“You’ll spoil him,” Jake teased. “Where is Claude?”
Alice met him halfway. “Down at the barn. The sheriff in him wants to be sure no clue was overlooked.”
“You’ll tell him I said good-bye?” Jake asked.
“I will.” She grasped his arms. “We will take care of things here until you get back. In the meantime, I’ll be planning a wedding.”
“You’re glowing.”
“I am not.”
Jake tipped her chin up with his finger. “Yes you are, and I’m glad.”
“Holly loved this ranch. You should bring her back with you.”
“That’s my cue to go.” He kissed Alice’s forehead. “You two keep your eyes open. I don’t think the bastard will come back, but don’t take any chances.”
One last hug and soon Jake was driving Nate’s SUV across the cattle guard. Jake called Nate when he hit the highway to explain the situation.
“I’m glad you’re coming back.”
“Why? What happened?” Jake’s heart rate jumped.
“We heard from Dalton. I’ll fill you in when you get here.”
“How’s Daisy?”
“Great. She’s asleep at Kaycie’s feet. Diablo is on one side and Daisy is on the other.”
“I hope she’s not too much trouble.”
“None at all. Kaycie loves them and they love her. She thinks Marcus and I don’t know about the treats she sneaks them when she thinks nobody is looking.”
“Tell her I said thanks. See you soon.”
Jake ended the call and concentrated on the highway in front of him. Daisy had managed to accomplish something Jake had failed to do in two years. She fit in with Wolfe’s Pack.
The traffic on Interstate 45 was hell most of the way back to Dallas, but then it always was horrible. Jake was ready to stretch his legs by the time he pulled up to the gate and stopped.
The guard stepped out to meet him. His stoic expression morphed into a smile. “They’re expecting you.”
“Thanks,” Jake said. “Gary, isn’t it?”
“Yep. I’ll let Nate know you’re coming in.”
Jake started to ask Gary if he worked twenty-four seven because he was always at the gate. Instead, he drove on, ready to get out of that SUV for a while. The thought of seeing Holly had crept into his thoughts a number of times since leaving Murdock.
He vowed not to spend so much time inside his own head.
CHAPTER 24
Ivan slammed his empty glass down on the table and barely throttled back his temper in time to speak courteously.
“Sir, is there a problem?”
“Bring me my check.”
Ivan paid the bill and left the restaurant. He’d waited two days for that bitch at Lost and Found to call him back. Of course, she’d vetted his credentials. Let her check all she wanted, because his background would check out as legit. No way had she uncovered anything that might have tipped her off. So why hadn’t she called?
He drove back to his hotel. The waiting was driving him crazy, but he wasn’t giving up. Ivan would kill the bitch who’d cost him his brother. Maybe he should have done more for Angel. Found better caretakers to watch him while he was out of town on a job. But over the past few years, Angel had gotten harder to control. They’d lost more than a few handlers because he’d become so aggressive.
“Enough,” Ivan grumbled. Holly Hoffman needed to die. Soon.
He left the car with the valet and returned to his room. Once inside, he dialed the number of the Lost and Found office.
“Lost and Found. How may we help you?” The voice was female but not the same woman he’d devoted twenty minutes of his time to smooth talking. None of the men who’d watched the compound had mentioned a new female on site.
“Mrs. Wolfe?” A chill sizzled up his spine. Had he finally caught the break he needed? Could this be the elusive Holly? He’d play this carefully.
“She’s not available at the moment. Is there someone else who can help?”
“Is this her assistant?”
“No. Just a friend. May I tell her who’s calling?”
Ivan was so excited to have his target pinpointed, he almost couldn’t speak. “My name is Mateo Medina with WKGA TV Six. I spoke with Mrs. Wolfe about writing an article on her husband and his company.”
“She mentioned you. Let me see if I can get you an answer. Please hold.”
Damn right, he’d hold. His heart pounded like a schoolboy about to get his first blow job. Holly was inside the compound, but was she staying there all the time? He had to get this interview. He’d read the earlier newspaper article. The fucking compound was huge. That wouldn’t stop him from sneaking inside and killing every person there.
“Mr. Medina?” Here was the voice he’d originally spoken with.
“Yes. Mrs. Wolfe?”
“We’re terribly busy—”
“I’m leaving for Dallas shortly to do another interview. I’ll only be there one day. If there’s any way you can squeeze me in...” He paused for effect. “These two stories could get me face time on the news.” He didn’t have to pretend to have panicked. Time was running out and he needed to get this done. He’d turned down another job, putting his reputation in jeopardy.
“Would nine in the morning work for you? Things should be quiet around that time.”
“I’ll be there.” Ivan took a deep breath. “You have no idea how important this is to me.”
“You’ll have to provide identification at the gate. I’ll put your name on the list, but the guard will still check.”
“Not a problem. Thank you.”
Ivan disconnected the call, dropped his cell onto the bed, and jumped out of his chair in one motion. Finally. If Holly wasn’t there, he’d find out where she was hiding. Tomorrow, he’d settle the score.
Only then would he pick up Angel’s ashes. Only then would he be rid of the burden. Only then would the nightmares stop.
****
Nate announced that Jake was back, sending Holly’s pulse pounding. She stood and stretched, doing her best impersonation of an uninterested woman.
“You’re not going to bed this early?” Kay asked.
“No. I just need to move around.”
Holly wandered from the room, then walked up the stairs to the guest bedroom. She slept in the main house, which had been built directly above the massive office area. It was tastefully done in beige and creamy off-white colors, offset by dark mahogany furniture. The décor was quite a contrast to downstairs, which consisted of mostly glass and shiny steel desks.
She went to the window and pulled back the corner of the curtain. She stayed unmoving, peering into the dark, until the SUV drove into its parking spot. The door swung open and two western boots hit the pavement as Jake unfolded his long frame from the confines of the front seat. He rolled his shoulders while dragging a hand through his tousled hair. Unshaven, with his blond locks approaching his shoulders, he couldn’t have been more appealing. The urge to rush out to meet him almost overwhelmed her. She turned away, walked to the bed, and sat.
Was Kay right? Would taking matters into her own hands work? She’s done that once, but later, Jake had rebuffed her.
“He’s only been gone two days,” Kay said from behind her, “but it feels like forever, doesn’t it?” She crossed to Holly and eased herself down. “It’s that way for me every time Nate leaves for a few days. I’m sure Chris and Ana feel the same way. We just don’t say it out loud. At least not to our husbands.”
“Yeah. Well, he’s not my husband.”
“That will happen. Trust me.”
Holly couldn’t allow herself to believe she and Jake had a future. She’d share what time she had left with him and then let him walk away in peace.
She couldn’t talk about possibilities, so she changed the subject to Marcus’s wife.
“Have you seen his wife lately?”
“Not for the past few weeks, but we talk on the phone. Since o
pening the animal rescue center, she stays so busy. Lately, she’s been in Austin lobbying for stiffer penalties for animal abuse.”
“She’s taken a big legal engine on, but I hope she gets a law passed.” Holly kept the conversation going. “Have Ty and Ana said anything about coming home? I miss him.”
“We all miss him. But they have no plans to come stateside.” Kay’s hand landed on Holly’s knee. “You can keep dodging the subject all you want. Sooner or later, you’ll have to decide how hard you’re willing to fight for Jake.”
“I know.” Holly patted Kay’s hand.
“Then let’s go downstairs for an update on the ranch.”
The sound of Jake’s voice grew louder as they descended the stairs and walked to the conference room. Holly recognized the anger and frustration in Jake’s words. He was facing away from her when she and Kay sat down.
“Alice and Claude came home? Is she okay?”
Jake turned her direction. The fire in his eyes softened, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. “She’s a trooper. I had most of the mess buried before they arrived. I didn’t want her to see the barn. She’d have carried that picture in her mind forever.”
His lips tightened and his blue eyes darkened. “I owe Tank a lot. Thanks to him, the only losses were things. Some had sentimental value but the rest can be replaced.”
“I was so afraid Alice would be upset.”
“She’s taking it better than I expected. I’m sure Claude has a lot to do with that. They’re going to get married.” Holly noticed his focus was on her as if no one else was in the room.
“That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for her.”
“They’ve been playing this game for a while. I guess a few days in his cabin on the lake was all it took for them both to admit to their feelings. They are going to stay at the ranch until we catch the killer.”
“What do you mean? Until?” Holly asked.
“After the wedding, they’re moving to the lake permanently.”
“Does this mean you’re moving back here?” Nate leaned forward. “I need a good man for investigations and to help train new hires.”
“Thanks, but we all know I can’t work here.”
“Bull. You can’t register for a private detective’s license, but you can do a hell of a lot without one. Besides, you’re part of this family.”
“I appreciate that, but I belong in Murdock. Alice is selling me the ranch.”
Holly’s chest tightened. Her heart pounded against her rib cage. She understood the pull the ranch had on Jake. He loved the land and the animals. But for him to be so cavalier about it without so much as a glance her direction cut at her like a knife.
“What have you heard from Dalton?” Obviously, Jake didn’t want her opinion and wasn’t interested in her reaction.
“According to the interviews Dalton and Ash Hunter conducted, this RG and Lavon had been hired as caretakers for Angel Garza. I’m sure we’ll get a medical definition later, but evidently Angel was hard to control and couldn’t grasp what was right from what was wrong.”
“So where was the brother and why wasn’t he taking care of Angel?” Jake asked.
“That’s where it gets interesting,” Nate said. “Word on the street is Ivan Garza was very protective of Angel, but he’d run out of reliable caregivers for Angel.”
“This is about revenge.” Jake shook his head. “And guilt for not taking care of his brother.”
“I think you’re one hundred percent right. The rumor is that Angel’s brother is a hit man. It wouldn’t look good if word got out that he hadn’t retaliated.”
“We’re finally getting somewhere.”
“Marcus said that Ash Hunter knew where to go and who to talk with. The information came together quickly.”
“Sounds like a possible recruit?” Kay asked at the end of a yawn.
“I understand he’s happy where he is,” Nate said. “Why don’t you get some rest?”
“I think I will.” Kay stood and kissed her husband. “See you in the morning,” she said to Holly.
Nate watched Kay leave the room and then turned back to Jake. “Hunter is going to dig up a picture of Ivan. When he does, he’ll fax it to Chief Santos and us.”
“Good.” Jake dragged his hand through his hair. “I’ll be so glad when this is over.”
Holly stood and did her best to look casual as she walked from the room. Jake and Nate were so engrossed in their conversation, neither acknowledged her as she left. She eased open the back door and escaped outside.
Daisy was alone, so Holly walked out to check on her. She found her under the overhang on the dog bed Marcus had brought her. She stood and trotted to the gate.
“Hey, girl,” Holly said as she went inside. Daisy leaned her weight against her almost directing Holly to the lounge chair next to the enclosure. She sat and the dog climbed up, stretched out, and rested her head on Holly’s lap. “You’re too big for me to hold, but this works.”
She rested, scratching behind the dog’s ears for a long time. Her thoughts kept coming back to Kay’s advice to force Jake’s hand. She couldn’t do it. Jake had to decide what was right for him. She closed her eyes, remembering his mouth on hers, his fingers stroking her body.
CHAPTER 25
A voice penetrated Holly’s sleep. She thought she heard Jake whispering her name. His fingers were stroking her face. His long tongue licked her cheeks. “No, Daisy. No licking.”
Holly opened her eyes with a start. Was Jake really standing over her? She touched her hand to her cheek. Daisy had left a damp trail, which meant she was awake. Dog slobber meant that Jake was really there.
Holly pushed herself upright and patted Daisy. “She’s a good dog.”
“That she is.” He squatted next to Holly’s chair and rubbed Daisy’s back. “What are you doing out here? We thought you’d gone to bed.”
“I came out to check on Daisy.”
“Me too, but I grabbed a quick shower and shave first.”
The outside light highlighted his wet hair that was slicked back off his face. A breeze gifted Holly with his clean scent. She breathed in deeply, hoping to call up his scent in the future. Instead, she remembered his earlier statement. He couldn’t wait to get back to the ranch and away from her.
“Well, I won’t keep you two apart.” Holly stood and started to the gate. His hand wrapped around her wrist.
“Holly,” he whispered.
Anger sizzled up her spine. Anger that he didn’t love her. Anger that she cared. She turned. “What? Why did you bother to come back?”
Jake frowned and opened his mouth.
“Don’t.” Holly threw up her hand to stop him from speaking. “Don’t you dare feel sorry for me. I was fine before I ran into you in Connersville, and I will be again.”
“I don’t. I feel sorry for me.”
Confusion flooded her. “What the hell does that mean?”
He pulled her against his chest. His kiss was hard. Rough. Demanding. He ravaged her mouth with his tongue and sent fire licking through her veins. His hands buried in her hair, molded to the back of her head, and held her in place.
Holly surrendered to the sensations coursing through her body and melted into him. She ran her hands up his neck and cupped his cheeks. When he stepped back, her knees were weak and her head was spinning. It was nothing compared to the ache between her thighs.
“You have no idea how much I want you.” His hands slipped under her arms and lifted her off her feet.
This kiss was warm and tender. His tongue swept inside her mouth. The blood in her veins hummed as need blocked out everything but him. She pulled her legs up and locked them around his waist, giving back every ounce of desire she’d been holding inside.
Without losing contact, they made it to the gate, laughing out loud as they fumbled with the latch. In a few long strides, Jake carried her into the bunkhouse and to his room, pausing to kick the door closed.
As if understanding her unasked question, Jake said, “Nobody is staying here except me.”
Holly unlocked her legs, and he slid her body down his. Without hesitation, she stepped back, unbuttoned her blouse, and pushed it off her shoulders to the floor. Jake’s gaze lowered to watch her every move. She reached around, unhooked her bra, and then dropped it also.
A low moan came from Jake as he lowered his head and kissed her nipple. His hands cupped her breast. Taking it in his mouth, he rolled his tongue in circles. She bowed her back, offering herself to him. A cry escaped her throat.
Holly surrendered to her need and the desire to make love with him. There was no denying how she felt about him. She’d take this time and show him how good they could have been together.
He caressed her breasts, whispering how beautiful she was. She leaned into him, held his head tight against her. In his arms, the outside world faded away.
He pulled away, smiling at the way her nipples seemed to stand at attention and beg for more. He jerked his T-shirt over his head and tossed it on the growing pile of clothes. Holly reached for the snap on her jeans but his hand stopped her.
“Let me.”
His chest rose and fell rapidly as he knelt and slowly slid her jeans down over her hips. He hooked his thumbs in the sides of her thong and pulled it down. Holly lifted a foot to step out of it, and Jake leaned in and kissed her between her legs.
Her knees buckled. He chuckled, scooped her into his arms and placed her gently on the bed. Jake toed off his boots and socks before crawling over her.
“No way.” She reached for the snap on his jeans. “I’m naked. You need to get that way.”
“You tend to be a bit bossy.” His blue eyes sparkled, and his lips curled into a smile.
“But you already knew that.”
“I did.” He jumped off the bed. Without taking his gaze from hers, he unsnapped and slowly slid down the zipper.
Holly’s eyes tracked every move he made. In one motion, his jeans were at his ankles and he was stepping out of them. His broad, muscular chest and defined abs were clearly works of art, made more beautiful because Jake’s incredible body came from hard work, which made him even sexier. Her gaze dropped to his erection. It was huge and all hers.
No Greater Hell (Lost and Found, Inc. Book 4) Page 21