Page 53 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

“But that was when I was five.” Mercy got up, wrapping her arms around herself, and strode to the window. “I don’t even remember him.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Her father leaned back in his chair. “He’ll remember you and he will let you into his camp. I’ve foreseen it.”

“We appreciate your cooperation.” Becca shifted in her chair like she was uncomfortable. “But why would you give up your brother?”

“There is no love lost between me and Mac. He’s always had a taste for violence. Giving him up to protect my people and other innocent lives is the only prudent choice. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“It would appear so,” Becca said.

“When would you send them?” Nash asked.

“Shortly. It’s a two-hour drive. I’d want them there before it gets dark. Is this agreeable to you?”

Nash stood. “Yes, yes, it is.”

“One last thing,” Marshall said. “I should warn you that sending backup to the area for Rocco would not be advisable. My brother keeps men in the woods and on the mountain on constant patrol. They’ll spot other agents creeping around and then there’s no telling what will happen. For this to work, it has to be Mercy and Rocco on their own.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.” Nash shook Marshall’s hand. “Rocco, a moment in the hall.”

Rocco stepped out of the office along with Nash and Becca as Alex began protesting this arrangement again.

“I don’t like it,” Becca said, once they were out of earshot.

Nash nodded in agreement. “Neither do I.”

“What choice do we have?” Rocco folded his arms, flicking a glance back at the office.

Mercy stayed near the window, her face pallid, her gaze focused on him and not Alex, who was ranting.

“You won’t have any backup if something goes wrong,” Nash said.

That didn’t worry him. “I’m used to working on my own. It’s the nature of the undercover beast.”

“Her father is playing a dangerous game,” Becca said. “With his daughter right at the center of it all. That’s what bothers me. It doesn’t fit with his profile, endangering her. I feel like we’re missing something here.”

Rocco felt likewise. “I’ve got to be honest with you, Nash. Under normal circumstances, the mission would come first. No matter what. But keeping Mercy safe will be a priority.” All his concern was for her.

“What if Marshall calls his brother and lets him know what’s up? This could be a setup,” Becca said.

“It could be,” Rocco agreed, “but we don’t have much choice. Time is running out and this is our best option.”

“Find out what you can,” Nash said, “then get out of there with her. Don’t try to be a hero by stopping whatever they have planned on your own. Just relay the information in time and we’ll do the rest.”

“Roger that.” He couldn’t afford to take the chance of heroics. Not with Mercy’s life on the line. “Becca, would you mind driving my car back into town? We’ll take one of McCoy’s vehicles up into the mountains.”

“Sure. No problem.”

“The keys should be in the car. If not, one of the guards will be able to get them for you.”

“Safe travels,” she said.

Nash and Becca headed out.

Staring at the scene in the office, resolve hardened inside him like steel. He was going to do everything in his power to protect her, from her father, from Alex, from her uncle. From any threat.

He strode inside, and Alex’s head whipped toward him, his eyes filled with hatred.

“Enough.” Marshall pressed his palm to the man’s chest. “You must trust me in this.” He drew a deep breath. “Mercy, you’re still looking quite pale. Are you well?”

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