Palmer took a hard right turn into the southern entrance of the Colton Ranch property. He barreled straight through the closed gate, not bothering to wait for the metal fencing to open. He depressed the accelerator, speeding up the F-150 as he barreled down the dirt road, turning left toward home.
His heart was racing and he was finding it difficult to breathe, but all he could think of was getting to Soledad and the baby as quickly as he could. In the distance, he heard the sound of sirens and wished a silent prayer that they all could get to them in time.
Chapter 19
As Gavin moved into the room, his eyes focused on the baby lying on the bed, Soledad swung the fire poker with every ounce of energy that she possessed. Due to the height differential, she missed his head, striking him in the shoulder instead. Gavin bellowed in pain, which was just enough of a diversion for Jack to lunge for his neck. As he struggled to get the dog off him, he managed to fire off a shot from the gun in his hand, the bullet missing Soledad and shattering the dresser mirror instead.
Soledad grabbed the baby and ran, Jack racing them both to the front door. A second shot zoomed past her head. Flinging the door open, Soledad bolted onto the front porch and down the steps. With nowhere else to run, she headed for the small barn beside the house to hide, hopeful that Palmer hadn’t made too many changes and the bales of hay would still afford them a modicum of shelter.
* * *
As he neared his home, Palmer saw Soledad bolt across the yard toward the barn. Though the siren sounds were getting closer, there was no sign of any of the patrol cars.
Gavin Stone came limping out of the house and off the porch, clearly determined to give chase. Palmer just missed hitting the murderer with his truck, throwing the vehicle into Park as Gavin jumped out of his way.
Then everything seemed to happen in slow motion, like a scene in a bad movie.
Palmer grabbed the Glock he kept in the glove box and threw himself from the truck. Gavin fired his weapon as Palmer ducked behind the rear of the vehicle. As he did, they exchanged fire, both determined to bring the fight to an end.
Palmer didn’t know when or how, but Jack was suddenly standing between them, baring his teeth at Stone. Palmer watched as the man raised his gun arm.
Palmer shouted and Jack shifted gears, turning toward him.
In that split second, Palmer lost focus, his firearm wavering. Gavin aimed and fired, and from out of nowhere, Benjamin threw himself between the two men, taking a bullet that wasn’t meant for him. As both men watched the boy’s body fall, Palmer fired once and then a second time, hitting his target squarely in the chest with both shots.
The moment was surreal, everything seeming to happen in slow motion. Palmer felt his stomach pitch with tension, and concern for Benjamin rose with a vengeance. The kid has purposely put himself in the line of fire and saved his life. Seconds later, his body was flooded with relief.
He stood tall as Gavin Stone fell to the ground.
* * *
The shooting finally stopped. Lyra was crying. Jack was barking. Outside, it sounded as if sirens were surrounding the building. Voices shouted and Palmer was screaming Soledad’s name. But in that moment, all Soledad could see were the miniature lights that sparkled around the room. There was a dinner table set for two, with white linens, gold-trimmed dinner plates, crystal wineglasses and flickering battery-powered candles. It was the most amazing presentation that she had ever seen.
Soledad came out from behind the hay bales in the loft. She had scaled the ladder with Lyra in her arms, determined that Gavin would never get his hands on the baby. Retreating to ground level proved to be more of a challenge, and she’d just planted her bare feet on the wooden planks when Palmer barreled into the barn. Melissa Colton and his brother Troy were both on his heels.
It was only when Palmer pulled her into his arms that Soledad realized tears streamed down her face. Her pretty dress was torn down the side and dirt covered her face and hands. But Palmer Colton kissed her like she was the prettiest girl in the whole wide world.
“I was so scared,” he muttered against her lips as his eyes skated easily back and forth over hers. “Are you okay?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t know what to do. I just knew I had to fight and keep Lyra safe.”
Palmer kissed her again, pulling his hand through her hair as he wrapped his other arm around her and the baby.
“Where is he?” she asked, still shaking.
“He’s dead,” Palmer muttered. “You never have to worry about him again.” Something dark and sad spilled from his eyes.
“What?” Soledad questioned, concern wafting like a cool breeze between them.
“I shot him,” Palmer said, his voice a loud whisper. The magnitude of everything that had happened suddenly hit him. He’d killed a man and he didn’t take that lightly. Whether or not he’d find atonement for that sin was yet to be seen. He tightened the grip he had on Soledad and the baby.
Melissa interjected. “The ambulance is transporting Mr. Monroe to the hospital now. EMS says it doesn’t look like the bullet hit any vital organs, so they anticipate he’ll survive his injuries.”
Soledad looked confused. “Who’s Mr. Monroe?”
“Benjamin Harris,” Palmer said matter-of-factly, filling her in on the connection between him and Gavin.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I know how much you wanted to help him. You put a lot of faith into him succeeding.”
“I did and I’m still processing how I got that wrong.”
“He’ll be charged with conspiracy,” Troy added. “I imagine he’s going to do some time in an adult jail this time.”
Palmer shook his head. “He saved my life. He didn’t have to do that, but he did.”
His brother shrugged. “He’ll still be charged. What he did was criminal.”
Soledad brushed her palm against Palmer’s back, gliding her hand up and down the length of his spine.
“I need EMS to check that you and the baby are okay,” Melissa said. “Then you and Palmer will need to come down to the station to give us statements. I’m glad that you’re all right, Soledad, and you can have your life back.”
Soledad smiled. “Thank you. And thank you for supporting my decision to hide out here.”
Melissa grinned. “I don’t know anything about that. I’m just happy we were able to find you safe and sound.”
They all watched as Melissa turned and exited the barn.
“Do you two need anything else from me?” Troy asked.
Palmer shook his head for a second time. “I think we’re good.”
Troy glanced around the barn. “It sure is pretty in here. Looks like a great place to ask someone to marry you.”
Palmer shook his head yet again and snapped, “Go away!”
Troy chuckled heartily as he gave Soledad a wave and made his way out of the building.
Palmer pulled Soledad back into his arms. He kissed her and then bent his head to give Lyra a kiss, too. The baby was staring in awe, completely mesmerized by the lights.
“My date-night plans were ruined,” Palmer said. “I don’t even know if the caterer has been able to make it onto the property with all the police cars out there.”
“You outdid yourself.”
“Well, my brother was right about one thing,” he said. “I was determined to have a pretty place to ask you to be my wife.” He reached into his pocket and pulled a stunning diamond ring from inside.
Soledad’s mouth fell open and her eyes widened. Surprise seeped from her eyes.
Palmer dropped to one knee, taking Soledad’s hand into his. “Soledad de la Vega, I love you. I am so in love with you that I almost lost my mind at the very thought of something happening to you. I never want to lose you. Or Lyra. You and that beautiful baby girl have become my entire life, and I want to spen
d every day from now until eternity making you happy. Will you marry me? And will you allow me to adopt Lyra, so that she is officially our baby girl?”
Soledad pressed her hand to Palmer’s face, her eyes dancing a beautiful two-step with his. He loved her. He wanted her. And he wanted the life she envisioned for herself and for Lyra. She smiled. “Oh, hell yes!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t know if you would ever ask.”
* * *
The Grave Gulch Police Department was buzzing with reporters hoping to get an exclusive interview with Soledad. News of the shooting that ended the hunt for Annie Stone’s murderer had broken on the evening news. Both Soledad and Palmer had endured hours of questioning by numerous detectives until they’d been satisfied that the case could be closed. Dominique and Stanton had rushed to the home and were waiting there with Lyra until they returned.
The magistrate had also granted Soledad temporary custody of Lyra pending a formal hearing and the reading of Annie’s last will and testament. There was no doubt from anyone involved that her mother’s last wishes were for Lyra to remain in the care of Soledad.
Soledad held tight to Palmer’s hand as Troy walked them to a side exit. They paused when he was stopped by K-9 detective Brett Shea.
“Sorry to interrupt, partner,” the man said. He gave Palmer and Soledad a look, apologizing for the interruption. “We’ve gotten a tip on Randall Bowe. It’s credible and I’m headed to check it out. I thought you might want to take the ride with me.”
Troy nodded. “Let me grab my stuff and I’ll be right there.” He turned to his brother. “I’ll check on you two tomorrow unless you need something else?”
Palmer shook his head. “We’re good. I need to go feed my woman and we need to check on our baby girl.”
“That’s important.”
“Is he new? I don’t recognize him,” Palmer said, gesturing after the officer who’d just rushed out the door.
Troy nodded. “That’s Brett Shea.”
“He’s intense,” Soledad observed. “He obviously takes his work seriously.”
“He was recently transferred here from Lansing. He’s fighting some demons and he’s got trust issues. One of his best friends was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Brett struggled because he couldn’t help him, even though he knew he wasn’t guilty. The friend served some time, but was eventually exonerated.”
“That’s horrible!” Soledad exclaimed.
Troy nodded. “I often think that when the department is able to regain Brett’s trust, I’ll know we’ve won back the community’s trust, as well.”
Palmer nodded. “You be safe out there, big brother.”
“We Coltons don’t go down easy,” Troy said with a wink.
The couple watched as he hurried after his partner, one more case needing to be solved.
Soledad lifted her gaze to Palmer’s. “Can we go home? I want to dance cheek to cheek in the barn, under the pretty lights.”
Palmer laughed. “Soledad, I adore you. And for you, my darling, whatever you wish for is yours. There’s only one problem with that wish, though.”
“What’s that?”
“I can’t dance.”
Soledad laughed. “I still love you!”
* * *
Check out the previous books in
The Coltons of Grave Gulch series:
Colton’s Dangerous Liaison by Regan Black
Colton’s Killer Pursuit by Tara Taylor Quinn
Colton’s Nursery Hideout by Dana Nussio
Colton Bullseye by Geri Krotow
Guarding Colton’s Child by Lara Lacombe
Colton’s Covert Witness by Addison Fox
And don’t miss the next book
Colton K-9 Target by Justine Davis
Available in September from
Harlequin Romantic Suspense!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Texas Sheriff’s Deadly Mission by Karen Whiddon.
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Texas Sheriff’s Deadly Mission
by Karen Whiddon
Chapter 1
Looking up at the tall, muscular and very tattooed man who strode into her sheriff’s department, Rayna Coombs flushed, all over her body. Mary Leeds, who usually worked the front desk, had just stepped out to grab them both lunch. Though Rayna wished she could let someone else assist this citizen, right now she was the only one there. Holding down the fort, as they liked to say.
“Can I help you?” she asked, her tone cool and professional, despite the way her every sense had sprung to life at the sight of him. From his massive chest and arms, cleft jaw and enigmatic brown eyes, he was everything that made her entire body sing. In other words, trouble. She’d learned the hard way to stay far, far away from men like him. Outside, she saw a black-and-chrome Harley. A custom job from the looks of it. Which only made him even more attractive, dang it.
“I’m looking for the sheriff,” the sexy stranger drawled, his Texas accent letting her know that yes, he was from around these parts.
Though inwardly, she sighed and tried like hell not to melt, she kept her demeanor remotely law enforcement officer polite. “You’ve found her,” she responded, bracing herself for his response. She’d more than earned the respect of the locals, but sometimes strangers, particularly men, had trouble accepting a woman in a position of power. Even in this day and age.
At first, he didn’t reply. Instead, he looked her up and down, as if waiting for her to laugh and say she was joking. Instead, she let her gaze travel over him in the same sort of slow assessment. “Now, once again, how may I assist you?”
Finally, he jerked his rugged chin in a quick nod. “Parker Norton,” he said, holding out his hand. “Sam Norton is my uncle.”
Briskly, she shook it. Sam had been sheriff before her and the one who’d originally hired her as a patrol officer. “Then you know Sam’s living the retired life down in Corpus,” she said.
“I do.” He glanced around before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a photograph, sliding it across the counter toward her. “My friend’s little sister disappeared somewhere around here. Her name is Nicole Wilson. She was driving to Dallas from Texas Tech, where she was going to school. I’m here to get your help in locating her.”
She instantly knew who he was referring to, but went ahead and studied the photo anyway. “We’ve already looked into this,” she said. “Sam called and asked us to prioritize it as a favor to him. We did and we found nothing to indicate she’d even been in Getaway. She didn’t stay at either of the motels, or get gas at any of the filling stations. We even reviewed video from some of the shops on Main Street, looking for a 1995 yellow Camaro. Nothing.”
“She was here,” he replied, his stubborn certainty at complete odds with what she’d just explained. “My friend John got a text from here at the city line. She took a picture with the sign. Here.” This time he slid his phone over to her, revealing a photo of a smiling, carefree young blonde woman, posing in front of the Getaway sign. This was a popular spot with both tourists and those on their way to other places. Their little town northwest of Abilene was best known for its name.
“I’m sorry,” she began, her voice gentle. “I don’t know what else to tell you.”
He looked down at that, gathering himself. She braced herself for insults or cuss words, not enough to get him arrested, but probably enough for her to be able to ask him to leave.
Instead, he swallowed hard and met her gaze. The pain in his dark eyes stunned and moved her. “You don’t understand,” he rasped. “John is my best friend and he’s dying. Colon cancer. Nicole was on he
r way to Dallas from Lubbock to see him when she disappeared. All John wants in this world before he dies is to see her again and know she’s safe. I’ll do whatever it takes to give this to him.”
“Again, while I sympathize, I’m not sure what you want me to say. We’ve already done an exhaustive search. We found nothing to indicate Nicole came in contact with foul play here in Getaway.”
Though he winced at the words foul play, he didn’t look away. “What I want, Sheriff Coombs,” he said through clenched teeth, “is for you to help me find her.”
With sudden clarity, she realized he wasn’t going to go away. No matter what she said or did. “You want me to reopen a closed case, is that correct?” Her crisp tone put her right back in professional mode. Sam’s nephew would get what he wanted. She owed Sam that.
“I do.”
She nodded. “All right. Will you text me that photo, the one of her with our city-limits sign? I’d like to print it out.”
If her rapid capitulation surprised him, he gave no sign. He asked for her number, entered it, and a moment later her phone chimed. “Got it,” she exclaimed, pushing the icon to send it to the printer. “Now, how can I reach you? I assume you’d like to be notified if there’s any news on this case.”
“You’ve got my number,” he pointed out. “Just save it in your phone. I’m staying at the Landshark Motel, room 233. I’ll be there for the next several days.”
Damn. She managed to keep her face expressionless, despite her dismay. She should have known someone as determined as him wouldn’t leave town until he had what he wanted. Which might just be pretty damn impossible.
She thought about explaining how thorough they’d been. Sam Norton never asked for personal favors and when he did, well, she sure as hell would work her fingers to the bone to try and get answers. Except nothing had turned up. Zero, zilch, nada. If Nicole had been here, she’d simply passed through. Whatever had happened to her must have occurred somewhere between Getaway and Dallas. Though Rayna had even called a state trooper friend of hers and had him check. Even then, nothing had turned up. No sign of Nicole Wilson’s Camaro had been found.
Rescued by the Colton Cowboy Page 22
