Page 43 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“It’s something I picked up, but you can trust me, CaDee.” He hoped she’d share her own story.
“It’s hard to let go after holding on for so long.”
“Sometimes the binds loosen when we talk.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Why do I get the feeling you already know part of my story.”
She was perceptive. He’d give her that. Or maybe just mistrustful.
He reached across the table and took her hand. She didn’t pull away. “I needed to know if there would be trouble.”
A frown creased her lips. “You could have asked.”
“I believe I have.”
“You haven’t been completely honest either.” Her expression became guarded.
The last thing he wanted was for her to close the doors. “After the ambush I think being a bit safeguarded is only natural.”
“How about we start by you telling me what you already know, or what you think?” She pulled her hand away.
“What I know is your ex-husband was a cop. A detective. You two divorced but the records are sealed, which isn’t uncommon considering his career. What I think, is that you’re running from Carsen’s father.”
She steadied her gaze on him. “Sharp—”
“Before you answer, know that whatever you say to me is said to me as your friend, not a Ranger.”
“Dante is a dangerous man. He lost custody rights to Carsen and that was a big blow to his ego. He uses his badge to manipulate and dodge trouble. Carsen and I were living in Chicago, trying to rebuild our lives, but Dante found us.” She touched her wrist. “The bruises that you saw, they were from him attacking me as I tried to escape.” She looked uneasy.
Anger took shape in Sharp.
He wanted to hunt the bastard down and show him what happens to dirty cops.
"I have something to tell you that I've kept private."
She responded, "What is it?"
"When I was working on your car, I found a tracking device installed."
She laughed but it was anything but humorous. “You’re kidding, right?”
He shook his head. “I wish I were. When I found it, I did what I thought was best and did some digging.”
She stood and took her unfinished plate to the sink. “That means he knows where Carsen and I are.” She stared through the window, and he could see the subtle shake in her shoulders.
He went to her but didn’t touch her. “CaDee, I destroyed the tracker.”
She swung around to face him. The fear he saw in her expression made him weak. He wanted to protect her, and Carsen, with everything he had.
“He must have placed it on my car in Chicago. That was why he didn’t chase after me.” She shook her head in disgust. “He knew he didn’t have to bother because he had the tracker and would know our location. That means even Fin’s Creek isn’t safe.”
“I know how you must feel, but believe me, you can’t keep running.”
She crossed her arms over her waist. “What choice do I have?”
“You have choices. Don’t let him take them away from you. As far as I see it, Fin’s Creek is the safest place you and Carsen can be right now. Trust me on this.” He wanted to tell her everything, that the Texas Heat Recon would be next door and Dante would have to be out of his mind to show up and cause problems. He was in a tug of war between his loyalty to his team and his newfound loyalty to her.
“I’m tired. One that no amount of sleep will ever help. It’s deep in my bones.”
