Page 69 of West Bound

“I wouldn’t either, but I don’t know if it’s wise.”

“Why not?”

“You’ve been through a lot. You’re going through even more right now. I don’t want to make things any more complicated for you than they are. Or for me, for that matter. Especially with us working together. I don’t want to lose focus, and nights like last night steal all of mine. We’ve got a lot on the line, other people counting on us too.”

“When you put it like that, it sounds sensible.” I can’t argue with his logic.

“It is, and I know you know that. You’re smart. Cunning even. I wish I had half your brains and self-control when I was your age.”

“It gets dull always choosing self-control. I’m sure you were far more interesting.” If this is what he’s like now, I can only imagine what Levi in his twenties was like.

His smile fades as he remembers, and he shakes his head. “I made a lot more mistakes. If I can spare you one, I’m happy to do it.”

I hate that his dismissal only makes me like him more. That’s the thing about him. He’s a rare blend, sadistic and methodical, but careful with his words and gentle in his execution of them. Cruel and kind, sometimes all in the same breath. I imagine he could talk a person into just about anything if he were given the inspiration to do it.

“You’re right,” I admit. It’s a bad idea, and given that there’s zero chance for a future between us, muddying the waters with attraction will only make a mess of our plans. “It’s the cabin fever and the adrenaline. Hopefully, we got it out of our systems.”

“Exactly,” he agrees. “So, now that we’ve slayed the elephant. The plan?”

“Yes. The plan.”

“We’ll need to figure out how we can get to that vault. I have a feeling it’ll have a lot of useful material inside for both of us.”

“If we can get past the mountains, the gate, and the guards. Then into the house, down to the vault, and break the lock, carry everything out with us—without being seen or heard. And then we'll have to get out again without being captured or killed while carrying the relics with us and somehow not damaging them in the process.” I outline the impossible task in front of us.

“It’s a tall order, but I was up early this morning thinking about it. I’ve got ideas. We'll still need some help and a couple solutions I don’t have just yet. But I have the start of a plan. I need to run it past the rest of our team though. You up for heading down to the ranch house today?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Yesterday was a lot.”

“You did the majority of the work, and you’re up all bright and raring to go. I’ll be just fine.”

“Well, drink your coffee, and then we’ll head out. Jack already brought the truck over this morning. We should bring the ATV back. It can make it up the terrain out here, and then we won't have to hike it in if we don’t feel like it.”

“Sounds like a plan as long as you’re the one driving.”

“No horses. No ATVs. Next thing you’ll say, no trucks.”

“No trucks.” I give him the ammunition he’s seeking.

“You sure you grew up in Colorado?” He gives me an amused look.

“A very different version from you, apparently.”

“Understatement of the year.” He drinks the last of his coffee and then moves to pack his day bag. I do the same, gathering the few belongings I have and tucking them in the oversized purse Dakota had been kind enough to get me.

“Do you think it’s possible I can go to the store?” I’d love to just be able to pick out a few essential items, but given that I don’t have money, know where a store is, or have the ability to get there, I’m at his mercy on the subject.

“I think it’s possible but risky. Dakota or I can run for you. I’d be worried someone would recognize you otherwise. The governor has an APB out on you.”

“You don’t think he already assumes I’m here?”

“There’s a difference between assuming and knowing. He might assume. But he might figure having you here would betoo obvious. My uncle runs the sheriff's department, and he can turn a blind eye when he doesn’t have any facts. If citizens start calling in reports, he won’t have a choice but to investigate. He knows this ranch well. Your father won’t believe he can’t find you if we give him a reason to search it.”

“All right. I’ll put a list together then.”

“We can make that happen. Let’s just hurry up and get down there.”