by Terri Reed
“His what?”
Chase could tell Ashley was on the verge of panic. He didn’t blame her. It was one thing to ride while secure in a saddle with stirrups for your feet to help you stay in place. And with no experience riding, he understood her confusion about the animal. He stepped closer. “I’ll help you up. The withers are the ridge between the horse’s shoulder blades.”
“Oh.” Ashley reached to grab a handful of Othello’s black mane. “Now what?”
“I’ll lift and you swing your leg over,” Chase said. “Ready?”
She gave an audible gulp before she let out a strained, “Yes.”
He put his hands at her waist and lifted her off the ground. She swung her leg over and settled on the horse’s bare back.
Kaitlyn handed her the reins of the bridle that would control the horse’s head. “These horses are used to being ridden bareback, but it is challenging. You’ll need to sit upright, no slouching or hunching over. Keep your legs draped over the horse. Try not to grip or draw your knees up. The horse is going to feel every movement you make. This is going to challenge your balance.”
“Wonderful,” Ashley muttered.
Committing Kaitlyn’s instructions to memory, Chase hurried to Buttercup.
Kaitlyn moved with him. “Drape your torso over his back and then swing your leg over.”
He did as instructed and easily found himself sitting on the horse. It was a very different sensation than with a saddle, and he figured he and Ashley would be sore when this was over.
Kaitlyn easily mounted her horse. “I suggest we head to the Delaney Estate.”
“Lead the way, Kaitlyn,” Chase said, eager to be gone before the men pursuing them discovered their whereabouts. “You still have the phone, right?” he asked, with hope coloring his voice.
“Of course.” She patted the cargo pocket on the thigh of her pants.
“Good. Let Daniel know where we’re headed and about the men hunting us.”
“On it.”
The second Dancer took a step, Othello and Buttercup followed. Kaitlyn led them through the dark forest. Chase barely heard her talking to Daniel on the phone. Chase kept half his attention behind him, praying they’d outsmarted their attackers. The journey toward the safety of the Delaney’s rolling mansion at the top of the next rise was harrowing and physically uncomfortable but a small price to pay considering the alternative.
* * *
By the time they arrived at the Delaney Estate, Ashley’s body hurt. Tension radiated through every fiber of her being. Not only from the anxiety of being pursued through the forest but from sitting on a horse with no saddle. Riding bareback was a strange experience, one she didn’t want to repeat anytime soon, but she trusted the horse as Kaitlyn had told her to do and the animal hadn’t dumped her off, which was a win. Her core muscles were taut with the constant need to keep her balance atop Othello.
Lights flooded the Delaney property as they halted the horses in front of the large ornate metal gate. Kaitlyn buzzed the intercom.
“State your business,” a man’s deep voice stated, coming out of the box.
“Tell the Delaneys it’s Deputy Kaitlyn Lanz of the Sheriff’s Department.”
“One moment, please.”
Slowly, the gate opened and they rode the horses up the paved drive, past an illuminated manicured lawn and hedges that were trimmed into animal shapes. Ashley had never been here before and had never thought she would have an occasion to visit the Delaneys in all their splendor. The structure reminded her of a castle from a fairytale. She’d heard the elder Delaney was eccentric, the treasure hunt last year being proof of that, but this mansion was so whimsical that she wondered what type of person would create a place like this in the middle of the Colorado forest.
The front door opened and Nick Delaney, the younger of the Delaney brothers, stepped out and hurried down the large staircase, heading straight for Kaitlyn as she drew her horse to a stop. He wore designer jeans and a form fitting long-sleeved T-shirt that accentuated lean muscles. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”
Ashley’s horse came to a halt next to Kaitlyn’s, with Chase moving in next to Ashley.
Kaitlyn hopped off Dancer. “Where’s Ian?”
Nick shrugged. “Not here. What can I do for you?” He grinned and wagged his eyebrows.
“This was a mistake,” Kaitlyn stated, half pivoting away as if she were going to remount her horse.
Nick’s expression cleared and grew serious beneath the house’s outside lights. “Really, what can the Delaneys do for you? We’re happy to help.”
With a huff that Ashley decided was a mix of exasperation and surprise, Kaitlyn handed him the reins of her horse. “Hold this.” She turned away, but said over her shoulder, “Don’t let her step on you.”
Ashley pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at the way Nick’s nose scrunched up as if he’d eaten a lemon.
“Step on me?” He backed away from the horse, stretching the reins out as far as they would go. “Why would the horse step on me?” He eyed the big bay as if afraid the animal might charge him. “Are you a mean horse?”
Chase slipped off his horse and came toward Ashley.
Kaitlin took hold of Othello’s bridle. “Okay, Ashley,” Kaitlyn said. “You’re going to fall into Chase’s arms.”
Ashley raised her eyebrows at Kaitlyn. “Excuse me?”
Kaitlyn’s smile was much too innocent. “I mean, you’re going to slide off. Pretty much like before. Grab the reins and some of the mane, lean forward and then swing your right leg over the back of the horse and slide down.”
Chase moved closer. “Come on, you can do it. I’ll catch you if you fall.”
Ashley blew out a breath. Unfortunately, she doubted she’d be graceful. “You better catch me, Chase.”
“Don’t worry,” he said. “Trust me.”
He was always saying that, and it hadn’t always worked out. “Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?”
Moonlight displayed the face he made. “Both.”
Tilting her head, she said, “I trust you to catch me if I fall.”
“I know I’ve let you down before,” he said. “I—”
“Stop.” She cut his words off. “You’re human and not infallible. Evil is evil, sometimes unstoppable. You can’t control all circumstances, no matter how determined you are.”
He touched her knee. “You’re right. I pray every moment that I’ll be enough.”
She wanted to tell him he was, but she remained silent, knowing if she spoke, she’d reveal just how enough for her he was. That if she weren’t careful, she’d give him her heart.
Holding on as instructed, she leaned forward, lifted her right leg and brought it over the horse. Othello chose that moment to move. She lost what little balance she had and plummeted straight into Chase’s strong arms.
He set her gently on the ground. “See, I didn’t let you fall.”
On impulse, she reached up and kissed his cheek. “No, you didn’t and for that I’m grateful.”
His lopsided grin sent her heart thumping. His gaze dropped to her lips. Her pulse jumped. Yearning flooded her system. She wanted him to kiss her. Instinctively, she leaned toward him.
Kaitlyn cleared her throat, disrupting the moment. Ashley jerked back, her cheeks heating. She hoped her blush wasn’t visible in the glow of the house lights.
“Let’s get inside before those bumbling henchmen decide to find us and climb the fence,” Kaitlyn said.
“Hey, wait a second,” Nick said. “Henchmen?” He handed Kaitlyn back the reins to her horse. “There will be no henchmen climbing our fence. Follow me.”
He led them into the large sprawling mansion. Ashley marveled at the marble floors, sweeping views from the large windows and a wide staircase with a wrought
iron railing leading upward to a second floor. Impressive paintings that she’d only seen in books adorned the walls. There was a museum-like quality to the home. Not as whimsical inside as outside.
Nick shut the big oak door behind them with a solid thud. An older man, wearing a black suit with the buttons mismatched as if hastily put on, stepped out from a side door.
“This is Collins, my father’s valet and the house butler,” Nick said. “If you’re hungry, he can fix you something to eat.”
They all declined. Ashley couldn’t fathom being wealthy enough to have a valet/butler. She wasn’t even sure what a valet was, but he seemed like someone only the rich needed.
“Then would you see to their horses,” Nick told the man.
“Sir?” Collins’s expression was a mixture of confusion and concern.
“Seriously,” Nick stated. “They came riding horses. Old West style.”
“Very well.” Collins headed for the front door. “I will handle them.”
“Make yourself at home.” Nick waved toward a room to their right. “That’s the library. You’ll find bottles of water in the mini fridge.”
“Do you happen to have any pain reliever?” Ashley asked. Her body was bruised and sore, but thankfully not broken.
Sympathy flashed in Nick’s eyes. “Of course. My father keeps a stash in his desk. Top right drawer. Help yourselves. I hope you find some relief.” He strode away.
Ashley and Chase moved toward the library and stopped when Kaitlyn didn’t move. She stood rooted to her spot, watching the younger Delaney brother disappear down a corridor. “I wonder what he’s up to?” Her gaze narrowed. “I’m going to find out.” She stalked after Nick.
Ashley wasn’t sure what was up between the deputy and their host. But they seemed to be at odds on everything.
Chase shrugged and led the way into the library. Another wall of windows greeted them. Ashley wanted to see the view in the daylight. A few lights twinkled in the distance. Were they facing town? The other three walls were filled with volumes of books.
A large massive desk sat in the middle of the room. Ashley found three different types of pain relievers. She took two from a bottle. “Chase?” She held up the container.
He nodded. “I’ll take two.”
Chase went to the mini fridge in the corner, grabbed two bottles of water and handed one to her.
Ashley enjoyed the cool liquid as it washed down the pills. She hadn’t known how thirsty she was until she’d drunk nearly the whole bottle. “I never suspected riding horses was so hard.”
“We survived,” Chase said, finishing off his water and dropping the empty bottle into a garbage can by the built-in bar.
“Yes. But for how long?” The fear that she’d kept at bay while concentrating on staying atop a horse now rushed back to overwhelm her. “What happens when they realize where we’ve gone and they come after me again?”
“We need to get through the night, then put you in front of the DA tomorrow. The US Marshals Service will take over after you’re deposed.”
She should have been happy at the news. This would be the beginning of a new phase. She’d be whisked away to some undisclosed location where Mr. Sokolov couldn’t find her. But she wasn’t happy. Not in the least. Hiding again—using another fake identity, living a lie—twisted her insides into knots.
She moved to sit in a wingback chair. Sinking into the cushions, she absorbed the softness after the bony hardness of the horse. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”
Chase sat on the little ottoman in front of her. “Listen to me.” His intent gaze demanded her attention. “You are doing great. You will survive this. You are a survivor and don’t let anyone or anything tell you differently.”
She wished she felt like a survivor. But she accepted she was a fraud. And a liability. A nuisance. An albatross around Chase’s neck. Leaving with the US Marshals Service would be the best thing for everyone. Only it would be agony on her heart. She sighed. “Thank you. You always seem to know exactly what to say.”
He frowned. “If the expression on your face is any indication, I’m not sure if I did more harm than good.”
He’d done it again, reading her so well. She rose and stepped away. “No, everything is working out the way it’s supposed to. I just have to—” She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly so dry. “I have to trust that God’s in control.”
She went to the bookshelves and pretended to read the spines, but her eyes were misty with tears. Strong arms wrapped around her. She hadn’t heard Chase move, but for some reason she wasn’t surprised that he would offer her comfort, reassurance and his strength. She leaned back into his chest. She’d take it for now.
Because soon they would be separated by confidentiality and distance. The thought of leaving had never hurt so bad.
TEN
The sound of Kaitlyn and Nick Delaney in the entryway of the Delaney mansion heading for the library forced Chase to release Ashley. She hurried away to stand near the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking a dark landscape. His arms were empty and cold without her.
He had to admit, it was better to not give anyone the wrong impression, though. They weren’t a couple. No matter how much he liked, respected and cared for Ashley, the paths of their lives were set on different trajectories. There was no intersection where they could travel together toward a mutual future. Part of him wanted to accept the fact and another part wanted to rail against fate. He would do neither.
Grabbing a book from the shelf and pretending interest, Chase looked up as Kaitlyn swaggered into the opulent room with Nick on her heels.
“He armed the fence. Anyone touches it, they’ll sustain a nasty shock,” Kaitlyn announced as she halted near the desk. “I’m sure it was Ian’s doing.”
The precautions seemed over the top, but Chase figured with the kind of wealth the Delaneys had, they must also acquire enemies. Last year when the hunt for the Delaney treasure was in full swing, there were many people willing to kill for the prize.
Nick snorted and rested a hip on the edge of the desk. “Why do you assume he’s the brains behind our family?”
Kaitlyn’s mouth lifted at one corner in a smirk. “I’d be highly surprised to find out otherwise.”
He wagged his eyebrows. “Oh, I’m sure I could surprise you in many ways.”
She dropped her chin and glared. “Not going to happen.”
He cocked his head with a glint in his dark eyes. “I’m not sure what you are inferring, Deputy Lanz.”
Kaitlyn’s eyes widened, and her mouth opened but no words formed.
Chase almost laughed out loud and his gaze sought Ashley’s. Her lips were pressed together as if she, too, were holding back her amusement at the interplay between the other two.
Kaitlyn finally narrowed her gaze. “When is Ian returning?”
The humor in Nick’s eyes dimmed. “Not any time soon. And because my father is with Ian, you’re stuck with me as your host. I’m really not that bad of a guy.”
Kaitlyn made a face. “I’m going to check in with the sheriff. Then we need to leave.” She stalked out of the library.
“I don’t think she likes you much,” Chase commented.
Nick chuckled and shrugged. “Probably not. But she’s much too serious. Just like my brother. But don’t get me wrong, I respect anybody willing to put on a badge and do the hard job.”
When Nick wasn’t doing the adult equivalent of tugging on Kaitlyn’s braid, Chase thought he was probably a decent guy.
Ashley moved to stand beside Chase. “We really appreciate you taking us in like this.”
“Of course,” Nick said. “I’ll drive you all into town when you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” Chase itched to clean up. His clothes smelled of horse and creek water. His socks were still sopping wet inside hi
s shoes. He was sure both of the ladies were eager to get going, as well.
“You have an extensive collection of books,” Ashley said.
“My father’s passion,” Nick said, going on to talk about the rare and first editions that Patrick Delaney had collected over the years. Ashley seemed very interested and for that Chase was glad. Anything to distract them from the danger looming outside the estate’s fence. Nick was well spoken and much more conversational when Kaitlyn wasn’t present.
Kaitlyn returned, her expression pensive. “I just got off the phone with the sheriff. He’d like us to stay here tonight and come into town in the morning.”
“You’re welcome to,” Nick said. “We have plenty of en suite rooms and Collins can wash and dry your clothing for you.”
Kaitlyn stared at him a moment. “Thank you. Your hospitality is appreciated.”
Nick nodded but made no comment.
Chase didn’t hesitate to take the man up on the offer. At least they would be safe for the night and have clean clothes in which to face the morning.
* * *
“This baby is armor-plated and has bulletproof windows,” Nick Delaney proudly explained as he drove the big army green Humvee out the front gate of his estate the next morning.
Nick had insisted on driving them to the sheriff’s station, much to Kaitlyn’s dismay. Chase’s coworker really had an issue with the younger Delaney. Chase wasn’t sure what had her dander up. The fact that he was a wealthy man who seemingly didn’t take life too seriously or was there something more?
After making arrangements to have the three horses transported back to her family ranch, Kaitlyn had slid into the back seat of the Humvee with Ashley while Chase sat in the front passenger seat. Chase had noticed the glance Nick had thrown Kaitlyn as if he’d been surprised she hadn’t insisted on riding up front. To be honest, Chase had been surprised, too.
And though Nick played off his attention to Kaitlyn as bantering, there was no doubt the man was attracted to the female deputy. There was no mistaking the way Nick’s gaze followed Kaitlyn when she wasn’t watching. The two couldn’t be more opposite, and sparks flew when they were together.