“I don’t think the army believes it, but the investigation has reached different levels, levels involving the CIA and covert ops.”
Lana carefully dragged the tines of her fork through some tomato sauce on her plate. “Do you think those agencies might know more about Denver and his activities than you do?”
“They might, but they might also be interpreting those activities incorrectly. I think the major was onto something, and he was working with some inside sources. Someone wanted to put a stop to that—and him.”
“I don’t doubt it, not after what Gil told me about the situation at the embassy outpost.” She stacked their empty plates and bowls. “You wash and I’ll load the dishwasher? Then we can get back to the journal...unless you want to get back to your hotel.”
“I think I can get through another couple of books. How about you?”
“If I stick to writing out the events and not thinking about each one.” She swept the dishes from the table and carried them to the sink.
“You’re going to have to start analyzing them at some point so if it slows you down in the initial process, that’s okay.” He joined her at the sink and pulled down the door of the dishwasher.
They cleaned up together, and Lana tried not to get sucked in by the comfortable domesticity of the situation. Logan was here to get enough info from her regarding Gil’s coded journal, and then he’d take it and give it to the proper authorities. She’d have to content herself with getting to the truth of Gil’s death—that’s all she’d ever wanted, anyway—until she met Logan Hess. Now she wanted more.
“Back to work.” Logan squeezed out the dish sponge beneath the water and grabbed a towel for his hands. “Ready?”
“Yes. Absolutely. Work.”
This time they worked across the room from each other, but the sense of companionable teamwork continued. Occasionally, Logan would break the silence to ask her if she needed something or to check on her well-being.
She couldn’t tell if he was truly concerned for her or if he just wanted her to work harder. She didn’t want to view his actions through rose-colored glasses as she’d done for others before him. She was older and wiser now, not a silly schoolgirl.
A knock on the front door made her jump, one of Gil’s books sliding to the floor.
“I’ll get it.” Logan closed the book he was working on, using his phone for a bookmark. He strode past her and twitched the curtains to the side. “It’s Humberto and Leggy.”
“Oh, my God, am I going to have to make them breakfast again tomorrow?” She scrambled to her feet and peered through the window, waving.
Logan opened the door on the two men waiting on the porch. “Are you here for guard duty?”
“Last we heard, the police haven’t caught the guys who kidnapped Dale.” Humberto stomped his boots on the porch. “So, we’re in again.”
Lana put a fist on her hip. “Didn’t Jaeger recruit more guys to patrol the front gate?”
“Yeah, but that’s the front gate, not back here.” Humberto jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “We have our chairs and everything.”
Leggy nodded and spit to the side. “Chairs and everything.”
“You really don’t have to put yourselves out. I have my own gun, and I can protect myself, especially with the extra security at the entrance to the ranch.” She nudged Logan’s arm. “Tell them, Logan.”
“You boys did a great job last night, but it’s my turn tonight.”
Lana whipped her head around. “Don’t be ridiculous. You have a hotel room in town. In fact, you should be heading back to that hotel room about now.”
Humberto backed off the porch. “We got you, boss. She’s all yours tonight.”
“All yours.” Leggy winked before following Humberto off the porch.
Her blood sizzling, Lana slammed the door. “What is wrong with you?”
“Me? Nothing.” Logan’s eyebrows jumped to his hairline.
“They’re going to think—” she flicked her fingers at the door “—you’re sleeping in my bed.”
“Did I imply that my sentry duties would take place in your bed?”
Stalking away from him, she threw her arms out to the side. “My turn tonight. What do you think they thought? That was a smirk on Humberto’s face. I know him, and he was smirking.”
“I didn’t see a smirk. I don’t think they got the wrong impression at all—and if they did?”
“If they did?” She tripped to a stop and snatched a pillow from the couch, throwing it at him. “I don’t want people thinking I sleep around. I just met you. I barely know you. You’re not sleeping in my bed.”
Logan’s eyes popped and his mouth gaped open for a second. “What’s wrong with you? Did I say I was sleeping in your bed? I’m sleeping on the couch, keeping one eye on the door and my gun by my side. I’m only trying to protect you, Lana. I’m sorry if I gave Humberto and Leggy the wrong idea. If they know you, they already know you don’t sleep around.”
Lana took a deep breath and folded her arms across her stomach. Everything was just too close to the surface tonight—being with Carla and Alma, Gil’s family memories.
She wanted Logan here. Had been dreading the moment when he grabbed his jacket and walked out the door. Even though she’d caught a spark from his eyes a few times, he’d been nothing but gentlemanly to her and she knew she could trust him to sleep on her couch.
Putting her hands to her hot cheeks, she said, “I’m sorry. It’s just that there’s a small-town mentality here, and I don’t like to be the subject of gossip.”
“Understandable.” He snatched the pillow from the floor where it had landed at his feet. “I shouldn’t have sprung that on you in front of those two. The later it got, the more I started thinking that it would be a good idea for me to bunk on your couch. Guess I should’ve run it by you first.”
“Probably.”
“If you’d like me to leave, I can grab those two and station them back in front of your house.” He held the pillow in front of his face.
A laugh bubbled up from her chest. “I’m sorry I threw the pillow at you. You’re welcome to stay on my couch, and I appreciate your concern. But I do think I’m safe on the ranch now. The kidnappers blew it by taking Dale, didn’t they?”
“Showed their hand for sure, but you’re not out of danger, Lana. I’m sure Dale told them you lived here, and you can’t blame her.”
“After getting a look at Dale’s face, I don’t blame her for anything.” A cold shiver snaked up her spine, and she hunched her shoulders. “Since you’re going to be taking over my couch, I’ll get this stuff out of the way. I’m almost done writing Gil’s notes from the third book. We can pick it up again tomorrow.”
“Let’s call it a night. I only ask for a toothbrush.”
“You’re in luck. I have a stockpile of them from my dentist. I use an electric.” She made a notation in Gil’s book where she’d left off and gathered the notebook, sticky notes and pens. She placed her work beside Logan’s on the kitchen table.
Tapping the book on the top of the pile, she said, “I hope we’re on the right track.”
“I think we are.” He pointed to the cleared-off couch. “Blanket and pillow?”
“Coming right up.” She ducked down the short hallway and raided one of the cupboards for a blanket, fresh towel and toothbrush. “I don’t have an extra pillow.”
“That’s all right.” He held up the one she’d tossed at him. “I can use this one. It can double as a weapon.”
She gave him a half smile as she placed the folded blanket and towel on one end of the couch. She flicked the toothbrush in his direction. “This, too.”
He caught it with one hand. “Thanks. Who needs a gun?”
“I do, and mine’s beside my bed, so don’t make any sudden moves in the night.”
&nb
sp; “Wouldn’t think of it.” He drew a cross over his heart with the tip of his finger.
Thirty minutes later, snug in her bed—alone—Lana could hear the TV from the other room. Was Logan having trouble sleeping, too? It couldn’t be the same reason that kept her tossing and turning. She’d made it clear to him that she didn’t want him in her bed.
At least not now...
* * *
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Lana tiptoed into the living room and squinted at Logan sprawled on her couch still sleeping. It had been a long time since she’d had a man in her house, and he seemed to overpower her small space.
She crept into the kitchen, turning on the lights beneath the cabinets, and ran some water for coffee. The noise caused Logan to stir.
“You don’t have to creep around in there. I’m awake.”
“You could’ve fooled me.”
“I’m a light sleeper.” He sat up and the blanket fell from his torso, revealing his bare chest.
Lana turned away and stubbed her toe. “C-coffee?”
“Yes, please. Alma was wrong about you. You can whip up a mean breakfast.”
“Thanks, but I don’t pay any attention to Alma’s advice.”
Someone knocked on the front door, and Lana cranked her head over her shoulder. “I’ll get it. You should get that stuff off the couch.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if I left it here as proof I slept on the couch?” He folded the blanket and smoothed his hands over it.
“I think it would be better if you put some clothes on.” Lana scurried into the living room and peeked through the curtains. “Oh, my God. It’s Dale.”
Logan took a step toward Lana and she waved him back. “Grab that blanket and get dressed.”
Once Logan left the room, Lana threw open the front door. “Dale, what are you doing here? You should be resting.”
Dale pushed past Lana and limped into the living room. “I just wanted you to hear it from me first, Lana.”
“Hear what?” Lana knotted her fingers in front of her.
“Bruce and I are taking the kids away for a while—just for everyone’s safety. I swear to you, this attack has sobered us up—literally, in my case. I’m going to be a better mother, Lana. I promise you that. I’m going to take better care of Carla.”
Logan cleared his throat as he returned to the room. “I’m glad you’ve recovered so quickly, Dale, and it’s probably not a bad idea to take the kids and lay low for a while, but what do you have to prove to Lana?”
Dale’s dark eyes widened as she took in Logan. “I—I—I’m sorry, Lana. I didn’t realize you had company.”
“It’s all right. I’m tired of keeping the secret from him, anyway.” Lana closed her eyes and blew out a long breath. “Logan, Carla’s my daughter.”
Chapter Eight
The woman who could be Lana’s sister backed up to the front door, one hand over her heart. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to you later, Lana. A-and thank you for saving me on the side of the road, Logan.”
When the door closed behind Dale, Lana opened her eyes and swept a tongue across her lower lip. “You didn’t guess that Carla was mine?”
Had he? Were the signs there? Lana had kept talking about her obligations and responsibilities, her reluctance or inability to leave the McG Ranch. All her excuses had rung hollow with him—until now.
But a daughter? Carla?
“I didn’t know.” Lifting his shoulders, he spread his hands in front of him. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have any reason to apologize.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He drilled the heel of his hand against his forehead. “Wait, Bruce doesn’t know?”
“Oh, Bruce knows...now.”
Logan’s stomach lurched. “Is Carla his? Yours and Bruce’s?”
“God, no.” Lana charged toward the kitchen and ripped open a packet of coffee. She dumped it into the filter and turned to face him, wedging her hands against the counter behind her. “I made a stupid mistake when I was a teenager, and Carla is the result of that mistake.”
“You turned her over to Dale and Bruce?”
“I was just seventeen and had no means to raise a child. Dale and Bruce had been married a few years and couldn’t conceive. When they finally did, Dale had a miscarriage. She was afraid to tell Bruce, afraid he’d divorce her.”
“Dale passed your baby off as her own?”
“Alma and my father cooked up the plan between them. My father had already been out here for a few years and knew the Garcia family. When my mother called to tell him I was pregnant, he figured this was the solution to everyone’s problems.”
Probably just the beginning of Lana’s.
“You moved to Greenvale to give birth and then handed your child over to Dale?”
“Yes.” A tear glistened on the end of her lashes and she swiped it away. “I did it to appease my family.”
“How did Bruce not figure that out?”
“Bruce was out of the country for a few months. He didn’t suspect a thing. Came home to his wife and newborn daughter.”
“But the truth came out.”
“Doesn’t it always?”
Her lips twisted—along with his heart.
“Did you stay here after giving up Carla?” He took a step toward her, but she folded her arms in front of her in a defensive move.
“Not at first. I left, did some traveling. But Mom was in Mexico, Dad had to quit his job at the ranch and I had a strong desire to see the daughter I’d abandoned when she was two weeks old.” This time a tear escaped and crawled down her face.
“You didn’t abandon Carla. You left her with an established couple, a grandmother, a grandfather, financial security and stability.”
Rolling her eyes, she ran one finger beneath her bottom lashes. “Stable? You’ve seen Bruce and Dale in action.”
“At seventeen, you couldn’t have known anything about their marriage. You did the best you could, not to mention you had adults you trusted giving you advice.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “What about the father?”
Lana’s eyes flew to his face. “Ah, not available.”
“Did you tell him about Carla?” He couldn’t help the surge of jealousy that almost strangled him.
“I did.” She plucked at the hem of her T-shirt. “Not available.”
Whatever that meant. But she didn’t want to reveal any more, and he didn’t want to push her.
“That’s what you meant about responsibilities and obligations. You stay here for Carla.”
“It’s my excuse, anyway. Alma would never let any harm come to those kids, Bruce, either, believe it or not.”
“How did Bruce come to find out Carla wasn’t his biological child?”
She screwed up her mouth to one side. “You know, how these things usually come out—a drunken argument between the two of them. Dale threw it in his face.”
“He must’ve been livid to be tricked like that.” Logan clenched his jaw. He actually had sympathy for Bruce.
“He was fit to be tied at first, but he loved Carla. He even loved Dale, and it gave him some leverage with me.”
“Is that why he torments you?” The newfound sympathy for Bruce evaporated like mist. “He uses Carla to keep you around?”
“I guess you could say that. It’s not like I want to leave.” She turned back to the coffee maker. “Not really.”
In two steps he crossed the kitchen and touched her stiff shoulder, whether she wanted him close or not. “Isn’t it hard for you to see your daughter every day with another family, another mother?”
“It’s not easy, but I’ve enjoyed watching her grow—sort of like her guardian angel.”
“And now she’s leaving.” He squeezed her shoulder. “You should, too.”
“She’
ll be back.”
“Maybe this is your chance, Lana. Dale came over here for a reason this morning. Just out of the hospital and hurting, she wanted you to know she planned to change. Maybe Dale wants a chance, too—the chance to be Carla’s mother without her bio mother looking over her shoulder and judging her.”
“Ha! I’m hardly one to judge.” She held up the coffeepot. “It’s ready.”
He straddled a stool at the counter. “I still want to talk to Dale, don’t you?”
“A-about Carla?” The hand pouring the coffee jerked and the stream of liquid splashed on the countertop.
“About the kidnapping.” Why would talking to Dale about Carla make her nervous? Lana had already acknowledged the child was hers.
“Oh, yeah, of course. Sorry.” She wiped up the coffee spill. “My mind’s still on Carla.”
“I can understand that.” He cocked his head as he took the coffee cup from her. “Did you ever think about trying to get her back?”
“I’d never do that to Dale. Even though she hasn’t been the best mom in the world, she loves her kids.” She reached back to get her own cup and settled across the counter from him.
“Is Daniel hers? Hers and Bruce’s?”
“He is. As often happens with couples, once they...adopted Carla, they had an easier time getting pregnant the next time and Dale made sure to take care of herself.”
“She didn’t take care of herself during her first pregnancy?”
Lana shook her head. “She was drinking. That’s probably why she had the miscarriage.”
“No wonder she wanted to hide that from Bruce.” He swirled the coffee in his cup, his gaze tracking the circles. “Did you know at the time why Dale miscarried?”
“No, but I’m not patting myself on the back just because I didn’t know what had happened. Even if I had known, I’m pretty sure I would’ve succumbed to the pressure to give up Carla. I had nobody on my side.”
“That must’ve been hard on you, Lana.” In fact, Lana had seemed to have a rough road all her life. The urge to rescue her from all of it burned deep in his chest, but he recognized that feeling for what it was, and the last time he’d given in to it things hadn’t worked out too well—for him, anyway. “The father...”
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