Laying Down the Law (10 page)

Back at the house, he hustled Zuri inside and called Wade.

“Someone took a potshot at you?” Wade asked, his voice sharpening.

“Killed my horse,” he bit out.

“Do you want me to pull a couple of officers in to provide security?”

“We’ve got it handled at the house, but we’re gonna have to keep her inside.”

“What are you gonna do now? Looks like your girl’s in deep.”

“I have a friend at the bureau. I’ll give him a heads up. Looks like we’ve got a dirty cop. Zuri doesn’t think he knows she’s onto him. So he may still be pretty comfortable operatin’ in the open. Be sure to let Roy Givens at the garage know he’s to call me if anyone comes sniffin’ around about that car. I’m comin’ in. Much as I hate not being here, I can’t do anything from here.”

“Might not want to ride in alone. Make sure someone watches your back.”

Colt hit disconnect then glanced up to find Zuri hovering in the doorway. She’d changed her shirt and wore one of his sweaters although it was pretty warm inside the room. Her slender frame was lost in the bulky fabric.

He opened his arms. She walked quickly toward him and sank against his chest.

Hugging her tight, he bent to her ear. “I’m not gonna let anyone hurt you, Zuri-girl.”

“I don’t want anyone hurt because of me. I’m nothing but trouble, Colt.”

He tucked a finger under her chin to lift her face. “You sit tight until I get back?”

She nodded.

“Turn the blinds in any room you enter. Stay away from the windows.”

“You’re callin’ the FBI?”

“I have to. Now we know he’s desperate, we have a chance to get him to make a move. We have to do this right. Make sure you’re left in the clear.”

“What if they arrest me?”

“They might take you into custody, for your protection, but is that such a bad idea?”

She snuggled closer. “Guess not.”

“I won’t let you go alone.”

Tears welled in her eyes. She blinked them away and gave a little laugh, like she was embarrassed. “I’m not used to anyone takin’ care of me.”

“You’re not alone in this. I’ll keep you safe. Every man on this ranch is lookin’ out for you.” He gave her another hug and she gasped. Holding her away, he asked, “Are you okay? I took you down pretty hard when Diego got shot.”

“We’re lucky all we got were a few bruises.” She reached behind her and rubbed her bottom. “I’ll be sitting funny for a while.”

Colt chuckled and pulled her gently against his chest. He pressed a kiss into her hair. “Maybe you should take a long, hot soak. Might help what else hurts.”

Zuri gave a soft, feminine snort. “I think I’ll make it. But what about you? Are you gonna be safe? He might try to get to you while you’re out.”

“I won’t ride in alone. And once I’m in town, I’ll be sure to keep a deputy close. I’m no John Wayne. I’ll be home tonight. I should have news to share then. ’Til then, don’t budge from this house.”

She nodded and he set her away from him, gave her mouth a quick hard kiss, then strode out of the room.

Zuri watched him go then stood beside the window with the blinds turned, but lifting one slat to watch him stride confidently across the front porch, sliding his cowboy hat atop his head while he barked orders to the hands who were gathered in the yard.

When he walked out of sight toward the driveway, Gabe followed him. She let out deep breath.

“Maybe you should stay away from the windows.”

She turned to find Tommy watching her. Not sure how much blame he was ready to place at her feet, she eyed him warily. She stepped back from the window. “I can’t just sit here.”

He cocked a brow. “Can you cook?”

She nodded slowly.

“The men are takin’ shifts. Some seein’ to the stock and horses. The others on patrol. It’d be a help if you could cook something for everyone to eat in shifts. Stew or chili.”

“I can handle that.”

Tommy gave her an approving nod. He started to leave, but hesitated. “Colt told us everything, even about why you left. Said some of the blame was his, for not askin’ you to stay.”

“We should have talked. I should have trusted him more.”

“I understand why you didn’t, but, Zuri, you hurt him again…”

She lifted her chin to meet him square in the eye. “The last thing I want to do is hurt him. He doesn’t deserve that. Not any of this.”

“Your old man…”

She stiffened. “Isn’t part of my life. Never was. Not after I left. Don’t know where he is or what he’s doin’. And I don’t care.”

“He was bad news. Guess I couldn’t look any farther than that.”

“You thought I was just a white-trash girl lookin’ for a piece of your ranch. That’s not what I was after.”

Tommy frowned. “I wouldn’t have put it quite that bluntly.”

“But it’s what you and Gabe always thought. That I was out to get me a Triplehorn. Well, all I ever wanted was Colt. If he hadn’t had a nickel, I still would have wanted him.”

He gave her a nod. “Well, that was awkward.”

Her lips twisted into a small smile. “Let’s not repeat it.”

He grimaced. “It’d be nice if you didn’t mention it to Colt. He’d kick my ass.”

“Never happened,” she drawled.

When he left, she felt raw. As though her skin had been peeled back and everything inside her exposed. Well, it wasn’t like she hadn’t known all along what Colt’s brothers had thought about her. And if she’d been on the outside looking in, she might have had the same suspicions.

Her stepfather was an ex-con who’d served time for drug possession and burglary. Her mother had married him, even knowing that, then up and died, leaving Zuri to be raised by a man who resented the imposition.

He’d provided her food and a place to live, but anything else she’d needed—clothing, spending money and extra expenses for school— she’d had to earn for herself starting at a young age.

She’d come up hard and had a chip on her shoulder before she’d met Colt. He’d been the golden boy. The high-school quarterback, a good student. What the hell he’d ever seen in her, she’d never figured out.

At first, she thought all he wanted was to get into her pants. Like any boy who’d ever paid her any attention. But when she’d refused that first time, he hadn’t dropped her for an easier mark. He’d stayed the course. Dared to be seen with her in daylight. Had faced his parent’s disapproval and the strange looks he’d gotten from his friends.

Not that she’d wanted to go anywhere to be seen. She’d much preferred quiet picnics. Like the one they’d had today. Or fishing in the creek. Then at last, when both of them hadn’t been able to resist each other’s young bodies any longer, meeting at the cabin for their trysts. She’d fallen so hard for him, but had always had the thought in the back of her mind that she was undeserving of anyone as fine and good as Colt Triplehorn.

Which was why she’d walked away from him without looking back. She’d expected it all along. That she’d go on with her life alone.

Zuri headed to the kitchen, thinking about the past, worrying about what was coming, but determined that at least she’d prove she could do one thing that would contribute to the ranch. She’d make them the best damn chili they’d ever tasted.

Chapter Ten

It was nearly dinner time before Colt was finished with his calls. His friend at the bureau had barked in his ear when he’d first mentioned he had Zuri at the ranch house.

“Are you out of your mind? Do you know we’re inches from issuin’ a warrant for her arrest?”

Colt had gone on to explain the special circumstances, including the shooting that day.

Billy Slater had listened, not saying a word until the end. “There’s no proof anyone was shootin’ at you, Zuri or your horse, much less some dirty cop. Could have been a hunter, poppin’ off a random shot.”

“I know. But I don’t believe in coincidence.”

“How much you trust this girl?”

“We have a history. She’s scared, Billy.”

“You a hundred percent sure about her?”

Colt let out a breath and went with his gut. “She’s tellin’ the truth. She’s mixed up in this, but I believe she’s been set up. Still, I have men watchin’ her and watchin’ out for this guy. She’s safe and stayin’ put for now.”

“Let me find out where the field team is with the investigation. I’ll get hold of the agent in charge. I have no doubts he’ll want to head straight for Caldera to pick her up.”

“I want to go with her. She won’t feel safe if I’m not there.”

“I’ll let him know, but he won’t take any interference from you.”

“I understand. I won’t give him any so long as he keeps her safe and at least gives her the benefit of the doubt.” He rang off and sat back in his desk chair.

Wade stuck his head in the office. “Sheriff.”

Colt raised his eyebrows at Wade’s use of his title.

“Someone’s pokin’ around Zuri’s car.”

Colt pushed up, took his weapon from his desk drawer and headed to truck.

At Roy Given’s garage where he’d asked the vehicle be stored, he bypassed the office and went straight to the bay. A man was leaning through a window of the Corolla, peering inside

“That vehicle is in police impound. Did you not see the yellow tape on the doors?”

The man pulled out and turned. He was nearly six feet and lean with sandy blond hair and blue eyes. Pulling a badge from his sports jacket, he held it up for Colt to see. “I’m Detective David Satterly out of Houston. We’re looking for the woman who owns that car.”

“That car was pulled from a river,” Colt said, not offering anything more.

Satterly closed his eyes and looked away. “I hope like hell she made it out. No one’s seen her? She’s from these parts. Name’s Zuri Prescott.”

Colt held still, not answering.

Satterly appeared to collect himself then glanced back. “Look, I know this is a small town and everyone knows everyone else’s business, but the young lady is in some serious trouble. I’m trying to do her a favor.”

Colt’s skin crawled at the thought that Zuri had been forced to turn to this sleazebag for help. He held himself still and forced a neutral expression on his face when all he wanted to do was put his hands around the other man’s neck and squeeze. Colt set his hands on his hips. “How do you know her?”

“I’m a neighbor. Same apartment building. There was a robbery at the bank where she worked. A man was shot and Zuri’s the only witness. I know she has to be spooked, but she really shouldn’t have run. It looks bad.”

Colt studied his expression. The man was either really worried about her or a very good actor. Either way, Colt didn’t want Satterly anywhere near Zuri.

“She’s in big trouble. I don’t know if the reports have crossed your desk here yet or not, but she was tied up, blindfolded. From her statement to the officers who responded, she was pretty sure the robber intended to kill her, but the bank manager distracted him.”

Satterly leaned against the car. His gaze locked with Colt’s. “Even before the robbery, she was having some trouble with a stalker. I don’t know if the two things are related or not, but if she made it out of that river, she’s not safe.”

Colt narrowed his gaze. “If she shows up, we’ll take care of her. It’s what we do in small towns.”

The other man’s lips thinned. He reached into a pocket, flipped open a small case and handed Colt a card. “You see her, if she needs help, ask her to call me. I’ve got more than a few gray hairs worrying about her. She’s a pretty thing. Independent and stubborn as hell. She might not want help.”

“Why do you care? It seems a long way for a detective out of Houston to come for a neighbor.”

Satterly gave a small crimped smile. “Well, I guess you have me figured out. I like her. I wouldn’t be operating on my own all the way out here if I didn’t.” He glanced back at the car, his expression turning grim. “Good day to you, Sherriff.”

Colt watched him walk away, every bit as sure as Zuri that he was looking at the robber. In the morning, he’d give Satterly’s boss a call and see what more he could learn about the man.

When he returned to the ranch, Wade flipped his truck’s siren in farewell and turned at the gate to head back into town.

Colt pulled into the driveway, nodded to a hand sitting on the porch with a rifle lying across his lap. “Might want to find a shady spot. A sniper could pick you off right where you sit.”

Skeeter tipped his hat and moved to a far corner of the porch. “Boss, your woman’s a fine cook.”

My woman…?
Colt squinted at the man but didn’t respond, following his nose to the kitchen where his brothers and a couple of the hands sat at the large table along with Zuri.

She was sitting with a cup of coffee between her hands, but when she spotted him, she jumped to her feet and headed to the stove. “Have a seat and I’ll get your supper. It’s something simple, since everyone’s eatin’ in shifts.”

Colt arched an eyebrow at Tommy who shrugged and smiled.

“Zuri, you didn’t have to do this.”