The Last Cowboy In Texas Read online

  “Shopping in Branson, huh? Sounds like fun.”

  “Want to come along?”

  “No. I’ve got to get the weekend edition ready. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Paige decided to eat in the local café. As she went through the door, Troy almost bumped into her on his way out.

  “Hi, Paige. Fancy meeting you over here. On a story?”

  “Yeah. How’s the food?”

  “Try the special. Near as I can tell, it’s the only thing you get the same day you order. Salisbury steak. Not bad.”

  “Thanks for the tip. Well, I’ll see you around.”

  “Hey, you mind if I have coffee while you eat? I just completed a major business deal and I’d like to tell you all about it. Could be some really good advertising for the Herald.”

  “Sure. I don’t mind company.” Even yours.

  She nearly balked when she saw the inside of the café. Knotty pine walls covered with mounted fish of every description, all dulled with age. Ceiling tiles, once white, had weathered yellow but the place seemed clean enough otherwise.

  The waitress was taking her order when Aggie Kingfisher came into the café. Paige did a double take. Gone were the flannel shirt and khaki pants. Gone, too, were the freckles on the woman’s face. Well, almost gone. They were well camouflaged under her makeup. Her flaming hair had been swept into a ponytail. This Aggie was right off the fashion page. And sexy as hell.

  When she turned back to Troy, she wanted to slap the disgusting leer off his smug face. Did he never tire of lusting after women?

  Aggie hadn’t spotted her and sat across the room. Troy smiled in a way that told her he’d detected her jealous thoughts. “I bought two thousand acres today.”

  “Impressive. So what are you going to do with them, Troy?”

  “Luxury tracts. Five acres a pop.”

  “Luxury? In little old Flanders? How quaint.”

  “It’s not in Flanders. Near Reeds Spring, actually.”

  “Sounds like your chance for the big-time, Troy.”

  “Yep. I already have half a dozen stars interested, including Jason Tawdry.”

  “Country singers, huh? I wish I could sing.”

  “Maybe you could if you just ever tried it.” His eyebrows did their Tom Selleck lift, raising her pulse even more.

  “Very funny, Troy. How long will it take to plumb your new gold mine?”

  “Depends. There’s one problem. Some female environmentalist claims to have found endangered species along the creek that runs through the property. You know those prissy environmental types. If I can’t get this one squelched fast, I’ll have to spend all my profits in court battles.”

  Paige shot a meaningful glance at Aggie, then turned back and smiled at Troy. “How interesting.” She looked back across the room to see that Aggie had spied her and waved to the woman.

  “Who’s that?” he asked.

  “Aggie Kingfisher. You haven’t met her?”

  “No. She’s not from these parts, is she?”

  “I don’t think so. If you’d like, I’ll introduce you and you can see for yourself.”

  “Sure. I’d love to meet her.” From the look in his eyes, Paige thought he was going to race her across the room.

  She went over to speak to the woman and returned with her in tow. “Troy Roberts, this is Agatha Kingfisher. Aggie, Troy is one of our local luminaries.”

  Troy jumped to his feet and helped her into her chair. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aggie. May I call you that?”

  “Yes you may, if you don’t mind my calling you Troy.”

  “Not at all. So, Aggie, what do you do?”

  “I’m an environmental scientist.”

  “Wow, that’s-” his bluster screeched to a halt, his eyes dilating, “interesting.”

  Chapter Two

  “I think so, too,” Paige volunteered, giving Troy a malicious smile. “I hadn’t had a chance to explain what you’ve found, Aggie. Why don’t you tell him?”

  She looked up from the menu. “If he’d like.”

  “Like?” he croaked. “I’m dying to know.”

  “I specialize in aquatic life, mostly rare fish and amphibians. People usually find it rather boring.”

  Paige watched him turn on the charm. He said, “I’m always intrigued with advances in environmental science, Aggie. You needn’t worry about boring me.”

  The woman’s eyes twinkled as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “Well, what I’ve found right here in Stone County is a miniature frog. Amphibios miniare gaminos is its name. I understand they call them Gamies around here-”

  Her voice was drowned out by Troy’s sudden coughing spell. When he regained his breath, he said, “Sorry. Something got cau-”

  “Frog in your throat, Troy?” Paige couldn’t resist.

  “You could say that.” He glared at her before looking back at Aggie. “Go ahead.”

  She said, “That’s it, basically. The poor little things are used by local fishermen for bait. Can you believe it?”

  “Really? Hard to believe,” he muttered.

  “Well, I’m going to put a stop to that barbaric practice, I can tell you.”

  His stare would’ve put midnight to bed as he locked focus with Paige. “I see. How are you going to do that, Aggie?”

  “The Gamines are going on the endangered species list as soon as I can get them there. It’ll take time, legally, but I have to hurry. I understand some stupid land-developer jerk is trying to turn this pristine region into a theme park or some such. I’ve got to stop him.”

  “Oh…” Troy’s face paled.

  Paige intervened. “Is there any way to do that before the Gamines are officially registered as endangered?”

  Aggie smiled her way. “I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve. First thing is to get them on the Federal Candidate list. Steve’s good at this stuff. He blocked construction of an additional nuclear power site in Missouri several years ago.”

  Troy rediscovered his voice. “Steve?”

  “Dr. Steven Carlson, my mentor. He’s Professor of Natural Sciences at Washington University in-”

  “St. Louis,” Paige broke in. “We know about Wash U. So, Aggie, what exactly is your relationship with the illustrious Dr. Carlson?”

  Color rose in the woman’s face. “I’m his, uh, student. He’s my dissertation advisor. We’re very close.”

  “I’ll bet you are.” Paige snickered.

  “I mean, we work very closely together.”

  “I knew what you meant.”

  Aggie ordered in the awkward silence that followed, then looked at Troy. “So, Mr. Roberts, what do you do?”

  Paige had already opened her mouth to answer for him when Troy glared at her, saying, “Oh, I’m just part of the local business scene.”

  “He’s—oww!” Pain shot up Paige’s leg from her foot that had just been stomped under the table. She stared at Troy, who gave her the kind of smile that could kill. Literally.

  “I’m president of Flanders Field Club, Aggie, a philanthropic group. We assist local youth in achieving success. As a matter of fact, I was just getting ready to tell Paige we’ve elected to offer her honorary membership in our club.”

  “You were?” Paige’s puzzled eyes locked on his.

  Aggie said, “That’s wonderful. I must say I’m surprised to learn you have such sophisticated organizations down here.”

  “So am I,” Paige whispered, allowing her face to lift in an innocent smile.

  The waitress brought their food, giving Troy a chance to escape. He hesitated, his expression telling Paige he worried that she would give him away. But she knew it was something he’d have to chance and said nothing. He excused himself and left the café.

  Aggie turned to Paige. “What kind of business is he in?”

  “A little of everything, actually. He’s a real go-getter. The classic overachiever.”

  “I see. Troy’s certainly handsome.”

  “Yes, and nobody knows that better than he.”

  “Stuck on himself?”

  “You could say that. Watch yourself with him, Aggie. He’s got quite a reputation with the ladies.”

  “Oh! Well, you don’t have to worry about competition from me, Paige. I have my man. I hope I do.”

  “Steve?”

  “Um hum. He hasn’t committed himself yet, but he’s hinted.”

  “He’s single?”

  “Trying to get a divorce, actually. Some awful witch has got her hooks into him.”

  “Oh. Well, good luck on that. About Troy, I hope you didn’t think I was trying to protect my territory. I wasn’t. We’re like oil and water, if you know what I mean.”

  “Right. That’s why his eyes were trying to melt you.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Embarrassed, she sputtered, “Let me pay for your meal tonight, Aggie. It’s been fun getting acquainted. I’ll be in touch when Steve gets here.”

  Paige headed home with more than a little frog on her mind.

  * * *

  Ozzie and Cil were sitting in the living room when Paige came in. Her mother said, “You missed dinner, honey. Can I get you something to eat?”

  “No thanks, Mom. Dad sent me to Reeds Spring on assignment. I ate at the café over there when I was done.”

  Ozzie said, “How did it go? Did you talk to the woman?”

  “Yes. There just may be a good story in this after all.”

  “Really? Environmental forces at work and all that?”

  “At the very least. Maybe a lot more.”

  “Oh?” His eyes lit up. “Well, tell me about it.”

  “Not yet, Dad. I have to do some research. And Aggie has a man coming I’ll want to interview before firming
it up.”

  “Do you think our readers will be interested in it?”

  “I’m sure they will. Especially if what I think is going to happen, does.”

  “What is the endangered specie?”

  “She’s found the Gamies.”

  “Gamies! How the devil could she think they’re endangered for crying out loud?”

  “Says she’s got to save them from those awful local fishermen who use them for bait. Says it’s barbaric.”

  She smiled, watching her father’s face flame. He was an avid sportsman who loved nothing more than fishing for large bass in the nearby lakes. Using Gamies for bait.

  “We may not bother with this. Sounds like she’s a flake.”

  “She may be a flake, but she’s an educated one. She’s working on her doctorate at Wash U. And she’s pretty canny.”

  Ozzie’s eyes bore into hers. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

  “I wouldn’t exactly call it enjoying, but I am fascinated with the possibilities.”

  “Hmm. I detect the possibility you’re holding something back, something vital to the story.”

  “It’s too early to tell, but I’ll let you in on it when I know for sure. It may entail shutting down a lucrative local land developer’s deal if Miss Kingfisher is successful.”

  Osmond smiled. “Now, that’s more like it. A story you can get your teeth into.”

  She gleamed triumphantly. “I couldn’t have said it better.”

  * * *

  Paige was climbing into bed when her cell phone rang. “Hello?”

  “Well, did you rat on me?”

  “No, Troy, I didn’t give your secret away. I was waiting for you to get up the courage to tell her the truth. Oh yeah, thanks for letting me into your club.”

  “About that, we need to talk. Now about the other-”

  “What about the other? You’re either going to tell her you’re the land developer she’s trying to stop or she’ll find out on her own. Which do you think is better?”

  “I don’t honestly know. Neither is a good option.”

  “You’ve got that right. Now, if you don’t mind, I have to get to sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be wild.”

  “Probably. Good night, Paige.”

  She laid her head on the pillow, her mind playing over the options. Not so great for Troy Roberts but absolutely exhilarating for her. This could be really good.

  Okay Troy, you old womanizer, let’s see how you do with this little gal. Time for Flanders’ great master of seduction to meet his match.

  That thought did nothing to enhance sleep.

  * * *

  Troy’s first waking thought was that he could turn to the local member of congress, Naomi Geiger. He’d contributed to her campaign and even helped sponsor rallies in the area. Then he remembered her platform. Ms. Geiger claimed that environmentalism was equivalent to patriotism, which ranked right up there with godliness. Most of the stars clamoring for his properties were among her biggest supporters.

  How ironic that the dumb little Gamie could keep those international stars from enjoying a luxurious life in the hills of southwestern Missouri. Maybe if he told one or two of them about the potential problem, they’d come to his rescue. Maybe not.

  It was a sensitive issue. Environmental protection had taken on an aura much like the so-called equal rights campaign for women. Equal rights! They already have more rights than a man ever had.

  That brought his focus back to Paige. What’ll she do to undermine me? Something for sure. Well, I’m not going to wait to find out.

  The first step in beating Aggie Kingfisher to the punch would be to get the loan approved at the bank. Then he could finalize the deal and begin preliminary construction. Maybe that would discourage her. Maybe not.

  * * *

  Paige was up at the crack of dawn, forsaking breakfast to get the weekend edition ready for the presses. She’d been hard at work for over two hours when Ozzie came in.

  “Morning, Paige. You must have got up awfully early. Your mother is worried that you’re missing too many meals.”

  “She wouldn’t think that if she’d seen the scale this morning, Dad. I’m up three pounds.”

  “And still slim as a boy,” he said. She muttered under her breath as he asked, “What has you off and running today?”

  “I’ve got a lot to do. My work was interrupted yesterday. Remember?”

  “Yes I do. Can you give me a little hint about the deal you think will go south?”

  “Nope. Not until I know for sure.”

  He shuffled off to his office. She knew he wouldn’t give up until he’d wormed it out of her. Well, he can worm away all he wants. I’m not telling him until I’m ready.

  * * *

  It was late in the afternoon and she’d stayed at her desk since arriving. No lunch after no breakfast and she was ravenous. Ozzie stepped into her office.

  “Time to head for home, young lady.”

  “I’m almost done, Dad. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Okay. Now don’t disappoint your mother tonight.”

  “I won’t.” She looked up and smiled. “I’m famished.”

  Minutes later, the phone rang. It was Missy.

  “Paige? Wait ‘til you see the cute outfits I got today.”

  “I can hardly wait.”

  “Why don’t you come over tonight?”

  She was about to decline when she had a thought. Dying to share what she knew with someone, Missy would be perfect. “I’m going home for dinner. How about seven?”

  “Fine. See you then.”

  * * *

  Her Volvo crunched gravel in the Coward’s drive at five past seven. Missy had been waiting at the top of the steps. “Hi, Paige. They’ve got the neatest sales going on in Branson. Wait’ll you see.”

  “As they say, Missy, if you can’t find it in Branson, you can’t find it.”

  “Well, they’ve got that right. Come on up.”

  She followed Missy up to her bedroom. Actually, her bedroom suite. The Cowards were the wealthiest family in the lakeside town and their home gave testament to that.

  Trailing her friend into the huge walk-in closet, she dropped into one of two easy chairs in the elongated room. Missy pulled out one pastel dress after another until she’d laid six of them across Paige’s lap, a rainbow of soft colors.

  “What do you think?”

  “They’re all lovely and they all favor you. I think I like the lavender one the best. Or maybe the pink.”

  “Me, too.” Missy hung the dresses back into place and sat in the other chair. “So tell me, what’s the story you’re on?”

  “What makes you think I’m on a story?”

  “The glow in your eyes. You don’t get that bright-eyed bushy-tailed look unless something’s cooking in there somewhere.”

  “Well, you’re right.” She laughed. “Oh, this is so cool. Troy has got hold of something even he can’t get out of this time.”

  Missy’s eyes reflected a hint of mystery but whatever it was, it evaporated. “He’s in trouble?”

  “Not trouble, exactly. He’s buying a huge land parcel to develop for Branson’s finest. The thing is, an environmental scientist has discovered endangered species on it so he may not be able to develop it. And the best part is, the environmentalist is a woman so sexy he’s stepping on his tongue around her. Isn’t that sweet?”

  “I suppose, but I don’t get it. Branson’s finest? Endangered species? Can you simplify it for me?”

  “Sure. Troy wants to develop private tracts for wealthy entertainers. But, get this, Aggie’s found the Gamies on the creek that runs through the place he’s buying.”

  “Aggie? Gamies? I still don’t get it.”

  “Aggie Kingfisher is an environmentalist from St. Louis. Gamies are the tiny frogs my dad and other fishermen use for fish bait.”

  “Oh... Oh! And you say Aggie is sexy?”

  “Yeah. She could be a fashion model.”

  “Troy’s hormones have got him in the hunt, huh?”

  “Bigtime. Only, he knows she could blow his investment to hell so he has to be really careful. What’s more, her boyfriend is her mentor and he’s going to show up in Flanders any day now.”