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“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.”

CHAPTER TEN

With both Brody and Annie working it didn’t take long for them to finish cleaning the stalls, but before they walked across the yard to the house Brody took a careful look around to make sure there were no prying eyes. After scanning the surrounding hills with his field glasses, and checking the trail leading from the forest into the back of his property, they walked quickly across to the house.

“Let’s go into the living room,” he suggested as they entered into the kitchen.

“I’d love that. I remember sitting in there in front of the fire while it was snowing outside. It was a slice of heaven.”

“And it still is, but not so much without you next to me,” he said, giving her a hug. “I sure have missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too. I tried to get away so many times but it was impossible—then Geoff happened.”