Body of Evidence by Lenora Worth

look up at Anderson, a perky grin tipping her lips. “And I so want to hear all about this.”
    Jennifer remembered what Anderson had told her. She had to be careful in what information she gave out to her friends and coworkers. “It’s nothing, really. Just some vandalism and a trespasser in the barn. My new worker Anderson offered to patrol the place tonight to see if he can catch anyone. He’s helping with the security.”
    Becky looked Anderson up and down. “Did you call the police? And when did you hire a new worker?”
    â€œI hired him this week,” Jennifer replied. “And wecalled the sheriff. Anderson talked to him and seems to think we can handle it.”
    Anderson nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Becky. And thanks for coming out. If I see anything out of the ordinary, I’ll call in reinforcements.”
    â€œWait,” petite, red-headed Becky said, running a hand through her short, shagged hair. “You are a cop, aren’t you?”
    â€œWhat makes you think that?” Jennifer asked, shooting her friend a warning look.
    Becky grinned again. “I work at the Bexar County Courthouse, remember? I see his type coming and going all day long.” She waved a hand toward Anderson. “He’s in lock and load mode, all right.”
    Anderson let out a grunt, his expression resolved. “I’m a security expert,” he said. “But you can’t reveal that to anyone, you understand? It could be dangerous for both Jennifer and you. And since I now know you work at the courthouse…”
    Becky lifted her head back. “Wow, I get it, already. Whatever’s going on, I’m here for the night and I know nothing.” Then she pointed a finger at him. “But I don’t like being threatened.”
    â€œI’m not a threat to you,” Anderson replied, clearly in charge in spite of Becky’s bravado. “Just explaining how it has to be, okay?”
    â€œOkay.” Becky looked around. “I need a drink of water.”
    Jennifer watched her friend head to the refrigerator, then glared at Anderson. “Thanks for scaring her, too.”
    â€œI’m not trying to scare anyone,” he said on a tiredbreath. “She guessed things. I verified things. And I told her how things are. That’s it. And now, I’m going out there to ride the property. I won’t be back until the sun comes up.”
    Jennifer prayed he would come back, even if he did infuriate her at times with that firm stance. “Be careful.”
    He nodded, then turned to Becky. “Sorry if I seemed harsh with you. I was just surprised you figured me out so quickly.”
    Becky took a swig of her water. “Hey, I see a lot of law enforcement people coming and going at work, and you fit the bill perfectly. It might be your place to get to the bottom of this vandalism deal, but it’s my place to watch Jennifer’s back, got it?”
    â€œGot it,” he said as he turned at the door. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. But you have to abide by my request, okay?”
    â€œSince you asked so nice, okay,” Becky said with a wry grin.
    Jennifer watched him leave, then turned to find Becky staring at her with bright green eyes. “Okay, time to spill it, girl. And I mean, I want all the details. How’d you get so lucky to have a good-looking ‘security expert’ at your beck and call?” She pushed a finger at Jennifer’s arm. “They only bring in Rangers on the big stuff, know what I mean?”
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    Anderson rubbed Chestnut’s neck then spoke softly to the big gelding. “Thanks for coming with me, boy. You’re a good, strong trooper.”
    The horse snorted and trotted along the fence line,up for a run in spite of the cold night air. Anderson had to admit he needed some fresh air himself. He had a lot to think over. Mainly, why had he gone and kissed