Kit & Rogue (The Sons of Dusty Walker) by Sable Hunter Page B

to tell Marliss and her husband a little of it, so they’ll know what to say and what not to say.”
    Zane smiled, crossing his arms over his chest. “They seem like nice people.”
    “They are,” Rogue assured him.
    “Right now, she has Lucia in the kitchen. They’re swapping recipes.” Zane pointed behind him.
    “I want all three of you to stay here as my guests until we get to the bottom of this. My brothers won’t mind and there’s plenty of room. We’re thinking about turning this monstrosity into a Bed and Breakfast sometimes, but for now it’s a good place for us to put up our friends and family.”
    “Thank you, I’ll talk to the others. What came out of your talk with Lucia?”
    “Well, I looked at the papers she carried around and she explained how she met ‘me’.” He put an emphasis on the word ‘me’. “After listening to her, I know she’s not to blame. She came here in good faith, thinking she was married.”
    “I did some research on proxy marriages. They’re legal in Kansas, Colorado, Texas, Montana and Alabama.” Zane went on to explain the ins and outs, more than Rogue wanted to hear.
    “Bottom line,” Rogue growled. “I’m screwed.”
    “Not while I’m your lawyer, you’re not,” Zane assured me. “It won’t be easy and it won’t be quick, but we’ll straighten this mess out. I’ll get you right back where you are in every respect.”
    “I hope so,” Rogue muttered. The main thing he had to straighten out was Kit’s perception of the situation.
    Elijah moved his chair closer, so he didn’t have to talk so loud. “I talked to Lucia. This guy really did a number on her. He knew just what to say and how to say it.” He stared at Rogue. “I’m trying to figure out who hates you this much. Any ideas?”
    “Not a one, I mean I’ve beat a lot of folks in card games and I’ve pulled off a lot of oil deals but I don’t know anyone who thinks I took advantage of them to the degree that they’d do something like this.” Rogue looked at the floor deep in thought.
    “Lucia, she told me about the murders in Juarez.” Elijah commented softly.
    Rogue looked up. “She said something about the ‘lost girls’ and that she was afraid.”
    Zane pulled a chair close and they sat as if they were huddled around a campfire. “I know what she’s talking about, there have been hundreds of young women abducted or murdered in Juarez in the last few years. No one knows who’s doing it or why. Some say its human trafficking, others say it’s related to the cartels and then there’s the belief that a serial killer is to blame. The bodies are found mutilated and pink crosses dot the city where the girls’ remains are found.”
    “Yea.” Elijah breathed out a long breath. “Her sister was one of those girls and Lucia made a lot of noise about it, she’s afraid she’ll be one of the next to go missing. That’s one of the reasons she’s so desperate, the reason she fell for this scam.”
    “Good grief.” Now, Rogue felt guilty. Not that he wanted to be married to anyone but Kit, but he felt a strong desire to help this woman. “Well, I’m already married and bigamy isn’t legal.”
    “She’s nice–and pretty. Really pretty.” Elijah sighed. When neither of the other men said a word, he jerked his head up. “Don’t tell me you two didn’t notice it. Rogue, I’ve seen the women you’ve chosen over the years.” His voice became emphatic. “Lucia Cordova is your ideal–I mean she’s perfect for you. Delicate, feminine–big brown eyes and that body…”
    “Did you forget I’m already married?” Rogue asked. Zane mutely nodded as if echoing his sentiment.
    A movement behind them drew their attention. Elijah jumped, thinking it would be Lucia. They all turned, but it wasn’t Lucia or Marliss. It was Kit and Rogue knew by the look on her face she’d heard every word they said–and she hadn’t understood.
    “Kit, wait!”
    Kit ran, coming to find Rogue