Page 119 of Nate

Markie gasped and frantically scanned the surrounding area.

“But you’re not certain?” Rafe prodded.

“No, I can’t be sure it was him. But I also can’t rule out the possibility.”

“He could have dyed his hair to blend in,” Markie suggested, her hands beginning to shake with fear.

“Just take it easy, baby. I’m not positive it was him.”

“Yes, but you said you’re not sure it wasn’t. I want to go home, Nate.”

“We’re going. As soon as I load Mystic onto the trailer, we’ll head back.”

“I think I’ll stick around for a bit longer. Take a look around,” Rafe offered.

“I really appreciate that. You know what Jarrett looks like, so if you see him, please let me know.”

“I will. And as soon as I do, I’m going to talk to Sam. He’ll have his deputies check around. You two be careful on your way home. Shoot me a text when you get there,” Rafe instructed.

“I will.” Nate shook his hand gratefully. “Congratulations again on your win.”

“Thanks.” Rafe turned and disappeared into the crowd of people, who were stopping him to offer their congratulations and shake his hand.

“I knew he would win,” Nate stated.

“I thought Warren’s horse was fast when I saw him take off, but Rafe just flew past him on the final stretch.”

“Rocket is lightning quick. Sometimes, Rafe struggles to rein him in because he just wants to keep running. But he’s a damn good horse.” Nate glanced around the bustling festival grounds. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Do you think it was Jarrett?”

“My gut tells me it was,” Nate admitted. They made their way to the truck, where Nate unlocked the doors and turned to Markie. “Get in and lock the door.”

“Nate—”

“Markie, please. Just do it.”

“Fine.” She climbed into the passenger seat, closed her door, locked it, and anxiously watched the outside mirror as Nate secured Mystic inside the trailer. When he closed the gate, she nearly jumped out of her skin. To say she was on edge would be an understatement. She silently prayed that Nate’s gut was wrong, but deep down she knew he rarely doubted his instincts. He had known something was wrong on that fateful night at the hospital, and he had been right then too. She shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if he and Rafe hadn’t arrived when they did. The memory sent a chill down her spine.

Chapter Seventeen

Nate parked his truck in front of the house and turned to Markie, handing her a key from his keychain.

“Go inside and lock the door. I’ll be right there. I just need to unload Mystic,” he said.

Markie’s face was filled with worry and concern. “Nate, you’re scaring me.”

He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss before looking deep into her eyes. “I don’t want to scare you, but we have to be careful. What if it was him?”

Markie nodded understandingly. “Okay, I get it. I hope Rafe let Sam know about this.”

“Don’t worry, he did. And I trust Rafe with my life. He won’t let us down.”

“Alright, but I want to stay with you.” Markie stared at him and he could see she was terrified.

Nate sighed. “You’re safer inside. Please.”

After a few seconds she nodded, then quickly ran to the house. He drove the truck to the nearby barn, backed it inside and got out, heading toward the trailer at the back.

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