Ranger Guardian

by Angi Morgan

  “It might be better—”

  “I need you to promise me something, dear.”

  “I promise I won’t do anything stupid.” Used to this promise, Kendall said it without thinking much about it. Her mother required it every week or so. Did it matter that this time she didn’t believe that anything would truly keep her out of harm’s way tonight?

  “No, dear. I need you to promise that when you bring my granddaughter back to me, you’ll finally restrict that man’s visitation to supervisory visits only.”

  She could only stare at her mother.

  What?

  Helpless. Stunned. She couldn’t think of words. Her daughter had been taken in order to draw her out without a fight. She might not ever see her baby again. Might not see anyone again for that matter. The demand from her mother struck her as ridiculous.

  “I don’t understand, Mother.”

  Naomi Barlow perched on the edge of the chair, prime and proper with her hands on her knees. “You can’t trust that man. This would never have happened if Skylar Dawn had been here, where she belonged.”

  “They would have taken her from day care or even here. There’s no telling how many additional people would have been hurt if that had happened. This is not Heath’s fault. How can you blame him?”

  “He comes and goes as he pleases.”

  “It’s his house.”

  “I know he spent last night in this room and not the guest room.”

  “This is not the time, Mother.”

  “He took our girl without even telling you where he was going, disrupting her routine.”

  “Getting her dirty?” The deep voice came from the doorway.

  Kendall sent a look telling him to cool it. But she didn’t blame him. A lot had happened. Just a few days earlier, her mother hadn’t allowed him to say good-night to his daughter. And before they could bring their baby home Naomi wanted her to commit to what? A divorce?

  Heath did a one-eighty and left. She wanted to follow, but enough was enough.

  “Heath is my husband, Mother. He’s the father of my child. If anything happens to me tonight, he has the right to limit your involvement in Skylar Dawn’s life. And frankly, I wouldn’t blame him. I can’t believe you could even think about cutting him out of our lives. How could you?” She headed for the door, but her mother’s sobbing stopped her.

  “Oh my goodness. I... This can’t be happening. It just can’t be happening.” Her mother cried for real now.

  “But it is, Mom. It’s not Heath’s fault. There were six men attacking him. He could have been killed.” She lowered her voice, almost choking to get the words out. “I... I thought he was dead. I would never have forgiven myself.”

  She turned quickly to hide the tears. Her gaze fixed on her engagement ring. She’d never planned to marry. Everything about her life had been about joining the FBI. As a little kid, she’d always thought she’d find her father. She’d quickly outgrown that idea as she went through high school and college, each course chosen as a precursor to joining the academy. Every extracurricular activity was carefully chosen for the same reason.

  She’d run cross-country for stamina. Even been on the college wrestling team. She’d been in such control of her future, securing the job with the FBI. Then she’d met Heath, and everything had changed.

  No more rigid control. Instead, there was joy. Fun. He made her laugh. He made her live. When Skylar Dawn had joined them, she couldn’t imagine anything that might be missing. And now...

  “If something happens to her, life won’t be possible.”

  “It’ll be okay, dear.” Her mother gently patted her back. “I shouldn’t have said anything, but I know you’ll bring our darling girl home safe and sound.”

  “You don’t know that,” Kendall whispered.

  She’d been in such control of her future, of her life. Now she was helpless. Absolutely helpless.

  Facing her mother, she closed her eyes for a second to strengthen her resolve. Now wasn’t the time, but her mother had pushed the issue. When she looked at her mom again, Naomi was crying.

  It was totally unexpected. Her mother didn’t cry. Not real tears. She sniffed, stayed stoic and normally didn’t show emotion.

  “Mother, what’s the real reason Dad left?”

  Naomi looked taken off guard. “I don’t believe that’s any of your business. Especially right now.”

  Kendall didn’t want to tell her why the thought had popped into her head. Or that she’d known there would never be an answer. It had been a foolish thirteen-year-old’s dream to find him. That hope had long been abandoned.

  At first she’d blamed herself, but soon her disappointment had shifted to acceptance. Heath had once asked her why she tolerated so much from her mother. Kendall had never pinpointed the answer until right that minute.

  Without her and Skylar Dawn, her mother was alone.

  Sitting here, listening to her hatred of Heath... Kendall couldn’t take it anymore. No matter what happened, he’d always be Skylar Dawn’s daddy. Clearly upset, her mother sniffed then patted her eyes with the tissue again.

  “I... I’m sorry, Mother. I really do appreciate all the help you’ve given us—”

  “That’s what I’m here for, dear.”

  “Let me finish.” She took her mother’s hand between her own. “Because of your anger and bitterness, I almost threw out the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  “That’s not true. He left. He walked out on you. And now—”

  “I’m sure Heath’s going to get your granddaughter back home safely. Like I said...if anything happens to me, Skylar Dawn is his daughter. You might want to rethink how you treat him. I know I am.”

  “Even if he runs to his mother when things get rough?”

  “What are you talking about? Are you saying that you overheard him talking to his mother about us? About our problems?”

  “I told you that, dear.” The tears were gone as if they’d been calculated the entire time.

  She wouldn’t have gone that far. Would she? Had she deliberately said the one thing she’d confided that hurt Kendall the most? All these months she’d believed Heath had been confiding in another Ranger and shared their problems with the world instead of her.

  “Fair warning, Mother. Things will be changing around here when this is all done. You should begin getting used to that idea.”

  “It’s time to get ready,” Heath said from down the hall. “Slate’s on his way.”

  * * *

  HEATH TAPPED ON their bedroom door, slipped inside and retrieved his suit. Kendall had been right. It wasn’t the time to talk. But there would be a discussion when Skylar Dawn came home.

  First and most importantly, his focus had to be on his daughter. The kidnapper said he’d have to choose between them. He’d spent the last three hours staring at the ceiling, his head throbbing, his side screaming that he shouldn’t move. His mind was caught in a loop that there was no choice.

  No man could choose between his wife or daughter.

  Maybe it would be easier to think about his mother-in-law problem? But that didn’t take much thinking. Naomi Barlow didn’t believe he was good enough for her daughter. A simple cowboy from a failing Southwest Texas ranch would never be good enough.

  A Texas Ranger who loved her daughter and granddaughter more than his own life would never be good enough. Not for her. He couldn’t change her mind, and he needed to accept it. If he didn’t, he’d lose Kendall.

  If he didn’t lose her today.

  Stubborn and smart, his wife would do everything in her power to return home.

  She wanted a promise that he’d do whatever the kidnappers said. He couldn’t and wouldn’t make that promise to her. He trusted that he’d know what to do when the time came.

  He was stubborn and smart, to
o.

  After dressing, he opened the front door and checked on the Rangers from Company F, one in a truck and one on the porch. But the man on the porch wasn’t in the traditional suit and tie. Tonight Bryce Johnson was dressed in jeans so he’d blend into the neighborhood.

  “Just wanted to let you know that Slate’s on his way. I assume no one’s been sneaking around or watching the house. You guys need anything?”

  “We’ve got you covered, Heath. Don’t mind us,” Bryce said, standing and shaking his hand. “You guys were there for Major Parker when the twins were kidnapped. Don’t worry about anything here.”

  “I meant to ask when you got here. How’s everyone doing in Waco?”

  “We’re all good. You let us know if you need anything. We’re here for you, man.” Bryce pumped his hand again, and also clapped him on the shoulder.

  “Before I head back in, you got the cell numbers of my team. Right?”

  “Wade supplied us with everything we need to keep apprised of the situation. If you need any help, just let us know. Otherwise, I can guarantee you that no one’s getting in this house.”

  This time Heath slapped Bryce on the back. “I don’t think we’ve caught up since that advanced computer stuff in Austin two years ago. We should compare notes again soon.”

  Bryce nodded.

  Heath was ready. At least, he was cleaned up and dressed. He hadn’t retrieved his black boots from his closet yet. He rarely wore them, except for special occasions.

  He stumbled into the wall, his breath leaving him suddenly. Like he’d been hit again. Skylar Dawn had been kidnapped. He shook himself to regain control. He couldn’t lose it. Not now. Not until it was over.

  “Are you okay?” Kendall asked. “Do I need to call the doctor?”

  Damn, she was beautiful. Dressed and ready to go, with the exception of her shoes. With that dress she should have a smile on her face. Her look of concern seemed out of place—but warranted. He was pretty certain he looked like he needed a doctor.

  “No, thanks. I got it.” He stood, grabbing his midsection, letting her believe the panic he’d experienced was just his sore ribs. “I got a look at my face, though. Looks like the beauty will be attending the reception with a beast.”

  He pointed to the split on his cheekbone held together with Steri-Strips. The bruise around it had already begun to blacken. He tried to joke, but he honestly couldn’t have laughed if he tried.

  God, he hoped he could do whatever was necessary tonight. No! He would push through the pain and get it done, no matter what it took.

  “How much did you hear of the conversation with my mother?”

  “You were right. This isn’t the best time for that particular talk.” He stood straight, keeping his breathing as shallow as possible. “Right now, I need to switch to my dress boots. These look weird with this black suit.”

  “Sit down. I’ll get them.”

  As soon as she left the front hallway, he hobbled to the couch and eased himself onto it. She returned faster than he could move and caught him just as he leaned against the cushions.

  “Maybe we should get a stand-in for you.”

  “That’s not happening, Kendall. I’m resting now, but I’d never forgive myself if something happened and I stayed on the sidelines. You know you’d feel the same.”

  “It was worth a try. But you’re right. I would push through all the pain to do my part.” She dropped the boots on the floor. “There is one thing I can help with—getting these boots off and the others on.”

  “I won’t let you or Skylar Dawn down, Kendall.”

  “No matter what happens, I don’t and I won’t blame you.” She slipped the first boot off. “This is the result of my investigation, not yours. It’s exactly what I feared most.”

  “I remember the multiple conversations about not having kids because we both had dangerous jobs. I meant every word back then just as much as you.” He caught his breath from the pain as he forgot to brace himself when she tugged the second boot free. “I don’t regret the decision to have our daughter, though. No matter what happens.”

  She took his hand into hers. “Neither do I. Never. And I’m sorry for what Mother implied.”

  “Later. But while we have a moment—”

  “Ding-dong,” Slate interrupted, letting himself inside. “How ya doing, partner?”

  Heath waved him off. He wouldn’t answer every person who asked him that question. Otherwise he’d be reliving the experience every other minute. It was better to concentrate on the task at hand—rescuing Skylar Dawn.

  “Did you bring the phones?” Heath asked.

  “Phones? We only need the phone he left in the barn.” She looked to both men. “What did you have in mind?”

  “This guy is probably going to ask you to drop the phone he gave you. Why not drop two that are old and useless?” Slate said.

  “That actually makes a lot of sense. I spent some of the time Heath rested moving pictures off this thing.” She set her cell on the coffee table. “That’s really smart. Thanks, Slate.”

  “I wish I could take credit. Totally your husband’s idea after his was destroyed.” He handed her a grocery sack. “Here are your shoes. Best the techs could do quickly.”

  “I’m still against this idea. It’s likely that the kidnapper will have a wand or something.”

  Heath raised an eyebrow. “Whatever it takes?”

  “Right.” She slipped both shoes on her feet. “It’s worth the try. They may not actually be as smart as us.”

  “So what we did is clone your phones.” Slate pointed to the two older versions. “If the kidnappers call your number instead of the phone they left, we’ll still be covered. And just in case they allow you to keep the phones, we have you covered with a tracker. Reception begins at seven. Are you guys ready?”

  “Give us a minute.”

  “Sure, man. I’ll be in the van.”

  Heath waited for the door to click closed. He pulled both boots almost all the way on, then stood, slipping them on the rest of the way. When he was done, Kendall threw her arms around his shoulders.

  “No matter what—” she kissed his cheek “—I love you and Skylar Dawn more than anything in my life. You two are the most important things in my life. The best things that ever happened to me.”

  “You took the words right from my heart.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Want to dance?” Heath asked her to ease the tension between not only everyone watching them, but the two of them. With his injuries he could only sway. Kendall gently wrapped her arms around his neck. Maybe they’d have a moment to finish talking about the thoughts that had run through his head while he’d been in the living room and van.

  “Dammit, Heath, you can’t take off like that,” Slate said from behind him.

  They both ignored him. Kendall drew a deep breath and said, “I need to say something.”

  He looked at her seeing no one else. Beautiful eyes filled with tears but didn’t overflow. Then she blinked them away.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What?” He was confused. Why would she be sorry? He’s the one who lost their daughter.

  “Before you moved out, Mother told me she overheard you talking about our problems on the phone. I was angry you’d talk with someone else and not a counselor.”

  “Just Mom.”

  “I realize that now. I should have known.”

  “I should have told you.”

  They swayed into the middle of the temporary dance floor at a wedding reception they weren’t supposed to be attending. Thinking about wedding vows really hit him in a vulnerable place. No way would he admit that to anyone. But the reminder did its job. Who was he to decide which of their careers was more important?

  If she’d have him...he would move to Portland. He bent
his head, kissing her neck sweetly, just to remind her he was there. She tilted her face, her eyes closed. For a moment he forgot where they were as his lips softly captured hers. He meant it as a comforting kiss, almost a farewell in case something happened to them.

  But Kendall changed it. She kissed him longingly and then drew away, breathless. His body was on fire from the brief encounter.

  “You shouldn’t kiss me like that,” he said into her hair.

  “Uh-huh,” she mumbled with her head on his shoulder, her breath softly caressing the small hairs on his neck.

  “I wish Skylar Dawn was safely at home. Then I could spin you around the dance floor until we forgot all our problems,” Heath whispered in her ear. He turned and brought her body closer still, holding the small of her back firmly under his hands.

  “I don’t need a dance floor to forget,” she said, barely loud enough for him to hear. “I want to be a family again, Heath.”

  A tap on his shoulder stopped his reply. Slate interrupted, handing him a cell phone.

  “It’s on mute. But this is our guy. He called me instead of the burner or either of you. He knew it would take us longer to get a lock on him.”

  They all moved off the dance floor. Slate tactfully blocked anyone from approaching so he could answer the call in semi-private.

  “This is Murray.”

  “Drop your phones in the lobby fountain. A cab’s waiting for you. You have four minutes to be at the northwest corner of Elm and Houston. Don’t speak or signal the others with you at the reception. Keep the line open, Ranger Murray. You don’t want to endanger your daughter.”

  “Where do we go?”

  “I don’t repeat myself, Ranger. Take this phone with you and don’t disconnect. I’ll be monitoring your progress to verify you’re following my instructions. Drop your cells in the large fountain on your way out the door. You have four minutes.”

  The line went silent. Heath was careful not to push the end button. He grabbed Kendall’s hand and pulled her toward the lobby.

  “That was him?”

  “Yeah. We have four minutes to get to Elm and Houston.” He dropped the old cell Slate had given him into the fountain. Kendall took her fake phone from her clutch purse and did the same.