Page 45 of Cowboy Peril

Sheriff Westbrook slid his car to a halt and rushed to Colton without bothering to close his door, Deputy Hudson on his heels. “How did he get on the ranch?”

“We don’t know. I haven’t seen Buster.” He glanced at River.

“MIA.” He cleared his throat. “We thought Collins was Buster when he slipped into the barn. He’s wearing the same clothes.”

“You mean to tell me there’s a Buster Jones somewhere without his clothes on?” The sheriff frowned. He turned to Hudson. “Check the farthest outbuilding.”

“Who was on rotation?” Colt opened his eyes.

“Buster and Willy. Haven’t seen him either.”

“Where are the women?” The sheriff growled. “Somebody find them.”

Two of the ranch hands sprinted for the main house as an ambulance roared up the drive. Soon, two paramedics tried convincing Colt to get inside.

“Not until I know Parker is safe. Tend to me here.”

“Sir…” The medic glanced at the sheriff.

“I suggest you go, Dawson, but I can’t force you. Be right back. There’s Mrs. White.” He returned a few minutes later with the news that Marilyn had gone on patrol with Buster. “Now, we have four missing people.”

“Not anymore.” Willy and Billy wearing nothing but boxers approached with a red-faced Marilyn.

“That man threatened my life and locked us all in an outhouse.” She planted her fists on her hips. “Very tight quarters, not to mention the smell. What did we miss?” She glanced around the group.

That explained why Buster and Willy let the man take their clothes. They would’ve done anything to keep Marilyn safe. Colt sighed. “He’s taken Parker.”

“No! What about the children?”

“Safe in the barn.” Colt hissed as the medic removed the bandana from around his leg.

“Bullet went clean through, but you’re going to need stitches.”

“Then stitch me, give me antibiotics, and leave me be.” He ground the words through his teeth. “I need to find Parker.”

“I’ve already got cars out and have notified LRPD. My bet is he’ll head to her parents’ house.” The sheriff glanced at his car.

“He said Mexico.”

“Mexico?”

“Yep. Something about her giving him money and him letting her go when they reach Mexico. She’ll never make it there alive.” Colt winced as the medic poured disinfectant over his wound. Could the man move any slower?

Hudson and Dylan escorted the teacher and students from the barn and into the house. Colt’s heart might have dropped to his knees at Parker’s abduction, but things could’ve been a lot worse. He’d find Parker. He would. She was a smart woman. She’d find a way to stay alive until he found her. Hope was all he had.

Sheriff Westbrook strode toward his vehicle.

“Wait up.” Colt pulled himself to his feet. “I’m coming with you.”

“No, it’s best you stay here.” The sheriff kept going.

“I’ll follow.” Colt hobbled after him.

“Dude…” River shot out a hand to stop him.

Colt whipped around. “Do not stop me.”

“Okay.” He put his hands up. “Call if there’s anything we can do from here.”

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