“I am.” If Hannah noticed the way the agent studied her, she didn’t show it. Instead, she extended her hand and offered up a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you, and not to pile on or anything, but I’m really glad you’re here, too. I’m totally freaking out.”
Cooper was caught off guard by the admission but, upon further reflection, he realized Hannah was playing Jacob the exact right way from her perspective. If she looked helpless, the agent was likely to overlook her ... which could only be considered a good thing given their current predicament. In truth, she was the most powerful being they had in their group. Her looks assured nobody would assume that.
“I don’t blame you.” Jacob flashed a warm smile in Hannah’s direction. “This is really weird, right? I know you guys have probably told your story a million times at this point, but I need to hear it again.”
“Sure.” Cooper nodded and pointed toward the street. “It will probably be easier if we take you to where it happened and reenact it to the best of our ability.”
“I think that sounds like a fine idea.” Jacob beamed, his eyes immediately going to Hannah as she slipped her hand into Cooper’s and allowed him to take the lead. “I didn’t realize you guys were a couple. That wasn’t in the report.”
Cooper’s shoulders stiffened, but he managed to keep his expression blank. “I didn’t realize it was important.”
“I didn’t either,” Boone interjected, falling into step with Jacob. He was having a hard time getting a read on the man. “Hannah and Cooper have only been together a few weeks. I didn’t realize that was necessary to the report.”
“But you were aware of the relationship?” Jacob queried.
“I was.” Boone bobbed his head. “I visit Casper Creek at least once a week to see how they’re doing up here. This place is isolated, and Hannah and the veterinarian are the only ones who live on the property full time.”
“And that would be ... ?” Jacob glanced around, as if looking for another face.
“Tyler James,” Boone replied. “He’s over in the paddock with the animals.”
Jacob followed the direction Boone pointed and nodded. “Ah, I see. So ... there’s a room above the barn, it looks like, and one above the saloon.” He switched his attention to the second-story windows directly above them. “What about over there?” He pointed toward the brothel. “How come nobody lives in that building?”
“Because it’s part of the show,” Cooper answered smoothly. “Guests can rent out the rooms in that building for small parties.”
“And do they?”
“Occasionally, although it’s not often because there’s a lack of food choices up here,” Cooper replied. “Hannah’s grandmother owned the property before her, and she often talked about adding a full kitchen. She never got a chance before her death.”
Hannah was taken aback. “I didn’t know she was considering that.”
Cooper was caught off guard. “Oh, well ... I just figured you wouldn’t want to take on something new so early in your tenure.”
“Actually, I kind of like the idea.” Hannah studied the street. “What would be involved if we wanted to add a full restaurant?”
Cooper’s eyes widened — really, was now the time for this? — but he kept his response neutral. “We would need another building and industrial kitchen equipment. It wouldn’t be cheap.”
“Still, it’s something to consider, right?” She looked so hopeful he couldn’t deny her.
“It’s definitely something to consider ... down the road.” He tilted his head in Jacob’s direction. “Right now, we have other things to deal with.”
“Right.” She plastered a smile on her face and glanced back at the agent. “I’m so sorry. I just never considered it before. I got excited.”
“It’s okay.” Jacob’s returning smile was indulgent. “Women get distracted easily. I’m used to it ... and it’s totally not your fault.”
Realization dawned on Cooper and he had to swallow a delighted laugh. Hannah had read Jacob better than he had. The man was sexist, although it was still to be determined if it would end up being a problem. He assumed that Hannah needed help running the town, which is where Cooper came in. She was playing up to his expectations, and in a brilliant way. Jacob had already pigeonholed her, which was fine considering the situation. He’d essentially pegged her as beautiful but clueless. That would allow her to roam freely without attracting suspicion. Honestly, it was a brilliant move.
“Is this the spot?” Jacob turned to serious matters, his gaze falling on the empty street.
“This is the spot,” Cooper confirmed. “Um ... we don’t have enough people here to completely re-enact things, but let me try.” He was all business as he indicated where the parties were standing and launched into the tale. Occasionally, Jacob flicked his eyes to Hannah, who stood in the same spot she had the day before. When Cooper was finished, Jacob looked more confused than when they began.
“I guess I don’t understand how this happened,” he started.
“Join the club.” Boone flashed a tight smile. “That’s why we’re eager for your help.”
“But ... no bullet was found in the deceased’s body. Everyone assumed that when the gun was fired and the victim fell that he was shot. My understanding is that there was blood present.”
“There was,” Cooper confirmed.
“A lot of blood.” Hannah shuddered on cue. “I mean ... it was everywhere.”
Jacob shot her a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry you were so traumatized.”
Cooper and Boone exchanged amused looks when Jacob was fixated on Hannah. They’d been worried she would crack under pressure, but she was in complete control of the situation. They were both impressed ... and a little freaked at how good she was at corralling a trained
