Chapter 7

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Less than half an hour after they had arrived for the morning meeting, the three cowboys rose to start their day’s work. As Stace and Spark headed for the door, Casa hesitated. Once the other two were outside, he turned back toward Jason’s desk.

“?Que paso?” Jason asked, sliding easily into Casa’s native border Spanish. “You going to be leaving me, too?”

Casa shook his head. The words he wanted to say would not come. He cleared his throat. “Not planning on it, boss. I guess it’s wise never to say never, but I expect to be around a long time yet. I—er—I figured I should put in a good word for Miguel. He may be my cousin, but he’s a damn good kid. Well, not a kid really. He’s twenty-two. When you get another special guest in, give him a chance, okay? I’ll be here to help him if he has any problems.”