Page 86 of Soldier Cowboy
“You told Mallory you had a job opportunity back East.”
“She told you.” He smiled with satisfaction. “And you people think I’m stupid!”
“No one thinks you’re stupid. You’re as bright as they come.”
Dan led her to a corner and forced her to sit. He finally set the gun down and reached for some duct tape.
Jennifer flinched. “No. Please, no.”
“Sorry about this, but I can’t trust you. This won’t hurt, just slow you down if you try to leave.” He wrapped her hands together and then her feet. “And don’t try to leave.”
“A-are you going to kill me, Dan? Because I think we could really have a bright future together if you give me another chance.”
“OfcourseI’m not going to hurt you, Jennifer. I love you.”
“Oh. Good, then.”
Too bad she didn’t believe him. A cold sliver of dread slid down her spine. Lucky her, loved by a man who probably had a murder kit in the trunk of his car.
“How did you find me? I’m just curious, that’s all.”
“How did Ifindyou? It was way too easy. Call it the absolute vanity of some people. I have a suggestion for a new podcast: social media and its direct effect on the intellect of human beings and the death of society. One of those insipid bachelorettes posted her selfies at the wedding of the year” —at this Dan held up air quotes— “and it wound up on the show that loves to dumb down society in short five-minute segments. You were in the background. I wasn’t sure at first, but I would recognize your long dark hair anywhere. A little research, and here you are.”
“Right. I was at the wedding of the year.”
But she wasn’t supposed to have been in any photos. Colton had insisted. Had warned, coming close to sounding like an ogre. And she’d thought he was overreacting.
Most people would not have made the connection, but then again Dan wasn’t most people.
“I’ll take care of that skinned elbow now.” He unzipped a red first aid kit nearby. “Never let it be said I don’t take care of my woman.”
Jennifer almost threw up in her mouth. “Thanks.”
“How did you get involved with all these stupid country hicks? Were you really that desperate to get away from the city?”
Yes. But not from the city. From you.
Jennifer’s hackles rose and she held back the spears of insults she wanted to throw at Dan. But she had to let him believe he could trust her, and then take the first moment he let down his guard to run.
“What happened?”Beau Stephens said, catching Colton rushing out the door.
“What do you mean?” He carried the takeout container with him and headed toward his truck.
“Jennifer.” Beau pointed. “I saw her get in the car with some other dude and drive off.”
Panic seized Colton in short bursting waves. He dropped the container and ran toward the truck. She wasgone.Gone. His mind was still trying to accept this, still trying to find another excuse. Maybe she’d run over to the veterinary clinic to see Eve again. Beau had seen some other woman drive off. Not Jennifer.
“You sure it was Jennifer?”
“I’m sure.”
Then Colton noticed her purse still sitting on the floorboard of the passenger seat.
He cursed and kicked his truck.
“Calm down,” Beau said, holding up his palms. “I’m sure y’all can work it out, whatever you’ve done wrong.”
Colton picked up and waved her purse in front of Beau. “This isn’t an argument. She wouldn’t willingly get in someone’s car withoutthis. Someone kidnapped her.”
