While they waited for the competition to start, Raney and Uno hunted up the porta-potties and the concession area. After buying a bag of popcorn and cold drinks, they went to the stands rising on one side of the arena.
Pausing at the front, Raney scanned the rows for a place to sit and for people she knew. The first face she recognized wasn’t happy. County Commissioner Adkins, heading her way, fists clenched at his sides.
Before the commissioner had gone into politics, he had been in real estate—mostly dealing with oil and gas leases—and had worked with her father on a few lease projects. Raney had met him years ago and had seen him several times since, but they had never been more than distant acquaintances. She guessed by his expression as he stomped toward her and Uno, that was about to change.
“Was that Dalton Cardwell I saw you come in with?” he demanded.
“Good morning, Commissioner,” Raney answered with a polite smile.
“Are you here with Dalton Cardwell?”
“I am. He’s training a promising colt for me.”
“You know he killed Jim Bob.”
“I know he took responsibility for his part in that terrible tragedy and went to jail for it. I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim Bob is sorely missed.” She tried to inject sympathy into her tone, although she doubted the commissioner would be mollified.
He wasn’t. “His part? Are you saying my nephew had a hand in his own death?”
“Not at all. But since there was never a trial and all the facts weren’t made public, we’ll never know for certain.” Dropping a hand onto Uno’s shoulder, she started to steer him around the commissioner. “Now, if you’ll excuse us—”
The older man sidestepped to block their way. “Cardwell also put two of Jim Bob’s cousins in the hospital. Did you know that?”
“Yes. I was there. I regret that Jim Bob’s cousins were hurt, but they did start the fight and take the first swing.”
“So say you. Deputy Langers says different.”
Raney gave up on the niceties. “So says a dozen videos on the Internet, Commissioner. Look them up. You’ll see exactly what happened and what Deputy Langers did about it. Which was nothing. Toby Langers has a long-standing grudge against Cardwell. It led him to make an error in judgment that has put a big kink in his career. I’d hate to see him talk you into making the same mistake.”
“Is that a threat, Miss Whitcomb?”
Raney showed her teeth in what she hoped was a smile. “Of course not, Commissioner. But it’s obvious you feel Cardwell’s time in prison wasn’t enough to compensate for your loss. I understand that. Losing a loved one is hard. I still struggle over my father’s death. But I’m trying to move on. I suggest you do, too. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
By the time she and Uno found seats near the top of the bleachers, she was shaking with anger. And adrenaline. And the urge to hit something. Instead, she took a deep breath, let it out, and turned to Uno. “I think I’ve made an enemy.”
“No es importante, Jefe. Senor Dalton and mi padre will protect you.”
She fought the urge to ruffle his dark hair. “Of course they will. They’re the bravest men I know. But I don’t want to bother them about this right now, so let’s not mention it to them, ¿tú comprende?”
He looked uncertain, but nodded.
“Any popcorn left? It really smells good.”
While they sat munching popcorn, the stands slowly filled. Raney saw no sign of the commissioner and hoped he’d left. She did see several people she knew, and smiled and waved, but made no effort to join them. She was still too worked up to be pleasant company.
The show started with the usual fanfare—music blasting over the loudspeakers, clapping, a cheerfully exuberant announcer introducing the judges and the names of each horse and rider as they came into the arena to make their two-and-a-half-minute run at the cows.
Raney studied Rosco. Dalton had tied him on the end of the dividing fence close by the judges’ stand. He definitely perked up when all the hoopla started, but didn’t seem overly agitated. After a while, his head dropped a little, but he still stayed focused on the doings on the other side of the rail fence. As the show progressed, Raney noticed several trainers she recognized talking to Dalton and checking out Rosco. She wasn’t sure what to make of that. It was a little early for offers. Or maybe it was just curiosity about a new face in their midst.
Raney chatted with Uno from time to time and occasionally he chatted back. Definitely his father’s son. But she could see his interest was down in the exercise area with his father and Dalton, so after a while, she relented and sent him down there, while she continued to monitor Rosco from the stands. And Dalton.
He looked magnificent. The snug jeans emphasizing the long, muscular strength of his legs. The sway of his wide shoulders as Rosco moved into a lope. The tilt of his head and the suppleness of his broad, strong back as he rounded the turns. Dalton was born to the saddle and his athletic grace drew the attention of every woman sitting near Raney.
Rosco seemed to be doing well, too, and loped through his exercise laps without any signs of nervousness, despite the noise and action around him. Slowly, Raney allowed herself to relax and enjoy the show. Several friends dropped by. A few asked about Dalton, but most were more
