Santa Fe Setup by Katy Lee

Author:Katy Lee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-10-05T13:38:05+00:00

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Bard knew that Luci could be wanted by both the organized criminal group and law enforcement. In fact, the feds could have all her paintings and already marked her as involved. So many of these smuggling operations had working undercover agents infiltrated, just waiting for the moment charges would stick before making their move. Ordinarily, he would be one of them. Knowing that the Bureau of Land Management’s Santa Fe office was inundated with the constant flow of drugs coming up from the Mexican border only made him more worried for her future. The territory surrounding the forest acted as the perfect cover for aircraft to drop in and out of. The tributary rivers that led to the Rio Grande granted access for trafficking as well. All these details only solidified that they were not safe in this cabin.

“It’s only a matter of time before we’re surrounded,” Bard told the silent group, still lost in their thoughts about how these paintings might lead to Luci. “We also need to find these paintings and get them back.” He didn’t want to think what he would do if he learned the feds already had them. Would he steal evidence that the government had confiscated?

“What’s the plan?” Luci asked.

Sal stood and went over to a cabinet. “I have a map here somewhere. Perhaps you can get to the next ranger station before these guys return with more muscle.”

Bard glanced out the window, not seeing any evidence of people in the trees. In fact, everything seemed tranquil. It was an idyllic location for a painter’s retreat. But something didn’t sit right with him. Bard thought of the man chasing Luci as she ran to this cabin. He had veered off just before she found it. He knew the guy was still out there, if not more of them by now.

But they kept their distance from this cabin.

Bard looked over at the table where Sal and Luci pored over the map.

“Take this route west and it will lead you to the next ranger station,” Sal was instructing Luci. “You should make it by nightfall.”

She put her hand down on the table over Sal’s. “I want you to come with us. We can take turns carrying Natalie. You shouldn’t be here. And she needs a doctor.”

“The bullet went right through her leg. I got the bleeding to stop. I think any movement could start it again. Please don’t worry about us. What’s important is that you get to safety. I brought this on you, so please, get yourself to safety.”

Tears welled up in Luci’s eyes, shimmering them to a bright green. “I don’t want you to feel guilty. I wish you hadn’t resorted to crime to save the gallery, but please know I forgive you. What Cody Jemez did hurt us both. He took advantage of us and used us.”

Sal pulled her close and rested his chin on top of her head. “I don’t deserve your friendship.”

You got that right, Bard thought. He checked himself, though, before saying anything not allowed.

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