Then she’d discovered her first computer and had turned away from sports. Had her father felt she’d turned away from him, too? Her mother had died, and they’d both retreated, and then she’d walked a little on the wild side.

Would he be proud of her now? Of the good she did? She fingered the necklace and started to release the clasp.

A knock sounded on her door, and she jumped, dropping her hands instantly. “Come in.”

The door opened, and her father walked in, wiping his hands off on a faded yellow bandana. He’d removed his boots, but his hair and overalls were wet. “How are you settling in?” he asked. The smell of the outdoors came with him. Thunder crackled outside.

“Good.” She cleared her throat. He and Raider had been outside for a couple of hours. “How did it go with Raider?”

Her dad shook his head. “I’d hoped your decision making would’ve improved as you got older.”

His disappointment hit her like a wet hay bale. So Raider had done a good job with his cover. “He’s a good man, Daddy.” That was the truth, but at the moment, she kind of wanted to punch Raider in the balls. This was a disaster.

“No, he’s not. He’s looking to break the law, and even though I think he does care for you, he’ll end up in prison.” Her dad shoved his hands in his pockets, his gaze barely meeting hers. “I’m afraid you’ll end up there, too. You have to stop using your skills for the wrong man.”

She’d give anything to toss the camera necklace out of the window and tell her dad the truth. She’d take it off to sleep and then forget it in the morning. He’d be out early with the cattle, so she could catch him then. For the night, the stupid HDD agents could believe what they wanted. Nothing was worth making her dad think she was still a moron. She couldn’t take that look on his stubborn face any longer. “Dad, I don’t want to fight.”

“Me either.” He sighed, and the lines in his face seemed to deepen. “We can talk more tomorrow. Raider ain’t sleeping in here.”

Warmth flooded cheeks. “I know.” She couldn’t even imagine sleeping with a man under her father’s roof. The guy was so old-fashioned. “He’s a good man, Daddy. I hope you gave him a chance.” Except Raider wasn’t acting like a good man.

“It might not be an issue,” her dad muttered. “Guys like that don’t seem to stick around for long.” He looked around the room and then backed out. “’Night.”