by Donna Grant
“Are y’all sure about this?” Danny asked.
Brice shrugged a shoulder. “Someone might recognize something. I want to put the photos everywhere.”
“Make them feel cornered,” Clayton said.
Naomi pulled her hand from Brice’s and shook her head as she took a step back. “No. I don’t want to do this. If they can’t come after me, they’ll go to the next best thing—all of you. What about Wynter and Brody? I won’t put anyone else in danger.”
“Clayton and I have already decided to keep the kids home for a few days,” Abby said.
Clayton gave a nod. “Shane went to get them when we came here. Everyone is home and safe.”
Naomi turned and looked at the hospital doors. “I was the one who kept pushing Whitney to give me information. If only I’d left well enough alone, neither Whitney nor Cooper would be in the hospital, and Ms. Biermann would still be alive.”
“This isn’t your fault,” Brice said.
She faced the group. “But it is. I should’ve let them have my camera. I shouldn’t have developed the film. I shouldn’t have kept pushing Whitney.”
“And that asshole shouldn’t have been stalking Whitney,” Brice stated.
Caleb snorted loudly. “Exactly. Those bastards are the ones I lay the blame on. They began all of this.”
“I want to know who these guys are so we can stop them,” Danny said.
Abby shifted uncomfortably in the wheelchair. “We need to talk to Jamie Adcock.”
“I could find her, but if these men are as powerful as we think, then they’ll more than likely have someone in my department,” Danny said.
Everyone looked at Naomi then. She sighed and said, “Fine, but I have a few conditions.”
“Name them,” Brice said.
Her gaze landed on Abby before moving to Clayton. “You two have been amazing, but I won’t continue putting either of you or your children in danger.”
Caleb grinned and elbowed Brice. “Notice she left us out.”
“Which means,” Naomi continued after flashing a smile at Caleb, “I won’t return to the East Ranch.”
Brice’s smile widened. “Of course, not. They’d look there. No, I have somewhere else for you to go. Somewhere no one will think to look.”
Chapter 21
“Are you sure about this?” Caleb asked.
Brice pulled his eyes away from Naomi, who was on the phone with her mother and pacing the sidewalk in front of the hospital, to look at his brother. “Without a doubt.”
“So much could go wrong.”
“It already has,” Brice reminded him.
Caleb ran a hand down his face. “Yeah, but someone should be there to watch your back.”
“The more people at the house, the more it will draw attention.”
“I don’t trust these jackasses to keep their distance. Cooper is lying in a hospital bed with a concussion,” Caleb said and pointed to the building. “I won’t have you in there next.”
Brice drew in a breath. “And I won’t have it be you. Or Abby or Clayton or the kids or anyone else. This stops now, and the only way to do that is for these guys to think we’ve given up.”
Caleb shook his head and walked a few steps away before he pivoted and returned. “What about the rodeo?”
“We pull out.” Brice lifted his hand to look at it. He’d chosen not to put the bandage back on that morning, and the injury was throbbing. “We can blame my hand or the fact that our friend was in a serious wreck. I don’t give a shit what excuse we give, but I can’t be there now. I’d likely slam my fist into anyone I even thought might be responsible for this.”
“Holy shit,” Caleb muttered. “You’re right. Returning would be a bad idea. I’ll tell Darnell.” He hesitated and looked at Brice. “What about the proof Whitney has?”
Brice shrugged helplessly. “She didn’t tell Naomi where or what it was, and we can’t intrude on her parents about it.”
“I guess we can’t break into their house and look for it?”
“No thanks. I’ve been arrested once. I don’t need a repeat.”
When his brother took out his cell phone to make the call, Brice turned and looked at where Abby, Clayton, and Danny stood, talking. Brice couldn’t help but think of the first time he’d met Danny twelve years earlier.
“Everything all right?” Naomi asked as she walked up.
Brice nodded, shooting her a half-grin. “Just thinking.”
“Don’t worry about Abby. Clayton will make sure she’s taken care of.”
“Oh, I’m not at all worried about my sister,” Brice said with a small laugh. “Clayton would willingly tear anyone limb from limb if they even thought about harming his family. Trust me, I know.”
Naomi grinned as she raised a brow. “There’s a story there.”
“Oh, yeah. Clayton was a Navy SEAL. The man can kick some serious ass.”
“And you?” she asked.
Brice lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “You can’t spend years with a SEAL and not join the military. After college, of course.”
“Of course,” she replied with a grin.
“I went into the Marines, and Caleb the Army.”
Naomi shoved her hair out of her face. “Is there anything you can’t do?”
He grinned. “Not if I set my mind to something.”
They stared at each other in silence for a heartbeat.
“Are you sure you’re good with my plan?” he asked, needing to be certain she was a hundred percent on board.
She gave him a single nod. “Without a doubt. I like how we’re taking me out of the equation so I don’t have to worry about my mom or your family getting hurt.”
“We have to go to extremes to make this work.”
Naomi’s lips curved into a grin. “I’ll do whatever is needed to take these men down. In this day and age, I can’t believe this type of stuff continues to happen.”
“Some men like control. Others like to make women feel inferior and dominate. It makes sense that Whitney said each of them is in a position of power. Did she mean the rodeo or elsewhere?”
“I didn’t think to clarify,” Naomi said, grimacing. “I should have.”
He waved away her words. “There was a lot going on last night, and what she told us was a lot to take in.”
She rubbed her hands together. “When does your plan go into action?”
“As soon as you’re ready.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Her eyes slid to the hospital. “I don’t want to leave without seeing Whitney, but that could be hours or even days. That’s time we could spend getting rid of the men who did this to her. But I keep thinking that a friend wouldn’t leave another in such a situation.”
Brice caught her gaze. “Who cares what anyone else thinks? We know the truth. And you can tell Whitney all about it when she wakes, and you’re able to see her.”
“You’re right. I wonder if I should talk to her parents.”
“We can have Jace do that.”
Naomi bit her lower lip as she thought for a minute. “My mom thinks we should leave now and get going on this. I need to warn Abby and Clayton that she might take it upon herself to call them.”
“She’s welcome to visit the ranch, as well.”
“And no one can know where we are?” she asked, a small frown puckering her brow.
He shook his head. “My family knows so they’ll be able to find us if there’s an emergency, but I don’t want Danny or your mom to know.”
“Fewer people who know, the less likely those men will figure out our plan. I understand.”
Brice bit back a grin as she rocked back on her heels. That and biting her lip were quirks she probably didn’t even realize she did, but he found them endearing.
She blew out a breath. “And you don’t think we need to make it look like I’m going to the airport?”
“I doubt the group is that sophisticated. Besides, the airport is two h
ours away,” he added.
“I just want to make sure all the bases are covered. Obviously, I watch too many movies,” she said with a laugh.
Caleb joined them and gave Brice a nod. “Someone from the rodeo will be here shortly to check on both Cooper and Whitney.”
“We should be gone by then,” Brice said.
Naomi nodded. “That’s probably wise.”
Brice thought about his house and winced. The papers had just been signed last week, and while he had moved a few things in, there was nothing stocked in the kitchen. “I’m going to need to make a few stops.”
“Not a good idea,” Caleb said. “Besides, you must not have seen the look Abby and Clayton shared when you mentioned taking Naomi to your place. They know there’s not much there. Abby is already making a mental note of things to send over.”
Naomi swung her head to Brice. “I agree with him. If I’m disappearing, then I can’t be seen anywhere.”
“Then we can go whenever you’re ready.” Brice looked at Caleb. “Keep me posted on Cooper.”
Caleb nodded once. “None of us will be staying long. I’ll try to get Jace out so I can fill him in. He’ll let us know about Cooper.”
“And Whitney,” Naomi added.
“And Whitney,” Caleb said with a smile.
Brice pulled out his keys. “See if Jace can let Whitney’s parents know that Naomi is…” He looked at her, trying to find the right words.
Naomi turned to Caleb and said, “Let them know I’m doing what I need to for Whitney. They’ll understand that I didn’t abandon her.”
“I will pass that along,” Caleb said. “Y’all get moving.”
Brice held up a finger to tell them to wait. He turned his head toward his sister and found Clayton looking his way. A moment later, Danny’s eyes landed on Brice for a long moment before he tipped his head forward and walked away.
Clayton wheeled Abby over. “You leaving?” Clayton asked.
“It’s time,” Naomi said.
Abby linked her hands over her stomach. “Both of you be careful. And stay in touch. We’re here if you need us.”
“Thanks.” Brice leaned down and kissed his sister on the cheek. He pulled back and met her blue gaze. “If you go into labor, someone better call me.”
“Don’t worry,” Caleb said. “We will.”
Brice straightened, and Clayton pulled him into an embrace. Brice pounded his brother-in-law’s back before they separated. “I’ve got this.”
“I’ve no doubt,” Clayton said. He then touched the brim of his hat, acknowledging Naomi, and wheeled Abby to his truck.
Caleb sighed loudly. “I really think I should be with you, but I’ll be able to relay things to both of you. Just don’t be stupid,” he said and slapped Brice on the back as he walked into the hospital.
Brice then swung his head to Naomi. She offered a soft smile, and together, they made their way to his truck.
* * *
Larry strode into Raymond’s office and took one of the chairs before the desk while his friend talked on the phone. It was a short while later that Raymond finally finished the call and hung up.
He laid his hands on his desk and looked at Larry. “Whitney survived.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
Raymond sat back in his chair and ran a hand over his slicked-back, dark hair. “You aren’t seriously considering what I think you mean, are you?”
“She’s banged up pretty bad,” Larry said with a shrug. “It won’t raise eyebrows if she succumbs to her injuries.”
Raymond looked out the window for a long time. “At least Sharon is out of the way. If I don’t agree with your plan, it’ll still be some time before Whitney is cognizant enough to talk to anyone.”
“Do you want to take that chance?” Larry asked. “Our best course is to make sure Whitney can’t say anything to anyone. Ever.”
Raymond slid his faded blue eyes to him. “Do you really think Whitney would be brave enough to name us? Hell, she probably won’t even realize we were responsible for this.”
“Chances,” Larry stated. “You said we had to take chances in life. By not ridding ourselves of Whitney, we’ll be setting ourselves up to be taken down.”
Raymond leaned back so his chair tilted backward. “Using my words against me now, huh?”
“One of the nurses in the ER owes us a favor. It’ll be simple. And the smart thing to do.”
“You’re that worried about one little bitch?”
“She knows each one of us, Raymond. You said yourself last night that you wouldn’t let anyone tear down what we created. As long as she lives, she’ll be able to do just that.”
He snorted, grinning. “Jamie Adcock or any of the other girls we’re connected with could do the same. They haven’t.”
“Whitney is different now. You saw how she acted once Naomi returned. It’s Naomi who could get Whitney to spill everything.”
Raymond sat up and leaned his arms on his desk once more. “Then Naomi needs to be removed.”
“So soon after the wreck? That might look suspicious.”
Raymond raised a thick brow. “Call in one of the favors you collect for us.”
“And Whitney?”
“Get rid of her, as well.”
Larry grinned as he pushed to his feet. “I’ll set everything up today.”
“One more thing.”
He sat back down and waited.
Raymond drummed his fingers on the desk. “Ethan has been calling the sheriff all morning, and when he couldn’t get the answers he wanted, Ethan called the sheriff’s station.”
“You’re concerned about the mayor?”
Raymond scratched his chin. “I think he’s someone we need to keep an eye on. He’ll probably settle once Naomi and Whitney are taken care of, but if he doesn’t calm the fuck down, he’ll make people start to take notice.”
“Especially if the sheriff talks to the Easts. Everyone knows they’re friends,” Larry added. “I’ll keep an eye on Ethan. I also know who to turn Curtis on now that Whitney is in the hospital. He’ll be so obsessed with the new girl that he won’t even realize it when Whitney dies.”
Raymond smiled as he slowly leaned back. “Perfect planning as always.”
“It’s what I do.”
Chapter 22
They were going to triumph. Naomi kept repeating that to herself as Brice drove them. She didn’t know where they were going, but she trusted him.
He had shown what extremes he would go to for her. She glanced at him, and he met her gaze, a small smile pulling at his lips. Damn, he was gorgeous. She shouldn’t be thinking about that, her mind should be on the men who tried to kill Whitney, but she couldn’t help herself.
Brice Harper was as steady as a rock and utterly unruffled by the storm swirling around them. His calm, determined demeanor kept her from doing something irrational like returning to the rodeo and learning who those in power were.
At least by doing things Brice’s way, they might actually succeed.
It wasn’t that Naomi was a hothead. Normally, she was easygoing and let things slide off her back. But not when it came to Whitney or her family. Now, Brice and his friends and family had widened her circle of those she’d lose her shit over.
“You never said where your place was.”
Brice put on his blinker and moved over into a turning lane, slowing to let a car pass before he turned onto a narrow road. “You didn’t ask.”
“I guess I didn’t. I thought you lived at the ranch.”
“I bought a place.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s great.”
He looked at her, grinning. “You’re wondering why I still live at the ranch.”
“Well … yeah,” she admitted.
“I just signed the papers last week. I’ve not had much time to do anything. And there are some things that I wanted to fix before I officially moved in.”
She could understand that. “I have to say, with as
close as you are to your family, I’m surprised you’re moving.”
“It wasn’t an easy decision. Clayton saved my ass twelve years ago.”
“What?” she asked, completely intrigued. “Are you serious or using a metaphor?”
His chest expanded as he drew in a breath. “Being serious. You see, my mother ran off when I was only ten. Abby had just graduated, and our mom left paperwork on the table signing over all rights to me and Caleb to Abby.”
“Oh, God,” Naomi murmured.
Brice lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. “Abby could have turned us over to the state, but she didn’t. She got a job and did what she could to keep us afloat each month. She saved up whatever she could and attended a night class at the university every semester, but I knew it would take her years before she got a degree. She was working well over forty hours a week, and still, we barely had enough money. I’m not sure how we survived. Caleb wore my hand-me-downs, and most of my clothes came from the Salvation Army. Same with Abby’s. We saved the heater for those nights that dropped below freezing. Other times, we burrowed under blankets.”
“But y’all were close, weren’t you?”
“Yes.”
His smile and that one simple word said so much about his formative years. “It sounds like a hard life.”
“It was, but Abby made things fun. Caleb and I helped out around the house. We each learned to cook, and we’d try to have dinner finished by the time she got home. Not that we always made things easy. I let my grades fall, so I was getting in trouble at school. And, damn, Abby ripped me a new one for that. It didn’t take long to straighten my ass up.”
Naomi barely noticed the houses they passed. “So how did you meet Clayton?”
“When I was sixteen, I went to one of the feed stores to find a job after school. I met a man that said he’d hire me at his ranch. I’d always loved the idea of being a cowboy, so I jumped at the chance. It wasn’t until later that I learned he was involved in cattle rustling. But when he told me how much my cut would be if I helped, I couldn’t pass it up.” He glanced at her. “The amount would have allowed us to buy the groceries we wanted and turn on the heat in the winter and run the AC all day long in the summer.”
She studied Brice’s profile and wondered if she would have taken the man’s offer in his place. No doubt, she would have.
