No Greater Hell (Lost and Found, Inc. Book 4)

by Jerrie Alexander

  He worked harder, scrubbing the birthing stall until it was more than clean. He had to be careful with her. Keep his distance. But when he tossed the cleaning water down the drain, she was still in his head.

  The sound of the four-wheeler’s return was a welcome distraction but short-lived. A few minutes later, the engine on Alice’s pickup broke the silence. She must not have found any problems with the herd, because she left for town without letting him know.

  He washed Daisy’s water bucket and refilled it. Grabbing a clean towel, he washed his face and arms before taking Holly on a tour.

  Holly was kneeling down with her hand scratching the colt’s forehead. Jake stood silently for a long time, not wanting to disturb them. Her words were too soft for him to hear, but she spoke as if the colt understood.

  She ran her fingers down the white star on his forehead. She glanced at Jake but quickly turned away.

  “You okay?” He unlatched the gate and stepped inside.

  She stood, kept her back turned, and brushed the backs of her hands across her cheeks. His belly jumped up and wedged itself in the back of his throat. Holly had been crying.

  Standing behind her, Jake was unsure how to react. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her. “It’s okay if you’re worried about your safety.”

  “I’m not.” She kept her gaze cast downward. “Forget it. I’m just being silly.”

  Her eyes were shaded with sadness. “If you’re not frightened, what then?”

  “I just hate that you’re going to sell him.” She put her hand up. “Don’t say it. He’s an animal. It’s a business. I get it. It’s just sad.”

  “Alice all but checks the buyer’s pedigree. She makes sure her horses are sold to someone who will take good care of them.”

  “You’re sure?” A new batch of tears welled in her eyes.

  Something tightened inside his chest. A need to make her happy swirled around his heart. At this moment, he’d do whatever it took to ensure she never cried again. He pulled her against his chest and patted her back.

  God, she smelled good. What man in his right mind thought a woman who’d been brushing a horse smelled good? Her scent was warm and healthy with a touch of citrus, which had to be from her hair.

  Her nearness, the heat from her body, the small hands wrapped around his waist generated an uncomfortable reaction in body parts that he seemed to have zero control over. It was time to put some space between them.

  He took a step back, and she looked up. He could drown in those crystal-clear blue eyes. Her lips looked soft and inviting. What if he leaned down and tasted them?

  Her mouth opened slightly; she lifted up, and kissed him. All reasonable thought vacated his brain. She tilted her head and slipped her tongue across his upper lip. Her hands cupped his cheek, pulling him closer and increasing the intensity.

  Jake gladly returned the pressure. His only thought was he needed more. He swept his tongue inside her mouth, exploring, probing the sweetness and heat inside. She melted into him. Her soft moan rattled his very foundation.

  Jake gripped the back of her shirt, pulled her tighter against his chest, imagining how her breasts would feel without the thin layers of cotton that separated his flesh from hers.

  In the back of his mind, he prayed she wouldn’t push him away. She slipped her hands under his shirt, burning this moment into his brain. Her grip tightened and his entire blood supply rushed south.

  Jake intensified his attack on her mouth and senses. His desire for her was clearly evident as their bodies pressed together. He’d completely lost his mind.

  Daisy barked, snapping Jake back to reality. What was he thinking? He was seconds away from taking advantage of a vulnerable, frightened woman. He dropped his hands and stepped back. “This is crazy.”

  “What does that mean?” Her lips were moist and so tempting.

  Jake faltered but forced his hands to stay put. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

  Holly recoiled as if he’d slapped her. His gut clenched as pain clouded her eyes. Turning away and walking out of the barn took a supreme effort, but for her sake, he had to do the right thing. He stopped and leaned against the railing. There could never be anything between them. Neither would ever completely forget their history. When this was over, Holly would return to Dallas and resume her career. She deserved the chance to find happiness, get married and have a houseful of kids.

  Relief washed over him as Claude Welborne drove up and parked next to the house. Alice hadn’t mentioned the sheriff, and Jake felt like an ass for not asking. He waved to Claude and waited while he walked to the barn.

  “I ran into Alice in town. For a stable, level-headed woman, she was acting weird.”

  Jake laughed. “How so?” His aunt had never been good at keeping secrets.

  “I asked if she’d heard from you. She leaned in and whispered that you were home. Then she said nobody else could know. I decided to come out and talk with you.”

  “Come with me. I need to introduce you to someone.” He turned to find Holly standing behind him.

  Claude gallantly jerked his hat off his head. Wearing a grin spread from ear to ear, he walked to her, holding out his hand. “I don’t blame you for keeping this beautiful lady a secret. Except from me, ‘cause I’m harmless.” He glanced at Jake.

  “No.” Jake held up his hands. “No. It’s not like that. Not at all.”

  Holly’s smile was strained, but she shook Claude’s hand. “Holly Hoffman.”

  “Sheriff Claude Welborne. Most folks call me Claude.”

  Jake’s cell vibrated. Alice was calling. He excused himself, and walked a short distance away. He went straight to the point. “It’s too late to warn me.” Jake chuckled. “Claude is already here.”

  “Damnation. I should have figured he’d head to the ranch. He tried to wrangle an invitation to supper, and I blew him off.”

  “It’s not a problem. He should know just in case trouble finds us.”

  “I’m about ten minutes out. You might as well tell him to stay.” Her tone had shifted slightly, warming up as she spoke of the sheriff.

  “How are things between you and Claude?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Yes, you do.”Jake could imagine her cheeks getting red. “He’s crazy about you.”

  “And how do you feel about that?”

  “Me? If you’re holding back because of me, don’t. Uncle Charlie would want you to be happy. Besides, I’ll move on someday, and if Claude is here, I won’t worry about you.”

  “This ranch is your home now. If not because we’re family, sweat equity has earned you that claim.”

  Jake wasn’t gaining ground. “We can argue about this later.”

  “Later being never. You can help me unload groceries when I get home.”

  Jake ended the call and returned to the barn. Claude and Holly were leaning against Duchess’s stall chatting away like old friends. She had that personality that made people feel like they’d known her for years. Her male patients probably fell in love with her. And why did that thought taste bitter?

  “I’m staying here with Alice and Jake until Chief Santos tells me it’s safe to go home.”

  “We’re hoping that’s soon.” Jake recoiled at the hurt expression that flashed across Holly’s face. “You know what I meant.”

  “I think you were pretty clear.” Her injured look segued to anger.

  Claude shifted his feet. “I best be going.”

  “Alice will be here in a few minutes. Stick around and help her unload the groceries.”

  Claude’s smile spread quickly. “I’ll go open the gate.”

  “I can help.” Holly turned to follow Claude.

  Jake touched her arm, waiting until Claude was out of hearing range before speaking. “He’s grateful for any excuse to get close to Alice. He’s nuts about her.”

  “Smart man.” Holly smiled as Claude hustled to the front gate. �
�I hope he makes her happy.”

  “I take it you explained the trouble in Connersville to Claude’s satisfaction?” Jake walked back to the pasture gate, opened and latched it back. His low whistle let the horses know it was time to come inside. Holly stood next to him as the horses trotted past them into their respective stalls.

  “Yes. He had a right to know.”

  “I agree.”

  “I’m impressed that the horses knew exactly where to go.”

  “Yeah. Horses are creatures of habit.” He slapped his leg and Daisy came running.

  “Aren’t we all?”

  ****

  Ivan dumped the doctor’s body into the hazardous waste trash bin behind the hospital. He slipped on the dead man’s white coat and name tag and entered the building. It took maybe twenty minutes before he stood outside Suzanne Richards’s door. She was his best chance of finding Holly.

  His blood raced through his veins but not from fear. He’d never experienced that emotion. The only things that stirred him, that truly gave him pleasure, were the hunt and the actual kill. He pushed open the door and stepped inside.

  “Good evening, Ms. Richards.” He smiled as he paused in the doorway.

  “You’re new to late rounds.”

  “Oh, I’m not making rounds. I came to see you.” Ivan stepped inside, closed the door, and turned the lock. In one motion, he pulled his knife from his pocket and flipped it open. “Scream and I’ll gut you like a pig.”

  The instant terror on her face gave him an incredible rush. He’d enjoyed convincing the reporter to spill her guts, and now the anticipation was just as exciting. In his line of work, he had very little interaction with his targets. Most of his clients paid for a quick kill, but the up close and personal was much more rewarding.

  “What do you want?” Her voice quivered as she pushed herself up in bed. “Who are you?”

  Ivan used his foot to push a chair next to her bed. He ran the smooth blade down her arm to the IV. “It’s Suzanne, right?”

  Her entire body trembled under the white sheet. Her gaze tracked the path of his knife.

  “Pull yourself together. I have questions and you will answer them. Understand?”

  She lifted her gaze and met his. Her lips moved but no sound came. He pressed the tip of the knife under the tape holding her IV in place and sliced through with ease. She winced but didn’t make a sound.

  “Answer me.”

  “Suzanne Richards.” Her voice was a soft whisper.

  “Now wasn’t that easy? Let’s go for another one. How do I find the nurse responsible for getting my brother killed?”

  “Holly?” She immediately clamped her mouth shut and closed her eyes.

  “What is Holly’s full name?” Ivan had to get her talking. It was only a matter of time before somebody tried the door and found it locked. The hospital really wasn’t a good place to gather information, but he’d work with what he had. He’d gag her if necessary. “And where can I find Holly?”

  “I don’t know.” Her face gave no indication that she had lied.

  Ivan stood and jerked the sheet from her grasp. He pulled the hospital gown up to reveal the bandage on her stomach. Perfect. With a quick movement, he ripped off the tape, removing the bandage. She cried out, he assumed more from surprise than pain.

  “Shh. Now try again.” He pushed two fingers against the discolored flesh hard. She closed her eyes and moaned. “It’s going to get a lot worse before it’s over.”

  “Please don’t.” She placed her hand over his. “I’m telling the truth. If she’s not at the school, I don’t know where she went.”

  “She’s been by to check on you, hasn’t she?”

  “No.”

  “That’s not much of a friend.”

  “She’s probably afraid that she might get shot too.”

  “Smart girl. But shooting her isn’t what I have in mind.”

  Ivan walked to the small cabinet and looked inside. There on the shelf was exactly what he wanted. A woman’s purse sometimes provided valuable items. A quick inspection revealed what could be answers to all his questions. He glanced back at Suzanne. “Aren’t you too old to keep a diary?”

  “It’s a private journal. Someday I want to write about my experiences with the Helpful Hands medical team.”

  He thumbed through the pages. “So you think you’re an author?”

  “I’m going to try. The organization does good work. The world should know.”

  He didn’t try to suppress a smile. She was trying to connect with him. Trying to save her life. “If I read this, will I learn that you’ve been lying to me?”

  Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know where Holly is.”

  He stuffed her billfold and journal into his coat pocket as he walked back to her. “It’s a shame we don’t have more time together.”

  She opened her mouth to scream. He was faster. The sharp blade sunk into her soft neck with ease and slid deep. Blood gushed and spurted, but no sound escaped. He lifted the bedsheet and wiped the knife.

  The door rattled as someone tried to enter and failed.

  A woman called out, “Ms. Richards” Ivan sighed. Any distraction or inconvenience would be handled quickly. He moved behind the door and then flipped the lock open.

  A short female bustled inside. Ivan caught her from behind and slid the knife across her neck. Blood spurted and he pushed her out of his way.

  The sleeves of the white coat were wet and crimson. He slipped it off his shoulders, wiped his hands and knife, and folded it into a small square. He tucked it, Suzanne’s wallet, and her journal under his arm and then quietly walked to the stairs.

  Less than five minutes later, he was driving away in his rental. His time with that twit reporter hadn’t been wasted. She’d directed him to Suzanne, and hopefully, her journal would give him the information to find Holly.

  A new place to stay was next on the agenda. Somewhere quiet so he could read without distraction.

  CHAPTER 15

  Holly stared in amazement at the cell phones and stack of pay-as-you-go minute cards on Alice’s kitchen table. Alice retrieved a pair of scissors from a drawer and opened one of the packages.

  “So as not to inspire too many questions, I bought two each at the grocery store, drugstore, and the truck stop outside of town.”

  Alice’s positive attitude just added to Holly’s guilt. Was she destined to bring trouble to all the people who cared for her? Alice couldn’t possibly understand the danger.

  “I shouldn’t be here. I think one of Nate’s safe houses would have been a better option.”

  “This ranch is the safest place for you.” Jake ripped open the second package and removed the cell phone.

  “We agreed not to put them in danger, but isn’t my being here the same thing?”

  Alice caught Holly’s hand. “Jake’s right. Besides, the Donovan family doesn’t scare easily.”

  Claude pulled a chair out, sat, and reached for one of the throwaways. “Jake, are these folks the group who helped you get your life back?”

  “Yes,” Jake said. “I owe them my life and sanity. Kay and Nate will do anything we ask, but she’s pregnant. It’s not the right time to ask them for help. “

  Holly knew Jake was right. “I’m sorry. Still, may I use one of these cells to check on her?”

  “Absolutely.” Jake went to work, and before long, he handed a pocket-size phone to her. His eyes softened, filling with an unspoken compassion. “I loaded one hundred minutes on this one.”

  Alice spoke up. “That swing on the front porch is a great place to relax. You take your time and visit with your friend. When you’re finished, you and Jake can ride out to check fences if you like. Get some fresh air in you.”

  “Ride out?” Holly hadn’t been on a horse in years.

  “We can take the four-wheeler if you don’t know how to ride.”

  She knew a challenge when she heard one. “It’s been a long time, and
I’m sure it will come back to me, but I was taught not to ride in tennis shoes.”

  “We’re about the same size,” Alice said. “With a pair of thick socks, I’ll bet you can wear a pair of my boots. There are a couple of sacks of clothes on your bed. I got everything on your list plus an extra pair of jeans.”

  Holly wrapped her arms around the woman and hugged her. “I’d forgotten you’d gone shopping for me. I’ll put them away and then call.”

  Holly unpacked her new things, carefully folding the price tags and tucking them into her wallet. When she opened her bedroom door, a pair of boots had been placed on the side where she’d see them.

  She carried them and the cell to the front porch.

  “Lost and Found agency. How may we help you?” Kay’s tone was so cheerful Holly’s eyes filled with tears.

  “How’s the mother-to-be?” She struggled to keep a tremble out of her voice.

  “Holly? Oh, my God, we’ve been so worried. Nate,” Kay yelled. “It’s Holly.”

  Holly laughed at her friend’s excitement. “You probably scared him to death.”

  “He’s picking up so we can both talk with you.”

  Holly spent the next fifteen minutes assuring them of her safety and well-being. The conversation flowed easily and turned to Kay’s pregnancy. That she was in good health and hadn’t been confined to bed rest was welcome news.

  “I’ve been so worried about you.” Kay’s tone softened.

  “Don’t do that. I’m doing fine. Jake and his aunt are taking good care of me. Not knowing what’s happening is hard. Was the shooter there because of me? Is he hunting me? Why?”

  “Lots of people are working hard to answer those questions. You have to hold it together.”

  “I seem to be stuck somewhere between frightened and furious.”

  “Stop that.” Nate’s deep voice boomed through the cell. “You are not responsible for any of this.”

  “People keep telling me that, but that doesn’t change the way I feel.” She shook off the self-pity creeping to the surface. “I take it Dalton brought you up to speed?”