Page 24 of Desert Angel

He closed his eyes and drew in a breath before letting it out slowly. “Only if I can call in some favors.”

Hank had a little to say about Dylan’s plans. “What are you thinking? You’re not supposed to put your client in more danger, man. You’re supposed to keep her out of it.”

“She’s going to do it, Hank. If I don’t help her and leave this ranch, she’ll wait a couple of days and go out and confront the border guards on her own.”

“You’re not leaving that ranch and you and I both know it,” Hank groused. “You’ve fallen for her, haven’t you?”

“Maybe.” Dylan had heard rumors of other BP bodyguards and agents falling for their clients but he’d only thought they were that, rumors. Now, he wondered.

“Just don’t quit,” Hank muttered.

“Wasn’t planning on it,” Dylan said, though he’d have to rethink the active jobs Maybe he could get a desk job and help out on the ranch. If Nikki would have him.

“What do you need?” Hank finally said, a note of resignation in his voice.

“At least a couple of guys. I don’t have a good feeling about numbers. And there’s not been a clear message regarding time, has there?”

“No. It’s clear as mud. I think the communication is local. Phones, face-to-face communication. We haven’t had time or reason to tap local phones and the sat phones aren’t easy to breach.”

“Which is why we use them,” Dylan agreed. “We’re planning on going out every night. If you can get somebody here soon, I’ll try to get Nikki to hold off.”

“But you probably won’t, right?”

“You’re married to a strong woman. What would Sadie do, in this case?”

“I’ll get to work,” Hank said with an audible sigh. “Watch your six, man.”

Dylan disconnected the call and leaned back in his chair. He had a bad feeling about this.

That night he gathered the equipment they’d need. He cursed himself again for not bringing his night vision glasses. Hank had assured him the men coming would bring several pairs but that wasn’t any good right now, and Dylan had the feeling he’d be needing something. On a whim, he called Dan. “You got any night vision equipment I could borrow?”

“Why?” The word was drawn out almost into two syllables and Dylan winced.

“Nikki and I are taking a drive tonight.”

“Again, why?” This time, the request was almost staccato.

“Look. I need some night vision. You got any and can I use them?”

“I’m at home, man. I’m off for the first time in three weeks. I’m not leaving this house.”

“Understood. Say hi to Merry and the kids.” He disconnected the call and checked to make sure his pistol was clean and ready. He’d left the clip out and now glanced at it then stuck it in his pocket. He’d wait until he was in the truck to load his sidearm. When the phone rang, he plucked it up and answered. “Yeah?”

“I’m willing to meet you halfway,” Dan said briskly.

“Great, I can leave in five.”

He walked into the mudroom where Nikki was wrapping bars of soap in colored paper and tying them with burlap ribbon. “I’m taking a drive up north. Want to come along?”

“Why?” She said and wiped her hands on her jeans, calling his attention to her lean, shapely thighs.

“I’m getting some equipment from Dan.”

“Are we driving to Antelope Pass?”

“No. He’s at home in Deming. We’re meeting him halfway.”

She shrugged and went for a lightweight jacket before locking the house and heading for the truck. As they drove she questioned him about his sister and her family.

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