by Jodi Thomas
Then, almost lost in the wind, was the low sound of a car moving down the road. It didn’t come onto his land, but parked just beyond. The silhouette swung over the fence and vanished into the car.
Blade snapped three quick shots, but knew he got nothing. Not even the make of the black car.
Feelings shot through his mind. Someone was on his land.
His land.
Like a jolt from a live wire, Blade suddenly understood what these Texans felt. In one white-hot flash he knew. He didn’t just own the land. He was a part of it. Legends, lies, curses and all.
He pulled out his cell and dialed the sheriff.
Before Dan could say more than hello, Blade said, “Don’t bring Lucas out. Someone was on my land, moving like a shadow. I don’t know if he is there looking for Lucas but I aim to find out.”
Dan’s laughter sounded tired. “You starting to believe in Granny’s ghost?”
“I am.” Blade didn’t care if he sounded as crazy as the old lady. He knew what he saw.
“We’ve got another problem,” Dan said. “Lucas seems to have slipped out of Tim’s house and disappeared not long after I dropped him off there. He’s not answering his phone but he left me a message that said, ‘Don’t worry about me. Will check in later.’ Since he’s not officially under arrest, there isn’t much I can do but wait for him to come back. But it sounds like wherever he is, he’s probably safer there than at your house.”
“Maybe he’s on a date?”
“Yeah, that has me worried too.”
“I’ll stay in touch, Sheriff. I’ll be at my place if you need me.” Blade hung up, realizing Grandmother had been listening to every word.
“What you going to do, Hamilton?” Grandmother asked.
“I’m going to go over there and be ready if our ghost comes back.”
“He will,” Grandmother whispered. “I’ve been watching him for weeks.”
Blade walked back to Dakota’s mission home and changed into layers, all black. He pulled off his sling and ignored the pain.
When he walked past the kitchen, he was fully armed. “I’ll be back later.”
Dakota raised an eyebrow, he winked at her. “Don’t wait up for me, Elf.”
“Oh, I won’t, but I might dream of you across the lake dancing with a ghost.”
Blade forced himself to move away when every cell in his body wanted to stay.
As he walked across the field and circled onto his land, his phone pinged. He got his answer from the home office. His vacation was over. It was time to go to work.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
A MIDNIGHT MOON shone over the edge of Kirkland’s land as Lauren watched three men saddle up. He might not know they were there, but Staten Kirkland was a friend. He’d stand with them if anything happened.
“You don’t have to go, Charley,” Lucas said. “You’ve got a wife about to have a baby. Just climb in your pickup and head home. Lauren’s Ford will pull the trailer.”
“Much as I hate to admit it, this is my family making this mess. I don’t really care about the ranch or what’s going on there, but I need to know my little brother is safe.”
Dice walked between them. “Why don’t you two pups stay here? I know the general direction I’m headed. Give me half an hour, and I’ll find that hidden box canyon.”
“We’re all going,” Charley said, obviously tired of discussing the matter.
Lauren knew the conversation was over. She moved close to Lucas and he folded her in his arms. “It’s going to be fine,” he whispered. “We’ll be back before you know it. With luck we’ll come out along the border here where I used to ride home every night after working for Mr. Kirkland. You won’t have to go anywhere to pick us up.”
She couldn’t talk. She seemed to always be saying goodbye to this man. “If anything happens to you, I’m never speaking to you again, Lucas.”
He laughed. “Then I might as well say something now. I love you. I think I always have. When I allow myself to think about the future, about forever, you’re always there.” He held her tight against himself and she felt laughter rise in his chest suddenly. “But I got to tell you, one thing is going to change when I get back. You are not sleeping with Tim O’Grady anymore.”
He kissed her cheek.
“But Tim’s my best friend.”
“That’s fine, but you’re not sleeping with him. There won’t be room in our bed.”
Lauren knew there was no time, but she whispered, “What makes you think I’ll sleep with you?”
“We’ll talk about this when I get back, but married people do usually sleep together.”
Before Lauren could answer, Charley shouted, “Kiss her, Lucas. I swear, the last time I rode with you I had to tell you the same thing. You may be a lawyer but you’re downright slow at some things.”
Lauren smiled. “No argument there.” Then she kissed him fast and hard before stepping out of the way.
The three cowboys rode away, easy in the saddle, silent in the night.
Lauren climbed into her Explorer and cuddled under the blanket her father always insisted she carry along with a flashlight. She could barely make them out as they crossed the county road and rode onto the Bar W.
Lauren had no idea what they’d find tonight, but she had a feeling it would be trouble.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
BLADE WALKED THE uneven ground around Indigo Lake. He could have crossed at the finished bridge, but he didn’t want to make his presence known.
The big two-story house looked spooky in the night. A few windows were left open, probably because Jerry had been painting, and old rotting curtains from one upstairs window seemed to be waving at him.
Blade made it to the stand of trees near the house and decided this was a good place to watch from. About the time he’d settled in, a pickup pulled off the main road and headed over the new bridge.
Blade came to full alert.
He watched Jerry Cline climb out of the pickup and head toward the house. He wasn’t exactly sneaking onto the land, with his headlights on bright and his flashlight at full power.
It didn’t take long to figure out what the guy was doing. The one window upstairs was closed with a quick slam, followed by a few others.
Blade grabbed the rifle he’d borrowed from Grandmother and stepped out into the headlight’s glare from the pickup.
Jerry was halfway down the steps before he noticed Blade. “You scared the devil out of me, Hamilton.”
“Sorry. I’m just looking around the place. Didn’t want you thinking I was hiding out.”
“I forgot to close the windows so I came back.” Jerry moved closer. “You come out here at night often?”
“No. Why?” Blade moved closer.
Jerry took the hint and lowered his voice. “Maybe I’m worrying about nothing, but a couple of mornings I’d swear someone walked across your land before dawn. One dawn, after it rained most of the night, I saw boot prints that looked like combat boots left in fresh mud. It’s just a hunch. You know, when a cowboy spends a lot of time out by himself, you get a feeling when someone is riding the same trail.”
“You should be a cop,” Blade said. “That is exactly why I’m here tonight. I think I did see someone moving over my land.” He didn’t want to tell Jerry too much information but he wanted the man to know that he was alert.
They walked toward Jerry’s truck. He said, “I thought I saw a black car parked in the trees about a mile back. If he’s coming tonight, my guess is he’ll come as soon as he knows I’m gone.” Jerry laughed suddenly. “Sounds like we’re in a spy novel or something. Nothing ever happens around here. Scariest thing I’ve seen out in this country is Grandmother walking after dark with a rifle on her shoulder.”
“Do you come back out here every night?”
“Yeah. I don’t live far. After supper I like to drive over and make sure everything was put up, closed up. If an animal got in with all that new paint, they could cost us a day’s work.” He grinned as he climbed into the cab of his truck. “Besides, if I stay around the house, the wife makes me help with the dishes.”
Blade stepped a few feet back. “Keep your eyes open.”
“Maybe they’re stealing your wild plums. If they are, they’re getting green ones.”
Waving goodbye, Blade moved onto the dark porch. He didn’t have to wait long.
The low sound of a car moving slowly whispered in the still air. He thought he heard a car door closing softly. Then he spotted a silhouette moving silently toward him.
The man was almost even with the house when Blade said softly, “Evening.”
Before the stranger could reach for his weapon, Blade added, “Don’t do anything foolish. I’ve already got you in my sights. You’re on my land. I’m Special Agent Blade Hamilton and I’m looking for some answers.”
The man straightened slightly and seemed to relax a bit.
“I’m not here to cause any trouble. I was told this place was abandoned, being fixed up to sell.” The man stood perfectly still. “I’ve heard of you, Hamilton, but didn’t connect you with this place. An honor to meet you.”
Blade moved to the first step. “I got word there was an agent out on my land. Wanna tell me why you’re here?”
“I’m watching for suspected illegal drug shipments. We’re doing our best to clock every truck that comes off the Bar W tonight. From a point a mile back of your place I can see the whole west side of the Bar W.”
Blade wasn’t buying it. “How long you been here?”
“Three nights.”
Blade shook his head. “The old lady who lives next door says she’s seen movement for weeks.”
The agent shrugged. “Not me. Must be a ghost. Look, I’m Agent Matthew McMillan. I’ve got my ID in my vest pocket.”
Blade nodded once and held the rifle at ready as Matthew dug out his ID. It really wasn’t necessary; Matthew had the look and the text had said that ATF had a man in the field but they’d both follow agency procedure.
Blade used his flashlight to study the badge, then handed it back. “So, we’re on the same team. How can I help?”
Matthew looked up into the midnight sky. “I’ll explain as we climb. Follow me. We haven’t got much time.”
The agent was jogging before Blade could decide what to do. He had a feeling his bandaged side was about to feel the burn of some serious exercise. So much for taking it easy for a few days.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
DAN DROVE AROUND for two hours, looking for Lucas. Not that he thought he’d find him, but he hoped.
Lucas knew most of the folks in town, so if he wanted to be somewhere besides Tim’s place, he could be. Maybe he decided he’d be safer without the sheriff’s help, or maybe O’Grady simply drove him nuts asking questions and talking about his latest book.
Dan was probably worried about nothing. Lucas could have decided to step away. Now he knew his parents were safely away, this really wasn’t his worry. If so, he might have driven to Lubbock or even Dallas.
The one place he probably wouldn’t have gone was out to talk to Reid, but he might have called D.R. Collins. After all, his firm in Houston had handled some of D.R.’s legal work.
Dan felt out of the loop, so for no particular reason he headed over to Tim’s place. Maybe Lucas showed back up there. Or maybe his daughter would be there. He hadn’t seen her all afternoon. It wasn’t like her not to call just to see if he knew anything new for her website. Dan would be glad when she moved on to her next career. She wore writing like she was trying to walk in someone else’s shoes.
When he passed his house on the way to Tim’s place, Dan noticed Lauren’s old Explorer wasn’t parked there. It occurred to him that Crossroads was too small to have two missing persons.
Tim answered his door, wearing a swimsuit and his ski jacket. “Hi, Pop.” Tim used Lauren’s name for him. Dan hated that. “Come on in. I was just doing laundry.”
Dan stepped inside. “Any chance you’ve seen Lucas?”
“Nope. I checked everywhere when I drove to town looking for Lauren. I’m nuts about your daughter, Sheriff. Sometimes I just like to know where she is.”
Me too, Dan thought but aloud he said, “You’re starting to sound like a stalker, O’Grady.”
Dan almost added that Tim was nuts, period. Why was it some writers stopped making up characters and simply became one. If Tim got any more famous, he’d be the town eccentric. “I’m guessing you didn’t find Lauren?”
“Nope. Dakota said she hadn’t been at her office all afternoon.” Tim shrugged. “It’s not really my job to keep up with people, Sheriff. That’s more in your line of work.” He pointed to the kitchen. “Want some tuna pizza? I had a frozen cheese pizza and decided I needed more protein on it. All I had was a can of tuna.”
“No, thanks. I ate yesterday. I’ve got another eighteen hours before starvation sets in.”
Tim, as always, looked at the sheriff as if he didn’t quite know if he was trying to be funny or simply telling the truth.
“Why were you looking for Lauren?” Dan asked.
“We had a date, I think. Looks like she stood me up again.”
Dan frowned. “Maybe she’s with Lucas.” Even a lawyer was better than a writer for a son-in-law. Dan decided he should have a talk with his only offspring. She needed to be a little more considerate of him. After all, whomever she married, he’d have to put up with for years. He should get some percentage of the choice. Thirty percent maybe. Or better yet, veto power.
“She hates Lucas.” Tim smiled.
“She does?”
“Sure. I thought everyone knew that.”
Dan took one step backward and was out the door. “Nice talking with you, Tim. I think I’ll call it a night.”
As he walked out to the cruiser he dialed Brandi. Dan desperately needed to talk to someone his age.
Only, his wife didn’t answer. She was probably out with the band, listening to music. If he didn’t have a crime spree going on, he’d drive the night and wake her up in the morning.
A few minutes later he walked into his too-quiet house, reached for a beer in the fridge and decided to call it a night. He hadn’t had eight hours in his own bed in half a dozen nights. As he walked to the bedroom, he glanced out the windows toward the lake and saw someone sitting on the deck.
For a moment he thought it was Lucas, but when he took a few steps closer he realized it was Reid Collins.
Dan swore, fearing he’d have to deal with a drunk tonight. Reid was too old to be pulling this kind of crap. When the kid had been wild after college, Dan had dragged him out of several bars when he was too drunk to walk, and a few cars when he was too deep into the bottle to remember what direction home was.
Dan opened the sliding door and Reid looked up.
“Evening, Sheriff.” His words were slurred. Drunk, but not staggering.
“Evening, Collins,” Dan answered. “You need something?”
“I don’t want to go home, Sheriff. You mind if I just sit here awhile?”
“How’d you get here?”
“I walked over from the Two Step. I couldn’t think of anywhere to go and I’m not going home. Lauren and I used to be kind of friends. I thought I’d stop by and say hello.” He straightened the way drunks do, trying to act like they were sober. “We had a few dates at Tech and I’d like you to know I was a perfect gentleman.”
“That’s good to hear.” Dan hated how drunks always thought they had to talk to prove they were still in control.
He didn’t bother to tell Reid that Lauren had her own place, had for years. He doubted she’d want to talk to Reid, and Dan had no idea where she was. After she’d caught him checking up on her half a dozen times, she’d threatened to move back to Dallas if he didn’t stop. She was right. She was twenty-seven and her own person. But when does a dad stop being a dad?
“You want to come in and have a cup of coffee? Maybe tell me what you know about the trouble on your ranch.”
“I don’t know what’s going on.” Reid stood and followed Dan in. “I got really wasted one night in Vegas. When I woke up some friends I’d met in Vegas said I owed them five hundred thousand dollars. We argued until my head hurt, then I agreed to help them out if they’d forget the debt. I thought I made a pretty good deal; all I had to do was let them use a forgotten slice of my land, but from then on something squirrely started going on.”
The sheriff realized Reid probably had no idea what a mess he was in.
“My friends said they wanted to come out to my place and make improvements. I told Reyes to let them work but to stay out of their way. From what little I overheard, I thought they were building a road, but I didn’t see any improvements when I came home.”
Reid took a bottle from his coat pocket and drained it. “I didn’t want to think about what my father would think when the friends suggested closing down the cattle operation on the ranch so I just drifted, thinking the guys would get tired and just go away. When they didn’t leave, I wanted the ranch to go back like it was, cattle and all, but it was too late. All the hands were gone. Why does it have to be so complicated?” His words were coming out more slurred now.
Reid buried his head and almost sounded like he was crying. “I just want it over. My friends say they’re helping me, but I don’t think they are. The head guy is mad because it’s taking so long. Then Coldman’s body showed up and no one knows how.” Reid leaned back on the couch, finally silent.
Dan stepped into the kitchen to make coffee, thinking of all the questions he wanted to ask Reid. If he could sober the guy up, maybe he’d get a few answers.
