Buch lesen: «Ranch Hideout»

ONE

Liz Madison realized her mistakes too late. First, she shouldn’t have dawdled in the theater lobby studying the posters for coming attractions when the movie was over. By the time she exited the building, the parking lot had emptied, and her car sat in its lone spot in the late afternoon’s gathering darkness. Second, she really should have been more attentive to her surroundings. If she had been, she would have heard the man’s footsteps behind her, and she could have made a run for it.

Now she found herself pressed face-first against the driver’s side of her car with her hands splayed against the window, her keys dangling from her fingers. A choking sound escaped her throat as a hand tightened around her neck, and her attacker pressed a gun against her head.

A sudden gust of wind swished her long skirt around her legs, but she trembled more from fear than from the cold. A man’s face rubbed against her cheek, and the fabric of the ski mask he wore scratched her skin. The smell of tobacco assaulted her senses as his warm breath rippled over her face. “Don’t make a noise, lady, or it’ll be the last one you ever make.”

Liz closed her eyes and tried to keep from retching. “Wh-what do you want?”

“Let’s start with your money,” he said. His body kept her pinned against the car as one hand pushed the gun harder against her head and the other rifled through her jacket pockets. He pulled her cell phone out and threw it to the ground before he reached back in for her wallet.

The reprieve of his hold on her neck gave her the opportunity to glance over her shoulder. His attention was directed to the cash in her wallet. A moment later, he snorted in disgust, and the gun pressed against her head again.

“Fifty dollars?” he snarled. “You only carry fifty dollars?”

“I—I never carry much money,” she answered.

He didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he laughed. “Well, I was thinking we’d take a little drive anyway. I see you have a debit card. Maybe we’ll make a stop first at your bank. You can go through the ATM and get some cash.”

“No, please,” she begged. “Just take the money and go.”

The gun dug harder into her temple, and she closed her eyes in anticipation of the bullet that was about to end her life. He chuckled and brought his mouth back to her ear. “It’s either go to the ATM, or we’ll end it right here with a bullet.”

“I-if I go to the ATM and give you the money, will you let me go then?”

He chuckled. “Sure I will.”

The mocking tone of his voice told her he had no intention of letting her go. If she left the parking lot with him, he would kill her. The wilderness of the Smoky Mountains provided the perfect spot to dispose of a body that might never be found. And to think, she had come here to be safe—to escape from the danger she’d left back home. How ironic.

Liz pressed her hands against the car window harder to keep from collapsing. If she was to live, she had to do something. But what?

The man released her neck and grabbed hold of her arm. “Now, don’t make a sound as we get in the car. If you do...”

Before he could follow through on his threat, his grip on her released, and he let out a strangled cry of pain. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him fall to the ground, and she whirled to see what had happened.

A man she’d never seen before bent over her attacker. She gasped as the mugger raised his gun. Before he could fire, her rescuer delivered a swift kick, and the weapon sailed across the pavement. He then slammed his foot down on her assailant’s arm and pinned it to the ground as he reached down, grabbed the man’s shirt tight enough to pull his head up and delivered a solid blow to his jaw. Her attacker fell back unconscious.

The stranger reached for the gun on the ground and tucked it into the waistband of his jeans before he turned to her. “Are you all right?”

She pressed her hand to her chest and nodded. “Yes, but if you’d been a few seconds later, I don’t think I would have been.”

“You’re safe now.” He directed his attention back to the man still on the ground, but he hadn’t moved.

He picked up her cell phone. “Is this yours?”

She nodded, and he handed it to her before he pulled his from his pocket and punched in 911. “My name is Gabriel Decker. I’m at the Cinema Theater. A man attacked a woman in the parking lot, and I’ve subdued him. I need officers right away.”

He paused as he listened to the voice on the phone before he spoke again. “Thanks.”

He ended the call and looked down at his prisoner, who was just beginning to stir. “I’ve called the police,” he told the mugger. “They’ll be here in a few minutes. Until then, if I were you, I wouldn’t try anything stupid. I know how to use a gun, and I’ll pull the trigger if you move a muscle.”

With one swift movement he reached down and jerked the mask from the man’s face. Liz took a step back to distance herself from the cruel eyes that glared up at her. She’d heard the expression if looks could kill many times, but she’d never seen such hatred on anyone’s face.

“Do you know this guy?” Gabriel’s voice penetrated her thoughts, and she shook her head.

She might not know him, but the threat she’d heard in his voice had set off warning bells in her head. She knew he’d meant to kill her. Had he picked her at random to target in a parking lot, or was it something more? Had the trouble she’d left behind found her again?

She slowly shook her head. “No, I’ve never seen him.” It had to be just a coincidence that she’d been attacked. She couldn’t allow this random crime to make her paranoid or she’d never feel safe going anywhere again.

The sound of a siren split the air, and a squad car with its lights flashing rolled into the parking lot. Two men jumped out and walked toward them. She recognized them right away. She’d met Sheriff Ben Whitman and his deputy Luke Conrad soon after she’d come to Sevier County a few weeks ago.

Sheriff Whitman frowned as his gaze swept over her. “Are you okay, Liz?”

She nodded. “I am, thanks to Mr. Decker.”

He turned his attention to her rescuer, who stuck out his hand. “Gabriel Decker, Sheriff. I’m the one who made the call to 911.”

Sheriff Whitman shook his hand and then tugged the brim of his Stetson lower over his eyes. “And where were you when this was taking place?”

“I had just come out of the theater when I saw the man push her against her car. I rushed over as fast as I could.”

“That was quick thinking.”

Gabriel shrugged. “Well, I knew it wasn’t a friendly encounter when I realized he had that gun pressed to her head. I’m just glad I could help.”

Deputy Conrad reached down and yanked the man to his feet. “Face the car and put your hands behind your back.”

Her attacker delivered another withering glance her way before he did as the officer ordered. When Luke had snapped handcuffs on him, he searched the man’s pockets for some identification. After a moment, empty-handed, he looked at the sheriff and shook his head.

“What’s your name?” Luke demanded.

His question was met with silence. “I’ll ask you again. What’s your name?” Still nothing.

Ben shrugged. “So he wants to play hardball. Well, we can, too. Read him his rights, Luke, and put him in the backseat of the squad car.” He watched until Luke had their prisoner secured, then turned back to her. “I’ve heard Mr. Decker’s account. Now tell me yours, Liz.”

For the next few minutes she related what happened from when she left the theater until the officers arrived. She ended by glancing at Gabriel Decker. “I really believe he meant to kill me. If Mr. Decker hadn’t come along, I—I d-don’t know...”

She couldn’t finish her sentence, and she covered her face as tears began to roll from her eyes. Ben Whitman stepped closer and patted her on the shoulder. “You’re safe now. I’m going to do everything I can to see that he stays in jail for a long time.”

Liz looked up at him through tear-filled eyes. “Do you think he might be...” She clamped her lips together and darted a glance at Gabriel Decker. He was a stranger, and she’d almost revealed too much.

Sheriff Whitman squeezed her shoulder and smiled. “Don’t worry about that now. He’s probably already in the system—we’ll know more once we run his fingerprints. We’ll find out who he is.”

Liz wanted to believe him, but she couldn’t. She had thought she was safe in this mountain community, but she hadn’t been this afternoon. The fact that her assailant had no identification concerned her even more. This whole encounter reeked of a professional hit. Had they found her? Was she in danger?

She pulled her attention back to Sheriff Whitman when she realized he’d said something. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I asked if you’re okay to drive home, or do you want one of us to do it?”

Before she could answer, Gabriel Decker spoke up. “Sheriff, I’d be glad to follow her home and see that she gets there safely.”

An uncertain look flashed across Ben’s face, and he frowned. “I don’t know...”

Before the sheriff could finish, Gabriel Decker smiled at her. “Do you live nearby?”

“It’s a few miles out of town. I wouldn’t want to detain you if you have other plans for the evening.”

He shook his head. “No, I don’t have anywhere to be. I’ll just follow you and see that you get there safely.”

Liz started to decline. Gabriel Decker may have saved her life this afternoon, but she knew nothing about him. However, there was something about the way his dark eyes stared at her that gave her the feeling she could trust him. Before she realized what she was saying, she spoke. “That’s very kind of you. I appreciate it.”

Sheriff Whitman glanced back at Luke in the idling squad car and nodded. “Then we’ll get back to the station and get this guy booked. I’ll talk to you in the morning, Liz.”

“Okay, and thank you.”

He smiled and waved his hand in dismissal. “No need to thank me. That’s what we’re here for.”

She watched as he strode toward the car and got in. Then Luke drove them from the parking lot. With the absence of the revolving lights on top of the police car, the area darkened, and Liz shuddered. Next time she came to the movie, she was going to park in a more central location. That is, if she ever came again.

It was as if Gabriel Decker read her thoughts. “I’m sorry for what happened to you today, but you really should park in a more visible spot.”

Liz nodded. “I think I’ve learned my lesson.”

He cocked his head to one side and studied her. “The next time you should bring someone with you. A friend, or maybe your boyfriend.”

She chuckled. “I would if I had any friends here, but I’m new to this area. I haven’t had time to meet many people yet.” Then she realized she hadn’t introduced herself. She held out her hand. “I’m Liz Madison, by the way.”

He wrapped his fingers around hers. “I’m Gabriel Decker.” They stood that way for a moment before he cleared his throat and dropped her hand. “I must say our first meeting was different than any I’ve had before.”

Liz laughed. “For me, too.” She reached for the handle to open the car door. “I hope following me home isn’t taking you out of your way. Do you live around here, Mr. Decker?”

He shook his head. “Call me Gabriel, please. And no, I don’t live here. I’m staying at Little Pigeon Ranch for a few weeks, taking a breather before I begin a new job. I’ve always loved visiting the Smokies and thought it would be a good place to relax.”

She stopped and stared at him in surprise. “You’re staying at Dean and Gwen Harwell’s ranch? So am I.”

He grinned and looked down at her again, and she realized that her head barely came up to his shoulders. “It’s good to meet another guest. How long have you been here?”

“Only a few weeks, but I love it. Actually, I’m more of a working guest. Dean is letting me help with the horses and do some riding lessons and trail rides. I’m really enjoying it. When did you arrive?”

“Just this afternoon. I came into town to see what it was like and decided to go to the movie when I saw what was playing.”

Liz arched her eyebrows and glanced at him. “You wanted to see a chick flick?”

He shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a romantic at heart.”

The teasing way he said it made her smile. “Somehow I find that hard to believe.”

He glanced around as if checking to see if anyone could hear. “No, I’m serious.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice, but don’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t want it to tarnish my masculine image.”

She rolled her eyes and smiled. “Now I know you’re kidding.”

“I promise I’m not,” he said as he reached over and pulled her car door open. “You said you help with the horses at Little Pigeon. Do you like to ride as much as you like chick flicks?”

“Riding is my favorite thing,” she said. “I’ve been riding since I was a little girl.”

“I grew up on a ranch in Texas, so I’ve ridden all my life, too. Maybe we can ride together sometime while I’m at Little Pigeon.”

Her face grew warm, and she bit down on her lip. “Maybe.”

He grinned and winked at her. “Good. I do love to ride. It ranks right up there with Pride and Prejudice.”

She burst out laughing, and he continued to grin as she climbed into her car. Within minutes she was on the road to the ranch with Gabriel following. As she drove, she thought about the man who had come to her rescue and said a prayer of thanks that he was there when she needed him.

She wondered what kind of work he did. He said he was taking a breather from his job but not what that job was. He really hadn’t revealed too much about himself, but that wasn’t surprising. She hadn’t either, and she wasn’t about to, even though he seemed like the kind of man who could be a good friend. His quick wit when he teased her about being a romantic and his volunteering to follow her home caused her mouth to quirk in a slight smile.

Suddenly she stiffened and tightened her fingers on the steering wheel, the smile now completely gone from her face. What was she thinking? She couldn’t have a friend. One of the conditions of her being here was that nobody was to know who she was or why she’d come to Dean and Gwen’s ranch. She had to guard her relationships very carefully. One slipup about her true identity could be disastrous for a lot of people. Especially for her.

She looked up in the rearview mirror and caught a glimpse of his car behind her. No matter how grateful she was for his help earlier, she knew what she had to do—stay away from him as long as he was at Little Pigeon Ranch.

* * *

Gabriel’s gaze darted back and forth across the road as he followed Liz back to the ranch. His protective instincts were on high alert today, and his stomach clenched at the thought of what would have happened if he hadn’t been at the movie. His heart had skipped a beat when he saw the gun pressed to her head. He’d known there was no way she could escape the hold of a man who had to outweigh her by at least a hundred pounds. The thought had flashed through his mind that she was much more petite than what she looked like in the pictures from her official file.

The first time he’d seen a photograph of her, he’d been struck by her eyes. Their blue color reminded him of the waters he’d once seen off the coast of Bermuda, crystal-clear blue with just a tint of green. They were even more striking when seen in person. Her hair, which was held in place with a clip on top of her head, looked almost like a golden crown that sparkled in the dusk light. All in all, he’d have to say she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen.

Her friendly manner wasn’t at all what he’d expected, though. He’d expected to find a person who was private and suspicious. Most people in her position would react that way, but not Liz. Maybe the way they’d met, with him saving her, had been the key to allaying her suspicions. That was promising, since he needed her to trust him.

These thoughts were still running through his head when the ranch came into sight. She pulled up beside the house, and he pulled up behind her. Before he could step from the car, she was already hurrying toward the front of the house.

“Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it,” she called out to him.

“Wait!” he yelled as he jumped from the car. He caught up to her at the bottom of the porch steps. “Liz, I’d like to—”

Before he could finish his sentence, she interrupted him. “I hope you enjoy your stay at Little Pigeon. Dean has all kinds of activities planned for his guests. There’s a schedule in the office, and you can sign up for whatever interests you.”

“I’m not much into planned excursions. I like to explore on my own, but I’ll take a look.” He paused for a moment before he continued. “Maybe you’d like to show me around the area. We could go for a ride.”

Her forehead wrinkled as she studied his face. “I don’t know,” she finally said. “I stay busy. Don’t have much leisure time. This afternoon was the first time I’ve been able to get away all week.”

He nodded. “I understand, but I’ll check with you and see.”

“Okay.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to go now. I told Gwen I’d help with dinner for the guests, and I’m running late.”

“Then go on,” he said. “I’m eating in the dining room tonight, so I’ll see you then.”

A shaky smile pulled at her mouth. “We’ll see.” She backed away a few steps. “It was nice meeting you, Gabriel. I’ll see you later.”

“Nice meeting you, too, Liz.”

She didn’t say anything else, and he watched as she climbed the steps to the porch. Her demeanor had changed dramatically on the way back from town. She’d seemed more closed off once they’d gotten back to the ranch. It was almost as if the girl with the smiling eyes he encountered in the movie parking lot had disappeared and been replaced with a skittish woman who wasn’t quite sure about the stranger she’d met.

He narrowed his eyes and wondered if he had come on too strong for their first meeting. Maybe the best thing to do would be to give her some time for a day or two to get used to his presence here. Once she became accustomed to seeing him in the dining room and around the barn, she might feel more at ease with him. The last thing he needed was her running away every time she saw him. He couldn’t keep her safe if she wouldn’t let him near her.

When she reached the front door, she glanced over her shoulder and straight at him. He didn’t know if he imagined it or not, but her step appeared to falter for a moment. No doubt about it. She was suddenly nervous around him. He was going to have to do something about that.

His supervisor was trusting him to ensure no harm came to Liz before she could testify against a criminal kingpin. He was also trusting Gabriel to handle the assignment discreetly. If Liz knew that the FBI had assigned her a protective detail, she’d want to know why...and the answer might make her change her mind about the wisdom of testifying. That would be a disaster. He had to get this just right—had to keep her safe, no matter what...and he had to do it without letting her ever suspect that he was an FBI agent.

“You may call yourself Liz Madison, but I know who you really are, Elizabeth Madison Kennedy,” he muttered under his breath as she disappeared into the house. “So you’d better get used to me. I’m going to be around for a while.”