I rested my hand lightly over his tattoo. “Thank you. Just water, if you don’t mind. No ice.”

His face relaxed. “Good choice. Alcohol, dehydration, and altitude don’t mix. Be right back.”

I tried to snake my way to a dark, unoccupied corner, but an elderly man with a crown of white cotton-candy hair snagged my arm.

“Darby Graham? I’m your host, Roy Zaring. Welcome to Mule Shoe.”

“Thank you, Mr. Zaring.”

“Call me Roy. How did you find your cabin?”

“Everything so far seems exquisite.”

Roy beamed. “If you need anything, my dear, just let my staff know.” His gaze drifted to my left leg. “And if you want or need help—”

“I’m fine.” I made an effort to relax my clenched hands. Obviously Roy was aware of my background.

“A package came for you from Scott Thomas at Clan Firinn. While you’re at dinner, I’ll have someone deliver it to your cabin.”

“You can just give it to me now.” I really didn’t want anyone sauntering into my cabin.

Roy looked around at the mingling guests. “It might be more discreet . . .”

Did it come in a Depends box? “Of course. You’re right. Is everyone here for the art class, or do you have other guests?”

“This week is the art class, though we specialize in team building. But not . . . it’s . . . well . . . you know . . . I heard you rescued Shadow Woman’s dogs.”

A you know and a change of subject. Interesting. “Considering you don’t have a phone, email, or internet, you seem remarkably well informed.” I smiled. “Maybe carrier pigeons?”

“Close.” He took a small black radio from his pocket. “Here on the ranch, we use walkie-talkies. For outside communication, we maintain a two-way radio for emergencies. At any rate, I liked the old woman and I’m just glad someone is taking care of her dogs.”

“So you knew her. What happened?”

“I don’t rightly know. About six months ago she came here for something. She seemed upset but left before anyone could figure out what she wanted. A month or so later, her mule wandered in. I contacted Sam at the store, figuring he would be the next to see her when she came in for supplies. I wanted him to let Shadow Woman know her mule was here and she could come and get him. Then I started to worry that something happened to her. I was about to call the sheriff for a welfare check when Liam told me she’d moved to Pocatello. Liam’s a gossip monger. The next time I went to town, Sam showed me her bad check. Everyone assumed she’d taken her dogs, so it was a shock when they showed up in town.”

“I see.”