The Marriage Charm (Bliss County 2) (26 page)

“Oh, always.” Estes chortled and went back to his computer.

*

M
IKE
M
ULE’S WAS
packed, of course, and even though he’d already called in his order, he had to wait in line. By the time he was back in the truck with the pizza, he was running late. As he drove up the lane to the ranch, he could see that the lights were on.

Warmth.
Home
.

Melody and Harley were curled up together on the couch. He’d done his best to get that dog not to sleep there, and his authority meant something in this town, but in his own home, apparently not. The dog even wagged his tail as he came in the door.

At least Harley usually tried to pretend he hadn’t been there. Spence walked past them to put the box on the table. “You’re a bad influence on that critter. For your information, he’s not supposed to be on the couch.”

“He’s slept on my bed,” Melody countered, looking cozy in worn jeans and a faded T-shirt with plaid socks on her feet. “The couch seems a lesser sin. Mmm. That pizza smells
really
good. Please tell me you have paper plates. Then we won’t have to interrupt the movie to go wash dishes afterward. I’ve got it ready to go. All I have to do is hit Play.”

She’d chosen an old classic he’d never seen,
Father Goose
with Cary Grant. He laughed all the way through while demolishing more than his share of the pizza, and at the end of it, with Melody curled in the curve of his arm, Harley snoozing like it was his job, he must have drifted off.

A gentle elbow in the ribs brought him back to awareness of the world around him.

Melody handed him his phone, which he’d placed on the coffee table. “For you.”

Jack.

“Hey.” He did his best not to sound as if he’d been on the verge of the first sleep he’d had in days.

“Too late to call? I got the message, but I was out on a case.”

“No, not too late at all. I just have a question or two.” Spence was very aware of Melody listening in. “I think we might have an antiques theft ring operating right here in Mustang Creek. I’ve talked to the state police about it, but it appears to be strictly local. The thefts are interesting, to say the least. Steal the pieces and then as soon as they sell, steal them back—that’s my theory. Do you have contacts who might specialize in this sort of crime?”

“I wish I could say no, but I have contacts who specialize in
every
sort of crime.” Jack sounded intrigued. “Lucky me, eh? Let me make a few calls. I’ll get back to you tomorrow if I come up with anything.”

“Appreciate it, Jack.”

Melody gave him an accusing look when he clicked off. “It has nothing to do with Ronald,” she insisted. “I love that man. He’s a sweetheart. I refuse to believe it.”

“I must have missed the part where I accused him of something.” He urged her to lie back against him. “To my mind, he’s not a suspect, if that makes you feel better. I’m just asking around.”

She was silent. He’d almost fallen asleep again, when she suddenly asked, “Is this what life with you will be like?”

He opened one eye.

She elaborated hastily as color crept into her cheeks. “I meant
would
be like... Oh, heck. You’re obviously tired. Let’s just go to sleep.”

Harley jumped up and headed for the bedroom.

It was a clear sign: he wasn’t supposed to say—or do—anything. He was supposed to stay where he was. On the couch. Not like Harley. Spence got it loud and clear.

That was one smart dog.

*

I
F YOU WANT
to catch a thief, think like one
.

She wasn’t a sleuth by any means, but Melody did know her way around antiques stores, and if that was the theory Spence had come up with for the robberies, she really had to go over it. Give it some thought. She was smack in the middle of the whole mess, which gave her a certain right, didn’t it? It meant she was already involved. And maybe something useful would occur to her...

Oddly enough, she knew the perfect person to help.

Junie glanced up when she walked into the police station just a shade after two o’clock, and her smile seemed genuine. “Melody, hi. Sorry, the chief is out.”

“I know. I came to see you. Can we talk for a minute?”

The dispatcher looked startled, but she didn’t seem upset. “Sure. A call might come through, though, so excuse me if I have to take it. What’s up?”

“My house was robbed.”

“I know. I’m the one who called Spence to tell him about it.”

“Yes.” Melody took a chair by the desk. “Thank you for that. Otherwise I wouldn’t have found out until I arrived home to a bunch of police officers standing in my yard. It was a lot easier with Spence right there—and that was hard enough.”

“He’s the nicest guy in the world, but since he’s like my little brother, I could be biased.”

Spence was hardly little at about six-two or so. That was irrelevant, Melody told herself, relieved that she saw no hint of jealousy. All good. “I don’t disagree. I came here to ask you a favor, so can we keep this between us? As much as possible?”

“I love secrets, are you kidding? I work with males. They tell each other when they go to the bathroom.” Junie shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Such complicated creatures—not. Now, there’s a secret they
should
keep.” She sighed dramatically, “If I could even begin to make jewelry, I’d gladly switch places with you, but I’m about as artistic as a garden snail. How can I help?”

“Spence said something last night implying that he thought the robberies could be linked to the antiques store on Main. Ronald’s place. Isn’t Cassandra your cousin?”

Junie looked at her sharply, eyes suddenly cautious. “Yes.”

“She works there part-time, right?”

“If you’ll pardon me, I’d love to know where this is going. Cassie’s private life currently stinks. I’m sure you’ve heard about the divorce. Never divorce a lawyer. The odds are not balanced in your favor, but she’s a nice person.”

Quickly she explained, “No need to worry. I’m not accusing her of anything. I’m just wondering if she’s noticed any people who’ve been dropping by the shop a lot. Spence was talking about a potential antiques theft ring, and it caught my attention, especially since that’s what was taken from my house. Is Cassandra someone you could trust to pay attention? We know each other from high school, but not well enough for me to ask it. Tell her I’d pay a reward for the return of that ring. Insurance will cover the loss, but I want
that
stone.”

“Seems like you do. Of course I’ll ask. I should mention that Spence has probably already thought of that.”

“Probably, but he won’t talk to me about it. I don’t think he’s interested in me being any part of this.”

Junie shook her head. “I’m sure he isn’t. He’s crazy about you, and you must admit that people who break in to other people’s houses might be dangerous in other ways.”

Crazy about you
had a nice ring to it.

Junie went on, her twang pronounced. “I’ve known all along that he was going to pick you—as if he had a choice. The blonde one’s for you I told him years ago when you first dated. I’m a little older, so my mature wisdom made my opinions superior. Still does.”

“He didn’t listen.” Melody still remembered that botched proposal of hers, the suggestion that they elope.

Junie leaned her elbows on the dispatch desk. “Oh, he heard me. That’s why he ran in the other direction. Spence is so gun-shy when it comes to commitment, it isn’t funny, but he has a few more years on him now. His ability to trust is about two hundred percent better than it used to be, and keep in mind that his job does not inspire belief in the milk of human kindness. Stick with him. He’s worth it.”

One of the deputies strolled past, tipping his hat politely. “Ma’am.”

Melody smiled back. Spence was going to find out she’d been there. That thought was confirmed in Junie’s next comment.

“I bet Moe’s on his cell right now,” Junie observed with amusement as she watched the young man walk down the hall and go around the corner. “I love it. Nothing makes a man sweat more than two women talking about him. Even if they aren’t, he worries about it, anyway.”

Then and there, she decided that while she was still envious of their long-lasting relationship, Melody liked Junie and understood why Spence did, too.

“Thanks for your help.”

“No problem. Just promise me you won’t look into anything without talking to Spence first.”

“I won’t have time to do any sleuthing,” she said. “That trail ride thing is on the horizon, and I’ve got a few pieces to finish before we take off.”

“I love that bracelet, by the way. I assume you made it. Any chance I could buy one? I think charm bracelets say a lot about people, but only they know what it is.”

“I’ll give you one.” Melody was serious. If Spence was attached to Junie, so was she. “I’ll make you a special charm. Think about what you want, and I’ll do it.”

“You’d do that for me? That’s so nice.” Junie’s face lit up.

“I’d do that for
him
,” she said with a smile, “
and
for you. My pleasure.”

“I get it.” Janie gave her a wink. “I know what kind of charm I want. Cowgirl boots. Spence always teases me that I’m a shit-kicker, and maybe I am. I have to admit I like a feisty Saturday-night rodeo.”

“You got it. Call me if Cassandra has anything to say.”

“Sure thing.”

Her next stop was the supermarket to pick up the groceries for the night she was in charge of dinner on the trail ride. Roast turkey, parmesan cheese, Texas toast for her Hot Brown sandwiches. A few ripe tomatoes and why not make dinner for Spence tonight? Barbecue chicken and potato salad sounded like a pleasant way to end a summer day. She paid at the checkout and headed not to her house, but the ranch.

Could I live here?

As she drove in, she thought the answer was hardly a secret. It wasn’t a glamorous house, just a comfortable one, but there were mountains in the background.

Ranch house with mountains. What woman wouldn’t want that, especially if Spence was included in the deal?

And Harley. The dog ran out of the barn to greet her, following her car, and although she adored her cats, they conveyed affection in a different—and far less fervent—manner. Harley’s unconditional adoration was funny and touching, and she rubbed the top of his head when she got out of the car. “Love you back.”

He yipped and ran in circles, which was an affirmation that he felt the same way. She suddenly noticed he was favoring one leg.

Harley refused to even come up on the porch, stopping at the foot of the steps and staring past her, growling.

That was the definitive moment when she knew something was very, very wrong.

Maybe at some point Spence might want to start locking his doors. Because the front door was ajar.
Someone’s been here.
She eased closer and peered inside.

Yup, Spence
really
needed to lock his doors.

The damage was similar to what had happened at her house. There was stuff strewn everywhere, including broken dishes on the living room floor.

She was standing there in consternation when she heard Spence pull in. She turned around, her arms still full of groceries.

“This is a nice surprise.” His smile faded as he stepped out and caught the expression on her face. He slammed the door shut. “Mel? You okay?”

She sank into one of the deck chairs and set down her bags. “I think you had an uninvited visitor. I wondered why Harley was in the barn instead of his spot out here. Even his bark sounded different, like he was trying to tell me something.”

“A
what
? Are you serious?” He took the steps two at a time, halting in the open doorway, his face tightening with anger. “Son of a bitch.”

Harley whimpered and lay down, licking his right front paw.

“And I think Harley might have had a run-in with whoever was here,” she said, feeling the same sense of outrage. “He’s limping.”

The destruction inside was instantly overridden by their concern for Spence’s tried-and-true companion. He ran down the steps faster than he’d gone up them and knelt next to the dog, his hands gentle. “Hey, buddy, let’s have a look.”

“Should I call the vet?”

“There’s dried blood on his fur. I don’t think it’s his, but let’s make sure,” Spence said tersely but with some satisfaction and held out his phone, his other hand rubbing the dog’s head. “Yeah, good idea. Call Doc Richards, please. He’s not a specialist in small animals, but he takes care of Reb. He’ll come right out. Number’s on my contact list.”

Thankfully the horse was grazing peacefully in the fenced-off pasture by the drive. Robbery and rustling were two different crimes in the state of Wyoming. The law was adamant that you did not steal a man’s horse.

She took the phone and discovered that she was quite shaken up when she went to make the call, explaining who she was and what had happened. The young vet said he’d be there as fast as possible and to keep the dog quiet until he arrived.

When she silently handed back the phone, Spence pressed a button and held it to his ear. “Junie, send Moe or Estes out to my ranch so they can file a vandalism and possible robbery report. Do me another favor. Call the regional hospital and local clinics and tell them to be on alert for anyone coming in to be treated for an animal bite.”

After he’d hung up, Spence turned to her, those oh-so-blue eyes holding a grim look. “Do you mind sitting with him and making sure he stays put while I go check things out? This is starting to take on a personal edge I don’t like. The first breakin and burglaries didn’t involve any serious or malicious destruction. Just your house and now mine. I have an idea who’s behind it, but I have to prove it.”

That was interesting. She’d make him explain later.

“Of course I’ll stay with him.” She knelt on the ground beside Harley and rubbed his sides. “This dog is the only reason I put up with you.”

While she and Harley waited together companionably, Spence searched the house. The antique canisters seemed to be the only thing missing, he declared once the deputies had come and gone, after taking the usual pictures, fingerprints and reports. The vet, too, had been by and his diagnosis had been reassuring.