Peril on the Ranch Read online

  “I am. Name’s Mac McGee I just started working at Isabelle Trent’s ranch.”

  “Isabelle’s a great lady. She’s much loved in this town. So glad she’s got some more help out there. I’m Grady O’Malley. Happy to have you.”

  “Thanks.” Mac glanced behind him, and seeing no one else waiting, leaned forward. “Say, do you know a guy who rides a Yamaha bike with blue trim?”

  Grady finished scanning the items and frowned. “Not that I can think of. Lots of bikes around here. They’re cheap and easy for a lot of households that only have one income.”

  “The rider has blue eyes and a goatee. Last I saw him, he had on a black hoodie and jeans.”

  The man shook his head. “Can’t think of anyone matching that description right off the bat. It might come to me later.”

  “Okay. Thanks.”

  “Why you asking?”

  “I’d like to talk to the owner. Had a little issue that I need to clear up with him and he got away before I got his name.”

  “Well, lots of folks come through here. I can see right out into the parking lot from here, so if you leave me your number, I’ll give you a ring if the fella shows up.”

  Mac paid for his goods and left his number with Grady. An idea formed and he decided it might be good to make his way to the restaurants and shops, asking the same question and leaving his information.

  Surely someone knew the guy with the motorcycle? And while the cops were looking, Mac didn’t figure it would hurt to give them a hand in the search.

  EIGHT

  Isabelle sat across from Regina and Travis, sipping her coffee, thankful for caffeine and friends who were as passionate about her work as she was.

  Travis had already promised to come out that afternoon to help the kids practice the little show they would put on next weekend. Pig roping was always the highlight of the event. For the kids and the adults.

  Donna Taylor, owner of the best—and only—bakery in town, hurried through the door and slipped into the seat they’d held for her. Her chest heaved and her blue eyes flashed while tendrils of gray hair swirled around her cheeks. “I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said. “Ever since I turned sixty, I can’t seem to get anywhere on time. You’d think being directly across the street, I’d be able to be punctual. But I had a last-minute order I had to get in the oven because Chelsea wasn’t there yet.” She stopped and drew in a deep breath. Chelsea Banks, Donna’s part-time help. “And then some wild man on a motorcycle almost ran me down.”

  Isabelle’s attention sharpened on the woman. “What? Do you know who the wild man was?”

  “No.” Donna pursed her lips. “I didn’t get a look at his face. He had on one of those helmets with the tinted visor. No idea who he was.”

  Chills danced across Isabelle’s arms and she couldn’t help wondering if it was the same person who’d caused all of her trouble. Her gaze collided with Regina’s. “When did you first notice this guy?” Regina asked Donna.

  “He was staring through the window of the café. I thought he might be waiting on someone to come out, but then he just gunned that thing and nearly took me out while I was in the middle of the crosswalk.” She paused. “He had an ugly tattoo of some kind of snake on his right hand. I did notice that.”

  Regina narrowed her eyes and shot another glance at Isabelle. “Good to know, Donna. I’ll keep a watch out for him.”

  “Well, someone sure should, so thank you.” She patted Isabelle’s hand. “Anyway, that’s why I’m late, my dear.”

  “It’s fine, Donna,” Isabelle said. “Travis just got here, too. I’m just thankful that you’d all take the time to come. Why don’t you go first so you can get back to the store?”

  Donna recounted her donation and asked, “If we have anything left over, I think I’ll just box it up and leave it with you. If you want, you can sell the leftovers in bundles as people are leaving and keep the money for the program.”

  “Oh, that’s a wonderful idea,” Isabelle said, “and so very sweet. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” Donna checked off her list. “I’ll just need a couple of people to help serve.”

  Isabelle nodded. “That’s not a problem. I have four returning foster kids who’ve RSVP’d that they wouldn’t miss the weekend for the world. You know them all. The wonderful thing is, they know how everything works and will be a big help. Especially with the kids I have now.”

  “Then I think we’re good to go.” Donna stood. “I’ll see you this weekend.”

  After the woman left, Isabelle couldn’t help noticing that Regina’s gaze followed her until she disappeared, then continued to roam the restaurant. Ever since they’d sat down, Regina was constantly watching the door, the windows, the other occupants. Isabelle knew it was because she felt she needed to be hyperalert to any danger that might present itself, but still... “Relax, Reg,” she said, her voice soft.

  Regina jerked, then let out a low laugh. “Sorry. Am I that obvious?”

  “A bit.”

  “What’s going on?” Travis asked.

  Isabelle filled him in and his eyes widened with each word. “You’re kidding.”

  “I wish I was.”

  “That’s awful. Valerie didn’t tell me.”

  “Valerie doesn’t know. I haven’t said anything to anyone. The last thing I need is bad publicity for next weekend.” She paused. “That didn’t sound right. I’m really praying that the person causing all the trouble is caught before then. If not, if there’s even a hint that anyone could be in danger, then I’ll have to cancel and just hope the donors will continue to write their checks to the nonprofit even though they didn’t get their annual visit.”

  Travis shook his head. “Don’t tell Valerie. She might just camp out on your doorstep, she’d be so worried.”

  “I’m not saying anything to anyone right now. Just you and the police and those of us at the ranch know about this. And, of course, Cheryl.” Travis knew Cheryl from high school, as well. “I’m obligated to keep her updated.”

  “And she thinks the kids are safe there?”

  “Of course. Ben is there. He’s going to practically move in until this person is caught.” She told him about Mac, as well.

  “Are you sure it’s not this Mac person causing the trouble? What do you know about him, anyway?”

  Isabelle shot him a gentle smile. “Mac is wonderful. His background check came back clean. He’s been a real friend and a big help so far.”

  Regina nodded. “He’s a former cop, too, so that’s a bonus.”

  With a shrug, Travis turned his laptop around to face her. “All right, then. I think we’ve gone over just about everything and we’re ready. What do you think, Isabelle? Are we missing anything?”

  “If we are, I don’t know what it is,” Isabelle said. “I think we’re good.” She let out a low chuckle. “I don’t know why I start to panic this time every year. It all comes together so perfectly when it’s all said and done.”

  Regina patted her hand. “We’ve got this and so does the Lord.”

  “Absolutely,” Isabelle said. “I know in the end, He’s the one in control.”

  Regina’s phone dinged and she glanced at it. A smile curved her lips. “And that’s my friend Evie.” Regina read silently then looked up. “She’s going to bring Cosmo, her patrol dog, and says they’ll be happy to do a demonstration.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Isabelle said, thrilled. Everyone loved to see a K-9 in action. “Peter will be all over that, won’t he, Travis?” Peter, Travis’s ten-year-old son, wanted to be a K-9 handler when he grew up. Travis, lost in thought, didn’t answer, his gaze on his phone. “Travis?”

  He blinked and looked up. “Oh, sorry. What?”

  Isabelle frowned. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. Sorry. Ah... Valerie called and left a message. I’
ll call her back in a minute. What’d you say?”

  Isabelle repeated herself.

  “Should I bring my old football pads and helmet?” Travis asked, his tone dry.

  Regina smirked. “I think they’ll supply all that. You want me to put you down as the volunteer bad guy?”

  He laughed. “I was definitely kidding. I’ll pass, thanks.”

  Isabelle glanced at her watch. Mac should be getting close to being finished. “I need to pick up some allergy medication for Katie, then get on home.”

  Regina stood. “I’ll walk over to the pharmacy with you, then we can go by the station, since Mac hasn’t texted yet.”

  “Great. Thanks.”

  Travis checked his phone and groaned. “I’ve got another appointment and I’m going to be late. I need more than one secretary.” To Isabelle, he said, “I’ll see you and the kids this afternoon.”

  “Bring Valerie and your kids.”

  He raised a brow. “Do you really think they’d let me come without them?”

  “Very true. See you all later. Now go, you’re going to be late.”

  He bolted for the exit and Regina shook her head. “Donna’s got nothing on him. He’ll be late to his own funeral.”

  “You speak truth, my friend. He just books his calendar too full, but he’ll be on time this afternoon. Valerie and the kids won’t let it be otherwise.”

  “Agreed.” She paused. “Change of subject. I noticed your reaction when Donna was talking about that guy on the motorcycle. Wonder if it’s the person who’s been attacking you?”

  “I have no idea, but it seems like much more than a coincidence to me. Donna said he was watching the café.” Isabelle bit her lip and frowned. “Which means he might have been watching me.”

  “And when he realized you didn’t have the baby, he drove off, almost hitting Donna in the process?”

  Isabelle drew in a sharp breath. “You think so?”

  “I don’t have any proof, of course, but I’m leaning in that direction.” She pulled out her cell phone. “I’m going to call Ben and update him, then see if there’s any security footage we can watch.”

  “Good.”

  Two minutes later, Regina nodded and hung up. “Ben’s watching the monitor. He said Lilly was sleeping in her crib and Ms. Sybil is asleep in the recliner. He said he’s keeping an eye out and is even more alert than ever now, but from his perspective, all is fine at the ranch.”

  With a slow nod, Isabelle ordered her pulse to slow as she mentally repeated Regina’s words. All is fine at the ranch. But she couldn’t help adding, For how long?

  Because the motorcycle man wasn’t finished with whatever it was he was after.

  * * *

  Mac had just finished up with the sketch artist when his phone buzzed, alerting him to a text message that Isabelle was heading his way with Regina at her side. The station was about two blocks from the café and across the street, so it wouldn’t take them long. He shook hands with the artist, grabbed several copies of the printed sketch and headed for the door.

  When he stepped outside, a raindrop hit his cheek and he glanced at the clouds hovering above. He frowned, thinking about Isabelle’s friend who was supposed to come out that afternoon to work with the kids. The rain might mess up the plans. He scanned the street, noting the cars parked at the meters and the people at tables under the umbrellas at a popular chain restaurant. Even as he watched, several picked up their food and moved inside.

  For some reason, he was antsy, nervous, wanting to look over his shoulder.

  When Isabelle appeared around the corner with Regina beside her, he wanted to hurry to her and usher her inside somewhere. Anywhere.

  She laughed at something Regina said then turned and caught his eye. Her smile widened and she waved as they stepped off the curb to cross the street.

  A car engine revved, the sound capturing his attention. He swiveled his head to see a red Mustang pull from a parking spot and into the lane.

  Regina and Isabelle were halfway through the crosswalk when the Mustang sped up. Terror spiked in him. After all that had happened to Isabelle in the last couple of days, he knew exactly how this was going to play out.

  “Isabelle! Get back!” She slowed, paused. “The car!” His cry echoed in his head. As if in slow motion, Mac watched.

  The Mustang drew closer. Isabelle spun toward it and Regina grabbed her arm, shoving her away while the car put on a burst of speed. Isabelle stumbled and hit the asphalt just as the vehicle shot past her. Regina fell and rolled. Then was still.

  Mac raced toward the women, trying to get a view of the license plate, but more focused on reaching Isabelle and Regina. Isabelle pushed to her knees, her eyes landing on her friend. She cried out and scrambled to Regina’s side.

  From the corner of his eyes, Mac could see the onlookers gathering. “Someone call 911!”

  “Already did,” a voice shouted back.

  “Isabelle? Regina?” He dropped beside them. Regina groaned and her hand went to her arm.

  “The car hit her,” Isabelle said, her worried gaze scanning her friend.

  “Just a clip,” Regina ground out between clenched teeth. “I’ll be all right. Please tell me someone got the plate.”

  A siren sounded not too far away, and Mac looked back over his shoulder to see an ambulance making its way toward them. Isabelle held Regina’s hand. “It was a solid clip, Reg,” she said, her voice soft, strained with concern. “Hold on, help’s coming.” She looked up at Mac. “I’m going to ride with her.”

  “I’ll be right behind you.”

  “And I’ll be behind both of you,” Grant said, stepping next to them. He knelt beside Regina as the paramedics pushed their way through.

  Mac gripped Isabelle’s upper arm and pulled her back. “Come on, let them do their job.”

  The tremors that shuddered through Isabelle went straight up his arm. He shifted her closer to his side, tucking her under his arm and watching the area around them. The red Mustang was gone, but he’d gotten a partial plate. In a town this small, it was only a matter of time before the cops found it.

  While the paramedics worked quickly to get Regina onto the stretcher and into the back of the ambulance, the dark clouds released their bounty. The rain fell fast and hard. Isabelle didn’t seem to care; her only thought was for her friend.

  Once Regina was in the ambulance, Grant turned to Isabelle and motioned her over. Mac hurried her to the back and she climbed inside.

  “I’ll see you there,” he said. “But whatever you do, don’t be alone.”

  “I won’t.” The doors shut and Mac bolted for his truck. The ambulance took off and all Mac could do was pray Regina would be okay and protect Isabelle from the guy who’d just tried to kill Isabelle.

  NINE

  Isabelle followed Regina into the hospital but was told to hang back in the triage area while Regina was rushed to the back. “I’ll let you know something soon,” a nurse called over her shoulder.

  Isabelle pressed her palms to her eyes for a moment and turned to see Mac walking through the entrance. His gaze locked on hers and she sighed when he bolted to her side. “Thank you,” she said.

  He raised a brow. “For what?”

  “For being here. I don’t know what I did to deserve having you step into my life, but I thank God that He sent you when He did.”

  A strange look crossed Mac’s face for a brief moment before he blinked it away. “I don’t know that God had anything to do with it.” His jaw tightened and he looked away. Then back. “To be honest, before my wife and son were killed, I’d never been one to run away from troubles.” He offered her a slight shrug. “I guess old habits die hard in certain situations, because I can’t just turn my back on you. Not if I can make a difference and help keep you and those kids safe.”

  “You
’re a good man, Mac McGee.”

  His eyes slid from hers once more and he shook his head. “I think the jury’s still out on that one.”

  The glass doors to the ER swished open and Grant stepped inside, spotted her and Mac, and headed their way. Before she could greet him, the other doors opened and the nurse who’d promised to bring her information on Regina walked toward them. Distracted from Mac’s cryptic words and the deputy’s presence, she focused on the nurse. “How is she?”

  “She’s going to be fine. She also gave me permission to update you. It seems the mirror of the car caught her upper arm. The doctor’s ordered X-rays to see the extent of the damage. Right now, she’s in a bit of pain, so we’re working on getting that under control. Then we’ll get her back to Radiology for the pictures.”

  “When can I see her?”

  “You can go back now, if you want. It’ll be about thirty minutes before we can get the X-rays done.”

  “Thank you.” She turned to Mac. “Can you please call Cody Ray and Ms. Sybil and let them know what’s going on? I’ll call Valerie in a bit and tell her today’s not a good day for Travis to come out.” She pointed to the glass doors. “It’s raining, anyway. Maybe tomorrow will work better.”

  “Sure. I’ll take care of it all. Text me Valerie’s number and I’ll even call and explain things to her.”

  “I’ll do that. Thank you, Mac. A hundred times, thank you.” She hugged him. A tight squeeze, then she pulled back to snag her phone from her pocket. Isabelle followed the kind nurse through the doors and into the patient area of the ER. “Room four,” the nurse said. “She’s on some pain meds, so I’m not sure how coherent she’ll be.”

  “I understand. Thank you.” Isabelle slipped into the room and found Regina on the bed, her eyes closed, her pale cheeks almost matching the sheets in color. She shuddered, texted Mac the information she’d promised him, then tucked her phone away. She walked to Regina’s bedside and noted they’d splinted her left arm to hold it stable while she waited for the X-ray. “How are you doing?” she asked, taking her friend’s good hand in hers.