9781631054723LucasDavis

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  Adam waited two hours before he called for a nurse. A small, petite blonde-haired woman entered the room.

  “What do you need?”

  “I could use a pain killer,” Adam told her as he glanced toward the door. “I think that agent likes you.” He chuckled.

  The nurse looked toward the door then back to him. “What makes you say that?”

  “He can’t keep his eyes off you. How long have you been a nurse?”

  “I just graduated.” Her gaze traveled back to the agent.

  Adam was elated. She and the agent were both young and inexperienced. “Maybe you should talk to him.”

  She blushed. “Oh, I can’t do that, I’m on duty and so is he.” She handed Adam a pill, then his water.

  Adam nodded. “Sure. Well, maybe when you take a break.” He tossed the pill in his mouth and took a sip of water but didn’t swallow the pill.

  She nodded and left the room, smiling at the agent as she did. He smiled back. Adam chuckled. He was sure he’d be out of here tonight.

  * * * *

  Later in the afternoon, Emily exercised Cinnamon in the inside corral while Lucas shoed one of the other horses. Every once in a while, he’d glance over to her to make sure she was doing all right. She was getting stronger as the days passed. Knowing Lucas loved her helped tremendously. As she rode Cinnamon around the corral, she glanced toward the barn to see Nathan follow Tinker into the barn. Emily dismounted and moved toward Lucas. He grinned at her. She nodded toward Nathan and saw Lucas frown when he saw him too. Lucas took her hand as they waited for Nathan to get to them.

  Nathan halted in front of them and sighed. “Walters escaped from the hospital.”

  Emily gasped. “When?”

  “About an hour ago. There’s an APB out on him.”

  “How the hell did he walk out of the hospital? There was an agent posted at his room,” Lucas spoke through clenched teeth.

  “Apparently the agent took a break with a nurse and was gone for quite a while.” Nathan shook his head. “I’d hate to be him when Mont gets a hold of him.”

  “Son of a bitch!” Lucas pulled Emily behind him. “We need to get into the house.”

  Nathan nodded. “Yes and don’t come out until we contact you. Mont will probably be out here tomorrow. He’ll protect you but for tonight, I can send a deputy out.”

  “Please do, Nathan,” Emily whispered.

  “I’ll call it in and I’ll stay until he gets here. Let’s go inside.”

  Emily thought she was going to pass out. Lucas squeezed her hand as he led her to the house. Once inside, she moved to the living room and sat in the window seat.

  “Emily, please move away from the window.” Nathan requested.

  “Why?” she asked.

  Nathan glanced at Lucas then back to her. “I don’t want to alarm you but Walters could be out there watching you.”

  Emily quickly moved from the window and sat in one of the wingback chairs. Lucas strode to the window and pulled the drapes closed. He then moved to each window and closed the blinds and drapes. Emily watched his every movement. The thought of Adam being out there again more than terrified her. She started shaking and couldn’t stop. Lucas sat on the arm of the chair and rubbed her back.

  “He won’t get near us, Emily. I won’t let him take you from me again.” He kissed the top of her head.

  Emily nodded but she knew Adam would be determined to get to her and Lucas both. He would be hell bent on killing them both this time. Nothing and no one would stop him. She gazed up at Lucas.

  “He’ll kill us both.”

  Lucas shook his head. “No. I won’t let that happen.”

  Nathan moved toward the door when a cruiser pulled up. He glanced at Emily and Lucas. “I’ll be right back.”

  Lucas moved toward the door but stayed behind it as he watched Nathan speak with his deputy. They both moved toward the house. Nathan entered with the deputy behind him.

  “Lucas, this is Deputy Marshall Hicks.”

  Lucas stared at the deputy then glanced at Nathan. “Has he been on the force long?”

  “He’s been in law enforcement for fifteen years. He’ll protect you until Mont gets here tomorrow,” Nathan told him.

  Lucas nodded and shook the deputy’s hand. “Have you talked to Mont?” He asked Nathan.

  “Yes. To say he’s pissed would be an understatement. I can’t imagine what he said to the agent who fucked up.” Nathan shook hands with Lucas. “Don’t go outside unless it can’t be avoided. I prefer neither of you leave this house at all. I’m going to talk to Tinker and the guys to alert them. I don’t trust the son of a bitch. He’ll do what he can to get to you both and he won’t let anyone stand in his way. I wish I had more men to spare but I don’t.” He gave them an abrupt nod and left.

  * * * *

  Lucas pulled Emily out of the chair then sat down and set her on his lap. She laid her head on his shoulder. He rubbed her arms and murmured to her trying to comfort her. He was sure he wasn’t doing much good with the way she was still shaking. Lucas didn’t know what to do to comfort her. With Walters out there, Lucas and Emily couldn’t take a chance and leave the house. With only one deputy to guard them until Mont arrived, Lucas was going to have to be on guard also. Lucas knew Nathan had informed Tinker and the men to stay alert and report anything out of the ordinary but Lucas knew what Walters was capable of even if he was alone. Lucas knew he was out there now, watching and waiting.

  “You should go lie down, darlin’,” Lucas whispered.

  “I don’t want to be alone.”

  Deputy Hicks glanced out the window then back to Lucas. “Both of you should get some rest. It’s going to be a long night.”

  Lucas nodded. “Come on Emily, let’s go upstairs and take a nap.” He stood with her in his arms and carried her. At the door to their bedroom, he lightly kissed her lips then carried her to the bed and laid down beside her.

  “It’ll be all right.”

  Emily nodded and put her arms around his neck. “I hope so Lucas. I really hope so.”

  Lucas pulled her tightly against him. When it thundered outside, Emily jumped.

  “It’s just thunder, baby. It’s going to storm. That should keep him away through the night.”

  “He won’t let it stop him,” Emily whispered.

  Lucas didn’t say any more, he held her. It was all he knew to do for now. If Walters came near them then he’d protect her with his life if it came down to it. He’d die before he let Walters take her from him again.

  * * * *

  Adam Walters watched the house through binoculars. One deputy wasn’t going to stop him from getting to them, but the men at the ranch were sure to be on the lookout. With the storm moving in it may be a lot easier than he’d planned on. The rumbling thunder would cover the sounds of a gun. He smiled as the thunder moved in closer. Lightening flashed, lighting up the darkening sky. Tonight, as the storm raged, he’d make his move. He got up, ran into the woods alongside the house, and took shelter in a cave. No one would find him there. As he moved into the cave, he used a lighter he’d stolen at the hospital to see with. Also, some blankets and scrubs to put on under his clothes for the night. It still got chilly at night. He’d get a fire built and take a quick nap. It would be over tonight.

  * * * *

  Emily tried to sleep but she was too afraid to close her eyes. Adam would make a move tonight, she was sure of it. The storm would help him more than hinder him. He’d use it to his advantage. She knew that without a doubt. He was crafty, evil, and smart.

  “Please relax darlin’. We’re probably going to be up all night. I’ll have to help the deputy guard the house. He can’t do it alone.”

  “I won’t sleep without you beside me, Lucas.”

  Lucas laughed softly. “I know. It’s why you need to nap now. I know you’ll be downstairs with me.”

  She nodded. “You know me too well, Mister Taggart.”

  “Damn straigh
t I do, Missus Taggart.” Lucas kissed her forehead. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Lucas. So much.”

  He kissed her softly. “We’ll be fine. I won’t let him get to you. I’ll die first.”

  Emily gasped. “No. I won’t let that happen. I just found you, I won’t lose you.”

  “Then we’ll have to take him down first.”

  “Yes, we will.” She moved off the bed and proceeded into the walk-in closet. She came back out carrying a locked box. “I have a pistol in here that granddaddy bought for me years ago. I never liked guns but he made me learn how to shoot.” She opened the box and held up the pistol to show Lucas.

  He strolled over to her, took the pistol from her, and whistled. “Nice. A Glock G17. That’s some gun. It’s well over five hundred dollars.” He grinned. “Remind me never to piss you off.”

  Emily laughed. “I’d never shoot you, Lucas. If I get mad at you, I’d just withhold sex.”

  “Aww, hell. I’d rather be shot,” Lucas muttered.

  Emily burst out laughing. “You would think that way.”

  Lucas jerked her against him and took her lips in a deep kiss. “I have a weapon too but it’s in the office in the barn. I need to get it.”

  “No. You aren’t going outside, Lucas.” Emily put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

  “I need my gun, Emily.”

  “I’ll get you one from the gun cabinet in the office.”

  Lucas narrowed his eyes at her then nodded. “I want to pick it out, though.” He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.”

  Emily followed him down the stairs to the office. Once inside, she moved to the desk and removed a key from another locked box. She then unlocked the gun cabinet and waved for Lucas to pick out a pistol.

  He stepped forward and gazed at the guns. Finally, he reached for one and showed it to her, smiling. “I like your Glock G17, so I’m taking the same thing.” He sobered. “I’d like to unload all seventeen into him.”

  They both jumped when they heard the deputy behind them. “You two aren’t planning to go all Rambo on me, are you?” He leaned against the doorjamb and folded his arms.

  “Are you married, deputy?” Lucas asked him.

  “Yes, I am. Been married almost ten years. Why?”

  “If someone was trying to hurt your wife, what would you do?”

  Deputy Hicks smiled. “Touché.” He pushed away from the door. “I understand but let’s not get all gung-ho about it. We’ll see how it goes. I’m hoping he won’t show up until after the FBI gets here and we have more men.”

  They all jumped when thunder boomed over the house. Emily let out a little scream and wrapped her arms around Lucas.

  “It’s just thunder,” Lucas said, and then frowned. “That could be on his side. Couldn’t it?” He looked at the deputy.

  “Yes. I thought that earlier when the storm started.” He shrugged. “We’ll have to be on our toes. Bad thing is, your men are stuck in the barn and have no way of seeing anything with the way the rain’s coming down.”

  Lucas moved to the phone on the desk and dialed the barn. “Nick? Is everything all right out there?” Lucas nodded. “All right. I’ll check in again later.” He turned to the deputy. “Nick said they were all playing cards but making checks every fifteen minutes. They’re going out and checking around but haven’t seen anything.” He moved to sit down when the lights went out.

  * * * *

  The power went out making Emily scream. Lucas opened the desk drawer and took out a flashlight. He shined it around the room. “Stay calm. It could be the storm.” He moved around the desk. “Sit down here and don’t move.” He headed toward the door but stopped when he heard Emily behind him. “Go sit down.”

  “I’m not staying here alone.”

  “Close the door behind me and lock it. I know I can leave you here alone. Walters won’t get past me to get to this room if he tries to come in. If the power’s off because of him.” Lucas was almost to the door when the power came back on. He let out a relieved breath. He spun around to see Emily still behind him. He raised an eyebrow at her.

  “I was going to lock the door,” she told him.

  “Now why don’t I believe you?” He grinned.

  Emily blushed as she gazed up at her husband. “You don’t believe me?”

  “Not for a second.” Lucas kissed her quickly. “You will not do anything like that again. Am I clear? I can’t have you thinking you can follow me. Just what do you plan on doing?”

  “I have a gun, Lucas. I want to help.”

  Lucas put the gun in the back of his waistband and put his hands on her shoulders. “I only want you to use the gun if you absolutely have to. I don’t want you running out of the house for any reason. Not to follow the deputy or me. You will stay put if something happens.” He lightly shook her. “You get it?”

  “Yes.” Emily smiled sadly. “But I won’t hesitate to shoot him if he comes in this house or hurts you.”

  Lucas burst out laughing and pulled her against him. “That’s my girl.”

  Deputy Hicks entered the room. “I didn’t see anything to suggest it was Walters. Call the barn, Mister Taggart, and check on them.”

  Lucas nodded and dialed the barn. “Joe, is everything all right out there?” Lucas listened then nodded to Hicks. “All right, I’ll keep checking with you.” He hung up. “He said the lights went out and the men ran out to the yard but when they saw the house lights were out, they were sure it was from the storm. The two breakers are on different circuits.”

  “Why didn’t they call the house though to check?” Emily asked.

  “Joe said they were just getting ready to,” Lucas told her.

  Emily sighed and left the office, heading toward the living room. Lucas followed her.

  “I’m going to lie down on the sofa for a while. I’m so tired but I don’t want to go upstairs. I feel safer down here.”

  Lucas nodded and took a seat in the wingback chair. He picked up the TV remote and flipped it on. Stretching out his long legs in front of him, he clasped his hands across his flat stomach and tried to watch what was on but it held no appeal. He wanted to be out there looking for Walters. Lucas turned his head to look for Hicks and saw him checking out the windows. The man seemed to be constantly in motion. Always alert. It made Lucas feel a little better. He glanced over to see Emily sleeping. Good. She needed to sleep. It was hard to tell what the night would bring.

  He stood and headed for the kitchen to make a sandwich. Not that he was hungry but he needed his strength. Walters would not have any kind of advantage over him. Hicks strolled into the kitchen and glanced out the backdoor. “Damn, the rain is getting harder.”

  “Do you want a sandwich, deputy?” Lucas asked as he got lunchmeat out of the refrigerator.

  “I could eat,” Hicks said as he kept an eye out.

  Lucas made them both sandwiches and they sat at the table to eat. Neither man said much, lost in his own thoughts. When thunder shook the house, Lucas jumped. Hicks didn’t move.

  “You’re not nervous at all, are you?” Lucas said.

  Hicks shook his head. “Been a cop too long. I used to work in Detroit as a detective.” He shrugged. “I’ve just about seen it all.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you have then. That’s a big city.”

  Hicks nodded. “That it is. Nothing like here. Dry River could fit in the center of Detroit and still have room.”

  “You’ve been in law enforcement for fifteen years?”

  “Yes. I had to get out of the big city. I happened to be driving to Oregon and saw the sign for Dry River. I wasn’t in any hurry, so I thought I’d see the little town. I stopped at Jonesy’s and a fight broke out. Nathan arrived but couldn’t handle all three men, so I helped him. We got talking and he offered me a job. I took it. He’s never asked why I left the force in Detroit.” Hicks shook his head. “Not once.”

  “Nathan trusts you and he probably doesn’t feel like it’s
his business. He’s a good guy. His brother, Dakota, and I are best friends. We ran around together when we were younger. Raised a lot of hell. Nathan always tried to get us to settle down but we never listened. He’s only six years older than us but he was so much more mature.”

  Hicks nodded. “He certainly has his head on straight. Helluva guy.”

  “Have you met his fiancée?”

  “Shelly is the woman for him, that’s for sure.”

  The men talked well into the night, with Hicks making his rounds every half hour. He walked around the porch. When he came back in, he told Lucas the rain was making it too dark to see, even with lights on in the yard.

  Lucas glanced out the back door and gazed up at the yard lights. The rain came down in sheets. As he stood there looking at the lights, one went out. Lucas straightened up. The second light went out then the third. The yard was pitch black.

  “The yard lights went out. One at a time,” Lucas said softly.

  Hicks moved to the door. “Move away from the door and call the barn.”

  Lucas nodded as he moved toward the phone. The glass in the backdoor shattered. Hicks hit the floor. Lucas got down on the floor.

  “Hicks, are you hit?” Lucas whispered.

  “No. Can you call the barn?” Hicks crawled toward him. “Tell them not to come out for any reason, unless we call them again. Walters could pick them off.”

  Lucas called the barn. “Joe, keep all the guys in the barn. Walters is here. He’s shooting into the house. I don’t want anyone to come out of there, you got it?” Lucas listened. “Good. I’ll call you back when I can.”

  Lucas crawled to the living room just as the lights went out again. This time he knew it was Walters. Thunder clapped overhead and a shot whizzed above his head. He hit the floor.

  “Emily,” he shouted.

  “Don’t yell for her. We don’t want her to stand up and take a chance at getting shot.”

  Shit! Lucas hadn’t even thought of that. He got up to all fours again and made his way quickly toward Emily. He reached her and gently touched her shoulder. She moaned.