I took a deep breath. “When was this?” I asked her, desperate not to show how shaken I was.
“I don’t know exactly. Last week, maybe.”
When she cleared her throat, I knew she was trying to remain strong. Trying not to break in front of me and Glenn. But I saw the fear in her eyes, and it made something primal and violent wake up in my chest. It made me want to kill anyone who hurt her.
“Glenn, get on with what you have to do instead of hanging around here.” When he hesitated, I thought I was going to burst a blood vessel. “Now!”
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“It won’t be if you don’t do as I ask.” I grabbed Tally’s hand, feeling it tremble against mine as I tried not to focus on the rage coursing through me. “Come on, Brownie, let’s go and check the camp out.”
As I pulled her across the yard I took my own phone out and dialed Nash’s number.
“Hey, Wild.”
“Have you been to see the sheriff yet?”
“No, why? What’s happened? Bertie, baby, just take Billy’s hand for me one second while I talk to Uncle Wild.”
“Tally just got another message but there was a picture attached. It’s her working with a horse. She thinks it was taken last week sometime.”
Nash cursed quietly. “Give me a half hour and I’ll be at the sheriff’s office. I promised the kids an ice cream at Jungle Jacks.”
“Noworries. Are you okay if I hang out with her for the rest of the day?” I asked, my gaze darting to Tally who was shaking her head.
“Absolutely. Stay by her side and do not leave her alone,” my brother warned.
“Never intended to. Speak later.”
We ended the call, and I took a deep breath, desperate to calm my heart rate. Desperate not to show Tally how damn scared I was for her.
“You don’t have to stay with me,” she protested. “You’re busy and I’ll be fine. I’m working over at the camp this afternoon and Gunner is there and a couple of the construction guys.”
“Don’t give a shit. And now there is no argument, you’re getting a new phone.”
“Wilder.”
“Brownie, I’m staying by your side. If I have to do that until we find Declan then I will. Unless you want to spend the rest of the day arguing then I suggest you get on board.” Putting a hand on her shoulder, I stooped to look into her eyes. “We can argue if you like because let’s face it the make-up sex is bound to be phenomenal. However, I’d much prefer ‘I’m your hero and you damn well love it’ kind of sex. It’s softer, slower and lasts a whole lot longer, so up to you.”
Grateful for her smile, even if it was tight and accompanied with a huff of breath, I held her hand tight and continued on our way to the camp. All the while I counted the number of ways I would make Declan Mullaney pay, even if it took me years to find him. I was a very patient man, and she was mine to protect, mine to keep safe, and I’d burn the whole world down before I let anyone hurt her.
Chapter 39
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Tally
We kicked our boots off at the door and instantly I felt a sense of ease. Safe and secure. Not that Wilder had left my side all afternoon. As I helped set up the camp training paddock, advising where to put some obstacles and low rail fences, Wilder helped the two ranch hands move everything in place. Yet all the time he had an eye on me. Keeping guard.
“Tally ho.” Bertie came skidding into the foyer in sock feet, stopping inches away from me. She threw her arms around my waist. “I’m so happyyou’re here for dinner.”
“Hey, Bertie. I’m happy to be here, too. It smells good.”
“Me and Momma made Uncle Wild’s favorite.” She attempted a wink. “That’s because he’s her favorite.”
I glanced at Wilder. Funny, he was my favorite, too. I thought I was a strong, independent woman. I was a strong, independent woman, but I’d loved having him to lean on, to make me feel safe.
“We’re having taco’s?” I asked.
