Page 40 of Deadly Evidence
She couldn’t stand against a whole organization bent on making huge amounts of money through drug shipments.
But shecouldbe more cooperative and make Brady’s job easier.
Heaving a sigh, she stepped off her porch and headed for the farthest cabin under the willows. She knocked a few times, then turned to survey the barns and corrals for any sign of him.
Maybe he was gone again—having a big powwow about the botched operation last night. Maybe he was out searching for shell casings or other evidence.
Either way, he was probably dealing with the aftermath of her interference.
“Anna!” Dante called out. “Look!”
She turned and saw Brady riding into view.
Dante swung his hat wide in the air and let out a victory yell that made Brady’s horse dance and toss its head.
There was a limp, furry bundle draped across Brady’s lap.
“Oh, no,” she whispered, her feet frozen in place and her heart in her throat.
“She has a bullet wound in her shoulder.” Brady cradled the dog in one arm as he stepped off his horse. “It isn’t bleeding now, but I don’t know how deep it is. She’s pretty tuckered out from trying to crawl home.”
Anna crooned to the pup as she stroked its soft fur. “So theydidshoot her.Why?”
“As a warning, probably. They’re letting you know that you need to back off, or else. You’ve got to do that, Anna. Leave this situation alone.”
An apology lodged in her throat when Mojo whined and feebly licked her hand. “How can Inottake a stand?”
Brady handed Copper’s reins to Dante and watched the boy disappear into the barn. “We’ll get these guys, I promise you.”
“And then what? A little jail time, a fast probation, and they’re out on the street. Back to terrorizing innocent people, creating threats?”
“When this current operation goes down, we’re planning to snare some big players in the net.” His expression turned grim. “Until then, we need to give you and Lacey better protection. I’ll call Luis and ask for at least one more agent.”
“I don’t think...” Her breath caught at the image of her daughter riding her horse, getting off the school bus, or even just playing out in the barn.
Anyone could be out there waiting. Anytime. The thought chilled her blood. “You’re right, of course. Thanks.”
Dante appeared in the barn door. “What next, boss?” he called out.
“Feed the mares out in the corrals, then start cleaning stalls. Later, you can help me move some cattle.”
Brady waited until he left, then lowered his voice. “Make sure your daughter stays inside or within sight of these barns unless she’s at school or with you.” The exhausted dog stirred in his arms and whined. “Do you want me to take Mojo to the vet?”
“Thanks, but I will. If there’s any surgery decision to make, then I’ll be there myself to make it.” She held out her arms for Mojo, but Brady shook his head and carried the dog over to the truck, where he laid her on a pile of horse blankets on the back seat.
Anna rounded the truck and climbed behind the wheel, then slammed the door and rested her elbow in the open window. “I’ll be home in two hours or less—then I need to round up a load of cattle. Be ready to ride.”
“Hold on, pardner,” Brady drawled. He handed her his cell phone. “Call the vet first. He might be out on farm calls, so ask if he’ll meet us at his clinic.”
She called the clinic, then handed the phone back. “He’s there, but I can go alone.”
“Actually, I’d rather come along.”
“But—”
“Tell Mia and Lacey to bolt the doors and not step outside until we get back. The risks are escalating, and I’d rather not let anyone take chances. Like it or not, you’ve just found yourself a sidekick. Me.”
The vet extracted the bullet and gave it to Brady, dressed the shallow wound, and started Mojo on antibiotics.
