Page 19 of Cowboy Peril

A glance at his watch sent him to the bunkhouse. He’d asked the others to gather there for a meeting before lunch.

They listened stoically as he told them about the rose and the note.

“This is a bit of déjàvu,” Clay Jenkins said. “One of us might end up like Bill Washington not too long ago.”

“You saying you don’t want to help?” Colt frowned.

“No, just making sure we all know the risk.”

Colt looked at each of them in turn, Maverick Browning, Clay Jenkins, Deacon Simpson, Ryder Barton, Lincoln Stone, Willy Billings, and River Swanson. All ex-military men who had seen hell and come out on the other side. “It’s a lot to ask,” he said.

“Not really.” Maverick shrugged. “Parker is one of us now. We watch out for our own. I’ll work out a schedule.”

“Thanks. Make sure to put me in the rotation. Shouldn’t have to do more than an hour each. Now, let’s get lunch.” The bell rang, putting an end to the short meeting. “Don’t go smothering Parker. You’ll only frighten her more.”

The men trooped out of the bunkhouse toward the tent used for the midday meal. The construction workers had lined up to fill their plates with burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. Parker stood off to one side, nibbling on some potato chips.

The ranch hands sent glances her way, but none approached her. Good. Colt knew he could count on them. He scanned theline of construction workers. Was one of them the one who’d left the rose? Their boss still didn’t have all the background checks in. What if Colt had a killer right under his nose? One bent on ridding the world of Parker Wells?

Several of them met his eyes and gave him a nod before finding a place at the long table. None of them seemed to pay Parker much attention. No one looked like a killer, but then, neither had the infamous Ted Bundy.

He filled a plate of his own and sat in the empty chair nearest Parker. Whether he wanted to be close to her or not had been decided for him. The danger to her had escalated. He didn’t think for a moment that the killer would stick to leaving gifts. No, things would start to pick up pace, and that thought scared his blood cold.

Parker’s shoulders heaved, then she grabbed a hot dog and carried it to her house. She stopped at the bottom step, then whipped around to face him.

The wide-eyed look on her face had him rushing to her side. Her gaze flicked to the porch. He peered into the box there.

A tiny black and white kitten peered up at him. At the bottom of the box lay a single red rose.

Colt whirled. How had someone with a cat walked right past them without being seen? “Come with me.” He gripped her arm.

“But the kitten.” She pulled free. “I can’t leave it out here alone.”

Colt grabbed the box. “Come on.” He strode to the big house and into the kitchen. “Did someone make a delivery?”

Marilyn nodded. “A few minutes ago. Left it on the front porch of the main house. Looks like Parker has an admirer.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I thought it would be a nice surprise for her to find it outside her own door.”

He thrust the box at her. “Get rid of it. From now on, all deliveries to Parker go through me.”

“No way.” Parker took the kitten from the box. “I’m keeping this sweet thing. It isn’t this poor kitten’s fault a killer dropped it off.”

“A killer?” Marilyn reached for the neckline of her apron.

“I think there’s some news you need to tell us.” Mrs. White glared. “Is it time to start carrying my gun in my apron pocket again?”

“Yes, ma’am, it is.” He stared at the cat. “Are you sure you want to keep it? Won’t it be a reminder that someone wishes you harm?”

“It’s just a kitten, Colt.” She nuzzled the little thing. “I’m going to call him Tuxedo. I need to go into town for some supplies.”

“Order a delivery which I will inspect once it gets here.” He eyed each of the women. “Do we understand?”

“Sure do.” Mrs. White grinned. “I’m always up for a little spice in my day.”

“This isn’t a game.” How could they take this so lightly? “This is the second so-called gift today.”

“And there will be more before it’s all said and down, my dear. No sense in hiding. We’ll keep an eye on our Parker, never fear. This isn’t the first storm to arrive on the ranch. We’ll weather it same as the last one.”

Colt hoped her words rang true.

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