Page 25 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

“You don’t know how important something is or how much you love it until it’s taken away. This is a miracle. There were times I didn’t think I’d ever get away from him.”

“But you did. Oh, I almost forgot. Your folks know you’re here.”

“They do? How did that happen?”

“The sheriff called to tell me Geoff was gone and we could tell your family. He also said we need to contact law enforcement and release a statement for the press. He was concerned about all the resources out there trying to find you. He kind of hinted that you could get in trouble if you didn’t let them know you were safe and okay.”

“Oh, my gosh, I hadn’t thought about that. But once Geoff hears he’ll come after me again…unless…” she muttered.

“You have an idea?”

“They say a good offense is the best defense. I’m going to tell the police everything. Geoffrey Palmer was threatening and abusing me and I was absolutely terrified. I’ll also bring up Patty Henderson and suggest they take a closer look at her death. Then I’ll call Geoff and tell him what I’ve done. He’ll completely freak out.”

“Annie, that’s brilliant. He wouldn’t dare come after you knowing you’ve told the police what he’s like, but just to be on the safe side I’ll hire some private security.”

“I was thinking about that myself.”

“Call your parents on the landline, they’re dyin’ to talk to you. While you do that I’ll get in touch with the sheriff on my cell and ask him to put me in touch with whoever is in charge of the search for you.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The sheriff wasn’t available when Brody called so he left a message, then moments later Annie finished speaking to her parents. She was dying to see them so they hurried out to his truck, and as she was climbing in, Bella suddenly jumped up over her, and perched between the seats. Chuckling at her antics, Brody settled behind the wheel, but during the drive he noticed Annie was constantly glancing into the side mirrors.

“Annie, Geoff’s gone, you don’t have to worry.”

“I guess it’s still hard to believe.”

“Believe it, and pretty soon you’ll be talkin’ to the police, then Geoff will be the one lookin’ over his shoulder.”

“I hope they can nail him.”

“You know what, I’m willin’ to bet there are others who have suffered at his hands but too afraid to speak up. You wait and see. When the news breaks the cops will start gettin’ a bunch of calls.”

“You know, Brody, I think you’re right. I remember one of my backup singers was really quiet when he was around. I thought she was just in awe of him.”

“Scared, more like,” Brody replied, turning into her parent’s driveway.

“Oh, my gosh, it’s Andy,” she shouted, seeing her brother step from the house with her mother and father.

Hurriedly climbing from the truck she ran up to hug him, and as Brody followed he felt his heart swell.

“Thank you for takin’ care of our girl, Brody,” her father said gratefully walking up to greet him. “Are you comin’ in for coffee?”

“Thanks, but you should enjoy your reunion and I have a bunch of stuff to do at the ranch.”

“You’ll be back for dinner though.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Then we’ll see you around six.”

Saying a quick goodbye to Annie who was now being smothered by her mother, Brody returned to the truck and headed off, but halfway home he received a call from the sheriff.

“Hello, sheriff. If you’re lookin’ for Annie I just dropped her off at her parent’s house.”

”Good to know, but I’m glad you’re alone. I have good news and bad news. I’ll start with the bad. I just got confirmation from the airfield. The jet did take off, but with only two passengers.”

“You’re kiddin’. That means Geoff and two of his goons must still here.”

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