They. Were. Big. The words came through quick bursts of breath.
He pulled the last barb and stuck his hand out, offering a help up.
Hers felt soft and small. A jolt of electricity shot up Calebs arm. Normally hed enjoy feeling a sexual spark. This wasnt the time or place.
I need to go that way. She pointed north, grasping at the tree.
Youre hurt. On my property, that means you dont go anywhere until I know youre okay. Besides, you still havent told me why youre out here to begin with.
Where is here? she asked, dodging his question.
The TorJake Ranch. How did she not know where she was? A dozen scenarios came to mind. None he liked. He took a step toward her. She was too weak to put up a fight. He wrapped his arm around her waist for support. You arent going anywhere like this. Start talking and I might be able to help. I have medical supplies at the house. But youll explain why youre on my land or Ill call the sheriff. We clear?
Please. Dont. Ill tell you everything. Hed struck a nerve.
He should call Sheriff Coleman. No good ever came from a woman caught in a situation like this. But something about her made Caleb wait.
My name is Katherine Harper. I took my nephew to a pumpkin patch. She glanced around. Im not sure which way.
The Reynolds place. Was it the fear in her eyes, or the tremble to her lips that hit him somewhere deep? He didnt care. He was intrigued.
Sounds right. Anyway, two men in suits came from nowhere and grabbed us. They dragged us through the woods...here...until I got caught up. Then...
Tears streaked her cheeks. They took off with him.
The barbed wire had been cut. The McGrath ranch was on the other side of the fence. Hed
have to ask about that. Of course, he preferred to deal with creatures of the four-legged variety or something with a motor.
Well figure this out.
Caleb assessed her carefully.
Her vulnerable state had his instincts sounding alarm bells.
Chapter Two
Noah was gone. Katherine was hurt. Her only chance to see her nephew again stood next to her. The cowboys actions showed he wanted to help. He needed to know the truth. She couldnt pinpoint the other reason she felt an undeniable urge to confide in the cowboy. But she did.
My nephew was kidnapped for a reason. Oh. God. It was almost unbearable to say those words out loud.
His thick brow arched. Do you know these men?
She shook her head. They wanted me to give them a file. Said they knew I had it, but I dont. I have no idea what theyre talking about.
The cowboys comforting arm tightened around her. Could he really help? Noah was gone and she was desperate.
He pulled out his cell phone.
Im calling my foreman, then the sheriff. Well cover more ground that way.
No police. They insisted. Besides, theres no time. Lets use your horse. We might be able to catch them. Noah needs medicine. She moved to step forward. Pain nearly buckled her knees. Her vision blurred.
Hold on there, he said, righting her again with a firm hand. Well find him, but Im bringing in the law.
Theyll hurt
I doubt it. Think about it. Theyd say anything to back you off. Theres no chance to find him otherwise. He turned to his call. Matt, grab a few men and some horses. We have a situation. A boys been taken. Looks like they mightve crossed over to the McGrath place with him. I want every square inch of both properties scoured. And call the sheriff. His gaze met Katherines, and her heart clutched. He was right. They were most likely bluffing.
She nodded.
There are two men dressed in suits. Could be dangerous. His attention shifted to her. How old is your nephew?
Four. With reinforcements on the way, she dared to think she could get Noah back safely before the sun went down.
A muscle in the cowboys jaw ticked. You heard that, right? A beat later came, Somebody cut the fence on the north corner. Jimmys been running this side. Ask him how things were the other day when he came this way.
Katherine looked at the barbed wire. The last bit of hope this could have been a bad dream shriveled and died.
Tell the men to be careful. Caleb took more of her weight as he pocketed his phone. Ive got you.
Im fine. Katherine struggled to break free from his grip. Her brain was scrambled. Shed been dragged through this area thinking it had been a random trail, but how could it be? Theyd cut the fence in advance. Everything about them seemed professional and planned. But what kind of file could she possibly have for men like them?
The cowboys strong grip tightened around her as she fought another wave of nausea. I think Ill be fine once I get on your horse.
My men are all over this. Matts phoning the sheriff as we speak. I need to get you home where I can take care of your injuries. The sheriff will need to speak to you for his report.
The longer I wait, the farther away Noah will be. She had no purse, no ID and no money. Those had been discarded along with his medicine. Everything shed had with her was scattered between here and the pumpkin patch.
His brow arched. You wont make it a mile in your condition.