ANYTHING FOR HER CHILD

After someone attempts to abduct her daughter, single mom Zoe Collier flees to a remote ranch for safety. But when the would-be kidnappers follow them to Wrangler’s Corner, Zoe must figure out why somebody wants Sophia. Local vet Aaron Starke is determined to help Zoe investigate—and to keep his intriguing new neighbors safe. Zoe’s used to relying on her own wits to survive. But quick-witted, caring Aaron is just the type of man she needs in her corner. And he might be her partner for keeps…if they can find the truth without losing their lives.

Wrangler’s Corner: Family comes first

“I don’t think I could shoot someone, Aaron.”

“If it comes down to his life or yours or his and Sophia’s, I think you could.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she glanced up at him, not caring if he saw the wetness. “Yes, I could for Sophia.” She sniffed, and a tear traced down her cheek. He lifted a hand and thumbed it away but left his palm cupping her cheek. She drew in a sharp breath.

“Clay will figure out what’s going on. The man in the hospital will wake up eventually, and Clay will get him to talk.”

Zoe closed her eyes against the lovely sensation of his touch. She had no business feeling an attraction for him. Not when she was fighting for hers and Sophia’s lives. She opened her eyes and met his. “Aaron, I appreciate everything you and your family and friends have done for Sophia and me, but I think it’s time for us to run again.”

“How is that going to help?”

She sighed. “Well, for one, it’ll give the authorities time to try to figure things out. But I can’t run without help.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I want you to help us disappear.”

LYNETTE EASON is a bestselling, award-winning author who makes her home in South Carolina with her husband and two teenage children. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and teaching at various writing conferences around the country. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Lynette can often be found online interacting with her readers. You can find her at facebook.com/lynette.eason and on Twitter,@lynetteeason.

Protecting Her Daughter

Lynette Eason

www.millsandboon.co.uk

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

—Psalms 46:1

This book is dedicated to those in law enforcement.

Thank you to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to make the world a safer place for me and my loved ones. “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you. Amen.”

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EPILOGUE

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

Zoe Collier gripped the pitchfork and stabbed it into the bale of hay. “I’m going to grab some water bottles from the fridge, okay?”

“Okay, Mom.” Nine-year-old Sophia turned the water off and started wrapping the hose.

“Remind me to put some in the fridge out here for later.”

“Put some out here for later,” Sophia dutifully said.

“Haha. Come on in after you finish that, and we’ll make some cookies.”

Zoe relished her daughter’s grin. One that used to flash all the time before the kidnapping attempt a month ago. She’d been walking home from school when a car pulled up beside her. The vehicle door had flown open, and hands had reached for Sophia. Zoe had been standing on the porch watching it, horrified at the possibility that the man would manage to get her daughter into the vehicle. She’d raced toward them screaming for Sophia to run. Sophia had, and the car had squealed away.

Zoe shuddered.

Then the attempt to run Zoe off the road and leave her in the ditch—or worse, have her go over the side of the cliff...

She shook her head.

At least now they were safe until she could figure out whom to trust and ask for help. Running two hundred miles away from Knoxville, Tennessee, to this little town in the middle of nowhere had seemed like a good idea a few weeks ago. Now she wasn’t sure.

Oh, the people in town were friendly enough, but she and Sophia were so isolated out here. More isolated than she’d intended or understood it to be when she’d taken the job. She drew in a deep breath. But it served its purpose. “Stop it. Get the water and put your worries behind you. You have a painting to finish,” Zoe told herself. She was extremely grateful she could work from anywhere. Her paintings sold well in a variety of shops all over the country, providing a good living for her and Sophia. She looked over the area. If she could live anywhere on a permanent basis, it would be somewhere like this. A rich land with horses to ride and plenty of fresh air to breathe.

“Hey, Mom?”

She turned back to Sophia. “Yes?”

“When is Lily going to have her baby?”

Lily, the pregnant heifer. “Any day now.”

“Is Doctor Aaron going to come check on her today?”

At the mention of the hunky veterinarian, Zoe’s heart turned a flip. “Yes, he’ll be here soon, I imagine.”

“I like him.” Sophia skipped back to the hose to finish wrapping it.

Yeah, I do, too. She’d run into him at the local diner when he’d walked in with a service animal he had been training. Sophia had been instantly captivated by both man and beast. Zoe hadn’t been far behind. When she realized he was the vet who would be checking on Lily on a daily basis, she’d ordered her heart to chill. To no avail. It still did a little happy dance every time he showed up.

She walked up the porch steps and reached for the knob of the door. Only to stop and snatch her hand away.

The door wasn’t shut all the way. The black crack from top to bottom mocked her. She stepped back, her pulse ratcheting up several notches.

She knew she’d shut the door. With the indoor cat, who liked to make her escape whenever the opportunity presented itself, Zoe was extra careful with the doors. So why was it open? Had Sophia—

“Mom!”

Sophia’s harsh scream spun Zoe around. Her fear spiking, she froze and stumbled a full turn. A large man held Sophia by her ponytail, a gun pointed to her head. Her daughter cried out again and tried to pull away, but he held her easily.

“Let her go!” Zoe moved toward them, her only thought to get her child away from the man.

He moved the weapon so it pointed at Zoe, his finger tightening on the trigger. A cruel smile tilted his thin lips upward. “Bye-bye.”

Zoe shook, somehow made her legs work and ducked behind the wheelbarrow just as a loud crack splintered the air. Sophia screamed, a high-pitched, ear-piercing wail full of terror. Zoe’s legs gave out and she hit the ground hard. She tried to think, but the horror sweeping over her wouldn’t let her. She had to get to Sophia. She had to get her child back.

“Stop, you moron! Don’t shoot her!”

Zoe’s breath came in pants, her terror lessening a fraction as relief filled her. Someone had come. She nearly sobbed. She forced her legs to stand, to take a step toward the man who still held a crying Sophia. He kept the gun held on Zoe, but glanced at the other man who’d stepped from inside the house, cell phone pressed to his ear. “Don’t shoot her!”

Relief fled and fear gripped her again. What was this second man doing in her house? She headed to Sophia who continued to struggle in spite of the pain inflicted by the man’s hold on her hair. With his other hand, he aimed the weapon at Zoe, but didn’t pull the trigger, his gaze still darting between her and the man behind her. When she was two steps from Sophia, her daughter’s eyes widened and her attention focused behind her. Zoe turned to look over her shoulder, saw a flash of movement. Before she had time to think, something crashed into the side of her forehead, pain exploded through her skull and she fell to the ground.

* * *

Aaron Starke stepped up to the counter and took the two prescription bags from Lucille Andrews, the pharmacist for the Wrangler’s Corner Pharmacy. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Hope your mom feels better fast.”

“It’s just an ear infection. She should be fine in a day or so.”

“And thanks for taking that out to Zoe. I know she’ll appreciate it.”

“Happy to do it. See you later.” He headed back to his truck and tossed the bags onto the passenger seat. One for his mother and one for the pretty single mom he couldn’t seem to get out of his head. Although he really needed to.

Well, he was going out to the farm anyway to check on the pregnant heifer. Taking the prescription was only being neighborly, nothing else. Right? Right.

Ten minutes later, he turned into the Updikes’ drive and followed it up to the main house. A large four-bedroom home, it looked lived-in and loved, with Thanksgiving decorations hung on the door and a small flag with the words “Thankful for Blessings” stuck in the ground. He figured that was Zoe’s doing. He didn’t remember Martha Updike bothering with that kind of thing.

Aaron coasted to a stop at the top of the drive. An old pickup truck sat in front of him. He’d never seen it before and knew Zoe didn’t drive it. She had a Jeep Wrangler. Maybe she had family visiting? Then he noticed the open barn door and frowned. Why would Zoe have the door open when the temperatures were already dropping and were supposed to hit record colds tonight?

He climbed out of the truck and pulled his heavy down coat tighter against his throat. He shoved his hands into his gloves and settled his hat more firmly on his head. Snowflakes drifted down littering the ground that was already starting to turn white. Aaron tromped across the few remaining dried twigs that would be green grass come springtime and knocked on the door. “Zoe? You in there? Sophia? It’s Aaron Starke.”

He peered inside and all the animals looked well taken care of with fresh water in their buckets and clean stalls. Aaron walked down to the office and unlocked it. He placed Sophia’s medication on the desk, left the office and locked it behind him.

His next stop was to check on Lily the pregnant cow. She’d been brought in out of the cold and now stood in one of the horse stalls looking fat and ready to get the whole thing over with. He checked her and found the calf had turned. “Well, that’s good news,” he told her and gave her bulging belly a light pat.

He cleaned up in the large barn sink then decided to check on Zoe. He thought it strange she hadn’t come out to at least say hi and ask about the cow. She had all the other times he’d been by. And every time he’d seen her and talked to her, he’d wound up leaving with her on his mind. Where she stayed. Constantly. He’d learned a few things about her. She loved her daughter, she was a very private person—and she was worried about something.

Satisfied that all was well in the barn, he left and shut the door behind him. A frigid wind blasted across his face, and he shivered. He headed to the house, his heavy boots crunching the brown grass that would soon be covered in the snow still coming down.

A glint from the ground caught his eye, and he stopped. He stooped down to poke into the dirt and snow with a gloved finger and uncovered a silver necklace with a pretty blue charm. He picked it up, and a red liquid substance slid onto his tan glove. He frowned. Lifted his hand and sniffed. The coppery smell of blood reached him. He spied a large footprint in the area next to the where he’d found the necklace. A boot print too large to be Zoe’s.

He looked up, truly concerned for Zoe and Sophia now. He glanced back at the earth and realized the blood wasn’t just limited to that one spot. It trailed drop by drop to the front porch. He followed it, saw more blood on the steps. It could be a simple thing. Maybe she cut her hand on one of the tools in the barn or Sophia fell and scraped her knee or...something.

But the necklace in the dirt bothered him. It hadn’t been there long. There was no rust or embedded dirt. And the blood was still fresh.

If it had been just one thing, he might not have been overly concerned, but the open barn door, the necklace, the trail of blood that had only just begun to dry, her car parked in the covered area but no sign of Zoe or Sophia...the boot print.

She was here. Somewhere. The blood suggested close by and in trouble. He moved up onto the wraparound porch and saw more drops of red at the base of the door. He tried to see in the window, but the gauzy curtain blocked his view. Aaron walked around the perimeter of the house and saw nothing else amiss.

He knocked on the door. A scuffling sound came from inside but no one answered. He knocked again. “Zoe? You in there? You okay?”

* * *

Zoe stared up at the man who pointed the weapon at the end of her nose. Her head throbbed, but at least the blood had begun to dry. Fear pounded through her and she couldn’t stop shaking. Sophia clung to her and buried her face in Zoe’s neck. “Get rid of him,” her captor growled. “Now. Or I’ll have to shoot him.”

“We don’t need any more trouble, Pete,” the other one muttered from his position by the window. He held the gun loosely in his left hand. Comfortably. As though he used it on a regular basis.

“Like I don’t know that,” Pete said. The angry scowl twisted his face into something from a horror movie. Zoe wanted to close her eyes and shut them all out, but she couldn’t. She kept her arms around Sophia’s slight frame. Her daughter was so little, so vulnerable.

“Now, I said.” He jabbed the gun at her, and Zoe flinched. She glanced at the door and back at the man who’d intervened and saved her only to hold her and Sophia captive. She rose on shaky legs, stumbled then caught herself. Sophia rose with her, refusing to let go. Zoe’s head swam and bile climbed into her throat. She breathed deep and the dizziness settled.

The man called Pete grabbed Sophia by the arm and jerked her away from Zoe. Sophia cried out. Pete slapped a hand across her mouth. “Make another sound and I’ll shoot your mother, you understand?”

Zoe stood frozen, wanting to smash the man’s face in, but knew one wrong move could cause him to hurt her daughter. “It’s okay, honey, just sit still for a minute, all right?” she said.

Sophia’s gaze clung to hers, but she gave a small nod. Pete relaxed his grip a fraction, and Sophia didn’t move even as silent tears tracked a path down her ashen cheeks.

“Hey, Zoe? You okay? It’s Aaron Starke. I came to check on Lily and wanted to say hi.” The pounding on the front door resumed, and she walked over to it.

The man near the window lifted his weapon, an unneeded reminder that he was watching. Zoe closed her eyes and drew in a desperately needed calming breath, praying for strength—and some way to convey the fact that she needed help without putting the person at the door in harm’s way.

With one last glance at Sophia, she pulled on every ounce of inner strength, ignored the throbbing in her head and opened the door. Aaron stood on the front porch. His large frame filled the doorway, blocking the icy wind and the sunlight. He had to be half a foot taller than her own five foot eight. She forced a trembling smile to her lips. “Hi.”

He offered a frown in response. “I came by to check on that pregnant heifer and saw some blood on the ground and a necklace. This yours?” He held it out to her as his gaze landed on her right temple.

“Um. Yes. Thanks.” She took it and stuffed it in her front pocket.

He leaned in to take a closer look. “What happened? That looks like a pretty bad gash.”

She raised a shaky hand to lightly touch the wound. “Oh, that.” A laugh slipped out, but it sounded nervous to her ears. Scared. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other and her eyes darted away from his only to return a fraction of a second later. “I was...ah...clumsy, tripped over the water hose in the barn and hit the side of the stall. I was just getting ready to clean the wound when you knocked.”

“Why don’t I give you a hand? I’m pretty good at that kind of thing. Granted, most of my patients are of the four-legged variety, but the concept is the same.” He moved as though to enter and panic filled her.

She shifted and blocked his entrance. “Really, I’m fine. I can do it.”

He paused, his eyes probing the area behind her. She knew he couldn’t see anything but the stairs that led up to the second floor. “Well. Okay. If you’re sure.” He backed up, his boots clunking on the wooden porch.

No! she wanted to scream. She widened her eyes and cut them to the side window. Don’t leave!

But he simply tapped his hat in a gentlemanly gesture and turned to go. Then spun back. Her breath caught. Had he figured out she needed help? Did he know someone stood behind her with a gun? “Oh, by the way,” he said, “I was in the pharmacy a little bit ago getting a prescription for my mother and Mrs. Lucille gave me Sophia’s medication. I left it on the desk in the office in the barn.”

“Oh, th-thank you. We were getting low.”

“I’ll just go get it for you.”

“No, no, that’s okay, I can get it. I’m going to have to go out there and...ah...fill the water buckets anyway.”

He tilted his head and gave a slow nod. “All right then. Holler if you need anything.”

She nodded but couldn’t force any more words out of her tight, tear-filled throat. This time when he turned around, he didn’t look back. She shut the door with a soft snick and turned to find the two men staring at her.

Pete let go of Sophia and she rushed at Zoe, wrapping her arms around her waist and holding tight. Zoe met Pete’s gaze since he seemed to be the one in charge. “Now what?” she whispered. “What do you want?”

His eyes dropped to Sophia. “Her.”

TWO

That niggling feeling wouldn’t leave him alone. Aaron sat in his truck outside the house, but didn’t crank it. Instead he dialed Lance Goode’s personal cell number. Lance was a deputy with the Wrangler’s Corner sheriff’s department and a good friend of the Starke family. Aaron’s brother, Clay, the sheriff, was out of town until later that evening so the safety of Wrangler’s Corner fell on Lance’s shoulders. The deputy answered on the second ring. “Hello?”

“How far are you from the Updike farm?”

“Not too far. Why?”

“Something weird’s going on here.”

“Aren’t the Updikes out of town?”

“Yeah.” The curtain on the window by the door fluttered. He cranked his truck and debated whether or not to drive off. “But Zoe Collier and her daughter, Sophia, are staying here while the Updikes are on their cruise. I just knocked on the door and she answered, but she had a gash on her head that she said she got from falling against the side of the barn.”

“You have reason to doubt her?”

“No, not really, but she just looked...scared. And she said something about having to go out there and fill up the water buckets. I was just in the barn, Lance. The buckets are full of fresh water and the hose is neatly wrapped and hanging on the reel.”

Lance made a noise low in his throat. “That does sound kind of odd. If she hit her head, she might have a concussion or something. Be a little confused.”

“Maybe. She didn’t seem confused, just scared.”

“All right. I’m on my way. It’s probably nothing but I’ll come check it out.”

“Thanks. I guess I’ll head on back to the office.” Aaron hung up and put his truck in gear. His secretary, Janice Maynard, was out on maternity leave and his partner was on vacation for the next three days.

Managing by himself was a huge headache, and he should have listened to his father’s advice about hiring a temporary person to fill in, but then he’d have the headache of training the person. He grimaced. He still hadn’t decided which choice was the lesser of the two evils. Regardless, he didn’t like to stay gone too long. Then again, that was one of the advantages of living in a small town. Everyone had his cell number and if someone needed him, they’d call.

Aaron drove down the drive and out of sight of the house then stopped at the base of a sloping hill. He tapped his fingers on the wheel. He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t just leave. There’d been something in her eyes when she’d looked at him then cut her eyes toward the left. Had someone been there? Someone she’d been afraid off? What if an abusive ex had found her or something? Or what if she really did have a concussion? He didn’t remember seeing any sign of one when he’d looked into her green eyes, but he hadn’t been looking for one, either. Had her pupils been even?

He grunted. Nope. He couldn’t leave. Aaron turned the vehicle around and drove back up to the house. He parked next to the strange truck and shut the engine off. He hesitated only a second before he opened the driver’s door and stepped out. He stared at the other truck, walked over to it and looked inside. Fast food wrappers and cigarette butts littered the cab, but nothing that set off any alarms. He sighed and marched back up to the front door. Before he could knock, the door opened and he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun.

Aaron froze. Now his internal alarms were ringing. Okay, he’d thought she’d looked scared, but this wasn’t what he’d pictured. The angry dark eyes behind the gun glittered. “Get in here, hero. You had your chance to leave, but guess you get to join the fun.”

* * *

Zoe wanted to weep. Her only hope of rescue had just joined them as a hostage. Aaron lifted his hands in the surrender position and walked into the house. His eyes landed on her and Sophia, huddled together on the couch. She knew she probably looked terrified as she locked her gaze on his. Well, that was fine. She was terrified.

Aaron moved closer to them, putting his body between her and Sophia and the gun. The other man, whose name she hadn’t learned yet, shut the door behind Aaron. “What’s going on?”

“Just taking care of a little business is all. Now hand over your cell phone and your weapon.”

“I’m a veterinarian. What makes you think I have a weapon?”

Pete laughed without a smidge of humor. “You don’t live in this kind of town and not carry a weapon.” His hard eyes turned to chips. “Hand it over.”

Aaron didn’t bother to protest, just pulled his .38 special from his shoulder holster and gave it to the man. When he did, his keys fell to the floor.

“I’ll take those, too. No sense in giving you something that could poke an eye out.” Aaron hesitated then snagged his cell phone from the clip on his belt and released that, as well. From her position behind him, she could see the tension in the set of his shoulders and prayed he didn’t do anything that would cause one of the men to shoot him. Or her. “What kind of business?” Aaron asked.

“Shut up.” Pete looked at his partner. “Now what?”

“Tie him up,” the partner said. He eyed Aaron. “Anyone know you’re here?”

“Several people know I’m coming out here on a regular basis to check on one of the heifers ready to deliver any day now.” He stayed still while Pete used duct tape to secure his hands behind him.

The partner shoved the gun at him. “Let me rephrase the question. Anyone know you’re here right now?”

“No, but when I don’t show up for dinner, my family will be looking for me.”

Zoe stayed still, listening, feeling Sophia’s heart beat against her side. Her rapid heartbeat. Zoe looked closer and saw the sweat on her daughter’s forehead. She lifted Sophia’s chin and looked in her eyes. She stood. “My daughter needs some food.”

“Shut up and sit down,” the partner said without taking his eyes from Aaron.

Zoe stayed put. “My child needs sugar in her system. She has diabetes. Her sugar is dropping, and I need to give her something sweet. Now.” She tried to keep her voice steady and firm. She failed miserably on the steady part. She lifted her chin and met Pete’s eyes when he finally turned them on her. “She could die and while I don’t think you care if I do, for some reason you want her alive.”

The man’s eyes narrowed, and he stared at her as though trying to figure out if she was telling the truth or not.

Zoe wanted to scream. Instead, she clamped down on her emotions and pointed at Sophia. “Look at her. Sweating, rapid pulse, lethargy. If we don’t regulate her blood sugar, she could faint and go into a coma.”

For a moment he simply studied her. “Fine. Get her something, but Cody’s going to be watching you. You try to get a knife or something, and you’ll pay, you understand?”

“I understand. I just want to get her some orange juice.” Zoe turned to Sophia. “Stay right here. I’ll be back in a second.”

“No, Mom—”

“Shh. You need some sugar. Do as I say, sweetie.” She tried to comfort Sophia while watching the man with the gun. His impatience escalated, and she backed toward the kitchen. Sophia’s lower lip trembled.

Aaron moved closer to Sophia. “It’ll be a bit awkward, but you can hold my hand, honey. Your mom will be right back.”

Sophia’s eyes darted back and forth between her mother and Aaron, and she nodded. Zoe suspected she was feeling a bit dizzy as she simply laid her head against the back of the couch and shut her eyes.

Zoe moved toward the kitchen, not wanting to leave Sophia, but knowing the man beside her baby was an honorable one—at least according to everything she’d heard about him during the short time she’d been in town—and wouldn’t let anyone hurt Sophia if at all possible.

Zoe acted fast. She could feel Cody’s eyes on her, watching, waiting for her to make a wrong move. She grabbed the orange juice from the refrigerator and a glass from the cabinet. Her hands were shaking so hard she was afraid she’d spill the liquid. She stopped for a second and took a calming breath.

Then she picked up the carton and poured the juice into the glass. Sophia didn’t usually have a problem with her diabetes when she ate right, got her exercise and did what she was supposed to do, but it had been a stressful few weeks and her body was reacting to it. This situation definitely wasn’t helping.

Zoe hurried back into the den and over to Sophia. “Here, honey, drink this.”

Sophia wrapped her hand around the glass while Zoe helped her. Her daughter drank the juice while Zoe’s eyes met Aaron’s. His shoulders gave a slight twitch, and she realized he was using her as a shield while he worked on getting his hands free. She stood over Sophia for as long as she dared then turned to find their two captors in conversation. Discussing how to kill them? Bitterness welled and she tamped it down. God, get us out of this, please.

“Sit down,” Pete said and jabbed her with his weapon.

Aaron stilled, and Zoe sat beside Sophia who seemed to already be doing better with the juice. Zoe set the glass on the table then turned back to Sophia. She ran a hand over her daughter’s face and pulled her close. Pete and his partner, the one he called Cody, moved to look out the window then went back to their discussion. Aaron leaned closer. “What do they want?” he whispered.

“I don’t know.” She wasn’t going to tell him what the man had said about wanting Sophia. Not while her daughter was listening to every word.

“How many are there?” Aaron asked.

“I’ve only seen the two.”

Pete turned a sharp eye in their direction, and she snapped her mouth shut then leaned over to kiss the top of Sophia’s head. A ringing phone broke the tense stillness.

Pete turned away to answer, and Cody disappeared out the door. “Lance is on his way out here,” Aaron said, his voice so low she had to strain to hear it. Pete bent his head and muttered something into the phone. “He may be here already.”

“Who’s Lance?”

“A deputy sheriff. I called him and told him something was wrong out here. He said he’d head over and check it out.”

Hope blossomed and she prayed.

“I got my hands free,” he whispered. “Sit tight. Better do this while there’s only one. While I distract Pete, you grab Sophia and run.”

“Don’t—”

Pete hung up and walked back into the den. “Looks like we’re stuck here a bit longer.”

“What are you waiting for?” Aaron asked.

“Instructions.”

He turned slightly, and Aaron sprang from the couch. He slammed into Pete, and they both went to the floor. Sophia screamed, and Zoe clutched her close. Aaron grunted as a fist caught him across the cheek. Zoe looked for a weapon she could use to help. Aaron rolled, avoiding another fist in the face. “Run, Zoe!”

Zoe pushed Sophia toward the front door. “Go. Run as fast as you can into the trees. Hide until you hear me calling. I’ll find you.” She wanted her child safe, but she wasn’t going to leave Aaron to fight alone.

Sophia ran for the door and unlocked it. Zoe grabbed a vase from the end table next to the sofa.

The back door crashed in and a deputy stepped into the kitchen. She could see him assessing the situation in a lightning-fast second. He moved through the small hall into the den and aimed his weapon at the men on the floor. “Police! Freeze!”

Aaron rammed a punch into Pete’s gut, and the man gasped, rolled to his knees and put his head on the floor.

Aaron stumbled back. Sophia froze near the front door then ran back to Zoe who set the vase back onto the table and gathered her child close.

Lance moved quickly and cuffed the man on the floor while Aaron went to the window to peer out. “There’s another one. He left just a minute ago.”

The front door slammed open.

Zoe gasped and spun to find Cody and yet a third man standing there with weapons aimed at them. Lance lifted his gun and aimed it at the two men. “Drop your weapons.”

The third man stepped closer. “I don’t think so.” He simply shifted his gun so that it was pointed at Sophia. “Now everyone is going to settle down.” His gaze darted between Lance, Aaron and the man on the ground. He came back to Lance. “Lose your weapon and your phone and uncuff Pete.” Lance glared but didn’t argue, placing his gun and cell phone on the table with the others. Aaron sank back onto the couch, dabbing his bruised cheek. The newcomer waited until Pete was on his feet before he spoke. “Thought you said you had him tied up.”

“He was,” Pete grunted with a scowl.

“Tape him up again. Put his hands in front of him so we can see what he’s doing with them.” He flicked a glance at Lance. “Both of them.”

Despair welled in Zoe as Aaron and Lance submitted to having their hands bound in front of them. She wanted to wail in frustration. They’d been so close. So very close. She huddled with Sophia and prayed—in spite of the fact that she was convinced that God didn’t care what happened to those she loved.

THREE

Pete got up from the floor and turned his dark eyes on Aaron. The venom there sent a cold shiver of fear through him. And certain knowledge that Pete wanted to kill him. Aaron figured if the man got his hands on a gun, it would all be over. Aaron had made an enemy for life. One he’d better not ever let have access to his back. He felt sure he could take the man in a one-on-one fight, but Aaron knew he was no match with bound hands. He kept his gaze steady, refusing to flinch. Finally Pete looked away, grabbed his weapon from the floor and aimed it at Aaron.

“Put it away, Pete,” the newcomer ordered.

“But Jed—”

“Now. There’ll be time for revenge later.” Aaron didn’t like the fact that the man could speak without raising his voice and the two men did as ordered. Jed turned his gaze to the blond man. “Cody, get on the phone and find out what the problem is. We can’t stay here forever. Start the truck and once we’re away from here we’ll figure out what to do with them.”

Cody tossed his shaggy blond hair out of his eyes and snagged his phone from the back pocket of his jeans. He punched in a number, shot them all a vicious look and backed out the door. Aaron glanced at Lance who’d also placed himself in a protective stance between the men and Zoe and Sophia. A cold feeling had settled in the pit of Aaron’s stomach. These men didn’t think anything about using each other’s names. Because they didn’t plan on anyone being able to tell who they were?

Pete stepped forward and taped Lance’s hands together then gave him a shove onto the couch. Lance landed with a grunt beside Zoe.

When Pete moved his attention to him, Aaron looked at the new guy who’d displaced Cody with his authority. Jed. “Look, if I don’t check in with my family, they’re going to come looking for me.”

“Shut up.”

“My brother is the sheriff of this town,” Aaron continued softly. “Unless you want him on the doorstep as well, you’ll let me text him and let him know I’m going to be busy all night delivering that calf out in the barn. I also have some medication for my mother I picked up at the pharmacy. My dad’s going to be calling and wondering why I haven’t dropped it off yet.”

Jed’s eyes narrowed and he cut a glance at Pete. Aaron turned his attention to him. “And in case you’re wondering, I don’t want my family coming here and stumbling into this mess. I’m not trying to put something over on you. I’m actually just trying to keep my family away from you. Less trouble for you, too, if no one else shows up.” Might as well say it like it is. Even then, there wasn’t any guarantee that Clay wouldn’t come by to check on him or take it upon himself to come get their mother’s medicine, but with Sabrina due to deliver their first child any day now, he figured Clay would stay pretty close to home once he got back from his trip. Which meant he might send someone. Either way it would involve putting someone else in danger if he didn’t let them hear from him.

Jed eyed him. “Fine.” He jutted his chin at Pete. “Text what he tells you.”

Pete’s eyes narrowed, but he found Aaron’s phone. “You’ve got four new texts.”

“Like I said, better let me answer them, or I’ll have people looking for me.” He met Pete’s gaze. “And they know where to find me.”

Pete looked to his boss for confirmation. The man nodded. “Who and what do I text?”

Aaron gave instructions, not even trying to insert a hidden message in his words. It would be too obvious anyway. He added. “One more. Text to my dad, ‘Calf due to deliver any moment. Won’t have time to drop off Mom’s meds. See if Doc Whaley will give her two pills to tide her over till I can get there probably tomorrow.’”

When the messages had been sent, he allowed Pete to duct-tape his hands together once again. One less thing to worry about. His family wouldn’t come out to the farm and find themselves in danger. He sat back on the sofa while the other two men paced and muttered and checked their phones. They were waiting on something. Orders from someone?

Cody stomped back into the house, flakes of snow melting in his hair, blistering curses on his lips. “I gotta go into town and get a part. The truck won’t start.”

“What? What happened?” Jed asked.

“I don’t know. I think it’s a spark plug.”

“Take mine.” Jed tossed Cody his keys. “Don’t be long.”

“Guess I’ll be as long as it takes.”

At Jed’s cold stare, Cody ducked his head. “But it won’t take long.” He trudged back out, and Aaron heard the vehicle start up and drive away.

He turned his attention to the boss. “You mind if I check on the heifer out in the barn?”

A heavy sigh slipped from the man. “You mind if I put a bullet through your head?”

A whimper escaped Sophia, and Aaron’s fingers flexed into fists. He forced himself to relax. “Come on, man, it’s an animal.” He gestured to Zoe and Sophia and Lance. “As long as you have them, I’m not going to do anything stupid.”

Jed studied him then nodded to Pete. “Fine. Go with him.”

“What?”

The two exchanged a silent look. “Go with him,” Jed repeated.

Pete lifted a brow. “Right.” He shot Aaron a grim smile. “Let’s go.”

Aaron figured that exchange between the partners was permission for Pete to kill him. His heart thudded a faster beat, and he sent up prayers for safety and wisdom. Truly all he’d wanted was to get in the barn and deliver the calf should the mama be ready. Now, it appeared he was going to have to fight for his life.

Zoe didn’t miss the interaction between the three men. She jumped up. “I’ll go with you. You might need some help.” Then she stopped. She wasn’t leaving Sophia behind, though. “Sophia’s a great help in the barn, as well.”

“This isn’t some country club vacation!” Pete yelled. “Sit down and shut up!”

Zoe sat, and Sophia buried her face in her side with a low cry. Zoe pressed a hand against the little girl’s head, trying to offer comfort. “Shh...”

“I’ll be fine,” Aaron said. “Just do what they say.”

She bit her lip. “But—”

“Don’t argue, Zoe,” Lance said. She frowned. Sophia pulled on her hand, so she snapped her lips shut.

* * *

Pete followed Aaron out the door and Zoe couldn’t help the prayers that slipped from her lips. She looked at Jed. “What do you want? Why are you doing this?” She glanced at his phone. “Who are you waiting for? Who’s supposed to call?”

He waved the weapon at her. “You just need to be quiet. You’ve led us on a merry chase.”

“Was it you who tried to kidnap Sophia from her school?” She regretted the question when his gaze slid from her to Sophia. He didn’t answer. “Why?”

“Shut up!”

Lance reached over with his hands taped together at the wrist, and clasped her fingers in a light squeeze. Zoe clamped her lips closed. Lance sat so quiet she’d almost forgotten about him. She shot him a frantic glance. Jed’s phone rang, and he stepped back still keeping an eye on them as he answered. As soon as he averted his gaze, she leaned toward Lance. “He’s going to kill Aaron,” she whispered. “We have to do something.”

Sophia’s arms tightened around her at her words, but she couldn’t just sit there and let Aaron die.

“Aaron has a plan,” Lance said. “I could see it in his eyes. Let’s let him play it out.”

“What if it backfires? What if he needs help?”

“I know Aaron, he’ll be all right.”

Zoe saw the worry in his eyes and wondered if he really believed it or was just trying to ease her mind. She feared the latter. “But—”

“Hey! Zip it!” Jed’s shout made her flinch, and she blinked back a surge of tears. Lance’s hand stayed clamped around hers and she sank back against the couch even as she looked for a way to secure a weapon—or something to release Lance’s hands with.

* * *

Aaron went straight to his truck and pulled his vet bag from the passenger seat. It was awkward with his hands taped, but he managed. Pete didn’t say anything, just watched him. Aaron ignored him and headed for the barn, his mind spinning. God, help me, please. Don’t let him kill me. Let me be ready to fight back when he strikes.

Once inside he went to Lily’s stall and saw the heifer pacing. The area had been extended so it was double the size of a normal stall. Lily lay down then got up. After repeating this for several minutes, she finally stayed down. She lowed, a painful groan that Aaron knew would grow in intensity in the next few minutes.

Aaron looked at Pete. “I need my hands. She’s ready.”

“Not a chance.”

With his hands still taped in front of him, Aaron got the heater and turned it on. He placed it in the stall and watched the heifer get up then lie down again. This time she let out a loud bellow that shook the rafters of the barn.

Pete watched him, his dark eyes hard. Cold. His right hand held his weapon in an easy grip. His finger played with the trigger.

Aaron gave a shudder as fear swept through him. But he kept his cool. He had to. Zoe, Sophia and Lance were probably going to need him. The gun swung up. A Glock.

All it would take to end his life was the twitch of the man’s finger. “If you kill me before she delivers, this cow is going to put up such a holler she’ll bring the neighbors down on you.” As if to confirm his words the heifer let out another moan. Louder this time than the last.

Pete frowned then scoffed. “What neighbors?”

“There’s the Garrett farm to the left and the Hunt farm to the right.” He lifted his chin to the north. “Up that way just behind the tree line, there’s a pretty big general store. The owner is there every day and he’ll hear the cow bawling if I don’t deliver this calf. The owner of the store is Michael Richardson and a good friend of the Updikes. He’ll be here within minutes to find out what’s going on. You want that?”

Aaron’s words seemed to sink in. Pete cursed and spit on the ground, but at least he removed the gun from Aaron’s face. “I saw that store. Stopped to get gas there. Dude asked twenty questions and wouldn’t shut up about wondering who I was visiting and spending the holidays with.” He scowled.

“Yep, that’s Michael.” He paused. “Or you can kill me, I guess, and deliver the calf yourself.” The heifer chose that moment to make her presence known with a screeching groan that morphed into a low grunt. Pete flinched, his eyes darting to the barn door as though he expected someone to start pounding on them at any second. “At least if I’m here if someone shows up,” Aaron said, “I’ll be able to reassure them that everything’s all right.” He met Pete’s gaze. “Trust me, I don’t want anyone hurt. If someone shows up, I’ll make sure they think everything is just fine.”

The heifer bellowed again.

“Or I could just shoot her.”

Aaron winced. “Yeah, you could. And again, bring attention to the fact you’re here. True, this is the country and people carry guns. And use them. But we’re mostly civilized and neighbors around here still respond to gunshots.”

“No one came when I shot at that pretty little lady in there.”

“You’re fortunate. You want to push it?”

Still glaring, Pete pulled a large knife from his front pocket and flipped it open. “Guess I could just use this then.”

Aaron winced. “Yes, I supposed you could.” He sighed. “Come on, man, let me deliver the calf and be done with it.”

Pete hesitated, and Aaron really didn’t like the look in the man’s eyes. The cow groaned, and Pete muttered a few choice words. He leaned toward Aaron, and Aaron braced himself, expecting to feel the knife sink into his flesh.

One swipe was all it took to split the tape holding Aaron’s hands together. Aaron hissed as the blood rushed to his fingers and he flexed them even while his brain scrambled for an escape route. He needed to do something and fast before Cody came back—or Pete decided to throw caution to the wind and exact his revenge.

He looked at Lily. She hadn’t gotten up again so she was definitely ready. At least the barn was warm. The heater was a heavy-duty propane deal that put out enough warmth to keep the stall nice and toasty. A plan began to form even as he shrugged out of his coat. He maneuvered his way around to the heifer and rubbed her head to reassure her. She knew him and didn’t seem nervous around him. Aaron prayed for an easy birth. Her moaning and bellowing continued. He looked up to see Pete had moved closer, his hard eyes flat. Waiting. Every so often they would flick toward the door. Good. Aaron’s words had him thinking someone would show up.

Aaron knew as soon as he delivered the calf he was dead. While he worked with the mama and baby, he thought, planned and prayed. He pulled the calving chains from the bag he’d dropped on the ground. Pete lifted the gun. “What are you doing?”

“They’re to help pull the calf out if I need them. I might not, but I need to have them nearby.”

Pete stayed silent, but watchful.

Aaron worked with the heifer, soothing her and rubbing her belly, feeling the baby move. Thankfully, it wasn’t breech any longer. It had turned the right way and from here on out, the heifer would do most of the work. Aaron would assist while he went through the plan over and over in his head.

Finally, after a number of hard contractions and bellows from the soon-to-be mama, he saw the calf’s legs poking out and slipped on a clean pair of gloves to help the baby out into the world. “Hand me those chains, would you?”

“I’m not here to help.”

That’s what he figured the man would say. Aaron gritted his teeth and left the chains on the bag. He didn’t really need them anyway. He wrapped his hands around the baby’s legs and heard the heifer give another moan, waited on the next contraction, then pulled. While the mother let out one last bellowing yell, the calf slipped onto the fresh hay and Aaron worked to clear its nose. He then teased a nostril with a piece of straw to make it sneeze. It obliged and Aaron went to work on the afterbirth. Once he had everything finished, he rolled his head and glanced at his captor from the corner of his eye.

Pete had moved closer, the gun now trained on Aaron. Aaron casually pulled the gloves from his hands and dumped them in the trash bag he’d brought out.

He stood as though to stretch, but instead, in one smooth move, spun, grabbed the heater and swung it around into Pete’s head. The man didn’t even cry out. He simply slumped to the ground, the weapon landing with a thump on the hay. Aaron grabbed the calving chains and tied the man up. Heart pounding, adrenaline surging, he stood back and looked at his handiwork. A long gash in the man’s head bled freely, but Aaron didn’t think he’d done too much damage. And Pete might manage to get out of the chains eventually, but it would take him a bit of time. Hopefully, he and the others would be long gone by then and law enforcement would have things under control.

Breathing heavily, Aaron pulled Pete from the stall then went back and grabbed his coat. He shoved his hands into the sleeves, grabbed Pete’s gun, then slipped back out of the stall shutting the mama and baby in behind him. He stuck Pete’s gun in his shoulder holster.

A phone, he needed a phone.

He patted the man down, searched his pockets and came up empty. Great. There was a phone in the office.

He raced to it and twisted the knob. Locked. And he didn’t have his keys. Aaron stepped back, lifted a foot and kicked. The door shook, but held. Three more kicks and it swung open. He grabbed the handset from the base and turned it on. Listened.

To nothing.

He groaned. They’d cut the landline.

He stopped and pressed a hand against his forehead. Think, think. Consider your options.

And came up with one.

Overpower Jed, get the others out before Cody came back. Or Pete woke up. It wasn’t a great plan—or even a plan at all—it was just what he knew he had to do.

Aaron slipped out of the barn and up to the house. He figured boss man would be in the den or at least near it to keep an eye on Lance, Zoe and Sophia. He’d go in the front door as he figured it was probably still unlocked. His rushing adrenaline made him shaky and clumsy. He took a deep breath. He wasn’t a cop, this wasn’t his deal. He was perfectly happy to leave catching the bad guys and rescuing people to Clay and the deputies, but today it fell to him.

He wanted to hurry, but had to be careful. If he got caught this time, there wouldn’t be a third chance for escape. They didn’t need him as Pete had just proven while in the barn. He and Lance were collateral damage. He couldn’t believe Pete had bought his story about neighbors coming to check on the cow. Most likely, they’d have heard her and figured she was giving birth and Aaron was there to help. Birth was a noisy affair, and the neighbors knew that. Aaron’s hunch that Pete wouldn’t know that had paid off.

At the front door, he paused, placed a hand on the knob and twisted slowly. Nothing happened, so he cracked it enough to see inside. The foyer, the living area to the left, dining to the right. The den was straight ahead. He slipped inside and shut the door behind him.

He listened, ear tuned to the slightest sound, muscles bunched and ready to act. Sounded like Jed was on the phone. He glanced out the window and thought he saw a vehicle down the drive. Cody coming back?

Heart racing, he moved until he could see Lance still on the couch with Zoe. Sophia sat between them. He caught Lance’s eye. Lance blinked but made no other indication that he’d seen Aaron.

“Fine. I’ll take care of it. I’ll deliver them both tonight. And you’d better have the rest of my money.”

Aaron raised the gun.

Lance shifted. “Hey, when are we going to get something to eat? Sophia needs some food even if you’re not going to feed the rest of us.”

Jed stepped into view, the back of his head toward Aaron. He pointed to Zoe. “Go fix something.”

Zoe moved to stand when Aaron stepped up behind Jed and placed his gun against the man’s head. “Move and you die.” The man froze. “Put the weapon on the counter.” Jed did. With his free hand, Aaron took the gun and held it. He nodded to Zoe. “Cut Lance loose.”

She raced into the kitchen and came back with a knife. She cut the tape and Lance stood. Jed twitched like he wanted to try something. Aaron pressed the gun harder. “Don’t.” The man stilled.

“Hey, Jed, Pete? I got the part,” Cody called as the back door slammed behind him.

FOUR

Zoe froze, but didn’t have time to stand there for long. Jed started to call out, but Lance’s fist shot out and caught him in the jaw. Aaron brought the gun down on the back of his head for good measure and the man crumpled to the floor. Lance took the gun from Aaron. “Get them out of here. I’ll deal with Cody.”

But Cody appeared in the small hallway between the kitchen and the den before Lance could get there. Cody stood for a brief moment, his jaw swinging as he took in the scene, but Zoe didn’t stop in her rush to get Sophia out of the house. She reached the large bookcase next to the front door and pulled Sophia next to it praying it was out of the line of fire. She could feel her child’s body trembling, but she never made a sound.

“Hey!” She saw Cody’s hand lift, the gun aimed at Lance. Lance dropped and rolled in front of the counter and out of sight. Aaron fired his weapon and she saw Cody spin into the wall then hit the floor. Zoe moved away from the bookcase and toward the door, pulling Sophia with her. She looked back to see Cody roll and bring his weapon up again, firing even as Lance aimed at him and pulled the trigger. She dropped to the floor covering Sophia’s body with hers. The loud cracks made her ears ring.

“I’m going to kill you! All of you! I don’t care about the money anymore, you’re all dead!” Pete’s bellow came from the kitchen somewhere behind Cody. She heard the door slam once again. Lance leveled his weapon toward the kitchen and fired back. She wanted to get Sophia out, but was afraid to move. Afraid it would be the wrong direction and one of them would catch a bullet. She heard a curse and saw Jed move, shake his head then sit up.

Then Aaron was beside her grabbing Sophia from her and pushing her toward the door. “Go, go, go.”

Zoe, Aaron and Sophia raced through the front door. Aaron snagged Sophia’s heavy coat as he passed it. Bullets pelted the doorframe, and Sophia screamed. Zoe just followed expecting to feel the slam of a bullet at any moment. Lance was backing out behind them, firing back, keeping the three men at bay.

“Head for the trees!” Aaron urged her. “Don’t look back, just run. I’ve got Sophia.”

“Go!” Lance hollered as he whipped around and fired his gun once again. She heard a harsh scream from one of their pursuers but didn’t turn. Five more steps and they’d be in the shelter of the trees. The house had been built with a plan to utilize the wooded area for shade during the summer months. Even stripped of most of the leaves, the trees would offer them the most protection. The frigid wind made her flinch, but she couldn’t stop now.

Zoe raced into the thicket and turned to find Aaron carrying Sophia in his arms. Lance brought up the rear. He continued to look over his shoulder as they ran. “They’re still coming.”

“At least they’re not shooting,” she panted.

“I got one of them, I think. The one they called Jed. Just winged him, though.” Lance stayed close. “Keep going. We’re going to follow the tree line all the way around and head up to the store on the hill. Hopefully Michael is there and will have a phone we can use.”

“Won’t they think of that?” Zoe asked.

“Yeah,” Aaron grunted. “I basically told Pete about the place when I was trying to convince him to let my hands free. If we head up there, we’ll just put Michael in danger.”

Zoe kept casting glances at Sophia. “You okay honey?”

“Just scared,” came her small voice.

They kept moving in the direction of the store. “I don’t want to put Michael in danger,” Zoe said. A shot cracked a tree in front of her.

“Run,” Lance ordered.

“Run where?” Aaron grunted, but picked up the pace. “The caves.” He answered his own question.

“Yeah, good idea. The caves,” Lance said. “Go.”

Aaron didn’t hesitate, just made a forty-five degree turn and forged a trail for Zoe to follow. Lance brought up the rear. Aaron sloshed through a shallow creek, and Zoe followed, gasping when the cold water hit her legs, but she didn’t stop. She could get warm later. Prayers winged heavenward. Weakness wanted to invade her, and she stumbled. Aaron snagged her elbow with one hand even as he kept a grip on Sophia with his other.

Aaron passed the first cave they came to, skirted around brush and trees then simply disappeared. Zoe skidded to a stop. Lance passed her, grasped her hand and pulled her behind him. When he stopped, she found herself in a cave. And cold. So very cold. She couldn’t feel her feet anymore. Shivers racked her as Lance stayed at the entrance, his weapon ready. Aaron set Sophia on her feet then helped her into her coat. Sophia let him, but when he stepped back, she moved to Zoe and wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’m scared, Mom,” she whispered.

“I am, too, honey, but God’s taking care of us.”

Sophia looked back and forth between Lance and Aaron. “Yes, I think you’re right.”

“Now we just have to find a way to call for help,” Aaron muttered.

Sophia slipped a hand into the front pocket of her jeans and pulled out a cell phone. “Will this help?”

* * *

Aaron stepped up to them, took the phone from Sophia’s small hand and looked at the screen. It had about a half battery life, but only one bar. Once out of the cave, he knew there would be a better signal. “Where did you get this?” he whispered.

“That really mean man you called Pete left it on the end table after he tied up Deputy Lance,” she said, keeping her voice as low as his and pointing to Lance.

“So you snagged it, huh?”

“Yes.” She shrugged. “I was going to try and call 911, but I couldn’t do it without someone seeing me so I was just waiting until I could either do it myself or give one of you guys the phone. But that never happened so I just held on to it.”

Aaron blinked. “Nice job,” he whispered. “Are you sure you’re nine?”

“Pretty sure,” she whispered back and shot him a weak grin.

Zoe lifted a hand to push Sophia’s hair out of her eyes. He noticed the fine tremors racking her and figured she was just as cold as he was.

He punched in the number of the police department and held the phone to his ear on the off chance it would work. The call dropped. He looked at Zoe. “Need a signal.”

She nodded and shivered. “Try a text. Sometimes a text will go through when a call won’t.”

Aaron did. He shrugged. “It says it went, but I don’t know if it did or not. We need to make a call. Lance,” he whispered.

“Yeah?” Lance turned to face him.

Aaron slipped up beside him and handed him the phone. Lance’s eyes went wide. “Thank Sophia,” Aaron said.

Lance blinked then gave a tight smile. “Good going, kid.”

Sophia nodded. “You’re welcome.”

Lance went back to the entrance of the cave, and Sophia snuggled next to her mom. Zoe shuddered and pulled her closer. Zoe hadn’t had a coat on inside the house and she hadn’t had time to grab it before their dash for safety. Now she just had on a sweatshirt over a black turtleneck, and her jeans were soaked to the knees. Aaron shrugged out of his heavy down coat and draped it around her shoulders. She frowned at him. “Thanks, but don’t you need it?”

“I’m fine. I worked up a sweat running with Sophia in my arms.”

She hesitated then nodded. “If you’re sure, I’ll just use it to warm up a bit then give it back.”

“I’ll let you know if I need it.”

Their whispers barely sounded in the darkness. The chill of the cave hit him hard, but he wasn’t going to let her know that. He hoped they wouldn’t be staying put very long anyway. Lance walked back to them. “I think they’ve passed us. I’m going to slip out of the cave and see if I can get a signal.”

Aaron nodded, and Lance again returned to the entrance then disappeared outside. Sophia snuggled in between him and Zoe, and Aaron wrapped his arms around them, pulling them close to share body heat. The cave wall was cold, and the chill seeped through his sweater.

Within seconds, Sophia’s head rolled against his chest and her breathing became even. “She fell asleep,” he whispered in Zoe’s ear.

“Unbelievable. Well, it’s been an ordeal between the attack and the diabetes. She’s feeling the effects.” She froze. “I don’t have her medicine,” she whispered. “I didn’t have time to grab it.”

“In the right-hand pocket of my jacket. I snagged it from the office after I knocked Pete out.”

Zoe let out a low breath. “Thank you so much.” She turned toward him, but shot a glance over her shoulder. “Do you think Lance is all right?”

“I hope so. I don’t think he would have left the cave if he thought the men were still out there. It looks like all three of them managed to survive the shots. I think I winged the one called Cody, but it wasn’t enough to stop him.”

“So it’s still three of them.”

“Looks like it.” He gently shifted Sophia until she rested against Zoe. “Hold her. I’m going to check on him.”

“Be careful,” she whispered. “Oh, you need your coat.”

“I’ll be fine. Stay put.”

He moved before she could voice the protest he saw on her lips.

As he moved to the entrance of the cave, a shot rang out, and Lance dove inside.

* * *

Sophia woke with a jerk, and Zoe held her even as her own heartbeat picked up speed. “Why are they shooting again, Mama?”

“I don’t know, honey, just be brave.”

Lance knelt on the floor and looked back at her then Aaron. “I got a call out, but help’s a good ten minutes away. Even then I’m not sure they’ll be able to pinpoint our location.”

“Even with the cell phone?” Zoe asked.

“Possibly, but the bad guys are heading this way.”

“Were they shooting at you?” Aaron asked.

“They left Pete behind to cover the area where they lost us. Just in case we found a hiding place. Smart,” he murmured then shook his head. “Just as I hung up with dispatch, Pete shot at me. He’s not too far away. We’re going to have to come up with a plan. If the others come back to join him, we’re going to be sitting ducks.”

Zoe sucked in a breath while Sophia tensed.

“Then we’ll have to play a little game of hide-and-seek,” Aaron said.

Lance lifted a brow. “What do you have in mind?”

“You and I are going to leave the cave and pin down where Pete is. Then I’m going to distract him while you sneak around and tackle him.”

Lance grunted. “That sounds great in theory. I don’t know that we should leave Zoe and Sophia in here alone.”

“We’ll be fine,” Zoe said. “We have to do something. A plan of action is better than waiting for them to come shooting.”

Lance slid his gaze to Aaron. “You have a plan to avoid getting shot while distracting him?”

Aaron nodded and removed his hat. “Oldest trick in the book. I just need a stick.”

Zoe stood and stomped her feet trying to get some feeling back into them. Finally they started tingling and then hurting and she just prayed that none of them had permanent frostbite damage. But that was the least of her worries. She’d be happy with all of them getting out alive.

Aaron slipped out of the cave with Lance right behind him. Zoe positioned herself near the entrance so she could see—and help somehow if possible. Aaron wasn’t a police officer, but that didn’t seem to faze him as he prepared to face down a killer.

Ducking low, he searched the ground, and she saw him close his hands around a stick that suited him. Still keeping himself as small a target as possible, he placed the hat on the end of the stick then slowly raised it. Lance, hunched over and cautious, moved into the trees then stopped.

Zoe’s nerves vibrated. Would it work? Would they be able to carry out such a dangerous and risky plan?

* * *

Another crack echoed through the trees and Aaron’s hat flew from the stick.

Aaron hissed when his hat landed on the ground beside him. He picked up the hat in case he needed to use it again and hoped Lance was paying attention to the direction the bullet had come from. He moved a bit up the hill. As far as he could tell the bullet had come in at a downward angle. That meant the shooter was above him. He caught Lance looking at him. Aaron pointed upward.

Lance nodded and started moving. Slowly, quietly. Where were the other men? Why hadn’t they shown yet?

Then he remembered. Sophia had taken Pete’s phone. He didn’t have a way to contact the other two who’d gone ahead of him.

But they’d no doubt heard the shots.

Which meant he and Lance had very little time to take Pete down. Aaron moved carefully, using the trees as shields, doing his best to stay invisible. Just up ahead, he thought he saw movement. But was it Lance or Pete? Or someone else?

He stayed still, feeling his heart pound in his chest. He wasn’t a hunter, but he’d grown up with three brothers and knew his way around a game of hide-and-seek in the woods. Granted, his brothers hadn’t been shooting at him, but still...

More movement. Aaron lifted the hat. Nothing. He moved it to the right, away from his body. A shot sounded. The bullet whizzed by but missed the hat. Then a thud and a yell. Aaron moved faster and found Lance on top of Pete wrestling for control of Lance’s weapon. Pete rolled. Lance’s gun flew from his fingers, and Pete dove back into Lance and landed a solid punch on his cheek. Lance howled and struck back. Pete took the hit on his jaw, but Aaron saw him reach back to his ankle. And pull a gun from his ankle holster.

Aaron moved, kicked out. But Pete moved unexpectedly and instead of getting the man’s wrist, Aaron’s boot landed on Pete’s forearm. Pete yelled, but didn’t drop the gun, instead he turned it toward Lance and fired. Only Lance was rolling and the bullet slammed into the ground beside him. Lance rocked to his feet and went head first into Pete’s gut. They both went down, Lance’s hands wrapped around Pete’s wrist, holding the gun away from him. Aaron couldn’t get in a good kick without possibly usurping Lance’s tentative advantage in the fight.

Aaron dove for Lance’s weapon, got it in his hands, pulled the slide to chamber the bullet and spun to find Lance losing his grip on Pete’s wrist. Pete landed a punch to Lance’s midsection, and the deputy lost his hold. Pete lowered the weapon to Lance’s head.

Aaron fired. Once. Twice. Center mass. Pete jerked but didn’t go down. He turned the gun toward Aaron. Before he could pull the trigger, Lance knocked the gun out of his grasp. Aaron snagged it, held both guns on the bleeding, screaming man while Lance rolled him to his stomach and fastened the cuffs around his wrists.

Lance sat back on his heels and swiped at his bleeding face. He looked up at Aaron. “Thanks,” he gasped.

“Yeah.” He stuffed the weapon in the waistband of his jeans. “Yeah.”

The sirens finally reached their ears. Aaron pulled his sweater off, leaving his long-sleeved T-shirt still on. He dropped beside Pete and pressed the material against the man’s wounds. “We have to keep him alive,” Aaron said.

“You work on him. I’m going to keep an eye out for the other two while I get back to the cave to check on Zoe and Sophia. I’ll call Clay to tell him exactly where to come.”

“Good.” He glanced around. “Hopefully, these trees will be enough cover for the time being.”

Aaron felt for a pulse and found it relatively strong. He must have missed anything vital. Relief flowed. As much as he hated what Pete was, he didn’t want to be responsible for the man’s death.

“I don’t know where the other two went, but I’m guessing if they heard the sirens, they took off.”

Aaron nodded. “They might be gone for now—” he looked up and caught Lance’s eye “—but I don’t doubt they’ll be back.”

FIVE

Zoe settled herself in front of the fire Aaron had finished building about thirty minutes ago. Once the authorities had arrived on the scene near the cave, things had gone quickly. They’d been ushered to the local hospital, they’d given their statements, answered a zillion questions, been examined and finally released. Sophia’s sugar levels were slightly elevated, but not enough to admit her. Zoe would keep a close eye on her throughout the night.

Although it was only six o’clock in the evening, it was dark outside, the sun setting early this time of year. She stared at the dancing flames and considered the day. One day. Half a day, actually. Not even twelve hours and she felt as though she’d just lived a lifetime. She ran a hand down her cheek and decided it was probably better not to think about it. She knew things could have ended far differently, and the only thing she knew to do was be grateful it had ended the way it had—and try to figure out the why of it all.

Aaron came back into the den, two sodas in his hands. She looked away from the fire as he took the seat on the couch next to her. “It’s over,” he said.

She accepted the offered drink and popped the tab. “No, I don’t think it is.” She met his gaze, thinking how kind his eyes were. Deep blue and filled with an ocean of compassion, caring...and strength. To match the rest of his well-muscled physique. He really was a handsome man. She looked away and took a sip of the sugary drink. She didn’t drink colas often, but tonight she wanted one while she wrestled with the fact that she was attracted to him. Which was the last thing she needed. “And neither do you.” She wasn’t staying in Wrangler’s Corner. Being in the small town was merely a necessity right now. She would be going back to Knoxville and her life as soon as possible.

“No, I don’t.” He took her hand, and she let him in spite of her misgivings. “How’s Sophia?”

“She’s in her room cuddling with her favorite stuffed animal and watching TV, a comedy she’s seen a dozen times, but never seems to tire of.” She gave him a small smile. “She needs something to laugh about. Tickles, the cat, is sleeping at the foot of the bed, too.”

“And she’s all right staying in her room by herself?”

“For now. When it’s time to go to sleep I have a feeling she’ll be keeping me company.” She looked back at the fire. “Have you heard from the hospital?”

“Lance called while I was in the barn with the horses. Pete survived surgery.”

She squeezed his fingers. “I’m glad.”

“You are?”

“Yes. It’s true I’d feel safer if he was dead, but aside from living with the regret that I already see in your eyes, Pete is our only chance to find out why the men are after Sophia. But whatever happens, you shot him to save Lance, Aaron. To save us all. You’re a hero as far as I’m concerned. I imagine Lance feels the same way.”

He flushed and cleared his throat. “I’m no hero, Zoe.”

“Maybe not in your eyes.”

He took a swig of the soda then set the can on the coaster on the coffee table. Then his eyes lifted to the painting above the mantel. “That’s beautiful. Who did that?”

“I did.” She turned to look at the painting she’d done shortly after Sophia’s seventh birthday. “It was a lovely day at the park that afternoon. So peaceful and serene. Sophia was on the swing, and I was pushing her. Trevor took the picture, and I turned it into an oil. It’s one of my favorites. I couldn’t leave it behind when we left Knoxville.”

“Of course not.”

“I was in such a hurry when we left Knoxville that I’m surprised I remembered to grab most of what I needed to continue to work.”

“You’re very talented. Have you been painting all your life?”

“No, just since high school. I started during a very tough time in my life. My parents were going through a pretty messy divorce and I needed an...escape. I found it in painting...and some other not so productive things.” She twisted her fingers together. Now why say that? Because she wanted to confide in him? Trust him? Did her heart know something her mind didn’t? He’d put his life on the line to keep her physically safe, that was true. She wasn’t sure she was ready to trust him emotionally, though. And until she was, she’d better keep comments like that to herself.

“What are you going to do now?” he asked. His question surprised her. She figured he’d push for more information, more details. Moments from her past better forgotten for everyone.

She gave a slight shrug. “I don’t know. I’m thankful there are deputies outside that are willing to stand guard tonight, but they can’t do that every night. I guess I’ll have to run again.”

“Run? Again?”

She blinked. They’d been through so much over the past few hours she’d forgotten he didn’t even know why she was in Wrangler’s Corner. “I’m originally from Knoxville. About a month ago someone tried to kidnap Sophia while she was walking home from school.”

“What?”

She nodded. “We just lived five houses down from the school. It’s a pretty busy street, but she liked to walk so I let her because there was a crossing guard. The day of the incident I was standing on the front porch watching for her. The crossing guard made sure she got across the street, then when she was almost to our house, a gray sedan pulled up beside her and the back door opened. I immediately had a bad feeling and yelled at her to run. Thankfully, Sophia didn’t hesitate. I guess she heard the terror in my scream. The person in the vehicle was already getting out when Sophia took off, but he managed to grab her backpack. She slid out of it and ran as fast as she could toward me. The person drove away. I was so scared I didn’t even think to get a license plate.”

“What did the police say?”

“There were a lot of witnesses and confirmed it was definitely an attempted kidnapping. The police took it very seriously and looked into it. They had officers patrolling the school before and after hours for about a week and it was all over the local news, of course. But when nothing else happened, they decided whoever it was had moved on. They alerted everyone in the area to be on the lookout for the gray sedan, but truly, there are a lot of gray sedans out there. They said it was probably just a random thing and it wouldn’t happen again, but I couldn’t stop looking over my shoulder. I didn’t want to leave Sophia with anyone, didn’t want to take my eyes off her.”

“I can understand that,” he said softly. “So you came here?”

She hesitated. “Yes, but only after someone tried to run me off the road.”

He stilled. “Run you off the road?”

“It was late at night. I’d finally been able to leave Sophia with my sister-in-law, Nina, for a few hours to go to a Bible study. On my way home, I was on one of the back roads between my house and the church. I passed a side road and headlights came on. A car pulled behind me and rammed my back end. I managed to avoid a wreck and get my car under control. The person was coming back for a second hit when several vehicles came from the opposite direction. The car drove off and I drove to Nina’s house. Sophia and I just stayed there for the night. I called the police, reported it and—” She shrugged. “That’s it. I’d had enough. So I emailed Amber.” She gave him a flicker of a smile. “My old college roommate.”

“My sister?”

“Yes.”

He narrowed his eyes. “College roommate? Why don’t I remember you?”

She gave him a small grin. “There’s no reason you should. I came to the ranch with Amber a couple of times on weekends, but you and your brothers...well, you guys were never there much.”

“And we never really paid attention to who Amber brought home.”

“No, from what I recall, everyone was kind of going in their own direction. Seth was doing the rodeo thing. I remember that clearly. Clay was into law enforcement in Nashville. You were always working with an animal or away at school or something.” She shrugged. “I don’t really remember.”

He reached out and touched her hair, let a dark curl wrap around his finger like a baby’s small hand. Then he captured her gaze. “I should have paid attention.” Zoe let herself get snared in his eyes for a brief moment before she cleared her throat and looked away. Aaron’s hand dropped. “So, you ran. And now this. You’re being targeted.”

She nodded. “It looks that way.”

“But why?”

She shook her head and looked up at him again. “I truly don’t know. I make a decent living with my painting and I have some money from my husband’s life insurance policy, but it’s not enough to commit a crime for.”

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