by Chloe Lang
* * * *
Lance walked into the sheriff’s office with Danielle, Chuck, Brandon, and Carlotta.
“Come in,” the man behind the desk said. He stood, extending his hand. “I’m Wayne Champion, sheriff of Silver County.”
“Lance Archer.” He shook his hand. “This is my friend, Chuck Covington. I assume you know the rest.”
“I do, especially that good-looking guy over there. They say he looks a lot like his father, you know.”
“Dad, we have news,” Brandon said. “The cartel just tried to run Danielle over.”
The sheriff’s smile faded. “Are you okay, young lady?”
“I am.”
“You and Carlotta sit. Since there are only two chairs, the guys can stand. I want you all to tell me everything.”
Brandon handed him the paper Carlotta had given him. “This is the plate number. The car was a black sedan.”
“A four-door Cadillac,” Carlotta chimed in. “Late model. I dhink it vas a 2011 or 2012.”
“I’ll run the plates, but I’m betting they’re stolen. That’s been the norm.”
Lance instantly liked the way Sheriff Champion was getting down to business.
“Look at this, Dad.” Brandon handed over the note that had been wrapped around the brick. “I think it’s clear who it’s from.”
“This symbol makes it crystal clear.” The sheriff pointed at the note in his hand. “Unfortunately, it’s not enough to issue arrest warrants, even if we knew who the men were in the car.”
After each of them recounted the event to Sheriff Champion, he leaned back in his chair. “Bastards.”
“What I don’t understand is why they threw this brick with the note.” Danielle shifted in her seat. “Wouldn’t it be better from the cartel’s point of view to just grab me? Sheriff, why this instead?”
“Intimidation is typical for the cartel. They believe putting the fear of God in a person is the best first move. Most melt. I’m sure they expect you to do the same. Then they don’t get their hands dirty with the law.”
She folded her arms together. “I won’t melt. I promise you that.”
Lance liked her grit and determination. But this was most certainly a life and death situation. He didn’t want her risking her neck for money. “The cartel wants four hundred thousand. Done. Chuck and I can get that wired to them in a few hours. No problem.”
“You can’t do that.” Danielle’s conviction and character was honest. “They’re drug dealers and killers. It’s not worth it.”
“Your safety is worth it to me.” I’d give away my entire fortune to make sure no one harms a single hair on your head, Danielle.
“She’s right,” Sheriff Champion said. “You’d only be fuelling an operation that is destroying the lives of kids across most of the western United States. Plus, that would only whet their appetite. Once they find out that you sent the money, they will continue making demands for more. That’s how thugs work.”
He knew the sheriff was right. “So what other tactic can we take, Sheriff?”
“Do either of you own a gun?”
“We do,” Chuck answered. “But they are back at our house in Dallas.”
“If you’re going to be Danielle’s new bodyguards, we’ll have to get you armed.”
“How good are you two vith guns?” Carlotta asked.
“Actually, we’re quite good. Chuck and I have won our share of medals at the gun range.”
Brandon shrugged. “A paper target doesn’t move, Lance.”
“I’m really good at skeet shooting. They move.”
The sheriff laughed, breaking the tension slightly. The rest joined in, allowing everyone a chance to breathe.
“Men,” the sheriff said, “Danielle’s got her own gun.”
Lance looked at her, shocked at the revelation. “Is that true?”
She nodded. “Everyone in Wilde has a gun.”
“I don’t want her to use it—ever,” Sheriff Champion stated firmly. “She shouldn’t have to, if you do your jobs.”
“As her bodyguards, I swear we will make sure she is safe.” Lance looked at Chuck and saw the same determination in his face.
“Sheriff, do you have a gun store here?” Chuck asked.
A knock on the door startled all of them.
Sheriff Champion stood.
Brandon’s hand went inside his jacket.
He and Chuck jumped in front of Danielle and Carlotta to block them from whoever might come through the door.
“Sheriff, it’s Austin Wilde. I’ve got news.”
He saw Brandon’s hand return to his side and the sheriff sighed, which made everyone relax.
“Come in,” the sheriff said.
The man walked into the office. He had a bearing of authority that couldn’t be missed.
“Austin, I’d like you to meet Lance Archer and Chuck Covington. They will be Danielle’s acting bodyguards.”
They shook hands.
“What’s the news?” Brandon asked.
“Someone has approached the cartel about Danielle,” Austin stated. “A guy who just got out of prison. Quite the rap sheet, too. Burglar and con artist turned drug dealer. Name of Miguel Soto.”
Danielle’s face turned white, but she didn’t say a word.
Austin continued. “He was in for murder. What I’ve drummed up so far on the guy is he contacted the cartel for their resources. Made some big promises to them. You know anything about him?” he asked Danielle.
She didn’t answer.
Lance saw a look on her face that didn’t sit well with him. She was afraid.
The sheriff looked at Danielle like a father would a daughter. “Honey, don’t worry. We’ll investigate this.” He turned to Austin. “What else?”
“Whatever Soto told the cartel about Danielle must’ve worked. They seem more excited about Danielle than ever before.”
“The pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together.” Sheriff Champion filled Austin in on what had happened outside of Norma’s Diner. “It’s very clear who is after her.”
He handed the brick and note to Austin.
Austin read the note. His gaze returned to Danielle. “Any light you can shed on this or on who Soto is?”
“You already asked her that,” Lance shot at him. “Back off.”
The man’s hands curled into fists. Didn’t matter. If they had to come to blows, so be it. Lance’s need to protect Danielle was so massive inside him. He would do whatever necessary to make sure she remained safe—not just from the cartel’s thugs or this Soto guy, but even from Austin’s unspoken accusations, if need be.
“Hold on, men,” the sheriff said calmly. “Let’s table this. I’m in charge of this investigation.
“Look, Sheriff. I’m only trying to help her,” Austin stated. “The more I know, the more I can do for her. We all want the same thing. We want Danielle to be safe.”
Hearing that and seeing the man’s hands relax made Lance feel better about Austin.
“What about Trent?” The concern in Danielle’s voice was unmistakable.
“I spoke with Masters just a few minutes ago,” Austin said. “Trent isn’t crazy about being assigned bodyguards.”
“Can’t blame him.” She smiled, turning to him and Chuck. “It could be worse.”
The man’s face darkened. “You’re damn right it could be.”
“Too bad,” the sheriff stated. “Until I say so, both Danielle and Trent will have protective detail around them at all times. How’s Trent holding up?”
“After the hell he went through, better than most. The guy is tough.”
Brandon nodded. “Coming from you, Austin, that’s saying a lot.”
“Trent is tough like his sister, Mackenzie.” The sheriff turned to him and Chuck. “Time to take you to the gun store.”
“Past time.” Chuck’s tone had a steely edge he’d heard a million times. It was time to get to the job at hand—protecting Danielle.
>
Lance put his arm around her shoulder. “We’re taking you on a date.”
Chuck nodded. “Tonight.”
The sheriff reached for his keys and began walking toward the door. “After we get you two pistols, of course. A date might be good for you, Danielle.”
Lance touched her cheek. “We’ll stay sharp and remain on guard, but I want to get your mind off of this mess.”
“That would be great,” she said, her eyes wide. “I need a break from all of this.”
Chapter Seven
As she unlocked the door to her house, Danielle’s insides whirled like mad. She led Lance and Chuck inside. Each of them had guns holstered inside their jackets. Lance had a Glock and Chuck had a .45 magnum.
Miguel is coming for me.
“I love your place.” Chuck’s gaze wandered around her home. Lance smiled. “It fits you, Danielle.”
“But you just met me.”
“I know, but it goes along with your sweet personality.” He held her hand. “There are clues all over the place about who you are, especially in your decorations.”
Chuck put his arm around her. “Comfortable and welcoming.”
She was glad that he and Chuck were here. She didn’t want to be alone. Not after learning from Austin that Soto was trying to track her down. How many years had it been since she’d seen the asshole? Not since she was twelve, so ten years.
Ten years. God, has it really been that long?
“I know you want to take me on a date, but do you mind if we just sit for a bit before I get ready?”
“Don’t mind at all.” Lance touched her cheek. “If you’d rather stay in than go out, we can.
“I agree.” Chuck pulled her in tighter to his muscled frame. “You’re tough, Danielle, but anyone would need some time to get over what happened to you outside the diner.”
“Thank you. Would either of you like something to drink?”
“Let’s just sit on your sofa for now,” Lance said. “Take a breather from everything we heard in the sheriff’s office.”
“Thanks, I believe that’s exactly what I need.” She sat on her sofa and touched Pauline’s book to try to calm her nerves. “I still can’t believe you are doing this for me.”
“You heard Michael.” Chuck smiled. “We’re good guys.”
“I believe you are.” She closed her eyes, trying to push the ancient nightmare down. It wouldn’t go back into the cage now that she knew Miguel was searching for her.
“It’s going to be okay, Danielle.” The tenderness in Lance’s voice was comforting.
She wanted to believe him, needed to. But she couldn’t. Nothing was going to be okay again. She opened her eyes and looked at the book dear Pauline had given her.
“You’re a good person, too.” Chuck’s face was full of compassion. “I can tell.”
“Can you? I don’t feel so good.” Lance and Chuck had agreed to be her bodyguards. The least they deserved was to know the truth. “I’m not who you think I am. My last name isn’t even Glass. I lied. I’ve been lying for so long, sometimes I wonder if I even know the truth.”
“Danielle, there has to be a reason for you to use another name.” Chuck seemed to be as much of a mind reader as Carlotta was a psychic. “I’m a great judge of character. I know I’m right.”
“What is your last name, sweetheart?” Lance asked.
“Roberson. I’m Danielle Roberson.” It felt good to tell them her real name. Now three people in Wilde knew it—Lance, Chuck, and the sheriff.
Chuck put his arm around her. “You can trust us to know your truth. It will not leave this room.”
“Whatever happened to you, we’re here for you, Danielle.” Lance’s gaze made her melt. “You can count on us.”
“Where to begin?” She took a deep breath as the memories filled her mind. “My dad died when I was five years old. My mother lost it. She wasn’t the mom I remembered, the mom who tucked me in at night, the mom who made sure I was clean and fed, the mom who read stories to me before I went to sleep. I was an only child and so it was just my mother and I for a couple of years. My mother started drinking and fell into a bad crowd. She went from one man to the next for a couple of years before settling on a burglar, who she married when I was seven. Miguel Soto is my stepfather.”
Lance held her hand and squeezed. “My God, no wonder you got so upset when Austin mentioned his name.”
“So how did he end up in prison?” Chuck asked.
“Murder, but it’s a very long story and I want to tell you.” She looked at them both and saw such kindness in their eyes. It made it easier to talk to them, to tell them her truth. “Soto could pick any lock, but he grew tired of robbery. He and my mother started a scam against elderly people. I was too young to know what was going on. They worked as home health aides. They would gain their clients’ trust and steal small amounts from them. In time, they would coerce their victims to sign over their assets.”
“That’s horrible, Danielle.” Lance squeezed her hand.
“Posing as a handyman and housekeeper, they brought me into the scam, though I still had no idea they were criminals. My mom told me to talk to the elderly people because they were lonely and loved children. I had no grandparents, so I was thrilled to do it. Later, I realized my mom and Miguel were only using me. They believed their victims would see me as a sweet, innocent child. They were right. We looked just like a loving family, so they opened up their hearts and wallets for us.”
Chuck’s eyes narrowed. “How could they use a child for their dirty work?”
“If the elderly people would ask my mother or Miguel questions about what they were doing, then the bastard would give me a spanking at night, saying I wasn’t doing my job keeping them occupied. My mother never did anything to protect me.”
“I’d like to get my hands on your fucking stepfather.” Lance’s face was full of rage.
“Every night I would cry myself to sleep.” She leaned back, feeling the weight of the past crushing into her gut. “I was twelve years old when we started working for Mrs. Pauline Laddell. She gave me this on the day she died.” Danielle pointed to the book on the coffee table. “It’s my most prized possession. Pauline loved to read to me. I fell in love with books because of her. She was the sweetest woman I’d ever known. We talked for hours and hours about all kinds of things. We baked cookies together. She told me about her life with her husband, Ernest, who had been a Navy pilot. They’d lived all around the world. I loved her very much.”
“So she was like a grandmother to you?” Chuck asked.
“Most definitely. After handing me the book, Pauline sent me into the kitchen to get her a cup of tea. I held my present to my chest. No one had ever given me anything. Ever.”
Lance shook his head. “Not even for your birthday?”
“Not even then. Pauline’s gift was the only one I’d ever received.” Danielle closed her eyes and brought up the vision of that horrible day. “When I walked into the kitchen, I saw my mother putting one of Pauline’s silver trays into her bag. I’d seen my mother do that kind of thing many times, but she’d always have some kind of reason why, like needing to get something repaired or cleaned. For many years, I accepted everything she told me. But growing into my adolescence and turning twelve, I realized it had been lies all along. I’d been so foolish.”
“You were only a child, sweetheart.” Chuck patted her tenderly.
“I had to tell Pauline. I turned to go to her, but Miguel grabbed me. I’ll never forget how evil his eyes looked that day. He bent down and said, ‘What are you doing, you little fuck? Don’t you dare tell that bitch anything. You do and you die, and so does Pauline. Understand?’ He saw the book and his lips curled into a twisted smile. ‘The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, Danielle. Nice little treasure you lifted.’ I told him that Pauline had given me the book, and I tried to wiggle free from his hold. But he held me tight.”
“Motherfucker,” Lance cursed through cl
enched teeth.
“That’s when he told me what the scam was and what my job had been for all those dear people we’d stolen from. I’ll never forget his words that day. ‘Everything in this house is mine, Danielle, including this book. You’re worthless. You don’t deserve anything, you little bitch.’ I cried. I saw my mother, but like always, she didn’t take a single step to save me. He cursed and shoved me in a closet, threatening to cut my throat if I moved a muscle. He shut the door and I shook violently. When I caught my breath, I bolted out of the closet. Miguel stood behind Pauline. She smiled at me. And then Miguel swung a lamp at the dear woman’s head.”
“Oh my God,” they both said in unison.
With tears of grief welling up in her eyes, she continued. “As Pauline’s body fell to the ground, I ran out the door and down the street. I kept running. I ran as fast as I could. I didn’t look back. I knew I couldn’t go back. Not to him. Not even to my mother. Pauline was dead. He’d killed her. That first night, behind a dumpster, I cried myself to sleep.”
Lance and Chuck held her close.
“Even though I’d been in the dark about the cons Miguel and my mom had run, I had learned how to survive growing up with them. Because of their selfishness and neglect, I had to. I hitched a ride to Los Angeles, thinking they wouldn’t be able to find me in such a big city. Even though I was only twelve, I got a job waiting tables, claiming to be sixteen. That’s when all the lies and running started.”
Lance kissed her. “You don’t have to run anymore.”
“We’ll make sure you don’t.” Chuck stroked her hair.
“I like it here. I like being with you two. I ended up in Wilde because of the stories Pauline told me about it. She grew up here as a child. The way she talked about that time sounded incredible. All those years of running, I never forgot them. Now, I’m here.”
“With us.” Lance smiled. “This town does seem special.”
“We’ve only been here a couple of days, but I completely agree, buddy.”
She grabbed their hands, feeling better than she had in her entire life. Pauline was right. “Wilde is like no other place on the planet.”