“I can help.” He winked.
“If I can’t work them out, I might take you up on that.”
“Good. Whatever makes my partner—”
Mary appeared at the living room entrance, tears gleaming in her eyes. “Aaron insists no one is after him, just us. He refuses to leave school and come to the ranch. He hung up on me.”
SEVEN
Passing through the iron gates of the Sizzling Z Ranch, Chloe noted their sturdy structure, a plus as far as security was concerned, but the black fence along the property where the highway ran could easily be vaulted. From a distance she spied a large two-story redbrick antebellum home. The white trim stood out between the trees—mostly pine. Not far from the house, maybe two hundred yards, sat a black barn.
As they neared the home, a thin woman, who was five foot seven or eight inches and about forty years old, came out onto the verandah. Her blond hair pulled back in a tight bun, she held her hand up to shield the sun slanting across the porch.
T.J. parked his car in front. “Is that your cousin Vickie?”
“Yes. I don’t know what we would do without her. She keeps the house running smoothly, especially when we’re gone,” Mary said, sandwiched between Chloe and her pouting son in the backseat.
The second the vehicle stopped, Aaron Zimmerman shoved open the door and scrambled from the Jeep.
Mary climbed out of the car. “Aaron.”
He threw a glare over his shoulder and kept going while Chloe quickly exited the vehicle and came around to Mary.
She leaned close to Chloe. “Sorry about the attitude. He has always felt like he’s living in the limelight because of who we are, and now he feels even more restricted.” She trailed after her son with Chloe right behind her.
The sixteen-year-old pushed past Vickie and charged through the entrance to his home. The sound of him stomping up the steps echoed through the large foyer, which was the size of Chloe’s living and dining room at her apartment. Mary went after her son, waving Chloe back.
She respected Mary’s desire to talk to Aaron alone, so she would give mother and son a minute, then follow. She hadn’t had a chance to even canvass the house and see what kind of security was in place. The description the Zimmermans had given them on the way hadn’t told her much. They had a several-year-old alarm system. That could mean anything. The front gate was controlled by a remote or a keyed-in number and remained locked. That was good, but then as she’d observed that wouldn’t stop a person on foot.
A minute later, Chloe started up the steps, glancing back while Paul and T.J. brought in the luggage. Vickie closed the front door behind them, then peered at Chloe. Vickie welcomed Chloe with a warm smile before turning her attention to Paul and T.J.
On the second floor, there was a long hallway to the right and left with four rooms on either side. She strolled down the corridor to the right but couldn’t hear any voices. She traversed the left hall to the end and checked out the barn about two hundred yards away as well as the lock on the window. This house’s configuration was similar to the first house they’d stayed in Dallas, which didn’t leave her with a comfortable feeling.
The sound of a shrill, angry voice pierced the air, coming from the nearest room to her right. The door slammed open and Aaron rushed into the hallway, sending her a narrow-eyed look before stalking off toward the staircase.
Chloe moved toward the room to see if Mary was inside and all right. She came face to face with Mary, an ashen tinge to her features. Her client tried to shrug and smile. Both attempts collapsed.
“I’m a psychologist and should be prepared for my son’s rebellious behavior. I certainly counseled enough parents concerning that.” Tears returned to Mary’s eyes, and she averted her head, swiping her hand across her cheeks.
“I didn’t eavesdrop—my job is just to be with you and keep you safe.”
“I’ve got to have some freedom in my own home. Paul said he would do what needed to be done so that the family could move about without always having someone with us, especially for Aaron’s sake. I’m not sure what he would do otherwise. He was furious with us this morning for staying on tour as long as we did. I assured him we were all right, but that didn’t appease him.”
“You and Paul are celebrities in a sense, and I’ve seen this before. That can be hard on the children. I imagine T.J. has stories about the children of the vice president rebelling over their confinement. We’ll tour the house and grounds and make this work for you and your son.”
Mary enveloped her in a hug. “Bless you. This has been difficult on all of us. I have a hard time thinking about someone out there hating me so much he would set fire to the theater and risk harming so many innocent people.”
“The fire still could be an accident. I’m calling Detective Matthews later to see what the arson investigator said.”
“I guess we need to have hope. That’s what helps people keep going forward. Please tell Paul I’ve decided to lie down.”
“Where’s your room?”
Mary pointed to the door across from her son’s. “I thought I would have you stay in the room next to ours and T.J. in the one beside my son’s. Is that okay?”
“Perfect. Where does Vickie stay?”
“She has the room at the far end of the hall.”
“How long has she been living here?”
“Ever since she had to file for bankruptcy three years ago when her business failed. She had no place to go, and we were happy to open our home to her. Since she didn’t want a free ride, she asked to be the housekeeper when our other one left unexpectedly. She’s a jewel. She also keeps the ranch books and works with Zach to make sure it runs smoothly. Now do you see why we are so appreciative for both of their help?” Mary took a few steps and opened her door. “I’ll be down later.”
“Let me come inside and at least check out your room.”
Mary chuckled. “I don’t think anyone can get under my bed.”
Chloe looked around, checking to make sure the windows were locked, before crossing to the bathroom, drawing the shower curtain back then inspecting the huge walk-in closet. She’d seen bedrooms that were smaller.
“Anyone behind the dresses?” Mary’s mouth tipped up for a second, then quavered. “What have we done so wrong that we deserve this kind of harassment?”
Chloe closed the space between them and took her client’s hands. “Some people don’t need a good reason. In their mind they have twisted everything around to suit their need.”
“Thank you, Chloe. I’m usually the one holding someone else up.”
Chloe gave her hands a squeeze, then walked into the hallway. “Rest. You’ll stay safe if I have anything to do with it.”
When she descended the staircase, T.J. and Paul stood in the middle of the foyer next to the round glass table with a huge floral arrangement. The scent of roses, lilies and some kind of flower she didn’t know the name of drifted to her as she paused in front of the two men deep in conversation.
T.J. smiled at her. “Is Mary okay?”
“Yes.” Chloe glanced around the foyer and the surrounding rooms. “Where did Aaron go?”
Paul’s thick eyebrows slashed almost together. “Knowing my son, he’s left the house out the back. He’ll probably go to the stable, which is not far from the barn.”
T.J. straightened. “Is he going riding?”
“If he’s going there, it’s to ride.”
“He can’t. At least not without one of us with him. We don’t know what we’re dealing with. The person might have been trying just to stop your tour. If so, then nothing else will happen, but most likely there’s more to it.” T.J. looked at Chloe. “Do you want to go after him or should I?”
“I will.”
“If you think my family is in danger, not just me a
nd Mary, do we need to bring in bodyguards for him and Vickie?” Paul asked, his frown deepening. “Because I don’t think Aaron will stay inside the whole time. When he comes to the ranch, he spends a lot of his time outside. He even helps Zach and the other hands with the cattle.”
Chloe gritted her teeth. “He needs to be made to realize the seriousness of the situation.”
Paul exhaled audibly. “At the school when we talked with him in his room while he was packing, he was so angry. He seems to be that way all the time lately. I’ve tried everything with him, but nothing seems to work. If I ground him to the house, he’ll find a way to escape his prison, because that’s what he’ll think it is.”
“Since you’ve agreed to get a couple of security dogs, I can bring in some men to handle them and walk the perimeter outside. We need to be prepared for the long haul.”
“While you two discuss the issue, I’d better get Aaron before he rides off.” Chloe headed for the front door.
“Do you ride?” Paul called out.
She swiveled around at the exit. “Yes, so I’ll go after him if I have to. This will be a good time to meet some of your men.”
Beyond the barn, Chloe spied the stable, a long black building. Aaron led a horse out of the open double doors. He patted the animal, then hiked his foot into the stirrup. Five yards away. Instead of calling out, she hurried her pace.
As he mounted, Chloe reached his side and snatched hold of the reins and then the bridle. “You aren’t going anywhere. In case you didn’t understand your parents earlier, there is a madman out there bent on hurting them.”
“But not me.”
“How do you know that? One of the worst ways to hurt a parent is to do something to their child.”
“Just great! The one thing I enjoy at the ranch, riding, and now I can’t even do it because of them.”
He sent her a look that screamed he intended to defy his parents anyway.
She shot him a hard stare. “Don’t even think it.”
“Think what? Are you a mind reader now?” the boy sneered.
“One of my many talents. You’re thinking by the time I could get a horse saddled you’d be long gone.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m prepared to hold on if you try. Are you ready to face the consequences?”
“What?” His glare challenged her.
Inching more toward the middle of the horse while holding on, Chloe watched for the slightest indication he would try to ride away. A tic in his jaw line twitched as he sat forward and kicked the sides of his horse. Letting go of the reins, she vaulted into the saddle right behind him and locked her arms around him. The mare set out in a canter.
“Where are we going?”
Aaron pulled back on the reins, his shoulder hunching over. “Nowhere.”
“Good choice.”
“I don’t have a choice. I can hardly breathe. Can you loosen your hold?”
“Are you going to get off?”
He huffed. “Yes. It’s not like I could get very far with you hounding me.”
After Chloe slid off, keeping her grip on the saddle, Aaron dismounted, anger raging in his eyes.
“Take care of your horse, then we’ll go back to the house.”
As he removed the saddle, he said, “You must ride a lot to be able to do what you did.”
“I grew up around horses, so yes, you might say I have.”
He looked her up and down. “You’re quick.”
“I’m a bodyguard. I need to be.”
He finished tending his mare in silence, and then turned it loose in the paddock next to the stable before storming toward the house. On the trek back, Chloe assessed the outside security issues. Most would be taken care of with dogs and a guard patrolling. But nearer the antebellum home, she noticed the lack of lights for the grounds. A brightly lit place was less likely to be hit.
Aaron disappeared inside, the back door slamming closed. Now all she and T.J. needed was for everyone to follow the security procedures. That might be the hardest part of this assignment.
* * *
That night, Chloe took her seat next to Mary at the dining room table while T.J. sat between Aaron and Paul. Vickie rushed through the swinging doors and put the last dish in the middle of the table for eight, then eased onto her chair on the other side of Chloe.
Mary reached for her son’s and Chloe’s hands, bowing her head. “I’d like to say the blessing tonight.” After everyone joined hands, she continued. “Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for delivering my son, husband and me safely home. Please heal Joy, Samuel, Bill and Kitty so they can be home with their families, too. Thank You for sending Chloe and T.J. to protect us. Paul and I forgive the person who is after us. Heal his hurt and anger. And last, bless this food that Vickie prepared for us. Amen.”
Quickly releasing his mother’s hand, Aaron kept his head down as though he’d found an interesting spot on his plate. Since coming back from the stable four hours ago, he’d been in his room, refusing to come out when his mother had tried to coax him to join them.
“Who are Joy, Samuel, Bill and Kitty?” Vickie asked as she passed the platter of roast beef.
“We found out those are the people still in the hospital from yesterday’s fire.” Paul took the meat from Vickie, speared a thick, juicy slice, then gave the platter to T.J.
Aaron lifted his chin and looked at his dad. “There were people hurt?”
“Yes, I’m surprised you didn’t hear about it. It’s been splashed all over the news. Some were injured and taken to the hospital.”
“I don’t look at the news. All it talks about is what’s bad in this world. I didn’t know anything had happened to you until the school told me and then said you two were all right.” Aaron spooned the broccoli rice casserole onto his plate and then gave the vegetable dish to his mother without even looking her way.
Chloe watched the terse exchange between Aaron and Paul, most of the tension—not just tension, but anger—coming from the son. Even though he was upset at his mom and dad, it was strange Aaron didn’t turn on a TV to see what was going on or go on the internet. But then, when did she? She didn’t purposefully check the news every day, especially when she was on a job, unless it directly affected the assignment.
“Have you heard from Detective Matthews about how the fire got started?” Mary asked Chloe while cutting her roast.
“Not yet. With all that happened at the theater, he’s been busy tracking down leads.”
“Any good ones?” Vickie sipped some water.
“A couple, from what he told me this afternoon. I promised I wouldn’t bother him until later this evening. He was interviewing the people behind the stage. The woman he carried out shouldn’t have been there. She’s disappeared. We think she was filling in for a sick employee of the event-planning company.” Chloe had just gotten off the phone with Rob right before dinner and hadn’t gotten a chance to tell T.J. or the Zimmermans. He was going to talk to the arson investigator and would elaborate when he called her after that meeting.
Mary sat forward. “Then they might actually find the person?”
“Maybe. It could be nothing, or it could lead to the person behind this. The Dallas police will continue to investigate every piece of evidence.” Chloe scooped up some broccoli and rice. “Vickie, this meal is delicious.”
Vickie grinned and started to say something, but Aaron cut in, “Do we have to sit here and talk about this all the time? It’s bad enough I’m a prisoner here in my own home.”
“Actually, son, that’s a good suggestion. When we’re eating, we won’t from now on.” Paul swept his gaze around the table.
Silence fell over the table as everyone dug into their food. Except Aaron. He toyed with his meat and vegetables, moving them around on his plate, not even pleased at what his father
had said.
The doorbell rang.
Chloe’s hand tightened on her fork as she finished her last bite. Sitting nearest the foyer, she rose and glanced at Paul. “Are you expecting anyone?”
“That’ll be Zach. I told him to come up to the house when he was through for the day. We have some business to discuss. He just returned from being gone for a week and some issues need to be tied up.”
Chloe started for the entry hall. “What does he look like?”
“Tall, thin with salt-and-pepper hair.” Paul stood. “I’ll let him in.”
Chloe whirled around. “No. Either T.J. or I will do that, even with a person you know.”
Paul covered the distance between them. “Surely you don’t think it’s Zach. He’s worked here for years.”
“Where was he last week?”
Paul’s mouth dropped open. “I’ve known him for eight years.”
In the foyer, Chloe stopped. “Was he on vacation?”
“No, his father was ill and not doing well. He asked for the time off to go see him in Dallas.”
“He was there at the same time you were?”
Paul frowned, folding his arms over his chest. “It’s not Zach.”
“Still, I need the information to make sure he was where he said he would be.” Chloe put her hand on the knob, then pulled it open to keep Paul from responding. It was always hard for a person to realize someone close might be the one after them. She and T.J. had to look at all possibilities, especially the ones in direct contact with Mary and Paul.
As she let the ranch foreman into the house, T.J. came to the dining room entrance. After Paul introduced her and she shook Zach’s hand, T.J. crossed to the foreman and greeted him.
“I missed you at the barn a couple of hours ago.” T.J. studied Zach.
The foreman removed his cowboy hat and held it by the brim. “I went into town to see about some feed problems.”
“Come in, Zach. Let’s go to my office. I’ll have Vickie bring in coffee and a piece of the chocolate cake she baked today.”
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