Page 7

SIX

Ellie watched as the sun rose over the Perez family ranch.

Golden rays spilled across the hilltops like melted gold, painting the fence posts and the barn with an ethereal glow.

Wildflowers carpeted the fields. A few delicate clouds drifted across the sky, and at this early hour, the moon was still faintly visible.

Ranch hands escorted horses into the fields to graze.

In the distance, greenhouses dotted the landscape.

Peaceful. It was the only word to describe it. But this morning, Ellie felt none of the serenity she’d prayed for.

She glanced at Owen, nestled in the portable crib set up in the corner of the guest room. He was on his side, one arm slung across his trusted dog, Scout. Long lashes kissed chubby cheeks. His breathing remained deep and even, his sleep undisturbed by yesterday's terrifying events.

Ellie gripped the cell in her hand and willed it to ring.

She’d retrieved the burner phone from its hiding place, a secret pocket in the diaper bag, and dialed the only phone number programmed into it.

An emergency line given to her by her former boss when the FBI erased her old identity.

She’d left a message on the voice mail hours ago. No one had replied.

Maybe she was overreacting. Ellie wasn't one for wishful thinking, but she kept hoping the break-in and attempted kidnapping were unrelated to her failed undercover mission. Deep down, she knew that wasn’t the case.

The Iron Fist had found her, and the only reason she was still breathing was because she had something they wanted. Or, at least, they believed so.

What were they looking for? How had they even found her?

Ellie couldn’t answer either question, and at the moment, it didn’t matter.

Her priority was keeping Owen safe. It was why she’d accepted Daniel’s offer to stay on his family ranch last night.

The location was surrounded by fields, making it difficult to approach unseen, and was outfitted with a top-notch security system. It’d bought her a little time.

But the clock was ticking. With every second that passed, Ellie was put in a more precarious position.

She couldn’t dodge Daniel’s questions for much longer.

But telling him the truth could expose him to danger, making him a target of the criminal organization.

She had no idea what they were searching for or who was involved.

The leader, Gideon Voss, had money and influence.

It’d long been suspected he had moles buried in law enforcement and federal agencies.

Ellie didn’t doubt Daniel’s integrity for a moment.

He was Marta’s son, for one. And last night, he’d proven that his only concern was keeping her and Owen safe.

But his superiors? She didn’t trust them at all.

Once Daniel reported what he knew, the information would move up the chain of command.

And God only knew how far it would go or who might hear it.

No. There was a protocol for this type of situation, and she had to follow orders.

Ellie dialed the emergency number again. With each ring, she willed someone to pick up.

No one did.

She nearly cursed aloud but caught herself.

Instead, Ellie left another message, her voice low but sharp with urgency.

“This is Special Agent Elizabeth Conway. I’ve been compromised and need immediate extraction for me and my foster son, Owen.

We’re both in danger. Repeat—my identity has been compromised.

I’ve been attacked and my home broken into.

I need instructions on the next steps and can’t wait much longer. ”

She ended the call and swallowed down the fear and frustration rising in her throat. Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep breath.

“God, I could really use your guidance here. I don’t know what to do or where to turn. Please help me keep my little boy safe.”

Owen was all that mattered.

She had to protect him, no matter the cost.

When Ellie opened her eyes, Owen was standing at the edge of his crib. His gaze was still sleepy, but he offered her a crooked smile that tugged at her heartstrings. She tucked the burner phone into her pocket and crossed the room.

“Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?”

Owen babbled in reply. He hadn’t started talking yet, but he was a vocal baby.

Ellie suspected once he found his words, he’d never stop.

They kept up a steady stream of “conversation” as she changed his diaper and dressed him for the day.

Playing peek-a-boo earned a peal of giggles that cut through every worry clawing at her mind.

For a little while, she let herself pretend everything was normal.

The smell of coffee and bacon drew her toward the kitchen with Owen in her arms. Marta stood at the counter, spooning creamy yogurt into a parfait glass layered with preserves. Her cheeks crinkled as she smiled. “Good morning, you two. You’re just in time for breakfast.”

Ellie’s eyes widened at the spread on the table—pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh biscuits, and fruit salad. “You made enough for an army.” She sat Owen in the high chair and strapped him in. He immediately reached for Scout. She handed the stuffed dog over. “Are we expecting company?”

Marta laughed. “I overdo it when there are guests. Eat as much as you like. I’ll send the rest down to the ranch hands. They’ll be thrilled.” She wiped her hands on a lemon-printed apron and handed Ellie a mug of coffee. “Creamer and sugar are on the table.”

“Black is fine, thanks.”

“That’s right. You drink it like Daniel does.”

“Who’s talking about me again?” Daniel’s voice came from the mud room.

A second later, he filled the doorway. He was dressed for ranch work in worn jeans and a checkered shirt that had seen better days.

Hat hair and morning stubble gave him a rumpled look that was oddly reassuring, though the weapon at his hip reminded her to stay cautious.

He was a Texas Ranger, and she couldn’t reveal too much.

“Don’t worry, son. I wasn’t sharing any stories of your juvenile antics.” Marta poured another cup of coffee and handed it to him. “I was simply telling Ellie that you and her both drink your coffee black.”

“Is that so?”

Ellie's pulse quickened as their eyes connected. Daniel’s smile didn’t lose a smidge of its friendliness, but there was a wariness buried in his dark brown eyes.

Nerves jittered her insides. She shouldn’t care what he thought of her.

They’d just met yesterday. And yet… she didn’t like the fact that he didn’t trust her.

Marta’s dog, Jinx, squeezed past Daniel and bounded into the kitchen. The golden lab made a beeline for Owen, his black nose nudging the little boy’s chubby legs. Owen giggled and leaned forward in the high chair to get a better look at the dog. Jinx’s tail wagged like a metronome.

“Someone is hoping for scraps.” Daniel settled into a chair at the table next to Owen. He tousled the baby’s mop of curls. “What do you think, little man? Plan on sharing your breakfast with the dog?”

Owen bounced in his high chair and spoke gibberish in reply. Despite the tension running through her, Ellie couldn’t help but smile. “Jinx and Owen are good friends. They always share.”

She reached for a fluffy, golden pancake and broke it into bite-sized pieces, setting them on the high chair tray. Owen promptly shoved one piece in his mouth and chewed on it, then tossed another to Jinx. The dog caught it midair.

Ellie laughed. “See?”

Daniel chuckled, but none of the wariness in his gaze disappeared. Ellie could feel his unspoken questions and mistrust, like an itch between her shoulder blades. There was a storm brewing, and she didn’t know if it could be avoided.

Marta brought over the finished parfaits.

The food was blessed, and everyone dug in.

Thankfully, the older woman’s bubbly personality kept the conversation flowing.

By the time everyone finished eating, Owen was covered in eggs, bits of pancake, and yogurt.

The dinosaur bib around his neck had saved his shirt from being stained with food, but his pants were a lost cause.

Ellie unstrapped him from the high chair. “Why on earth did I dress you? I should’ve waited until after breakfast was over.”

Marta clapped her palms together and then reached for Owen. “Give that baby to me. I’ll clean him up.”

Oh no. Ellie didn’t want to be left alone in the kitchen with Daniel. She pulled Owen closer. “I’ve got it?—”

“Nonsense. You hardly ever get a break.” Marta swooped in and snatched Owen with the stealth of an operative. “Sit down. Have another cup of coffee.” She smothered Owen’s cheeks with kisses, and he giggled with joy. “We’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Won’t we? Won’t we?”

Ellie smiled and shook her head. She’d be lucky to touch Owen again today. Marta would keep him all to herself given half a chance.

Sadness followed the thought. Once the FBI got her message, they would extract her and Owen. They’d leave Silver Creek, and everyone in the town, behind. No one would know where they went or even if they were okay. Marta would be heartbroken.

The kitchen door swung shut, and the silence that followed was deafening.

Daniel sipped his coffee as if he didn’t have a care in the world, but she could feel him watching her.

Stupidly, her cheeks heated. Ellie began clearing the table, letting her hair fall over her face to hide her blush.

“Has there been any word from Chief O’Neal?

I was hoping the men who attacked me would be arrested by now. ”

“Unfortunately not. After robbing the pharmacy, the perpetrators took off in their van and haven’t been seen since.

The chief interviewed everyone at the pharmacy, but no one got a good look at either man since they were wearing masks.

We’ve extended the BOLO to the entire state and alerted every hospital in Texas, but so far, nothing. ”