“Definitely a possibility,” Madden said. “But at least now we know what kind of vehicle to be on the lookout for. Deputies are also digging into his past, talking to friends and family. They showed me a picture of his ex-wife. It’s a little disconcerting.”
Reid frowned. “What do you mean?”
“She looks a hell of a lot like Eve. And Dana Fishel, the barrel racer.”
Eve shrank against the cushion as if trying to hide. “I was a sitting duck. There was no reason for him to target me except my auburn hair and hazel eyes. And for what? To punish the wife who left him?”
Anger beat against Reid’s temples as the color drained from her face. They’d spent hours attacking the garden to keep her mind off her troubles, to help her take back some control and joy. All it took was one phone call to wash that all away. To bring her right back to this place of fear. “Bad people do bad things for all sorts of reasons that seldom make sense.”
“And we will find him,” Madden said. “While Reid is making sure you’re safe, the rest of Sunrise Security is doing everything we can to aid the sheriff’s department. You’re our main priority, Eve.”
She summoned a smile that Reid didn’t quite believe.
She was close to reaching the breaking point, and as much as he wanted to get details from Madden, there wasn’t anything else Eve needed to know.
“How’s Tara liking the grand tour of Tremont Ranch?” he asked, switching gears.
“Lily’s keeping her busy. They took Queenie and Ace on a trail ride, and Lily’s giving her an inside look at how we run our weddings. Tara seems to be enjoying herself, and they’ve stayed close. I don’t think Tara’s at risk, but we’re not taking any chances. I’m here, doing what I can from the phone and computer.”
“Thanks for watching out for her, but I don’t want you getting an earful from the sheriff for not being at the rodeo keeping an eye on things.”
“It’s apparent at this point Tyson’s goal is getting to Eve, not terrorizing anyone at the rodeo. Showing his face there will only hurt his chances of getting what he wants. Dax and Ben are still at the fairgrounds, just in case, but like I said, my priority is doing what I can for Eve.”
“Thanks, Madden,” she said.
“Anything for you, Eve,” Madden said. “You two take it easy. I’ll let you know if I find out any more information.”
Reid disconnected and tossed his phone on the cushion. He leaned back, shifted to hook his knee on the sofa and face Eve.
“What now?” she asked.
“Whatever you want.”
“What I want is to pinpoint Tyson Brown and finish this mess, but I don’t think that’s an option.”
He gave a little tug on a strand of her hair. “I wish it was. We just have to wait and trust everyone to do their job.”
“I hate being in limbo.” She heaved out a long sigh. “Time to paint?”
Laughing, he shook his head. “I have something else in mind. We worked through lunch, and I’m starving. It’s early, but if I grill the steaks now, we can enjoy dinner on the back deck. The view is amazing.”
She glanced at her watch. “Early-bird special it is. Do you need help?”
“Can you handle baked potatoes and salad?”
Tipping her chin, she aimed raised brows his way. “I own a restaurant, remember?”
He lifted his palms. “No insult intended. I’ll grill, you bake and toss, and we’ll spend the evening enjoying each other’s company.”
Leaning forward, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Deal.”
Strolling to the kitchen, a lightness lifted his steps despite the seriousness of their situation. A cozy cabin, a good meal and a beautiful woman—things almost couldn’t be better.
The twangy voice of Eve’s favorite country singer boomed through her phone speaker. The garden might be where she found her peace, but the kitchen was where she found her purpose. As far back as she could remember, she’d helped her parents at Tilly’s. Her mom would set her up in the corner of the kitchen with a tiny bowl and whisk, letting her make her own creations.
Okay, so that might not have actually helped her parents, but at the time, she’d assumed she was the number-one employee.
Later on, she’d waited tables and learned how to prepare dishes. Once she reached twenty-one, she tended bar and took on more managerial responsibilities. Now that the bar and grill was hers, she didn’t get her hands as dirty as she liked, but shehadn’t lost her touch with a couple of potatoes and a bowl full of vegetables.
