Todd freed himself of the soupy mist and stumbled into the entry. It held tight.
Nanna’s voice vibrated in his head. “To open the door you must forgive the ones who knowingly or unknowingly damaged your child’s spirit.”
The most hurtful of his foster mothers stood at the edge of the mist. She laughed and held his Christmas gift, the little box he’d made her.
She hadn’t seen him watching when she threw his gift in the trash and said, “I have no need for such junk.”
Nanna’s voice called to him. “Forgive and you will find the key to the door.”
His dislike for the woman boiled in his veins and suddenly he was rushing backward through the mist. His body jerked and he opened his eyes.
Nanna hugged him. “Don’t despair. You are close. We’ll have another session in the morning. After dinner you can tell Sahale and I what happened during your experience as a foster child. Verbalizing to us will help you release it.”
“You mustn’t overtire yourself, Nanna,” Todd said.
She patted his face. “See, he acts like all my grandsons, protecting and worrying about me.”
Todd and Sahale helped Nanna cook. They cleaned the kitchen while she rested. “You are lucky to have had her support and love all your life,” Todd said to Sahale.
“I have been thankful for her and many others, especially my friend, Jack and my wife, Ellen. Jack has been like another grandson to her.” Sahale grinned. “Nanna was a hard taskmaster when we were younger and got into mischief. She’d ground us and put us to work. But she helped us grow into strong, responsible men. She and I both respect you for doing that for yourself.”
“How do you know I’m responsible?”
“You would not be the successful man you are unless you had learned determination and accountability.”
Nanna had come back into the kitchen. She sat at the table. “Who was the one who saved you?”
Todd turned to her and told her of his teacher, Miss Truda. “She never married so I think I became her surrogate son, thank goodness. If she had not intervened, I believe I would have gone down the wrong road.”
“And is she still in your life?” Nanna asked.
“Yes, and I’ve finally convinced her to let me build a home for her on my ranch.”
“You are a good son.”
Todd blushed at her words, but felt a sense of comfort in them.
“Sit,” Nanna ordered in a kind voice. “Tell us about your years growing up.”
* * * *
Sunn’s phone rang early. “Hello.”
“Have you had enough alone time? I have.”
Chandler’s deep, sensuous voice sent warmth rushing through her. “I have. What do you suggest?”
“How about dinner tonight, and then you stay at my place? I’ll see you get to work on time so the boss doesn’t fire you.”
“I don’t know about that. She’s a difficult lady.”
“If I get you there a few minutes late, I’ll convince her it was for your own good.” He teased with her.
“Sounds like an offer I can’t refuse.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
“Same here, sweetheart.”
Sunn hung up her phone. She glanced out the window. She’d slept restlessly and had an uneasy feeling she couldn’t shake off. But I didn’t tell Chandler. He’d overreact and shadow me all day. I’m sure it’s nothing.
Still, she was extra cautious and alert to her surroundings when getting her car and going to work. When she saw no one following her, she relaxed.
The day went by fast. There were many people to see and paperwork to be done. When Anne said she was leaving, Sunn glanced at the clock.
Anne sniggered. “It really is five thirty.”
“Wow, I have a seven o’clock date. I’d better get home and get ready.”
“Someone special, I hope.”
Sunn thought for a moment. “Yes, he is, and so is his friend.”
“Ah, a threesome. Good for you.”
“Has it been good for you, Anne? I mean you’ve been married ten years to two men.”
“I love them dearly and never regretted my decision. Go for it. If you love them, it’ll work out.”
“Thanks for the advice. Get going. Your husbands will be waiting for you. I’ll be right behind you.”
Sunn heard her close the door and lock it. She gathered her purse, no briefcase tonight. Chandler would keep her busy in the most pleasant way.
She’d forgotten her worries and rushed out of her car after parking in her condominium garage. Then she remembered, but didn’t see anyone around. She punched the number on the elevator and the doors opened immediately.
Just as Sunn started to feel relieved, a tall man flew out of the elevator and grabbed her.
A white cloth covered her nose and mouth before she screamed. She got dizzy. Then there was nothing but darkness.
* * * *
Todd had worked hard that morning, but the door refused to open. He and Sahale went horseback riding and the fresh air and sunshine revived his spirits.
After lunch they sat in front of the fireplace and joined hands. “I think I can do it this time. While I rode with Sahale, my spirit felt lighter,” Todd told them.
“Then join hands and we’ll start,” Nanna said.
This time it didn’t take as long for him to go through the mist. He tore it aside and faced the door.
“I forgive them all,” Todd shouted. The foster mother who’d tossed his gift stood in front of him.
“Do you forgive me?” She taunted. “I hated you.” She leaned closer to his face.
Todd took a deep breath and where he felt his dislike for her, he envisioned sunlight as Nanna had taught him earlier this morning.
His nemesis leaned closer. “There was something about you. In your eyes I saw contempt for me and my husband. You were a hateful little boy.”
“I was a young child who needed love and understanding. I realize now you were not able to give me either. I forgive you.”
She vanished and the door opened. A breath of fresh air blew in his face. There were billowing white clouds beyond and in the distance he saw a blonde woman with shining aquamarine eyes.
“Forgive me, my son. I tried to get back to you, but I wasn’t able to.”
Todd’s throat tightened and ached. A voice in his head said, “This is the last and most important person you have to forgive.”
Seeing her tearful face evoked the memory of when she had left him.
“I love you, son. I always have.” When she spoke, the hard shell around his heart cracked. There was pain, but also a sense of freedom.
“I don’t understand, but I forgive you, too.” He flew backward and felt a thump as he landed on the floor. Todd opened his eyes.
Nanna knelt at his side. She was smiling. “You are all right.”
“Very much so, Nanna. I can never thank you enough. I carried a heavy load. My body is lighter, and I feel open to happiness.”
Nanna’s face went pale. Sahale and Todd picked her up and placed her on the sofa. Her thin hand touched Todd’s face. “We will work more another time. You must call Ethan and get home quickly. The woman you love is in danger.”
Todd didn’t question her. If she said it was so, it was. Sahale took out his phone and called Ethan. He explained the situation. He shut off his phone. “Ethan will be here in thirty minutes. He’s getting the jet ready to go, and then he’ll come for you in the helo.”
“Thanks. Will you stay with Nanna?”
“Definitely, until I know she has all her strength back. Don’t worry. She’ll be fine.”
After turning his phone on, Todd called Chandler.
“I was just getting ready to phone you. Can you come home?”
“What’s happened to Sunn?”
“How did you know? Well, it doesn’t matter, I’m glad you do. I had a seven o’clock d
inner date with her. When I arrived and she didn’t answer, I broke in. She wasn’t in her condo. I called her office and didn’t get an answer. I didn’t expect she’d still be there but had to check. Then I went downstairs to her car.” Chandler hesitated and took a deep breath. “I found her purse by the elevator. A note had been tucked inside.”
“What did it say?”
“‘You’ll be glad to sell all three ranches to me or you’ll never see Sunn again. I’ll be in touch.’”
“Have you notified the sheriff?”
“He’s here. His men are checking everything for clues. But whoever he was, he’s too smart to leave fingerprints.”
“Call Lann. Get some of his men there. I’m flying home in about thirty minutes. But don’t wait for me.”
“I won’t.” Chandler shut off his phone.
It seemed to take forever for Ethan to get to Nanna’s and back to the jet. Finally they took off and were on the way to Saddlespurs. Todd paced around the sitting area of the private plane.
When they landed, Ethan came out of the cockpit. “You must be tired. I’m almost certain you walked all the way.”
“Thanks for getting me home so quickly.” When Ethan started off the plane after him, Todd glanced back. “Are you going to visit with Lann?”
“I’m going to help in the search. You’re part of us now. We help each other, especially in times of crisis.”
Todd blinked his eyes and nodded. “I can’t thank you all enough.”
Lann waited on the tarmac for them. “I have my men out already. Come in my office. I’ll tell you what we’re doing.”
Once settled inside, Lann poured coffee for them. He sat behind his desk. “The men I’ve sent out have abilities we don’t have.” He nodded at Todd. “I’m not sure if you’ve been told but some of our men can shape-shift.”
“Nanna mentioned it.”
“This will give us an edge. They’d picked up the kidnapper’s scent in the elevator. He probably hid inside and surprised her. Then they followed his scent to where his car had been parked. But in the streets with so many vehicles, they lost it.”
“What do we do now?” Todd asked. “My gut feeling is the mastermind behind this is a local person who no one would suspect.”
“I agree, and the sheriff concurs. One of my men shifts into an eagle, only he’s larger, faster, and has better eyesight. He’s up in the skies now looking for any clues to Sunn’s whereabouts. Two others are panthers. They’re covering the grounds of the ranches and surrounding area. I have others who can shift if we need them.”
“Wow, I wish I had one of those gifts.”
“Only part of the third tribe can shape-shift,” Lann explained.
“I want to go to the ranch and see how I can help. I can’t just wait around.”
“We’ll all go. I’ve been waiting for you.” Lann motioned for them to follow him. They got in his truck and sped toward Todd’s ranch.
* * * *
When Sunn woke, she knew she was in the trunk of a car. She heard the sounds of the wheels. Although she was blindfolded and her hands and feet were tied, she moved as much as she could, hoping to find the trunk’s release. But they’d tied her too securely and her movements were limited.
Who had attacked her and why? Even as she asked the question, she knew the answer.
The man who wanted the property hadn’t given up. He’d waited patiently for an opportunity. She was scared, but refused to let her fear make her weak.
There’d be a chance to get away. She had to believe she was right. When it came, she’d take it.
The car stopped. She heard muffled voices. Then the lid to the trunk was raised and someone threw her over their shoulder.
His boots clacked across a floor, a door opened and she was thrown on a soft mattress. The person unfastened her mouth gag, leaving the blindfold in place. Then he stomped across the floor and Sunn heard a lock snap into place.
She was glad they’d removed the gag. There must be some way to get the band covering her eyes off. She lay quiet and made herself relax and think. If she turned on her stomach and scooted down perhaps she’d get the cloth to move upward. It was worth a try.
Sunn twisted her body until her shoulder got far enough over to turn her. Being on her stomach wasn’t comfortable, but she put her face against the bedspread and wiggled downward. The band began to inch upward. Putting all her strength into it she pressed her face into the mattress hard and wiggled again. One eye came uncovered. One more attempt, and she’d have it.
There was a noise at the door. Darn. I can’t stop now. Before the door opened she raked her face across the bed and the blindfold came off. Then she twisted around. Her heart beat like drums in her ears. She looked across the room at the tall, sandy-haired cowboy standing in the doorway.
“Mr. Summers?”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Damn it. I thought you said you left the blindfold on,” Summers spoke to the man behind him.
“I did.”
David Summers walked across the bed to look down on Sunn. “Too bad. By removing the covering from your eyes, you signed your death warrant. We’ll keep you alive until we get the signatures, but you won’t be going home.” He turned on his heels and walked out.
Chapter Fifteen
Todd jumped out of the truck as soon as they got to his ranch. Chandler met him at the door. Todd had never seen his friend angry, but tonight his fists were clenched, his jaw held tight, and sparks of anger flashed in his usually calm eyes.
“I hope I’m there when they catch the kidnappers,” Chandler said. “I’d like to shoot them.”
His fierceness brought the beginning of a smile to Todd’s face. “I never knew you had any violence in you.”
“I didn’t either, but apparently if Sunn’s in danger, it comes out.”
“Tell me what happened since you two got back.” Todd walked into the living room with Chandler.
Chandler paced the floor. “We didn’t see each other last night. She wanted time alone. I talked to her on the phone and made a date for this evening. Thank goodness they didn’t get her right after I talked to her, or the trail would be even colder.”
“Has anyone found a clue as to her whereabouts? Lann has gone out to check with his men. He hadn’t heard any more from them before we left his ranch.”
“No. It’s as though she just disappeared.”
“Lann and I have a feeling it’s someone local. A person no one would suspect. I’ll turn on my computer, and we’ll check to see who owns the surrounding acres.”
“Good idea. Still, it’s hard to believe anyone around here would do such hateful deeds.” Chandler followed Todd into his study.
Todd searched the area. “Do you know any of these people?” He pointed to a list of landholders.
“I’m familiar with some of them, but not all.”
Todd’s phone rang. “Hello, Lang. They did? Chandler and I will join you right away.” He disconnected the call and stood.
“Come on. Lann’s men trailed some footprints to the edge of my north fence. It may not have anything to do with Sunn’s abduction, but we have to investigate every clue.”
They got in Todd’s truck. As soon as Chandler had his seat belt fastened, Todd hit the gas pedal hard in his hurry to get to the spot where Lann and his men waited.
Sheriff Devon arrived at the same time with one of his deputies. Lann was talking to someone, but nodded his head at their arrival. When he ended his call, he turned to the sheriff.
“Who’s the nearest neighbor, besides Chandler?” Lann asked.
“In this direction it would have to be Summers. His west boundary touches Chandler’s land. Why?”
“I have a friend checking from the sky. He said the ranch in that west section has several cars and seems to have a lot of activity with men coming and going.”
“Summers has lived here for years. He has many friends and some of them get together often for barbeques or to play poke
r. Surely you don’t suspect him. His family was one of the original settlers.”
“Is he married?” Todd asked.
“He was, but his wife had a terrible accident four years ago. She slipped and fell down the stairs. It’s taken him a long time to get over her death.”
Todd glanced at Lann and Chandler. His gut told him to check this guy out.
“David’s the one I told you had some mischief done at his ranch. A few windows were broken, and a horse was let out of the barn while he was in town. He originally thought it was teenagers. Later, we suspected it was the same group who’d been hassling Sunn’s parents. No, he isn’t your man,” the sheriff stated emphatically.
Lann shrugged and smiled. “I guess you’re right. We’re just grabbing at any possibility.”
Sheriff Devon walked to his patrol car with his deputy. “We’ll keep looking. Don’t give up hope.”
As soon as the patrol car was out of sight, Lann turned to Ethan, Todd, and Chandler. “I think we’re right.”
“I do, too,” Ethan agreed. The others moved their heads in agreement. “Damian Cuthbert is as good as Aleron Alois in the sky. They’re cousins on their mother’s side.”
“Then let’s get our men to David Summers’s ranch and prepare to visit. We’ll surround the place. If Summers lets the four of us in, then we can get a feel for whether he’s innocent or not. I’m ready to go,” Todd said. “My gut says to hurry or we’ll be too late. That isn’t acceptable to me or Chandler.”
“Or us. You two and Ethan head that way. I’ll be right behind,” Lann said. “I’ve got to contact my men and get them into position.”
Todd’s heart pounded. In his head he heard Sunn’s voice saying, Come quick.
The three of them got in Todd’s truck. “Do you know the way, Chandler?”
“Yes, I was in town one day, and he invited to his house for a drink. I stopped by for a few minutes on my way home.”
“How did he seem?” Ethan asked.
“Friendly, pleasant, not at all the type you’d expect to be involved in an activity like this. Turn right on this road. It’s about five miles down to the turn to his house.”
Seducing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 12