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The first thing John did when he arrived was to check on Mac. The surgery to remove the bullet had been relatively simple and straightforward, and the bullet had done no major or lasting damage.
Once assured his injured friend was stable and in recovery, he’d returned to the waiting area to deal with Willa. His first clue she had flown the coop was when he couldn’t hear her venting her outrage at being placed in federal custody. That was confirmed by the blank stares from the rest of Mac’s team when he asked her whereabouts.
“Damn the woman,” John muttered. “I need someone to do a drive-by of her house. If she’s there, bring her in.”
“You don’t think she’ll be there, do you?”
“No, I don’t. Willa isn’t stupid. We didn’t keep our eye on the ball, and she managed to slip away. She’s smart enough to know the first place we’ll look is her home. While you’re there, be sure to check the barn. If a big gray is there, sit tight and out of sight. If not, head on back.”
“Why look for a single specific horse if she has more than one?”
“Gator is her personal horse. If she’s going to head up into the wilderness to avoid us, she’d take him. I’m not sure where she had those mustangs stashed, but as soon as I can talk to Mac, I’ll find out, and we’ll head there. My guess? Gator will be gone, and by the time we know where those mustangs were, they’ll be gone, too.”
“Do you really think she’s in any danger? Or did she just bring out Mac’s protective side?”
John chuckled. “A bit of both. Mac said he overheard Eastwick admit to murdering his wife. Eastwick won’t want Willa to testify. I don’t know that he’d stick around to do the job, but I suspect he has enough cash to hire someone. I don’t know that she’s in imminent danger, but I do think she needs to be under surveillance at the very least. We’re going to divide the team—those who were with me this morning will stay here in Mesa and try to find Willa. Those who weren’t, see if you can pick up Eastwick’s trail, and let’s get after him.”
The men agreed to John’s plan and let him assume leadership in Mac’s absence. Thom and Adam, the two techies of the SOG team, updated the others with the latest sightings. Having received their orders from John, they headed to Willa’s home.
Mandy arrived and hugged her husband then kissed him. “You look beat, babe.”
“I am. It’s been a helluva day, topped off with Willa managing to evade protective custody.”
Mandy giggled.
“Not funny, Mandy. If you have any idea where she is or where she stashed those mustangs, you tell me right now.”
“I’m not sure I could do that. That’s proprietary and confidential company information.”
“Mandy, I’m not kidding around. Willa could be in danger, and frankly, she’s digging herself a deep hole. Technically, Mac put her under arrest…”
“What the hell for?” Mandy asked, outraged.
“Watch your language,” John responded automatically. “Mac arrested her as a material witness because she was being her usual ‘I don’t recognize anyone’s authority over me’ self, and he thought he’d put an end to that.”
“Did either of you actually think that would work?”
“I thought she might at least let the doctors check her out.”
“Why? What happened to her?” Mandy asked, becoming concerned. “You said Mac was shot, but you didn’t think it was overly serious. You didn’t say anything happened to Willa.”
“Nothing physical. Mac wanted her checked out since she had quite a scare and probably had some scrapes.” He paused for a moment and smiled. “But mostly, I think Mac wanted to be able to keep tabs on her and keep her close.”
“Do you think he’ll assign her a detail?”
“No, I think he’ll assign that task to himself. If Willa isn’t very careful, she may well find her tail is what pays the price for this little stunt.”
“You don’t say,” Mandy said, her eyes dancing with merriment. “Do you think there’s a chance he wants to put things right with her?”
“No doubt in my mind. He’s missed her and never become seriously involved with anyone since her. This morning in the truck, he all but said he was going to get her back, and as you know, a US Marshall always gets his woman.”
“Willa’s a tough cookie, and he broke her heart. On the other hand, I could say the same things about her—nothing serious since Mac, and I know she misses him—but she may not agree to the kind of relationship they had and Mac will insist on. He’s going to insist on it, isn’t he?”
John wrapped his arm around his wife. “As I recall, sweetheart, you didn’t agree, either… at first. And yes, Mac is going to take Willa in hand. He’s also going to keep her safe and well laid for the rest of her life. She may never sit down again, but at least she’ll be well-loved.”
Mandy blushed, and John kissed her. He was about to say more when one of the nurses stuck her head into the lounge.
“You people with Marshal McDaniel?”
