Rancher Rescue. Barb Han

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      Chapter Two

      Noah was gone. Katherine was hurt. Her only chance to see her nephew again stood next to her. The cowboy’s actions showed he wanted to help. He needed to know the truth. She couldn’t pinpoint the other reason she felt an undeniable urge to confide in the cowboy. But she did.

      “My nephew was kidnapped for a reason.” Oh. God. It was almost unbearable to say those words out loud.

      His thick brow arched. “Do you know these men?”

      She shook her head. “They wanted me to give them a file. Said they knew I had it, but I don’t. I have no idea what they’re talking about.”

      The cowboy’s comforting arm tightened around her. Could he really help? Noah was gone and she was desperate.

      He pulled out his cell phone.

      “I’m calling my foreman, then the sheriff. We’ll cover more ground that way.”

      “No police. They insisted. Besides, there’s no time. Let’s use your horse. We might be able to catch them. Noah needs medicine.” She moved to step forward. Pain nearly buckled her knees. Her vision blurred.

      “Hold on there,” he said, righting her again with a firm hand. “We’ll find him, but I’m bringing in the law.”

      “They’ll hurt—”

      “I doubt it. Think about it. They’d say anything to back you off. There’s no chance to find him otherwise.” He turned to his call. “Matt, grab a few men and some horses. We have a situation. A boy’s been taken. Looks like they might’ve crossed over to the McGrath place with him. I want every square inch of both properties scoured. And call the sheriff.” His gaze met Katherine’s, and her heart clutched. He was right. They were most likely bluffing.

      She nodded.

      “There are two men dressed in suits. Could be dangerous.” His attention shifted to her. “How old is your nephew?”

      “Four.” With reinforcements on the way, she dared to think she could get Noah back safely before the sun went down.

      A muscle in the cowboy’s jaw ticked. “You heard that, right?” A beat later came, “Somebody cut the fence on the north corner. Jimmy’s been running this side. Ask him how things were the other day when he came this way.”

      Katherine looked at the barbed wire. The last bit of hope this could have been a bad dream shriveled and died.

      “Tell the men to be careful.” Caleb took more of her weight as he pocketed his phone. “I’ve got you.”

      “I’m fine.” Katherine struggled to break free from his grip. Her brain was scrambled. She’d been dragged through this area thinking it had been a random trail, but how could it be? They’d cut the fence in advance. Everything about them seemed professional and planned. But what kind of file could she possibly have for men like them?

      The cowboy’s strong grip tightened around her as she fought another wave of nausea. “I think I’ll be fine once I get on your horse.”

      “My men are all over this. Matt’s phoning the sheriff as we speak. I need to get you home where I can take care of your injuries. The sheriff will need to speak to you for his report.”

      “The longer I wait, the farther away Noah will be.” She had no purse, no ID and no money. Those had been discarded along with his medicine. Everything she’d had with her was scattered between here and the pumpkin patch.

      His brow arched. “You won’t make it a mile in your condition.”

      “I can. I have to.” Katherine tried to put weight on her foot. Her knee buckled. He pulled her upright again with strong arms. He was powerful, male and looked as though he could handle himself against just about any threat.

      Caleb shook his head. “Hell, I’d move heaven and earth if I were in your situation. But you’re hurt.”

      “He needs me. He’s little and scared. You can’t possibly understand.” Her voice hitched.

      The lines in the cowboy’s forehead deepened. “We’ll cut through the McGraths’ on the way to the house. How’s that?”

      His arms banded around her hips. Arms like his would be capable of handling anyone or anything they came across. He lifted her onto the saddle with no effort and then swung up behind her.

      “I need to make sure you’re going to be around long enough to greet him. You let infection set in and that leg will be no use to you anymore.”

      She didn’t argue. Fatigue weighted her limbs, drained her energy. If he could fix her leg, she could find Noah.

      Taking the long way around didn’t unearth any clues about СКАЧАТЬ