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“And I’m sorry life has hurt you. You’re a good guy. You just need to show it more often.”

“Men can have two sides.”

“So can women.”

What had become obvious was that she had no comprehension her father could be selling weapons to the wrong people. Maybe I was wrong, but my instincts were telling me otherwise. “We should get back.” It’ll be dark soon.”

“I know. Thank you for the ride, even though I know I’m going to be sore in the morning.”

Her words dripped of something other than riding a horse. No, I couldn’t allow that to happen again.

I helped her to her feet and as soon as I did, she lifted her head in the same direction as before. “You don’t hear that?” she asked.

A slight noise did catch my attention. “Just the rustling of trees.”

“I don’t know. Look at Sadie. She thinks there’s something over there too.”

“Well, we’re not going to investigate. I’ll take care of that in the morning. Let’s get you back before dark.”

“The sun is still up.”

“Yeah, but I know you too well. You’ll find a reason to lag behind.” I scanned the area, trying to ascertain what I was hearing. Whatever it was, red flags were waving.

When we were safely on Sadie, I took one more glance. I’d experienced internal warnings when an insurgent was about to strike. That had kept my unit from being caught in an attack more than once. I had to believe my instincts were right.

Fortunately, there were no issues on the ride back. With the sun setting low in the sky, I was prepared to lock us down for the night.

She helped me with feeding Sadie and we walked from the barn together.

“Come on. I need to make a phone call,” I told her.

“The sunset is gorgeous. Would it be alright in the rules-afflicted world of Master Sergeant Rollins if I took a few pictures of the sunset? I promise I’ll stay in the backyard. I won’t go anywhere.”

“Fine, but if I need to hunt you down, there will be hell to pay. And it’s Lieutenant.”

“Ah, that’s right. Just a lieutenant.” She saluted and backed away, twirling in a full circle as she did. “And I wouldn’t dream of ignoring your rules.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” I watched her round the side of the house before heading inside.

Tank merely lifted his head from his dog’s bed, but when he did, he offered a less than happy look. One of his tennis balls rolled toward the fireplace and I groaned.

“I promise. We’ll play ball tomorrow. Okay?”

His snort was louder than usual. I walked into the kitchen, grabbing my phone and dialing Gray, hissing when I reached his voicemail. I knew the man had other duties, but I was losing patience. No information usually meant unavoidable consequences.

“Gray. It’s Kage. I need to know what the hell is going on. I’ve been having a feeling we’re being watched. So call me when you get this, whatever time.” As soon as I tossed the phone onto the table, I heard a knock on the door.

Why hadn’t Tank barked?

I glanced out the kitchen window, able to catch sight of Juliette. At least she wasn’t trying to defy me on purpose.

As soon as I took long strides into the living room, he finally did, jumping up to be by my side.

“Now you look ferocious.” I took the time to grab my weapon. While I doubted some asshole chasing her would knock on the door, caution remained tops on my list.

When I opened the door, the man on the other side flashed his eyes in horror. “Lieutenant Rollins.”

I glared at him.

“Mike Schaffer. Your uncle’s attorney? Remember, we met a few weeks ago?” He glanced at Tank who was growling at him.

I couldn’t blame the pup.

“Yeah, I remember. What do you want?” I stroked Tank’s head and he immediately quieted.

“I have something else your uncle wanted me to give you.”

I noticed a larger envelope in his hand and huffed. “What is it with these fucking Easter eggs?”

“What?”

“He’s left me several envelopes. Hell, the man bought me a horse and had it delivered yesterday.”

Mike raised his eyebrows. “Your uncle was a character. He did give explicit instructions to wait until today to hand deliver this information. Four weeks to the day of you moving in.”

“What the fuck is it?”

“Maybe I could come in for a few minutes so we can discuss it.”

I debated slamming the door in the man’s face but decided against it. “Just a few minutes.”

“This won’t take long.”

Once we were inside, I kept him close to the door and shoved the weapon into the waistband of my jeans before taking the manila envelope from his hand. He said nothing until I opened it.

After flipping from one set of papers to another, I still didn’t know what the hell I was looking at. “What is this, Mr. Schaffer, and don’t give me the runaround about it. What did my uncle do?”

“Henry bought the property next door two years ago. He worked on it right up until his death and he wanted you to have it.”

Worked on it. What did that mean? “How much land?”

“One hundred and fifty acres, but it’s not just a piece of land. He created a horse sanctuary.”

“What?”

Mike nodded. “Yes. For injured or abused horses. It’s a magical place that includes several barns, exercise corrals, a medical facility and office, and some cottages for the employees who live there.

There’s much more. He had it ready and there are about a dozen horses already living on the property. ”

“I don’t get it.”

“Maybe it’s something you need to see for yourself, Kage.

He took pride in creating it, working with officials and specialists.

I helped him find the right people to do the job.

Word spread and he even received several grants.

I helped him begin the search for a qualified veterinarian as well, but I suspended the efforts when he died.

I figured that would be something you’d want to resume yourself. ”

“Why didn’t you mention this before?” I turned slightly, unable to see Juliette, but I wasn’t going to freak yet. The backyard was large enough she could have stepped out of view.

“Because I was given explicit instructions not to tell you immediately. I think your uncle wanted you to become comfortable in your surroundings.”

“Christ. I’m likely to sell the place and this will just cause undue complications.”

His face fell, not that I gave a shit. “Well, I do have an interested party if you want to sell, but your uncle really hoped you’d stay here and take over the sanctuary.”

“My uncle didn’t know me.” I ignored him for a second, heading toward the back of the house and looking out the set of doors. Where the fuck was she?

“I think you have my card. If you decide to sell, give me a call.”

I suddenly had a terrible feeling that something was very wrong.

“In case you’re interested, the property is adjacent to this one. Just next door.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, Mr. Schaffer, but get out. I have something I need to do.” Next door. Where the sound had come from? Maybe.

“Oh. Okay. Sure. Call me with any questions.”

The door was slammed in my fury and concern. I rushed into the kitchen, grabbing a flashlight before throwing open the back door and stepping outside.

She was nowhere to be seen.

“Juliette!” I called.

Five seconds passed. Ten.

Fifteen.

No response.

“Tank. Come. Search and rescue, buddy.”

If something had happened to her, I would never forgive myself. And I’d hunt and kill the people responsible.

But if she was playing with me, so help me God, I’d chain her to my bed.