She reached for his hand. “This waiting is so hard,” she said, her voice breaking.
A rush of tenderness engulfed his system. “I know.” He threaded his fingers through hers. He hated the circumstances but couldn’t deny how right it felt to hold her hand. To soothe her.
Every moment he spent with Maren, his admiration and affection grew exponentially. His heart went out to her and he was loath to let her go.
THIRTEEN
The moon rose into the sky above the Dawson ranch, providing a soft glow to the night and silvering the pasture grass. The corral railing gleamed white, making the lone horse it contained appear otherworldly. Leaning against the top rail to watch the horse, Maren couldn’t believe the day she’d had. Despite her worry over her sister and Mia, Maren had loved being here on the Dawsons’ ranch, and they’d stayed longer than expected. Maren hadn’t laughed so much in, well, she couldn’t remember the last time. Over the last few months, ever since Opal’s supposed drowning and since joining the task force around the same time, she’d been running on high alert and had not taken any time, until tonight, to ease the stress of loss and concern driving her.
Everyone at the ranch had been so friendly; the food was delicious, and the whole evening a wonderful distraction from the heartache of not knowing where Opal was, even though she and Colt both continually checked their burner phones for news from their bosses, the US Marshals and Eva. But thus far, their phones remained quiet after the one call about the van.
She glanced sideways at Colt, who stood next to her at the rail fence to the corral. Haven and Rusk lay quietly at their feet. They were the only remaining guests, as everyone else had left. The lone horse trotted in a circle, whining every time it passed Colt. Or maybe the horse was protesting the presence of two unknown observers.
“Beautiful horse,” Maren said. She hadn’t understood why Colt had led her away from the house after everyone else had gone home, until he’d brought her to meet his favorite horse. A black stallion with a white star centered on its forehead.
“Meet Titan,” he said.
“Are Haven and I upsetting him?”
“No, he’s high-strung all the time,” Colt replied. “He and I have won a lot of competitions together over the years.”
She would have liked to see Colt competing. “Maybe he’s happy to see you.”
“I ride him every Sunday afternoon,” he said. “I’m sure he’s confused why I’m here on a Saturday.”
She thought it sweet he’d believe the horse could tell the passage of time. “We’ll have to come back tomorrow so you can exercise him. Maybe you could teach me,” she said impulsively.
He laughed, a deep enjoyable sound. “I can teach you to ride, but not on Titan. We do have some geldings that are very docile that would be great for a beginner.”
She wanted to bristle at the suggestion she couldn’t handle the big black horse, but he was right, she couldn’t. This horse was a champion. A newbie like her needed a plodding horse that wouldn’t mind an inexperienced person on their back.
A yawn escaped her. “We have a long drive ahead of us,” she said, though she was loath to leave the safety and peacefulness of the ranch. Guilt pricked her for the thought. Her sister wasn’t safe. A shiver of dread mingling with the cool night air raced along her limbs.
“You’re cold,” Colt said. “I’ll go grab a jacket.”
Colt hustled toward the house before she could protest. Rusk stood but stayed in place.
Rubbing her arms, Maren gazed at the wonderful display of God’s handiwork, admiring the twinkling stars. Being here was like stepping into some kind of alternative reality where nothing from the outside world existed. There was only this moment in time. The worry for her sister and for Mia hovered close, though, dimming her enjoyment. Staring up at the sky, she had to trust that God would keep both women in His care until they were found.
Movement in her peripheral vision snagged her attention. At the same time, Haven growled, clearly sensing the danger. Rusk also let out a warning howl, which turned into a low growl.
She glanced toward the shadowed side of the house. A dark figure moved along the edge of the wall toward the back.
A jolt of adrenaline had her heart pumping. Colt was in danger.
Knowing they’d both locked their sidearms inside the vehicle’s built-in safe, she contemplated making a run for the SUV. But there was no time.
“Haven, Rusk, Attack.”
The Doberman took off like a rocket. Rusk raced after her.
Maren followed at a run.
Floodlights came on, illuminating the outside of the house. An alarm blared.
The sound of a fight came from the backyard.
Concern and dread pushed at Maren as she rounded the corner.
