Chasin' Eight (Rough Riders #11)(139)

Damn woman saw too much. “Get to the f*ckin’ point, Ava.”

“After seeing the events at that first rodeo, I thought maybe I was on to something. Especially after meeting Ryan and Taz. The three of you were in different places in your riding careers. The new footage became more focused. I asked questions that would support the images I’d gotten. But my ideas were still being processed. I didn’t tell you what I was working on, not because I was creating some big, goddamn, rip-your-life-to-shreds secret video. I couldn’t tell you because I didn’t know what the hell I was doing.” She retreated to gaze out the window. “That changed when Ryan died. I knew some of what I had could be molded into a documentary. A look at Ryan’s life and the tragedy of his death. But I’d never do something like that without his mother’s consent. Taz approached me at Ryan’s funeral about compiling some of Ryan’s rides for Jackie. He must’ve told her about it, because she contacted me. So that’s where I am. Trying to help a brokenhearted mother put the pieces together.”

Her voice caught and Chase fought the urge to go to her.
“So maybe I don’t know you as well as I thought I did either. I can’t believe after what I’ve been through you’d consider, for even one nanosecond, I would willingly, gleefully put another human being though that bullshit.”

Now Chase was really confused.
His cell buzzed and he plucked it out of his pocket. He put a fake note of cheer in his voice. “Elroy. I hope you’re calling me with good news?”

“Yes. You’re officially back on the PBR roster and scheduled to compete in Wichita next weekend.”

“No kiddin’? That’s great.” He allowed a tight laugh. “I was getting worried. No word from the powers that be. And then, I’ve, ah, been in the press the last few days a little more than you’d like, I’m sure.”

“To be honest, the coverage of you and Miz Cooper weighed in your favor for a change.”

Talk about a shocker. “It did? Why?”

“Because you’re finally with a woman who’s newsworthy in her own right, and not by virtue of her association with you.”

“Did that make sense in your head before you said it? ’Cause that didn’t make a lick of sense on my end.”

Elroy laughed. “You two are a match made in PR heaven. Even though some tabloid rags are claiming your whole relationship is a publicity stunt.” Elroy paused. “Is it?”

“No. And here’s fair warning: that is not a topic of discussion. With you. Or anyone else.”

“Never thought I’d be happy to hear you say ‘no comment’ and mean it. Warms the cockles of my cold PR heart, McKay.”

“You’re a riot. What else?”

“The PBR is picking up your transportation expenses. You’re in New York now?”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t get you to Wichita directly—”

“Book me into Omaha. I left my truck there. I’ll drive to Wichita.”

“Done. What day you wanna leave?”

“Today. As soon as possible.”

Ava stared at him with shock.
“The event isn’t for another couple days.”

“I’m aware of that. But there are other things I need to take care of first.”

Elroy sighed. “Fine. Contact me when you get to Kansas. And I don’t gotta remind you no press unless you’re escorted by a PBR media liaison.”

“I get it. I’ll keep in touch.”