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She couldn’t dodge Daniel’s questions for much longer. But telling him the truth could expose him to danger, making him a target of the criminal organization. She had no idea what they were searching for or who was involved. The leader, Gideon Voss, had money and influence. It’d long been suspected he had moles buried in law enforcement and federal agencies.
Ellie didn’t doubt Daniel’s integrity for a moment. He was Marta’s son, for one. And last night, he’d proven that his only concern was keeping her and Owen safe. But his superiors? She didn’t trust them at all. Once Daniel reported what he knew, the information would move up the chain of command. And God only knew how far it would go or who might hear it.
No. There was a protocol for this type of situation, and she had to follow orders.
Ellie dialed the emergency number again. With each ring, she willed someone to pick up.
No one did.
She nearly cursed aloud but caught herself. Instead, Ellie left another message, her voice low but sharp with urgency. “This is Special Agent Elizabeth Conway. I’ve been compromised and need immediate extraction for me and my foster son, Owen. We’re both in danger. Repeat—my identity has been compromised. I’ve been attacked and my home broken into. I need instructions on the next steps and can’t wait much longer.”
She ended the call and swallowed down the fear and frustration rising in her throat. Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep breath.
“God, I could really use your guidance here. I don’t know what to do or where to turn. Please help me keep my little boy safe.”
Owen was all that mattered.
She had to protect him, no matter the cost.
When Ellie opened her eyes, Owen was standing at the edge of his crib. His gaze was still sleepy, but he offered her a crooked smile that tugged at her heartstrings. She tucked the burner phone into her pocket and crossed the room.
“Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?”
Owen babbled in reply. He hadn’t started talking yet, but he was a vocal baby. Ellie suspected once he found his words, he’d never stop. They kept up a steady stream of “conversation” as she changed his diaper and dressed him for the day. Playing peek-a-boo earned a peal of giggles that cut through every worry clawing at her mind.
For a little while, she let herself pretend everything was normal.
The smell of coffee and bacon drew her toward the kitchen with Owen in her arms. Marta stood at the counter, spooning creamy yogurt into a parfait glass layered with preserves. Her cheeks crinkled as she smiled. “Good morning, you two. You’re just in time for breakfast.”
Ellie’s eyes widened at the spread on the table—pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh biscuits, and fruit salad. “You made enough for an army.” She sat Owen in the high chair and strapped him in. He immediately reached for Scout. She handed the stuffed dog over. “Are we expecting company?”
Marta laughed. “I overdo it when there are guests. Eat as much as you like. I’ll send the rest down to the ranch hands. They’ll be thrilled.” She wiped her hands on a lemon-printed apron and handed Ellie a mug of coffee. “Creamer and sugar are on the table.”
“Black is fine, thanks.”
“That’s right. You drink it like Daniel does.”
“Who’s talking about me again?” Daniel’s voice came from the mud room.
A second later, he filled the doorway. He was dressed for ranch work in worn jeans and a checkered shirt that had seen better days. Hat hair and morning stubble gave him a rumpled look that was oddly reassuring, though the weapon at his hip reminded her to stay cautious. He was a Texas Ranger, and she couldn’t reveal too much.
“Don’t worry, son. I wasn’t sharing any stories of your juvenile antics.” Marta poured another cup of coffee and handed it to him. “I was simply telling Ellie that you and her both drink your coffee black.”
“Is that so?”
Ellie's pulse quickened as their eyes connected. Daniel’s smile didn’t lose a smidge of its friendliness, but there was a wariness buried in his dark brown eyes. Nerves jittered her insides. She shouldn’t care what he thought of her. They’d just met yesterday. And yet… she didn’t like the fact that he didn’t trust her.
Marta’s dog, Jinx, squeezed past Daniel and bounded into the kitchen. The golden lab made a beeline for Owen, his blacknose nudging the little boy’s chubby legs. Owen giggled and leaned forward in the high chair to get a better look at the dog. Jinx’s tail wagged like a metronome.
“Someone is hoping for scraps.” Daniel settled into a chair at the table next to Owen. He tousled the baby’s mop of curls. “What do you think, little man? Plan on sharing your breakfast with the dog?”
Owen bounced in his high chair and spoke gibberish in reply. Despite the tension running through her, Ellie couldn’t help but smile. “Jinx and Owen are good friends. They always share.”
She reached for a fluffy, golden pancake and broke it into bite-sized pieces, setting them on the high chair tray. Owen promptly shoved one piece in his mouth and chewed on it, then tossed another to Jinx. The dog caught it midair.
Ellie laughed. “See?”
Daniel chuckled, but none of the wariness in his gaze disappeared. Ellie could feel his unspoken questions and mistrust, like an itch between her shoulder blades. There was a storm brewing, and she didn’t know if it could be avoided.