Page 45 of Brutal Heir

“I’ll get started,” he says heading back to his SUV. “The guys should have some, too.” He pops open the back. “We’ll do the leg work.”

“Thanks.” I make a mental note to get some snake guards.

“I should have asked if anyone’s seen illegals,” Ochoa says offhandedly.

“Oh.” My eyes widen. “I saw a group on the side of the road.”

He stops, one leg covered in the snake guard. “Coming out of the ranch?”

“They were toward the far end of the ranch, over by the property line.” Which is probably too far.

My phone rings. The familiar tone announces Bill calling. I take a deep breath and hit the button, while Ochoa heads back to his vehicle.

“Bill, thanks for getting back to me.” Another call comes in. Ezequiel. Unfortunately, I have to let the call go to voice mail.

“What’s wrong, Sage?” Bill asks, both tired and serious.

“Listen, something’s happened.” I moderate my tone, making sure I don’t sound dire. “I came to the office earlier and found Elena’s car.” I lick my lips. “Seems Rudy logged her in on Friday, but she never logged out.” Never…I shouldn’t have used that word.”

“Nobody noticed she didn’t leave?” he asks, his composure cracking.

I shut my eyes. “I know.” How could the guard not check on her?

“Let’s not get carried away,” he says, reverting to his usual steady tone. “I’m sure you’ve already hit all the worst-case scenarios.”

“You don’t think it’s foul play?” I ask, hoping she isn’t hurt, or worse. Some of the people coming through are hardened criminals.

“Her car’s there, so there’s a good chance she’s okay. She probably had car trouble and got a ride back to town. Have you tried calling her?”

“She didn’t answer.” I feel like I’m going to be sick. “I’m really worried, Bill.” My voice trembles, despite trying my best to keep it steady. “There’s no sign of a struggle.” Though that doesn’t mean she wasn’t taken.

“We’re heading home, but it’ll be hours before I make it.” His wife is asking questions in the background. My heart breaks for her. “Can you get someone to check her house?”

“I’ll go.” It’s something I can do, since I’m not prepared for anything else. “I have the guards on the way to help check the perimeter.”

“Good idea,” he says, sounding sad.

This can’t be happening. Not to Elena. I take a deep breath and try to focus on the task at hand. I need to find her. I need to find out what’s happened.

“I’ll keep you updated.”

“Call Ezequiel,” he suggests. “He can round up his guys to lend a hand.”

“Will do.” I end the call. A second guard has shown up. Ochoa’s bringing him up to date. “I’m heading to town to check her place.”

Ochoa gives a thumbs up. I jump in my truck and head up the road and around the cones he set up across the one gate that doesn’t have an actual bar to close the entrance. We may have to do something about that.

I hit the highway just as the third guard heads into the ranch.Thank goodness. I smash my foot down on the gas.

Crap, I have to call Ezequiel. I bring the phone up so I’m holding it at the top of the steering wheel as I find the number and hit the button to call.

The phone rings; my blood pressure skyrockets. “Damn it. Doesn’t anyone answer their phones anymore?”

Chapter 26

Ezequiel

I’m coming up on the main house, cattle trailer in tow, when I see the dust clouds kicked up in opposite directions. Security’s running around the ranch like a guy who lost his wedding ring and is about to go home to a jealous wife.

---