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Kaylyn answered, “He’s the game warden in this area. You and Jaris met his brother Blaine. Blaine’s the one who brought the horses so we could test how the dogs would react.”
“The rancher,” he said. “I remember him.”
Nicole continued, “The tracks Jason and the others found came together by Sycamore Pond. Seems like the men who were trespassing on Stone Ranch met up there.”
“Do you think this could be connected to Lunceford somehow?” Kaylyn asked.
Chance’s gut tightened. He wasn’t about to let anyone, let alone Destiny’s worst enemy, harm her.
“Maybe,” the deputy said. “We know for sure that Lunceford wants Belle, but we can’t figure out why he would shoot Kaylyn. We can’t find the connection.”
“The bastard has declared war on the whole town.” Jaris’s tone held an edge of rage. “We all know he would love nothing more than to burn Destiny and all its people to ashes.”
Chance knew he could count on his friend to help protect Kaylyn. “That creep is a complete psychopath. No one is safe until he’s dead and buried.”
“Or behind bars,” Nicole said.
“Nicole, don’t give the law enforcement line.” Jaris was as frustrated about what Lunceford had done to Destiny as anyone. “We all know prison was never able to hold him.”
The deputy sighed. “True. We actually don’t have a lot to go on now, but I’m sure we will find whoever is responsible for shooting Kaylyn.”
“Nicole, please call Jason and make sure he keeps looking for my dogs.” The fear in Kaylyn’s voice crushed him.
Chance understood her worry. Not having Annie by his side didn’t sit right with him but it was unavoidable. Naturally they had come straight to the clinic.
“We will keep looking for them. I promise.” Nicole was a fantastic person and law enforcement officer. She cared deeply about her job and about the people of Destiny.
Kaylyn’s cell rang. “Oh boy. It’s my mother. Hi, Mom. I’m fine.”
Her mother had gone with her cousin to Hawaii two days ago for a two-week vacation, something she’d always wanted to do.
“Don’t you dare cut your trip short, Mom. I’m fine. I swear. Yes, he is. Chance, she wants to talk to you.” Kaylyn’s voice lowered. “You better back me up, mister.”
“Sure, sweetheart.”
Kaylyn handed him the phone.
“Hi, Betty.”
“Chance, tell me the truth. Kaylyn is okay?” The woman’s voice shook.
“She’s fine.” The door opened and he heard the footsteps he knew came from Doc. “The doctor is here now. Would you like to talk to him?”
“Dammit, Chance. Give me the phone back.”
He grinned, knowing he’d pulled a fast one on Kaylyn.
“Yes,” Kaylyn’s mother said. “Please let me talk to Dr. Ryder.”
“Doc, I have Betty on the phone. She wants to know that her little girl is okay.”
Doc took the cell. “Hi, Mrs. Anderson. Kaylyn is going to be fine. It was only a flesh wound but deep enough that I want her to stay off her legs for a few days. Paris is bringing in a wheelchair and some crutches for her to take home with her. Yes, ma’am. I will. I promise. Chance she wants to talk to you again.”
“I think you are all going overboard about this. I’m fine.” Kaylyn’s frustration was clear. “I need to get back to work. I need to find my dogs.”
Ignoring her, he took the cell from Doc. “Hi again.”
“Do you think I should come back, Chance?”
