His grip tightened around John’s neck until he choked out, “Mine.”
“It’s both you motherfuckers’ fault. You better fucking find her before Navarro’s men do because she’ll be his for nothing then. He’s already asking for my head. If you don’t, I’ll be putting your heads on a platter. Understood?” He released his hold on John.
Jumping back and rubbing his neck, John’s eyes never left Cummings. There would be no way he’d turn his back to him. “Loud and clear,” Jimmy responded.
Both men fled the office as soon as humanly possible. Several of Cummings’s other goons shared commiserating looks with Jimmy and John. None of them wanted to be on that assignment.
The two hired men walked out to the SUV while looking over their shoulders. There was no guarantee that Cummings wouldn’t kill them for failing. As they pulled out of the estate, Jimmy said, “We should check with the people of the town nearest the gas station.”
“Yeah, maybe someone gave her a lift,” John tossed out.
“I bet. Why the fuck can’t she just accept her fate and take the dick?” Jimmy banged the steering wheel in rage. Letting his anger come over him, he continued to rant, “Pussy’s pussy. I don’t know what the hell is so good about virgin pussy. Theydon’t know what to do with it and they fucking cry when you steal it.”
“Well, then we better get a move on. Navarro’s going to know she’s not cherry if someone else gets to her first. A tight-ass body roaming around alone, she’s liable to get picked up by a crazy fuck like you,” John said with a wry laugh.
They arrived in the first town east of the gas station, looking out of place in their well-tailored suits and catching glances from the residents. Getting nowhere, they moved to the next town. For six hours, they roamed two towns, questioning every soul around. No one had seen her and were genuinely surprised. That’s when they ran into the town Sheriff, Ray McCain.
“Can I help you, gentlemen?” he asked, sliding his hands along his gun belt.
Sensing the sheriff’s distrust, Jimmy blurted out, “We’re looking for my friend’s daughter. She went missing this morning, and we’re worried.” They handed the picture to the sheriff.
He stared at the photo, taking thorough look at the girl in the image and replied, “Sorry to hear that. She’s stunning, but I haven’t run into anyone I don’t know…well—except for you boys. Where did you say you were from?”
“We didn’t.”
“Well, it would help if you did, so’s if she did come around we could put up an alert, you know.” He gave them a curious appraisal that made them uncomfortable like he wasn’t as gullible as they initially believed.
His head tilted and his brows scrunched together as he took another look at the young woman’s picture. “We can put up her photo in our post office if you’d like.”
“No. If she’s not here, then she won’t be headed this way.”
“Well, then, there’s only one ranch nearby, but the owner’s a grumpy bastard. He might shoot you off his property. Still, you can try and ask him. Other than that, I’m afraid you’re wasting your time.” Ray knew something was off about the suits, and his cousin would be aware of who they were.
“Thanks. We’ll make a stop over there.” They shook the sheriff’s hand, then jumped into their SUV and left. They passed a sign for Spring Water Texas that read:
Gibson Cattle Ranch—2 miles
“I bet that’s the one he’s talking about.” They drove up to the ranch, ignoring the “No Trespassing” sign. Just as they stepped out of the SUV, the cowboy they ran into earlier walked out onto the porch.
“I’m guessing you can’t read. It says no tres…wait…weren’t you the guys at the gas station?” He narrowed his gaze, drying his hands with a dish towel before tossing it over his shoulder.
“Yes, we were told to come here. Did she show up?” Jimmy asked him.
***
“No. I haven’t seen the woman you’re looking for. It’s dark out, so she better be somewhere safe. If she’s out on my fields, she won’t last the night. Good luck, and get off my property. My new bull is a little restless if ya know what I mean, and he don’t take kindly to interruptions.” He winked at the two guys. His cousin had given him a call telling him that there were two guys looking for a missing woman.
“Sorry about that.” Gage nodded and waited for them to get in their vehicle, but they first passed his SUV, looking into the back seat for her.Now I’m glad she grabbed her shit.
“This has been a fucking waste of a day. Where did that bitch go?” The lead prick in the suit ranted before he entered the driver’s side, unaware that voices carried in that part of the front yard. Gage heard his words, and so did Hope, who hid behind the door, shaking.
Hope felt Gage’s arms wrap around her as she shook. “I’m not going to let them get to you. Ever.”
“You know that I can’t stay here.”
“Yes, you can, and you will. They won’t be back, and tomorrow this place will be littered with men installing some high-tech gadgets. If I catch them on my property again, I can put a bullet in their heads. Come on. Let’s get you ready for bed.” Gage led her upstairs and to her room.
When left alone, Hope sat on the bed and just lost herself in thought. She knew that her attraction to Gage was once in a lifetime, but was it fair to be here when danger crept right up on his doorstep?