Page 52 of Seized by the Lawman

“What’s truly fascinating is that you know your daughter, and you still think that’s a conceivable request,” Nix drawled.

“I’m beginning to think I’ve made the wrong decision in choosing you—”

“Stop that. This isn’t Nix’s fault.” Melly shook her head. “I’ll tell you why I asked for money if you promise to not freak out.”

“Does this have anything to do with the baby? If you need anything, you know I’ll help you,” Carson offered.

Melly’s breath came out in a groan. She shot Nix an annoyed look. He was not-so-surprisingly rubbing the deep creases on his forehead. “Nix!”

“I realize you are working hard to keep secrets from me, but some are not meant to be kept,” Carson sighed. “Do you think I’m so barbaric that I’d deny you the ranch because you’re having a baby?”

She brought her chin around, feeling the burning of tears at the back of her eyes, but she refused to falter. “I planned on telling you, but I guess I believed you’d think this was another irresponsible act on my part. I wanted to prove to you that I can do this. I can run the ranch. Dad, I really am capable. I’m not Mom, but I’m a lot like her.”

“Sweetheart, maybe I was wrong for making you jump through hoops, but parents sometimes make big mistakes when they’re trying to protect their kids. I’m not too prideful to admit that I’m wrong at times. Nix says you’re ready and I believe him, and even if you aren’t, then I can’t stand in your way.”

Her mouth dropped and she quickly shut it. “Are you being serious?”

Carson nodded. “Yes. Don’t be angry with Nix for telling me about the baby. I have respect for a man who can stand up and tell the truth. But for now, we need to concentrate on what led you to ask for money? Brad said he sensed something was wrong. I don’t like the man, but it took great guts for him to call me.”

“Is it for the ranch? The baby? I told you I’d help,” Nix said.

Lowering her eyes to her clasped hands, she sighed. “. A man came to Shy Brooke. He called himself Andy. I didn’t recognize him, but he knew who I was, and he also knows you Nix. Apparently, from what he said, you wrongly put him in prison and he thinks he deserves a monetary payback. He threatened the baby and you if I didn’t pay him what he thought was a suitable amount for his personal damages.”

“Fifty grand, right?” Nix bit out.

“Yes. If I gave him what he requested, he said he’d go away and we’d never see him again. If I refused he said he’d cause harm to those I care for. You must understand why I wanted to take care of this on my own. I was afraid of what he’d do. He’s evil and he means every word.” She watched Nix’s jaw go hard. “He knows personal things about us and he says he watches.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” There was a tight frustration in his voice.

“Because the man said he’d find you and kill you. That you couldn’t catch him in time. He was the one who caused the accident and he had also locked me in the shed. This was his way of showing me how easy it would be for him to hurt me…you. My God, the baby when he or she is born.” Her bottom lip trembled. “I-I—we, can’t let this maniac stay out on the streets.” She was shaking so badly that her teeth chattered.

“Wait. What accident? And what shed? Bring me up to speed,” Carson groaned.

Melly patted his hand. “I didn’t want you to know. You’re always so protective and I thought you’d overreact.”

He had a pinched expression. “Nix, fill me in.”

“Rest easy, Carson. I handled the situation…at least what I knew of the situation.” He gave Melly a frustrated glare. “I ran for fingerprints, put up security cameras all over the property. How did the bastard get on the property?” Nix growled.

She swallowed hard. “I don’t know. Someone had to let him in. He told me Randy did, but I don’t believe that, and yet, he knew the routine at the ranch. I know he’s been there many times.”

“Someone who knows the gate code. There’s no freaking way he could get past the perimeter without the security system alerting you or me. The gate would be easier to breach. All he’d need is the code.” Nix rubbed his jaw. “And he called himself Andy?”

“I’m sure it’s not his real name, but yes.” “Hell, I’ve put away a lot of criminals.” This might not be easy.”

“He’s a brave man. He didn’t seem too concerned walking onto the ranch.”

“His mug has to be on camera. Did you get a good look at him?”

“He was wearing a cap and large sunglasses. He also had a tattoo of a star on his face…here on his cheek.” She pointed to a spot on her own face.

Nix blew out a breath and shook his head. “That’s a sign of a lengthy prison term or that he’d lost a friend while in prison. The tattoo is probably fairly new.”

“Let’s take a look at the camera footage,” Carson said, “but with him wearing a cap and glasses, we might not get a good identification.”

“I’ll run the database to see which prisoners have been released in the last six months. That could take some time.” Nix pulled out his phone and started tapping away at the keyboard. “I’ll start the team on pulling up records. I’ll also enlist my brothers for help.” He paused his fingers. “That’s if you’re okay with this, sir?”

“Yes. Good idea. We need to move fast on this.” Carson stood and went to sit on the corner of his desk. “When were you supposed to meet him to give him the money?”

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