by Unknown
She gripped the phone. She ached with missing him, more so than she would have guessed possible. “They’re taking me to dinner again tonight to celebrate. I’ll be home tomorrow.”
“But not to stay. The first of June will come quickly.”
“We’ll still see each other, won’t we?”
“Sure,” he answered lightly and she wondered if June would be a permanent goodbye between them. That notion hurt, too.
“I’ll meet you when you get in and then we’ll drive back to the Double T and have our own celebration.”
“I’ll be counting the minutes,” she said, realizing she would like to go home now and be in his arms tonight.
“What’s been happening?” she asked. “Anything on the killer?”
“No. Just the usual routine. Nothing at all. Maybe he gave up.”
“You don’t believe that,” she said.
“No, I don’t. I’m just surrounded with protection and he knows it.”
“So are you at an impasse? And if so, how’ll you change it?”
“I don’t know what’s in the killer’s mind. If I were after somebody, I’d pull back for a while. The Agency guys will have to go back to Washington before long. They can’t afford to keep them baby-sitting me and this case.”
“It’s an important one, Colin. If this is a double agent, I’d think they’d want to keep those two guys—or at least one of them—here until this is solved. You know the killer is out there.”
“I know it. What are you wearing?” he asked, taking the conversation on a more personal track.
She held the phone and talked, mentally seeing Colin and aching with longing to be with him.
Colin, who had stretched out on their bed while he’d talked, didn’t want to break the connection. But eventually they did, so Isabella could change, order lunch and call him back. They talked for another couple of hours, but when Colin said he could see Boone headed toward the guest house, they hung up.
That night as soon as she returned to the hotel from her dinner engagement, she called him back and they talked until half past four in the morning.
“Do you know how late it is and how long we’ve talked?”
“It’s late,” he said, glancing at his watch. “I don’t want to break the connection. I miss you like hell.”
“I miss you, too,” she said. “I’ve been thinking about it. Don’t meet me when I get in. I’ll stop by my office to pick up some things and then I’ll come out to the ranch. I don’t want you out like that. The airport seems a dangerous place because it’s filled with strangers and lots of area you can’t watch.”
“I can’t hide in the house,” Colin protested.
“Humor me on this one. I should get to the Double T about five o’clock and then we can celebrate. Please, Colin. That really made me nervous when you saw me off.”
“Okay, sweetie. Whatever pleases you, pleases me. At least most of the time.”
“We’ll see how much we can please each other tomorrow,” she purred in the phone.
“Isabella, damn, I want you.” He ground out the words in a husky voice.
“I want you, too. ’Night, Colin.”
The receiver clicked and he hung up the phone. He missed her. He wanted her in his arms every night.
He knew he had to let her go. Right now, he didn’t know whether he would survive until June. If they caught the killer, Colin had thought about staying in Stallion Pass where his friends were. He had considered Mike’s offer to go into business with him.
It was a business that appealed to him. Was he in love with Isabella or was this just reaction from being on the rebound?
It didn’t matter. She wasn’t coming back to Texas and she wasn’t in love.
He was tempted when Isabella left in May to just disappear one night. He was getting tired of this killer cat-and mouse game. He knew he owed it to the Agency, to himself, as well as to the lives of other good men to stay and try to lure the man into making a mistake.
He’d wait, but not for years. If they didn’t catch the killer in another few months, then he was going to disappear one dark night, leaving Stallion Pass the way he had come, and go ahead with what he had originally planned when he’d first arrived.
As long as the killer was alive and free, Colin knew his life wasn’t safe. But there were remote places in the world where he could have a good life and no one would bother to come after him. He didn’t want to constantly look over his shoulder.
He thought about Isabella and he missed her. He would have to let her go, both because of his life and because of what she wanted for her life.
Every time he thought about telling her goodbye permanently, he didn’t like the idea. It was inevitable, but it didn’t make him happy.
He made a mental note to order flowers first thing in the morning and he planned what he would cook for dinner to surprise her. He would pick up a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate.
He didn’t want to tell her goodbye. It was dawn after a sleepless night that he came to the decision that he didn’t want her out of his life.
He had all the money he could ever need now. He didn’t have to live in Stallion Pass. He could move to New York, find something to do there. The instant he thought of that, his heart thudded. Was he in love with her?
He had to admit that he was. He wanted her always.
Was this just a rebound thing? Going from one woman to another to wipe out the pain of the first?
He didn’t think it was. Isabella was special. Unique. Sexy. In his blood.
The minute he came to the conclusion and faced the fact how strongly he felt about her, he wanted to ask her to marry him.
Would she marry him if he moved to New York? He suspected she would not. But he was going to ask and see what she said. The minute he made that decision, he climbed out of bed. He wanted to get her a ring to give her when she got back to Texas.
His heart thudded in eagerness. At the same time, he told himself to not be shocked if she turned him down.
Even if she did say no, he could move to New York and they could continue to date and maybe in the future he would win her over.
His pulse raced at the notion and he felt better than he had from the minute she had told him about the job offer.
He glanced at the clock and decided to drive into San Antonio to try to find a ring for her. Tonight she was coming home.
He would have to let Boone know that the deal on the house was off, but he would have to wait until Boone was awake. It was too early to call.
Colin headed for the shower, expectation and hope filling him as he counted the hours until she would be home again.
At nine o’clock, dressed in slacks and a green-and-white sport shirt, Colin stopped by Boone’s house before leaving the ranch to drive to San Antonio. He knocked on the back door.
Boone opened the door and told Colin to come inside.
“Erin’s sleeping in. She didn’t sleep well last night and now she’s catching up,” Boone said, pouring a cup of coffee for Colin.
“Isabella will be home tonight.”
“I know. I’m sending one of the guys to pick her up. She definitely doesn’t want you to risk going to the airport—I agree with her. You’d be in a crowd of strangers and a lot harder to protect.”
Colin sat at the table and Boone offered him toast or a bagel, but Colin shook his head. “I ate. Thanks, anyway. Boone, I’m going to back out of the deal for Isabella’s house.”
“Sure. It’s early enough that it doesn’t matter and she can unload that property and probably for a profit. That area gets more valuable every day that passes. Don’t worry about it.” Boone tilted his head to study his friend.
“Did you decide to do something else besides staying in Stallion Pass?”
“Yes, I did,” Colin said, running his finger around the blue ceramic rim of his coffee cup. “I think I’ll see what kind of work I can find in New York.” When Boone didn’t answer, Colin looked up
to face his friend squarely.
“I don’t want to see either one of you hurt,” Boone said. “Just remember that Izzie is not going to marry. She isn’t the marrying type. Don’t change the plans for your future because of my sister. If you do, you’ll just get another heartbreak.”
“I want to keep dating. We won’t if I stay in Texas and she’s in New York. That’s too far and after this year she may travel to the four corners of the earth.”
“True. You just watch your heart. Izzie’s like the Tin Man. She doesn’t have one.”
“I think the Tin Man turned out to be a guy with a pretty big heart. Isabella may have more of one than you think.”
“You’re warned, buddy. You got over a woman before, so you’ll get over this one, but I’m just telling you, don’t expect much from Izzie.”
“I’m going to San Antonio. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Sure. Watch your back. You won’t let any of us watch you.”
“You’re doing a great job. Just keep tailing the guy who’s off duty.”
“I hope to hell Brett is back there watching you.”
“He checks in occasionally—in sort of a roundabout way—a note left in only a place I’d find it. He’s back there behind me somewhere.”
“I hope.”
Colin told Boone goodbye and climbed into his car to head for the highway.
In San Antonio, he looked at dazzling rings and finally made a selection for Isabella.
As he made plans to meet Mike for lunch, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. It could just be nerves or it could be because Brett was back there somewhere, but Colin had been in too many tight situations and he knew his survival instincts were sound.
The minute he entered the restaurant where he was to meet Mike, he stepped to one side to look out the window. He watched the street, unable to see anything unusual or to spot anyone who seemed to be watching the door of the restaurant or headed toward it.
Then he saw Mike approach. Still watching, Colin gave it up when Mike entered the restaurant and turned to greet his friend.
That afternoon Colin stood in the house at the Double T and looked at the champagne on ice, another huge bouquet of red roses. Steaks were ready to grill and he had rose petals strewn on the bed and a welcoming large stuffed bear he had bought for Isabella. He had propped a sign in the bear’s paws that read I Love You.
It surprised him to realize that he loved her, but he knew he did. All the time he had thought he was doing such a good job of guarding his heart, she had stolen it away. Not deliberately though. He knew that was never what she had intended.
She had brought him back to life and then taken his heart from him. A fair enough swap, he thought, his eagerness to see her climbing.
The phone rang and he glanced at his watch. It was too early for her to be in, but maybe she was calling from the plane. He yanked up the phone and said hello.
Disappointment replaced his eagerness when he heard Boone.
“Colin, be careful. They found Tyler thirty minutes ago. He was stabbed to death in his hotel room.”
Chapter 14
C oldness poured over Colin as he gripped the phone. “Who found him and what do you know?”
“A maid. The police are there. Peter was contacted and he called to let us know. You’ll hear from him soon, but just be careful. Want me to come over?”
“No. Does Brett know?”
“I don’t know about Brett. You’re the only contact that man must have here. They’ve probably let Washington know by now and I’d think Washington would let Brett know.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Make sure Isabella is safe.”
“I’ve called Scotty, one of our cowboys, who’s picking her up. He carries a pistol.”
“Dammit,” Colin said, raking his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“Jonah had been following Tyler and knew he was at the hotel. He waited downstairs where he could watch for Tyler to come and go. He didn’t see anything suspicious. Jonah let me know before the police arrived.”
“Where’s Jonah now?”
“He’s still hanging around with the lawmen just in case he picks up any information. Our friend Peter may be in a lot of danger, too. As much as you are. You be careful and I’ll keep you posted,” Boone said.
“Thanks, Boone.”
Colin replaced the receiver and looked out the window. The sun was shining. It was a beautiful April day and didn’t look like a day for murder or dark deeds. Brett was out there, watching the house. Where was the killer now?
Colin walked through the house, checking locks and alarms, looking out the windows. Nothing looked out of place or alarming.
He returned to the kitchen. He had the table set for two. He’d bought candlesticks and candles and had fresh roses on the table in addition to the bouquet for Isabella.
He glanced at his watch. Her plane should have landed and she should be home within the hour. His pulse speeded at the thought. He slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling the small black-velvet box that held the ring he had bought for her.
“Come home, Isabella,” he whispered. He crossed the room to put on music, turning it low.
The phone rang and he rushed to pick it up.
“Colin, I’m on my way,” Isabella said.
“I can’t wait for you to get here. You’ve heard about Tyler?”
“Boone called to tell me. I’m so sorry that happened. I don’t want you to take a step out of the house tonight.”
“I’m all right. You just hurry home. I have dinner and champagne and I want you in my arms.”
“We’re hurrying. See you soon.” She broke the connection and he hung up.
He made another survey of the house, checking it over. Everything was quiet and peaceful, the house secure. He glanced at his watch again. She would be here soon. He couldn’t wait to see her and wanted to dance a jig that she was finally coming home. At the front of the house he paused to gaze outside, his thoughts going back to the night of the blast.
The scene played out in his mind once again. He could remember freeing the hostage and then his brief confrontation with the ringleader.
As he recalled these images, more details came to mind. The images fell together and the last puzzle pieces clicked into place. He knew who the killer was.
Now he had to get to Mike and warn him.
Chapter 15
C olin was heading for the phone when Peter stepped in from the adjoining living room.
Colin froze.
Peter held a gun in his hand and it was aimed at Colin.
“I was just going to call and warn the others,” Colin said. “The memories finally came back.” A burning rage filled him when he thought of all he had gone through and the lives that had been lost because of the perfidy of the man.
“I knew the day would come when you would remember. Yes, I’m your spy. You should have died in that explosion five years ago. How much simpler it would have been.”
“How could you?” Colin asked, realizing Isabella was on her way home. Scotty would let her out and not come in with her. She only had two small carry-ons.
Where was Brett? With a sinking feeling, Colin knew Brett probably didn’t have a suspicion of anything happening; his friends had been following Tyler, not Peter.
“I could because I’ll earn more wealth than you inherited. Soon I’ll be gone,” Peter said. He was in tan slacks and a brown knit shirt and Colin saw the gun had a silencer.
“It’s a standard line to say you can’t get away with it.”
“Oh, yes, I can. I got in here without your shadow, Brett Hamilton, knowing, or any of your friends. Besides, now with Tyler out of the way, I’ll be the one who is supposed to tail you.”
“Why did you kill Tyler?”
“He discovered my plane ticket that I carry in case I need it. It’s to leave the country. We got into an argument. I knew he was suspicious and would try to contact General Kowal
ski. I couldn’t risk that at all.”
“You’re scum, Fremont.”
“I don’t care what you think. After I kill you, I’ll get back to one of the barns and then give a false description of the man I saw running from your house, sending everyone off on a wild-goose chase.”
“I’m surprised Brett didn’t see you come into the house.”
“Your man is very good, but I happen to know where he is today and he can only be in one place at a time. He’s seen me, but it was when I came on duty. He’ll see me again, but he’ll be like the others and think I was following you as I’m scheduled to do, watching the house from the barn. Your guys are gone because of Tyler’s death.”
“Get this over with, Peter. Isabella is coming and I don’t want her to walk in on us.”
“On the contrary. They will think you killed her in a fit of passion and then committed suicide because she’s the second love to leave you—” He bit off his words as a car stopped outside.
Colin’s mind raced as he gauged the distance to try to jump Peter. Colin didn’t want Isabella to come into the house. “That’s ridiculous,” Colin said, trying to keep Peter talking and distracted as much as possible, wanting to yell to Isabella the moment he heard her enter the kitchen.
He heard the key turn and he watched Peter, ready to jump him because he didn’t want Isabella hurt. He opened his mouth to yell but before he could, she screamed, a blood-curdling, ear-piercing cry that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
As her scream filled the air, Colin, who had been watching Peter, saw him glance at the kitchen.
The moment Peter took his eyes from him, Colin leaped behind the sofa and yelled at Isabella, “Get out! Get out of here, Isabella!”
Peter fired at Colin and Colin felt a hot sting graze his arm. As he whipped out his own pistol, he heard Peter run from the room.
Terrified for Isabella’s safety, Colin vaulted the sofa and raced after Peter.
When he dashed outside, he took in everything at once. The gate was open, the dogs running loose and barking. Colin saw Isabella, cell phone in hand, sliding behind the wheel of her car. She dropped the phone to start the engine and started to yank the door closed.
