I will.” I held up my cell. “I’ve got my phone if you need me. I’ll be back by three.”
I grabbed my coat and headed towards the feed store. It was just after lunch, and there was usually an influx of ranchers around that time. If Tuck wasn’t going to keep me in the loop, I’d just have to find the information another way.
I pushed open the door to the feed store, a bell ringing as I did. A handful of men standing at the counter turned at the sound. The welcome was not the warmest. The feed store owner, Ken, and Bill were the only ones to give me polite smiles.
My gaze caught on a figure in the corner. There was something familiar in his form, his shoulders, the set of his jaw. Tuck’s father. He grinned down at a woman who worked at the store before reaching out and giving her braid a teasing tug. My stomach pitched. He was certainly getting more brazen.Poor Mrs. Harris.
Ken cleared his throat as he set down the papers in his hand. “Miss Jensen, what can I help you with today?”
I straightened my shoulders and focused on the task at hand. “I’m actually just looking for a little information.”
