Page 94 of Meant for Her

“I’m calling Mason again. If he focuses his search on Bozeman and the surrounding area, that might help.”

“Go for it,” Ryan said.

She made the call and told him that Luke and Ryan’s dad told a friend he was headed to Bozeman. “I don’t know,” she said. “Okay, thanks.”

“What did he say?”

“That he would refocus his attention in that area. He asked how finding your dad will help get your cows back.”

Ryan looked over at Luke for the answer to that one.

“It doesn’t. But one thing at a time.”

She nodded. “Hopefully, the sheriff will come up with something. I don’t know if he asked you, but did the eighteen-wheelers that carried the cows have any distinguishing marks, besides not having license plates?”

“I think Ryan hit the back of one of the trucks. The bullet might still be lodged in the back.”

“Then let’s hope they find the truck and match the bullet to Ryan’s gun.”

“Wouldn’t that be amazing.”

“Anyone willing to help me fix a meal?” Luke asked.

Malia jumped up. “I’d love to.”

* * *

Malia was taking her lunch break when Mason called the next day. Her heart started to beat faster. She doubted he’d contact her unless he had information. “Hey, what’s up.”

“I found your missing dad.”

She reached out and grabbed a gurney to steady herself. Looking around, no one seemed to have noticed. She walked toward the break room, hoping it was empty. It was.

“Was he in Bozeman?”

“Yes. I have a PI friend who lives up that way. I gave him the address I found and asked that he take a picture of the man to be sure. I’ll send it to you.”

Her hand was actually shaking. “Was he using his real name?”

“Sort of. He went by Emory Joseph.”

“Let me guess. His real name is Emory Joseph Lattimore.”

“Yes. I’d say the man wasn’t very sophisticated about hiding,” Mason said.

“Can you send me the address?”

“Just did.”

“You’re really good at your job, you know that?”

“Aw, shucks. I’m thinking a home cooked meal might be in order as a thank you.”

She smiled. “I’m sure I can arrange that. I’ll let you know what happens.”

“I’ll be waiting.” He then disconnected.

She immediately checked her mail. When she opened the image of the man getting out of an old truck, she smiled. She could definitely see the family resemblance. Before she called the men, she had to think about how they’d react. Okay, she knew how they’d react. They’d want to drive to Bozeman right then and there and confront their father. She was okay with that, except that Luke would insist she stay home.