A Cowgirl's Pride

by Lorraine Nelson

  “I stopped by the station when I was in Fort MacLeod.” He picked up his cup and took a swallow of the hot beverage as if he needed the fortification.

  “And?”

  “Trent’s files turned out to be a goldmine. Every person he located for Kendall turned up dead or missing.”

  “Oh, my, God! How many people are we talking about?”

  “Twenty-four so far, including the ones we already knew about, all from the greater Vancouver area. Forensics is gathering all the files and doing comparisons. So far, it looks as if seventeen of the twenty stabbing victims were killed with the same type of knife.”

  “My God! And the other four?”

  “Shot, same ammo every time. Perp used a Ruger semi-automatic, which connects to the real Sheriff Rawling’s death, so we’re assuming those murders were performed by Jeffery Dennis, Kendall’s hitman.”

  Leah got up to pace the room. “Why didn’t I suspect any of this? I lived with the man and only once did I see that side of him. Of course, that was enough for me.” She turned to look at Michael. “Do you think I intentionally turned a blind eye to what was going on?”

  “No, not at all. Kendall is a sneaky devil. It’s possible you knew some of the victims, but if they’d quit coming around, you wouldn’t necessarily miss them or wonder why.”

  “Michael, is my statement about Alex enough to obtain a warrant to search Roddy’s estate?”

  “Normally, yes, but we still don’t know how many officials he has in his pocket. Until we have enough evidence to make all the arrests, we don’t want to alert him to the fact that he’s being investigated.”

  “I can understand that, and I’m well-protected, but what if I’m not his only target? What if someone else dies before those arrests are made?” She hugged herself to ward off a sudden chill and stepped closer to the wood stove.

  “Leah, there’s nothing I’d like better than to see his ass behind bars, but if we don’t get all of them, your life remains in danger.”

  “I’ll be fine once he’s in jail.”

  “I wish that was true, but Kendall has more than one way of dealing with people who have displeased him. For starters, he could hire another hitman.”

  “Right. I hadn’t thought of that.”

  He stood and crossed the room. “Trust me to protect you while my old department works up a solid case against him and his cronies.”

  “I do trust you, Michael, but I’m so afraid.” Her emotions got the best of her and tears ran down her face. She brushed them angrily away, and then found herself wrapped in strong arms.

  “It’s okay to be afraid, Leah. We’re only human. Rest assured, I’ll stay with you twenty-four seven until this is resolved. You’re safe.”

  She felt his lips brush her hair and knew she was in deep trouble. She should move away, out of his arms, but his embrace was so warm, so comforting. She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea here, so she angled her body backwards to glance up at him warily. Instead of letting her go, he took her upturned face as invitation and captured her lips in a kiss. For a moment, she stood still in deep shock, but when the kiss deepened, became passionate, she pulled away and took a step back.

  “Michael, I can’t. I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not, although I should apologize. I make it a rule never to mix business with pleasure. What can I say? You’re just so damned beautiful.”

  “Thank you.”

  He shrugged his shoulders as if it was no big deal, but she knew her rejection must sting.

  “You’re not still hung up on Kendall, are you?”

  “No.”

  “Then why?”

  “Michael, you’re my step-brother.” Her voice pleaded with him for understanding.

  “No blood relation.”

  “Maybe not, but that’s how I think of you—as my brother.”

  He ran a hand through his sandy-colored hair then looked at her. “Words no man ever wants to hear. Can I have the chance to change your mind?”

  “No, Michael. I’m sorry. You and I, together, just doesn’t work for me.”

  “Well, that’s certainly blunt and to the point, but I appreciate your honesty. I’ll head back to Luke’s now. Lock up behind me.”

  She followed him to the front door. “What's that?” she asked, pointing to a covered dish on the side table.

  “Zakia sent dinner for you and Cam.”

  “Thank her for me.”

  “Will do.”

  She stood back as he opened the door, turning back one more time.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure.”

  He hit the remote start for his car as he stepped out into the dark of early evening. The resounding blast turned Cam’s yard into a blazing inferno. Michael dashed back inside and closed the door fast as hot metal flew through the air.

  “Stay back!” he ordered. He pulled the curtain aside and watched out the window.

  Cam appeared at their side. “What’s that noise? Sounded like a rocket taking off.”

  “That rocket was my Camaro. Someone just blew it to kingdom come. Better call the fire department, Cam. Too many trees back here for my liking.”

  “I didn’t have the phone turned on yet.”

  Michael thumbed his cell open. “No signal. Our only hope is that Luke or someone at the main ranch heard the explosion and called it in.”

  “We can take my truck; go for help.”

  “Not until it can be checked for explosives. My guess is that they’ve wired it, too. Someone knows Leah is here and wanted to make damned sure she didn’t leave in one piece.”

  Leah's entire body trembled in reaction, and Cam put his arm around her.

  “I’m sorry, Uncle Cam. Trouble seems to follow me around these days.”

  “Don’t apologize, girl. If I hadn’t thought you were safe here, I would’ve left you at Luke’s.” He turned to Michael. “What about the ranch vehicles?”

  Michael shook his head. “I don’t know, but I’m thinking this incident was confined to the vehicles currently in this yard. You have your gun?” he asked Leah.

  “In my purse.”

  “Cam?”

  “I’ll get mine.” He walked to the locked cabinet in the front room and removed a handgun, which he stuck in his waistband, and a rifle.

  “Stay away from the windows. I’m going to make my way to the ranch and get help.”

  “What if they’re still out there?” Leah asked.

  “Then hopefully, I’ll see them before they see me.” Michael grinned and ducked out the door, keeping close to the building.

  “I’ll watch your back until you’re out of sight,” said Cam, moving into the open doorway.

  “Thanks. Be back as soon as I can.”

  Leah stood behind Cam and watched him go, his car burning brightly enough to light up the night. Please let him arrive at Luke’s safely.

  “I can’t see him anymore. He’s on his own. Step back so I can close the door.”

  She took a couple steps back as he closed and locked the door.

  “Are you all right, girl?”

  Her gaze lifted to his dear face, lined with worry. “I’m okay. I just hope he makes it.”

  “He will. Think positive. How about some dinner? I’m starving.”

  How could any man think of food at a time like this? “It’s right here. Sorry your nap was interrupted,” she said as she picked up the container and led the way to the kitchen.

  “It was a rude awakening, for sure. If I’d known trouble was afoot, I wouldn’t have slept a wink. What’s for dinner?”

  She opened the cover. “Salad and sliced beef that Zakia sent over with Michael.”

  “Sounds good. Let’s eat.”

  He set plates on the table while she dished up. Surprisingly, she ate every bite.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Cal and the other wranglers heard the explosion as they sat down to dinner. They grabbed their coats and went running while Cal ca
lled 911 then Luke. Cal told him it sounded like a bomb going off and, unwilling to take any chances, informed Luke that he’d given the wranglers an order to saddle up and investigate.

  He wheeled over to the window to watch the goings on, but he was so worried, it was difficult to sit still. His frustration rose by the minute, wishing that he could take part in the action as Luke and the rest of the wranglers rode out to Cam’s place.

  Had Leah been hurt? Not knowing was killing him.

  Sirens soon sounded as emergency vehicles drove through the yard, lights flashing. Cookie went out to wave the lead vehicle down the trail toward Cam’s and the rest followed.

  He’d lowered his feet to the floor and attempted to stand as Cookie came back in and ordered, “Sit! There ain’t nothing you can do that ain’t already being done.”

  “I’m the foreman. I should be there.”

  “The boss is there, so that lets you off the hook. You want to end up with no feet?” he asked as he placed Cal’s feet on the foot rails and raised them again.

  “No. I want to help. That’s all.”

  “Be happy you can sit this one out. Fire’s a blazing back there.”

  “I wonder if it’s the house or a vehicle?”

  “Hard to tell from here. I expect we’ll know soon enough.”

  “One of the cruisers pulled up to the house. Could you go ask if they’ve heard anything?”

  “I could,” Cookie answered, scratching his head. “But what would be the point?”

  “I need to know if Leah, if everyone is all right.”

  “Ahhh! Like that, is it?” He chuckled as Cal felt the heat rise to his cheeks. “Okay, I’ll see what I can find out.”

  Cal watched him cross the yard, talk to someone at the kitchen door, and walk back.

  “No casualties,” he said as he stomped the snow off his boots.

  “Thank God! What blew?”

  “Michael’s car.”

  “Good Lord! He’s gonna be livid. That was his baby.”

  “I’m guessing he’s happy he wasn’t inside when it blew up.”

  “Yes, you’re probably right, but that was one beautiful machine.”

  “Harumph! Cars can be replaced. Not so people.”

  “Right again, Cookie. How’d you get to be so smart?”

  “I call ‘em as I see ‘em. You want your dinner or you going to wait for the others?”

  “May as well eat. I can’t do anything else.”

  Cook nuked his dinner and brought him his plate along with a fresh cup of coffee. He sat looking out the window as he ate, thinking how close he’d come to losing Leah, the only woman who’d ever meant anything to him.

  Another vehicle pulled into the ranch yard with lights flashing. A man in uniform and a dog emerged. A K9 unit. Good. Track that bastard! Jail him before he can do any more damage.

  They didn’t leave the yard right away. Instead, the man led the dog to each vehicle, allowing him to do his thing. The dog stood and barked at one vehicle only…his! The question was, why?

  He soon had his answer when the truck’s interior light came on. Someone was exiting through the passenger door. A shot rang out, and the runner stopped in his tracks. The Mountie shackled him in handcuffs, frisked him, and seated him inside the cruiser in a matter of minutes.

  The cop inside the main house came running with gun drawn, but it was all over. The two Mounties stood talking and the one who’d made the arrest produced a flashlight, looking at something in his hand. Cal was anxious to know who they’d arrested. Did he dare ask Cookie to go out again? He glanced at Cook.

  “I know. I’m going,” he said as he threw his coat back on. “I need a raise.”

  “And I’ll sure try to get you one. Thanks, Cookie.”

  “Harumph!”

  He smiled as Cook went out the door, knowing his curiosity had gotten the best of him, and he would’ve gone anyway. As before, Cookie was back in minutes.

  “Roderick Kendall.”

  “Hot damn! It’s over,” he said, almost jumping to his feet in excitement.

  “Don’t celebrate yet. They’re waiting for the others before they take him in.”

  “Why?”

  “Positive identification. They think he might be carrying a phony ID.”

  “Damn! I hope they’re wrong. Kendall deserves to be behind bars, and Leah needs an end to the torment.”

  “Can’t argue with you there. Riders are coming back. I best be reheating their dinner.”

  “Thanks, Cookie. I owe you one.”

  “Nope, you owe me two.” He grinned and headed for the table and the plates of cold dinner sitting there.

  ****

  “Michael, I’m so sorry about your car,” Leah said as the hubbub died down. The fire had been put out, and the car hauled away so the crime scene technicians could have a go at it.

  “It’s only a car, Leah. Replaceable. At least no one was hurt in the blast.”

  “I’ll replace it,” she said, warming her hands by wrapping them around her teacup. She was so cold the chill penetrated her bones, and it had nothing to do with the freezing temperatures outside.

  “No, you won’t. It’ll go on the list of things that Kendall has to make restitution for. He’s not going to get away with any of this.”

  “I’m glad you had them check my truck, otherwise, I surely would’ve been blown to bits. No remote start on a standard shift,” Cam said.

  A knock at the front door had them all turning in that direction, but it was Michael who stood to answer. She heard him talking to someone then the door closed, and he rejoined them.

  “Looks like we’ve caught our man. The K9 Unit discovered him hiding in one of the trucks at the main ranch. They’re asking for a positive ID, Leah. You up for it?”

  “They’ve caught Roddy?” she asked, hope filling her voice.

  “Either that or the guy is carrying false identification, which doesn’t make sense. They’re waiting for us.”

  She nodded. “I’m coming.” She rose, walked into the front entry, grabbed her coat, and pulled on her boots. “Ready.”

  Cam engulfed her in a giant hug. “You come on back any time you want to.”

  She smiled, returning the hug. “If this is truly over, I may just take you up on that.”

  “Over or not, my door is always open to you. I’ll keep you safe.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Cam.”

  A horn tooted impatiently. Michael palmed his gun and took her arm before opening the door, but they made it to the cruiser without incident.

  Leah trembled uncontrollably when they reached the ranch yard. She didn’t know if her legs would hold her up and was grateful when Michael came around to open her door. Placing her arm in his grasp once more, he led her to the K9 vehicle where the suspect was under guard.

  She turned away. “No, that’s not Roddy. It’s Jimmy Paige, his bodyguard.”

  Roddy’s bodyguard glared back at her, venom in his expression.

  “Why would he carry a false ID?” asked Michael.

  “Who knows? I suspect it was for this very reason, to confirm my presence on the ranch.”

  “Then why the bombs? I mean, if they hadn’t seen you accompany Cam, why target vehicles in his yard?”

  “Sorry, Michael. I don’t have any answers for you.”

  The prisoner banged on the window. Michael nodded an okay to open the door.

  “You have something to say?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” said Jimmy. “The boss isn’t going to give up on seeing her dead. She’s trouble.”

  “Which boss are you talking about?”

  “She knows.” Evil laughter followed his words as the door closed again.

  “Take him away and book him for attempted murder,” ordered Michael. “That should remove the grin from his face.”

  “And that also answers your question. He must’ve seen me through the window at Uncle Cam’s and planted the bombs to make sure I didn’t leave in one
piece.”

  “Sure sounds like he had orders to that effect.”

  “Michael, how did he get here?” Leah asked.

  “My men found a stolen car parked down the road. It’s been impounded.”

  “BC plates?”

  “No, Alberta plates. Why?”

  “That means Roddy’s in the area.”

  “The car was stolen in Calgary early this morning. I don’t think he’d hang around.”

  “He would if he expected Jimmy to report back.”

  “I’ll alert Calgary to put out an APB on Roddy’s vehicle.” He thumbed open his cell phone and called it in as they walked to the house. Luke and her father met them at the door.

  “Baby girl, are you all right?” her father asked, wrapping her in his arms.

  “Fine, just a little shaky.”

  “Come on in. Sit. I’ll make tea.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” She sat at the old oak table that had been in the Manning kitchen since her grandfather built the house. Handmade, with a bench seat running along the back wall, the familiarity of it all gave comfort. The chairs were long since replaced, but the rest still shone with the loving care received over the years. She reached out a hand and traced the edge, finding the teeth marks she’d put there as a toddler, further proof that she belonged on the ranch. Funny how no one sanded them away. Her throat hitched on a sob. If only she’d never left, none of this would be happening.

  Luke and Michael joined her at the table. She tried a smile for their benefit but from the concerned looks on their faces, it was shy of the mark.

  “Where is everybody?” she asked.

  “Building puzzles with the twins,” said Luke. “The boys are pretty good at it, but get frustrated easily when a piece doesn’t fit.”

  “Remember that one we did of the waterfall? That was hard.”

  “Yep, all those rocks looked the same.”

  “And the water streaming over them was the same color. That was one puzzle I was glad to finish.”

  “Puzzles aren’t supposed to be easy.” Luke smiled at her. “We’ll solve this one, too, Leah.”

  “I know.”

  “Speaking of which, I wonder what Kendall will try next. His bodyguard doesn’t seem to think he’ll quit,” said Michael.

  “Maybe I should go back.” Luke and Michael shook their heads. “Just for a little while. I could help gather evidence, and he’ll lay off causing trouble here at home.”