Free Cowboy for Keeps by Cathy McDavid Page B

again—by the
extent of the mare’s injuries and the savage cruelty of whoever had shot
her.
    “Sage called her boss at home earlier,” Gavin said. “Told him
about the mare and baby.”
    “What did he say?” It being Sunday, Dallas hadn’t expected any
progress until Monday at the soonest.
    “He’s going to contact both the Forest Service and the
Scottsdale police as well as the deputy director at the Game and Fish.”
    There was a lot to be said for having connections. After a
four-month maternity leave, Sage had just returned to work as a field agent for
the Game and Fish Department.
    “According to him,” Gavin continued, “possibly all three
authorities have jurisdiction in the Sonoran Preserve.”
    “What about capturing the mare and colt? Will they send
someone?”
    “The Forest Service is going to notify the rangers in the area.
Advise them to be on the lookout.”
    “That’s not much.”
    “It’s all they’ve got. For now. They don’t have either the
manpower or the resources to chase down loose horses in the preserve. Neither do
the police, especially when it’s likely the mare and colt will wander off or go
back to where they came from.”
    “What about the Game and Fish?”
    Gavin shrugged. “The wheels move slowly.”
    “But you’ll go after them, right?” she asked.
    “We discussed that today.” Conner leaned back in his chair.
“It’s a long shot. The preserve is nine thousand acres and the horses could be
anywhere.”
    “You just said—”
    “We’ll give it a try. Business comes first, however.”
    “I understand.” Dallas didn’t quite know why she cared so much
about the mare and colt and their welfare. Perhaps becoming a mother herself had
something to do with it. “How can I help?”
    “Send the photographs to every newspaper and TV station in
town. Pressure them into running the story.”
    “I’ll also speak to the head of the Arizona Animal Welfare
Association.” Dallas was acquainted with him through her volunteer work at the
no-kill shelters. “He may have some ideas. And influence with the media,” she
added, “if I don’t get anywhere. With luck, someone knows who shot the mare and
will turn them in.”
    “I wouldn’t hold my breath,” Conner said. “But we may find her
owner.”
    “I can also print up flyers. Distribute them to the ranches and
residential communities located in the foothills.” Her enthusiasm grew as the
ideas took shape. “The mare’s friendly. She’ll probably seek out other horses.
People, too. If they can’t capture her and the colt, they can report their
location to us.”
    Dallas hadn’t hesitated including herself.
    “It’s worth a try,” Gavin concurred.
    “I’m riding out tomorrow afternoon.” Conner fingered the edge
of one particularly gruesome picture. “With Ethan and Javier. Clay’s willing to
help, too, and can spare a few men.”
    “That’s great!” Dallas’s gaze went from Conner to Gavin. “Thank
you.”
    “I figured if we didn’t help, you’d hound us relentlessly.”
    “And you’d be right.” She began assembling the pictures on the
table. “If you want to keep any or all of these, go right ahead. I have copies,
print and digital, at home.”
    “I’d like that,” Gavin said. “I’m sure Sage and the girls want
to see them.”
    “I have one for you.” She reached in her portfolio and withdrew
the striking photograph of Conner and Molly standing on the hill, the city
sprawled below them, the mountains behind them. “It came out really good.”
    “Hmm.” Conner’s brows rose as he studied the photograph.
    “Let me see.”
    He tilted the picture toward Gavin.
    “Nice. Impressive. You going to send it out?” he asked
Dallas.
    “I have a client or two who might be interested.” She reached
into the portfolio for a release form and a pen. “Any chance I can get you to
sign this?”
    Conner passed the photo to Gavin and took the form. “You really
think you can sell the