by Karen Ward
******
When Pinky gets back to the ranch Scoot is waiting at the helipad for him and says, “Bixby just got back to the cabin with the other guy. I want you to see if you recognize him. The license plates on the blue truck are from Louisiana.”
When they walk into the office, all of the guys are gathered around the computer listening to the conversation between Bixby and someone he is calling Smitty.
Bixby says, “I am so pumped. That was the most fun I have had in ages. I absolutely loved the look of terror on Davis’ face right before I scattered his brains all over the ground. The bastard deserved to sweat. He might as well have handed me over to the cops that day he dropped me at the mall in Kalispell.” He shakes his head in disgust. Then he says, “The women were really something! Wow! Now that was some good pussy. I can’t believe the bastards never shared with me when I lived at that compound.”
Smitty says, “I agree, that was some great pussy. I loved that woman on woman stuff you made them do. I was harder than I’ve been since I was a randy teenager! I just wish we had brought that little blonde with us. She really knew how to give great head.”
Bixby says, “You know we couldn’t leave any witnesses. Besides, choking the life out of them gives me a rush almost as good as screwing them. There’s plenty of good pussy around. All we have to do is pick it up. Let’s get some sleep. We’re leaving this dump tomorrow. I have some more debts to collect!”
Scoot asks, “Are you guys recording this, I hope?”
Goose says, “Of course, you know us better than that!”
Scoot asks, “Well, Pinky, do you know that other guy?”
Pinky says, “Yeah, his name is Raymond Smith. He owns a biker bar near where we lived in Louisiana. I always figured he was up to no good.”
Stump asks, “Is there any way we can get a GPS tracking device on that truck tonight before they leave in it tomorrow?”
Scoot says, “That’s a great idea! Goose will you fly Bear to Kalispell? He has the best chance of getting in and out of the area without being seen. Any advantage we can get we need to use. We’ll monitor the surveillance cameras from here. Check with us before you approach the cabin to make sure all is still quiet.”
Goose says, “We’re on our way. See you in the morning.”
“Pinky, you need to call Richard Dean about the slaughter at the compound. Let him know we have the recorded conversation where Bixby admits to shooting Davis and choking the women.”
A few minutes later, Scoot’s cell phone rings, “Scoot.”
“Scoot, we’re going to take the jet. Bear thinks he can get to the area of the cabin best by car and the jet will get us to Montana a lot faster,” says Goose.
“Fine, keep us posted,” replies Scoot.
******
Two hours later Scoot’s cell phone rings again, “Scoot.”
Goose says, “We’re here and we’ve activated the GPS. Make sure you can pick up the signal before Bear leaves for the cabin.”
Sitting at the computer Scoot brings up the GPS map. He answers, “I have it showing at the airport in Kalispell.”
Goose says, “Good, follow it while Bear takes it to the cabin. We’ll call you again when it is in place.”
Scoot watches the computer screen and follows the GPS device as it travels from the airport to a road just down the mountain from the cabin. Then he watches as Bear makes his way through the forest to the cabin and places the device on the truck. About twenty minutes later, his cell phone rings again, “Scoot.”
“The device is in place. Are you still getting the signal?” asks Goose.
“It’s coming in perfectly. Great job, guys. Be careful coming home,” answers Scoot.
At first light the next morning the entire Drake Security team is gathered around the computer watching to see where the truck is headed. They all breathe a collective sigh of relief when the truck continues east out of Bozeman instead of turning south toward Cody Wyoming.
The FBI has decided to monitor Bixby’s movements as long as he is with Smitty in the truck with the GPS locator. They will follow at a distance to try to prevent any more crimes but will not interfere without reason. The next time they take Bixby into custody, they want to make sure he doesn’t escape.
CHAPTER 10
Two weeks after his counseling session with Jasmine and her doctor, Pinky is back at the hospital in Phoenix to pick her up and return her to the ranch. His heart is soaring and he can’t wait to hold her in his arms again. He meets first with the doctor who reminds him that he is quite sure Jasmine still has some blocked memories that will surface from time to time. He encourages him to be patient and understanding. Jasmine will continue to see one of his colleagues at the hospital in Cody on a twice weekly basis.
Pinky is standing by the window in the doctor’s office waiting for her to come from her last group session when he hears, “Keith?”
Turning from the window, he sees her standing in the door smiling. She is so beautiful with her auburn hair falling loosely around her shoulders. His heart is pounding and a warm smile slides across his face. He opens his arms and she rushes into them and hugs him tightly. Lifting her face to his, he tenderly kisses her. When she opens her lips for his invasion, his heart skips a beat and he dives into the depths of her mouth tasting her unique flavor. A groan of pleasure works its way up his throat from deep within his chest.
I am so happy. I finally understand that Keith really does love me in spite of my past and I feel so very blessed to have him back in my life. When his lips touch mine I am overwhelmed with emotion and tears stream down my face. When I open my lips to his invasion and his tongue dives into the moist recesses of my mouth tangling with mine, my stomach does a flip flop and my toes curl. I am drowning in sensations I had all but forgotten. When he finally lifts his head and pulls me close to his chest I can hear his heart pounding and his ragged breathing. I know he is just as affected by the kiss as I am and my heart soars with happiness.
When we arrive back at the ranch I am surprised and pleased to find the entire Rock Springs Ranch extended family waiting in the great room to welcome me back. When I walk in the house I am greeted with cheers of “Welcome Home!” Pinky stays at my side beaming at the compliments over my beautiful new face and grinning at the teasing from the other guys about already wearing the old ball and chain.
Dylan approaches me and says, “Well Beautiful, are you pleased with the results of your plastic surgery?”
Blushing I reply, “Oh Dylan, I am so happy. I never dreamed I could look like this again. It is almost as if that part of my life never happened. Thank you so much for recommending the surgeon to me. He is a miracle worker.” I hug him warmly and place a warm kiss on his cheek.
Pinky grins and says, “Careful there Scoot. You already have one beautiful woman. Leave mine alone!”
I elbow him in the ribs and he doubles over like he is in pain.
Scoot’s cell phone rings, “Scoot.” He listens carefully stepping away from the festivities into the study. When he comes back in Pinky notices a look of concern on his face and sends him a questioning look. Scoot shakes his head and mouths the word “Later.”
Eric approaches me and says, “Miss Jasmine, you look really pretty without that scar. I’m really happy for you.”
Smiling I say, “Why, thank you Eric.” Leaning down and whispering in his ear I say, “You know you are still my hero, don’t you? Thank you for sending these guys to rescue me.”
Blushing Eric says, “You’re welcome. I’m happy I was able to help. I’m glad that man can’t hurt you anymore. He was as mean to you as my Dad was to my Mom.”
After a light afternoon snack of finger sandwiches, chips, and dip prepared by the ladies, everyone heads back to their respective homes and work. Pinky leaves me with a warm kiss in Melanie’s company promising to see me for dinner and heads back to the office over the barn with the rest of the guys. When they get upstairs he says, “All right, Scoot, what
was the call about? Was it about Bixby?”
Scoot shakes his head, “If the call had been about Bixby they would have called you. That was the FBI in Tennessee. Do you remember the boy you rescued that fell off the cliff, Timmy Thompson?”
Pinky nods and says, “Yeah, how is he doing anyway?”
Scoot answers, “Well, he finally regained consciousness two days ago and now he has disappeared again along with that female park ranger, Samantha Wells. They were last seen together at the hospital in Gatlinburg yesterday. They want to know if any of us remember anything being said that would explain why she would take him.”
Pinky’s heart is pounding with worry and he says, “Yeah, I remember her wondering why the parents didn’t even have a picture of the boy. She said she thought there was more to the story than what the parents told the authorities. Maybe she was right.”
Scoot replies, “I thought that was strange too. Maybe she did find out something that made her concerned for the boy’s safety. I’ll check with the FBI and see what they know about the boy’s background.”
A little while later, Scoot comes back in the office and tells the guys, “Well, the couple claiming to be the boy’s parents, John and Adrian Fisher, told the FBI that the biological parents, Perry and Lynn Thompson, didn’t want the boy anymore and signed him over to them. They have filed papers to officially adopt him in Tennessee. The FBI hasn’t been able to locate the biological parents yet to corroborate the Fisher’s story.”
Pinky asks, “Did they ask the boy any questions after he woke up?”
Scoot answers, “Evidently not, that’s all they told me.”
Pinky says, “Well, I’m very sure that is the first thing Samantha did and if the boy tells a different story, that would explain why she felt it was necessary to take him and leave.”
Scoot asks, “Do you have any idea where she would take him?”
Pinky shakes his head, “No, she didn’t say anything like that. My gut tells me they are somewhere in the park. That is the area she knows best and she may know a safe place for them to hide for a while.”
“You’re probably right. They’ve asked us to come to Tennessee and track her down if they don’t locate her before morning. She’s going to be in some serious trouble if the boy’s lying to her,” says Scoot.
Pinky shrugs, “Yeah, but what if he’s not lying and he is in danger. Something had to have scared him pretty badly for him to run away into the wilderness like he did.”
Scoot replies, “I agree it’s a definite possibility. The FBI is supposed to call me back if anything new develops, otherwise we’ll need to send a team to Tennessee in the morning.”
Later that evening everyone is sitting at the huge dining room table enjoying a delicious meal prepared in honor of Jasmine’s return to the ranch when Pinky’s cell phone rings, “Pinky.”
“Pinky, this is Samantha Wells. I need your help.”
Pinky looks at Scoot and signals him with a sweep of his head, “Sam, what’s up? Where are you? You’re in big trouble, you know.”
Scoot and Pinky stand and walk out of the dining room. Sam answers, “I can’t tell you where I am. I know how much trouble I’m in, that’s why I need your help. The boy, Timmy, told me the couple claiming to be his parents in fact killed his real parents. They then sunk their bodies in their car in Norris Lake somewhere near the dam. That happened the day before he fell off the cliff. Please help me Pinky. I don’t have anyone else to turn to.”
Pinky answers, “I’ll do what I can Sam, but I can’t help you break the law. I’ll see if we can locate the dead parents but that’s all I can promise you. Can I reach you at this number?”
Sam replies, “No, this is a throw away phone and I intend to throw it away as soon as we hang up. I don’t want anyone to be able to trace me. I’ll call you back in a few days. Thank you Pinky.”
After he disconnects the call he tells Scoot everything Sam told him. Scoot says, “Well, if all that is true then Sam did have a good reason to take the boy and run. I’ll let the FBI know to search the lake. Are you still planning to take Jasmine to Louisiana tomorrow?”
Pinky replies, “Well, I was but this has to take first priority. If the boy is really in danger we need to make sure he is safe as quickly as possible. I’m sure Jasmine will understand. When do you want me to leave?”
Scoot thinks for a minute then says, “I think dawn would be best. That should put you in the search area before dark. Maybe the FBI will find the sunken car by then. I don’t want to leave the ranch unguarded since Bixby is still around somewhere so I’ll send Bear and Goose with you. Stump and I will stay here to help Barry and Bud if Bixby shows up.”
When they return to the dining room everyone is looking at them questioningly. Scoot addresses the group, “Guys, Pinky, Bear, and Goose have to go to Tennessee at dawn. The boy we rescued a few weeks ago has disappeared again along with the park ranger. She told Pinky his real parents were killed by the couple currently claiming to be his parents. You guys are going to help locate his real parents’ bodies and if necessary, track down Samantha Wells.”
I look over at Pinky. He pats my leg with his hand and whispers, “I’ll explain it all to you later, I promise.”
After everyone leaves for their own homes, Pinky and I retire to the great room where we sit on the sofa together. He takes my hand in his and places a warm kiss on my palm. Then he says, “Look Jasmine, I know I promised to take you home to Louisiana tomorrow but this is important, a little boy’s life may be at stake. A few weeks ago, right after you went to the hospital in Phoenix, we were sent on a search and rescue mission in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The boy fell off a cliff and I was the one that repelled down that cliff and saved the six year old and then further down, the park ranger, Samantha Wells. She was the one that called earlier and asked me specifically for help and I can’t refuse. Please understand.”
“Oh, Keith, I do understand. I know your job is very important. You have to help the child if he’s in danger. I’ll be all right until you get back. We can go to Louisiana any time. I’m going to miss you though.”
He pulls me close and brushes his lips against mine, “Mmmmm, that’s good to know. I’m going to miss you too.” He nibbles at my lips until I open for his invasion then he dives into the warm recesses of my mouth savoring every taste. He says, “Oh Jasmine, I love you so much.” He kisses me deeply again. When he next lifts his head he is breathing raggedly and he pulls my head gently to his chest.
I ask, “When are you leaving?”
He answers, “At dawn, in the morning.”
I whisper, “Please be careful. I love you.”
******
The following morning I am awakened by the sound of the helicopter taking off at dawn and whisper a prayer for Keith’s and the little boy’s safety. Then I get out of bed, take a quick shower, and head to the kitchen for a hot cup of coffee and some breakfast. I am surprised when I enter the kitchen to find Melanie and Skye dressed in warm clothes ready to head out the door. I ask, “Where are the two of you headed so early this morning?”
Laughing Melanie says, “You’re not going to believe me. We are going out to target shoot. Do you want to come with us?”
“Are you serious, you target shoot? Why on earth are you doing that?”
Skye explains, “I want to keep my skill up and I am teaching Melanie. She doesn’t ever want to be caught in another situation where she can’t protect herself. Think about how many times you could have killed Bixby and escaped if you knew how to use a gun.”
I think for a minute before replying, “That’s a good point. Yes, I want to go, give me a couple of minutes to change.”
As the three of us are driving across the pasture to where the men have set up their target range, Skye tells me about Bear teaching her how to shoot so she could kill her own food when she was living in his cabin in Montana. Then she told me about how her knowing how to shoot saved Dylan’s life when he was attacked
by a mountain lion and about how she was able to protect herself from the hit man that killed her father. After Skye finishes her story I am convinced I need to learn this skill and I listen attentively as Skye explains the different parts of the semi-automatic handgun we are using, how to clean it, how to load the magazine, how to aim, and how to fire.
After I finish my turn firing at the target I laugh, “Wow, now I know why you come down here and practice. It’s harder than it looks to hit the center of that target! Skye you are magnificent. I am very impressed.”
Skye says, “Don’t worry. It won’t take you long to get good at this too. You actually did very well for the first try. We’ll come again tomorrow if you want. Once you have time to practice, we’ll set it up for you to take the test and get your concealed carry license. Then you can carry a pistol in your purse and never be afraid again. Melanie is taking her test next week.”
CHAPTER 11
About halfway to Tennessee, Scoot radios the guys that the FBI located the car with the bodies of the boy’s parents in Norris Lake just as the child said they would. He advised them to fly straight to Gatlinburg and wait for Sam to call Pinky again. He warns Pinky that the FBI may request that they track Sam to her location and no matter what they feel about it, they must follow the law. She did, after all, kidnap the boy from the hospital.
When they land in Gatlinburg just before dark they are greeted by an agent from the area FBI office. He explains to them that the initial investigation of the parents’ deaths did indicate foul play and the other couple that has been claiming to be the boy’s parents have been taken into custody pending the results of the autopsies and the results of a ballistics test on a gun found in the man’s possession.
The couple is claiming they didn’t know the parents were dead but they don’t have an explanation of how the boy knew where to find the bodies. They have requested lawyers so it is doubtful they will be offering any more information.
