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  “Seems like those times were simpler. The only things I was called out for were regular checkups. This is perplexing. Why would someone go to so much trouble to hurt your horses?”

  Tara leaned forward. “Someone murdered my parents, Doc. Everyone thought Jared . . . but he didn’t do it, and now it’s been nine—nearly ten years and the culprit thinks they got away with it. They must have had a reason, and no one in their right mind could have predicted the hatred that was so obvious in the attack. So to have someone sneaking into the barn in broad daylight and tampering with the horses—well, it doesn’t sound as crazy as it should.”

  Doc Grainger scratched his head. “When you put it that way, it makes a little more sense. Whoever it is has found something that doesn’t stay in the bloodstream for more than a couple of minutes and is impossible to detect. The question is—who would do such a thing? And why?”

  “That’s the burning question.”

  The doc stood up. “Got to go. The clinic opens in a little while. I’ll file the necessary paperwork with the TAHC—the health commission, and I don’t think you’ll have a problem with them. Thank you for the tea, and don’t be a stranger.” He was halfway to the door when he stopped and turned to her. “Why didn’t you visit Lacey? She could have used your help.”

  “I know. I—it’s complicated, but you know I had to see a therapist for a long time after the—that time—after the murders. I still have nightmares sometimes.”

  “I think someone mentioned that, and I can understand. But that was a long time ago.”

  Tara blew out a long breath. “I know. I was wrong, and if I could have the time over, I would be here for her.”

  Chapter 45

  The Center was deserted when Tara went outside the next morning, bringing home to her the fact that all operations had ceased. Whoever was behind the attacks had succeeded in bringing the Taurus Center down. For now. As she had expected, the CCTV footage had shown the same stocky man, with his face covered. He had cut the fence just twenty minutes before the lesson and snuck into the barn to give something to the pony. She had called Detective Moore and told him. He said he was following up on some leads that came in from the identikit picture Tara and the artist had come up with.

  Jared’s truck pulled into a parking bay.

  The passion of their lovemaking was very much with her, but his angry words still resonated.

  I’m not running away. She wanted to say it out loud.

  He tried to kiss her but she pulled away and turned her head.

  “What’s wrong with you?” he said. His black eye had turned an ugly green and yellow color, which was accentuated by his scowl. “Oh, I bet it’s because I was hugging Christy. I saw the way you looked at her. She was just upset. It meant nothing.” He softened his voice. “Have you heard anything about El Junior?”

  “Yeah. He’s home already. But those parents—they’re very protective of him and I wouldn’t be surprised if they get a lawyer.”

  “Let’s not worry about that. Your safety is my number-one priority. You have to let me stay here. We don’t know what this guy is capable of and your life could be in danger.”

  “I’ll be fine,” she said. “I’m well-armed. I don’t want to keep you from your work.”

  “Your life is more important than my work. You don’t know who you’re dealing with here. If this is the same person who murdered your parents, you need protection.”

  She placed her hands on her hips. “And I’ll choose who I want to protect me. It’s not your decision to make.” Why was she so angry at him? Just because he called her a coward and accused her of always running away from tough situations? Or because she knew Christy still wanted him? Anyone could tell from the puppy dog eyes she made whenever he was close. And what had she whispered to him before she left? She was right about his work, though. He shouldn’t have to put his business on a backburner for her. He must have needed the income, and his customers expected him to be there when they had a problem.

  He threw his hands in the air. “Women! I’ll never understand them.” She could hear him muttering to himself as he headed for the barn.

  Tara stared after him. What the hell was she going to do? She had to be there for Cassie, but how were they going to find her? There were no traffic cameras in Hardship, and no one seemed to have seen that old truck before. It almost seemed like things were racing toward a climax and he—the unknown bogeyman—was steering it. She had fought the notion that her life was in imminent danger, but now with that precious child sent to a hospital and a dead pony, she had to rethink everything. This wasn’t only about her anymore. Anyone who was close to her could be hurt.

  Jules’s gray Explorer SUV pulled up into the driveway. She frowned when the two military dudes got out and not Jules.

  The dogs ran up to greet them. “Tara,” Merrick said. “So sorry to hear about your problems and that pony.” He gave her a quick hug.

  “Thank you. It was a bad day. You heard about the little boy being in the way?”

  “Yeah,” Shawn said. “That’s why we’re here. Jared kept us in the loop. You need someone to patrol the premises. I mean, that dude who cut the fence and tampered with the horses has a lot of balls.”

  “And who knows what he’ll do next,” Merrick said.

  Jared emerged from the barn and shook hands with them.

  “What happened to you?” Merrick said.

  Jared touched the bruising around his eye and threw a warning look at Tara. “Nothing important.”

  Shawn explained their mission to Jared. He threw a look at Tara. “I told her—she needs protection, but she doesn’t want me here, so I’m glad someone is gonna do it.”

  “We also have some names of people we’d like you to research.” Tara glanced at Jared.

  “Yeah. Sorry I couldn’t get to it before now. I’ll need more information than just names,” Shawn said. “Like where they lived, went to school, or anything else.”

  “Yeah, we can give you some stuff on them,” Jared said. “Tara has the spreadsheet and a hand-written list.”

  The phone in the house rang. Tara ran to get it. She couldn’t risk missing Cassie again.

  “Hello,” she said, breathing hard. The caller ID showed it was Doc Grainger.

  “You have a moment? I have some info for you from our laboratory,” the veterinarian said.

  “Go ahead,” Tara said, half-disappointed that it wasn’t Cassie.

  “It was a poisonous weed, collectively known as locoweed, but that describes a broad spectrum of plants. This particular one looks like it was mixed with a plant called salvia. Now, we couldn’t get anything from the blood samples of the other horses that had the problem, and that would be consistent with salvia poisoning, but locoweed is easier to detect. My suspicion is that he or she used salvia for the other horses. This time, he added the locoweed, which is why the other horses weren’t permanently damaged. Locoweed is bad stuff. It messes up the brain, and even if the pony had survived, he would have been affected mentally.”

  Tara heaved a long sigh. “So what can I do? I can’t have this happening again. Deputy Tim Bowen came out and did what he could, but he hasn’t done anything to help solve the problem.”

  “I wish I could offer a solution. Maybe you’ll have to put in an alarm system that goes off if anyone tampers with the fence.”

  “If only it were that simple. Thanks for your help, Doc.” She had thought about setting up some sort of tripwire between the fence and the barn, but the horses would get caught in it.

  Jared stood talking with Shawn and Merrick when Tara walked outside.

  “That was Doc Grainger. Someone’s been feeding the horses locoweed.”

  “That makes sense when I think of the way they acted, but why? These two dudes agree with me—you need someone
to protect you twenty-four-seven.”

  Tara was about to answer when Shawn said, “Hey, you ready for me to start doing some background checks on people?”

  “Absolutely.”

  He followed Tara into the office.

  She frowned at the lone file box with its contents spilled across the floor. She’d been meaning to get it out of there and back into the storeroom where it belonged. She bent and started picking up the files and papers, and tossed them into the box. “I’ll tidy them up later.”

  “Hey, it don’t bother me none.” Shawn sat at the computer and booted it up while Tara pulled the list out of the desk drawer.

  “This is the list of people we’d like you to research. Randall’s at the top. You knew him, so it shouldn’t be too hard for you. I wrote his last known address on there.” She tapped the paper. Jared made a detailed spreadsheet, and I put a link on the desktop here. You’ll find the addresses and whatever we know about all of them in there. And this.” She pointed at an icon on the screen. “This is the picture the forensic artist drew from my description.”

  Shawn clicked on it and the killer’s face filled the screen. Shawn leaned in to it. “I might have some luck identifying the artist who did that tat on his throat.”

  “There is one other thing,” she added. “I want you to search for my sister, Cassie. Has anyone told you anything about her?”

  Shawn took his hand off the keyboard and swiveled round in the chair. “A little. Jules said she left and you’ve never seen or heard from her again. Do I have it right?”

  Tara looked down at her clasped hands. “It’s not as simple as that, but I guess so.” She looked up into his eyes. “I have reason to believe she’s alive. She called me two times recently and I saw her in a truck. It appears that someone is holding her hostage, and it could be that same guy in the identikit picture.”

  Shawn wiped a hand over his face.

  “The cops haven’t been able to trace the calls yet. They say they probably came from burner phones.”

  “And you want me to find her?”

  “I know it’s not that simple, Shawn, but I was hoping you might have an idea. If the person who’s doing this is on the list, then you might find something that would lead us to him.”

  Shawn whistled. “I’m good at what I do, but that’s a tall order.” He started tapping on the keys.

  Tara watched for a while, but soon she could see he was in his own world, and she left him to it.

  Chapter 46

  Jared’s phone buzzed as Tara approached him. “Yeah, Lou. What can I do for you? Problems with that sink not draining again?”

  “I need some help with Kaitlyn,” she said. “I need someone to watch her. Christy won’t do it.”

  “I have a big job scheduled for later today, but maybe Tara can help you. She’s right here.” He held the phone out and mouthed, “Lou.”

  Tara took the phone. “Hey, Lou, how’s Kaitlyn?”

  “She’s good. I have a big problem. I have to go to a hearing about why she keeps running away. Someone told them. Christy’s gonna take care of the other three kids. She said she needs the money while she can’t work there at the Center. But she said she can’t watch Kaitlyn as well. Not with her history.”

  “So you’d like me to take her today?”

  “Could you, please? If it’s not too much trouble.”

  Tara swallowed. “I’ve never taken care of a child. Babysitting was never my thing as a teenager. I always preferred to watch people’s pets to earn extra pocket money. But there is something about Kaitlyn.” It wasn’t only that she reminded her of Cassie. She had that lost look in her eyes that spoke of all the things she couldn’t ask in words, and it cried out for love and attention.

  “If it’s a problem, I can find someone else,” Lou said.

  “No. I would love to take care of her.”

  “You sure? I’m not forcing you.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Jared said he would come and get her and bring her to your place.”

  “Um. Yeah, maybe. I’ll ask him.” Things were moving a little fast for Tara. She wondered how often Jared had helped out with Kaitlyn. The child certainly looked comfortable with him and she had some sort of bond with him, and he cared about her. She handed the phone back to him and he raised an eyebrow.

  “All set?” he said.

  “Yes. She said you would pick her up, but I could do that, if she’ll come with me.”

  Jared looked at his watch. “I can meet you at Lou’s place and make sure Kaitlyn gets into the vehicle. I think she’ll feel happier if she sees me. We don’t want to scare her. Christy’s already on her own over there, so she won’t be able to help you, and that little girl can be quite stubborn at times. You sure you’re gonna be okay with this?”

  “I don’t see why not,” Tara said. She reached out and touched his shoulder. Relief washed through him even though it was such a brief moment.

  “Okay. We should leave right away. I’ll see you there.”

  “And don’t worry about Tara or Kaitlyn,” Merrick said. “We’ll watch them.”

  “I’d better get going, too,” Tara said to Merrick. “I—let’s talk about your offer of protection when I get back.” She went back to put on some makeup and change out of her shorts and T-shirt into a summer dress and hurried to her SUV.

  Jared was waiting outside when she arrived at Lou’s house, with Kaitlyn standing beside him, a Paddington bear held tight in her arms. The child looked so comfortable with Jared. “She’s okay. Aren’t you, Kaitlyn?” he said and smiled at her. “You’re gonna have fun staying with Tara at the horse ranch, right?”

  Kaitlyn didn’t show any emotion or recognition, even though she could hear everything that was said.

  “Let’s get your booster seat in Tara’s car,” Jared said. He picked up the seat that Lou had given him and slipped it into the back seat of Tara’s SUV. He beckoned Kaitlyn.

  The child looked like she was going to cry. “Hey, Kaitlyn,” he said. “I’ll be back at the Center after my job and we can hang out then, okay?” He looked at Tara. “I’ll bring dinner for everyone—Merrick and Shawn as well. I know what Kaitlyn likes. Let me know if you need anything else.”

  Kaitlyn climbed into the back and Jared buckled the seat belt. He air-kissed the little girl and pecked Tara on her cheek.

  Tara gave him a quick smile, such a small gesture, but it made his heart jump just being that close to her. He looked sexy despite the bruise around his eye where she had landed that punch. A fresh breeze blew her hair into her face and he swiped it away. He dragged his gaze off her and held up Kaitlyn’s little suitcase. “Here’s her stuff. Lou put her special toys and a jacket and change of clothes in the case.” He looked up at the sky. “A storm’s coming. You should get back before it hits. See you later.”

  Chapter 47

  Kaitlyn sat ramrod straight in the SUV, still clinging to the teddy bear. Tara smiled to herself and touched her cheek where Jared had kissed her. If only he could know what it did to her when he stared at her with that hungry look in his eyes.

  She’d been thinking about his words. Maybe he was right. Maybe she did run away when things got tough.

  When they arrived at the Center, dark clouds had amassed. Thunder rolled around and a streak of lightning seared the sky, followed by a loud crash of thunder. Tara looked at her watch. Half the day had already passed.

  Kaitlyn didn’t seem to be worried by the noise or the storm wind buffeting them. She climbed out of the vehicle and headed for the barn. The dogs ran up and licked her all over her face. Tara wished she could see a smile, but the little girl’s facial expression didn’t change. The dogs suddenly got distracted and ran off barking toward the barn. Tara shivered. What if it was the person who had cut the wi
re?

  There was no sign of Merrick or Shawn. Maybe they had decided she didn’t need protection or perhaps Jules needed her SUV and they had taken it back to her. “Come on, we can see the horses later. The rain’s coming.” Tara managed to coax Kaitlyn into the house, and she wondered what to do to keep the little girl occupied. If only Lou would let her ride, she could promise to saddle up one of the ponies later.

  Tara could smell the ozone in the air. The rain started falling and soon pelted down outside, and the wind howled down the chimney. Lighting flashed in the sky. A loud clap of thunder made her jump, and she threw an anxious glance at Kaitlyn and saw fear in her eyes even though her expression hadn’t changed. She held the bear tighter.

  “It’s okay, Kaitlyn. It’s just a storm and we’re perfectly safe in this old house. I’ve been through many storms here and the thunder can’t hurt you.” She wished she could hug the child and quell her fears.

  “When I was little, my mom used to play games with me whenever there was a big storm like this one.” She thought back and tried to remember all the little games her mom had played with Cassie to stimulate her thoughts before she had started speaking again. “I bet some of those toys and games are still in Cassie’s closet. You like toys and games?”

  Kaitlyn ignored her. What awful things had happened to her that she was so afraid to talk? If only there was a way to unlock her mind and make it better. Tara took out her phone. “Let me get a picture of you. Can you smile for the camera?”

  Kaitlyn stared at the phone. Tara sent the picture to Mel with a message that read: This is Kaitlyn, the adorable little girl I told you about. “Come on.” She took the child’s hand, half-expecting her to reject it, but she went along meekly up the stairs. “Let’s go see what we can find. I think there may be some toys in Cassie’s room.”