“Soledad? What about Soledad?” Palmer tried to keep his tone even. “Is she okay?”
“She’s missing. The woman murdered last night was Soledad’s best friend, Annie. Annie’s daughter and Soledad haven’t been found. The husband is a person of interest, but we haven’t been able to find him, either. When I leave here, I’m going to meet Melissa at Soledad’s apartment. We’re hoping we’ll find something there that’ll help us locate her.”
A wall of silence seemed to rise thick and heavy between the two brothers. Palmer’s eyes feigned concern as he tried not to show his hand. He suddenly had an overwhelming need to get back home to check on Soledad and the baby, to make sure both were well and safe. He felt his knees begin to shake, emotion sweeping through him that was both unexpected and surprising.
“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” he muttered.
Troy eyed him with a raised brow. “That’s it? You’re not worried?”
“Of course I’m worried. Why wouldn’t I be worried? There’s just nothing I can do, right?”
Troy nodded. “We’re going to find them. And I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure,” Palmer said. “I trust Grave Gulch’s finest will do an exceptional job.”
“I’m sure you do. Are you sure there’s nothing you want to tell me?” Troy prompted. His fingers trailed down the side of the shopping cart.
Palmer gave his brother a stern look. “What’s with all the questions? I’m beginning to feel like one of your suspects.”
“Probably because of that dopey expression on your face. You look guilty of something. Do you want to talk about it?”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“I saw how you looked at Soledad at the engagement party, remember? You don’t have to pretend with me. It’s okay if you’re worried. I know this is probably a shock for you. It only makes sense that you’d be worried, Palmer. We’re all concerned.”
“I’m not... I’m just... It’s...” Palmer was suddenly feeling completely out of sorts.
Troy tapped him on the arm. “Hey, we Colton men are notorious for not being honest about our feelings. Trust me, I know.” He chuckled, seeming to drift off into thought.
Palmer nodded, ready to be done with their conversation. “I’m good. I’m expected back at the ranch, and I’m sure you need to get back to work, too.”
Troy stole a quick glance at his wristwatch. “Yeah, I do need to get going.”
“Please, let me know if you turn up anything on Soledad,” Palmer said softly.
“I definitely will. And when we find her, you need to promise me you’ll let her know how you feel about her.”
“See, there you go,” Palmer chided. “Trying to make it more than it is.”
Troy laughed. “It’s your lie. Tell it any way you want to.”
“Goodbye, Troy,” Palmer said with a slight shake of his head.
He watched as Troy gave him a wave and headed for the front of the store. When his brother was finally out of his sight, he grabbed two of the plush toy bears and tossed them on top of the pile in his cart. He took another deep breath to calm his nerves and headed toward the women’s department, thinking the day couldn’t possibly get any more challenging.
* * *
Palmer was certain he’d broken several traffic laws trying to get back to his home, and to Soledad and the baby. He was grateful that traffic was light and the police barricade cleared. He didn’t know if he could take running into one more person that he knew. Most especially with the truckload of paraphernalia he was hauling. It wasn’t his nature to lie so wantonly; answering the pointed questions he’d gotten this day had him telling many tall tales.
His experience in the women’s department had tested every ounce of his fortitude. He’d added T-shirts and shorts to the cart, two-piece pajamas and another pair of sweats. But it was the lingerie section that had done him in and he still couldn’t explain it if someone asked.
Bras didn’t scare him. He’d grown up with sisters, making slingshots with the garments when he and his brother were bored. As a child, Grace had routinely danced around in nothing but her underwear. He knew how to navigate lingerie, having stripped a few women out of theirs. He hadn’t, however, known how to contend with the inquisition that had come as he’d randomly selected items he’d thought Soledad might need.
* * *
He could barely remember the sales rep’s name, but she clearly remembered his, stepping up to him as he selected tank tops he thought Soledad might like. The saleswoman was an employee of the department store, but they had often run into one another in social settings. She was an attractive woman, though not at all Palmer’s type. The woman’s smile filled her face as she bent to look at his selections with a curious eye.
“Palmer Colton,” she cooed, her voice oozing what he imagined it would if she moonlighted as a phone sex operator. “Isn’t this a pleasant surprise?”
“Hey. How are you?” His mind raced as he tried to remember if she were a Chelsea, Stacey or Mary. He was grateful when she straightened and he could see the name tag pinned to her blazer. “It’s good to see you again, Ms. Robbins.”
“Please, call me Stacey. I would hope you and I are on a first-name basis by now.” She laughed suggestively.
Palmer chuckled politely, although he wasn’t in a jovial mood. “Well, it’s good to see you again, Stacey.”
“I see you’re enjoying a shopping spree. Special occasion?” As her gaze narrowed, she rested her palm on the edge of the shopping cart.
“I’m just helping out a friend.”
“A close friend?”
“Just someone who needs a helping hand.”
She paused, clearly waiting for him to expound on the comment.
The moment, unmistakably awkward, had Palmer wanting to tell her to go away. He obliged her instead.
“She and her children lost everything in a fire,” he mumbled.
“Oh, my word!” Stacey exclaimed. “That’s horrible.”
“They’ve been devastated,” Palmer added. “I just want to make things easier.”
“I understand completely.” She drew her fingers to the strand of beads around her neck, twirling them anxiously. “How can I help? Because I’d really like to help.”
“I just need to get some clothes for her. Clean undergarments, casual wear, that kind of thing.”
“Well, those tank tops you’re holding are sheer perfection. The fabric is butter-soft against your skin and they can be worn with or without a bra comfortably. They are wonderful layering pieces.”
Palmer dropped them atop the merchandise he’d already selected. “I appreciate the recommendation,” he said.
“I would also suggest the matching panties,” Stacey said. “I absolutely love them. What size is she?”
“Small, I think. She’s very petite.”
“Small it is.” Stacey dropped a half dozen matching colors on top of the tank tops. “How about bras? Do you know her measurements?”
Palmer suddenly imagined his hands cupping Soledad’s breasts, the image causing his heart to palpitate and his stomach to twist. Heat rained in his lower extremities and he shifted from side to side to stall the rise of nature threatening to publicly embarrass him. “I don’t,” he said, shaking his head vehemently. “I think this is enough.”
“If I can make a suggestion?” Stacey mused, her brows quirking questioningly.
“Please...”
“Maybe buy her something pretty. You know, to pick up her spirits. We just got these adorable teddies in,” she said, holding up a sexy little satin-and-lace set. “I bet this would brighten her day and make her feel very special.”
Palmer felt his cheeks flush with heat as he imagined Soledad wearing the set, in his bed, beneath him. It was suddenly too much and he was past ready to be out of the store. He
nodded. “Thank you,” he said, almost snatching the garment from her hands. “I appreciate all your help.”
“Anytime!” Stacey gushed. Her voice dropped two octaves. “And if you need any other assistance,” she purred, pressing her business card into the palm of his hand, “don’t hesitate to call me. I’ve written my cell phone number on the back.”
With one last nod, Palmer gave the cart a push and hurried toward the registers. As he stood in line to pay, he whispered a silent prayer that the transaction would happen swiftly and that he wouldn’t run into anyone else who knew him.
* * *
And even that had taken longer than he would have liked, the clerk who’d finally checked him out wanting to gush over the baby clothes, assuming he was a new father who’d gone overboard to prepare for his newborn.
By the time he’d reached the parking lot with his purchases, he was past ready to be done but had one last errand before he could head home. He’d sat for a few minutes, turning the tracking device he’d found in Lyra’s diaper bag over in his hands. A part of him had hoped the man with the dark shades and the damaged fender would have shown up while he was in town, but there’d been no sign of him or anyone else following the tracker. Had Palmer seen him, Gavin Stone would have found himself having an unbelievably bad day, because Palmer would have done whatever was necessary to help the man into jail so that Soledad would feel safe again.
Despite the many distractions as he’d shopped, Palmer had still been mindful to keep an eye out for anyone or anything that didn’t feel right. Anything that would have triggered his radar and put him on edge. He’d looked around the parking lot one last time, driving slowly up and down each aisle as he’d pretended to look for an empty spot, studying each vehicle instead. As he’d finally pulled out of the lot, he’d driven to the back of the building and the oversize brown dumpsters that serviced the shopping center. He’d pulled up in front of the recycle bins and shut down his truck.
He’d still palmed the small device in his hand, his mind racing as plans formulated in his head about the lengths he would go to just to protect Soledad. He’d debated just how far too far might be.
With one last glance around, he’d stepped out of his truck and leaned in to gather up the empty cups, fast-food bags and stacks of junk. He tossed it all into one half-full dumpster and then headed for the ranch.
Now, turning into the driveway and toward the house, all he could think about was getting back to Soledad.
* * *
Palmer had barely been gone an hour before Soledad was stir-crazy. Being locked away in the bedroom felt as bad as running through the forest in the middle of the night. Every creak and squeak fueled her anxiety, and she was feeling slightly claustrophobic waiting for him to return.
Lyra lay in the center of the bed, doing what Lyra did best. She snored softly and clearly didn’t have a care in the world. Soledad wished she could say the same. She pulled open the bedroom door and Jack bounded in, his exuberance steroidal. He ignored Soledad completely, barely letting her pet him on the head before he jumped onto the bed, sniffing and licking the little girl’s toes and then settling down beside her.
“Aren’t you something,” Soledad muttered.
Jack dropped his head to a pillow and closed his eyes, dismissing Soledad with a slight grunt.
She laughed.
Exiting the room, she moved from window to window, peering out in search of Palmer’s truck. She wanted to believe that everything was well and that he’d be back without incident. But that wasn’t what she was feeling. Every horrible thing she could imagine had run through her head.
She was petrified that Gavin would ambush Palmer, then her, and then disappear with Lyra. She imagined Gavin strangling her or shooting her, or worse, tying her to a stake in the desert for the buzzards to feed on.
Her imagination had devolved into the realm of nightmares with no happy endings for any of them. Imagining Gavin taking a pitchfork or a blowtorch to Palmer had her feeling exceptionally anxious, most especially because Palmer had shown her nothing but kindness since she’d landed on his doorstep. Envisioning Palmer’s demise had her nerves on edge. She was anxious for him to return home, to be back safe and secure with her and Lyra.
Soledad debated whether she should call to check on him. Then she imagined he might be put off by her calling when there was no emergency. She tabled the idea, figuring instead that she’d wait at least another hour before sending him a text message if he hadn’t returned by then. Until then, she’d have to rein in her doom-and-gloom conjectures.
Soledad took a seat at the counter. With pen and paper in hand, she began to outline Rachel’s cake design and to lay out her prep plans. Thinking about business, and what she needed to accomplish, was enough to keep her mind off everything else. She sketched and jotted notes until she felt better about what had to be done.
Time passed and that hour had come and gone, and there was still no sign of Palmer. By hour three, Soledad was beginning to think she needed to be afraid. She pulled the cell phone from the pocket of her pants. She hesitated. I’m overreacting, Soledad thought to herself. This is ridiculous! Considering everything she had asked him to do, she knew he’d more than likely be gone most of the afternoon. She hadn’t thought that one through. Or considered that he might have had his own personal errands to run that she wasn’t privy to. Maybe even meeting up with a female friend, someone he wasn’t interested in her knowing about. Someone who had his attention, maybe even his heart.
Soledad shook the thought from her head. She was bordering on complete delusion and needed to get a handle on the wealth of emotion consuming her. She palmed the burner phone and began to dial the number committed to memory, assessing the risk versus the necessity. Necessity won out and she tapped her toes as she waited for her twin sister to answer.
“Hello?”
“Dominique, it’s me.”
“Soledad! Where are you? You’ve had us worried to death. Whose number is this?”
“I can’t tell you. I just want you to know I’m okay.”
“¡Dios mío, chica! Dad has practically hired the entire US military to search for you. The police won’t tell us anything. Stanton hasn’t been able to get any information from any of his family. What is going on?”
“Gavin killed Annie. Now he’s looking for me.”
Dominique gasped loudly. “No. Oh, Soledad. I’m so sorry.”
Soledad’s eyes misted with tears. “But you can’t say anything to anyone, Dom. Not even Dad. It’s not safe. Gavin is dangerous and I wouldn’t put it past him to try to get to me through my family and friends.”
“You need to come home. You know our father would never let anything happen to you. He will keep you safe.”
“I know, but I can’t risk putting anyone else in danger. This is for the best. I will call you in a day or two to let you know if there’s been any change. Meanwhile, tell Dad not to worry, please. I really am doing okay. Lyra and I are fine.”
Dominique inhaled swiftly. “That poor baby. I can’t even imagine.”
“Once the police find Gavin, I’ll be able to come out of hiding. Until then, I just don’t feel safe to do so.”
“This is just too much, Soledad. You need to tell the police so they can protect you.”
At that moment, the door flung open and Palmer stepped through the entrance. He and Soledad immediately locked eyes and held on. The intensity of the moment shifted every ounce of air in the atmosphere. Soledad felt something deep in her gut explode, a wave of heat so intense that she began to perspire, moisture puddling in intimate places. It knocked the breath from her and she gasped. Loudly.
“Soledad? You okay?” Dominique questioned, concern ringing in her voice.
“I’m good,” Soledad answered. “I have all the protection I need right where I am,” she concluded, and then she disconnected the call.
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Chapter 7
Palmer was surprised by the wave of relief that flooded his spirit when he stepped through the door. Laying eyes on Soledad felt like Christmas morning when you still believed in Santa Claus and laid your eyes on your wrapped presents. He was tempted to rub his eyes with his fists to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, but he didn’t need to. Soledad blessed him with a smile, and just like that, everything he’d gone through earlier at the shopping center was forgotten.
He smiled. “Everything okay?” he asked, trying not to let any anxiety filter through his words.
Soledad nodded. “I took your advice and called my sister to let her know I was okay. I didn’t want my father sending out the cavalry looking for me.”
“I’m sure the only thing that will stop him from doing that is his laying eyes on you. But I’m glad you let them know you’re safe.”
“I am, too.”
“Where’s the baby?”
“Asleep in your room.”
“I guess I don’t need to ask where Jack is. There was a time he’d meet me at the door and pretend to be excited that I was home.”
Soledad laughed. “I’m sure he’s still excited.”
“Clearly not as excited about me as he is about Lyra.”
“That’s true. In fact, I don’t think Jack is going to let anyone get between the two of them without a fight.”
“Let’s hope it never comes down to that,” Palmer said. He shook his head. “I’m going to drive around back and start unloading the truck. I think I got everything you needed. But if I didn’t and you need anything else, we’ll have to order it online and have it delivered. Shopping was painful!”
“Was it that bad?”
“Too many nosy people.” He threw up his hands in frustration.
Soledad laughed again. “Grave Gulch definitely has that small-town vibe. Everyone knows everyone and everyone wants to know everyone else’s business.”
“Well, I’m not used to that many people wanting to know mine.”
Rescued by the Colton Cowboy Page 8
