by Susan Stoker
“I agree, George. This could have far-reaching implications.” Dallas had been shocked when he’d received a call from his direct supervisor. The Sierra Blanca sheriff’s office was under investigation for inflating fines and pocketing the difference. No arrests had been made, the legwork was being done online and by speaking to people who were issued tickets and comparing what they paid to what had actually hit the city books. Until the evidence had been collected, the personnel at the local office weren’t even aware a case was being built against them.
“What are we going to do about the break-in?” George asked. Lennon was close enough to hear.
“What break in?” She didn’t know how much more she could take.
Dallas had been checking his email and walking at the same time–not the smartest thing to do. At the sound of Lennon’s voice, he glanced up. A warm feeling rose in his chest. “Hey, did you sleep well?” He knew damn well she had–he just wanted to see the rosy bloom on her beautiful cheeks…and there it was–she was so beautiful she made his teeth ache.
Lennon’s eyes widened. He knew exactly how she’d slept–on top of him for most of the night. “Very well. And you?”
He grinned at her. “Never better.”
“Good. Now–what break in?” Lennon persisted.
George took off his engineer’s cap and slapped it against his knee. “Someone broke in the house, messed things up.” Seeing her distressed face, he continued quickly. “But don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. We’ll take care of this.”
“Yes, and I’ve talked to Hiram. He and Marge want you and Sally to come stay with them until this is over. A regular ranger and two specials are driving over today from the Austin area to serve as backup with me. They’ll be here within the hour. We’re going to take turns keeping watch. The next time that bastard strikes we’re going to see him do it.”
“Where are we going?” Sally was all ears.
Lennon wasn’t nearly as excited by the news as Sally. “George, will you take Sally to her room and find something for her to play with?”
“Sure will, come on, squirt.” George herded Sally away, entertaining questions about Tilly, the pig.
Dallas didn’t even hesitate, he walked right into Lennon’s space and took her into his arms. “I hate all that’s going on, I’d much rather just be focusing on you.” He kissed her once–hard and deep. “Last night was amazing.”
Lennon kissed him back, she couldn’t help it. But when he pulled away, she couldn’t keep quiet. “What’s this about me leaving? You know I can’t leave.”
Dallas had expected this. “I would feel better if you did.” He tightened his hold on her, drawing Lennon tightly into his arms. “You know I couldn’t stand it if anything were to happen to you.”
Lennon wanted nothing more than to just sink into him, but there was so much at stake, she couldn’t afford the luxury. “You are very kind. However, I cannot leave now. Sally, certainly, I appreciate you making arrangements for her. I, on the other hand, have to see that the sheep are taken to auction. The bank has notified me that I have only a few days to pay my note or they will begin foreclosure procedures.”
Lennon spoke so calmly that it took Dallas a few moments for the message behind her words to register. “The bank called? When?”
Struggling just enough for Dallas to let her go, Lennon stepped away from him. As much as she’d like to cast her cares upon this man and allow him to solve all of her problems, this was one she would have to solve for herself. Catching a thief might be the job of a lawman, but that same man could not be held responsible for her debts. This was something Lennon was going to have to manage on her own. “Just a few minutes ago. I need to get out to the south pasture, bring in the sheep and load the ones ready for market. It’s time to sell the two year olds that are ready to breed. The money I get will go a long way to paying my debt.”
“Let me get them ready for you. Hell, let me pay your debt. How much is it?” The notion sprang from his lips before Dallas could call it back.
His offer stunned Lennon so much, all she could do was stare at Dallas. So much had happened. When he’d first arrived, she’d been in awe of him as a man. The more time she spent with him only added to the captivation she felt. Lennon knew she was being fanciful. Despite her tomboyish upbringing and the many years she’d spent working tirelessly at a job more fit for a man, she’d still never been able to turn loose of the dreams and yearning for a life and love like the ones she’d read in those stacks and piles of romance novels she collected and hoarded. “What do you mean? What are you saying?” If he were proposing to solve her problems for her, maybe he was also proposing something else? If he were, she wanted to know. Lennon was so entranced with Dallas McClain that she’d jump at the chance to belong to him if he offered.
Her question caused him to think. What was he saying? Yes, his immediate and absolute inclination was to help her, to erase all problems and worries from her life if he could. But where was that coming from? He hadn’t yet defined the feelings roiling in his chest. After Carly betrayed him in the worst way a woman can betray a man, he’d sworn by all that was holy he would never make himself vulnerable to a woman again. And here he was…quickly getting in over his head with this woman and her family. Was he ready to fall back into the trap where a woman had the ability to tear his life apart?
The answer was no. So, he salvaged the situation by telling a truth–maybe not the whole truth–but all he was willing to reveal. “You need what I can give. I’ve come to think of you and your family as friends.”
While kind and generous, what Dallas said tore into Lennon like a knife ripping through paper. Friends? They’d been intimate–had sex. And all he felt for her was friendship? Or even worse–pity? Dreams she hadn’t even realized were forming in her heart slipped sadly away. “Oh, no. I couldn’t take your money. The sheep respond well to me; they won’t scatter like they would with you.”
“It’s not safe for you out there,” he retorted.
“It’s not safe for you either,” she shot back, wishing her heart didn’t race each time she looked at him. “This whole situation is crazy. If I could, I’d just walk away from all of this. I don’t have a choice–you do.”
Dallas realized in that moment that this was more than a job. He was emotionally invested in these people. He’d had no intention of becoming so involved, but he was. “Neither one of us will get shot if I have a say about it. I don’t want you going out there, but I don’t want to fight with you about it. We’ll go together, but you will stay in the truck and out of sight as much as possible. And as soon as my help gets here, we’ll both wear a Kevlar vest. Can you wait to pen the sheep until then?”
Lennon was hurt and disappointed, but she knew she had to be reasonable. “Yes, I can wait.”
After their discussion, things proceeded quickly. Special Agent Hiram Glover and his wife came to visit, parking so close to the lodge door that Marge could slip inside and not be exposed to danger. They spent an hour with them so Sally could become comfortable. Marge had brought a photo album of her house and pets. She’d even brought some homemade cookies and a small electronic game for Sally to play on for the ride home. In no time, the older couple had won Sally’s heart. Loving George had made it easy for Sally to accept affection from potential grandparent types. Having no real family of their own, Lennon knew she was as susceptible to developing feelings for people as quickly as Sally.
That was exactly what had happened with Dallas. Even though she hadn’t acknowledged the fact in years, Lennon was as hungry for the attention of a man as Sally was for a grandmother. The feelings she’d developed for Dallas had been quick, but strong. So strong, she’d given him her virginity. Would he want to make love to her again? And if he did–should she? Lennon didn’t have the answers to those questions.
Hiram and Dallas spent some time conferring–about what, Lennon didn’t know. She assumed she’d find out later. After an hour or sligh
tly more passed, Sally left with the Glovers. Lennon was tearful, but hid it well from Sally. She’d been with her daily since Sally’s birth and being separated from her was going to be hard. Not too long after they’d said their goodbyes three more Rangers arrived and Dallas introduced her to each of them. “Lennon Haley, this is Aiden Marks, Chance Rivers and Conrad Nolan. They’re going to be helping me.”
Lennon felt overwhelmed. All of the men were young and very handsome with friendly smiles. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention. “I’m very grateful that you’ve come to help.” Shaking each one of their hands, Lennon had to admit she would breathe easier with them here. Part of that reason was that Dallas wouldn’t be taking such a risk alone. The feelings she had for him–while unwise–were still very real.
After the introductions, Dallas huddled with his friends and they came up with a plan. They even allowed George to be in on their plot, making him feel useful. Lennon was grateful for that. Once they were through, everyone retired to claim their post. One Ranger would be parked just over a small ridge where he could monitor the gap the thieves seemed to favor, another parked behind an outbuilding so he could view the front gate and the house and the last one, with George’s help, would station themselves in the top of the hayloft for a good view. Soon, only she and Dallas were left behind.
Dallas was aware of the tension between them. He decided to tread carefully. His feelings for Lennon Haley were all mixed up. The old adage about combining business with pleasure complicating things was definitely true. On the other hand, his life had been void of meaning and now–hell, now he was feeling again. One thing was sure and certain, he wanted Lennon. He wanted to make love with her again and again. “I’m ready to help you pen the sheep. I think it would be best to load them in the trailer tomorrow, but we have time before dark to separate them. After we’re through, a couple of us will handle the feeding for you. Here’s your vest.” He held out the padded bullet-proof garment for her to take.
Lennon accepted it, pulling it on over her clothes. “I think it looks more like a dress than a vest on me.” Dallas smiled at her and Lennon’s heart leapt. He looked especially handsome today in a tight black shirt with black jeans.
“I think you look cute and I’ll definitely feel better that you’re protected.”
“Thanks, but I look the same.” When he smiled at her, those strong even white teeth made her legs weak and any coherent thoughts she could process seem to be on vacation.
“In your case, same is a very good thing.” He did notice she was back to wearing clothes so big they were swimming on her. No matter, he knew now what was under those baggy outfits and he wouldn’t be forgetting it anytime soon. As they left the lodge, he kept a hand at her back. After Hiram left, he’d parked close so she wouldn’t be walking out in the open. There was enough surveillance now that the shooter would have to be a sniper to get a good shot, but Dallas wasn’t willing to take any chances. “I bet you’re going to miss Sally.”
“Oh, yes. This is the first time we’ll be separated for any length of time.” The warm press of his hand to her shoulder as he helped her into his truck caused frissons of anticipation to bloom on her body. “When we get back, I’ll have to make some additional room for your friends.”
“They brought sleeping bags. They’ll be sleeping in shifts and they can do that anywhere.”
He didn’t seem worried about it, so she wouldn’t either. “I’ll make them as comfortable as I can. Do you enjoy your job?” Being alone with him made her want a repeat of last night, so her strategy was to fill their time together with conversation–anything to keep her mind off how it felt to have him deep inside of her.
Dallas eased the truck across the yard toward the pasture. Even though honesty was the best policy, he’d never talked about his personal life with anyone. Such was not the case with Lennon, he was finding out. Somehow sharing with her felt right. “My job has been everything since Carly…and the accident.” Her taking his son’s life had been no accident, but there were times when he couldn’t put it into words. “When I’m working, I can forget. When I’m alone, the visions of what my life should’ve been haunts me.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said and meant it. “You can tell me anything, you know. Your secrets are safe with me.” The time she had with him was fast coming to a close. Lennon jealously wanted to store away memories for later.
Dallas exhaled slowly, as if releasing pent up sorrow. “My little boy would’ve been about Sally’s age had he…lived. I had no idea Carly was capable of hurting our baby. She’d wanted a child.” Until she’d found out who Dallas really was, the sad fact of his reality. “We’d talked about it, planned it. We even had a name. Michael.”
Lennon had no words. She rubbed his shoulder and his arm, giving him what comfort she could.
“As horrible as it was to lose them both, the worst part was loving my wife one day and hating her and myself the next. I don’t think I could ever trust anyone else again like that.” And he certainly couldn’t trust anyone with his history. No one would ever want him, and no woman would ever want his child.
This made Lennon sadder than anything. He could trust her, but she knew she’d have no chance to prove it. “You seemed to have made a good life for yourself.”
Dallas cleared his throat as he pulled up to the barn. “I have. I’ve made good friends, I have interests.”
As he had at the lodge, Dallas parked close enough that she was able to be out of the truck and into the enclosure with a minimum amount of steps. Before they went to the back where Lennon tended the sheep, they stopped to speak to George and Aiden. “Have you seen anything?” Dallas asked.
“No, not yet, but we’ve got our eyes peeled,” George teased. “Are you going to sell Little Ewe this time?” he directed his question to Lennon.
This made her laugh. “I think I’d have to pay someone to take her off our hands. What do you think?”
“That’s the truth,” George agreed. “You two be careful out there.”
“We will,” Dallas assured him. “Who’s Little U?” he enquired of Lennon. “U as in the alphabet?”
“Ah, no, ewe as in female sheep. You’ll see.” They strolled down the aisle between the horse stalls, pausing while Lennon spoke to one animal after another. Lancelot was glad to see her. “You’ve been fed,” she murmured, noticing he still had milk stains on his upper lip. “George already took care of you, lucky boy.”
When they arrived at the rear entrance, Lennon climbed up on a nearby fence and began to call. “Ewe! Little Ewe! Come!”
“And that works?” he asked, entranced by the shape of her bottom as she balanced on the fence. Her pants weren’t tight, but when she bent over her shape was apparent. She was put together like a small perfect package; a gift he already knew was a pleasure to unwrap.
“Our lead cow is named Spot and our lead sheep is a rag-tag little female I call Little Ewe. If I can get their attention, they bring everyone else in.” As they waited, she decided to draw Dallas out a little more. “When you said interests, what did you mean? What do you do for fun?”
“I’m a pretty quiet fella,” Dallas began, picking up a hay straw and holding it between his fingers. “I like to fish. I listen to music. I read. I’ve also always loved video games.” He almost told her about the Game Boy his mother had given him and how he’d kept it until it literally fell apart. “Most of my time is spent on cases. My work keeps me sane.”
“Where do you fish?”
“Lake Travis, mostly. I keep a boat at a marina near Lakeway.”
“I’ve never been fishing except in the pond. Dad used to stock it with catfish. What kind of music do you enjoy?”
Dallas could see the sheep coming from a distance. For some reason, he wasn’t in a hurry for them to get here. “I’m a country music fan. I like the old talent – Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks and George Strait. How about you?”
Lennon shrugged. “I’m not really sure. I�
��ve never been to a concert. When I listen to the radio, I prefer Taylor Swift, I guess. What type of books do you read?”
“Books? Real books, by the way. I do not own a kindle.” His emphatic announcement made Lennon laugh. “When I do read, I love mystery novels. I read the series the television show Longmire is taken from and I like Patricia Cornwall’s work.”
“I love to read too,” she admitted.
“I noticed.” Dallas winked at her. “Romance novels.”
For some reason, this embarrassed Lennon. He wasn’t the first to say that with a certain tone in his voice, like maybe she shouldn’t read them because they built up false expectations. Yea, she knew she wasn’t like other girls. But he’d… With him she’d felt different. “I guess they’re a harmless type of fantasy for me–like sci-fi…” her voice trailed off.
Dallas wondered at the odd catch in her voice. Before he could ask her to clarify, he saw the strangest sight. The sheep were drawing nearer, led by the ugliest, strangest looking little creature he’d ever seen. “What is that?”
“That’s Little Ewe. She was the runt in a pair of twins. Of all the lambs born that blossomed and thrived, she was the exception. She’s been butted and hooked, pushed and harassed by all–except her mother and me. As the other lambs grew and played, she would just stand to one side and watch. Anyone who comes wonders why I don’t get rid of her. She’s a misfit, a blemish on the rest of the herd.” Her voice dropped. “She took a fever one year, that’s why her wool is thin and patchy. I couldn’t sell her, so she’s still here. Ewe knows the routine, so even though she’s an eye-sore, she gets the job done.” Lennon laughed sadly. “Just goes to show that you don’t have to be the prettiest one to get the job done.”
Her impassioned speech seemed to be saying more than the obvious. Dallas didn’t get a chance to pursue the conversation. The homely, rag-tag little ewe brought the sheep right up to them and Lennon spent the next little while sorting and culling, leading the ones to be sold to the holding pen. They fed the whole herd, giving them something to do while Lennon accomplished the real mission.
