Page 9 of Ranch's Resolve

“It’s just the three of you who run this?”

“Yep, just the three of us,” Manuel says, glancing toward the road where a black SUV is heading in our direction.

Dante stares at the man for several long moments. Dante’s face is unreadable, but I’ve known the man long enough to recognize the set of his jaw. He doesn’t believe Manuel. I expect him to question Manuel further, but instead, Dante turns his attention to Axel, who pulls up next to us. We pile in. Dante climbs into the front seat while Feral and I keep Manuel between us. Back at my place, Feral and I keep Manuel close as weenter the house. We lead him down the hallway to the guest room, where Scar is working on Manuel’s surviving partner. Scar gestures for us to join him in the hallway.

“Your friend is stable. I have him on fluids, but he needs blood. I’ve contacted Dr. Chambers, and he said to bring him over to Angela’s. He can treat him there. Figure Axel can take him over.”

“I want to go with him,” Manuel says.

Dante studies him for a long second before nodding and stepping away as he pulls out his phone.

I help Scar carry the wounded man outside and load him into the SUV.

“Want us to go with them?” Chaos offers.

Dante shakes his head. “No, they’ll be fine. Angela has men on her end who can handle both of them. Manuel won’t cause any trouble. Will you, Manuel? You wouldn’t want to risk the life of your friend.”

Manuel stares at Dante. “I won’t cause any trouble. I appreciate your help.”

As Axel takes off, Dante and the rest of the club come outside.

“Let’s head back to the clubhouse.”

CHAPTER SIX: ATHENA

At the end of Georgie’s session, I walk her to the door and lay a hand on her shoulder.

“I know that was difficult for you. I’m proud of you for sharing and grateful that you trusted me. Will you be okay today? It might not be a good idea to dwell on it alone. Is there someone who can be with you?”

Georgie nods. “My sister is staying with me. She’s waiting outside in the car. We’re going to go to the store and buy a bunch of junk food before sitting at home and binge-watching movies about strong women kicking ass.”

I chuckle. “That sounds like an excellent plan. I look forward to seeing you at our next appointment. If you need me before then, don’t hesitate to call.”

“I won’t. Thank you, Dr. Stokes.”

“Athena, please.”

As soon as she leaves, I clear away the debris and sit at my desk to summarize the session in Georgie’s case file. She made progress today, but it will take her time and several sessions before this traumatic event no longer consumes her. I check my watch and see that it is approaching twelve-thirty. Caitlin will arrive soon. I unlock my desk drawer and slide the three filesinside, ensuring my next appointment is the top file. I lock the door and grab my purse so I’ll be ready to leave when Caitlin arrives.

A commotion in the waiting room has me hurrying toward the door. However, before I reach it, the door opens and several men wearing black tactical gear, masks, and ICE badges barge in.

“What is going on? What do you want?” I demand.

“We need to ask you some questions,” one man says after lowering his mask.

“About what?”

“This morning, you were seen leaving the DDMC Ranch. Is that true?”

“Yes, I was there. Why?”

“We received a tip that several illegal aliens crossed the border onto the ranch. Did you see them?”

Before I respond, someone else speaks up.

“What is going on here?” says Evie as she pushes through the group of men to stand beside me.

“Who are you?” the agent asks.

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