The Rancher's Return

by Karen Whiddon

* * *

  As Alex ordered Kaitlyn’s death, Reed knew he was next. Alex had no reason to keep either of them alive if they were no use to him.

  Quietly and unobtrusively, Reed pressed the record video button on his phone and placed it next to him. He couldn’t believe no one had taken it from him. Maybe, just maybe, he could get Alex to confess.

  “Wait,” Reed said.

  Alex motioned to his man to stop. “What?” he asked, one elegant brow raised.

  “I’ll do it.” Reed kept his voice level. Right now, he needed to stall for as much time as he could. Because he had no doubt how this scenario would play out. He’d do what Alex wanted, and somehow end up shot dead when it was over.

  And right now, more than anything, he wanted to live. Despite the mess his life had been recently, Kaitlyn had made him realize his life was worth living. Enough so, he now wanted nothing more than to explore the chance of sharing the rest of it with her.

  If they could both survive, that is. He was determined to somehow make this happen. Even if he had to confess to crimes he hadn’t committed. “Tell me what you want me to do.”

  A slow smile spread across Alex’s face. “I thought you’d come around to my way of thinking,” he said. Turning to the driver, he ordered him to get everything ready.

  “First, call your men and tell them not to kill Kaitlyn,” Reed ordered.

  “Not until we’re done,” Alex replied. Which meant he had no intention of letting either of them live.

  “Also, one more thing. I want to know why you killed my brother.”

  Cocking his head, Alex flashed him a smile. “Because he had something I wanted. Kaitlyn.”

  Reed stared. “You killed him over a woman?”

  “My woman. I knew the instant I saw her. Plus, Tim was skimming off the top, taking my drug money. That alone would have earned him a cement shackle in the lake. Kaitlyn was the icing on the cake.”

  Bingo. Not only had Alex confessed to the murder, but he’d mentioned drugs and the fact he’d been holding Kaitlyn hostage.

  Alex turned away, peering out the window. Reed took that time to slide the phone closer, and then shoved it into his back pocket, leaving it still recording. Even just the sound, without the visual, would help.

  “What are you doing?” Alex snapped, staring at him.

  Reed stared back, his heart racing. “Getting ready. Where are you going to tape my fake confession?”

  “Outside. We’re parked in an alley behind a deserted warehouse.” Tone dismissive, Alex appeared to be sending a text message. “It’ll make everything more authentic.”

  Authentic. Again, Reed felt like shaking his head in disbelief. Instead, he said nothing, sitting back and waiting, as if he’d become completely resigned to his fate.

  “All right,” Alex finally said, looking up from his phone. “We’re ready to start rolling.” The driver passed back a pistol, which Alex handed to Reed. “It’s loaded with blanks. Now get out from the car and wait for instructions.”

  Every nerve on alert for the tiniest opportunity, Reed did as he’d been told. The instant he stepped out, a spotlight illuminated the car.

  “FBI.” A voice shouted, using what sounded like a bullhorn. “Put your hands in the air where we can see them.”

  Reed did one better. He tossed the gun away and threw himself on the ground, hands behind his head. If he knew Alex, the other man would go down in a blaze of gunfire.

  But no, instead Alex emerged from the car, his hands in the air and a grateful smile creasing his aristocratic features. “Thank goodness you people arrived,” he began. “This hoodlum was about to shoot me. He’ll have a full confession for you.”

  Three agents converged on them, weapons drawn. “Don’t move.” One barked out.

  Another one hurriedly cuffed Alex and his driver. The third helped Reed to his feet. “Are you all right?” he asked.

  Reed had barely nodded when an infuriated Alex began shouting. “Cuff that man. He’s a criminal, with a record, and he threatened me and my man. He needs to be arrested.”

  No one even responded, other than to bundle Alex and his driver into the SWAT vehicle, reading them their rights as they did.

  More relieved than he could say, Reed turned to the agent. His heart still pounding in his chest, he took a quick gulp of air. “I need to find Kaitlyn Nuhn. I have reason to believe her life is in danger.”

  “It’s okay, buddy.” The man clapped his hand on Reed’s shoulder. “She’s safe. She’s in the hospital.”

  “What about Brock McCauley? He was driving her to come pick me up in Kaufman.”

  The agent’s face sobered. “He’s there, too, but in worse shape. He’s in the ICU. His wife is with him.”

  Swallowing, Reed said a quiet prayer for his friend. “Can you take me there?”

  “I’m sorry.” He handed Reed his card. “I’m Special Agent Brown. We’ve got to question you first, and then I’ll personally make sure you get to the hospital. Would that work for you?”

  Since he didn’t see he had any other choice, Reed nodded. “I have some questions for you, too. I’m really curious how you found us.”

  The other man grinned. “A combination of info your friend Kaitlyn gave us and traffic cams. That, plus luck. You can’t hope for more than that.”

  Since he was absolutely correct, Reed managed to smile back. “Let’s get this show on the road, then. I’ve got to finish up here so I can go check on my friends.”

  * * *

  Kaitlyn tried to stay awake in case there was any news of Reed, but her eyelids were so heavy they defeated her. Evidently her battered body needed sleep to heal. And while she slept, she dreamed.

  At first, the dream didn’t make sense. Even when she woke at the end of it, itching to write it down, which she couldn’t since she had no paper. Instead, she kept her eyes closed and relived it, hoping to decipher the meaning.

  In her dream, she’d been holding a baby. She’d known the baby wasn’t hers, but holding her gave her such joy, that it didn’t matter. Two people stood back, their faces obscured by mist, but the way they held hands showed they were together. Someone came up behind her, someone beloved, and put his hands on her shoulders as if trying to give her strength.

  And in that instant she knew. Someday yes, she would have a baby with this man, but for now the baby she held belonged to someone else. Joy filled her, because this particular child had never been hers, she’d only been asked to hold it for a moment.

  She’d awakened before seeing any of their faces, including that of the infant.

  Finally, tired of trying to puzzle out the dream, she’d let herself drift back to sleep.

  When she next opened her eyes and saw Reed’s handsome, worried face, she thought she might still be dreaming. She reached out a hand, even though he was too far to touch.

  “Kaitlyn.” The deep rumble of his voice brought tears to her eyes. He took her hand, and she held on as if he alone might keep her from drowning.

  “I was so worried about you,” she said, blinking back unexpected tears. “After I heard Alex order you to get in his car, I didn’t know what he planned to do to you.” Aware she was probably babbling, she closed her mouth and waited for him to say something.

  “They got him, Kaitlyn.” He squeezed her hand. “Alex has been arrested. Though the FBI tells me he’s already assembled a team of high-powered lawyers to defend him.”

  Her throat felt tight. “Finally.”

  When he covered her hand with his, her heart turned over. Aching and confused, she cleared her throat. “Have you seen Brock? Is he all right?”

  When he nodded, the relief that flooded her made her feel almost giddy.

  “He’s going to make it,” Reed reassured her. “Zoe hasn’t left his side.”

  Again Kaitlyn battled the urge to cry. Somehow she managed to nod, trying to hide the yearning for more. She wanted him to hold her, to smooth her hair back from her face, and whisper words of comfort
or endearment in her ear. Her face heated, glad he couldn’t read her mind.

  She knew she craved something she could never have. Nor was she even sure she wanted it. She needed to learn how to stand on her own two feet and make her way in this world. Without yet another man wanting to suffocate her.

  Yet with Reed gazing so intently at her, she could hardly even think. The shadow of a beard gave him an even more ruggedly masculine look.

  “Do you have any update on Brock’s condition?” she asked.

  “He’s definitely improving. They’re even moving him up from ICU to a regular room today.”

  “I’d like to see him,” she said immediately.

  Reed stood, his dark hair gleaming in the fluorescent lights. “Let me go ask if that’s okay. If so, I’ll find a wheelchair and push you down there.”

  He left the room. After he was gone, Kaitlyn tried to sit up straighter, suddenly woefully aware of her lack of clothing. The stupid hospital gown tied in the back at the top, but if she got up she’d have to hold it together with one hand or her entire backside would be exposed. And she wasn’t sure she had enough balance to do that.

  Still, she needed to try and test her strength. Now would be the perfect time to do it, while no one else was around.

  It took a few seconds, but she was able to not only maneuver herself into an upright position, but swing her legs over the side of the bed. When she first saw them, all bruised and scratched up, she winced, understanding the pain better. As her doctor had told her, she was lucky she hadn’t broken any bones.

  Now to see if she could stand on her own. Gripping the edge of the hospital bed, she worked her feet down toward the floor. One foot, a moment’s hesitation, and then the other. Flat-footed, she stood, swaying slightly, her hand on the bed rail her lifeline. After a moment, she allowed herself to breathe. She’d done it.

  By the time Reed returned, she’d managed to turn herself around, so that she faced outward rather than the bed. She’d taken care to make sure her hospital gown was as closed in the back as she could make it.

  Reed stopped in the entrance to her room, staring. “Look at you,” he said, before crossing the room and taking her arm. Even now, she felt the heat of that touch all the way to her core. “Maybe you should sit down and conserve your strength. The nurse has asked for an aide to bring a wheelchair, but you know how long that type of thing can take.”

  Since she had no idea, she nodded. Though she hated to admit it, the simple act of standing had exhausted her. Easing back until the edge of the mattress touched the back of her knees, she sat. The entire room tilted for a second. She closed her eyes until it passed.

  “Are you all right?” Reed again, his husky voice sounding concerned.

  “I’m fine.” She gave him a rueful smile. “But I’m going to need that wheelchair if I intend to go anywhere.”

  He waited another couple of minutes, maybe five total, and then took off, telling her he was going to go hunt it down himself.

  When he returned, he pushed a heavy-duty wheelchair in front of him. She eyed him, her confusion and sadness gradually replaced by a warm glow. She didn’t know what kind of meds they had her on, or even if they were responsible, but right now, in this moment, she felt blissfully, achingly alive. She had some healing to do, sure. As did Brock. And she knew, right up until the moment he was convicted, Alex could somehow manage to go free.

  But with Reed gazing at her, his hazel eyes full of light, she felt as if she could do anything. Except walk, that is.

  His large hands were gentle when he lifted her, his expression tender, which deepened her sense of contentment. Once she was settled, he took the small blanket off the hospital bed and placed it over her lap, tucking it in for her.

  “Let’s go say hello to Brock and Zoe,” he said. And then he wheeled her out of the room and down the hallway to do exactly that.

  Brock looked a lot better than he had the last time she’d seen him. He was sleeping, so Kaitlyn didn’t speak. Zoe got up from the chair next to Brock’s bed and hugged Kaitlyn, then Reed. “He’s so much better.” Zoe swallowed, her caramel-colored eyes filling with tears. “For a while, we weren’t sure he was going to make it.”

  Kaitlyn nodded, trying to speak past the lump in her throat. Again, the wild mood swings. Though this time, she knew her guilt and sorrow were completely justified. “I’m so, so sorry,” she whispered.

  Immediately, Zoe crouched down so she could look her in the face. “It’s not your fault, Kaitlyn. Alex Ramirez did this, not you. Please don’t blame yourself.”

  Wiping at her eyes, Kaitlyn nodded. All of the energy she’d felt earlier had vanished. “Tell him I apologize anyway,” she told Zoe. A quick glance at Reed told her he understood. But the sympathy in his gaze was too much, again making her want to weep.

  “Are you all right?” Concern darkened his eyes.

  “I’m fine. Must be the meds,” she said by way of explanation. “I can barely keep my eyes open. Reed, do you mind taking me back to my room? I need to sleep.” And to be alone, so she could try to puzzle out the confused tangle of emotions plaguing her.

  * * *

  Once he’d gotten Kaitlyn settled back in her bed, a nurse came in to administer meds. After informing Kaitlyn that a physical therapist would pay her a visit later, the nurse told them both it was time for Kaitlyn to take a shower.

  Reed took that as his cue to leave. He went home, where Zoe had left Kaitlyn’s little dog—at his insistence. He’d told Zoe to focus on getting her husband well enough to return home. He’d take care of Kaitlyn’s pet.

  The instant he walked in the front door, the little mongrel began barking furiously. As if Reed was an intruder in his own house. Nevertheless, since Kaitlyn loved her pet so much, the least Reed could do was take care of him. “Hey, Bentley.” Crouching down at floor level, Reed kept his voice soft and nonthreatening.

  Damned if the rodent dog didn’t back up, growling and bearing his pointy teeth. Any second now, Reed expected the dog to rush him and chomp down on his leg or arm.

  “Fine.” Backing away, Reed went into the kitchen and poured the little guy a bowl of kibble. Bentley came running at the sound. This time, his ears were up and his scruffy little tail was wagging.

  Moving slowly and deliberately, Reed placed the dog bowl on the floor and stepped back. He watched the dog eat, and he waited for Bentley to lick the bowl clean, before he crossed to the refrigerator and got a beer.

  When he looked back, he was startled to realize Bentley had followed him and was sniffing his leg. Now what? Surely Kaitlyn’s pet didn’t intend to lift his leg on Reed’s pants, did he?

  Not wanting to take a chance, Reed hustled to the back door and threw it open. “Here, Bentley,” he called. “Let’s go outside and go to the bathroom.”

  With a happy bark—at least he thought is sounded happy—the little dog rushed past him and out the door.

  Reed watched while Bentley watered his shrubs. Once the animal had taken care of business, he came back inside without even being called. For such a small dog, even Reed had to admit Bentley made a good companion.

  After fixing himself a sandwich, Reed settled on the couch to watch the news. To his surprise, little Bentley jumped up and snuggled right next to him. Smiling broadly, he thought of Kaitlyn’s reaction when she saw this. He couldn’t wait.

  The doctor had said she could go home tomorrow, as long as she had someone to help her. Though he suspected Kaitlyn would be appalled, of course Reed promised to take care of her. The only other alternative would be Zoe and Brock, and not only did they have a business to run, they’d have enough to do getting Brock well.

  Reed took Bentley out before going to bed, and locked up. When he woke up in the morning, he stretched and his hand connected with something small and furry.

  Bentley. Stunned, he realized the little dog had climbed into bed with him. Grabbing his cell phone, he took a picture to show Kaitlyn, then picked the dog up and carried
him outside.

  After Bentley had been fed, Reed showered and dressed. He felt a bit anxious, like a kid on his first Christmas morning after his parents have divorced.

  He wanted Kaitlyn—and her pet—in his life for good. But she’d belonged to a man for so long, he knew she wanted to stand on her own two feet. It would be up to her to decide if she wanted Reed to be a part of her life. He’d have to fight his own battle of restraint.

  The warm ache of desire was always with him, even now when she was in the hospital. The heat would only intensify once they were under the same roof. The strong yearning between them wasn’t only one way. They both felt the connection.

  But passion alone wouldn’t be enough. There had to be more. There had to be trust.

  Reed headed to the hospital after breakfast. When he arrived, he popped in to visit Brock first. This time, Brock was awake and sitting up. He seemed alert and smiled a welcome.

  “How are you feeling?” Reed dropped into the chair normally occupied by Zoe. She must have run out for coffee or something.

  “Better.” Brock’s smile slipped a little. “Though I’d really like to go home. They’re wanting to transfer me to a rehabilitation hospital. I told them I want to go home. I’ll continue with my physical therapy from there. Zoe says that’s what Kaitlyn is doing.”

  Reed nodded. “True. They’re releasing her today. But she wasn’t as badly hurt as you.”

  “Don’t give me that.” Shooting Reed a look of disgust, Brock sat up straighter. “You sound like Zoe.”

  “She only wants what’s best for you.”

  “True. But I’m going home.” Brock stared, practically daring Reed to disagree.

  “Your choice, man. I’m on my way to take Kaitlyn home.”

  Brock nodded. “Good. I think Zoe can use the company.”

  Crap. “I’m not taking her to your place. Zoe’s got enough to deal with. She’s coming home with me.”

  Instead of responding, Brock studied Reed’s face. When he did reply, it wasn’t what Reed had been expecting. “Good. Make sure you don’t hurt her. She’s already been through enough.”

  Time for truth. “I plan to make sure she’s never hurt again.”