by Jewel Allen
“Not unless you consider rabbits and badgers. Why?”
“I thought I saw something in the trees.”
Luke sat up, turning at his saddle to follow her gaze. He felt for something in the back of his waist. His gun. Madison shivered. She hoped that Luke didn’t need to use it now or ever.
“Ready to move on?” Dirk asked. “We have a bit more of just flat work, then we’ll go up higher in the trees, where it’s cooler.”
They rode on, Madison trying to relax. Once in a while, Madison thought she heard a cracking branch, or an extra hoofstep, but when she turned she couldn’t see anything.
“You hearing things, too?” Luke asked her.
Madison nodded, her throat dry.
“Stay on your horse, no matter what happens, okay?” he said.
She nodded, fear spiraling from the pit of her stomach.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Luke turned Goliath back and returned to the trees.
“Where you going?” Dirk asked.
“Just checking something out,” Luke called back.
Goliath didn’t like being turned away from his buddies. He snorted and stomped, grabbing the bit and trying to pull back towards the others. Luke wrestled with the reins, trying to force Goliath into subservience, but he was too stubborn and strong.
“Don’t yank at his mouth,” Dirk advised. “Won’t make him work any better for you. Horses are like women. You gotta treat them right or they’ll buck you off.”
Luke loosened his hold on the reins, and Goliath immediately calmed down. He circled him through the trees, his eyes roving through the shadows and shapes.
“Is this private land?” he asked Dirk.
“No. It’s national forest. There’s plenty of ranching going on, too. Could be a cow.”
Luke wasn’t so sure of that. The noises he’d heard seemed more horse-like, and too close to be coincidental. Luke repositioned himself on the saddle, so that he was leaning slightly to the side. Something was tickling his Special Forces hunches and he didn’t want to be exactly where an enemy suspected him. Just then, a shot rang out.
The bullet barely grazed the air by his face. It ended up in a birch tree next to him, shattering it.
“Go,” he ordered Madison and Dirk. “Go back to the stables!”
Madison hesitated.
Dirk said, “Follow me.” He lifted his hand to urge Penny to move. And move she did, rearing up with Madison circling her arms around the horse’s neck.
***
Madison’s reins snapped so she could only pull on one side, unable to control her horse. As Penny went back down on her front hooves, it was all she could do to stay on. Penny decided she wasn’t going to stay here for anyone, especially Madison, and went galloping off into the forest.
Madison clung to Penny’s mane, clutching the sides of the horse with her legs as she’d been taught during a riding lesson for one of her music videos. Penny was crazed by now, not heeding anything, and Madison just prayed that wherever she ended up, she could stop safely.
Madison thought of the gunshot back there. Could Frank be after her? Was he targeting Luke?
Goliath’s hooves thundered as he brought Luke forward, bursting into the clearing. “Madison, pull back on her reins!” he said.
“I can’t,” she yelled. “They broke.”
Dirk appeared alongside her. “Penny, girl, whoa!” He swerved to slow down Penny, but she just dodged him and veered the opposite way. Right into Goliath.
When the horses collided, Madison bounced off like a rag doll, tumbling onto the grasses and hitting her head against something hard.
That was the last she remembered.
CHAPTER TWENTY
When Madison came to on the ground, strong arms were holding her. She was in Luke’s lap and his dark eyes gazed at her with desperate concern.
She tried to sit up, but got dizzy. “What happened?” she asked.
Relief washed over Luke’s features. “You fell off the horse,” he murmured. “Someone tried to shoot at us. Dirk tried to stop your horse, but got her rearing up and taking off instead.”
Now she remembered. As she shifted in his arms, pain shot through the back of her head.
“You got a pretty nasty bruise on your head,” he said. “Just take it easy.”
“Where’s Dirk?”
“He’s gone for help.”
“Frank’s out there, isn’t he?” she said, clutching at his arm.
“Probably. We don’t know that for sure.”
“Who else would be trying to shoot at you, to get to me?”
Luke’s expression gave him away. He was worried, too. “You’re safe for now. Whoever it was took off in a hurry. We’ll have to file a report with the police. See if we can get a warrant for his arrest.”
“As if he would follow some law,” she said glumly.
“Shh. Just relax.”
She felt sleepy. His touch was comforting. Her eyes flew open at the sound of horse hooves. Dirk appeared with a medic on a horse.
“This here is Roger,” Dirk said. “He’s an on-call medic.”
After checking her vital signs, neck and back, Roger suggested that Madison go to the E.R. to be fully checked.
“No,” Madison said. “Really, I’m okay. I just need to take it easy.”
“Yes, you do that,” Dirk said. “Glad you signed that waiver.”
***
“Sgt. Castro,” the cop said, shaking hands with Luke and Madison. “I’m going to ask you a few questions, if I may?”
Sgt. Castro was short, with tanned skin and a spike haircut. He walked around with a strut which reminded Luke of a turkey. Luke had seen his type in the Army. He made up for his short stature by pouring on the arrogance. But as much as Luke disliked him, he needed to play nice so that this cop would help Madison.
“Sure,” Luke said.
“Ladies first,” Sgt. Castro said, gesturing to Madison. “I understand, looking at your file that you’ve had a stalker before.”
Madison still looked shook up, her eyes wide and her face pale. “Yes.”
“Did you see anything during your ride that indicated it might have been him?”
Madison thought for a long moment. “No, not really.”
“So it could have been a hunter or poacher?”
“What would they be hunting this time of year?” Luke said crossly.
“Dove? Still, Mr. Parker, I was asking Miss Kay.”
Luke forced himself to not respond. This cop was badgering Madison and she’d already been through enough, hadn’t she?
“Maybe,” Madison said.
Sgt. Castro closed his notebook. “Miss Kay, unless we have clear evidence to tie this shooting to Frank Dell, I’m afraid it’s all just supposition.”
“Supposition!” Luke exploded. “Do you even know what that means?”
Sgt. Castro put his face right in Luke’s. “Sir, settle down.”
Luke fumed. He paced away or he’d be tempted to deck this guy. He whirled around. “So you won’t do anything about this other than just close the file?”
A deep dislike flickered in Sgt. Castro’s eyes. “We’ll keep the file active. If you see any other evidence of a connection to her stalker, call me.”
***
Madison slumped in the chair after the unsympathetic policeman left. Luke knelt beside her. “Buck up. Don’t mind him. He’s an idiot.”
She bit her lip. “Maybe he’s right. I’m just so keyed up right now, I might really be imagining things.”
“No one just shoots at riders on trails, Madison.”
“I know. But I’d also just as soon not ruin my stay in Tennessee by dwelling on what might or might not be lurking out there for me.”
“That’s what you pay me big bucks for,” he said, smiling. “I get to worry for you.”
She smiled back, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I just might take you up on that.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ON
E
Madison faced an agitated Sally back at the house.
“Imagine my worry when I got a call from the Herald Weekly asking if Madison Kay survived her horse fall.” Sally glared at Luke. “No more adventuring for the two of you. I don’t think my heart can take it.”
“Don’t worry,” Madison said. “I think it’s time to rehearse for the concert anyway.”
“And shop,” Sally said. “Don’t forget shopping for the benefit.”
Madison groaned. She’d forgotten. Just the thought of shopping aggravated her headache. “Do we really have to?”
“Just keep in mind who you are doing the benefit for, sweetheart. Think of the kids. How about you clean up?” Sally leaned close and sniffed, making a face. “I think horse smell isn’t what you’re going for.”
Madison gave her a resigned smile.
“Attagirl,” Sally said. “Now get a bath and calm your nerves down. Shall we go in say, two hours?”
***
The shops at Escudero Street were all lined up like candy stores, their wares displayed in bright color patterns. The limo pulled up and dropped them off at the curb, with Madison and Luke following Sally inside Lily’s. Evening gowns glittered on a few racks. A woman stood behind the counter adding pastries and cookies to a dessert buffet. A bottle of champagne sat in an ice bucket.
“She needs a special dress,” Thelma told their attendant, Myrna. “We’re going to the Governor’s Ball.”
“Ah, that is a wonderful event,” Myrna said with a trace of an Eastern European accent. “I have had many clients attend and come back with glowing reviews. You will need something special indeed.”
“While she’s fitting, can one of your associates please help Luke, as well?” Sally asked.
“But of course.” Myrna gave Luke a flirtatious glance. “This way, please, sir.”
“Me?” Luke raised an eyebrow.
“Did you pack a tux with you?” Sally said.
“No, but—”
“Then go.”
Luke wasn’t doing cartwheels of joy but did as he was told.
Madison waited in a sitting area while three shop employees brought over dresses for her to try. The first was a pink high-low dress that felt so heavy she literally was being dragged down to its hem. That had to go. The second was a cream-colored sheath that was beautiful but a little too bland. The third was a gold gown that was simple, with cap sleeves and a nice contoured skirt that accented Madison’s slim figure.
“Now that is gorgeous,” Thelma said as Madison came out to model the dress for her. As Madison walked up and down the aisle, she could see Luke talking to an employee on the other side of the store. He was wearing a tux that looked like it had been custom-made for him.
Yowza.
He looked gorgeous, with the jacket and pants fitting his shoulders perfectly. He was twisting around to check his reflection out, when he caught her gawking at him. She averted her eyes in a hurry.
“Earth to Madison,” Thelma said.
Madison started. “Oh, sorry, what?”
Thelma asked, “Is it comfortable?”
“Yes.”
“How much…?” Sally asked Myrna.
“For mademoiselle, it will be only twenty thousand.”
Sally didn’t bat an eyelash. Madison knew what she was thinking. In the whole scheme of expenses, it was nothing compared to other dresses she’d worn at other events. “Do you like it?” she asked Madison.
“I don’t know,” Madison hedged. “I could donate that money to the benefit instead.”
Myrna lifted her chin haughtily. “If Mademoiselle wishes, she can get one of our cheaper lines.”
“Only if they’re pretty,” Thelma said.
Myrna put her nose up in the air. “Of course we only sell pretty things.”
Thinking of the kids, Madison made her way to the cheaper rack of dresses. Some were promising. Best of all, the price tag was only four figures. She tried on a white dress.
“Too virginal,” Thelma said.
“Isn’t that good?” Madison asked, confused.
“It’ll show every single stain. Besides, you aren’t getting married are you?”
A green dress was “too Robin Hood,” a yellow one “too conspicuous,” a red one “the wrong shade of red.” Madison refused to come out in the last one, a simple silver sheath.
“Come on, hon,” Sally cajoled. “Let’s see it.”
“If Thelma promises not to rip it apart at first glance.”
“I promise,” Thelma sang out.
At first, Madison wasn’t sure what to think of the ladies’ stupefied reactions. No one spoke for a long moment.
“Well?” Madison said crossly. “Is it good?”
“Is it good?” Thelma echoed. “It’s fabulous!”
“Do you like it?” Sally asked.
Madison had already checked the price tag. “Yes,” she said.
***
Luke could see Madison standing on the other side of the store in a beautiful silver gown. He was a little distracted, being peppered by questions to find out his preferences, while trying to catch another glimpse of Madison.
There she was, a vision of perfection. Thelma chose that moment to stand in the spot blocking his view of Madison.
“So, monsieur, which one did you like best?” The saleslady held up two tuxes, a gray and black.
“The black is fine.”
“Ooh, it’s more than fine. And how would you like to pay for your tux?”
“Why don’t you throw in that beautiful lady’s dress with mine? I’ll pay for both.”
The attendant’s brow rose. Speculative. Until he paid with his credit card. The saleslady’s eyes bulged out. “You’re Luke Parker?” she said. “The billionaire?”
“Correct,” he said.
She couldn’t fawn over him quick enough.
***
Madison waited with the others as Luke went ahead into the spa to check out the place. All the women inside turned, their eyes checking him out from head to toe. He opened the door for the ladies.
“Well, well,” a woman came forward, greeting Sally. “Look who we have here.” She was staring straight at Luke.
“Verna darling,” Sally said.
Verna kissed the air around Sally’s cheeks. “Mwah, chica. Won’t you introduce me to this, um, beautiful specimen?”
“Luke, this is Verna. She’s the most brilliant artiste on the planet. And this, Verna, is Luke Parker, CEO of Parker Protection Services. Madison’s bodyguard.”
Verna offered her hand for Luke to kiss. He bowed over it and obliged her. She laughed. “Thank you. Most men don’t know what to do with my hand.”
Luke smiled politely. “It’s my pleasure.”
Verna gave Madison a speculative look. “Lucky girl.” She turned to Sally. “I’m so glad you brought your little protégé here. I so want to get to know her better.”
Madison cringed at Verna’s patronizing tone.
“My little protégé raked in over six figures last year,” Sally reminded Verna.
Verna’s eyes glittered. She was a beautiful woman, not in a natural way, as it was obvious she’d had a nose job and her hair was dyed a black-blue. Still, she was one of those women who aged well.
Nail technicians brought the three women back to the pedicure chairs. Verna and Sally sandwiched Madison. Luke, sitting by the entrance, was causing quite a bit of a stir among the women getting pedicures, giggling and whispering among themselves.
“Silly twits,” Verna said, eying the women. She turned to Madison. “You have quite the bodyguard. I’ve heard of his company. Very impressive. He has some high-profile clients.”
“I’m lucky to have him,” Madison said. At least through Nashville, she thought glumly.
“We only hire the best,” Sally said.
The tech applied oil on Madison’s hand and feet and started massaging them. Madison turned herself over to her, shutting her eyes at the
pleasant sensation.
“What is he like?” Verna interrupted her relaxation.
Madison feigned ignorance. Verna’s obsession was starting to get annoying. “Who?”
“Luke.”
“I knew him in high school.”
“Really? What was he like back then?”
“Oh, the rebel type. Intense, brooding. He had transferred from school to school. His grades weren’t all that great.”
“I can see him as the rebel type,” Verna said, glancing his direction. “He seems so…dangerous.”
“Yeah, that he was.”
“I bet he rode a motorcycle,” she said.
“No, he didn’t have money for one. He probably would have wanted one, though. He drove a little Toyota.”
Madison’s nail technician finished manicuring one hand, the deep red of the polish flattering against her skin.
“What else do you know about him?” Verna leaned forward. “Dish.”
Madison really didn’t want to say any more to this gossip. Besides, what would she think if Madison had said, “In the summer, his hair lightened so much. He had puppy dog eyes. I couldn’t stay mad at him for too long. Some guys worked out at the gym, but Luke was the real deal. He worked at the junk yard, lifting car parts and using heavy tools all day. At the end of the day, he came to my house and made a pretend owl call so that I would look out my window and he could blow me a kiss. And sometimes, when he wanted to, he scaled our house and gave me a real one…”
She thought of the balconies where they were staying at. The young Luke would have scaled her balcony easily. What she would give to go back to those days.
Verna interrupted. “Well, huh?”
Madison blew on her nails and shrugged. “That’s about it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Back at the vacation house from the spa, Madison could have slept in the warm bath. It felt good to relax. But it was time to get ready for the Governor’s Ball. She emerged from the tub, dried off with an over-sized, ultra-soft towel and dressed in her robe. Thelma and a swarm of assistants from the spa came in to get her ready for the evening.
