by Elle James
“Yes. He’s banged up and has a couple of broken ribs and a concussion. They’re keeping him overnight for observation. He doesn’t want you to come.”
RJ snorted. If he was alert enough to tell her not to come, he was going to be fine. At least, she hoped he would be. “Sounds like him. Probably worried the bar won’t be open on time. What happened?”
“We were on our way back from Fool’s Gold after we had coffee with Marty Lange. He didn’t want to meet at the ranch, said it wasn’t safe. We had just left town when an SUV shot out of a side road, rammed into the side of the ranch truck and sent us spinning over the edge of an embankment.”
RJ sucked in a breath. “Holy hell. There are a number of places along that road into town that are dangerous drop-offs. You two are lucky to be alive.”
Kujo laughed without humor. “That’s what I told Gunny. He said he was too mean to die.”
A soft knock sounded on her door, and it opened to Jake. “Everything okay?” he whispered.
RJ shook her head. “Gunny’s in the hospital. Someone ran them off the road on their way back from Fool’s Gold.”
“That Jake?” Kujo asked. “Can you put me on speaker?”
RJ hit the button on the cordless phone and Kujo’s voice sounded over the speaker, “Jake?”
“Yeah, Kujo. I’m here.”
“Marty Lange said Robert Henderson did make it out to his place to present an offer to purchase the Elk Horn Ranch and it’s mineral rights. Emphasis on the mineral rights.”
“From the mining company we’re going to meet in less than an hour?”
“Yes. He told them he’d think about it. He’d been having a tough time making ends meet. Like the Lost Valley Ranch, he relies on tourists to help fund the ranch upkeep and make payments on the equipment.”
“Gunny has coffee with Marty once a month,” RJ said. “Last time they met, he said he was having trouble making ends meet. Selling might have been an option for him.”
“That’s what Gunny said,” Kujo said. “Marty wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. He figured if there was an interest in the minerals, he might negotiate to lease the mineral rights. He was just checking into it when he heard Robert Henderson was murdered. He felt pretty sure Henderson was going to make the same offer to Gunny.”
RJ’s gaze met Jake’s. “All the more reason to speak with the Omega Mining Company CEO. What do they know that we don’t?”
“Does Marty think the Omega Mining Company is targeting the owners of the Lost Valley Ranch?”
“He wasn’t sure, but he said someone had taken a shot at him while he’d been out riding fences. Clipped his arm. His horse threw him, and he had to walk back to the barn, but he’s okay.”
“Did you tell him someone took a shot at RJ?” Jake asked.
“Yes. He’s worried. He thinks maybe they’ve discovered a vein of gold or silver running beneath the two ranches.”
“How can they do that without digging to find it?”
“Apparently, Mike Orlacek found an old logbook from the Finnian’s Folly Mine, located on the Broken Wheel Ranch. It mentions a tunnel they’d been digging that stretched east to west and burrowed under the corners of the Elk Horn and the Lost Valley Ranches.”
“Gold on Lost Valley Ranch?” RJ shook her head. “Is that what this about?”
“That’s what it sounds like. Marty’s convinced the mining company doesn’t want to wait on his answer, that they’re getting rid of the ranch owners to make it easier for them to take over.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” Jake said. “If the owners died, the land would be tied up in probate, much longer than if the owners sold their ranches outright. And if the deaths were suspicious, who knows how long it would take to free the land for sale?”
“We need to talk to Omega Mining,” RJ said. “We’re heading into the springs in a few minutes. Kujo, you were supposed to meet with us at their offices. I don’t think now is the time to bail on Gunny.”
“I agree. You and Jake can handle this. As it is, I got a lead on another former special forces guy named Thorn. We want to bring him into the Brotherhood Protectors. I convinced him to meet with me at the hospital.”
Jake snorted. “That’ll be good. Show him the job’s not so cushy, huh?”
Kujo chuckled. “Something like that. He comes with a recommendation from one of our former Army Rangers, Taz Davila.”
“What’s his story?” Jake asked.
“He fell during a training mission in the mountains and broke nearly every bone in his body. The incident left him with a permanent limp. With the new Army physical fitness requirements, he couldn’t pass the test. A medical board booted him out.”
“Another misfit, like me?”
Kujo laughed. “Aren’t we all? Only we have a lot left to do before we die, don’t we?”
“Damn right,” Jake said.
His enthusiasm warmed RJ all the way through, and her heart swelled with something she’d never felt before.
“Anyway, he’s on his way to the hospital. If he’s a good fit, and he’s willing, I’ll hire him on the spot. That way, he can stand watch over Gunny and keep him from walking out of the hospital in nothing but a hospital gown. And I can head back to the ranch to hold down the fort until you two get back.”
RJ nodded, though Kujo couldn’t see her. “I’ll give JoJo a call and let her know she can open the bar tonight, in case we don’t get back in time.”
“That’ll work and make Gunny happy,” Kujo said. “And if all goes according to plan, I could be back tonight as well.”
RJ ended the call and shook her head. “Bastards.” She looked up at Jake. “Let’s get to Colorado Springs. I have a few choice words for Omega Mining.”
Chapter 12
Jake drove the rented SUV into Colorado Springs, RJ riding shotgun and carrying a concealed weapon beneath her jacket.
He smothered a smile. Anyone who knew RJ would be afraid if they tried hurting her or her loved ones. She’d plug a bullet in them and shoot to make a difference.
With fire in her eyes, she rode in silence most of the way through Ute pass and down the mountain into Colorado Springs.
Using the GPS on her phone, she directed him to the Omega Mining Company offices downtown in one of the few high-rise buildings. Their offices were in the penthouse at the top of the building.
When the elevator door opened, she charged out.
Jake caught her arm and steadied her. “Just remember, they don’t have to tell us anything.”
A frown pulled her brow into a deep V. “If they know anything, they damn well better tell us.”
“They might not be responsible for the attacks on Gunny, you and Marty Lange. If you go in there loaded for bear, you might earn a personal escort out of the building with a security guard.”
RJ stared into his eyes for a long moment, her chest heaving with her anger. Finally, she drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay, I’ll keep my cool.” Her eyes narrowed. “But if I find out they’re responsible for almost killing my father, I’ll rip their hearts out of their chests and feed them to the rats.”
Jake chuckled. “Remind me never to make you mad. You’re kind of scary.”
RJ’s frown eased. “Gunny’s the only family I have.”
“I get that. And he’s lucky he has you to look out for him.”
“And vice versa,” RJ said. “He’d take a bullet for me.”
“Gunny’s a good man.”
“Yes, he is. He’s always taking in strays. There are so many people who wouldn’t be where they are today if not for him.”
“He seems to have taken in this stray as well,” Jake said. “If it hadn’t been for him leasing space to the Brotherhood Protectors, we’d still be looking for a place to call home.”
“And I’d be dead.” RJ shook her head. “Funny how things turn out for a reason.”
“Funny.” He held out his hand. “Let’s see what we can learn from O
mega.”
She held his hand until they reached the reception desk.
Jake smiled at the receptionist. “Jake Cogburn and Miss RJ Tate to see Mr. Barnes.”
“Have a seat,” she said. “I’ll see if he’s available.”
Jake and RJ didn’t take a seat. Instead, they walked to the windows stretching from floor to ceiling and stared out over the city of Colorado Springs. The sun shone bright over Cheyenne Mountain, and the air was clear.
“It’s a beautiful day,” Jake said.
“It is,” RJ responded. “And it would be even better if my father wasn’t in the hospital.”
“Mr. Barnes will see you now,” the receptionist said.
Jake turned, hooked RJ’s elbow and guided her past the receptionist’s desk. “Thank you.” He could feel RJ tense in his grip as they stepped into the spacious office with the solid mahogany desk in the center. The window beyond gave yet another view of the city of Colorado Springs.
Frank Barnes rose from the leather seat behind the desk and rounded the corner, holding out his hand. “Miss Tate, Mr. Cogburn, I’m so glad to meet you.” He looked past RJ and Jake. “I had hoped your father would accompany you, Miss Tate.”
She glared at the man as he took her hand in a firm shake. “Regrettably, he couldn’t make it as he’s laid up in the hospital. Which you might already know.”
Jake squeezed her arm.
Mr. Barnes frowned. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was ill.”
“He’s not.” RJ released his hand. “Someone tried to kill him by running him off the road. Do you know anyone who would want my father dead?” RJ crossed her arms over her chest. “We know you sent a real estate broker out to make offers on my father’s place and on the Elk Horn Ranch. Did you think it would be easier if, instead, the owners were dead?”
Mr. Barnes shook his head. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at.” He looked to Jake.
“Miss Tate might be a bit punchy as she was almost killed the same night your broker was attacked and murdered. She was then the target of a gunman, and now her father has been attacked and almost killed.”
“And you think Omega Mining had anything to do with these attacks?” Frank Barnes held his hands out palms up. “What purpose would that serve? We’re a legitimate mining company. I engaged Robert Henderson to represent offers for both the Elk Horn and the Lost Valley Ranches. I didn’t send him out to make offers only to murder him instead. Why would I do that?”
RJ maintained her stance, though her posture loosened a bit. “I don’t know. You tell me.”
Jake jumped in. “Why is Omega Mining interested in the two ranches?”
“We’d really like to get the mineral rights to Finian’s Folly Mine, as well as the rights on the two ranches, but Finian’s Folly Mine is tied up in a conservation district. No one can mine that property. Still, we have reason to believe there’s a vein of gold off a tunnel built close to the end of the mine’s life that clipped the edges of the Elk Horn and Lost Valley Ranches.”
Jake shot a glance toward RJ. “Like Marty Lange was saying.”
“Our engineers study old mines in search of new opportunities.” Barnes leaned forward. “We think there’s some untapped veins we can access in that old tunnel. Our engineers are so convinced that our investors are willing to foot the bill to purchase the property and set up mining operations.”
“Are they eager enough to kill to get access to the property?”
“No,” Barnes said. “If they thought there was any foul play happening, they’d pull out. As of a few minutes ago, we thought Robert Henderson was the victim of an unfortunate mugging. No one mentioned other attempted murders.”
RJ’s eyes narrowed. “Why should I believe you, Mr. Barnes? My family has been attacked. None of this was happening before you sent your guy out to buy our property.”
“We’re a decent company looking to make money and provide jobs. We’re not murderers. We have one of the best safety records of any mining company in the country. We give to the communities and care about our employees. We aren’t killers.”
For a long moment, RJ stared into Mr. Barnes eyes.
The man spoke convincingly. Jake believed him, but he waited, letting RJ form her own opinion. After all, it was her life and Gunny’s that had been threatened, not Jake’s.
Finally, she dropped her arms to her sides. “I believe you, Mr. Barnes. But that doesn’t solve the mystery of who would want my family and Marty Lange dead. Any clue as to who might think that would be a good idea?”
Barnes shook his head slowly. “Since they killed Mr. Henderson, I would think it’s someone who’s trying to stop Omega Mining from purchasing the properties. That’s pure speculation on my part. Your local law enforcement folks should be chasing down the suspects.”
“I don’t think they know where to look.”
“I have an appointment with a detective this afternoon concerning Mr. Henderson’s death. At least now I know a little more about what’s going on.” He held out his hand to RJ. “Thank you for coming to see me. If I can provide any more information that can help you find the killer, I’d happily help. Mr. Henderson did not deserve to die. The man has a family who mourns him and grandchildren who will never know the love of their grandfather.”
RJ shook the man’s hand. “You know, there is something you might help us with. Do you have any maps that would indicate where the mine tunnels and shafts are that cross onto the Elk Horn and Lost Valley Ranches?”
Barnes nodded. “Actually, we do. They’ve been scanned from the original documents created back in the late eighteen hundreds. I can have my secretary email copies to you.” He handed her a pad and paper. “Just leave your email address with me and I’ll have her send them right over.”
“That would be great,” RJ said, scribbling an email address on the pad. “Thank you again. And I’m sorry if I came across too strong. My father means everything to me.”
“I’d feel the same if it was my father,” Mr. Barnes said. “I hope you and the police figure out who’s behind these attacks. Until you do, we won’t send any real estate brokers out to make offers on the properties.”
“Thank you, Mr. Barnes,” Jake said.
Jake and RJ left the CEO’s office and took the elevator to the parking garage. Once in the SUV, Jake turned to RJ. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “Is it horrible of me that I wanted Frank Barnes to be the one behind all this?”
Jake shook his head. “It would’ve been easier if he was. Then at least we’d be at the root of the problem and know who to point out to the police to arrest.”
“Now, we’re back to square one.” RJ sighed. “Do you think the state police are having any more luck than we are?”
“Let’s hope they are.” Jake placed his hand in the small of her back and walked her to the car. He liked touching her. She made him feel grounded and protective at the same time. He wanted to be with her, not just because she was his assignment. She was a genuinely good person.
“Next stop, Memorial Hospital,” Jake said as he handed her into the passenger seat.
“You know I can open my own door, right?” she said as she climbed in and adjusted her seatbelt.
“I know,” he said. “And you can probably kick my ass in a fight.”
Her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. And don’t let any man make you feel less of a woman because he opens the door for you.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I open the door for you out of respect.” As he turned away, he added softly, but loud enough she could hear, “and you’re carrying a gun. I don’t want you to shoot me.”
When he climbed into the driver’s seat, he glanced across at RJ.
She sat with a small smile playing on her lips. “I’m glad I met you, Jake Cogburn. You remind me that being a woman isn’t something to be ashamed of.”
“Good Lord, Jules, being a woman is something you should
embrace and be proud of.”
“Kind of like being alive?” she shot back at him.
He stiffened. Too many moments over the past months he’d wished he’d died in the explosion that had taken his leg. “Yeah.”
She reached out and touched his arm. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I can’t begin to understand what you went through. All I know is that there was a reason you survived. I don’t think you were done on this earth.”
He nodded. “I just hope that I’m enough to keep you safe.”
“So far, you’ve been more than enough. I wouldn’t be alive today if you hadn’t come along.” She faced forward. “Now, if you don’t mind, I don’t want to get all mushy. I’m missing that female gene. It just makes me uncomfortable.”
Jake laughed out loud and drove out of the parking lot, smiling.
They made it to the hospital in ten minutes and found Gunny’s room.
A strange man stood outside the door, leaning against the wall.
When RJ and Jake tried to go into Gunny’s room, he stepped in front of them. “Sorry, no one but the doctor and nurses can go into Mr. Tate’s room.”
RJ frowned. “But I’m his daughter, and this man is my bodyguard.”
The man’s stony expression didn’t change. “Sorry, but I was given strict instructions not to let anyone inside.”
“Confound it! Let my daughter in,” Gunny yelled from the other side of the door.
RJ shook her head and pushed past the man into the room. “Dad.”
The man followed, placing himself between RJ and Gunny. He held up his hands. “Ma’am, you’ll have to hand over your weapon before you get any closer.”
“But he’s my…” She shook her head. “Who the hell are you, and what are you doing in my father’s room?”
“I’m Max Thornton. I’ve been hired to protect Mr. Tate.”
Jake remembered what Kujo had said. “Thorn?”
The man nodded. “That’s what they called me back in my unit.”
Jake held out a hand. “Jake Cogburn. I take it Kujo hired you for the Brotherhood Protectors.”
