Page 53 of Disarming The Rancher

“People show you the side they want you to see.” Despite considering himself a good judge of character, folk slipped through the cracks sometimes. It didn’t happen very often but was always a gut punch when it did.

“I knew he was bad. That’s the most frustrating part,” she said. “At least at his job. We were just always so busy and things seemed to be humming along. We always made payroll, so no red flags came up.”

“You didn’t realize he was capable of criminal acts and attempted murder,” he clarified.

“No. Nothing like that. I shouldn’t have taken Sharon for her word. The thing is, I trusted her. She talked me into giving him a chance.” She quickly added, “And I know she would never have asked me to take him on if she thought he was capable of anything like this.”

“Let’s hope he is the man law enforcement is looking for. He’s in custody and it’s only a matter of time before he talks,” Brax stated.

“If he does.” She seemed to have her doubts.

“A non-career criminal should crack under the pressure of an interview with skilled law enforcement.” As much as Brax didn’t want Raleigh to walk out the door, she needed this nightmare to end. “I’ve seen Sheriff Lawler in action. He’s one of the best.”

“I hope so. We need to make music. We need to get out on the road again and finish our tour.” She visibly shuttered at the last part.

“Why tour?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“For our fans and because we made commitments that none of us take lightly,” she said, and he could see her defenses rising.

“Do you want to get back on the road?” he asked.

“That’s not the question.” She rubbed her arms. “We have a responsibility to our fans.”

Brax noted the fact she used the word, we. Had she buried her own desires in life behind the band’s success? Was there anything left for her?

A board creaked in the hallway. The sound of footsteps coming toward them set off a wave of panic in Raleigh. What now? More bad news?

Raleigh stood up with help from Brax. She planted her feet, readying herself for whatever might come next.

It was Buck and he held a dish towel up to his nose. Blood soaked the rag.

“What happened?” Raleigh immediately moved toward him. Or, more importantly, what had Kenny done now?

Brax must have been thinking the same because his hands fisted at his sides and she noticed his back teeth clenched as a jaw muscle ticked.

“Had a disagreement with Jake,” Buck said.

“You mean Kenny?” she asked for clarification.

“No. Jake.” Buck stopped and checked the rag. His nose was busted up. “Look at that. The bleeding is better.”

“Let’s go downstairs and get you some ice first,” she said.

“I wanted to be the one to come tell you what he said,” Buck stated as they all moved down the hallway.

She nodded.

“His exact words were, ‘Y’all will get what you have coming.’” Buck stopped the second Raleigh put her hand on his arm.

“It’s an indirect threat,” she said, looking to Brax for confirmation. Jake? Never in a million years would she believe Jake was capable of a bomb threat, or any threat to be honest.

“I don’t know if he was talking out of his backside because he was angry or if he means it and has plans to follow through,” Buck said. “Considering what’s been going on, I didn’t think it was my place to take a chance.”

“Where is he now?” Brax ground out, his jaw muscle ticking again.

“He shoved me and took off running,” Buck admitted, and it looked like it pained him to do so.

“I’m sorry this happened,” Raleigh said. A shot of adrenaline coursed through her veins.