Page 30 of Cooper

“Coop, she did the right thing. The corrupt authorities in Argentina are being arrested as we speak. Hundreds of them. Neighboring countries are offering their assistance to them and special elections will be held within a few weeks.

“Yes, the U.S. is reeling from it all. We know we have some issues in our own administration and those will be dealt with. But she did something miraculous.”

“Senator Myles was found dead this morning from a knife wound,” said Hiro standing behind his computer. “His body was found in a park along the Potomac. They suspect robbery.”

“We all know that’s bullshit,” said Ham. “Where is Bianca?”

Cooper snapped his head up, staring at the older man as if he might kill him.

“Relax. I’m married, remember? I want to speak with her to let her know that even if you’re a damn asshole, we’re all here for her.”

“Looks like she’s in her cottage,” said Hiro.

Ham left the room, the others gradually following. Eventually, Cooper stood and followed as well, making his way toward the cottage. He’d have to find a way to apologize to her.

“She’s not here,” said Ham. “She’s gone.”

“Wh-what?”

“Her bracelet,” said Rush holding it up in the air. “She took it off and left it on the counter. She’s fucking gone you God-damn idiot!”

Rush pushed past Cooper, the older man shoving his shoulder so hard, he nearly fell over.

“Uber just picked up a passenger at the café,” said Hiro running toward them.

“An Uber?” frowned Cooper.

“Skull and the others at the bike shop saw Bianca get in. They tried to stop her but the driver sped away.” Cooper’s face went white.

“What have I done?”

CHAPTER TWENTY

The Uber driver took her to a hotel near the airport. She’d booked a one-way ticket to Amarillo, Texas, where she would rent a car and drive to her grandparents ranch. They were both long gone but the ranch was now run by a man who’d been their foreman for years.

“I just need a place to stay for a few days, Skip. Is that okay?” she asked the older man.

“Honey, this will always be your home even if your grandparents are gone. There’s room for you here. Do you need me to come get you?” he asked.

“No. I’m flying into Amarillo tomorrow and then I’ll drive from there. I know you’re busy right now with the cattle.”

“My girl still remembers the schedules,” he said chuckling. She tried to laugh but couldn’t summon it. “Bianca, what’s wrong honey?”

“Everything, Skip. Why are men such assholes?” He let out a long sigh and shook his head.

“Well now, that’s a much longer story. We are assholes at times but it’s usually for a good reason. When Bea and I were dating I did some awful things. Stupid things, mostly. I ran off and toured the rodeo circuit for a whole year thinking she wouldwait while I gathered enough money, what I thought would be enough money, to make her happy.”

“What did she do?” she whispered.

“She got engaged,” said the older man. “I came home and she was engaged to Hank Tomas. I still hate that man.”

“But you married her,” said Bianca.

“Yep because she’s a damn good woman who understood my stupidity and gave me a second chance. A second chance I didn’t deserve by the way. It was your grandmother than helped me win her back. I owe her everything for helping me to get the only woman I ever loved.”

There was a silence that Skip was ready to allow to continue for as long as necessary.

“What about a man who thinks you endangered yourself when in reality you did something you believed would protect both of you?”