Hearts Unleashed Page 10

  There was a brief pause.

  “I’ll be there in half an hour.” Then the line disconnected.

  Stunned, he listened to the dial tone until the police officer told him to wrap it up. He slowly replaced the receiver on the phone. His mind refused to accept what he’d just heard. Did she just say she’d bail me out?

  She could’ve laughed out loud, telling him to have fun rotting in jail. Spit out an “I knew it” as she compared him to past foremen. He followed the officer back to the holding cell, still shocked by Katie’s response. One thing’s for sure. He gulped, hearing the doors shut behind him. She’s never going to let me hear the end of this.

  Chapter 13

  A short, heavyset policewoman thumped on the bars of a holding cell.

  “Your girlfriend’s here,” the woman announced as she unlocked the holding cell, the metal hinges screeching when she pulled the door open.

  Katie bristled at the words but didn’t bother to correct the woman. Breathing in a liberal application of lemon-scented cleanser, she leaned against the white cinderblock wall. A familiar throaty grunt cut through the air.

  “She’s not my girlfriend.”

  The officer’s high-pitched laugh followed. “You’re about as good at lying as you are at driving. Now, move along.”

  Katie took a step forward, sucking in a short breath as John lumbered into the hall, moving more than ever like an old man. When his eyes met hers, he came to a complete halt, causing the smaller policewoman gripping his arm to be jerked backwards.

  Her eyebrow raised. “You’re that surprised to see me?”

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” he mumbled. “I didn’t expect you to do anything to help me out. Especially something like this.”

  “Well, I’m here.” She folded her arms. “Now, let’s leave. Please.”

  He nodded, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets as they made their way to the counter.

  “Is that all?” Katie said to the officer. “Can we go?” She must look half-asleep, like she’d rolled out of bed to come here—and she had. Her hair was scraped back in a messy ponytail and she’d grabbed whatever clothes had been on the floor.

  “He has to appear in court. Disorderly conduct.”

  “That’s all?” Katie asked. “No DUI?”

  “No DUI. The court date is on the ticket.” The policewoman passed a piece of paper over to her. “Other than that, Mr. Rathborne is free to go.”

  The cold night air bit into her skin as they stepped into the parking lot. After his call, she’d run out of the house so fast all she had was the Montana State University sweatshirt she kept in her car. But the cotton fabric did little to protect her skin when temperatures were this low.

  When her body started to shiver, a heavy warmth enveloped her. John had pulled off his coat and placed it around her shoulders.

  “Thanks,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “It’s the least I can do. Thanks for coming,” he muttered.

  She turned her head to face him. His ears were red. From the cold or embarrassment? When an involuntary smile pulled at her lips, she snapped her head forward.

  “I paid your bail on the ranch credit card. Obviously, you’ll have to pay it back.” She increased her stride to make sure she remained ahead of him, wanting to keep the uncontrolled smile hidden.

  “Never would have considered otherwise,” he replied. “Even I can’t fall much lower than this.”

  “Where is your truck?”

  “Still on the side of the road. Do you mind dropping me off to get it?”

  “You smell like beer. I don’t feel like coming back down here to bail you out again. You should just come to the ranch with me, instead of going to your mother’s house.”

  “Thought you’d be glad to get me out of your sight and off your property for a while.”

  “I told you. I don’t want to have to bail you out again. Besides, we may need you in the morning to check the north pasture fence again.”

  “Peter’s still there, isn’t he?”

  Though she’d grown up with Peter, having him at the ranch without her father there made her uncomfortable. Peter wasn’t someone who had her back; he wouldn’t protect her. And Koda didn’t like him, which only unnerved her more. “Yes, he decided to crash in the bunkhouse for the night. He got in a fight with the girl he’s been staying with or something. I didn’t really care to listen.”

  Being at the station brought back memories she’d rather not dwell on. And with no one at the ranch, someone could sneak in and she’d never know it. Until it was too late. She turned on her heels to face John. “Are you coming or should I just leave you here?”

  “Sure. I’m coming.”

  She lifted her chin, her voice firm. “Can’t you just be grateful? Most people aren’t going to get up in the middle of the night to bail an employee out of jail. Nor let them keep their job after an arrest.”

  “My apologies. You’re right,” he said as he climbed into her red hybrid. “Where’s your dad?”

  “He’s at a ranchers’ association meeting in Billings. A quarterly banquet. With Linda,” she said, turning on the engine.

  “So, there’s nobody at the ranch right now except Peter.”

  She half expected a joke or another inquiry about the relationship status between her father and Linda. “That’s right. Not even me, since I had to leave and spend some time at my local police station tonight.”

  Fear crept its way in like a spider crawling up an arm, and she froze. Her eyes were unblinking, staring at the distant shadow under the tree, her throat bone dry. It appeared to be watching her.

  “I know you don’t like Peter. I don’t much like him myself. But your father trusts him. Maybe we should—”

  Her foot slammed on the gas pedal and they peeled out of the parking lot, leaving the brightly lit police station—and the haunting shadow—behind.

  “Hey, take it easy!” He grabbed the door handle to steady himself. “Never saw anyone who had a lead foot for both the gas and the brake!”

  “Just hold on,” she growled. The car jolted and swayed on the winding road, but she was desperate to get home. The police station. Peter. The empty ranch. Bile rose in her throat and a swarm of angry bats flapped around in her chest. Her hands were clammy, her knuckles white as she gripped the steering wheel. John offered some relief, but he was drunk and injured. And she questioned if he’d be able to ward off someone looking to hurt her.

  His sigh cut through the tension filled air as she turned off the road and up the driveway to the ranch house. “I’ll be glad to turn in. Pretty sure the bench in that cell was designed to be as uncomfortable as possible.”

  Her lips pressed tightly together. “Just remember, you owe me.”

  “I won’t forget. Thanks again for helping me out. Your credit card will be reimbursed first thing tomorrow. And I’ll—”

  A dark shadow ran across the field to her right and she slammed on the brakes.

  “What on earth—”

  Nickel, Two Bits, and Koda ran up to the car barking furiously. Her eyes locked onto the front porch.

  “What are you doing?” he asked. “They’ll move out of the way.”

  Her throat tightened, refusing to allow air in or out. She felt cold, as if all the blood had drained from her face and now pounded in the fingers gripping the car’s wheel. Her eyes were wide and her body rigid.

  “What’s wrong?” John’s voice was low. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his body become rigid, scanning the ranch grounds, the alertness of his gaze at odds with his tiredness of a moment ago.

  “The dogs. They shouldn’t be out!”

  She turned toward him, her eyes falling on his flaring nostrils. But his voice remained calm when he said, “Maybe your dad let them out.”

  “I told you. He’s not here.” She pushed the words out, her body beginning to shake. The house was dark except for the single porch light. “He went t
o Billings for that banquet.”

  “Could he have returned early, let the dogs out to pee, and fell asleep before he could call them in?”

  “He’s not back yet. His truck isn’t here.” Her hand clamped down on his muscular forearm, unwilling to let go. “The door—the front door is open!”

  Barely visible against the pitch-dark interior, his hand reached over, put the car in park, and pulled the keys from the ignition. She never let go of him until he gently pried her fingers so he could exit the car.

  Koda trotted up immediately, her ears perked. The dog cocked her head as if waiting for a command.

  Bile had reached her mouth, the acrid fluid filling her mouth before spraying on the floor. Wiping her mouth with the sleeve of his jacket, she saw him wave a couple of fingers in Koda’s direction. The dog ran up the porch steps, nose to the ground, checking the wood for scent. Curiosity momentarily replaced her fear. How did her dog know what the signal meant? Had he been working with Koda without her knowing?

  John’s large frame jogged over to the driver’s side of the car, opened the door, and kneeled so they were eye level. “The front door is open. Katie, did you leave it open by mistake? Could the dogs have opened it somehow?”

  She scrunched her nose, shaking her head as tears flowed down her cheeks. “Of course I locked the damn door and of course the dogs couldn’t have opened it!”

  His mouth hitched up in a half smile. He dropped the car keys into her hand. “Atta girl. Now, I’m going in with Koda to check things out. Why don’t you let the other dogs in here with you and wait for us?”

  “Wait? What do you—”

  His whistle cut her off. Two Bits and Nickel came running, jumping happily into the front seat with Katie. He slammed the door and made a locking motion at her with his hand.

  For once she did as he asked, locking the car doors.

  Two Bits made himself comfortable on the passenger seat. But Nickel sniffed the vomit on the floor, sticking her nose and front paws right in the sour smelling liquid. As if a break-in wasn’t enough, a vomit-covered puppy wouldn’t be making the night any easier.

  “Nickel, no!” But it was too late. The gawky pup had already licked the vomit.

  Giving up, her body slumped into the seat. Her eyes scanned the house as she waited for John and Koda, hoping they’d be okay. She couldn’t deal with either of them getting hurt. No one else. Please, no one else.

  Chapter 14

  John climbed the steps, his chest tight. He didn’t like the way Katie reacted—like she was all too familiar with someone breaking in. His neck corded at the thought of someone harming her. He’d never allow that to happen. But you let it happen to him. You let him die.

  His eyelids slammed shut, hoping to drown out the voice. This wasn’t the time. Stepping into the hall, he flicked the light switch on. Nothing. He progressed through the house, room by room, flipping on the lights. Koda, a few feet in front, kept her nose to the ground.

  He surveyed all windows and doors. No signs of damage. The kitchen was in order as well. Or so he thought. The glimmer of moonlight cutting through the window danced around in waves as it hit the water sitting on countertop. He placed his palm down into the small puddle. Cold. Too cold to have been left hours ago.

  Someone had been in here recently. But who? And why?

  A creak erupted from the ceiling. Koda’s muzzle turned up, a low growl emanating from her furry body.

  “Koda. Go find.” He sent his partner up the stairway. She slowed her pace halfway up, ears pricked and turning from side to side. She dropped low on her haunches and her hackles stood up. She circled the landing once more before lying down and barking.

  “Good girl. What did you find?” He bent down and peered at the floor. Nothing was there. But Koda alerted and he trusted her training. She’d never been wrong before. A dangerous scent was present. He needed her to continue searching.

  “Koda, suche.”

  Koda jumped up, continuing her search. They retraced their steps, searching every room and every closet for a second time. They checked under the beds, in the closets, patted down the curtains.

  Still nothing.

  Turning the hall, he pushed open the door to the last room. Katie’s. He turned on the light, his eyes trailing his partner, waiting for her signal that nothing dangerous was in the room. When Koda returned to his side and sat, he exhaled. Everything clear.

  He sauntered in, studying every detail. He swallowed, his heart in his throat. It was far too plain. A simple oak dresser, nightstand, and bed were the only pieces of furniture in the room. A thick book rested on the nightstand with a page earmarked. When he picked it up, the cover brought a smile to his face, despite the urgent situation. The not-so-brief history of World War II.

  He set the book down. The house was empty. But something wasn’t right. He chewed his lip, stroking Koda’s head. No way in hell he was letting Katie spend the night without protection. At least, not until Mitch came back. “Come on, girl. Let’s go get Katie.”

  As he approached the car, he plastered a smile on his face. She didn’t need to know someone might have been in the house. Not when cold water was the only evidence he had to make such a claim.

  She unlocked the car door and scrambled out. “Well? What did you find?”

  “Nothing,” he said. “Not one thing seems out of place.” He hoped his voice sounded believable. He’d never been a good liar.

  “I know I shut the door,” she insisted. “And there is no way the dogs could have gotten it open. That’s never happened before, not once.”

  “Peter could’ve came in to get a glass of water or something. Or maybe Linda stopped by to pick something up for your father.”

  Her mouth dropped open as if he was crazy. And maybe he was. But right now, he wanted her to get some rest. Her skin was pale and her face drawn. A slight tremble was still present in her body.

  “So what do we do now?” she asked.

  There was one person who could have opened the door—the only person left on the ranch. The only person who had raised his suspicions from the moment they met. The only person Koda knew but didn’t like.

  Peter.

  “Do? There’s nothing to do now. For you, at least. You get to bed. I’m going to talk to Peter and see if he heard anything unusual. Then I’ll fix the door to make sure it can’t open accidentally.”

  He turned on his heels, making his way to the bunkhouse. Koda followed, and he stopped, looking down at the dog.

  “No, girl,” he said softly. “Stay.”

  “Will you come back when you’re done talking to Peter? Just to let me know what he said?”

  He’d already planned to spend the night out on the porch, but her request caught him by surprise. She must be rattled if she wants his protection. He mustered a smile. “Sure. I’ll come back. But go on in and lock the door. Take the dogs with you. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  Once everyone was inside and he heard the deadbolt drop into place, he headed off into the darkness. Though his heart should be racing and his palms sweating, they weren’t. His body was relaxed and calm. Just like before. Whenever he stepped foot outside the wire.

  Always a soldier.

  The bunkhouse was dark inside, and Peter most likely asleep. The kid was in for a rude awakening. He threw open the door, hitting the light switch. “Get your ass up and out of bed. We need to talk.”

  No response.

  No one was there. Shit. If Peter hadn’t gone into the house—who did? Who else would break into the main house without stealing or touching anything? Did someone even break in at all, or was he just imagining everything?

  His eyes settled on his baseball cap, resting on the end of his bed. He swallowed back the lump in his throat. Am I making shit up? His guilt cut deep for not protecting his brother. His stomach twisted thinking of his fallen comrade. Protecting Katie wouldn’t make up for his failure.

  Did I think it would?

  He ch
ecked the bunkhouse to make sure no one had broken into this place. Nothing amiss. Collapsing onto the bed, his head sank into his palms as he sifted through his thoughts. The ranch house’s open door felt deliberate—just like the destruction of the fence at the place most dangerous to the cattle. As if someone had done it to put Katie in harm’s way. An open door would be inviting to an intruder. If she’d walked in on an unexpected guest, she could’ve lost her life.

  Grinding his teeth, he made his way back to the main house. He might have failed Dirk, and maybe he wasn’t as good of a soldier as he thought. But he wasn’t going to sit back and let something happen to her. Failure wasn’t an option this time.

  Chapter 15

  Katie sat curled up in her usual armchair, her arms wrapped around herself. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably. She’d changed her sweatshirt for something more substantial, but the cold didn’t leave. And nothing she did warmed her up.

  Koda’s short high-pitched bark made her jump along with every creak of the house, usually as familiar to her as her own breathing. When the dog trotted to the door wagging her tail, she relaxed to some extent. She breathed out, making her way to unbolt the door.

  “Hey.”

  The stench of beer and sweat filled her nose as John squeezed in through the door. Yet an overwhelming urge to stand even closer encompassed her. Her hand pushed the heavy wooden door shut, double-checking the deadbolt lock was in place. If only she could shut out her physical attraction to him as easily.

  Her hair escaped her ponytail to fall down her neck. When she caught a glimpse of herself in the decorative mirror hanging on the wall, she flinched. Dark circles below her eyes were not her best look. Nor was the big flannel shirt that had replaced her sweatshirt.

  Yet he had a way of making her feel entirely naked—and entirely gorgeous—whenever she was near him. Like now as she caught his eyes on her, and immediately her breath hitched. She waved her arm toward the living room.

  “Go. Sit. Can I get you anything to drink? Pop? Beer? Water?”