Page 11 of Mountain Refuge

The timing of trouble couldn’t be worse.

“We got you.” Maverick tugged his hat firmly on his head. “We’ll pull on our military experience. The ranch couldn’t be safer.”

Dylan counted on it. He cast another glance toward the trees then turned for the house. “Lunchtime. You know how Mrs. White is when we’re late.”

Colt chuckled. “That’s why we came back. I’m terrified of the woman, and I hear there’s going to be another in the kitchen.”

“Maybe Mrs. Cooper won’t be as tough.” Dylan grinned. “But, I heard stories during the time the Robertos were in town. From what I heard, she’s tougher than any special-forces veteran. Kept Sheriff Westbrook on his toes.”

“Good. If trouble is coming, we’ll need her.” Colt laughed.

Dylan wanted to laugh along with the others, but worry over the unknown threat made it impossible. He entered the main house through the back door and headed for the bathroom. After a quick washup, he joined the others in the dining room.

“Dylan, this is my mother, Marilyn Cooper.” Dani carried a plate of hot biscuits to the table, still moving gingerly. She’d get used to horseback riding in time.

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” He nodded.

“Marilyn, please.” She planted fists on her hips, her eyes traveling around the room. “This all of you?”

“Except for my boys who are at school.” He took his seat at the front of the table. He reached for a chicken leg from the plate being passed, then took another as the delicious aroma wafted to his nose. “Smells great.”

“I make a mean fried chicken.” Marilyn grinned and poured him a cup of coffee. “Don’t tell me you don’t drink coffee at noon. Cowboys drink it twenty-four seven is what I heard.”

Dani’s brows disappeared into her hairline. “Mom!”

“Well.” Marilyn shrugged. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

Dylan laughed. “Yes, ma’am, you’re right.” The woman was a hoot.

“I’m guessing my primary job here is to help Lenora, but I want you to know that I’ll do whatever you need me to. Except lead guided tours with children. My naughty daughters were enough, thank you.” She moved to fill other mugs with coffee.

“That’s what I’m here for.” Dani shook her head and set plates of butter on the table. “We weren’t that bad.”

Marilyn narrowed her eyes. “Need I remind you of the short time you’ve been out of rehab?”

“No.” High spots of color appeared on Dani’s cheeks.

“We don’t bring up the past here, ma’am.” Dylan would put an end to that right off. “There isn’t one of us here who doesn’t have a past. We embrace our pasts. They made us who we are today.”

Rather than look chastised, she smiled. “Good. This is the perfect place for my girl. She can heal here.”

“For crying out loud.” Dani fell into a chair. “I’m starting to think it was a big mistake to bring you here.”

The cowboys who had been watching the proceedings with amusement, broke into laughter.

“She’s going to fit right in.” Colt spooned mashed potatoes onto his plate.

Dylan agreed. Colorful characters were welcome on his ranch. He glanced out the large dining-room window. Just not the kind that brought trouble.

~

He stared at the advertisement taped to the window of the diner. Day camps for kids? Guided-camping trips? Riding lessons and survival-skill classes?

He hated the outdoors but here was a possible way for him to get onto the ranch without raising suspicion. Dani wouldn’t expect a thing, and not having ever seen him, she wouldn’t know that a snake hid in the grass.

A deadly one ready to strike.

Chapter Five