“We’re going riding. You’ll need a good meal inside of you.” He went to the refrigerator and got out a glass of orange juice. “Drink. I’ve already had mine.” Jared started to turn back to the stove when he heard a noise at the door. He drew his gun and crept toward the entrance.
Ward stuck his head in. “It’s me.”
“You should have called out sooner. I might have shot you.”
“Nope. You’re cautious.”
“Join us for breakfast. I’ll pour you a glass of juice.”
Ward strolled across to the table and sat next to Brittany.
“Are you enjoying your visit on the ranch?”
“Yes. Jared has promised to take me horseback riding today.”
“We can’t go far. She’s not used to being in the saddle. She’ll get sore if we ride too long,” Jared added.
“I’ll go change while you finish cooking. I haven’t been outside much lately. It’ll be good to be back in the saddle.” Ward walked off down the hallway.
“Did you know he was coming?” Britt asked.
“I knew he’d come as soon as he could, but I didn’t know exactly when he’d arrive. Give him a chance. You two got off on the wrong foot. He’s really a nice guy.”
“Being his brother doesn’t make you prejudiced or anything,” she said, but with a smile.
“You’ll see I’m right.”
Ward returned as Jared was putting the plates of eggs, sausage, potatoes, and biscuits on the table. “Thanks, Jared. I’m starving.” He sat down in the same place beside Britt.
She could smell his scent of soap and pine. His black hair curled from being wet. He’d put on a black T-shirt and jeans with his boots. He looked sexy and dangerous.
“How did last night go?” Britt asked.
Ward told her about Ralph and about the boss of the ring having her name. “I came back to help Jared guard you. Until these guys are caught, we have to be on the alert.”
“And if you don’t catch them?”
“Chad and his men are good. They’ll get them.”
“I hope so. I have a life in New York. I need to get back to it.”
“You may change your mind,” Ward replied.
Britt gave him a look and Ward smiled. The rest of the meal was quiet. It didn’t take long to finish and stack the dishes in the washer.
Ward went out the door first and checked around the area. Britt came out behind him and Jared followed. It was a lovely morning if you weren’t worried about a sniper hidden in the nearby hills. Britt found herself checking all around the area. She gave a sigh of relief when they got to the barn and went in.
Jared got his and Brittany’s horse. Ward got his own. Once saddled and ready to go, Jared rode ahead and Ward behind her. They rode the trails close to the house.
Ward rode up beside her. “I missed you.”
Her head jerked around. She gave him a suspicious look. I bet Jared told him to be nicer.
“I didn’t miss you.”
His laughter had a deep, warm sound. “You are a stubborn, difficult woman.”
She urged her horse forward until she was beside Jared. In back of her, Ward was chuckling.
Jared glanced at her. “Remember, give him a chance.”
“You told him to be nice to me.”
“I won’t lie. I did. You’re both important to me. My hope is we can all get along.”
“I don’t think so. I’m going to go to Sondra’s and stay. Being here you’ll both assume too much.”
“Maybe you’re right. I’ll call Kel when I get back.”
Britt thought his words would make her happy or at least relieved. They didn’t. She felt like she’d been punched in the belly. What was wrong with her? She’d never been this temperamental or such a bitch.
They didn’t talk much after that and soon Jared turned, directing them back to the ranch house. He went to the kitchen phone. Britt walked on down the hall to pack.
* * * *
“Hi, Kel. Brittany wants to stay with you all. Is that a problem?”
“No. I have a deputy at the house when Boyd and I are gone. She’ll be company for Sondra. I’ll come by and get her in about an hour.”
“Thanks.”
“I thought you three would be enjoying each other.”
“I did, too. See you soon.”
Jared put down the phone and told Ward what Kel had said. Ward had poured them both a cup of coffee and had sat at the table. Jared sipped his, leaning against the door frame.
“I heard what you said to her. I guess she feels we’re pushing her too fast.”
“You’re the one who wanted me to try harder.”
“We can still ask her out and try to get through her high walls. I’d like to punch her ex in the jaw for hurting her.” Jared heard her coming down the hall, pulling her suitcases.
“Kel will pick you up in an hour.”
“Do you want coffee?” Ward asked.
“I can pour a cup for myself, but thank you.” She held her chin high and wouldn’t directly look at them.
“This is probably for the best,” Jared said. “We can get back to our regular schedule.”
He and Ward watched her swallow. She kept her face turned partially toward the coffeepot. Jared wanted to kiss her sweet neck and tell her it would all work out, but he didn’t know that for certain.
She liked making love with them, but they wanted her to love them or at least he did. He glanced at Ward. His brother didn’t look too happy with the turn of events, either. Good. Maybe this would work as he hoped and bring them both to their senses about how they felt for each other.
Ward excused himself. “I have some calls to make.” He strode off to his study.
“You must have jobs to do on the ranch. I’ll be fine here until Kel arrives. I can yell for Ward, if needed.”
“All right.” Jared came around the table and leaned down. He kissed her lightly on the lips and rushed to the door. He grabbed his hat and started out, then turned back. “I’ll call. We’ll plan a dinner out soon.”
“I’d like that.” Brittany blinked her eyes quickly.
Jared had difficulty not going back, picking her up, taking her to his room, and making love to her. He clenched his fists briefly, then waved as he rushed out the door.
He’d left his horse in the barn. He took off riding fast across the fields. Damn, she’d irritated him with her hot and cold attitude. Now they wouldn’t see her half as much, and someone else would be protecting her.
He’d talk with Ward. They could take turns hiding and watching Sondra’s house, just in case they were needed. The idea made him feel better. He didn’t like depending on others to guard her.
Jared had wanted to tell her he hadn’t meant to really send her away. But this might end up working in their favor. He slowed his horse and rode toward the men herding the cattle. Later today he’d talk with Ward about his plan.
Chapter Nine
Clyde Washers paced around his small cabin then glanced outside. He was trapped. He’d never get enough money to leave town and get a new start. Especially since he still owed a small amount to the bank for the ranch. He hadn’t been able to make a payment in the last five months. He stared out the window at the few skinny cattle, and land that hadn’t been productive in several years. His dad had been the farmer, not him. Once his father couldn’t work the land, it went downhill. He and his family had been loners and the neighbors, who might have helped, had learned long ago to stay away.
Not that he had wanted their help. He couldn’t stand strangers peeking around and taking stories back to town about how he and his family lived. His dad had warned Clyde when he was just a boy and many times afterward that family was who you trusted. Anyone else wanted something, so to be sure he was willing to pay the price for what they offered. But no one was gonna offer help or money for this place. What the hell was he going to do?
He opened his small refrigerator and took out a beer. He had
some peanut butter and crackers left. He’d eat lunch and then go to town and see if he could find a part-time job.
His phone rang just as he started out the door to town. He started to ignore it, but curiosity got the best of him. Who the hell would be calling him? No one ever called.
“Clyde, this is Dick Aggies. You must remember me. I used to live in Triple Dare County. How are you doing?”
“Why are you calling, Dick? I haven’t heard from you but twice since you left Triple Dare County fifteen years ago. Last time you wanted me to come work for you, but I don’t do well working with others. I told you that at the time. I like to keep to myself. And I don’t like nosy neighbors or so-called friends.”
“I remember what you said, and I respect a man who knows himself. But you’ve been on my mind lately. Someone told me you were having a difficult time holding onto your small ranch since your mom and dad died.”
“What busybody said that?” Fury swept through Clyde. He never told anyone his thoughts or problems. It had to be someone who worked at the bank.
“I promised I wouldn’t say. The person was worried about you.”
“I ain’t got no friends who’d be concerned, so you’re full of shit. What do you want, Dick? You didn’t call to just say howdy or offer me help, and you don’t do favors without getting one back.”
“You always were fast on the uptake. I do have a favor I need done. It’s worth me sending you a check for twenty thousand dollars.”
“You can’t send me no check. Whatever it is you want done, I’m sure it’s illegal. The cops would be at my ranch in hours.”
“Then you can fly here and get half the money in cash now and the rest after the job’s done. That’s probably best. It’ll give the target a chance to relax and let down their guard.”
“You paying for the plane fare?”
“Of course. My man will call you back with the flight and time. We’ll discuss the plan when you get here.”
After agreeing, Clyde Washers hung up his phone. He glanced around at the deteriorating cabin. His folks had never had the money to keep it up. The small ranch had barely given them a living. He wanted to move from Triple Dare County to a town where he’d buy a little house and do odd jobs. That’d suit him just fine, but twenty thousand wouldn’t do. He could pay off the bank and then sell the ranch, but he needed to get Dick to agree to up the ante.
I’ll see what the job is, and then I’ll negotiate. He walked back to the dirty window and looked out. Damn, he hated this place. He’d do anything to get a ticket out of here.
* * * *
Britt had been at Sondra’s for two days. They’d talked and cooked, and watched television. Her sister was fun to be with, but she missed Jared and Ward more than she wanted to admit.
Kel had insisted they stay inside and both of them were getting antsy. Boyd came home for lunch each day, which helped to break the monotonous hours.
“How are you feeling, darlin’?” Boyd asked Sondra as he leaned down to kiss her.
“We’re both feeling closed in.”
“I know, but we can’t take a chance. Whoever is after Britt wants us to relax and lower our guard. Kel and I will take you to dinner tonight, and then to the Leaning Post to play some pool. How does that sound?” He glanced at Britt. “I don’t think you’ve been there. It can be a lot of fun.”
“No, but you three go on. You haven’t had any time together without me around these past two days.”
“Nonsense,” Sondra said. “I wouldn’t enjoy myself thinking about you here alone. It isn’t safe.” She hugged Boyd. “That’s a great idea.”
He grinned. “Always looking to please, my lady.”
Britt hated how envious she was getting being around Sondra and her husbands. They treated her like she was the most precious thing in the world to them, as they should. Britt’s ex-husband had never been as caring and loving, not even at the first of their marriage.
After lunch they’d settled in the great room. Sondra was trying to teach Britt how to knit a baby blanket. Britt laughed when Sondra had to untangle her knitting for the third time.
“I’m a lost cause.”
“No, you are not. Wait until you get pregnant. You’ll be more motivated to learn. Right now all you can think about are Jared and Ward Jarvis.”
“That isn’t true.”
“Liar. I see the goofy look you get whenever you’re thinking about them. It’s pretty often. Why not admit you’re crazy about both men?”
“I told you about the problem with Ward.”
“Ask him how he feels about you. If he can’t say, you can ask Jared what’s wrong. Kel and Boyd said the two of them are as close as real brothers.”
“I’ve tried to get through to Ward with no luck. From now on he can apologize or forget me.”
“If you’re serious, you’ll lose Jared, too.”
A phone rang in the kitchen. Britt jumped up. “You stay here. I’ll see who it is.” When she came back, she’d change the subject. Her sister knew her too well.
“Hello.”
“Hi, honey. I’ve missed you.”
Jared’s warm, sexy voice made her go hot all over. “How are you?” Britt asked. How stupid. I’m a great conversationalist.
“We’re fine. Ward and I thought perhaps you’d like to go out to dinner.”
“Yes, that sounds good. Kel and Boyd are taking Sondra out, and then they’re going to the Leaning Post.”
“We have a restaurant about twenty miles from here in mind. It’s a nice place. People come from all around the area to eat there.”
“Wherever you take me will be fine with me.”
“Are you sick?”
“No, why?”
“You’ve never been this agreeable before.”
“Don’t think it’s because I’ve been missing you two. I’m going stir-crazy being stuck in the house all day, every day.”
“That sounds more like my girl.”
“Humph. If I didn’t want to get out of this house so bad, I’d cancel out.”
He chuckled. “See you at six.” Then he hung up.
* * * *
“She’s missed us,” Jared told Ward. He had walked to the kitchen table and turned a chair around and straddled it. “She’s getting tired of being closed in.”
“We’ll try to get her to come back to the ranch. She can ride out with us,” Ward said.
“It’s too dangerous. We’ll keep doing as we have been, taking turns hiding out around the ranch, watching for trouble.” Jared stood, got his hat, and headed out. “I’ll be back in time to get ready for our date with Brittany.”
“I’m going to call Chad and see what’s happening at their end. He’s due to come home for vacation in a week or two. A friend of his and Kel’s is coming with him.”
“We’ll have another big barbecue, ask all the neighbors, and have Brittany here to help us. It’ll give her something to do. See you.” Jared walked out the door.
Automatically, Jared glanced around the area. He hadn’t sensed or noticed any strangers on their ranch. Kel was keeping an eye out in town, but he hadn’t seen anyone, except for a few tourists passing through. Perhaps the boss of the outfit had decided Brittany wasn’t of any consequence to his business. I hope so.
Her seductive tone traveled across the phone lines and wrapped around him, sending a jolt of desire straight up his spine. He’d talk to Ward when he got back about bringing her to the ranch after dinner. If she was agreeable, they’d show her how good it could be with the three of them.
He urged his mare, Diamond, forward. There was work to be done before six. But he found it difficult to push Brittany to the back of his mind.
* * * *
Ward punched in Chad’s number. “Hi, have you had any luck finding the big boss?”
“No and none of the marked money has shown up. Whoever he is, he paid for some good lawyers for his men. They definitely aren’t talking. I’m afraid I’ll be leaving on vaca
tion with this case still open. I really wanted to solve it before then.”
“If he sends someone here, hopefully we’ll get him alive. Jared and I will work on him before we hand him over to your guys. We don’t have to offer a lawyer or be as nice.”
“He’s clever. I have some bad news.”
“What?”
“Last night, the policeman guarding Ralph was given a cup of coffee that had a sleeping pill in it. The nurses were busy and didn’t notice right away. Probably the same person came back, slipped in, and shot Ralph dead. He had a silencer on his gun. No one heard or saw a thing.”
“Damn, our witness is gone. Did the guard get a look at the man?”
“He said he was dressed like a male nurse and had a hospital tag on. He couldn’t remember the name. It wouldn’t have mattered. It was stolen.
“The hospital was in an uproar trying to figure how the guy got the badge. Then they found one of their maintenance men in the basement dead behind the incinerator. We have to get this guy and his gang. He’s too dangerous.”
“And you’ve never had an inkling of his identity?” Ward asked.
“A few suspects that didn’t pan out. I have to go. I’ll see you soon. We can discuss the case more with Torrad Davidssons, who’s a big city detective, and with Kel. New eyes looking at the evidence might help. But we have to keep it quiet. My superiors wouldn’t like me sharing.”
“Understood. See you when you get here.” Ward hit the disconnect button on his phone. He and Jared had to continue their guard duty. He’d come back at lunch to talk with Jared about planning a date with Brittany. He’d seen Boyd go into the house before he left. But Boyd would be gone now.
Ward got in his truck and drove fast back to Kel’s. They’d found a high spot that overlooked the house and surrounding area. He parked and sat between several bushes near the edge of the cliff. The deputy’s car was parked in the usual spot. It all looked quiet. He put on his sunglasses and watched the windows for any movement. The only sound was the wind blowing through the trees behind him.
Sitting here gave him a chance to think about Brittany and himself. Jared had been right. She was the perfect match for both of them. When Ward made love to her, she touched him deeper than any other woman. It had scared him.
Seductive Surrender [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 9