His Adam’s apple bobbed three times before he reached into his pocket and put the paper in her hand. Chills overtook her as she read the three boxy words.
Send Ariella Home
The handwriting, like the one on the previous note, was unfamiliar. She dropped it on the table and folded her arms over her chest. “My father really doesn’t want me here.”
A deep growl sounded in Cody’s throat. “We’ll get to the bottom of this, Ella.”
“But these threats are getting more dangerous. You could have died after that snake bite. One of the boys could have been bitten. Now our garden is ruined from the salt, isn’t it?”
“Not necessarily. If we can get the top layer of soil off before it rains, that might save the garden. I don’t think you watered it enough to have an impact. Still, we’ll have to plant another one just in case.”
She threw up her arms. “See? They’re going after our livelihood. I’m guessing whoever pulled down your cattle fence is the person responsible for this too. Yet no one has seen suspicious activity in town. How do we find someone who knows how to stay invisible?”
Several seconds of silence passed before Cody slammed his hand on the table, making Ella jump. Fury burned in his eyes. “We need to find this man, Trav. Immediately.”
Travis crossed his arms. “I agree. We’ll set up a watch over your house. I can find volunteers to help. Folks won’t take kindly to people threatening one of our own.” He stood. “I best get to that.”
“Thanks.” Cody clapped a hand on Travis’s shoulder. “I’ll take a watch tonight.”
Ella bit back a protest. There was wisdom in the men’s plan, but it felt wrong to inconvenience others on her account.
When Travis left, she buried her face in her hands. “This is all my fault.”
“No, it’s not.”
“It is. You wouldn’t be having these problems if it wasn’t for me.”
Cody took hold of her hands, firmly moving them from her face. “You listen to me, darlin’. None of this is on you. It’s on whoever is trying to control you. If you let yourself believe it’s your fault, they win. That’s not acceptable.”
His tone brooked no argument. His words almost convinced her.
Cody studied her face, and a half smile tipped up his lips. “And until you can believe it, I’ll believe for both of us.”
Tears stung her eyes. She slipped one hand from his to place it on his cheek. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Hogwash.” He squeezed her knee. “It’s me who doesn’t deserve you.”
“What!” Her mouth fell open. “Of all the ridiculous, crazy notions…!”
Cody chuckled. He tapped her chin. “Exactly.”
“Oh.” She leaned back in her chair. A reluctant smile formed. “You’ve made your point.”
“Good.” He kissed her forehead, then rose. “Now, I’m going to see about clearing some land for another garden. Thanks be to God, we still have plenty of seed.”
“Can I help?”
“Sure. We’ll make it a family affair.” Cody held out his hand. “As long as we’re together, that’s what matters.”
She slid her hand into his. Her faith in the matter might not match his, but perhaps with enough time, it would.
Aweek later, Cody sat by the barn loft window, rifle slung over his shoulder. All was dark and quiet. Somewhere near the house, Travis kept watch with Hattie’s youngest son, Patrick.
It felt strange sneaking into his own barn, no lantern to light the way. The cows gave a welcoming low when he entered. He patted each one before making his way into the loft. Now he waited, eyes peeled for any strange movement. The moon provided sufficient light. From his vantage point, he could see the house and garden.
It was the third time he’d watched through the night. Travis had a steady rotation of volunteers to keep vigil at the ranch. No incidents had occurred yet. Cody was both thankful and frustrated by that. He wanted whoever threatened his family caught. Either Ella’s father or former fiancé were somehow behind the incidents. Maybe Blackwell was the one hiring the miscreant. Unfortunately, unless they caught the culprit, they couldn’t prove it.
He focused out the window, straining to see any movement. His eyelids drooped. He grunted, rubbing a fist over them, willing himself to stay awake. By his estimation, there were still five hours before sunrise.
