The Prodigal Cowboy. Kathleen Eagle

      “I’m looking for one of the D’s—whichever Drexler sister is in charge today.”

      “No more Drexlers. We got Night Horse and Beaudry, but no Drexler. Both girls are married now.”

      Bella smiled. “Are you Night Horse or Beaudry?”

      “Me? No. Gosh, no, not me.” Blushing, the little man adjusted his straw cowboy hat and did a little boot scoot in the dirt. “Them girls are like my own kin. Hoolihan’s the name.” He stuck out his hand. “Everybody calls me Hoolie. The girls are around here somewhere. Pretty sure Sally’s over by …” He nodded toward the barn. “Here, let me show you.”

      Bella followed the old cowboy, whose friendly chatter reached the ears of a lovely blonde, who appeared in the open doorway leaning heavily on a sturdy cane with a tripod base. The woman shaded her eyes with her free hand and then flashed a huge smile.

      “Well, I’ll be damned. The paparazzi have finally tracked me down.”

      Bella recognized the former Sally Drexler from the original KOZY interview. The new last names would come naturally soon enough.

      “Where’s your camera, Miss Primeaux?” Sally laughingly demanded as she emerged from the barn. “I’m ready for my close-up.”

      “What’ve you done now, girl?” Hoolie chided. “I told you, my film star days are over, so don’t be signing me up for any more of them promotional videos.”

      “You’re our most authentic-looking relic of the Old West, Hoolie.” Sally turned to Bella as she pulled off her work gloves. “You do a story on the Double D, you get Hoolie in the picture for free. For a donation, he comes with woolly chaps.” She offered a handshake. “Sally Night Horse.” She glanced at Hoolie, grinning. “I love saying that. Sally Night Horse.” To Bella she added, “We’re newlyweds.”

      “Not me,” said Hoolie.

      “Hoolie turned me down years ago,” Sally said. “You KOZY people sure are quick. I just sent the email this morning.”