Cowboy Protector Read online

  He looked toward her, his gaze filled with pain. But a slow grin spread across his face. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, but if you ever do something like that again, I’ll…” His threat faded into the silence as he shook his head.

  She launched herself into his arms, Austin wincing at the contact. “I’m sorry.” She eased back a little. “Are you okay? Where do you hurt? He could have killed you. I had to do something fast. I…”

  Austin quieted her with a hard kiss. “I mean it. Don’t do something like that again. I can take care of myself.”

  She pulled back farther and glared at him. “I saved you. The least you could do is give me credit for it,” she said in a mockingly stern voice.

  His smile widened. “That you did. You gave me the time to recover enough to take care of him.” Austin threw a glance toward Kenny.

  The man moaned, opened his eyes but they quickly slid close again.

  “I’ll go get help now.” Hannah turned toward the door.

  “Good idea.” Austin sank against a post and slipped down to the ground, groaning with each movement.

  Several squad cars were parked in front of the building where Saul Peterson lived. Micah didn’t like that. A bad feeling knotted his stomach. Saul Peterson was his only lead on Jen Davis/Hannah Williams.

  Micah rode the elevator to the third floor and when he stepped off, his gaze immediately riveted to the older man’s apartment number. A police officer stood outside.

  Not a good sign.

  He strode toward Peterson’s place. The officer latched on to his approach and straightened away from the wall.

  “Can I help you?” the Billings policeman asked.

  Micah showed the man his U.S. Marshal ID. “I am here to talk with Saul Peterson.”

  “He was taken to the hospital half an hour ago.”

  “What happened?”

  “Someone broke into the apartment and beat him up. The detective on the case is still inside. The crime tech guys haven’t come yet. Do you want to talk to him?”

  “Yes.” Micah’s gut constricted even more. A robbery gone bad? Or something connected to the Martino Chicago crime family and Jen Davis?

  The officer opened the door and called the detective.

  When the man appeared in the entrance, Micah stepped away from the uniformed officer. “May I have a word with you?” He again presented his identification. “What happened to Mr. Peterson?”

  “What’s your interest in him?”

  “It’s a case I’m working on, and I’m not at liberty to say anything.”

  “Was Mr. Peterson in your program?”

  “No, but I’m following a lead. Did Mr. Peterson say anything before being transported to the hospital?”

  “No, a cleaning lady found him and called the police. He was unconscious when she found him and didn’t wake up by the time he was taken to St. Vincent. I’m finishing up here then going over to the hospital to see if he’s regained consciousness yet. He was beaten pretty badly. Actually I’m surprised, considering his age, that he’s alive.”

  “Were there any signs of robbery?”

  “I don’t think this was a robbery. The obvious items stolen are still in the apartment but it is apparent someone searched his place.”

  Micah withdrew his card. “If you discover any more information concerning this break-in, please give me a call.”

  Micah quickly left and drove the short distance to St. Vincent Hospital. He found the emergency-room doctor who was treating Mr. Peterson. “What’s his prognosis?”

  “He’s in critical condition. He’s in a coma. We’ve treated what we can and now it’s in God’s hands.”

  “He never woke up?”

  “No.”

  “If this changes, please call me and let me know.”

  Micah left the building and retrieved his cell from his pocket. A few minutes later his brother, Jackson, came on the line. “We’ve got a problem. I think a hit man has found out where Jen Davis is. I was following a good lead concerning her whereabouts. I think she worked for Saul Peterson up until a couple of weeks ago. Someone beat the man nearly to death. I think for information.”

  “Keep looking for her and let’s pray Mr. Peterson wakes up and can give us some information before anyone from the Martino crime family discovers Jen Davis’s whereabouts.”

  “I will. I’m going back over to his apartment and doing my own searching. Maybe there will be something there to indicate where she is.”

  Monday evening Hannah sat across from Austin at a table for two in a restaurant that specialized in serving the best steak in Montana. “I now see why people come even from Missoula to eat here. The meal was delicious.”

  “You deserve every bite of it. And more. Kenny is in jail. I’m healing, thankfully, but I’ll remember that fight for a while.”

  “At least you aren’t limping anymore and—” she flashed him a grin “—trying not to wince every time you move.”

  “Isn’t there a saying about time healing all wounds? In my case it has—mostly. So I’m glad we could still celebrate tonight. My barn is nearly finished. Misty gets her arm cast off tomorrow and maybe even the other one. Life is good.”

  Almost perfect. But Hannah wouldn’t tell Austin about her woes. He couldn’t do anything to change them, and she couldn’t stay no matter how much she would love to. The Triple T Ranch and his family were his life. Hers was somewhere else.

  “That poor cow with her calf.” Hannah lifted her water glass and took a drink.

  “She was glad to get out of the birthing shed, but I was glad I was there for the calf’s birth. That one I had to assist with.”

  “Do you have to help usually?”

  “No, but enough about the ranch.” He grinned. “What are you gonna do tomorrow? If you want, you can borrow a vehicle and come into town or go anywhere you want. You aren’t confined to the ranch.”

  “The ranch is fine with me. I thought I would explore the woods and small lake you have on your property.”

  “Just so you know, occasionally I get hunters and other tourists on my land. Usually they wander off the Rocking Horse Ranch where they come to hunt, hike or fish. I don’t allow hunting or, for that matter, hiking on my property. I used to let the hikers go until a few caused some damage. I have to redirect the parties back to where they belong. Although there shouldn’t be any hunters, wear something bright.”

  “I have a red jacket.” Thankfully she was partial to the color since she didn’t have a big wardrobe.

  “That’ll work. I want you to have fun tomorrow.”

  “It’s supposed to be the last pretty day before a cold front and snow comes in. I’m going to be outside enjoying it and the ranch.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “You do enjoy the ranch, don’t ya?”

  “Yes, why wouldn’t I? It’s gorgeous. When I look at your ranch, it’s so easy to see the Lord’s hand in its creation. A masterpiece.”

  “I love hearing someone talk like I feel about my ranch. I think it’s a little piece of paradise.”

  “I guess there are some who might not see it that way, but I feel like they must be blind.”

  His chuckles peppered the air like the aroma of grilling meat coming from the kitchen. “You’re my kind of woman.”

  His words colored her cheeks with warmth. She averted her gaze from the sudden intensity flowing from him as though he’d reached across the table and wrapped his arms around her, nestling her against him.

  “I’m sorry your wife didn’t see the beauty in the Triple T,” Hannah said in an attempt to put some distance between her and Austin. Because in the end I’ll be doing the same thing: leaving him.

  “So was I. Misty deserved more than that from her mother.”

  “You deserved more.” And I have to remember that. But Hannah’s heart twisted at the thought of leaving him in a month.

  “Hey, I didn’t bring you all the way into Sweet Creek for a night on the town to talk ab
out my late wife. That’s my past.” He reached across the small table and clasped her hand on the white tablecloth. “I’m learning not to look back but forward.”

  And the expression in his eyes emphasized his developing feelings toward her. The admiration she saw constricted her throat. She swallowed several times but nothing cleared the jammed emotions.

  She gently tugged her hand from his and rose. “I need to visit the ladies’ room. Be back in a minute.”

  Quickly she weaved her way through the tables to the restroom. Inside she leaned into the marble counter and stared at herself in the mirror. She wore her only nice “fancy” dress from when she’d lived in California, a sleeveless, black sheath with a scooped neckline and silk fabric that draped in soft folds. She’d borrowed Caroline’s black cashmere sweater since she didn’t have anything that really worked for this type of restaurant. Her long, chestnut hair fell in waves about her shoulders. But the expression in her eyes—large pools of conflict—at the moment gave away how in over her head she was with Austin. She so wanted to grab what Austin was hinting at—a serious relationship that could possibly lead to something permanent.

  She couldn’t. Slamming her palm down on the counter, she wanted to scream in frustration. She was so out of her element—physically and emotionally. Tomorrow she had some serious thinking to do on her hike.

  Before he came searching for her, she washed her hands then left the ladies’ room. When Austin saw her making her way toward him, he rose, placing his linen napkin on the table. The smile that caused his face to glow with happiness pierced straight through her heart.

  “I’ve taken care of the bill. Let’s go. I thought we might walk along Main Street, do a little window-shopping. A few places remain open until nine on Monday night.”

  “We don’t have to do that if you need to get back to the ranch.”

  He grasped her hand and strolled toward the front door. “I don’t and I want to. You’re right. This may be the last warm evening, and it’s so nice out. Sometimes those cold fronts move in earlier than we expect.”

  “I’m hoping it holds off until at least dark tomorrow night. I have big plans to commune with nature. I’m going to take my camera and get some pictures.”

  Outside on the sidewalk on Main Street Austin started toward where most of the stores were located. “You like to take photos?”

  “Love to. This state is perfect. The only downside is my camera doesn’t do justice to the grand scale here.”

  “I’d love to see some of your work.”

  “I have a scrapbook.” Not a large one since she moved all the time, but one that let her have a piece of something she loved to do.

  “You constantly are surprising me. I wouldn’t have taken you for a photographer.”

  “What does a photographer look like?”

  “Someone with a camera hanging around their neck.” Austin shrugged. “Honestly I have no earthly idea.”

  “Well, for your information I’m not a photographer. I take pictures. That’s all.”

  He paused at a store window with sports equipment. “Okay, how about skiing? Do you do that?”

  “Nope. I can’t see myself flying down a mountain at breakneck speed—for fun. Do you?”

  “I grew up here, so, yes, I do. I loved doing it especially when I was young.”

  “Versus being old?”

  He laughed. “When I was younger.”

  At the next shop Hannah stopped and looked at the books on display. “I love to read, too. Can we go inside?”

  “Sure. I’ve been known to read.”

  In the bookstore Hannah separated from Austin, exploring the different sections of categories. A good story allowed her to live a life she might never have since her options were limited. She glimpsed one she thought she might like in women’s fiction, a multiple generational saga, set in Montana, and decided to buy it for the long nights when she was alone in an apartment in some other state. When she was gone from Sweet Creek, Montana, and the Taylors.

  “Ah, there you are. Ready to leave? I think the lady is wanting to close up.”

  “Yes.” Hannah went to the counter and paid for her book, then left with Austin.

  Taking her hand again, he slowly strolled toward where he’d parked his SUV. The feel of his fingers around hers was so natural that the very thought scared Hannah. She should pull away. She didn’t.

  When they arrived at his red Jeep, Hannah sighed, hating that the night was coming to an end so soon. She’d forgotten what it was like to be on a date. This evening made her dream of what she couldn’t have.

  He settled his hands on her shoulders, stopping her from slipping into the front seat. “I enjoyed this evening a lot. We need to do it again soon.”

  “Yes,” she murmured as his fingers kneaded the tightness in her muscles. “I’d like that.” Too much.

  His mouth hovered above hers, and she fought the impulse to rise onto her tiptoes to shorten the distance between their lips. Finally he brushed his mouth over hers, then took hers in a kiss that zinged her clear to those tiptoes. When he parted, the glimmer in his eyes, revealed by the streetlight nearby, heightened the spiraling sensations tumbling through her.

  He quirked a grin. “We’d better get going before the town of Sweet Creek starts talking.”

  She clutched the SUV door to keep her legs from melting into a quivering pool on the pavement. Inhaling gulps of the cool air, she stared down the street as she tried to shore up her defenses. It was useless. They lay crumbled at her feet.

  Shaking her head, she started to duck to get into the Jeep when her gaze caught sight of a big Ford-150 truck. Black like the night. Two men sat in the cab, and she was sure they peered directly at them. She felt their eyes on her. Shivering, she hurriedly slid onto the seat, not taking her gaze off the truck.

  Not ten seconds later, the black vehicle roared to life and pulled away from the curb, heading in the opposite direction from the ranch. She blew out a long breath. Just her imagination again. Violet’s suspicions were making her more paranoid than usual. But the fact she had to be constantly on the lookout for strangers only reinforced that anything started with Austin was doomed before it began.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to come to Missoula with you?” Hannah asked above the sound of a buzz saw.

  Austin slammed the car door. “Yes, I’m sure. I want you to enjoy my ranch. Take a pickup or a golf cart to the lake if you don’t want to walk. The keys are on the pegboard by the back door.”

  She should argue with him, go with Misty to the doctor’s, but she had some thinking to do and every time she was around Austin he disrupted her train of thought. This was better. Besides, they were a family and should spend time together without her around. She needed to stop integrating herself into their activities and put some physical and emotional distance between them and her.

  As Austin rounded the back of the SUV, Hannah opened the door. “I have some fun things planned for us when you get back home.” She grinned at Misty. “Just think, you’ll get to throw both arms around Candy’s neck tomorrow.”

  The little girl’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “And soon I’ll be able to walk again.” She thumped her leg cast, then leaned close and kissed Hannah’s cheek.

  “Safe trip,” she murmured around the lump in her throat, peering into Misty’s, Caroline’s and finally Austin’s face.

  As he drove off, his car disappearing over the first rise, Hannah wanted to run after the SUV and demand she go with them. She didn’t need a day by herself. She’d have a lifetime for that.

  Burying her face in her hands, she kneaded her fingertips into her forehead. She had it bad. In less than a month she’d fallen in love with a wonderful man and his family.

  What am I going to do?

  Noise from the hammers and other equipment being used to finish the barn intruded into her mind. She couldn’t think here. The temperature was nearing fifty, and it was still before noon. Staring up at the
sky, she noticed the azure blue stretched as far as she could see, disappearing behind the mountains in the distance.

  She spun on her heel, marched up the steps to the deck and let herself into the house. She was going to do exactly what she said she was going to do and spend the day at the lake. Water was always calming. She could remember visiting the beach in California and listening to the waves crash against the shore. Rhythmic. Luring.

  A lifetime ago. Sighing, she shoved those memories away.

  Quickly she gathered some food for a picnic, putting it into her backpack, changed into her hiking boots and snagged her red jacket and digital camera. When she emerged from the back door, she ignored the vehicles Austin had offered her and headed across the field in the direction of the woods and lake. She needed to walk and think.

  The sun warmed her in a matter of minutes. She slipped out of her jacket and tied it around her waist. The forecast for tomorrow was snow—lots of snow. She could hardly believe that would happen, but she’d lived here long enough to realize it was a definite possibility.

  As she neared the woods that surrounded the lake, she spied a herd of elk trotting across the meadow and vanishing into the pine forest. She managed to snap a couple of photos. Eager to reach her destination and eat lunch, she entered the woods. Sunrays dappled the ground, forming a checkerboard of light and shadows. The area was surprisingly clear and easy to traverse through.

  When she came into view of the lake through the stand of trees, she hurried her pace, nearly tripping over a fallen branch. Slowing her gait, she proceeded with more caution. She didn’t need to hurt herself and not be able to get back to the house. When she reached the shoreline, she shrugged out of her backpack and sank onto a boulder jutting out over the water. All she wanted to do was drink in her surroundings—the snowcapped mountains, the lake, the tall pines that enclosed her in her own world. Peaceful.

  Peaceful. The word taunted her.

  After the incident at the end of the previous evening in Sweet Creek with Austin, this morning before everyone was up, she’d sneaked into Austin’s office to use his computer to do a search on the Internet. She should’ve waited until he’d left for Missoula or until she asked him if she could, but she hadn’t slept at all the night before.