by DiAnn Mills
Chapter 20
Lindsay craved a sleeping pill, anything to help her escape the demon who posed as her friend. As long as she did exactly what he demanded, her family would live. His voice haunted her, and in her nightmares, his features contorted into the hellish creature that no one knew. She couldn’t fight him. His power and intelligence far surpassed hers, and she didn’t know who sided with him. If she dared to take a person into confidence, that person might be on his payroll. Or they might end up dead. As she considered those at the ranch, she wondered who was against her father and who supported him.
Humiliation for what she’d done last night made her physically ill. The rantings and pleadings were one thing. Prancing naked in front of Victor and throwing a shoe at him made her despise herself. He’d take a bullet for her, and this is how she repaid him? Her behavior only reinforced what the demon always said. You’re worthless, Lindsay. Stupid and good for nothing except what a woman can offer.
She craved death, but she craved life more.
She pulled out a notebook from beneath her bed. Composing songs helped to ease her fears. The words and the melodies that poured from her heart brought a sense of peace to her shattered world. The last time she wrote a song, her mother had found the notebook and played the music on the piano. She thought Lindsay had copied it from a songwriter, even tried to find the recording as a gift. Mom claimed it was beautiful and expressed surprise that Lindsay enjoyed country music. She almost told Mom then, but why pursue a dream with no future?
Today she wanted to stroll across the ranch and recapture those little-girl moments before her world collapsed. A song danced across her mind, and she wished she had her guitar. That would make the perfect escape without drugs.
Grasping her pen, she opened to a blank page. If she began a song by first writing about her passion for the piece, then the lyrics and the music became more focused. Only country music touched her heart, because it mirrored a slice of life that offered honesty and real emotions.
A knock on the door reminded her Meghan was on duty. Lindsay wanted to trust her, but not Ash. He could be one of them. At times she thought Meghan could be working for her father’s enemy too. But those thoughts diminished each time they were together. Dad had hand-selected Meghan, and the knowledge gave her hope.
“I’m busy. Had a rough night. But I’m sure you’ve heard.”
“I need to talk to you. It’s important.” The urgency in Meghan’s voice alarmed her. Could something have happened to Mom, Dad, or Kelli?
She tucked her notebook under the bed. “Come in, but I’m warning you. I’m not in the mood for questions.”
Lindsay knew she looked horrible. The mirror had revealed cavernous pits beneath her eyes, and her pale skin would rival a corpse’s. The shambles in her room matched what had gone through her mind in the wee hours of the morning. The frenzied thoughts were still there.
She wasn’t insane. She was terrified.
Meghan opened the door and smiled. “Sorry about your bad night. This won’t take any longer than necessary.”
“Sounds like you want answers I’m not willing to give.” Lindsay considered a few more colorful words to describe how she felt about being grilled but changed her mind. She wanted to leave that aspect of her life behind.
“More of an FYI.” Meghan leaned against the door. “I hear we’re going riding at nine thirty.”
“Is Chip coming along?”
Meghan shook her head. “No, you’re stuck with me and Ash. However, Chip is a looker and charming, too. But he’s off-limits.”
“Most things in this prison are banned for me. I can look, but I can’t touch. Walk, but not too far. Dream . . . Never mind.” Was Meghan for real? Lindsay pulled her thoughts into check. She was a fool to trust anyone.
“I have three things to tell you.”
“Have you been saving them until my psyche could handle the stress? Because if you have, now is not the right time.”
Meghan opened the blinds, and the sunlight blazed in like a spotlight on a movie set. “I’ve kept a few things from you. Important things, but I think you can handle them.”
She drew in a breath and caught Meghan’s gaze. Desperation had made her vulnerable. Or could Meghan be an answer to a frantic call for help?
Meghan pulled a chair to the bedside. “If what I’m about to tell you is too difficult, then let me know and I’ll stop.”
“Fair enough.” Lindsay heard the sincerity in Meghan’s voice.
“The first item on my list is that a bomb was planted in your car.”
Her pulse quickened. “Anyone hurt?”
“One person killed. Another wounded. Both were residents of your apartment building. The latter will make a full recovery.”
“Any arrests?”
“Not yet, but authorities are working on it.”
Lindsay closed her eyes. The demon had grown bolder. “I should be surprised, but I’m not.”
“Can you tell me anything that would help us bring these people to justice?”
“No. Haven’t a clue. Must be the drug guys.” Grief for those affected by the demon cut through her heart. What was he so desperate for that he’d resorted to murder? Her thoughts spun. She’d kill him herself if she had the chance. Maybe the answer lay there. “Do you have the names of those who . . . got in the way of the bomb?”
“If your father agrees, I’ll pass it on. But I’m sure that was handled.”
“Tell him it’s important. I’d like to send a note or flowers or something.”
Meghan nodded. “I will. The next item is about an armed man who tried to access your parents’ home. He was shot and killed before agents could question him.”
Lindsay swallowed the acid rising in her throat. “What do you know about him?”
“He was a member of a drug cartel in Colombia.”
Lindsay stared at Meghan, hoping she hid the terror. Where else had his power spread?
“What do you know, Lindsay? Please. These people must be stopped.”
“Nothing. The situation is scary. Seems to be getting worse.”
“I agree. The third item on my list is about your father—”
Lindsay whipped her attention to Meghan. “He’s all right, isn’t he? Don’t tell me something has happened to him.”
Meghan touched her shoulder. “He’s fine. As of 9 a.m. eastern time, he was sworn in as president of the United States. President Claredon has resigned due to poor health.”
She held her breath. The cancer must have spread. Does this mean Dad is safe or in more danger than before? “So Daddy is now officially the president of the United States. I’m sure he’s happy, but how sad for President Claredon. His wife is a strong woman, but this has to be . . . hard.” She could easily slip into her infamous sarcasm, but she wasn’t really that callous. “The president has battled cancer for a long time. Sorry he’s losing the fight. The country will see Daddy do a fine job. They’ll vote him in next November.”
“Another reason for you to cooperate with us. We need to bring in those who’ve threatened you, your parents, and bombed your car. Lindsay, we desperately need your help in finding who is behind this.”
She stiffened. “I can’t help you. It’s too dangerous. Besides, the Secret Service has the technology to find those responsible.”
“I know you’re afraid.”
“You don’t know a thing about it, and I am not going to endanger my parents’ lives.”
“They are already in danger. Use your head. A bomb and a man with a gun. How much worse does it have to get?” Control seemed to lace Meghan’s words.
Lindsay wished she had the same strength. Then she could stand up to him. “You’re asking the impossible.”
“I agree those involved with the investigation will eventually find the person or persons involved. But why risk another life? I’ve seen your caring heart, Lindsay. You can’t deny it.”
Lindsay blinked back the tears. Not even Dave or
Carla had gotten this close to the person who lived inside her, the person she longed to be. “Daddy shouldn’t have called the hospital when I slit my wrist. That would have solved the problem.”
“So dying instead of telling the truth makes sense?”
Lindsay trembled and dug her fingernails into her palms. “I’m the one who’s fried her brains, remember? I’m not rational or logical. Nothing I could ever say would be admissible in a court of law. Some fancy lawyer would pull out my records, cite my mental instability, and the case would be dropped.”
“Sounds like you’ve given it a lot of thought.”
“Whatever.” She’d said too much. The nightmares and the resulting panic had shaken loose what sense she had left.
“You’re using your addiction as a crutch.”
“It’s safer there, Meghan. If you’ll leave me alone, I’d like to dress and grab some coffee before we ride.”
For a brief second, sadness spread over Meghan’s face. Lindsay had caused it, just like she’d hurt anyone who had ever expressed caring. Maybe if she pushed hard and long enough, they’d all go away.
Chapter 21
Ash questioned the logic of allowing Lindsay to ride after her traumatic night, but obviously Dave welcomed the diversion. Ash planned to go despite his lack of equestrian skills. The last time he’d ridden took him back about twenty-nine years, when he was six. His parents had taken him to a carnival and plopped him on a pony. He’d fallen off and had no desire to repeat the incident. Meghan had already shown him up on too many occasions, and it was time he demonstrated an SAIC’s abilities. But he’d rather face a half-dozen armed terrorists than fall off a horse in front of the onlooking agents, Chip, Ethan, and Lindsay. He should have attached velcro to the seat of his jeans.
He glanced at a crystal-blue sky. Already the heat was reaching excruciating temperatures. Maybe Dave would think the day too warm for Lindsay’s health and well-being.
Chip led two horses from the stables and handed the reins to Ash. “You and Bob’s mounts are next. I’d like to come along if you don’t mind.”
“I’d love it. I’m ready for a good run.” Lindsay flirted over her shoulder. Definitely on stage. “Did I hear you playing a guitar last night and singing a Kenny Chesney song?”
Chip grinned. “You did. He’s one of my favorites.” He nodded at the terrier. “Named this little fella after him.”
Lindsay patted the dog. “You were fabulous. I thought I was listening to a CD.”
Chip had fallen for her whole setup. “Thanks. I played for Meghan.”
Lindsay pouted. “But not me? I’m jealous, Chip.”
He laughed. “You need the Secret Service’s permission for a concert. I’m only a ranch hand, not the leading source of entertainment.”
Lindsay flashed her blue eyes at Ash. “Aren’t you a country music fan?”
“Don’t think so.” Ash played through the scenario. Chip puzzled him. The doubts about him lingered like a taste of stale coffee. “But I don’t mind a little diversion from the heat and dust.”
“We’ll make it happen soon. Excuse me while I get the other horses. They’re saddled and ready to go.” Chip tipped his hat at Ash. “It’s going to be a scorcher, and the sooner we ride, the better.”
Ethan followed him toward the stables. “And I’ll get your horse, Son, so these folks aren’t delayed.”
Ash sensed Meghan studying him. Did she know he was . . . an inexperienced rider?
“Didn’t know you were a horse lover.”
“Of course. Isn’t every man?” Watch it, buddy, or you’ll eat your words—literally.
Meghan lifted her saddle’s stirrups and pulled on the wide leather strap that slipped under the horse’s belly.
“Don’t you trust Chip to tighten the girth?” Lindsay wiped beads of perspiration from her forehead.
“Remember, I used to barrel race, and I always check the girth.” Meghan finished and lifted the stirrup on Lindsay’s saddle.
Chip led two more horses from the stables. “Meghan, I saddled that horse for Lindsay myself.”
“Old habits are hard to break, but if you’d recheck the girth, I’d feel better.”
“Paranoid, or is this part of your job?” Chip’s tone ebbed toward irritation.
“Both. Took a couple of nasty spills when I was younger. Broke an ankle once.”
Chip handed the reins to Ash and Bob, then turned his attention to Lindsay’s horse. He swore. “What’s going on here? The girth’s been slit.”
Meghan examined it. “And you’d didn’t see this before?”
Chip shook his head. “I swear, when I saddled this horse, it was secure.” He peered at the slashed girth. “That’s fresh, and it’s not quite all the way through.” His gaze bored into Ash’s. “Take a look for yourself. It would have broken in no time.”
Lindsay stepped back. “I—I could have taken a bad fall.”
“Right.” Chip appeared as angry as Ash felt.
Whoever had sabotaged Lindsay’s horse was on the ranch.
“Who was with you this morning?” Ash wanted to grab him by the throat and shake the truth out of him.
“Only me.” Ethan’s voice rose.
“Dad, I can defend myself. After I saddled the horses for Meghan and Lindsay, I left them tied out here while I walked back for a bottle of water. At the time, I didn’t know who else would be riding.”
Chip’s set jaw and open stance gave no indication of lying, unless he was a master at concealing the truth. Ash examined the girth. For now, he needed Chip to believe he wasn’t under suspicion. “I’d like for you to stay here and help me work through this. You could make my job easier.”
“Be glad to.” Chip’s voice held skepticism.
“Bob, Meghan, I want Wade riding with you.” Meghan hurried to the house to find Wade, who’d been on the phone with his pregnant wife.
This had gotten too close on Ash’s watch, and he intended to find out who had set up Lindsay for a fall. And why.
With her hand resting on her SIG, Meghan kept track of every bird that flew, every trace of movement in the pasture, and every hint of a breeze. Wade had his binoculars glued to his eyes, and she and Bob flanked each side of Lindsay, wondering if someone watched them with deadly malice. Even their protectee swung her gaze from side to side.
Six agents staked out the Dancin’ Dust, and someone had played havoc with Lindsay’s saddle. If he’d gotten away with this trick, what would happen next?
Meghan’s conversation with Lindsay replayed in her mind. How could she get her protectee to open up? Whatever she knew was bigger than a disgruntled drug dealer. The crimes of late were connected, including the cut girth. A gut reaction told her someone had bullied a mentally unstable young woman and threatened her. What she didn’t understand was why. The fear in Lindsay’s eyes said it would take lots of persuasion—and trust.
Later she’d discuss it with the team. Lindsay believed her parents were a target if she revealed any information. And that had proved true. Meghan’s hunches had paid off in the past, and she had a few reservations about a couple of those walking the Dancin’ Dust. But without proof, she’d keep her eyes open and her mouth shut.
Chapter 22
Ash had walked into the stable twice in search of any clues about who had sabotaged Lindsay’s saddle. Chip watched, fuming as well, but saying nothing.
“In the house. I have a few questions.” Ash charged his words like a Harley on steroids. He’d get to the bottom of who’d threatened Lindsay’s life, beginning now.
Chip opened his mouth, then clamped it shut. “I’ll go, and I’ll answer your questions. I don’t have anything to hide.” He stomped past Ash toward the ranch house. At the porch steps, he turned to face Ash nose to nose, his features stone hard. “Nothing about you intimidates me. I’ve met worse in boardrooms.”
“You haven’t been up against a Secret Service agent whose protectee’s life has been threatened.”
/> Chip didn’t budge. “If I had anything to do with what just happened, then now is the time I’d be begging for mercy, right?”
“Don’t cross me.”
“You need to understand when a man says he’s innocent.”
“Inside.” Ash would like to do a little old-fashioned grilling and persuade him to confess.
Lindsay. His responsibility. No one would hurt her as long as he breathed.
Once they entered the house, Pepper stepped from the hall leading to the operation room, armed with the vacuum. Ash caught her glare. “Go pick tomatoes or something.”
“I beg your pardon.” She lifted her chin.
“Pepper, this is not a time to make me angry. The cleaning can wait.”
“Go ahead.” Chip stepped between her and Ash. “This is between the SAIC and me.” He walked inside the operation room with Ash behind him.
To think the snake thought he was in charge. Fat chance. “Sit down.”
Chip didn’t budge. “I prefer to stand, unless we’re talking across the table like two civilized men.”
Ash noted the confidence in the man’s eyes. Not a single twitch of treachery in his body. “All right.” He pulled out a chair, and Chip did the same.
“Are you bringing out the waterboarding?”
Ash chuckled. “Depends on how quickly I could get you to a toilet.”
“Try something else. Like figuring out how someone cut the girth while I grabbed a bottle of water and the rest of you were still inside the house? How many minutes do you think elapsed?”
Ash had met Chip’s kind before. Thought they had all the answers when they were hiding the truth. But he didn’t look like he was lying. And he made sense. “I want to know why you slit the girth on Lindsay’s saddle.”
“You can stop the Homeland Security tactics, A2Z.” Chip leaned over the table. “Use your head. Why would I do it when I’d be the only suspect?”
“Because you’re cocky enough to think you’d get away with it. So let’s get to the root of the problem. Who are you taking orders from?”
