Page 56 of Disarming The Rancher

“I hope so,” Buck stated.

“But I’m not taking any chances with any one of our lives,” Brax stated.

Raleigh studied the back of the house. She twisted her hands together and paced. “It just doesn’t add up.”

“Wade is in custody,” Brax agreed.

“He is obviously guilty of stealing from the band.” She shook out her arms like she was shaking out the tension stored there.

“The man is no magician,” Brax pointed out. “He can’t be in two places at once.”

“Maybe he hired someone to set up Jake,” Buck offered.

“Anything is possible.” Raleigh nodded. She thought about the break-in at her nana’s. “It suddenly doesn’t seem random that Nana’s house was broken into while a bomb was being set up here.”

“Distractions,” Brax muttered. “Someone is playing one step ahead of us.”

“At this point, I’m guessing someone tipped off people to our presence in town. The crowd at Nana’s yesterday morning sure found us fast,” Raleigh said.

“Not a whole lot of folks drive on the road in front of the ranch out this far unless they have business with us. So, it’s highly possible the crowd alerted the bomber,” Brax agreed. “Or this is some twisted joke by someone on the inside.” His mind snapped to Kenny, but would he be that cruel?

“Someone breached the ranch. Nowhere is safe for us,” Raleigh stated, sounding more resigned than anything else.

“Where is Jake now?” Brax asked, glancing around.

“No idea. I’ll ask everyone to meet at the barn.” Raleigh fired off a text.

“I have to meet the sheriff,” Brax stated. “Go on ahead without me.”

Brax started to walk away and then stopped. He turned around.

“Hold on a second. Has anyone seen Hardy recently?” he asked.

“He should have checked in with me long before now.” Raleigh gasped.

Not good. That was not good.

“Let me give him a quick call to check in.” Raleigh held up her phone.

She did, shaking her head after a few moments.

“He’s not picking up,” she said.

Others started filing into the barn. Tim and Randy were first. Willie was a few steps behind. Jake, Hardy, and Kenny were nowhere to be seen. The possibility they could be together struck a nerve. Brax doubted Jake would go anywhere near Kenny if there was another option. Their feud couldn’t possibly be for show. Could it?

Hardy was a head-scratcher too. He had been right behind Raleigh without fail since she’d arrived. The fact he was missing in action sent a cold chill racing down Brax’s spine.

“Still nothing.” Raleigh stared at her cell. She shrugged.

“Hey, Buck, why don’t you explain what’s going on to the guys in the barn? Bring them up to date?” Brax asked.

“Will do.” Buck nodded and then took off.

“I don’t know where Hardy is,” Raleigh said on a sigh. “I’m starting to get worried about him.”

“It’s understandable, considering he’s been one step behind you since your arrival. His absence sends up a red flag,” he agreed. “The sheriff will be here soon with the bomb sniffer.” The fact Brax’s family were in danger added insult to injury. “We’ll be able to clear the house soon.”

“Hopefully.” Her eyes were huge, and he could see tension lines forming on her forehead.