“Do not encourage her,” Ava said with a laugh.
Deke took out his phone, capturing the moment with a few quick snaps. Ellie waved enthusiastically and beamed at the camera.
“She’s a camera ham,” Ava remarked with a laugh, her eyes warm with affection.
“I see that.” Deke smiled, pulling a chair out from the table for Ava before settling beside her.
“How’s the case going?” Ava asked, her curiosity piqued.
Deke shook his head slightly as he unwrapped his burger, the aroma wafting pleasantly through the air. “They know we’re on to them.”
“So, you were right about it being two haulers and trucks,” Ava stated, her tone admiring.
Deke looked at her, one eyebrow arching knowingly. “I do know how to do my job, Ava.”
She laughed. “I know. Who is it?”
“All I can say is, we’re looking into the Winchester boys. We’re heading back to Clifton tomorrow to see what I can dig into, then I’ll be back in a few days to see if I can find them.”
“They took off?” Ava asked, her voice tinged with concern.
“Hiding is more like it, but I know it was them.” Deke shook his head with a chuckle, recalling the moment. “I thought Rawley was going to knock one of the kids on his ass.”
“Rawley? I like his name,” Ava mused, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Rawley and Killian came here to help me out.”
“Ooh, I like Killian too,” she teased playfully.
Deke chuckled. “I’ll tell them you said that, but Killian is married.”
“But Rawley’s not?” she teased further with a mischievous grin.
Deke narrowed his eyes playfully. “No, he’s not.”
Ava laughed, the sound bright and infectious. “You are so much fun to tease.”
“I loved it when you teased me,” he whispered, making her blush, then he chuckled.
“Now, who’s teasing?” She stared at him.
“I did that before too.”
“Stop,” she said as she shook her head but a smile lifted her lips.
After they finished eating, Ava gently wiped Ellie’s face and hands with a damp paper towel, then lifted her from her chair, setting the little girl on her tiny feet. Ava and Deke then began tidying up the remnants of their meal.
“I hate to eat and run,” Deke said, his voice carrying a note of regret as he wiped his hands ona dish towel, “but I have to get back to the hotel and pack. We’re leaving first thing in the morning.”
Ava looked up, curiosity and a hint of concern in her eyes. “Do you know when you’ll be back?”
“As I said, a few days,” Deke replied, a thoughtful frown creasing his forehead. “It depends on what I can find. I’d bet money this isn’t the first time they stole cattle. There has to be something on them. I’m also going to tell my family about Ellie. They deserve to know.”
“Yes, they do.”
“I’ll be back,” Deke assured her, his voice steady with promise. “I want to know my daughter. I also want her to meet her uncles and other grandfather.”
“I’d like that, and I’m sure she would too.”
