One Tough Texan

by Barb Han

  Alice’s face paled. “He’s my informant.”

  Joshua could almost read Alice’s thoughts because they would be similar to his own if roles were reversed. Dale might’ve been tangled up with criminals and dependent on drugs but no one deserved to die and especially not like this. Dale had to have had a mother or someone who loved him—even if it was misguided love which was often the case with people who lived outside the law—out there somewhere and her heart would be broken with the news.

  “This is obviously an attempt to shut Alice up or warn her to back off,” Joshua said. Stabbing someone was incredibly personal and a bigger message couldn’t be sent than by cutting someone’s tongue out. The crime was violent and meant to show just how betrayed Perez felt by Sanders.

  “It’s his signature,” Alice said, all color draining from her face. “It’s what he does to men in his organization who turn on him. I’ve seen this same scenario with one of his top lieutenants who also happened to be his nephew.”

  “Damn,” Joshua said. The word was followed by silence. “I’m sorry this happened to your informant. And I know it’s a blow to the investigation but we can recover. The feds are most likely working the other angle, right, Tommy?”

  It seemed coldhearted to focus attention on the investigation but that’s what he needed to do. Processing Dale’s death would take time.

  “They’re setting up a raid as we speak, figuring they need to move fast. If Perez thinks his operation has a hole in it they fear he might clean out the compound.”

  “So they’re going in tonight?” Alice asked with as hopeful a voice as Joshua figured she could muster under the circumstances.

  “It might take a couple of days to coordinate and organize but they don’t want to wait any longer than they have to since the guys tried to set fire to the trailer to erase evidence. We know they’ll do the same thing to the compound if they realize there could be a threat to that location. Also, a print was lifted at the scene. It belonged to Perez so we can link him to the crimes committed there now.”

  “About time we got some good news in this case,” Joshua said. “Also good that the feds are moving quickly. If Isabel’s there, they’ll find her.”

  Joshua knew full well that the teen could be anywhere by now. Six weeks was a long time to be missing with a man like Perez.

  “I’ll let you know everything as it unfolds,” Tommy said. “I know this is difficult but sit tight a little longer. We’re getting close.”

  Joshua thanked Tommy before ending the call.

  “I’ll join you in the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee in a minute,” Joshua said to Ryder. His brother took the hint and moved out of the room.

  “What is it, Alice? What are you thinking?” he asked, moving to her side and then taking her left hand in his. This wasn’t the time to think about how small hers seemed by comparison. Or how much contact with her brought warmth to his chest like he’d never known.

  She blinked and a few tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “What is it?” Joshua asked, and then it dawned on him.

  “If they tortured Dale, and I’m sure they did, he probably told them about me looking for Isabel...”

  “And blew your cover,” Joshua added.

  “Worse than that, he just signed her death warrant.”

  Chapter Nine

  Alice pushed the plate of food to the back of the tray and focused on the glass of iced tea, tracing the rim with her left index finger. It had been three nights since they’d heard word from Tommy and she was tired of everyone reminding her that was a good thing. Experience had taught her that just because they hadn’t found a body—and she meant Isabel’s—didn’t mean they wouldn’t. Her mind snapped to the past, to her mother. She couldn’t think about the fact that she was putting her life in danger, which could leave the twins without a mother or father, in order to help someone else. A new person had taken over the task force at the FBI. She needed to press Tommy for a name. He wasn’t giving any other details.

  “You planning to eat any of that or just stare it down all night?” Joshua asked from the doorway, startling her.

  Ever since that kiss and the awkwardness that had followed she was unnerved by his presence.

  “How long have you been standing there?” she asked, forking a piece of broccoli.

  “Long enough to know that your food is getting cold.” He leaned against the doorjamb, filling the frame. “Mind if I come in? It’s time to replace your bandage.”

  Alice nodded, not especially thrilled about the prospect of slathering more of that silver sulfadiazine onto her skin. The first couple of days it had been manna from heaven, somehow magically pulling out the heat from the burn while soothing her patches of varying shades of red. The blisters came on day two, popped on day three and now large parts of her skin alternately oozed and bled. The cream burned when a new coat was put on and her ibuprofen barely touched the pain but she needed a clear head so she refused to take more than two pills at a time. She’d finally agreed to a cold compress and that had given her a few hours of sleep last night. Dr. McConnell had offered reassurances that Alice was healing beautifully. She would have to take the good doctor’s word for it.

  The mattress dipped under Joshua’s weight as he positioned the folding tray with supplies next to him. It didn’t help that he’d avoided spending time in her room since the kiss and she wondered if he regretted ever getting mixed up with her. Alice was like a virus, dangerous to everyone including the host.

  Wow. What was up with the self-pity, Green?

  She winced as the cowboy pulled the nonstick pad away from her arm.

  “Sorry,” she said quickly.

  “Don’t be.” His calm voice was a welcome change to silence. “I hate that I’m hurting you.”

  “Only way to make it better, right?” She said, forcing a laugh. There were about five shades of red on her arm. The first-degree burns were starting to heal thanks to the magic cream. Those were pale pink. The area where the two-by-two-inch blister had popped was level five red. So red, in fact, it almost looked burgundy.

  “I spoke to Tommy a few minutes ago,” he said.

  “Oh, yeah? Any news?” she asked, grateful to have something to focus on besides the pain. In times like these she reminded herself that it could be so much worse.

  “They’ve had the compound under surveillance long enough to assess the situation.”

  “And that is?” Impatience edged her tone.

  “The place is being used as a holding cell. The horse barns are where they believe girls are being held and possibly drugged, although no one knows the last part for sure,” he added. “No one has tried to escape so they’re bound by something.”

  “So the place is a major component of their overall operation,” she said, grateful for progress.

  “Yes, and the feds believe there’s evidence there that can tie Perez to the location.”

  “Like what?” she asked.

  “Computer entries. They received a tip from one of their informants that Perez keeps an ‘inventory’ log and likes to be updated daily about his ‘cargo.’” He smoothed the frosting-like cream over her burns.

  “I don’t care what the informant thinks. Perez is smart enough to cover his tracks,” she said and she couldn’t help but think about Dale.

  “All they need is a link to an IP for one of his devices and they can tie him to the crimes,” he said. “He also has a lieutenant in his operation who is questioning tactics, according to another source. The feds think they can get him to turn on Perez by offering witness protection.”

  “If that’s the case then prosecutors will have enough to work with.” She didn’t ask about where this would leave Isabel. If Alice could get ahold of those records, she could find out for herself. Getting to know the lea
der of the task force was even more important now.

  “They were able to get enough intel to get a warrant to search the place. Illegal activity is occurring on that site and that can’t be denied. Seizing the computers should give us the data needed to link the operation to Perez and nail his coffin closed for a lot of years,” Joshua said.

  “If everything goes according to plan.” She knew a man like Perez would most likely have a fail-safe in place and that was the reason he was still at large, kidnapping girls and getting away with it among other heinous crimes. He knew how to be involved in day-to-day operations while keeping a safe distance. But if there was a chance she could get Isabel back she wouldn’t argue and she sure didn’t want the task force to wait. “How do they know about the girls in the barn?”

  “They were able to use a drone to obtain footage of a truckload of girls being carried out of the back of a semi and into the main barn.”

  “Did they get a positive ID on any of the girls?” she asked, a spark of hope lighting up inside her chest. She quickly suppressed it, afraid to give the emotion too much credence. Hope could be more dangerous than fear.

  “Yes, there’s a positive ID on one of the girls, Erin Daily. She was reported missing from a wealthy Dallas suburb two days ago,” he said. “One of the girls being carried inside fit her description down to the clothes she was wearing at the time of her disappearance.”

  She didn’t ask about Isabel because if Joshua had news he would’ve come right out with it.

  “When is the raid?” she asked.

  “Tommy couldn’t say for sure. The team doesn’t want to risk a leak so they’re being tight-lipped about it. He did guess that they’d be going sometime tomorrow and possibly at first light.”

  Once Joshua applied a thick layer of salve and a fresh bandage covered by gauze, he made a move to get up.

  “Can I ask another question?” Alice was trying to build her courage, which was faltering at the moment.

  “Okay.”

  “In your professional opinion, what are the chances Isabel is there?” she asked.

  “I wish I had a number, but I don’t.” He moved toward the door. “You need an extra blanket tonight? The cold front isn’t planning to let up and they say it might freeze.”

  “No. I’m good.” She pushed off her covers.

  “Where are you headed?” he asked.

  “I was just going to put the tray up. I’m not hungry right now,” she said.

  “I’ll do that for you.” He waved her off before taking the tray and disappearing down the hall.

  Alice leaned against the headboard and pulled her knees up, trying to push the raid from her thoughts. If Isabel had come through the compound there was a good chance that she had already been moved to another location.

  * * *

  A GUST OF cold wind blasted, causing branches to scrape against the window outside Alice’s bedroom. Restless, she pushed off the covers. Sleep was as close as summer and she was about to give up hope when a figure appeared in her doorway.

  “You okay?” Joshua asked.

  She hugged her knees into her chest, not exactly sure how to answer that question. Physically, she was fine, healing. Mentally, she was sick with worry. Instead of a real answer, she mumbled that she’d get over it.

  She expected Joshua to turn and walk away, like he had been doing. But he walked toward her, sat next to her on the bed, and covered her hands with his.

  “Waiting stinks. Not knowing what’s going on when you’re used to being in the action is even worse,” he said, his masculine voice warming her. “I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to be away from your boys this long. And then to be uncertain about what is happening with Isabel on top of it all is pretty rough.”

  He nailed her frustration and feelings of inadequacy, leaving out the part about what was going on between them adding extra confusion into the mix.

  “I’m sorry about what happened to Dale,” he added. “I know that must be bugging you, too.”

  She couldn’t even begin to process the thought of being responsible for his death.

  “You’re going through a lot and your injuries have you sidelined,” he said, pretty much nailing it again.

  “No one will ever accuse me of having too much patience,” she joked, trying to lighten the tension. But it was true. “The truth is that all this worry is driving me insane.”

  “What can I do to help?” he asked.

  She could see well enough in the darkness to know he was being sincere based on his expression. She surprised herself when she said, “I know that you’re not...interested...in starting anything and that’s fine. I agree that it’s not a good idea. It’s just... I don’t want to be alone right now. Stay with me tonight.”

  The long pause he issued made her think twice about her request. If he really didn’t want to be around her that much she shouldn’t push him.

  “Okay,” he said and she noticed how gruff his voice had become.

  Alice curled up on her side under the covers, facing the opposite wall as he climbed in next to her. The next thing she knew he pulled her toward him and repositioned her so that her head was on his chest and she rested in the crook of his arm. For the first time in a long time, she relaxed against a strong, muscled body with warm, soft skin pressed against hers.

  Alice closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

  Sunlight filled the room as Alice blinked awake. Her legs were entwined with Joshua’s and she could hear his even breathing, feel the rhythm of his heartbeat as it matched hers.

  Neither had moved much from last night and she wasn’t sure how long she’d been awake when he surprised her by tightening his arms around her. He pulled her in close and pressed a kiss to her forehead so fluidly it was like he’d done the same thing every morning for their entire lives.

  And then he seemed to catch himself because his grip loosened and he cleared his throat.

  “How long have you been awake?” he asked.

  “Not long.” She hadn’t exactly checked the clock. She’d been content to lie there in his arms, which should freak her out. Somehow, it calmed her instead. She reasoned that with everything going on it could’ve been anyone in that bed next to her and she would’ve felt reassured. It was a lie. She gave herself a free pass in the honesty department this morning.

  “You must be hungry. You barely touched your dinner last night.” He eased his arm out from underneath her and then sat up, rubbing his eyes. She tried not to stare at the ripples of muscles on his back visible through the white T-shirt he wore.

  There was no way she was embarrassing herself by throwing herself at him again even though she wanted to do just that.

  “I can get breakfast,” she said, tossing the covers aside.

  “Hold on there.” His hand on her calf stopped her and it also sent a current rippling up her leg.

  He didn’t immediately speak even though it seemed like there was something on his mind.

  Before he could make some lame excuse as to why last night couldn’t happen again, she said, “Thanks for...you know...everything. I haven’t slept that well in a long time.”

  Getting too comfortable with Joshua O’Brien would be a mistake. Alice didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that as soon as this case was over she would go back to her normal life in Tucson with Isabel—she prayed—and her boys, and he would go back to life on his family’s ranch.

  “Me, either,” he said, and that shocked her. What problems did he have to keep him awake at night? “I’ll put on a pot of coffee.”

  He didn’t immediately make a move to get up.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, concerned.

  “I need a few minutes. Waking up with a beautiful woman in your arms does...something to a man.�
�

  Alice’s cheeks flushed and heat washed over her. All she could say was, “Oh.”

  “Go ahead and start without me,” he said. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Alice couldn’t think of a snappy comeback, so she moved into the bathroom to brush her teeth before heading into the kitchen. She pulled a carton of fresh eggs from the fridge at about the same time she heard the shower turn on in the other room. Her lips curled into a smile knowing the effect she’d had on him. It felt good to know that she was still considered an attractive woman and he wasn’t completely immune to her.

  There wasn’t much she could make in the way of breakfast food except for a mean omelet and toast. She went to her go-to meal, stirring milk into the beaten eggs. She chopped an onion and cut a green bell pepper, tossing both in the pan with the eggs. Moments before the omelet was perfect she added shredded cheddar cheese just long enough to melt it.

  “What smells so good?” he asked, entering the room as the toaster popped.

  Another smile broke on Alice’s face, a rare occurrence since Isabel’s disappearance.

  He walked over, placed his hand on her hip and a kiss on her forehead. “How are you really holding up?”

  “I can use a little extra glue to be honest. I’m scared,” she admitted as she turned off the heat and set the pan off the red coils.

  * * *

  ALICE’S ADMISSION SURPRISED JOSHUA. Something—and he still wasn’t sure what—had changed between them in the past three days that had allowed Alice to lower her guard. He didn’t want to get too inside his head about the transformation, or admit how much he liked it.

  She leaned into him, and he could feel her trembling—not from fear but from something else—as he pulled her into his arms.

  Much more of this and he’d need another cold shower.

  “I don’t know about you but I could use a strong cup of coffee.” The feelings he was beginning to have for Alice were a distraction he couldn’t afford no matter how much his body said otherwise. One call from the FBI and he’d be out of there. It would take a little while to finish his application so he could see this case through, which most likely wouldn’t be too much longer after the big break they’d received when Alice had found that address. But then, he didn’t need to get ahead of himself with the FBI. It was a lengthy process and he hadn’t been called in for an interview yet.