Page 47 of Rawhide and Ransom

Hawk wasn’t sure what else Tucker was expecting him to do. The tribal council was already stretching their budget to keep him on duty round the clock as the Gilberts’ bodyguard, and the rez police were making patrols as often as they could around Hawk’s cabin and property. Plus, he had his state-of-the-art security system covering nearly every inch of the place and Running Bear lurking in the background.

“Since it’s my day off, I can come help out at the market,” Tucker offered. “Friend discount. No charge. You cover my lunch, and we’ll call it even.”

“Deal.” Tucker’s way of doing things wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Hawk respected the guy. “Didn’t know we were friends, but I’m taking the deal.”

Tucker snorted. “That was too easy. Makes me think I could’ve held out for a better price.”

“Good point. I’ll add ice to your water,” Hawk offered.

“You’re all heart,” the P.I. retorted good-naturedly.

“Take it or leave it.” Hawk was confident he would take it, and he did.

“I’ll be there in ten to twenty minutes.” Tucker hung up.

* * *

Ten minutes earlier

It was such a warm, sunny morning that Annalee could almost forget she was walking around the parking lot with a set of crosshairs on her forehead.

Running Bear patted the hand she had wrapped around his arm. “You’re safe here. You know that, right?”

She gave a silent sigh. “Am I that transparent?” She kept a smile pasted on her face, wanting to keep up appearances for his sake. He seemed so happy to have her and Miley in his life that she didn’t want to spoil the moment for him.

“You’re not the only one who’s worried.” He patted her hand again. “Why else do you think I’m parading you around like a peacock in front of the entire tribe?”

She batted her eyelashes at him. “Naturally, I assumed it was because you like my dress.”

He grunted with humor. “That, too, my dear. That, too. But it’s also because I want every person who lives on the rez to know how much you mean to me. That alone will give you an extra measure of protection in the coming days.”

She caught her lower lip between her teeth, overcome with emotion. “You’ve been so kind to me and my daughter. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

“You’re family.” He seemed to think that was all the explanation the situation warranted.

“We’ve always been family,” she said softly.

“In name only, I suppose, but you moved to the rez and made it real.” His voice was grimly resolute. “That’s worth something to me.”

“I’m glad you think so.” She observed him sadly from beneath her eyelashes. “But some are saying I did it out of sheer desperation.” She’d overheard the grumbles and whispers.

“They’re wrong, and you know it. You’ve rolled up your sleeves and gone to work. You serve. You give back. You care.” He spoke in a low, fierce voice for her ears alone.

“I do care, sir.” She wasn’t sure that caring was going to be enough to keep her alive, though.

“You could’ve run,” he pointed out. “Snatched up your kid and hightailed it out of town, but you didn’t.”

“I thought about it, but where would I go?” They ultimately had Hawk to thank for talking her out of it. “You’re all Miley and I have left, Running Bear.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.” He pointed in satisfaction at her. “That’s what sets you apart from the herd that’s out there chasing everything but what’s important. Family means something to you. Speaking of which…” He shaded his eyes to gaze across the parking lot at the booth that Miley and Hawk were occupying. “I know a certain bodyguard who’s starting to think of you and Miley as family, too.”

“Hawk is very special to me, sir.” She felt her face grow warm, and it had nothing to do with the sun spilling over them.

“A woman who’s not ashamed to admit what’s on her heart. I like that.” He sounded tickled to pieces over it.

“I love him, Running Bear.” She grimaced. “I love him enough to worry that my ongoing presence here on the rez may be putting him in danger. You, as well.”

Running Bear cleared his throat. “You do realize he’s in the business of protecting people?”

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