Woody shook his head. “I think it’s time to call the police. I don’t know the first thing about taking sites down.”
Frowning, Gunther raised his brow as he looked at Woody. “How did you find the site?”
Woody went back in front of the desk and sat down. “It was in my email.”
With a growl, Gunther slapped the top of his desk. “I wonder who else got the email.”
Woody glanced away. “Everyone on the ranch as far as I know. But the internet reaches millions of people so I couldn’t even begin to guess.” He looked back at Gunther. I wanted you to know before Lee Ann got wind of it.”
“Too late.” Lee Ann stood in the doorway looking as white as a sheet. “I should have known the phone call wasn’t the end of it. Gunther, what am I going to do? Everyone has probably seen the pictures by now. They were in my email too.”
“Come in,” Gunther said as he stood. The way she ran into his embrace surprised him. He wrapped his arms around her and rocked her back and forth.
“Woody, could you call the police for me?”
Woody stood. “I’d be happy to. Lee Ann, I’m sorry this is happening to you.”
Her face was buried in Gunther’s chest. “Thank you,” she mumbled. She tightened her hold.
He stroked her back, not knowing what else to do. He didn’t take to feeling helpless well. He was always the one everyone looked to for the answers.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” When she came up for air, he led her to a chair and helped her sit. “What’s this about a phone call?” He handed her a tissue.
She wiped away her tears and sat up straight and tall. “Kevin called and said we have unfinished business. I told him to go to hell.”
Gunther sat down in the chair next to her and took her hand. It seemed so small and fragile but he knew she was much stronger than she looked. “Good for you, honey. He was bound to do this regardless of what you said to him. I hope we can put him in jail.”
“He seems to think he’s untouchable.”
He gave her hand a squeeze. “We’ll have to wait to see what the police say.”
The more Detective Billings talked the more anxious Lee Ann became. He was going to get the cybercrime unit involved, but he doubted there was anything they could do. “We really don’t have enough here to call it stalking.”
“That’s not true,” Lee Ann said. “I looked it up for Texas. It’s stalking if the perpetrator makes the victim feel harassed, annoyed, alarmed, abused, tormented, embarrassed, or offended.”
“That is part of the statute but I won’t be able to get an arrest warrant for this. How do we know you didn’t approve of the pictures being taken? You were in a relationship with this Kevin Burns.”
“They were clearly taken from outside my window. How could I approve that?”
The detective shifted in the chair. “I know this is upsetting, and I’d be just as outraged as you. The cyber unit may be able to find the site and have it taken down, but I have to warn you they usually pop right back up.”
She nodded. He just didn’t get it. Then again, how could he? He probably wouldn’t care if naked pictures of him were all over the internet. “What do I do if he calls again?”
“I suggest letting all numbers you don’t recognize go straight to voice message. Otherwise, just hang up. You might want to block his number.”
Gunther stood and walked around to the front of his desk. “Thank you for taking the time to come out here, Detective Billings. We appreciate your advice. Let me walk you out.”
As soon as they left she sat at the desk and began a Google search of Kevin Burns. Bile rose as she saw one article after another featuring him as a wonderfully innovative publisher of a chic magazine. There wasn’t a bad word about him anywhere. How could that be true? There must be something unflattering about him on the internet. It looked as though he had the whole world fooled.
“What are you up to?” Gunther asked as he came back into the office and sat in a chair.
“I was looking to see if I could find any dirt on Kevin, but so far I’m coming up with nothing but praise for the golden boy. It makes me sick.” She stopped to take a calming breath. “I’ll never be able to show my face in public again. And no, I’m not being dramatic.”
“I never said you were. I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom for you, but I really don’t know what to say.” He balled his fists. “I really want to choke the breath out of him, but that for sure is a punishable crime.”
“Thank you for wanting to defend my honor, but I think I don’t have any honor left.” A sad smile tugged at her lips. “I’m just glad my dad isn’t here to see all this. It’s crazy that they can’t make him take down the pictures of me. It is the most humiliating thing that people I know have seen these photos. I tried to walk the straight and narrow like Daddy taught me, and this is what I got. I’m so stupid. I should have quit the first time he hit me.’” She released a heavy sigh. “It’s my own greedy fault. I really wanted to write for the magazine instead of always getting coffee for everyone. He invited me to dinner, and the next day I got to do that stupid poll about bathing suits. It wasn’t much, but I was so thrilled and proud of my accomplishment.”
He scrubbed his face with his hand and shook his head. “Come, let’s get some fresh air.” He touched her shoulder and she flinched away. Even though he’d seen the naked pictures of her before, something about knowing he was no longer the only person who’d seen them made her feel too dirty to enjoy even the simplest gesture.
“How could I have let this happen? I can’t go outside. They’ve seen me.” Her body began to tremble, and she couldn’t seem to stop it.
Gunther knelt down and took her hand. “Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.” He waited until she was done. “Now again.” He nodded. “How about we ride out to check on the cattle?”
She shook her head and glanced away from him. “I don’t feel like horseback riding.” Her chin quivered, and she waited for the dreaded tears to start but they didn’t.
“We can just sit and relax here then,” Gunther said in a soft voice.
“I’m going to go to my house. I need time alone.” A lump formed in her throat. She was grateful he didn’t say anything that he just let her go.
When she reached her house, she walked in and sighed in relief. She closed the door and leaned her back against it then slowly slid down to the floor. She pulled her knees up so she could lay her head against them and cried. This whole thing was like a bullet in her heart, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could take.
Everyone had to be laughing at her. She was just a country hick who had been ripe for the picking. She’d never had a boyfriend. Well, there was Gunther and at one time, she’d thought… But then he’d started dating, and she couldn’t stay and watch. She’d loved him since forever, but he only saw her as a playmate he’d had when he was a kid. Why he had been so mad when she left, she never could figure out.
After high school, she had written for the local newspaper, and that had given her the confidence to apply for the magazine job. When she landed that job, she was beyond joyful until she had run and told Gunther. He gazed at her as if he didn’t even know her. He scowled and told her she wasn’t meant for big city life. He had drained her joy, and she’d never felt joy like that since.
His attitude had made her glad to leave. Any illusions she’d had about a “someday” with him had died, though, she had thought of him often while she was away. He was a good man, a kind man, a strong man and a very, very handsome man. It wasn’t his fault he hadn’t wanted her the way she’d wanted him.
He still didn’t, and she’d learn to accept it. He was friendly but he hadn’t made a move toward her. His help was what she needed the most.
Chapter Six
Two weeks later, Gunter sat at the kitchen table drumming his fingers. His jaw was clenched as he shook his head. How was he going to get Lee Ann to leave the foreman’s house? She refused to s
tep outside. Every time he mentioned it, she had a near panic attack, and he was out of ideas.
She’d lost weight and often gave him a blank stare. Nothing new had happened, thankfully. Andy Morellis had found more victims in San Antonio. Still, no one would testify. Maybe he should take Lee Ann down there to talk to a few of these women, not to get them to testify but so she’d know she wasn’t alone.
He sighed. It wouldn’t work. He’d have to kidnap her to get her to go. Those years she’d been away, he’d missed her more than he ever wanted to admit. He was glad she was home but not under these circumstances. He’d spent those years wanting her to come home—to him. She never had. Now it was too late. She shied away if he touched her. At first, she allowed an occasional kiss on the cheek, but now it was hands off.
“Boss come quick and grab your gun!” Woody was breathing hard as he talked. “That Kevin guy is pounding on Lee Ann’s door.”
Quick as he could manage, Gunther grabbed his gun and ran out the back door, rounded the back of Lee Ann’s house and slowly moved toward the front. He got to the corner and said a quick prayer.
“Burns you’re not welcome here!” he yelled out. His heart pounded painfully against his chest.
“I’m just here to get what’s owed to me,” Kevin shot back.
Gunther peeked around the corner. Kevin’s face was mottled red but his hands were empty; he didn’t appear to have a gun. Gunther took a step beyond the corner. “This is private property. As of right now you’re trespassing.”
Kevin narrowed his eyes and his lips formed a thin line. “Very well, I’d be happy to leave. Could you tell Lee Ann I stopped by? I just wanted to catch up.” He walked down the steps and without even glancing in Gunther’s way, he got into his car and drove away.
As soon as the car was out of sight, Lee Ann came out with a bag. “I’m staying at the main house.” She hurried by Gunther and made a mad dash for the house, reminding him of a scared rabbit.
He shook his head. He’d expected tears or maybe that she’d slump against him so he could pick her up and carry her. Instead, she’d packed a bag and made a run for the house. He couldn’t help the grin that crossed his face. She never failed to surprise him.
Maybe the tears would come when he got to the house.
Lee Ann stood by the door with her hands on her hips. He closed the door behind him and stared at her.
“Just who does he think he is? I want a gun! How dare he come here? I knew he was crazy but— Hey, can we call the police and see if this is stalking?” She started to pace. “He’ll be back, you know. That’s why I’m moving in. I don’t trust him. Which bedroom should I take? I think the one next to yours would be best.”
“Whoa, honey.” He stepped farther into the room. “Slow down a bit. He’s gone for now, and we can take one question at a time.”
She simply nodded, grabbed her bag, and quickly went up the stairs. So much for deciding the answers together. She seemed to have it all under control.
Lee Ann closed the bedroom door and leaned against it with her arms wrapped around her waist to keep her from going to pieces. Kevin just wanted to prove he could get to her anywhere. The thought of him made her stomach roil. He told her she’d regret it if she left and he was right.
She shook her head. No, she didn’t regret leaving, just hated what he was doing now. She’d been one step away from buying a gun. She knew how to shoot, but she was afraid she’d end up in jail for killing Kevin. She’d threatened to go the board of directors until Kevin pointed out a few her female coworkers who he said were sleeping with men on the board.
There had been nowhere to turn and Kevin took delight in her predicament. He’d called her a high-class whore. She walked to the window and laughed. A virgin whore. How ridiculous was that?
The knock she knew was coming brought her from her musings. “Come in.” She wasn’t one bit surprised to see Gunther.
“You did say the room next to mine?” He smiled at her.
“Yes, is that okay?” Every way she turned, she ended up doing something wrong.
“After my dad died, I moved into the master bedroom.” He held out his hand.
She grabbed her bag and then his hand and then allowed him to lead her down the hallway.
Gunther opened a door. “You’ll be more comfortable here.”
Lee Ann frowned. “This is your old room.” She looked around and noticed all new furniture. “Looks much better than when you had it.”
“I wanted a guest room. I have cattle buyers who come here for meetings, and some have to travel a long way. In fact, you picked the only room that hasn’t been redone.”
“Did you update the bathroom too?”
“Yes, no more running outside to the outhouse.” He laughed.
She gave him a light punch in his arm. “You know that’s not what I meant. The old faucet always dripped, and the floor was warped.”
“All updated. I’ve had a few good years and debated whether or not to bulldoze the place and start over, but this house has too much history. I left downstairs pretty much the same with new appliances and bathroom. Agnes picked out the furniture.”
He made her feel lighthearted. “I thought decorating with duct tape was in vogue.”
His dimples showed as his grin widened. “It got to be too difficult with all the new colors and patterns. I couldn’t decide.”
“I remember years when we weren’t sure we’d all have a roof over our heads. Your dad and mine used to whisper about it all the time. At one point, I thought your father was going to sell.”
He sat in a plush chair near the window. “That was before oil was found on the property. My dad signed a contract which only gave him twenty percent of the take. It was more money than we ever thought but he felt cheated. He swore no more drilling on his land.”
Lee Ann joined him at the window. “You made it prosper. In fact, you’ve made everyone happy. Agnes is in heaven with the bigger garden. Angus loves the horses, and I’m happy you gave me a job. I’m just sorry about the trouble I brought with me.” She released a wistful sigh.
Gunther slowly put his arms around her and set her on his lap. He tucked her head under his chin. “That trouble is not of your making. I still can’t understand how it isn’t illegal to post pictures on the internet.”
“He’s just covering his actions. It makes me look like a willing participant to his perversions. I just hate that all the hands saw the pictures of me.”
“If anyone gets out of line, you let me know immediately. I’ll do my best to keep you safe.”
A few hours later, Lee Ann could still feel the special warmth that only Gunther could provide. He was a good man. Why hadn’t he been scooped up by some woman? He was quite the catch.
She went downstairs to help Agnes with dinner. There really wasn’t much left to do. There was a chicken in the oven along with vegetables. Fresh bread was already on the counter cooling along with a peach pie.
“It smells so good in here. Agnes, you are a wonder!”
Agnes smiled. “I’ve had years of practice. It’s easy once you get the hang of it. If I remember correctly you’re a good cook yourself.”
“I never remember my kitchen smelling as good as this, though. Agnes, why do you think Gunther never married?”
Agnes shook her head. “I don’t get into his business.”
Lee Ann wanted to laugh. Agnes knew what Gunther was up to before he did. “I understand.”
“Understand what?” Lee Ann jumped at the sound of Gunther’s voice.
“Why you never married,” Lee Ann said. She crossed her arms across her chest as she stared at him.
“I’ve been busy. Of course, I’ve dated, but nothing stuck.” He cocked one brow at Lee Ann. “Was there anything else you wanted to know?”
Her face heated and she wanted to squirm under his stare. “No, I think that covers it.” She quickly turned her back to him and began to slice the bread.
“Speaking o
f girlfriends, Felicia is coming to dinner,” Agnes announced. “She said she was invited.”
Lee Ann glanced over her shoulder at Gunther. His brow furrowed as he frowned.
“I didn’t invite her. I guess we’ll find out when she gets here. She still refuses to sell that piece of land to me. Dang, I wish I were married, then she wouldn’t be looking for me to marry her.”
Agnes took Lee Ann’s hand and then grabbed Gunther’s until they stood side by side. “I now pronounce you two engaged. Let’s see if that gets her panties in a knot.” She smiled at the couple. “Wait right here!” She hurried off.
Lee Ann didn’t know where to look so she stared at the floor. It was one thing after another.
“Here it is! Gunther this was your mother’s engagement ring. It’s a bit modest but I think history trumps carats.” She handed the ring to Gunther and then put her hands on her hips. “Well?”
Gunther stared at the ring. “I remember my mother wearing it. My dad offered to get her a bigger diamond but she wouldn’t hear of it.” He turned toward Lee Ann. “What do you think? It just might work.”
She closed her eyes for a moment. She’d often dreamed of this happening but not in a false way. She swallowed hard. Marriage was something she took seriously. But she wanted to help Gunther. Nodding her head, she held her hand out. The ring fit perfectly.
“I’ll try not to lose it,” she teased.
“Oh my, Gunther get a bottle of champagne out so we can celebrate at dinner. I’ll get the crystal champagne flutes. This is going to be so much fun.” Agnes hurried out of the kitchen.
Lee Ann stared at the ring. It was beautiful, and Gunther’s mother was right; the sentiment was worth much more than a bigger diamond. If only Gunther had given it to her out of love.
She smiled. On the other hand, seeing Felicia’s face might be fun.
Gunther fixed his tie, wondering if they were going too far. Felicia could refuse to sell out of spite. He took his tie back off. They couldn’t go through with it. It was just wrong. That was not the way he wanted to propose to Lee Ann. Shocked, he looked at himself in his bedroom mirror. Why such a thought popped into his head, he had no idea.
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