Rancher Rescue (8 page)

The curtain had opened and she’d scanned the crowd.

No one.

Disappointment and fear had gripped her. Panic had made the air thin. She’d struggled to breathe.

By the third round, she’d choked and given the wrong answer.

When she’d arrived home that evening, her parents had told her how sorry they were. They’d come home from work, opened a bottle of wine, turned on the TV and forgotten. Again.

Katherine had worked to suppress the memory from then on. She’d learned another important lesson that day. If she was going to get anywhere in life, she had only herself to depend on.

Her heart squeezed when she heard quick footsteps hustling toward her. She held her breath until Caleb’s face came into view. He slipped into the driver’s seat and handed over Max, his white coat splattered with red dots. He was whimpering and shaking. “Is he hurt?”

“No.” Caleb turned the key in the ignition and pressed the gas. “Just scared.”

Was Max covered in his owner’s blood?

Katherine looked to Caleb. He dropped his right hand to his side. It was covered in blood.

“You’re shot?”

* * *

“J
UST
A
FLESH
wound. Bullet grazed my shoulder. I’ll be fine.” Caleb hoped what he said was true. Based on the amount of blood he was losing, he couldn’t be certain. He wouldn’t tell Katherine though. Didn’t need her to panic.

She made a move to get up, and winced.

“I’ll pull over in a minute and examine us both.”

Caleb glanced through his rearview, checking traffic behind them. The usual mix of sport utilities, Ford F-150s and luxury sedans sped down the North Dallas tollway.

His cell vibrated. He instructed Katherine to retrieve it from his pocket and put the call on speaker.

Matt didn’t wait to speak. “My coverage has been spotty. I tried to reach you last night but couldn’t.”

“Everyone all right?”

“Us? We’re fine. I’m concerned as hell about you.”

Caleb kept watch on the road. “So far, so good here.”

“Has Katherine mentioned anything about being involved in corporate espionage?”

“Of course not. I would’ve told you something like that. She has no idea what they’re looking for.”

“I guess she wouldn’t tell you,” Matt said. “Especially if she’s involved from the get-go.”

Caleb grunted but didn’t speak. He had no plans to repeat himself.

“Well, ask her. The men who showed up yesterday claimed to be government officials. They asked questions about a brown-haired woman who had been seen in the area. Said she was involved in a little family business that stole and sold corporate secrets. They’d been tracking her for days before you helped her get away.”

“They knew we were there?” Caleb asked. “And I don’t have to ask Katherine. You’re on speaker.”

The line was quiet. “No. But I’m saying—”

“I already know the answer.”

“You can’t ignore the possibility she’s involved,” Matt quickly interjected.

“She’s not.”

“How do you know, dammit?”

“I just do.”

Matt let out a frustrated hiss and a string of cuss words Caleb heard plainly through the phone.

“You just met her yesterday, and you’re willing to vouch for her already? What do you know about her? You haven’t met any of her people. She could’ve been hurt while running from the government for all we know.”

“I told you once so I won’t repeat myself. What else did they say?”

“One thing is sure. She shows up then suddenly we have official-looking men coming out of the woodwork. All we have to go on is her word. She claims there was a kidnapping, but did you actually see the kid?”

No, he hadn’t seen the boy. That didn’t mean there wasn’t one. He’d seen the pictures of him. Had been there moments after Noah had been taken. He’d seen kid toys at her sister’s place and at Katherine’s. Besides, Caleb had seen the sheer terror on her face. He could still see the agony in her violet eyes. This conversation was going nowhere. He needed to redirect. She most definitely did not make this up, and he hated the fact she had to hear his friend’s accusations. “The kid has a name. Noah. Did you speak to Coleman?”

“Sheriff doesn’t know what to believe. Said he’d follow up through proper channels to see if the men were legit, but it could take a while. He doesn’t exactly have ready access to the kinds of people who can verify something like this. Those men who showed up looked serious to me. They flipped badges, too.”

“Doesn’t mean anything.”

“That’s exactly what Coleman said. They looked pretty damn official from where I stood.”

“Can Coleman find out if there is a ‘Kane’ involved in a federal investigation?”

“He’s trying but he said not to hold out a lot of hope.”

“Anything else?” Caleb tensed against the pain in his shoulder.

“Take her to the nearest government building and turn her in, Caleb. Before this gets even more out of control.”

“You know I won’t.”

“I don’t think it’s safe for you here at the ranch,” Matt said quietly.

“I won’t put my men at risk. I won’t come home until this is settled.”

There was a long silence.

“Then for God’s sake, be careful,” Matt warned.

“Got it covered.”

“I’ll keep things working here until you get back.”

“Always knew I could count on you.” The pressure in Caleb’s chest eased. His men would be covered until his return.

“How’s Jimmy’s little girl?”

“Not good. They scheduled surgery for her in Dallas.”

“They found a donor?”

“Seems like it.”

“That’s good news.”

Jimmy’s daughter would get the chance she deserved. He’d ensure Katherine did, too.

Caleb asked Katherine to end the call.

She looked at him deadpan. “Why didn’t you tell me Matt thinks I’m involved?”

“He’s not sure what to believe.” Caleb glanced down at her. She looked helpless and small. His protective instincts flared. He wanted to guard her from Matt’s accusations as much as the men chasing her. Those full cherry lips and chestnut hair stirred him sexually. Caleb would swim with caution in the emotional tide.

“What about Jimmy’s daughter?”

“She was born with a bad heart. They found a donor. Her surgery is scheduled in a few days.” Caleb hoped like hell he’d be around for it.

Katherine frowned. “Children should get to grow up before they have to give up their childhood. They shouldn’t have to deal with sickness or death at such young ages. It seems so unfair.”

“Agreed.”

Her back went rigid as she took in a breath. “Okay. What’s next?”

“We need to find a laptop or computer to figure out what’s so important on the disk. Coleman’s checking into the other. If the men who showed up turn out to be government, there could be anything on that CD.”

“And now you don’t believe me, either?”

“When did I say that?”

Katherine set the CD down on the seat next to Max. Anger and resentment scored her normally soft features. “You didn’t have to. I was putting myself in your shoes.”

“Don’t.”

“What if they do work for the government but whoever’s behind this is paying them off?”

“There could be one bad egg. Not this many. Besides, Coleman doesn’t think they’re legit. He’s expecting to find ghosts as he investigates. We can give him a call.”

“Would he sit on this kind of information?”

“No. He’d contact me right away.”

“Whatever’s on this CD caused my nephew to be kidnapped. I want to find the bastard who did this and make him pay. He deserves to be in jail.”

“You’re right.” Caleb pulled over, and then concentrated on his phone. The map feature produced three coffee shops and an internet café nearby. “There’s a place a few blocks from here we might be able to go into.”

He’d have a chance to inspect their injuries. Caleb’s shirtsleeve was soaked. He needed to stop the bleeding.

Chapter Six

Katherine fumbled for her cell as it buzzed for the second time. The screen read Private.

Caleb parked the car in a crowded lot as she answered before the call transferred to voice mail, hoping she might recognize the voice if she heard it again.

“Did you find what you’ve been looking for?” His tone was smooth and practiced, and she detected a slight accent. His cool and calm demeanor made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle.

Frustration got the best of her. “What do you think you’ll accomplish by hurting me? Not to mention the fact I can’t find anything for you if I’m dead. You didn’t have to kill an innocent person to get what you want. I’ll gladly give it to you when I find it.” Could she ask about the government men without giving Caleb away?

“Are you saying you don’t have the file?” the even voice said.

“That’s not answering my question. Who were those men you sent to kill me?”

“Let’s just say I have very loyal employees.”

Damn him for being so composed when her world had crumbled around her. She gripped her sister’s CD tighter. Anything could be on there. She hoped this was the file they wanted, but she couldn’t be sure. Besides, if she said yes and was wrong, she’d be signing a death warrant for Noah. She had to stall them. “Tell me what I’m looking for. I want to help you. I want Noah back and I want this nightmare over.”

“What was in the envelope?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Fire crawled up her neck at the lie. If he could see her now, she’d be exposed.

“Don’t play games with me.” Anger cracked his voice.

“At least give me a hint. There’s a world of possibilities and I have to get this right.” Panic made her hands shake.
Breathe.

Caleb covered her hand with his. His touch calmed her rising pulse.

“Your sister knew exactly what I was talking about. My bet is you do, too.”

“Is that why you tried to kill me?” Katherine railed against the urge to scream. She suppressed her need to tell him what he could do with his file. She had to think about Noah. Nothing mattered more than bringing him home safely. “I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage here. My sister and I weren’t that close. She didn’t tell me much of anything. Just used me as a free babysitter.” Katherine hated playing nice with this guy when she wanted to climb through the phone connection and do horrible things to him. “How’s my nephew?”

“Not good if you don’t get me what I want.”

Katherine’s heart pummeled her ribs. “How’s his breathing?”

“I won’t let anything happen to him. Not unless you don’t cooperate.”

“Let me speak to him. I won’t do anything else until I know he’s okay. You won’t like it if I disappear,” she hedged.

The phone went silent.
Damn.
Anger them more and Noah could pay the ultimate price. She struggled to hold back the tears that were threatening. Let one drop and the avalanche would come.

“Auntie?” His voice sounded small and frail, nothing like his usual boisterous self.

Her heart skipped. “Noah. Baby, listen to me. Everything’s going to be okay.” He couldn’t panic. Not with his condition. “We’re going to get your medicine.”

“I don’t like it here.” His sniffles punctured her heart.

“They didn’t hurt you, did they?” She struggled to keep her voice calm.

“No. They’re nice.”

“I need you to be very brave. Can you do that?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Be good. Listen to what they say. I promise I’m coming to get you as soon as I can.”

Before he could respond, a shuffling noise came through the static on the line.

“Bring the file to the drop alone if you ever want to see him alive again.”

Click.

Katherine stared out the window as Max wriggled in her lap.

Caleb took the phone from her and placed it on the console between them. “We’ll get him back. He’s okay. That’s the most important thing right now.”

“Why would they call again?”

Caleb shrugged. “Insurance.”

“Hearing him...knowing how frightened he is...how brave he’s being...” She took a deep breath. “It pains me to sit by like this and feel like I’m doing nothing.”

“I understand. He’s showing real courage. He got that from you.” His words caressed her tired heart. Brought it back to life so that it beat again without painful stabs.

Katherine wanted to cry. To release all the pent-up frustration, anger and worry she’d been holding in throughout this ordeal.
And during her entire life,
she thought as she realized she hadn’t really cried in more years than she could count. She’d trained herself to sidestep her emotions after her parents died. She’d needed to be the strong one.

At first, she had tried to reach out for help.

Anthony, her first love, had promised to visit every month after she’d had to leave school to go home and care for her sister. His calls were her saving grace. The two jobs she’d worked were barely enough to keep them fed. It was even harder to keep her grades up when she’d lived on little more than a few hours of sleep. But she’d done it. She’d kept her head above water.

His voice, the eye in the storm, had become her lifeline. Without him, she’d feared everything that was still
her
would wash away in the tide and she’d never be the same person again.

With every reassurance he’d given, her confidence had grown. She could do it. She could make it work. She could take care of her sister and still have something of a life left.

Then the calls stemmed. Excuses about conflicting schedules came. And, eventually, the phone stopped ringing.

She’d learned through the grapevine that he’d been dating someone else.

She’d been devastated.

When she’d needed him the most to lean on, he wasn’t there, but she had learned from it. Learned to rely on herself and not to depend on others. Learned that other people were disappointments. Learned to keep her walls high and march on. But had she built walls so high no one could penetrate them?

The men she’d dated since had spent more time at sporting events than with her, and she was fine with it.

Outside the window, the rain started coming down. Big drops fell, making large splotches on the windshield.

“I couldn’t put my finger on it before. There’s something different about the way the guy speaks. You heard him before when we listened to his message on speaker at your house.”

“I don’t remember an accent.”

“Only certain words.” She turned to meet Caleb’s gaze, and a well of need sprung inside her.

He stroked the back of her neck, pulling her lips closer to his. He was so strong. Capable.

His dark eyes closed the moment his lips pressed to hers, and she surrendered to the kiss. Completely. Freely. With a need burning so brightly inside her, the flames almost engulfed her.

His tongue pulsed inside her mouth and fire shot straight to the insides of her thighs. How could she want a man so instantly? So absolutely? So thoroughly? Her nipples heightened to pointed peaks, straining for his touch.
More.
She wanted all of him, which was even more reason getting involved with him further would be a bad idea.

Katherine pulled back. “You’re hurt. We should check out your injury.”

“It’s a scratch,” he said dismissively, his low gravelly baritone sending another round of sensitized shivers skittering across her nerves.

A pained expression crossed his features, and Katherine knew it was more than from his shoulder. She looked into his gaze and saw something reckless...dangerous...sexy.

Wouldn’t he leave when this was all over?

She refused to invest in another relationship, because they didn’t work. She’d wind up hurt, and she didn’t have it inside her to go through that pain again.

“Let’s check it out anyway. I’d feel better if I knew you were going to be okay.”

He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a deep gash in solid muscle. He must’ve caught the panic in her eyes because he quickly said, “It’s not as bad as it looks.”

“You need to get that checked out.”

“I’m not going anywhere until I see this through.” His eyes locked on to her as he gripped the steering wheel. “So forget about that.”

She clamped her lips shut. Hope filled her chest.

“We should find somewhere we can clean up. I can get supplies. I’m sure people will be suspicious if we stroll into a café looking like this.”

“What about the men in suits? I have no idea what my sister got involved in. I don’t think she would steal anything, let alone blackmail, but I don’t really know. Based on my recent conversation, I think there’s some kind of corporation involved.”

Caleb started the engine. “We’ll get cleaned up and check the CD first.” He played around on his phone before putting the gearshift into Drive. “We might have everything we’re looking for in our hands already.”

He blended into traffic at the next light.

“Whoever those men are, they aren’t here to help. They kidnapped your nephew. Tried to take you, too. They’ve fired at us in broad daylight. They knew where we were, so they’ve been following us or someone was waiting, watching your place.” He issued a grunt. “It’d take one big secret to bring on what we faced today.”

“Or one powerful man.”

“Your sister made a big enemy out of someone important. The question is who has this much influence? This Kane guy?”

“I have no idea. It’d have to be someone who has the ability to make permanent accidents happen. Send men at a moment’s notice to erase people.”

Caleb nodded. “Everything’s online now. If we had her computer, we might be able to find an electronic trail.”

“I’m scared.” The admission came when she least expected to voice it.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” Even though the set of his jaw said he meant every one of those words, he couldn’t guarantee them.

Katherine didn’t respond. What could she say?

“The biggest thing he has going for him is that we don’t know who he is. I wish there was some way to flush him out.”

“I hope we have everything we need in here to find him.” The information she needed
had
to be on that CD or Leann’s phone. Anything else was unthinkable.

Caleb parked in front of a hotel and excused himself, returning a few minutes later holding a card key. “Once we clean ourselves up and get supplies, we’ll check out that disk. Tuck Max into your sweater.”

She hobbled out of the sedan. Her stomach growled, reminding her how long it had been since she’d last eaten. It didn’t matter. Food wouldn’t go down on her queasy stomach. Her nerves would be fried until she knew what was on that CD.

The room was simple and tasteful. The dark wood furniture was modern with clean lines. Artistically angled framed photos of flowers hung above the king-size bed. There was a desk with chair, a minifridge and microwave.

The card on the bed said it was “Heavenly.” Katherine didn’t need a note to tell her the fluffy white blanket would feel amazing wrapped around her. Add Caleb’s arms to the mix and she could sleep for days in his embrace. She quickly canceled the thought. Didn’t need to go there again with thoughts of what Caleb could do for her on a bed.

He held up a towel. “Why don’t you clean up first?”

“Okay.”

“Do you need help?”

She set Max down. Caleb poured water into a coffee cup and placed it on the floor for the little dog to drink.

“I can handle it,” Katherine said as she closed the bathroom door behind her.

“Take care with those cuts. I’ll clean Max before I head out to pick up supplies. With any luck, I’ll find a charger while I’m out.” His voice was so close she could tell he’d stopped at the door. “Keep that foot elevated.”

Katherine glanced down at her leg. If she looked anything on the outside like she felt on the inside, she dreaded looking into a mirror. Freshening up suddenly sounded like a good idea.

* * *

C
ALEB
RETURNED
HALF
an hour later with bags of food and supplies. “I found a big-box store and picked up antibiotic ointment and gauze. I located a battery for the cell phone, too. I popped the CD into one of their laptops. Nothing unusual jumped out at me. All I saw were pictures of Noah.”

Her violet eyes went wide. “That’s it?”

“Maybe we’ll find more when we go downstairs to the business center and have more time to look.”

She nodded.

“As for the cell, I found an interesting number. Did she ever talk about Bolden Holdings?”

“No.”

“Sebastian Kane’s the CEO. I don’t know why I didn’t connect the dots sooner. I’ve seen him on the cover of
Forbes
before. Any chance that accent you picked up on is Canadian?”

Her head rocked back and forth. “Very well could be. But why would my sister be involved with him? Seriously? What issue could a man like that possibly have with her? How could she have information about his company?”

“Someone like Kane would care about money and his reputation. I’m betting she somehow got tangled up with him. She could’ve been dating him. We don’t know anything for sure. Maybe that CD will tell us specifically. Maybe there’s a picture of them together. I sent a text to Coleman. He’s following the lead.”

“Before we go downstairs, I should check your shoulder.”

“After I take care of your ankle,” he insisted. “But first, I’ve been thinking. Could your sister have had a job you didn’t know about? Did she ever talk about her work?”

“She had a part-time job as a barista at Coffee Hut. Said it allowed her to go in early in the morning before Noah was awake. The neighbor sat with him. Then she could take late-morning classes and still be home for him after lunch.”

Didn’t sound like the kind of person who would go rogue and steal much of anything. Let alone someone who would have the guts to blackmail a major player. Then again, her money was tight. She might have risked it all to be able to spend more time with her son. “I know she didn’t mention the father to you, but what kind of guys did she normally date?”

A throaty laugh came from Katherine. “Before Noah? Every kind. She dated smart guys. Athletes. Ones who grew their hair long and ate nothing but kale. I don’t think she was seeing anyone lately. She calmed down considerably since she had a baby. Said she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had sex.”