The Rancher's Return

by Karen Whiddon

  “Yeah,” he answered. “Tim’s former girlfriend. She was abducted. Brock mentioned it when he called me and then I saw it on the news last night.”

  “Yep.” Zoe shook her head. “And now we’ve got FBI agents in town. The very same ones I couldn’t get to even talk to me when Shayna disappeared. The FBI thinks her abductor might be from around these parts.”

  “No way.” He feigned surprise, reflecting he was getting pretty good at this. “Did they say who they suspect?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. I don’t think they know. They said they’re talking to everyone in town, so if they haven’t made it out to your place yet, they will.”

  “I’m not going to be there,” he said. “I’m staying out at the ranch for a while.”

  Zoe’s eyes narrowed. “Really?” Head tilted, she waited for him to elaborate. When he didn’t reply, she gave up. “The sheriff’s office is supposedly helping them,” Zoe continued.

  “George already paid me a visit. Last night. He called from my front doorstep.”

  She shook her head. “George is a bumbling idiot. I don’t know why Roger ever hired him.”

  Since he’d often wondered the same thing, Reed agreed. And then, remembering how Kaitlyn had said George was on Alex’s payroll, he wondered if the sheriff was, too. Now he understood what Kaitlyn had meant. It was impossible to tell who was a good guy and who wasn’t.

  The bell on the front door jingled. A moment later, Lila Fowlkes headed toward the counter. She stopped short when she spied Reed. Averting her face to avoid meeting his gaze, she focused on Zoe. “When you have a chance, I could use some help in the dog section.”

  “I’ll be with you in a minute,” Zoe replied, her voice reserved. As Lila sailed away with her nose in the air, Zoe shook her head. “She breeds Yorkies. You know, those long-haired, yippy little dogs.”

  Though Reed nodded, he couldn’t banish the leaden feeling that had settled in his chest. “Some people apparently prefer dogs to people,” he said, aware he didn’t hide his bitterness.

  “I’m sorry.” Zoe touched his arm. “She has no reason to treat you that way.

  He shrugged. “I’m used to it.”

  “That doesn’t make it right.” She glared in the other woman’s direction as if she intended to storm over there and make her feelings known.

  “Don’t,” he cautioned. “She’s a paying customer and it’s not your battle.”

  She sighed. “You’re right. But I’m still sorry.”

  “You shouldn’t be. It’s not your fault.” He looked around for Brock, who’d wandered into the back office and still appeared to be on the phone.

  Reed thanked Zoe, giving her a quick hug. He waved goodbye to Zoe, taking care to include Lila, who turned her head and pretended not to see. After leaving the feed store, he took a turn up Main Street as he usually did, driving slowly down the center of his hometown before beginning the long drive back to the ranch.

  Seeing two black, clearly government-issue cars parked in front of Sue’s Catfish Hut brought a sobering reminder of what he and Kaitlyn were up against.

  Alex Ramirez had to be brought down. Since they didn’t know who they could trust, Reed would have to figure out a way to take care of it himself.

  The closer he drew to the ranch, the more anticipation filled him at the thought of seeing her. He knew she’d have cabin fever from staying in the house most of the day, so he thought maybe he’d take her riding again. To his surprise, he’d enjoyed their ride yesterday.

  After he parked, he headed into the house, eager to tell her everything. Though he knew in the abstract this should bother him, he put it down to having been alone so long. He kind of enjoyed having company.

  But Kaitlyn was nowhere to be found. A thorough search of the house showed nothing out of place and since she didn’t have a car, he knew she couldn’t have gone far.

  Surely she hadn’t gone riding alone? He hurried out to the barn, noting the same gray gelding she’d ridden the day before was gone. So was the saddle and bridle.

  He swore. Though Kaitlyn was a native Texan, west Texas and east Texas were like opposite sides of the country. Out here were scorpions and rattlesnakes, wolves and coyotes.

  Moving fast, he saddled his horse and headed out to search for her.

  His horse was skittish, no doubt sensing Reed’s foul mood. Somehow he got the animal under control and rode down to the river, letting his mount pick her way over the rocks. This was one of his favorite places, where a huge and ancient willow tree trailed branches in the water and the cattle often came to drink. Now, with the drought keeping things arid, this part of the river seemed more like a creek, but he considered it a blessing it hadn’t gone completely dry.

  Reining his horse to a halt, he inhaled deeply, trying to find the usual feeling of satisfaction this spot brought him. The light breeze stirred the branches of the tree, and the tall grass on the other side of the river appeared to undulate in the sun. He’d moved his cattle to one of the other areas, and this pasture would stay empty for a few weeks, maybe even a month.

  As he sat there, tall in the saddle and wondering why he felt out of place for the first time ever, a faint scream drifted toward him on the air. He cocked his head, listening. When it didn’t repeat, he relaxed again. Sometimes the wind and the rocks played tricks out here. And his mount didn’t appear alarmed, so he decided to move on, continuing his ride until he reached the fence that contained this particular area.

  The tall grass near the creek could be dangerous. Cottonmouths and water moccasins hid there, emerging to sun themselves on the rocks.

  Another sound, even fainter. He reined to a stop and swiveled in his saddle, looking in all directions. He saw nothing. As the sound grew louder, he realized it was a horse or cow running. Which meant something chased it. Even more perplexing since he’d moved all his livestock out of this area weeks ago.

  Urging his mount on, he rode to the top of a small hill. One of his horses ran below, saddled but without a rider, headed hell-bent for leather back to the barn.

  Kaitlyn. It had to be. His heart stopped. She must have ridden out after him. Had she fallen? Was she hurt?

  He took off in a gallop, heading toward where the riderless horse had come from.

  As he rode, full of an odd combination of worry and terror and fury, he thought of the tongue-lashing he’d give Kaitlyn once he found her. Assuming she was unharmed. She had to be unharmed.

  For once, he wished this part of his land was flat. But the hills and the trees, and the underbrush that grew near the river, made it difficult to see too far.

  He prayed she’d shout out again, or scream, or make some sort of sound to help him find her.

  A moment later, his prayer was answered. Another scream had him turning in that direction. He rode hard, up one hill and down another. In the distance he saw her, backed up against some of the rock formations that formed the cliffs—bluffs that overlooked the river. Four or five coyotes had cornered her, which was odd as they usually ran from humans. As he rode closer he saw why.

  She held what appeared to be a coyote pup in her arms, a bit of cloth tied around one of its tiny legs. It was still, so still he figured it was dead. Otherwise, there was no way something that wild would allow itself to be held.

  He rode at them hard, coming in close and scattering the pack, though they didn’t disperse.

  They simply circled and reformed, this time including Reed and his horse in their circle.

  “Kaitlyn,” he said, cautioning her not to move.

  “Help me.” Wide-eyed, clearly terrified, Kaitlyn stared up at him. “Please, can you chase them off?”

  “Listen to me.” He kept his voice slow and deliberate. “Put their puppy down and ease over here. I’m gonna grab you up on my horse and we’ll make a run for it. The coyotes will be distracted by their pup.”

  To his disbelief, she shook her head. “No. He’s not their pup. And he’s almost dead. I found him in t
he mud near the river. I think something bit him, like a snake. I think there’s a chance we can save him, if we can get him to a vet on time.”

  “Put the animal down. That’s his pack and they want him. They’ll kill you if they think you want to harm him.”

  To his disbelief, she slowly shook her head. “No. This is a dog, Reed. A puppy. Looks like a cross between a sheltie and a schnauzer. If they don’t kill him, he’ll die if I let him go. I’m his only chance.”

  His heart felt about to pound right out of his chest. Still, out of necessity, he kept his voice level and calm. “Don’t you understand? You’ll die if you don’t, and then what kind of chance will he have?”

  Chin up, she met his gaze. “I have faith in you. You’ll think of a way to save us.”

  The three coyotes leading the others, growled low in their throats. One bared its teeth. Reed suspected they were about to make a move to take Kaitlyn down.

  Teeth clenched, he used his heels to make his horse move, even though the terrified gelding wanted nothing more than to get the hell away from here. Despite Kaitlyn’s misplaced faith in him, he could see no way to swing her up with the wounded—and probably dying—puppy. This would take two steps. He rode close, keeping the horse in between her and the pack of coyotes.

  “Hand me the dog.”

  For a split second, she eyed him as though uncertain, and then passed the small bundle of fluff up. Briefly it registered that the tiny thing weighed next to nothing and then he shifted it between the horn of his saddle and him, praying it would stay in place. Reaching out to Kaitlyn, he grasped hold of her hands, and pulled.

  Jumping at the exact same moment, and demonstrating an astounding amount of grace considering the circumstances, she swung her leg up and over his horse’s back. As soon as she was secure, he passed the limp body of the puppy back to her and kicked his horse into motion.

  The gelding needed no further urging. He tore off, snarling coyotes hot on his heels.

  They followed for a good distance, not wanting to give up their...what? Prey? Adopted offspring? Until finally, they fell back, vocalizing their displeasure.

  Seething now that they were safe, Reed didn’t speak until they reached the barn. The horse Kaitlyn had taken earlier grazed nearby, empty saddle on his back.

  “Thank you,” she said, her voice not the least bit contrite, despite the fact that she’d almost been killed.

  He dismounted and then held out his hand to assist Kaitlyn. Instead, she handed him down the puppy, so still it might have already expired.

  He took a good look at the limp and swollen bag of fluff and grimaced. “I think you might be too late.”

  “No.” Kaitlyn let out a cry and slid down from the horse. “Let me see him,” she said, a tear sliding down her cheek. “He was still breathing a minute ago.” Wordlessly, he passed over the puppy. She accepted it, burying her face in its fur and going completely still.

  “He’s still alive,” she breathed a moment later. When she raised her face to his, her cheeks were wet with tears. Over an animal she’d never seen before until a short while ago.

  While he stared in disbelief, she pointed toward his truck. “How far away is the nearest vet? We need to try and get this baby some help.”

  All the words he’d been about to say—berating her for risking her life so carelessly—stuck in his throat. The hope shining in her eyes made him want to do anything to keep it from fading.

  “I use Dr. Preek,” he told her. “He’s a large-animal vet and he makes house calls.”

  “Will you get ahold of him for me, please? See if he’ll make a trip out to save this pup’s life.”

  Though he had no idea if Dr. Preek even worked on dogs, Reed dug out his cell phone, located the number, and made the call. To his relief, the vet said he was only a few miles away and would be there in fifteen minutes.

  When Reed relayed this information to Kaitlyn, she only nodded. With her head bent, with the sunlight putting reddish gold streaks in her newly dark hair, she took his breath away.

  Not good. Not good at all.

  “You need to put your contacts in,” he said. “Just in case my vet watches the news.” It was a good thing they’d arrived the other day.

  Still crying, she turned to go and do as he asked.

  “I’ll go unsaddle and brush down the horses,” he said, glad he didn’t sound as unsteady as he felt, already moving away. Keeping busy was a necessary distraction because he sure didn’t need to keep standing there mooning over her like a damn fool.

  Once inside the barn, he tied his horse and went back outside to retrieve hers. He faltered when he saw her, sitting cross-legged on the ground, weeping over a tiny pup that was most likely a lost cause.

  Still, her despair made his heart ache. Somehow, he managed to keep walking past her and gather up the horse and lead it back to the barn.

  He’d gotten both animals unsaddled and was finishing up brushing the second one when he heard the sound of Dr. Preek’s ancient pickup rattling up the drive.

  Hoping like hell the brusque veterinarian would let her down gently, Reed put down the curry brush and hurried outside.

  Kaitlyn rushed outside as soon as the pickup pulled up, still cradling the pup. To Reed’s relief, she’d put on one of her shapeless dresses. As soon as Dr. Preek coasted to a stop, she hurried over, shifting her feet from side to side while waiting for him to open his door.

  Chest tight, Reed crossed to her, going up behind her and putting his hand on her shoulder. Damned if he’d ever understand her risking her life to save an animal she didn’t even know, one that was probably too far gone anyway, but he’d support her any way he could. He knew she wouldn’t take it well if the vet declared the puppy was beyond help.

  “What happened?” Dr. Preek asked, inclining his head at Reed in greeting. He listened while Kaitlyn explained everything, and then asked Reed if they could take the pup into the kitchen so they could examine it.

  Reed hurried ahead, grabbed a couple of old towels from his laundry room and spread them on the kitchen table.

  After taking the pup from Kaitlyn, the vet gently placed it down and removed the sock-tourniquet to begin examining it.

  “Looks like a snake got it,” he said. “See here.” He showed them a puncture wound on the dog’s leg. “But tying that sock like you did could have cost him his leg.”

  Kaitlyn sucked in her breath. “I didn’t know.”

  To Reed’s surprise, Dr. Preek smiled. “It’s okay. We’ll see what we can do. He’s not actually a puppy, and I think he’ll do fine.”

  “Then can you help him?” Tears trembled on the edge of her wobbly voice.

  Looking from her to Reed and back again, the vet nodded. “Well, I don’t know. I’ve got a snake bite kit with me. We use that to draw out the venom right after the animal’s been bit. I think it’s too late for that.”

  Swiping at her eyes, Kaitlyn’s lush mouth trembled. “Surely there’s something you can do.”

  Glancing at Reed, Dr. Preek scratched his closely shorn gray head. “We can try aspirin and Benadryl. I’ll need to find out the right size dosage to give to a tiny pup like your pet.”

  “Thank you,” Kaitlyn said, a wealth of gratitude in her words. Her muddy eyes practically glowed as she gazed up at the vet.

  Glancing at Reed, the vet grinned. On his way past, he clapped his hand on Reed’s shoulder. “You picked a good one,” he said, apparently believing Kaitlyn was Reed’s girlfriend. “She’s got a big heart.”

  Chapter 6

  That night, Kaitlyn stayed closeted in her room with the drugged and sleeping dog. Dr. Preek had given her a plastic syringe and told her to try to give him mouthfuls of water every hour.

  She’d agreed gladly, while Reed merely looked on, his expression dark and forbidding. She knew he didn’t understand, hell she barely understood herself how much this tiny animal moved her. Of course the timing was all wrong. She’d always wanted a dog, though. She hadn�
��t named him, afraid he wouldn’t make it, but now alone with him, she felt she owed him the respect of having a name of his own.

  So she called him Bentley because his little face appeared so dignified and solemn. And lovable, she just knew. For so long she’d had nothing and no one, and now at least she had him.

  Her own dog, and her only family. She’d nurse him through this, she vowed, and help him grow big and strong. He’d always know he was loved, too. And safe and protected.

  She fell asleep dreaming of buying him his own bed and toys.

  Sometime in the dark of night, a snuffling sound woke her. Blinking, she sat up and clicked on her lamp. Bentley had gotten up and appeared to be checking out her room. His stubby legs were wobbly and weak, but he was standing. He located the small bowl of water she’d put out and lapped eagerly. Her heart felt full as she watched him.

  When he finished she realized she probably should take him outside and see if he needed to take care of business. Glancing at the nightstand clock, she saw it was nearly 4:00 a.m. Good. That meant Reed would be asleep.

  She scooped up her pet and carried him down the hall and outside. Once she’d placed him in the grass, she watched him as he sniffed around, gathering confidence with each step. Inexplicably, her throat felt tight—as if she might be about to cry. Again.

  Enough of that. Wiping at her eyes, she watched as Bentley completed his mission, then picked him up. As she turned to go back inside, she nearly collided with Reed.

  He put his hands on her arms to steady her. As usual, she instinctively froze and stared at him as he clicked on a flashlight, blinding her in a quick beam before he pointed it at the ground.

  “Oh.” Her breath came out in a puff. She couldn’t make herself tear her eyes away from the way his bare chest gleamed, right in front of her. Even stranger, her first reaction wasn’t fear. Instead, a stab of pure desire clutched her low in the belly.

  Shocked, she didn’t move. Reed looked...unbelievable. He wore a pair of boxer shorts, nothing else. “What are you doing out here?” she managed to ask.

  “I saw movement,” he said easily, which calmed her. “After what happened to my house in town, I thought I’d better check.”