Page 71 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Chapter 24

“LOOK, I DON’T know how you think—”

The man, Burke, took a step around the table and held up a picture. “This is her, right?” He stabbed a finger into the picture.

Cull growled and leaned in closer. His heart slammed against his ribs. No doubt, it was Monica staring back at him from the photo. “Is there a reason why you came?” No way in hell would he give out information to some stranger who showed up unexpectedly. This man could be anyone.

Burke returned the picture to his pocket. “I’ve been looking for Sally. I’ve contacted every store, hospital, you name it, within a hundred miles. Thankfully, a nurse recognized Sally and called me.” He dug into his pocket again and this time he withdrew a missing flyer with Monica’s picture. “I made hundreds of these and passed them out.”

“And you are who?” Cull slurred, feeling reality slam into his bubble.

“I’m her fiancé.” The man boldly held Cull’s gaze.

His balls tightened and he clenched his hands into fists. Pulling himself together, he chuckled. “She’s not mentioned a fiancé, or any man for that matter.” He could practically feel Kiersten’s disgruntled stare on his back.

The man shifted from one expensive loafer to the other. “I spoke with the hospital doctor and he told me enough that I know she can’t remember me. Something about memory loss.”

Damn doctor. Cull had half a mind to go to the hospital and wring the man’s neck for giving out private information that could put Monica in danger. “Look…”

“I have other pictures.” The man dug into his pockets and dragged out a stack of pictures, holding them up high for Cull to see.

The first picture Monica had a bright smile. Her hair was long and blowing in the breeze. It was a copy of the one she had when he found her. Cull’s chest tightened. Taking the pictures from the man, Cull looked through each of them, all twenty, of Monica and this man who said his name was Burke. She looked happy, satisfied…and Cull’s heart dropped.

“Where are you from?” Cull asked.

“Cheyenne. That’s where we lived, together.”

Kiersten stepped forward. “Can I grab some coffee?”

“No,” Cull barked.

“How about some whiskey?” she asked.

He gave her a side glance and she held up her hands in defense. “Sorry.”

“Kiersten, will you leave us alone?” Cull said with an agitated tone.

“I don’t think—”

He guessed she didn’t trust that he wouldn’t lose his temper. “It’ll be fine. I might take some coffee after all.”

With a hesitant nod, she disappeared into the kitchen and Cull turned his complete attention on Burke who stood in front of him like a wrecking ball. Handing back the pictures, Cull swiped a hand down his jaw. This could go two ways. He could tell the stranger to take a hike, which meant that he could keep Mon—Sally, or whatever her real name was. However, how fair would that be to her? She deserved to know the truth, and he couldn’t take that away from her. On the other hand, Cull needed to be careful. Just because a man strolled in with a stack of pictures and a name drop didn’t mean he could be entirely trusted.

The man must have sensed Cull’s trepidation.

“I know it must seem crazy for me to come here, but can I see her? Then we can see what she wants to do. I’m sure she’ll want to get back to her life.”

Cull swallowed against the constriction in his throat. He needed a few minutes, a few centuries, to gain his equilibrium. It wasn’t everyday a man found out that the very woman he loved, made love to, was engaged to another man. His job was to protect her before everything.

“I think it’s best I speak to her first. Since she doesn’t have her memory, I don’t want to scare her.”

Burke nodded. “I’m staying at the Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast in town. Can you bring her there so we can talk?”

“I will, if she wants to come.” Cull forced the words through thin lips.

Burke hesitated then strolled to the door. “If you don’t have her there by tomorrow, I’ll contact the police. I’m not wanting to be mean, but she doesn’t belong here. She has a home. Show her the pictures.” The man sighed and he left.

Cull rubbed his tired eyes. He wasn’t worried about the police, but he was damn scared for Mon—Sally.

---