Page 33 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“We have no choice. You’ll have to take them both out.”

“Don’t panic. Come over here and we’ll strategize.”

“I’d rather stay put and keep my eye on things.”

“You could, but I doubt they’ll be going anywhere. Theyjust got home.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Gino, we should discuss all this in person. I’m in my cabin.”

“Yeah, okay. I’m on my way.”

* * *

As Paddy ended the call a dark frown crossed his face. A simple job he now wasn’t thrilled to be doing, had suddenly become complex and difficult. Not only that, cowboys owned guns and weren’t afraid to use them.

Flopping into a wing-backed leather armchair, he closed his eyes, took in several deep breaths, and tried to push away his doubts.

He could stake out the property and snatch her when an opportunity presented itself, but he didn’t have the time to carry out the necessary surveillance. To make matters worse, when he’d watched the couple in the restaurant it was obvious they’d become more than friends, and new lovers were usually attached at the hip. He sighed again. Not only were his feelings about the girl continuing to bother him, the situation was untenable.

There was only one answer.

A knock at his door abruptly snatched his attention.

“It’s Gino!”

“Speak of the devil,” he grunted, rising to his feet and marching across the room to let him in.

“Any ideas yet?” Gino asked brusquely, striding past him.

“Well, yeah, plenty, but nothing I can do given the short amount of time we have. If I could separate the girl from the cowboy I’d make her death appear accidental. Like—falling and cracking her head on a rock, or a hit and run,maybe even an animal attack. But to arrange anything like that I need days, not hours.”

“Paddy, my fucking life is on the line here,” Gino shouted. “Impossible or not it has to happen. Go in and kill them both. Make it look like a burglary gone wrong.”

“That Gino, is a really bad idea. Sorry, I’m out.”

“But you can’t bail on me,” Gino sputtered, staring at him in shock. “Do you want more cash? Name your price!”

“Gino, you’re on your own.”

“Hey, I know stuff about you.”

Narrowing his eyes, Paddy took a step towards the desperate man.

“Are you threatening me?”

“No, no,” Gino replied hastily, “but Karen has to be stopped and I need help.”

“If I were you I’d spend the next few hours finding the best lawyer money can buy. I’m leaving,” Paddy exclaimed, striding to the door and opening it. “You should do the same. Now go!”

Though glaring furiously Gino didn’t speak, but hurried past him and moved outside.

As Paddy turned the lock he felt an unfamiliar wave of relief. He had no desire to see the pretty girl dead.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

At the ranch Cade and Joe were tacking up four horses for the upcoming lesson while Karen stood back and watched. When Cade started saddling the last horse, a mare named Pixie, he waved her over.

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