Cowboy Rescue [Men for Hire 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read Free Page B

rescue mission kept them too busy to do the circuit.
    Gabriel pushed the big silver belt buckle away from his growing midsection. He needed to get out from behind the desk soon and get some real exercise running the cattle. But it seemed more and more women were calling for help, and he’d be damned if he’d turn them down.
    He motioned for them to take a seat, but as usual Jack stayed on his feet. He was the restless one of the trio, ever ready to keep on the go.
    Showing his military training, Brad sat tall and straight as though ready to address his commanding officer. Mike, on the other hand, slumped in the chair, but that was only a facade. As a former undercover cop, he was good at hiding his training, but was always ready to spring into action. Jack’s training was all at Gabriel’s and his brothers’ hands, but he was just as hard and competent as they were.
    “Miss? Tell me.” He didn’t want to push her too hard, but he needed as much info as she’d give him.
    Her voice echoed in his ear. “No. Does that mean anything?”
    She was young, in her midtwenties, from the timbre of her voice. His caller ID pegged her as living in Destiny. At least she was close by. The last woman they’d helped had been in Montana.
    “Have you ever heard his voice? Has he called you or spoken to you while he was staying out of sight?”
    “No. He’s only contacted me through the e-mails.”
    It was crazy. A man in love with a picture, and he didn’t care that the woman he’d been chatting with wasn’t the same person. But then again, the world was filled with crazies.
    He passed the paper where he’d written her name and address down to Mike along with a couple of the e-mails. Mike picked them up then sat back, grimaced at what he read, then gave them to Brad. Brad had the same reaction then handed them over to Jack, but kept the paper with her address on it. Jack gave a low whistle then tossed the sheets back onto the desk.
    In the meantime, Gabriel had already forwarded her information to Fletcher Owens, his IT guy. Fletcher would have the scoop on one Miss Maria Franklin in less than an hour.
    “Do you have a friend or family member you can stay with?” He arched an eyebrow as Brad, the oldest of the Granger men at thirty, helped himself to a shot of his favorite whiskey. Mike grabbed a glass and motioned for Brad to fill his, too. Jack, as usual, shook his head, refusing the drink.
    “No. All my family lives in Michigan. Besides, I don’t want to put anyone else at risk.”
    She was a good person. He sensed that about her from her voice as well as her desire to keep others safe. “Okay. It’s late. Make sure every door and window is locked. Then go into your bedroom, lock it, and stay put until morning.”
    “Do you think he’s coming tonight?” Her voice was threaded with fear.
    “No, I don’t. But, just in case I’m wrong, I want you to take care. We’ll contact you tomorrow. Stay home until we do.”
    “But I have to teach.”
    She was a teacher. Fletcher would tell him where soon enough.
    “Call in sick. In fact, tell them that you’re taking at least a week off. Tell them it’s a family emergency. Or that it’s your doctor’s orders. Say whatever you have to say, but stay home.”
    “But what if he…comes tonight?”
    “I’m not going to lie. He might. But I don’t think so. He’s spent too much time working up to meeting you. From the e-mails you sent me, he’s loving the anticipation, and I don’t think he’s ready to give that up yet.”
    “So he’s playing with me? I thought as much.”
    At least she has good instincts. “Yeah. He is.”
    Brad’s dark gaze met his, and he nodded. Yeah. We’ve got another one. “Lock up, and if you have a gun, don’t be afraid to use it. We’ll be there tomorrow.”
    “How will I know you?”
    He slammed a hand down when Brad started to pour himself another drink. Damn Grangers. Always drinking my booze. “Don’t worry. You’ll know