Page 37 of Cowboy Peril

“I’m glad to see there are cameras installed.” She didn’t miss much.

“Colt installed them at the sheriff’s suggestion.” Parker scooped Tuxedo from the counter. “One of Mark Collins’ gifts. This one I kept.”

“Can’t say as I blame you. He’s adorable. Keep your door locked, or the twins will be in here after him.” She turned to face Parker. “I have one suggestion.”

“Okay.” Her nerves twanged.

“Please don’t be alone with the boys. It isn’t personal. When my trouble came after me, the boys were caught in the middle.”

She nodded. “I understand and promise not to be alone with them. Usually, I’m in the house or helping with a group of children guests. If not at one of those places, I’m in my house reading.”

“Thank you for understanding.” She rubbed her hands together. “So, make us some coffee and tell me about you and Colt.”

“What makes you think there’s anything to tell?” Parker’s face heated.

“You were holding hands when we pulled up.”

Parker put a coffee pod in the maker. “He was reassuring me that I wouldn’t be kicked off the ranch.”

“But—”

“We used to be engaged.” She took a deep breath. “My father told me he’d disown me if I married Colt, that it was too dangerous for either of us. I don’t think Colt ever forgave me for not choosing him over my family.”

Dani shrugged. “You’re here now.”

“Because I didn’t know who else to go to for help.” She stared at the dark liquid dripping into the cup she’d placed under the spout. “He almost refused to help me.”

“Men often let their pride get in the way.” Dani sat at the small kitchen table. Tuxedo jumped into her lap. “Don’t worry about being asked to leave. Dylan would never turn you away. This ranch was built for the wounded.”

“That’s what Colt said.” She handed Dani the cup of coffee and some packets of cream and sugar before putting in another pod for herself. “Since I have nowhere else to go other than my parents’ empty house, I appreciate being able to stay. There’s safety in numbers, so they say.” She took her cup and sat across from the other woman. “Your mother is Marilyn?”

“Yep.”

“She’s something. Your mother and Mrs. White have started carrying guns in their apron pockets.”

“They did the same when I was in trouble.” She laughed and stirred sugar into her coffee. “Thankfully, neither of them had a need to use them.” She sobered. “The man after me came on a campout. Me and the boys got away from him by escaping into the woods. Fortunately, the twins know this mountain like the pages of their favorite book.”

Parker didn’t know the lay of the land. If she was lured away from the ranch, she’d be at a loss, especially if it involved the forest. Give her city streets any day. The streets and a handful of cash. She could buy the help she needed, find a place to hide—all things she’d considered if the danger reached those on the ranch.

~

“He’s a beauty.” Colt ran his hands down the horse’s flanks. “He’s going to sire some winners.”

“I hope so.” Dylan smiled. “Thanks for holding down the fort. The tiny houses and the barn look great.” He motioned his head to where Townsend climbed around on the roof. “What’s he doing?”

“Making sure Collins did the job he was paid to do. After finding out Townsend hadn’t pushed through with the background checks, I told him he had to inspect the work personally before any further work was done.”

“I’d have done the same. We don’t want the place falling apart and injuring someone or one of the horses.” He led Cyclone to the temporary barn. “Anything else I need to know since we last emailed?”

“Nope. The sheriff put an APB out on Collins and his truck. There’s been no sign of the man since we found out his identity. The clerk at the motel said he hasn’t seen him in a few days. I don’t think he’s gone for good, though. The man is biding his time.”

Dylan nodded. “It won’t be easy for him to get back on the ranch. Not with everyone on high alert.”

“No, but he’s smart. He’ll find a way.”

“We’ll catch him when he does.” Dylan led the horse into an empty stall, then closed the door.

Colt certainly hoped so, before someone was injured or worse.

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