Page 43 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

“The task force stood up a little over a year ago.”

“Whyus?”

There were multiple factors, but he’d give her the main ones. “Your numbers have grown really fast. Along with your stockpile of weapons. Your father has successfully converted over five hundred people, more than half that number in the last four years, convincing them to change their names, to hand over their possessions and to live in a secluded, heavily armed compound.” The Shining Light had amassed nearly two thousand weapons, including automatic and assault rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and his task force had reports of grenades and other explosives, though Rocco hadn’t seen those. Still, Marshall McCoy had a small army at his disposal. “It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

She inhaled a shaky breath and shook her head. “You still think my commune is a threat?”

“I think your father is. He’s a dangerous man, wielding a lot of power,” he said, and she stiffened as she looked away from him. He was only sending her defenses into overdrive. He needed to tread carefully. “I have seen the good things happening on the compound. How happy everyone appears. How much they love being on the compound. How you look out for one another.”

“Like any decent community should.” She bit her lower lip. “If you were able to find the weapons supplier and prevent whatever tragedy is supposed to happen tomorrow, would your task force leave us alone?”

His brain stuck on her use ofyourandus. Neither was a good sign. “Do you know something?”

“No. I was just wondering if it’s worth it for you to risk your life by messing with the Devil’s Warriors.”

Risking his life by infiltrating such groups was his job, but he didn’t think telling her that would improve things.

He pulled into the lot behind USD and parked. “I’ll do whatever is necessary to stop the illegal shipment of weapons across state lines and save lives.”

She fixed him with a stare. “Does that include telling me more lies?”

Shutting off the engine, he turned in his seat, facing her. “I will never lie to you again.”

She narrowed her eyes and chewed on her lip. “You didn’t answer my question. If you got what you needed, would you leave the Shining Light alone?”

“It’s not my call to make,” he said, and she grimaced. “But what I can tell you is that I didn’t see anything to justify a warrant.” If he had found explosives, or if they had assaulted him, drugged him or used ayahuasca outside of religious purposes, then that would have been a different story. “Any cooperation from the Shining Light would go a long way to establishing goodwill with law enforcement.”

“I could speak to my father.”

That was a horrible idea.

Mercy was a direct threat to her father’s autocratic power. After she helped Rocco escape, Marshall would do anything to bring his daughter to heel.

“You’re out. I don’t think you should see or talk to anyone from the commune until you’re sure about what you want to do.”

She’d gotten a taste of true freedom. Once he and Charlie spoon-fed her more, showed Mercy the community they had forged, where they also took care of each other, she wouldn’t want to go back.

He was certain of it.

Lowering her head, unease moved across her face.

“Do you believe I care about you?” he asked. “That my feelings are real?”

She shrugged.

How could he convince her? “What would it take?”

“Time. Seeing proof through your actions.”

“Then,please, give me time. I’m begging you.” And he was not the kind of man whoeverbegged. He peered closer, trying to draw her gaze to his, but she wouldn’t look at him. He wanted to hug her, hold her, make love to her until she forgave him. But he didn’t dare touch her. “Will you?”

ALLMERCYCOULDtell him was the truth. “I don’t know.”

He looked out the window at the back door to USD.

He glanced over at her. “Come on.” They got out of the car. “Listen to Brian. Do whatever he asks. He’ll keep you safe while I’m gone.”

“Don’t tell me that he’s a part of your task force, too,” she said, half-joking.

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