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ChapterOne
“Watch your step, rookie. Manure piles are disguised by fresh snow.”
Declan Finch snorted. “I might be a rookie, but this ain’t my first rodeo. My momma taught me to watch where I step when she slipped my first pair of boots on my feet.” Avoiding the pile of manure left by the cattle that the Wynton Ranch was known for, he lengthened his strides and—respectfully—left his new teammate in the dust.
He was easygoing by nature. Getting razzed for being new was one thing. But being called “rookie” was starting to get on his nerves. The minute he signed his contract with WEST Protection, he quickly learned just how many smartasses there were working for the security agency.
Working for several notable people as a bodyguard had taught him that it was always best to ease into a new role. There was no place for emotions to rule in this game.
As the team filtered through the big double doors into the enormous building, Declan relaxed. Ranch life, he knew. Growing up on a big spread in Kansas had given him the work ethic that landed him every job he ever applied for. And his training backed him up, at least in the eyes of his new boss.
Whether the rest of the guys saw that he brought a huge skillset to the team was yet to be determined.
The high ceilings of the outbuilding had exposed wood beams typical to most farm buildings, but the light and airy remodeled space didn’t resemble any barn he’d been in.
Aged hardwood plank floors were clean of manure, scattered hay or even dust. The tables and chairs that were to be soon set up leaned against the far wall, and a wood platform near the bank of tall windows suggested there would be live entertainment.
Ross Wynton twitched his head for them to follow him into the center of the room. The large team was reduced to ten or so. Many agents were out in the field working as bodyguards or in WEST’s cybersecurity division.
Each man wore heavy jackets. December in the Montana mountains was a lot colder than Kansas, but he’d come prepared with Carhartt jackets and down vests. He’d also brought his tuxedo and best suit. In this business, blending in with any crowd was a must.
Declan took a position on the outer circle, ready to receive his orders.
Ross’s gaze swept the group. Every one of them wore the white Stetson that set WEST Protection apart. All except Declan. And the reason he hadn’t yet received his hat was one that the guys hadn’t let him live down.
“As you all have heard by now, this is a big weekend on the ranch. My family’s hosting a weekend dude ranch experience. The goal is to raise money for kids with special needs. The money goes for therapy or to purchase them equipment. First and last, it’s a big charity event. But much of the reason people attend is to have the ranch experience.”
Several of the guys nodded that they understood. Declan braced his legs wider and settled in to listen and observe. He wasn’t a guy to add to a discussion unless it was asked of him. He preferred to watch and generate his own thoughts.
Ross shifted his weight into a similar stance and folded his arms across his chest that sported the WEST Protection logo. “First order of business—confiscate all spurs. I’m not sure our insurance is prepared for a bunch of rich people—who are never around animals—actually riding horses.”
Declan grunted in amusement, as did several others.
“Second, you know our rules about weapons and knives on the ranch. Josiah and Noah”—he looked at two of his brothers—“you’ll be stationed at the gate when the guests arrive to check for those items. The rest of you will be on the lookout for concealed weapons. I don’t give a damn if they have a permit to carry or not—no weapons are allowed on the ranch this weekend.”
Ross’s other brother Boone cleared his throat. “Do we search their personal belongings too? Luggage and RVs?”
“If you feel there’s just cause to do so, yeah. It’s our prerogative; every person attending signed a contract giving us that right. With that said, we probably won’t have issues. I expect people to drink too much and an occasional argument to break out. Remember, these people come from positions of power and wealth. Many of them are acquainted with each other and bring old animosities with them.”
Everyone nodded that they understood.
“Any questions?” Ross glanced around the group.
“I got one.” Boone looked straight at Declan. “Is the story true? What you did last week?”
Damn.He hated being in the spotlight. Part of his love of this business was being able to fade into the background.
Josiah wagged his head side to side. “Man, that was some impressive response time.”
Beside him, Judd Abel clapped him on the shoulder. “Only a week on the job and you’re already getting pats on the back.”
Declan pressed his lips together and gave a nod of thanks. He hoped this meeting wrapped up quick so he could get out of here and move forward with his day.
But the guys kept up their praise.
“That was wildly impressive work, Finch,” one of the others added.
He dipped his head in a nod.
