Bounty Hunter

His heart aching, he cleared his throat. “I had a sister. She was killed two months ago by Van Blackman, the guy I’m chasing.”

She snapped her head around to look at him then jerked her gaze back to the road. He heard Leo let out a slow breath in the backseat.

“I’m sorry,” Harper said softly.

Leo reached forward and patted him on the shoulder. “I am, too.”

“Thanks. She’s the reason I’m in Drum Creek. I’m originally from Denver, but I got word that my sister’s killer was spotted around this vicinity so headed over the night before last. I thought I saw Van coming out of the general store and followed him. Turned out to be your guy. He looks real similar to Jake Morrow—big build, a few inches over six feet, same hair color...” He shrugged. “Dress them in practically identical clothing and they could almost pass for twins.”

“You left out some of the story last night.”

He shrugged. “The parts I left out weren’t important at the time.” He pointed. “Turn here.”

She did and followed the dirt path around the lake and to a small area where he directed her to park. “This is where I parked the other day or I would have been able to follow him out of the park. I’m familiar with this area so knew he wasn’t going far once he got past that boulder up there. Unfortunately, he drove and was able to get away.” The trees swayed in the summer breeze and right now, the area looked like something one would see on a postcard. Harper shut off the engine and the others behind her did the same.

Once they were all out of the vehicles, they let the dogs take care of business then Harper pulled a baseball cap from a plastic bag and held it in front of Star’s nose. The dog got a good whiff and Harper replaced the hat in the bag then turned to Riley. “I see what you mean about not searching at night. The terrain is rugged. It would be pitch-black at night. Even with large lights and other equipment brought in to help with the search, there’d be no guarantee you wouldn’t miss something.”

“Exactly.”

“All right, lead the way.”

Riley made his way down the trail he’d followed Morrow on yesterday just before lunch. The others fell into step behind him, fanning out, letting their animals sniff and search along the way.

Riley finally reached the area where he’d seen Morrow. “Tell the others to stay back. You don’t want to compromise the scene.”

She lifted a brow but turned and did as he asked. The others stopped.

“Sorry,” he said. “I guess you know how to work a scene.”

“We do.”

She opened the bag and held the hat out to her shepherd again. After she got a whiff, the dog stepped forward, nose to the ground, then in the air. Star went a little ways then sat and gave a low bark right next to the remains of the small campfire. She seemed almost disappointed that it had been so easy and not a challenge to her superior skills.

Special Agent Harper Prentiss turned those electric blue eyes on him. “Well, well, what do you know?” She turned to the others. “He was here.”

“Good,” Riley said. “Because I really need that reward money.”

Harper blinked in surprise, but didn’t pursue the matter. “Okay. Well then, I guess we’ll have to see that you get it. Hopefully, between the seven of us, we’ll pinpoint Jake’s location before nightfall. And you’ll get your reward money.”

Riley grimaced. He’d sounded very greedy but he’d have to explain his reasons for his desperation later. He grasped her arm in a gentle grip. “I don’t mind staying with you and helping guide you in this area, but you need to know something.”

“What?”

“Your danger level is going to skyrocket if you hang around me.”

“Because...?”

“Van Blackman’s not only my sister’s killer, he’s vowed to kill me, too.”

TWO

Harper’s eyes widened. “Why is he gunning for you?”

“Blackman knows I won’t rest until he’s either in prison or dead. And he knows I’m the one that’s most determined to see that one of those two things happen. He’s just as insistent that they won’t. He sent me a note saying that if I continued to come after him, he’d see me dead, but if I let him go, he’d disappear and I’d never hear from him again.”

“I see. And you can’t let him go.”

“That’s not even on the radar. And not just because he killed my sister and shot my nephew, although that’s a huge part of it.”

“What’s the other part?” she asked.

Riley’s jaw clenched and his brown eyes flashed. “He’ll do it again if he isn’t stopped.”

“Yeah.” She drew in a breath. “All right, thanks for the warning. I’ll talk to Max, but I have a feeling he’ll say that we’ll take our chances. You know this area and we need someone that can help guide us.” She paused. “Why is he hanging around here? Why doesn’t he just leave?”

Riley shook his head. “Believe me, I’ve asked myself that same question. He has a vehicle, but I’m not sure how much money he has. The only thing I can figure is that he knows Denver and the park like the back of his hand. He’s comfortable here. He also knows that if he leaves, I’ll be right behind him. I think he’s tired of running and just wants to see me dead so he can get on with his life.”

She nodded slowly. “Makes sense.”

“Yeah. It actually makes things easier for me, believe it or not.” He turned to walk toward Ian and she frowned while she stared at the bounty hunter’s broad back. His blunt statement that he needed the reward money bothered her. Sure, a hundred grand was a lot of money, a fortune for some people. But still...

Disappointment streaked through her. She didn’t know why she expected Riley to be different. But she did. What was it that made her want to hold him to a higher standard? She shook her head.

Then wariness flowed through her as another thought surfaced. Could this be some sort of a setup? A distraction from what they needed to be focused on? According to Star, Jake had definitely been in the area—and recently. But what if Riley was working with Morrow? Could he be a part of the Dupree crime family himself? She pulled her phone from the clip on her belt and sent a text to Dylan O’Leary: Background on Riley Martelli needed ASAP. Dylan was the unit’s technical guru. Based in Billings, Montana, he kept the unit running smoothly. He could do anything with a computer and find just about any information needed.

She discreetly snapped a picture of Riley while he was talking with Ian then sent that to Dylan as well.

On it.

She smiled at his immediate response and knew she’d have everything she needed before too long. She turned her attention back to Riley. He was looking her way and motioned her over.

Harper clipped her phone back to her belt and went to see what they’d found. Star stayed at her side.

“Where are we?”

Ian nodded to a small area on the ground. “Someone built a fire here and Star says it was Jake.”

“He was camping out here.” It wasn’t a question.

“Maybe, but when I followed him to this spot, he didn’t have any kind of camping gear set up,” Riley replied. “He simply started a fire.”

Harper frowned. “But why?”

“Maybe he was bored and passing the time. Who knows?”

Harper squatted next to the doused fire. “Or he was burning something he didn’t want anyone else to see.” She picked up a small stick and separated the ashes. Bits of white paper were noticeable. “A note?”

“Again...maybe,” Riley responded.

“Some of the pieces aren’t completely burned and have writing on them.” She glanced up at him. “You might have had him running before he could finish the job.” Using the stick, she managed to flip one of the larger pieces of paper. “Potter,” she said, then gasped. “Hey, this could have something to do with Penny.”

“Who’s Penny?” Riley asked.

“The mother of Jake Morrow’s child.”

“Whoa.”

“Yeah.” Harper sighed and stood. “We’ve been looking for her and her son, Kevin, because we figure she can lead us to Jake. He was spotted at her home near Billings just a few days ago, but ran when we got there.”

“Wait a minute, if he was at her house—and here at the national park—then he’s definitely not a captive of the Dupree family. And if he’s not a captive and needs help—because he sure didn’t want mine yesterday—then what’s he doing? Why isn’t he reaching out to you?”

“We’ve pondered all of that, of course, but we just don’t know.” She had her thoughts, but kept them to herself for now. “He’s not a captive,” Harper said. “That much we do know.” The question was, was he a double agent? As much as she didn’t want to believe it, she couldn’t help but think he might be working for the Duprees. She just couldn’t figure out any other reason for Jake to be acting the way he was.

Even if he was worried about Penny and needed to find her, all he had to do was ask and they’d all join in the search for her. As a team. But he was working alone and seemed to want to keep it that way.

“So, like you said, you stay on her trail and let her lead you to Morrow—or in this case, let Morrow come to you if you catch up with Penny first,” Riley mused.

“That’s the plan.”

“All right,” Max said. He motioned for the team to gather round. “Let’s get this area processed. We’ll do it ourselves and make sure it’s done right.” They retrieved the necessary supplies from the vehicles, moved in and got busy working on it.

Harper’s phone buzzed and she pulled it up to look at the screen.

A message from Dylan. Still working on your request, but this anonymous text just came in and wanted to get it to you straightaway. Forwarding it now.

She waited. The team had been receiving anonymous texts leading them to various places around the country. The person sending the texts seemed to want to help find Jake. However, remaining anonymous was obviously more important to the sender. And they were very skilled at making sure they stayed that way. Even Dylan hadn’t been able to track the texts.

The buzz came again. Find Morrow’s toddler and find Jake. That simple.

She resisted the urge to snort. Right...that simple. If only. Harper pondered the fact that Penny had run when all the trouble with Jake started and they had figured out that the missing agent was most likely looking for her. Only a month ago, they’d gone to Penny’s house and had run into Jake doing the same thing. Only he’d bolted when he saw them. Which made no sense to her.

So if Jake was in the park, that was a good indication that Penny and her child were here as well. But where? And why Colorado? She glanced back at the pile of ashes then texted Dylan again. See if Penny has any connections here in Colorado, please. Let me know ASAP.

Sure thing.

Thanks. So how are the wedding plans progressing? Dylan was madly in love with Zara Fielding. Zara was a former team intern who was currently training at Quantico to become an agent. She was also Dylan’s fiancée.

Beautifully. Haven’t talked to her in a couple of days so I’m going through withdrawal. If you talk to her, tell her to call me.

Will do.

TTYL.

“Hey guys,” she called, “we’ve gotten another anonymous text.” The others gathered around her and she shared the message.

“I’d really like to know who’s sending these,” Ian muttered.

“Dylan will figure it out eventually. Let’s finish up here and see what the lab can come up with.”

For the next three hours, they worked the scene, but Morrow was obviously long gone and nothing else turned up that she would consider helpful. Finally, Harper sighed and walked over to Max. “I think we’re done here, what do you think?”

“I think you’re right.” He motioned the others over. When everyone was within hearing distance, he asked, “Anyone else hungry? My breakfast wore off long ago.”

Chimes of agreement rolled in and Harper looked at Riley. “Any place in town you can recommend?”

“Of course. The motel opens their restaurant for lunch. Then there’s the Drum Creek Café that serves burgers, fries, shakes and salads. Or if you want something a bit fancier, there’s Twilights right on the edge of town overlooking a small lake.” His eyes held hers. “It’s a great place for a date.”

Ian had a coughing fit. Max snorted. Harper blinked and heat invaded her cheeks. “I don’t need fancy since I don’t do dates,” she said. “The café works for me. What about you guys?”

They swallowed their mirth and nodded. Harper could almost see Ian biting holes in his tongue to keep from commenting. She shot him a warning glare. He grinned then turned to help gather their gear and together they hiked back to the vehicles. Riley walked with Max, the two of them talking. Max would fill her in later if it was something she needed to know.

But what was that comment about a date? Seriously?

Ian stepped over beside her and nudged her with a small grin. “It’s a good place for a date,” he drawled. “Wonder if he has anyone in mind?”

She slugged him in the arm and he laughed while he jogged ahead. At least he’d waited until he was out of Riley’s earshot before he let loose with the teasing.

While she walked, Harper pushed Ian’s ribbing aside and pondered her reaction to the good-looking bounty hunter. She admitted her attraction and questioned her sanity at the same time. She had no business letting herself be drawn to this man since she still had questions about his motives and whether or not he could be working with Jake. She didn’t really think so, but...

Harper gave herself a mental shake and held the door for Star to hop in. She was not attracted to him. There.

Riley settled into the passenger seat with Leo and True behind them again. Once Harper was in the driver’s seat and headed down the road, she glanced at her handsome passenger. “Are you going to eat with us?”

“No. I have something I need to take care of.”

“What’s that?”

He shrugged. “Just...something. Personal stuff.”

She raised a brow but kept silent. It was none of her business after all. A short time later, she pulled in front of the café and Riley opened his door. He turned back to her. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.”

“I will. Thank you for leading us out there today.”

“You’re welcome.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to get going.” He shifted then rubbed a hand over his chin. “Will you let me know if I can collect the reward money?”

Harper frowned. “Sure. If we find Jake here due to your call, we’ll get your money to you.”

He flushed. “I know I sound money-hungry. It’s not that, it’s just my—”

“It’s really not my business. I’ll be in touch.”

Riley nodded then exhaled sharply. “Right. Thanks.” He climbed out and shut the door. She watched him walk to his car and sighed. Why had she interrupted him?

Because his great place for a date comment still rang in her ears. And because she didn’t think she’d mind one bit going on a date with him.

Even though she didn’t date. And even though she might want to. No, she didn’t. Because she was not attracted to him, she reminded herself. She had a job to do. Period.

A rap on her window made her jump. When she turned, Max was waiting for her. She lowered the window. “You coming?” he asked.

She turned to see Riley pull away from the parking lot and made up her mind. “I want to check on something first if that’s all right.”

He frowned. “What?”

“I’m going to follow him. I want to see where he’s going. I’m still not a hundred percent convinced he’s not somehow working with Jake.”

Max gave a slow nod. “Might not be a bad idea. You want some backup?”

“Not yet. I’ll call if I need you.”

* * *

Riley cruised down I-70 toward Denver and thought about the morning. He was hungry but would get something in the hospital cafeteria. His need to see his nephew ate at him. And he needed an update from the doctors.

But he couldn’t help the groan that slipped from his throat. “A great place for a date? Really?” His eyes had locked on Harper’s and that was what he’d thought. And that was what had come out of his mouth. He shook his head. He wasn’t usually so free with his words. But there was just something about her...

He sighed.

He didn’t need to focus on that. Instead, he needed to keep his attention on his nephew and helping him heal. A budding attraction for the pretty FBI agent would only distract him and neither he nor his nephew needed that right now. Priorities, he reminded himself. Priorities.

An hour and forty-five minutes later, he arrived in Denver and pulled into the hospital parking lot. He turned the vehicle off and simply sat there a moment. He wanted to pray, to beg God for guidance, money and healing for his nephew, but...

He wanted to believe that God was who He said He was. But so much had happened in the last year that made him question his faith. Made him wonder if he believed in a God who either wasn’t all-powerful or just didn’t really care about what was going on with him personally. He pushed out of his truck. No time to ponder the heavy stuff. Asher was waiting for him.

Riley walked through the doors of the hospital. He made his way to Asher’s floor and headed for the child’s room. As he passed the nursing station, the men and women greeted him. “Glad to see you back. Asher’s been asking for you. His teacher is here, too.”

“Thanks.”

He opened the door and found his mother sitting in the chair she’d occupied since his sister’s death and Asher’s admittance into the hospital. Her needles clicked softly and a ball of yarn spilled from the bag next to her chair. A dark haired, dark-eyed woman sat on the edge of Asher’s bed. The little guy held a card in his hand and others spilled over his lap and the smile on his face was worth more than gold.

“Hi, I didn’t realize he had company,” Riley said as he leaned over and kissed the top of his mother’s head.

“I’m Beth Smith,” the woman said. “I was Asher’s first grade teacher last year. I heard about what happened and about two weeks ago rounded up his classmates and friends. We had a card-making party for Asher and I was very excited to be able to bring them to him today.”

Riley shook her hand. “That’s very kind.”

“I miss them, Uncle Riley.”

He smoothed the child’s hair from his forehead. “I know you do, buddy. Maybe some of them can come see you soon since you’re feeling better.”

“That would be awesome.”

Riley smiled at the enthusiasm.

“Can I have a puppy, too?”

“A puppy?”

Asher turned those thick-lashed blue eyes on him. “I really think I need a puppy. It can keep me company and make me feel like laughing again.”

Mrs. Smith gasped and Riley saw tears in her eyes before she looked away.

His heart clenched and he found it hard to draw in breath around the grief that filled him. He cleared his throat. “We’ll have to see. I’m not making any promises, but we’ll talk about it when you get out of the hospital. Deal?”

“Deal.”

And Riley was going to do whatever it took to make sure Asher felt like laughing again.

“Hey, you know what?” he said.

“What?”

“I met someone who has a dog. You want me to ask her to bring it up here?”

Asher’s eyes widened. “Today?”

“Probably not today, but maybe soon?”

“Yes, please, Uncle Riley. That would be double awesome!”

“Okay, then.”

“What kind of dog?” he asked.

“She’s a police dog. She helps sniff out the bad guys.”

“Wow,” Asher breathed.

“A police dog?” Mrs. Smith asked.

Riley nodded. “Yes.”

“I have a group of summer campers who are thinking about going into law enforcement. Their favorite topic has been K-9s and their work with the different areas of law enforcement.”

“Where are you doing the camp?”

“Out at the national park. We’re in the part where they have cabins and decent restroom facilities.”

“Roughing it, huh?”

She laughed. “Not too bad.”

“I wish I could go to camp,” Asher said softly.

Riley squeezed the boy’s shoulder. “Let’s aim for next summer, okay?”

Asher nodded. “Where I can go and learn about being a police officer so I can catch the bad guys?”

“Sure.”

Mrs. Smith kissed Asher’s cheek and rose. “Well, I suppose I need to say my goodbyes.” She gathered her purse and walked toward the door. “I only managed to slip away from the camp for a short time and need to get back. Asher, I’ll check back in on you soon.”

Asher waved. “Bye, Mrs. Smith. Thank you for coming to see me.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” She smiled and Asher’s lids drooped. The visit had tired him out. Riley said one more goodbye to Mrs. Smith then sat with Asher and held him until he dozed off. It didn’t take long. He slid off the bed and turned to his mother who still worked with the needle and yarn. “Another blanket?”

“Yes.” She looked up and gave him a weary smile. “It keeps me busy and helps me think. And besides, they’re selling pretty well at the little consignment store Sheila runs. She keeps asking for more.”

Sheila, his mother’s best friend, worked at a consignment store in downtown Denver. She’d encouraged his mother to let her sell some of her items and to everyone’s surprise, it had turned into a full-time job keeping up with the demand.

“Now that we’re alone, is there any change? Any updates?” His gaze went back to Asher, who was dwarfed by the large bed. The boy appeared to be sleeping comfortably.

His mother laid her knitting aside and rubbed her eyes. “No, son, you know nothing’s going to change without the surgery. The doctor said he’s strong enough for it now—he’s recovered nicely from the bullet in his shoulder and now they just need to get in and get the other one out.”

He nodded. Of course he knew that, but each day that went by, he hoped. Hoped his nephew’s spine would heal on its own, that he would sit up in the bed, whole and happy again. Riley vaguely wondered how long it took for hope to finally dry up. “I wish Dad was here.”

Tears sprang to his mother’s eyes and Riley wished he’d kept his mouth shut. His father had passed away two years ago after a short battle with brain cancer.

She swiped a stray tear. “I do, too, son. Are you any closer to catching Van?” she asked.

He rubbed his eyes. “Yes. I think so. I have a good idea where to look for him now.” He fell silent for a moment. “That was nice of Mrs. Smith to drop by.”

“Very nice. Asher looked forward to it all morning.”

Riley reached for her hand and held it, noticing the texture of her still-smooth skin, feeling the warmth of her fingers. A hand that had wiped his tears and cleaned his little boy knees and elbows, had cradled him in her arms when his prom date had stood him up. He was a man who still wanted—if not needed—his mother and her comfort. He wondered if he should be ashamed to admit that. “How are you feeling? Are you taking your medicine?”

“I am.” She had a heart condition that required daily medication. One reason she felt she couldn’t handle full custody of Asher and why Riley had agreed to be the one to take him should anything happen to his sister. He’d never thought he would be in the position he now found himself. He swallowed and stepped next to the child to run a hand over Asher’s sweet face. The boy opened his eyes.

And smiled. “You’re still here.”

Riley’s heart tripped over itself at the love and trust reflected there. He leaned closer and pressed a kiss to Asher’s forehead. “Sure I am. How are you doing, Champ?”

“I want to go outside and play.”

Riley’s throat tightened on the tears that wanted to flow on behalf of the little boy he loved so much. “Soon, Asher. I sure hope you can do that soon.”

“Me, too.”

“Maybe we can get a wheelchair and roll you outside in a little while.”

“Okay.” Asher closed his eyes again then opened them when the door opened and the doctor walked in. The boy reached for Riley’s hand and held on but there was no fear in his blue eyes. For that Riley was grateful. He’d promised Asher that everyone in the hospital was there to help him walk again and Asher believed him. For now.