Page 51 of Sheltered by the Lawman

“Have a seat. This may take a while.”

She gave her head a quick shake, sending pieces of hair bouncing around her flushed cheeks. “I think I’ll stand.”

“I only know a little about you, and I didn’t show up at your apartment the night of the fire by accident. I was there to see you.”

“To see me? Why? You said we didn’t know each other.”

He didn’t find it easy telling a woman of her destructive history. His tongue became thick and his head throbbed. Out with it, Cull. He swallowed hard. Why did he think telling her was so important? “We didn’t know each other, but…”

“Come on, Cull. Just blurt it out,” she encouraged.

“I’ve told you that I was a fugitive recovery agent—”

“Oh my gosh! Were you there to arrest me?”

“No, but—” he growled. “I was taking you in for questioning.”

Her gasp echoed off the walls. She fell back onto a bale of hay, shock turning her skin pale white. “You were coming to arrest me and you’re telling me now?”

“Not to arrest you. Only to take you in for questioning.”

She blinked rapidly. “If you were coming to get me to take me in, then why am I here, at your family ranch? What did I do?”

He squeezed the bridge of his nose and dropped his hand to his side. “You were wanted for questioning in the death of a man. An attorney. He was found dead in a motel room in Cheyenne and you were the last one to be seen with him.”

If it were possible, her face paled even more. Would she pass out from shock? Hell, he didn’t know how to tell her the truth without being blunt.

Her irises darkened. “A man is dead? Did I kill him?” Her voice broke up. Moisture filled her gaze.

“No. Maybe. Hell…” He tore his hand through his hair again. He’d end up with a bald spot if he wasn’t careful. “I don’t know all the facts, but I’d be willing to bet my life on the fact that you didn’t kill him. And because you were struck over the head and wanted dead tells me you know something that someone wants to keep quiet.”

She stood, wobbled, and he started to go to her, but she held up a hand to stop him. “Everything in my brain is lost,”’ she said in an eerily low voice. “I could be an evil person.”

“I’ve been investigating the case, looking for the man who started the fire and trying to find the answers to questions. I feel like I’m closer.” There were so many things he wanted to say, but without proof and just a theory, he didn’t want to confuse her. It was still important that she remembered what happened that night. If she could identify the intruder the case would be solved.

She brought her chin up and looked at him, her bottom lip quivering. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll run away? Or does this mean you’re planning on taking me in?”

“Maybe I was afraid you’d run at first and that had something to do with why I didn’t tell you, but I know you now Monica. I know that you would never hurt anyone, man or woman.”

“You didn’t seem so confident about my innocence a few minutes ago.”

“In truth I have no clue how much you know about the killing.”

She threw up her hands. “That makes two of us.”

“I want you to help me with the case.”

“How? I don’t remember anything.” Moisture filled her eyes. “Wait…I’ve been having visions of a tall man, but I have no clue who he is. I feel sick when I think of him. Could he be the killer?”

“It’s possible. I think it’s time you took a look at some pictures. I believe you saw the man who wants you dead. If you can identify him, that’ll be a step in the right direction. It’s worth a try.”

“This man who was killed, was I involved with him?” She must have sensed his hesitation. “You can’t hold back now, Cull.”

And he agreed. “You were having an affair. He was married. His late wife has offered a reward.”

“There’s more. Isn’t there?” Her eyes pleaded for answers.

“You were an escort. He had your card in his wallet and that’s how police connected you.”

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