She wasnt married. Her father was her only relative.
Interesting. So his partner had been female. Which would explain his reluctance to go after another female when hed failed the first. Jacie chewed on that bit of information. Were you in love with her?
As soon as the question left her lips, Jacie could have smacked herself. The man was torn up enough about losing his partner. Bringing it up had to be killing him. Her curiosity didnt warrant grilling him about his past. Im sorry, this must be painful. Ill shut up.
Yes.
Yes that you want me to shut up or yes that you loved her?
His lips twitched, the movement softening his features to almost human. Both.
Jacie sat back, her gaze back on the road, her chest tightening. Turn left at the next road.
Zach nodded.
Did she know you loved her? Jacie closed her eyes. That was too personal. You dont have to answer. Im sorry. While Tracie went into the FBI, I knew I couldnt because I cant keep my mouth shut unless Im out hunting.
Pretend youre hunting. Zach turned where shed indicated. And no. She didnt know. He pulled up to a closed gate attached to six-foot-high fencing. Game ranch?
Thats what I do. I didnt go to Quantico or study to be a doctor. I got my marketing degree from the University of Texas and came back here to work as a hunting party coordinator, a fancy title for trail guide. It allows me to be where I love to be, outside, and working with horses and people. She couldnt help the defensive tone in her voice.
Im not judging.
I love my sister and Im so proud of her, but part of me feels as though I didnt push hard enough, that Im not living up to my potential. I went on trail rides while my sister ran off to be an FBI agent working for the good of her country.
And look what it got her. Zachs lips thinned. Betrayal by that country shes fighting for.
I dont believe that. One bad apple, and all that, doesnt mean everyone will turn traitor. I still believe in the FBI and the other branches of service dedicated to protecting our freedom. And Im sure Tracie feels the same. If she knew there was a mole in the organization, she didnt run from it, she went looking for it. Especially since she asked Hank for help.
Zach nodded toward the gate. I take it the gate doesnt open without a remote.
Jacies face heated. She slipped from the truck and ran to the gate, punching in a code, triggering the automatic gate opener arm to swing out.
Jacie climbed back into the truck and sat quietly as Zach drove the winding road that led to the lodge at the Big Elk Ranch.
The lights shone bright, unusual for the earliest hours of the morning.
Before the vehicle came to a halt, Richard Giddings leaped off the porch and opened the passenger door to the pickup. Oh, thank God. The tall man with the slightly graying temples reached out. His hands circled her waist and he lifted Jacie to the ground. Id been so worried about you. When your hunting party never returned, I had everyone out looking until midnight. When Derringer called to say you were on your way, I was relieved and sick all at once. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her toward the house. Hed taken a couple of steps before he stopped and stared down into her eyes. Im so sorry about your sister.
Despite the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her, Jacie planted her feet in the ground and threw back her shoulders. Tracie will be all right. Well get her back.
Richard smiled down at her with his warm green eyes. Shes a fighter, just like her sister.
Damn right. Jacie backed away from her boss. Richard, Id like you to meet Zach. She stopped, realizing for the first time she didnt know Zachs full name. She tilted her head and raised her eyebrows, hoping hed take the hint.
Zach stepped forward and held out his hand. Zach Adams.
Richards eyebrows Vd over his nose. Should I know you?
Not at all. He glanced at Jacie and smiled. Jacie and I go way back to college, dont we?
Y-yes. We do.
We dated for a while, lost touch, but I just couldnt forget her. And since I was in the neighborhood, I planned on reconnecting in the morning, once I got my bearings. He shook his head. Imagine my surprise when she found me first at Hanks place.
Richard held out a hand and shook Zachs. You picked a really bad time.
No, actually. Jacie crossed to Zachs side. Im glad hes here. With Tracie being gone and all, its nice to have the support of friends. She hooked her arm through his. Do you mind if he stays in the Javelina Cabin? I know its empty. And it was the closest one to the tiny cabin shed called home since she came to work full-time at the Big Elk Ranch.
Sure. Richard nodded. You can show him the way. Ill have Tia Fuentez make up a plate of food since you missed dinner. How about you, Mr. Adams? Hungry?
Call me Zach. And no, thank you. I had my supper. He pulled Jacie close. But Ill use that time to get a shower and hit the rack.
Make yourself at home. The ranch is big, but the people are friendly.
Ive noticed that. He smiled again at Jacie. Im looking forward to catching up with Jacie, and maybe well hear something about her sister soon.
Jacie steered Zach toward the line of cabins leading away from the lodge. As soon as they were out of listening range, she whispered, Why did you lie to my boss?
Id just as soon everyone in this part of Texas think that Im here as an old college buddy or boyfriend, rather than an agent searching for your sister. In this case, we dont know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. So we play it neutral and I blend in. The best undercover agents are those who blend in.
Okay, then. When do we start looking for my sister?
Was that a helicopter I saw out by the barn?
Jacie frowned, taken off guard by the change in subject. Yes, Richard has a helicopter he uses occasionally for the big game hunts or flight-seeing tours over Big Bend.
Think hell take us up so that we can fly over the canyon?
Her heart fluttered with excitement. Im sure he will. Ill ask. Maybe theyd spot the people holding Tracie.
Good. It would be better coming from you, since its your sister and you work here. Remember, Im just a boyfriend.
Her cheeks warmed at the thought of Zach as her boyfriend, even if it was pretend. Ill get right on it.
Im gonna hit the sack for a few hours of sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us. I suggest you do the same.
She nodded, staring out at the night sky, wondering what her sister was going through and if she was okay. Were going to find her.
When he didnt respond, Jacies fists tightened. We will find my sister.
I promise you this. He faced her, capturing her cheeks in his hands, his gaze severe, his lips pressed into a firm line. Ill do the best I can.
A shiver rippled across Jacies skin as she gazed into his brown-black eyes. The intensity of his stare and the tightness of his grip on her face gave her a sense of comfort and commitment. This man had lost someone he loved to terrorist cartel members. He wouldnt let it happen again if he could help it. They would get her sister back or die trying.