Free Peril by Ponytail (A Bad Hair Day Mystery) by Nancy J. Cohen

path leading in that direction. It passed the tennis courts on one side and the rear of the reception hall on the other. The hum of an air-conditioning unit and an occasional horse whinny broke the stillness as she headed that way.
    It was pleasant out with the temperature reaching eighty. A maintenance guy strode past, identified by his logo baseball cap and the large radio hooked on his belt. They nodded greetings to each other. Bird twitters and a trickling fountain tempted her to explore a nearby butterfly garden, but she’d spotted two figures up ahead beside a pine tree in a secluded nook. A black horse was tied nearby.
    As she neared, she observed a familiar figure, but it wasn’t Dalton. Their conversation reached her as she trod closer, careful to keep her presence hidden. Sure enough, the bearded man was Jesse, the wrangler.
    “Raymond can’t blame the Donovans for everything,” the other guy said. He had a lean frame and a height over six feet. From what she could see of his face under his hat, she’d place him in his thirties. “We’re not responsible. When are you going to step in and show your hand?”
    “I need more information first. Did you talk to the old man?”
    “You know how he feels about things. Why don’t you pay him a visit?”
    “It’s not a good idea.”
    “That’s what you always say. If you keep playing this game, you’ll get exposed.”
    “I’ll take that risk. Once I have proof, I’ll come out in the open.”
    Were they discussing Hugh Donovan? What did that other guy mean by saying,
we’re not responsible
? Did he come from their ranch? What was Jesse doing talking to someone from there, anyway? And what kind of proof did he need?
    She moved off before they could spot her and ducked in between two buildings toward the main path. Lost in thought, she almost collided with Dalton coming the opposite way.
    “Here you are.” She grasped his arm. “I was looking for you.”
    “The receptionist was in a chatty mood when I went to sign us up for morning activities. I got delayed. Let’s head for the bar. I could use a drink, and I have news to share.”
    He held the saloon door open for her. “Do you want to sit inside or out on the terrace?” A covered patio held tables and chairs with a lovely view of the mountains. Other guests had already claimed seats there.
    “Let’s stay indoors. We can talk in that quiet corner by the fireplace.”
    She waited until they got seated and ordered their drinks. Meanwhile, she scanned the Indian paintings on the walls, the billiards table in another corner, the mannequin of a Mexican in a sombrero sitting in a chair, and the family with three kids who were the only other occupants. Country music played in the background.
    The smell of popcorn drifted from a machine near the entrance. It was free to guests, but she’d rather wait for dinner. However, she did dip her fingers into the carafe of spicy snack mix the bartender brought along with their drinks.
    She related the conversation she’d overheard between Jesse and the other guy.
    “So you think he’s colluding with someone from the Donovan ranch?” Dalton said, gripping his ale glass. A brooding expression crossed his face.
    Marla took a sip of Chardonnay. “That’s how it sounded. Clearly there’s more to Jesse than meets the eye. Maybe his name is as false as his hair color.”
    “I’ll see if I can get Wayne to tell me more about him.”
    “You might not have to bother.” She signaled the lady bartender. “Hi, can you answer a few questions for me? I have a lesson tomorrow with Jesse Parker. Do you know him?”
    The brunette’s eyes twinkled. “Sure do. He’s a hunk, but don’t tell him I said so.”
    “How long has he been working here?” she asked, even though she knew the answer.
    “Five years, I believe. The guy knows his business, better than some of the older wranglers. He must have been brought up on a ranch.”
    “You think so? Where is he from,