Page 59 of Mountain Refuge

Maybe he’d retire overseas. Buy a villa. Have a handful of beauties waiting on him. He returned to his seat.

Once he stopped Trapp and the girl from ruining everything, he’d have all he’d ever dreamed of—everything his time in the US military didn’t bring him. Money and comfort. He grinned. Yep. Money and comfort. He could feel them, smell them. Victory was within his grasp.

Maybe Moore couldn’t find them on his own. He picked up the phone and ordered the only other two the girl couldn’t identify to join the search. “Do whatever it takes, but I want the girl unspoiled. Try to bring the woman alive, but if you can’t, she’s expendable.”

He’d try and convince her to join him. To see the monetary benefit. If not, she was easy to dispose of.

Chapter Four

Taya tore hergaze away from her crying niece and glanced at Ryan. Shock and confusion flickered across his face. When he met her gaze, she looked away. The less he knew, the better for him. “Come on, sweetie. We’ve lots to do today.”

“Can Betty bemy dog?” Tracy kept her arms around the dog’s neck.

“Absolutely.” A dog with this training would die before letting anyone harm Tracy. Taya and the dog had a lot in common.

She ushered the dog and girl to the front where she paid the adoption fee and put on the dog’s service halter. Betty looked up at her with wise dark eyes that also showed compassion. “We’ve seen a lot, girl, haven’t we?” She ruffled the dog’s ears and avoided the still curious gaze of Ryan. Once she had her own vehicle, she’d have to make sure the man didn’t come visiting anymore.

Ryan drove them to the supermarket where Taya ordered Tracy to stay close and to keep a tight hold of Betty’s leash. Taya grabbed a cart and headed for the clothing. She had no idea how long they’d be in hiding and she’d brought the bare minimum.

As she filled the cart with warm clothes, even adding a battery-operated lantern and a couple of flashlights before heading down the sports aisle, the guy kept silent. Eyes as dark as the dogs and every bit as wise followed Taya’s every move. His intense study of her sent goosebumps prickling her skin. What was he thinking?

When her cart brimmed to the top, Ryan grabbed another and took the full one from her. She filled the second with things for the dog and food for her and Tracy. She’d buy ice for the cooler in Misty Hollow. “There. This ought to do us for a while.”

“Looks like you plan on staying.” Ryan arched a brow. “Can I help you pay for this?”

“No, thank you. I’ve got it.” She stepped into a short cashier line. “Now I won’t need to come back into town for a week or two. I prefer buying in bulk.”

“So, to the bookstore, then to the garage in Misty Hollow?”

She nodded. “If you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. I offered, didn’t I?”

When she glanced around them, lingering on anyone who seemed curious, he did the same. Taya would have to be more careful about keeping a watchful eye out, or he’d become suspicious, if he wasn’t already.

He didn’t speak again until they were on their way back to Misty Hollow, the back of his truck full of food, clothes, and books. Halfway there, he pulled off to the side of the road and turned in his seat to face her. “What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” She tried to look innocent but knew she failed. She’d never had a good poker face. Tracy and Betty stared from the back seat.

“Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. You’ve been on edge since the minute my dogs ran up on you in that meadow. You’re constantly looking over your shoulder, expecting someone to be there.” He frowned. “I’ve made a career out of studying people, Taya. If you’re mixed up in something dangerous, I have a right to know. Am I in danger?”

“No. You’re simply giving us a ride. Once I have my own vehicle, we’ll keep our distance.” She shot Tracy a warning look.

Her niece wrinkled her nose and flounced back.

His eyes flashed. “So, you are mixed up in something.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“Can we please go home?”

“Home?” Both his brows rose to his hairline. “I happen to know that cabin you’re in has been abandoned for months. Maybe a year. Did you contact the owners, or are you squatting? If you plan on staying a while, spring break is almost over, and school starts back on Monday.”

“That is none of your business.”

“You’re a horrible liar.” He yanked the wheel and stomped on the gas, rocketing them back onto the interstate.

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