by Robin Perini
“We don’t have the details. Not yet. Zane’s working the issue.” Léon met Courtney’s gaze. “We’re headed back east to see your father. We think we might get answers more quickly in person. And Zane can dive into his computers.”
“I should come with you,” Courtney said. “He’ll talk to me.”
Jared shot to his feet. “No way. The guy murdered an ex-Marine in New York. You’re not going anywhere near that place.”
“I agree,” Léon said. “I don’t even want you to call him. I’d like to see his face when I ask the question. Once we correlate the money to something specific, we’ll be able to narrow down the list of suspects. We won’t be shooting blind in our protection.”
“I didn’t tell him what was happening. The note warned me.”
“You may have saved his life. Joe Botelli had opened a file on your father. That could be why he was eliminated.”
Stunned was too limp a word to describe Courtney’s emotions. “What about you and your team? Will you be putting yourselves at risk if you talk to my father?”
“That’s our job. And we’re better than good at it.” Léon’s expression turned cold and dangerous.
“Keep us in the loop, Léon,” Jared said.
“And you keep your guard up,” the operative warned. “You never know who the guy could hire, but my gut tells me this is personal and specific. That makes him less predictable than I’d like. We’ll know more when we speak with Mr. Jamison.”
“We need the answer soon,” Jared said, and placed his hand on Courtney’s and squeezed.
“There is one more wrinkle I should bring up,” Léon said. “I left this one for last.”
Despite Jared’s reassuring touch, Courtney gripped her pants leg with a fist to shove down the foreboding rising inside her. “What is it?”
“The cops found your nanny’s body, and they have your fingerprints in her blood. They’ve put out a BOLO on you and named you a person of interest in her death.”
Chapter Seven
Today marked the second day Jared hadn’t taken Mulligan for a long gallop across the ranch. He might not be able to take the quarter horse as far as usual, but with the cameras and perimeter alarms in place, he could at least stretch their legs with a walk around the paddock.
The ranch house’s walls started closing in on Jared. He was going stir-crazy. He wasn’t meant to be inside all day long. If he’d ever wondered how he’d do with a city job, he had his answer.
At just after noon his phone pinged a text message. The last of the alarms were in place. Thank goodness. He picked up his tablet to view the new camera angles CTC had installed. He tapped through the live images a half-dozen times. He didn’t see anything out of place.
Unlike his study.
Jared had to smile at the chaos. Dylan had littered the floor of the study with toys. Courtney lay on her stomach playing with him. They were in a holding pattern at the moment. After CTC’s preliminary investigation, Jared was more convinced than ever Courtney’s father was the key to the ransom demand.
They should know more soon. CTC’s private plane had landed in New York and they were on their way to see Edward Jamison.
“Okay, I’ve had it,” Jared said. He snagged his son into his arms. “How about you and I go outside?”
Courtney looked up at them. “Outside?”
“The alarms and cameras are up. There’s nowhere the blackmailer can hide. The guards are on duty. Dylan and I are going down to the barn to look at the animals. We’ll stay close.”
The baby tilted his head and threw his arms around Jared’s neck.
His chest tightened at his son’s response. Dylan didn’t have any pretense. He was so refreshing.
“Would you like to come?” he asked Courtney.
“I have to get something from the bedroom. I’ll meet you down there.”
Jared hesitated, but she gave him an encouraging smile. He could see what she was doing. She wanted him to bond with his son. Well, it had taken all of a smile for Jared to want more than anything to throw all caution aside and give the baby the world.
Every moment he was around Dylan he fought against those instincts. So what was he thinking spending more time with the child? He could blame cabin fever. Why not? It was better than the truth. That he wanted to get to know his son, his quirks, his sense of humor, what made him laugh and cry, what made him angry.
“This may be a big mistake, Dylan, but we’re doing it anyway.” He strode out of the study and out the front door.
The porch stretched to either side. Jared walked to the corner of the house. The men walking guard duty appeared shocked to see him with a baby in hand. Well, they’d have to get used to it. Until this was over. Tim was brave enough—or young enough—to approach Jared. His arm was in a soft cast. He smiled at the baby.
“Cute kid.”
“How you doing?”
Tim shrugged. “Angel Maker just clipped me. I’m fine.”
“You’re not on pain meds are you? You need to be alert with that rifle at your side.”
“Just some ibuprofen. I swear.”
Jared nodded. “You see anything unusual?”
“Except for the bull going AWOL?”
“Except for that.”
Tim shook his head. “It’s been real quiet. Everyone’s on guard, Mr. King. Nobody wants nothing to happen to your boy and your lady.”
His lady. The words made his gut ache, but he forced a smile. “Get back to your post. The kid and I are going to explore a little. See if you can’t find time to walk Mulligan a bit sometime today.”
With a half-baked salute, Tim rushed over to the other side of the house.
“It’s hard to find good help, Dylan. When I was about twelve, I thought I’d be running this place with my best friend, but he didn’t love it like I did. He likes computers. Frankly, I’d recommend following Derek’s lead. That’s where the money is. Unless you happen to get lucky and a few dinosaurs died a million years ago under the dirt.”
Jared stepped onto the road and walked toward the barn and stables.
“This is my ranch, son.” Jared swallowed past the thickness in his throat. His legacy. “The Last Chance Ranch, because it was my ancestors’ last chance at redemption for a few too many wild adventures. The Kings have been here for six generations. Mostly causing trouble. You’re too young to hear those stories. Maybe someday.”
Dylan tilted his head and patted Jared’s cheek. He rubbed against the stubble and giggled before stretching out to try to grab Jared’s Stetson.
“You’re a cowboy at heart, aren’t you, little guy?”
Jared’s heart filled with pride. He’d never dreamed he’d be here, with his son. Courtney had given him an unimaginable gift. He leaned low and nuzzled Dylan’s cheek. “I love you,” he whispered softly. “You may not remember, but I always will.”
He reshuffled his son and together they headed toward Angel Maker’s pen. The gate had been fixed and reinforced. The bull Angel Maker snorted his red eyes staring down the baby. Dylan’s gaze grew wide. He reached out a hand.
“Oh no you don’t, my boy. He’s dangerous. You can’t go near any of the animals without me or your mama or Roscoe or Velma, but Angel Maker in particular. He might be a mean one, but his genetic material is going to create some excellent stock. You know what, kid, maybe someday I’ll take you to the rodeo...”
Jared’s voice petered off. That wasn’t going to be happening, not once he sent Dylan and his mother back to New York. For their own safety. Until Alyssa’s killer was caught, Jared wouldn’t take the risk.
The idea made his gut ache. He shook off the feeling and pushed through the double doors on the horse barn. “See all that hay. That’s what horses eat.”
Jared chuckled. He didn’t know exactly what Dylan understood but that lo
ok on his son’s face made him wonder if he wasn’t horrified at the idea of eating straw.
“I’ll give you a hint. Velma’s cookies are way better than a horse’s diet.”
He walked down a row of stables. “Let’s go see Mulligan. He’ll like you.” He walked across the hay to the stall where his favorite mount chomped on feed. Jared pulled out a carrot from the barn stash. Dylan reached for it.
“I don’t know if you can eat this, little guy. I’m pretty sure I’d have to turn it into mush, but it’s one of Mulligan’s favorites.”
Those big brown eyes blinked, then the beast looked away.
“Unless he’s pouting.” Jared reached over the gate to pat the horse. “I know, boy. It’s been too long since your ride, and we can’t go today. So how about that carrot?”
The horse didn’t reach for it. Jared shrugged. “I could take it away.”
He left his hand open and Mulligan chomped down the vegetable. “I thought so.”
He patted the animal’s neck.
“Okay, boy. Be still. We have a visitor.” He shifted Dylan in his arms. “Son, this is Mulligan. He’s my horse.”
Jared gently guided Dylan’s hand to the horse’s soft nose. His son’s mouth opened in awe and he patted the animal’s fur, then turned a bright grin on his father. “I thought you’d like him.”
The baby squirmed in Jared’s arms. “You want down? Sorry. Not in here. Not until you’re older.”
Dylan screwed up his face.
“Don’t give me that. How about we go see the tractor.”
Jared exited the barn and rounded the building. A large green tractor was parked, waiting for a rider. He eyed one of the CTC guards and sent him a questioning glance. The man sent him a go-ahead signal so Jared climbed up and sat in the seat. “We’re high up here, aren’t we?”
Dylan rubbed his eyes and buried his head against Jared’s chest. “Are you shy? Did I scare you?”
Had he done something wrong?
“He’s just sleepy,” Courtney’s voice said from down below them. Tim had followed her, and Jared gave him an appreciative nod before the young man returned to his patrol.
She was gazing at him with an expression he didn’t want to recognize. They both had to be careful. They shared one night and a child. Emotions and feelings had ruled one night. They both needed to keep their heads on straight for now.
“You’re very good with him.”
“Kids and ranches go together. There’s nothing hard about it.”
Dylan blinked and reached his arms down to his mother. She smiled. “You ready for a nap, Jelly Bean?”
The baby frowned, but Courtney simply chuckled. “I think you are.”
Jared climbed down from the tractor and handed his son to her, leaving him empty. And not only his arms.
“I want to try to keep him on his normal schedule as much as possible,” she said. “Even though nothing about right now is normal.” They made their way into the house.
“I understand. But I’m still your shadow. For now at least.”
“Are you sure? I’m feeding him again.”
Jared’s gulp echoed through the air. Courtney bit back a grin. They returned to the house to the bedroom and she settled in the rocking chair. Jared took his place just outside the door, but looked away when she nestled Dylan to her breast. She covered them both with a blanket and eased back and forth.
“See-saw, rocky-daw,” she hummed softly.
Jared peeked out of the corner of his eye. She toyed with the hair falling on Dylan’s forehead. Jared had never really considered the intimate relationship between mother and child. Even if he were part of their life, he could never have the kind of relationship Courtney had with Dylan. Their bond excluded him. Did other fathers feel the same way?
She swayed to and fro, her eyes closed. At least she felt comfortable enough to relax. The discoloration beneath her eyes revealed her need for sleep. The last couple days had been tough.
Her eyes opened and she met his gaze. “He’s asleep.” She fiddled with her clothes under the blanket and removed it. His son’s eyes were closed, his small mouth slightly open in sleep.
“You’re exhausted,” Jared said, stepping into the room. “I know you didn’t sleep much last night. You should get some rest.”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable.” She rose and lay Dylan in the crib.
Jared held his breath. If he’d learned one thing in the last twenty-four hours it was that Dylan could go from sleep to awake in a split second. The baby shifted a few times, nestling down into his blanket, then finally settled on the mattress with the fuzzy blue bull clutched in one hand.
Courtney sighed in relief. “Another cup of coffee will hit the spot.”
She veered toward him and Jared reached out his hand, stopping her. They faced each other and he couldn’t breathe. Her eyes softened and melted his heart.
“You’re an amazing mother,” he said. “Dylan’s a wonderful little boy.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.”
“You fooled me, because I don’t see how you could have done better with him.” Jared tucked her hair behind her ear, just as he had that night. “The night we met, you said you longed for something permanent in your life, that wouldn’t be disposable.”
“And I got Dylan.” She frowned. “I can’t lose him, Jared.”
“We’re safe enough for now. Take a nap.”
“I can’t. What if I fall asleep and something happens?” She swiped at her eyes. “What’s wrong with me? I’m not usually this weepy and I’ve been like a faucet since I arrived.”
“No sleep and stress will do it every time. Believe me, I know. Lean on me. That’s why I’m here.” Jared pulled her into his arms and held her close. She rested her head against his chest. “Come to bed. I’ll watch over you both.”
She gripped his shirt tight and he walked her backward toward the bed. She let him push her onto the mattress. He knelt in front of her and pulled off her ballet flats.
“If you hang around much longer, we need to get you some boots.” Jared rotated her legs on the bed and stared down at her.
She gripped his hand. “Stay with me.” Her eyes were pleading and vulnerable. “I can’t do this alone, Jared. I know you’re trying to protect us from your past, but right now the present is scary enough. Can’t we deal with one crazy person at a time?”
Her words didn’t allay his fears, only reminded him of the threats. “I don’t want you hurt, Courtney.”
“Me, either. So, stay with me. Just for today. I’m tired of being alone in this, Jared. I need you.”
The three words twisted his heart. He sat on the bed and pulled off his boots, shifting until he lay beside her. He pulled her back against him and lifted the quilt over them.
They lay spooned, facing the crib so he could watch over Dylan.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
The room went silent save for their breathing. The heat between their bodies cocooned Jared in warmth. If someone weren’t trying to destroy everything around him he would have said he was experiencing a slice of heaven.
He didn’t know how long they lay there together, but he knew she hadn’t drifted off to sleep. Her breathing hadn’t fallen into that deep, regular pattern.
“The noises here are so different from New York,” she whispered.
“No traffic, no horns, no impatience.”
“I hear some muffled shouts and a bit of puttering around the house, but it’s so quiet.”
“Is that good or bad?” Jared whispered in her ear, trying to keep himself from nuzzling her neck. All he’d have to do would be to turn her toward him and he could kiss her. He didn’t think she’d say no.
“I’m used to blocking out noise. It’s hard to f
all asleep without it.”
As if she’d read his mind she turned in his arms. “I can’t fall asleep,” she said, staring at his lips. “My mind keeps dwelling on horrible possibilities.”
She placed her hand on his cheek. “I want to forget, Jared. Just for a few minutes. Can you help me forget?”
* * *
HER ENTIRE BODY TREMBLING, Courtney clutched his shirt. Would he pull away from her? Her stomach flipped with nerves. What had she been thinking? Could she laugh it off, blame her insane offer on lack of sleep?
“Courtney. Look at me,” Jared said, his voice low and deep.
She forced herself to raise her head and meet his gaze. His eyes had darkened with intensity. He turned her hand over and kissed her palm, lightly, gently.
Her heart thudded in response.
“Does that help you forget?” he asked with an infinitesimal smile in his voice.
“No,” she said breathlessly.
His lips touched the top of her head. “How about now?”
“Not yet.”
He shifted his weight and her head rested against his shoulder. His ran his lips along her temple. “Now?”
Courtney closed her eyes, leaning into him. The pine scent of his soap intoxicated her. “No. Please.”
His finger tilted her chin up and he kissed her cheek, moving along her skin until he came ever so close to the corner of her mouth.
“Jared,” she groaned.
He pulled back and stared deeply into her eyes. His callused hand toyed with her hair. “It’s like spun gold,” he said quietly. “Almost unreal.”
His fingertips followed the line of her cheek to her throat. Courtney held her breath, anticipating his next touch, terrified he would stop, that he would allow her to think again.
He simply stared at her, silent. Her body trembled in anticipation. He touched her lip with his thumb tugging gently, then traced her mouth, teasing the sensitive nerve endings until she wanted to scream.
“Please,” she breathed. “Please kiss me.”
“I dreamed of you,” he whispered. “Too many nights.”
“Me, too. Sometimes I didn’t think it was real.”
