Page 34 of Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage 3)

“That dreamy look on your face.”

“It’s a beautiful horse. Your brother knows how to pick them, but I was under the impression this was a therapy place for wounded warriors, not a breeding stable.”

“Don’t try to change the subject,” Erin said.

“You guys are ganging up on me.”

“Not ganging up. But you’re always so secretive. Hold everything close, even from us.”

“I’m like your big brother. You don’t need to know everything about me.”

“Yeah, we see right through you. But I’m not going to tease you. I want to see more of her around here, along with you. I gotta go check on things.” Terra dropped her arm, then left him standing there alone with Erin.

“I’m so happy for you,” he said. “You know that.”

“Thanks, Alex.”

“Terra said I hold things close, but you’re the one who kept a lot of secrets from all of us.”

“I couldn’t ... I wasn’t—”

“It’s okay.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders in a protective brotherly hug. “I’m just glad it’s over and you’re okay, and that you and Nathan are together again. You make a great team.”

“And what are you and Mackenzie?”

“I don’t know yet. We’ll see how it goes.” He dropped his arm.

Erin lifted her cell and played the video of the vandalism. “Not to change the subject, but this is as good a time as any. What do you think of the video?”

“It’s hard to say. I’m not the psychologist, but I see hate and anger.”

She nodded. “Yes. Resentment. Vengeance. I think this is personal.”

Alex had suspected as much, and that chilled him to the bone. Vandalism was one thing. Would this vandal take this further? “Personal to whom? A few months ago, the vandal seemed to focus on Terra’s mother’s plaque, but in this recent attack, she took out my father’s. How are we going to find this person?”

Erin shrugged. “I don’t know. I wanted you to hear my assessment. Just be careful out there.”

Alex had been trained to watch his back, so he wasn’t worried. But he would need to have a conversation with his mother and get her thoughts. He should also warn her, in case this got even more personal.

He turned when Nathan approached and wrapped his arms around Erin and kissed her. When he turned away from the public display of affection, Owen was putting the horse away.

Where was Mackenzie?

Panic swelled in his chest. He thought his protective instincts were up to par, but he’d lost her. He turned slowly and took in his surroundings. He couldn’t see her, so she must have gone into the house. How had she gotten past him?

He jogged forward, ignoring the curious looks from those watching. Inside the home, he paused at the kitchen counter. Terra turned from the sink. “Alex. What’s wrong?”

He tried to remain emotionless, but he knew his expression gave him away. “Nothing. I was just looking for Mackenzie.”

Terra frowned. “I haven’t seen her.”

He pushed from the counter and headed out the front door. She couldn’t have left. She wouldn’t.

He flung open the door, and Mackenzie whirled around, a cell to her ear. “I have to go.” She ended the call.

“Mackenzie.” He was breathless as he stepped forward and held out his hands, not quite touching her arms.

She was out here at the front of the house. Alone. He glanced over her shoulder at the edge of the woods, searching for any suspicious drones in the sky. A potential shooter watching. But as Keenan had mentioned—someone could be watching from a distance.