Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense November 2017--Box Set 2 of 2 by Margaret Daley

Author:Margaret Daley
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488019685
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Barrett didn’t bother saddling a horse. He gunned the engine on his truck, tires churning up grit as he took the road to the Arroyos’ property. Owen was in the passenger seat, tight jawed and silent, a rifle across his lap. He’d been awake in the kitchen, the perpetual victim of pain and insomnia, when Barrett had staggered in.

“I’m coming,” he’d said. “You need backup.”

Barrett had not argued.

Leaves torn loose by the incoming storm slapped against his windshield, the wipers keeping time to the panicked beating of his heart. Someone in the stables?

“Police are en route,” Owen said. “She reply to your text?”

He shook his head. Would Shelby play it smart and stay locked inside as he’d advised, no, ordered, in his text? Would he, if the situation was reversed? If he thought someone was threatening his horses, he’d grab his gun and charge out like an angry bear. Any of his brothers would do the same.

The rain sheeted on the glass, his headlights picking out pockets of water collected on the road. He had to slow a few times when his tires caught in several potholes, jarring them both. The house came into view, some lights showing on the bottom floor.

They cut to a hard stop behind Ken Arroyo’s truck. The smell of smoke hit them immediately, the crackle of flames jerking their attention toward the barn. “The stables are on fire.”

“I’ll get the horses out,” Owen said. “You see if Shelby’s hiding in the house like you told her to.”

Owen disappeared into the night. He was a crack shot, a trained soldier, and he had way more experience with this kind of situation than Barrett. Barrett made it to the front door in moments, stomach plummeting when he found it ajar. He pushed it open with his boot.

“Shelby?” he called softly. Then louder. No answer. The eerie stillness of the house telegraphed the truth. She’d done what he would have. Gone to save her horses. He texted his brother. Shelby’s at the stables. Coming now.

Then he ran, flat out pounded down the sloped drive and onto the graveled trail that led to the stables. Drifts of smoke filled his nostrils. He found Owen trying to unjam the door at the end, but the wedge was driven too deep.

“Let me,” he said, grabbing an ax and striking at the hinges. It took Barrett a half dozen chops to knock away the metal. He hauled open the door. Owen went for the horses when a shot exploded through the air, sending him to his knees.

“Don’t touch my horses,” came a faint voice from the corner.

“Shelby?” Barrett yelled, smoke stinging his eyes. “Don’t shoot. It’s Barrett and Owen. We’re here to get you out.”

Crouched in the corner, she looked at him, peering through the smoke. After a moment, she struggled to rise but crumpled back into the hay. He gathered her up and carried her to the barn, laying her down while Owen tended to the horses.

She lay on her side, sucking in air, coughing.

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