“You just missed Paul Kincaid,” Logan began after a nod from Ben’s father. “He’s promised to call me when Owen shows up so I can question him. As for Amber, we doubtshe’ll head back to the Flying K with her brother. I have a warrant out on her for violating her custody agreement. It’s flimsy, but I figured it would be the best way to bring her in.”
“Because you don’t have much to use here,” Ben concluded darkly. “Dad, did you call Lloyd and catch him up on the situation?”
“You bet I did. He’s awaiting your instructions on next steps.”
Ben rubbed Hannah’s tense back, bearing down on his own emotions. He had to get through this. “Tell him I want him to draw up whatever protective order is needed against Amber. I do not want her stepping anywhere near my son after this. Hannah, do you want to do the same?”
She looked up at him, shock raining over her drawn features. “Me?”
Ben’s mouth twisted. “From what I heard, she threatened to kill you. I want to use every law I can to keep her from getting close to either you or Cooper.”
“Would it help keep Cooper safe if I file?” she asked in a strained voice.
“Absolutely,” Logan offered immediately.
“Then it’s a no-brainer.” She expelled a harsh breath. “I don’t want her to ever come near Cooper like she was today. She’s crazy, Ben. Worse than she was when we were growing up.”
He nodded, wishing she’d never seen the full extent of Amber’s dangerous decline. “She won’t get near you or Cooper. What else?”
“Beyond Paul’s endless regret and apologies for his two children?” Will asked dryly. “Not much. I’m sorry I didn’t think about Owen coming over like he did.”
“No one is at fault here,” his father ground out, scanning the entire room. “Ben, that includes you.”
“You bet it does,” Gramps finally spoke. “Hear me?”
Gramps, I wish it were that easy.Except he sent him a nod out of respect.
“In fact, we have some people we especially need to thank today,” Dad added.
That reminder was pointed at him. Ben extended his hand to Neil. “I heard you took care of my boy. You have my eternal thanks. Anything I can ever do, you tell me.”
Why Neil had taken Cooper into the house and not Hannah was something he still didn’t understand, but he’d find out.
Neil lifted his hands casually, although there was nothing casual about the hard set of his mouth. “Nay bother, lad. The wee laddie was safe.”
“I thanked Hudson when I saw him outside, Dad.” Ben touched Hannah’s cheek. “Last but not least, I want to thank the spitfire who stood her ground against Amber. Hannah, I wish you’d been spared that.” He hated that his voice went hoarse on him, but it couldn’t be helped.She could have gotten hurt.
Her answering nod was a touch shaky. “Maybe she always had that kind of violence in her. Do you remember when she tried to run me down in the meadow with her horse when I was picking wildflowers?”
He shuddered at the memory. But he also recalled her excuse. She’d said her horse had gotten away from her.What a lying bitch.And he’d turned to her.How could I have done that?
“We’ll add that incident to the protection order application,” Logan added, his eyes flat. “I don’t like the idea of Amber having been fixated on harming you for so long. With her drug and alcohol use, she’s a greater threat now. I’d rather we prevent anyone from getting hurt.”
“So would I,” Hannah agreed with a dry laugh. “I’ve known her since we were kids, but the way her eyes looked today…I’ve seen crazed horses like that.”
Ben felt her shudder. “Can you give me a minute?” he asked her quietly.
When she stood, he excused them and led her to the main office down the hall. The moment he closed the door, he pulled her into his arms. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.”
She gripped him tightly, pressing her face into his chest. “Don’t you dare apologize, Ben McAllister. And don’t you dare start to blame yourself again after you’ve come so far lately.”
He clenched his eyes shut. “But she threatened to kill you. Hannah, that scares me plum cold.”
“Me too. Ben, look at me. I’m tough when I have to be, but I’m glad Paul is finally going to do something about them. He should have done it a long time ago.”
Ben wasn’t so sure what Paul could do or would do. Would he really kick Owen off the ranch? Ben had seen Owen whip a horse senseless, and he’d beaten a man unconscious for cutting in on him at a local barn dance with a girl. Paul had only reprimanded him, which Owen had joked about widely. Ben supposed he’d have to see.
“I need to get back to Cooper.” He kissed her softly once on the mouth and then again with more urgency. “He didn’t want me to leave. I wish I could be in two places at once. Because God, Hannah, I need you right now.”
