Page 35 of Cowboy Jeopardy

“This.” He cupped her head in his hands and claimed her lips. Softly, then increasing the pressure when she kissed him back.

Kissing her might start a fire he wasn’t ready for, but he was willing to take the chance of getting burned.

Chapter Fourteen

Dani once againsat in front of Sheriff Westbrook, only this time they were in a conference room rather than in his office. A whiteboard stood at one end of the room. Ten chairs circled an oval table. If not for Dylan’s reassuring presence at her side, she’d have fled after seeing a photo of herself on that whiteboard.

Dylan took her hand in his under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’ll be okay.”

“The FBI should be here any minute. Can I bring you a soda, water, coffee?” The sheriff hung his hat on a hook near the door.

“No, thank you.” Dani wouldn’t be able to drink anything without choking.

They waited another half an hour before the feds arrived, agents she recognized from the trouble before. Agents Snowe and Larson sat across from them, moving the sheriff to the end of the table.

“We’ve heard the case from Sheriff Westbrook,” Snowe said, “but we’d like to hear it from you, Miss Cooper.”

Dani repeated the texts and the times the man had come onto the ranch, not leaving out her giving chase. She swallowed against a dry throat. “I think I need to offer myself as bait.”

The agent seemed amused. “While that often works, it’s a bit early for such drastic measures. We’ve just arrived. Let us do our job. What we need you to do is stay on the ranch, keep people around you, and don’t go chasing after potential suspects. Can you do that?”

She frowned at the patronizing tone and pushed to her feet. “Yes. Are we done here?”

“For now.” Agent Larson glanced at Dylan. “When is the overnight camping trip?

“Friday and Saturday night.”

“We’ll make sure to have someone undercover.”

“Will I know who they are?” Dylan stood and put his hand on Dani’s back.

“It’s best you don’t. Just know we’ll be there.” The agent pushed to his feet and strode from the room.

Dani and Dylan followed. In his truck, she clicked her seatbelt into place. “I guess I understand the need for secrecy, but without knowing who the undercover agent is, we don’t know who to trust.”

“We don’t trust anyone but those employed by the ranch.” He turned the key in the ignition, then backed from the parking spot. “I wish I could cancel this camping trip, but it’s too short of notice.”

The upcoming trip filled her with dread. Most nights, she dreamed of a myriad of things that could go wrong, beginning with and ending with her assailant catching and killing her. It was a good thing she didn’t believe that nightmares came true.

“Let’s get back and rescue your mother from the boys.” He flashed her a grin.

“I’m sure they’re baking cookies. Even those two will behave for cookies.” She smiled back, then turned her attention out the window. Acting as if everything was fine grew harder every day. “Do you realize the deadline for me to have the money is Friday? The first night of camping?” She turned back to Dylan. “What if I carry a bag that looks like it might have money in it?”

“You think he’ll show up at camp?”

She nodded. “It’s the perfect opportunity. Everyone will be too busy to pay any one person much attention. I won’t be going anywhere alone, not even to the bathroom, but he’ll be there.” Waiting for the right time to confront her.

Dylan drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “I have a military duffel bag that might work.”

“You’re on board with the idea?”

“Why not?” He shrugged. “You won’t be alone. If we act secretive, overly protective of that bag, we might buy you some time. The danger should be low with Buster, the undercover agent, and several of the ranch hands nearby. It won’t be easy for him to get to you.”

She wanted him to promise she’d be okay. That no one would be harmed, but, no one could guarantee such a thing. All any of them could do was to keep vigilant. Soon, the man would make his move, and this nightmare would be over.

~

Dylan kept an eye on Dani as she trotted the perimeter of the corral on the back of Daisy. The next time she neared the gate, he opened it and stepped back. “Let her have her head. See how you do with her running.” He slapped the horse on the rump.

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