Free Mystery Rider by Miralee Ferrell

was done with that place. I didn’t see any reason to ask her. Besides, we weren’t even going to ask you until we heard what Melissa found out.”
    Colt blinked. “Why not? I didn’t say I didn’t want to go back.”
    â€œWe figured too many people showing up might spook her again. Tori and I should go to the door alone, and you act as a lookout.”
    â€œOkay, but if anything goes wrong, you two get out of there fast. Got it?”
    â€œYes,” both girls answered at the same time. A huge wave of relief swamped Kate. She’d had her doubts about the wisdom of her and Tori going alone, and Colt’s presence made everything seem right.
    They pedaled up the road for another half mile, keeping an eye out for the narrow gravel driveway Melissa had mentioned. Colt pointed to the right. “Looks like that might be it. You sure you want to go up there?”
    Kate kept quiet, knowing what Tori would say, and she wasn’t disappointed.
    â€œYes. Let’s go.” Tori pedaled faster and shot past Colt.
    â€œHey, wait up!” He stood on his pedals, increasing his speed, and pulled up behind her. “You aren’t going in there alone. You’ve got to be smart, Tori. Wait for Kate and me.”
    She slowed to a stop, then put one foot on the gravel. “Sorry.”
    Kate and Colt stopped alongside Tori, and Kate took a second to catch her breath. “So, what’s the plan? Do Tori and I ride up the driveway and you stay here, or what?”
    Colt shook his head. “No way. I’m going with you at least until we can see the house. I won’t go to the door, but I’m not letting you girls out of my sight.”
    â€œI think that’s a good idea,” Kate said.
    They pushed their bikes around a curve and stopped to stare at the front of the small house they’d only seen from the rear on their last visit. The paint was peeling, and a few shingles had fallen off the roof, exposing the tar paper beneath. But most surprising was the white-washed picket fence surrounding the front yard brimming with flowers and neatly trimmed grass.
    Tori gasped. “The backyard was dirt and bushes and an old porch that looked like it was about to fall over. I didn’t expect something like this.”
    Colt balanced his bike and gripped the handlebars. “I’ll wait here where I can see the front door. You guys knock, and if she doesn’t come to the door right away, leave the bag and come right back. Okay?”
    They nodded, laid their bikes on the ground, and headed for the gate in the fence. Tori pushed it open on silent hinges. Kate followed her through, and they both stood gazing around them.
    Kate whistled. “I’ve never seen anything so pretty. Wow! Dahlias and daylilies and roses and tons of other stuff that I don’t know the names of. Who’d have thought someone who’s supposed to be crazy would do all this work?”
    Tori gave a smug smile. “That’s because she’s not crazy; she’s lonely. It doesn’t mean she can’t work in her yard or take care of her horse. People are so mean when they make up stories.”
    Kate’s heart hammered as they almost tiptoed to the front porch. Would the old woman answer the door with the rifle in her arms? Would she yell at them and tell them to get off her property and act wild and crazy? Kate told herself to knock it off. That’s what she got for believing Melissa’s gossip.
    Tori reached the door first and gave a tentative knock. They waited, but there was no sound of footsteps on the other side.
    â€œTry it again, harder this time,” Kate urged.
    Tori knocked with more force, and they waited for what seemed like hours, but no one appeared. They turned to look at Colt.
    He cupped his hands around his mouth, but the words drifted to them as a harsh whisper. “Leave the cookies and come on. She’s not home.”
    Kate’s knees