Chapter Twenty-Two
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Karen couldn’t believe her life had changed so drastically in such a short time. Cade had stolen her heart and she was deliriously happy.
But she remained deeply worried about Gino Stallone.
At some point she’d have to return to Dallas and speak to the authorities. But to what lengths would he go to make sure she didn’t share what she’d heard?
It was a terrifying thought.
“You’re suddenly quiet. Are you okay?” Cade asked, following the sweeping bend and slowing down as he approached the ranch.
“Yes and no. That lake and cabin was such a wonderful surprise. I still can’t believe you went to so much trouble for me.”
“When the idea came to me I was surprised too,” he exclaimed with a grin. “Though I admit I’m a spur of the moment kinda guy.”
“Apparently, and it was fantastic.”
“But why do I get the feelin’ there’s something botherin’ you?”
“Because there is, and it’s not something, it’s someone.”
“Gino Stallone, the crooked trainer,” he said with a sigh. “Try not to think about him. He has no idea where you are.”
“Don’t think of a brown bear,” she declared. “What did you do? Think of a brown bear, right?”
“Then I guess I should say—don’t think about the great time we just had.”
“Cade, the thing is…” she said, lowering her voice as he turned into the ranch, “a few minutes ago I suddenly had a really bad feeling. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, but he’s sure to know I’ll tell my parents, and they’ll go to the authorities, I can’t even imagine the fall out. He’ll probably be arrested.“
“There’s no probably about it,” Cade remarked grimly as he pulled to a stop.
“What will happen to his training stable…all those horses and owners…the people who work for him. It’s going to be nuts! Obviously he’ll do just about anything to stop me, but this feeling I have,” she continued solemnly, “it’s…it’s…hard to explain. It feels ominous, like he already knows where I am.”
“Damn,” Cade muttered, staring at her. “I know about those moments. We all have a sixth sense. I had the same thing happen last winter. I woke up in the middle of the night and a second later the dogs started barkin’. They raced to the kitchen and I got there just in time to see a wolf’s head poking through their doggie door.”
“Oh, my gosh.”
“He took off, but yeah, I never ignore those feelin’s, and we shouldn’t ignore yours. I think we should contact Sheriff Cooper.”
“You know I’m scared about that.”
“I understand, but like I told you he has people he can trust, and I have another thought. Even though I highly doubt you’ll be tracked here to Smoky Hill, just to be extra cautious let’s put your Hyundai in the garage. You told me it’s a rental, but even so…”
“Cade, yes, that’s a great idea!”
“And you brought everything you had at the Rutherford Estate, right? You don’t need to go back? ”
“No, there wasn’t much to bring. I was in such a rush I left Dallas with practically nothing.”
“Here’s the remote control,” he said, sliding it off his sun visor. “Go ahead and move it while I talk to Joe. We need to get the horses ready for the lesson and the students will be arrivin’ any minute, but when it’s over we should make that call.”
* * *
When Gino had heard the sound of an approaching vehicle on the quiet country road he’d hurried to the edge of the bank and watched the black F150 turn into the ranch. Hastily throwing down the oilskin coat, he’d laid on top of it and peered through the binoculars. Several minutes passed before Karen and the cowboy climbed out. As he strode towards the barn, two dogs raced up to greet him, while Karen settled behind the wheel in the Hyundai.
Gino’s heart skipped a beat.
She was probably heading to the Rutherford estate.
But as he reached for his phone to alert Paddy, instead of turning and leaving the property she drove the SUV around the house and rolled into a garage.
“Fuck,” he grunted under his breath.
Hastily making his way back to the BMW, he made the call.
“Gino? What’s happening?” Paddy asked anxiously.
“You won’t believe this! She’s staying at the ranch! She just moved her SUV into a garage.”
“That’s not good.”
“We have no choice. You’ll have to take them both out.”
“Don’t panic. Come over here and we’ll strategize.”
“I’d rather stay put and keep my eye on things.”
“You could, but I doubt they’ll be going anywhere. They just got home.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Gino, we should discuss all this in person. I’m in my cabin.”
“Yeah, okay. I’m on my way.”
* * *
As Paddy ended the call a dark frown crossed his face. A simple job he now wasn’t thrilled to be doing, had suddenly become complex and difficult. Not only that, cowboys owned guns and weren’t afraid to use them.
Flopping into a wing-backed leather armchair, he closed his eyes, took in several deep breaths, and tried to push away his doubts.
He could stake out the property and snatch her when an opportunity presented itself, but he didn’t have the time to carry out the necessary surveillance. To make matters worse, when he’d watched the couple in the restaurant it was obvious they’d become more than friends, and new lovers were usually attached at the hip. He sighed again. Not only were his feelings about the girl continuing to bother him, the situation was untenable.
There was only one answer.
A knock at his door abruptly snatched his attention.
“It’s Gino!”
“Speak of the devil,” he grunted, rising to his feet and marching across the room to let him in.
“Any ideas yet?” Gino asked brusquely, striding past him.
“Well, yeah, plenty, but nothing I can do given the short amount of time we have. If I could separate the girl from the cowboy I’d make her death appear accidental. Like—falling and cracking her head on a rock, or a hit and run, maybe even an animal attack. But to arrange anything like that I need days, not hours.”
“Paddy, my fucking life is on the line here,” Gino shouted. “Impossible or not it has to happen. Go in and kill them both. Make it look like a burglary gone wrong.”
“That Gino, is a really bad idea. Sorry, I’m out.”
“But you can’t bail on me,” Gino sputtered, staring at him in shock. “Do you want more cash? Name your price!”
“Gino, you’re on your own.”
“Hey, I know stuff about you.”
Narrowing his eyes, Paddy took a step towards the desperate man.
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, no,” Gino replied hastily, “but Karen has to be stopped and I need help.”
“If I were you I’d spend the next few hours finding the best lawyer money can buy. I’m leaving,” Paddy exclaimed, striding to the door and opening it. “You should do the same. Now go!”
Though glaring furiously Gino didn’t speak, but hurried past him and moved outside.
As Paddy turned the lock he felt an unfamiliar wave of relief. He had no desire to see the pretty girl dead.