Page 53 of The Cowboy's Promise

“For what?” Heather demanded as a rush of fear suddenly surged through her being. “Courtney, tell me, perfect for what?”

“My revenge!”

* * *

Staying close to the low bank that flanked either side of the entrance, Blake had moved quickly and cautiously across the small, smooth rocks. But as the magnificent lake had come into view he’d heard voices. He’d strained to listen, but the only words he’d been able to hear clearly weremy revenge.

Now pausing his step and peering around the bank, he caught his breath. Joe Meyer, with what appeared to be a bandaged hand, was carrying Courtney towards the edge of the lake. With no sign of Heather, and confused by what he was witnessing, Blake continued to watch as Joe made his way onto a large, flat boulder jutting into the water. As he set Courtney gently down on one foot, Blake saw bandaging around the opposite ankle.

“What are you doing, and where the hell is Heather?” Blake muttered under his breath.

Wishing he’d brought his shotgun, he was about to step out when Joe started jogging back and disappeared into the bushes. Just minutes later he reappeared holding Heather by the hair and hustling forward.

My revenge.

As the words flashed through Blake’s head he knew exactly what Joe and Courtney planned to do. Snatching his phone from his pocket, he texted the sheriff.

Joe and Courtney, Lake View Point. Urgent but approach with caution and stealth. No sirens. Heather in serious danger.

Praying the sheriff would heed the warning, Blake crouched down, hurried to the cover of the abundant bushes, then searched the ground for a weapon. There was nothing of anysubstance. With his anxiety and panic growing, he studied the thick stalks.

* * *

Now standing on the rock with Joe’s hand grasping a fistful of her hair, Heather tried to control the fear pulsing through her body.

“That water looks inviting, don’t you think?” Courtney sneered, hobbling closer.

“Why are you doing this to me?” Heather asked, barely able to get the words out. “I don’t understand. What have I ever done to you except buy Henry?”

“I’m not doing anything to you. Well, that’s not strictly true. I am, but this is aboutdoingsomething to that bastard cowboy of yours.”

“What? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Blake! He turned me into the cops! I ended up in jail because of that bastard. Now he’ll suffer—probably for the rest of his life.”

“But…how…why?”

“Why do you think? I’ll make sure he knows I threw you into an icy grave because of him. He’ll blame himself for your death.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

“Courtney!” Joe suddenly shouted. “What the hell are you talking about? I never agreed to this. I only said we could get back at Blake by kidnapping her to scare him.”

“Yeah, well, I couldn’t tell you because I knew you’d turn into a wuss. If I didn’t have this fucking sprained ankle you could leave, but I can’t balance properly. If she gives me any trouble I could end up in the lake myself!”

“Uh…what happened to your ankle, and J-joe, how d-did you hurt your hand?” Heather sputtered, hoping if they could talk about normal things he’d let go of her hair.

“Your damn staircase, that’s how,” Courtney spat.

“My s-staircase? What were you doing there?”

“We were going to wait for you in that dump you call a home and take you, but those damn steps were like ice. My feet slid out from under me.”

“She fell backwards into me, then we both tumbled down the steps,” Joe interjected. “That’s how I ended up with a crushed hand. Damn thing hurts like hell. I’m sure there are some broken bones.”

“So that’s why you followed me!” Heather exclaimed, jerking her head around to face him. To her shock the sudden movement jarred her hair from his grip. Seizing the moment she leapt off the boulder onto the rocky ground, but with her wrists still tied behind her back she stumbled over and had trouble standing up.

“Get her!” Courtney shrieked. “For fuck’s sake get her!”

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