CHAPTER SIXTEEN
AS THEY SAT AT the kitchen table in Cade’s house, Ray Garner gave his wife, Gwen, a measured glance. “We see the dangers here, Rachel.” He looked at her, a frown across his broad forehead.
Gwen nodded. “We’ve talked it over, honey, and none of this is your fault.” Taking a deep breath, the woman addressed Rachel. “We don’t like liars, but you had no choice. We want you to stay.”
Relief tunneled through Rachel. At the same time, the gnawing sense that Dirk would find her brought pain and anxiety. Cade gave them a grim look and nodded. “All right,” he managed, his voice tight with emotion. “It’s settled.”
Rachel managed to speak. “Thank you. I’m grateful in one way, but scared for all of you in another. My ex-husband is never to be trusted. He’s so dangerous.” She pressed her fingertips to her wrinkled brow. “I worry for all of you.”
Cade reached out, his hand over hers. “He’s a killer, Rachel.” He looked across the table at his father who had a very serious expression on his weathered features. “I’m going to the captain today about this. He’ll know what to do next. I think he’ll probably call Brenda, your handler at the FBI, and discuss the situation.”
Rachel felt the steadying warmth of Cade’s roughened hand over hers. “She’s going to be angry with me.”
Gwen shrugged. “So let her be. With Cade in law enforcement, there are other ways to keep track of Payson and his whereabouts. The FBI isn’t the only one with connections and info.” She gave Rachel a tight smile. “Besides, Captain Henderson, Cade’s boss, has been in this business for over twenty years. He knows people inside the ATF, the FBI and DEA.” Gwen reached out and patted Rachel’s other hand. “No one is minimizing the danger here. We know we’ll be in his gun sights, too.”
“Yes,” Ray grunted, “we are. We’ll put an alarm on the main gate into our ranch. If anyone opens the gate, it will go off in Cade’s home as well as ours.” He gave her a grim look. “There’s only one possible route into this area and that’s down a mile-long road to our ranch. You can’t drive a vehicle into our area no matter how rugged it is. The land won’t allow it.”
Rachel began to feel a tad better. “My heart aches over this whole situation. I appreciate the security you’re putting up.”
Gwen snorted. “Listen, Rachel, that man does not want to come up against anyone here at our ranch. We all carry weapons on us. And we’re authorized by the law to do so. Between us and the sheriff’s department working with the Jackson Hole police, you’ll be a little safer. But nothing’s foolproof.”
“You’re right, it’s not foolproof,” Rachel agreed quietly. “Thanks, all of you.” She was still stunned they would willingly put their lives on the line—for her.
“Now,” Ray said in his drawl, “you need to get out and about, Rachel. Gwen and I couldn’t figure out why you holed up like you did, but knowing what we know now, it makes sense. You were hiding from Payson and the possibility of being identified by him in town.”
“That comes to an end,” Cade said. “You need to have the freedom to come and go. With this type of security in place, you should begin to integrate back into real life, Rachel.”
“It feels like I’m stepping out of prison,” she whispered, giving them a grateful look.
“And coming to the quilting classes at my store will give you a start on that,” Gwen said. “The women there are just wonderful and you’ll make good friends.”
“Quilters stick together like a quilt sandwich.” Ray glanced at his wife.
Cade grinned and joined the laughter. A quilt sandwich consisted of the top material that had been sewn together, the thick cotton batting below it and then a backing material. Put together, the three layers were a sandwich.
Rachel felt the dire threat lift the tiniest bit. Hope. Looking into Cade’s gray eyes that shimmered with an unspoken promise of love, Rachel saw her future.
THE SUN WAS SHINING brightly the next morning. Rachel worked in the kitchen, preparing a leg of lamb with couscous and vegetables for their dinner. Despite Cade’s family’s assurances, Rachel felt unsettled. Worried. Now, she had four other people in danger. Had she made the right decision?
Jenny was in her playpen crawling around and making happy sounds. Soon, her legs would grow stronger and stronger. Instead of crawling, the infant would be ready to start standing up and walking. Already, Jenny would stand at the side of the playpen, her little bowed legs upright and she’d laugh and wobble around with unsteady steps.
Cade had the night shift—6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for the next week. The shifts were frequently changed so that no deputies ended up with sleep deprivation from working nights. She heard his cowboy-boot footfalls in the hall and looked up from the sink. Her stomach knotted.
Emerging from the hall, Cade shrugged into his thick sheepskin coat. He noticed the tension in Rachel’s face. He hadn’t slept well last night at all, his mind running wild with “what if’s.”
“I’m going out to help my dad put the alarms in place,” he told her. Rachel still looked beautiful despite the tension, her hair soft and curved around her shoulders as she stood at the sink peeling potatoes. Coming over, Cade leaned against the counter.
“That’s good.” Rachel’s heart took off as Cade stood a few feet away watching her. There was something so primal and exciting about him that she fumbled the potato in her hands. “It’s a beautiful day. Blue sky and sunshine and almost above freezing.” That was how she felt inside: icy cold with dread and fear.
Glancing out the window, Cade nodded. “It’s a warm day for March.” He forced a smile he didn’t feel. Changing topics, he said, “I wondered why you dyed your hair sable instead of letting it grow out to its natural blond color. Now I realize why you did it.”
“Brenda told me to change my appearance as much as possible.”
Cade watched her peel a potato. “Will you let it grow out naturally now?” he wondered. It was important that Rachel felt safe enough to really be herself. Cade found a lot of uncharted territory now that Rachel had removed the heavy FBI mask. Who was she? Was this all an act?
“I think I will,” she said. “I hated dyeing my hair.” She shivered. “I’ll never do it again, Cade.” Rachel glanced up at him and drowned in his intent gaze. There was darkness in his eyes. He was worried, too. She could see and sense it. Despite everything, an energy built between them, the hunger, the yearning strung between them like a taut rope. It was all there to read in his eyes, along with his worry. Swallowing convulsively, Rachel tore her gaze from his. The truth was, she wanted Cade as badly as he wanted her, her whole life was crazy. Fear and love. How did they get together? Much less survive one another? She had no answers.
Cade’s instinct was to move those few feet to where Rachel stood. More than anything, he craved one kiss from her. He needed to hold her. Carry her off to his bedroom and never let her go. For now, Cade checked those desires and dreams. It was way too soon and there were still hurdles in their way. Cade had no idea what the FBI would do, and knew Rachel was most worried about her mother. Would the FBI refuse to keep her cover because Rachel had broken her vow? Until he could get answers, they both had to play the waiting game.
It was getting tough not to reach out and touch this beautiful woman. Rachel was like a bright, colorful butterfly who had flitted unexpectedly into his life. Despite her deception, Rachel had given Cade hope of living once more. Jenny had blossomed beneath her loving care. What didn’t flourish beneath Rachel’s caring touch?
“I’m off,” Cade said, pushing away from the counter. He headed across the room, picking up his black felt cowboy hat and settling it on his head. His last, most precious act was to go to the playpen, hoist Jenny up and give her a smooch on her bright red cheek. The baby gurgled, laughed and touched his nose with her tiny hand. “Okay, pumpkin,” he told Jenny, “I’m off to keep Rachel safe and sound here with us.” He gently placed Jenny back into her playpen.
Rachel tw
isted around and watched the two of them. There was such incredible love between Cade and Jenny. How she ached to be a part of this family. Time, she reminded herself. Time and patience. A step at a time.
As Cade left and the door shut, Rachel sighed. She quickly peeled three more Idaho potatoes and put them in a bowl of water. After washing and drying her hands, Rachel turned and gazed fondly around the warm kitchen. The radio was on and played the elevator music she loved so much. Jenny sat with a plop when her little legs gave out. She then rolled over on her hands and knees, grabbed the white nylon netting of the playpen’s side and pulled herself up into a standing position once more. Jenny was such a happy baby. Rachel wished her whole life could be like this moment: happy. Someday, when this mess was over and Dirk was back in jail.
She went to the fridge to pull out the leg of lamb and placed it into a large rectangular glass baking dish. Her life was changing rapidly now that she’d made a decision. The heavy chains that had imprisoned her slowly began to melt away. But new ones replaced the old ones. Four people were in danger because of her choices. Dirk could strike like a rattlesnake out of nowhere. Cade looked at her oddly sometimes and that bothered Rachel. She wished she could read his mind. Was he having second thoughts about her? How did he really feel about her now? Shaking her head, Rachel muttered under her breath. Her focus had to be on her mother and what the FBI might do to her.
THE NEXT MORNING, after Rachel had had her shower, dressed and fed Jenny, she walked out into the kitchen. To her surprise, Cade sat at the table with a cup of coffee in hand. Usually, when he came in after a night shift, he’d get a shower, sleep until about 2:00 p.m., then get up to prepare for the next night shift. She halted, the baby in her arms.
“Cade?”
He looked up and gave her a tired smile. “Good morning.”
Anxiously scanning his face for any sign of bad news and not seeing any, Rachel settled Jenny into her playpen. She gave the baby her favorite toy, a red dragon that Gwen had made.
“Is anything wrong?” she asked, pouring herself some coffee.
“No. Come and sit down. I purposely stayed up so we could talk.” Cade tried to ignore the gentle sway of Rachel’s hips.
Sitting at his elbow, she saw shadows beneath Cade’s eyes. He was in civilian clothes, his hair gleaming from a recent shower. He’d even shaved. Her gaze fell to his lips and instantly, her lower body tightened with a fierce yearning. Rachel took a sip of the hot coffee. “What did you find out from Captain Henderson?”
“It’s all good,” Case assured her without preamble. He didn’t want Rachel to worry. He’d seen the fear lurking in her gaze. “I told him everything. He called Brenda.”
Her breath hitched. “And?”
“They aren’t going to drop you or your mother out of the program.” Cade grinned, his hands around the thick ceramic mug. “Seems that the captain has some very influential ties in the FBI hierarchy. At first, Brenda was upset, but as Henderson talked to her, they worked out a plan and a strategy. She’s taking the new plan to her bosses and they’re going to rubber-stamp it.”
Relief shot through Rachel. She leaned back in the chair and whispered, “Thank God… I was so worried that they’d punish my mother for my decision.”
“They could have,” Cade told her in a serious tone, “but the fact that I’m in law enforcement changes the equation a lot. And Brenda, to her credit, saw that, accepted it and then rolled with Captain Henderson’s suggestions.”
Sipping her coffee, Rachel felt incredible weight lift off her shoulders. “I’m so glad, Cade. Thank you so much for doing all of this.” She reached out and slid her hand into his.
Cade squeezed her fingers. They were cold and damp, from nerves, no doubt, and he couldn’t blame her. Reluctantly, he released her hand. “It gets better, Rachel. How would you like your mother to come and live here with us?”
“What?” Rachel gasped.
Cade squeezed her hand. “Captain Henderson talked to Brenda about the possibility. Your mother can’t go back to the family farm in Iowa—yet. Once Payson is caught, your mother will be released from the program and she can go back to the farm.” He smiled as he saw Rachel’s eyes fill with tears of joy. “In the meantime, because of our particular situation, Captain Henderson asked if it was possible to bring your mother here, to our ranch. You know we have these cabins that we rent out to tourists?”
“Yes.” Rachel’s voice quavered with sudden excitement. Her mother coming here! She would get to see her!
“We could give your mother one of the cabins.” Cade held up his hand. “Now, this wouldn’t happen right away, Rachel. It’s going to take a couple of weeks for the FBI to make all the changes in their paperwork, get approval and all sorts of other stuff. Brenda said that someone far above her approved that your mother would come here and live here at the ranch with us until Payson is caught. Once he’s caught, then the FBI will remove her from the witness protection program—as they will you—and she can go home. And you can get on with your life out of the witness protection program.”
Eyes widening, Rachel stared at Cade in disbelief. “Are you serious about all this? I’d be able to visit her and my brothers any time I want?” Her voice cracked.
Gripping her hand firmly, Cade whispered in an emotional tone, “Yes, Rachel. You and your mom will eventually get your lives back. Brenda told the captain that the rest of Payson’s gang in the U.S. has already been rounded up, and this changed everything. And with all of them behind bars, this paves the way for your family to be normal once more. The only fly in this ointment right now is Payson himself. Once the authorities find him, then you and your mom will be released from the FBI program.”
Sitting back, she put her hands against her eyes as the tears trailed down her face. “This is too good to believe. It really is,” she said tremulously.
Cade had to stop touching her. “It’s real, Rachel. All of it. Your mom is coming here. That will help you and her a lot.”
Rachel rubbed her tears from her eyes. “It’s like a fairy tale, Cade. I would never have believed this could happen. Not in my wildest dreams.” She searched his warm, inviting gray gaze. “I—I don’t know what to say….”
Cade grazed her damp cheek with his fingers. “This is the beginning of a new chapter in your life.” Cade withdrew his fingers because if he didn’t, he would sweep Rachel into his arms and take her to his bed. He didn’t want to take advantage of her shock and joy. No, he wanted her for all the right reasons. And he wanted her on her time and terms.
Wild tingles flitted across Rachel’s cheek where Cade had gently stroked her flesh. How badly she craved his touch! And now, it was even more wonderful because in the future, she might openly be able to go to him. Rachel dreamed of sharing with Cade her love for him and Jenny. Maybe they could be a family. She knew this was possible because of the burning look in his hooded gaze. That look sent rivulets of heated promise from her heart to the center of her core. Rachel had never felt this kind of desire in her life. She realized that she really hadn’t loved Payson at all; it had been simply what her mother had called “puppy love.” This was real. Rachel held his intense look—the look of a man wanting his woman in all ways.
“I’m just overwhelmed,” Rachel admitted with a husky laugh. Drying her cheeks, she felt shaky with joy. “I can’t believe this, Cade. This is so generous of you and your family. My faith in people’s goodness has been restored.”
As he forced himself to keep his hands around the mug of coffee, Cade felt his heart pounding heavily in his chest. “No one deserves this more than you and your family.”
“Will my brothers know about this? Will Brenda tell them?”
“Probably, in time, but not right now. Like I said, the paperwork and approval hurdles need to happen first. If I read between the lines of what Brenda told the captain, the rest of your family will be notified once your mother has been moved out here.”
“That’s going to make Mom so
happy,” Rachel quavered, thinking about the ramifications of this sudden shift in FBI policy. “This will blow her away.”
Cade held up his hand. “You can tell her about it, but don’t talk about a date because it could be sooner or later.”
Nodding, Rachel said, “Of course.” She gave Cade a smile.
Rachel’s face changed dramatically when she was happy and smiling, Cade thought, just now realizing how depressed and unhappy she’d been before. And yet, Cade hadn’t seen it or sensed it. Rachel had taken the witness protection program to heart. She had changed in so many ways. What he saw now, tore the breath from him and made his heart gallop like a wild stallion racing free across the land.
Shaking her head, Rachel murmured, “I just can’t believe all of this, Cade. I owe you and Captain Henderson so much.”
The quiver in her husky voice tore at Cade. Reaching out, he captured her hand. “Listen,” he told her gravely, “I didn’t do anything. Captain Henderson did it all. One of these days, soon, we’ll have him and his wife out here for dinner and you can thank him in person.”
“I’d love to,” Rachel said, squeezing his hand in return. How natural it felt to have this kind of intimacy with Cade. She didn’t want it to stop here. Rachel’s hands literally itched to be free to explore Cade from the top of his head down to his feet. As heat raced up her neck and into her cheeks, Rachel avoided Cade’s gaze and released his hand. “We always had huge dinners at home. Mom would invite our friends and neighbors to Sunday dinner. It was a busy, but a happy day. I would help her in the kitchen. We were able to catch up with our friends and neighbors. Every week, another farm family would host the Sunday dinner. That way, no one family had to feed an army by themselves.” Rachel smiled fondly in remembrance of those happier times.
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