The Rancher's Return

by Karen Whiddon

  “I’ll be back in touch,” Roger said on his way out the door. “Call me if you need anything.”

  After he left, Zoe let out her breath in an audible hiss. When Brock shot her a look, she grimaced. “Sorry. I just have trouble forgetting the way he didn’t take Shayna’s disappearance seriously.”

  Again trying not to panic, Kaitlyn eyed them both. “Can he be trusted?”

  “Yes,” Brock said firmly. “Zoe just doesn’t think he did enough when Shayna vanished. But even if he’d done anything differently, I don’t know that would have made a difference. Shayna’s friend killed her. It wasn’t some drifter or criminal.”

  Pain flashed across Zoe’s expressive face. “It still hurts,” she said quietly. “But you’re right, we’ll never know. Now let’s go get settled in the break room. I think we’ve got some microwave popcorn we can make to munch on while we wait for Alex to have his news conference.”

  By the time the television flashed the words Breaking News, they were trying to relax and were passing around a huge bowl of popcorn.

  Instantly, everyone froze.

  “Turn up the volume,” Zoe ordered.

  Once Brock complied, they all leaned forward to watch, popcorn forgotten.

  After the introductions, Alex dipped his head with what Kaitlyn knew was mock humility. “I’m happy to say that the FBI has captured my darling fiancée’s kidnapper and he is in custody at this very moment.”

  The assembled reporters went crazy, erupting with questions, competing with each other to be heard. Alex ignored them all, standing with bent head, the very expression of grief.

  Puzzled, Kaitlyn gripped the edge of the table and waited. Once the crowd had fallen silent, Alex lifted his head and continued. “One of the local deputy sheriff’s, a George Putchinski, was found deceased earlier today.”

  “I swear, he was alive when I left him,” Kaitlyn cried.

  But Alex hadn’t finished. “Unfortunately, we believe Kaitlyn is also dead. All that remains is for us to find her body.”

  Staring at the man who’d all along tried to destroy her, Kaitlyn gasped as a chill stabbed through her. In that moment, she knew the truth. “He means to kill me,” she said, shuddering. “As soon as he can.”

  Chapter 14

  The court-appointed attorney made it clear to Reed that he couldn’t have cared less about hearing his side of the story. He began yawning as soon as Reed started speaking, and Reed found himself wanting to throttle the young man, who appeared to have just passed the bar exam.

  Finally he stopped talking, waiting until the lawyer looked up. “Am I keeping you awake?” he asked as politely as he could with his teeth clenched.

  “What?”

  At that moment, a commotion out in the hall had them both looking up. A huge man wearing a suit burst into the room. “He’s coming with me.”

  Of course the attorney didn’t protest. Why should he, when he clearly would rather be anywhere else besides there.

  Reed knew there was no way in hell he was going anywhere with this guy. Everything about him screamed “hired goon.” Without a doubt, Alex had sent him to make sure Reed didn’t convince the wrong people of the truth of his story.

  Tough.

  Reed remained standing and shook his head. “I’m in a meeting, with my attorney. With whom I have a legal right to confer. Now go away and let me have my time.”

  From the look on the huge man’s face, he wasn’t used to being refused. Reed didn’t care. He’d fight tooth and nail if he had to. “Unless you’re prepared to drag me down the hall kicking and screaming,” he said, meaning it.

  Glowering at Reed, the man backed out of the room.

  Reed’s attorney looked green around the gills. “Who was that?”

  “Damned if I know.” Reed leaned closer. “Now I need you to listen to me. I’m innocent. I’m being framed. I know you’ve heard that before, or if you haven’t, you’ve seen it on TV. I need you to contact the sheriff of my hometown, Anniversary, Texas. His name is Roger Giles. Let him know I’m here.”

  The young man squinted at Reed, his thick wire-rimmed glasses magnifying his eyes. “Why?”

  “Because he’s possibly one of the few people who can help me clear my name. And we both want that, right? I mean, since you’re my lawyer, after all.”

  Hesitating a moment, the attorney finally nodded. “I’ll do the best I can.”

  “Not good enough,” Reed barked. “I need you to do it, no matter what. Do you understand?”

  Face flushed, the other man nodded. “Are we finished?” he asked, swallowing hard.

  Reed glanced at the door, wondering where Alex’s goon had gone. “Not just yet. Tell me about your credentials.”

  For the first time since he’d arrived, the young lawyer brightened. Reed tuned out the rest, while he tried to figure out what the hell Alex was up to.

  * * *

  “We’ve got to counter this,” Brock exclaimed. As Kaitlyn looked at him blankly, feeling numb, he grinned at her like a wild man.

  “It’s a chess game,” he said. “Alex has exposed his queen. Now it’s up to us to capture her.”

  Since Kaitlyn didn’t play chess, she had no idea what he meant.

  “We can’t let him win,” Zoe said, chiming in, nearly as animated as her husband. “Imagine the stir if you go on the air and expose him.”

  “I’d love to.” Kaitlyn took a deep breath, desperately hanging on to the last shreds of her courage. For Reed. Not for herself. But for Reed. Wherever he might be.

  “Good.” Brock beamed at her with approval. “I’m going to call Roger and make sure he gets the second press conference set up ASAP. Especially since all the reporters are here already.”

  It crossed Kaitlyn’s mind that Alex might try to have a sniper take her out or something. Of course, things like that took a while to set up, didn’t they?

  “I want the press conference to be inside,” she said. “Just a few reporters, those from the major networks and one from the Associated Press. Tell him that, will you, please?”

  Slowly, Brock nodded. “I’ll get it going. Are you sure you’re ready?”

  One more deep breath, and then she smiled. “As ready as I’m going to be.”

  Teased with the promise that this second press conference had something to do with Alex Ramirez and his startling announcements prior, coupled with the presence of the Anniversary Sheriff’s Department, the reporters showed up in droves. In fact, peering outside, Kaitlyn thought the number had increased.

  Which made her very, very nervous.

  Still, true to his word, Roger only allowed five inside. A representative of ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and the Associated Press. Someone from CNN practically begged for entrance, so after a quick consultation with Kaitlyn, that reporter was also allowed in.

  As he’d promised, Brock made sure cameras were rolling and they were live before he ushered Kaitlyn out.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, sounding for all the world like a carnival hawker. “I present to you Kaitlyn Nuhn.”

  All of the reporters began talking at once, asking questions. Roger called for silence and then informed them that she wanted to make a statement.

  At first, Kaitlyn thought she’d be terrified, but by keeping Reed’s handsome face in her mind, she found the necessary courage to face the bright lights and the cameras. “After hearing Alex Ramirez earlier, I felt the need to confirm to you all that I most assuredly am not dead. Nor was I kidnapped. I left of my own free will.”

  Immediately, the questions started again. But since the group was smaller, this time Kaitlyn easily waved them away. Once they’d again fallen silent, she continued.

  She held nothing back. She told them everything, including the fact that she had been a witness to Tim’s murder, among others.

  As she spoke, eyeing the red camera lights which meant she was being broadcast, she could imagine Alex’s reaction—if he was watching, which she had no doubt he was—
cold hard fury, followed with an immediate desire for vengeance.

  When he got like that, nothing could stop him. She hoped like hell Roger Giles and his local sheriff’s department were up to protecting her. Because she wasn’t trusting anyone else. Not until Alex had been locked up. And even then, she knew she’d have to be watching over her shoulder until he was convicted.

  * * *

  For the third time, Reed stood at the bars of the holding cell, trying to get someone’s attention. His attorney had left, promising to file something with someone and see about getting Reed out of there.

  Here being, according to his attorney, the Kaufman County Jail. Apparently, all federal prisoners were the custody of the U.S. Marshals, who utilized local jails for holding. Eventually, he would be transferred to Dallas.

  Unless a miracle happened.

  Though he knew he shouldn’t, a tiny spark inside him refused to believe this was hopeless. Kaitlyn was still alive. She had to be. And this time, she wouldn’t let him down.

  Again, he banged on the bars, asking for his one phone call. So far, his plea had fallen on deaf ears. No doubt Alex had ordered them to make sure Reed had no contact with the outside world.

  Just as Reed dropped his hands, about to turn away, a uniformed officer appeared. Her expression had that world-weary look worn by so many longtime law enforcement officers. “Is there a problem here?” she asked.

  Reed hadn’t seen her before. And surely, not everyone who worked in this county jail worked for Alex. “I haven’t gotten my one phone call.”

  Her brows rose, indicating surprise. “Let me check the logs. If that’s the case, I’ll be back.”

  Finally. Energized, he paced, waiting for her to return.

  Instead, two men in suits appeared, the female jailer right behind them. They stepped aside to allow her to unlock his cell.

  “You’ll get your phone call, I promise,” she said. “But you need to speak to these FBI agents first.”

  Resigned, Reed followed them down the concrete hallway toward what had to be another interrogation room. He hadn’t seen these two before. Maybe they were genuine. After all, how many people could Alex Ramirez have on his payroll?

  “Some interesting news has come to light,” the first man said, as soon as the door was closed and before even telling Reed to have a seat.

  “What?” Reed asked, crossing his arms.

  “We found the body of George Putchinski, a deputy sheriff in Anniversary, Texas.”

  “I know who he is,” Reed snapped. “What happened to him?”

  “He was shot. Two bullets right in the head.”

  Stunned, Reed could only stare. Any minute, he expected them to try and pin the murder on him.

  “What’s more, we have video. He had Kaitlyn Nuhn, but she hit him with a frying pan and apparently escaped. Sometime later, Alex Ramirez himself showed up with another man. At Alex’s direction, the other man shot George dead. They mustn’t have known about the camera.”

  Then, as Reed struggled to process this news, the agents exchanged glances. “There’s more. Kaitlyn Nuhn herself gave a press conference. Live, from an undisclosed location. She claimed Alex Ramirez was actually holding her prisoner for three years and that she was never his fiancée. She also stated she personally witnessed him murder your brother, Tim.”

  “Did she?” Reed brightened at that. Kaitlyn was not only alive, but safe. “How long ago was the press conference?”

  The man shrugged. “I think about thirty minutes ago. Apparently the sheriff’s department in your hometown has her in custody.”

  “The sheriff’s department?” Which meant Roger Giles. Reed wasn’t sure if Roger was up to the task of keeping Kaitlyn safe. He sure hadn’t had a good handle on George, his own deputy.

  “That’s about it,” the agent flashed a fake smile and opened the door. “As of right now, we have no basis for holding you. You’re free to go.”

  Reed didn’t move. “What about Kaitlyn?” he asked. “Are you sure she’s safe?”

  “We’ve got men on the way to assist the sheriff.” The agent looked confident. “We’ll put her in protective custody once we have her. It’s only a matter of time.”

  Protective custody. Reed took a deep breath. “Have you arrested Alex Ramirez? She won’t be safe until he’s locked up.”

  “Not yet.” The agent grimaced. “We sent a team to do that, but he’s disappeared. We’ve got to find him first.”

  “Disappeared?” Reed took a step forward and stopped himself. He wanted to throttle the man. “You do realize he wants to kill Kaitlyn, right? Her life is in danger.”

  “Mr. Westbrook, I’ve asked you to leave.” The agent held the door open wider. “We know our jobs, believe me. Now please let us do them.”

  * * *

  As soon as she finished speaking, Kaitlyn declined to answer any questions. Flanked by Roger and Brock, she slipped away, stepping into an unmarked police car, which then sped away.

  “Wow.” Placing her shaking hands against her burning cheeks, Kaitlyn struggled against a rising tide of panic. “That went okay, right?”

  “You did very well.” Smiling at her, Roger patted her shoulder. “Now we need to get you into hiding.”

  “You’re right about that.” She managed a weak smile. “Until he’s arrested, Alex will be after my blood.”

  Brock’s cell phone rang. Glancing at it, he flashed a grin. “Finally! It’s Reed.”

  He answered, listened a minute, and then said, “Sure. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”

  As soon as he ended the call, Kaitlyn grabbed his arm. “Is he all right?”

  “Yes. He’s at the Kaufman County Jail. They’ve just released him. I’m going to head over there now and pick him up.”

  “I want to go with you.”

  Both Brock and Roger instantly shook their heads. “Not a good idea. It’s best to keep you hidden, under guard, where we can keep you safe.”

  “No one will expect me to be riding with you to pick up a man at a jail,” Kaitlyn insisted. She couldn’t articulate why it was so important that she see Reed immediately; she just knew it was.

  “I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist that you remain here,” Roger said.

  She smiled at him. “And I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist on going. Unless you’re arresting me, which I believe you’re not, I’m a free woman.”

  Shaking his head, Roger mumbled something that sounded a lot like “Women.” He grimaced at Brock. “You do something. She’s your friend.”

  “Looks like she’s going with me,” Brock said, laughing as Kaitlyn widened her smile into a grin. “Come on, Kaitlyn. Let’s get you two lovebirds back together.”

  Lovebirds? Following Brock out back to where he’d parked his truck, she pondered the moniker. As if. Except, part of her, most of her...okay, all of her wished that were true.

  “Wait here,” Brock ordered. “We need to check out the parking lot and make sure no one’s here who isn’t supposed to be.”

  Roger motioned to two of his men. “Do a sweep of the area. If you see anyone who doesn’t belong, chase them off.”

  Standing in between Brock and the sheriff, Kaitlyn wondered if Reed had been successful in getting her cell phone with the all-important video. She’d made sure not to mention it to anyone else, not even people she trusted, like Zoe and Brock. The less people who knew of its existence, the better.

  Finally, the two uniformed deputies returned. “The parking lot is clear,” one said. “And most of the media that was camped out in town is gone. So you ought to be safe driving through town.”

  “Great. Thank you.” Roger turned, eyeing Kaitlyn before facing Brock. “Would you like me to go along? Just in case you need some firepower.”

  “No, thanks,” Brock replied. “I have a license to carry, and my pistol is in my truck. We’ll be fine.”

  As they drove away, Kaitlyn couldn’t contain her nerves. She kept turning to look behind
them, worried someone might be following.

  “Hey, if you’re this nervous, why’d you want to go?” Brock finally asked, his tone a bit exasperated.

  “I have to see Reed,” she said. “And I can’t really explain why I’m a bundle of nerves. Hopefully it isn’t some sort of premonition.”

  “I don’t believe in those.” Brock gave her a reassuring smile. “Zoe does, but every time she thinks she’s having one, it turns out to be nothing. It’s almost over, Kaitlyn. You have to trust that this thing will work out.”

  Trust. Easy for him to say. Every single man she’d ever known had betrayed her trust. Until now. Until Reed.

  Heading toward the highway, each of them fell silent, lost in their own thoughts. The closer they got toward the turnoff that lead to the main road, the more Kaitlyn began to relax. After all, there wasn’t a single other car anywhere behind them.

  At the stop sign near the graveyard, Brock glanced at her. “Are you okay?”

  Slowly, she nodded. “You know, I think I am. I’m ready to put all of this behind me.”

  “Good.” He smiled as he lightly squeezed her shoulder and began driving through the intersection. “Reed’s a good man. I’m happy to know you’re giving him a chance.”

  A chance? Kaitlyn realized Brock definitely had the wrong impression. As she opened her mouth to tell him so, a speeding car came flying over the hill, T-boning them and sending Brock’s truck spinning out of control.

  * * *

  For the fifth time, Reed checked his watch. What the heck was taking Brock so long? Though he really didn’t want to pressure his friend, well over an hour had passed. The drive from Anniversary to this jail was thirty minutes, thirty-five at best.

  And he really wanted—no needed—to see Kaitlyn with his own eyes.

  A car pulled into the parking lot, coasting slowly to a stop in front of Reed. Reed stepped back. While he didn’t think Alex Ramirez would mess with him, he knew he couldn’t be too careful.

  The window went down and Reed froze. Alex. He had to say, the man had brass balls to show his face around here.