Protecting Her Daughter (Wrangler's Corner) (15 page)

“Alexander, you’re trapped,” Clay called. “Let’s end this now before anyone else gets hurt.”

“The house,” Alexander told her. “Go to the house.”

Zoe didn’t like the fact that he was completely ignoring Clay. He really thought he was going to find a way out of this. “Who shot you, Alexander?” she asked, her voice shaky and weak.

“A sniper, probably. A lousy shot if you ask me. Call your sniper off, Sheriff, or I’ll make this a murder-suicide. You want that on your conscience?”

“It wasn’t a sniper, Collier,” Clay called. “We didn’t have anyone up in the trees.”

“Like I’m supposed to believe that?”

“It’s true. If it were one of mine, you’d be on the ground dead, a bullet in your brain, not your shoulder.”

* * *

Zoe cleared her throat and caught Aaron’s eye and saw the intense worry in the lines of his face. Clay stood next to him as well as Lance. All three of them, as well as the other law enforcement officers, watched them. Zoe knew Alexander was either going to try and use her as a hostage to negotiate his way out. Failing that, she felt certain there would be a murder-suicide. With a sick certainty, she knew that if it came down to getting caught and going to prison or dying, he’d choose to die.

She was going to have to do something.

“You messed up, Zoe. Bad. Now Sophia is going to die,” he told her.

She kept walking, her brain groping for any kind of way to get away from him. She knew he had enough of the drug in the syringe to kill her quickly. It would have an almost immediate effect. She’d feel sleepy, pass out and forget to breathe. And unless there was immediate medical attention, she’d die. But once she was in the house, she had almost no hope of surviving.

“Please, Alexander,” she whispered. Begging him was futile, but she could hope for a distraction.

“Shut. Up.” He leaned heavily against her. He turned her to face the deputies as he passed, shifting so he never had his back to them. Aaron took a step toward them. Clay pulled him back. Alexander stumbled. The needle went into the back of her neck. She cried out and tried to pull away from him.

“Zoe!” Aaron’s cry spurred her. She spun into Alexander’s grip, felt the syringe fall from her. Two shots rang out. Alexander fell at her feet.

She felt the effects of the drug and realized Alexander must have pressed the syringe. Dizziness hit her, she relaxed and fell to the ground and let the sensations sweep her even as darkness claimed her.

SEVENTEEN

A
aron paced outside Zoe’s hospital room, his prayers for her never ceasing. Clay and Lance were also there working on paperwork even as they waited for Zoe to wake up. Clay stood at the nurse’s station pounding on his laptop. Lance walked up and clapped Aaron on the shoulder. “She’s going to be all right. She just fainted. The doc said there was very little trace of the drug in her system. Only slightly more than what was on the needle when Alexander pulled the liquid into the syringe.”

“But there was some. He did manage to press the syringe before we stopped him.”

“Yes, but not much.”

“It might not matter,” Aaron said. “It could still send her back into her addiction.”

“I know,” Lance said softly. “But she didn’t pass out because of the drug. The doctor said she passed out due to the stress of the situation, and she really only needs to sleep and heal. We’ll be thankful she didn’t suffer any worse than some cuts and bruises.”

“True.”

“And we’ll just pray that she doesn’t even notice the small amount of the drug.” He cleared his throat. “The good thing is Nina and Gregory didn’t have any idea of what Collier was doing. They’ve got their lake house on the market to sell and are determined to help Zoe in any way they can.”

“Zoe will be glad. She and her in-laws weren’t super close, but she’ll be relieved to know they didn’t want her dead.”

“Sophia is with them. I talked to her a little bit and told her that her mother wanted to see her real soon. She sounded happy. I let Nina tell her about Zoe being in the hospital.”

“Can you send someone to pick Sophia up? She’ll be the first face Zoe wants to see when wakes up.”

“I’m way ahead of you. Nina’s driving her here herself.”

Aaron nodded. “Great. Did you find the jockey?”

“Yes. He had a single gunshot wound to the back of his head. A hiker found him just outside of Knoxville in a wooded area. It’s amazing he was found this fast. He was really off the beaten path.”

Sadness filled Aaron. The man had brought about his death with his own greed, but Aaron thought the punishment didn’t fit the crime. Cartee had wanted the horse, and Alexander had used that desire to fuel his greed. Definitely sad. “What about the shot that came from the trees and hit Alexander in the shoulder? That wasn’t one of your guys?”

“Nope. Parker made his way up there after the shot and found the shooter. It was Jedediah Mason. Parker shot him before Jed could get off another shot. He’s dead.”

Aaron closed his eyes for a brief moment. So much death. And it was so senseless and unneeded. “What was he doing up there?”

“Trying to shoot Alexander apparently. Before he died he said something about no honor among thieves. Alexander had backed out on paying him.”

“So he was going to kill Alexander.”

“Yep.”

“How’s Ginny?”

“Hanging in there. She woke up and was able to tell Clay what happened.”

Ginny had been found not too far from her wrecked vehicle with a bullet in her side. “She pretty much verified the evidence they gathered at the scene. And the school phone records traced back to her cell. She was the one who called the school and pretended to be Zoe.”

Aaron winced. “Okay. Then what?”

“She’d arranged to meet Alexander and give him Sophia. He’d deposited ten grand in her account to pay for her sister to be able to stay in her home.”

Aaron sucked in a breath. “Collier did his homework, didn’t he?”

“He did. After he learned where Zoe was, he started investigating into the pasts of all of us on the police force to figure out which person might possibly be open to his schemes.”

“And he discovered Ginny’s weakness.”

“Yep. She said he called her and told her he knew Zoe was in trouble and was worried about Sophia being caught in the middle. He asked her to help him at least get Sophia away from everything. When she hesitated, he told her he knew about her sister and was willing to help her if she would help him.”

“So she met Collier and gave him Sophia. Why shoot her? The money was already in her account. It’s not like he could get it back.”

Lance shrugged. “I figured it was because he didn’t want any witnesses. But she said she changed her mind and refused to hand Sophia over to him.”

Aaron blinked. “You believe her?”

Lance nodded. “Yes, I do. She was weeping and begging my forgiveness.”

“So he shot her.”

“Shot her and left her for dead. He destroyed the cruiser’s radio and took her cell phone. She said Brian Cartee was there, too.”

Aaron sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Man.”

“Yeah. Ginny said she played dead until Alexander, Brian and Sophia drove off. She hated to just let them take Sophia, but figured if they knew she was alive, she wouldn’t have the chance to let anyone know who Sophia was with. When they were gone, she managed to walk until she passed out. She rolled down into the ditch—the reason it took so long to find her.”

A nurse stepped out of the room and smiled at Aaron. “Mrs. Collier is awake and asking for two people. Aaron and Sophia?”

“I’m Aaron. Sophia’s on her way. May I see Zoe?”

“Of course.”

She stepped aside, and Aaron slipped through the open door. The room was dark so he opened the blinds then turned toward the woman who’d come to mean more to him than breathing itself. “Hey.” He stepped up to the bed and took her hand.

“Hey,” she said. “Where’s Sophia? Is she all right?”

Her fear nearly undid him. “She’s fine. Nina’s on the way right now bringing her to you.”

Tears filled her eyes and dripped down her temples. Aaron grabbed a handful of tissues from the box on her end table and dried the wetness. “No need to cry. Really, she’s just fine.”

“Oh, thank you, God.”

“Yes.”

She sniffed. “I’ve been so angry with Him.”

“Who?”

“God. First my baby was diagnosed with diabetes, then Trevor was killed and I felt so guilty.”

He sat down beside her. “Why? Why guilty?”

“Because he didn’t deserve me. He deserved someone so much better.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “I loved him, but I loved him because he was...safe. Solid and secure. I’ve always felt guilty that I didn’t love him...more. And then he was killed and I never had the chance.”

“He was what you needed at the time.”

“Oh, yes, he was definitely that.”

“Was he happy?”

She smiled, a sad little curve of her lips. “Yes. I can honestly say he was happy. We had a good life and he loved Sophia with his whole heart.”

He gripped her fingers. “I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. You’re amazing.”

She gave a half laugh, half sob. “Amazing? No, not really.”

He leaned over and kissed her. When he pulled back she was staring at him. “Do you trust me?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He smiled. “I like that there wasn’t any hesitation there.”

“How could I not trust you? You’ve put your own life ahead of mine.”

“Just like you did with Sophia.”

“Of course.”

“So if you would do that for your child, then don’t you think God would do that for you?”

She paused. Then nodded. “Yes, he would. He did. He sent his only son to die for me.”

“Exactly. So don’t bash yourself. You are made in His image, and He felt you were worth dying for. That makes you amazing.”

She looked down at her hands. “I never thought about it like that,” she whispered. “I’ve never thought I was worth much of anything. My parents didn’t think I was worth fighting for. My brother didn’t think I was worth hanging around for, and I guess I’ve always wondered why Trevor loved me like he did.”

“Was Trevor a Christian?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “He was.”

“Then he saw what I see, what God sees. A beautiful woman, inside and out. A mother who loves her child enough to die for her. A woman who puts others above herself. Don’t you see that?”

Red flooded her face, and Aaron hugged her. “No, not really. But I guess when you put it that way...” she mumbled against his shoulder. She leaned back. “I just felt so...betrayed by God. I’d struggled to get clean, to get my life on track and I know He was there with me every step of the way. And then I got mad at Him when Sophia developed diabetes, three years ago. Then Trevor died, and it’s just been a hard year.” She gave a small shrug. “And then I met you and knowing what your family has been through up to this point and seeing their faithfulness has been a real eye-opener. I want that kind of faith, as well.”

“You have it.”

“Well, I’m definitely working on it.”

“We’ll work on it together if you’ll let me.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I love you, Zoe.” She gasped and stared up at him. He shrugged. “Call me crazy, but I do. I’ve known you were the one for me from the time we met at the diner.” He tapped her chin and her mouth shut with a snap. “I can see I’ve shocked you. You don’t have to say anything, but I wanted to tell you what’s in my heart. I don’t want you to leave, but if you feel you have to move back to Knoxville, I’ll follow you. I can set up a practice anywhere, but I just don’t want to lose you. Unless you want me to get lost.” Uncertainty filled him, her stunned expression keeping him from being able to breathe.

She studied him then shook her head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Do you want me to get lost?”

“No! No, not at all.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” He smiled and she gave a low laugh. He turned serious again. “If you don’t want me to get lost, just tell me what’s in your heart.”

She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly then nodded. “I have to say, my heart’s pretty full right now.”

“Good to hear.”

She plucked at the sheet with her free hand then looked him in the eye. “I had a good life back in Knoxville, some good friends I look forward to reconnecting with now that I wouldn’t be putting any of them in danger. But I think I’ve come to realize that my life there is now a part of my past. When we arrived in Wrangler’s Corner, it was a bit like coming home. And even during all the craziness, every time I thought about leaving, I would get this hollow ache in my stomach.”

“So what are you saying?”

“I’m saying I want to stay here. Sophia loves it. She loves you.”

He understood how she felt when she said her heart was full. Something else they had in common. “And what about her mother?”

* * *

Zoe swallowed and pulled in a deep breath. Butterflies settled in her stomach and she wondered if she could even get the words she wanted to say through the tightness in her throat. “Her mother loves you, too, Aaron.” His hands tightened around hers. “I think I’ve loved you from the moment you carried Sophia across that river, protecting her as though she were your own.”

“I want her to be.”

And then she couldn’t speak anymore. He leaned over and kissed her as though the only way he could tell her he loved her was through the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

“Does this mean you’re getting married?”

Zoe yanked back with a gasp. “Sophia!” She held her arms open and Sophia ran across the small space to hop on the bed and snuggled down next to her. “I’ve missed you!”

“I missed you, too, but I had fun with Aunt Nina.” She frowned and gently touched the bruises Alexander had left on Zoe’s face. “Are you okay? I was scared when Aunt Nina said we had to come to the hospital to see you. Did the bad men come back and hurt you?”

Zoe’s eyes met Nina’s red-rimmed and puffy ones. “I’m fine, honey. Just a little accident, that’s all. All the bad men are gone, and we’re safe as we can be. My wounds will heal.”
Thank you, God.

A brilliant smile broke out on Sophia’s face, and her eyes looked lighter than they had in weeks. Zoe’s heart ached at the stress the past few weeks had brought into her child’s life. But that was over now. Sophia hugged her again. “I’m glad. Is Ginny okay, too? Her car broke down, and Grandpop came along to help. Isn’t that crazy?”

“Hmm. Yes. Crazy.” How much had Sophia seen with the incident that had landed Ginny in the hospital with a gunshot wound?

Aaron came to kneel in front of Sophia. He took her hand in his. “What exactly happened with Ginny’s car breaking down?”

Sophia shrugged. “I’m not really sure. Ginny said her car broke down so she called someone to come help us. Brian and Grandpop showed up. Grandpop asked Ginny if he could help her and she said no, that was all right, she was waiting for someone else.”

“She did?” Zoe asked.

“Yes. She said something about changing her mind, and Grandpop got really mad. He told Brian to take me to the car while he and Ginny talked. So I went with Brian, but the car was pretty far away and I couldn’t tell if Grandpop got her car started again or not.”

“What happened to Brian after you got in the car with Grandpop?” Just saying the man’s name made her want to gag. She looked up to see tears streaming down Nina’s face. Aaron passed the box of tissues over to Nina and she grabbed several.

“I don’t know,” Sophia said. “Grandpop drove me to Nina’s, and then he and Brian went somewhere.”

She shuddered as she thought of the end Brian had met. So Alexander had dropped Sophia off then killed Brian. At least Sophia had been spared seeing Ginny hurt. Which led her to believe Alexander had been serious about leaving Sophia with Nina and Gregory. He hadn’t wanted her traumatized—or a witness—to his violence. Zoe sent up a prayer of thankfulness that her child had been spared that.

Aaron hugged Sophia. “I’m glad you’re all right, kid.”

Sophia leaned back, grasped his face between her hands and kissed his nose. “Thanks, Doctor Aaron. I’m fine.” She glanced at her mother then back to Aaron. “So are you going to marry my mom?”

Aaron flushed, but Zoe loved that he didn’t look away from Sophia. “If she’ll have me.”

“Oh,
we
will,” Sophia said.

Zoe gave a choked laugh. “And that’s that, huh?”

Sophia grinned at her. “Of course.”

Nina sniffed and blew out a sigh. Her gaze danced between Zoe and Aaron. “It looks like you have some unfinished business here. Is it all right if Sophia stays with me at the hotel tonight?” At Zoe’s hesitation, Nina lifted a hand. “It’s fine, I understand why you might not want to.”