Page 47 of Taylor’s Warrior

“They won’t necessarily have to. The kidnappers—or rather, who they represent—could send something like a GPS tracker to that address, and find its ultimate destination that way.”

Her stomach churned so violently for a moment she thought she might throw up. Taking the idea to its ultimate conclusion horrified her. “If they did that, it could endanger everyone.”

“Or put them right in our sights. Try not to worry. Our immediate priority is getting back home, and we’ll be there tomorrow night.”

Put like that, it didn’t sound so bad. “What about tonight?”

“Tonight, we have a reservation in a very nice hotel. For one room.” He shot her a quick glance. “That okay with you?”

Her train of thought switched track, to the immediate future and a night where she could keep all other thoughts at bay. “Perfect.”

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The last leg of their journey was without doubt the longest. Even though it was getting dark by the time they arrived at the ranch, the lights were still on, and as they approached the main house, the door opened and the unmistakable figure of Nick Blackmore appeared in silhouette. As Rhys slowed the pickup, ready to park it in front of the house, Charity appeared beside her husband.

“Are you sure you still want to take up that invitation?” Rhys asked, having noticed the way Taylor had sat up just a little straighter when Nick appeared. When he’d checked in with his boss earlier in the day, Nick had invited them to dinner with him and Charity, no matter what time they arrived home.

“I’m sure.”

The pause before her reply was just a little too long for his liking, but he was prepared to let it go for now. However, if she showed signs of flagging, he’d have no qualms about whisking her away to her cabin.

As the vehicle drew to a halt, Nick and Charity came to greet them.

“Welcome home,” Nick said as he opened the passenger door for Taylor.

“Glad to be home,” Taylor replied, accepting his offered hand to exit the vehicle.

Rhys jumped out and circled round to the passenger side. “That makes two of us. Didn’t expect a welcoming committee, though.”

“Oh, so we’re a committee now?” Charity protested with a smile, hands on hips. “You both look exhausted. Come on in, dinner’s ready as soon as you are.”

“It’s been a long few days,” Rhys replied as he came to stand beside Taylor. “I know you’ll want to know everything, but would you mind if we have the debrief tomorrow?”

“That was always the idea,” Nick said. “I know you’ll want to freshen up properly, but the idea is to get you both fed, so you can clear off for some rest until tomorrow. You did say you hadn’t had lunch, right?”

By mutual agreement, he and Taylor had decided to save time by not stopping long enough to eat—not that either of them had had much of an appetite at the time.

“After the last couple of days, I just wanted to get home,” Taylor confirmed as Charity gave her an enthusiastic hug. “It’s been…”

Rhys knew exactly what she meant. He’d ridden the roller coaster with her, and he hated what it had done to her.

“I think I can imagine,” Charity empathized. “Would you like to freshen up before we eat?”

“I’d love to,” Taylor sighed. “At the moment, I don’t even feel as if I can think.”

“Come with me.”

Rhys watched the easy way the two women linked arms and disappeared into the house, then he turned to Nick. “She’s been doing too much thinking. With what she’s found out about her father, I don’t know how she’s still standing.”

“That’s why I want to keep the debrief for tomorrow,” Nick said, his tone grim. “The shit’s about to hit the fan, and she doesn’t need to start dealing with it tonight. Let’s walk.”

Rhys fell into step beside his boss as they made their way back to the house. “What’s happened?”

“We’ve put the pieces together, and let’s just say, we’re looking at a number of federal crimes. The kidnapping’s an added complication, but Rachel Thompson’s on the case. She has a contact at the FBI field office in San Antonio—Cruz Livingston—and she’s set up a meeting for tomorrow afternoon. We have to move fast. We only have as long as it takes the kidnappers to contact Taylor. The only way they can do it, I believe, will bring them to town.”

There was no sign of the women when they entered the great room. Nick led the way to the dining area by the kitchen. “We thought we’d keep it informal tonight.”

“Good idea.” Rhys paused. “How serious is this? What did you find?”