by Rita Herron
Lucas tensed. “That depends on what else he can tell us.”
He ushered Charlotte and Evie down the stairs. Evie winced when she saw the dead man, then stopped and kicked the bastard.
Sirens wailed outside, announcing the arrival of the medics and crime team. Harrison met one of the ambulances and escorted the medics upstairs to evaluate the other girls and arrange for them to be transported to the hospital for evaluation, and then for their families or foster families to be notified.
“I want to see Adrian and Agnes and Mae Lynn,” Evie said in a pained whisper.
“We’ll take you there,” Lucas assured her.
He asked the medics to check out Evie and Charlotte while he went to help Harrison untie the other four girls.
* * *
TWO HOURS LATER, after making certain Charlotte and Evie were examined and reunited with Charlotte’s other students, and the four hostages they’d rescued were safe and being treated for trauma and drugs in their system, Lucas and Harrison drove to the sheriff’s office to speak with Stanley.
The banker was a creep in the worst way. Not only had he swindled people out of their homes, but he’d also been part of this human-trafficking ring.
Lucas wanted to see him rot in jail.
But he sensed another person might be calling the shots.
“We know someone else in Tumbleweed is involved,” Harrison said.
Stanley’s eyes widened, his ruddy complexion going pale. “I wasn’t involved,” Stanley said. “At least not directly.”
“Then how were you involved?” Lucas asked.
Stanley cut his eyes between them. “I need a lawyer, don’t I?”
“You can ask for one if you want,” Harrison said.
“But all deals stop when he shows up,” Lucas said in a harsh tone. “This ring has to be stopped. And if you take the fall, that’s fine by me.”
“No, no,” Stanley shrieked. “I tell you I wasn’t that involved.”
Harrison folded his arms. “Then tell us what you know.”
Stanley glanced down at his bony hands, which he kept twisting together. The man was pathetic. No way was he in charge of an organization like the men who’d abducted Charlotte’s students.
But his silence had endangered countless innocent girls and Charlotte.
Lucas walked toward the door. “Either spill it or I’m throwing the book at you. And when I do, I’ll make sure the media circulates the news that you talked.”
Stanley lurched up from his seat, a muscle ticking in his narrow jaw. “You can’t do that. They’ll kill me.”
Lucas shrugged. Harrison slammed his fist on the table, rattling the wood. “Then speak up. Because frankly I don’t give a damn if they put your sorry butt in the ground.”
“Not a damn,” Lucas agreed flatly.
Stanley shoved his fingers through what was left of his thinning hair. “It wasn’t me. But I was asked to set up some offshore accounts and I started asking questions.”
Lucas returned to stand across from the man. “And you found out about the trafficking ring.”
“Not at first,” Stanley said, his voice shaky. “But eventually I kept asking and then got a cut to keep my mouth shut.”
“Who paid you off?” Lucas asked.
“I don’t know. The money—”
Lucas grabbed him by the collar and jerked him so hard the man’s feet came off the floor. “I want a name.”
“Geoffrey Williams,” he shrieked. “He...paid me to keep quiet. He’s head of the group in Tumbleweed. He...bought that last girl for himself.”
Lucas’s blood ran cold. He had gone to school with Geoffrey. Had admired the popular athlete.
But his name had cropped up when they’d been investigating his sister’s disappearance. Lucas had remembered then that Geoffrey had pushed his little sister around.
Maybe he had a mean streak with women...
Geoffrey was also part of the town council. He purported to be helping the town, building the economy.
He’d even helped Honey get approval for the renovation of the homes she’d bought.
Dammit. How much of the money that he’d invested had come from sex trafficking?
* * *
AN HOUR LATER, Lucas and Harrison arrested Geoffrey Williams.
The cocky creep had no idea they suspected him, much less that Stanley had rolled on him.
He lawyered up immediately. But Lucas and Harrison had already obtained warrants for the man’s house, business and personal computers. And the surveillance cameras at the ranch where Evie had been taken showed Williams paying for Evie, then discussing her future as his personal private sex slave.
Keenan also connected Williams to Louise—he had used a fake account to lure her into thinking he was a teenager interested in her. When he’d gotten her alone, though, she’d fought and he’d lost control and killed her.
He’d been furious and then began to look for another young girl to fill his needs. He’d stopped by Charlotte’s studio to check on her business and spotted Evie.
Lucas escorted him to federal lockup and made certain that bail was not an option, and that he had no communication with anyone on the outside or in the jail. He didn’t want the bastard to be released or call someone to come after Charlotte again.
Harrison left to go home to Honey, and Lucas drove by the hospital to pick up Charlotte. Evie was going to stay in the room with Adrian and Agnes for the night. The nurses had moved Mae Lynn in with them, hoping the four of them being reunited would help Mae Lynn in her recovery.
Charlotte was quiet as they drove back to his house. “I can go home now,” she said, her voice soft, questioning.
“Yes, it should be safe.”
“Good.” She breathed out deeply. “Once I get the girls settled, I need to get my life in order.”
Lucas didn’t know what that meant, but he hoped to hell he was going to be part of that life.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Worry plagued Lucas as he drove Charlotte back to his cabin to retrieve her overnight bag, then to her house.
“The security company installed the alarm system,” Lucas said, glad Brayden had taken care of meeting the company here and overseeing the installation.
“Let me show you how it works.”
“Thanks.” Nerves fluttered in her voice as he walked her inside and explained the system.
“I hope I can remember to use it and not trip it,” Charlotte said.
“You’ll get used to it, and you’ll learn to appreciate it.” He gently touched her shoulder. “I want you to be safe, Charlotte.”
“You’ve been wonderful to me, Lucas,” Charlotte said. “You’re a man of your word. You found my students and brought them back. I can never repay you for that.”
His throat thickened. “You don’t owe me anything, Charlotte. It was my job.”
Her smile faded. “Of course it was. The world is a better place because of it, too.”
She pulled away and stiffened. “Thanks again.”
Lucas sensed he’d said something wrong, but he didn’t know what it was. But he couldn’t leave without telling her how he felt.
He took her hand in his, frowning when she tensed again.
“Charlotte, I know the case is over, but I have feelings for you. I want to see you again.” God, he sounded awkward and stilted and should just tell her how much he loved her.
But something about her demeanor made him hesitate.
“You’ve done everything for me the last few days, and I appreciate it. But you have your life, and... I have to figure out how to live mine now.”
“I don’t care that you’re blind,” he said. “If you get your vision back, good, but if you don’t, it won’t matter to me.”
“It matters to me.” He
r lips tightened into a thin line. “I’m not going to be a burden to anyone. And I certainly don’t want your pity.” She pulled her hand from his and turned to face her bedroom. “Now, please leave.”
Panic caught in Lucas’s throat. “That’s not what this is,” Lucas said. “I don’t pity you, Charlotte. I admire the hell out of you. I know we can make it work.”
“No, we can’t,” Charlotte said firmly. “Go home, Lucas. I...just want to be alone.”
“But I love you,” Lucas said in a rush.
A tense heartbeat passed, then Charlotte lifted her head as if she was looking at him. “We’ve only known each other for a few days, Lucas. Don’t confuse protecting me with love. You did your job, now go home. I’m tired and want to go to bed.”
Lucas studied her for a long moment. He loved her, wanted to be with her, to take care of her forever.
But she obviously didn’t feel the same way.
He backed toward the door, his heart in his throat. “Call me if you need anything.”
She nodded, but made no move to stop him as he closed the door.
* * *
CHARLOTTE CRIED HERSELF to sleep. Lucas had said he cared about her, wanted to be with her.
He’d even said he loved her.
She’d dreamed of having love all her life.
But she couldn’t be with anyone until she knew how she was going to manage her life.
She refused to be a problem or burden to Lucas. If she gave into the feelings she had for him and allowed herself to rely on him, sooner or later he’d get tired of it.
Of her.
Then he’d resent her.
She couldn’t bear that.
Needing to make a plan, she set the security system, then found her phone and called Rebecca. The vision-rehabilitation therapist had told her about a school for the blind.
Sure, she might get her vision back.
But she might not.
Until then, she couldn’t rely on others. She would sign up for the school and take charge of her life.
She couldn’t contemplate building a future with anyone until she took care of herself.
* * *
THE NEXT THREE weeks were excruciating for Lucas. He and Harrison and the other agents at the Bureau had made more arrests in the Shetland operation and had finally located and rescued the last of the original eleven missing girls.
Although they now believed that the real ringleader had escaped, information pointed to a plastic surgeon whom they suspected had given the man a new face.
That investigation was still on going.
He came inside from the horse stable and washed his hands.
He missed Charlotte like crazy.
But he wanted her to be happy so he’d left her alone.
Honey said that Charlotte had asked her to make some adjustments to her house to accommodate her lack of vision.
Meanwhile, his mother had taken steps to become a foster parent and Adrian, Agnes and Evie had moved in. Mae Lynn was making progress and would be moving in with them soon.
The house was bustling with the girls, who adored the horses and ranch life. His mother asked Dexter to buy each of them a horse to ride. In their spare time, he and his brothers were giving the girls riding lessons.
He’d just finished one with Evie. That girl was something else. She reminded him of Charlotte—all sweetness but full of spunk and fight.
His mother had a purpose now and seemed happier than he’d seen her in years. She’d revealed that she had a craft room where she worked with clay and had shown them her bust of Chrissy. He and his brothers had insisted she display it on the mantle near the dining table so Chrissy would be part of their family meals. No one at the table had been dry-eyed when they’d toasted Chrissy.
His mother had also opened up her craft room for the girls to paint.
He washed up from outside, then went to tell her good-night and found her in her craft room cleaning up.
“Thanks for giving the girls a riding lesson today,” she said with a big smile. “They are so excited about being on the ranch.”
Lucas hugged her. “You’re incredible with them, Mom.” She would have been incredible with his sister, too, but she’d been robbed of that.
“I enjoy having them on the ranch,” she said with a smile. “This house has been quiet far too long. Besides, it’s good practice for all the grandkids I hope to have.”
“Harrison and Honey are working on it.” They’d made the official announcement at the family dinner last night. His mother was thrilled.
He hadn’t realized how much he wanted his own family until he’d watched his brother and Honey talk about their plans.
Charlotte would make a wonderful mother. If only she loved him...
His mother nudged him with a teasing grin. “You and Charlotte can add your own.” Lucas clenched his hands by his sides, his gaze straying to the paintings the girls were doing.
“Lucas? You are in love with her, aren’t you? I didn’t misread the situation, did I?”
“No.” He swallowed hard. “I told her I wanted to be with her, but she doesn’t feel the same way.”
A tense silence stretched between them, then his mother tugged his hand. “Come here for a minute, son. I want to show you something.”
Lucas narrowed his eyes, but she led him to a side table, then lifted a cloth to reveal a clay piece.
“When Charlotte was here, I gave her some clay to work with. She was frustrated about everything, worried about the girls and missing her art.” She moved the piece around to give him a better view. “Look at it, Lucas.”
He studied the piece—it was a head. Deep eyes. A square chin.
“It’s you, Lucas,” she said softly. “It’s the first clay piece she’s ever done, and it’s you.” She wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “One look at the way she created your face, and I knew she was in love with you.”
Lucas looked at her in disbelief, then studied the bust again. Was his mother right?
Could Charlotte possibly be in love with him?
* * *
THE LAST THREE weeks had been challenging for Charlotte.
“You look fabulous,” Honey said as Charlotte seated herself in Honey’s minivan.
“Thanks for picking me up.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve missed you like crazy!”
Charlotte smiled. “I missed you, too.”
But she was grateful for the education she’d received at the school for the blind. She still missed her sight, especially the colors and her artwork, but at least she’d learned to be independent, prepare her own meals and do daily household chores.
She would always need to rely on a driver and need help grocery shopping, but she would figure things out. Rebecca had recommended a service that would help with some of her needs so she didn’t have to rely on friends or neighbors.
Honey started the engine and sped toward Tumbleweed.
“The girls are doing great,” Honey said. “They love the ranch and can’t stop talking about the riding lessons the men are giving them.”
“I know. They wrote me letters about it,” Charlotte said. “Mrs. Hawk was so generous to take them in.”
“It’s been good for her,” Honey said. “She spent years grieving for Chrissy. Having these girls around and knowing that they need her has brought a real spark to her eyes.”
Charlotte wanted to ask about Lucas, but she bit back the words. She missed him more and more each day. She just didn’t know what to do about it.
And as much as she wanted to see the girls, visiting them at Hawk’s Landing would be tough.
Although Lucas might have left town for another case by now...
Honey slowed then parked. “We’re here. I’ll go in and help you get settled if you want.�
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Charlotte hesitated. She’d missed her friend, but she didn’t want to take advantage of Honey. And she had to prove to herself that she could manage on her own. “I can make it by myself, Honey. But thank you for everything.”
Honey cut the engine and pulled Charlotte into a hug. “Listen to me, don’t shut me out. I was your friend before all this happened, and I’ll always be your friend.”
Tears flooded Charlotte’s eyes. Good grief. She’d thought she was past all the emotions.
“You’d still love me if I lost my sight, wouldn’t you?” Honey asked.
Charlotte pulled back from her friend, Honey’s words echoing in her ears. “Of course I would.”
“Then don’t push me away, because it won’t work. You and I connected the first time we met. I’ve always wanted a sister, and I found her in you.”
Charlotte squeezed Honey’s hand. “I feel the same way. It’s just—”
“I know you’re independent and it’s hard for you to accept help,” Honey said. “It would be difficult for me, too. But I need you, Charlotte.” Honey pulled Charlotte’s hand over her belly, and Charlotte couldn’t help but smile at her baby bump.
“Please say you’ll be here for me and my son.”
“A son?” Charlotte squeezed Honey’s hands. “I bet Harrison and his mother are excited.”
“They are. And I want you to be his godmother.” Honey’s voice softened. “Promise me you will.”
How could she say no to that?
She promised she would, then hugged Honey again and allowed her to walk her to the door. Charlotte unlocked the door then Honey’s footsteps echoed on the porch as she left.
Charlotte took a deep breath for courage and stepped inside.
A sweet aroma suffused her, and she paused inside the entryway. Someone had been in the house.
Maybe Honey had cleaned?
No, it wasn’t cleaner she smelled. It was roses.
Soft music played in the background, then another scent—masculine, woodsy...
Her heart stuttered. “Lucas?”
“I’m here, Charlotte.” Footsteps padded as he walked toward her. “I missed you.”