Was it always your dream to own a horse ranch?
I figured Id end up in jail or worse. When I landed a job at my first working ranch, I fell in love. A fellow by the name of Hank was an old pro working there. He taught me the ropes. Said he saw something in me. He never had kids of his own. Told me he went to war instead. Became a damn good marine. Special ops. He taught me everything I know about horse ranches and keeping myself out of trouble.
Where is he now?
He passed away last year.
Im so sorry. Her moment of distraction
faded too fast, and he knew what she was thinking based on the change in her expression. You dont think theyll hurt him, do you?
He ground his back teeth. I hope not. I dont like this situation for more than the obvious reasons. This whole thing feels off. Your sister dies a week ago. Now this with Noah. Could the two be connected somehow?
Katherine gasped. Her hand came up to cover her mouth. I didnt think about how odd the timing is.
Maybe she got in a fight with Noahs father. Was about to reveal who he was. He could be someone prominent. Most missing children are taken by family members or acquaintances, once you rule out runaways, according to the sheriff.
Then what about the file?
I was thinking about that. Could be a paternity test.
If his father took him, at least Noah will be safe, right? Katherine threaded her fingers through her hair, pulling it off her face.
Its possible. I dont mean any disrespect. Do you think its possible your sister was blackmailing him?
He didnt pay child support. That much I know. I paid her tuition. She enrolled in a social program to help with Noahs care. Got him into a great daycare. I was planning to move to Austin in a few months to be closer. I work for a multinational software company scheduling appointments for our trainers to visit customer sites, so it doesnt matter where I live. I wanted to be close so I could help out more. I cant help wondering what kind of person would hurt the mother of his child.
Im probably grasping at straws. Well start with trying to figure out who he is. See what happens there.
She was reckless before Noah. I thought her life was on track since his diagnosis. She got a part-time job at a coffee shop and enrolled in community college. She reconnected with me.
His ring tone cut into the conversation. Its Matt. He brought the phone to his ear. Whats the word?
Jimmy found two things out at the Reynolds place. A stuffed rabbit and a cell. I told him to meet me at your place.
I appreciate the news. Well keep watch for you.
Caleb hit End and told Katherine what his ranch hand had found.
I hope I got a shot of someone. They wore dark sunglasses, so their faces might be hard to make out, but maybe I captured someone else involved. Like the man who distracted me.
Either way, well know in a minute. Wouldnt do any good to set false expectations. And yet, hope was all she had.
Looking into her violet eyes, damned if he wasnt the one who wanted to put it there.
A knock at the door had him to his feet faster than he could tack a horse, and tossing a throw blanket toward Katherine.
Caleb led Jimmy and Matt into the study. After a quick introduction, Jimmy advanced toward Katherine, carrying a phone. Found this along the tree line by the Reynolds place. Look familiar?
Yes, thank you. That looks like mine. Katherines eyes sparkled with the first sign of optimism since Caleb had found her in the woods. She checked the screen. Seven missed calls and a voice mail.
Another knock sounded at the door. Caleb walked Sheriff Coleman into the study a moment later, before moving to her side. The hope in her eyes was another hint of light in the middle of darkness and blackness, and every worst fear realized.
Put it on speaker.
Im praying the message is from the kidnappers, but Im scared its them, too.
Caleb tensed. Whatevers on that phone, well deal with it.
Her gaze locked on to his as she held up the cell and listened.
Whats wrong with the boy? You have twenty-four hours to help me figure it out and get me the file. Ill call back with instructions. No more games. Think about it. Tick. Tock.
Click.
Caleb took the phone and scanned the log. Private number. He looked at Coleman. There any way to trace this call?
Doubt it. Theyre probably smart enough to use a throwaway. Well check anyway. Coleman scribbled fresh notes. You mentioned the file before. Has anything come to mind since we last spoke?
Katherine shook her head. Ive been guessing they mean a computer file, but Im not positive. It could be anything.
Outside, gravel spewed underneath tires. Caleb moved to the window. Two dark SUVs with blacked-out windows came barreling down the drive. Sheriff, you tell anybody you were coming here?
Coleman shook his head. Didnt even tell my dispatcher.
Katherines eyes pleaded. She wrapped the blanket around her tighter, clutching the stuffed rabbit Jimmy had handed her. I dont have the first clue what file theyre talking about. As soon as they realize it, theyll kill us both. Dont let them near me.