“We’re searching the area,” the Chief said, “an intensive manhunt.And we’ve called in neighboring county deputies to set up roadblocks and check every car leaving the area.I’ll be in touch later.”
Back in the truck’s passenger seat, Sarah sat closer to Ben than she had before.Her hands shook.“That poor girl,” she said.“I feel so bad.”
“This guy’s seriously sick, and not just threatening anymore.He’s a violent predator.Remember when I said I was going to stick close to you?”
She nodded.
“Double that.”
Sarah wanted to protest, but the coward in her couldn’t.Instead, she whispered, “I’m glad.”
Chapter Fifteen
On the way to the ranch, they turned at the For Sale sign.Sarah saw Ben inspecting it again.Why in the world was he so interested?He didn’t live here.
Farther down the road, they found the ranch gate locked up tight.With the skies clearing, spears of sunlight broke through the fog and made their way to earth.The day brightened.As the gate opened, Sarah saw her neighbor, Travis Butler, on the other side of the fence.
He was horseback, on his favorite mount, a chestnut gelding.Something about the way he sat his mount suggested he’d been waiting for her.She rolled her window down to greet him, but Ben kept the truck rolling.
“Ben,” she protested, craning behind her at the rapidly disappearing man.Travis watched them drive past, his face unsmiling.“That’s my neighbor.Why’d you go right by him?I don’t like being rude.”
“Butler and I’ve met,” he said mildly.“We had a ...conversation.But right now, we’ve got other things more pressing than standing around talking to the neighbor.”
“Like what?”
“Like finding Willie and getting an explanation about the open gate.After that, I’ve a gift for you.”
Despite herself, she gave him a quick look.“A gift?”
“Yep.Bought it in town this morning when you were at the diner.It’s something useful.I’ll give it to you later.”
“Okay.”She couldn’t imagine what it might be, and also couldn’t deny a certain feminine curiosity.
“About Butler,” he asked in clipped tones, “are you dating him?”
“Dating?No.Well ...we’ve had a few meals out.I’ve known him all my life.He grew up next door, and after his parents passed, he’s kept the ranch going.”
