Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
Annie dabbed antibiotic ointment on her cheek. A shower and clean clothes had gone a long way toward making her feel normal again, but as she eyed her reflection, her fingertips drifted to her lips. She swore they still carried the feel of Tate’s kiss.
She forced her hand down. There were a million problems to deal with, starting with keeping everyone on her property safe from a ruthless killer. And yet she couldn’t stop thinking about Tate. Kissing him had been insanity. A mistake.
Straight-A rebel. Tate’s nickname for her was more spot-on than Annie wanted to give him credit for.
Most of the time she played it straight.
But sometimes courage required calculated risks, and she threw out the rule book.
Like running into a burning cabin to save him.
Or leaving her old life behind and starting Haven Ranch.
But kissing Tate…she hadn’t thought it through.
No, it’d been born of attraction and adrenaline and, if she was being honest with herself, curiosity.
At seventeen, she’d dreamed of kissing Tate more times than she’d ever admit.
But nothing could have prepared her for the reality.
It’d been better than anything in her imagination.
And that terrified her.
Annie shook her head. No, she wouldn’t go down this road. It wasn’t serious. A couple of shared life-and-death experiences and an apology didn’t mean he was trustworthy. After the reunion was over and the case was solved, they’d go their separate ways.
A moment. That’s all the kiss had been. A toe-curling, unforgettable moment, but still…just a moment.
One that wouldn’t be repeated.
She hung up her towel and gathered her soot-stained clothes into a trash bag and left the bathroom.
Her office, near the infirmary in the main lodge, was quiet.
She was tempted to stretch out on the old leather couch in the corner and catch a nap—the adrenaline crash was hitting her hard—but there was no time.
A knock jerked her attention. She crossed the room and opened the door. Dwayne stood in the hallway, Bud next to him. They both looked exhausted and mud-splattered.
“I lost him.” Dwayne scowled. “The rain covered his tracks. But I think you’re right. You shot him. Or winged him, at least. I found blood in the area he was shooting from.”
“How much blood?” Annie gave Bud a scratch behind the ears. His fur was damp from the rain. The dog leaned into her hand.
“Enough to hurt. Not enough to be serious.”
Still, it was something. An injury could help identify the perpetrator. “Have you checked the unused cabins since the storm began?”
“Yep. They’re all clear.”
Annie took no comfort in his reply. It would’ve been a lot easier for everyone involved if the killer was an outsider who’d snuck onto the ranch.
“I don’t want you going anywhere on the property by yourself.
” Dwayne didn’t lose his trademark scowl.
His bushy eyebrows drew together in a thick line.
Maybe it was the lighting, or he was simply exhausted from traipsing through the woods, but he appeared older than he had yesterday.
“I especially don’t want you running into burning cabins or tangling with gun-toting killers.
Next time something like that happens, you wait for me. I’ll handle it.”
Annie appreciated Dwayne’s protective nature, but she didn’t take kindly to being ordered about.
“If I’d waited, Tate would be dead now.” She stopped scratching Bud to place a hand on Dwayne’s arm.
“Don’t worry. I’m a former cop, remember?
I used to tangle with gun-toting criminals on a daily basis. ”
His expression softened. “That was a different life.”
He had a point. Annie wasn’t sure what aspect of this crime bothered her more: Kayla’s murder, the constant attacks, or the idea that the perpetrator was someone she’d grown up with.
The emotional barriers she’d created in the police academy had weakened under the starry Texas skies and amid the rolling hills.
Peaceful, simple, quiet…that was her life now.
The last twenty-four hours had been a stark reminder of the reasons she’d left law enforcement.
“I promise to be careful.” Annie offered her property manager a reassuring smile. “And I have Tate watching my back.”
Dwayne grunted, as if he didn’t quite trust the Texas Ranger to keep her safe. Annie didn’t bother digging into his reasons. Dwayne had his virtues, but he didn’t take to new people easily and was distrustful of most.
“Why don’t you and Bud head into the kitchen for something to eat?” Annie stepped into the hall and shut her office door, making sure it was locked. Her gun safe, along with business paperwork and bank records, was inside. “You both look like you could use a hot meal.”
Dwayne nodded. “You’ll keep me updated on anything you find out.”
“Yes.” Annie hesitated. “Wait. Did you text Evan and ask him to check the far side of the property?”
“No. Why?”
“Someone has been spoofing our phones.” She explained the fake texts sent to Caleb, Evan, and Tate.
“Don’t rely on any text messages you receive.
Confirm everything by radio or face-to-face.
” Annie worried her lower lip. She didn’t believe Dwayne was a target, but he could end up as collateral damage if he got in the killer’s way.
“And don’t go anywhere alone. Take another ranch hand with you. ”
“Don’t worry about me, boss.” He patted his dog’s head. “Bud will let me know if someone gets close.” He took the trash bag from her. “I’ll take care of this.”
Before she could say anything else, Dwayne headed down the hall to the kitchen. Bud followed.
Annie rubbed her forehead. A headache—one she’d had since the attack in the parking lot—pulsed behind her eyes.
It was made worse by her stubborn employee.
The man would do as he pleased, no matter what she said.
Always had. Normally, it didn’t bother her.
Dwayne knew more about property management than she ever would.
But a roaming killer was far outside his expertise.
They needed to find the perpetrator. Quickly. Before he hurt anyone else.
Annie went into the lobby. It was packed with guests.
Some were gathered in the dining room, enjoying a fruit and dessert spread her staff had arranged.
Others were camped out in front of the fireplace, playing board games.
Brooke stood next to the Christmas tree with her clipboard, keeping watch and answering questions.
She spotted Annie and met her halfway. “Everyone is accounted for, and anyone staying in the cabins has been moved to the main lodge.”
Annie did a quick headcount. “This isn’t everyone.”
“Evan has a group in the media room. They’re watching Christmas movies.
And Heather is in her room lying down.” Brooke leaned on the front desk, pitching her voice low, worry in her eyes.
“I asked around, and no one else has received any weird text messages, but short of taking their phones away, I don’t see how we can prevent the killer from trying to separate someone from the group. ”
“We’re going to have to tell everyone the truth.” Annie couldn’t see any way past it. “But I’d like to know more about what we’re dealing with before I do. Where’s Tate?”
“He’s upstairs searching Kayla’s room.”
Annie glanced at the stairs. “Okay. Let me touch base with him, and we’ll make a plan. Do you think you can keep track of everyone for another hour or so?”
Brooke nodded, dark curls shifting with the movement. “I’ll duct-tape people to chairs if I have to.”
Annie laughed. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
The weather alone should deter anyone from leaving the main lodge.
” She lowered her voice, although no one was close enough to overhear.
“Dwayne tried to track the killer through the woods but lost him. He saw blood on the leaves, though. If anyone comes to you or Evan looking for medical supplies, let me or Tate know immediately.”
“Will do. Anything else?”
“Not at the moment.” Annie gave her best friend a sideways hug. Brooke was sensitive. She was holding it together, but stress was building underneath that controlled composure. “Thank you for everything you’re doing. I couldn’t have managed this without you.”
Brooke let out a shuddering sigh. “A maniacal killer wasn’t anywhere on my schedule.”
“Proof that you can adapt your plan to anything.”
Her friend barked out a laugh and threw her pen in Annie’s direction. “Not funny.”
“Come on. That was a little funny.” Annie grinned and hip-bumped her friend before jogging up the stairs.
The door to Kayla’s room stood ajar, and when she gave it a gentle push, Tate came into view.
He sat at the vanity. Like her, he’d showered off the soot and grime.
A computer was open in front of him, the screen’s glow playing across his chiseled features.
He glanced up as Annie came in. When their eyes met, heat crept into her cheeks.
She did her best to tamp down the reaction. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to access Kayla’s text messages.
Her cell phone was broken when the attacker went after you in the parking lot, but most people sync their devices.
I was hoping that was the case with Kayla, but her computer is password protected.
” He frowned. “I’ve tried the most common combinations people use, like variations on her birthday, but no luck. Any idea what it could be?”
“No, but Heather might.” Annie backed into the hall and knocked on Heather’s bedroom door. She waited a moment, but when there was no answer, she twisted the handle and pushed the door open a few inches. “Heather? It’s Annie. I’m sorry to bother you, but it’s important.”