Red went to the window. “It looks like Patience and Janie are back.”
“Oh, good. I hope they got everything.”
Steve stopped eating. “What were they supposed to get?”
“You some clothes. Jeans, coat, shirt, boots and a belt with a cowboy buckle. Hmm, I think that was all.”
“You mean I get to wear real clothes? Hallelujah!”
“You’re not going to wear the clothes today. You’ll just try them on and then we’ll wash them so they won’t look so new.”
“Even the boots?”
“No, those you need to wear and scuff them up a little if you can.”
“I’ll go outside and—”
“Absolutely not. You have to stay in the house, remember?” Since the shooting incident, neither of them had gone outside. Jessica had to admit even she was going stir-crazy. But the precaution was necessary. “You’ll get to leave in the morning,” she reminded him.
When the two women arrived at the back door with their arms full, Steve leaped to his feet and took some of the excess packages from them. “Where are we taking these things?” he asked Jessica.
“Right here.” She cleared the table for the packages. “Show us what you bought.”
Patience said, “Sarah said any time we want to have a shopping spree, we’re welcome at her shop.”
“Yes, it was fun. Here, how’s this?” Janie asked, pulling out a light blue shirt with snaps.
“Oh, that’s perfect. It will make his blue eyes show up more.” Jessica held it up to Steve. “What do you think?”
“It’s okay. Why does it have snaps instead of buttons?”
“That’s what a lot of cowboys wear if they don’t have wives to sew on the lost buttons,” Janie teased.
“Oh. Yeah, it’s fine.”
“Here are your boots, Steve. They’re work boots instead of cowboy boots. I hope that’s okay.”
He took them from Patience and sat down to pull them on. “They feel good,” he said, standing up and moving about the kitchen.
“You’ll need to take those off and go try on the jeans with the shirt. If they both fit, we’ll get them in the wash,” Jessica said. Then she opened another sack. “Oh, this is perfect.”
Steve paused, staring at the scrap of denim she pulled out of the bag. “What is that?”
“The skirt I’m going to wear.”
Steve stared at it. “That can’t possibly cover your—” He stopped as he realized everyone in the room was staring at him. “I mean, it’s a little short, isn’t it?”
“I certainly hope so,” Jessica said sweetly, hold ing it to her waist. “I want to attract attention, remember?”
“Yeah, but—”
“Go try on your clothes.” After he left the room, she looked at the two shoppers. “You’ve done well so far. What about the coat?”
“It’s here. Sarah had one that had been returned and it has a few scuff marks on it.” Janie looked at Jessica. “We thought that would be something you’d want. She gave us a discount.”
“Perfect,” Jessica said.
The door opened and Steve came in wearing the stiff jeans and the snap shirt. “These jeans are a little long,” he complained.
“Put on your boots and we’ll show you why,” Jessica assured him.
After staring at her, he did as she said.
“Now, see how your jeans stack? Cowboys like to have their jeans long so they’ll stack on top of the boots.”
“Okay, you’re the authority, but the ends of the jeans will get dirty.”
“We know,” Janie said with a chuckle. “We’re the ones who wash them.”
“Try on this jacket over your clothes,” Jessica said, holding it out for him to slip his arms into it.
“This is nice. And it’s warm. I won’t get cold in this thing.”
“Too bad you can’t wear a cowboy hat,” Jessica said with a sigh.
“Why can’t I?”
“Because it would hide your hair, and I want it to be seen.”
“You’re not still thinking about putting blond tips in my hair?”
“Of course I am. It’s part of your disguise,” she said with a big smile. She turned to Patience and Janie. “Did you talk to Betty Jean?”
“We did,” Janie said. “She’s coming this afternoon. And she agreed to loan you her driver’s license too.”
“We even talked to Howard Hensen,” Patience added. “Mike had already called him. He not only loaned you his license, but he sent you his senior ring and his letter jacket, so everything would be authentic.” She pulled them both out of the last bag.
“That’s wonderful! I was a little worried about using Casey’s. Now the right name is on the jacket. Look, Steve. It’s perfect,” Jessica said in excitement.
“You’re wearing that coat?”
“Yes.” She slipped her arms in it as Patience held it out. “I’ll be warm, too.”
“And since it won’t cover your skirt, so will every man who sees you in it.” Steve didn’t sound happy.
“I hope so,” Jessica replied, still smiling. “Now go change so we can wash these clothes.”
Steve marched out of the room, clearly irritated.
WHEN BETTY JEAN HUNT arrived that afternoon, she carried in a lot of supplies. “I hope I brought everything you need.”
“It looks like you brought the entire shop,” Jessica said with a grin.
Her mother and Aunt Megan had returned from Buffalo a little earlier, and Steve was in one of the bathrooms putting in the blue contacts they’d bought for him.
Among the things they’d bought for Jessica was a push-up bra and a spandex top that would reveal her décolletage. They’d brought a chain that would make Howard’s senior ring fall just where it would emphasize her low neckline.
“Let’s start with me. Steve’s not quite ready yet.”
“Okay, but I’m dying to get a look at him. I’ve heard he’s a hunk.”
Jessica fought back the urge to tell Betty Jean that Steve was her hunk. Instead she said, “Yes, he is.” Then she went into detail about what she wanted done to her hair.
When Betty Jean finished an hour later, Jessica was a blonde with lots of curls, just like her hairdresser.
When she emerged from her bedroom and returned to the kitchen, everyone stared at her.
“I can’t believe it’s you, honey,” Anna said.
Jessica smiled. “It’s me. And it’s only a rinse. It’ll fade away in a few days.” She looked around the room. “Where’s Steve?”
“He’s in the living room walking around in his boots, making sure he’s broken them in.” Red looked at Jessica. “Have you seen the blue contacts?”
“No, I haven’t. Do they look good?”
“Yeah,” Anna said. “It really makes a difference.”
About that time, Steve walked into the kitchen. Jessica waited for him to comment about her hair.
He spoke to Red, almost not noticing her. Then he said, “I don’t think I’ve met— Jess!”
“Hi, blue eyes. How are you doing?”
“Fine.” He kept staring at her hair.
“Betty Jean is ready for you now. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
“Are you sure this is necessary?”
“Oh, yes, Steve, I’m sure. Come on.” Jessica left the kitchen, hoping he’d follow.
In the bedroom where Betty Jean had set up shop, she greeted Steve with an enthusiastic once-over. “Oh, yes, you sure do live up to your billing. Come sit down.”
She stood behind him and ran her hands through his hair. “Now, Jess, you’re sure you want a botched job on his hair? I can make it look good.”
“I know, Betty Jean, but I want it to look like an amateur did it. It’s important for our disguises.”
“How will you get out of here?” Betty Jean asked, avid interest in her voice.
Steve said nothing.
Jessica said, “I’m sorry, Betty Jean, but we can’t talk about it. I’
ll tell you all about it when I get back.”
“He’s not coming back?” Betty Jean asked, looking wistfully at Steve.
“I’m not sure. It’s up to him, but he works in L.A., you know.”
“Mmm, I envy you, Jess, going to Hollywood. Was it wonderful?”
“In some ways. In others, Rawhide beats it by a country mile,” Jessica assured a disbelieving Betty Jean.
Half an hour later, after Betty Jean trimmed his hair slightly and dyed blond tips in it, she then greased it up and spiked it.
“Betty Jean, that is exactly what I wanted. You’ve done an incredible job!” Jessica said. “Look, Steve. You might not recognize yourself, either.”
“No, I wouldn’t,” he replied, looking in the mirror. “Will mine wash out, too?”
“Uh, no, but you can get those tips cut off right away. Your hair probably grows fast,” Betty Jean said, not wanting to upset Steve.
“Don’t worry. He’ll survive because you did such a good job.”
Jessica was eager to get Betty Jean on her way, minus her driver’s license. She still wanted to try on her outfit to see if it worked like she thought it would, but she’d felt she had to keep Steve company while Betty Jean worked on him.
As Betty Jean headed for the door, Jessica encouraged Steve to come to the kitchen with them. “I want everyone to see your hair.”
“I don’t!” he growled.
“Don’t be a spoilsport, Steve. And you really ought to thank Betty Jean.”
“Yeah, thanks, Betty Jean.”
“When you come back I’ll cut them off for you free of charge,” Betty Jean offered. She was definitely flirting with him, Jessica decided. And Steve didn’t seem to mind.
“I might take you up on that offer if I get back here.”
“I won’t forget,” she promised, a big smile on her face.
“I’m sure you won’t,” Jessica muttered under her breath.
“What did you say?” Betty Jean asked.
“I said, you certainly won’t,” she said quickly. “After all, you always had the best memory of anyone I know.”
“That’s true. Well, I’m off. Good luck whenever you go.”
“Thanks,” Steve said.
He hung back, not entering the kitchen until af ter Betty Jean had gone. And not until Jessica prodded him.
Brett Randall was by the table, having a drink. He swallowed hard and shook his head.
“Damn, son, anyone who’d go out looking like that has to be brave. At least now I won’t worry about you.”
But Steve was worried. Very worried.
Jessica’s plan sounded good, looked good on paper, but would some clothes and hair dye be enough to fool some desperate agents?
FROM HIS POSITION HIGH in the tree, Baldwin had a great view of the back door of the ranch house. He’d been there all night, waiting for his opportunity.
But Steve hadn’t reappeared.
He kept his rifle in his hand, ready for a quick shot, if that was all he got. But as the hours passed, he couldn’t help thinking his efforts were futile. He was hungry, tired and he had to pee again. Was Carter even still in there? Was he ever planning to come out, or was he too busy bedding the redhead?
Maybe he should abandon this stakeout. Get in his truck and head back to L.A. He’d call his wife and tell her to meet him at the airport with their passports, money and her jewels. He wouldn’t leave them behind, not after he’d worked so hard to pay for them. In hours they could be on a beach in Mexico, or someplace he’d be safe.
Safe from Miguel?
He scoffed at his own stupidity. No one would ever be safe from Miguel Antonio. His boss would never get off the gravy train of dirty drug deals that made him millions. And Baldwin knew too much for Miguel to let him simply walk away.
As if on cue his cell phone vibrated. Whispering, even though he was way out of earshot of anyone on the ranch, Baldwin said, “Yeah?”
“Is it done?” It was Miguel. Checking up on his progress.
“Not yet. But I know where he’s hiding.” As if that meant anything.
Miguel cursed and his tone became menacing. “I want it done today.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Just in case you lose him again,” he said sarcastically, “I’ve put agents at all the airports in Wyoming and the surrounding states. We’ll get him. We have to. Or we’re all screwed.” Miguel laughed, a dark laugh meant to scare Baldwin. “If we don’t, I’ll get you.”
Miguel succeeded. Baldwin snapped shut his phone. Just as he’d thought, there was only one way for this to end.
He picked up his rifle and lined up the back door of the ranch in his scope, dead center.
It was the perfect shot.
Now all he needed was Steve Carter to emerge.
Chapter Twelve
It was a short night.
The latest they could leave for the airport in Denver was four in the morning.
When Steve stumbled into the kitchen, wearing real clothes for the first time since he’d arrived in Rawhide, his hair lay flat on his head.
“Steve, you didn’t fix your hair,” Jessica said at once.
But he hadn’t heard a word. He was staring at her, his mouth open. He hadn’t seen her in her disguise before. The skirt that he’d seen yesterday rode on her hips and barely covered her rear. And her top was spandex, bright red, dipping low in front.
Steve had no complaints about Jessica’s body. But he hadn’t remembered her being that well-endowed. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Jess, you can’t—You need to put something on!”
“Exactly what I told her!” Brett said.
“But you have to admit it’s distracting, right?” Jessica asked brightly.
His gaze was still on the mounds of her breasts. “That shirt doesn’t even meet with your skirt!”
“And you’re from Los Angeles?” Jessica teased. “Everyone bares their skin there.”
All Steve could do was shake his head.
“I’ve tried talking to her,” Brett said. “All she says is it’s part of your disguise. I expect you to take care of her, Steve. You hear me?”
Anna patted her husband’s arm. “I suspect everyone hears you, dear. Remember some family members are trying to sleep.”
“Red made us some coffee and egg and sausage biscuits for the drive. Are you ready to go?” Jessica asked. “Did you tape the envelope to your chest?”
“Of course. That’s what this trip is all about.”
Brett and Jake stood up from the table. “Okay, we’re going to back out the truck in front of the house. You two come out the front door and get in the back seat and stay low, so you can’t be seen.”
Jess nodded at her father.
Anna hugged her husband goodbye, as did B.J., each warning her husband to be careful. Then they both hugged Jessica and Steve. After the men went outside, Jessica and Steve went to the front door. Beside it was a blanket and a pillow.
“What are those for?” Steve asked.
“Things to make the ride more comfortable for you.”
“I’m not a baby,” Steve growled.
“I know,” Jessica said, picking up the blanket and pillow. They heard the truck and opened the door slightly. The cold air rushed in.
When the truck came into view, Steve and Jessica rushed out into the open door.
As Brett moved it forward, Jake said over his shoulder, “We should be to Tori’s house in about fifteen minutes. When we get there, we’ll pull into the garage. Then we’ll get out and get in Tori’s car.”
They made the ride in silence.
At Tori’s, they switched cars, then drove through Rawhide and headed toward Denver.
“Dad, if we’re stopped, you just tell the cops you’re going to the airport to pick up a part for your computer, and Howie and I asked for a ride since we’re going on vacation. Okay?”
Brett looked at Jake. “You think that’s a possibility?” he asked.
“I don’t know. But it’s best to be prepared. Right, Betty Jean?”
Jessica assumed her life-or-death role. “Right, Mr. Randall.”
Wasting no time, she pulled out from her purse the jar of hair gel Betty Jean had used on Steve and spiked his hair.
Steve capitulated, but he made disgusted sounds that made him resemble a growling dog.
When she had his hair standing on end, she wiped her hands and passed out the breakfast and coffee.
When they’d all finished, Jessica suggested Steve use the pillow to get some sleep.
“Why me? Are you going to sleep?”
“No, but I haven’t sustained a bullet wound recently,” Jessica pointed out.
“I’m fine.”
Jessica frowned at him. He was being difficult and it was going to be a long day. She knew—
They all heard the siren at the same time.
“Looks like you were right, honey,” Brett muttered.
“I always am, Mr. Randall,” she said, emphasizing his name to remind him of their roles.
“Good morning, folks,” the deputy said as soon as Brett rolled down his window after coming to a stop.
“Is there a problem, Officer?” Brett asked.
“I need to see your license and registration, sir.”
Brett handed them out. After he studied them, the officer looked at the others. “Do all of you have identification?” At their nod, he asked, “May I see them, please?”
Brett passed them through the window. “Officer, I’m not trying to be difficult, but what’s going on?”
“We’re looking for a suspect and I’ve been ordered to check all IDs.”
He scanned their licenses. Then he looked at Steve. “Sir, this doesn’t look like you.”
Jessica didn’t wait for Steve to answer.
“Well, it did, but I thought he looked kind of boring. So, for our vacation, I insisted he let me change his hairstyle. Doesn’t he look good? I have a beauty shop in Rawhide. I’ll give you a discount if you come in. You can look like him, too.” Jessica beamed at the deputy.
Brett looked over the back seat. “Yeah, Howie, lean forward and let the man see that special do of yours.” He laughed after he said it.
“It looks really good, Mr. Randall!” Jessica protested.
Randall on the Run Page 12
