Page 38 of Mountain Refuge

“Where is Miss Cooper?”

Dylan scanned the area, spotting her and the boys near the corral feeding the horses carrots. “She’s fine. Want me to ask her if she’s received a text?”

“In a bit.” He entered the bunkhouse, shooting Buster a sharp look. “You know better than to remove a body.”

“Yes, sir, but these cowboys have a code. No man left behind. Arrest me.” Buster crossed his arms.

“Don’t tempt me. I need to see where he was killed.”

Buster stood from where he sat in a worn, leather chair. “Me or the boss?”

“Dylan. He saw it happen. You stay here and make sure Mr. Washington is taken care of by the medics.” Outside, Sheriff Westbrook replaced his hat on his head, muttering something about folks who thought they were above the law.

They trudged across the property until they reached the spot directly across from the back deck. “I had a clear view. The man wanted me to see him.” Dylan stared at the blood-soaked ground. “On Bill’s second pass, the man stepped out. Bill turned. The man stabbed him multiple times, slit his throat, then waved the knife at me before retreating into the shadows.” Was he watching them now?

“The dogs?”

Good question. “They took off after him. I haven’t seen them since.”

The sheriff glanced at the house. “The security cameras are too far away to pick up the man’s face. He’s taunting us. We’re no closer to finding out who he is than we were on day one. He could be anyone.”

Dylan told him about his and Dani’s plan to act as if they had the money during the camping trip. “Hopefully, we’ll catch him when he goes to grab the bag.”

“You could be getting yourselves killed, but I don’t have a better idea. Buster will be there, plus our undercover guy. How many ranch hands?”

“Two, and we’ll all be armed.”

“How many guests?”

“Seven. Four men and three women.”

“Add in the FBI agent. That makes five men. Keep Miss Cooper as far away from them as possible.”

~

He’d wanted to stay and watch the chaos he’d created, but the dogs had been relentless. Despite his running through the creek, they’d been on his tail all the way to his truck.

Now, he washed the cowboy’s blood from his hands, watching the water turn red and run down the drain of his rented motel room. He’d rarely killed, only twice before, and now he wondered—why not more? It had been exhilarating!

He seriously doubted Dani would come up with his money, so the opportunity to kill again would soon present itself. But who? A member of her family? Someone to torment her while she tried to come up with the impossible?

He could head back to New York, gather a few of Robertos men he still trusted, and start building his empire that way, but this way was a lot more fun.

He dried his hands and sent Dani a text, then turned on the television. Soon, the news would run a story about the fire at the ranch. He wanted to watch his handiwork.

Stretched out on top of the bed’s covers, he crossed his feet at the ankles and waited to be entertained.

~

“Miss Cooper?”

Dani turned to face Dylan and the sheriff. “Yes?”

“A word please.” He motioned for her to step away from the boys.

“I’ll watch them.” Her mother approached and took her place.

Dani glanced at Dylan, and he nodded. Soot covered his face and arms. Grief shadowed his eyes. She followed them a few feet away from the corral.