Carver nodded. “Loved it since I was a kid. Don’t get a chance to go that often anymore.” He frowned. “You don’t suspect me, do you?”

“Actually, for a while, your name topped my suspect list. You and I both know you and Heather had an affair. Word was she dumped you, and you weren’t happy about it. Revenge can be a prime motive for murder.”

The color leached out of Carver’s face. “Does Kade know about the affair?”

“I saw no reason to mention it unless the evidence pointed in your direction. At the moment, I’m not convinced it does. ”

“I didn’t kill Heather. I was in love with her. I thought it was mutual.”

“I gather that was the way she liked to play the game. Looks like you were just one of many.”

“Yeah, eventually I figured that out. It’s not a time in my life I’m proud of.”

“As I said, I have no intention of telling Kade if I don’t have to. His wife hurt him enough. He doesn’t need a reminder.”

He studied her closely, and one of his eyebrows edged up. “You’ll keep quiet—unless I go back to the top of your suspect list. Is that it?”

“Be better for everyone if you don’t.”

He managed the faintest of smiles. “Any idea who this guy you’re looking at might be?”

“No idea. But I have a feeling we’re close to finding out.”

Carver drained his mug and set it down on the table, his expression unreadable. “Any more trouble on the ranch?”

“Not since Keller died. With any luck, the guy who financed his dirty work got the payback he wanted.”

Carver rose from his chair. “For Kade’s sake, I hope so.”

Ellie walked him back outside.

“About Heather . . .” he said. “If you come up with anything, I hope you’ll let me know. Doesn’t matter what happened between us. She didn’t deserve to be murdered.”

“No, she didn’t.” Ellie watched Carver stride back to his vehicle. If the regret she had seen in his face was any indication, Glen Carver hadn’t killed Heather Logan. But, at this point, she couldn’t be sure.

Ellie was determined to find out.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

SUPPERTIME ARRIVED. ELLIE HELPED WITH THE EVENING MEAL, BUT starting tomorrow, one of Maria’s cousins from Eagle would be assisting her in the kitchen. Apparently, Dolores wanted to be a chef, and this was a good place for her to get some experience.

Maria refused to talk about Alejandro. She said it would only make her cry. Alejandro was clearly miserable, but Maria continued to ignore him. She was determined to put the episode behind her and Alejandro out of her life. Ellie felt sorry for both of them.