Page 38 of Caleb's Cause
“I could.”
“That would be great, but I wouldn’t hire you as a ranch hand.”
“Excuse me?”
“Sorry, that came out wrong. I would hire you, pending a background check.” She grinned when he laughed. “But not as a hand.”
“What’s that mean?”
“A cow hand, or rather, a horse hand. I’d hire you in the same capacity as what Duane does. Security. I’m going to need security over at New Double, then eventually for the ranch I’ll be building across the street.”
“The rodeo one?”
“Yes, however, that won’t be really started until everything else is done. Once the construction over at Broken Two, and New Double is complete, they’ll head over to the new place. I don’t even have a name for it yet, but I’m working on it, and I’ll take any suggestions. However, I’m not in any hurry.”
They all made their way to the entrance to the barn, but Jake stopped them. “I’m just going to grab my computer and get back to my office. Thank you for the tour, and I agree with Clark when he said you need more security, both in human form, and technology. If you agree, I can come up with some figures for installing cameras and such.”
“Please,” Erin said. “I trust your judgement. Also, please include the installation fees.”
Jake went into the barn and took his computer from Katherine, gave her a nod and quickly left, but not before telling them that he was only a phone call away if and when they needed him.
When it was just a few of them left, Katherine turned to Kevin. “I couldn’t get you on a flight today, but I was able to book you on a direct flight from Denver to LAX tomorrow. You’ll have to ask the others how far it is to Denver from here, it took me several days, but here is your information.” She handed him an envelope, and continued, “Your flight leaves at ten in themorning. In this envelope is also the address of my mother, Ilsa Miller’s work address and home address. Also included is her phone numbers, cell, work, home.” When she wouldn’t let go of the envelope, Kevin looked at her with a raised brow. “Mom might not believe you. We came up with a code word, or rather a phrase years ago. Before you leave, please find me and I’ll give it to you. Please, keep my mother safe.”
“Bring her here,” Erin said. “She can hide here until all this blows over.”
“Okay,” Kevin said, and turned to his son with a grin. “Got any beer at your place?” Everyone laughed and it wasn’t long before they all went their separate ways, with Caleb, Katherine, and Kevin going to their cabin.
CHAPTER 14
Two days later,Katherine looked over at Caleb with a frown. “Do you know why we’re being called to the principal’s office?” She grinned when he snorted a laugh.
“I don’t think Erin’s the principal.”
“Yeah, I know, but she’s the boss of everything, and I was just wondering why the two of us have been called in to see her.” She paused, then sat up quickly and looked at him in fear. “Oh my god, do you think it has to do with either of our parents?”
Caleb threw her a nasty look, but without saying anything, he sped up to get to the main house on Erin’s Way faster. When they parked, they didn’t see anyone, so they hurried to the back door and Julie met them at the door.
“Calm down, it’s all good,” were the first words she said, and Katherine stopped to get her breath back.
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m positive. Would you like something to drink? Coffee, water, juice?”
“I’ll take a water if you have it,” Katherine said, and took the offered bottle. The two of them followed Julie down a hallway, and into an office. They saw Erin sitting behind a desk and sat in the seats offered.
“I’m going to get right to the point,” Erin said briskly. “Caleb, I told your father to call me directly when he was able to contact Katherine’s mother, Ilsa. He called last night. He met with her, and they are talking. I have no clue about what, but Kevin informed me that he had it under control and would keep Ilsa safe.”
“Okay, but what aren’t you saying?” Caleb asked as he settled into his seat, cradling his cup of coffee on his stomach.
“He might not make it back for the wedding.” Erin held up her stump and shook her head. “That’s all I know. He has made contact with Ilsa, they’re talking, and he assessed the situation and though he didn’t say anything, I think he’s going to stick with her until she’s safe. I have no clue where he will take her, but he said it wouldn’t be back here, because he didn’t want them to be followed. He also said something confusing, but I didn’t question him on it.”
“What did he say?” Caleb asked with a heavy frown.
“He said if, and I’m quoting here, ‘if the shit hits the fan, then I want my people to have my back,’ that was it.” Erin looked at Caleb with a confused look. “What do you know?”
“Dad’s a homicide detective with the Seattle Police department. His ‘people’ would be the people he works with, which would mean the entire police department. I’m assuming that he might take Ilsa to Seattle and have her hole up there. What better place to keep her safe than to stay in the home of a police detective? Besides, who would look for her in Seattle? If this is true, then no one after Katherine would be able to find Ilsa in Seattle, and when the coast is clear, I’m sure they can make their way here to Colorado. I’m not a cop, nor am I a former military person like the men working here, but that’s what I would do. Get her out of Los Angeles, make sure she’s safe, then move her here.”
“There is that.” Erin nodded, then turned to Katherine. “Are you okay with that?”
