Chapter 9

“Don’t mind her,” Rory said, obviously trying not to laugh as well. “She’s twelve and just beginning to take an interest in the opposite sex as more than pests. I’m Rory, by the way, and she’s Molly.”

“Conall Taggart at your service. And yes, my hair color is real, if that’s what you meant. Now Deke’s I wouldn’t swear to.”

“Conall,” Deke snarled before regaining his sense of decorum. “Rory, Molly, if you feel like exploring, now that the security’s off, have at it, but don’t wander too far.”

“Are there deer and big horn sheep and rabbits?” Molly asked.

“There are, although I doubt you’ll see any of the sheep.”

“What about cougars and coyotes?” Rory wanted to know.

“They’re out there,” Deke replied, “but they keep their distance.”

“Good. Let’s put our clothes away and then take a walk,” Rory said to Molly.

As soon as they vanished upstairs, Deke suggested again that he and Conall go into his office. When they did, Deke took his seat at the desk. “So what did you find out?”