Nic squeezed her fist, her face reddened, gaze murderous. “They need money either for reelection or other matters. Victor has it. He gives them what they want, and they stay out of his way until they have no choice but to rule against him or risk being overturned by a higher court, which no judge wants.”

  “But this is still nuts.” Ghost closed the binder. “None of these suits had merit.”

  “They don’t have to.” Zara wrung her hands. “They’ve accomplished what he wanted from the outset. He knew he’d never win. He simply wants to take our time away from the ranch, force us to hire attorneys and spend our money on fighting him, rather than maintaining this place. Before Nic won the contest, he’d nearly bankrupted us with his last suit. He said he’s not giving up until we turn over the land to him.”

  Nic spoke through her teeth. “Never. I’d die first.”

  “No!” Zara cupped Nic’s face. “Don’t ever talk like that. If anything happened to you, I’d…” She covered her eyes.

  Hugging her, Kanti looked at Ghost. “He killed my Bryce, didn’t he?”

  Ghost would have bet his life on it. “I intend to find out.”

  “Then what?” Nic threw up her hands. “Bryce was white, and this is private property. There’s no federal crime involved to get them to do anything, not that they would since they let his cattle graze for free, no matter what a judge says. How do we stop him?”

  “Together.” Ghost cradled her fingers, hating how icy they were, wanting nothing in her future except safety and hope. “We’ll be as relentless as he’s been, until there’s no longer a threat.”

  Chapter 3

  Buoyed by Ghost’s confidence and determination, Nic allowed herself to relax, hope brightening her mood.

  Hours later, her optimism was long gone as deputies finally rolled up in their official car. Throughout the morning and afternoon, she’d made numerous calls to the Sheriff’s Department, repeatedly begging for someone to investigate her mutilated cattle.

  The two young men viewed the carcasses dispassionately, neither one taking notes, photos, nor interviewing anyone on the ranch as to whether they’d seen or heard anything.

  Her patience thinned further. “Aren’t you going to do something?”

  The redheaded deputy toed the dead calf. “We don’t haul off carcasses. Have your men handle it unless you’d prefer to pay animal control.”

  She wanted to slug him. Ghost’s loaded glance warned Nic to keep her cool. She dug her nails into her palms and tried her best. “I don’t want you to remove them. I’m asking you to please investigate the slaughter.”

  The other deputy looked at his watch. “Not much we can do about an alien attack.”

  Good God, this is the Twilight Zone. Renewed frustration stung her skin. “Victor’s men did this. Everyone knows he’s been trying to run me and my family off this ranch.”

  Deputy Redhead narrowed his eyes, his hand resting on his holster. “You best be careful what you say. We don’t take lightly to people slandering honest folk in this county.” He elbowed his partner. “Come on. Nothing to see here.”

  Refusing to give up, she called the Sheriff’s Department again and pleaded her case as calmly and humbly as she could. “Please tell Sheriff Rettner TV crews will be out here shortly because of the unusual mutilations. For him to be on hand and publicly comment as to his department’s handling this case would be great publicity for his reelection campaign.”

  Ghost laughed softly but did wag his finger at her.

  She grinned and ended her call. “If that doesn’t get the fool out here, nothing will.”

  Within the half-hour, Rettner sauntered onto her land, his gaze darting in every direction. She supposed he was looking for the TV people. Not seeing any, he glared and strode toward her, his beer belly leading the way. “Why didn’t you tell the reporters to hang on? I got here as fast as I could.”

  Far quicker than he’d arrived for Bryce’s murder investigation. “Sorry, but I don’t handle reporter schedules.” She gestured to the cattle. “Please investigate what happened to my herd. We have photos of depressions in the grass and cigarette butts from the men who did—”

  “We do not handle alien attacks.” He pivoted to leave.

  She hurried around him and stood in his way. “Victor’s men did this. We found butts from their smokes. Their DNA is surely on the filters. You’ll have that as soon as you test them.” She held up the plastic baggie containing the evidence, found earlier by Ghost’s team.

  Rettner pushed her hand away. “Like I said, we don’t investigate attacks from space creatures we can’t arrest. I’ve got real crime to see to.”

  Although she would have given a decade of her life to kick him in his shriveled balls, she strained for control. “You’re not going to do anything about this?”

  He looked down his nose at her. “I can’t manage the impossible.”

  “What about an autopsy to determine what caused the animals’ injuries?”

  Laughter quivered his flabby throat. “The coroner only works on humans. You’d have to call a vet for what you want. I recommend the animal hospital.”

  Owned and operated by Ethan Victor, Hal’s first-born. Ethan employed every vet in the area, his monopoly having destroyed any animal doctor who was crazy enough to compete against his and his daddy’s power. “That’s your honest advice?”

  “Don’t offer it any other way.”

  Besides being lying scum, he’d missed her sarcasm.

  He glanced to either side, dung dotting the grass. His only choice was to step in it if he wanted to get past her.

  She didn’t budge.

  “Look, I don’t know what even a vet can tell you.” He scratched his neck, sending his cowboy hat bouncing. “Except the obvious.”

  His cryptic comments made her teeth hurt. “Such as?”

  “Ain’t no flies on the carcasses. A pure sign of an alien attack.”

  Precisely what she’d read in the news stories Ghost had showed her. “Or a chemical compound to keep insects away to make this look like something it’s not and hide the real perpetrator’s crime.”

  He gave her a blank look. “Can’t help you with that.”

  “So you keep saying, but what about my losses?” She jabbed her thumb at the carcasses. “Those animals represent thousands in lost revenue.”

  “Yeah, that’s a real bitch, ain’t it?” He shrugged. “If you were wise, you’d look on the bright side.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Call the National Enquirer or one of them other tabloid magazines. I’m sure you’ll make good money selling your story to them. It’s a perfect solution for your kind.”

  Her heart quickened, sending blood to her face. “My what?”

  He regarded her as he might manure stuck to his shoe. “You like being the center of attention, like when you were on that fool TV show. Now you got your chance for more publicity, like them trashy Kardashian girls. As far as this nonsense goes…” He gestured to the cattle. “Do not bother me or my department again, unless you want me to arrest you for trying to file a false report.”

  He made a wide circle around the droppings and lumbered to his car.

  Ghost caught her arm, keeping her from following Rettner and kneeing him. “Don’t.” His mouth grazed her ear, his sweet breath warm against her cheek. “He’s not worth it.”

  A protest rose in her throat stopped by tears stinging her eyes. “I despise jerks like him.”

  “I hear you, but he can’t stop justice forever. Nor can Victor.” Ghost eased back. “It’s getting late.”

  The sun hung low in the sky, dusk approaching. She’d waited the entire day for the sheriff and his men to arrive only to dismiss and humiliate her. No different from when Bryce was murdered. “Are you going on patrol with your team?”

  He nodded.

  “I’m coming, too.”

  “No.” He grasped her shoulders lightly. “It’s best you stay with your mom and grandmother. I’m sure they’d like to know what’s been happening.”

  As if she’d be cruel enough to repeat what the law had said or how they’d treated her. “Will you be careful?”

  Already she worried about his safety and losing him…saying goodbye when this was settled or when he and his employer couldn’t afford to fight Victor for free any longer. She didn’t want to consider how many days it would take for such a thing to happen. Weeks weren’t even in the equation. The only sure thing was how she’d ache at his absence. “Promise you won’t take any unnecessary chances.”

  His dark eyes glittered in the waning light. “I never have.” He released her. “Do you still have the motorcycle Bryce rode the last day?”

  “It’s in the garage. Why?”

  “I’d like you to show it to me tomorrow morning and the area where he went down. Can we do that at seven or so?”

  “Sure. But won’t you need more sleep if you stay up all night?”

  “Once my men have everything under control, I’ll turn in at an appropriate hour.” He smiled. “The guesthouse you set up is too nice for me to ignore.”

  She’d changed the bed linen and cleaned like a maniac to make the place perfect so he’d have no excuse to leave the property. “If you need anything tonight, please don’t hesitate to come to the main house. I’m a light sleeper.”

  “I’ll be fine.” He regarded her solemnly then cradled her face, his large hand warming her, his thumb stroking her cheek. “Have a good evening.”

  Burning for him, she eased closer, needing his kiss and caress.

  He stepped back then faced a man in the distance and raised his hand in welcome.

  Restful sleep wasn’t something Nic managed, the slightest noise jerking her awake. Seven o’clock seemed determined not to arrive. At six, she gave up on slumber, showered and dressed then joined her mom and Kanti in the kitchen, breakfast well under way.

  Kanti tapped her spatula against the skillet. “Will Ghost be joining us this morning?”

  Nic shook her head. “I stocked the guesthouse fridge so he’d have something to eat whenever he wanted.” Admittedly, a stupid move. If she hadn’t provided food, he’d be here, dining with them, making her palms sweaty and her heart yearn. “He’ll be by at seven.”

  “I’ll make extra in case he’s still hungry.” Kanti broke more eggs.

  Nic couldn’t keep still. By all rights, she should be tending her chores, not having Trent or the ranch hands pick up her slack so she could wait for a man. Only a day had passed since she’d met Ghost and already she required his presence, scent, heat, and smile. After a week, she’d be a basket case.

  “You like him, don’t you?”

  She flinched at her mom’s question. “What?”

  “I don’t blame you.” She gave Nic a knowing look. “He’s so nice.”

  “And good-looking.” Kanti sighed wistfully. “What a hunk.”

  Nic laughed. “Shame on you for talking like that. Or even thinking it.”

  “I’m old, not dead.” She turned the eggs. “If you like him, I say go for it. At your age, you shouldn’t be alone.”

  But would be again after he left, the only possible outcome in their work relationship. “He’s nice and…good-looking…but he’s not here to make me happy.”

  “No?” Her mom arched one eyebrow. “Then why are you smiling?”

  Nic touched her mouth, surprised at her ear-to-ear grin. “I’m not.” She killed her glee.

  “Whatever you say. Who are the sandwiches for?” Her mom gestured to the pile Nic already made, half beef, half ham. Each for Ghost so they could spend the entire day together without having to return for lunch or dinner or…

  You’re losing it.

  Funny thing, she couldn’t stop, didn’t want to. “Ghost asked me to show him the ranch. I thought I’d bring food in case we’re out long.”

  Her mom set plates on the table. “Didn’t he and his team check out the property last night?”

  They had, but she couldn’t bring up painful memories by saying he wanted to see where Bryce had died. “They focused on areas where the cattle were or will be. I’m going to show him everything else…just to be extra careful.”

  No one challenged her lie.

  Eating wasn’t something she could do, her stomach too unsettled, excitement and desire pumping through her.

  At seven sharp, footfalls sounded on the front porch, followed by one hard rap on the door.

  “That’s him. See you guys later.” Nic grabbed her backpack and raced to the front room.

  Ghost faced the yard, his rifle hung over one shoulder.

  Pulse beating wildly, she stepped outside.

  He looked over at her and smiled.

  Her knees wilted. He’d shaved and also shampooed his hair, the black strands gleaming in the morning light, his clean skin smelling good enough to lick. It took enormous will for her to keep from jumping him as she wanted. “Morning.”

  “Hey.” He touched her backpack. “What’s in here?”

  “Snacks.” And other stuff she wasn’t about to mention now. Hopefully, the appropriate time would present itself later. “Did you have breakfast? Even if you did, Kanti made this for you.” Nic pulled two bacon-and-egg sandwiches from her backpack. “Better eat these.”

  “Gladly. I only had coffee.”

  “Here.” She tugged him to the porch swing. “Sit.”

  “Nope.” He bit into the first sandwich, moaned in delight, then chewed fast and swallowed. “I’d rather get a start on the day. Can you show me the—”

  “Yeah. Come on.” She hustled him off the porch and kept her voice low. “Don’t mention Bryce or his accident anywhere near Kanti or my mom. I don’t want them upset.”

  “Agreed. Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

  “Kanti’s breakfast sandwiches do that to a man.”

  He smiled.

  Egg dotted his lower lip.

  Nic wiped the morsels off then licked them from her finger.

  His cheeks darkened.

  Her face felt as hot as his looked.

  Two ranch hands strolled near, dipped their heads to her and Ghost, then kept glancing at them over their shoulders.

  Time to get a grip before everyone on the ranch gossiped about her and the “new” man.

  Once they’d reached the garage, Ghost was working on his second sandwich and finished it in three bites. He pointed at a cycle to the rear. “That it?”

  “Yeah.” Her heart cramped at Bryce’s favorite ride. A custom Harley he’d loved, the sleek back resembling a bird’s folded wings, the design straight from a sci-fi movie he’d been in. Despite the bent front wheel rim and fender, the vehicle was still in excellent condition. She’d taken care to keep it exactly as it had been on the day he died, in case someone in law enforcement eventually believed her suspicions.

  Ghost shoved the empty sandwich wrappers in his pocket then hunkered near the front wheel. “Can you turn on the overhead light?”

  She did as he asked. “Would you like the lantern, too?”

  “Please.” He pointed at an area below the headlamp. “Shine it here.”

  Once she had, he leaned closer, studying the spot then pulled out his smartphone.

  Puzzled, she crouched next to him. “What is it?”

  “See this indentation?” He gestured to a spot where the paint had rubbed off. “Notice how thin it is?”

  Now that he mentioned it… “From a rock scraping it when it fell over?”

  “The depression’s too perfect.” He took more pictures from different angles.

  She pushed to her feet as he did. “What are you thinking?”

  “That you’re right. Bryce’s death wasn’t accidental.” He scrolled through his photos. “The evidence doesn’t add up.”

  “In what way?”

  “Show me the area where he went down, then I’ll tell you.”

  She crossed her arms. “Why not now?”

  Ghost inclined his head to the outside. Ranch hands walked past, each peering in the garage before glancing away.

  He didn’t want an audience, and she couldn’t blame him. “Do you ride?” She gestured to Bryce’s many cycles. “It’s the best way to see the land.”

  “A horse is better…given what’s already happened.” His gaze slid to the ruined cycle.

  Nic wasn’t sure what he was getting at and figured he wouldn’t tell her until they were away from the garage and house. “I’ll have one of the hands saddle up two horses for us.”

  “One’s good enough.” Sin registered in his eyes, desire tightening his features.

  Her heart skipped several beats then pounded, hurting her chest. “Okay.”

  Chapter 4

  Nic rode in front on the gelding, Ghost behind, her backpack and his rifle secured to the saddle.

  With impressive skill, he guided their horse past the living quarters to open land, the crew and her family left behind, the day breathtaking—sun bright, sky clear, flowers and grass scenting the soft breeze.

  He eased his arm around her waist.

  Her pulse jumped, heat pouring through her. Unable to resist, she released her weight into him. Her lids grew heavy at his size and strength, his rigid cock nestled against her ass.

  Holding her tightly yet gently, too, he leaned over her shoulder. “Which way?”

  She hadn’t a clue what he meant, their lips mere inches away…kissing territory. “For what?”

  “Where Bryce went down.”

  Right. The true purpose for their ride. That reality didn’t crush her desire, the feelings too intense and welcomed. Finding her voice proved difficult, but she managed. “To the south, past the third stand of trees on the right.”

 

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