Free Laying Down The Law (#4, Cowboy Way) (The Cowboy Way) by Becky McGraw

raced through her that Lucy Morris was evidently jealous of her.  Is that glass slipper pinching on the other foot Miss Prom Queen ? 
    “What did she say?” Melanie asked.
    “She said if I continued to see you, I can’t see my son. She doesn’t want you around him.”  Brock grabbed her shoulders, and his eyes turned glassy.  “I’d threaten to cut off support to counter her, but that would only hurt Brady since she doesn’t work.  She knows I love that kid, and is using him to manipulate me, but she’s going to learn that isn’t going to work.” He groaned, as his hands fell away. “And none of this is your problem.  I’m sorry for dragging you into this drama.”
    “Take a deep breath, Brock,” Melanie said, reaching out to put her hand on his arm.  “You didn’t drag me into anything.  After seeing how sick Brady looked yesterday, hearing what you said to Lucy, I knew I needed to help you figure out what’s wrong with him.  That’s why I was at Dr. Carter’s office today. I was looking for Brady’s file, not mine.” 
    His eyes flew to hers.  “You lied to me?” he asked, his voice an octave higher.
    “I shouldn’t have been looking at anyone’s records in there but my own—it was unethical, because you didn’t give me permission.”   Her little foray through his medical file had been too, but she wasn’t going to mention that.  “I didn’t find the file until after you asked me to help you, but I’m sorry I lied.”
    “It’s fine,” he said with a huffed breath before he pulled her to him for a quick hug. “I’m just so damned glad you decided to help me, because up until now I’ve been alone with my worry and watching my son get worse by the day.”
    Alone.  Brock was evidently as alone here as she was in Texas.  
    She wondered where his parents were, because she was sure if they were still in town he would’ve mentioned them, or gone to them for help.
    “Brady is a good kid, and I’m glad to help him…and you,” Melanie said, feeling her cheeks heat.  “I just don’t want to cause problems between you and Lucy, so maybe you should find someone else to help you.  If you can’t see Brad—”
    “There’s nothing to come between where Lucy and I are concerned.  I despise her and I don’t care what she says,” Brock growled, his eyes fierce.
    Hearing that freed something inside of her and a strange exhilaration filled her.  “I know you’re busy at the sheriff’s office and ranch, but I can—”
    “I called the mayor and told him I’m taking the two weeks I’m owed in vacation time effective today.  I can’t think of a better way to spend it than with you, trying to figure out what’s going on with Brady…something his mother doesn’t seem all that concerned about.” 
    This man trusted in her ability to heal his son, who he obviously loved with all his heart.  His words conveyed he had every confidence she would figure this out.  That was a heavy burden, but an awesome responsibility too and she was determined not to fail him.  His kid’s life depended on her success.  But they needed more information first and because Lucy was being such an uncooperative bitch, she would probably make it difficult to get that information.
    “There’s really nothing more we can do until you can get those other medical records and lab reports,” she replied.
    “That’s why I’m here. I want you to come back to the ranch with me to go through the bills so we can start calling those doctors.  Maybe you can see from the bills what kinds of tests were done so I know what to ask for?”
    “Just ask for his entire record, and it’s probably better if you do that part on your own so you don’t poke the bear…because they may call Lucy.” Melanie tossed her thumb over her shoulder.  “And I’ve got to take care of my mother and au—”
    “I need you to help me, Melanie… please ,” Brock begged, his voice choked.
    Having this man tell her he