“I’ve only met Libby a couple of times. Sam just met her this summer. She had some trouble when she first got here, but it all worked out.” Kade glanced back at the two blond heads bent close together. “Looks like he’s got it bad.”

Ellie laughed. “How long have you and Sam been friends?” Kade didn’t miss the speculation in her eyes. “You aren’t thinking Sam was one of Heather’s conquests?”

Ellie looked back at the tall, good-looking blond rancher dressed in jeans and boots, like most of the guys in the bar. “You don’t think so?”

“Sam and I have been friends since we were boys. He saved my life once, pulled me out of a swimming hole after I took a shallow dive and hit my head. Sam never approved of Heather. I think he knew what she was doing. The reason he never said anything is because he’s my best friend.”

Ellie made no reply. Kade figured she would be on the computer first thing in the morning, looking up information on Sam Bridger. But Sam was the one man in Coffee Springs Kade didn’t have to worry about.

“Who’s the other bartender?” Ellie asked as they crossed the room back to their seats.

Kade glanced over. On dance night, it took two people to handle the drink orders. “Name’s Rance Sullivan.” A guy Kade didn’t much like.

Sullivan was a handsome bastard, with too-long black hair and an olive complexion. He was always spouting off about being part Native American, but it was just a line he fed to the ladies. Kade had wondered for years if Heather had been one of Rance’s women. If she had, part of him didn’t want to know.

“How long has he been working here?” Ellie asked.

“His family’s from Eagle. Claims he’s part Arapahoe, but I doubt it. He’s worked here off and on for years.”

“Since before Heather’s disappearance?”

His jaw tightened. “Yeah.”

As Ellie settled herself on the stool in front of her drink, she flashed Kade a look of warning. Remember, I’m here to work, that look said.

He almost smiled. She was right, so he nodded, though she hadn’t said a word. “I see a couple of guys I know. I’m going over to say hello.”

“Take your time,” Ellie said pointedly. She turned around and casually took a sip of her drink.

As Kade started toward the local veterinarian and his wife, he watched Sullivan easing his way down the bar in Ellie’s direction, a predatory gleam in his black eyes.

Kade’s hand unconsciously fisted. Looked like Sullivan had set his sights on Ellie tonight.