Daniels B.J. - Odd Man Out

Odd Man Out B.J. Daniels

To Kathrina,

who showed me the way,

and Kitty and Judy,

who read every word along the way.

Special thanks to Neil and Dani.

Cast of Characters

J. D. GarrisonA country music star, hed come to help Denver, but could she trust him?

Pete WilliamsAll he wanted was Denver, but how far would he go to have her?

Max McCallahanSomeone killed Denvers uncle because he was getting too close to the truth.

Sheila WalkerThe reporter had a nose for news but she was making the wrong people nervous.

Cal DaltonHe had an eye for Denver and every reason to want her stopped.

Maggie JonesShe feared she knew who killed Max McCallahan, and knew him too well.

Taylor ReynoldsWas Maxs old friend staying around to help or was he after Maxs woman?

Davey MatthewsThe teenager wanted to be a private eye, but snooping wasnt good for his health.

Deputy Sheriff ClineDid he have his own reasons for not wanting Maxs killer caught?

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

Prologue

Half the county had turned out for Max McCallahans burial even in the freezing downpour. Snatches of the service reached J.D. on the hillside. He had to smile at the priests portrayal of the old Irish private eye. Max must be turning in his grave to hear such malarkey. Too bad the good Father didnt just tell the truththat Max had been a big, loud, red-faced Irishman and damned proud of it. That hed loved his ale. And that, if the need arose, he hadnt been one to back down from a good brawl. The truth was, the devil had danced in the old Irishmans eyes most of the time. But thered also been another side to Max, a gentle, loving side, that a young girl had brought out in him.

As the priest led a prayer, J.D. studied that young girlMaxs niece, Denver McCallahan. She was no longer a girl but she would always have that look because of her slight build. She stood under the dripping canopy at the edge of the grave, a large black felt hat hiding most of her long auburn hair and part of her face. Her manner appeared almost peaceful.

J.D. wasnt fooled. He knew Denvers composure was an act. Max had been her only family; she would have killed for him. J.D.s jaw tensed under his dark beard as the tall cowboy beside Denver slipped an arm around her shoulders. Hed have recognized the man anywhere, not only because of his blond hair and his arrogant stance, but by his trademarkthe large, white Western hat now dangling from the fingers of his right hand. J.D. swore, surprised by his reaction. He didnt like seeing Denver in the arms of his childhood friend, Pete Williams.

J.D. looked up as an older woman joined him in the seclusion of the pines. She wore a worn wool plaid hunting jacket, Maxs, no doubt, jeans, a flannel shirt and boots.

Ive never been so glad to see anyone in my life, Maggie said as she stepped into his arms. He hugged her to him, feeling her strength. Sturdy. That was what Max had called her. Sturdy, dependable Maggie. Shed been Maxs friend, his lover, his confidante. Although theyd never married and had lived in separate houses, Maggie had been the love of Maxs life.

Maggie stepped back, brushing a wisp of graying brown hair from her face, a face that belied her fifty-five years. She glanced at the cemetery below them, her expression as grim as the day. Dark umbrellas huddled around the grave like ghouls. Denver moved closer to drop a single bloodred rose on her uncles casket. Even from the distance, J.D. could see that shed grown up since hed been gone. A lot of things had changed, he thought, watching her with Pete.

Shouldnt we be down there at the funeral? J.D. asked, still surprised that Maggie had suggested meeting here instead.

Max knew how I felt about funerals, she said softly. And Id prefer Denver didnt know youre back in town yet.

His eyebrow shot up. Why is that?

Theres something you need to know before you see her. Maggie took a breath and let it out slowly. Denvers in trouble.

He almost laughed. Ever since they were kids, Denver McCallahan had been in some sort of trouble; blame it on her fiery spirit, but it was one of the things hed always admired about her. What kind of trouble? The moment he said it, he could guess. Shes heard the rumors you told me about Max being involved in something illegal and shes determined to clear his good name, right?

You know Denver. And while shes at it, she intends to bring his killer to justice, as well.

That didnt surprise him in the least. And I suppose you want me to keep her out of trouble while shes doing all that? He shook his head. You dont know what youre asking.

Maggie met his gaze and he glimpsed an expression in her eyes that startled him. Anger. Cold as the granite bluffs in the distance. Im asking a lot more than that, J.D. I want you to keep her away from Pete Williams.