She now understood why Zach had run so hot and cold these past few days. Gathering up her purse, she leaned down to kiss little Ryder on the forehead one more time.
“Since we seem to have come to an agreement, I’ll head out so you two can get back to your evening. I’ll see you tomorrow at dinner.”
“We’ll be there,” Gigi said with a smile. “Ryder will probably sleep a little bit and you and I can catch up.”
“Goodnight, brother dear.”
“Always fun when you stop by, Leann,” West mocked with his signature grin as he accompanied her to the door. “Let’s do this more often.”
If she moved back they just might. This wasn’t the first time they’d gone five rounds and sadly it wouldn’t be the last. He couldn’t see that he was treating her like a child and she couldn’t allow him to do it anymore. It had been easier to simply leave town and live somewhere else, but if she was going to move back here something had to be done.
Tonight had been the first step. Only about a million more to go.
Chapter Seventeen
‡
The Anderson ranch was breathtakingly beautiful. It was also overwhelmingly large. Zach and Leann had been driving for twenty minutes after coming through the gate and could only now see the house in the distance. He had been out to the ranch many times but he could never get over the size of it. It was almost a little town unto itself.
When he parked the car, Leann didn’t get out right away, instead turning toward him to speak. “I should probably tell you that I went over to West’s last night while you were questioning Troy Wallace.”
This was the first he was hearing about this. Accident? No way.
“You didn’t mention this when I picked you up at Dizzy’s last night. How did you even get there?”
“I asked the deputy guarding me to drive.”
She was ballsy and resourceful. She had also been furious. Poor West.
“Do I dare guess what you discussed with our esteemed mayor?”
Leann smirked. “I think you know what the conversation was about, although West said that Jason had spoken to him and that now he wasn’t going to try and stand in our way.”
Zach hadn’t known Leann long but he couldn’t imagine that statement going over well.
“What did you say, I ask with fear in my heart?”
“That his opinion didn’t matter either way and that I was a grown woman who was going to do whatever I damn well pleased. He said he was trying to help. I told him not to bother. Even Gigi was mad at him.”
Now that Zach could easily picture. West might like to swagger around but Gigi didn’t put up with any of his shit.
“So you’re telling me this is kind of a warning that your brother might not be very friendly today?”
She pushed open her car door and gave him a quick smile. “I just wanted to let you know that I handled this. If West acts like an ass today it will be because he is actually an ass.”
The front door of the large house swung open and a welcoming David Anderson stood there with a wide grin, motioning for them to come in. Zach and Leann were not the first to arrive. Jason and West along with Gigi were already there. Travis and his wife Aubrey would be absent. They were out of town on a business trip and Brinley, Jason’s wife, was home with a cold. She’d insisted Jason come anyway, probably so she could get some peace and quiet to rest.
The Anderson family came together for dinner but liked to separate by gender beforehand. Leann disappeared into the kitchen with the other females, leaving Zach facing a wall of Anderson men. Normally that didn’t bother Zach but then he’d never been in this position. Luckily, they all seemed friendly today, even West. Zach had always got on well with the Anderson family.
David was playing bartender and poured everyone a shot of whisky. No way was Zach turning it down. He could use a drink.
“So how is the murder case going?” David asked, holding up a cigar in offering. Was this a test? Zach couldn’t imagine Leann liked the scent of a smelly cigar on a man. Honestly, he wasn’t too fond of it either.
“No, thanks. I don’t smoke.”
Laughing, Jason shook his head at his father. “We don’t smoke them. Not really. Mostly Dad does it to rile up Mom every now and then.”
West held out his hand. “I’ll take one.”
The women must have wolf-like hearing because Gigi stuck her head out of the kitchen. “Don’t you dare, Westin Anderson. I won’t have you smoking that in the same house as our child. Do you want to sleep in the garage?”
“She said your whole name,” Jason mocked his brother. “You’re in big trouble.”
West shrugged like he didn’t care. “Haven’t you heard? I already am. I had to sleep on the couch last night. Leann came over and Gigi found out about our conversation with Zach. They both threatened to make me wear my ass as a hat.”
David Anderson chuckled as he sat down in a big brown leather chair. “That’ll mess up your hair, son. Maybe you should think about staying out of your adult sister’s life. It might save your own.”
Now this was fascinating. Watching the father handle the son. Zach kept his mouth shut wondering what might be said or done next.
West out his hands up in surrender. “I am staying out of it. In fact, I am now Leann and Zach’s biggest cheerleaders.”
That was just plain weird. It was one thing for Jason and West to not interfere in Leann’s love life but to actively root for them as a couple? Strange as hell.
Jason chuckled. “That would be a change because we made her teenage years a nightmare when it came to boys, practically running them off before they even got to the door. Just like you did yesterday to Zach. Except Leann and Zach are two consenting adults who don’t give a shit what you think.”
“Actually, I care even less than that.”
Leann’s voice. She didn’t sound angry at her brothers, more tired than anything else. Zach guessed that she’d been worn down by these males on too many occasions to count.
“Drink, sweetheart?” her father asked.
“Martini, please.” Leann swung her attention from her father back to Jason. “From what I’ve seen you’re the only Anderson male that has a lick a sense.”
David cleared his throat loudly. “I heard that.”
The door to the kitchen flew open and Gigi and Eileen Anderson walked into the living room. Gigi was giving her husband a look that Zach wouldn’t ever want to see from a woman and West didn’t appear to like it. The back of his neck was now a ruddy shade and he couldn’t meet his wife’s gaze.
“I’m guessing Leann meant for you to hear that, dear,” Eileen replied to her husband. “You don’t come out of this situation squeaky clean either, so let’s not pretend you do.”
“I was only trying to protect my teenage daughter. I have nothing to apologize for.”
Eileen handed Leann one of the martini glasses. “You keep telling yourself that and perhaps you’ll start believing it.”
“Am I allowed to ask Zach about the murder investigation?” West asked. “Since I’ve repented and given up my bossy ways?”
“Actually, I’d like to hear about that too,” Leann replied eagerly. “You left dinner last night to question Troy Wallace. Did you learn anything useful?”
Just like that, West and Leann weren’t mad anymore. This Anderson family was going to give Zach whiplash the way they turned on a dime.
He knocked back the rest of his whiskey. “I’m not even sure where to start.”
* * *
The entire family was settled at the table for dinner and the food smelled delicious. Little Ryder had fallen back asleep and was sleeping in his bassinet in the living room. Sneaking a quick look at Zach, Leann could only wonder what he thought about all of this.
This wasn’t his first Sunday dinner with the Anderson family but it had to be far different than what he’d grown up with. The long table was filled with people and food, all speaking loudly to be heard over one
another. As much as Zach longed to create a family for himself the question remained… Is that what he’d had in mind? Or something quiet and calm?
Once everyone’s plate was full the table quieted down and everyone was ready to hear more details from Zach’s investigation. He’d already discussed how they were still looking for Darrell and trying to account for everyone’s whereabouts at the time of the murder.
“I spoke with Troy Wallace last night as you know.” Zach gave Leann an apologetic look. “He swears that Jenna was flirting with him and then she ran to Drew to tell him that Wallace was hitting on her. He also swears that they had…a thing…back in high school.”
Everyone was looking at Leann for some sort of verification. “I…well…I don’t know. I don’t remember them ever hooking up but it could have happened, I suppose.”
Troy and Jenna? It was possible. Despite how Jenna acted, she hadn’t been innocent in high school while Drew played the field. Both of them had run a little wild at times and a tryst with Troy wasn’t something Jenna would want anyone to know. Even Leann.
Zach shrugged. “He can’t prove it and honestly it’s not important either way what happened one night fifteen years ago. What’s important is the veracity of his statement of Friday night’s events. I was able to verify his alibi with the folks down at Lucky’s so I think he’s out as a suspect.”
“Then we’re down to just Darrell Madison?” West asked. “He can’t hide out forever. He’s not that bright.”
“Jared is also looking into the backgrounds of the victims. We might find another suspect there that connects all of them,” Jason said. “But the most important thing right now is to keep Leann safe. These people are from her social circle. She could be next.”
She still couldn’t believe that anyone wanted her dead. “I don’t know what I would have done to deserve being killed, but then I don’t know that Carole, Bitty, or Drew did anything either. This whole situation just feels so strange.”
“Perhaps you should move out here to the ranch, baby girl,” her father suggested. “Where we can keep an eye on you.”
Leann opened her mouth to object but to her amazement Jason beat her to it. “Zach has all of this under control, Dad. He’s guarding her twenty-four-seven.”
David smiled at Zach. “I have no doubt you’re doing a fine job, son, but it might be easier to guard her here. There’s not as many people around.”
“But the ranch is too remote,” Jason argued. “If we needed the cops or, heaven forbid, an ambulance it would take way too long for them to get here. Plus, there’s a hell of a lot of empty country surrounding us. The killer could sneak up from just about any direction. At least in town he has limited options. If I were the killer I’d want Leann out here. Less people to see me get in and out and less people to hear me. At least in town there are neighbors and traffic cameras. Plus, Zach’s home has an excellent security system.”
Leann and Zach exchanged puzzled glances. Jason was certainly pushing back against their father about this.
“But we could give Zach a break now and then.” David wasn’t going to back down on this. “Is the poor boy supposed to stay awake and never sleep?”
“We’ve got that handled,” Jason persisted. “A few of the deputies give him a break when he needs it and at night they’re patrolling his neighborhood.”
Leann’s father appeared dubious but West piped up as well. “Leann should definitely stay with Zach. It’s the safest place for her.”
Giving her a funny look, Zach finally spoke up for himself. “I appreciate the vote of confidence but if you all think Leann would be safer here I understand.”
“What do you think?” Elaine asked, her case darting from son to son and then back to Zach. “You’re the one with experience protecting celebrities.”
From the sour look on Jason’s face he didn’t think much of his own mother discounting his years in the DEA.
“I think,” Zach began carefully, watching the expressions around the table, “that the killer would love to have Leann in a remote location. Remember that’s exactly what suspects do when they kidnap a victim. They take them someplace where they can be alone and no one’s around. There are plenty of places like that not far from your front door, Elaine. At least in town he has to work a little harder, plus Jason makes a good point. Assistance is much closer. However, if Leann feels safer out here then I can set up her security at the ranch. It can be done and I have no problem doing that. We can make it work.”
Leann rolled her eyes. “Finally someone who is asking what I want.”
Her father cleared his throat. “I’m just looking out for you, sweetheart.”
“I know, Dad, and I love you but if Jason, West, and Zach all agree that the best place for me is to be in town then I think that’s where I should be. Honestly, I’m simply trying not to be a burden while they’re trying to catch a killer. Whatever is easier for them is what I want.”
Jason slapped the table and grinned. “Then it’s settled. Leann stays with Zach. Mom, is there dessert?”
Gigi was giving both Jason and her husband a strange look but she didn’t speak up, instead focusing on her mashed potatoes. She did, however, give Leann a wink before elbowing West when he refilled his plate for a third time.
Sunday dinner at the Anderson’s was never boring and today was no exception. Jason and West were acting…different. Leann couldn’t put her finger on it but something was off with those two. While Zach was finding a murderer she was going to figure out just what her siblings were up to.
If there was trouble anywhere, Jason and West would find it.
Chapter Eighteen
‡
There were many traditions in the Anderson household and one of Leann’s favorites was that if the women did the cooking then the men did the cleaning. Since Zach was a guest he was excused from dish duty but her brothers and father grumbled good-naturedly all the way from the table to the kitchen.
Jason had suggested that Leann take Zach out to the gazebo to get some fresh air which she thought was…strange. Again. Something was definitely going on. Everyone in the family knew the gazebo was for kissing. Ever since the Anderson kids had hit puberty, their dates had been taken out to the gazebo for hand holding and some innocent necking. Not anything more, though, because it could be seen from the back windows of the house. Not well, but enough that no one was going to do anything scandalous there.
Leann had to admit that it was a romantic spot. Years of careful tending by Elaine had the flowers and greenery circling the structure and climbing the lattice and columns. The gazebo sat next to the lake and she had many wonderful memories of summer days, swimming, and picnics. In all her travels over the years, there was something about the ranch that she hadn’t been able to find anywhere else in the world. The sweet smell of the grass, the wide open spaces. It all called to her even when she was far away.
“This is my favorite place,” she said as they walked closer to the serene water. The sun beat down but the trees gave them welcomed shade. “On really hot days we used to come down here and cool off. I swear nothing felt better than plunging straight in after working all day outside.”
Kneeling down, Zach dipped his hand in the water, then quickly pulled it out. “Damn, that is cold, woman. That’s a little past refreshing and well on its way to hypothermia. Have you lost your marbles?”
Laughing, she settled under the shade of the gazebo on one of the benches. “I didn’t say that we stayed in it very long, just that it felt good.”
Standing, he shook the water from his arm and then climbed the gazebo steps to sit next to her. “So is it just me or are Jason and West acting weird?”
Slapping her forehead, Leann groaned in frustration. “You noticed it too? I thought maybe it was just me. Those two are definitely up to something and I’m determined to figure out what it is. They’re not smart enough to keep it hidden for long.”
“Wait a minute, wasn’t Jason undercover f
or years infiltrating drug cartels?” Zach asked with a chuckle. “I think he might know a thing or two about covert operations.”
“Those drug lords weren’t his sister. I can smell the subterfuge on them. This is exactly like the time they wanted to throw a party when Mom and Dad were going to be out of town but they had to be careful so my aunt and uncle didn’t find out. Which if you think about it is hilarious, because the whole town was going to know eventually and then my parents would know. But Jason and West were determined to try to do it and so they started planning in secret, keeping it from me and Travis. I’m sure you know how this turned out.”
“Your parents found out.”
“Everyone knew but Jason and West were bound and determined to have this party. Of course, they got caught and grounded for life, or something close to it. Travis and I just laughed at them all that summer because they were on restriction and could barely leave the ranch. We had all the fun and they were given all the crappy chores. And believe me, there are a ton of crappy jobs on a ranch.”
“I’m not used to seeing Jason through your eyes. I see him as my super-smart employer who knows the ins and outs of investigation and surveillance. The way you talk about him he could be a Keystone cop.”
Leann shrugged. “He is super smart and cool but he is not perfect. Not by a long shot. It’s a sister’s job to remind her swaggering, alpha male brothers just how imperfect they are.”
“I’ve been taken down a peg or two by Gigi and Aubrey,” Zach confessed. “They keep me humble.”
“It goes both ways. They never let me get too enamored of myself, always making fun of the way I looked—especially my hair.”
His fingers skated down a few strands, barely touching them. She couldn’t even feel it, not really, but simply watching him do it sent a bolt of electricity through her body.
“I think your hair is amazing. Gorgeous and like silk.”
An onlooker could probably hear the crackle of awareness between them. They’d been interrupted last night but this was their second chance. Not wanting it to pass them by, Leann lifted her face so she was looking up into Zach’s blue eyes only to find him gazing at her with a tender expression. They were both thinking the same thing.
Reunited With Danger (Danger Incorporated Book 6) Page 11
