She knelt down and took his hand, automatically feeling for his pulse even though it was obvious he was dead.
“Everything’s okay,” she said, her voice trembling. “Go in peace.”
His hand quivered and for a moment she thought he was still alive, no matter how improbable. Then she realized she was the one who was shaking, her body drenched with sweat as the coppery stench of blood slithered up her nose.
She sucked in several mouthfuls of air, hating the smell and knowing she couldn’t afford a panic attack. She had to get to camp. It wasn’t far, maybe an eighth of a mile. But she didn’t want to leave Kessler. Knew from experience what animals could do to a body, especially one so freshly blooded.
“I’m sorry,” she choked, rising to her feet. “I have to go now. Back to—” Her voice cracked. But Kessler might be listening somehow, and he’d worry if she didn’t use Courtney’s code name.
“Back to P-Petal,” Kate said. “But we’ll get her home safely. I promise.”
She backed up on legs that felt awkward, stumbled twice then jerked around and lurched into a run.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
JACK WATCHED AS COURTNEY followed Tyra from the tent, her face wan against the deep purple of her windbreaker. Despite the warmth of the noon sun, she kept her jacket zippered with both arms wrapped around her chest as if warding off the cold. At least she was moving.
He gave a polite smile as the girls seated themselves on the log beside Monty. “Do either of you want some lunch?” Jack asked, gesturing at the wraps he’d just made.
“No, thank you.” Courtney sounded as gracious as ever, but she shot a dark look at the pita bread. “I plan to avoid anything that isn’t separately wrapped. Kate said all the food she brought was gluten free but that’s not what my body is saying.”
“And if the food just touches wheat,” Tyra piped in, “it’s enough to damage her intestine. Maybe Kate doesn’t know that. Not everyone does,” she added, as if feeling the sudden need to defend Kate.
“She knows,” Monty said. He paused to swallow the bite of sandwich in his mouth. “So do all the kitchen staff. They’re used to guests with food intolerances.”
Jack knew the labels of the pre-packaged food had been checked before it went into the panniers. He’d examined it himself, along with two other agents. However, he hadn’t checked Logan and Kessler’s saddlebags. Hadn’t had the authority.
“Who made you breakfast this morning?” Jack asked, keeping his tone casual.
“Kessler, I think,” Courtney said. “Or maybe Logan. But it was only rolls and jam. And they wouldn’t make a mistake.”
“Maybe it wasn’t a mistake,” Monty muttered.
“It’s okay.” Courtney lowered her arms, tugging her jacket zipper a bit lower. “My migraine’s almost gone, and I feel a lot better. Kate was right about those leaves. But maybe we can get up early tomorrow and still have time to see the mustangs? I really want to. So does Logan. He was as excited as me about this trip.” She glanced around, her brow furrowing. “Where is he? And Kessler?”
“On the hill making the noon call,” Jack said. “And Kate is looking for more feverfew leaves.”
He checked the trail again, then scanned the river crossing, something he’d been doing all morning. Time crawled when one was stuck in camp, waiting for something to happen. And Kate was taking much too long. For that matter, so were the agents. He looked at Monty, his gaze narrowing in silent communication.
Monty immediately rose from the log. “I’m going to take a little walk,” he said to Courtney. “But you have a good idea. We’ll get up early tomorrow, see the mustangs and still be able to get you home on schedule.”
Courtney gave such a grateful smile that even Monty looked a little flushed. The old guide might be a little crusty but he appreciated a horse lover’s passion. It was obvious he didn’t want to disappoint Courtney. She was surprisingly down to earth, and this ride had been touted as a guaranteed chance to see mustangs in the wild.
Slider twisted, straining against the picket line. White rimmed his eyes as he stared toward the trees. Seconds later, Banjo and Dusty lifted their heads, looking in the same direction. Jack turned, trying to see what the horses had already heard. But the trail was empty.
Seconds later he caught the sound of pounding feet.
Dammit. He slid his hand beneath his shirt, reaching for his gun. But it was only Kate who burst into the clearing, bounding like a frightened deer. Her jeans were muddied, her face scratched, and her hands gleamed with red.
He instinctively started toward her, then caught himself and stepped in front of Courtney. “Get down, girls,” he snapped.
He leveled his gun, his gaze sweeping the perimeter. Kate had come from the hill but no one seemed to be following. And there was no movement around the trees. Or by the river. Even more reassuring, the horses had lowered their heads, relaxing once more beneath the warm sun. Even Slider had settled.
Courtney and Tyra remained kneeling behind him, following his instructions, not saying a word. Thank God for their training.
Kate was only ten feet away now. He could hear her ragged breathing, feel her panic. Monty reached out and grabbed her arm, but she looked past him, searching for Jack. “W-we have to get out of here! N-now.”
She stooped over, clutching at her side, gasping for breath. “Riders are coming,” she said. “With Logan. And we need to call for help.”
Jack swung toward the girls. “Go to your tent,” he said, his voice urgent. “Grab some warm clothes. Get ready to ride.”
They remained on their knees, staring at Kate with wide eyes.
“Now!” he said.
Tyra was the first to move. She rose, grabbed Courtney’s hand and tugged her toward the tent.
Jack holstered his gun and hurried to Kate.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, calming his voice.
She shook her head. But her eyes met his, and the anguish in those dark depths made his heart squeeze. “How many riders?” he asked, wishing he had time to comfort her.
“Five,” she said.
“How far away?”
“About five miles northeast. But they might have already started riding.”
“Where’s Kessler? Logan?”
Her mouth opened but nothing came out. Her shoulders were shaking, her entire body wracked with tremors. Then she shook her head, her composure obviously paper thin. “Kessler’s d-dead,” she finally managed. “He killed him.”
Jack’s fists balled but he kept his face impassive, knowing more emotion was the last thing she needed. “Where’s the communication equipment?” he asked. “On the hill?”
“No. L-Logan took it. And he’s meeting them and they’re coming and they’re going to take Courtney and they want to kill us and all the horses.”
She was saying more but her body was shaking so much it was hard to understand her words. He needed to extract the details, quickly and objectively, but despite his training it was impossible to stand and watch her struggle.
He couldn’t remember wrapping his arms around her. Told himself it was only to calm her down, not because he couldn’t stand to see her wracked by such fear. “It’s okay, Kate,” he said softly. “Take some deep breaths. I just need to ask a couple more questions.”
He could feel her breath shudder and roll out, knew when her breathing steadied. He inched back, still holding her in his arms but able to study her face.
“Did you see their guns?” he asked.
She nodded and now when she spoke, her voice was clearer. “Handguns and rifles.”
“What about their horses? Did you see them?”
“Yes. Built for speed. Thoroughbred types. And they had one extra horse and saddle for Logan.”
He gave her shoulders an approving squeeze, hiding his dismay. They couldn’t even make a run for it across the north field. Not if their pursuers had rifles and speedy horses.
He glanced at Monty. “We’ll take the gir
ls and head into the woods. Rifles and horses can’t help them there. If they’re anything like Logan, they’ll have difficulty following.”
“But they’re not like Logan,” Kate said. “One of the men looks like a tracker. He was dressed differently than the others. And two more look like woodsmen. Their clothes looked worn, not brand new. And they were used to the flies.”
“I see,” he said, impressed by her analytical mind but swept with a burgeoning dismay. They had fast horses and there was no way to call for help. The thick woods still offered the best chance of escape, but Courtney wasn’t feeling a hundred percent and wouldn’t be able to move very fast. He’d have to buy some time. And figure a way to whisk the girls away from the action.
He looked at Monty. “Can any of your animals handle the south trail?”
“The mules can,” Monty said. “Not the horses.”
“Then saddle the three mules and take the girls. Tyra and Kate can double up on Bubba. I’ll take the six horses and head west.”
Monty gave a curt nod, scooped up his emergency pack and jogged toward the mules. Jack couldn’t fault the man for lack of speed. Or Kate either. She was already hurrying toward the tent, newly composed and calling for the girls to hurry up and mount.
Their speed and efficiency with the mules was also appreciated. Within three minutes, they had the animals saddled and ready to ride. The pack mules snorted, rather puzzled at their change of status, and not very enthused about the prospect of being ridden. But they had strong legs, good feet, and were the best ticket to safety.
Jack tossed Courtney on Gus’s back, then Tyra on Bubba while Kate tied a pack behind Bubba’s saddle.
“Bubba is the strongest,” Jack said, reaching up and helping attach the pack. “Shouldn’t he be the one to carry double? Or will he buck with two riders?”
“I’m going with you,” Kate said. “You’ll need help leading all the horses. And Logan needs to believe he’s following Courtney.”
Jack scowled. “No, I’m riding alone.”
“She’s right.” Monty leaned over Belle’s shoulder. “Kate and I already discussed it. Two of the horses have never been ponied. They’d be impossible for one rider to handle, especially at speed. Kate’s good. She can help.”
Of course Jack knew Kate was good. But he needed her safe. Away from danger. There was no way she was going with him.
“I heard them talking about Courtney’s jacket,” Kate said, tapping her chest. “So wearing this will make sure they follow.”
Jack stared in dismay at the bright purple jacket Kate now wore. But she was right, even if he didn’t want to admit it. Logan would expect him to follow protocol and remain with the target. Logan would also expect the girls to flee on horses, not sneak out the back way on slower pack mules. It was possible he’d be so focused on overtaking Courtney’s colorful paint, he might miss the mule tracks heading in the opposite direction.
It made sense to have Kate ride with him. But Jack still wasn’t sold on the idea. However, Monty had already turned Belle and was heading out. The other two mules obediently followed—with Tyra and Courtney on their backs.
“See you back at the ranch,” Kate said, giving the girls a wave and a strained smile. “You’ll love riding the mules.”
They just stared, white-faced and silent. But judging by their expressions, it was clear they understood the risks. And appreciated that Kate was volunteering to serve as their decoy.
Kate turned back to Jack, her smile fading. “There’s no time to hide their tracks,” she said. “But Logan won’t expect anyone to ride in that direction. And Monty won’t speed up until they’re deeper in the woods. The mules aren’t shod so their feet won’t cut up the ground.”
She spoke so calmly he wondered if she understood the situation. She didn’t seem at all daunted by galloping cross country, posing as Courtney, being chased by a desperate band of killers—men who’d be furious when they discovered they’d followed the wrong woman.
But the plan made sense. The only thing left was to ensure Logan and his group wouldn’t realize they’d been duped until it was too late. Kate was making it easy for him to do his job. And he couldn’t stand here dithering, worrying about putting her at risk. Besides, the mules had already disappeared. There was no turning back.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
KATE’S HORSE STUMBLED. She automatically tightened the reins, helping Oreo regain his footing. Jack was setting a scorching pace. Obviously he wanted to leave a clear trail, but also hoped to stay out of sight of their pursuers. She was hot and thirsty, and her arm ached from leading Slider, but the discomfort helped her focus on their escape.
And not the murder she’d witnessed on the knoll. Not Kessler’s blank eyes, the gaping wound in his throat or the way blood had spilled over his shirt.
She gave a choke of disbelief. Kessler had been the man she’d distrusted most, not friendly Logan. And she’d certainly never imagined either agent capable of slitting the other’s throat. Courtney must be shattered. Those two men had been on her detail for years, and Logan had been her riding companion.
Courtney’s abduction must have been planned for a while. Once Logan discovered her passion for wild horses, he would have known he’d be the logical agent to accompany her. But such ruthlessness was outside Kate’s experience. She’d dealt with incompetence, braggarts and fools. Had helped fishermen, hunters and hikers who were simply the victims of poor decisions or bad luck. But people who abducted for money—and were willing to slaughter anyone who stepped in their way—that was hard to absorb.
She tightened her sweaty grip on Slider’s lead line and urged Oreo for more speed. There was no doubt they were being followed. Six shod horses left a lot of tracks. How much time would Monty need? A fit man could walk down a horse or mule, but Monty knew the terrain. And if they were able to give him enough of a head start, she had no doubt he could deliver the girls to safety.
She took a peek over her shoulder, trying not to imagine the feel of a bullet as it ripped into her back. But no deadly silhouettes appeared on the hill. Besides, they wouldn’t shoot her. Not yet. Those men had made no secret that Courtney was the one of value. All other riders and horses were disposable.
Kate followed Jack into another cluster of trees and breathed a little easier, grateful for the shelter and aware they’d just provided Monty with another twenty minutes.
Jack slowed his horse, trotting in a half circle. The three horses he was leading turned with minimal fuss, accustomed to being ponied. “How are you doing?” he asked, his gaze intent as he stepped down from the saddle. “Is Slider pulling your arm off?”
“He’s figuring it out,” she said. “He’s going to be a better ranch horse after all this. So will Courtney’s paint.”
“And you deserve a raise after this.” Jack smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes and she wondered if he still wished she’d gone with Monty. But he would never have been able to make such good time leading all six horses. And if Oreo or Slider had broken away and galloped back to camp, Logan would have been instantly suspicious.
“Can you dismount and hold the horses?” Jack asked. “Keep them hidden in the trees while I check our back trail?” It was clear he had the same concern about an animal getting loose.
“Sure,” she said, slipping from the saddle and taking three more lead lines along with another set of reins.
He unzipped his saddlebags and pulled out a set of binoculars. “A kiss for luck,” he said, surprising her by brushing his mouth over hers before turning and jogging toward the trees.
That little kiss was comforting. This was a scary situation but she trusted Jack and suddenly things didn’t feel quite so grim. As long as all of Logan’s men were following, Courtney would be safe. She didn’t want to think past that, to worry about their own predicament.
The horses milled around her, their flanks heaving, thickening the warm air with the smell of their sweat. She pulled off her jacket, then adjusted the l
ead lines, keeping Slider and Oreo on her left and the other four on her right, almost afraid to look at their back trail. Six riders, she prayed. Let all six riders be following.
Jack lowered the binoculars and jogged back, a satisfied smile creasing his face. “They’re coming,” he called. “All of them.”
“Thank you, Kate,” he said, easing between the horses and giving her a congratulatory hug. “I couldn’t have done this without you. Now we just have to stay ahead. Keep them believing they’re chasing Courtney.”
She squeezed his hand in relief. It was going to be okay. Logan’s group rode faster horses, but she and Jack had four extra mounts. They could switch animals, give their horses a breather. By tomorrow morning, Monty would have reached the fire tower and be able to call for help.
They just had to keep riding along the foothills. There was plenty of cover, yet some decent ground for galloping. With a little luck, they’d be fine. And when Jack stood close, holding her like this, his confidence was contagious...and she was able to act much braver than she really felt.
KATE WAS A HELLUVA rider and an amazing woman. Jack glanced over his shoulder, noting how Slider now kept an easy pace beside Oreo, no longer yanking at his lead rope. The three horses he led were neither better nor worse than when they’d started. But they were used to following Banjo and only occasionally pulled at his arm.
Having his gun hand filled with lead lines wasn’t ideal, but the danger was at their backs. The open spaces scared him though. According to Kate, the men with Logan had sniper rifles. A good marksman could make a long distance shot, bringing down a horse or rider. She’d be the first one in their sights.
He pulled the horses to a stop, surprising Banjo with his urgency. “I know you’re hot,” he said, his voice rough. “But you have to put Courtney’s jacket back on.”
He reached over and grabbed Slider’s lead line, nervously eyeing the open meadow they’d just crossed. A shooter might be lining her up right now and dammit, he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if she were hurt. “Hurry up,” he muttered.
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