by Chloe Lang
Why do evil people like Lunceford always seem to be able to cheat the odds?
The doctor’s eyes lowered back to the chart.
Cindy typed away on the keyboard, obviously still troubled about something. “I’m sure you know the reason he chose you over the other two, Belle.”
“Because I’m from the town he’s at war with.” Belle inched quietly closer to the table of instruments.
“For an idiot, you’re not as dumb as you seem.” Cindy’s tone had a noticeable edge of frustration. “Where is he?”
Kip isn’t here.
She didn’t bother looking at Belle, her attention glued to the monitor.
Obviously, the lunatic feels secure that I won’t try to escape.
Belle held her breath, keeping her eyes on Cindy and the doctor.
Just a little closer…
A face she’d only seen in a picture on the cover of Destiny Daily appeared on the monitor.
Kip Lunceford!
The doctor looked up from the charts.
“Kip, where are you?” The relief in Cindy’s voice was obvious.
Oh God, I have to escape. I have to survive this. I have to live. For Juan. For Shane and Corey. Even for me.
The murdering bastard’s face was tight with frustration. “Get out now. I didn’t plan for Shannon’s Elite placing a tracker on your car, Cindy.”
“Why didn’t you contact me, brother?”
“Their fucking hacker was able to lock down my access. I wasn’t able to send a message until now. They are less than five minutes away. Take the helicopter and bring Belle and the doctor to me at the secondary location.”
The screen went dark.
It’s now or never.
The surgeon nodded and reached for Belle.
Belle kicked the bastard as hard as she could in the nuts.
He doubled over, groaning.
In a split second, she grabbed a scalpel and leapt to Cindy, who was reaching for her gun.
Belle stabbed her in the hand, and the weapon slid off the counter onto the floor several feet away from them and the door.
Cindy ran out and screamed, “Grab the bitch and bring her to the helicopter.”
The two thugs rushed in, their guns aimed at Belle.
She could hear the helicopter’s engine revving up.
I’ve come too far to give up now.
An image of Juan standing between Shane and Corey filled her mind and gave her renewed courage.
If today is the day I must die, I won’t go down without a fight.
Gunshots could be heard just outside the building.
The two mobsters turned to the door.
Keeping hold of the scalpel, Belle leapt for Cindy’s gun.
“Bitch.”
The other one shouted something in Russian.
Just as her fingers touched the gun, two shots rang out inside the room.
Had she jumped too late for Cindy’s weapon?
She heard two heavy thuds behind her and then Shane and Corey saying her name.
“Belle.”
She turned and saw the two loves of her life running to her side.
They wrapped her up in their arms and she felt tears of relief and joy fall from her eyes.
“You’re here. You’re really here.”
Shane and Corey hadn’t given up. They’d done the impossible. They’d saved her, and all the fear she’d been carrying since being shoved in the trunk vanished.
Shane’s gaze was filled with love and concern. “Are you okay, baby?”
She nodded. “Is Juan okay?”
“He’s with Amber. He’s fine.”
She closed her eyes, feeling completely relieved that her boy was in good hands.
Corey pressed his lips to hers. “It’s all over, sweetheart.”
Shane squeezed her hand. “We have you, and you’re safe now.”
Chapter Seventeen
Sitting at the local diner in Riverton, Shane held Belle’s hand and his brother kept his arm around her shoulder. He and Corey had kept Belle between them ever since finding her at Kip’s secret location. They’d lost her once. They would never let that happen again.
Black and Jason hadn’t returned from finishing up the paperwork with Sheriff Rose at his office. Corey, as a US marshal, should’ve gone with them, too, but had refused, unwilling to leave Belle.
She looked around the table at the rest of the team. “I know I’ve said it already, but thank you all for everything. I can’t express how grateful I am for what you did for me.”
Jo smiled. “Just doing our job, Belle.”
Shane knew it was more than just duty with the team. They cared about Destiny and cared about its citizens. He owed them. Without Shannon’s Elite, the mission to save Belle would’ve failed.
Ten dead mobsters.
The team had proven themselves, though Kip was still missing and Cindy had escaped. They’d all gotten notified on their ROCs moments ago that the helicopter had been found abandoned in Idaho. Like the rest of Shannon’s Elite, Shane believed Kip and his sister must be hiding out somewhere in the Northwest.
The doctor was in custody, but so far, hadn’t given them anything useful that would help them find the two fugitives.
Belle’s bravery amazed all of them. Her account of how she’d never given up, always looking for some way to escape, made him fall even deeper in love with her. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
Knowing she was a bone marrow match for the son of a bitch didn’t sit well with either him or Corey. The entire team would be assigned to protect Belle until the SOB and his crazy sister were captured. Black had contacted Langley about the other two matches in the registry. They would be protected as well.
The waitress brought their meals. “Two ham and cheese sandwiches with fries?”
“That’s me,” Matt answered.
“And me.” Sean nodded.
“Rib-eye steak medium rare?”
Dylan turned his head to her, still wearing his sunglasses, though it was nighttime. “Thank you.”
The waitress passed out the rest of the food, placing the cheeseburger in front of Belle.
“Looks delicious.” She turned to him. “I’m starving.”
“Me, too.” His stomach growled, reminding him how long it had been since he’d eaten. “No wonder, baby. We didn’t get to have our lunch at Phong’s.”
Everyone began devouring his or her meal, except Belle, whose face suddenly turned white.
“What’s the matter, sweetheart?” Corey asked. “Something wrong with your food?”
She shook her head. “I took a whiff and got queasy. I guess I’m still shook up from all that has happened. That poor deputy.” Her eyes welled up. “If I hadn’t pulled the wires on the brake light, he might’ve—”
“Sweetheart, take a couple of sips of water and breathe.” Knowing the trauma she’d endured, Shane wanted to help her through all the aftermath. “Deputy Clarkson didn’t pull Cindy over for faulty brake lights, Belle. Even though it was smart thinking to try to escape, very smart, the entire state of Wyoming was on the lookout for her car.”
“That helps, Shane. I’m feeling a little better now.”
“Would you like something else, Belle?” Jo asked from across the table. “Maybe some soup?”
“This is fine. I think I’ll eat a few bites and see how it goes. I might have to get a takeout box.”
Jason, Black, and Sheriff Rose came into the restaurant.
“Excuse me.” Belle pushed away from the table and stood up.
He and Corey did the same, staying next to her.
She walked up to Rose. “I’m so sorry about your deputy.”
He choked out. “William died a hero, Miss White.”
Tears streamed down her face.
Grief stricken, the old sheriff wrapped his arms around Belle.
“Is there anything I can do for his family, Sheriff?” Belle’s capacity for caring con
tinued to surprise him. It was boundless.
Rose wiped his eyes. “I’m his only family, Belle. He came here several years ago as a troubled kid trying to steal from our local grocery store. He was just hungry. I took him under my wing. When William was old enough, he became my deputy, and a damn good one he was.”
Corey grabbed his glass of water and held it up. “To Deputy William Clarkson, a fallen hero.”
The team raised their glasses and in unison, said. “Here. Here.”
Rose smiled. “Thank you.”
Black held out his hand to the man. “I’ll come back for William’s service, Sheriff.”
Sheriff Rose took Black’s hand and shook it.
“We all will,” Jason said.
Brock, the newest member of the team nodded. “Absolutely.”
They’d gotten word from Doc that Cooper was stable. The team had another memorial to attend back in Destiny. Jonas Ward. Thankfully, the tracker that Shane and Corey had placed on Trollinger’s car had led them to Belle, but it hadn’t saved Jonas or Clarkson.
The body count would continue to rise until Lunceford and his sister were captured.
* * * *
Belle looked out the windshield of Corey’s truck. They were driving to the Boys Ranch and she was vibrating with anticipation to see Juan, little Jake, and the other children.
Corey drove, and Shane held her hand. Her heart was theirs. She adored them.
She would build a life with them, one full of joy and laughter. They were her champions who had brought her out of the depths of despair and hopelessness. Shane and Corey had saved her not just from Kip, but also from herself. Her doubts were gone, thanks to her wonderful, amazing men. They’d shown her that she, too, deserved to be loved and happy.
A smile crossed her face.
“What are you thinking about, baby?”
She leaned into him. “About you, Corey, and Juan and the wonderful life we will have together.”
Corey turned left and drove the truck past the Boys Ranch’s gate.
Up ahead, she saw Juan standing by little Jake. Doc had released Juan that morning.
God, they look just like brothers. Jake’s biological parents had been killed when he was only two years old. Living in the poorest part of Chicago, they had been innocent victims, accidently shot through their window during a gun battle between rival gangs. According to Jake’s caseworker’s account at the time, he had been asleep in his bedroom which ended up saving his life. The sweet boy had been in foster care ever since. The Boys Ranch would be his first real home.
Has Jake already stolen my heart?
Juan and Jake started screaming and running to greet her. Amber and her three husbands came out of the building with the other boys.
“Look what Juan and Jake made for you, sweetheart.” Corey pointed to the sign that hung on the new dormitory.
Her heart swelled as she read the sign.
Welcome home, Mom.
Corey parked the truck and Shane stepped out, holding the door for her.
“Mom. Mom.” Juan wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
Little Jake copied Juan, like kids do. He grabbed onto her leg. “Mommy. Mommy. You’re home. You’re home.”
She kissed them both, knowing these were her boys and she could never let them go. She turned to Corey and Shane. What will my men think of that? They’d already told her that they were ready to adopt Juan. That was a big step. Adopting two?
Corey lifted Jake up into his arms. “I think it’s time to take this cowboy on a dragon hunt, Shane. Do you agree?”
Shane put his arm around Juan. “Maybe we should ask his big brother. What do you think, Juan?”
“Yes, Dad. Please. Could it just be us men, you, me, Pop Corey, and Jake?” Juan turned to her. “Is that okay, Mom? We really need some male bonding time.”
She smiled. What a smart boy. Clearly, Juan was several steps ahead of all of them.
“Of course it’s okay, son.” She grabbed his and Jake’s hand.
“Really?” Jake’s eyes were wider than she’d ever seen them before.
“Yes.” She kissed him on the forehead. “But the next time I’m going with you. You know how much I love dragon hunting.”
“And I love you, mommy.”
“I love you, Jake.” Tears welled up in her eyes as the rest of her welcome party surrounded her.
* * * *
Inside the dormitory, Shane watched Belle tuck in the last of the little cowboys. He couldn’t get over how lucky he was to have her.
Corey was walking around the property with the Stone brothers making sure no intruders lurked in the darkness. Precaution was the name of the game until Lunceford and his sister were captured.
Jaris sat next to Shane with Sugar, his German shepherd, at their feet. “Long day for these little guys.”
“Yes it has been. Everyone is thrilled that you and Chance have agreed to be dorm supervisors at the Boys Ranch. You and Chance have been lifesavers staying here with the boys.”
“We were restless. After I finished my training with Chance, we were already in talks with Kaylyn about coming to work for her to help train guide dogs.” Jaris leaned down and petted Sugar. “Though I think the dogs train us, if the truth be known. Chance and I needed a place to stay and what better place than with these young men. So when the opportunity knocked, we came running. We’re the lucky ones. Not only do we have a place to stay, but we also have the boys to help with the dogs. Kaylyn is really excited about the new training. It’s great to be in partnership with her on this endeavor.”
Shane sensed something in Jaris’s tone that told him it was more than just a partnership to Jaris. The man clearly felt more for Kaylyn than just a business associate. “Sounds like you and Chance have grown quite close, Jaris.”
Jaris nodded. “He’s my brother. Losing my sight was tough. Not being a cop was even harder. He helped me through so much.”
“Ditto, buddy.” Chance walked over to them with Annie. “I had no idea I was black until you told me.”
They all laughed.
Jaris shook his head. “How would I know if you are black or not, Chance? I was blind when I met you.”
“Ah, that’s right. I’m the one who told you. Since the boys are all tucked in, we better get to familiarizing ourselves with the building, Jaris.”
Jaris stood up. “Shane, I’m still new to being sightless. Chance may have signed off on my training, but he will make sure I count every step in this place. I’m Luke Skywalker to his Yoda. By New Year’s, I’ll know every nook and cranny of this place. The boys won’t be able to pull the wool over our eyes, so to speak.”
Corey walked in. “Hey, fellas.”
“Hi, Corey,” Jaris said. “I’m looking forward to going dragon hunting with you guys sometime.”
Chance nodded. “Me and Annie, too.”
“Definitely, though I think we’ll take out on foot instead of horseback.”
“Hey, are you saying blind guys can’t be cowboys? Dems fightin’ words, Mr. Blue.” Chance laughed.
Corey slapped the guy on the back. “I was thinking about Annie, Chance.”
“We’ll make sure the boys get a good night’s sleep.” Jaris headed to the door.
“Talk to you later.” Chance followed him out.
Belle came over to him just as the two guys left. “Hey.” She held her finger up to her lips and pointed to the sleeping boys behind her.
The three of them walked quietly into the hallway together.
“Hey, baby.” Corey pulled her in tight. “Sorry if I’m dirty.”
Shane had never seen his brother so happy before.
She smiled. “It’s okay. It was great seeing you show the kids how to handle horses. You’re both good with the boys and with animals.”
“And with you, baby.” Shane loved seeing the little blush of pink appear on her cheeks. “I think we could all use a shower.”
; “You ready to go, baby?” Corey asked her.
She frowned. “I hate leaving our boys.”
Shane grabbed her hand. “Jake and Juan will be fine, baby.”
“We’ll stay at the house in town. That way, we can get up early and go meet with Ethel about the adoption.” Corey turned to him and looked him straight in the eyes.
Shane knew exactly what he was thinking, though they hadn’t talked about it. “We need to get Ethel up to speed that there’s been a change in plans.”
“Yes, we do,” Corey chimed in.
Her eyebrows shot up. “What change? You’re not getting cold feet are you? You still want to adopt Juan?”
Shane leaned forward. “Of course, we want to adopt Juan. He’s our son. But we also want to adopt Jake.”
“Yes, we do, bro.” Corey stroked her hair. “Being a judge, she’ll know what we need to do to expedite the process.”
“Oh my God. Seriously? Do you really mean it? I love Jake so much. He and Juan are so close. Did you notice how much they look alike? You’re not joking? Really? We’re going to talk to Ethel about it tomorrow?”
He and Corey laughed.
“Baby, it’s real.” Shane couldn’t wait to tell everyone that he was a dad to two wonderful boys. “We love Jake, too.”
“He’s our son, sweetheart.” Corey touched her cheek. “Just like Juan.”
“Oh my God.” Belle kissed them both, back and forth. “I’m so happy. I doubt I will be able to sleep tonight.”
Shane thought about stripping her out of her clothes right then and there. God, he wanted her so badly. “I think we can help you with that, though you won’t be going to sleep right away. Let’s go home.”
* * * *
“It feels good to be home.” Corey leaned back in his chair. “Especially with Belle.”
Shane nodded. “It took you about ten minutes to shower and me about the same. How long has she been in the bathtub?”
His brother’s impatience echoed his own. “She’s a woman. They take longer. We have to be patient.”
Shane looked at the time on his cell. “I wonder if she fell asleep.”
He smiled. “I doubt that, though I wouldn’t be surprised.”