He bit off a curse. “Is she hurt?”
“She’s more scared than anything. He slapped her across the face and bruised her cheek. She also has a small cut by her mouth, but other than that, she isn’t harmed. He trashed the house, though.”
“Damn. I’m sorry, honey. Did you call the sheriff?”
Lori ignored the rush of pleasure at his use of the endearment. “Yes, Reid was here and he took a statement. That’s why I’m calling. Apparently, the man was looking for some photos Mom was holding for a friend. The friend told her she’d called and left a message for you to come pick them up.”
“What?”
The obvious surprise in his voice reassured Lori that he hadn’t known Risa was in danger.
“That’s what Mom said. I don’t know what connection, if any, there could possibly be between you and this man, but if there is one, I’m hoping you’ll recognize him. Mom gave me a description, and I’ve sketched a face that she says is a good likeness. I want to e-mail it to you but I don’t have your address.”
He gave it to her and she tucked the phone against her shoulder as she quickly typed it in and hit the send button.
“It’s on its way,” she told him. “Will you call me back and tell me if you know him?”
“Don’t hang up,” he said quickly. “I’m going into the living room to check my computer.”
Abruptly, the sound of voices grew louder.
“Hey, quiet you guys. I’m on the phone.” Trey’s words were muffled as though he’d covered the mouthpiece with his hand.
“Got it,” he said in her ear, his voice normal again. “It’s downloading.”
She waited impatiently.
He swore, his voice grim.
“What is it?” she demanded.
“Where are you?”
“At home.”
“Is Risa there, too?”
“Yes, she’s upstairs asleep.”
“I want you to hang up the phone and call the sheriff, tell him you need him, right now. Then call me back.”
“Wait — don’t hang up — there’s a deputy outside the house. Reid has him spending the night there.”
“Thank God.” The relief in his voice was palpable.
“Trey, you know him, don’t you?”
“Oh, yeah, I know him. We grew up in the same town. His name is Lonnie Kerrigan. I can’t prove it yet, but I’m sure he hired the two men who hijacked my car and tried to kill me.”
“And now he’s attacked my mother. Why? Mom’s never seen him before and neither have I — why would he want to hurt her?”
Chapter Nine
“I don’t know, honey, but we’ll find out. I want you to walk outside and tell the deputy I need to talk to him. Have him come back inside with you.”
The living room had gone silent as Trey talked. Someone had muted the television, the picture flickering as the game silently continued on the screen.
They all listened as Trey told the deputy the identity of Risa’s attacker, then asked him to inform the sheriff and remain with Lori and her mother.
“I’m on my way,” he said when Lori was back on the phone. “The deputy is going to stay with you until I get there. Don’t leave the house without him.”
She murmured agreement and he hung up. All five men watched him, waiting.
“Lonnie broke into Lori’s house and ransacked it. Her mother was home at the time — she’s safe, but he scared her. I’m going to go get them both and bring them back here until we can figure out what the hell the Kerrigans are up to now.”
“I’ll go with you,” Chase said.
“Me, too,” Luke added. “Dad, do you and Zach want to stay in town and make sure Mom and the rest of the women are safe?”
John nodded. “You’re welcome to bring Lori and her mother out to the ranch, Trey. Harlan won’t have the nerve to come anywhere near there.”
“Thanks, John.”
Ten minutes later, the vehicles blocking the alley below Trey’s apartment sped away — Zach, John and Andy heading toward the McCloud headquarters while the two black SUVs, Chase and Luke in one, Trey in the other, raced northeast to Granger.
“They’re here.”
The deputy’s voice roused Lori, and she threw back the afghan, swinging her legs off the sofa as she sat up. She ran her fingers through her hair, pushing the heavy mass behind her ears while she walked to the window. Two black SUVs were just pulling up to the curb in front of the house, headlights going dark as the engines switched off.
A man got out of the lead vehicle and stalked swiftly toward the house. She recognized Trey instantly, his long legs quickly covering the distance between street and porch. Chase and another man exited the second vehicle and followed him.
The deputy unlocked the door and let them in, the low murmur of deep male voices reaching her in the living room.
“Where is she?”
“Lori’s in there,” the deputy said. “Her mother’s upstairs asleep.”
Trey entered the living room, barely pausing before he saw her in the shadows by the window. He strode over and grabbed her, his arms wrapping her, pressing her tight against his big body.
“I know you’re mad at me,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “Call truce. I need to know you’re okay. Just let me hold you for a minute.”
Lori squeezed her eyes shut and burrowed against him. For the first time since she’d gotten that terrifying call from Risa, the stress and strain of worry and fear lifted and she let herself be comforted.
“Lori?” Her mother’s voice broke the spell that bound her. “What’s going on? It’s the middle of the night.”
Lori stirred, pushing against Trey’s arms, and the moment of peace between them was over. She stepped around him, avoiding his eyes as she joined Risa. “I know, Mom. It’s all right. Trey and his friends have come to take us somewhere safe until the sheriff arrests the man who hit you.”
“But I don’t want to go anywhere,” Risa protested, confusion on her face, her features still sleepy. “Why should I be forced out of my home because of a criminal?”
“John and Margaret McCloud have invited you to come to Wolf Creek until this is resolved, Mrs. Ashworth,” Trey said gently. “We’ll remain here, of course, if that’s what you want, but I thought you might enjoy visiting them at their ranch.”
Risa’s face brightened. “Oh, that’s different. Why didn’t you tell me the McClouds had invited us to stay with them, Lori? I’ll just go upstairs and pack a bag.”
She did an abrupt about-face and marched back up the stairs.
Lori sighed and looked at Chase. “This is very kind of your parents, Chase.” She tipped her head slightly as she looked past him at Luke. “You must be a McCloud, too.”
“This is my brother Luke. And my folks are looking forward to having your mother as their guest.”
Trey was grateful Lori appeared to be too tired to pick up on Chase’s phrasing. He’d told the McClouds that Lori would be staying with him at his apartment while Risa was at John and Margaret’s home. He didn’t plan on breaking the news to Lori until they reached Wolf Creek. He knew she’d probably argue and say no. He, on the other hand, refused to let her out of his sight. It was his fault violence had invaded her life. He vowed it wouldn’t happen again, even if he had to keep her chained to his side until Lonnie was arrested and safely locked away.
Lori wanted to ride with her mother, until he explained that if she went with Trey, Risa would have the entire back seat of Chase’s SUV to lie down and sleep. She fussed over her mother, tucking a soft afghan over Risa’s lap, before reluctantly joining Trey. Shortly after they left Granger, Lori fell asleep.
The clock was inching slowly toward morning but all about them the night was pitch-black, except for the cone of light the headlights cast on the highway ahead of them. Chase’s SUV followed closely behind Trey’s. All three men had handguns tucked into the storage compartments between the front passenger seats. If Lonnie had plans f
or further trouble, they were prepared.
By the time Trey reached his parking slot behind the saloon in Wolf Creek, the dark sky was turning to gray.
He switched off the engine and got out, stretching to eliminate the kinks from the long drive before taking their bags from the back and handing them to Chase. Leaving his vehicle running, lights on, Chase took Trey’s keys and disappeared inside.
Moments later he returned and dropped the keys in Trey’s palm. “The apartment’s clear. Andy’s downstairs, patrolling the bar and restaurant.”
“Thanks, Chase.”
“No problem. Get some sleep. See you tomorrow.”
Chase and Luke waited while he gently shook Lori awake and half carried her into the building. He heard the low rumble of the engine fading away as they went up the stairs.
“This can’t be the McCloud ranch.” Lori’s drowsy eyes lost their sleepy, half-lidded appearance as she looked about her.
“It’s not.” Trey took her arm and towed her with him into the bedroom.
“Then where are we?” she demanded suspiciously.
“This is my place.” He pulled back the blankets on the bed, grabbing one of the pillows. “You’re sleeping here.” He opened the closet and snagged a throw from the top shelf. “I’ll be sleeping on the sofa.”
She was still standing where he’d left her, arms crossed, her chin set at a stubborn angle.
He walked past her and stopped in the doorway. “The bathroom’s through there.” He pointed. “You’ve got ten minutes to get your pajamas on and climb into bed. If you don’t, I’ll take it as an invitation to join you.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because I want you safe. If I have to padlock you to me until Lonnie’s caught and you’re out of danger, that’s what I’ll do.” The thought of what might have happened if she’d been in the house when Lonnie burst in made his blood chill. “I know you don’t like it. And I know you’re mad as hell at me. When this is over, you can yell all you want, but in the meantime, cut me some slack. Let me do this for you.”
She stared at him, her eyes huge and shadowed, darkened to nearly emerald. “All right,” she acceded finally. “We’ll call a ceasefire until Lonnie’s caught.”
“Thank you.” His voice rasped, roughened by emotion. He stood still, fighting the need to go to her. “It’s late,” he said finally.
She murmured good-night.
He turned off the lamp in the living room and tossed the bedclothes on the sofa. A wave of weariness hit him as he took the handgun from the small of his back where he’d tucked it into his waistband, and laid it on the coffee table. He pulled his T-shirt off over his head and dropped it next to the weapon. He normally slept in his boxers, but in deference to Lori, he left his jeans on, dropping onto the sofa to pull off his boots.
The strip of light beneath the bedroom door went dark and he lay down, pulling the blanket up to his waist. Despite tiredness that dragged at his bones and sanded his eyes, he stared at the ceiling, savoring the knowledge that Lori slept in his bed.
Too bad I can’t be with her, he thought. He yawned and closed his eyes, sleep finally towing him under.
The sun was just starting to come up when the muffled screams woke him. He sat bolt upright, palming the gun as he leaped off the sofa and ran into the bedroom. There was just enough light in the room to see Lori pulling at the blankets with clenched fists, her head twisting against the pillow. Eyes closed, she struggled in the midst of a nightmare.
Trey laid his weapon on the bedside table and bent over her.
“Lori,” he said softly. “Wake up. You’re having a bad dream.”
She moaned, still caught in the imaginary horror, and he shook her gently.
“Lori.”
She came awake with a rush, sitting up suddenly, her eyes wide and terrified. “What?”
“Shh,” he murmured. “It’s okay. You had a nightmare.”
“Oh.” She wilted, falling back onto the pillow. “You’re here.” Deep relief vibrated in her voice.
“Yes, I’m here.” He smoothed the tangle of platinum hair off her forehead. “You okay now?”
She nodded but her hands still gripped the edge of the covers and her body was rigid with fear.
“You sure you’re all right?”
“Yes.” Her voice was firm, but her fingers didn’t loosen.
He left her reluctantly, admiring her pluck but wishing she wasn’t so stubborn.
A half hour later, her cries woke him again.
This time he took his pillow and blanket into the bedroom along with the gun.
She woke as he entered, jerking upright in a panic.
“Oh, it’s you.” She covered her eyes with both hands, then swept her hair back, her fingers trembling. “I keep having the same dream. A man without a face is attacking Mom and I can’t reach her in time.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve had a few bad dreams lately, myself.” He put his gun down.
“I’m sorry I woke you. I don’t think I can sleep without having another nightmare. Maybe I’ll read for a while.” She reached for the lamp.
Trey stopped her, catching her hand and tucking it back under the blanket. “No. You’re exhausted — probably part of the reason you’re waking up. Move over.”
“I don’t think…”
“Good, don’t,” he interrupted. “Just for the record, I’m going to sleep on top of your cover and under my own.” He dropped the pillow on the mattress and slid down beside her, shaking out the blanket over his legs. He closed his eyes and lay still, waiting.
“I know what you’re up to,” she warned him finally. “And it’s not going to work.”
He smiled. “Okay. It won’t work, whatever it is. But for now, we’re going to sleep.”
He woke the next morning and automatically reached for Lori. He was alone; her side of the bed was empty. The aroma of coffee made his nose twitch and he rolled over, stopping when he saw Lori.
She was curled in a chair, a mug cradled in her hands, watching him.
“Good morning,” he said gruffly, yawning. The sight of her made him grin.
“What’s so amusing?” she asked, lifting one eyebrow.
“Nothing. It’s just nice to see you here, in my bedroom. It would be even better if you came back to bed,” he suggested.
“That’s not going to happen.” She stood and set the coffee mug on the bedside table. “Your sister called earlier. Chase and Luke want us to drive out to their parents’ ranch as soon as you’re awake. Evidently, all of the McClouds are gathered there.”
He nodded, pushing up to sit against the headboard. He picked up her coffee to steal a mouthful and, over the top of the mug, he watched the sway of her hips as she left the room.
It’s going to happen. You’re just not ready to give in yet. But soon.
He threw back the blanket and headed for the shower.
An hour later, they were on their way to the McClouds’. Trey had spent the time questioning Lori about her mother’s version of why Lonnie had been in their house.
Risa and the rest of the women spirited Lori away the moment they got there.
Though reluctant to let her out of his sight, Trey used the opportunity to ask the McClouds to gather in John’s office. Luke and Chase arrived first, joining their father and Trey.
“What’s going on?” Chase asked.
“Let’s wait for Zach so I don’t have to go over the details twice,” Trey said.
Luke looked thoughtful. “This is starting to sound like a war council.”
Trey didn’t laugh. “It is.”
Chase and Luke exchanged a glance but didn’t comment.
Zach was the last to enter the room.
“Lock the door, will you? I don’t want anyone walking in on us.”
Zach looked curious but did as Trey asked. “Okay, we’re all here. What’s going on?”
“I think I’ve found proof Harlan was at the accident s
cene the night Mike died.”
All four men went still.
“What kind of proof?” Chase asked.
“Photos.” Trey paced up and down as he related what Lori had told him about Risa’s statement to the sheriff.
“So the photos are gone?” Chase asked, his face grim.
Trey nodded.
“Damn.” Now it was Luke’s turn to prowl the room.
“What makes you so sure the photos were of Mike’s accident?” John asked.
“Why else would she ask Risa to give them to me? My only connection with the Kerrigans is Mike’s death. And Sherry told Risa her sister was involved in an affair with a rich man from Wolf Creek five years ago.”
“No other way to find out what was in the photos?” Zach put in.
“Not that I know of,” Trey responded. “Risa said her friend had told her there were photos in the envelope Lonnie took. As soon as we find her, we can ask her, but Risa swears Sherry never mentioned copies.”
“Well, that’s that.” Luke leaned against the doorjamb, frustration evident in every line of his body.
“Maybe not,” Trey muttered, thinking aloud.
All four men eyed Trey.
“You’ve got an alternative plan?” Chase said, his voice as expressionless as his face.
“My daddy always said there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Some criminals are caught and do the time for the crime. Others get nailed for smaller mistakes. Take Al Capone — he was notorious for murder, extortion and bootlegging but the FBI didn’t take him down for any of that. They got him for income tax evasion.”
“You’re saying Harlan’s been cheating on his income tax?” Chase asked, one eyebrow lifting.
“Not that I know of, although I wouldn’t put it past him.” Trey looked at Zach. “I’m saying he cheated on something else. Something worth millions. Something that qualifies for grand larceny, not petty theft.”
Zach went still. “You think we can prove Harlan embezzled from my grandfather’s estate?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay,” Chase said slowly. “Tell us how.”
“Raine told me Harlan is compulsive about documenting everything — in fact, he’s obsessive about it. She noticed the trait in his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce. I’m betting he kept all the paperwork connected to draining money out of your grandfather’s estate before Marcus died, Zach.”
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