Page 42 of Targeted in Silver Creek

“It’s probably just Grayson,” Boone muttered.

But one look at the vehicle and Jesse knew that it wasn’t. This was an old blue truck, and when it came to a stop, the hands and the deputy all took aim.

“It’s me,” someone shouted. “Don’t shoot.”

Jesse watched as Bull stepped out. He put his hands on his head and stayed in place.

“Don’t shoot,” Bull called out again. “I’m here to surrender.”

Chapter Twelve

Hanna eased Evan back into his crib and stood there to make sure he was truly asleep. He was. In fact, he’d hardly stirred when she’d made the mad rush earlier to get him into the bathroom when Boone was being attacked. Evan had stayed asleep through the entire ordeal and maybe that would continue while they got through the next couple of hours.

When Jesse had come into the bathroom to tell her it was safe to leave and that his father was okay, he’d given her the shocking news that Bull had come to her house to surrender. Hanna had no idea if that was true or if this was some kind of ploy on his part. If it was a ruse, though, she figured that Jesse would keep things under control.

She could hear the murmur of voices at the front of the house. Jesse’s, Boone’s. And Bull’s. Yes, he was actually in her house. The man who’d been part of her nearly being killed was here.

Just yards away.

Jesse had explained that was necessary since he didn’t want to be standing out in the open with Bull while waiting for Grayson and backup to arrive, and that none of the vehicles on scene were bullet resistant since the reserve deputy had come in his own truck. Hanna hadn’t wanted Jesse or Boone at risk like that, either, but she was certain she had surprised Jesse when she’d told him she had wanted to speak to Bull. This wasn’t just about confronting her fears or facing her nightmares. She wanted some answers, and she hoped that Bull would give them to her.

Hanna started out of the nursery, but her phone vibrated with an incoming call. She glanced at the screen, saw that it was her mother and considered letting it go to voice mail. But then she sighed and answered it because it was possible Isabel had heard about the attempted kidnapping and wanted to make sure Evan and she hadn’t been hurt.

“We’re okay,” Hanna said the moment she answered.

“Why wouldn’t you be?” Isabel asked just as quickly. “Did something else happen?”

Hanna groaned and mentally kicked herself. She decided not to hold back the truth since Isabel would hear about it anyway. Or maybe she already knew and this call was about playing the “I’m innocent” routine.

“Someone tried to kidnap Boone,” Hanna explained. “He got away.”

She didn’t add the rest about Bull showing up and surrendering to Jesse. Best to keep that under wraps until Bull was actually away from the house and behind bars. Hanna didn’t want to give hired guns, or anyone else, a reason to come here looking for the man.

“See, the Rylands are magnets for trouble,” Isabel grumbled. “I know things aren’t good between us right now, but I wish you’d bring Evan here where you’ll both be safe.”

Hanna so didn’t have time for this. And she wasn’t putting on the kid gloves to give Isabel a kind response. “You’re right. Things aren’t good between us right now, and it’s because you didn’t tell me the truth.”

“I didn’t tell you because I thought it would upset you,” Isabel argued. “And it did. Listen, if you want me to feel bad because I was involved with Arnie, then know that I feel bad. I’m sorry I ever met the man, sorry that I talked to him, and I’m especially sorry that he almost killed you.”

Hanna wanted to say “Good” and end the call, but she reminded herself that her mother might not be a devious criminal. She might only be guilty of bad judgment with a bad man. So that’s why she eased back on her tone.

“I have to go,” Hanna said. “We’ll talk soon.”

Isabel didn’t try to change her mind or stay on the line. She simply muttered a goodbye and ended the call.

Hanna tucked the baby monitor in her pocket and, after a few deep breaths, made her way from the nursery to the living room. She immediately spotted Bull. He was kneeling on the floor with his hands tucked behind his head while Jesse and Boone kept guns trained on him.

Jesse looked over at her when he heard her footsteps, and she saw the instant disapproval on his face. He hadn’t wanted her to go through this. Hadn’t thought it was necessary. And he might be right. This could all be for nothing.

Bull’s gaze met hers, too, and he didn’t sneer or snarl, as she’d expected. In fact, there was nothing defiant about his expression or body language.

“I’m sorry,” Bull immediately said.

She didn’t ask if he was apologizing for the shooting or because of all the other havoc. Instead, she looked at Jesse. “How did Bull know someone would try to kidnap Boone?” she asked.

“He claims he got the info through a militia member he’s still in contact with. A guy named Hector Ames.”

“It’s true,” Bull insisted, but neither Boone nor Jesse spared him a glance. “Hector’s not happy with some of the things the militia has done, so I’ve stayed in touch with him.”

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