Page 89 of Mountain Refuge

She gave a slow nod, wanting to believe him, knowing she’d do the same for him. When had she started to have these feelings for him? They seemed to have always been there, simmering low inside her. “What horrible timing.”

“Me dying for you?” He tilted his head.

“No, silly. This.” She motioned her hand between them.

“There will be a time life will return to normal.”

She really hoped so. In the meantime, she had a job to do. “I’ll keep watch while you set the alarms. Tracy should be okay with Betty if she stays in the house.” Taya caressed his cheek, then went to fetch her rifle.

“It’s about time.” Tracy grinned and turned away from the window.

“You shouldn’t be spying.” Taya’s face heated.

“What took y’all so long? When I meet the cowboy I’m going to marry, I plan on kissing him first thing.”

“That would be…forward. As for me and Ryan, there’s too much going on to pursue a relationship.”

“The two of you are already married, sort of. You live together, wake up in the same house, eat all your meals together.” She shrugged. “You might as well make it official.”

“Again, it’s not the time.” Taya smiled as she headed to the room she shared with her niece.

A few minutes later, dry clothes on, a rifle over her shoulder, and extra ammo in her pocket, she headed back to the kitchen. “Lock the doors and stay inside. If you hear gunfire, head for the cellar. Keep Betty with you at all times.”

“You think they’ll come today?”

“No, sweetheart, I don’t, but we have to be prepared.” She had no idea when Mason would show his face.

~

Mason sat in his truck outside a farmhouse in the middle of a large field. So far, he hadn’t seen anyone come and go other than an old man. Needing a place to hole up for a while, the secluded house seemed perfect. He grabbed his revolver from the passenger seat and exited the truck.

He hadn’t gone anywhere near the house when an SUV pulled into the drive. Those inside turned to stare as they passed him. A woman and three young children. Mason cursed and climbed back into his truck. One old man was nothing, but an entire family would be noticed if they suddenly disappeared.

He drove further down the dirt country road. He slowed at every trail or what might have been a road he passed, looking for a place to pull in and stay. Not for long. He planned on making his move as soon as he received the call informing him where Taya and the girl were hiding. Which should be any time now.

Actually, the fool should’ve called yesterday. Mason frowned. Something had happened. Had he been caught with the girl?

He made a quick phone call. “Where are you?”

“At the farm. I had a flat. Then, the girl escaped, and I had to chase her down. Got her back, and now I’m dropping her off.”

“Did you follow the woman and kid?”

“Yes. They’re in a cabin on top of the mountain.” The man gave the directions. “Also, the FBI is in town, and there’s a bunch of cowboys riding up and down the streets. This ain’t good, Boss. It might be time to head out.”

“I’ll tell you when it’s time.” Mason disconnected and rubbed his chin. He’d hoped to have more time before the feds arrived. If they were watching where Taya hid, it would make it hard for him to get to her. Unless he waited until she went into town. A great risk to him.

~

With a burlap bag he’d found in the garage slung over his shoulder, Ryan headed down the deck steps.

Taya chuckled. “You look like the strangest Santa I’ve ever seen.”

“A sack full of fishing twine and empty cans doesn’t make very nice gifts.” He gave her a quick kiss as he passed—something he intended to do at every opportunity. It still hurt that Taya had said she might not trust him. What could he do to prove she could? He stifled a sigh. Only time would tell.

The dogs went ahead of him, stopping at the edge of the woods when Ryan called out to them, “Watch.” The dogs sat at alert.

Taya stood, rifle ready a few feet away. “Let me know if I can help.”

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