Page 22 of Cowboy Jeopardy

“I received another text.” She held out her phone as his smile faded.

He read the message, his brow furrowing. “We need to let Buster and the sheriff know.”

“This person has been on the ranch, Dylan. Might still be here.”

He shook his head. “I think he comes as a guest. We’ll have to keep an eye on any regulars. When we’re full, I’ll do my best to stay close to you and the boys.”

“I don’t want you and your children in danger.” Her throat clogged. “It’s time for me to go, Dylan. I can’t stay here.” The thought was like a knife to the gut.

“Go where?” A muscle ticked in his jaw.

“Somewhere far from here.”

“You came to Misty Hollow months ago thinking trouble couldn’t find you and it did. There is nowhere you can run.”

“Witness Protection.” She crossed her arms.

He exhaled sharply. “You say you don’t want anyone to be harmed. We’re already in the crosshairs. If you leave, you’ll just introduce trouble to a new group of people. We’ll take care of this, I promise.” He scooted his chair back and stood, then moved a few inches from her. “No more talk about leaving.”

Her phone dinged again.

Don’t think I won’t make someone pay if I don’t get my money.

Anyone. Your mother, the boys, the cowboy.

“How about now?” She held her phone where he could see.

He paled, and his eyes flashed. “Even now. You aren’t going anywhere. This ranch is the safest place for you. I believe that.”

She searched his face for a hint of the resolve that kept him confident. Just a breath of it might be enough to get her through this. She gave a slow nod, knowing that if she caught a glimpse of danger too close at hand, too close to the twins, she’d run as far and as fast as she could.

“Come on.” He took her hand. “We’re going to have a group of hyper ten-year-olds here soon for riding and roping lessons. You’ll be so busy every day this week you won’t have time to worry about someone sending you texts.”

The crease in his brow didn’t quite cement the lie. Still, he tried, and for that she was grateful. “I’ll wake the twins up and meet you in the kitchen.”

Dani stood in the doorway of the boys’ room and watched them sleep for several moments before moving to the side of the bed and gently shaking them awake. “Come on, sleepyheads. We’ve got a big day ahead of us.” She stepped to the window and shoved aside the curtains.

She frowned. A dirty handprint, too large to belong to one of the twins marred the windowsill. She leaned out and stared at the ground under the window. Two floors below, but she could make out a set of footprints. An adult male could possibly climb the trellis. Her heart dropped to her knees. Had someone watched the boys sleep during the night? She needed to speak to Dylan. Again. Now. “Get up, boys. I’ll see you at breakfast in ten minutes.” She rushed from the room and thundered down the stairs. “Dylan!”

He exited his office. “What’s wrong?”

“Someone was outside the boys’ room last night. They left a handprint on the sill and footprints outside.” She made a dash for the front door.

“Whoa.” His hand shot out to stop her. “I’ll go first. Wait right here.” He ducked back into his office, remerging with his handgun and his cell phone to his ear. “Buster, meet me on the west side of the main house. Now, please.” Motioning for Dani to stay behind him, Dylan opened the front door and stepped onto the porch. After a few tense seconds, he jumped off the steps and headed around the house, Dani so close behind she could reach out and touch him.

When he stopped suddenly, she rammed into him, then stepped back and rubbed her nose. “Sorry.”

He made a noise in his throat, then squatted to study the set of footprints. “Size eleven, gym shoes. Looks like a common enough tread.” Planting his hands on his thighs, he straightened and glanced up at the window where his sons both peered down.

“What ‘cha doin’, Dad?” Eric leaned so far out Dani gasped.

“Go back inside and get ready for breakfast like I told you!”

Eyes wide, both boys pulled back.

“Wow.” The corner of Dylan’s mouth quirked. “When you bark, they respond.”

“I’ve never yelled at them like that before, but he scared me. I’m sorry.”

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