Page 48 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

* * *

With his back against a tree and gripping a thick branch, Geoff waited for the deputy’s return. Hearing the approaching footfalls, he took a breath and readied himself. The moment the lawman walked past him Geoff charged forward and slammed the heavy wood down on his head. As the muscled young man tumbled to the ground the car’s key fob fell from his hand. After swiftly picking it up, Geoff took the deputy’s gun and raced to the car. Though Annie stared at him with wide eyes as he appeared at her window, he unlocked the vehicle and jerked open the door.

“Don’t panic, don’t panic,” he said hastily, leaning in and grabbing her arm. “I just want to talk, that’s all, just talk.”

“Where’s the deputy?”

“He was in the way and I had to take care of him. Now get out of the car.”

“Have you completely lost your mind? You can’t assault a deputy. You’ll end up in prison.”

“Don’t be naive. People like me don’t go to prison. I could buy this entire town and it wouldn’t even dent my wallet. I’ve told you time and again, money and power, that’s what matters. Now I’m asking you nicely, get out and come with me. We need to go somewhere quiet and talk. Please, Annie, I’ve gone to a lot of trouble to find you. Don’t make me do something we’ll both regret,” he warned, lowering his voice.

“You’re insane. You’re completely insane.”

“Stop being so fucking dramatic! I don’t have time for this shit! You’ve got three-seconds, then I’ll drive down to that barn and introduce this gun to your boyfriend! One—two—”

“Okay, okay, just put that thing away.”

“Not yet,” he replied tersely as she climbed from the car. “Walk ahead of me, and when you enter the trees turn right. I found a place where we won’t be disturbed.”

* * *

Leaving the barn to fetch Annie, Brody jogged up to the deputy’s car with Bella trotting along beside him, but as he drew near he realized it was empty. Trying not to panic, he snatched his phone from his pocket and called her. The moment he heard her voicemail he raced into the forest.

“ANNIE!”

Getting no response he hurried forward, and only moments later he discovered Frank lying on the ground, moaning and holding the back of his head.

“What the hell happened?” Brody asked, crouching beside him and helping him sit up.

“I got slammed from behind. Is Annie okay?”

“I don’t know. She’s gone.”

“He must’ve taken my key. Hold on, I’ll get help,” he muttered, lifting the radio from his vest. “Keep looking, but if you find her and she’s with Geoffrey Palmer come back here. Don’t do anything. The guy is nuts.”

“Sorry, no promises, but I won’t put her in any danger,” Brody replied, then taking Bella by her collar, he looked at her intently. “Bella, find Annie. Understand? Find Annie.”

The dog tilted her head to the side, then barked, and dropping her nose to the ground she began sniffing. As he followed her in a circle he began to think she might not be able to help, then she suddenly took off running.

* * *

Geoff had led Annie into a small, damp cave, sat her down, then settled himself in front of the entrance. To escape she’d have to get past him, and they both knew that wouldn’t happen. Frightened and not wanting to provoke him, she stayed quiet and avoided looking him in the eye. She’d always known he’d do just about anything to win, whether it was a simple argument or a contract negotiation, and as she stared at the ground, she thought about Patty Henderson.

“We need to stay here for a little while,” he began, breaking into her thoughts. “Just until I’m sure no-one’s around.”

“Geoff, you can’t possibly get away,” she whispered. “You’ve taken things too far. This is madness.”

“Madness is walking away when you’re halfway through a new album and you’re getting ready to perform in the biggest concert arenas in the world and about to make millions.”

“I’m not walking away from anything, I just need a break.”

“Why didn’t you just say so? Am I that much of an ogre? Have I ever denied you anything?”

“Yes, you have!”

“Oh, I see, you’re talking about your cowboy. I understand you miss him, but—”

---