Page 60 of Lone Star Country Protector
A determined killer stalked her. And she had no idea who or why.
At least she knew the man was someone’s puppet.
But who?
* * *
The second Daltonopened his eyes, he checked to see if Blakely was still in the bed next to his. His heart raced until he received visual confirmation that she hadn’t taken off while he was out. Then, he could exhale the breath he’d been holding. Still asleep.
As much as he’d wanted to have a relationship with the stunningly beautiful judge, could he ever be certain she wouldn’t flip out and take off? Where would that leave him if he was always watching the door to see if she would bolt through it?
A soft knock at the door was followed by Jules entering.
“Good morning,” she practically chirped. There’d been a lot of changes in her since Toby. The two had found love and each other while transporting a prisoner. Their chopper went down, and they’d had only each other to rely on. Toby had taken more of the brunt of the injuries and was healing nicely with Jules by his side.
“You’ve had your fair share of hospital stays of late, haven’t you?” he asked as she set down the bag of bagels from his favorite place along with one of those carryingtrays that held multiple drinks. This time, there were three cups of coffee.
“Yes,” she said on a sigh, taking the seat that had been pulled up next to his bed. “I have. I’ve been bouncing between floors, but Toby is home now, and Grandpa Lor is awake. It’s a miracle. And I never believed in miracles.”
“Good to hear Toby is recovering,” Dalton said. He should really stop by more often to check on his family members. “When you sayhome. What do you mean?”
“The family ranch,” she supplied, taking one of the coffees and handing it to him.
“You’re an angel,” he said, taking the offering. “I could stand to brush my teeth first.”
“Do you need help going to the bathroom?” Jules asked.
“I got it,” he said, grasping at the opening in back of his gown before a quick trip to the bathroom. Standing up made him woozy. He needed food in his stomach and caffeine.
“Thanks for the grub,” he said as he climbed back under the blanket, tucking in the sides so he didn’t accidentally give anyone a peep show.
“You’re welcome,” she said, taking out a bagel before slathering cream cheese on it.
“I’ve been thinking a lot lately,” he started after she handed it over and he thanked her once again.
“About?”
“Coming back to the ranch,” he said.
“I thought you loved your job,” Jules said, surprised. She grabbed another bagel and opened it. Everything bagels were manna from heaven.
He acknowledged that he did. “I used to, but things have been changing for me lately. I think I’d like to put in notice and move back to the ranch full-time once this case is over.”
“Seriously?” Jules stopped mid-slather.
“I’m dead serious.” He regretted his word choice, but the sentiment remained the same. “I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching since our grandparents’ accident.”
“And?”
“Don’t you miss the ranch?” he asked.
“Yes, of course,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean I want to come back and work it full-time.” She set down her bagel. “I have been thinking about becoming more involved again though. If I didn’t have to give up my job.”
“I wonder if everyone else is thinking along the same lines,” he said. “Seems like we’re usually in sync.”
“Crystal would definitely do more,” Jules said. “I’ve been talking to her about it. So would Abilene.”
“Have you talked to Camden?”
