Attracted to Fire

by DiAnn Mills

  Late morning, Meghan and Lindsay jogged far enough from the pasture gate to keep the agents happy and the reporters at bay. They snapped a few pics, but Lindsay knew how to keep her face from view.

  “If you’d get up in the morning when I do, we could avoid this afternoon heat.”

  “Dream on. I used to come in at that hour, and now you’re suggesting I climb out of bed then.”

  “Just a suggestion. Ash and I run before dawn.”

  Lindsay laughed. “Ash has an agenda.”

  “And your meaning?”

  “He is so into you that it’s almost gagging.”

  Good. Their act was working, but they weren’t feigning a thing. “I thought we hid it from the others.”

  “Bob and Victor think it’s hilarious, since he’s supposed to be the woman hater.”

  Bob and Victor were to be on Burnette’s VPPD. The thought of either of them being behind Wade’s murder turned her stomach. “I’ll try to do a better job of sneaking off.”

  Lindsay laughed again. “I could teach you a few things, if you’re interested.” They waved at an agent in a jeep. “I don’t know how Burnette finagled the drug-dealer hoax, but there is no truth in it. I’ve always paid my way.” Lindsay slowed to a jog. “This heat zaps my energy.” She kept her voice low, obviously suspecting anyone and everyone.

  “Does the name Medellín Cartel mean anything to you?”

  “No. I’m assuming it’s a drug cartel.”

  Meghan brought her jog to a walk. Lindsay couldn’t talk and run. “The man arrested in connection with the original threat has ties to the Medellín Cartel.”

  “Burnette has to buy his stash somewhere.”

  Meghan had toyed with asking Lindsay about helping them since she proposed her idea to Ash earlier in the day. “How far are you willing to go to help us bring Burnette to justice?”

  “What do you mean? I’m in too deep to back out.”

  Meghan took a cleansing breath. She hadn’t expected Lindsay to cooperate this easily. “The guy who’s been sending you e-mails wants to meet at a bar near here. I’m going for the gold. I want to pose as you and trap the jerk. So I need to borrow something from your closet and pick up a wig.”

  “Not sure if that’s fun or dangerous.”

  Ash had mentioned the dangerous part more than once. “It’s my job to keep you safe.”

  “But I thought an agent would step in line of a bullet, not pose as the protectee.”

  “I believe in doing whatever it takes to catch those who have threatened your life and the lives of others.”

  “Okay. We’re probably the same size, but I don’t have a thing here that you could wear. But we could do a little role play so you’d sound like Lindsay Hall. Teach you the walk and the come-on.”

  Meghan sensed the thrill of adrenaline begin to roll through her veins.

  Chapter 53

  Ash and Bob sat on the front porch rocking like two old men while Lindsay and Meghan strolled about a hundred fifty feet in front of them. He didn’t know the ex-linebacker from the New Orleans Saints well, but his record was spotless. Had he been bought?

  “Tell me how a guy who has made millions in football gives up fame and fortune to be a Secret Service agent?”

  “Stats, Ash. When I looked at the guys who retired and walked with a cane or had their knees replaced, I realized the glory, big bucks, and stadium cheers didn’t amount to anything if I had to force myself out of bed each morning.”

  Ash chuckled. “So you substituted shoulder pads for a Kevlar?”

  “Got to keep the excitement going.”

  “How did you like your assignment with Bush Sr.?”

  Bob grinned. “Great guy. A lot of wisdom. Age is slowing him a bit, but he still has the vitality and enthusiasm that we all remember from his earlier days. Barbara Bush is a true lady. She might not tell you what you want to hear, but she makes you like her just the same.”

  “Do you miss the city?”

  “Of course. This is boring.” He frowned. “And depressing. We’re stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, and in six weeks’ time, an agent is murdered, a good man keels over from a heart attack, and a suspect is returned to work the ranch.”

  “Not what you thought, huh?”

  Bob frowned. “I’m an agent. I do whatever it takes. But I’d like to know what’s going on. Why hasn’t Wade’s murder been solved?”

  “They say drug dealers are involved with connections to a cartel in Colombia.”

  “Then force the ones in custody to talk.” Bob’s language didn’t fit a man being paid by a killer. “I could handle it.”

  The answers Ash needed still weren’t coming. “Do you think the new president is to blame?”

  “I don’t know. He’s a good politician. A good man. But I don’t agree with his foreign policy. He wants to shake hands and make friends with the ones who’d rather see us all dead.”

  “Sounds like you agree with the VP.”

  “I do. At least he has the guts to stand up for what he believes instead of being a yes-boy and directing the Middle East Peace Summit.”

  “I thought the president and the VP came to an agreement. Makes me wonder if foreign policy will be a big issue in the next election.”

  “Speaker of the House Randolph may toss his hat in the ring yet. He and Burnette share the same views on public policy. Politics is beyond me.” Bob shrugged. “But my guess is the party will stand behind Hall unless something major happens.”

  Monday evening, Meghan and Lindsay walked through the stables. They stopped to admire the new colt that Chip had named Strait. Meghan sorted through how she felt about Chip’s avoidance. His behavior had potentially thrown him into the same pot as Burnette. However, she hadn’t discarded his innocence.

  Last night she’d sent an e-mail to the guy who’d used intimidation to get Lindsay to meet with him. He’d quickly responded: Friday at 10, Silver Spur.

  Meghan patted the colt and noted Chip worked outside with one of the horses. “Has Chip made any attempt to be friends?”

  “Not at all.” Lindsay looked his way. “I thought he was a nice guy, but he blames all of us for what’s happened. Not that I blame him.”

  “Can I ask you a favor?”

  Lindsay planted her hands on her hips. “After I teach you how to get a guy, how to dress, and the latest makeup tips, you still want a favor?”

  “I do.”

  “Bring it on.”

  “Try to get Chip to warm up to you. Then ask if you can borrow his truck.”

  Lindsay lifted her chin. “You do trust me.”

  Meghan nodded. “I believe you’re a smart young woman who cares for others far more deeply than anyone ever realized. I believe you have a purpose in this world, and you can win the game against drugs and alcohol.”

  She swiped at a tear. “Thanks. It’s hard. I wake up in the morning wanting a drink. And when Pepper makes Mexican food, I want a margarita so bad. Will it haunt me forever?” The sincerity in Lindsay’s eyes said more than all the smoothies and nutrients that Dave could pump into her body.

  “I honestly don’t have an answer.”

  Lindsay nodded. “My own fault.”

  “Try God.”

  “Not yet. Maybe someday.” Lindsay gave her a grin.

  Such a pretty girl—a girl with a big burden.

  Chapter 54

  Lindsay thought how much she wanted to please Meghan, and asking Chip to borrow his truck was at the top of the list. Kelli would like the agent. They had strength to deal with stress and not allow others to destroy them. How strange that helping someone could make her feel good about herself. She’d play this role and help stop Burnette. “I’ll not fail you.”

  Meghan gave her a thumbs-up. “You’re on. He’s close enough to hear your every word.”

  Lindsay squared her shoulders. This would be her finest performance. “Just leave me alone.” The familiar line was reminiscent of the days when she hated
the world. “All you care about is making sure Daddy and his new administration forget about me. I want away from here, away from everyone telling me what to do and when to do it. I’m clean and sober. Can’t anyone trust me to stay that way?” She whirled around and stomped out of the stables, heading in Chip’s direction.

  Meghan followed. “Where are you going?”

  “To talk to someone who isn’t on the government’s payroll.”

  “Dave and Carla are in the house. Do you want to talk to them?”

  “No, please. I need a life.” Lindsay walked toward Chip, who’d turned to take note of the commotion. “Lindsay, let’s talk about this.”

  “No. I can’t talk about anything.” Until two days ago, her words were true.

  “All right. I’ll give you a little space.” Meghan backed up several feet.

  Lindsay swung her attention to Chip. “Please, don’t put me in the same box with the agents. I had nothing to do with what happened to you.”

  Chip continued to brush the horse. Anger swept his handsome face, an emotion she understood when her world shattered.

  She leaned against the corral fence. A collection of memories swirled about Burnette. This was her chance to stop him. “I thought you might go back to your old job in Dallas.” She felt bad for deceiving him, considering how much she liked him before Wade’s death . . . unless he was part of Burnette’s team.

  He shook his head. “Returning to my old job sounded like a great way to leave the past behind. But this is where I learned to feel good about myself. This is where Dad and I grew close again. He loved living here and working with horses, and so did I.”

  “Burnette didn’t persuade you?”

  Chip shrugged. “He asked me to return for Dad’s sake, and I wasn’t sure what to do.”

  She recalled how Burnette could manipulate people, play on their emotions. “The good thing is we won’t be here forever.”

  “True. I can make a decision then. But it’s lonesome here.”

  “Isn’t there a bar within a few miles? The Silver Spur?”

  He nodded. “A honky-tonk. Weekend two-steppin’ with good ol’ boys and their girlfriends. I did a few gigs there.”

  Lindsay sensed the longing of a good time without the paybacks of a tousle in bed or a hangover. “I’d love to go—get away from this place.”

  He shrugged. “I’d love to take you. We could sing and play together.”

  “That would be fun.” And it would. She longed for a life in the country and all that meant.

  He started to brush the mare again. “When this is over, it’s a date.”

  “What if I could find a way to sneak off?”

  He shook his head. “No, pretty lady. I’m not doing anything to upset these agents. Dealing with Burnette is hard enough.”

  “I thought you liked him.”

  “Nope. He only signs my paycheck. My dad thought he hung the moon.”

  She tilted her head curiously. “Not sure I understand.”

  He laughed. “Means he highly respected him. Could do no wrong.”

  Good thing Ethan didn’t know the real Burnette. “Oh, I get it.”

  “I’ve lost my ideals about our government.”

  “Me too. Mind if I watch you work?”

  “How about a swap? You can watch me sweat if you’ll bring out your guitar later on tonight.”

  Lindsay’s heart sped away. Oh, Chip, please be free of Burnette. I like you. I really do.

  Back in her room, Lindsay picked up her guitar and strummed her latest song, a tribute to Ethan, who held more wisdom in the palm of his hand than a roomful of PhDs. Not that education or a career choice molded a person. But an attitude of the heart. There was another line. She walked across the room for her notebook.

  What was Burnette planning for the clandestine meeting at the Silver Spur? Had he used her up and needed to get rid of her? Except he wouldn’t be eliminating Lindsay Hall; he’d be pulling the trigger on Meghan.

  Chapter 55

  Tuesday morning, Ash drove Burnette’s truck east into downtown Austin to a specialty shopping area that was supposed to have most of what he needed. His mission had more than one stop in the area, but he estimated about an hour to complete his errands before stopping by the Austin Police Department with Burnette’s bag of cocaine.

  First on his agenda was to buy the clothes Meghan needed on Friday night. She’d given him a list of her sizes and showed him online what the items looked like. This shouldn’t take long.

  After parking the truck, he entered the glittery shop called a boutique and was met by a tall brunette.

  “How can I help you today?” If her smile had been an Olympic sport, she’d have taken all the medals.

  “I’m looking for a few items for a friend.” He pulled the list from his jeans pocket and handed it to her.

  She gestured to the back of the boutique. “We received a new shipment of jeans yesterday. I’m sure we’ll find just the right pair for your friend. Our selection is at its peak.”

  Piece of cake.

  Thirty minutes later, Ash contemplated how he planned to lecture Lindsay and Meghan on their choice of attire. This was a country bar, not an international event. How did President Hall keep Lindsay in clothes? Thank goodness Meghan had her own jewelry, or he’d be physically sick. Whatever happened to JC Penney? Meghan had better keep these clothes clean because next Monday he planned to return all of them.

  “And does your friend have a suitable bra for the top you’ve selected?” The sales girl leaned over the counter. She must have thought he was stupid.

  “I’m sure she does, and I don’t have her size.” He was not going there.

  “Let’s take a look anyway.”

  Like a lamb led to slaughter, he followed her to the intimate section. This area needed temperature control—much too hot. Then he realized the customers must try on the underthings and needed warmer temps.

  She held up a pair of red panties. “We suggest this type of panty to wear with our jeans. Doesn’t show a line. I’m sure this will fit her.”

  Another $49.95.

  He hadn’t budgeted for a belt either. The cow that supplied the leather must have eaten caviar and drank champagne.

  At the truck, he placed the bags in the extended cab. His lecture to those who awaited his return had grown to sermon proportions. And he hadn’t visited Nordstrom’s for the boots nor the wig shop yet.

  His stomach growled, but he couldn’t afford a hamburger and fries. He leaned his head on the steering wheel and saw the gas tank registered near empty.

  After filling the truck, he made a stop at Walmart for a bag of chips and a liter of Diet Coke and several of their bags to stuff his purchases into. No one at the ranch must suspect what he’d done. But his pale face might be an indication.

  The assignment from Meghan and Lindsay had taken more time than he planned. He’d be late returning to the ranch. Glancing at his watch, he headed toward the Barton Creek Square mall.

  Today had been over and beyond the call of duty. Good thing he liked Lindsay. Better yet that he loved Meghan. If they were ever to marry, she’d have to keep working to buy clothes. His credit card company had already phoned him to authorize the boots purchase. Why were wigs so expensive?

  His last stop brought him to the downtown police station.

  Hours later, he drove through the front gate, still reeling from what he’d learned about the bag of coke confiscated from Burnette’s tack box. A reporter snapped his picture, but Ash kept his eyes on the driveway leading to the house. His findings sealed Burnette’s depravity. All of Ash’s doubts about how far the VP would go to ensure his agenda had vanished.

  Could Lindsay handle this latest twist? A nagging thought told him her fragile emotions might spin in the wrong direction. She’d shown considerable strength and a willingness to help bring Burnette to justice. But Ash also sensed she viewed this as a diversion from the boredom of the ranch.

  He parke
d the truck in the four-car garage, wishing Meghan were free to carry in the goods. The other agents were talking about the love-struck couple, which is what they needed to cover their investigation. But if those men caught him with these purchases, the teasing would never end. For now he’d store the Walmart bags in the truck, then sneak them to Meghan later.

  He greeted Pepper in the kitchen. She was cleaning vegetables, including jalapeños. His stomach would never be the same.

  “Hey, beautiful, have you seen Meghan?”

  Pepper lifted a brow, causing her spiked, white hair to lift even higher. “Oh, the man’s in love.”

  “With you?”

  “Think again, A2Z. The man who had my heart is gone, and no one can replace him.” Her words were light, but he heard the longing.

  “Guess I’ll have to find another woman to ease my aching heart.”

  She dried her hands and opened the fridge. Handing him a Diet Coke, she narrowed her eyes. “This is the best I can do. You might think you’re hiding this affair with Meghan, but we all know about it. You should have taken lessons on how to hide your personal life.”

  He pretended shock. “All I asked is if you knew where I could find her.”

  “Hopeless.” She picked up a small paring knife and a cucumber. “I heard Lindsay say she wanted to take a swim. If you wait by the pool, I’m sure they’ll be out shortly.”

  He grinned and toasted her with the pop can.

  Within a few minutes, Meghan and Lindsay were poolside.

  “You two can talk. I’m cooling off.” Lindsay giggled. “Did you enjoy shopping?” Before he could scowl, she dived in.

  Meghan eased onto a patio chair beside him. “Where are your purchases?”

  “In the truck. Considering they cost me half of Fort Knox, I thought you could help me bring them in later.”

  She picked up a bottle of water. “I’m excited to see my outfit.”

  “I’m sure you are. Good thing you’re one of my favorite people.”

  “I thought about warning you. Lindsay does have expensive taste. I’ll pay for the wig and clothes.”