Cowboy Charade: Rodeo Knights, A Western Romance Novel Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  FREE BOOK

  Copyright

  Description

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  More Books in the Rodeo Knights Series

  FREE BOOK

  COWBOY CHARADE

  Rodeo Knights, A Western Romance Novel

  Barbara McMahon

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  Cowboy Charade

  Copyright © 2017 Barbara McMahon

  All Rights Reserved

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  Cowboy Charade

  Barrel Racer

  Susannah Davis loves the rodeo. She and her horse have done well in barrel racing this year and she has hopes to make it to the finals in Las Vegas. Yet it all may come to an end when she discovers drugs hidden in her truck. Is someone setting her up? Or merely using her truck as a means of transportation?

  All Around Cowboy

  Toby Palmer and his partner were high on the charts of this year’s rodeo events–until his partner is arrested accused of smuggling drugs. Toby knows that’s impossible and sets out to find who's responsible to get his partner out of jail.

  Investigation

  The one person on the rodeo circuit Susannah can trust is Toby Palmer. Together they contact Jesse Knight of Knight Agency Investigations to help them discover who's using the rodeo as a part of a drug smuggling ring. What better cover than that of falling in love to fool others in thinking their time investigating is really personal. Can this charade become real?

  Chapter One

  Toby Palmer pulled into the large field behind the fairgrounds and bumped over the rough ground heading for his horse trailer. Pickup trucks and horse trailers were parked haphazardly, taking up almost the entire field. He saw one or two men stare as he drove in and he tightened his jaw in frustration and anger. He needed to feed and water the horses or he never would have left Kyle behind.

  Anger roiling, he banged the steering wheel with his fist. No matter what they’d argued all afternoon, the sheriff hadn’t budged one iota. He found drugs in Kyle’s pickup and was convinced Kyle was trafficking in drugs.

  As if.

  Kyle hardly drank--he’d never do anything like use or sell drugs.

  But the single-minded sheriff was convinced he’d caught a major criminal. No bail. Since it was Saturday, there was no arraignment until Monday morning. Kyle had to stay in jail another two nights unless something changed.

  Like the sheriff continued to investigate until he found the real criminal who had hidden drugs in the door panel of Kyle’s pickup.

  And that could be anyone.

  Toby's headlights slashed through the darkness. With his windows open he could hear the muffled stomps of horses, the occasional outburst of laughter. Here and there small campfires illuminated the men sitting around them, swapping stories, bragging on their wins, ignoring losses.

  Any other night and he and Kyle would have joined in.

  He pulled in beside his rig and cut the engine. There was nothing he could do now but wait. And hope the sheriff would take some of their arguments to heart and at least give the appearance of searching further.

  Toby had heard rumors of drugs being sold at the rodeo, but he hadn’t paid much attention. An athlete needed to keep on the top of his game to be competitive. This year was looking to be their best ever at team roping and bull dogging.

  Except--they’d be out of the running if Kyle didn’t get out soon. They’d already had to forfeit their entrance fees today. Tomorrow was the last day of the rodeo in Pueblo and then they were heading to Colorado Springs.

  Only he’d be heading there alone if Kyle didn’t make bail--or prove his innocence.

  How did anyone prove innocence? Kyle didn’t know the drugs were in the door. His finger prints would never be found on any of the bags of white powder that spilled out when that other car had run the red light and rammed the side of Kyle's pickup damaging the door and exposing the drugs.

  Toby pulled in behind his horse trailer and left the headlights on so he could see. He had to think of a way to get his partner out of jail and back on the circuit or the rest of the season would be a bust.

  Jamming his cowboy hat on his head Toby got out of the truck. First things first--he needed to tend to the horses–his and Kyle’s.

  His horses were still tethered to the side of the trailer where he’d left them. The buckets of water were full. Remnants of hay were scattered around.

  “I fed and watered them. I didn’t know when you’d be back,” a voice said from the darkness.

  He looked over as a young woman accompanied by a large German Shepard stepped into the light from the truck.

  He recognized her right away—Susannah Davis. They were following the same circuit so their paths crossed at every rodeo in Colorado. Tall and thin, she wore the standard jeans and cotton shirt, cowboy hat on her head. She always wore her blonde hair in a single braid down her back. She was one of the barrel racers who always placed in the top three–coming in number one more often than not this year. She had a sweet mare who could turn on a dime.

  “Thanks. I wasn’t sure either. Kyle’s horse too?” Toby asked.

  “Yes. Where’s your partner? All that came down the rumor mill was you two had been taken to the sheriff’s office. When it got dark, I came to check on the horses.”

  He clenched his fists in frustration. “He’s in jail for something he didn’t do. And neither one of us can get the sheriff to listen to reason.”

  “Can he make bail?”

  “It’s not an option right now. He’s considered a flight risk. Of course he’s a risk, he doesn’t live here. We're heading out tomorrow for Colorado Springs.”

  “As a bunch of us are,” she said. “What’s he accused of?”

  “Trafficking in drugs. Which is ludicrous. He’s never touched the stuff, much less sold any. The sheriff won’t listen. He’s convinced he’s arrested a dangerous criminal and plans to make an example of him to all rodeo cowboys that he won’t tolerate drugs in his town.”

  She was silent for a moment.

  Toby wondered if she'd believe him or think what the sheriff thought.

  “Does that mean you might have to pull out of the competition?” she asked.

  “I hope not. But if I don’t have a partner, I sure can’t compete in team roping. Or bulldogging.” Team roping required two, not a solo cowboy. And he needed a hazer for the steer wrestling.

  He rubbed his hands over his face. He and Kyle had high rankings this year. Enough to think about the finals and the ultimate prize money. He could just pun
ch something with the way things were going. Preferably the sheriff who wouldn’t cut them a break.

  This was shaping up to be their best year ever. He and Kyle had been banking all the prize money they’d won over the last four years so they could buy a spread of their own. Winning at the nationals this year would have clenched it.

  Now this. How did those blasted packets of drugs get into the truck door?

  “Tough luck,” she said. “Is there anything I can do?”

  He looked at her. “Did you ever see any one around his truck– more than just hanging around? The drugs were in the door panel. A car ran a red light and smashed into the door. While the cops were investigating the accident, they discovered the drugs because of the damage to the driver's door. It doesn’t take much to pop off the panel and then reattach with drugs inside the cavity.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not even sure I know which truck is his. All of us drive pickups. And a lot look alike. I guess cowboys all think black trucks are macho.

  Toby glanced at his own black pickup. “Maybe.” He didn’t like her thinking he drove a black truck to appear macho. Did he?

  She grinned. “I, on the other hand, drive a fire-engine red one.”

  “What statement are you making with that?” he asked, feeling his mood lighten slightly. He'd known Susannah for a couple of years. Even asked her to a dance once last year. She explained she didn't date rodeo cowboys. That had surprised him. But honoring her wishes, he never asked again.

  “I’ve never really thought about it. Red's my favorite color, so that’s what I picked when I bought the truck.”

  He glanced at the dog, sitting patiently at her side. The dog didn't wander far from his owner.

  “That’s why he’s wearing a red collar?”

  “That and I think red looks good with black and tan. Meet Radar.”

  Toby nodded. “Do I shake hands?”

  “You can with me. That way he knows you’re a friend,” she said with another grin and shook hands firmly.

  “Glad he knows I'm a friend and not someone to attack. You're doing good this year. Heading for Las Vegas?”

  “That's the hope.”

  “Yeah, we were, too. But if Kyle doesn't get out soon, that plan's a bust.”

  Toby stepped closer to pet the dog. He was surprised when his tail began to wag.

  “He likes you. Nice. He’s not always so friendly,” Susannah said with a smile.

  “That’s smart of you to travel with a dog on the circuit. Some guys get a bit pushy when they’ve had too much to drink. Especially around pretty women.”

  “He’s my best friend. He’s a retired K-9. He was wounded and still walks with a limp so was mustered out, but he's perfect for me. I’ve got to go. Just wanted you to know I fed your horses.”

  “I appreciate it. If I can do something for you sometime, let me know.”

  “Will do. Good night.”

  Toby watched her walk back into the darkness. There wasn't a thing he could do for his partner tonight. Checking on the horses again, he turned off the lights in the pickup truck. He walked the short distance to Kyle’s trailer and checked his horses.

  His thoughts were churning. How was he going to get his friend out of jail? And in time to continue on the circuit?

  Susannah walked through the scattered horse trailers and pickup trucks on the field. Her own horse was in the make-shift corral near the row of stalls used for those spending a lot more money than she had. The mare ambled over when Susannah reached the fence.

  “Just checking on you one more time,” she said rubbing the velvety soft muzzle. “Be good. Tomorrow we have a shot at winning. Rest up!”

  Giving the horse one more pat, she and Radar headed for her pickup truck. She was sharing a room at a motel in town with Amanda Whitney. Some rodeos she slept in her truck, but she’d won more than a few times this season and splurged on the motel room. It was heavenly to have a hot shower and soft bed.

  Who knew what she’d do on the next stop? Amanda wasn’t going to Colorado Springs, she was skipping the next two on the circuit and would rejoin in Loveland later.

  As Susannah drove into town she considered Toby's situation. She’d been aware of him for a couple of years. He'd even asked her out once last year. Despite being tempted, she'd refused. She'd vowed after the Pete fiasco that she was not going to fall for another rodeo cowboy.

  Once burned by a fun-loving cowboy, she was wary around men who had time to chase the dream. If she ever fell for someone again, it would be a man who had a steady job, roots in one location, and the ability to be faithful to one woman. Though how to gauge that before becoming involved was the big question.

  Maybe someone who was faithful in other areas.

  And loyal–like Toby seemed to be.

  Toby was convinced Kyle was innocent. Yet, how did he explain the drugs in the truck? Could his friend be dealing without Toby’s knowledge?

  Unlikely. From what she knew, Toby and Kyle had been friends for years. Toby would know his friend’s values and obviously they were strong enough not to be involved with drugs.

  She shivered slightly when she pulled her truck into the parking lot of the small motel. How awful that someone placed the drugs in Kyle’s truck. If the sheriff didn't continue his investigation the true perpetrator could get off scot-free. If the truth didn’t come out, his actions could cost an innocent man his freedom and reputation.

  She turned off the engine and reached over to pet Radar. “You’ll keep us safe, right, big fella?”

  His tail thumped against the passenger-side door when he wagged it.

  “Come on, let’s get to bed. Tomorrow we ride, then pull out for Colorado Springs.”

  Lying in bed a short time later, Susannah tried to remember if she had noticed anything out of the ordinary over the last couple of rodeos. Many of the same contestants followed the circuit, competing against each other over and over. Yet when not competing in an event, most cowboys were friendly to each other.

  With a few exceptions. Devan Perlman came to mind. That cowboy had a chip on his shoulder that didn’t quit. Quick to anger, itching for a fight every day, he was one cowboy she stayed clear of.

  Though he had other ideas, it seemed. He’d asked her out a couple of times. She’d always refused and that hadn’t set well with the cowboy.

  She’d seen him knock down another rider just for the fun of it. She had no intention of going out with him and tried to stay clear of him. She could picture him thinking laws didn’t exist for him.

  Another exception was Juan Alvarez. That man gave her the creeps. His event was bronc riding, and he was good. But something about him seemed off to her.

  Still, she didn’t have anything but her dislike to suspect either man of being involved in drug trafficking.

  Not that she knew what a drug trafficker looked like. If he was any good, no one would suspect–especially if he was using other people’s trucks to transport the drugs.

  Rolling over, she tried to sleep, but face after face of those men whom she saw over and over came to mind. Rodeo was a sport of the west. One that had been around for decades, starting in the old cowboy trail camps and rail heads where men from different ranches showed off their skills and the best of them claimed bragging rights.

  She couldn’t imagine anyone she knew tarnishing that legacy with criminal activities.

  The last face she envisioned was Toby Palmer. He was one mighty fine looking man. And super handy with a rope. He and Kyle competed in the calf roping events, team roping and steer wrestling--and Toby was the crazy fool who leaped off a running horse to wrestle an 800 pound steer to the ground.

  He had the muscles to show for it. He almost had her thinking thoughts of a future–except he met none of her criteria. He sure didn’t have roots to one place or a steady job. The faithfulness was up in the air, too. She’d seen him with a different woman in every town.

  He wasn’t for her. Eye candy, maybe. And that would
be her limit. Admire from afar, but stay clear.

  Chapter Two

  Toby rode his horse in a tight circle, gradually widening as the gelding loosened up. He'd paid his entry fee for calf roping and he’d follow through with that event. The steer wrestling would have to be forfeited unless he got a hazer to work with him. Team roping was definitely off the table today.

  He’d asked Jason Nichols to haze, but the man turned him down flat. From what he didn’t say, Toby suspected Jason wasn’t convinced of Kyle’s innocence. He acted like Toby was a co-conspirator.

  Toby needed the hazer for that event since it didn’t look like the sheriff was going to let Kyle out. Toby had called the jail this morning to request Kyle be let out for the rodeo events and be watched by a deputy. No go, according to the sheriff.

  He took a deep breath. Getting riled up about it again wasn’t going to give him the focus he needed to win today. Once his events were over, he was heading to town to talk to the sheriff again.

  Susannah rode up and stopped at the edge of the small exercise yard. Her dog was beside her horse.

  “Mind if I ride?” she called.

  “Come ahead,” he replied.

  She urged her horse forward and they began the circle at a walk, soon moving to the trot and then the lope. The dog lay down at the edge, out of the way and watched her as she rode.

  He admired how she sat on the horse, moving together as if they were one. Gracefully moving with the horse, she was focused on the different gaits.

  Toby began again, keeping to the opposite side of the ring as he put his horse through his paces.

  When she stopped, he continued until he was next to her, pulling his mount to a stop.

  “Done?” he asked.

  “I want the kinks out, but I want her to still be full of energy to perform her best,” Susannah said, petting the mare on her neck. “You finished?”