Chapter Nine
CHAPTER NINE
Leaving the barn, Brody saw the sheriff deep in conversation with the man calling himself Geoff Palmer, who was gesticulating and clearly agitated.
“Brody, do you mind if I have a quick look through your house to satisfy this gentleman?” the sheriff asked as Brody approached.
“He’s no gentleman, but knock yourself out.”
“Mr. Palmer, stay put. If she’s not in there you’ll have to leave, and you’re not to bother Brody King or come on his property again. Do I make myself clear?”
“Whatever you say, sheriff. I’m just worried about Annie, and I know the two of them have been in contact.”
“That doesn’t mean a damn thing,” Brody exclaimed as Bella began barking again.
“Easy, Bella. If I want you to bite off a chunk of his leg I’ll let you know.”
“Not funny, Brody,” the sheriff remarked with a frown.
“I wasn’t jokin’. Will you please just go look? I’m busy and I want these puffed up morons outta here.”
“Sure. I’ll be right back.”
As the sheriff walked away, Brody glared at the stranger. Everything about him reeked of an insecure, power-hungry, egomaniac. His turquoise and diamond bolo tie and matching cufflinks screamed, notice me. I have money, while his slicked back, dark hair, made him appear sinister. It struck Brody the man looked like a low-life, street pimp.
“The house is empty,” the sheriff announced as he walked up and stood next to Brody. “I’m sure, just like Mr. King and me, you’re a busy man. Don’t let me keep you.”
“You’re sure? Did you check in all the closets—not that a house like this would have many,” the angry stranger added with a scowl.
“Mr. Palmer, I’m askin’ you for the last time, move along, and don’t think about comin’ back. I’ve know Brody here most of his life. He’s a stand up guy. You, I just met, and you’re bein’ difficult. It’s not a good first impression.”
“Okay, okay, we’re leaving. But, Brody, if she gets in touch you’re obligated to let me know. Here’s my card,” he declared, walking forward to hand it to him, but the sheriff moved between them and took it from his hand.
“Goodbye, Mr. Palmer.”
“Bye, sheriff. Thanks for your help.”
Though Brody thought Geoffrey’s parting comment sounded sarcastic, the sheriff didn’t react, but stood his ground as the men returned to their cars and drove off.
“Damn, that was something else,” Brody muttered.
“Yep, and I’d say that man is capable of just about anything.”
“Thanks for comin’ so quick.”
“You’re welcome, but if I was you,” the sheriff said, lowering his voice, “I’d hide that suitcase and wig, and move the car someplace else. It has Nashville plates. Now you have a nice rest of your day, and tell Annie I’ve got her back. Oh, and Brody, this conversation never took place.”
Before he could respond, the sheriff marched away, climbed into his cruiser and drove off.
“Can you believe that, Bella?” Brody muttered, bending down to pet her. “I owe that man. But, come on, let’s get back to Annie.”
* * *
After she was sure Brody and the men had left the barn, Annie had crept from the shavings room and stood behind the double doors to listen. Hearing Geoffrey’s voice had sent her heart racing and a shiver down her spine. She hadn’t expected him to show up so soon. But as she’d waited for him to leave, she realized Brody’s ranch was the first place Geoff would come looking, and the man had his own jet.
“Hey, what are you doin’ here by the doors?” Brody asked, obviously startled to see her standing there as he entered.
“I knew Geoff and his hitmen wouldn’t come back with the sheriff there and wanted to hear what was being said.”
“Don’t be takin’ chances like that,” he scolded as he moved his arms around her. “It’s not worth it.”
“Brody, I’m sorry I came here and caused all this trouble. It was stupid. I should have known it would be the first place Geoff would look.”
“Don’t be sorry, not for one second, you hear me?”
“But—”
“Hey, it’s over now. He’s gone and he won’t be returnin’. The sherifff’s on our side and he’s warned the bastard off. In fact, he wanted me to tell you he’s got you back.”
“Oh, my gosh! He knows I’m here? How?”
“Your wig and hat and suitcase, they were in the guest room, and he also checked the garage. He told me to move the car. It has Nashville plates.”
“That never even crossed my mind.”
“Why would it? You’re not exactly used to havin’ to run for your life and hide the evidence of your escape. I’ll call Hank. He has that big storage shed and he won’t mind me puttin’ it there for a while. I’ll run it over there after dark, but I’ll stay off the road and use the back fields.”
“This is all such a mess,” she groaned. “I’m safe now, but for how long? And what do I do about my clothes and other stuff. I left everything behind.”
“One step at a time. Let’s finish up here in the barn, then we’ll go back to the house and you can explain exactly what happened. And, darlin’, you can’t leave anything out.”
“It’s such a scary story, and there’s so much to tell.”
“We have the rest of the afternoon and all night. Will that be enough time?” he asked with a grin.
“Yes, Brody, of course. But you’d better prepare yourself. It’s not a pretty story.”