The Wanted Cowboy (Cowboys After Dark Book 5) Read online

  “I wish I’d thought to go to the damn lodge when I first got out,” he grunted, hiking closer to the barn.

  Parked on a small knoll a few hundred feet from Luke’s house, Dwayne was yawning and trying to get comfortable. He’d been in position for an over an hour when Alex Brewster had called him and told him it appeared that Luke Larson had hopped a train and was headed out of town, but he wanted Dwayne to stay exactly where he was. Dwayne hadn’t protested; he saw Brewster as a canny kind of guy, a fella who had a keen instinct about things, and if Alex thought it was a good idea for him to stay there, then Dwayne would do just that.

  His view wasn’t a particularly good one, but if he’d been any closer he thought he might be spotted. When he saw a man hiking towards the barn from the back fields he lifted his binoculars, but he was too far away to see the man clearly, and all he could make out was a black cowboy hat. Frowning, he decided to get a better look, and slipping out of the car he started down the hill, completely forgetting his cell phone resting in its holder on the dashboard.

  By the time he was halfway down Luke was inside the barn, and Robbie had thrown his macho pride out the window and was hugging his boss while fighting back his emotion.

  “Man it’s good to see you,” he declared. ”I’ve been doin’ the best I can but this place can’t run right without you.”

  “I’m gonna sort all this out,” Luke promised as he broke away from the big guy. ”Don’t know how long it’s gonna take but I will. Did you understand the note?”

  Outside Dwayne had just reached the side of the barn, and hearing their voices he paused, then heart thumping he hurried quickly forward to stand by the open door.

  ”Sure did,” Robbie grinned. ”When I saw that piece of paper where your hat had been sitting I damn near had a heart attack. The saddle bags are all set, socks and underwear in one, jeans and a couple of shirts on the other. Dyin’ to hear where you’ll be campin’ out.”

  “The summer hunting lodge on the Anderson property,” Luke smiled. ”No one can get there this time of year except by horse, and why would they bother?”

  ”Boss, that’s genius. I can bring you up some supplies tonight if you want.”

  ”I’ll check what’s there and let you know,” he replied. ”I know they keep the freezer stocked and plenty of canned goods, and there’s always hay left over that’s kept in the feed room so it should be fine.”

  ”Shoulda known you’d have this all planned out,” Robbie grinned, “aint’ nobody can plan like you, except maybe the people who set you up.”

  ”It’s a bad deal,” Luke grimaced. “At the time I was so sure the cops would uncover whoever it was that stashed that crowbar and stolen money in my garage,” he remarked. “It’s been real hard to wrap my brain around bein’ found guilty of somethin’ I had nothin’ to do with, even harder to think that no-one believed me, but I’ve had plenty of time to think about the whole sorry mess and I think I’ve figured it out.”

  ”You know I’ll do whatever you need to help,” Robbie said soberly, “just tell me.”

  “Here’s a burner phone,” he began, reaching into his bag. “I have one, and Tess Turner has one. You can trust her.”

  “Is that right?” Robbie remarked raising his eyebrows as he took the phone. “At least that’s one problem sorted out. Don’t know how you managed that but sure glad you did.”

  “The only thing is, she doesn’t know I’ll be at the lodge and I need to keep it that way, for her own sake as well as mine!”

  ”Hey, I get that, with the Deputy Sheriff bein’ her brother an’ all,” Robbie nodded.

  “I’ll call you when I get there, so if you don’t hear from me in say, ninety minutes, come lookin’. It means I’ve either run into a problem on the way, or I’ve been picked up, which I doubt because they think I’m on a train to Longville.”

  “Real glad you’re back and you’re gonna find out who set you up,” Robbie declared. “I’ll shoot him myself.”

  “Please don’t,” Luke chuckled. “Then you’ll be in the clink, and I’ll have to run this place without you.”

  Standing just shy of the doorway, Dwayne could not believe what he was hearing; Luke Larson wasn’t guilty after all.

  “Good point,” Robbie chuckled.”

  “Where’s Ghost?” Luke asked. “Did you bring him in from pasture?”

  “I never took him out,” Robbie replied. ”I had an idea they wouldn’t be able to hold you long and I wanted Ghost nearby just in case. He’s been livin’ in the big corral with Chester, Blue and Skeeter. I’ll go get him. He’ll sure be glad to see you!”

  As Robbie moved quickly from the barn to fetch the horse, and Luke opened up the saddle bags to change from his ill-fitting clothes into his own, Dwayne hiked quickly back up the knoll to his car. Though he now knew where the wanted man could be found, he had no idea what to do with the information.

  This is all so wrong. They’ll just throw him back in the slammer, and he’s innocent. Dang, who can I tell and what should I do?

  Climbing behind the driver’s seat he slowly backed up and headed to the main highway; he needed a beer and a long think.

  Tess had sat gingerly on a stump hiding behind some trees that ran along the side of the barn, and was completely unaware that Deputy Dwayne Johnson had been on the other side listening to Luke’s conversation with Robbie.

  It felt good to catch her breath, but it wasn’t easy finding a comfortable position. When the stick had landed it had stung like mad, and though the searing zing had abated as she’d walked, her bottom was still carrying a prickling soreness. The quick stinging switch had only enhanced her growing affection for the roughhewn cowboy, and closing her eyes she relived his warm, engulfing bear hug.

  I knew I was totally into you before, but not like I am now. I don’t know how this thing has suddenly exploded between us but it has, and I never want it to end.

  Opening her eyes she scanned the terrain. There was nothing for miles, and she couldn’t imagine where Luke would be heading when he left his ranch. Not knowing made it difficult to decide whether to continue to follow him, or walk up to the main road and back to the railway station.

  I just don’t think I can leave you until I know you’ve reached your hideout safely. Once you’re there I’ll skedaddle, but I have to know where you are, otherwise all I’ll do is worry and I won’t be able to sleep.

  Standing up and stretching, she stared down and saw his telltale black cowboy hat as he left the barn. He was riding a hefty white horse and walking briskly away from her towards the back fields. Startled, she hurried to get close enough not to lose him and still stay hidden.

  Why do I think this is a bad idea?

  Because it is.

  It won’t be first time, and if he ends up going too far away I’ll head back.

  Yeah, sure you will.

  Oh, shut up. I have to know where he’ll be. I just do.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Riding through open fields and up and down rolling slopes, Luke was taking his time. To be back on his trusty steed and enjoying the clean air and open spaces was centering his mind and calming his troubled soul. Ghost a solid, dependable horse, was also expressing his joy at being out on the range again, jigging every once and a while, and tossing his head from sheer happiness.

  The ride to the back of the Anderson ranch where the hunting lodge was located took almost an hour, and as he made his way down the gentle hill towards the barn, the sun dropped below a nearby ridge causing the air temperature to rapidly drop. Pulling Ghost to a stop outside the barn he thought he heard the sound of an animal in distress, and his horse too, pricked his ears and turned his head; staring up the hill he saw an oddly shaped lump laying on the ground.

  “Let’s take care of you first,” he said softly, patting Ghost on the neck.

  Opening the barn door he led his horse inside, pulled off his tack and guided him into the roomiest stall, then crossing the barn he entered the tack
room he knew so well; as he suspected nothing had changed. Taking what he needed he returned to Ghost and began to clean him up; the horse nickered thankfully, and Luke knew Ghost was relishing the attention.

  “Did you miss me, fella?” he purred, smoothing his coat with the soft bristled brush.

  Being alone with the big gelding in the quiet, empty barn was the perfect end to a successful day, and in spite of the heavy burden of being a wanted man, Luke felt at peace.

  “Don’t you worry Ghost, things will get back to normal soon,” he promised, and after filling a water bucket and throwing him two full flakes of hay, Luke grabbed the saddle bags and headed outside.

  Closing the barn door he returned his attention to the odd lump on the side of the hill. The late afternoon sun was quickly fading, bringing an icy nip to the air, and after depositing the saddle bags at the front door he zipped his suede jacket closed and made his way up the slope.

  Knowing injured animals could be dangerous he proceeded cautiously, trying to determine what it was he was looking at, but as he neared he heard a groan.

  “Damn, that’s a person,” he muttered hurrying forward, and seconds later, shocked and horrified, he found himself staring down at his beloved Tess.

  “What the hell?” he exclaimed.

  She was sporting a nasty gash on her forehead; it was an open wound surrounded by crusty blood, and to Luke’s eye it looked deep enough to require stitches. Her eyes were closed, and hastily pulling off his jacket he laid it over her.

  “Tess, can you hear me?” he asked urgently. “Look at me, does anything else hurt besides your head?”

  Slowing opening her eyes she stared up at him.

  “Luke, thank God,” she trembled. “I’m not sure. My ankle, and I’m dizzy.”

  “Come on, let’s get you inside,” he declared. “That’s a bad cut on your head, you might have a concussion.”

  “I fell,” she whimpered, “and I’m so cold.”

  “Yep, I can see that,” he replied tersely.

  Simultaneously furious and deeply worried, he scooped her up and made his way carefully down the hill, wishing he’d unlocked the door when he’d dropped off the saddlebags.

  Reaching the porch he held her tightly as he gently lowered her on to her one good foot, then fished around the back of the overhead light. To his great relief he found the key was still in the same hiding place, held there by a magnetized key holder. Quickly unlocking the door he picked her up and carried her inside, depositing her on the large, enveloping leather couch that had been there for as long as Luke could remember. Returning to the porch he grabbed the saddle bags, closed and locked the door behind him, turned on the heat, then went straight to the hall closet to fetch the large medicine chest and a blanket; predictably nothing had been moved since the last time he’d been there.

  “Man, I love that Anderson hates change,” he mumbled as he hurried back to her. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna take care of you,” he said reassuringly, sitting on the edge of the couch.

  “Sorry,” she murmured, “I was just making sure you were okay.”

  “Shush,” he frowned covering her with the thick wool throw. “Now let’s look at this cut,” he continued, retrieving a bottle of iodine solution and a sterile pad from the first-aid kit. “This is gonna sting,” like your bottom will the minute you’re feelin’ better.

  Pouring the iodine solution on to the gauze he gently began cleaning the wound, and once the dried blood had been wiped away he could see it wasn’t as deep as he’d initially thought, though a couple of stitches wouldn’t be amiss. Finding a sterile patch he placed it over the cut, taping it in place, then turned his attention to her ankle.

  “I’m gonna have to take off your boots and it will probably hurt,” Luke warned. ”Just grit your teeth. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”

  “Okay,” she stammered. ”Sorry, again.”

  “I’m sure you are,” he sighed. “How did you hit your head?”

  “You were getting ahead of me and I was so focused on keeping you in sight I didn’t see the edge of a low branch. It almost knocked me out. It hurt so much, Luke,” she moaned, feeling tears at the edges of her eyes. “When I got up you were gone. I was so scared. I started to run and finally saw you. I guess you’d stopped to look at something, thank God you did.”

  “You are a foolish, foolish girl,” he softly scolded.

  “I know,” she sniffled. “I was just so worried about you.”

  “We’ll talk about this later,” he frowned, “and I guess you twisted your ankle tryin’ to get down the hill?”

  ”Uh-huh,” she nodded. “I was so tired, and I couldn’t keep my balance.”

  ”Okay, Tess, I’m gonna pull off your boot. You ready?”

  “I guess,” she replied.

  As carefully as he could Luke began to remove the boot. She gasped and winced until it was finally off, then he peeled back her sock and studied the slightly swollen joint.

  ”It’s not too bad. You need to ice it for twenty minutes then I’ll wrap it. You should be feeling better by tomorrow if you stay off it, but first you need a hot bath.”

  “That sounds heavenly,” she moaned. “I’m so dirty and achy and cold. I feel like I’ve wrenched every muscle in my body.”

  “I’ll fill the tub for you” he declared standing up. “I’m sure you’ll feel much better after that.”

  Tess watched him march away, then closed her eyes, thinking what a narrow escape she’d had. Hitting her head had been scary enough, but when she’d stood up to find he’d disappeared she been truly terrified. She’d run as fast as she was able but her boots weren’t made for either the terrain or for jogging, and she’d tripped more than once; when she’d finally seen him she’d burst into relieved tears.

  Hearing the sound of the water running she opened her eyes and saw Luke ambling back towards her.

  “I’m gonna pick you up and carry you into the bathroom,” he declared. “I found some Epsom Salts in the cupboard, that should help.”

  “Thank you, Luke, so much,” she whimpered. “I feel like I’m ten years old.”

  ”I’m sure you do,” Luke said tenderly. “Let’s get you some aspirin,” he suggested, fishing around the medicine box.

  Handing her a small packet of Bayer he walked to the kitchen for some water, and opening the freezer side of the refrigerator he was happy to see several packets of frozen vegetables. After pouring a glass of water, and grabbing a large bag of peas he hurried back to her.

  “Here,” he said, handing her the glass, then sitting at her feet he molded the peas against her ankle. “I’ll do this until the tub’s ready.”

  Tess swallowed back a wave of fresh tears; her ankle was throbbing, her head hurt, and she felt weak and miserable.

  I’m such an idiot. What was I thinking?

  You weren’t.

  I had no idea he’d ride all the way out here.

  I think you’re in for a helluva spanking when you’re better.

  But I was trying to help.

  Yeah, like that’s going to matter.

  “Tess, where’s your car?” he asked glancing back at her.

  The question broke into her thoughts, and wincing from the cut when she frowned she stared back at him.

  “Uh-oh, at the train station,” she replied sheepishly.

  “That’s what I thought,” he grimaced. “Jeb won’t be back from Longville yet, we might just have time to cover your tracks.”

  “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  “Say that one more time and your butt will hurt worse than your head and your ankle,” he growled.

  “But I am sorry,” she whimpered.

  “I know,” he nodded, “that’s why you don’t have to keep sayin’ it.”

  Pulling his burner phone from his pocket he hurriedly called Robbie, praying he’d pick up.

  “Did you make it?” Robbie asked. “You settled in the lodge?”

  “Yep, I made it, but Tess followed
me out here,” he declared. “She left her car at the train station and she got herself banged up. There’s no way she can get back there.”

  “Oh, no,” Robbie groaned.

  “Oh, yes,” Luke grimaced. “She can call the cafe and make excuses about not working tonight, but we’ve got to get that car back to her place.”

  “What about the keys?” Robbie asked.

  “The keys, of course,” Luke groaned.

  “I have a hide-a-key under the left back wheel well, and there’s a key to the house by the back door under a green flower pot,” Tess offered.

  “That’s a relief. What about the remote for the garage?”

  “Second button on the rearview mirror,” she replied.

  Luke quickly repeated the information to Robbie, then moved across the room and stared out the window at the quickly fading light.

  “It’s gonna be dark soon,” he remarked. “I think you should drive to the lumber yard and park. There’s a back door that’s always left open, you know the one?”

  “Yep, sure do,” Robbie replied.

  “Go in through the front of the store, then sneak out through that back door. You can jog from there to the station, it can’t be more than a mile. When you drive the car to Tess’s, run inside and turn on the bedroom and living room lights.”

  “But what about turning them off?” he asked.

  “You’re gonna have to go back later,” Luke sighed. “Sorry, but I don’t know any other way.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it,” Robbie promised.

  “If you get started now it’ll probably be dark by the time you get to her car, and that will be just about the time Jeb will realize I’m not on that train.”

  “Got it, I’m on my way,” Robbie declared.

  “Keep your eyes open at the station, and if your instinct says abort, then abort, we’ll figure out somethin’ else.”