I can. I have to. Katherine tried to put weight on her foot. Her knee buckled. He pulled her upright again with strong arms. He was powerful, male and looked as though he could handle himself against just about any threat.
Caleb shook his head. Hell, Id move heaven and earth if I were in your situation. But youre hurt.
He needs me. Hes little and scared. You cant possibly understand. Her voice hitched.
The lines in the cowboys forehead deepened. Well cut through the McGraths on the way to the house. Hows that?
His arms banded around her hips. Arms like his would be capable of handling anyone or anything they came across. He lifted her onto the saddle with no effort and then swung up behind her.
I need to make sure youre going to be around long enough to greet him. You let infection set in and that leg will be no use to you anymore.
She didnt argue. Fatigue weighted her limbs, drained her energy. If he could fix her leg, she could find Noah.
Taking the long way around didnt unearth any clues about Noahs whereabouts. The sky was darkening. Night would fall soon.
The house coming into view was a white two-story Colonial with a wraparound porch and dark green shutters.
An impressive set of barns sat behind the house. There was a detached garage with a basketball hoop off to the side. This was a great place for kids.
Katherine hadnt stopped once to realize this man probably had a family of his own. The image of him cradling a baby edged its way into her thoughts. The contrast between something so tiny and vulnerable against his bare steel chest brought shivers up her arms.
Did he have a son? His reaction to Noahs age made more sense.
She prayed Noah would be home in bed before the sun vanished. Was he still panicked? Could he breathe? Did he have time before the next attack? Did she?
What would happen when the men came after her again if she couldnt produce the file?
She shrugged off the ice trickling down her spine. Police would need a description of the attackers. She had to think. The last thing she remembered was being hauled through the woods. She ran so long her lungs burned. The next thing she knew, she was facedown in the dirt. The men had disappeared. Shed lost everything.
Lean toward me. Ill catch you. Caleb stood next to the horse.
One of his calloused but gentle hands splayed on the small of her back. He carried her inside as if she weighed nothing and placed her on the sofa in the front room. He lifted her bloody leg to rest on top of the polished knotty-pine coffee table.
The smell of spices and food warming sent a rumble through her stomach. How long had she been dragged? She wouldnt be able to eat, but how long could Noah go without food? Was he hungry?
Margaret, grab my emergency bag, Caleb shouted before turning to Katherine. Margaret helps me out with cleaning and cooking. Keeps me and my boys fed.
So he did have children. Katherine figured a place with this kind of space had to have little ones running around. Noah would have loved it here.
A round woman padded into the room. A salt-of-the-earth type with a kind face, she looked to be in her late fifties. Her expression dropped. What happened?
Caleb gave her a quick rundown before introducing them. Ill need clean towels, a bowl of warm water and something for Katherine to drink. Some of these gashes are deep.
Margaret returned with supplies. If anyone can find your nephew, its this man.
Margarets sympathetic expression melted some of Katherines resolve. Thank you.
You look like youre in pain. Tell me where it hurts.
My head. Stomach. Her hand pressed against her midsection to stave off another round of nausea. But Ill be fine.
Of course you will. Youre in good hands. She set a cup of tea next to Katherine. Thisll help.
She thanked the housekeeper, smiled and took a sip. Tastes good.
Would you mind grabbing the keys to my truck? Call the barn, too. I rode Dawn again. Ask Teddy to put her up for the night. Caleb patted one of Katherines gashes with antibiotic ointment.
She gasped, biting back a scream. Now that Im okay, were going to find them ourselves, right?
Im taking you to the E.R.
No. Shaking her head made everything hurt that much worse. I cant leave. Your guys will find Noah and bring him here, right?
Yes.
Then the only reason Id walk out that door is to help search for him. I wont leave here without him. He needs me and his meds.
She expected a fight but got a nod of agreement instead.
Caleb went back to work carefully blotting each gash without saying another word. Trying to distract herself from the pain, Katherine studied the room. The decor was simple. Substantial, hand-carved wood furniture surrounded the fireplace, which had a rust-colored star above the mantel. The cushions were soft. The place was more masculine than she figured it would be. There had to be a woman somewhere in the picture. A protective, gorgeous man like Caleb had to have a beautiful wife. And kids. Shed already envisioned him holding his child. She could easily see him with two or three more.