Chapter 5
When Soledad felt safe enough to return to the family room, she found Palmer sitting at the kitchen counter. Lyra’s diaper bag lay before him, the contents strewed across the sofa and floor. Concern pulled at the muscles in his face, his brow creased. He lifted his eyes to hers as she entered the room and suddenly Soledad’s stomach pitched with fear.
“What?” she said, eyeing him anxiously.
Palmer lifted a small black box from the countertop. It was no bigger than a digital watch face and fit neatly into the palm of his hand. It was nothing Soledad recognized. She gave him a questioning look, asking what it was and why he looked like the world was coming to an end.
“It’s a tracking device. It was sewn into the lining of the baby’s diaper bag.”
Soledad’s eyes widened. She had wondered how Gavin had known where they were to pull up on them like he had. She and Annie had considered he might track her through her cell phone, which was why Annie had left hers behind. Neither had considered he would use Lyra to track his wife’s whereabouts, much less put a tracking device on anyone. Knowing how abusive he’d been, it shouldn’t have surprised her, but Soledad was thrown off guard.
“He knows we’re here,” she breathed loudly.
Palmer nodded. “It’s why he came last night. It’s also why he came back this morning.”
“He came back?”
“That was one of my ranch hands at the door. He came to tell me that your friend’s husband was asking the men questions about you and Lyra. But they didn’t know anything and couldn’t give him any answers.”
Something that felt very much like guilt washed over Soledad’s spirit. She suddenly felt responsible for putting Palmer and his employees in harm’s way. And she didn’t think she could ever forgive herself for Annie’s death. Despite her best efforts, she hadn’t contemplated every single possibility that could have gone wrong. And the one thing she hadn’t considered had gotten her best friend killed.
She hadn’t given Gavin’s previous bad behavior enough weight. Despite what she did know, she had let her guard down when Annie had trusted her to get it right because she herself had gotten it wrong so many times. Soledad couldn’t have been more wrong. She had led Gavin straight to them, and he clearly had no plans to go away until he found her and got his murderous hands on that beautiful baby.
As if he were reading her mind, Palmer shook his head. “This isn’t your fault,” he said softly, his eyes dancing across her face.
Soledad shook her head, much less confident about him being right. “We need to get out of here,” she said, her mind beginning to race. “He can’t find us here!” She began to scramble for the baby items that had been tossed to the floor.
Palmer rose from his seat and reached for her, grabbing her arm gently to stall her anxiety. His touch was like an electrical current shooting through her and Soledad’s breath caught deep in her chest. She gasped. Loudly.
Palmer snatched his hand away, his eyes wide. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...” he started, the comment stalling midsentence.
She shook her head vehemently. “No. It’s fine. I’m just...”
They were both suddenly stammering, words having slipped into an abyss of emotion that neither had anticipated.
Soledad’s heart was beating rapidly. “I’m scared,” she whispered loudly, tears welling in her dark eyes. “I’ve never been so scared.”
“It’s going to be okay,” Palmer responded. He reached for her a second time, his hand gently caressing her forearm. This time she didn’t flinch or pull away from him. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you or that baby. But we need to be smart and we need to outsmart him.”
Soledad nodded. She felt herself lean into his touch, her knees quivering ever so slightly. She closed her eyes as she considered each word he spoke, feeling her comfort level beginning to revive.
Palmer continued. “Right now, that little device is telling him that you’re here. So, we’re going to use that to our advantage. I need to go into town to get supplies for you and the baby. When I do, this GPS will put you at the mall, and that’s where the tracking device will stay.
“Meanwhile, you need to make some calls. People are worried about you. You need to stay missing, but the authorities need to know you’re okay. So, I want you to call my cousin and tell her what happened. You don’t have to tell Melissa you’re here with me. Just let her know you’re safe. Then I think you should call your family. I’m sure they are worried sick.”
There was a moment of hesitation as Soledad considered his plan. His cousin Melissa Colton was the chief of the Grave Gulch Police Department. She knew Melissa in passing and had always found her to be pleasant and fair.
She also knew that Melissa already had her hands full with an internal scandal that involved GGPD’s former forensic scientist, a man named Randall Bowe. Discovering that Bowe had tampered with evidence in several police cases and allowed a serial killer to go free and kill again had eroded the public’s faith in the department. There had been calls for Melissa’s resignation and protests had become rampant through the city. Soledad understood that, like people in general, not all cops were good and that a few bad apples in the bunch could make life significantly harder for those who only wanted to do their best under harrowing circumstances. She was sure another investigation, finding killer Len Davison, only added to Melissa’s lengthy list of problems. An unnecessary missing persons case added to her list would only hinder the work she needed to be doing. But Soledad still wasn’t comfortable with reaching out to the police.
“You can trust her,” Palmer assured her.
His voicing the thoughts in her head had begun to give her serious pause. He was overly perceptive, reading her emotions as if they were inked across her forehead. She didn’t need to tell him that she would only trust his cousin because he did. She was certain he already knew.
“I don’t have my phone,” she said softly.
“That’s not a problem. I have a burner phone you can use.”
Soledad blinked, her lashes batting rapidly. “Why do you have a burner phone?”
“I have a few of them. I buy them in bulk. I employ a lot of migrant workers to work the ranch and sometimes I need to contact them. It also enables them to keep in touch with their families. It just makes things easier for all of us.”
“That’s actually exceedingly kind of you. I’m sure they appreciate your generosity.”
Palmer shrugged. There was suddenly a loud wail from the bedroom and his shoulders rolled back, his head tilting slightly. He gave Soledad a look, concern pulling at his expression.
“That sounds like a diaper overload cry,” Soledad said. “Someone’s awake and in need of some attention.”
“Then that sounds like she’s crying for you!” Palmer responded. He gave her a slight smile. “You go grab the baby and I’ll go grab you a phone. Then I need to ride out and check on my men. I won’t be long. You’ll be safe while I’m gone.”
As he turned, Soledad reached for his hand to stall his steps. She slid her fingers between his and held on tightly as he turned back around to meet her gaze. “Why are you doing this for me?” Soledad questioned, staring deep into the look he was giving her.
“Because you need me,” he answered. “And I want to help.” He gave her hand a warm squeeze, then gestured toward the bedroom and the pitiful cry fervently rising from inside.
* * *
And, as extreme as it sounds, because I need you, he thought to himself as she walked away. Because I need you, too.
The drive to the north side of the ranch didn’t take any time at all. On the way, Palmer thought about the young woman he was harboring in his home. He didn’t know if he would ever have the words to explain what it was he was feeling. Mostly because he didn’t fully understand it himself.
Palmer had always e
njoyed his life. After his adoption, he had wanted for nothing and what he’d received in abundance was love. Yet, despite everything his parents had done for him, trust had always been a major issue he could never overcome.
As an adult, he was content with his choices. He had never imagined himself in a long-term relationship with any woman. He had no need for a wife and preferred casual encounters over lengthy entanglements. It worked for him, and even when it didn’t, there was no stress. Women who became attached usually left with their hearts broken, but Palmer never made any promises he wasn’t willing to keep. Forever was not something he had ever promised any woman. He was always direct and to the point. They’d known where he’d stood from the start. That level of honesty had always served him well.
Others worried about him being lonely, but even the solitude didn’t bother him. He worked hard, rested well, and had never been unhappy with his choices. Or at least he hadn’t thought so before Soledad had come barreling into his life. Something about the beautiful woman was creeping beneath his skin and latching on like a wild ivy gone awry. He was genuinely concerned about her well-being and about the baby’s. Those bright eyes and that innocent smile had yanked his heart as hard as the little girl sometimes yanked Jack’s tail. Like his dog, Palmer was protective of them both. He would move heaven and earth to keep them safe. He was finding a level of joy with Soledad that he’d never known before, and the feeling both surprised and confused him.
* * *
Soledad snapped the onesie closed around the clean diaper, wriggling her nose at Lyra, who was sucking on her fist. The baby smiled and laughed, and Soledad laughed with her.
She started to sing as she lifted Lyra into her arms. Nuzzling her nose into the roll of baby fat beneath Lyra’s neck, Soledad inhaled the scent of baby powder deep into her lungs.
“Do you feel better?” Soledad gushed as she kissed the baby’s cheek.
Lyra gurgled, pulling her fist back to her mouth.
“You’re hungry. Let’s go get you something to eat,” she said as she settled the child on her hip and headed for the family room.
The burner phone Palmer had promised rested on the kitchen counter. There was also a note that he had already programmed his number and Melissa’s cell into the device.
Soledad sighed heavily. Despite her reservations, she had no reason not to reach out to let the authorities know she was safe and well. And she definitely needed to put her father and Dominique at ease. Granted, she was scared that Gavin might find her, but she knew no one could find him if they were focused on her and the baby. But that call would have to wait, she thought. Because Lyra was pulling at her shirt and throwing herself backward for Soledad’s attention.
Three jars of baby food rested next to the diaper bag. “Look!” Soledad exclaimed, making a face at the little girl. “You can have pears, pears or pears.”
Lyra burbled.
“Pears it is,” Soledad said excitedly.
She propped Lyra in the corner of the couch, then popped the top on the jar of food. Sitting herself beside the child, she began to feed her, amused as Jack jumped up to sit beside the baby to watch her eat.
“You’re a lucky little girl, Lyra,” Soledad said as the infant swirled the puréed fruit around in her mouth. “You have your very own bodyguard. Doesn’t she, Jack?”
The dog panted, looking exceptionally happy as he laid his head on Lyra’s little legs. The baby giggled, drool sliding down her chin.
Minutes later, finished with her meal, Lyra was chewing on the nipple of her water bottle as she kneaded her fingers through Jack’s fur. The dog lay with his eyes closed, not at all bothered by the child’s grabby hands.
Soledad loved the bond the two had already formed, thinking that she might have to get Lyra a puppy of her own when they were able to come out of hiding and settle into their fated new life. She was even a little sad that Jack would never have a little person of his own if Palmer stayed true to his convictions about not having children. She couldn’t help but hope that he might change his mind. She sensed that he would make an incredible father if he relaxed and just allowed himself to enjoy the experience. He was good with Lyra. She’d even caught him smiling a few times as he’d watched the baby with his dog.
Thinking about Palmer, Soledad had dozens of questions she wanted to ask him, her curiosity increasing tenfold. She wondered about his life between being orphaned and being adopted, and if it were something he ever talked about. It clearly caused him angst.
Appreciating she might better understand if she knew more, she pondered what little she did know.
She assumed from the home’s interior decor that blue was his favorite color, shades enhancing the walls, the floor and the furniture. He was also a fan of Western artwork. Paintings of the Wild West decorated the walls. Her favorite was the cowboy and his horse in the home’s front foyer. He clearly loved his animals. They were like family to him, especially the horses. She had eyed the pictures of them that adorned his office walls. She hoped one day to be able to travel down to the stables to see them and maybe even ride with him.
Lyra and the dog suddenly growled at her. She rolled her eyes at the two and sneered. Both seemed to remind her that she and Palmer weren’t really friends like that, and she shouldn’t be planning future days with the handsome man. Not that a random thought meant she was planning anything.
“You two are no help,” Soledad muttered. She leaned to kiss the baby and then the dog as the duo kept playing with each other contentedly.
Moving to the counter, Soledad pulled the burner phone into the palm of her hand. She took a deep breath and pushed the button to dial the police chief. It rang once, twice and then three times before Melissa Colton answered.
“Chief Colton!”
A wave of panic suddenly hit Soledad broadside and she disconnected the call without saying anything. Her hand was shaking; she felt like she might be sick to her stomach. Her gaze shifted to the sofa. The dog was teasing the girl, nuzzling her on one side and then the other. Lyra giggled, her little arms and legs flailing as she tried to grab at the animal. Jack was proving himself to be the best babysitter.
After giving it some thought, Soledad knew she couldn’t call to tell Melissa her story without breaking down in tears, and possibly changing her mind about hiding out. Despite her best efforts, she was only holding on by a slim thread. Caring for Lyra was a pleasant diversion and Jack was keeping them both entertained. Her attraction to Palmer was a whole other story. She wasn’t yet sure if he was the cherry on an extremely sweet slice of cake or just a necessary distraction through this truly hard time.
Soledad took a deep breath and began to text with her thumbs. The message was direct and to the point.
Melissa, this is Soledad de la Vega. I saw Gavin Stone murder his wife, Annie. He shot me, too, but I am fine. He has threatened to kill me and take Annie’s baby, Lyra. We are both safe for now, but I know Gavin is searching for us. We will come out of hiding when he has been caught and is in your custody. I don’t mean to be difficult, but I can’t risk him finding us. I hope you understand.
She took another deep breath, reread the message once and then again, and then she pushed the button to send.
Minutes later, Melissa responded to her message.
Soledad, I really need you to turn yourself in. We need the details of what happened. I assure you we will do everything in our power to keep you safe, but I cannot have you impeding the investigation. You need to tell me where you are.
Soledad texted back.
No. I don’t trust that you can keep me and the baby safe. I’m sorry. Find Gavin and I will tell you where I am. But you will need to arrest Gavin first. You also need to contact Davis Fairbanks. He’s Annie’s attorney. Annie left information with him that may help you.
There was a lengthy pause before Melissa finally responded. Soledad knew the chie
f must not be happy with her and could only begin to imagine the rant Melissa was currently waging with herself. Almost thirty minutes passed before Melissa’s final text message came through.
Stay safe. We’re here for you and will protect you and Lyra when you’re ready. Until then, please keep this line open in case I need to reach you. Thank you.
Relief blew past Soledad’s lips as she released the breath she’d been holding deep in her lungs. She dropped the phone back to the counter. Stepping up to the large bay window, she looked out over the landscape. The views from the window were stunning, everything about the property already feeling like home. The house was set far off the main road, and she appreciated that it would take some maneuvering for anyone to sneak up on them without being seen or heard.
Palmer had assured her that she and Lyra were safe, and she believed him. With no one knowing they were there, they would not be easily found, not even with Gavin’s little tracking device. She trusted that once Palmer disposed of it, not even Gavin would be able to find them. Until life went back to normal, Soledad thought, Palmer Colton might be hard-pressed to rid himself of her and the baby.
* * *
Palmer stood on the front porch, pausing to reflect before entering. He’d driven the perimeter of the property, checking the fences and double-checking all the gates and entry points. There were cameras at each location, and he ensured each was functioning and recording. If anyone were to trespass, there’d be a video recording of the infraction. He’d also hired a security team to periodically patrol the property. There was no point in taking any unnecessary risks. Any threat to Soledad would be dealt with vigorously. If he knew what was good for him, Gavin Stone didn’t want to come back to Colton Ranch to look for her.
Palmer’s act of kindness had become an obsession of sorts. He felt responsible for Soledad and Lyra. The thought of anything happening to them on his watch knotted his stomach and set his teeth on edge.
Rescued by the Colton Cowboy Page 6
