Page 14 of Rescued By the Ranger

But as I think about it, I hear rustling in the leaves covered by half a foot of snow. I pull the flashlight from my back pocket and shine it into the forest, but as quickly as the light flickers on it dies out. And then I remember that my tranq gun is in my truck. Me and my attitude had me all kinds of frustrated when I got here, not to mention the beautiful woman standing up to me making my body light up like a Fourth of July firework.

I hear the noise again. This time a couple of branches breaking.

My phone buzzes and I look down. A signal?

I answer whispering, “Shane, hey, I need your help.”

“What’s wrong? I saw you on the front porch on the security system and you look shaken.”

I spin. “There’s a security system? And how’s it working?”

“Yeah, we had it installed last year. It has its own battery bank backup that the internet’s on, too. Why what’s going on? Why’s it so dark out there?”

“Listen to me. My phone is dying and I have shit to take care of.”

“Okay…”

“The power is out, the house electric banks in the garage have been destroyed by someone, check the security footage. I think someone is out here that isn’t Leesa, Jazzy, or me.”

“Her ex?”

“Maybe. Does the company have any grumpy employees or anyone you’ve done your lawyerly ways to that could be pissed?”

“Not that I can think of.”

“Well, someone wasn’t happy and totally trashed it. We’re doing okay with the heat from the big fireplace in the living room.”

“Fuck. I’ll call the sheriff right now and I’ll check the security footage from last week.”

“You can try, but the sheriff won’t be able to get out here because of the snow.”

My phone beeps, the battery telling me that I have only at most a minute, maybe seconds.

“How are Leesa and Jazzy?” he asks. I can hear the concern in his voice.

“I’ve got them. You don’t have to worry.”

“I’m more worried aboutyouthan them. She’s been through shit, but you’ve been through hell. I know you’re still struggling, but please don’t let anything happen to them. Your nieces love them. We love them.”

I swallow hard. “I won’t. I promise.”

“Thank—”

And my phone goes dead.

7

LEESA

I wakeup with a start when I hear the front door open. I pull the fabric door closed on the fort and peek through just in case it’s not Rhodes.

But it is and he’s carrying…

A gun?

I’m not opposed to guns, especially at the moment, and with his training it’s almost a blessing, but I don’t want Jazzy to see it.

I climb out of the fort.

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