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  A twinge of remorse halted any more disparaging thoughts about Agent Connors. He should give her a break and allow her to do her job. But he couldn’t. She might slip and their protectee or an agent could be killed. Other critical matters battled his thoughts about Meghan Connors, including Tom Warrington’s final words to him.

  “Ash, VP Hall has already indicated that he wants either you or Special Agent Connors on his protective detail as soon as this assignment is completed. Agent Hawkins is retiring.”

  No stress there.

  Chapter 4

  Meghan took her first break after seven hours. She rubbed her aching neck muscles and took a sip of tepid coffee. Her stomach growled, and she realized this was the second day that she’d worked without taking time to eat. This morning, she’d subsisted on black coffee and a banana after taking a four-mile run. This had to stop. Not feeding her brain meant lousy job performance. Ash would thrive on her mistakes.

  Although the massive home was well built and contained every modern convenience listed in Architect Design, she found some of the wiring for the alarm system archaic. The rewiring coincided with Burnette’s purchase and remodel of the home five years ago. Perhaps the contractor had cut a few corners. The logical side of her said the amount of work to secure housing for a VP’s daughter wasn’t necessary, but she needed to stay busy and avoid Ash. Plus the threats made on Lindsay’s life called for heavier protective measures.

  She scooted her chair back and walked down the hallway to the kitchen. Grabbing a plate, she eyed what would fill her stomach and reactivate her brain. The bottles of water were ice cold. Perfect. Pepper had filled the kitchen counter with sandwiches, various chips, salsa, fruit, and homemade oatmeal raisin cookies the size of a man’s fist. Agents came and went in shifts, some returning for another round. The air-conditioning seemed to take priority over being under Ash’s scrutiny. He barked a lot, but she wondered if beneath that crusty exterior was a man with a good heart. He knew his stuff, and he didn’t miss a thing.

  After thanking Pepper for lunch, she hurried back to the operation room. Ash sat across from her, his focus on his computer screen. Now was as good a time as ever.

  “The wiring in the house needs to be updated, possibly redone. It’s not adequate even for regular household needs.”

  He lifted a brow. “Make it happen. Burnette indicated it might need to be changed.” He lifted his sandwich to his mouth, then laid it on his plate. “Is what’s there dangerous, or are we okay until an electrician can complete the work?”

  “We’ll make do. I’ve already written the order.”

  She pulled two jalapeños from her chicken salad on whole wheat.

  Ash stood and opened the door leading down the hall to the kitchen. “Pepper, can I see you a minute?”

  She appeared in the doorway, wearing short shorts and a halter top. Hard for Meghan to believe her deceased husband had been an agent.

  “Would you make me a sandwich without jalapeños?” He handed her his plate; he’d taken one bite from the sandwich. “I prefer a croissant.”

  “That’s lunch.” She handed the plate back to him and flashed her pearly whites. “Supper is at six thirty.”

  Meghan hid a grin. Oh, these two would definitely be comic relief. If they didn’t kill each other first.

  Ash’s eyes narrowed. “You’re telling me I have to eat this gut-burning sandwich or wait until tonight?”

  “The other agents devoured my original recipe. Asked for seconds. You’re outnumbered.”

  “Then they have cast-iron stomachs. I’d like a normal sandwich.”

  “Fix it yourself. I’m a class-A cook, not short-order.”

  “Then someone needs to give you a few lessons. Last night we had chicken tortilla soup that rivaled the Alamo massacre. This morning it was jalapeños and eggs with some white, gritty oatmeal loaded with these green things. Now this. Can’t you cook like a regular person?”

  Ouch. He might get decked for that remark.

  “I’m a highly desired chef. Probably paid more than you.” She saluted him and leaned against the doorjamb.

  “Your conduct is going into my report.” He set his plate on the table. “As well as your dress.”

  Pepper glanced at her attire. “I’m not wearing a dress. I’m in comfortable clothing that allows me to do my job.”

  His demeanor suggested he might be losing control, and his eyes shot fire. “I don’t appreciate your condescending mannerisms.”

  “Tsk. Tsk. Do you always throw temper tantrums when you don’t get your way?”

  “I suppose you have a sister named Cinnamon and a brother Herb.”

  Pepper moistened her ruby-red lips. “How immature, Special Agent in Charge Zinders. But you tell me, A2Z. You read the background check.”

  “I had that coming.” He anchored his hands on his hips. “So let’s call a truce. I’m hungry and in a bad mood. We’re adults here.”

  “Oh, really? You insult me, make demands, and now you want a truce?” She narrowed her eyes. “You gonna pull a gun on me?”

  Ash’s face flashed as red as a neon sign. “Why waste the bullet?”

  He’d lost it for sure.

  Pepper spit a few expletives. “I’m going outside to the stables, where the air’s fresh. I prefer the company of horses.” She slammed the door behind her.

  “Shovel some for me, would you, Pepper, honey?”

  Those two were a stitch. If Scottard Burnette hadn’t recommended Pepper, she’d be in the ranks of the unemployed. Highly paid chef or not.

  Ash gripped the back of his chair, as though trying to figure out his next move. He hesitated, then followed Pepper’s footsteps down the hallway to the kitchen. The back door creaked open and closed.

  Meghan stifled a laugh and inched his way.

  “There’s a snake out here.” Ash’s voice rose from the outside.

  She rushed through the kitchen to the back porch, envisioning a six-foot rattler coiled and ready to strike.

  Standing on the sidewalk leading to the stables, Pepper peered at him. “That’s a king snake, Special Agent in Charge Zinders. Sometimes we call them chicken snakes. You’d better watch out. They eat rodents.”

  Meghan hurried back to the operation room and slid into her chair. Biting her lip to again keep from laughing, she heard him enter the house. A few moments later, Ash entered the study with a plate full of chips and salsa, a banana, and two cookies.

  She studied his plate. “Watch the red stuff, sir. It’s hot enough to open your sinuses.”

  Ash studied the satellite imagery of the Dancin’ Dust Ranch, looking for ways someone could access the property. If Lindsay had been placed here simply as one more effort to rehabilitate her, he wouldn’t take all these precautions. But the threats on her life kept him wary. And no one got hurt on his watch.

  The latest from DC said the man threatening Lindsay had been linked to a drug dealer working out of Colombia, and she owed him $10,000. A nice chunk of change. Did she think her father’s position bought her clout with those who’d just as soon blow her away if she didn’t pay up? She really was in la-la land.

  The front gate at the end of the half-mile-long driveway was electronically locked, and an intercom and controls for the gate were located in the kitchen and stables. A security camera panned the immediate entrance. Ash stared out the window at the pool, not seeing but thinking about how to ensure Lindsay’s safety. For now he’d disconnect the controls in the stables. The Leonards might not appreciate the Secret Service taking over one more part of their life, but he felt the extra precaution was necessary.

  Bob knocked on the operation door. “Ethan Leonard needs horse feed and a few other supplies from town.”

  Another concern about their location leaking. “All right. Go with him and make sure he gets enough to last a long time.”

  “He also said he and his son go to church on Wednesday nights and Sundays. He doubts if they’ll go tonight because of the mare f
oaling.”

  “Must be like pulling the donkey out of the well.”

  “What?”

  “Never mind.” His conscience nudged him. How long had it been since he’d been a faithful churchgoer? But his job responsibilities meant grabbing God when he found the time. “Can’t they stay home until our assignment is over?” The moment he uttered the words, he realized the Leonards’ absence from church would bring the community to the ranch. “That won’t work. If they are in the habit of attending services, then find someone to accompany them who’ll fit in.”

  “I’m on it. An out-of-town friend or something.”

  Ash glanced up at Lawson, noting his dark skin and the broad shoulders that reflected back to his football days. “Talk to Enders. You look like a bouncer and—”

  “I get it.”

  “In fact, have Wade go with him for feed. No point in the folks around here seeing two strange faces.” Ash leaned back in his chair and appreciated how it fit every curve of his back. “I’d better talk to Ethan. Smooth things over so he won’t tell anyone what we’re doing to spite me.”

  “He has a garden.”

  Ash grinned. “Smart man, since I don’t know a thing about horses, and I despise Pepper’s spicy cooking. Maybe I can look pitiful.” He shook his head. “Some fresh vegetables sound like an icebreaker to me.”

  “Could be.”

  He pointed to the screen. “Study this for me while I talk to him. See if I’ve missed anything. I’m concerned about the angle of the cameras mounted at the main gate. Looks useless.”

  A flash of amusement crossed Bob’s face. “And you want my opinion?”

  “Contrary to popular belief, A2Z does have a human streak—once in a while. And I do need advice—once in a while.” Ash rose from his chair and made his way to the doorway. “Don’t tell anyone. Might spoil my image.”

  Suffocating heat met him the moment he stepped onto the porch. Pepper’s comment about the snake stung. He’d get even during their next “discussion.” He whirled around in case the snake had changed its mind. Who in his right mind would sit out here? The air seemed like breath from a fiery dragon. He’d never get used to this. His attention lifted to the horses grazing in the pasture. Suspicion took hold of him. Didn’t horses give birth in the spring? He’d have to find out. Connors had indicated specific times, and she appeared to have information about horses.

  Ash spotted Ethan filling a water trough and walked toward him. The older man took a long drink from the hose, soaking the front of his long-sleeved shirt in the process. Ash considered doing the same in the soaring temps.

  “Mind sharing the hose?”

  Ethan’s face hardened, but he handed it to him. Ash drank deeply of the warm water and then began to fill the trough. “We got off to a bad start.”

  “I’m used to taking orders from Burnette.”

  “He’s a fine man, and we’re indebted to him for the use of his ranch. How’s your mare?”

  “Doing okay. So’s the colt. Born about 1:30 this mornin’.”

  “Congratulations.” Ash shrugged. “I don’t know protocol about horses.”

  “I didn’t pass out any cigars, but the colt’s from good stock.”

  “I thought horses gave birth in the spring.”

  “That’s usually the case. This mare was bred late in the year.” Ethan took the hose and continued to fill the water trough. “Who’s coming?”

  Ash had to trust this man. He had the power to blow the assignment and possibly get Lindsay killed. “I need your word that what I’m about to tell you stays between us. High security measures are in place.”

  “Do I need to fetch my boy?”

  “I’ll tell him myself.” Ash leaned on one leg. “Vice President Hall’s daughter, Lindsay.”

  “The wild one? Humph. Saw her a few times on the news.”

  “Might want to keep your son from her.”

  Ethan narrowed his brow. “He’s old enough to make his own decisions.”

  “No one’s ever too old for a warning.”

  Ethan lifted a brow. “Read about some of the things she’s done. Right down embarrassing for the vice president and his wife. Must be drugs.”

  “I understand you’re a churchgoing man.”

  “Don’t suppose you’d know anything about that.”

  Ash chose to keep his faith to himself. The man before him might not believe his convictions. “Enough to get by.”

  “Ignoring God gives man a one-way ticket to heat hotter than Texas. So don’t be tellin’ me I can’t be goin’. Last night was different.” A subtle challenge wove through Ethan’s words.

  “I’m not. But I will be sending an agent along. Possibly a new cousin.”

  Ethan nodded. “So which one of your men will be going with me to town?”

  “Do you have a preference?”

  “Connors is prettier than the rest.”

  Ash forced a laugh. So he’d noticed her too. Another reason to get Agent Connors off the assignment. “I can arrange that. But I need her expertise today. How about Wade Enders?”

  “That’ll work. He’s a friendly guy.”

  Ash reached out to shake his hand. Ethan gripped it, his calluses rubbing against Ash’s grind of paperwork and computer keys. “I hear you have a garden.”

  “Got a hankerin’ for a fresh tomato?”

  “I do.”

  “Be glad to show you, and help yourself anytime. Cucumbers and bell peppers are good this year. So are the beans and corn. Wash ’em good. I use organic gardening techniques, but I believe in giving them a good bath. We got plenty. See those flower bushes over there?” Ethan pointed toward a pink flowering bush. “Since you’re a city boy, I’ll give you a bit of advice. Like you said, no one’s ever too old for a warning. Everything about the oleander bush is poison. Just stay away. If you want to pick flowers, choose another kind. The ones at the front end of the garden are good for impressing a lady.”

  “Thanks. I’ll remember that.”

  “And watch for snakes.” Ethan laughed, but Ash didn’t find a single word of it amusing.

  Chapter 5

  Once again Lindsay was at her parents’ home. She lay awake and listened to the gentle sound of country music flowing from her iPod. In her private moments, she often switched from hard rock to the tunes she loved—the sounds that stirred her heart and allowed her to live out her fantasies in a world where love was the most important part of a person’s life.

  Fortunately, the iPod had been in her purse when Daddy had his men pick her up from her apartment. He hadn’t been too happy about her appearance on The Barry Knight Show. She’d been high and hadn’t been able to string enough thoughts together about what happened in front of the cameras and later at her apartment.

  The song changed to an old George Strait tune. Not at all what her crowd expected from Lindsay Hall’s music preference. While the twang of a guitar soothed the emptiness, Lindsay allowed a tear to slip from her eye. Only one—that’s all she could spare. Her choices had destroyed any dreams to have the life she longed to live.

  Was anyone interested in understanding who Lindsay Hall was? Certainly no one who mattered. She’d done a good job of alienating those who might call her friend . . . or sister . . . or daughter.

  Sleep—if only she could sleep and forget. Instead, her head pounded like the drums from last weekend’s party. Had it been that long since she’d partied with her friends?

  She needed to get to an ATM machine and hoped Daddy hadn’t cut her off again. She couldn’t go to him for money right now. Seeing the pain in his eyes brought on the guilt and disgust for her behavior. She already knew the scenario. They’d argue, and she’d let him know how much she hated him. Then he’d give in, and she’d slip back to her apartment.

  What time was it anyway?

  “Honey, do you want a glass of water?”

  Someone touched Lindsay’s arm, and her eyes popped open to see her mother in a chair next to her bed. L
indsay pulled out her earbuds and cursed. “How long have you been here?”

  “About a half hour. You were asleep, and I didn’t want to wake you.” Mom picked up Lindsay’s hand, but she jerked it back.

  “I want to be left alone.” She closed her eyes and fought the sickness churning her stomach.

  “We don’t think you should be left alone right now.” Lindsay envisioned Mom’s pale face and faint smile. She’d swallow to hold back the tears. Always in control. Perfectly poised for the public. Lindsay wanted to gag.

  “Get a life, Mom. This is who I am.” Sweat dripped into her eyes, intensifying the pain behind them, as though someone twisted an ice pick. “Are you afraid I’ll do myself in and ruin Daddy’s election plans?” Lindsay wanted to spout every spiteful word she could think of. “Oh, wait a minute. I’ve already done a good job of lowering his ratings. I’m sure you caught The Barry Knight Show. How did you like the part about Daddy beating me? The tears caused the show’s ratings to skyrocket.” She did remember that segment.

  “You know he never touched you.”

  “The alphabet stations believe he did.”

  “That wasn’t really you.”

  “The Barry Knight Show wants me back.”

  “Why do you do these things?”

  “You know, a suicide would prove me right and end the spotlight for the vice prez and his lovely wife, Alexa.”

  “You don’t really want to hurt yourself.”

  Lindsay licked her dry lips. “Of course I do. In case you didn’t get my text, I despise both of you. If you can’t give me the money I need to survive, then I have no use for either of you. I want to be taken home.”

  “We’ll not support your addictive behaviors.”

  “What I need is a hit of coke or a pitcher of margaritas. You can choose. Maybe join me. Might loosen you up.”

  Mom gasped. “I’ve had enough, Lindsay. Drugs have taken over your mind. Poisoned you against your family.”