Lorie sat by Matt’s side in the living room of the family house on Rob Roy Ranch, surrounded by her family, Matt’s family and the Sutherlands. Vangie Rae hadn’t aged a day since the last time Lorie’d seen her—the glamour industry had been able to accomplish that much. Still as slim as she’d been in high school, Vangie was now twice as blonde, and even bubblier in person than she was on the phone, despite the mixed feelings at tonight’s get-together.
“It’s a pity Joseph Pitt didn’t live to stand trial.” Frank Sutherland wore the same look of concern Lorie had come to know and understand. What a hard job he had. She was glad Matt was only a lowly deputy, on his way to becoming a detective. Maybe Frank needed a wife like Vangie Rae, to add some lightness to his life and keep him sane.
“Now, Frank. The county will have quite enough to deal with giving Quentin, Jones and the rest of Pitt’s crew fair trials. Probably have to have a change of venue.” Matt looked as though he was glad about that.
“So Grayson Carl was Joseph Pitt’s son.” Dad shook his head. “I’d heard the drug ring in Dainger County was widespread, but I had no idea it had links to Colombia.”
Lorie linked fingers with Matt. “And I had no idea Carl had ties to Dainger County.”
“I bet you’d never have come back if you’d known, and then look at what you’d have missed!” Vangie beamed at Lorie. “And was I right, or was I right about the handsome Deputy MacGregor?”
Lorie blushed. “Now, Vangie, nothing’s settled.”
“Not yet,” Matt said, “but soon. I think we need a little more privacy before I ask Lorie what I want to ask her.” He’d told her earlier of making peace with Lorene and Owen, something that touched her heart deeply.
Lorie looked up at him and saw a gleam in his blue eyes. A shiver of pure delight tickled her to the core.
“So does this wrap up your meth-lab investigation?” Dad asked. He was sitting with a hand on Mom’s knee, since it hurt his ribs too much to try to put his arm around her.
“I don’t think so.” Frank leaned back against the sofa cushion. “We’re still looking closely at Leonard Adderson. But serving that search warrant on the Pitt Stop showed us how they’ve been fixing cars to transport drugs. At least that’s one thing we’ll be able to shut down.” Frank’s cell phone beeped, and he glanced at the text message. “In fact, someone’s just arrived who will be able to clear up a lot of your questions.”
A tap at the door sent Sandy to answer it. When Lorie saw who was standing there, her jaw dropped.
“Ms. Montoya!”
The lithe brunette who came into the room looked a bit uncomfortable, but she approached Lorie, who stood to meet her.
“Actually, it isn’t Candace Montoya.” She reached into the Coach bag at her side and pulled out a leather folder, flipping it open so Lorie could see a badge and ID. “I’m Special Agent Carmen Machada, DEA. I apologize for running out on you and not appearing at the trial, but I was in deep cover. Testifying would have blown an investigation that had been ongoing for three years.”
“DEA?” Lorie put a hand to her head. “You didn’t just leave me in the lurch, then.”
“No.” Regret crossed the agent’s intelligent face. “I did everything I could to supply information to your attorney and to make sure you weren’t convicted. I’m glad it worked.”
“So am I.”
“I’m happy to say the undercover work paid off. You shouldn’t have to worry about the cartel being out to get you anymore, Ms. Narramore.”
Relief made Lorie weak in the knees. Matt appeared at her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, keeping her upright.
“Thank you. Oh, thank you so much!”
Carmen smiled. “Just doing my job.”
Frank spoke up. “Since she helped round up the rest of the Orgulloso cartel’s California arm, Ms. Machada has been assigned as liaison to the Dainger County Sheriff’s Department. She’s going to help us find the rest of our hydra-headed monster.”
“Why, isn’t that the grandest thing!” Vangie Rae lit up. “You’re not married, are you, Miss Carmen?”
Ms. Machada looked startled. “No. Why?”
“Well, there are several handsome deputies I’ve been trying to match up with someone special—”
“Vangie Rae!” Frank roared, as the room dissolved into laughter.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from UNDERCOVER MARRIAGE by Terri Reed.