“I think I’d better take her into my room without you, Kit. Otherwise she might never settle down.”
“You’re probably right, but let me make sure it’s safe.” After he’d checked the room, he came back out. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to leave.”
Once she’d lifted Amy into her arms, he handed her the diaper bag and watched as they disappeared inside. He got Amy’s stroller out of the trunk and put it outside Natalie’s room for Luckey to put in his car. He could hear Amy’s whimpers as he let himself into his room.
His friend would already be inside. They’d arranged for him to arrive at the motel ahead of time so no one would be aware. His presence would free Kit to leave for the arena to meet Brandon, who’d arrive in his own truck and trailer. He’d be bringing Kit’s favorite horse and his gear.
When he walked in, he saw his dark-blond friend stretched out on the bed in his Western clothes, watching TV.
“Thanks for coming. I appreciate you doing this big favor for me.”
“Hey. This is the kind of work I like. Where’s Mrs. Harris?”
“Next door. Room 14.” He told Luckey what had happened at the farm. “Let’s hope Amy has forgotten when she wakes up. The stroller is outside her door. Amy will be easier to handle if Natalie can wheel her around at the arena. Brandon has reserved seats for you on the front row near the chute.”
“I’ve already got that covered.”
“What do you mean?”
“Vic’s here, too.”
“What have you done?”
“I told the guys you were going to be the hazer tonight. Cy wanted to come, but he’s on a case and can’t leave. Vic was free and wants to watch you ride. He also wants to get a look at Natalie Harris. So do I.”
Kit shook his head then laughed. In truth he was relieved two of the best Rangers alive would be helping to guard Natalie. “I have something to show you.”
Luckey sat up. Kit pulled out a file and handed him the rap sheets with the mug shots on the Morales siblings. “I have to assume they’ve been watching the house, so it’s possible that one of them might have followed us here and the other is planning to get into Natalie’s house. One of the surveillance team will be inside, ready to arrest him or her on sight.”
“Let’s hope it happens, and then you can zero in on the killer still at large.”
“I have no idea which one will be tailing Natalie and me. If it’s Juanita, she could be in her old disguise of blond hair and blue eyes. But my hunch is on Alonzo who might even try to kidnap Amy or Natalie or both. I’d imagine they must be desperate to find the money and the guns.”
Luckey put the rap sheets on the dresser. “Get your mind off the case and concentrate on helping your brother bring in the best time tonight. Leave the worry to Vic and me.”
“I will.” Kit clapped his friend on the shoulder and phoned Natalie. She picked up on the first ring.
“Kit?”
“How’s Amy?”
“Blissfully asleep.”
“Good.”
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yup. I’m walking out the door. Luckey’s here and he’ll phone you when it’s time to leave for the arena.”
“I’m excited to watch you and your brother compete.”
“I haven’t hazed for him in a while.”
“Don’t give me that bull. No pun intended.” He laughed. “I happen to know a hazer has to foresee all possibilities of trouble and correct them in a split second. You couldn’t turn in a bad performance if you tried.”
“I’m flattered by your confidence in me. See you back here after the rodeo. Stay safe.”
“You, too. Go get ’em, cowboy!”
Luckey stared at him as he hung up. “Yup,” he murmured.
“Don’t say it. Don’t say anything.”
“Oh, I won’t!” A big grin broke out on his tanned face. “That conversation said it all.”
“See you later. I’m out of here.”
Kit left the room still wearing his clerical shirt and got into his car. He’d stowed his riding clothes and cowboy hat in the trunk. Brandon would be waiting for him in his trailer behind the livestock pens.
He checked his rearview mirror repeatedly on the way to see if anyone was following him, but he saw nothing suspicious.
Kit arrived to find his brother standing outside with one of his team members. The second he saw him, Brandon ran to the car, practically pulling Kit out of the driver’s seat to give him a hug. “Thanks, bro. You’re saving my life. I know you’re on a case.”
“It’s all right. I’ve got it covered.”
His brother did a double-take when he pulled away from him. “What are you doing in that outfit?”
“Part of my cover. Let’s go inside the trailer so I can change.”
“Where’s your gear?”
“In the trunk.”
“I’ll get it.” Brandon was so grateful, it was as if he couldn’t do enough for his older brother. It didn’t take long for Kit to put on his rodeo clothes.
“Terry’s already walked our horses inside,” Brandon informed him.
“How’s Flash?”
“The vet checked both horses over this morning. Yours is in great condition. I’ve seen to that. Let’s go.”
The familiar smell of the animals took Kit back to the time when he’d competed on a regular basis. It seemed a lifetime ago. Since then so much in his life had changed, starting with his move to Austin and the beginning of his career as a Ranger. He’d gained three close friends who were like brothers.
He loved this life.
If he hadn’t chosen this profession, he would never have met Natalie. The thought of any harm coming to her or Amy filled him with rage. But he needed to take Luckey’s advice and stay centered on the job ahead of him for Brandon’s sake.
If his brother could win the national championship in Las Vegas, the prize money would be enough to keep the family ranch running. Kit determined to do his best for him.
Flash, Kit’s black-and-white gelding, nickered as Kit rubbed his forelock. “Good to see you, buddy. I’ve missed you, too.” He slipped his horse some sugar cubes. “I’m going to eat my pre-competition Snickers, so you should be able to binge, too.”
He saddled and bridled Flash. After putting on his riding gloves, he joined his brother in the corral to put his horse through some paces. With the right animal, everything felt right. Flash felt right beneath him.
Brandon rode alongside him. “It’s like old times, bro.”
Kit nodded. “Feels good to be riding with you again.”
“You don’t know what it means to me.”
“Sure I do.”
“Scott feels terrible.”
“I can imagine, but accidents happen. Corky will do a great job for you.”
Brandon checked his watch. “It’s time for me to head back in for the parade.”
“I’ll be right beside you when it’s time. I bet you’ll do it under 3 seconds.” To bring down the steer in 2.9 would be hard to do but it wasn’t impossible.
“I’ve got to get in that range to keep my average.”
“Hold that thought.” They high-fived.
Kit watched with pride as his brother rode in. Flash was frisky so he rode him around for a while then headed to the arena to wait their turn. Natalie would be in the bleachers by now.
He patted his horse. “We’ve got to do our best tonight. Brandon needs a win and we don’t want to disappoint Natalie with a poor performance.”
In the background he could hear the “Star Spangled Banner” sung by a local country singer, then the roar of the crowd and the applause. Finally came the announcements to open the San Antonio Rodeo.
“This is it.
” He walked Flash inside to a place where the other hazers were lined up. Some of the riders were familiar and they nodded to him. Because of his standings, Brandon would be second out of the box. Kit found his spot in line. Before long it was time for him to back into the box on the timed-event side of the arena.
“Next up, Brandon Saunders, mounted on his champion horse Ringo, from Marble Falls, Texas. Tonight his substitute hazer is Miles Saunders. They were known in the past as the dynamic brother duo!”
Kit heard a roar from the crowd. He watched his brother on the other side of the chute. He looked fierce. Kit knew that rush of adrenaline every rider experienced while they waited. When Brandon nodded his head, they released the steer and Kit rocketed out of the box to bookend the steer and ride close enough to touch it. Brandon picked it off fast while Kit rode on to rein in his brother’s horse.
“That’s a time of 3.0! Brandon is definitely on his game tonight!”
A huge roar went up from the crowd again.
The relief Kit felt left him overjoyed for his brother. After losing Scott, he’d had to fight through the bitter disappointment, but tonight he’d pulled it off. When the last steer wrestler had performed, the announcer said Brandon’s time was the best of the night. Hallelujah.
Since his brother had to wait around to pick up his gold buckle for the night, Kit left both horses with Brandon’s team and walked back to the trailer to get his clothes and put them in his car. Then he headed to the bleachers. Now that his part was over, the only thing driving him was the need to be with Natalie.
Even from a distance he spotted her gleaming honey-blond hair. He had no idea where Luckey or Vic had positioned themselves, but it didn’t matter because she looked happy. There was an empty seat next to her and Amy sat in her stroller in front of her, drinking water from a bottle.
As he walked toward her he heard a familiar voice. “Miles?”
It was his mother, but he’d been so intent on reaching Natalie, he was slow on the uptake. She sat on Natalie’s right side and grasped his hand. “I’m so proud of you boys I could burst.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
He bent to kiss her cheek, but his gaze had centered on another pair of eyes that were focused on him, glowing a hot green. Kit moved past his mother.
“You were fantastic out there,” Natalie said in a quiet voice. “Come and sit down.”
As he stepped around the stroller and took his seat, Amy saw him and held up her hands, dropping the water bottle. “Kit!”
Not immune to that entreaty, he undid the strap and pulled Amy into his arms. “Did you see the horses?”
“Hus.” She gave him a big smile and kissed his cheek several times. The gesture went straight to his heart, as did Natalie’s smile. The bareback riding event had gotten under way, but Kit couldn’t concentrate on anything while he held Natalie’s daughter on his lap.
“You have a new little rodeo fan, Father Segal. And here you were, hoping you could still pull it off. If you want my opinion, they should give you hazers a gold buckle. Your mother agrees with me.”
“How much does she know about us?” he whispered.
“Your brother told her I’m a friend,” she whispered back. “I’ve enjoyed sitting next to her. She taught me a lot about steer wrestling while we watched.”
Kit should have remembered his mother would be here to cheer them on. It hadn’t occurred to him that the two would meet.
Luckey and Vic had to be around here somewhere. The rodeo would go on for another half hour, but for his friends’ sake Kit didn’t want to force them to be here any longer. Besides, Amy was restless. “Get ready to leave when the bareback riding ends. I’ll carry the stroller while you bring Amy.”
“Okay.”
He moved Amy into her arms. The diaper bag sat behind the seat of the stroller. He picked up the water bottle and stowed it inside. As soon as the announcer called for the tie-roping to start, Kit stood and carried the stroller past several fans to the aisle on the other side of him. Natalie followed with Amy who hadn’t liked being moved. He’d talk to his mother later.
When they reached the parking area he headed straight for his car and put the stroller in the trunk. Once he’d unlocked the car, Natalie fastened Amy in the car seat. He held the front door open for her and then went around to slide in behind the steering wheel.
Relief swept through him that his brother had the winning time. But more than that, he was thankful there’d been no incident to mar the night for them. He watched to see if they were being followed. En route to the motel his cell rang. He attached his Bluetooth earpiece and answered.
“Great job out there!”
“Thanks, Luckey. I take it you didn’t spot Morales or his sister.”
“Not tonight.”
“I’m relieved to hear it. You’re free to go and enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“I’ll tell Vic.”
“Good. Just remember I’m here for you guys when you need my help.”
“We know that. It was a real pleasure meeting Mrs. Harris. I told Vic I wish I’d met her first. She’s a stunner, and even better, she’s nice.”
“Agreed.” Nice went a long way in Kit’s book, too. “Talk to you later.” He ended the call.
Kit flashed Natalie a sideways glance, loving the sight of her profile. She was feminine to the core. “If there was no threat, we could have stayed through the whole program. Sorry to have to pull you away if you were enjoying it.”
“It was the perfect time to leave. Amy kept squirming. I was pretty sure I’d have to take her out when she’d finished her water.” She turned toward him. “Your mother is a lovely person. I can see where you get your coloring.”
“Most people think I look like my dad.”
“Then he must have been one tall and attractive Texas Ranger, too.”
“Luckey’s the one the females flock to,” Kit said to hide his emotions. “He’s still single—that’s why we nicknamed him Luckey.”
She chuckled. “What about Ranger Malone? Is Vic his real name?”
“He’s part Lipan Apache. His Ranger ancestor was named Victorio and Vic was named for him. But he likes the short version.”
“That’s fascinating. And how did you get the name Kit?”
“When I first joined the Rangers, my boss said, ‘Your reputation at the police academy precedes you. Like Kit Carson, “You’re clean as a hound’s tooth.”’ The nickname stuck.”
“I can’t imagine a greater compliment. It fits you to a tee. I can vouch for that myself. If your father were alive, he would have been proud of you and your brother tonight.”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
“Your mom was ecstatic.”
“You know mothers.”
“Yes. I had a great one, too.”
“It shows.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Have you noticed Amy’s fallen asleep?”
“She’s had a big day.”
“And a big scare from a big hus.”
Natalie’s quiet laughter stayed with him. Before long they arrived at the motel and he drove to the parking space in front of his room. Kit wanted to stay in the moment and not get out. The need to take her into his arms was so strong he turned to reach for her, but there was a knock on the window.
He jerked around in surprise, thinking it must be one of the guys.
Janie?
In the next breath he opened the door and got out of the car.
“Sorry, Kit. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Kit couldn’t concentrate because Natalie had gotten out of the car and had opened the back door to retrieve Amy.
“I promised Scott I’d come to watch Brandon’s performance and take pictures. Your brother said you were
staying at the Bucking Horse. Scott wanted me to thank you for pinch-hitting for him. It’s because of you that Brandon wound up with a 3.0.”
He looked back at Janie, barely registering her comments. “Tell Scott I’m sorry about his accident. We’re all hoping he gets better soon so he can end the season in Las Vegas with Brandon.” He closed the door and locked the car with the remote.
“I will. It’s...it’s wonderful to see you again, Kit.”
“It’s good to see you, too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go in.” He started to leave. She followed him.
“Brandon didn’t tell me you’re seeing someone. I was so surprised when I saw her sitting by your mom.”
A lifetime ago he might have been glad that she minded, but not anymore. If anything, he was irritated that she hadn’t called him on the phone to tell him all this. Or better yet, hadn’t made contact at all. If he were Scott, he wouldn’t be happy to know his wife was here alone talking to her old boyfriend. Her unexpected appearance had shattered the moment for Kit.
“Be safe driving home,” was all he said before he headed for Natalie’s door.
* * *
ONCE INSIDE THE motel room, Natalie had put a sleeping Amy in the crib then darted over to the window to look through the curtain. The attractive dark-blonde woman talking to Kit obviously knew him well. Natalie felt a stab of jealousy she couldn’t help.
For the woman to come up to the car to get his attention spoke of long-time familiarity. Kit’s jaw had hardened when he’d recognized her. Until she’d knocked on the window, Natalie had felt Kit might have been going to kiss her. But in an instant the mood had been broken.
She jumped when she heard the soft knock on the door. Natalie smoothed the hair off her hot cheeks and opened it. “Hi.”
“Is Amy still asleep?”
“Yes.”
“We need to talk.” He spoke in a quiet tone and walked in, locking the door behind him. “I shouldn’t have let you come into the room alone before I could check it.”
“I wasn’t thinking.”
The Texas Ranger's Family Page 10