“Then we’ll stay with the McKades, and they’ll take care of us.”

  “At the ranch with him?” He pointed at Gavin’s head. “No way.”

  “We’ll have our own cabin.”

  “But he’ll still be around.”

  “You know we all care about you and will do our very best for you,” Gavin said.

  “Right.” Adam rolled his eyes. “Like you actually care about us.”

  “That was rude, Adam,” Lexie said, even though deep down she felt the same way. “It’s our safest option right now, and I need you to make the best of it. For me, okay?”

  He gave a sullen nod.

  “Now, apologize.”

  “Sorry,” he said, but she was sure he didn’t mean it.

  “I should have asked before we left the pickup behind,” Gavin said, obviously ignoring the whole thing. “But do you still have the phone on you?”

  She glanced at Adam but he seemed oblivious to their conversation. Still, she was thankful that Gavin was sensitive enough not to call it a burner phone to remind Adam of last night. She patted her pocket to assure him.

  “And no calls?”

  She shook her head and sat back for the last quarter mile to the ranch she’d called home since her teen years. Staring out the window, she watched the wide-open fields pass by, the many oil pump jacks dipping in rhythm and groaning with the exertion. Her father had inherited a small oil company, Grant Oil, and he’d once traded on his relationship as Ruth’s brother-in-law to ask her for the rights to search for oil under her property. Thankfully, Ruth hadn’t needed the money to keep the ranch going, unlike so many of their neighbors.

  Their corral at the road soon came into view. Four horses grazed in the space where Misty would normally be located this time of day, but her horse was still at the McKade ranch. Lexie couldn’t continue to trade on the McKade generosity in caring for and feeding Misty. Ruth’s ranch hand would arrive later in the day to tend to the horses, and she’d call him to pick up Misty and schedule overtime with him to do the morning chores, too.

  Gavin turned the car onto the winding gravel driveway lined with tall trees, and Lexie sighed out a breath when the familiar ranch house surrounded by Ruth’s large flower beds came into view. This home had become a sanctuary after she’d lost her mother and her father had turned his back on them. She wished she could stay here tonight with Adam, but just like she’d asked her brother to do, she’d make the best of things.

  They all climbed out and headed up the walkway lined with candy-cane lights. A large nativity set that had been in the family for generations sat by an even bigger manger, adding to Lexie’s feeling of security but also reminding her that she hadn’t prayed for God’s help in many years.

  Her pastor had taught her as a child to think of God like a father. A heavenly one, but a father nonetheless. She’d once found that comforting. Until her father’s abandonment. Then she’d chalked up her belief in God loving people unconditionally as foolish childhood musings.

  So why bother asking Him for something when for all she knew He’d abandoned her, too?

  She unlocked the door, and as she pushed it open, she glanced back at Adam. “Though I hope we won’t need it, I want you to pack for a few days at least. And grab all of your books so...”

  His face blanched and he took a step back.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  He pointed at the door.

  She turned, peered into the family room and gasped.

  “No, oh, no...” She backed away, bumping into Adam. “Not here, too.”

  SEVEN

  Gavin pushed past the pair to look into the house. Furniture, books and papers were scattered across the floor.

  “Back to the car.” Gavin drew his gun and hurried them to his SUV while keeping his head on a swivel.

  Once settled inside, he dialed his father, who he knew was just down the road. Gavin kept checking out the windows even when his father answered.

  Gavin explained their discovery. “I don’t know if they’re still here, but I won’t leave Lexie and Adam in the car alone to clear the house.”

  “On my way,” his dad responded.

  Gavin stowed his phone and peered at Lexie. “We’ll wait here for Dad to check the house.”

  “And then what?” Lexie’s voice rose sky-high. “Dig through the mess to find things to pack? To find Adam’s books?”

  Gavin gave Lexie a pointed look then cut his gaze toward the boy sitting wide-eyed beside her, his focus fixed straight ahead.

  She clamped a hand over her mouth then dropped it and took Adam’s hand. “We’re okay. Help is on the way.”

  He gave her an as-if look and slumped in the seat. Gavin didn’t miss the shaking of the boy’s knees or the trembling of his chin. When Gavin and Lexie had started dating, Adam had already thought of himself as the man of the family, protecting Ruth and Lexie. Gavin had thought it was cute back then, but now Adam was likely blaming himself for not being up to the task and for being afraid, too.

  And on top of it, Gavin had put this kid through so much. He wished he could fix things between them, but he had no idea how.

  “The dogs,” Adam suddenly cried out. “They didn’t meet us at the door.”

  “I’m sure they’re fine,” Lexie said, but Gavin heard the underlying doubt in her tone.

  Sirens cut through the air and Adam shot forward. He was wound as tight as a penned-up bull.

  “That’ll be Dad,” Gavin said, though it was obvious.

  The patrol car pulled up alongside them and his father jumped out, his hand clamped on his holster. Gavin admired his dad for staying in great shape and, for once, had to admit he was happy to see him.

  He drew his weapon and signaled for Gavin to stay put as he started for the door. Gavin hated sitting back and waiting, but he had to think of Lexie and Adam. If the intruder was still inside, he could come barreling out of the house. Gavin needed to remain alert.

  He released the strap on his holster and rested his hand on the butt of his gun. Time ticked by slowly. Gavin’s pulse throbbed in his neck, and not until his father stepped out did he start to breathe normally.

  “You two stay here.” He crossed over to his father.

  He holstered his weapon but, just like Gavin, he didn’t let down his guard. “Found the dogs drugged in the kitchen. They’re breathing, but we need to get a vet out here. And the whole place has been ransacked.”

  Gavin glanced back at the car and found Adam’s face plastered to the window. “Lexie and Adam are going to lose it when they see the place, but they’ll really freak when they hear about Salt and Pepper.”

  His dad gave a solemn nod. “Looks like the intruder was looking for information.”

  “You know,” Gavin said, “if the information the killer wants is worth killing over, then I have to think it’s valuable and someone else is looking for it, too.”

  “Possible. At least, we can’t rule it out. Once Tessa is done down the road, I’ll get her over here to process the scene.” He dug out his phone. “Gonna be a long afternoon here.”

  “We can’t leave Lexie and Adam sitting in the car that long, but I don’t want to bring them back here later to get their things and risk exposing them to danger.”

  “Agreed,” his father said. “I have booties in the car. We can escort them through the house to minimize contamination, and they can pack a bag.”

  Gavin nodded. “You take Adam. He’s royally mad at me for leaving, so it would be better for you to help him.”

  “And Lexie isn’t?”

  “She’s mad, all right, but she’s older and can handle it better.” At least, Gavin hoped that was the case.

  Gavin escorted the pair to the house, where his dad waited with a box of booties. After they’d all covered their shoes, his father headed into the house with Adam.

  “Ready?” Gavin asked Lexie.

  She stepped inside and gasped. Gavin stepped up to her and took her hand, not caring how she might react to his touch. Her gaze searched his for a long moment, but then she eased closer to him.

  “I hate that you have to go through this.” He continued to hold tightly to her hand. “If I could take it away, I would in a heartbeat. You know that, right?”

  “I know that’s who you are. The brave defender who wants to help others in need.”

  It’s more than that—it’s you, he thought to say, but kept his mouth shut, as he had no right to tell her that. No right to even be thinking that. Not unless he was going to commit to staying in Lost Creek and hold her hand for a lifetime. Something he just couldn’t do.

  * * *

  On the drive to Trails End, Lexie patted the burner phone to confirm she’d moved it to her clean jeans when she’d bagged her other ones for Matt. She rested her head on the seat and closed her eyes. The attack by the roadside weighed heavily on her mind, but even more, she couldn’t let go of the pictures of her home, her sanctuary, torn apart.

  How was she going to tell Ruth about the dogs and the mess? Thankfully, Dr. Wilson believed Salt and Pepper had been given a mild sedative and would be fine. Just to be sure, he’d taken them to his practice so his staff could keep an eye on them. Lexie had thought to call Ruth, but she wasn’t about to ruin her aunt’s vacation. There was nothing she could do here, anyway, and hopefully this would be over before she was due back two days from now.

  The car came to a stop and Lexie was surprised to see they’d reached the ranch. Once Tessa had arrived at Ruth’s place, Walt had departed, and his car, along with a patrol car, was now parked outside the ranch house. The front door opened and Winnie and Betty stepped out.

  Lexie was glad to see them both, but after the recent incidents, she had to force a smile for them. She waited for Adam to join her and tried to put her arm around his back, but he shrugged it off. Something had changed while he’d packed. He’d gone from being afraid to being mad. Once they were alone at the cabin, she planned to have a long talk with him.

  “Cabin’s ready, Gavin,” Winnie called out. “Why don’t you take Lexie’s and Adam’s things over there?”

  Gavin peered at Lexie and looked like he didn’t want to leave her, but she needed him to go. She’d already let him hold her hand, and she could only imagine what more she might allow if he stayed nearby. Maybe hold her. Even kiss her.

  A far-too-dangerous temptation for her peace of mind.

  “Do you mind?” she asked.

  “Not at all.” He smiled. “You and Adam go inside, and I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

  Lexie and Adam climbed the stairs.

  “C’mon, Adam.” Betty opened the front door. “Let’s you and I head into the kitchen and have lunch together.”

  “What are we having?” he asked.

  “Beef stew and some lovely rolls I baked this morning. And if after that you still have room, I’ve set aside a plate of Christmas cookies with your name on them.”

  He stepped inside and Lexie hoped he could actually eat after everything that had just happened. And she was grateful that Walt had arranged for Adam to eat in the kitchen so he wouldn’t have to hear the upcoming discussion.

  “Now, what about you?” Winnie asked. “Hungry?”

  Lexie shook her head and felt tears pricking her eyes.

  Winnie gathered Lexie in a hug and didn’t say a word. She had open arms for anyone in need, reminding Lexie of her own mother. A trauma nurse, just like Lexie, her mom’s heart had been the size of Texas, and her nurturing spirit had drawn everyone to her. She’d also been a spitfire in the ER. Lexie tried to emulate her mother and hoped she succeeded.

  “I’m sorry for everything that’s happening, sweetheart.” Winnie pulled back and studied Lexie’s face. “I think we’ll all rest easier with you staying in a cabin. I heard Gavin pacing at all hours of the night, and I suspect he was worrying about you and Adam.”

  Lexie had to admit it felt good to think he was looking out for her again even if she didn’t believe he’d stay by her side for the long run, but she wouldn’t share that with Winnie. “He was probably up thinking about his investigation.”

  “Hogwash.” She stepped back. “It’s plain to see he still cares for you.”

  “Good gravy, Winnie,” Walt called out from inside. “Let little Lexie get in here and close the door before we pay to heat the entire state of Texas.”

  Winnie shook her head. “You can still join us for lunch in case your appetite returns. And don’t forget what I said about Gavin. He does care for you.”

  Before Lexie could argue more, Winnie led the way to the dining room, where Matt and Walt sat at the table Lexie had dined at nearly every Sunday after she and Gavin had gotten serious.

  “Let me get lunch on the table,” Winnie said.

  “Can I help?” Lexie offered.

  “I wouldn’t hear of it. Have a seat and I’ll be right back.” Winnie went through the swinging door to the kitchen.

  By the time Lexie sat, Gavin joined them. He went straight for a carafe of coffee.

  “Want some?” he asked Lexie.

  She nodded.

  After he filled a mug to the brim, she cupped her hands around it for warmth and shifted her gaze to Matt. “Anything new in the investigation?”

  He nodded. “We located the dirt bike owner. An Odon Walmet. He claims the bike was stolen, but he has a sketchy past that involved extortion.”

  “And he doesn’t have a solid alibi for last night.” Walt slid a photo across the table to her. “Could he be your guy?”

  She studied the pockmarked face with its scraggly beard and skin toughened from the Texas sun. “I didn’t get a look at the killer’s face, so I can’t say. He looks thin, though, and the shooter was thin. Do you have a full body shot?”

  Matt shook his head. “No, but I talked to him and he fits the build you described last night.”

  “Does he have any connection to my dad?”

  “He’s a patient, but hasn’t seen your father for years.” Matt slipped the picture back into the folder. “Since we can’t rule him out yet, I’ll continue looking into him. If it turns out he’s a viable suspect, I’ll arrange a voice lineup for you to determine if his voice matches the killer’s.”

  Lexie was about to comment on the lineup, when Winnie came in and placed a big pot of stew on the table. The savory scent of garlic and onions filled the air and got Lexie’s taste buds working again.

  “If one of you will ladle out the stew, I’ll be right back with rolls Betty just took out of the oven.” Winnie didn’t wait for a response, but bustled to the kitchen.

  Needing to keep busy, Lexie stood and filled Walt’s bowl with meat and vegetables covered in rich brown gravy.

  “Thank you,” he said. “I believe we should focus on figuring out what your daddy was involved in and what was in that envelope to warrant murder.”

  “I’m hoping the answer can be found in his patient files,” Gavin said.

  “Since that’s the only real motive we have right now for murdering Dr. Grant, I have to concur,” Walt said.

  Lexie ladled an overflowing scoop of stew into Gavin’s bowl. “I was planning to go to Dad’s house and office today to look at his records.”

  “You can still go, but I’ll be escorting you.” Gavin’s tone was unyielding.

  She paused, ladle midair, to study him. Had Gavin always been bossy and controlling like her daddy—like his father—but love had blinded her to it?

  No. He’d never pushed her around, and now that it seemed to be a big part of his personality, she didn’t like it. Not one bit. But she wasn’t a fool. She wanted to be safe and wouldn’t argue about being accompanied.

  She could and would argue about who did the accompanying, though. “I’m sure you have things you need to do for your investigation. Perhaps Matt or your dad could escort me.”

  He folded his arms across the broad chest she’d rested her head against so many times and issued her a nonverbal challenge. “It has to be me.”

  She wanted to cross her arms, too, but she still held the ladle. “Why?”

  “Remember I mentioned the warrant last night? Well, I can’t have you going through files that I have legal authority to seize.”

  Right. The investigation, not her safety, was his priority. Even more reason not to go with him. “But I—”

  “Should just agree. We can review the files together. He was your father, and you may notice something I miss.”

  Her broken heart told her to continue arguing, but logic said it was time to give in. “I didn’t really know him any better than you, but I want to see the files, so I guess we’ll go together.” She grabbed Matt’s bowl. “So let’s agree on a protection plan for Adam and me, and then we can head over to Dad’s house.”

  Spoon in hand, Walt paused in lifting it to his mouth. “As I mentioned this morning, my resources are tapped out, but with you staying here, that will help.”

  “I’m thankful you agreed.” Gavin’s words came out choked and reminded Lexie of Winnie’s recent comment.

  After their breakup, Lexie had often imagined, maybe even wished, Gavin’s suffering equaled or exceeded hers. Now that she could hear his pain, she was sorry for thinking that way. She shouldn’t wish him or anyone else emotional distress, and she was ashamed she’d done so.

  Winnie stepped into the room with a basket of golden rolls, the smell of warm yeast overpowering the stew. She handed them to Walt, but her gaze roamed between Gavin and Lexie. She was such an intuitive woman that even if she hadn’t been in the room, she noticed the emotions zinging between the two of them.

  Oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, Walt helped himself to a roll and passed the basket to Gavin. “I don’t want you to think by staying at the ranch that I’m leaving you high and dry. I’ll keep a deputy in reserve if needed, and I’ll continue to have off-duty deputies who volunteer their time escort Adam to school and spend the day with him.” He cleared his throat. “And Matt and I can fill in for short time frames, but each hour we do will take us away from the investigation, so I’d rather curtail that as much as possible.”