Part 26 (1/2)
Kent felt a chill run up his spine. Two fires at the former filling station and a few fires in trash bins behind the downtown buildings occurred just down the street from Holloway property. He eyed the two guys with renewed interest. There'd been too many suspicious fires in their buildings while they were off fis.h.i.+ng in Southeast Oklahoma.
”I heard there'd been a few small fires around here,” Bert Two said casually. ”Sounds like unruly kids to me.”
Bert sighed, as if in exasperation. ”I know what folks are saying about us, but I swear somebody's got it in for the Holloway family. I've told Sheriff Calhoun, but it doesn't do a bit of good.”
”The fire department and the sheriff are doing all that's possible. So far, there's just not enough evidence to prove anything beyond arson.” Kent hesitated, trying to smooth over the situation because he could feel Hannah tensing and snuggling harder against him. ”I'm sorry for your losses.”
”Thank you.” Bert took off his hat, ran a hand through his thick hair, and set his hat back in place. ”It's frustrating as all get-out, but I do appreciate your help and concern.”
”Double that,” Bert Two added. ”Let's hope that local firebug doesn't get a mind to light up our new Sure-Shot property.”
”Aren't they going to set up a watch?” Lauren glanced at Kent with an understanding glint in her eyes.
”That right?” Bert asked.
”Sounds like it,” Kent agreed. ”I hope they follow up.”
”Good idea.” Bert Two agreed. ”Dad, we ought to ask them if they'll keep an eye on our property, too.”
”We'll do it,” Bert said. ”Fact of the matter, we ought to get right on it as soon as we eat dinner. You'll excuse us if don't stay to chat longer, but you've got me worried about that old drive-in now.”
”Don't blame you one bit. We were just on our way back to Wildcat Bluff.” Kent gave Lauren a look to go along with him as he turned away from the cafe.
Bert tipped his hat to Lauren. ”Now don't be a stranger while you're in town. And tell your aunt I'm always ready to squire her about town or any place she may take a fancy to go.”
Lauren smiled as she shook her head. ”I doubt I have to tell her. It seems you've been trying to get her to go out with you forever.”
Bert chuckled. ”Little lady, it has been forever, but I'm not a man who ever gives up-not when the prize is Hedy Murray.”
”And Lauren, now that you're back in town,” Bert Two said, ”let's get together and talk about old times or new ones. Please give me a call when you get settled in. I'd be happy to take you and your adorable daughter to supper.” He pulled a business card from his coat pocket and held it out to her.
Kent felt like growling and giving Bert Two what-for, but he held his peace because he had a little girl in his arms that he didn't want to alarm. Later he'd better not hear that Bert Two was trying to make time with his gal. Jealousy hadn't reared its head in a long time, but Lauren brought out all Kent's possessive and protective instincts.
Lauren smiled sweetly as she accepted Bert Two's card and put it in her front pocket. ”Good to see you both again. Right now, I've got a sleepy child who needs a nap.”
Bert Two nodded, tipped his hat, and opened the door to the Bluebonnet Cafe. ”Now don't forget to call.”
”And be sure to tell Hedy I asked after her,” Bert added.
As the men disappeared into the Bluebonnet, Kent clasped Lauren's elbow and steered her toward their vehicles. He opened the door to Lauren's SUV, then gently set Hannah in her booster seat and fastened the seat belt.
She looked up at him sleepily. ”Cowboy Daddy, what about my chicken strips?”
”We'll get you something to eat later.” He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before he backed away and shut the door.
”Thanks.” Lauren stood in front of her SUV with her arms crossed over her stomach. ”You really have a way with her.”
”She's exhausted and sleepy.” He held out his hand. ”Hungry, too.”
”Same goes for me.” She clasped his fingers. ”I was looking forward to lunch, but I didn't want to sit down at a table with Bert and Bert Two. They're nice enough, but Hannah didn't need any more strangers today.”
”I got that.” He walked with her around to the driver's side. ”Do you want to get food someplace else?”
She shook her head. ”It'd be pus.h.i.+ng Hannah too far. She's had a great day. I think I'll just take her back to Ruby's. We can get something to eat there.”
”I understand.” He did but he didn't. He wanted more from Lauren, and he wanted it now. ”Look, could I pick you up later?”
She smiled, happiness lighting up her brown eyes. ”Do you mean like a date?”
”That's exactly what I mean.”
”Barbeque from the Chuckwagon Cafe?”
”And a trip up to Lovers Leap.” He felt a scorching blaze rush through him at the thought of being alone with her in their favorite place again.
”Are we up to that much fun?”
”Why don't we find out?”
”I'm willing if you're willing.” She squeezed his hand, smiling up at him, then glanced down the street. ”Look, the sheriff's car is in front of the Sinclair station.”
”Glad to hear it.”
”Are you going down to talk with him?”
”I'd better. And I'll stop by the fire station, download the photos, and pick up new fire extinguishers.”
”You'd best get on your way then.” She hesitated, glanced back at the cafe, then at him again. ”Funny how there've been fires near the Holloway's new property, isn't it?”
”That's my exact thought. I'll talk to Sheriff Calhoun about it again.”
”Still, let's don't jump to conclusions.”
”Wouldn't think of it, but it's something to keep in mind.”
She rose up, pressed a quick kiss to his lips, and then stepped back. ”Now, be on your way before I kidnap you.”
He laughed, pus.h.i.+ng fingers into her thick hair to cradle her head as he gazed down at her. ”If you want to kidnap me, I won't fight you.”
She covered his hand with her fingers and leaned her face in and kissed his palm. ”If I'm going to kidnap you, better bring your sleeping bag tonight.”
He chuckled, feeling hotter at her words. ”Guess a well-prepared cowboy firefighter's equipment should include a sleeping bag.”
”That's right. I'd expect him to always be ready to fight a fire or satisfy a gal in need.”
”Are you in need?”