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“His vitals have stabilized, and we’ve dressed the burns,” the doctor said. “They’re not fatal. But he’s not out of the woods yet. The biggest worry is the concussion.”
“So he’s still unconscious?”
“Yes. We’re prepping him for a brain scan. We’ll know more when that’s done.”
“And you’ll let me know what you find?”
“Certainly. But it’s going to take some time. You might want to get some rest and come back.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Tess said. “When he wakes up, I want to be with him.”
“I understand,” the doctor said. “We’ll keep you informed as best we can, but it’s bound to be a busy night.” At the sound of his beeper, he turned away and disappeared through the swinging doors.
Tess was trembling. Tears welled in her eyes as she faced Brock. “I’m staying, but you don’t have to,” she said.
“What can I do for you, Tess?” he asked. “I’ll stay if you want, but there must be ways I can help. Your bulls will need looking after. I can do that. What else? You’ll want to call your family in the morning. Where’s your phone?”
“Oh—it’s in my purse. I left it in your hotel room. The keys to the truck are in there, too.”
“I’ll get your purse now. Meanwhile . . .” He slipped several bills out of his wallet and pressed them into her hand. “You’ll need something to eat. And maybe other things, too. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Make sure the rig is safe. Don’t open any doors until you’ve checked.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He gave her a quick, hard hug and hurried out to his SUV.
* * *
By the time Brock had found Tess’s purse and returned it to her at the hospital, it was almost dawn. “Any news?” he asked her.
“Not yet.” Her eyes were laced with red and framed in shadows. She looked exhausted, but he knew she wouldn’t rest or leave the room until she’d heard from the doctor.
“Can I get you something from the vending machine?” he offered. “There’s fresh coffee, and I think I saw a Danish with your name on it.”
“Just coffee. Thanks, Brock.”
He brought her a steaming cup. “When are you going to call the ranch?” he asked.
“Not until I know more about Ruben. I’m hoping for good news.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I can’t imagine our lives without him. Ruben is the glue that holds our family together.”
And so are you, Tess,Brock thought.Whatever happens, you’re strong enough to pull them all through.
“I’m going to look after your bulls now,” he said. “Call me as soon as you hear anything.”
“I will. And be careful. That awful person could still be out there waiting for you. There’s a gun in the truck’s glove box. If you don’t have one, take it.”
“I’ve got a gun, thanks. I’ll call you after I’ve seen to your bulls.”
The hospital registration desk opened early. On his way out, Brock stopped by long enough to sign the paperwork, naming himself as the responsible party for Ruben Diego’s medical expenses. It was the least he could do.
After that, he drove to the arena and parked next to Tess’s truck and trailer. As he inspected her vehicle for any attached devices, it occurred to him that the killer could’ve just as easily rigged the bomb here. But maybe the parking lot had been too busy and too brightly lit.
Looking down the row, he could see his own big silver trailer. The light was on in the sleeping quarters up front. Jim and Curtis, the other man who’d come along, were up and would soon be in the pens, taking care of the three bulls they’d brought to the rodeo. Brock warned himself to be prepared for anything.
Shouldering the bag of Total Bull chow that he’d found in the back of Tess’s trailer, he passed through the gate into the pen complex. Tess’s four bulls appeared to be fine. Brock filled their feed tubs and gave them fresh water from the nearby hose. Quicksand seemed to recognize Brock. He snorted and scraped at the sawdust with his single horn.
“Hello, you rascal,” Brock said, chuckling in spite of his worries. “I see somebody’s finally making you earn your keep. See that you put on a show tonight. I know a lady who needs good news.”
The black bull lowed and tossed his head as Brock hefted the bag of chow and walked away. He’d already decided that if Tess wasn’t able to manage her bulls tonight, he would do the job for her, but that matter could wait. He also needed to call and let her know her animals were all right. But first he had some business to attend to.
