Christmas Ranch Rescue

by Lynette Eason

  “Think he said his name was Larry something. Black? Brown? Bowen. That’s it. Larry Bowen.”

  “I don’t have his name anywhere.”

  “No. Think he was just a drive-by. You gave him some information and he left, but it delayed our lesson a bit.”

  Becca looked at the blue sky and huddled deeper into her heavy coat. While the sun was out, the wind was chilly. “Did you tell the cops any of this?”

  “No. No one asked. Why would the cops need to know? Your fall was an accident, right?”

  “Right. Of course it was. I’m just still trying to remember the details from that day. They’re nagging at me, but I just can’t seem to grab them. Thanks for getting back to me.”

  “Of course. Anything else?”

  “Not unless you remember something else.”

  “Sorry. I’ll think on it some more and call you if I do.”

  “That would be great.”

  “Talk to you later.”

  She hung up and leaned back. Larry Bowen. The name meant nothing to her. But it might to Clay who could figure out who the guy was. Probably just a parent looking for a riding school. She had people stop by on a regular basis to get information about lessons, boarding and trail rides—or at least she had before the rumors started.

  That thought brought her back to the fact that someone wanted her off this ranch. And the only person she could think of who might go to these lengths to get her to leave was her father. The thought pained her and she wanted to immediately dismiss the idea, but she simply couldn’t.

  Then again, what about Brody Mac’s father? He probably didn’t mind her running her ranch, but he sure didn’t like her allowing his son to find refuge there. Would he go so far as to kill her to stop it? Had he cut the brake line on her truck?

  She shuddered.

  A footstep behind her sent her scrambling for her rifle, ignoring the pain in her back the sudden movement provoked. She spun only to see Nathan standing on one of the large rocks that bordered the river.

  “You scared me.”

  “You need to be scared. What do you think you’re doing going off on your own?”

  “It’s my land. I shouldn’t have to be worried about being on it.” She heard the petulance in her voice and winced.

  “Well...” he said.

  “Well, what?”

  “That’s just stupid.”

  She laughed, but the sound lacked humor. “I know that.”

  “You know that, huh? Well, good. You had me worried there for a minute.”

  Becca sighed. “I just can’t stay cooped up waiting for him to strike again. My job, my livelihood, is entirely outdoors. If I have to stay indoors, I might as well pack everything up and give up. I have to be out here or I’ll lose everything.”

  “True.”

  “And besides, I have my back up against a brick wall per Clay’s recommendation.”

  “I noticed. You actually picked a pretty good spot. Mind if I join you?”

  “Sure.”

  He took a seat beside her and mimicked her posture. Back against the rock, knees raised and forearms resting on top of them. “This is not too bad. Bricks and rocks on either side of you and the wall behind you. It’s like a mini shelter. Not bad. Kind of the way a cop would think.”

  “Thanks.”

  “It’s not worth your life, Becca,” he said softly. “Some things are worth dying for. A lot of things, actually, but not this.”

  She sighed. “I know. You’re right, of course. And that’s one thing I’m trying so hard to figure out.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Well, first off, who is Larry Bowen?”

  He blinked. “I don’t know? Why?”

  “Christine said he was the man who was here the day of the accident, that he’d wanted information about riding lessons.”

  “The day of the accident, huh?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’ll text Clay and ask him to look into him, but what can you tell me about him?”

  “Nothing. I don’t remember him. I mean, I do, but I don’t. Like it’s just a fog that I can’t quite see through.”

  He frowned. “Okay. We’ll figure it out.”

  “Is Zeb finished yet?” she asked.

  “Yep. Sent him on his way about ten minutes ago and thought I’d come find you. So, what else are you thinking about?”

  “Life. And God.”

  “What about it—and Him?”

  “You’ll think I’m silly.”

  “No way.”

  She sighed. “You know my parents.”

  “Hmm. Somewhat. Not really well. It’s not like we were hanging out with them when we were in high school.”

  “That’s true, but you know enough to know that they’ve always pampered me, given me everything I’ve ever wanted.”

  “Yeah.”

  “They even supported my horse addiction.” She shot him a small smile. “But I learned at an early age that anything my father gave me came with expectations—or strings.”

  He raised a brow. “What do you mean?”

  “Did you know when I went to college, I actually got counseling? To learn how to deal with my feelings about my parents? Mostly my father, but I had some resentment toward my mother even though I know she loved me.”

  He gripped her fingers. “I didn’t know that.”

  “Well, I don’t exactly go around advertising the fact, but yes, I did.”

  “Was the counseling helpful?”

  “Extremely.” She turned to look at him for the first time since he’d joined her. “Lisa, my counselor, became a good friend once I was no longer a patient. I miss her.”

  “She’s in Nashville?”

  “Yes. We have lunch every once in a while when I find myself in Nashville.” She pursed her lips. “Which hasn’t been very often, unfortunately.”

  “So what did you learn about yourself and your feelings?”

  “Exactly what I was saying. That everything my father does is for a reason. He never does anything just from the goodness of his heart. If he gives you something, he expects something in return.”

  “Ouch. Like what?”

  She shrugged. “It could be something as simple as loyalty. His version of it, not Webster’s.”

  “Ah. Meaning, you do whatever he decrees because he’s given to you.”

  “Or done something for you. Yep.”

  “I’m glad you can see that’s not healthy.”

  “I can. I’ve also come to understand that it’s okay that I want to live my life the way I want to live it. I’m not obligated to live the life my parents planned for me. Only the life God has for me. And that brings me back to Him. I know He’s not like my father. He loves me unconditionally—a concept that I still try to wrap my brain around sometimes. But I’m also having a hard time reconciling that with all the trouble He’s allowing to happen on the ranch. If I’m doing what He wants me to do, why is it so hard?”

  “I get what you’re saying. I’ve questioned that a time or two myself. But all of this didn’t catch Him by surprise.”

  “I know that, too. Which is why I’m trying to roll with it—and talk to Him again with the faith that He hears me even if I don’t always hear His answer or see the full picture of what He’s got in mind.” She drew in a deep breath, closing her eyes on the heady scent of the nearby lake. “I love this place. It’s a good thinking place.”

  “Could be good for that, or...”

  “Or what?” She opened her eyes and turned to face him.

  He lifted a hand and placed it at the base of her neck. “Or it could be a good kissing place.”

  Her heart thudded. “Kissing place? For who?”

 
; He grinned. “Who do you think?”

  For them? He wanted to kiss her again?

  And then his head lowered and his lips covered hers. She didn’t move for a moment, simply savoring the feel of him so close, his warmth next to hers, his scent surrounding her. A combination of sweat and soap. He definitely wanted to kiss her again. She loved it.

  She enjoyed the intimate moment, soaking in the brief blip in time where she felt completely safe. And then he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer.

  Nathan. She was kissing Nathan. Like really kissing him. Not just a soft meeting of the lips, but a real kiss that could last forever as far as she was concerned. It was weird...and wonderful. She leaned into him and sighed. His hand slid from her neck to the back of her head and then he was pulling back. Becca moved her hands to grip the front of his shirt and then opened her eyes to find him staring down at her. “Why did you do that?” she whispered.

  “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

  “Oh.” She paused, then nodded. “It was definitely a good idea.”

  The corners of his eyes creased with his smile. She’d never noticed that before.

  “Really?” he said.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I’ve been known to come up with a good idea or two occasionally.”

  The creases disappeared.

  “Then why are you frowning?” she asked.

  “Because it might not have been the best idea after all.”

  “Um...why?”

  “Because there are things you don’t know, things I probably should tell—”

  The crack of a rifle shattered the moment.

  NINE

  Nathan yanked her to the back of the brick shelter and covered her with his body. “You have your phone? Please tell me you have it.”

  “Yes.” Her voice quivered on the one word and fury flooded him. She didn’t deserve this. And she didn’t deserve to have him kissing her when he wasn’t being completely honest with her.

  “Call Clay.”

  She shifted and he rolled, keeping her behind him while he faced the opening with his weapon aimed in the direction he thought the bullet had come from. She’d picked a great spot as far as cover, but as long as someone was shooting, they were definitely trapped.

  “He’s not answering. I’m going to call 911.”

  “Do it.”

  Then her phone rang. “It’s Clay,” she said, and slapped the device to her ear. “Someone’s shooting at us on the ranch. Around back. We’re trapped and need help. Yes. Yes. Thanks. No, I won’t hang up.” She shivered. “He’s coming.”

  Nathan nodded and let his eyes scan the area. Whoever was shooting at them was very good at hiding. And there were a lot of places to hide. Someone with a long-range rifle could pick them off easily if they left the shelter.

  “He said Trent is out this way and should be here soon.”

  “Soon. How soon is soon?”

  She lifted the phone back to her ear. “Did you hear that?” She listened a minute then said, “Trent’s pulling onto the property. It’ll take him about a minute to get to the house.”

  “I don’t see the shooter,” Nathan said. “There was only the one shot and then nothing.”

  “He’s been watching,” she said, “just waiting for a chance to strike again. He knew your friends were here and he laid low, let me relax a little, get a bit comfortable with nothing happening for two straight days. He waited for your friends to leave and now he’s ready to pick back up in his attempts to kill me.”

  “It’s a good theory.”

  “I’m not relaxing anymore,” she said. “Not until this is all resolved.”

  “I think that’s probably a good idea.”

  “When Clay first asked me about running drugs, I was highly offended, of course.”

  “Of course.” He continued to scout the trees beyond. If the guy moved and got in a direct line of sight with the opening of their little hideaway, it’s possible he could hit Nathan with a well-placed bullet. The thought made him highly uncomfortable.

  Sirens reached his ears and he thought he saw a flash of a figure in the trees just across from where they hid. He followed the sight and heard the sound of an engine rev. A motorcycle?

  Nathan gave a grunt of frustration mingled with relief. “He’s gone. There’s no way to catch him now.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Pretty sure.”

  Unless it was a trick to make him think the guy was gone. Only one way to find out. He rolled out of the hideaway and then back, waiting for the shot.

  Nothing.

  He did it again. Nothing. A minute passed. Then two. He heard the crunch of tires on gravel. Trent. “I think we’re good.” He turned to help Becca out. She rose stiffly, one hand on her lower back. “You okay?”

  “Yes. Just my usual stiffness.”

  “Is Clay still on the phone?”

  “Yes.” She handed it to him.

  “Clay?”

  “I’m here.”

  “The shooter just took off on a motorcycle. I’m sure he’s running the length of the property looking for a spot to hit the road that will take him back to town. Probably whatever opening he made in it to get out here. Look for the broken fence—and then let me know where it is because I’ll have to get it fixed ASAP.”

  “Got it. I’ll put out a BOLO. Is Trent there yet?”

  “Yes.” He could see the cruiser in the drive with the lights flashing.

  “Good. Get Becca inside and keep your heads down. Keep me on the line until then.”

  Nathan and Becca hurried toward the house. Trent met them and followed them inside and Clay hung up. “You two okay?” Trent asked.

  “We’re fine,” Nathan said. “Have you got someone going after the motorcycle?”

  “Yeah. I heard the BOLO come through. Everyone on duty is on the lookout.” The deputy shook his head. “Sorry about all the trouble you’re having, Becca.”

  “Thanks. Me, too.” Her eyes widened. “That’s Zeb’s truck. Thought you said he left.”

  “He did. At least I thought he did.”

  “We should probably check on him.”

  “I’ll do it,” Trent said. “Stay here.”

  Once the door shut behind him, Becca sank into one of the kitchen chairs and dropped her head into her hands. She sat that way for a full minute before looking up. “I have to do something.”

  “What?”

  “I don’t know. Set a trap for this person, something.”

  Nathan rubbed his chin. “That might not be a bad idea.”

  * * *

  Trent stepped out of the barn and called for Becca to come in.

  She hurried inside and found Zeb kneeling next to Pete. He had the horse’s front left hoof propped up on his knee and was examining it.

  “What is it?” Becca asked.

  Zeb looked up. “Hey.”

  “I wasn’t expecting you today. What are you doing?”

  “I just wanted to take another look at his abscess. I thought it might be getting infected the last time I looked at it and treated it. But it’s healed up real well.” He lowered the horse’s foot to the ground and stood.

  “Did you hear the gunshot?”

  “Yeah. Everything okay?”

  Nathan frowned. “You weren’t concerned enough to investigate?”

  Zeb shrugged. “No, why? Gunshots are so common around here that I didn’t think much of it. Was it a snake or a wolf?”

  “Definitely a snake,” Becca muttered. “Or a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

  Zeb’s frown deepened. “Why do I get the feeling I should have paid more attention and been a little more concerned?”

 
; “Someone shot at us,” Nathan said.

  “What?” His eyes went immediately to Becca. “Why? Are you sure? Are you okay?”

  “Pretty sure. And yes, I’m fine.”

  “I am, too,” Nathan said. “Thanks.”

  Zeb flushed and Becca wanted to slug Nathan for his dry comment.

  Nathan ducked his head, then looked up as he cleared his throat. “Anyway, I don’t guess you saw anything else.”

  “No, I checked the heifer, then was in here with the horses.”

  “All right,” Clay said. “Let’s wrap this up. Becca, you and Nathan go inside. Trent, come with me. We’ll see if we can find the bullet.”

  An hour later, Becca sat at the kitchen table while Nathan and Clay discussed where to go from here. Clay had found the bullet buried in the brick wall that had protected Becca and Nathan from the gunman. “I’ll get this to the lab in Nashville. Hopefully, it won’t take forever to get some information back on it. I don’t know who this guy is, but he’s leaving evidence that can be used against him when we catch him.”

  Becca sighed. “Soon, I hope.”

  “I know it seems like it’s taking a long time to figure this out, but it’s only been a few days—and there’s not much to go on.”

  “I know.”

  “Anything on Larry Bowen?” Nathan asked.

  “Yes. He was next on my agenda to discuss with you. Looks like a troublemaker. Has a few priors for possession. We’re trying to track him down but haven’t had any success thus far. I’ll keep you updated on that as soon as I know anything.”

  “Good,” Nathan said.

  Clay stood. “All right. You stay put. Stay inside as much as possible.”

  “Clay—”

  He held up a hand. “I know. I get it. I understand your arguments, but the fact of the matter is, the more you’re outside, the more danger you’re in.”

  Becca rubbed her forehead. “I know that, Clay. I promise I’ll do my best to stay behind some kind of protection. In the barn or in the house or...” She waved a hand. “I don’t know. I’ll try, though.”

  “I guess that’s as good as I’m going to get. And I promise to send a patrol around as often as possible.”

  “Thanks.”

  Becca was grateful but wasn’t going to hold her breath. She sat in silence with Nathan until she heard footsteps on the porch again.