by D'Ann Lindun
“But, you’re obviously different—”
“Am I?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “It’s written all over you. I mean, you’re here, protecting me, a stranger.”
“I get paid to do that,” he said bluntly.
“You’re still guarding a woman,” she said. “Is that something the rest of your family would do?”
“No,” he admitted.
“See?” she asked.
“I guess.” He stood and moved toward the kitchen. “I think I’ll have another cup of that good coffee. You?”
“No, thanks,” she said. “Any more and I’ll be up all night.”
After he left, she mulled over his words. Who would have ever guessed that a man dedicated to law enforcement would have such a dark background? Everyone had their crosses to bear, she supposed. She never would have believed that she and the handsome marshal would have something like that in common. Life was full of surprises.
When Kade returned, he was carrying a cup of coffee. He sat on the couch again. “Do you know Isabella Califano?”
“Yes, how could I not? We bonded at the trials.” What was he suggesting? “I went to her wedding a few days ago, but we’re not close. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious,” he said. “Did you know her before the robbery?”
Mesa shook her head. “No.”
“Ever discussed the robbery since?” he pressed.
“A time or two, I guess. What are you driving at?” Her temper began to rise a little. “If you’re suggesting she or I had anything to do with it, then you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
“I’m not. I’m just trying to put all the pieces together. See how they all fit.”
Her ire faded. “I didn’t know Isabella before. She’s about ten years older than me, and we might’ve bumped into each other around town, but as far as socializing, no. At the trial, it came out that Dad met Reuben at the bar. The other three were his friends.” She took a breath. “Isabella, myself and the other women involved had no knowledge of the crime beforehand. We were all blindsided by it.”
Kade watched her over his cup. “Your dad never let on what he was planning?”
“Never. But keep in mind I was a teenager and probably didn’t pay as good attention as I should have.” She sighed. “I wish I had known. I would’ve turned him in before it happened and saved a lot of people a lot of heartache.”
“You would have done that, really?” He sounded skeptical. “Ratted out your own father?”
“Yeah. Really.” She meant every word. If telling on her dad meant saving the guards on the truck and the ones yesterday, she would have tattled in a heartbeat. But, first, she would have tried to talk some sense into her dad. Tried to make him see reason. That by going through with the robbery he would leave her all alone. She changed the subject. “You really think Spencer is after me now?”
“I do. Apparently, he thinks you have a lead on the money your dad and the Gonzalez gang stole,” Kade said. “Like I said, I’m guessing Reuben told him that while they were being transported.”
“I don’t know where it’s at,” Mesa said. “I don’t have a clue. Isabella found a little bit of the cash in a downed plane in the mountains, but not all of it.” She sighed. “Why wouldn’t Reuben just tell him where they put it? Why send Spencer after me?”
“Maybe a wild goose chase while he actually grabbed the loot and ran,” Kade suggested.
“I just wish Reuben would have left me out of the whole stupid mess,” she muttered.
“We’ll catch Spencer and you can get on with your life just like before,” Kade said.
Sadness filled her. “Not quite. My dad is locked up for the rest of his life. It’s not the same without him.”
“You were close?”
“So close. That’s why when this whole thing happened I was so stunned. He never said a single word to me.”
“Probably wanted to protect you,” Kade said.
“I guess. I wonder if he knew how much damage he would do if he would’ve gone through with it.” Isabella had gotten lucky and fallen in love with the marshal sent to protect her. Mesa doubted that same fate was in the cards for her.
She fully expected to live alone for the rest of her life.
The thought depressed her, and she stood. “I think I’ll bank the fire and go to bed. My guests will be here by ten, and I have a lot to do before they arrive.” She moved to the fireplace and prodded the still-burning logs with the poker, then replaced the screen in front of it. She moved toward her suite. “Good night.”
“I’ll be there shortly,” Kade said. “I want to do one last perimeter check before turning in.”
“I’ll leave the bathroom light on,” Mesa said.
“Thanks.” He stood and touched his ever-present sidearm. “Goodnight, Mesa.”
She hurried toward her bedroom, anxious to be tucked into bed before he came into her bedroom. Having him there was bad enough, but being in her nightwear seemed much too intimate.
Hurriedly, she washed her face and brushed her teeth, then put on her pajamas and climbed into bed. She pulled the covers up under her armpits, making sure she was covered. Although exhausted, the events of the day played through her head as she stared into the darkness, unable to sleep. She had to keep this quiet, at all costs. Business had already been slow. Word got out a convicted killer was lurking around, and her business would be toast.
Kade knocked on the door. “You decent?”
“Come in,” she called. Her pulse picked up speed. He was there for non-sexual reasons, she reminded herself, not as a lover.
The door opened and he stood silhouetted there for a moment before stepping inside and closing them inside. The bathroom light lit him as he made his way across her bedroom and into the bathroom. His sexy stroll made her mouth go dry.
The light under the bathroom door went out before the door opened. Kade walked across her hardwood floor, his bare feet nearly silent. The covers rustled and the thud of something heavy—his gun?—hitting the floor the only sounds.
“You asleep?” he asked after a moment.
“No.” Damn, did her voice squeak?
For a moment, only the howl of the winter storm outside filled the silence. Then Kade spoke. “What are your plans for the morning?”
“Not much until Joe and Anna call. Then I’ll be jumping, getting my guests settled in. They’ll arrive mid-morning, so I’ll help Anna serve lunch. Afterward, I’ll hook up the team and take them for a sleigh ride.”
“Don’t go to the barn without me,” he warned.
She hesitated a moment. “Okay.”
“I want you to be safe,” Kade said. “And the only way I can do that is by sticking close.”
“I know.” Having him shadow her was going to take some getting used to.
A horrible thought crossed her mind. “You don’t think Spencer will go after any of my guests, do you?”
“No, I don’t. I think he’s focused on you.”
She shivered. “Great.”
“He won’t get through me,” Kade promised.
His quiet, determined words gave her strength. “Thank you, Marshal.”
“Kade.”
“Thank you…Kade.” She liked the way his name rolled over her tongue.
“You’re welcome. Get some sleep.”
She was too wired to sleep. Having a convicted killer trying to get to her made her a little nervous in spite of the marshal laying just a few feet away. Or maybe it was the marshal himself making her heart beat fast.
She refused to go down that path and turned her thoughts toward tomorrow. It had been far too long since her house was full, and she looked forward to having it that way. With the way the storm pounded, she’d bet the newly opened ski slopes would be perfect for her guests.
Her mind roamed over what she knew about them. A woman and her daughter were here to prepare for a wedding. She wondered why they weren’t staying with the bride, but had
n’t asked.
A couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. She had a nice bouquet in the fridge, ready to place in their room.
And a single man who she knew nothing about.
She’d know more after meeting him in the morning. Probably a skier, anxious to get on new powder. Not that unusual in her line of work. A big part of her business were people who chose to stay in the communities around Telluride and commute to the resort town to ski to save money.
Still, her skin prickled at the thought of a strange man she didn’t know in her house. She covered a laugh. What was Kade?
CHAPTER FIVE
Mesa woke with a jolt.
For a moment, she stared into the pre-dawn darkness, remembering the events of the day before. She glanced at Kade’s cot and found it empty. Startled, she sat up and took a closer look. Neatly made, pushed against the wall. She doubted Spencer had snuck in, killed Kade and then made the bed.
Where was he then?
She climbed out of bed and shrugged on a robe, then made her way to the kitchen. A fire blazed in the fireplace, and the strong scent of coffee reached her nose. Kade sat at the island, reading a paper and drinking coffee. For a moment, Mesa just looked at him. So handsome in a dark blue Henley and snug western jeans that showcased his long legs.
He must have felt her gaze on him and glanced her way. “Morning. How did you sleep?”
“Great, thanks.” Suddenly conscious of her just-awakened state, she ran a hand through her tangled hair. “Coffee smells good.”
“I hope you don’t mind me brewing some?” He stood, moved to the cupboard and grabbed a cup, then filled it.
“Of course not,” she said.
He handed her the mug. “What do you put in it?”
“Just cream.”
Retrieving the small pitcher from the fridge, he pushed it across the island to her. “There you go.”
“Thanks.” She poured thick cream into the mug, then sipped. “Ah. Exactly what I needed this morning. Any sign of Spencer lurking around?”
“Nope.”
“Thank goodness. Maybe he’s given up and gone away.” She hoped.
Kade dashed her confidence with one word. “Unlikely.”
She glanced at the window. Still snowing hard. “Did you find any tracks out there? Or have you been out yet?”
“Yes, I have, and no, I didn’t spot anything.” He drank from his cup. “But that doesn’t mean he’s not around. It’s snowing too hard to see any tracks.”
“Did the animals seem uneasy today? They were really restless yesterday when I hooked up the team.” She wrapped both hands around her cup.
“I outfeed them, and they seem fine. Horses were snoozing, and a couple of tabby cats wrapped themselves around my legs while I worked.” He grinned, making her heart jump.
“I’ll need to plow the drive before Joe and Anna bring the guests.” Reluctantly, she pushed away her empty mug. “I need to shower first.”
“Stay inside,” Kade said. “I’ll do it.”
“Are you certain?”
“Positive,” he said. “I’ve plowed a few driveways in my time. It won’t take me long.”
“Thanks, then.” She stood. “I’ll lock the door behind you.”
~*~
After a quick shower, Mesa dressed in a dark green sweater and jeans. She fastened her long hair in a French braid, then added a dab of eyeshadow and mascara. Even a spritz of her favorite perfume.
Satisfied, she hurried out of her bedroom, refusing to wonder if Kade would notice the extra care she’d taken with her appearance.
Through the front door’s glass, she saw Kade still plowing. She walked to the kitchen to retrieve the bouquet for the anniversary couple’s suite. She’d ordered an arrangement from the market in town, and the florist had done a beautiful job, making a stunning bouquet of yellow roses, lilies and baby’s breath.
She walked into the kitchen and gasped.
The lovely bouquet had been destroyed. The flowers had been pulled from the vase and strewn across the floor, their petals ripped from the stems and smashed by someone’s boot heel. The vase she’d chosen lay in sharp shards all over the floor.
Who had done this?
Kade?
Of course not.
Spencer?
With a muffled gasp, Mesa sprinted for the front door. Not taking time to grab a coat, she raced toward Kade.
He spotted her wild dash and stopped the truck. Before she reached him, he stepped out of the cab. “What’s wrong?”
Without thinking, she launched herself into his arms. “Spencer,” she gasped. “He was here. Inside.”
“What?” Kade gently pushed her back so he could look into her face. “When? Did you see him?”
“No, but he ruined the flowers,” she sobbed.
“What flowers?”
How could he be so calm? She tried to gather her thoughts. “A bouquet was in the fridge… it’s been destroyed…”
Kade pulled her close and hugged her. “I’ll check it out, okay? But could it have just fallen on its own?”
Reluctantly, she moved out of his embrace and turned toward her house with a shudder. “No. He was inside the house—”
“Get in the truck and lock the doors.” Kade drew his revolver. “I’ll go check things.”
A shudder ripped up and down her spine as she climbed inside the cab. “Be careful.”
He nodded grimly. “I will. If I don’t come back out in ten minutes call 911.”
Fear gripped her, making her mute, and she nodded. She locked the doors and watched him walk inside her house with her heart pounding. If something happened to him because of her she would never forgive herself…
In spite of warm air blasting from the heater, she shivered. While she showered, a convicted killer had been in her house. He could have easily murdered her. Or taken her hostage like Reuben had Isabella and done God knows what to her.
She forced down a sob.
How had she gotten caught in this never-ending nightmare?
Thanks, Dad. One stupid move and not only did you ruin your life, but you’re working on doing in mine as well?
Shaking off the surge of anger, she stared at her front door. Was Kade okay? He’d been in there a long time. Should she call 911? Her hands shook as she lifted the phone. Just as her finger touched the nine, he appeared in the doorway and gave her the thumbs-up signal.
Relief washed over Mesa.
She dropped the phone on the seat next to her and put the truck into gear. She drove to the front of the house and jumped out, rushing up the front steps. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but you were right…the flowers aren’t.”
“How is the rest of the house?” She dreaded the answer.
“Everything seems fine. You’ll need to double-check, though.” He reached for her and pulled her close. She rested her cheek against his chest, his heart beating steadily and true.
“I’m scared,” she admitted. “Spencer was in the house with me while I was in the shower.”
“You have every reason to be frightened, but things will get back to normal soon,” Kade said. “I promise.”
“Will you come with me while I look around?” She hated the waver in her voice.
“Of course. I’m right here.” His palm rested on her lower back, the heat from it seeping through her clothes, warming her chilled skin.
Together, they went through the house, and nothing seemed out of place or disturbed.
In the kitchen, the destroyed bouquet lay strewn across the floor. Mesa knelt and picked up a limp stem. “How did he get in here? All the doors were locked.”
“Could he have a key?” Kade asked.
A shudder ripped through Mesa. “I don’t have a spare—” Her eyes widened as a realization hit her. “Joe and Anna each have a set. Spencer must’ve taken one of theirs when he was in their apartment last night.”
Kade ran a hand over the back of his neck. “D
amn.”
Mesa began gathering the ruined flowers. “Why did he do this? I don’t get it.”
“My guess is to scare you away. Apparently, he thinks the money is in the house somewhere.”
Stiffening her spine, she said, “I’m not going anywhere. And neither are my guests.”
“How did he get by me? The guy’s damn slippery. You need to get a locksmith out here immediately. Do you have a preference?”
“No, but it will have to be someone out of Montrose. There isn’t one in Black Mountain.” She tossed the ruined flowers in the trashcan and grabbed the broom and dustpan from the mudroom.
While she cleaned up the mess, Kade called a locksmith. After he hung up, he said, “Someone will be here later today.”
“Good.” She mopped the water from the floor until the hardwood gleamed. “Done. I don’t have a special bouquet now, though. Darn it.”
“Can you order one?”
“I guess I could,” Mesa said. “But I can’t go get it. And I’m not sure it will get here before my guests do.”
“I’ll order it and put in a rush request.” Kade was already pulling his phone from his pocket. After speaking for a few moments, he hung up. “More flowers will be here within the hour.”
Mesa smiled at him. “Wow. Your charm must’ve worked miracles. Usually, you have to order days ahead.”
“You think I’m charming?” His slow, sexy smile sent a rush of heat to her face.
“I didn’t say that.” To hide her hot cheeks, Mesa carried the mop toward the mudroom.
His chuckle followed her.
Charming. Protective. Hot as hell. Those were the words that came to mind when she thought of Kade. But he didn’t need to know she was wildly attracted to him. She replaced the mop where it went, and returned to the kitchen.
She poured a cup of coffee and sipped. “I can’t imagine where Spencer thinks the money might be. I remodeled the house right after my dad went to prison and nothing was found.”
Kade shrugged. “Who knows what Gonzalez said to him. But whatever it was, he believes it enough to kill for it.”
“Did you check on the guard at the end of the driveway?”
“He’s fine,” Kade assured her. “No sign of Spencer. He said the deputy who was shot is improving, too.”
