Was he behind the threats on her life? Why? Why could he possibly want her dead? And where did Hank fit in to all this?
“Come back to California and we can work this out,” Mr. Collier had said. But Colette knew with gut instinct that if she were to return to California, she’d wind up dead.
She shivered. Cameron Collier might be behind the threats on her life, but he wasn’t the direct instrument of death. No, somebody on the ranch was that instrument and Colette knew she wouldn’t be safe, no matter where she was, until she found out who that was.
* * *
“IT’S ME,” the man said into the phone.
“What in the hell is going on out there?”
The cowboy winced, unsurprised by Cameron Collier’s anger. “She has nine lives.”
“We’re running out of time and I want her dead. Change her luck. Forget trying to make it look like an accident. Just do what needs to be done.” Collier hesitated. “Maybe I should send a couple of my boys out on this. I thought you were the one for this job. Your record is clean, no discernible ties to me, but I must confess, I’m beginning to question your competence.”
The cowboy gripped the phone receiver tightly. “That won’t be necessary. No need to get anyone else involved in this. I told you I can handle it.” He hung up the receiver, anger narrowing his eyes. He touched the gun that nestled inside his waistband.
He didn’t want anyone else to do this particular job. He wanted it for himself, wanted the exquisite pleasure of paying her back.
Again he narrowed his eyes and scratched his cheek thoughtfully. She wouldn’t be so lucky next time. She was one cat he intended to skin.
