Page 31 of Captive at Rescue Ridge

Taking in a deep breath for fortitude, Annalee forced a smile and took a step back. “We should go inside.” Standing this close to Archer while he looked into her eyes was like stepping into the sun for the first time after a long, bitter winter. Stand there too long, and she’d end up with a burn on her exposed skin.

“Okay,” he said, his voice low and gravelly. At least being this close caused a reaction in him, too. A small blip of satisfaction caused her to stand a little straighter. He’d been clear about never kissing again even though the glitter of need in those dark eyes told a different story. If they went on instinct alone and could get outside of their protests, they might be able to have more than a real moment here and there happening between them.

Stepping away had been the right thing to do no matter how much her heart argued as Archer stood there for a long moment like his feet had grown roots and planted him right there. Besides, the storm that had been brewing would be impossible to hold back. At some point, it would break free and decimate her when the rejection came. And it would come. Being rejected by Archer after she’d burned him years ago was as certain as hundred-degree temperatures in August.

Who the hell wanted to volunteer to strip down their defenses and stand in that heat?

Plus, all the words Archer had said to her a few moments ago had washed over her and through her. She wanted to believe him more than anything. Could she? Was she as strong and brave as he believed?

Annalee had always considered herself a fighter. She was getting tired of fighting the world, always swimming against the tide. She was coming to a decision, making up her mind to figure out a way to let life flow instead of forever paddling upstream.

She might not have the first idea how to do it, but that wouldn’t stop her from figuring it out. It was time. Time to get her act together. Time to figure out what she really wanted to do in her work. And time to find a way to lower some of the walls she’d erected so she could let people in. She could count on two hands the number of people who’d invited her to coffee and dinner and to go out to listen to one of the live bands Austin was so famous for.

Friends only tie you down to one place,her mother had repeated over and over again in Annalee’s youth.Best not to get too close. Besides, we’ll always have each other to count on.For as long as she could remember, Annalee had kept everyone at arm’s length. As for the last part, it wasn’t even the tiniest bit true. Annalee couldn’t recall the last time she’d asked her mother for anything. In fact, when she really thought about it, Becca always needed to borrow something; coffee, clothes, cash. The three Cs that defined Annalee and Becca’s relationship.

Walking away from her only relative and cutting Becca off wasn’t an option. One day, when Annalee needed help, her mother would come through. Annalee was certain of the fact. And that day would come. They’d made a pact to be there for each other.

“We should go inside,” Archer said, pulling her back to the present.

Phone in hand, in case another text came through, she followed Archer into the sheriff’s office, was greeted by his assistant, and then taken into his office to wait.

There were football trophies and signed balls inside a glass case on one side of the room. A pair of leather loveseats faced each other with a coffee table in between made of white marble.

The sheriff’s desk was to the left. Two leather club chairs sat across from it. Behind the massive desk stood the Texas flag and the American flag. Directly behind the executive chair, flanked by flags, was a picture of the governor.

Hudson was standing next to the sofas with someone who was the spitting image of Beaumont Sturgess. She knew immediately who he was.

Hudson had a cup of coffee in one hand, but he managed to give a decent hug first to Annalee and then to his brother. “It’s good to see you both.”

“You must be Beau,” Annalee said before offering a handshake.

Beau nodded and took the hand with a polite smile. Archer bear-hugged Hudson and offered a brief, obligatory handshake to Beau. It was clear the half-brothers hadn’t found their footing yet. Beau’s expression came across as open. Not Archer’s. His facial muscles ticked the second he laid eyes on Beau.

“I’m relieved to see you both,” Hudson said. “We’re waiting on Travis.” He motioned for them to take a seat. “I figured out where the break room is. Do you want coffee while we wait?”

“Sounds like manna from heaven,” she said.

Hudson offered a smile. “How do you take yours?”

“Black,” she said.

“Two black coffees coming up.” Hudson set his cup down before leaving the room.

The atmosphere became awkward really fast.

“Chloe provided an update,” Beau finally said, breaking the silence.

“It’s good that you’re caught up,” Archer responded.

Hudson returned double-fisting coffees. “One for each of you.” He handed them over and then perched on the edge of the seat across the coffee table from them. Elbows resting on his knees, he leaned toward them. “We’ll get them back safely.”

“Archer and I were just talking about what our next move should be.” She glanced over at Archer. “What does everyone think about asking the sheriff to pull back.”

Hudson blew out a breath. “The way I see it, there are risks both ways.” He studied Annalee. “Have you heard from your mother since the last update?”

Annalee shook her head. “Afraid not.”

“It’s strange, don’t you think?” Beau ran a finger along the rim of his coffee mug as all gazes shifted to him. “Your mother gives you evidence to keep her safe, and then suddenly she’s asking for ransom money rather than where’s the evidence.”

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