Page 32 of Snowbound Threat

“How about the guy with no past, the one being hunted?”

She nearly said aloud she didn’t want that. But it was more that she didn’t want that for him. “I wish I could re-write that story.”

He slowed his horse to a stop, then slid off and dropped the reins. She did the same, walking to where he stood in front of the horses. Looked at the sunset.

He stared out at the horizon. “I didn’t think I missed it. Being here makes me realize I did. Every day.”

“I forget how beautiful it is.” She needed to take the time to see more sunsets, and sunrises. To appreciate the land where she’d been born and raised instead of taking it for granted because it was commonplace.

He looked at her. “I want to finish this and then come back. I just don’t have any idea how long it’s going to take.”

“Be safe. Please.” She needed him to be all right. Whether it meant anything for her future or not, she had to know Caleb was out there somewhere safe.

Or here, and safe.

He shifted closer to her and took her hand, facing her so that she could see the look on his face. The warmth, maybe even a little bit of nervousness.

“I didn’t expect this when I came home. I didn’t expect you.” He ducked his head for a second, then looked at her again. “I’m sorry you were dragged into it.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” She squeezed his hand. “You didn’t even know my father was involved. I’m just glad he’s all right, and you got a lead you can follow.”

“I’m going to keep you safe, Tessa.”

She nodded, her thoughts too full to articulate anything well.

Caleb stepped even closer, so close that their bodies were almost touching. “I promise.”

He dipped his head, so slowly. Easing toward her gently, he touched his lips to hers.

Chapter Thirteen

Caleb was still thinking about that kiss the next day, early in the morning. And no, he hadn’t left town. After spending just a short ride with Tessa, inset with that sweet moment, he just hadn’t been able to bring himself to leave. Instead, he’d decided to take the phones and IDs he got off those men to town today and ship them express as soon as the shop opened.

Some peace would be nice. Maybe not because I’m trying to convince myself I did the right things, but if You could take the fear?

Protect Pops and Tessa, and her father.

He needed wisdom—and an answer on how to take down Nathan Kessler.

Caleb knelt in the closet and pulled the white envelope that had been in the safe from the spot where he’d hidden it. Under the loose floorboard in the closet where he’d found a couple of baseball cards he and Noah had left behind. Things they’d thought were priceless years ago. A silver dollar he’d totally forgotten about that he slipped in his jeans pocket now because it felt like a piece of Noah with him.

Caleb’s hair fell over the sides of his face. He tucked back one side and sat on his behind in the closet door to tug the paper and photo out of the envelope.

Had his parents really sent this?

He didn’t want to think about if his mom or dad had touched this. Why they’d chosen to get involved, and the whole minefield of why they stayed away. He’d rather not think about them at all, so he didn’t get all twisted up about it. Noah was the same, but he didn’t show his emotions the way Caleb could.

The ache in his chest was about missing his brother. Nothing else.

He didn’t want to care if his parents came back, or if he ever saw them again.

Caleb set the two pages on the floor and took a photo of both, sending them to his brother’s email address with a note.

This can’t stay with me. It needs to get out.

Lives, and justice, are at stake.

He knew who he could trust in this world and who he couldn’t. Bottom line was that it landed on Noah and Pops.