Bobbi Smith Read Online Free PDF

ranch hand.”
    “Good. I won’t even tell Randi or Wade. For now, only the two of us will know what you’re really up to.”
    “That’s fine. I will need to get a look at the layout of the ranch, though, particularly the south range, since that’s where they’ve been working.”
    Jack nodded in agreement. “And you let me know if you see or hear anything—anything at all that might help us. I want these rustlers caught. Nobody steals from the Lazy S and gets away with it.” His anger and outrage were real.
    Hawk realized all too clearly that Jack Stockton would make a formidable enemy. Whoever was stealing from him wasn’t very smart, and that, Hawk knew, was his first clue.
    “You go on and find Wade. He’s the foreman. He’ll help you get settled in at the bunkhouse,” Jack directed.
    “If I do learn something, how do you want me to get the information to you?”
    “Don’t worry. I’m always around, and no one will think anything about us talking. I’m always after the men, making sure they get their work done. You won’t have to look very far to find me.”
    Hawk stood to go. Jack got up, too, and followed him out into the hall.
    “Miranda!” he bellowed. Without a word to Hawk, he turned and went back into his office.
    Hawk was surprised to learn that Miranda was Randi’s real name. It was a pretty name, and it suited her. Judging from her father’s tone, though, if Randi was as smart as she was good-looking, he knew she wouldn’t waste any time showing up in his office.
    Hawk left the house to seek out Wade and begin his work on the Lazy S.
    Randi had been in the kitchen with Wilda, their housekeeper, when she heard her father’s shout. Knowing there was no avoiding his fury, she girded herself for what was to come.
    “Sounds like he’s ready for you,” Wilda said, giving Randi an understanding and sympathetic smile. Randi had just explained to her how the stranger had stopped to help her, and how her father had found them together at the creek taking care of Angel’s injured fetlock.
    “More than ready,” Randi said grimly.
    She left the kitchen and made her way down the hall, going to stand in his office doorway.
    “You wanted to talk to me?” Randi asked, already knowing the answer.
    “Yes,” he said tersely, not bothering to get up from behind his desk.
    Randi went in and sat down before him.
    Jack sat for a moment, glowering at her. Then he stood up and walked over to close the door. He moved behind his desk again, and his expression was troubled as he stood there looking down at her.
    “There are a few things you need to think about,
young lady,”
Jack stated firmly.
    Randi met his gaze straight on as she awaited his pronouncement.
    “When I rode up to the creek today and saw you with Morgan . . . Why, the man was half-naked!” He paused, still disturbed by his impression of what he’d seen.
    “It was all innocent!” she exclaimed, her tone defensive. “I was just glad for his help.”
    “I understand that, but I don’t ever want you to put yourself in that kind of a compromising position again.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “If it had been someone else riding up who’d seen the two of you together that way . . .” Jack was determined to emphasize his point. “You are a young woman with a reputation to uphold. Do I make myself clear?”
    “Very.”
    “Good.” He nodded, satisfied that she would not repeat this mistake.
    “So did you hire Hawk on?” she asked.
    “Yes, but I’ve still got my doubts that it’s the right thing to do. Some of the boys aren’t going to be very happy about having to work with a half-breed.”
    “We already know Hawk is good with horses. Look at the way he helped me with Angel.”
    “That doesn’t mean things will work out. Keep your distance from him.”
    “If he’s one of our ranch hands, how am I supposed to stay away from him?”
    “You’re a smart girl. Figure it out.”
    Randi knew when to pick her fights. “Yes,