“You know he dropped out of school this spring. And Sara told me he’s out and about at all hours. He won’t tell her where he’s been. And she doesn’t like his loser friends.” He briefly closed his eyes. “I wouldn’t admit this to anyone else. I can’t help thinking about a few very recent and very sneaky crimes, although there’s absolutely no evidence tying any of them to Eric. You know the crimes I’m talking about? Targeting ranchers and farmers, releasing their animals. Have you heard anything?”

Cord frowned. “Yeah. A little. Perry Roberts told me his enclosure gate had been pried open. And a sheep got out, got hit in the road. Can you believe that? If there’s anything I can’t stand, it’s cruelty. Especially to the innocent, like animals.”

Eli nodded grimly. “I hate to even suggest it, and I can’t accuse Eric—or anyone—without solid evidence. But like I said, his mom’s worried, and so am I.”

“We should all keep an eye on him,” Cord said.

J.P. agreed, told them he’d do what he could. Soon after, and by now it was nearly ten and the lights inside and out were on, Tina reappeared in the Robbinses’ car to collect Carly. Cord asked Shallie if she wanted to join the guys. She shook her head. “Not tonight, thanks. I’m just too tired. Soon, though.”

“I have a question for you. I want to ask if you’ll help me out…”

“How?”

“By getting some information about Carly. She’s been hesitant to share anything, and I haven’t been very good about asking. It’s…kind of uncomfortable, you know. She says one of us is her father—you’ve heard that, right? She told you?”

When Shallie nodded, he went on. “You can see how this situation affects all of us. But we don’t know where to go from here.”

“DNA testing is the obvious way,” Shallie said.

“How do I approach that?”

“Let me think about it. Can we talk more tomorrow? Maybe you can give me your questions then?”

“Okay,” he murmured. “See you in the morning.”

Shallie finished her wine and went inside with the empty glass while Cord gazed after her. A minute later, she came back out to clear up the dishes and the remains of the meal, and to wish the dogs—and him—a good night.

Except it wasn’t going to be. Because he’d be thinking about her, wanting her. And wondering what she was thinking—and whether she wanted him, too.

CHAPTER SEVEN

SATURDAY MORNING, CARLY accompanied Tina to the main kitchen for breakfast, where Shallie met them. Tina announced that she was buying some additional groceries—mostly to stock up on vegetarian options.

“Thank you,” Shallie said. “I really appreciate it.”

“Least we can do,” Tina responded. “You’re our guest.”