Page 27 of Ranger Devotion

“No. Why?”

“Someone has been spoofing our phones.” She explained the fake texts sent to Caleb, Evan, and Tate. “Don’t rely on any text messages you receive. Confirm everything by radio or face-to-face.” Annie worried her lower lip. She didn’t believe Dwayne was a target, but he could end up as collateral damage if he got in the killer’s way. “And don’t go anywhere alone. Take another ranch hand with you.”

“Don’t worry about me, boss.” He patted his dog’s head. “Bud will let me know if someone gets close.” He took the trash bag from her. “I’ll take care of this.”

Before she could say anything else, Dwayne headed down the hall to the kitchen. Bud followed.

Annie rubbed her forehead. A headache—one she’d had since the attack in the parking lot—pulsed behind her eyes. It was made worse by her stubborn employee. The man would do as he pleased, no matter what she said. Always had. Normally, it didn’t bother her. Dwayne knew more about property management than she ever would. But a roaming killer was far outside his expertise.

They needed to find the perpetrator. Quickly. Before he hurt anyone else.

Annie went into the lobby. It was packed with guests. Some were gathered in the dining room, enjoying a fruit and dessert spread her staff had arranged. Others were camped out in front of the fireplace, playing board games. Brooke stood next to the Christmas tree with her clipboard, keeping watch and answering questions.

She spotted Annie and met her halfway. “Everyone is accounted for, and anyone staying in the cabins has been moved to the main lodge.”

Annie did a quick headcount. “This isn’t everyone.”

“Evan has a group in the media room. They’re watching Christmas movies. And Heather is in her room lying down.” Brooke leaned on the front desk, pitching her voice low, worry in her eyes. “I asked around, and no one else has received any weird text messages, but short of taking their phones away, I don’t see how we can prevent the killer from trying to separate someone from the group.”

“We’re going to have to tell everyone the truth.” Annie couldn’t see any way past it. “But I’d like to know more about what we’re dealing with before I do. Where’s Tate?”

“He’s upstairs searching Kayla’s room.”

Annie glanced at the stairs. “Okay. Let me touch base with him, and we’ll make a plan. Do you think you can keep track of everyone for another hour or so?”

Brooke nodded, dark curls shifting with the movement. “I’ll duct-tape people to chairs if I have to.”

Annie laughed. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. The weather alone should deter anyone from leaving the main lodge.” She lowered her voice, although no one was close enough to overhear. “Dwayne tried to track the killer through the woods but lost him. He saw blood on the leaves, though. If anyone comes to you or Evan looking for medical supplies, let me or Tate know immediately.”

“Will do. Anything else?”

“Not at the moment.” Annie gave her best friend a sideways hug. Brooke was sensitive. She was holding it together, but stress was building underneath that controlled composure. “Thank you for everything you’re doing. I couldn’t have managed this without you.”

Brooke let out a shuddering sigh. “A maniacal killer wasn’t anywhere on my schedule.”

“Proof that you can adapt your plan to anything.”

Her friend barked out a laugh and threw her pen in Annie’s direction. “Not funny.”

“Come on. That was a little funny.” Annie grinned and hip-bumped her friend before jogging up the stairs. The door to Kayla’s room stood ajar, and when she gave it a gentle push, Tate came into view. He sat at the vanity. Like her, he’d showered off the soot and grime. A computer was open in front of him, the screen’s glow playing across his chiseled features. He glanced up as Annie came in. When their eyes met, heat crept into her cheeks. She did her best to tamp down the reaction. “What are you doing?”

“Trying to access Kayla’s text messages. Her cell phone was broken when the attacker went after you in the parking lot, but most people sync their devices. I was hoping that was the case with Kayla, but her computer is password protected.” He frowned. “I’ve tried the most common combinations people use, like variations on her birthday, but no luck. Any idea what it could be?”

“No, but Heather might.” Annie backed into the hall and knocked on Heather’s bedroom door. She waited a moment, but when there was no answer, she twisted the handle and pushed the door open a few inches. “Heather? It’s Annie. I’m sorry to bother you, but it’s important.”

The bed was made and empty. Heather sat wrapped in a blanket on an oversized chair in front of the picture window. Her face was mottled from crying, her gaze empty as she stared at the storm outside. Tangled red hair tumbled around her shoulders. A tablet lay discarded on the armrest.

Concern pulled Annie to the ottoman in front of Heather. The other woman stared straight through her. “Heather?”

Heather blinked. “My friend is dead.” Her voice was rusty, as if she’d forgotten how to use it. “She’s gone, and there’s no way to bring her back.”

“I’m so sorry.” Annie reached for her hand, and despite the blanket, Heather’s skin was frigid. “I know you loved Kayla.”

Tears brimmed in her mascara-rimmed eyes. Her attention returned to the window and the icy rain pelting the glass. Tate came to the doorway, took in the scene, and withdrew without a word. Annie was grateful for it. She wished she could leave Heather in peace, but with a killer on the property, it wasn’t possible.

“Kayla made it hard to love her,” Heather continued in that faraway voice. “She was my best friend, but I wasn’t blind to the fact that she could be selfish. Most of the people here won’t miss her at all, but I understood her. Deep down, Kayla just wanted to be admired. She had to be the focus of every room she was in. It was who she was. And I was happy to be standing in her shadow. Her light shone on me, and people noticed me because of it. I loved that.”

The insight matched what Annie had always thought about Heather. She had often participated in Kayla’s awful pranks. Including the one that humiliated Annie at prom.