 
STOLEN

Unlikely Heroes Book 1

Leslie Georgeson

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 Leslie Georgeson

This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author.

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This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

PART TWO

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

PART THREE

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

About Leslie Georgeson

Other Titles by Leslie Georgeson

Connect with Leslie Georgeson

PART ONE

PROLOGUE

Missoula, Montana

Friday, 2:30 a.m.

She was cheating!

John gasped. He stared out the open bedroom window as Karen darted across the night-darkened yard and slipped between the lilac bushes separating his house from David's.

No. He didn't want to believe it. But his eyes told him what he didn't want to accept.

Tonight had been the third night in a week he'd woken to find Karen's side of the bed empty. But tonight he'd heard the back door click shut. Tonight he'd woken in time to see what she was up to.

He and David had inherited the two rental properties, along with three others, upon their father's death a year ago. Living next door to each other had seemed cool at the time. Not so much now.

Before John could change his mind, he slipped out the back door after her. He paused on the back step. Karen hid in the lilacs, her head facing away from him as she stooped down between the branches and stared at David's house. John scurried off the porch and ducked behind the evergreen shrubs lining the back of the house.

The full moon slipped behind a cluster of clouds, shrouding the night in near-total darkness. An owl hooted, taking advantage of its temporary cover. It swooped down from a nearby tree. Moments later a rabbit screeched, snared within the bird's talons.

He watched from behind the bushes as the owl hauled off its prey, disappearing into the night. He felt like the rabbit as he crouched by the house, shocked and afraid, waiting for Karen to move from where she knelt between a gap in the lilacs. Following her had been a mistake, just as venturing out from under the brush had been a deadly mistake for the rabbit. He should have stayed in the house.

Karen rose to her feet. She tiptoed across the lawn toward David's back door. John followed. She reached the back porch and glanced behind her, searching the area where he hid in the lilacs in the exact spot she'd just hidden in.

John froze. Did she suspect he was there? Did she know she'd been caught?

She turned away, rapped her knuckles against the front door.

Oh God, she really was cheating. John's throat closed up.

No.

Pain sliced through his chest. He struggled to draw air into his lungs. How could she do this? How could he?

But now he knew.

The clouds drifted away. The moon reappeared. Moments later, the door swung open. Karen disappeared inside the house. John waited a few more seconds, then followed. He paused. Stooping beneath the open window, he waited. Listened. Voices floated out the window, swirling down to where he knelt by the juniper hedge. Taunting him. Tormenting him. He heard every word.

"Everything's ready. We'll meet you tomorrow at midnight like we planned." Karen's soft voice, a mixture of urgency and excitement, made his gut clench. "He doesn't suspect a thing. We'll be long gone before he even realizes what happened."

"I knew you could pull it off."

John's heart clenched. Hearing David's voice confirmed John's suspicion. His little brother, his only family, had stolen his wife. John struggled to draw air into his lungs.

"Where's the baby now?" David asked.

"She's in bed sleeping. John was sound asleep when I snuck out."

"You did good, Babe. Tomorrow our life together can begin. Just the three of us."

"Yes. Oh, I love you, David!"

John sucked in a breath. The two people he trusted most in the world had deceived him. Bile rose in his throat. He forced it back down.

The voices trailed into silence. Moments later a light flicked on at the back of the house.

John rose to his feet. He slipped around to the back of the house and hunkered down beneath the bedroom window. Sounds of intense lovemaking drifted out the window. Soft sighs. Groans. Whispered words. Moans...

Tormented, yet unable to leave, he remained beneath the window, each panted breath, each sigh tearing at his heart like a jagged knife. He doubled over with the pain, gasped for breath.

How dare they do this to him!

He jerked upright as anger surged through him.

How dare they!

How could she do this to him? He was going to strangle the bitch, squeeze the deceit right out of her.

Oh God. He'd lost the only woman he'd ever loved to his own brother!

The breath whooshed back out of his lungs. He sank onto the ground as despair slithered in. How could they do this to him? Why? His chest tightened. The pain nearly crippled him. He groaned.

He turned away from the window before the sight and sounds of their deceit could torture him further. What should he do now? Should he confront them? Just pretend he didn't know?

Something they'd said suddenly clicked in his brain.

John halted his retreat. He turned back toward the house.

Not only had they planned to run away together, but they'd made arrangements to take his daughter—his sweet, darling little girl—with them.

The hell they were!

His skin heated. His limbs stiffened. His head pounded. A fierce swirling of rage consumed him.

John stalked across the yard, thundered up the porch steps. He reached for the doorknob...turned it. They hadn't locked the door. Idiots! They should have. Now they were going to regret it.

He shoved the door open.

It banged against the wall.

How dare they! No one took his little girl away! No one!

He marched down the hallway, their startled gasps fueling him on. He reached the master bedroom. Flung open the door.

It slammed against the wall.

They sprang apart, their sweat-slicked bodies glistening in the overhead light. David grabbed a blanket from the bed. He tossed it over Karen.

"John!" Her eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"

"What the hell you covering her for?" John reached for the blanket, snatched it aside. "It's not like I've never seen her naked before!"

"Take it easy, John." David glanced at Karen where she hovered on the bed, trying to cover herself with her hands. His gaze jerked back to John. "She wanted to tell you, she just didn't know how."

"She wanted to tell me?" John echoed. "What about you? You son-of-a-bitch!" He lunged at his brother, tackling him backward. They slammed into a nightstand, sent a lamp crashing to the hardwood floor as they grappled beside the bed. Karen let out a shriek. She leapt off the bed, landing on John's back. Her fingers tightened around his neck as she tried to hang on. John jerked one way, then another, attempting to fling her off. He spun in a fast circle, finally dislodging her. She cried out as she flew sideways and landed back onto the bed.

David stumbled to his feet, eyeing John warily. John charged again, his fist sailing through the air.

A loud crunch resounded through the room as John's fist struck home, smashing David square in the jaw. David stumbled backward. He lost his footing and fell. His head struck the corner of the nightstand with a loud crack. David crumpled to the floor and didn't move. Blood gushed from the wound, soaking the carpet beneath his head.

Karen let out another screech. "You killed him, you bastard!" She leapt off the bed. Her foot got tangled in the blankets, tripping her. She went down in a tangle of sheets and blankets.

John glanced to where David lay, unmoving. Karen cursed and fought her way free of the sheets.

Shit! He shook his head to clear the haze that clouded his vision. He stared, his heart surging into his throat. Was David dead?

"Shit!"

What have I done? He'd never struck anyone before in his entire life. He glanced again at his brother's unmoving form.

A sob escaped him. Then another.

He leaned over David's body. Felt for a pulse.

Nothing.

Blood seeped into the carpet around David's head.

John lowered his ear to David's nose. Listened for sounds of breathing.

Nothing.

He checked for a pulse again.

Still nothing.

John stumbled back, fell hard on his ass. He stared at his brother's body. Another sob erupted from his throat. He lunged to his feet, scrambling toward the door.

He'd just killed his little brother!

Karen finally untangled herself. She crawled across the room to lean over David's body. "David?" She patted his cheek. "David?"

John bolted from the room.

For a moment, he stood in the hallway in indecision. He couldn't go to jail. He'd never see his daughter again. His sweet baby girl.

A plan took shape in his mind. If he hurried, he could rush home, scoop up his beloved April, and disappear into the night.

John sprinted across the yard to his house, panic urging him on. He crashed through the lilacs, scraping his arms on the branches, then stumbled in the back door. He raced to the nursery. Pausing in the doorway, he stared in at his six-month-old daughter asleep in the crib. She sucked on a thumb, her expression peaceful in sleep.

Love consumed him, brought tears to his eyes. She was the most precious thing in the world. He'd die before he let anyone take her away from him. He refused to believe April might not even be his. Hell, if she wasn't his, then he was stealing her.

No! He wouldn't think that. April was his.

"Daddy's sorry he left you alone." He stared down at his beautiful little girl. His life. His everything. He reminded himself if he hadn't followed Karen, he would never have discovered her scheme to run away and take April with her.

"I'll never leave you alone again, Sweetie." It was a promise he intended to keep.

He turned from the room.

In a frenzy, he gathered her clothes and diapers and baby items and stacked them outside the nursery door. Then John bent over the crib and smiled down at his precious baby.

He scooped her into his arms.

April turned into his warmth, snuggled against his chest.

Shame washed over him. He couldn't believe what he was about to do. But it was the only way. The only way.

Moments later, he juggled baby, diaper basket, and bags of clothes out to the car parked in the driveway. He had to hurry. Karen could come out of David's house at any second.

He tossed the clothes and diapers into the backseat of his Chevy, then gently laid April in her car seat. He belted her in, tucking a pink baby blanket beneath her chin. Her eyes opened. She made a soft cooing sound, then went back to sleep.

John raced around to the driver's seat, climbed in. He started the engine and took a deep breath. He glanced next door at David's house. Still no sign of Karen.

He leaned over and peered into the rear-facing car seat at April. Tears blurred his vision.

"It's just you and me now, darling." He trailed a finger down his baby's soft cheek. His hand shook. He turned away.

Moments later they traveled down the street in the old blue Chevy, away from a life of pain and deceit and into a future filled with uncertainties. Fleeing would offer nothing but a life on the run. A life of living in fear. He was a murderer. He would be a wanted man before morning. They would hunt him down.

He let out a sob. Murderer.

He'd killed his own brother.

John glanced down at April, his entire world, sleeping peacefully in her car seat. They would have to create new identities, possibly alter their appearances. But when weighed with the odds of never seeing his sweet baby girl again, it was the only life he could choose.

As he turned the car onto Interstate 90 and headed east, John's eyes were intent on the road. His decision was made.

He never looked back.
CHAPTER ONE

Tucson, Arizona

Fourteen years later

Nick Miller was not having a good day.

First, Daisy stepped on his foot in the wash area and he was almost positive she'd broken his baby toe. Then she had the audacity to trip him in the show ring. The stupid cow should have been named Crazy Beast.

As Nick lay sprawled on the ground with a mouthful of dirt and laughter surrounding him, Daisy further humiliated him by slamming a hind leg rudely onto his stomach. Nick gasped in pain and rolled into a ball. Daisy took that as a cue to continue her misbehavior. She lunged out of line, dragging him around the arena. She rammed into the other cattle and their handlers, turning the show into a disaster. Daisy had to be the first cow in the history of the fair to single-handedly turn the Junior Dairy Cattle Show into a stampede. If Nick had been smart enough to let go of Daisy's lead rope when she first tripped him, he wouldn't have been trampled. But once he was lying face-down in the dirt, he couldn't release Daisy. He was afraid to let go of her lead rope. She didn't have the best temperament and he feared someone else might be hurt if she got loose. Crazy Beast! His prized, two-year-old Guernsey 4-H cow he'd spent hours working with was going on the market as soon as possible. He was done. He refused to show another cow after this. No matter what his parents said.

Chaos rained down upon the arena. Stampeding cattle. Screaming spectators. Satisfied now that she'd set the arena into an uproar, Daisy dragged Nick to the fence. She paused to nibble at a lone weed. There would be no ribbon for Daisy today. Nick wouldn't be surprised if they banned him from ever showing another cow at the fair. Not that he cared anymore. Stupid cow!

He rolled over onto his back, gingerly sat up. He was covered with dirt. And fresh cow shit. The disgusting smell wafted up from his jeans, stung his nostrils. Crap. He stunk.

His glasses hung askew from one ear.

A shadow fell over him.

"You okay?" It was a girl's voice.

Huh? No one cared about him. Except maybe his parents. He removed his glasses and wiped them on his shirt, smearing mud across one of the lenses. He readjusted them on his face, then looked up. He could see out of the one side, but the other was blurry with mud.

Small and skinny, with wild, unruly black hair and the lightest eyes Nick had ever seen, the girl had extraordinarily pretty features. He stared. He guessed her age at about twelve or thirteen. Crap! The last thing he needed was a skinny little girl hanging around, getting in his way.

"Yeah, I'm fine." His stomach roiled. Daisy's foot had worked him over good. He'd have an ugly bruise tomorrow. If he didn't die from internal injuries first.

His stomach heaved. Nick puked all over the ground near the girl's feet.

She stepped aside while he retched. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

Nick shrugged her away. "I said I was fine!" He grabbed a fence rail and pulled himself to his feet. Daisy had made quick work of the weed and sniffed along the fence for another one, oblivious to what she'd done.

"Stupid cow!" He glared at the dumbest, meanest cow he'd ever had the misfortune of showing. "I hate you!"

"She's just a cow. She doesn't know any better."

Nick swung his gaze toward the girl, the non-blurred eye focusing on her tanned face. "Yeah, what do you know? You're just a kid."

She pinned him with that light-eyed stare and didn't blink. Nick lowered his gaze.

Daisy was the only cow still in the arena. All of the spectators had fled for more interesting events. For some reason, this girl had stayed behind. What did she want?

She was the only kid—only person, in fact—at the Pima County Fair who didn't laugh at him. Suspicion rippled through him. Why wasn't she laughing at him? Why did she pretend to care about him? She didn't even know him.

"Nick Miller's a sissy! He can't even control his own cow!"

Nick jerked his gaze to the other side of the barn where a group of boys had gathered. Crap! He stared at puny little Jeremy Bishop, the one who'd spoken. The big mouth punk. The school bully. Lately Nick had suffered the brunt of his ridicule. It had all begun the day Nick had accidentally run into Jeremy in the hall at school about two weeks ago. Now Jeremy tormented Nick on a regular basis. If it weren't for Jeremy's bodyguard, Chris McClay, Nick wouldn't be so afraid. A big mouth without a large backup of brawn was nothing but a big mouth. Nick knew firsthand just how much Chris's big fists could hurt.

He turned away from the approaching group of boys, grabbed Daisy's lead rope. He didn't need a confrontation right here in the arena in front of the new girl. She'd already witnessed his humiliation once. If she witnessed him getting beat up by a group of bullies too, she'd discover how pathetic he was.

She turned and waited for the group of bullies to reach them, obviously not as afraid as Nick was. "I don't see any of you showing a cow today." She planted her hands on her hips, eyed them one by one. "So what makes you think you could do it any better, boys?"

"I could do it a hell of a lot better than him!" Jeremy pointed a finger at Nick.

"Okay, big mouth." The girl snagged Daisy's lead rope from Nick's hand. She thrust it toward the other boy. "You go show her in this class!"

Unexpected admiration swirled through Nick. Damn, she was brave. He'd never dared to be that brave with this group of bullies before, but this tiny little sprite of a girl showed no fear.

The boys exchanged glances, then they all laughed.

"What's the matter?" she asked. "Are you a-fraaaid?"

Whoa! Nick stepped back in anticipation of a fight. At a cue from Jeremy, Chris could smash this little girl with one hand.

"I ain't afraid of no stupid cow!" Jeremy snatched the rope from the girl's fingers. Daisy lifted her head from where she'd been sniffing for another weed. She rolled her lower jaw as she chewed her cud, then bolted away from the fence.

And straight into the group of boys.

A chorus of yelps and screams followed as Daisy plowed through the boys like a Spanish fighting bull. She tossed them into the air, sent them sprawling into the dirt. Stunned, Nick stared as Daisy's fawn-colored shape danced about the arena with Jeremy still clinging to the lead rope. Jeremy screamed as Daisy dragged him across the arena, veering in one direction, then another. She finally deposited him near the arena exit as she ran out, flinging his puny frame into the fence before giving a final kick and disappearing out into the barn corridor.

Nick swallowed. Oh crap! They would kill him for sure now. Put a pipe bomb in his lunch box or wait for him after school and beat him to a bloody pulp. Or—even worse—maybe they would finally follow up on their threat to sick Chris's vicious Rottweiler on him. A vision of snarling fangs dripping with saliva pierced his brain. Crap and double crap!

All because of a skinny little girl with strange, light-colored eyes.

The bravest girl he'd ever met.

The girl in question was doubled over with laughter. She gasped for breath as she glanced at Nick, then she laughed even harder. Nick stared at her through his smeared glasses for a long moment. His lips twitched. If the boys were going to murder him later, he supposed he could at least enjoy a few moments of laughter at their expense now.

Nick glanced back to where Daisy had sent his enemies sprawling. He giggled. All the boys were getting to their feet, obviously unhurt, but covered with dirt and cow dung. He hoped they stank as much as he did. He glanced across the arena to where Jeremy had climbed to his feet. Nick's biggest enemy, the big mouth punk, clutched his right arm and howled with pain.

Oh crap! Now he was doomed.

Nick gulped his laughter up, swallowed it whole.

"Don't feel bad." The girl sidled up next to him. She giggled once more, then grew serious. "It wasn't your fault. Besides, he deserved it. My dad told me people with big mouths always end up eating their words one day. Looks like today was his day."

She smiled at him. Nick smiled back. Her dad sounded like a smart guy.

"Thanks. My name's Nick. Sorry I wasn't very nice at first."

She shrugged. "That's okay, I understand. I'm Rebecca. I'm fourteen, by the way. I know I look younger. Believe me, I wish I looked my age. How old are you?"

Nick had to admit she looked younger than fourteen. Could be because she was flat-chested and had no hips. Could be because her hair was a bit wild. Could be because she was so small. Not that he cared how old she was. She seemed like a nice girl.

She held her hand out. Nick squeezed it gently.

"I'm sixteen, almost seventeen, though I know I don't look like it." He wasn't that tall either. His diminutive stature gave the bullies something else to tease him about. His mother kept telling him to be patient. He'd reach his adult growth spurt soon. Yeah right. Nick had just about given up on ever growing past five-foot-six.

Their gazes locked. She grinned. Laughter bubbled up his throat. He chuckled.

"Guess that's one thing we have in common. Neither one of us looks our age."

"Yeah." Nick released her hand, embarrassed by everything that had happened. "Guess I better go find Daisy."

"I'll come with you." Rebecca fell into step beside him. "If that's okay."

"Sure. I could probably use your help catching her."

They walked past the bullies, who all turned and glared. When they reached Jeremy, Rebecca smirked at the other boy.

"I knew you couldn't do it. Big mouth."

Jeremy didn't utter a word as they passed. He no longer screamed in pain, though he clutched his arm against his side. He sent Rebecca a glare full of intense hatred. Jeremy was a bully who teased a lot of kids, but Nick had never seen him direct such hatred toward a little girl. Worry clutched his already aching gut. There was no telling what Jeremy might do to her to get even.

But Nick had to admit one thing, embarrassing as it was: he'd just been rescued by a girl. A skinny, fourteen-year-old girl who didn't seem to be afraid of anything.

He'd just met his greatest ally.

CHAPTER TWO

"So how was the fair, Honey?" John glanced up from the Sunday edition of the Tucson Citizen as April entered the apartment. A gust of heat followed her inside, swirling around her as she closed the door.

She strode over to the easy chair where John sat. "It was fun. I made a new friend. His name's Nick."

She had his attention now. "A boy? How old is he?"

"Sixteen. But he doesn't have any other friends."

Sixteen? John lowered the newspaper. What the hell? "Did you remember to use your pretend name?"

"Of course, Dad. I always remember. My name is now Rebecca Larson."

"Good." John reopened the paper, read a few more lines, then lowered it again.

"Why doesn't this boy have any friends?" He studied April's face. "And why would he want to hang around a fourteen-year-old girl?"

April shrugged. "He's kind of nerdy. But I like him. He's not like other kids. I even helped him catch his cow."

John folded the paper. He set it on the end table next to his chair. "His cow?" April had never been interested in a boy before.

April propped herself on the arm of his chair, resting her elbow against the backrest. "Yeah. I was in the 4-H barn watching the livestock shows. Nick was showing a cow that tripped him and caused a stampede."

John smiled. "I can imagine what you did. You hurried to his side to make sure he was okay, and then you became friends."

She nodded. "But then some bullies came and started teasing him, so I challenged them to show Daisy."

Worry slithered down his spine. Why couldn't she stay out of other people's business? His child didn't understand the meaning of inconspicuous. Not that it was entirely her fault. She did have her mother's striking features and spirited personality. John wouldn't change her if he could. But sometimes he wished she'd just blend into the background and not be so noticeable.

"Remember what I told you about drawing attention to yourself? The bad guys could find us at any moment. We have to be careful. I only let you go to the fair because you promised not to draw any unnecessary attention to yourself."

April flushed. "I'm sorry, Dad. I couldn't help it. I knew those boys were going to do something mean to Nick, so I had to help him. I don't think anyone else noticed me, because everyone ran screaming when the cows started stampeding."

The spectators may not have noticed her, but those boys she'd challenged certainly had. John forced a smile to his lips to hide his concern. "I'll bet that was interesting. Was anyone hurt?"

April grinned. "That bully who was teasing Nick hurt his arm, but it served him right. It was so funny, Dad! Daisy was running around the pen and dragging that mean boy behind her. You should have seen it!" She jumped up from the arm of the chair.

"All right." He swatted the newspaper against her butt. He would have to be extra vigilant over the next several days to make sure no one noticed who they were. If they had to drop everything and leave on a moment's notice, it wouldn't be the first time. And certainly not the last. John was always ready. Be ready to run was his motto. That's how they'd managed to elude law enforcement for so many years.

"Nick's parents have horses. He said I can go riding with him tomorrow after school. Can I go, please? Please? Please?" She tilted her head down, batting her thick black eyelashes in his face. "Please?"

His throat clogged with emotion. How could he deny her something she'd wanted for so long? "We'll see." John rose from the chair. April had wanted a horse for as long as he could remember. Surely it wouldn't hurt to let her go riding with this boy one time. "We'll talk about it over dinner. Go wash your hands while I heat up dinner."

April bounded from the room with a squeal. Water splashed in the bathroom sink as she washed her hands.

John's lips twitched. He removed yesterday's leftover tuna casserole from the fridge and tossed it into the microwave. Someday April would discover the truth, but he wanted to put that day off for as long as possible. How would she react when she discovered her father was a fugitive from the law? He'd been on the run with her for fourteen years now. They'd lived in twelve different states. They'd had to assume new identities each time they moved. He and April had used so many different aliases over the years that he was hard pressed to remember them all. April thought they were in the witness protection program, and they only ran when the "bad guys" found them. She didn't know the "bad guys" were actually the cops and her father was the criminal.

John sighed. He ran a hand over his face. The night he'd fled with April still haunted him. Hell, how could he ever forget? Nearly every time he closed his eyes, he saw David's body crumpled on the floor, blood soaking into the carpet. He still couldn't believe what he'd done. It was like a bad dream that played over and over again in his mind. It seemed every time he turned the television on, there was an episode of America's Most Wanted with that ugly, only partially true tale about how he'd kidnapped his daughter and murdered his own brother. They called it a crime of passion. The show made him out to be a hardened criminal, a murderer who wouldn't hesitate to kill again. But John was nothing like that. He didn't even own a T.V. anymore. He hadn't owned one since April was three. He didn't want her to switch a channel and see him on T.V.

He couldn't risk that. He couldn't shatter her trust. Not yet.

April was all he had. He couldn't let anyone take her away.

Which was why he was so careful. If he and April had managed to hide this long, they could manage just a little longer. In four more years, April would be eighteen. They couldn't take her away then, because she would be an adult. They could take John to prison, but they couldn't stop his daughter from seeing him. They couldn't force her to go with her mother. If he and April could hide out for four more years, then John would beat Karen at her own game.

April strolled into the apartment's tiny kitchen and set the table. His chest squeezed. He loved that little girl.

John removed the casserole from the microwave. He joined April at the table. She buttered two slices of wheat bread, set one on each plate while John stirred the casserole. He dumped a heaping spoonful of tuna casserole on his plate and handed the spoon to his daughter.

"So." He smiled across the table at her. "Tell me about this Nick. You're not developing a crush on him, are you?"

Her face transformed from its naturally healthy tan to a bright, flustered pink. Rarely had he witnessed such a phenomenon. He'd discovered a topic that unsettled her.

She plopped a spoonful of casserole on her plate, then glanced across the table at him. "Don't embarrass me, Dad. He might be kind of geeky, but I think he's cute. And he has nice eyes."

"Nice eyes?" John forced back a groan. Since when had his daughter taken an interest in boys?

April lifted a slice of bread to her mouth, took a bite. John waited while she chewed, swallowed. She opened her bottle of water, took a sip. She set the water down, then pierced him with his own silver stare. Poor kid had inherited the Williams' light gray eyes. John had to admit they looked better on her than they did on him.

"Yes, Dad, nice eyes. They're very..." She hesitated. "Unique. Intelligent. I can tell he's smart. He has pretty eyes."

John's heart pinched. Indeed, his little girl had a crush. Hell.

"Pretty eyes?"

"Oh, stop it, Dad! I'm not a little girl anymore. Yes, pretty. They're kind of a yellowish color, like a cat's. I've never seen eyes like his before."

"I believe that color is referred to as hazel." John eyed April with mounting concern. He didn't like the thought of her developing a crush on a boy, especially an older boy. And he particularly didn't like the thought of a sixteen-year-old boy lusting after her. Because if the boy was sixteen, then indeed he'd be thinking only of sex. April hadn't even gone through puberty yet.

Hell! John's stomach churned. He didn't want to think about his little girl growing into a woman. He liked her just the way she was. Karen had told him once that she'd been a late developer and hadn't reached puberty until she was fourteen, so he imagined April would follow in her mother's footsteps. But he still didn't like the idea of her growing up. He wanted April to stay young forever.

"No. They're not hazel. There's no brown in them at all." April's dreamy voice broke into his thoughts. "Nick's eyes are golden, like honey. Not a single brown spec. I like to think of them as whiskey eyes."

John stared at her. He just bet the kid oozed sweetness, like honey. The little twerp better keep his hands to himself.

"Where and when did you see a bottle of whiskey?"

She flushed. "I read that in a book, Dad. I promise I have never tasted whiskey."

John had lost his appetite. Hell, she was fantasizing over the color of a boy's eyes, comparing them to honey and whiskey? He shoved his plate away.

"Does this boy Nick have a crush on you as well?"

The blush returned, but this time she didn't meet his gaze. "Of course not! He thinks I'm a silly little girl. I wish I had boobs. Then maybe he'd notice me. When am I going to get boobs, Dad? What's wrong with me? All the other girls already have them."

John choked, though there was nothing left in his throat but his own saliva. His chair screeched across the floor as he rose from the table. Talking about "boobs" with his daughter was not something he was comfortable doing. Hell, she needed a woman for this discussion!

John did the only thing he knew how to do when he was confronted with a situation he couldn't handle.

Just like when he'd accidentally killed his brother.

He fled.

He bolted out the front door and barked over his shoulder, "Be back in a while. Clean up the table when you're done."

* * *

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" April patted the mare's sleek neck. She glanced at Nick.

Nick shook his head. "It's just me and my mom and dad. What about you?"

"Nope. It's just me and my dad. He almost didn't let me come today. He's afraid you're going to molest me or something. I had to beg and plead until he finally said yes. He thinks all boys are after one thing."

Nick's cheeks went bright red. He coughed.

"Sorry. I know you're not like other boys. I told him that." She was positive Nick didn't think of her that way. She looked like a little girl.

His gaze flew to hers. "What did he say to that?"

She shrugged. If Nick knew her father had said all boys were like that and if Nick touched her inappropriately, he'd kill him, Nick would probably run screaming in the opposite direction. Her dad could be intimidating sometimes. But he was all talk. He was just overprotective of her.

"Don't worry about my dad. I can handle him."

She patted the mare's neck again. The horse Nick's dad had saddled for her was a liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. Her name was Sunshine. Nick rode a spirited dappled gray gelding named Emperor. April would have preferred a more rambunctious horse like Nick's, but Nick's dad said she needed to start out with a gentle horse until she learned how to ride.

Nick looked away for a moment, then turned back to her. He cleared his throat. "What happened to your mom?"

April looked into his amazing eyes. "She died when I was just a baby. I don't even know what she looked like."

"Oh." Nick stared at the ground. "I'm sorry. I'll bet she was pretty, like you."

Heat crept into her cheeks. He thought she was pretty? She couldn't think of anything to say to that.

They rode in silence for several moments as they headed out on the sandy desert trails behind Nick's house. April glanced down, remembering to watch for rattlesnakes like Nick's dad had told her. The trails wove in and around the unique and interesting desert plants, which Nick called "flora." She didn't understand what "flora" meant, but Nick was a lot smarter than her. He was giving her a lesson on native desert plants. He pointed out the different species to her as they came upon them. She tried hard to remember the name of each plant. Nick was so intelligent. He knew a lot about so many different things. She felt dumb in comparison.

Nick turned back to her. "So what does your dad do?"

"He builds things."

"Like a carpenter?" The wind picked up, ruffling a lock of curly brown hair over his brow. His curly hair made him look cute, even with the nerdy glasses. She had a major crush on him. Her heart raced. Did he even notice her as a girl? Or did he think of her as another boy, just one of his friends?

April cleared her throat. "Yeah. Right now he's working on that new housing subdivision by where we live. My dad said he should have enough work for a year or so."

Nick nodded. "You must move around a lot."

"Yeah. I hate it." April would love to stay in Tucson forever. With Nick. He was the first true friend she'd had in a long time.

They passed a group of prickly pear cacti with flat, fleshy pads that looked like large leaves covered with spines. All the pokey, prickly plants freaked April out. She steered the mare clear of the plant.

She pulled back on the horse's reins, bringing the mare to a halt near a giant cactus that had one arm-like branch that curved upward toward the sky. April studied the plant. The branch on the opposite side appeared to have broken off at some point. Now only a dried-up hole remained. It looked like a headless zombie.

"Uh, Saguaro," she said, hoping she'd remembered the correct name. "But it looks kind of like a zombie."

Nick choked out a laugh. "It does, huh. A zombie cactus."

They both laughed. Their gazes met.

He glanced away. "You're correct. That's a Saguaro."

April studied his profile as his cheeks turned red. "You're a genius, Nick. You know so much about so many different things."

Nick's blush deepened. He halted the gelding next to her mare. "I am not. Everyone says I'm 'gifted,' but I don't think so. I'm just a nerd."

No wonder he doesn't have any friends. The other kids feel intimidated by his smartness. She urged the mare forward again. Nick's mount fell into step beside her. Nerd or not, April had the hots for him. Bad.

"Can you teach me how to be smart?" She glanced sideways at him. "Last year my math teacher told me I wasn't the brightest bulb in the package and that I couldn't get through life on looks alone."

Nick's eyes widened. "That's terrible! Why would he say that?"

April shrugged. "I guess I'm just dumb."

"You're not dumb!" His eyes turned a dark honey color. "And you're very brave. You're the first kid who's ever stood up to Jeremy. Aren't you afraid of what he might try to do to you?"

They came upon a strange-looking plant with a tall, thin stalk that grew out the center of a chunk of grayish-green leaves. The stalk was several feet taller than the horses. April tried to remember the plant's name.

"Century plant," she said, proud that she'd remembered.

"Right." Nick smiled. "See, you're not dumb! And you changed the subject."

"Jeremy doesn't scare me." April brought the mare to a halt at the top of a small rise. She looked down into the dried-up river bed below. Nick had told her in Tucson all the river beds were referred to as "washes" since the only time they had any water was during the monsoon season when the heavy rains would wash down through the river beds. Monsoon season wasn't until August or September, depending on the weather, so they wouldn't have to worry about being washed away by a heavy rain today.

"Let's ride down there." She pointed into the wash. "I've always wanted to play in the empty wash."

Nick grinned. "You're on!"

She kicked the mare into a trot. Nick's spirited gelding easily thundered past the sluggish mare, leaving April in the dust. Several moments later the mare finally trotted into the wash. Nick had stopped his mount and turned to watch as she reached him.

"You really do look pretty—" He stuttered to a halt, his face turning bright red. "I mean, um, uh, you're learning how to ride real nice, you..." He trailed off in obvious embarrassment.

Her cheeks warmed at his compliment. He really did think she was pretty! He hadn't just said that earlier to be nice. Her chest swelled.

She stopped the mare next to his gelding, turned her head to look at him. Nick stared at the ground, avoiding her gaze.

"Do you really think I'm pretty?"

He shrugged. "Yeah, but...you're too young, so forget I said anything." He turned his face away.

"I'm only two years younger than you. Don't you ever think about kissing me?"

Nick's cheeks flamed even brighter. "Gosh, Rebecca. I don't want to think about you like that." He stared at the ground.

"Why not? I think about you like that." There, she'd said it out loud.

His head swiveled around. His gaze locked on hers. April stared into those beautiful, whiskey-colored eyes. Her stomach filled with butterflies. She wanted him to kiss her so bad...

"Stop it, Rebecca." His voice sounded hoarse. "Stop looking at me like that. You're too young. I'm almost seventeen. We're just friends."

My name's not Rebecca, it's April!

She wanted to tell him the truth, but it would jeopardize their safety. Might even put him in danger.

Nick turned his gelding away and rode down the wash toward a lone Palo Verde tree.

April hesitated, then followed. For now, she would let it go, but she intended that they be much more than "just friends."

He glanced back once before continuing on.

She'd obviously embarrassed him. But at least now she had hope. He thought she was pretty. Maybe once she was fifteen and had grown boobs he'd decide she was old enough. Certainly her boobs would be bigger by then. Six months was a long time. But April was willing to wait.

For Nick, she would wait forever.
CHAPTER THREE

Jeremy Bishop was not at school the Monday after the fair. Nick didn't want to speculate about where he might be. He was just glad to have a day's relief from Jeremy's bullying. At least today he wouldn't die. When Jeremy was gone, the other boys never bothered Nick. Jeremy led them all around like puppets. It pissed Nick off to think the other boys were afraid to speak for themselves. Chris, in particular, wasn't as mean by himself as he was with Jeremy. If Jeremy went away, Nick suspected Chris would never bother him again. Nick believed he and Chris might even be friends if Jeremy disappeared.

Nick's relief was short-lived. Jeremy came to school on Tuesday with his arm in a sling, a black eye, and a mean temper. Had Jeremy gotten into a brawl with someone or had Daisy given him the black eye when she'd flung him into the fence? Nick didn't want to know.

"Where's your little girlfriend?"

Nick set his English book on the shelf of his locker and pulled down his geometry book for third period. Though he wanted to keep his face hidden in the locker, it would make him look like the sissy Jeremy claimed he was.

He slammed the locker shut.

Clutching the geometry book against his chest, he turned to face the bully.

"She's not my girlfriend." He met Jeremy's cold blue stare. "And she doesn't go to this school, which you should know."

Jeremy, as usual, wasn't alone. He was flanked by beefy Chris McClay and the rest of his followers, who had gathered around Nick's locker.

Jeremy shrugged. "But you're hoping she'll be your girlfriend, aren't you? Bet you'd love to get some of that pretty little pussy, wouldn't you? I know I would!"

The color seeped out of Nick's face. "You're disgusting!" He glared at Jeremy. "Don't talk about Rebecca like that! She's only fourteen."

"That don't plug any holes!" Jeremy snickered, jabbed Chris in the ribs. The rest of the boys joined in.

Except for Chris, who had a pained expression on his face. He didn't laugh. Had the elbow to the ribs hurt, or was he as disgusted by Jeremy's words as Nick was? Since Chris stood to the side and slightly behind Jeremy, Jeremy couldn't see his bodyguard's face. But Nick could. If he didn't know better, he'd think Chris wanted to smash Jeremy's face in.

"She's a nice girl." Nick tried to defend Rebecca. "You better leave her alone."

"Or what?" Jeremy challenged. "You'll beat me up?" The other boys giggled and snorted.

Nick glanced back at Chris, but the bigger kid had lowered his gaze so Nick couldn't read his expression. Could it be possible Chris hated Jeremy as much as Nick did? If so, why didn't Chris just tell Jeremy where to go? He was big enough and strong enough to do whatever he wanted. He didn't have to be bullied by anyone.

Nick turned away. "Just leave her alone. She's only a kid."

"Just leave her alone," Jeremy mocked as Nick walked away. Once Nick rounded the corner of the long hallway, he paused. He leaned against the red brick wall and took a deep breath. Jeremy and his cronies didn't follow. Relief swept through Nick. It looked like he would live to see another day.

But Rebecca might not be so lucky.

Nick hardly noticed all the kids passing in front of him, hurrying to their classes. He didn't care that he would be late to third period. He was scared to death for her. Queasiness clenched his gut. His pulse raced. She was in danger. He could feel it. Jeremy, with his sick mind and his mean nature, would try to hurt her. Nick didn't know what to do. He had to warn her, but Rebecca wasn't afraid of anything. What could he do?

Nick straightened away from the wall. He headed for class. Worry swirled through his brain. His stomach churned.

How could he, a geek and a wimp, protect her from those bullies?

* * *

"I told you I'm not afraid of him. He can't hurt me."

April and Nick sat on an old dried out piece of something that could have been either a cactus or a tree at one time, but was now so shriveled up April couldn't tell what it had once been. It didn't have any thorns, which was rare in the desert, so she imagined it had to be hundreds or even thousands of years old. The thorns must have worn off.

The horses rested under the shade of a Mesquite tree several feet away. April watched as the gelding pawed at the dirt. She turned her face away as dust floated up from the animal's hooves and swirled around them. She and Nick had spent every day after school together for the past three weeks, riding around the desert trails and down into the dried-out wash. Nick's house was less than a mile away from the apartment complex where she lived with her father, so it was easy for them to see each other, because they could walk to each other's house.

He'd opened up to her more and more each day and was fast becoming her best friend. She was pretty sure she knew almost everything there was to know about Nicholas Miller. She longed to tell him who she really was, but his safety was more important than the truth, so she kept her secret, even though she hated lying to him.

The days were gradually becoming hotter. Nick's father had told them in a few weeks they wouldn't be able to ride the horses until late evening, because the heat would be too much for the animals during the day.

"Just promise me you'll be careful." Nick's words brought her out of her thoughts. He watched her, his eyes full of worry. "Jeremy scares me. I think he might try to hurt you."

She loved that he cared about her. No one else but her father seemed to.

Nick's hand rested on his thigh, just inches from hers. April covered his hand with her own.

"Thanks for being so concerned about me, Nicholas. But I'll be fine. I can handle that puny little Jeremy Bishop."

His fingers twitched beneath hers. He stared down at their hands for a long moment. "Just watch your back. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."

April's heart did a flip-flop. Her hand tightened over his. She'd never known anyone quite like Nick. These past three weeks had been some of the best of her life. The bond between them was rare. And special.

"You're the only one besides my dad who cares about me."

He blushed and glanced away, tried to pull his hand free. But April held on tight.

"I find that hard to believe. I'm sure lots of people care about you."

She shrugged. "Not really. Whatever happens between us, we'll always be friends, right?"

"Right." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. His face turned even darker. "No matter what."

She lifted his hand and rubbed his palm against the side of her face. He froze, his eyes growing huge behind his glasses. He swallowed. April reached over and gently removed his glasses, set them next to her on the log. She turned back to him. Cupping his face with her hands, she pressed her lips to his.

Nick jerked back at her touch. He made a strangled sound, then pushed her away.

"What are you doing?" He jumped to his feet. "Give me back my glasses. I can't see anything without them."

She retrieved his glasses, handed them back to him. A long moment of silence stretched between them while Nick settled the glasses back on his nose.

He glared down at her. "Why did you do that?"

Heat flooded into her cheeks. She lifted her chin. "Because I wanted to. I like you."

He sighed. "Rebecca, I like you too. A lot. But you're only fourteen. And I'm sixteen. Almost seventeen. You're too young."

"What about when I'm fifteen? Will I be old enough then?"

Nick groaned. "Rebecca!"

She rose to her feet. Shame washed over her. How could she have been so bold?

"It was just a kiss." She tried to act like it didn't matter. Like she hadn't noticed how soft and wonderful his lips had felt against hers. "Didn't you like it?"

What if he never talked to her now? What if he decided not to be her friend anymore?

"I didn't say I didn't like it."

April turned her head. She studied him. As she stared, his cheeks went pink again. "You liked it!" Delight filled her chest, nearly smothering her with its sweetness. "I knew it! You like me too!"

"Of course I like you. I just think you're too young to be my girlfriend. Besides, I don't want a girlfriend right now."

"You don't?" April couldn't hide her disappointment. "What about in six months? Do you think you'll want a girlfriend then?"

His lips twitched. He laughed. "Maybe."

"Good." April strode back to the mare. "I promise to watch out for Jeremy Bishop if you promise to think about having a girlfriend in six more months."

Nick came up beside her. He held out his hand. His eyes sparkled behind his glasses. Was he laughing at her?

"It's a deal."

They shook hands, then mounted their horses. No, he wasn't laughing at her. He was happy. Maybe he really did want her to be his girlfriend someday.

Nick led the way back to his house. April stared at the back of his head, fantasized about running her hands through his curly hair and imagined how soft it would feel between her fingers. She thought of his lips and how soft and warm they'd been. Her cheeks grew hot. She didn't think she could wait six months to find out how it would feel to have him kiss her with real feeling. With passion.

Six months was a long time.

A lot could happen in six months.

A lot could happen in a day. She and her father had never stayed for more than a few months in any one place before.

Worry clenched her gut. Oh no.

Would she even be in Arizona when she turned fifteen?
CHAPTER FOUR

Nick met Rebecca's dad the following weekend. He and Rebecca were now nearly inseparable, spending all their free time together. They'd been hanging out almost every day since they'd met at the fair a month ago. She'd met his parents the previous weekend and now it was his turn to meet her dad. Rebecca had invited him over for dinner, which she said her father had suggested. Nick was terrified to meet her dad. The man had to be wondering why he was hanging around with a fourteen-year-old girl. But Nick wasn't like boys like Jeremy Bishop. He didn't think of Rebecca that way. Or, at least he tried not to.

Oh gosh. He stood on the front porch of Rebecca's apartment and waited for someone to answer the bell. He really did have a crush on a fourteen-year-old! It would be easier to think of her as a little kid if she wasn't so pretty. But she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever met. She talked openly about everything, including personal things like when her breasts would start growing, which made him all sweaty and uncomfortable.

His shirt collar grew tighter around his neck. He slid his fingers between the fabric and his skin to ease the tension. He tried not to think about what she would look like at sixteen. Or seventeen. She would be a woman then. She would be gorgeous.

He swallowed. He would probably never know why she'd chosen him, a geeky, four-eyed freak. She was too pretty for him. Girls like her didn't have crushes on boys like him.

Yet for some reason she did.

The door opened. Nick stepped back as a tall, dark-haired man filled the doorway and stared down at him. His eyes were light gray, just like Rebecca's. But as he scowled down at Nick, his eyes were almost scary.

"Nick Miller?"

Nick bobbed his head up and down in a nervous nod. He took another step back. "Y-yes, sir."

Rebecca's dad held out his hand. A big, strong-looking hand. A hand that could easily squeeze the life right out of Nick. Nick hesitated, then lifted his hand and watched while it was swallowed in the palm of the man's giant hand.

"Welcome, Nick." Her father shook Nick's hand a little too roughly for Nick's taste, then released him. "I'm Mr. Larson, Rebecca's father. Come on in."

Nick swallowed again. He followed Mr. Larson into the apartment. He glanced around. He could see they didn't have a lot of money. An old, tattered brown chair sat in one corner of the room, with a small end table to its left. A stereo perched on a folding table against one wall, and a rack full of CDs balanced on the table next to it. A small brown couch leaned against the opposite wall from the chair. That was it. No pictures on the walls. No knickknacks or decorations of any kind.

And no television.

How strange. Nick didn't know anyone who didn't have a T.V. What would a person do without a T.V.? Could they be that poor? Then he remembered Rebecca said they moved around a lot, so maybe that's why they didn't have much furniture.

"Have a seat, son." Mr. Larson motioned to the couch.

Nick propped on the edge of the couch. He waited while Rebecca's father sat in the old brown chair across from him. Where was Rebecca?

"So Nick. You and Rebecca are good friends, right?"

Nick nodded, tried to calm his racing heart. "Y-yes, sir. Um, sir, where is she?"

"I sent her over to the grocery store around the corner for some fried chicken. She should be back any minute. Did you know she has a crush on you?"

Nick's face burned. He kept his gaze lowered. "We're just friends. I swear."

The front door banged open. Rebecca entered the house, clutching a grocery sack in her arms.

"Good." Mr. Larson lowered his voice. "Make sure you stay that way. Cause if you touch her inappropriately, I'll kill you." He rose to his feet.

"Hi Nick!" Rebecca tossed the grocery sack on the kitchen counter. "Are you hungry?"

Nick swallowed. Not really. Your dad just scared the hunger right out of me.

He cleared his throat. "Kind of."

"You like fried chicken, Nick?" Mr. Larson asked.

Nick nodded.

"Good. Come in and sit down at the table."

Nick did as he was told. Moments later Rebecca and her father joined him with the food.

Her father drilled him with questions throughout the meal. Nick answered each one honestly. Rebecca's dad seemed genuinely interested in him, though Nick wasn't sure if the guy liked him.

When Rebecca walked him halfway home after dinner, Nick voiced his concerns aloud. "Your dad doesn't like me. He said I better make sure we just stay friends or he'll kill me."

Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Don't listen to him. He just doesn't want to admit that I'm growing into a woman. He'll get over it soon."

Nick blushed at the image of Rebecca with large, round breasts and a shapely, hourglass figure. A woman. Oh gosh, he didn't want to think about her like that, but he couldn't stop thinking about it. He even had dreams about her now. Dreams! She was only fourteen. Okay, fourteen and a half. Almost fifteen. Soon, she would become a woman. Nick swallowed. He glanced askance at her. Did she know how he felt? Did she guess how tormented he was? He liked her so much. And he was a little afraid of her. Afraid of his feelings for her. She seemed to get prettier each time he saw her. It was becoming harder to resist the temptation to touch her the way she wanted him to. To press his lips to hers. To let their bodies entwine...

"Nick? Did you hear me?"

He jerked out of his thoughts. They had reached the halfway point. This was where they said goodbye. They had agreed they would meet halfway and separate halfway each time they saw each other.

"Sorry." His face grew hot. "I was lost in thought."

"What were you thinking about?" She smiled up at him. They now stood at the corner by the high school parking lot. It was a warm evening and there was a baseball game tonight, which had just ended, because people flooded out of the field and moved in groups to their cars in the lot. Nick spared a glance at a group of kids who walked past, then returned his attention to Rebecca.

"Nothing much." He paused a moment. "Well, I guess this is it. Thanks for having me over."

"You're welcome." Rebecca leaned close and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "See you later."

His face on fire, Nick watched her walk away. Though she'd only kissed him on the cheek, pleasure washed over him at the simple touch. He wanted so much more. He wanted to kiss her on the lips. A real kiss. But he was too chicken to initiate it.

"Well, lookie who's here," a voice drawled. "If it ain't love struck Nick the Nerd."

Nick's heart thudded to a stop. He knew that voice.

Crap, not again!

Nick spun around. Jeremy Bishop approached with his ever-present groupies. The blood seeped out of Nick's face. He glanced at Rebecca's departing back. Had she seen the boys?

Keep walking, Rebecca.

She turned around.

No, keep going, hurry home!

She headed back his way. To rescue him. Again.

Dammit! Why did she always feel he needed rescuing? Didn't she know Jeremy Bishop was dangerous? That he would hurt her if given the chance?

"Here comes your girlfriend!" Jeremy chortled. "Coming to your rescue again! How sweet. It's pretty bad you have to be saved by a girl!"

"I don't have to be saved by anybody."

Rebecca had almost reached them now. Nick glared at her.

"Go home. I can handle this."

She halted in mid-stride. Her gaze moved to Jeremy, then back to Nick.

She kept coming.

"How's your arm today, big mouth?" She paused in front of Jeremy, her gaze filled with challenge.

Nick groaned inwardly. Why couldn't she just stay out of this? Why did she have to taunt Jeremy? It was almost as if she was trying to piss him off.

Jeremy leered down at her, his face just inches from hers. The other boys gathered around, shoving Nick back out of the way. Nick stood helplessly to the side, afraid of what they might do to her.

But unable to stop them.

"Why?" Jeremy sneered. "Are you worried about me, Freaky Eyes?"

Rebecca paled at the rude nickname. How many other kids had made fun of her because of the unusual color of her eyes? She lifted her chin and snorted. "Nope. I was hoping Daisy had kicked you in the head. But I think you're already suffering from brain damage."

The boys sniggered, then grew silent at the look Jeremy sent her. Nick watched from the sidelines, his heart in his throat, wishing Rebecca had gone home instead of coming back here and starting a fight with Jeremy.

Jeremy's gaze fell upon Nick. "Hey lover boy! Are you going to let your girl talk to me like that?"

Nick flushed. He cast a quick glance at Rebecca. "She's not my girl. We're just friends."

"Oh really." Jeremy grinned. "But you want her to be your girl, don't you? Can't say I blame you. She's smoking hot." He licked his finger and lifted it toward Rebecca. He made a sizzling sound. Rebecca scowled, obviously not impressed.

Jeremy cackled. He glanced back at Nick. "Hey! I have an idea. Let's have a duel, me and you. She'll be the prize. The winner gets the girl."

A chill crept down Nick's spine. "I'm not going to fight you."

"I'm not going to fight you," Jeremy mocked. His head swiveled around as he glanced at his groupies, then his cold blue gaze settled on Nick again. "If she's not your girl and you're not willing to fight for her, then that means she's free for the taking, right?" Before Nick could respond, Jeremy grabbed a handful of Rebecca's long hair and yanked her head back. She gave a startled cry before Jeremy crushed his mouth against hers, roughly forcing her lips apart. The other boys grew excited as they closed the circle around them, urging Jeremy on.

Nick stood there, unsure what to do. While Rebecca struggled to break free, Jeremy's hand snaked down between her legs. He copped a feel.

Nausea threatened. "Stop it!" Nick shouted. "Leave her alone!"

"You said she wasn't your girl." Jeremy turned his head, smirked at Nick. Jeremy's lips were smeared with blood. Rebecca's blood. He'd cut her lip. Nick thought he might faint.

Rebecca took advantage of Jeremy's temporary distraction and stomped on his foot. He yelped and thrust her aside. She fell into the circle of boys. Chris McClay caught her.

"Hold her still," Jeremy ordered. "She's gonna pay for that."

"No."

Chris swung Rebecca around in his arms and placed her outside of the circle of boys.

Right beside Nick.

"What the fuck you doing?" Jeremy glared up at Chris. "You let her go! I was going to teach her a lesson."

"She's just a girl." Chris glared back. "I draw the line at hurting girls. You shouldn't have touched her. Don't ever do it again."

A silence fell around the group. The boys slowly stepped back, breaking the circle apart. Nick was as stunned as the rest of them. He'd never heard Chris, whom everyone dubbed "the dumb jock," speak more than one or two words before.

"Are you telling me what to do?" Jeremy's cold blue stare never wavered from Chris.

"Yeah, I am. Leave her alone." Chris stood his ground, a tall, beefy seventeen-year-old who towered over Jeremy's scrawny, five-and a half-foot frame. Jeremy hesitated. Then, with a last scathing glance at Rebecca, turned on his heel and stalked away. Several of his followers rushed after him. The others stayed, watching Chris, waiting to see what he would do next.

Rebecca stretched up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on Chris's cheek. Chris's face turned beet red.

"Thanks for saving me." Her voice was soft, barely louder than a whisper. "You're a real gentleman." Then she turned to Nick. "Walk with me to the corner?"

Nick nodded. He fell into step beside her, glancing back once to where Chris and the rest of Jeremy's followers stood watching them. His legs trembled. It was all he could do to keep from stumbling.

They reached the light pole on the corner. She stopped and turned to him. "You should have been the one who saved me, Nick. I wanted you to save me."

Nick's cheeks warmed. "Sorry."

She made a soft, distressed sound. He jerked his gaze to her face.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

Her cheeks turned pink. "A little." She lifted a hand to wipe at the smear of blood across her lip. She cast a quick glance behind Nick to where Chris and the other boys still stood. Her gaze returned to his. "Will you hold me? Please?"

How could he say no? He'd dreamed of holding her for weeks now. Nick hesitated. He awkwardly drew her into his arms, aware that the group of boys watched them. She was so small and fragile. She fit perfectly against him. Nick wished he'd been brave enough to save her. Wished he'd been her hero, rather than Chris. But he wasn't hero material.

Not yet, anyway.

But he would be, he vowed as he held her slender body against his, gently stroking her hair. Someday he'd be her hero. If it was the last thing he ever did.

She clung to him, hitched in a breath.

Footsteps approached.

Nick looked up as Chris reached them. The bigger kid reached out to gently rub the top of Rebecca's head.

"I'm sorry for what Jeremy did to you, Rebecca. I swear I won't let it happen again."

Rebecca turned in Nick's arms to face her rescuer. "Thank you, Chris. That means a lot to me."

Nick watched Chris's face light up. The other boy's cheeks turned pink with pleasure. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down.

An unexpected surge of jealousy swept through Nick. Chris McClay was smitten with her. Chris wasn't the first, and he wouldn't be the last, boy to have a crush on Rebecca Larson.

Nick made up his mind then and there that it was time to make Rebecca his girl. If he didn't, if he waited any longer, then someone else, someone who was braver and stronger like Chris McClay, would steal her away.

He took Rebecca's hand and led her a few steps away from Chris.

"I made up my mind," he whispered, just loud enough so only she could hear.

"About what?" She looked up at him, her eyes still moist with tears.

"I'm ready to have a girlfriend." He squeezed her hand, held her gaze. "I want you to be my girl."
CHAPTER FIVE

April skipped all the way home. Nick wanted her to be his girlfriend! She was so happy! Finally, finally he saw her as a woman and not just a little girl!

She wouldn't disappoint him. She'd be the best girlfriend there ever was. She'd found the boy of her dreams and she'd never let him go. Finally, Nick would be hers. They would be a real couple. And they'd be so happy together.

She'd wiped the blood off her lip with her shirt while she walked home, hoping her father wouldn't notice it. He would be furious if he discovered she'd gotten into a fight. She still couldn't believe Jeremy Bishop had done that to her. Nick had been right. She should have listened to him. Next time she'd be prepared. Jeremy wouldn't hurt her again.

She bounced up the steps to their apartment, pushing Jeremy from her mind. She grew warm all over, thinking of how Nick had held her. He was so tender and caring. Such a gentleman. Someday she would become his wife.

Her father stood on the front porch, obviously waiting for her. She faltered.

"Where have you been, young lady?" He scowled down at her. "I've been worried sick that the bad guys found you and took you away! Dammit, April, I told you to hurry home, yet you disobeyed me once again! Now get inside and pack your clothes. We have to leave. The bad guys found us again."

"What?" Her heart stopped. "No!" She reared back. "I can't leave. I can't leave Nick."

"You have to. We don't have much time. Now hurry!"

April hung back as her father held the door open for her. "I can't leave Nick. Please Dad, don't make me leave him!"

"Do you want the bad guys to hurt him too? We can't take him with us, April. You know that. We have to leave. Right away."

Hopeless tears sprang to her eyes. He was right. They couldn't take Nick with them. They had no choice but to leave. If the bad guys caught them, there was no telling what they might do to them. They might torture Nick if they found out he knew April.

She dragged her feet into the house. The tears trickled down her cheeks as she opened her dresser drawers, yanked out her clothes, stuffed them into a large black garbage sack. How could she leave Nick? She'd die without him! Why couldn't they just stay in one place forever? Why? She hated moving! She hated changing her name. She hated pretending to be someone she wasn't. Why couldn't she just be herself and stay with Nick?

April was ready within a few minutes. She didn't have very many clothes for this reason. It wouldn't take as long to pack if they had to leave in a hurry. Like now.

Her father had already packed what they would need for the road. He came in the front door after loading the rest of his belongings into the car. April met him in the hallway.

"You ready?"

She nodded, wiped at her tear-streaked face. She didn't want to leave Nick. How could he make her leave Nick?

Her father had loaded the stereo and CDs into the trunk of the car. The couch, chair, and end table were left behind. Their beds also stayed. So did the kitchen table and chairs. Anything that wouldn't fit in the car had to be left behind. April swallowed back a sob as she looked at the apartment one last time, knowing she would never see this place again. Never see Nick again.

Her father took the sack of clothes from her and tossed it into the back seat of the car. She cried harder, her chest aching with the thought of leaving Nick. Hundreds of knives stabbed into her heart, ripping it into tiny pieces.

Her father climbed into the vehicle. He turned to look at her.

"Get in, April. It's time to go."

"I don't want to leave Nick." Her tear-filled gaze met his. Her voice quavered. "He just asked me to be his girlfriend. I love him, Dad."

Her father started the engine. He looked away for a moment. A muscle clenched in his jaw. He turned back to her, saying more firmly, "Get in the car. Now!"

She yanked open the passenger's door with a sob. She flung herself onto the seat. She'd barely closed the door before the car screeched out of their assigned parking space and out onto the main road.

They stopped at the stoplight on the corner. "I'm sorry, Honey." Her father's voice gentled. "We have no choice. You know that. Do you want to put Nick's life in jeopardy?"

"No. But I love him. Can't I at least tell him goodbye? You never let me tell anyone goodbye! He's the only true friend I've ever had. The only boy I've ever loved."

Guilt flashed across her father's face. He turned to stare out the window for a long moment. When he finally glanced back at her, he looked haggard. Old. Like he'd aged twenty years in a matter of seconds. He let out a long sigh. His head jerked in a quick nod. "All right. We'll stop by his house on the way out of town. I'll give you five minutes to say goodbye. But then we have to leave."

He'd never let her say goodbye before.

But she'd never been so heartsick about leaving anyone before either. The thought of having to leave Nick behind tore her up inside. Her chest hurt so much it was hard to breathe. Didn't her father understand she would die without Nick? She needed him. He was her everything.

He'd just asked her to be his girl. Oh Nick.

April clung to the door handle on the short drive to Nick's house, not saying a word for fear her father might change his mind. They pulled into Nick's driveway. She leapt out of the car before her father even brought the vehicle to a complete stop. She raced for the front door.

Mrs. Miller answered the door. She took one look at April's tear-streaked face and ushered her into the house.

"What's wrong, dear?"

"I have to see Nick, please." April glanced up into the older woman's eyes. "I don't have much time."

Mrs. Miller nodded. "All right." She hurried from the room. Voices floated down the hallway, then Nick appeared.

"Rebecca? What's wrong?" His eyes widened. "Did something happen? Did Jeremy follow you home? Did he hurt you?"

"No. Oh, Nicholas, I have to leave! The bad guys found us again. I should have told you before. I'm so sorry. I really wanted to be your girlfriend. I really wanted to stay."

"What do you mean? What bad guys? What's going on?"

"I wanted to pretend we could stay here forever, so I never told you the truth. We're in the witness protection program and whenever the bad guys find us, we have to leave. That's why we move around so much. The bad guys just found us, so we have to leave." She burst into tears. "I don't want to leave you! I want to be your girlfriend and stay here forever, but I can't! I can't let the bad guys hurt you."

Nick's eyes grew huge behind his thick glasses, filling with bewilderment. April threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly to him, and sobbed. She wanted him to hold her one last time.

Mrs. Miller came back into the room, paused just inside the doorway. "Is there anything we can do?"

April stepped away from Nick, clutching his hand. She glanced up at Nick's mother. "No."

Her father honked the horn, indicating it was time to go.

April turned back to Nick. "I want you to know my real name is April," she whispered. She released his hand and moved toward the door. She'd never told anyone that before, but defiance raged hot in her veins. She wanted to punish her father for forcing her to leave Nick. And she wanted Nick to know the truth. For once, she wanted to just be herself.

She yanked open the door and turned back to Nick. "I'll never forget you. Never!"

Nick stared at her, his face pale, his jaw slack.

Oh Nick, I'm going to miss you!

She sniffled, then ran out, heartbroken with the knowledge she would never see Nick again.

Her father didn't say a word as she climbed into the car and slammed the door. His gaze settled on her as they pulled back out onto the main road, but she refused to look at him. She couldn't. The defiance bubbled in her chest, raging to the surface. Without looking at her father, she set it free. "I told Nick my real name."

Her father tensed next to her, but still she didn't look at him. She wanted to punish him for what he was doing to her. Wanted him to hurt like she was hurting.

"Was he the one who turned us in?" Her father's voice was strained.

April glared at her father. "Of course not! I just barely told him right now." Leaning against the window, she stared out at the passing desert landscape while tears streaked down her cheeks. "He would never betray me, even if he'd known sooner."

Her father didn't say another word.

The car traveled down the road, leaving Nick farther and farther behind.

April sniffled. Her life would never be the same again. She would never be the same again.

Not without Nick.

* * *

Nick stood on the porch and stared at the trail of dust the car left in its wake. She was gone. Just like that. His stomach hurt. There was a pain in his chest unlike anything he'd ever felt before. An uncomfortable lump had formed in his throat. He swallowed hard in an attempt to force it down. It had been a long time since he'd cried. He fought back the overwhelming urge to do so now.

Shock reverberated through him. Her name was April? What did she mean?

Nick sank down onto the porch steps, staring down the empty road, and tried to make sense out of what had just happened. Bad guys...witness protection program...

What had she been talking about? Who was she?

The front door creaked open. His mother stepped out onto the porch. She hesitated. "Nick? Are you okay?"

He let out a snort. "Seriously, Mom. Do I look okay? You heard what she said."

She sat next to him on the porch step. "What did you say Rebecca's last name was?"

"Larson."

His mother cleared her throat. "Your father and I saw something on the news this morning that was very disturbing. We were going to talk to you about it, but didn't have a chance yet."

"I don't care what was on the news." He just wanted her to go away so he could wallow in misery. He couldn't believe Rebecca was gone.

The front door banged open. Nick's father eyed them from the doorway. "Honey." He glanced at Nick's mother. "It's on the news again. I think it's time for Nick to see it now." He motioned them forward with an arm. "Come quick."

Nick groaned. He hated the news. It was boring.

His mother rose and held out her hand, patiently waiting. But all Nick could think was that Rebecca was gone. And her real name was April.

I want you to know my real name is April.

Real name is April...

April...

Her words rang in his head like a persistent church bell. Crap, who was she? Rebecca or April? He was so confused.

"Hurry!" his father shouted from inside the house. "You really need to see this, Son!"

Nick took his mother's hand. She helped him to his feet. She held the door open while he entered the house. His father was already seated in his favorite chair in front of the television.

"Come sit down, Nick," Dad said. "They went to commercial break, but when it comes back on, they're going to talk about a felon who has been on the loose for fourteen years."

Nick shrugged. "So what? I don't care—"

"Oh, it's back on! Quiet!" His father held up a hand to silence Nick.

Nick started to turn away. He didn't care about the news. He didn't care about anything except Rebecca and she was gone.

"...was recently spotted in Tucson, Arizona, and is using the alias 'Scott Larson.' It is believed that his daughter, now fourteen, is living with him. She is thought to have black hair and light gray eyes. Experts have prepared a sketch of what they believe she might look like today..."

Nick spun around as the reporter's words finally penetrated his confused brain. He'd missed the first part of the broadcast, because he hadn't cared. Now he wanted to know what he'd missed. His heart kicking against his ribs, he stared as a drawing of an adolescent girl was shown. It looked like Rebecca. Except she was much prettier than the drawing.

He gasped. "That's Rebecca!"

"The Pima County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who may have any information about the whereabouts of John Williams or his daughter to call this number..." Nick stared as a photograph of a man who looked like Rebecca's dad was shown. "...John Williams is considered armed and dangerous. Again, if you see or know the whereabouts of John Williams or his daughter, please call the number on the screen immediately."

Nick's knees gave out on him. He stumbled forward, barely managed to catch himself before he hit the ceramic-tiled floor. No! It couldn't be true!

His voice quavered as he asked, "W-what did Rebecca's dad do?" Nick turned to his father. "What's he wanted for?"

"Murder," Dad said. "And kidnapping. Weren't you listening? He killed her uncle and took her and fled when she was just a baby. She's not who you think she is."

"No." Nick couldn't believe it. It wasn't true. It couldn't be. "I don't believe it. Why would she lie to me? And I've met her dad. He's not a killer."

I want you to know my real name is April.

Could it be true?

"I'm sorry, Son," his father said gently. "Maybe you should go call that number and tell them what you know."

"No!" Nick shouted. "I can't betray her that way! I won't! I had dinner with them and I could tell her dad loves her. He's not a killer! He's not!"

Nick stumbled backward with a sob. His father started to get up from the chair, but his mother stopped him.

"Let him be," she whispered.

Nick stormed out of the house, ignoring their worried whispers. He couldn't believe the first girl he'd ever loved had lied to him. Why would she do such a thing?

Rebecca...April...Rebecca...April...

His head spun.

Who was she?

His legs trembled as he stood on the front porch in indecision. He sank down onto the steps. Covering his face with his hands, he let the tears come.

He didn't care if anyone saw. Didn't care if anyone heard.

The first true friend he'd ever had was gone. The first girl he'd ever loved was gone.

And chances were he'd never see her again.

CHAPTER SIX

Montana State Prison

Deer Lodge, Montana

Twelve years later

"I won't see her. I don't care if she's my mother." April wiped at a stray tear. She met her father's gaze across the table in the prison's stale, unfurnished visiting room. Why did he have to bring up her mother again? Why couldn't he just let it go? They'd been having such a nice visit until he'd decided to bring up her.

Her father sent her a pleading look. He grasped her hand on the tabletop, squeezed. "All I'm asking you to do is meet her. Give her a chance. She's not a bad person. I think Brianna needs at least one grandparent in her life, don't you think?"

"Not a bad person?" April reared back, yanking her hand from his grasp. Her chair screeched across the floor as she rose to her feet. "She's the reason you're behind bars! I'll never forgive her for that. As far as I'm concerned, she's not my mother and never will be. How many times do I have to say this?" Her voice cracked. She lowered her gaze. For the past six years, April had been ignoring Karen Williams' attempts to contact her. She wasn't about to give in now. She'd managed just fine the past twenty-six years without that woman in her life and she sure as hell didn't need her now.

Her father sighed. They'd had this argument many times before. But April refused to give in.

"Brianna doesn't need a grandmother like her." April paced away from her father, then back, ignoring the guard who stood just inside the room. The man pretended disinterest, though he listened to every word they said. Every visit was recorded. Her gaze darted away from the guard, swept along the ugly gray walls as she strode back and forth. "What can she learn from a woman like that?"

Her father shook his head sadly. "You are definitely the most stubborn and willful person I've ever known." He smiled. "You must take after me. I love you."

April's chest constricted. She sank back into the chair across from him. "I love you too, Dad. I don't have time for her, anyway. My schedule is pretty hectic right now. I have another show this weekend. I'm heading out on Thursday."

They stared at each other a long moment. "I miss you, Dad." She grabbed both his hands in hers and held tight. "I wish you could go on tour with me. I think you'd like it."

"I miss you too, Sweetheart." He squeezed her hands in his. His eyes filled with tears. "If only I'd done things differently..."

April had heard that many times before, too. But she didn't blame him for what he'd done and she could never hate him for it. No one could change the past. Each visit with her father was an emotional one for both of them. She refused to ruin their brief time together with talk of her mother. One Sunday a month belonged to her father. No one would take that away from her. Especially not her mother.

"Nothing you did or didn't do matters now, Dad. I never blamed you."

His eyes filled with sadness. "I know, but I've had six years to sit in here and reflect on what I've done. I don't deserve your loyalty. I kept you from your mother for over twenty years."

"Five minutes!" The prison guard announced from the doorway.

April hated this part, preparing to leave. One hour visits once a month were all she had with her father. She couldn't even hug him. It wasn't allowed. Holding hands across the table was the best she could get. Her father didn't deserve this...being locked up for twenty years. What had happened had been an accident. He wasn't a criminal. He was a kind and caring man.

"What are you thinking?" Her father watched her, his eyes moist with tears.

April forced a smile she didn't feel. She did her best to disregard the ugly orange prison garb he wore, focusing instead on his face. She would never be able to think of him as a criminal. She'd forgiven him even before she'd learned the full extent of his betrayal. She didn't blame him. She had no idea how she would act in a similar situation. It wasn't his fault her mother had cheated on him or that she'd planned to sneak away with April. Though April refused to allow herself to feel anything for the woman who'd given birth to her, she'd often wondered what it would be like to have a mother in her life. On those rare moments when she allowed herself to think about her mother, it hurt, knowing what that woman had done to her father, knowing her mother's actions had torn a family apart.

What would April's life have been like if her mother hadn't betrayed her father? What might her life have been like if she hadn't had to spend her entire childhood living on the run, changing her name every time they moved, becoming someone she wasn't? Her whole life all she'd ever wanted was to be herself. Until six years ago, she hadn't known she was a "missing person" or that her poster had been pasted on the board at every law enforcement agency across the country. It was her mother's fault she'd had to pretend to be someone else all the time. April blamed her mother for everything.

She sighed. "That I wish things could be like they used to be." Her eyes filled with tears. "I wish everyone was honest and decent and didn't lie and betray others. If they were, you wouldn't be in prison right now."

Her father cleared his throat. He lowered his gaze. Then he looked up. "I can't blame anyone but myself for my actions. You know that. I have a lot of regrets. I wish I'd done some things differently."

April held his gaze. "Like what?"

"Like keeping you from your mother. That was wrong. It wasn't fair to her. How would you feel if someone stole Brianna from you?"

April flinched. She pulled her hands from his grasp. That would never happen. The only people who even knew about Brianna were her father, her employees who lived at the ranch with her, and a few of her road crew.

"How can you even say such a thing?"

"Time's up." The guard came up behind her father and tapped him on the shoulder.

April jumped to her feet. She wiped at her tears.

"I'm sorry. I didn't say that to hurt you." Her father rose. "I just wanted you to think about it a little. Now that you're a mother, you can understand."

The thought of someone taking Brianna away stole the breath from her lungs. She would never allow that to happen. Never. She'd die first. April couldn't allow herself to think about how her mother must have felt not being able to see April all these years. It was her own fault for cheating on April's father.

"I wish I could bring Brianna to see you. She's getting so big."

Her father smiled, his eyes lighting up at the mention of his granddaughter. "I wish you could too, but I'd rather not have my granddaughter see me like this. If I survive another thirty-four years in here, then hopefully I'll see her when I get out."

April forced back the tears as the guard led her father away. "Bye Dad!" she called. "I love you!" She wished she could hug him. Just once...

"I love you too."

The door closed behind him.

April turned to leave. She pressed the call button at the exit door, waited for the click that allowed her to open the door. Moments later she headed out of the visiting room.

Everything had been fine until six years ago when her father had been arrested for "kidnapping" April as an infant and for the murder of his younger brother, David. David's death had been an accident, but because of Karen Williams' vengeance, her father wouldn't be free for another thirty-four years. He'd been charged with manslaughter and sentenced to twenty years in prison for the murder charge, plus an additional twenty years for the kidnapping charge. Because he'd struck his brother in anger, the prosecutor had sought the charge of "manslaughter" rather than the lesser charge of "involuntary manslaughter." The judge had doled out the harsher sentence in both cases. April choked every time she thought of calling that woman "mother." That was never going to happen. Ever. She drew in a sharp breath.

Wiping at her tears, April left the prison. A cool spring breeze blew soft rain into her face, mixing the rain with her tears and tangling her hair around her nose. She yanked her hair aside.

Karen Williams had sent April numerous letters over the past six years. April hadn't opened any of the letters, but she kept them hidden in a box in her bedroom closet. Just in case. Someday she might want to read them. But not yet. She wasn't ready to forgive.

April climbed behind the wheel of her Toyota and started the engine.

What would she do if her mother decided to show up unexpectedly on her doorstep?

She had no idea.

Putting the car in gear, she drove away from the prison.

The thought of seeing her mother face-to-face scared her almost as much as seeing Nick again.

Almost.

But not quite.

* * *

"Over here, Nick!"

FBI Special Agent Nicholas Miller hurried through the thick underbrush. He rushed past the sea of cops swarming the area, his pants getting soaked from the grass that was drenched from a recent rain. By the time he reached the scene, he looked as if he'd gone wading in the river without rolling up his pants. He hadn't expected his first visit to the Grand Canyon to be like this. But here he was, investigating another murder that now appeared to be the workings of a serial killer.

The Mohave County Sheriff pointed down into the ravine. Nick had met the sheriff once before while working on a kidnapping case a few years ago. That case had had a fortunate ending because Nick had reunited the stolen boy with his mother. Murders, however, were never satisfactory, even if the killer was eventually caught. There was no replacing a lost life.

Nick nodded a greeting at the sheriff. He glanced down at the scene.

He spied the hand first. The fingers were bent, digging into the side of the ravine, as if the woman had been trying to crawl up out of the narrow bend she'd been dumped into. Trying to escape. He braced himself. He jerked his gaze to the brutalized body of the young woman where it lay discarded in the dirt. Naked. The victim's eyes were open in an eerie blue stare.

Hell. He sighed, turned away. Another young woman whose life had been stolen so cruelly. He had no doubt this was the work of a serial killer. The FBI had been called in this morning after the body was found and it was determined the victim was likely killed by the same man who'd killed three other women in Arizona. Arizona law enforcement needed help and Nick was their guy. Nick had left the FBI's Phoenix field office after they'd received the call that morning. He'd skimmed over the other three murder files before leaving the office. This murder was identical to the first three.

This was the fourth body in just three months. Who was this wacko? Why were all his victims petite brunettes? Did he have some sort of vendetta against dark-haired women? The killer had worked his way north through Arizona, leaving a trail of victims behind. Tucson. Phoenix. Flagstaff. And now this poor young woman left here at the bottom of the Grand Canyon where a group of hikers had spotted her early this morning. Where would the killer strike next? Would he move north into Utah or head west into Nevada? Would he go east and move across the country, from state to state?

"Any idea how long she's been dead?"

The medical examiner rose from where he knelt over the body. "Not long, I'd say, or the coyotes would have gotten to her. Sometime last night. I'll know more after I've had a chance to examine her more thoroughly in the lab."

Nick nodded. "Do you think she was alive when he brought her here? Or did he pack her body all the way down the mountain?"

"I'd say he brought her here alive and she walked. It wouldn't be easy hauling a body all the way down here."

Unless he's a muscle-bound giant. Nick nodded his agreement. He flipped open his notepad to jot down notes. Victim number four. Same dark hair. Same small build, approximately 115 or 120 pounds. Dumped into a ravine this time. Probably alive until the killer reached the area where he disposed of her. The last victim had been found in a ditch just outside of Flagstaff. The one before that had been tossed in a canal bank in central Phoenix, not far from Nick's condo. The first one had been discovered in the Arroyo Chico Wash in Tucson behind his parents' house.

Was it just a coincidence that one of the bodies had been dumped near Nick's condo and another near his parents' home? Or had the killer been trying to lure Nick out? If so, why? Was he trying to make a statement? If Nick's suspicions were true, why had he targeted Nick?

Nick glanced back at the body. At the staring, soulless eyes. At the mouth frozen open in a horrified scream. He yanked his gaze away. An uneasiness swept through him.

Was it his imagination or did all this guy's victims look like April?

Fear clenched at his gut. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly. He had to warn her.

But what if he was overreacting? What if it really was a coincidence? He didn't want to scare the hell out of her.

He choked out a laugh. Nothing scared April. She tackled every challenge head-on. A serial killer wouldn't frighten her. Besides, she was a long way from Arizona now.

But if the killer continued north, it would only be a matter of weeks or months before he found her.

Fear clawed at Nick again. He squeezed his eyes shut as he fought it back. What if the next body they found turned out to be her?

No, he couldn't think that. Wouldn't think that.

He had to warn her. He had to convince her to be careful. To stay alert. He wouldn't be able to sleep at night if he didn't at least warn her.

Ha, who was he kidding? He didn't sleep at night anyway. How could he, after what he'd done?

Despite the many different aliases April had used over the years, and despite the fact Nick hadn't seen or spoken to her in over six years, he knew where she lived now. He even knew what alias she went by these days. He knew almost everything about her.

Except how to convince her to see him.

Surprise would be his best bet.

He drew in another deep breath. Hissed it out. He would have to prepare himself for that...seeing her again. Could he do it?

April was now a celebrity in the horse world. A world-renowned horse trainer and clinician who'd wowed the equine community with her unique talent and ability to train horses with her own special natural horsemanship techniques. She was a star, always surrounded by her crew and fans. She even had her own satellite television show on the rural channel on Tuesday night. He watched it whenever he could, trying to get a glimpse of her in any way possible. To see if she was doing okay.

That's how pathetic he was.

He slapped his notepad closed, stepped back to allow the forensics team to gather their evidence.

But convincing April to see him, and to listen to what he had to say, would be a challenge.

She'd never forgiven him for what he'd done.

And neither had he.

* * *

"April, you're on in fifteen minutes." Tara's voice came through the headset, warning her to get ready. April shook the hand of the next person in line, welcomed the man to the event, then turned away to get ready for the show.

An arm shot in front of her, followed by a large body, bringing her to a halt. She drew in a sharp breath, glared up at the man who blocked her path.

"Feeling pretty confident from the large turnout, eh? Don't kid yourself, April. Half these guys are only here because they want to see if you're as gorgeous in person as you are on T.V. The other half don't know you're deceiving them."

April took a step back. Deceiving them? What was he talking about? "I don't have time for your petty remarks, Steve." She tried to move around him, but he bounced in front of her again. He moved fast for such a big man. She jerked her gaze to his in annoyance. Where were her security guys? They knew to watch for Steve, who was known for appearing out of nowhere to harass her at her shows. He'd first shown up about a year ago and had appeared at every one of her shows since. April only did six shows a year, one every other month. So this would be Steve's sixth—or maybe seventh—attempt to harass her. Though he'd never touched her, never done anything threatening, he still made her uncomfortable. She was getting tired of his attempts to intimate her. He needed to get a life. A fellow horse trainer and clinician, Steve had his own group of followers, though she didn't know how he even had any fans if he spent all his time following and harassing her instead of running his own clinics.

"You think you're more talented than me, don't you?" He sneered down at her, his eyes turning black. "You might have stolen some of my fans, but only because of your looks." He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing to tiny slits. "My daughter was more talented than you, but you seem to have stolen her fans too. Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You won't get away with this. What trick are you using, anyway? Don't you think it's time you come clean about what you really do? About who you really are? Bet you wouldn't have near as many fans if they all knew the truth."

What was he talking about? Who was his daughter? April wasn't using any tricks. Natural horsemanship was about using body language to communicate with horses. There were no tricks. No deceit. April was always honest and straightforward with her fans. If Steve ever paid attention to any of her performances, he'd be able to see that.

Unless he was referring to her true identity.

She sucked in a breath. How did he know about that? She'd kept her true identity a carefully guarded secret for as long as she'd been alive.

Not wanting him to see how badly he'd rattled her, April lifted her chin and sent him her fiercest glare before marching past him. Steve didn't try to stop her, but his harsh laughter echoed down the corridor behind her. Damn him! She wouldn't say he was her biggest competition, but certainly the rudest. For reasons unbeknownst to her, he didn't like her.

As she rounded the corner of the grandstands, she shoved her hands in her pockets, her fingers brushing against something in her left pocket. Pausing, she pulled out a piece of paper that hadn't been there this morning when she'd put her jacket on. She opened the paper.

I've been watching you, pretty girl. I know who you are.

April gasped. The paper slipped from her fingers, fluttering to the ground. She didn't recognize the messy scrawl written in black letters in all caps. She glanced around. Who'd given her the note? It could have been anyone. She'd been shaking hands and welcoming her fans for the past twenty minutes. Lots of people had streamed past her. Anyone could have slipped the note in her pocket.

I've been watching you, pretty girl. I know who you are.

The note could be interpreted in more than one way. It could be from someone who'd known her before her father's arrest, someone who'd known her by a different alias and was now mocking her.

It could be something more sinister. From an obsessive fan. A stalker.

She drew in a sharp breath.

Or it could be from Steve. An attempt to frighten her and make her give up her career so he could steal all her fans. Yes. That sounded more logical. He must have slipped the note in her pocket somehow.

April lifted her chin. Dammit, she wouldn't be frightened by a stupid note. Whether Steve had given it to her or someone else had.

Her "stage" name was April Huntington, a false alias she'd been using since she'd started her horse training business. None of her fans knew her true identity. She had originally feared what people would think if they discovered she was the daughter of John Williams, the infamous murderer and kidnapped who'd taken April and run, eluding law enforcement for over twenty years. Though Tara, her assistant, believed any kind of publicity was good publicity, April didn't agree. She was a very private person. She wasn't as worried about people knowing the truth now as she was about them finding out she'd lied. She feared she would lose all credibility if her fans discovered she'd been lying about her true identity.

This job was how she made a living. Without it, she didn't know what she'd do. She needed it to survive.

She just bet Steve would love to see her lose it all so he could steal her fans. Damn him anyway.

When her father had been arrested six years ago, April hadn't been famous. No one had known the lonely girl who hid out at the ranch with an old man and his horses. The poor heartbroken girl who'd been foolish enough to trust someone she'd thought was her friend.

Though she'd been a "missing person" for over twenty years, no one had recognized her until after her father's arrest. So she'd stayed away from the media, hiding out at the ranch until all the hubbub died down. It hadn't been until nearly a year later that she'd started her horse training business and come out of hiding. Bernie had been too old to run the guest ranch anymore. His heart just hadn't been in it after everything that happened. That night had ruined not only her father's life, but hers and Bernie's as well.

Thanks to Bernie's tutelage, she now made a living at training horses and helping others train their own horses. She couldn't have done it without Bernie. Her bottom lip trembled. She still missed Bernie. Wished he could see her now.

She drew in a shaky breath. Now was not the time to think about Bernie.

Though April was no longer "missing," she'd assumed the new identity so the world wouldn't realize who she really was. She didn't want anyone to associate "April the career woman" with "April the poor child who'd been duped by her father and never discovered he was a felon." As far as everyone knew, April Huntington was her true identity. Not even her employees knew who she was. No one connected her to John Williams. Only three people knew April's true identity: her father, her mother, and Nick.

And possibly the unknown person who'd stuck a note in her pocket.

A chill crept down her spine. She shivered. The note left a sinister feeling in its wake. It felt like more than just a prank.

"April, you're on in five minutes!"

April straightened her spine. Damn Steve! If he'd slipped her the note, he was going to get an earful the next time she saw him. She didn't find it the least bit amusing. She would not let Steve, or anyone else, destroy her.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." April rushed to Shadow Dancer's stall where Tara handed her the horse's lead rope.

"You ready?"

April forced a smile to her lips, determined not to let the note frighten her.

"I was born ready."

April jogged into the ring with Shadow Dancer, the dark bay gelding she'd rescued two years ago. The crowd went wild, screaming and clapping as she and the gelding put on a performance that wowed the entire stadium.

But April couldn't help but wonder if they'd still applaud, if they'd still pay to see her if they knew she was hiding behind a false identity.

If they all knew the "honest and straightforward" horse trainer was a liar.

If they all knew the truth.
CHAPTER SEVEN

Nick's cellphone rang.

He bolted upright. Groaning, he rubbed a hand over his face. He'd fallen asleep with the murder file spread out before him on the hotel bed. Again. He did that a lot. Then woke later to a mess of papers and photos he had to reorganize. Except this time he'd dreamed about April, something he hadn't done for years. How would he ever prepare himself for seeing her again?

His phone rang again. Nick snatched it up from the hotel end table and swiped the screen.

"Miller." He glanced at the clock radio on the nightstand. 3:12 a.m.

"We've got a lead on that woman you asked about." Craig's voice came out loud and clear in the silent hotel room. "She's in Ogden, Utah at a horse convention or something. The Golden Spike Event Center. She'll be there all weekend."

Nick had pulled up April's webpage and checked her schedule on his iPad last night before he'd fallen asleep. He'd asked his boss to verify her location before he headed out to see her.

She was exactly where her show schedule said she'd be.

Ogden was closer than northern Idaho, which meant a shorter trip for him. It also put her that much closer to the killer, assuming the man hadn't traveled too far from where he'd left the body last night. Nick suspected the killer was somewhere near the northern Arizona, southern Utah border.

"Great. Thanks Craig. What are you doing up at this time of night?"

Craig chuckled. "You're not the only one who doesn't sleep, you know."

Nick yawned. "This time I actually was asleep, but now that you woke me, I won't be able to go back to sleep. If I hit the road now, I can be there by tomorrow afternoon."

"You're going to Ogden now? That's a long drive, you know."

"Yeah." A long drive where he would do nothing but think about April and how he would approach her after all these years. It wasn't like he'd be able to sleep now anyway. He had a serial killer on the loose. A killer he feared was after April.

"Okay." Craig sighed. "One of these days you're going to have to get some real sleep, you know. Slow it down a bit. And I don't mean just an hour or two here and there. You're the hardest working agent I've ever known. Be sure to check in when you get there."

"Thanks. Will do." Nick ended the call. April was only eight or nine hours away. Less if he drove faster. He was beginning to doubt his decision to warn her in person. He had no idea how she might react to his presence. Would she stalk away from him? Slam a door in his face? Call him names?

He groaned. He deserved any one of those reactions. But he'd be lying to himself if he said he didn't want to see her again. And he now had the perfect excuse to seek her out.

God. It had been more than six years since he'd held her close. Stroked her silky hair. Touched her beautiful face. Looked into her pretty eyes...

Nick sighed. He gathered up the file and his iPad. He wasn't sure he could do this. But he had to. Someone had to warn her. And he'd prefer that someone be him rather than a stranger.

When he'd left Phoenix, he'd packed enough clothes and toiletries for a three-day trip. Whenever he was called out on a case, he never knew how long he'd be gone. If this case ended up keeping him away longer than that, he'd have to find a laundry mat. Or buy some new clothes.

He'd worry about that later.

Nick tossed his toiletries into his bathroom bag and unhooked his garment bag from the closet. He glanced around the room to make sure he didn't miss anything, then headed for the door. As he reached for the knob, he noticed the envelope that had been slipped under the door.

Thinking it was the bill, he snatched it up.

His name was written across the front in a messy scrawl in all capital letters. Not Nick Miller, but Special Agent Miller. His skin prickled. The hair stood up on the back of his neck. This wasn't a bill from the hotel.

He tore open the envelope.

Pulled out a piece of white paper.

Unfolded it.

It's about time you joined the game, Special Agent Miller. I've been waiting for you.

* * *

All throughout Saturday's clinic, April thought about the note she'd found in her pocket. She hoped it was from Steve so she could give him a piece of her mind. Maybe her security guys could convince him to keep his mouth shut. Maybe. But if it was from someone else...that worried her. How could she confront someone she didn't know? More importantly, how could she stop anyone from exposing her secret? She prided herself on being honest, but if the truth got out, her fans might not be very happy about the fact she'd lied.

Finally, at six o'clock in the evening, she finished her last performance with a pushy, unruly horse someone had brought in for the demonstration. By the end of the session, the animal was meek and willing, obeying her every command. She thanked everyone for coming and reminded them the clinic continued tomorrow morning at nine o'clock. As the crowd cheered and clapped, she left the arena.

Tara swung the makeshift dressing room door open for April. She waved her in with a smile, then let the door slam shut behind her.

"Brilliant performance, April. Brilliant!" Tara danced around April in a circle, tapping her cowboy boots on the floor and waggling her hips. "The crowd loved it!"

April chuckled. "Thanks." She sank into the chair seated before the mirror. "Your routine had the crowd going too." Closing her eyes, she leaned her head back against the chair. "I'm exhausted."

Tara laughed. "Of course you are. You've been out there all day. You need anything?"

Yeah, someone to track down whoever gave me the note and make him go away.

April sighed. She opened her eyes, glancing at Tara in the mirror. She'd told no one about the note. It was probably just Steve playing a prank on her.

But what if it wasn't?

April shoved the nagging worry out of her mind. She smiled at her assistant. "No, I'm fine. Thanks."

"Okay." Tara eyed her a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Some of the crew wanted to go out for drinks tonight. Want to join us?"

April closed her eyes. She leaned back against the chair again. She shook her head. "No thanks. You know I'm a lightweight. One drink will knock me on my ass. Besides, I'm too tired. I think I'll just head back to the hotel and get some rest. You go ahead."

Tara didn't move. "You sure? You don't ever socialize. I worry about you. You need to get out more. Meet some guys. Hook up once in a while." She winked.

April snorted. "The last time I tried to 'hook up' ended up being a complete disaster. Never again."

Tara slapped her hands on her hips. "Just because that attempt failed doesn't mean the next one will. Come on. I'll look out for you. And the rest of the crew will be there. We don't plan on being late, anyway, just an hour or two. Everyone knows they have to be up early tomorrow for the second half of the show."

April waved Tara out the door. "No thanks. I'm fine. Go on. Have fun. There will be no hooking up for me tonight."

"Party pooper." The door closed behind Tara and April was alone.

She loved her job, even though she was always drained at the end of a clinic. She loved the animals and she enjoyed educating people on how to humanely treat their horses, show them how to communicate with them, and teach them how to make their horses respectful and responsive to their owner's commands. The best part about her job was the thanks she received from horse owners. Every "thank you" made it worth the traveling, the long hours in the arena, and having to be away from Brianna.

She must have dozed in the chair for a few moments. A sudden commotion outside the door had her jerking awake and sitting up in the chair. She cocked her head. Listened.

Jerry's voice came through the door, "Sorry sir, no one is allowed in April's dressing room."

The response was muffled, but she guessed an overeager fan wanted an autograph. Rising wearily to her feet, she went to tell security it was okay. She always made time for her fans. If it weren't for them, she wouldn't have this job. Wouldn't get paid for doing what she loved.

She hesitated with her hand on the knob. What if it was Steve out there, coming to rub it in, coming to gloat that he knew her secret and he planned to tell others? April straightened her spine. Damn him, she wouldn't let him ruin her.

She yanked open the door.

Jerry and Kevin stood several feet away, arguing with a man who had his back to her. Definitely not Steve. This man was of average build, around five-ten or eleven, not a huge, muscle-bound ox like Steve. He had medium-brown hair, not Steve's jet black locks.

She relaxed.

"It's okay guys. I can sign an autograph and answer a few questions."

Jerry and Kevin stepped back. The man turned to face her.

April held out her hand. She glanced up. "Thanks for com—"

The words snagged in her throat as the man's unforgettable, whiskey-colored gaze locked on hers.

Nick.

That one thought slammed through her skull as his hand slid over hers. Heat radiated from his palm, spreading into her hand.

She gasped, but it came out like a soft squeak.

His hand tightened on hers.

The blood seeped from her face. She stumbled backward, yanking her hand from his grasp. What was he doing here?

April stared, unable to look away from his beautiful face. A face she'd never forgotten. A face she'd dreamed about, yearned to touch, for more than six years.

Nick stepped forward, reaching for her.

"No! Don't touch me!" She spun around. She tripped back into the room, bumped into a chair and twisted her leg, falling on her ass. She winced as pain shot up her spine. Nick hurried after her. He reached a hand out to help her up.

"April? Everything okay?" Kevin and Jerry both turned back around, rushing to her aid, each eyeing Nick warily.

April gulped in air. Breathe, dammit! She couldn't take her eyes off Nick. His gaze never left hers while he waited for her to place her hand in his so he could help her up. No way was she touching him again! Refusing to accept his help, she jerked away. She pulled herself gingerly to her feet, her face on fire. Her tailbone would be bruised tomorrow. That's what she got for reacting so violently to Nick's presence. Damn him for showing up like this!

"It's okay, Kevin. Jerry." She took a deep breath. Let it out slowly. "You can go now."

They hesitated. At her brisk nod, they finally left.

She turned away from Nick, forced herself to breath, in, out, in, out. Her mind swam. Her heart raced. She had to get a grip!

The door clicked shut.

She spun around. She was alone with him.

Unable to stop herself, she stared, taking in every detail of his lean, handsome face, his impeccable attire, his tall, strong...perfect male body. She'd never been able to find any fault with his physique, either before, or now. In her eyes, he'd always been perfect. Today he was dressed in a long-sleeved, dark purple Polo shirt, gray dress slacks and polished black shoes. He looked professional and...hot.

She drew in a sharp breath. He hadn't changed much in the past six years. But standing this close to him again made her feel small. He appeared bigger somehow, wider, taller...

She dragged her gaze back to his as memories flooded her. Her legs trembled.

"Maybe you should sit down, April." His voice was gentle, but his words infuriated her. She wasn't weak, damn him!

She straightened her spine. Glared at him. But her heart still thundered out of control. What did he want? Why now, after all these years?

Had he found out about Brianna? Her heart stopped. Fear clenched at her chest. She'd been so careful to keep Brianna a secret, not only from him, but from the rest of the world. She slid into the chair, gasping for breath. Breathe, April, breathe!

He stepped forward as if he intended to touch her. She tossed her arm out, keeping him back. "Don't."

He waited, his way-too-intelligent-misses-nothing gaze taking in everything and making her feel like a fool, until she finally found some semblance of control. She couldn't fool him. Even now. Nick knew her better than anyone.

Swallowing hard, she lifted her head and met his gaze in the mirror.

"What do you want?" Her voice sounded husky and breathless, not at all like she wanted. Embarrassed by her reaction to his unexpected presence, by her pathetic weakness, she lowered her gaze.

Nick cleared his throat. "I'm sorry if I startled you." She couldn't look at him, fearing the compassion she would see in his eyes, for it would make her weak. Make her soften toward him. "You look good, by the way. I like your hair like that."

She touched her hair, brushing it away from her shoulder, then snatched her hand away and let her hair fall back against her neck. She hadn't meant to do that. She'd cut her hair a few years ago, so now it fell to just above her shoulders in a sleek, layered cut. It was easier to take care of this way. She didn't want him to like it. But she couldn't deny the pleasure that coursed through her at his words. Damn him.

He looked good himself. Too good. But she wasn't about to tell him that.

Her heart clenched.

"I drove up from Arizona last night. To warn you. There's something you need to know."

Confusion swept through her. Her heartbeat accelerated. Her gaze darted back to his in the mirror. "Warn me? About what?"

His gaze was intense as it held hers. "I'm tracking a serial killer. All his victims are young women with dark hair. All found beaten, raped and strangled."

She let out a soft gasp. A serial killer? As surprised as she was to see Nick, she hadn't expected that. "You think I'm in danger?" She forced out a snort. "When I'm on the road, I'm surrounded by the crew. I have security. I'm not exactly an easy target."

Nick made a harsh sound. "I think you are his target."

A chill crept down her spine. April thought of the note she'd found in her coat pocket that morning. She jerked her gaze back to his.

"Me? Why?"

He hesitated. "His first victim was found in Tucson in the wash behind my parents' house where you and I used to ride horses."

The breath snagged in her throat. "Y-you think he knows me? Knows we used to be friends?" Her voice cracked on the word "friends" and she lowered her gaze.

"It's a strong possibility, yeah."

"And the others?" She forced her gaze back to his.

He sighed. "The second body was found in Phoenix just down the street from my condo."

She gasped. Her heart pounded. "He's taunting you, isn't he?"

Nick sighed. "Yeah, that's the impression I got. I'm wondering now if those first two murders were an attempt to lure me out, to get me to take the case. This wasn't originally my case, but the agent who was handling it is out on medical leave, so my boss gave me some of his cases, including this one. I just got the files yesterday and started reviewing them. I'd heard about those first two murders, but I never connected them to you—or me—until now. The killer left me a note at my hotel last night."

She drew in a sharp breath. "What did it say?"

"That's not important. But it's clear he wants me on this case."

April stared down at her lap. He didn't want her to know what the note said. That could only mean it wasn't good. This couldn't be happening. A serial killer? She lifted her gaze.

"Where were the other bodies found?"

"The third victim was found in Flagstaff and the fourth in a ravine last night in the Grand Canyon."

"Last night?" She shuddered, hugging herself against the sudden cold. The killer could be anywhere now. He could even be here. "You're creeping me out."

His features softened with apology. "I'm sorry, but I think you might be in danger. I had to warn you."

She leapt from the chair. This was too much. A serial killer? After her? No way.

"Okay, you warned me. Now I think you should go." She strode for the door. She would not be weak in front of him again. She needed him gone. Now. Before she made an even bigger fool of herself.

Nick stepped in front her, halting her progress. Her heart slammed into her ribs. She let her gaze roam up the strong male chest blocking her exit, then flicked her gaze to his.

"April, I'm serious. This isn't a joke."

She let out a bitter laugh, tried to make light of the situation. "You mean to tell me you drove up from Arizona to warn me a serial killer is on the loose and you think I'm his target? This isn't your jurisdiction, is it? How did you know I was here?"

He turned away, ran a hand through his curly brown hair. She'd always loved his hair. Every time she looked at her daughter's springy dark curls, she thought of Nick. Every time she looked into her daughter's beautiful whiskey-colored eyes, she saw Nick. Thank God Brianna was safe at home in Idaho, where Nick wouldn't see her.

He turned back to her. "Yes. That's exactly what I said. I want you to be careful. I'm scared shitless this guy's after you. My jurisdiction is wherever this case takes me. And you're not hard to find when you're on tour. Your schedule is posted on your website."

He was right. Anyone could find out her schedule. She met his gaze again. Emotion smoldered in his eyes. A painful ache filled her chest. He still cared. And that hurt most of all. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing him to disappear. Why did he have to come here like this? Seeing him again like this...it hurt so much.

Her heart racing, she turned away before she lost it. "Okay, I'll be careful." She forced the words out. "Please go now."

A moment of tense silence followed.

His quiet footsteps echoed across the room as he walked to the door. Moments later the door squeaked opened. She waited. But he didn't leave.

She turned around.

He stood in the doorway, watching her with a pained expression on his face. Her heart jumped into her throat.

"Despite what you may think, I still care about you. I'm worried, okay? Just be careful."

He held her gaze for a long moment while her heart hammered in her chest.

Then he turned and walked out, closing the door behind him.
CHAPTER EIGHT

After six years in this place, John figured he'd get used to the monotony, the endless days and nights of confinement. But he doubted he'd ever get used to it. If only he'd done things differently, he wouldn't be here. If only...if only...

With all this time on his hands, he had nothing else to do but think about the past and wish he'd done things differently that night. If he hadn't attacked David, his brother would still be alive. If he hadn't panicked and fled with April, he might have been served with a lighter sentence. Fleeing had made him look guilty. Stealing April had caused him to be charged with kidnapping.

John sat on his bunk. The lights would go out in a few minutes. At night, he always thought about the past, dreamt of things he'd done and those he shouldn't have.

He let out a frustrated groan. Seeing April always left him in an emotional turmoil. It usually took him several days after her visit before he was able to function again.

He flopped back onto his bed. His selfish actions had screwed up his daughter's life. If it weren't for him, she would be a normal girl living a normal, happy life. Instead, she continued to hide behind a false identity, afraid to let the world know who she really was, afraid to be herself. Would she ever be able to let go of her fears and not worry about what others thought of her?

Guilt slithered into his chest. Hell. He'd done that to her with the constant moves, different aliases. She'd never been allowed to be herself, so it was no wonder she had a hard time doing so now. April had no idea what normal was. She probably didn't even know who the real April Williams was.

Thanks to him.

John let out another soft groan.

"What you bellyaching about down there?" Ross muttered from the upper bunk. "Shut up, already."

John glared at the bottom of the top mattress. What do you know, buddy? All you did was rob a couple of convenience stores. You didn't fuck up your daughter's life.

Though John was serving time for kidnapping and manslaughter, he wasn't housed with murderers and rapists. He doubted he'd have lasted a day with those hardened criminals. His cellmate was more violent than he was. John's non-violent tendencies and his good behavior allowed him to be housed in a minimum-security portion of the prison with other non-violent offenders, though he would be here longer than most. None of them had messed up their daughter's lives like he'd done.

A tear trickled down his cheek. John swiped his hand across his face, wiping it away. He hated this place. But it was nothing less than he deserved for what he'd done. He'd just have to deal with it.

Or not.

Maybe he could find a way out of here. A way to break free. If he managed that, he was never coming back.

The lights went out, except for the ones out in the hallway, which were always on. Emergency lights or some other bullshit. It was never truly dark in here. Though he still hadn't gotten used to the glare from the hallway, he'd learned to cope. If he turned and faced the wall, it wasn't so bright.

John settled down onto his bunk. Ross tossed a couple of times on the upper bunk, bouncing the entire frame. John gritted his teeth.

Hold still already, dammit.

Ross finally lay still and let out a loud sigh. Moments later Ross's snores filled the room. That was harder to deal with than the light. John had always been a light sleeper. During those years on the run, it had been a blessing, alerting him to danger in the darkest hours. Now it was a major pain in the ass. Just once he'd like to get a full night's sleep.

John sighed. He pulled the blanket up under his chin. It was always cold in here, too. But nothing made him colder than thinking of April out there on her own. Though she'd always been strong and independent, he still worried about her. He still hoped someday Nick would come back to her. Hell, it had been over six years. John was certain if Nick knew he had a daughter, he wouldn't stay away. But John had promised April he'd help keep her secret, even though it wasn't right. A man had a right to know about his child. Nick was a good man. He'd only been doing his job. John couldn't fault him for that. If April wasn't so damn stubborn, Nick would be with her right now, taking care of her and little Brianna.

John shivered, pulling the covers tighter. Even with all the hell in this place, it was what he deserved. If only there was a way to make it up to April...

He couldn't go back and change the past, but he could find a way to make things right. And he would, dammit. Somehow. Someway. He was going to do something with all this time on his hands. He couldn't just sit here, wasting away, any longer. It was time to do something.

It was time to plan his escape.

* * *

April stood outside the hotel. Darkness had descended upon Ogden hours ago, but the city lights and flashing signs lit up the sidewalk and front of the hotel. Cars drove up to the curb. People emerged from the vehicles, brushed passed her and went into the hotel. Others left, heading out for a Saturday night on the town.

Horns honked. Tires screeched. Traffic sped past. It was a lively Saturday night.

For everyone but her. The only liveliness she was experiencing was in her head. And she wanted it to go away. She'd spent the past two hours tossing back and forth in the hotel bed with memories of Nick swirling in her head. Finally giving up on sleep, she'd called Tara, who'd told her to wait out front of the hotel where she'd pick her up.

So here April stood. Waiting.

Ten minutes passed.

Fifteen.

A group of laughing, obviously intoxicated people strolled drunkenly across the hotel parking lot.

April watched them as they wandered away. A serial killer was out there somewhere, but she didn't care. Sitting in her hotel room with her memories was worse than standing out here alone.

She pulled her cell phone out of her jacket pocket and checked the time. Eleven fifty-two.

Where the hell was Tara? Was she coming to get her or what?

Deciding she'd waited long enough, April turned and headed back into the hotel. Maybe she could find something to do inside the hotel that would distract her.

A man stepped out just as she was stepping in and she nearly ran into him.

"Oh, excuse me," she murmured.

"Sorry," he mumbled at the same time.

She glanced up at his face, stumbled back.

"Nick?" He was staying in the same hotel? She'd assumed he'd already gone back to Arizona.

His step faltered as he stared at her. He looked every bit as shocked to see her as she was to see him.

Her heart galloped crazily as she stared up into his beautiful face.

He cleared his throat. "Excuse me." He dipped his head and stepped past her, moving out onto the sidewalk.

She deserved that. She hadn't been very nice to him earlier. She'd probably hurt his feelings. Her chest constricted as she watched him walk away. She couldn't let him leave.

Shoving open the door, she ran after him.

"Nick, wait!"

He paused on the sidewalk. He turned to face her, his expression guarded. She reached him, searching his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be such a bitch earlier. I was just...so shocked to see you."

"I know." One corner of his mouth twitched, but it wasn't quite a smile.

His eyes drew her attention again. Eyes she'd always been drawn to with their deep, amber-colored depths she'd dreamily thought of as whiskey eyes. Moments ago, those eyes had been shuttered, but now, as he stared down at her, she witnessed the emotion he wasn't able to hide.

"You shouldn't be out here all alone," he chastised gently. "Not with a serial killer on the loose."

She lowered her gaze. How did she explain the reason she was out here was because she'd been trying to get away from thoughts of him? What was he doing out here?

"I..." She trailed off helplessly. Her gaze locked on his. She couldn't drag it away. She forced herself to breathe. "I couldn't sleep. What are you doing out here?"

He shrugged. "I couldn't sleep either." His expression softened. "How have you...been?"

What kind of question was that? How the hell did he think she'd been?

He'd hurt her. Badly. But as she stared into his eyes, now she could see she'd hurt him too. His eyes said it all. Pain. Regret. At the time, she hadn't been able to see beyond her own misery long enough to realize she wasn't the only one who'd been hurt by what had happened. She could only imagine now how tormented he must have been by what he'd had to do. She'd banished him from her life after what he'd done, vowing never to forgive him. She could see now it had hurt him more than she'd imagined.

Oh Nick. She squeezed her eyes shut. She hadn't known seeing him again would be so painful, even after all these years. She'd tried to date other men over the years, first in an attempt to get over Nick, then in an attempt to just get on with her life. But it hadn't worked. None of them had been Nick.

"April." It came out as a hoarse whisper. His hand brushed her cheek, gently wiping at a stray tear. She turned her head away. She was crying? In front of Nick? What was the matter with her?

She drew in a ragged breath, opened her eyes. "I'm sorry, I—"

His tortured gaze met hers. "I'm sorry, too."

She swallowed hard. Forced herself to look away. Though she'd sworn she'd never forgive him for what he'd done, she'd never planned to see him again either. Never imagined all those old feelings would return the moment she laid eyes on him again. Even after all these years. Six years hadn't dulled the pain after all. Seeing him now brought everything to the surface. She remembered those strong arms holding her close, making her feel safe, making her feel loved. She recalled his gentle hands touching her everywhere, caressing her, bringing her to the height of ecstasy, teaching her about the physical side of love. And his kisses...Heat flooded her cheeks.

She'd missed him so much. Never, as long as she lived, would she love someone the way she'd loved Nick. What she wouldn't give to have that with him again.

She pulled her gaze back to his. They stood there for a long moment, staring at each other, while the old feelings swirled around them. The flicker of emotions in his eyes said he remembered it all too.

A car screeched up to the front of the hotel. A door swung open.

"April!" Tara shouted, waving wildly. "Over here!"

Nick stepped back. He glanced at Tara, then back to April.

He cleared his throat.

"Well, have a good night."

He turned and walked away.
CHAPTER NINE

"We've got another one."

"Another what?" Nick mumbled sleepily into the phone.

"Another body."

"Shit!" Nick bolted upright in the hotel bed. He rubbed a hand over his eyes, glanced at the clock radio on the end table. Nine o'clock. Hell. "Another body? Where?"

Last night he'd ended up at a bar a few blocks from the hotel. He'd only had one rum and Coke, but it hadn't helped erase the image of April's stricken features as she stared up at him from the hotel parking lot. The hurt and longing in her eyes had called out to him. When her friend had shown up, it had taken all his strength to walk away from her. He'd sat there at the bar, staring off into space, nurturing that one single drink for over an hour. Wishing he'd stayed with her. Wondering what might have happened if he had. He finally finished the last sip, headed back to the hotel. It had been a long, sleepless night.

"Ogden, Utah. It looks like the same guy."

Nick's heart studded to a halt. The breath snagged in his throat. The killer was in Ogden? No! Had the son-of-a-bitch followed him? Please, please, please don't let it be April.

"What's the location? I'm still in Ogden." Shit, he'd walked away from her last night. Idiot! Why hadn't he stayed with her? If he had then maybe, just maybe, she'd be safe in his arms right now.

Dream on, buddy.

"A canal bank in rural Ogden, not far from The Golden Spike Event Center. I just got off the phone with the Weber County Sheriff. His deputies are currently on scene, along with the Utah state police. I think you were right about that woman. She is somehow connected to the killer."

Nick's hand shook as he lowered the phone away from his ear. No! Please don't let it be her!

"Nick? You there?"

He drew in several uneven breaths, then stuck the phone back to his ear. "Yeah. I'm here. Give me the address." She's okay, he told himself over and over. She's okay. But his stomach churned. What if she wasn't?

Craig rattled off the location. "Is she who I think she is?"

Nick let out a loud sigh. "Yeah."

While Craig let out a string of curses, Nick lifted the phone away from his ear again. Craig might take him off the case now. He knew of Nick's past with April. But Nick couldn't let him do that. Not yet. He had to find out if she was okay first.

"Let me at least find out if she's okay first before you take me off the case, okay? You owe me that much."

Craig snorted. "I don't owe you shit, kid. But I can't take you off this case right now. Remember that note the killer left you? He wants you involved. I have a feeling if I take you off the case, we'll never catch him."

Nick breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks Craig. You won't regret it."

Less than ten minutes later, he left his hotel room. He snatched a cup of coffee and a doughnut from the continental breakfast downstairs on his way out. His hands shook as he tossed his bags into the backseat of the car. He headed to the scene, sipping his coffee, but the doughnut sat untouched in the center console. The thought of eating anything made his stomach churn. He drove past the event center. The parking lot was full like it had been yesterday. He told himself her show wouldn't be going on right now if she were dead. But he couldn't relax until he knew for sure.

The swarm of Utah cops led him right to the scene. Nick pulled over to the side of the road behind a state trooper. Showing his badge to the young cop standing guard at the entrance to the canal bank, Nick swept past and approached the scene.

The victim lay in a pile of rocks at the bottom of the dried-up canal, one arm twisted behind her back, the other flung across her stomach. Her long black hair spilled out around her head and tangled in a patch of dead weeds on the side of the bank. A late-spring frost covered the ground in a thin layer around her. Her skin was still pink. Nick doubted she'd been dead for more than a couple of hours. She was naked like the others, beaten, brutalized.

It wasn't April.

Nick closed his eyes, took a deep breath. Thank God it wasn't her. The killer was definitely connected to April somehow. It couldn't be just a coincidence he'd ditched the body right down the road from where her show was in session. What kind of sick game was this guy playing? Was he somewhere close by? Was he over at the event center right now, watching April from the grandstands? Nick shivered. Damn, they needed to catch this bastard. But so far they had nothing, not one single shred of evidence. Nick would work with the Utah detectives and the Arizona cops and hope they found some evidence this time.

A light frost wasn't unusual for mid-May in this part of Utah, but Nick had come from Arizona and hadn't been prepared. He shivered again, wishing he'd brought a jacket.

"Same as the others?" A cop came up to stand beside Nick, his face grim as he glanced down at the body.

Nick nodded. "Yeah. Exactly like the others."

The detective swore. "I hate serial killers."

"So do I." Especially this one.

Once he was done here, he'd have to pay April another visit.

Whether he wanted to or not.

She needed protection now.

* * *

Sunday's show was a huge success, despite the fact April didn't get much sleep because she dreamt of Nick the night before. Tara had convinced her to have one little fruity drink, which had taken her more than an hour to finish. True to her word, Tara had remained close by, keeping an eye on her. Tara had even attempted to get April to flirt with a few men who'd shown an interest in her, but all April saw was Nick's face, and she couldn't engage in honest flirting when her mind was elsewhere. The men had sensed her disinterest and wandered off. Tara had driven her back to the hotel.

At first April had been leery about shaking hands as people entered the building that morning. Then, as the happy fans introduced themselves and harmlessly passed by, she relaxed. No sign of Steve. Maybe he really had slipped her the note and was now lying low so she couldn't ask him about it. The coward.

But no notes appeared in her pocket that day.

As the spectators filed out of the event center around five o'clock that evening, April and her crew began cleaning up the arena and packing up for the long trip home. Her next show wasn't until July, so she had some time to go home and be with Brianna.

"April? Someone left this for you."

April glanced up from where she'd been raking out the stall Shadow Dancer had occupied over the weekend. Jerry, one of the security guys, handed her an envelope. Her name was written across the front in all caps. It looked like the same handwriting as the note she'd received yesterday.

Was it from Steve? If so, where was that creep? April glanced around, but didn't see the hulk anywhere.

"Did Steve give it to you?"

Jerry shook his head. "No. It was a boy, about twelve or so."

Steve wouldn't hide behind a child, would he? She didn't think so. So far he'd only harassed her when no one else was around. But if not from Steve, then from who?

A chill crept down her spine. Fearing it was from the same person who'd left the note in her coat pocket yesterday, and that it might not be from Steve but from this killer Nick had warned her about, she folded it in half, stuffed it in her back pocket without opening it. She didn't want to be frightened right now. She didn't want to know what it said just yet. They needed to get on the road. She needed to get home to Brianna. She'd read it later.

"Thanks Jerry."

He nodded and left.

April finished with the horse's stall. She carried her first load of various tack and other items to one of the large cargo trailers she used for the trip.

She tried to ignore the folded envelope in her back pocket, but it kept taunting her.

People brushed by her, around her, as everyone helped clean up. She went back into the event center for another load. The hair stood up on the back of her neck. She felt eyes on her. Taking a deep breath, she turned. A dark figure stood at the top of the grandstands near the last row of seats. He was dressed the same as the majority of the attendees: Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, a Western shirt, and a black cowboy hat. He would easily blend in with the crowd. In fact, the only thing that set him apart from everyone else was his size. The man was tall and broad, like a football player. Like Steve. He appeared to be staring right at her. It was too far away to see the man's features. Was it Steve? She couldn't tell. Whoever he was, she would not let him frighten her. She lifted her chin, stared right back at him.

April sensed movement behind her. Her heart racing, she spun around.

Nick leaned against the far wall near the concession stands. He had his cell phone to his ear, listening to someone, but his gaze was on her. His expression was unreadable, his eyes hooded. She had no idea what he was thinking. How long had he been standing there, watching her? What was he doing here? She couldn't suppress the pleasure that coursed through her at the sight of him. Today he wore a forest green dress shirt and black slacks. He looked just as sexy as he had yesterday. It didn't matter what he wore, he would always look good to her.

Yesterday she'd been so shocked to see him that her best defense had been to shove him out. Last night when she'd bumped into him at the hotel her emotions had been in a confused turmoil. There was no telling what stupid thing she might have done if Tara hadn't shown up when she had.

As she stared at him now, she longed to race into his arms. Press happy kisses to his face.

April came to her senses with a start. She reminded herself that she'd vowed six years ago to never forgive him for what he'd done. But seeing him again made her mind, and her heart, a little off kilter.

She remembered the man at the top of the stadium. She spun back around, searching the area where she'd seen him.

He was gone.

She started to turn back to Nick, but a swish of sound alerted her to another presence just before a huge body blocked her path.

April stifled a scream. Hands on her hips, she glared up at Steve who'd appeared out of nowhere. Again. There was no way he could have gotten across the grandstands that fast. Could he? Uneasiness swept through her. What was Steve up to?

"Did you put a note in my pocket yesterday?"

He cocked a black brow. "Now why would I do such a thing? If I want to talk to you, I'll talk to your face."

April glanced behind her. Nick stepped away from the wall, heading toward them. She turned back to Steve.

"What about today? Did you ask a kid to deliver a note to me today?"

He leaned close. "Hmm, maybe I did or maybe I didn't. What did the note say? And what did the kid look like?"

He was playing with her. April resisted the urge to scream out her frustration. "What do you want, Steve? How do you expect to have any fans if you're spending all your time harassing me instead of conducting your own clinics?"

"I'm trying to figure out what it is about you that fascinates people so much." His gaze shifted to something behind her. April guessed Nick had almost reached them. Steve looked at her again, lowered his voice. "I just don't get it. You don't do anything different than I do. Sure, you're a pretty lady, but it has to be more than that. What do you have that I don't? You must have some trick you're using. What's your secret?"

"Like I said before, natural talent. I actually like horses, unlike you. I love my job."

His gaze narrowed. "I grew up on a ranch, little lady. I like horses, too. I learned from one of the best horse whisperers. But not you. I checked you out. You're the daughter of a convicted kidnapper and murderer. Now tell me, where does a girl like that learn about natural horsemanship?"

It wasn't murder, you asshole, it was manslaughter.

She held her tongue. She couldn't let Steve see how much he'd upset her. She was afraid of what he might do with the information he'd found out about her. If she acted like she didn't care, maybe he'd let it go.

Nick reached them. He stepped up behind her. "Is this guy bothering you, April?"

She hadn't gotten a straight answer from Steve about the note from yesterday or the one from today she hadn't yet read. Were the notes from him? Why was he so obsessed with what she did?

The breath caught in her throat. Steve wasn't the killer, was he?

"Yeah," she whispered, her heart hammering as she gazed at Steve. "He is. I think he's threatening me." Could he really be the killer?

Steve raised his arms, took a step back. "I'm leaving now." He turned and walked away. April stared after him. She just couldn't figure him out.

Nick didn't speak for a long moment, but April felt his gaze on her. She turned to face him.

Was it her imagination or was his gaze a little too intense as it raked her from head to toe, as if he couldn't believe she was real. Or alive.

His expression turned grim. Something was wrong. She took a wary step back.

"Wh—" She took a deep breath. "What's wrong? What are you doing here?"

"There was another murder last night. Just down the road from here. I'm convinced now the killer has some sort of connection to you."

Another woman had died because of her? Her breath caught. How? Why? Could it have been Steve? He had a connection to her. She was competition he didn't like. Possibly wanted to eliminate. Her head spun.

She must have looked like she was about to pass out. Nick stepped forward, his fingers wrapping around her upper arm. He steered her toward a bench against the wall next to a soda machine. She didn't resist. He pushed her gently down onto the bench. The movement made the envelope crackle in her back pocket, reminding her of its presence.

"It might be Steve."

Nick leaned closer to hear her. "What?" His cologne tickled her nostrils, making her light-headed.

She cleared her throat. "The killer. I think it might be Steve. That guy that was just here."

Nick straightened. "Stay here. I'll be right back." He sprinted after Steve, leaving April alone on the bench.

She sank back against the wall. Could Steve be killing women who looked like her? Did he hate her that much? She hadn't thought he was dangerous, just jealous and rude.

But what if she was wrong? She knew next to nothing about the man. He was a horse trainer, like her. But that's all she knew about him. She didn't know where he lived, if he had a family...She'd never bothered, never really cared, to find out more.

Wait, he'd said something about a daughter...

Certainly a man who had a daughter couldn't be a serial killer.

Besides, she'd never been afraid of him. Sure, he annoyed her, but...

Her head throbbed.

She didn't want to believe Steve could be a serial killer.

But wasn't the killer always the last person anyone ever suspected?
CHAPTER TEN

Nick returned about ten minutes later. Alone.

"I didn't catch him, but I put out an APB. Local law enforcement will probably find him before he gets too far. They've been instructed to bring him in for questioning."

April wasn't sure what she thought about Steve getting away. If the cops caught him, then at least he wouldn't bother her for a while. Not that she expected him to follow her all the way back to northern Idaho. He'd never shown up at her house before, just her shows. But with Steve, who knew? If he was the killer...she shivered.

April rose from the bench. The movement made the envelope crackle in her back pocket again. She flinched. Reaching back, she pulled it out.

Holding it out to Nick, she said, "Will you read this please? Tell me what it says. I'm scared to look at it."

His gaze questioning, he took the envelope from her. "What is it?"

She swallowed. "I don't know. I'm afraid to open it."

His gaze narrowed. "What aren't you telling me?"

She looked down, entwined her fingers together. "Someone stuck a note in my pocket before the show yesterday." She cleared her throat. "It said, 'I've been watching you, pretty girl. I know who you are.'" She peeked up at him.

His gaze hardened. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

"Why didn't you tell me that yesterday?"

She shrugged, her gaze darting away from the accusing stare he sent her. It had never occurred to her to tell him about the note. She'd been too shocked by his presence.

"I thought it might be from Steve, but when I asked him, he neither confirmed nor denied it."

Nick's gaze pierced her. "Where's the note now?"

"I don't know." She still couldn't meet his gaze. "I dropped it right after I read it. It's probably trampled in the dirt somewhere or in the garbage now."

He let out a loud sigh. He held the envelope out. "How many people have touched this envelope, do you think?"

Her gaze shot to his. "Jerry gave it to me. He said a kid about twelve or so left it for me. I don't know if anyone else touched it."

"So Jerry's fingerprints are on it, yours are on it, a twelve-year-old kid's are on it, and now mine. If it's from that Steve guy, his might be on it too. There could possibly be others."

"We don't even know what it is yet." It came out as a squeak. She cleared her throat, her cheeks heating. "It might not be anything. I could just be paranoid." Yeah, right.

Nick raised a brow. "When there's a serial killer on the loose, raping and killing women who look just like you?"

She flinched. "You don't have to scare the hell out of me."

"You need to be scared." He lowered his voice. "Hell, April, I'm scared. I'm afraid to let you out of my sight." His assessing gaze bored into her. His expression was too serious, his gaze filled with an intensity that made her step back and look away.

She took a deep breath. "So, are you going to tell me what it says?"

His cell phone rang. He turned away from her as he answered it. He spoke for a moment into the phone, then stuffed it back in his shirt pocket.

"Steve's in custody. They're transporting him to the local police station for questioning, but they won't be able to hold him unless he admits to doing something incriminating or they find some evidence linking him to the crimes."

Good. Now she wouldn't have to worry about him hovering around, waiting to pop out and scare her. She planned be long gone from Utah before he was released. If he was released.

Nick glanced back at the envelope in his hand. "The closest FBI field office is just under an hour away in Salt Lake. I was planning to take in the note he left me and submit it as evidence. I should probably take this there too." He studied her a moment. "But I want to know what it says first, and I think you do, too. You can kid yourself all you want, but we both know it's not 'nothing.' It's something. And it's probably not good. Right?"

She swallowed. "Will you just tell me what it says so I don't have to wonder anymore?" She didn't care what he did with the note, as long as she didn't have to hold it anymore.

April couldn't look away as his fingers gently tore at the flap, peeled it back. Her heart hammered as she waited. He pulled out a slip of paper, unfolded it. She watched his face as he read it, but his expression remained impassive. He lifted his gaze to hers. "What did the first note say again?"

Her heart in her throat, she whispered, "I've been watching you, pretty girl. I know who you are."

He glanced back down at the note. He flipped it over, held it up so she could read it.

And now I'm coming for you.

* * *

Oooh goodie! They were reading his second note.

Excitement surged through him. He watched from the end of the corridor as Special Agent Miller held up the note for April to read.

Watched as she paled and stumbled back a step.

Watched as Miller led her back to the bench he'd pushed her down on a few minutes ago when Steve Jones had raced out.

Now that was funny. They thought Steve Jones might be the killer.

Fools. Steve Jones was a drunk. He'd got the whole spiel from the guy last night at the bar when the dumbass had told him his sob story. He'd pretended to care so he could watch April from across the room. She'd had no idea he was there.

She had no idea he was here now.

She had no idea at all who he even was.

But she would soon.

He chuckled.

She'd seen him up at the top of the grandstands moments ago. Watching. She'd stared back at him. But she didn't know he'd been watching her for a long time. Didn't know she'd shaken his hand yesterday or that he'd slipped the note in her pocket. Didn't know she'd shaken his hand again today or that when she'd glanced away momentarily to answer a question someone asked her, he'd leaned in and smelled her. He'd been so close. She had no idea who he was or what he planned to do to her.

Miller glanced his way, his gaze suspicious.

He quickly turned away, pulled the collar of his Carhartt jacket higher up around his face. He slipped his sunglasses on. It wouldn't be good to have Miller catch him so soon. He had much more to do.

He left the event center with a crowd of April's fans. He walked casually to his car, stopping for a moment to engage in pleasantries with the couple who'd parked next to him. He pretended to be just like anyone else.

After the couple drove away, he unlocked the Jeep. His prisoner moaned from the backseat. It looked like the drugs were wearing off. Time for another injection.

But he'd come well prepared.

He bent down and pretended to mess with the CD player while he removed another pre-filled syringe. He leaned over the backseat, lifted the tarp off his prisoner and shoved the needle into his prisoner's thigh, injecting the drug. His captive moaned and thrashed against the duct tape. He watched for a moment, then tossed the needle in the back with his prisoner. Seconds passed while the drug took effect. His captive went still. Satisfied, he tossed the tarp back over the prisoner.

He watched the event center while he went back to his CD player and continued to play around with his stereo, even going so far as to mutter loudly about a short in the wire every time someone walked past. Then he pulled out the stereo box in case someone became suspicious of him loitering in the lot.

He pretended to inspect it. Cranked the music up, then down. Anyone walking by would just think he was trying to fix his stereo.

But he was waiting.

He planned to follow her when she left. He wasn't done with her yet.

Not by a long shot.

He wasn't done with Nick Miller either.

He had big plans for the both of them.

And they were falling right into his trap.
PART TWO

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Phoenix, AZ

Six years ago

"Hey Nick, got a new case for you!" Craig's voice rang down the hall.

Nick glanced up from the Spencer kidnapping file he'd been reviewing. "Be right there." Excited about the prospect of another new case, Nick snatched up a pen and notepad from his desk. He hurried to his boss's office. Craig had given him quite a few cases since he'd joined the Phoenix field office six months ago. Nick loved the work, the challenge of trying to solve cases and helping to apprehend criminals. Every felon he helped take off the streets was one less felon who was out there harming others. Nick had received the Director's Leadership Award when he'd attended the FBI academy at Quantico. Craig had been excited to have Nick on his team. No one else in the Phoenix office had received the award, not even Craig. Nick was an asset to the team. He vowed not to disappoint his boss.

It was Friday afternoon. Several of the other agents had taken the day off, so the Phoenix office was quiet today.

Nick plopped down into one of the chairs before Craig's desk. "I just got a possible lead in the Spencer kidnapping. I'll check it out after you tell me about this new case."

Craig nodded. "Good. This new case is actually an old case. Been open for over twenty years, but this morning we got a lead."

Nick sat up straighter in the chair. "Really? Twenty years? That is an old case. What kind is it?" He would solve it, he vowed. No matter how old it was or what type of case it was, Nick would solve it. He wouldn't let Craig down.

Craig slid a thick file across the desk. "Kidnapping of a child. Also murder, though the FBI's involvement is because of the kidnapping crime, not the murder. If we can kill two birds with one stone, all the better." He waited while Nick opened the file and perused the information on the inside flap.

The name "John Williams" jumped out at Nick like a hard slap in the face. Holy shit! His head spun. He'd never expected this. Not in a million years. He shook the dizziness away.

"You okay?" Craig asked. "You're white as a frickin' sheet! Don't pass out on me, man."

"I know him." Still numb, Nick read about the new lead. John Williams had recently been spotted at a gas station in northern Idaho. An anonymous caller had phoned in the tip just that morning. The FBI had pulled the file and offered it to Nick, their top new agent.

"You know him?" Craig's forehead creased. "How?"

"I met him once. I was friends with his daughter."

"No shit?"

"Yeah. When I was sixteen." But I never suspected he was a kidnapper or a murderer back then.

Craig eyed Nick with interest. "So you think you'd recognize the guy if you saw him today?"

Nick nodded. "Oh yeah. I'd love to have the chance to bring the bastard in." And make him pay for taking "Rebecca" away from me.

"So do you want to take this case?"

Did he? Could he solve a twenty-year-old case, find John Williams and bring him in, something no other agent had been able to do?

"Hell, yeah! I'll take it." He couldn't resist the challenge. His heart raced at the prospect of possibly seeing "Rebecca" again. He'd wanted this case since joining the FBI. He'd wanted to see her again ever since she'd left him, heartbroken, over six years ago. It had taken him awhile to get used to thinking of her as "April" after she'd told him the truth, but he'd spent the last six years thinking of her, dreaming about her, wondering where she was and if she was okay. The name "April" seemed to suit her better. He'd been thinking of her as "April" ever since.

He rose with the file clutched to his chest.

"Not so fast." Craig motioned him back into the chair. "If you're sure you'll recognize him, don't you think he'll recognize you too? If I let you go after this guy, you're going to go undercover. We'll have to alter your appearance so he doesn't recognize you."

Nick snorted. "I was a short, geeky nerd back then. I look totally different now. I guarantee he won't recognize me."

And neither will April. Nick stood up.

Craig eyed Nick with his too-serious hazel eyes. "We can't take that chance. I want you to dye your hair and get colored contacts. Blue. And blond hair, I think, something totally different than your normal appearance."

Undercover. Oh shit! Nick's knees gave out on him. He collapsed back in the chair as the realization of what he was about to do hit him hard. He'd never gone undercover before. All his work had been in the office before now. Could he do this? His stomach churned. He was about to go undercover in an attempt to find John Williams and bring him in. Holy shit!

He groaned, rubbed a hand over his face. "I don't know if I can do this."

"Why not?" Craig's gaze narrowed on him. "You've had all the proper training for going undercover. It's a great opportunity for you to make a name for yourself. Just think...if you solve this case, you'll have done what no one else before you has ever done. Plus, you already have an advantage over the others, because you know the guy. I have faith in you, Nick. You can do this."

But training to go undercover and actually going undercover were two separate things. There was also a very high possibility he might see April. He wanted to, of course, but...shit!

Nick puffed out a breath. "I...April..." he trailed off. I never really got over her.

Craig snapped his fingers in front of Nick's face, bringing Nick out of his semi-daze.

"The daughter is not wanted for anything. As far as we know, she's never committed a crime. What about her?"

Nick met Craig's gaze. He could do this. Hell, he might get to see April again! Anticipation surged through him. He hadn't seen her since she was fourteen. She would be twenty now. Would she remember him? Would she recognize him? He wanted her to. He wanted her to see how much he'd changed. He wanted her to see he wasn't a geeky nerd anymore.

Forcing a nonchalance he didn't feel, Nick said, "She's just a girl I met a long time ago. She probably won't even remember me."

He glanced at the file's cover, which had the name "Williams, John," in big black letters across the top.

Nick made his decision.

It was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. A challenge he couldn't resist.

A chance to see April again.

"I'll do it."

* * *

North Idaho was nothing like Nick expected. Expansive. Breathtaking. Incredible. Majestic. Those were all words that came to mind as he drove the gray rental car through the small town of Sandpoint and headed north toward the gas station off the highway where John Williams had been spotted. Nick's disguise was in place. He now had curly blond hair and wore the blue contacts Craig had suggested. He looked nothing like he had at sixteen, so it was unlikely John Williams would recognize him. Nick's cover was safe.

The incredible beauty of his surroundings helped lessen his worry and lightened his mood. He raked a hand through his new blond curls, stared out the window at the huge pine trees that littered the landscape, as tall as any skyscraper. The trees dwarfed the land, their tops nearly disappearing into the sky. It was so green here, so full of life, so breathtakingly beautiful. He'd heard about the beauty of the north but had never witnessed it before until now. It was a dramatic change from the dry Arizona desert.

He exited his rental car and strode to the front of the gas station, his first intent to buy a cold soda. Then he planned to show people a photo of John Williams and ask questions. The front pocket of his jacket contained a photograph of John Williams, the photo he would use in his inquiries. He opened the door and entered the building.

The front of the store was lined with shelves of various snacks and food items. The back contained a small eating area with several round tables and chairs. Behind the counter was a kitchen area. A delicious smell wafted up from the kitchen. Nick swore it was cooked ham. His stomach growled. He hadn't eaten anything on the flight to Spokane. He slid into a chair at an empty table. Ham sounded wonderful. He picked up the menu, but before he could open it to read, he noticed the view outside the back window.

A spectacular, tree-covered mountain range rose up less than a mile from the building. A deep blue lake nestled itself at the bottom of the mountain. Various species of water birds mingled about the lake, some along the shoreline, others swimming with their young offspring, still others flying about. He recognized cranes, loons, pelicans, geese, richly colored ducks. Nick rose to his feet and went to the window. It was incredible. As he stared over the verdant landscape, his gaze skimming across the lake and back, a movement caught his eye. A cow moose lumbered across the meadow with twin calves at her heels. Cute, long-legged little things. He glanced upward. A bald eagle swooped into view. The bird hit the water with a splash and came away with a fish dangling from its talons.

It was like a scene from the old episodes of Marty Stouffer's Wild America. Except it was real, and it was all happening just outside the window.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" a soft, slightly raspy voice murmured near his left shoulder. "I did the same thing you did when I first came into the store."

Nick turned...and was presented with the loveliest feminine profile he'd ever seen.

He checked her out, the same way he inspected everything: slowly, cautiously, thoroughly. Flawless olive complexion. Soft-looking skin. No makeup. A small, straight, perfectly shaped nose. Sensuous lips and a mouth that was made for laughter. Long, black, silky-looking hair that hung freely about her shoulders and ended halfway down her back. Holy shit! Talk about instant attraction. Nick tried not to stare, but he couldn't help himself.

She wore faded jeans and a loose-fitting purple sweater, nothing sexy or revealing, but she oozed sex appeal just the same. She stood no taller than five-foot-four or five, the top of her head coming level with the bottom of his chin. She had a freshness about her, a naturalness that said she belonged here and was comfortable with the surroundings. He could picture her trekking through the pines with a rifle slung over her shoulder, fishing from the bank of the lake, hiking up a mountain, or canoeing across the water.

The bell dinged as another customer entered the store, snapping Nick out of his infatuation. Hell, he couldn't be distracted by a pretty girl. What was wrong with him? He had a job to do. An important job.

Then she turned to face him.

Eyes so light a gray they were nearly transparent stared up at him. Eyes so unusual, so memorable, he'd only witnessed them on two other people before: April and her father.

Nick's breath caught in his throat. It was her.

His heart thumped wildly. No way. It couldn't be her. His head spun. He jerked his gaze away. Holy shit! Her unexpected presence so soon left him dizzy. He cleared his throat, then looked at her again.

It was her. Her features were more mature now, but it was still April's face. A lovely, grown-up face. His legs trembled. God, she was gorgeous! But he always knew she would be. She'd been pretty at fourteen. It was a no-brainer she'd be a stunning beauty now, the type of beauty men fantasized about.

He tried to rein in his galloping heart, but it was impossible. He couldn't stop staring. Couldn't believe it was her.

She eyed him strangely.

Heat crept into his face. She must think him dense the way he kept staring.

She turned away, motioned out the window. "The landscape," she prompted. "You were gazing at it like you were awestruck, like it was the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen. This your first time here?"

Nick jolted to his senses. He turned back to the window. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. He swallowed.

"Uh, yes," he said at last, hoping he wouldn't be foolish enough to blurt out her name. She was supposed to be a stranger. He really needed to stop staring. But she was more beautiful than he'd imagined. His chest swelled, his heart aching at the sight of her. He'd been waiting for this moment for over six years. Now that it had arrived, he couldn't even tell her who he was. He had to pretend to be someone else. Just as she'd had to pretend with him.

She gazed out the window a moment longer, then stepped away from him. "Well, enjoy your stay. You're in God's country here, and if you're like me, you'll never want to leave."

She headed for the door, leaving a fresh, purely feminine scent in her wake.

Nick rushed after her. He couldn't let her leave.

"Hey! Do you, uh, know of a good place to stay around here?"

She turned. Once again he was struck by those incredible eyes. Eyes he'd never forgotten.

She tilted her head as she looked up at him. "As a matter of fact, I do. There's a guest ranch about fifteen miles north of here."

"Do you know if they have any openings on such short notice?" Nick stepped closer. It was her! He couldn't believe it was her. He had to keep her talking. Couldn't let her leave.

"Um..." She shrugged. "Maybe. They usually don't open for the season for a few more days, but I know the owner. If you mention that Sammie sent you, he might make an exception for you. Do you like horses?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I grew up around horses. Why?"

Her lips curved into a smile that lit up her features, enhancing her beauty. Nick's heart thundered. He swallowed.

"There are horses at the ranch, so if you like horseback riding, it's a good place to go. The scenery there is spectacular, much like the view you just saw out the window."

"Really? Sounds awesome."

She reached into a small black purse and took out a business card. She handed it to him. "Here's the number. Just give them a call. And don't forget to mention that Sammie sent you."

Nick glanced at the card. Northern Acres Guest Ranch.

He opened his mouth to say thanks, but she was already turning on her heel and leaving the store. He stared after her for a long moment, but by the time he managed to get his dumbstruck brain to think, she was gone. He reached the front of the store in time to see an old green Ford pickup pulling out onto the highway. He glanced to the left, then the right, but she was nowhere to be seen. She had to be in that green truck.

Nick sprinted to his car. His starving stomach would have to wait. He couldn't let her slip away. He was going to follow her.

Because wherever April was, John Williams was sure to be close by.

Special Agent Nick Miller was about to catch his man.
CHAPTER TWELVE

Nick caught up with the old green Ford moments later. He stayed back a little ways so it wouldn't be obvious he was trailing her. She headed north on the highway for about five miles, then slowed and turned on her right blinker. Nick glanced at the street sign where she turned. Moose Creek. He memorized the name, then continued past on the highway. He went up the road for another mile, then turned around and came back.

He turned on the same gravel road she'd exited the highway onto. The road was thickly wooded, and an occasional house or cabin would appear back into the trees. He drove for several miles with no sign of the green Ford.

Then he noticed a sign up ahead.

Northern Acres Guest Ranch.

The words were painted in a fancy white scrawl above a horse and rider that had been neatly carved out of a tree stump. A white arrow pointed off to a narrow dirt road on the right. Nick turned onto the dirt road.

After a bouncy five minutes of traveling through a thick pine forest, the trees opened into a clearing. A giant log arch announced the entrance to the property with the words, "Welcome to Northern Acres Guest Ranch: An Experience of a Lifetime." The sign had been carved into an enormous log that had been hoisted on two massive tree trunks that snaked up either side of the driveway.

Wow. Impressive.

Was this where she'd gone?

There was only one way to find out.

Nick drove beneath the sign and onto the property.

Horses grazed in lush green fields on either side of the drive as he approached the buildings. It had rained earlier that afternoon. A mist rose from the ground and the trees surrounding him. An enormous wooden lodge appeared through the trees ahead. Behind it sat a barn that looked large enough to hold ten or fifteen horses. Other various smaller outbuildings were nestled in the trees behind the main lodge. Mountains rose up behind the buildings, majestic in a verdant landscape thickly covered with trees.

Nick took a moment to stop the rental car and look around. It was breathtaking. Probably the most beautiful place he'd ever been. He rolled down his window, breathed in the clear air, the scent of pines, the fresh mist.

Nick put the car back into gear and drove the last few hundred feet to the lodge.

It was time to go into undercover mode. From here on out, he was Mike Smith, traveling college graduate trying to figure out what he wanted out of life. Which was as far from Nick's true self as could be. But it was the identity Craig had chosen for him, so he had to use it. He had to pull this off.

A tall, elderly gentleman rose from the porch swing as Nick parked the car and exited the vehicle. The old man appeared so withered and ancient Nick feared he might collapse at any moment.

The man called, "Hello, Sir. Welcome to Northern Acres! We weren't expecting any guests this evening. I'm the owner, Bernie White."

Nick approached the gentleman and shook his hand. "Mike Smith. Nice to meet you." The old guy's grip was stronger than Nick expected. The man was obviously hardier than he looked.

Nick could already see this would be "an experience of a lifetime."

He glanced around. "This is some place you've got here. It's beautiful. Do you have any rooms available for tonight?"

The old man watched him with an amused expression. "Technically we don't open for the season for another couple of days. You must be the one Sammie told me about over the phone on her way in."

"Yes, that's me."

A smile split the old man's lips. "Figured. Sammie works here. Does a little bit of everything. Except cook. Can't get that girl to cook for nothing." He let out a soft chuckle. "She said she ran into a young man at the gas station who was looking for a place to stay and asked if we could open a few days early for you. She never does that." He eyed Nick for a long moment.

Nick's heart raced. Had she felt that instant connection again? The overwhelming attraction he couldn't deny? She had to have felt it. Why else would she call the lodge on her way back and beg them to let Nick stay? Did she have any clue who he was?

"I don't want to be any trouble. If you need me to pay extra, I will."

Bernie White shook his head. "Not necessary. If you just give us about a half hour or so, we can ready a room for you. Will that be suitable?"

"Yes, that's fine." Nick couldn't wait to see April again. Where had she gone? "Tell Sammie thanks."

Bernie reached the door to the front of the lodge. He turned back to Nick, let out a soft grunt. "You can tell her yourself." He motioned behind Nick.

Nick turned just as "Sammie" rounded the corner. She came to an abrupt halt. Her eyebrows shot up.

"How did you know where the ranch was?" Her gaze narrowed on him. "Did you follow me?"

Nick's cheeks heated. "I..." He shrugged. "...yeah."

Bernie chortled from the doorway. "Stop gawking at the boy and come help me make him up a room. He's going to stay tonight."

She blushed and hopped up the porch steps. Her gaze bounced back to his as she passed. Nick grinned at her. He couldn't help it. Being around her had always brought out the best in him. He could see that hadn't changed, despite the years that had passed and the time they'd been apart. He fought back the overwhelming urge to tell her who he was. This was going to be tougher than he'd thought.

Her lips twitched into a smile. Her gaze skittered away as she rushed past him into the lodge.

Nick settled into the porch swing to wait, a huge smile on his lips. If April was here, John Williams couldn't be far away. But Nick was less interested in John Williams at that moment. All he could think was he'd found her after all these years. He hadn't imagined the attraction he'd seen in her eyes. It was still there. It was real. He'd never felt that connection, that instant attraction with any other girl.

Nick rubbed a hand over his face, leaned forward in the swing. Hell, how was he supposed to catch a felon when he was distracted by a gorgeous beauty, the very same girl who'd stolen his heart six years ago?

The very same girl he was pretty sure he still loved.

* * *

"I'll show you to your room now."

Nick glanced up from the swing as Bernie opened the screen door and peered out at him.

"That was fast." Nick rose. He followed Bernie into the lodge, grabbing his bags from the porch steps. He'd gone out to the car and brought them up while he waited. "Sammie" was nowhere to be seen. Neither was John Williams. How long before John made an appearance?

Bernie stopped at a small office/check-in area. He waited while Nick filled out the paperwork and gave him his credit card information. Nick followed the older gentleman up the first flight of stairs and down a hallway. The entire structure was built out of massive larch logs, giving it a rustic "cabin-like" appearance. The walls bore a variety of marvelous and interesting animals that a taxidermist had restored to near-life perfection. Nick recognized elk, deer, moose and caribou heads as they passed. Stuffed black bears, coyotes, cougars, grizzlies, bobcats, even beautiful ducks and geese. He dropped his bags in the hallway, motioned to the variety of animals displayed on the walls.

"You kill all of these?"

Bernie beamed. "I did, yes. Been years ago, of course, when I was just a young man. About your age, I imagine."

Nick nodded. "They're all very beautiful. Anyone else besides Sammie help you run this place?"

Bernie's brow jerked up. "Curious, aren't you? What, you afraid me and that pretty little girl can't do it alone?"

Heat swam up Nick's neck and into his face. "No, that's not what I meant, I just..."

Bernie cackled and turned away. "Uptight city boy," he grumbled, making Nick's face grow hotter. Had he just been insulted?

"I sent my manager into town to get some supplies for your stay. He'll be back soon. You'll be the only guest here until Thursday when we officially open." Bernie opened a door, motioned into a room. It was furnished with a double bed, which sat on a log frame and was covered with a hand-made, checkered quilt of reds, greens, golds, and browns. The room also contained a small closet with several hangers, a rust-colored chair by the door, and a night stand that sat by the right side of the bed next to a tall wooden lamp. No television. Nick guessed people who booked a room here came to get away from it all, which he could understand. A person didn't need a television at a place like this.

A door to the left side of the room opened into a small bathroom. Nick peered into the bathroom, noted the clean pine scent, the fresh towels hanging on the rack.

He walked over to the bedroom window, gazed out into the woods.

"Will this do?"

Nick turned back to Bernie. "Yes, it's perfect. Thank you." He set his bags on the bed.

"Dinner will be served in the dining room at six," Bernie said. "You're free to do as you wish until then. There's a Jacuzzi on the first floor near the back of the lodge, horseshoe pits, a basketball hoop, tennis courts, and a volleyball net out in the back. We also have a gaming room downstairs with pool tables, darts, arcade machines...We have a little something for everyone. And if you're interested in going for a horseback ride into the woods, go out to the barn and Sammie will assist you with a mount."

"I think I'll just explore for a while. Thank you."

Bernie went to the door. "If you need anything, just holler."

Once he was alone, Nick unpacked his bags. He arranged his toiletries on the bathroom sink and hung his clothes in the closet. He liked it here already. He couldn't wait to get outside to go for a walk through the forest.

Fifteen minutes later he was heading out the back door. The fresh, clean scent of pines filled his nostrils. He passed the tennis courts on his left, the volleyball net on his right. The horseshoe pits were farther away from the lodge, under the shade of a huge weeping willow tree. A trail that led into the thick forest of green headed off to the right just past the tennis courts. The barn and a set of corrals sat about fifty feet behind the volleyball net. He started down the path that led into the forest. The sound of hoof beats met his ears. He paused. He turned to see a trail of dust that followed in a horse's wake as it raced around a corral. Nick walked toward the corral, pausing by the trunk of a huge ponderosa pine.

And there she was.

He ducked behind the tree and watched.

She stood in the center of the pen, dressed in faded jeans, cowboy boots, and a long-sleeved, blue flannel shirt. She'd changed since she returned to the ranch. She'd rolled the sleeves up to her elbows and pulled her long hair into a ponytail. A cream-colored cowboy hat sat low over her forehead, partially concealing her face from his view. She looked like a cowgirl or a horse trainer in the outdoorsy, country attire. But the clothes only enhanced her femininity. In one hand she held the end of the lead that was attached to the horse's halter. In the other hand she held a short crop that she cracked occasionally to get the young horse's attention. Her face was set in serious concentration as she worked with the colt, her gray eyes intent on the young horse's moves. While Nick watched from behind the tree, she stepped in front of the horse, pointed in the opposite direction, and the animal spun around and trotted that way. She did this several times while he watched, changing the horse's direction with a point and sometimes a crack of the whip. She was gentle but firm. Never did she strike the animal with the crop. Nick was fascinated. He could easily picture the "Rebecca" he'd known becoming the woman who stood before him now.

All the old memories rushed back, flooding his mind and filling his heart. And as he watched her, Nick fell in love all over again.

I'm ready to have a girlfriend. I want you to be my girl.

Nick's chest tightened. The night he'd said those words to her, he'd been a geeky nerd, a coward who'd stood back and watched another boy save her from a mean bully. But he'd meant those words with every beat of his heart. She'd left Arizona before he'd gotten the chance to make her his girl. Looking at her now, at the breathtaking beauty she'd become, he doubted she would have stayed his girl for long.

But he'd lost her even before she'd become his.

He was here now. And so was she.

His heart hammered wildly in his chest whenever he looked at her. His pulse quickened whenever she was near. His skin heated whenever her gaze met his. He could only imagine what would happen if he touched her.

He sucked in a breath.

Nick still wanted to make her his girl. Forever.

He peered around the tree trunk, mesmerized by her soft voice as she spoke to the colt, her graceful movements as she turned in the corral, the gentle way she handled the young horse. Gone were the gangly coltish limbs and flat chest, the wild, messy hair. The shirt outlined perfect, well-shaped breasts he longed to touch. Her jeans clung to gently rounded hips and a tantalizing ass. She'd grown into her legs and her long black hair shone in the late afternoon sun, neatly brushed and gathered at her nape. Not a tangle in sight.

Lost in the moment—lost in her—he forgot why he'd come to northern Idaho. All he could think was he'd found her again after all these years.

Nick leaned farther around the tree, trying to get a better view of her. His shoe caught on a fallen branch. He stumbled forward, tripping into the rail fence. The horse snorted and came to an abrupt halt. Eyeing Nick warily, the colt lifted a foreleg and pawed at the dirt. "Sammie's" gaze shot to his over the top rail. Color crept into her cheeks. Her jaw slackened.

Caught spying, he could do nothing but grin sheepishly at her. The fact that she seemed as affected by his presence as he was by hers made him giddy. That connection they'd shared as kids was still there. But it had morphed into something stronger, something more mature, something sensual. Heat pooled in his groin. His heart thundered crazily. He wanted to push her up against the fence and kiss her hard, press his body into hers, feel every inch of her curves against him. Run his lips over her delicate skin...

The horse snorted again, jerking Nick out of his daydream.

And back to reality like slap to the face.

Hell, how was he going to lie to her, take her father, then leave? What kind of a prick would do such a thing?

Nick drew in a deep breath. He was only here to do a job. To bring John Williams in. Not fall in love. He had to remember that. He couldn't let himself get distracted by her. No matter how much he wanted to.

He cleared his throat. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but I couldn't help but notice how well you handled him." He climbed through the rails of the corral and reached out to pat the young horse. "I can tell you're good with horses."

"How long were you hiding behind that tree?" Her light-colored gaze pierced him.

Nick forced out a laugh. "Not long enough."

Her eyes widened. "Like what you see?"

His heart galloped in his chest. He never expected to be flirting with her like this. He held her gaze. "Very much so."

Her cheeks filled with color again. "You're very direct."

Nick's smile widened. "So are you."

Her gaze darted away. She twisted the crop between her fingers. He waited a breathless moment to see what she'd do next.

She stepped up to him. "Have I met you before?"

He looked away from her questioning gaze. Did she recognize him? Part of him wanted her to. "I don't think so. I'm sure I'd remember meeting you."

Their gazes locked again.

She'd grown a couple of inches, he noticed, but so had he. No longer the scrawny nerd he'd been at sixteen, he now stood five-eleven. And he worked out. Five days a week. Ran. Five days a week. He'd worked hard for this body and he intended to keep it. No one would call him a nerd ever again.

As he looked into her pretty eyes, Nick ached to draw her into his arms, to tell her how much he'd missed her. To tell her that she did know him. To tell her who he was.

You're only here to do a job, you fool.

He turned away and motioned around them. "You were right. It's incredible here. Thanks for telling me about this place. And thanks for convincing Bernie to make up a room for me tonight."

She shrugged. "It's not a big deal. I hope you enjoy your stay." She turned away with the horse.

Nick couldn't let her walk away yet. "I was just about to take a walk into the woods when I saw you. Would you give me a little tour?"

She turned back to him, her gaze seeking his. The rare connection they shared sizzled between them, awareness crackling through the air like an electrical current. Certainly she felt it too. It couldn't be just him.

She lowered her gaze. "Oh, don't let me interrupt. The forest is beautiful. There's a lake down that path you have to see."

"Will you show me?"

She hesitated, kicked at the dirt with the toe of her boot. Did he make her nervous or uncomfortable? He wanted her to relax. Wanted so badly to tell her who he really was.

"I could use a guide. I'd hate to get lost, and I know how easily a person can get lost in the woods."

She lifted her head, smiled at him. "Okay. Just let me put Sugar up and I'll be right back." She took the horse by the lead, turned it toward the barn.

He watched as she walked away, his gaze drawn to the sexy sway of her hips, the snug jeans that clearly emphasized her beautiful ass. Hell. How could he concentrate on anything when all he wanted to do was stare at her?

She came back out of the barn. She smiled. "Ready?"

He cleared his throat, nodded. He followed her down the path into the trees, unable to keep from staring at her delectable ass. She glanced back at him. He jerked his gaze to her face.

"Is, uh, Mr. White your grandfather?" Though he knew the ranch owner wasn't her grandfather, he wanted to know about her relationship with the old man. And he wanted to hear her talk. He loved the sound of her voice.

"In a way." They were quickly swallowed in the thick pines. "My father and I came to work here several years ago, and Bernie's been like a grandfather to me ever since."

Nick had known John Williams couldn't be far. He could only wait and see when he would run into the felon.

She paused at the edge of a clearing and motioned for him to precede her out of the cover of trees. Nick stepped out into the clearing. A delighted gasp burst from his lips. A small lake sat nestled in center of the clearing.

"Wow." It came out as a breathless whisper. He pointed. "Look! A mother duck and her little ducklings. Aren't they cute?"

"Those are mallards." She stepped up next to him. "The father—that splendid green-headed fellow who is over there chasing Tessie—doesn't know the meaning of the word monogamous. See how he's not even interested in his mate or his young? His name's Leo, and the mother with the babies is Sally. The female Leo is trying to woo—Tessie—doesn't have a nest yet, but if he gets his way, she'll be rearing his young as well."

Nick chuckled. She'd named all the ducks? Yes, he could imagine "Rebecca" doing just that.

"This is incredible. I'll bet you spend a lot of time out here."

"Yes." She stared out at the lake. "I could live here forever."

"Me too," he murmured. "I could just stand here and stare at the lake all day." And you. He'd never get tired of looking at her.

She turned and pierced him with that light gray stare. "You remind me of someone."

His heart skipped a beat. "Really? Who?"

He held his breath.

Her gaze searched his for a long moment, then she looked away. She sighed. "Just a boy I knew when I was fourteen."

His heart squeezed. Was she talking about him? She had to be.

He swallowed. "You still miss this person?"

She sighed again. "Yes."

That one word was filled with such wistfulness it was all Nick could do to keep from blurting out who he was.

He turned back to the lake. Though he wanted to ask her more, he could see talking about him made her sad. "Does this lake have a name?"

"Lake Caroline." She smiled up at him again. "It's Bernie's lake because it's on his property. He named it after his wife."

"Sammie!" a male voice called through the trees. "Are you out here?"

A tall, dark-haired man entered the clearing. He led a dappled gray mare that reminded Nick of Emperor, the Arabian gelding he'd had as a teenager. The same horse he'd ridden in the desert with "Rebecca."

The man was in his early forties with a receding hairline, light gray eyes, and a handsome, slightly weathered face. He smiled at Nick.

Nick spiraled back in time to that last evening he'd seen "Rebecca," when he'd been invited over for dinner and had met John Williams for the first time.

Nick's heart slammed into his ribs. Shit!

He lifted his gaze.

And stared eye-to-eye with the felon he'd come to north Idaho to track down.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"Hi Dad, how was your trip into town?" "Sammie" stepped forward and kissed her father's cheek.

"It was fine. But I couldn't wait to get back here." John turned to Nick. "A few hours away from this place and you're aching to get back."

John Williams hadn't changed much. His hair had streaks of gray that weren't there before, and he appeared to have put on ten or fifteen pounds. But other than that, he looked just as Nick remembered.

"I see you've met my daughter and assistant, Sammie." John held out his hand in greeting. "I'm Roger Martin, manager of Northern Acres."

Nick forced himself to relax. He reached out to shake John's hand. "Nice to meet you. Your daughter was just showing me the lake."

"Beautiful, isn't it? I can't convince Sammie to leave this place long enough to go to college. Maybe you can help me talk her into it."

"Dad!" She let out a huff. "I'm standing right here. I'm not deaf."

Nick recalled that time out in the desert when she'd asked him if he could teach her how to be smart. Did she really think she was dumb, even now? His heart ached for her. She was smart, he wanted to tell her. She could do anything she wanted, be anything she wanted.

John chuckled. "I know, but if I can get someone else on my side, maybe we'll be able to convince you that you are smart and college would be good for you."

Nick smiled at the interchange between father and daughter. Obviously a deep affection still existed between them. He was reluctant to do what he'd come to do, reluctant to destroy that relationship. Hauling John Williams off to prison would tear father and daughter apart. He couldn't hurt her that way. Not now. What was he going to do? He'd been so sure he could just fly in and haul John Williams off like the other criminals he'd helped apprehend. But this time it was different. This time he was worried about the feelings involved, including his own.

Part of him wanted to haul John in right now and get the credit for being the one to finally catch him. But the other part of him, the part that was still hopelessly in love with a girl he hadn't seen in over six years, couldn't imagine doing that to her. Though inevitably he would hurt her, he didn't want it to be right now. For today, Nick decided to let things be. He'd just arrived, anyway. He wasn't ready to pack up and go home so soon. Tomorrow he would think the matter through, decide what to do. He couldn't see any harm in waiting another day or two before hauling John in. No one even knew Nick had located the felon. For the first time since joining the FBI, Nick let his feelings get in the way of doing his job.

He just couldn't do it. Not yet.

"Did you go to college?" Sammie asked Nick.

"Yes." He turned to her. "I loved every minute of it. You should go too."

She narrowed her eyes at him while her father grunted with satisfaction.

"See, Sammie? Mr. Smith seems like a nice, intelligent young man." John turned back to Nick. "What's your degree in?"

"I have a B.A. in Physical Science," Nick answered honestly.

John raised a dark eyebrow. "Impressive. What do you do for a living?"

"I'm just traveling and seeing the country for now. Trying to decide where I want to live and what I want to do."

"Are you going to stay here?" "Sammie" eyed him with a hopeful expression.

Nick's heart jumped in his chest. He could easily imagine spending the rest of his life here with her. They would spend their days riding horses or lounging out by the lake, their nights making love under the stars...

Warmth filled his chest.

That would be impossible.

He cleared his throat. "I don't know. I've only just arrived."

John Williams, aka Roger Martin, held the mare's reins while Sammie vaulted up onto the horse's bare back.

"I have to get back to the lodge to help Bernie unpack the supplies I bought." He glanced at Nick. "If I leave Sammie alone with you, I expect you to behave yourself."

"Dad!" April's cheeks turned crimson.

Her father ignored her. "For the record, I brought Sammie her horse because she never goes anywhere without the mare. The fact she was willing to walk alone in the woods with you is unusual, but it's also a good thing, I guess. But it worries me a little. I want you to keep your hands to yourself. So I brought the horse."

Nick didn't really blame him. If he had a daughter as gorgeous as April, he'd be overprotective of her too. "I understand, sir."

John grunted. "Good." He leaned closer to Nick. "She hasn't been the same since she had to leave a boy behind years ago. And we can't seem to get her interested in any of the young men around here. But she seems to like you, and I want her to be happy. It's good to see a smile on her face again."

Nick nodded, pleased John seemed to approve of him, even though it would make doing his job that much harder. "She's perfectly safe with me. I promise to keep my hands to myself."

"Will you two stop talking about me as if I'm not here!" "Sammie" glared at them from atop the mare's back. "I'm a grown woman, Dad, and I can take care of myself!" Her gaze darted to Nick.

Nick grinned at her. Her eyes widened, then she smiled back.

John headed back into the pines, calling over his shoulder as he went, "I won't be so far away that I won't be able to hear if you should do something inappropriate, Mr. Smith."

"Yes, sir!" Nick called.

She quirked a dark brow. "Am I really safe with you?"

"Yes, ma'am." The challenge would be keeping his hands to himself.

She studied him a long moment. "You remind me so much of—"

"Yeah, so you said. What was his name?"

She hesitated. "Nick."

I knew it! "Tell me about this Nick. What happened? What was he like?"

She ran her fingers through the mare's mane. "He was kind of a nerdy kid who wore these big fat glasses that made his eyes look huge. But he was such a kind person. So genuine. Some of the other kids picked on him, but they were just jealous because he was so smart. We were inseparable for over a month until I had to move away. He was the first boy I ever loved."

Nick's heart clenched. Damn. He stepped up to the horse, reaching for her. He wanted to hold her, touch her, tell her everything would be okay, because he was here now. He would never leave her.

She glanced down at his outstretched hand. Her eyes filled with tears. She choked out a laugh. She squeezed his hand and released him. "Sorry about that. I didn't meant to get emotional."

He lowered his hand to his side. He'd almost blown his cover. Got caught up in his emotions. What the hell was the matter with him?

She turned back to him, patted the mare's rump. "Hop aboard. I'll take you for a tour of Bernie's property."

Nick hesitated. He'd promised to keep his hands to himself, but if he sat behind her on the horse, he'd be forced to touch her, whether he wanted to or not, because the horse was small and there wasn't much room between "Sammie" and the mare's rump.

He eyed the horse's short back. "Will I fit? That horse is pretty small."

Her eyes sparkled. "Chicken," she taunted. "Bawk, bawk, bawwwk!"

Nick barked out a laugh. He hadn't felt this happy, this carefree in years. God, he'd missed her.

Their gazes collided. Hers was filled with challenge. Unable to resist her, he leapt into the air and settled behind her on the mare's back. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his fingers tingling at the soft warmth beneath his hands. The horse shied away from the unexpected extra weight, jolting Nick backward.

"Hang on!" "Sammie" shouted.

But it was too late. There was nothing but air beneath him.

His arms tightened around "Sammie's" waist. She squealed.

They hit the ground together, laughing hysterically, while the mare raced off into the trees.

Their laughter slowly died. They sat on the ground and stared at each other. If Nick hadn't made that promise to her father, he would take advantage of the situation and kiss her. But he'd promised her father he'd keep his hands to himself.

But hands weren't the same as lips.

Nick dragged his gaze away with a soft groan. Hell, he shouldn't have come here. He couldn't do this. She was too tempting.

She leaned toward him, tipped her cowboy hat back away from her lovely eyes. He slid his gaze back to hers.

"This is where you're supposed to kiss me, don't you know?"

Without waiting for him to make the first move, she leaned forward and touched her lips to his. Just a soft peck of lips against lips...

Nick was thrown back in time. They were sitting on that old log in the desert with the heat swirling around them and she was innocently pressing her lips to his...

"Nick," she whispered. Her eyes sprang open. She reared back. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean..."

He cleared his throat. "I know." God, how he knew! If only he could be himself right now. "It's all right."

She lowered her head. She reached out to pluck a pine cone off the ground next to her. "I didn't mean to do that. It's just you remind me so much of him that for a moment there I actually believed you were him."

Nick turned away. He took a deep breath. He should come clean right now, tell her who he was, why he was here. But if he told her he'd come to arrest her father, she'd never forgive him. Hell.

He ran a hand roughly through his hair. The longer this charade went on, the harder it was going to be when she finally discovered the truth.

"I don't know why you remind me of Nick so much. I can't explain it. I just...feel comfortable around you, like I did with him. I feel a connection to you."

He swung his gaze back to hers. His chest constricted. He swallowed. "I feel it too."

Their gazes locked. And then, just like that, she was in his arms. Her hat tumbled from her head, falling into the tall grass. Nick buried his face in the thick hair at her nape, breathing deeply. A fresh, fruity scent wafted up from her hair, and her skin...he rubbed his nose against her soft neck and inhaled. He couldn't detect any artificial fragrance, just pure, enticing female. She smelled wonderful. She felt so good in his arms, so natural, as if she belonged there. It was as if they hadn't spent all these years apart.

Unable to stop himself, he pressed his lips against her skin. She made him weak. He couldn't resist her any longer. He kissed soft little pecks down her neck and back up to her ear. He kissed into the narrow V of her shirt, gently kissing the soft flesh along her throat, and back up to her other ear.

She shivered, turning her face into his. When their lips met, it was the most natural thing in the world. She wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

Nick groaned. All these years he'd loved her, missed her, wondered where she was and what she was doing. Had she ever thought about him, missed him too?

Now he'd found her. Now he was kissing her the way he'd always wanted to.

"Ah humpf!"

They sprang apart as if they'd been shocked by a cattle prod.

Nick turned.

John Williams stood several feet away with a scowl on his face. Nick jumped to his feet. He reached down to offer "Sammie" his hand, but she was already rising to her feet unassisted.

"Don't blame him." She faced her father. "It was all my fault. I jumped him."

Nick gave a startled laugh, then sobered at John's glare, heat creeping up his neck and into his face.

John cleared his throat. "When Frisky Lady came back to the barn without you, Sammie, I thought something had happened." He glanced at Nick. "Now it's obvious what happened."

"I told you he didn't touch me, Dad. I started it."

"Yeah, and she's got arms like an octopus. I couldn't get away," Nick teased.

She swatted his arm.

John burst into laughter, his eyes twinkling at Nick. "I like you. You're a funny guy." He glanced at his daughter, then back at Nick. "Sammie can be quite demanding when she wants her way. I guess I shouldn't have warned you away from her, but the other way around."

"Oh Dad, he's perfectly safe with me." She smiled and batted her eyelashes.

All three of them laughed.

The tension melted from the air. They all turned back toward the lodge.

"Bernie has dinner ready," John said as he stepped between Nick and "Sammie," draping an arm around his daughter's shoulders. "He made a special meal for our new guest."

"I hope he isn't going to poison me." Nick eyed John out of the corner of his eye.

John choked out another laugh. "Yep, I like you Mike. Obviously, so does Sammie. As long as you treat my girl right, you and I'll get along just fine."

And when I don't? Nick followed them back into the trees. When she finds out I lied to her and only came here to arrest you, then what will you do?

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Nick tossed and turned half the night, tormented by what he should do about the situation. He should leave now before he hurt April. He should just go back to Phoenix and tell Craig he'd been unsuccessful in locating John Williams.

But Nick prided himself on his integrity. Letting John go wouldn't be right. The man had broken the law. He needed to pay for his crimes. He'd killed a man and taken a child away from her mother. For that, John needed to be punished. Nick had come here to do a job. He wouldn't leave until the job was done. But the thought of arresting John made his stomach churn. This time doing his job would bring nothing but pain to all those involved.

Nick didn't know what to do.

When he went down for breakfast the next morning, John and April were in the dining room setting the table. Bernie entered the room at his back, carrying a tray of food.

"Good morning, Mike." He set the tray on the table. "Sleep well?"

Nick looked at Bernie. "Just fine. Thanks."

The old man stared at him a bit longer than was polite. Yesterday Bernie had been friendly and welcoming. Now he eyed Nick with suspicion. Maybe he was just being overprotective of April.

"Have a seat everyone," Bernie said. "Breakfast is served."

They each took a seat. The food was passed around the table. Several minutes of silence followed as everyone ate.

"This is delicious." Nick glanced at Bernie. "Reminds me of home."

"Thank you." Bernie beamed. "One thing I learned from my Caroline was how to cook. That woman was amazing in the kitchen."

"Bernie cooks all the meals around here." April supplied the information with a grin.

"Only because my wild heathen of a daughter spends more time with the horses than in the kitchen learning how to cook." John smiled at Nick. "Lord knows Bernie and I have tried for years to teach her how to cook, but she always fails miserably. On purpose, I think." He winked.

April scowled at her father. She turned to Nick. "It's true, I suck in the kitchen. Guess I was never meant to be a wife and mother. I'd rather be outside training the horses."

"And a finer horse trainer I have yet to find," Bernie said with obvious pride. "She has a way with horses you have to admire."

Nick agreed. He'd seen her in action. He stuffed a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth.

"Where did you say you were from, Mike?" John asked.

Nick swallowed the eggs. "I didn't. You never asked." He took a sip of coffee.

"Well?" Bernie eyed him suspiciously. "He just asked you now, didn't he?"

Nick set his coffee aside. The old man was unusually grumpy this morning. "Sorry, I had to swallow my eggs first." He'd decided the truth, or at least most of it, was best. He didn't want to screw up and get caught in a lie in front of them.

"I'm from Phoenix, Arizona." He glanced at April. Her eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise.

"Arizona? You didn't tell me that. We lived in Tucson once."

John paled, his arm halting halfway to his mouth with a forkful of hash browns. He sent April a look that caused her to lower her gaze, her cheeks flushing.

"So what do you do?" Bernie asked, his gaze intent on Nick as he awaited a response.

"Um, right now just traveling, seeing the world."

Clearly Bernie didn't believe him. "Did you go to college?" The elderly gentleman continued to eye him with suspicion.

"Yes."

Bernie quirked a brow. "And? Did you finish? You're not a dropout are you?"

Nick snorted. Far from it. "No. I have a Physical Science degree."

Bernie mumbled something under this breath.

"I take pictures, you know." April broke the silence. "You want to see them sometime?"

"Uh, sure." Nick smiled at her. "How about after breakfast?"

"After breakfast we're all going fishing," Bernie announced.

John nodded. "You fish much, Mike?"

"No. I'm from the desert."

"Then it's about time you learn how." Bernie smirked at him.

Nick glanced across the table at April. She smiled. "Don't let them intimidate you. It will be fun. You'll see."

After breakfast, they all headed down to the lake. Nick helped John flip over the flat-bottomed rowboat that lay upside down along the shoreline beneath a willow. They pushed it into the water. April leapt aboard. She reached out to take Nick's hand. Nick hesitated, but with the watchful eyes of John and Bernie upon him, he had no choice but to take April's hand and step into the boat.

John shoved them off.

"Dad and Bernie prefer to fish off the bank."

Nick nodded, glancing at John, then quickly away.

April reached for an oar. Nick reached for the other oar. After several moments of trying to figure out how to use the dang thing, while April raised a brow and giggled, he finally managed to synchronize his rows with hers. Together they rowed the boat out into the center of the small lake.

"This ought to do." She set her oar down in the boat and tossed the anchor over the side. She leaned down to open the tackle box. Nick dropped his oar in the bottom of the boat. He watched her bait her hook with a worm.

"Want me to do yours?" she asked without looking up.

"No. I can do it." Nick reached over to retrieve a worm from the bucket. If a girl could do it without squirming, so could he. He'd grown up around various farm animals, so he could handle a little worm.

April watched as he attempted to bait his hook. The slimy thing kept slipping through his fingers and landing in his lap.

"Show him how to do it!" Bernie shouted from the shoreline.

Nick glanced their way. "I can do it myself!" Heat crept into his cheeks. "Just give me a minute."

April stood up and cast out her line. When it landed with a soft splash moments later, she appeared satisfied and regained her seat. She returned her attention to Nick.

"You got it, yet?"

"Just about. If you would stop bugging me."

"Lots of people get squeamish by a worm. It's okay, Mike. I understand."

He glanced up. The laughter in her gaze made him chuckle.

"I am not squeamish." He accidentally jabbed his thumb with the hook. "Ouch!"

April giggled.

From the bank, Bernie guffawed. "Never known anyone who tried to bait the hook with his own finger, have you?"

John shook his head. "Nope. These city boys, I tell ya."

Ignoring their comments, Nick finally succeeded in baiting his hook. He wasn't exactly a city boy, he just came from a place where there was no water, and hence, no fish. He sucked on his injured thumb a moment, then rose to cast out his line.

"Be careful." April eyed him from where she sat a few feet away. "Don't snag me with your hook."

"I won't snag you," he muttered, annoyed she thought he would do such a thing. He raised his arm, lifting it carefully around April, then stepped back to toss it forward. He forgot he was in a narrow boat, misjudged the width of the small craft. His foot slipped right over the side. Nick toppled sideways out of the boat. The fishing pole flew from his hand as he hit the cold water with a splash.

He came up for air, laughter greeting his ears.

"Told you city boys couldn't fish."

Nick swam back to the boat and its laughing occupant.

The water was still cold this early in the year. His teeth were already chattering by the time he reached the boat. "You think that's f-funny, do you?"

April giggled, her eyes bright with laughter. "It was hilarious! I wish I'd thought to bring my camera along. Bet you can't do that again."

Oh yeah? Nick leaned all his weight on the edge of the boat, flipping it nearly on its side, then jumped off. The boat flung sideways, causing her to lose her balance.

She tumbled overboard.

Grinning, Nick watched as she surfaced, flipping her wet hair out of her face.

"Why you!" she sputtered. "That wasn't funny!"

"I thought it was." He was enjoying himself immensely. "Besides, you started it. You made fun of me. You shouldn't start something you can't finish."

"Oh, I intend to finish this right now." She made a beeline through the water toward him.

"You guys are scaring all the fish!" John complained. "Get out of there!"

Bernie hooted with laughter, bending over to slap at his thigh.

April reached Nick and tried to dunk him, but he wasn't about to be bested by a girl. Snagging her ankle, he dragged her toward him while she splashed and squealed in outrage. He reeled her in, then dunked her beneath the surface.

When she surfaced, her eyes flashed revenge. With a high-pitched war cry she attacked, and they went under together, a tangle of limbs. She was strong for her size, but no match for him. Nick held her at arm's length as they surfaced, bursting through the water together. April's loud, frustrated squeal startled several birds from their roosts in the pines. He grinned as he watched her, awaiting her next move.

"You two are going to get hypothermia if you don't get out of there!" John called.

April turned and swam back to the boat. Nick followed. He held the craft still while she climbed aboard. Once she had alighted, Nick pulled his dripping form into the boat. She pulled up the anchor and tossed it into the bottom of the small craft. They took their seats, eyeing each other warily, then reached for the oars.

Neither spoke as they rowed back to shore, but they continued to eye each other until they reached the bank. Nick was shivering uncontrollably by the time they reached the shore.

John and Bernie helped them out of the boat.

"You better hurry back to the lodge and change into fresh clothes before you catch your death," Bernie said.

Teeth chattering, Nick turned to April. "After you."

She took off at a run. Nick had to hurry to keep up.

At last they reached the back door to the lodge.

"Do you want to warm up in the Jacuzzi?"

Nick hesitated. The Jacuzzi sounded great. But he didn't want to be put in an uncomfortable situation with her. He was too weak. It would be best if he wasn't alone with her at all. But he'd be lying to himself if he said he didn't want to be with her. Hell, he wanted to be with her so badly it was eating him up inside. He wanted to touch her again. Kiss her. Hold her close.

Hell. He wanted more than that. Much more.

"All right. Give me a few minutes to change into a pair of shorts, and I'll be back."

They separated once they entered the lodge. He emerged several minutes later with a towel draped around his waist. She was already in the hot tub waiting for him.

He dropped the towel and stepped into the steaming hot water. Her gaze roamed down his torso, her expression a mixture of fascination and curiosity. His face warmed.

Her gaze lifted to his face. "You have a nice body. You must work out."

His cheeks grew even hotter. He couldn't remember when a girl's compliment had made him feel so good. He jerked his head in a quick nod. For the first time, he felt rewarded for working out. Rewarded for keeping in shape. Hell, he'd work out forty hours a week if it kept her from viewing him as a skinny nerd. That boy was gone forever.

"Thanks. I do."

She stood up, turned around in a slow circle. "Do you like my body?"

Nick tried not to stare, but his eyes refused to cooperate. His gaze raked over her, pausing for a long moment at the perfect swell of her breasts, then moved over her flat stomach, down her shapely hips and thighs, her long, graceful legs. She was stunning. April had been blessed with lovely, olive-colored skin that made him look pale in comparison. The purple string bikini did little to hide her gorgeous body. While he watched, she combed her fingers through her wet hair, brushing it over her shoulder. April sure as hell wasn't a little girl anymore. She'd definitely grown the breasts she'd lacked at age fourteen. Perfect, mouth-watering breasts he ached to touch. She was the most gorgeous creature he'd ever seen. The bikini wasn't indecent, for it covered all the parts it was meant to cover, but he'd never seen her dressed in so little before. His mouth watered at the sheer beauty of her. His tortured brain easily conjured what those hidden places looked like beneath the flimsy fabric.

Nick swallowed. "You're gorgeous."

John Williams marched around the corner.

April gave a start. She sank back into the water, her cheeks flaming. A glazed expression came over her face. Had his words affected her that much? If anything, he wanted her even more now.

Thank God her father had shown up when he had or Nick feared they might have been caught in a more compromising situation.

John eyed Nick for a long moment, then settled his gaze on his daughter.

"I think you're warm by now, don't you?"

"Not yet, I'm just–" The fierce scowl on her father's face had April stuttering to a halt. "Yes, you're right. I'm warm now." She rose from the water, grabbed a towel from the rack on the wall, and wrapped it around her waist. Nick kept his gaze averted as she left the patio.

John eyed Nick coolly. "I know Sammie's not as innocent as I want her to be, but I'm still in denial about that. Like any father, I want her to remain innocent forever."

A tense silence followed. Nick stared at the edge of the hot tub, waiting for John to continue.

John sighed. He sank into one of the lawn chairs that sat next to the hot tub. "Unfortunately, she's not a child anymore and she's old enough to do what she wants now. And it seems that what she wants now is you." He rubbed a hand over his face. "I can't believe what I just saw. My daughter was actually trying to seduce you."

It took Nick a moment to comprehend John wasn't angry with him. "I care about her." He cleared his throat. "She's special. I swear I'll never do anything inappropriate." Or at least try my hardest not to.

John grunted. His gaze bored into Nick's. "I would hope not. You're older than she is and probably a lot more experienced. Everything is just a game to her. She's dated boys before, played with their emotions, but she never gets serious with them. There's no telling how many hearts she's broken. But she seems more interested in you than the others."

Nick didn't know how to respond to that. "I promise not to do anything to hurt her," Nick assured him. And hoped to God he was telling the truth.

John nodded as he rose to his feet. "Thank you. I'll hold you to that."

Nick watched John walk away. How was he ever going to keep his promise?

The longer he stayed at the ranch, the deeper his deception became. He genuinely liked John. It was hard to believe this loving, devoted father was the fugitive who'd murdered his brother all those years ago and kidnapped April. Nick should have hauled John in yesterday. But he'd never planned on his feelings for April being so strong after all these years. He was in love with her. Hell, he'd never really stopped loving her.

He wanted her.

He groaned. He wanted her so much it was all he could think about.

His betrayal would hurt her deeply. She would never forgive him. But what choice did he have? If only there was a way to do this without hurting April.

Nick sighed. He rose from the steaming water. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he headed back to his room.

He needed to finish this job and get out. The longer he stayed, the harder it would be for everyone.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Nick lay awake in bed that second night at the lodge, staring up into the darkness. It was sometime after midnight. He couldn't sleep. He'd tossed and turned for hours, tormented by trying to figure out how to arrest John Williams. He couldn't do it. First thing in the morning he'd call his boss and tell him he'd found John Williams, but that he couldn't bring him in. He would ask that someone else be sent to apprehend the man. He just couldn't do it.

A knock sounded at his door. A soft voice whispered, "Mike?"

Nick bolted upright in the bed. Shit.

His bedroom door opened a crack. April peered into the room. "Mike, are you awake?"

Reaching over, he clicked on the bedside lamp.

"What's up?" He tucked the covers around his waist, hiding his underwear-clad lower body from her view.

The door opened wider. She stepped into the room. Her gaze fastened on him in the bed. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Good Lord, she was wearing nothing but a light blue T-shirt that ended halfway down her gorgeous thighs. He swallowed hard. Forced his gaze up to her face. "It's the middle of the night, Sammie. You should be in bed."

She shut the door. She walked up to the bed, sat on the edge. Nick tried to scoot away from her without being too obvious. "About that," she whispered. "I've been lying to you and I want to come clean."

Nick tensed, eyeing her warily. "What do you mean?"

"My real name is April. I just wanted you to know that."

Nick swallowed hard. "O-kay. Why?"

"I couldn't sleep," she rushed on. "I just had to tell you that." She smiled at him. Then her eyes widened. Her mouth dropped open. "Oh my gosh! Your eyes, Mike! They changed color!"

Nick cringed back against the headboard. Oh shit! The contacts! He'd taken them out before going to bed. The blue contacts now sat in a saline solution on the bathroom countertop.

He was so screwed.

She leaned closer to peer into his eyes. Nick fought the urge to turn his head away. It was too late for that. She'd already seen.

He waited, holding his breath, while she looked into his eyes. She was so close their noses almost touched.

"Nick?" she whispered. "Is it you?"

Shit! She knew! His cover was blown.

He took a deep breath, let it out slowly. He turned his head away. Don't panic. Keep calm. Don't admit to anything. He turned back to her. "I'm Mike. Remember?"

She watched him a moment longer through narrowed eyes. She sat back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean–"

"It's all right." Relief swept through him. "I understand. You miss him so much that you want me to be him." Whew! That was close.

She nodded. "Sometimes. But why are your eyes a different color?"

"Contacts. Blue eyes go better with my blond hair, so I wear colored contacts."

"Your eyes are beautiful." Her expression turning dreamy. "You shouldn't try to hide them."

He cleared his throat. "Thank you. Now don't you think you should go back to bed?"

She stared at him with a contemplative look on her face. Nick had to get her out of there or she'd dwell on the color of his eyes until she figured out the truth. The FBI had required that he get corrective Lasik surgery before they'd hired him, so he didn't need the contacts to see. They were simply a part of his disguise. But he couldn't tell her that.

"April, back to bed, okay?"

"You know why I came here, don't you?"

He groaned. "No. But I think whatever you have to say can be said during the day, don't you?"

She leaned close again. Her breath tickled his cheek. "I don't want to talk," she whispered. "I want you to kiss me."

Shit! Nick jerked away from her, tossing the covers aside and leaping out of the bed. If she so much as touched him, he'd be a goner. He stood with his back to her, unable to look at her in that damn T-shirt any longer. "Go back to bed. Please."

The springs squeaked as she rose. "Why are you so afraid of me?" She came around the bed toward him. "I won't hurt you."

Her hand rested on his shoulder. Heat spread down his arm and headed straight for his groin. Nick was struck with two urges. The first was to shake her hand off and run far away. The second, much stronger one, was to yank her into his arms and kiss her senseless. Drag her back to his bed. Give her what she wanted. Love her with everything he had.

"April, I'm not afraid of you." He cleared his throat. "But I don't want to hurt you."

She came to stand in front of him, her gaze searching his. "You won't. I trust you, Mike. I want you to make love to me."

Shit. Nick lifted his hands to rest them on her shoulders. "I'm not going to let you do something you'll regret later." He turned her gently, nudged her toward the door. "Now go back to bed. We'll just pretend you never came in here."

April pushed his hands away. "You don't feel that connection anymore?"

He sighed. "Of course I feel it. But you're hung up on this Nick person and I'm not him. Go back to bed, okay?"

"I'm not comparing you to Nick. I know you're not him. You just remind me of him. But you're different. You have more self-confidence than he did. I don't think you would hesitate to protect me from danger. Nick, as sweet as he was, was a coward. I was the one protecting him."

She thought he was a coward? His face burned.

"Nick was a coward?" His voice rose a notch. "Is that how you viewed him?"

Her eyes widened. "Yes, but I loved him anyway. Someone had to protect him from those bullies. Don't worry, I know you're not a coward."

He turned her toward the door, gave her a gentle shove. "Out! And no more nighttime visits to my room, okay?"

He opened the door, nudged her out into the hallway. As he was about to close the door, she pushed out her hand and stopped him.

Her gaze met his through the open door. Damn, she was persistent. He was so close to giving in.

"What now?"

"I don't think you should cover up your eyes with those contacts anymore. Your eyes are too beautiful to hide."

Her words threw him off guard. His heart softened. "I...uh, can't see without them." He tried to close the door, hoping she believed the lie.

Again she stopped him, but only for a moment. "So I'm just a blur right now? Is that what you're saying?"

Before he could respond, she yanked the T-shirt over her head. Sexy curves, gorgeous, soft-looking skin, perfect breasts...Holy hell! She was buck naked beneath it. His eyes widened. His nostrils flared. His mouth dropped open. He hissed in a breath, dragging his mouth shut.

"Stare hard," she whispered. "I might be a bit blurry, but I know you can see me. Stare hard, Mike. I want you to know what you gave up."

Stepping away from the door, she turned in a complete circle. He dropped his gaze, then sucked in another breath.

He caught a glimpse of heaven before she turned and sauntered away.

Hours later, Nick lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, still unable to sleep.

"I can't leave," he muttered as he rolled over and pounded the pillow for the millionth time. "I want her too fucking bad to leave now." He still couldn't believe the little vixen had stripped right in front of him, enticing him with her delectable body, spinning around and letting him see every gorgeous inch of her. Lord, he would never sleep again!

She'd called him a coward. That stung. Okay, so she hadn't called him a coward, but the boy he used to be. Still, it hurt, even if it was true. He had been a coward.

She didn't think he was a coward anymore. Not that it made him feel any better.

It didn't.

Tossing the covers aside, he leapt out of bed, paced around the room. Coming here had been a mistake. But it was too late to back out now. He couldn't escape unscathed. He was already crazy in love with her. God help him, he wanted her more than he'd ever wanted any other girl his entire life. He would continue to want her until the day he died.

Was there any way to get what he wanted and still do his job?

Not likely.

Nick stopped pacing. Yes, there was. If he decided to be selfish and take what she was offering, he would get what he wanted. He could arrest John and leave.

He groaned. He couldn't do that. He wasn't that cruel.

He resumed his pacing.

It wasn't what he wanted anyway. He didn't want just a night with April. One night would never be enough. He wanted a lifetime with her.

He let out a frustrated snarl.

If only there was some way to have her and do his job...

* * *

"A word with you, Mike?"

Bernie caught Nick as he came in the back door after returning from a walk down to the lake early that next morning. The walk had helped clear his mind and prepare him for what he was about to do. Nick had called his boss as soon as he'd woken and informed him he'd found John Williams and that he'd be bringing him in as soon as he was able. He said he would call if he needed any backup, but he believed he could handle it on his own. Craig congratulated him and advised Nick to let him know as soon as John Williams was in custody. Now Nick had to finish this job.

Bernie motioned him toward the study, a place that was off limits to guests. The "staff only" sign on the door made Nick hesitate. Something told him he wasn't going to like the topic of this conversation. With an inward sigh, he followed the elderly man into his lair.

Bernie shut the door behind him. He walked over to a liquor cabinet that stood against the far wall. Two mounted deer heads stared at him from high up on the wall, one on either side of the cabinet, each with an impressive rack of antlers. Bernie removed a whiskey decanter. He poured two glasses, handed one to Nick. Nick thanked his host and took a sip of the whiskey, trying not to grimace as the strong liquid burned his throat.

"April seems quite taken with you." Bernie lowered his body into the chair behind the giant, cherry-wood desk.

Nick remained standing. He figured he'd need to for this conversation. "She's a beautiful girl. I won't deny I'm attracted to her, but I don't want to hurt her. That's why I'm keeping my distance."

Bernie raised a white eyebrow. "Keeping your distance would mean leaving the ranch immediately, don't you think? Why don't you tell me why you're really here?"

Nick hesitated, sensing Bernie suspected the truth, or something close to it. He couldn't fool the old man. "I can't disclose that information," he said at last. "But I can promise I'll be leaving soon."

"You'll hurt her if you leave now." The old man's gaze bored into his. "She's already too attached to you." He studied Nick for a long moment. "You're not who you say you are."

Nick puffed out a breath, lowered his gaze.

Bernie clanged his glass down onto the desktop. Whiskey sloshed over the rim. "You're a goddamned FBI agent!" He snarled the words at Nick. "In my house, around my friends, poking your nose where it doesn't belong. John and April are like family to me. When my own family turned away from me, they were here. They still are. Without them, I'll have nothing. Without them, I won't be able to run this ranch. I'll have to shut it down. Do you understand me?"

Bernie yanked open a drawer on the desk. He pulled out a thick manila file and tossed it across the desktop to Nick. It slapped against the wood. Nick stared at the FBI file on John Williams. His file.

"Where did you get that?" He snatched the file up. Nick shuffled through the papers to make sure everything was still inside. He thought he'd misplaced it when he couldn't find it this morning. It had obviously been stolen.

"I searched your room that first day while you were out walking around with April and found your gun in the nightstand. That's when I knew something was up. I went back yesterday and found that file under your pillow. And earlier this morning, I heard you talking on the phone, telling whoever was on the other end that you'd found John and were bringing him in."

Nick tried not to be angry that Bernie had snooped through his things, that he'd eavesdropped on Nick's conversation, but he was pissed. He glared at the older man. "So you've suspected who I am from the start?"

Bernie nodded. "If you came here to take John in, then why haven't you done so yet?"

"You knew John was a felon? How long have you known?"

Bernie lifted the glass. He took a long drink. "I figured it out a few years ago. I asked him about it one night and he told me the truth."

"Yet you did nothing? Harboring a fugitive comes with a punishment."

Bernie let out a bitter laugh. "I'm an old man, in case you didn't notice. Locking me up will only end my life sooner, but if that's what you want to do, I can't stop you. Like I said, they're the only family I have, and I'd do it again if I had to."

"She has a mother," Nick said. "A mother who has been searching for her for twenty years."

Bernie lowered his gaze. The old man obviously hadn't thought of that. John was his friend and could probably do no wrong in Bernie's eyes.

"I can't help that. I know nothing about why John ended up here with April. I just know that he loves her and it would tear him apart if you took him away. Which is nothing compared to what it would do to her."

"I'm trying to do this the right way, Bernie. I wish I could take her away from here first, make sure she's gone before I take John. I don't want her to witness that."

"You think taking her away is going to keep from hurting her?" Bernie half-rose from the chair, his eyes sparkling with fury. "She loves it here. It would hurt her more to leave. Can't you see that? This is her home."

Nick sighed. He raked a hand through his hair. "Then what am I supposed to do? I'm so in love with her I can't think straight." He slumped into a chair and took a large gulp of whiskey. It burned all the way down his throat.

Bernie studied him in silence. "What are you going to do about it?"

"I don't know. Fuck! I don't know!"

"You'll hurt her now no matter what you do."

Nick nodded. He'd already come to that conclusion. If he just disappeared now without arresting John, April would be hurt. She would think she'd done something to upset him. If he went ahead and arrested John like he'd planned, he would break her heart, shatter her trust. He was screwed either way. A huge swirl of discomfort rumbled in his stomach.

"Have you told John about me?" Nick asked.

Bernie took another sip of whiskey, watching him over the top of the glass. "Not yet. He'll find out soon enough. You're not welcome here anymore. I want you to pack your bags and get out. The sooner, the better."

Nick nodded, rose to his feet. As much as it pained him, it was time for him to end his stay at Northern Acres.

"Just give me until the end of the day." He set his empty glass on the desk and strode to the door. He would need that long to figure out how to take John into custody without April seeing.

Bernie eyed him from where he sat. "If you're not gone by then, I'll personally remove you."

Nick opened the door.

April stumbled forward, falling against him. Had she been eavesdropping? She stepped back, her cheeks flushed. "Sorry. I just came to talk to Bernie."

"Come in, Honey." Bernie motioned her into the room. "Mike and I were just talking about you."

"You were?" Her gaze darted to Nick's. Nick studied her face, but her expression was blank. If she'd overheard their conversation, she gave no indication of it. She looked at Bernie again.

"I think April needs to hear the truth, don't you, Mike?"

April's gaze bounced back to his. "The truth about what?" She stepped past Nick and entered the room.

"Close the door, Mike."

Nick did as Bernie instructed. He turned to face April, fearful of her reaction.

"Mike is not who he says. His real name is Nicholas Miller. He's a federal agent with the FBI."

The breath wheezed out of Nick's lungs. Shit. Talk about a sucker punch. Bernie had given no indication he knew Nick's true identity. Nick had no idea how Bernie had discovered who he was, since he was carrying a fake I.D.

April's eyes widened. She stepped toward him, stared into his eyes. "Nick?" she whispered. "Is it really you?"

Nick swallowed hard. He nodded. "Yes."

She launched herself into his arms. "Oh Nick, I knew it was you! I just knew it! How could I have such a strong connection with anyone but you? Oh, I've missed you so much!"

Nick glanced at Bernie over her head. The old man scowled. Obviously Bernie had not expected her to react this way. Neither had Nick. He wanted to gloat.

But she didn't know the whole truth yet.

"That's Nick? The boy you left behind?" Bernie's scowl deepened. He tipped the glass to his lips.

April stepped back. She turned to Bernie. "Yes."

Bernie choked on the whiskey, slamming the glass down onto the desktop.

She spun around and stared up at Nick with sheer happiness on her face. "That's why you changed your hair and eyes, isn't it? You're undercover! I should have guessed it before. FBI! Oh Nick, that's so impressive! I'm so proud of you! I knew you'd be somebody important someday."

She flung her arms around him again, squeezing him tight. Nick lifted his arms and drew her close against him. He gave Bernie one last glance, then lowered his head and breathed in the fresh tantalizing scent that was uniquely her. "I missed you too," he whispered. "Rebecca."

She lifted her head, her gaze again searching his. "I'm sorry I lied to you."

"It's all right." He'd lied too. Hell, he was still lying.

"At the end when I finally told you my real name, did you hate me?"

"No, of course not." He sighed against her hair. "Never."

"I kept hoping you'd look for me, that you'd come find me someday. And now you finally did!" Her face lit with her happiness. "Oh, just look at you!" She stepped back and gazed up at him. "You're so handsome! And you're taller and..." Her cheeks filled with color. "...you have really nice muscles..." She stroked a finger down his arm, squeezed his bicep.

Nick coughed, heat scorching his cheeks.

Bernie slid his chair away from the desk with a loud scrap of wood against wood. He rose and went to the liquor cabinet for a refill.

April grabbed Nick's hand, pulling him from the room. Nick glanced back into the room. Bernie's hand shook as he poured himself another drink.

This had not gone at all as Nick had expected. April still didn't know why he was there. When she found out he'd used and betrayed her, she'd never forgive him.

But for now she didn't know the whole truth.

And Nick intended to keep it that way.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN

April scrambled up the stairs to her room after all the guests had been served dinner. They'd officially opened for the season that day and now the lodge was full. She hadn't been able to spend any time with Nick at all that day because the first guests had arrived just minutes after she'd learned who Nick was. She'd had to help Bernie and her father with the guests all day. Nick had slipped away, promising they would talk later.

Her head spun with excitement. Nick was here! After all these years, her one true love was back. Her heart nearly burst from her chest. She was so happy she could hardly think. She wanted to ask him so many questions about what he'd been doing since she last saw him.

Nick had promised to meet her down at the barn at seven o'clock. They were going on a horseback ride into the woods. Just the two of them.

She changed into fresh jeans and a clean shirt. Then she brushed her hair and dabbed lip gloss on her lips. Voices from the dining room greeted her ears as she slipped down the stairs and out the back door without being seen. She dove into the trees. Within minutes she was at the barn and entering Frisky Lady's stall.

"Hey pretty girl," she murmured. The mare whinnied and lowered her head as April slipped the halter on.

"Hey pretty girl," a raspy voice whispered from somewhere behind her. April's skin chilled. Goosebumps sprang up on her arms. She spun around.

A man stood in the barn corridor. Dark hair. Piercing black eyes. He was big and brawn and dressed in what looked like some type of prison garb.

April gasped. "Who are you?" He wasn't one of the guests. Where had he come from?

He leered down at her as he stepped into the stall with her. April stumbled back until she hit the hard wooden edge of the stall. Frisky Lady snorted at the stranger and spun her rump toward him in a defensive move.

The man slammed his hand down on the mare's rump before she could kick him. Frisky Lady bolted out of the stall, yanking the rope from April's hand, and thundered down the barn corridor. Seconds later she burst out of the barn, the lead rope trailing behind her.

April cringed back as the man stepped closer. "Been a long time since I seen such a pretty thing as you." He cocked his head as he studied her. "Well, actually, I ain't never seen anything quite as pretty as you before. How's about you undress for me, sweet thing, nice and slow, so I can see it all."

April's heart bounced crazily in her chest. Nick should be here any minute.

Unless he decided not to come.

No, he'd be there. She knew he would.

She lifted her chin. "No. My boyfriend is on his way. And he doesn't like to share. He should be here any second."

The man sniggered. "Boyfriend doesn't need to know. I can do you in a couple of minutes and be gone before he even realizes I was here." He stepped closer, pushing her up against the wall. He snagged a handful of her hair.

She spit in his face.

His big hand flew out, slapping her across the cheek. Her head jerked to the side. She tasted blood. Her cheek stung.

"Play nice and I won't hurt you, okay, pretty girl?"

She glared. "Never."

He chuckled. "You're a feisty one." He leaned closer, rubbed his nose against her neck, and sniffed. "Mmm mmm! Smell so good, pretty, pretty girl."

April jerked away, but she could only move so far with his big body pressing into her. He snagged her flailing wrists and lifted her arms above her head. She bucked and squirmed once more, struggling to breathe as the man shoved her back against the wall of the stall. She was totally at the man's mercy. Her heart pounded. Where was Nick?

The man's big fingers fumbled with the buttons on her blouse. He yanked the shirt open, sending buttons flying. Cool air washed over her bare skin. He stepped back and leered down at her, keeping her hands above her head with one beefy arm. He licked his lips. Then he palmed her breasts through the flimsy bra, one at a time, his hand rough against her tender flesh. She gulped in several rapid breaths and squeezed her eyes shut. She bucked against him again, but he was too damn strong, her struggles useless.

Oh God, where are you, Nick?

"Oh so pretty, pretty..." His hot breath tickled her neck.

April yanked her leg up, aiming her knee at his groin. But he anticipated her move and snagged her thigh before her knee connected. He slammed his big body into her again, pinning her hard against the wall again. She cried out as her head struck the wood behind her.

"I told you to play nice. Now I'm going to have to teach you a lesson."

A sound came from the barn corridor. The man spun around just as Nick rushed up to the stall, a gun gripped in his hands. April witnessed the feral glint in his eyes as he focused on her attacker. She stared, unable to comprehend what she was seeing, even though it was what she'd been praying for.

Nick, with a gun? Nick, saving her? Truly?

"Hands in the air, asshole! Step away from her real slow."

Pride engulfed her. Nick was here!

The man grinned. "Oh, boyfriend's here. Goodie! Maybe we can have a party." He wrapped a thick hand around April's neck, jerking her up against him. She gasped, kicking out. Her boots connected with his shins and he grunted. But he didn't release his hold on her neck.

April stared at Nick. He stood only six or seven feet away, but the gap between them seemed more like miles. She reached toward him. The man's hand tightened around her throat. April gagged, flailing against him.

Nick raised the gun higher and pointed it at the man's head. "Let her go now, mother fucker, or I'll shoot you right between the eyes."

Nick's gaze never wavered from her attacker's. April's vision blurred from lack of oxygen. She focused on Nick's face, his eyes. He was as serious as she'd ever seen him. She thought dazedly that the Nick she'd known had been too afraid to protect her from evil, but this Nick was tougher, no longer the coward he used to be.

The two men had a stare off that seemed to last forever but was probably only a few seconds.

The man let go of her all of a sudden and she dropped to the ground, gasping. Nick's gaze swept to her, then back to the man who'd grabbed her. Her attacker stepped back, raising his arms in the air.

"Just wanted to have a little fun. She said you wouldn't mind."

"I do mind."

April scrambled across the stall until she reached Nick. A sob escaped her as she rushed into his arms. He wrapped an arm around her while keeping the gun pointed on her attacker with his other hand.

"Are you all right?" His gaze roamed over her, pausing on her ripped shirt. "Did he hurt you?" He let go of her long enough to draw the shirt closed. Her hand shook as she grabbed the edges of the shirt from him and held it together.

She hitched in a breath and clung to him. Her throat hurt, her breasts were tender from the man's rough hands, and her face stung from his slap.

But Nick was here. He'd saved her. The way she'd always wanted him to do. He truly was her hero.

Nick motioned the man forward with the gun. "Now move out of the stall, very slowly, and turn your back to me."

April moved around behind Nick as he ushered the man out of the stall at gunpoint. Once outside, Nick shoved the man up against the barn and ordered him to keep his hands in the air and spread his legs while he searched him.

A shout came from across the yard, then Bernie appeared.

"What the hell is going on out here?"

"Found the guy in the barn assaulting April." Nick flicked a glance at Bernie. "Do you have anything to tie him up with?"

Bernie nodded. "Sure do. I got a shotgun too." The old man hurried back toward the house.

He returned several minutes later clutching a shotgun. April's father followed at his heels with a rope.

"The cops are on their way," her father said. "Bernie called them from the house."

"Good." Nick reached for the rope. "Hand it over."

"We'll get it." Bernie shoved the barrel of his shotgun in the man's back. "No funny moves!"

April's father tied the man's hands tightly behind his back, then stepped away. Nick lowered his gun.

"Move!" Bernie shoved the man away from the barn and toward the house. He kept his shotgun pointed at the man as they moved across the yard.

April's father glanced at her. "You okay, Honey?"

She nodded, swallowing hard. I am now. Thanks to Nick.

He father hesitated, then followed after Bernie and the intruder.

Nick reached for her, drawing her close, tucking her against him. She buried her head against his shoulder. "I was so scared," she whispered. "I didn't think you would come."

"It's all right." He brushed her hair away from her face. "I'm here. Everything's going to be fine."

Nick gently led her over to a log and urged her to sit. She glanced up at him. "Where's Frisky Lady? Is she okay?"

"She's fine. I saw her grazing in the backyard and knew something was wrong." His gaze narrowed on her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded, hitched in a breath. "Thanks to you. Would you hold me, please?"

"Of course." Nick knelt on the ground next to her. April dived into his arms. He cuddled her close, stroking his hands up and down her back. "God, I try not to think about what might have happened if I'd been a few seconds later."

April thought of the man's creepy eyes and filthy hands. She shuddered. "Thank you for saving me. You're my hero." A tear trickled out. Then another.

She burrowed deeper into his warmth. Nick held her for a long time while she cried. He'd saved her from the most traumatic experience of her life. She didn't want to let him go. Ever.

Approaching sirens filled the silence. Her father appeared through the trees.

"Bernie's holding the guy at gunpoint in the porch swing. He'll handle the cops. It turns out the guy is one of three escaped convicts who've been on the loose for more than a week. He must have snuck into the barn after we came back from the afternoon trail ride. Do you want to give the cops a statement, Honey?"

She shook her head. Sniffled. "No."

Her father nodded, his gaze narrowing on her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Normally she would run into her father's warm embrace, but now she had Nick. Her hero. She couldn't leave Nick's comforting arms if she'd wanted to.

She cleared her throat. "Yes, Dad, I'm fine. Nick saved me."

Her father looked at Nick with a raised eyebrow. "Nick? As in Nick Miller?"

Nick tensed against her, his gaze locking on her father. He gently set April away from him, watching her father warily.

What was wrong? Wasn't he happy to see her dad again?

Maybe he was just in shock by everything that had just happened.

"Yes, Dad. It's Nick." She patted Nick's hand. "He found me. He saved me. Isn't he amazing?"

* * *

Nick froze under John's suspicious stare.

"What kind of game are you playing?" John glared at Nick. "Lying to me, lying to Bernie, and lying to my daughter!"

"It wasn't like that, Dad!"

Nick stared at April, amazed at how quickly she leapt to his defense. But she had no idea why he was there.

"He didn't want to lie to us, but he's working undercover, so he had to."

Nick opened his mouth to stop her before she said anymore, but it was too late.

"Nick's an FBI agent, Dad. Isn't that cool? He's my hero!"

Heat crawled up Nick's neck and into his face. John's expression slowly changed from anger to shock. Then fear. It was the first time Nick had seen April's father afraid.

John paled. His gaze shifted to April. "Did Nick tell you why he was here, Honey?"

"He can't," she said. "It's privileged information. He's not supposed to tell anyone."

Nick jerked his gaze to her. Where had she come up with that?

John visibly relaxed. He'd been afraid Nick had told her the truth. John's gaze remained locked on Nick's for several moments. He held his hand out to his daughter.

"Come along, Honey. Let's get you back up to the lodge. It's getting late. All this commotion has probably upset the other guests."

April went with him, but she glanced back at Nick. "You coming?"

"In a minute."

She sent him a puzzled look as her father led her away.

Nick's cover was blown. The fugitive he'd come to arrest knew who he was and why he was here. He'd be surprised if John didn't disappear before Nick made his way back to the lodge. But he couldn't arrest John with April looking on. He'd have to wait until she was in bed asleep.

And hope John didn't disappear between now and then.

But when Nick got back to the lodge, all his plans went awry.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

April waited until the lodge settled down for the night. Then she snuck down the hallway to Nick's room. She had an overwhelming urge to be close to him. They still hadn't had a chance to talk about their lives and what had happened since they'd last seen each other. She was anxious to learn what he'd been doing.

She knocked once, then pushed open the door. It was dark in his room.

"Nick?"

He didn't respond.

She started to move forward, then tripped over something sitting in the middle of the room. She bent down and felt the object she'd run into. A suitcase. What? He'd packed all his things. He was leaving. No. He couldn't be. He'd just found her.

"Nick?" she said again, more loudly. She wouldn't let him leave her yet, dammit! He'd only just arrived! They had so much to talk about. So many years to catch up on. Why would he be leaving so soon?

He still didn't answer. He wasn't here. Where would he be at this time of night?

She turned, made her way back across the room to the door just as it opened. Nick stepped into the room. She let out a startled gasp.

"You scared me," she whispered.

Nick closed the door. "Same here. What are you doing in my room?"

"I wanted to see you. How come your bags are packed?"

He moved away from her, stopping at the foot of the bed. "April, my job is nearly done here and I'll be leaving soon. I'm sorry."

She followed him. "You were going to leave without saying goodbye?"

He sighed. "It seemed better that way."

"Better!" Her eyes stung with tears. "How could it be better? Nick, I love you! Don't you know that? I've always loved you. Only you."

Her eyes were accustomed to the darkness now and she was able to make out the outline of his face. She thought he flinched, but she couldn't be sure.

"Don't do this," he whispered. "Please. You're making it harder for me."

She drew in a shaky breath. "Well, I don't want to make it easy for you to just walk away from me. I thought what we had was special."

He sighed again. He strode to the nightstand and switched on the lamp. April was momentarily blinded while her eyes tried to adjust to the sudden light. Then she studied him. He looked...weary, as if something heavy pressed down on his shoulders.

Her heart leapt into her throat. "What's wrong?"

He groaned. "I never wanted to hurt you, April." He sank down onto the edge of the bed. "But I told you I only came here to do a job. When I saw you at the gas station that first day, I didn't realize you lived here at the ranch. Not that it would have mattered. I still would have come, if only to see you one more time."

"You recognized me at the gas station?" She stepped forward. "You knew it was me since then?"

"Yes."

She sat on the edge of the bed next to him. "Why didn't you say something? Why didn't you tell me who you were?"

He smiled sadly. "I couldn't. I'm working undercover, remember?"

"Did you want to tell me?" She held her breath.

"More than anything."

A tear slid down her cheek. "I don't want you to leave. Not now. We just barely found each other again."

She leaned over and pressed her lips to his. "I love you, Nicholas Miller. No matter what you do, or where you go, I'll always love you."

He groaned and leaned back. "April. We can't be together now. Our lives have gone in different directions. You have a life here now."

She choked back a sob. "It doesn't have to be that way. I've missed you so much. You're the only one I've ever loved."

His throat moved as he swallowed. He leaned his forehead against hers. "You're making this really hard for me." He sighed. It was then that she noticed he wasn't wearing the blue contacts. He must have traded them for clear ones. She much preferred his natural eye color.

"I love your eyes, Nick," she whispered. "I always have. Thank you for not wearing those stupid contacts."

He made a strangled sound. "I don't need contacts. I only wore them as part of my disguise. I had Lasik surgery when I joined the FBI."

"You did?" Her chest swelled. "You took them off for me?"

He flushed. "Yeah."

"Oh Nick. You're so sweet."

They stared at each other. The seconds ticked past.

He dipped his head, sliding his mouth over hers. She sighed, leaned into him, closing her eyes. Finally Nick was kissing her. The way she'd always wanted him to. His lips were soft against hers, gentle, then more insistent as he gradually deepened the kiss and urged hers apart. His tongue slid inside her mouth, tangling with hers. She moaned, pressed closer, pushing her breasts against his hard, muscular chest. Her fingers tangled in his hair. She flicked her tongue out to meet his as heat pooled in her belly. His hands settled against her ribcage beneath her breasts. She wanted to feel him everywhere, wanted to explore every inch of him. Wanted him to touch her.

"Touch me," she whispered against his lips, grabbing one of his hands and pressing it against her breast. "Right there."

She rubbed against his hand. He sucked in a breath. After a slight hesitation, he cupped her breast in his palm, his eyelids lowering. She moaned, pressing closer. He made a sound in his throat and lifted his other hand to cup her other breast. He gently kneaded her breasts through her shirt, circling her nipples with his thumbs, causing them to harden into tight little nubs. She gasped.

"Nick."

His breathing quickened. His gaze shot to hers, his eyes dark with an emotion she couldn't explain. He swallowed. His hands fell to his sides. He lowered his gaze.

"Don't stop." She leaned forward, forcing his gaze back to hers. "Please." She wanted him to ravish her thoroughly, teach her everything about the physical side of love. And then she wanted to do it again. And again. Forever.

"April." His voice was hoarse. "Have you ever made love with a man before?"

Heat crept into her cheeks. "I've fooled around a few times, but I've never had sex. It just didn't seem right when it wasn't you. You're the only one I've ever wanted."

He closed his eyes and groaned. Then he looked at her, his gaze serious. "As much as I want you, April, we really shouldn't do this."

Her heart pinched. "Why not? I've dreamed about this moment for a long time. Imagined it so many times."

He made a choking sound. "If you go back to your room now, we can pretend you never came in here, okay?"

Her eyes welled with tears. "But..."

"Please?" he whispered. "I don't have the strength to resist you. And your first time needs to be special. You deserve better than me."

Her cheeks, and her heart, warmed at his admission. He didn't have the strength to resist her? That was good. But why would he think he wasn't good enough for her? "I don't want you to resist me. I want you, Nick. All of you. Show me how it can be between us."

He groaned. "April." They stared at each other for a long, tense moment. A muscle clenched in his jaw. "I don't want to hurt you, but if we do this..." He sighed. "When I leave, you're going to hate me."

"No. I could never hate you. I love you." Nothing he could ever do would make her hate him. Ever.

He made another sound in his throat. She lifted a hand to his cheek.

"I want you, Nick. More than I've ever wanted anything in my entire life. We belong together. You know we do. Please."

His eyes blazed with something dark and desperate. "Are you sure?"

April wrapped her arms around his neck, tangled her fingers in his hair. "Yes."

He kissed her then. Hotly. His mouth devoured hers greedily. Yes. Finally Nick was hers. She'd waited so long for this very moment. She moaned and kissed him back, pressing closer, wanting to feel him everywhere. Wanting him to touch her everywhere.

He drew back. "I need you to be absolutely, positively sure this is what you want." His amber gaze was intense as he stared down at her. "Because if we keep going..." He left the rest unsaid, but she knew what he was trying to say. If they kept going, he'd make love to her like she wanted. Heat spread through her. She'd only ever wanted this with Nick.

She held his gaze, wanted him to see this was what she wanted. What she needed. She wasn't afraid. "I've never been more sure of anything before. I want you, Nick."

He swallowed hard, looked down at his hands. He cleared his throat. "I'll do everything I can to make this special for you. But if you want me to stop at any time, just tell me, okay? Everything we do has to be your decision."

She nodded. She'd been waiting so long for this moment. Had imagined it so many times. There was no way she was stopping him now.

"Stop talking and kiss me."

His eyes darkened. His mouth covered hers again, gently coaxing her lips apart. She closed her eyes and sighed. Opened for him. He drew her slowly, seductively into the kiss, his tongue tangling with hers. She could feel him holding back. As if he didn't want to go slow, but was forcing himself to go slow for her. April moaned against his lips. She pressed closer. She'd never known kissing could be so wonderful. Heat settled into her lower abdomen. She stroked her hands over his torso, marveling at the solid muscles beneath her fingers.

He groaned softly and rolled her on top of him. He drew her face down to his and kissed her again. Long and slow. Her toes curled. She pressed into him, trying to get closer.

"Oh Nick."

His hands gently stroked up her arms, down her sides, over her stomach, up her ribcage...then up to cup her breasts. April gasped at the intimate caresses, pressing deeper into him, wanting more. She wanted to be naked beneath him, to feel his flesh against hers, man to woman. Hardness to softness. She squirmed above him, pressed her hips down against his. She went still, the pulsing heat of his erection scalding her through his jeans. Oh. My. God. She tentatively reached down to touch him.

Nick covered her hand with his. His gaze locked on hers.

"It's all right," he whispered. "I won't hurt you."

His mouth covered hers again as his marvelous hands touched her everywhere, and she lost all thought.

Then he took her someplace she'd never been before. Someplace magical. He did amazing things to her with his hands and his mouth. She was completely lost in him. In the incredible things he did to her. In the way he made her feel. She'd never known making love could be so beautiful, so special. It only made her love him even more. He was still so kind and caring. So gentle. So giving.

April clung tightly to him as he swept her away. It was as close to heaven as she'd ever been. The most wonderful experience of her life.

Sometime later, she came back down to earth. Nick lay on top of her, breathing heavily, his naked chest pressed against her breasts. Her arms were wrapped around his torso, her legs tangled with his. Her cheeks heated as she recalled the deliciously wicked things he'd just done with her. To her.

Nick had given her more than she'd ever imagined. More than she'd ever dreamed possible. Her chest tightened. Her eyes filled with tears.

He leaned up on his forearms, gazed down at her face. He pressed his lips to her forehead. "You okay?"

She nodded, overcome with emotion. A tear slid down her cheek.

Alarm flashed across his face. He lifted a hand to wipe the tear away. "You sure I didn't hurt you?"

She swallowed. "Positive." She brushed his hair away from his brow. "I knew it would be like that between us."

He sighed against her hair. A sigh of relief? Then he kissed her once more. "Me too." He rolled off her, drew her back against him, into his arms, and settled one leg possessively over hers. His breath tickled her ear. "I don't deserve you, April. And I certainly didn't deserve what you just gave me. I hope someday you'll be able to forgive me for what I'm about to do."

Forgive him? What was he talking about? What he'd done to her was incredible, beautiful, indescribable...there was nothing to forgive. Nick worried too much.

April's eyelids drooped. She sighed and snuggled against his warmth, so content, so happy, she knew he would never leave her now.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Sometime during the night, they climbed beneath the covers and Nick made love to her again. He took his time, gauging her reaction to each kiss, every touch, watching her expression, listening for her sighs, her moans of pleasure. He wanted to be sure it was a night she would never forget. He made it as special for her as he could. He would never get tired of touching her. He felt honored that she wanted him. That she loved him. Nick wanted every moment of it to be memorable for her, and for him, for it would probably be the last time they ever saw each other. He would remember this night for the rest of his life. Would dream about it years later when he was alone and wishing he was with her.

Because what he was about to do would break her heart. She would never want to see him again.

Nick's chest constricted. He drew in a painful breath. He watched her as she slept, deciding he wanted his last memory of her to be as she was now, snuggled against him, her features relaxed in sleep, her lips swollen from his kisses. How could he walk away from her after this? She was his. He couldn't bear the thought of someone else touching her like this, loving her like this. But when he left, she'd find someone else. Why wouldn't she?

He tried to push the nagging guilt aside. He'd used her, taken her innocence, taken advantage of her feelings for him, and now he was leaving. Abandoning her.

Betraying her.

Because he was weak.

He should have kicked her out of his room. He should have kept his fucking hands to himself. But he hadn't. He loved her beyond words. His heart was breaking now at the thought of leaving her. He didn't deserve her. Didn't deserve what she'd just given him.

His throat swelled with emotion. He hadn't realized leaving her would hurt so much. How could he do this to her?

Nick waited until he was certain she wouldn't waken, then slid out of bed. He dressed quietly, re-holstered his gun. He picked up his suitcases and crept to the door. If he could find John, he would arrest him and leave while April still slept. He would be long gone before she woke. He wouldn't have to witness her reaction when she discovered how he'd betrayed her.

He was sneaking out like a coward.

Nick pulled open the door. He stepped out into the hallway, gently closing it behind him.

He turned and gave a startled grunt as he crashed into a solid form that moved back, then stepped forward, blocking his path. Nick hissed out a breath and stared at John Williams.

April's father glared at him. The three small night lights in the hallway illuminated his angry face. "I want to pretend I don't know what just went on in there, but fuck..." He rubbed a hand over his face. "I heard you two in there." He scowled.

Nick's face burned. Had they made that much noise? Hell. "I love her." The words sounded desperate. Ridiculous, even. Shit.

John snorted. "Then why are you leaving?" He motioned to Nick's bags.

"I do love her. But to stay would only make things worse."

"Why? Doesn't she mean anything to you?"

Nick puffed out a breath. Pain settled into his chest, wrapped around his heart, squeezed. "She means everything to me." He groaned. "But that's not why I'm here. You know that. And she'll never have me now, anyway. Not after this."

John nodded. "I should kill you for what this will do to her, but I won't. If you truly love her, the pain of what your betrayal will do to her will be enough punishment for you."

Nick swallowed. "It's already killing me."

John's eyes glittered with satisfaction. "Good. I hope you suffer greatly for what this will do to her. She deserves better."

I already am suffering. And you're damn right she deserves better.

A long silence ensued, then Nick asked, "Why haven't you run?"

John turned away, heading down the hallway. Nick followed. When they reached the top of the staircase, John paused.

"April's twenty now. There's no need to hide anymore. You might be able to take me away from her, but no one will be able to take her from me now. She's an adult and can do what she wants."

"Yes, she is," Nick murmured. He hesitated. "Shall I haul you in tonight? Or send some men back tomorrow to get you?"

"Take me in now. I don't want her to see."

Nick nodded. "All right. Let's go."

It would have been easier for Nick if John had fought him, had tried to escape, but this easy acceptance was too much. He felt like the biggest ass on the face of the earth.

They reached the bottom of the staircase and passed by Bernie's study.

The door flew open. Bernie stepped out, a shotgun gripped in his hands.

"I'm not letting you take him." Bernie pointed the gun at Nick. "I can't run the ranch without him, and it will kill April if you take him away."

Nick dropped his bags. Shit! All he needed was an old man getting hurt for interfering. "Stop a minute and think about what you're doing, Bernie. I'm a federal agent. Assaulting me can land you with a lengthy jail sentence. Is it worth it?"

Bernie shrugged. "I'm an old man. I won't live too much longer anyway, so I've got nothing to lose." He motioned Nick forward with the gun, into the study.

"Bernie, I don't think this is such a good idea." John hesitated in the doorway.

"You don't want to go to prison for the rest of your life, do you?"

With a last glance at Nick, John entered the study. Bernie motioned Nick all the way into the room, then followed. John stood by the desk, obviously unsure of Bernie's intentions.

"Get over here!" Bernie snapped. "And shut the door!"

John hurried across the room and closed the door.

Nick's .38 was in his shoulder holster, but he couldn't reach for it when Bernie had the shotgun pointed at him. He would just have to wait for the right moment to wrench it free and defend himself. Nick wasn't certain of Bernie's intentions, though he didn't think the old man would shoot him, not with a lodge full of sleeping guests upstairs.

"Sit!" Bernie motioned toward the chair behind him. Nick lowered himself into the chair, keeping his gaze on Bernie.

Bernie raised the shotgun toward Nick's head. "Don't move or I'll kill you."

Nick raised his hands. "I'm only doing my job, Bernie. John is wanted for crimes he committed twenty years ago. He's been avoiding law enforcement all this time. April has a mother she's never met. Doesn't that mean anything to you? Don't you think she has a right to know her mother?"

Bernie grunted. Nick's words appeared to finally sink in. He lowered the gun until the tip touched the floor. Then he leaned back against the desk and sighed.

Bernie glanced at John, who stood to the side without speaking. "Shit, John. Now what do we do?"

John shrugged, his face filling with weariness. "I don't know. I knew this day would come eventually. I never should have involved you. I'm sorry."

The old man's eyes filled with tears. "What'll I tell April when she wakes?"

The door burst open, slamming against the wall. April stepped into the room. Her eyes flashed with anger as her gaze darted from her father to Bernie. Then her gaze came to rest on Nick in the chair. Alarm flickered across her face.

She wore the clothes she'd had on earlier when she'd come to Nick's room. She must have dressed in a hurry. Had they woken her up? Had they woken up any of the guests? They hadn't been very quiet.

Her hair was tousled from sleep, her lips rosy from Nick's kisses.

She's so beautiful.

Her gaze bounced back to her father, then Bernie. "Would someone please tell me what is going on in here?"

* * *

April couldn't believe her eyes. Nick sat in a chair, his arms raised. A shotgun leaned against Bernie's leg. He'd obviously threatened Nick with it. Why? What had happened?

She stepped deeper into the room and closed the door. She glanced at her father, then Bernie. "Bernie?"

A tense silence followed. Bernie cleared his throat. He moved across the room to the liquor cabinet and reached for the handle.

"No, Bernie. Please don't drink. Whatever's going on, just tell me."

Bernie's hand paused on the handle, then fell to his side.

Her father glanced at Nick, then looked at April. "Nick didn't come here to find you, April."

April glanced at Nick, but he wouldn't look at her. What was going on? "He didn't?"

"I'm afraid my past finally caught up with me," her father whispered.

"Your past? What past?" Confusion swamped her.

Her father cleared his throat. "Nick's here to arrest me."

April's heart stopped. "What? Why? What did you do?"

Her father swallowed hard. "I kidnapped you when you were an infant, stole you away from your mother. And I murdered my brother." He hung his head.

"What?" The breath whooshed out of her lungs. She stumbled backward in shock. Was this a bad dream? It had to be.

But the remorse on her father's face was real.

He'd stolen her from her mother? Was he even her father?

"So everything you've told me my whole life has been a lie?" She choked out the words, her heart squeezing, pain consuming her.

"I'm sorry, Honey. I didn't want you to find out like this."

"Sounds like you didn't want me to find out at all! Are you even my father? Who the hell are you?"

Her father blanched. "Of course I'm your father." His gaze was pleading as he looked at her. "You know me, April, better than anyone. I only did what I did because I love you. Please, don't hate me."

That she could believe. She knew her father loved her and would never do anything to hurt her. But he'd lied to her all these years.

She jerked her gaze to Nick. FBI. Undercover...

That's why he was here? To arrest her father?

"Is that really why you're here?" She pierced Nick with a stare, dared him to look at her. Please deny it. "To arrest my father?"

Nick still didn't look at her. "Yes."

Her head spun. "You didn't come here to find me?"

"No."

Her legs crumbled. Her father caught her against him.

She gasped for breath. "I...don't understand."

Her father sighed. He gently eased her into the chair next to Nick's. She turned to Nick, unable to believe what she was hearing. Nick wouldn't do this. He wouldn't!

But he had. That's why he'd come. He hadn't come searching for her like she'd dreamed so they could be together forever. He'd come to arrest her father. Bile threatened its way up her throat. She forced it back down, swallowing hard.

"You used me to get to my father, didn't you?"

Nick finally lifted his head and met her gaze. "Not exactly. My feelings for you were real. They still are. They always will be. You've got to believe me, April."

Her eyes stung with tears. Her chest squeezed. Why would Nick do this to her? Why? She'd trusted him. She'd never imagined in a million years he would do something like this. The Nick she'd known would never hurt another person like this.

Her breath hitched. "You were undercover because you didn't want us to recognize you. You didn't want me to know who you were."

He lowered his gaze. "Yes."

"Why?" She raised her voice. "Why would you do this?" A tear ran down her cheek. This man, this stranger sitting before her couldn't be Nick. "I trusted you, you son-of-a-bitch!"

And he'd used her.

Nick blanched. He closed his eyes.

"You're not the Nick I once knew," she whispered, drawing in a ragged breath. "He would never hurt another person like this. He had integrity. Morals..." Her voice cracked.

Nick grew even paler. He swallowed. He opened his eyes and looked at her. "I never wanted to hurt you, April." Nick's eyes clouded with pain. "Never. I was just doing my job."

Just doing his job? Her body twitched as the pain of Nick's betrayal struck home. Tears spilled from her eyes, trickling down her cheeks. She loved him more than she'd ever loved another human being. She'd begged him to make love to her. At first he'd tried to turn her away. Because he'd known he was going to leave. Take her innocence and run. Betray her. Rip her heart out. She gasped as another rush of pain gripped her, doubling her over. That's why he'd said someday he hoped she would forgive him for what he was about to do. He hadn't been referring to taking her innocence. He'd been referring to taking her father away.

This couldn't be happening. The Nick she'd known would never hurt her like this. Never. The Nick she'd known had been kind and caring. Not cold and cruel.

But he wasn't the Nick she'd known.

She was such a naïve, trusting fool. Who was this heartless bastard?

He'd only come here to do a job.

To take her father away.

April straightened her spine. Lifted her chin.

Damn him!

She wiped at her tears, focused on her father. "If what he's saying is true, then you're all a bunch of fucking liars!"

Her father looked away. He sighed and hung his head. He didn't even bother to deny it.

The horrible truth sliced through her like a knife to the heart. She gasped, took several deep breaths. She glared at Nick. Glared at her father. Glared at Bernie.

"Did you know too, Bernie?"

Bernie jerked his head in a nod. "Not at first, but I figured it out after a few years and your father admitted the truth to me."

April sucked in a breath. Even Bernie had lied to her.

"You're liars! All of you!"

She pulled her gaze to Nick, the one who'd betrayed her, hurt her the most.

"Nice job, Special Agent Miller." She tried to be as sarcastic as possible, but her breath quivered on those last three words and she choked back a sob. "You sure fooled me. I can't believe how stupidly naïve and trusting I was. God, I'm such a fucking idiot."

Nick stared at the floor without speaking. April drew in several deep breaths to keep from bursting into more tears. Nick had come here to arrest her father. To take him away.

Not if she could help it.

A plan began to form in her mind. Nick would not win this war. She would not let him take her father away. She would have the last laugh.

"I've got an idea!" Her spirits lifted even as her heart ached. She grabbed the shotgun from Bernie and swung it toward Nick. "Get up."

Nick's head swiveled toward her. His eyes widened. His mouth dropped open.

Her father frowned. "He's a federal agent, Honey. We are you doing?"

Nick's expression filled with uneasiness. He slowly rose from the chair. "April?"

"That's my girl," Bernie said with a chuckle. There was a gleam of approval in his eye.

"Are you two out of your minds?" Her father stepped in front of her. "Put the gun away. He's an FBI agent!"

"Who lied to us and u-used me." The words trembled out of her mouth. Nick's betrayal hurt. So much. "He deserves to be punished for what he did."

"Not like this," her father whispered, reaching for the gun. "I'm the one who broke the law. I'm the one he came here for. Please, April. Give me the gun."

April glanced at Nick, who watched her with an inscrutable expression on his face. The uneasiness was gone, or was he just hiding it? What was he thinking? Was he afraid? She hoped so. Damn him. How could he do this to her? As much as she loved him, at that moment she wanted to shoot him. She wanted to make him pay for what he'd done to her.

"April?" Her father tugged on the gun. "Let me have the gun." There was so much sadness in her father's eyes that her heart pinched. She'd never seen him so beaten before. All these years, she'd believed everything her father had told her. Not once had she questioned him.

All these years he'd lied to her.

He was a criminal. A felon.

Her heart crumbled. She didn't want to believe it.

April let go of the gun and fell into her father's arms with a sob.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

"Don't worry, he's not going to run. He just wants to talk to her. Explain." Bernie opened the liquor cabinet. "Want a drink? I sure could use one."

Nick stared at the closed door where John had led April away moments ago. His heart twisted painfully at what he'd done. He'd hurt her. She would likely never forgive him. And there wasn't a fucking thing he could do about it.

Nick pulled his gaze to Bernie. "Sure."

Bernie filled two shot glasses with whiskey and slid one across the table to Nick. "Sorry I pointed a gun at you earlier. I didn't want to."

Nick shrugged. "Doesn't matter. I deserved it." He gulped the whiskey down in one swallow. It burned all the way down his throat.

"Can't argue with that," Bernie swallowed his own drink. "But I still want to apologize. I shouldn't have done that. You're not going to arrest me, are you?"

Nick snorted. "No."

Bernie refilled both shot glasses. "But you're going to arrest John?"

Nick gulped down the second glass of whiskey. "As much as I don't want to, yes."

Bernie swallowed his own drink. "I figured as much." He stared at something on the wall behind Nick. "I was proud of April when she tried to stop you." He chuckled softly. Then his eyes filled with tears. He swallowed hard. "This is going to kill her, you know. Taking him away. I wish you wouldn't do this."

Nick sighed. He wished there was a way out of this, but there wasn't. He'd come here to arrest John and that was what he would do.

Bernie filled their glasses two more times. They sat in silence for several minutes, each lost in thought.

Finally, John returned. He was alone.

"I'm ready now." He faced Nick. "Let's do this before April comes back down the stairs and realizes what we're doing."

Nick rose. He was more than ready to get out of here. He already regretted coming here, hurting April. He'd never wanted it to end like this.

John gave Bernie a quick hug and told him he'd be in touch later. Nick turned away as Bernie wiped tears from his eyes. "I'll be waiting for your call."

Nick retrieved his bags and carried them out to the rental car. John followed, but Bernie remained behind in his study.

Nick slammed the trunk and turned to John. "I want you to know that I don't want to do this. But even if I leave, the FBI will send someone else to take you in."

John nodded. "I know. I'm choosing to give myself up. I'm tired of running. Tired of hiding. It's time to accept my punishment. I explained everything to April, but I'm not sure if she'll ever forgive me." His voice cracked and he turned away. "Let's get out of here."

"What are you doing?"

Nick spun around at the sound of April's voice. She stood on the front porch. Her arms were wrapped around her slender frame, her eyes wide and filled with hurt. He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. Hell, he was hoping to avoid this very thing.

She came down the porch steps. She reached him, the pain in her eyes more than he could bear.

"What, you couldn't wait until tomorrow or the next day to take him away? You had to do it right this very fucking second?"

Nick groaned. "Your father is surrendering. He's giving himself up. I'm not arresting him. See? No handcuffs or restraints. He's coming willingly. I'm just taking him in."

"What's the difference?" She spat the words at him. "You heartless bastard!"

Nick took a deep breath, let it out slowly. "You want me to just leave? Fine. I will." He held her gaze. "But the FBI will send someone back for him later. You can't stop him from surrendering. It's his choice. It's what he wants to do."

Her eyes narrowed. "Are you kidding me? This whole thing is all your fault. If you hadn't come here looking for him, this wouldn't be happening now." Her voice cracked. A sob escaped. "We would have gone on living happily like we always do. I would still be naïve and innocent to the truth. If you take him away right now, Nick, I'll never forgive you, you hear me! Never!"

Nick's chest squeezed. Fuck. She blamed him for everything. Even her father's lies.

But he couldn't blame her. He deserved her contempt.

"I'm sorry." He didn't know what else to say, what else to do.

Turning away on a sob, she raced into her father's arms.

"Please don't do this, Dad! Please. I forgive you. Just stay. Please stay."

John gently set April away from him. "I have to do this, Honey. Please understand. I can't hide anymore. I want you to promise me one thing." He looked into her eyes. "Promise me you'll go see your mother."

"No, I don't care about her. She's a liar and a cheat. She hurt you. I don't want to see her."

John had obviously told her the story while Nick and Bernie had sat in the study drinking whiskey. How much of what John had told her had been the truth?

It didn't matter. The truth would come out at John's trial.

John gave April a gentle shake. "Promise me, April. She's your mother. What I did was wrong. I want you to give her a chance. Please."

April took a deep breath, lifted a hand to wipe at her tears. "Never."

John sighed, rubbed a hand over his face. "I guess I can't make you do something you don't want to do. I have to go now. I'm sorry, Sweetheart. I'll call you when I can."

He turned to Nick. "You ready?"

Nick nodded. He cast one last glance at April. She looked so miserable standing there with tears streaming down her cheeks. If he could go back and change this night, he would do it all differently.

She was hurting now. But he hoped someday she would forgive him for taking her father away. Hoped someday she would understand he truly hadn't meant to hurt her. He did love her. More than anything.

April watched as they climbed into Nick's car. She spun on her heel and raced back into the lodge. With a heavy heart, Nick started the car and headed down the drive, sick with the knowledge he would probably never see her again.

Sick with the knowledge that he'd just betrayed the only girl he'd ever loved.

PART THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY

Still rattled by the contents of the second note, April headed north with her crew and her horses, eager to get home. She was glad Nick had taken the note with him. She never wanted to see it again. Nick had made her promise to be careful and keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. To never go anywhere alone on the trip. To always have someone accompany her when she stopped at rest areas or gas stations to fill up. His warnings made her afraid. She hated being afraid. She only wished he'd come with her. But Nick had needed to go to Salt Lake to turn in the evidence. He'd not said whether or not she would see him again. Part of her wanted another agent from the FBI to take over the case. As much as she'd vowed never to forgive Nick, she felt herself thawing a little more each time she saw him. As long as he didn't come back, she could continue to convince herself she hated him. But if he returned, she feared she'd let down her guard and let herself care about him again. Which was a very bad idea.

April and her crew had stopped at a rest area just outside of Boise, Idaho about two hours ago. After walking the horses, they'd fed them dinner and then her crew had all gone back to their vehicles to rest for a few hours. Too restless to sleep, April stood outside with the horses, patting one sleek neck, then another. It was too quiet. The only sounds were cars passing along the freeway and vehicles entering and exiting the rest area. The occasional squeal of a child or the murmuring voices of adults who came and went would fill the silence.

She leaned against the trailer, watching as the horses munched on hay. Where was the killer? Was he out there in the darkness somewhere, watching her? She shivered at the thought. Who was he and why was he doing this? What could she have done to make this person kill?

A part of her wished Nick was here. He'd always made her feel safe. She knew he would protect her with his life. She sighed, sat down on the trailer's fender well.

What might have happened between them if Nick had refused to take her father in that night?

Don't go there.

No use fantasizing about what would never be.

It would be easier if she never saw him again. But with a killer somewhere out there, possibly hunting her, maybe even close by, waiting to strike, she prayed Nick would return.

But if he came back to the ranch with her, he'd see Brianna.

And what would he do when he found out he had a daughter April had kept a secret from him all these years?

Shadow Dancer snorted, blowing hay dust from his nostrils. April jumped, slapping a hand over her racing heart.

A car door slammed from somewhere close by. April jerked toward the sound. A gray sedan had pulled into the rest area and parked not far from the horse trailer. A man who'd just exited the vehicle was stretching his legs next to the car. He turned.

His gaze slammed into hers.

April's breath caught.

He'd come!

Her heart hammered. Should she be relieved or frightened? She admitted feeling both. She was glad he was there to protect her, but afraid of her feelings for him, terrified of caring about him too much and getting her heart broke again. She had to keep him at a distance.

Nick approached across the parking lot, glancing around him as he came closer.

"Where's your security crew? I specifically asked them to keep an eye on you." His gaze was accusing.

"Everyone's asleep in their cars. They needed a rest. I couldn't sleep, so I stayed out here with the horses."

He paused on the other side of Shadow Dancer, his gaze meeting hers over the horse's back. "They released Steve Jones. He denied sending you any notes and they couldn't find anything linking him to the murders. He also allowed himself to be fingerprinted and there was no record of his prints in the AFIS system."

She lowered her gaze. "Oh." Though she hadn't thought Steve was a killer, she'd still felt more comfortable knowing the cops had him in custody. Now he was out there somewhere. Knowing Steve, he'd show up when she was least expecting it.

Nick stepped up to the gelding, patted the horse's neck. April watched him without speaking.

"This must be Shadow Dancer. The one you perform with?"

She nodded. She turned and motioned to the sorrel mare on her left. "And this is Summer, my assistant Tara's horse. She usually does a routine at each of my shows."

Nick nodded. "I know."

He knew? Had he seen her show?

He moved around the animal, running a hand along its back and around its rump as he came toward her. He still knew his way around a horse. She wasn't surprised, since he'd been the one to introduce her to horses all those years ago. Her throat closed up. It still hurt to think about those long ago days in Arizona.

Shadow Dancer turned his head to watch Nick's movements, then went back to his hay.

Nick stepped in front of her, trapping her against the trailer. April tensed. With a horse on either side of her, there was nowhere to go. Her heart rammed into her ribs.

"I watch your show sometimes."

"You do?" So he had seen her show. "Did you like it?" She couldn't meet his gaze, instead focused on a button on his shirt. He was too close. Her legs wobbled. Dammit, she refused to be weak around him. She could not—would not—let herself be hurt by him again. But even all these years later, she couldn't deny he still made her weak.

"Yes. You're amazing, April." He stepped closer. He was now almost touching her. "I knew all along you would be something big and wonderful someday. You just had to figure that out for yourself."

She pushed against his chest, shoving him back. "Stay away from me. I don't want you here. Can't the FBI send someone else to handle the case?"

Something flashed across his face. Hurt?

He looked away.

"Probably. But my boss knows about our past and he's okay with me being on this case." He lifted his gaze to hers again. "At least for the time being. He said if things get too complicated between us, he'll take me off the case."

Dammit, she wouldn't let things get "complicated" between them. Never again. She would make sure she kept him at a distance. She had to.

"But I won't be able to sleep if I don't know you're okay," he went on softly. "And the only way to know that is if I stay close to you until we catch this guy." He gently tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Don't—"

"Don't what? Touch you?" His voice cracked. "God April, you don't know how many years I've longed to touch you again." He stroked her cheek with his thumb, a soft caress that had her heart galloping out of control.

She stiffened and leaned back against the trailer.

"Stop." A tear trickled down her cheek. "I can't..." she trailed off helplessly, swallowing hard, unable to voice her feelings aloud.

Something flickered in his eyes. Regret? He let out a soft groan, lowered his hand. His throat moved as he swallowed. He sighed and stepped back.

He turned and walked away, heading for the facilities at the rest area.

April shivered at the sudden cold and rubbed her arms. For a moment there she'd feared he was about to kiss her. And if he had...oh God, she would have melted against him and kissed him back.

And he would have discovered how much she still loved him.

Tara bounced around the corner of the trailer, trying unsuccessfully to look innocent.

Heat rushed into April's cheeks. She jerked her face away, swiped at a tear. "How long have you been listening over there?"

"Long enough." Tara eyed April with unveiled interest. "What's up with you and that FBI hunk? You know him from somewhere don't you?" She stepped closer, resting an arm on Summer's rump, her gaze on April's face.

"I think I know why he looks familiar. He's Brianna's father, isn't he?"

* * *

He watched from behind the building as Miller leaned in, caging April against the horse trailer.

Hands off, you piece of shit! She's mine!

Fury bubbling inside him, he stared, breathless, as he waited to see what would happen. If Miller touched her, he was a dead motherfucker!

He snarled out a breath. Miller was dead anyway. That was part of the plan. His ultimate goal. Eliminate the competition and steal the girl. It had taken him years to find her. If he hadn't accidentally seen her on T.V., he'd probably still be looking. He'd been planning this for a long time. She would not get away.

And neither would Miller.

Miller finally stepped away from her and headed for the rest area, heading toward him.

He slipped behind the wall and hurried around the other side of the building so Miller wouldn't see him. He peered around the corner just as two girls in their early twenties headed for the women's restroom. One had long dark hair. Perfect.

He stepped around the building and intercepted them. He needed to get a look at her eyes. She might be just what he was looking for.

"Hello ladies. Lovely night, eh?"

The girls tilted their heads back and looked up at him. The brunette smiled. "Hi."

Her gaze collided with his. She blushed. Blue eyes? Possibly blue-green. Perfect. It was hard to tell exactly what color they were unless he got real close, leaned in...But that would make them suspicious.

She was cute. Not gorgeous like April.

But she'd do.

He'd just found his next victim.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

An hour later, Tara eyed April from the passenger seat. "Want me to drive for a while? You look a little tense. I want to live long enough to get home."

April gave a snort. If she let Tara drive, she'd have nothing to do but think about Nick and the past. Bad idea.

"No, I'm driving."

"Then at least tell me about that cute FBI guy. I don't know why you're so secretive about him. It's not like I'm going to tell anyone. What's his name? He introduced himself to everyone as Special Agent Miller. Does he have a first name? Why won't you tell me about him? What did he do?"

April had refused to respond to Tara's comment about Nick being Brianna's father. She'd walked around the trailer, started knocking on car windows and waking her crew, eager to be back on the road. Tara had taken the hint and not said anymore. When they'd pulled out of the rest area fifteen minutes later, Nick had followed. April couldn't see his car right at that moment, but he was back there somewhere, following, watching out for her. It was comforting to know he was close by.

Even if it made her heart thud against her ribs in nervous anticipation of their next meeting. If Kara had made the connection between Nick and Brianna, then Nick would figure it out for himself once he saw Brianna. How would he react when he discovered the truth?

"I don't want to talk about it, okay?" April glanced askance at Tara, then returned her gaze to the road. She couldn't talk about her past with Nick to anyone. If she divulged that information, she would have to reveal her true identity. None of her crew knew who she really was and she planned to keep it that way. She feared their reaction if they discovered the truth. Tara thought highly of April now, but would she if she knew the truth?

"Fine." Tara turned away and looked out the window. April sighed. She'd hurt her assistant's feelings.

But she couldn't tell Tara the truth.

She couldn't tell anyone.

"Speaking of your cute FBI guy..." Tara turned to her with a grin. "He's speeding up here, passing everyone up. I think he wants to talk to you or something. Didn't you give him your cellphone number?"

April glanced in the rearview mirror. Indeed, Nick's car was quickly overtaking her caravan, one car at a time. It seemed he was intent on reaching her. Her heart galloped to life. What did he want?

"No, I didn't give him my cell." There'd been a reason for that. She didn't want to talk to him anymore than she had to. It was safer that way. Easier to keep her distance.

"He's right behind us now," Tara pointed out.

April spied him in the rearview mirror. He honked his horn. Dammit. They were only a few hours from home. She didn't need any more interruptions. She wanted to get home to Brianna. Needed to hold her little girl in her arms again. Four days away from Brianna was almost too much. She missed her little girl more than anything. That was the hardest part about her job: leaving her daughter behind.

She would just have to see what Nick wanted.

Slowing the vehicle, she pulled over to the side of the road. Aware of Tara's interested eyes and ears, April decided to get out of the truck to talk to Nick rather than stay inside where Tara would overheard every word.

She met him halfway between the vehicles.

"I just thought of something." He stepped close to her, his gaze locking on hers. "If the killer is following you, then we're leading him right to your home."

And right to her daughter.

The breath whooshed from her lungs. Her legs trembled. No! She would not let that bastard touch Brianna!

Nick reached out to steady her. She flinched, jerking away. He lowered his hand, his face lined with tension. "Are you okay?"

She concentrated hard on breathing slowly in and out. She forced her gaze to his. "So what do we do?"

"Send your friends on to their homes. Have someone else take the horses. You'll ride with me. It will be easier for me to track him without all these other cars in the way. And I'll feel better if you're with me. If he's following you, I'll know it."

"And if he is following me, where will we go?"

"Then I take you somewhere else until we catch him. We can't lead him to your home." He paused. "I know you live at the ranch in Idaho. There's too many trees there for him to hide out in. You'd be an easy target. We can't go there."

Nick knew where she lived? She shouldn't be surprised. He was an FBI agent. He could find out anything about anyone.

But she had to get home to Brianna. Had to hold her little girl in her arms. She couldn't go somewhere else indefinitely. Dammit, she would not be frightened off by some psycho killer. Nothing was keeping her from her daughter.

"Can't you call in more backup or something?"

"I already did. The FBI is contacting local law enforcement to help out. I won't let him hurt you April."

She believed him. But she couldn't be away from Brianna anymore. She was going home.

"I have to go home." She turned away and headed back for the truck. Nothing was keeping her from Brianna.

Nick caught her just as she reached the driver's side door. He grabbed her arm and she spun around.

"You can't be serious!" His gaze reflected his frustration. "This isn't a fucking game, April."

She yanked her arm from his grasp. "I know. But I have to go home. You can't stop me."

He glared at her. "Why? What is so important at your home that it's worth more than your life?"

Tara stuck her head out the open truck window. "Her daughter."

* * *

April sucked in a breath. She shot Tara a glare, but her friend merely raised a brow. Damn her for interfering! When April got back in the truck, she was going to let Tara have it.

Nick's mouth dropped open. His eyes widened. He glanced at Tara, then back to April. "You have a daughter? I didn't know."

April yanked open the truck door and climbed in. She was going to kill Tara. But right now she was shaking so badly she barely managed to pull the door closed behind her.

"I'm going home, Nick, so don't try to stop me." I have to be with my little girl. She slammed the truck in gear and pulled back out onto the road. She glanced in the rearview mirror once. He still stood there, staring after her, a hurt look on his face. Why would he be hurt she had a daughter?

Because he didn't know Brianna was his. He thought she was someone else's.

Pain sliced through her chest. As if she could ever be with any other man. What would she tell Nick when he saw Brianna? Would he figure out she was his?

Of course he would. Brianna had his eyes, his curly hair...

April turned to glare at Tara. "If you say one more word about Brianna when Nick is here, I'll fire you. Understand?"

Tara pulled at one of her red braids, slowly unraveling it. She didn't look at April. "Yeah. I understand you're a complete fool to not want a man like that. And you're an idiot for not telling him he has a daughter. Have you seen the way that guy looks at you? What I wouldn't give to have a man look at me like that."

April's heart thumped against her ribs. The pain settled heavily into her chest and wouldn't budge.

She took a deep breath, pushed it back out. She refused to think about that right now.

She cleared her throat.

"I want your word you won't say anything else about Brianna when he's around, okay?"

Tara shrugged. "Fine. But I think it's wrong to keep a secret that big. The man has a right to know he has a daughter, don't you think?"

"I'll tell him the truth when I'm ready."

Tara cocked a brow. "One look at Brianna and he'll know she's his."

April tried to ignore Tara's comment, though she knew it was true.

"I'm just saying...You might want to tell him about her before he sees her. Or he might be a wee bit pissed." Tara started on her other braid, slowly unraveling it.

April pierced Tara with a glare. "Why don't you mind your own business? I'll handle Nick."

Tara grinned. "I like the name Nick, by the way. It's a nice name. It fits him."

April turned away. She couldn't let Tara rattle her. But she honestly had no idea how she would "handle" Nick. How did she explain why she'd kept his daughter a secret from him?

He undoubtedly would be pissed she hadn't told him about Brianna. He'd probably demand an explanation.

But how would she explain her reasons without giving away the truth?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

April drove the truck under the huge log arch announcing the entrance to the ranch. Excitement bubbled within her chest. She was home. At last. She couldn't wait to see Brianna. She drove the truck out back to the barn and parked. Most of her caravan had disbursed after they'd crossed over the Long Bridge and entered the little town of Sandpoint. All her employees except for Tara lived in town. The other two trucks that had been hauling her equipment followed her into the drive. Jerry and Kevin would park the trailers at the back of the property and unhook. Then head home. Everything would be left in the trailers for her next show. Only Tara lived at the lodge with April.

Nick had followed her home. She'd seen his car pulling into the drive behind the trucks. He was probably parking his car somewhere out front at that very moment. But she wouldn't worry about him right now. She needed to see her daughter.

She turned to Tara. "Would you unload the horses? I want to go see Brianna."

Tara smiled. "Of course I will. Go see your little girl."

"Thanks." April opened the door and stepped out of the truck. She stretched her legs, then headed for the lodge. She was eager to see her little girl, anxious to hold her close.

She turned her face to the sky, enjoying the sun's rays. She breathed deeply of the fresh pine scent. It was good to be home.

She'd gone halfway across the yard when Brianna's squeal of laughter reached her ears. She turned toward the sound. She'd hired a contractor to build a playground for her daughter on the south side of the lodge last summer. It sounded as if Brianna was playing there now. Being an only child, and living out here in the forest, Brianna was rarely around other children. As a result, she'd learned to keep herself entertained, much like April had as a child. April had always dreamed of having a large family, since she'd been so alone as a child. But it didn't look like she would get that wish. At least not any time soon.

Guilt trickled through her chest. Brianna needed a sibling to play with, a friend of some kind, something other than her pretend plastic friends. Whether it be My Little Pony, Disney Princesses or Littlest Petshop, her daughter always had a toy that "talked back" to her. Brianna was good at entertaining herself, but what if she was as lonely as April had been? It was April's fault Brianna was so alone. April's paranoia that kept her from letting Brianna play with other children. It wasn't that she didn't want other children to play with Brianna, it was just that she wanted to keep her daughter sheltered from the world. Safe.

From what?

April drew to a halt. She was doing to her child exactly what her father had done to her. She was smothering Brianna in her attempts to keep her safe. To hide her from the world. Why hadn't she seen it before?

Her heart clenched. As terrified as she was of what people thought of her, of what they might do if they discovered her true identity, she couldn't smother Brianna anymore. Brianna needed friends. She needed someone special to play with. A friend for life.

A special friend like Nick had once been to April.

April drew in a deep breath. Starting now, she'd stop sheltering her child. She'd enroll Brianna in various activities so she could meet other children and she'd take her places...the park, the beach at Lake Pend Oreille...whatever. From now on, April would let her child live. She would let Brianna have a wonderful childhood, one filled with laughter and adventure and many, many friends. A childhood very different from the one April had lived.

It was time to stop being afraid.

Forcing her legs back into action, April rounded the corner and spied her nanny, Mildred, sitting in a lawn chair, crocheting. Mildred had a blanket wrapped around her legs to ward off the morning chill. A bag of yarn sat at the bottom of her chair and brightly colored spools of yarn wound down from her lap and into the bag. April smiled. She'd been fortunate to find Mildred. The woman was the best nanny around. Mildred also had a kind heart. Not only did she take excellent care of Brianna, she also spent a lot of time creating hats, clothes and other items which she donated to homeless and needy children.

A movement to the left caught April's eye. She glanced over.

Nick strode around the corner, his gaze on Brianna, who sat on a blanket Mildred had obviously spread out on the grass. Toys surrounded her.

April's heart lodged in her throat. Her legs stiffened and she halted once again. It was too late to try to explain.

She could only stand there and stare as Nick approached his daughter for the first time.

* * *

As Nick came around the corner, his steps cautious, he spied the child playing on the blanket in the grass. Her childish squeals of laughter had greeted him as he'd exited his car. He couldn't contain his curiosity. Following the sound, he'd made his way around back. He'd wanted to see this child of April's, though he'd hoped the girl's father was nowhere around. Nick wasn't sure how he would react when/if April introduced him to the man she'd made a baby with. Fortunately, the child was alone.

His first thought when he gazed across the lawn at the little girl was that she looked older than he'd expected. Had April been with another man so soon after he left? Pain pierced his chest, squeezing his heart. How could she be with another man so soon after what they'd shared? But after how badly he'd hurt her, he couldn't blame her for running into the arms of another man. It was his own damn fault.

His second thought, as he grew closer to the little girl, was that she was the most beautiful child he'd ever seen. Rosy cheeks. Cute rosebud lips. Curly dark ringlets that bounced around her darling face, falling over her eyes. He hesitated as the child peeked up at him through her curls.

April burst around the corner. She came to an abrupt halt, her eyes wide and full of worry. Good. Let her be worried that he knew she'd had a child with another man so soon after he left. His heart pinched, seeing this beautiful child. It hurt, knowing April had run into the arms of another man.

Nick glanced back at the little girl, then bent down next to her. "What's your name, Sweetie?"

She tilted her head and eyed him curiously. "Brianna. What's yours?"

He smiled. "I'm Nick. Nice to meet you Brianna. What are you playing?"

Her lips curved into the cutest smile he'd ever seen. "My Little Pony. Wanna' play with me?"

What an adorable little girl. "Sure. Which pony do I get?" Damn, she was cute. An unexpected pang of longing surged through him. I wish she was mine.

Brianna took a moment as she looked through all the different colored ponies around her. She selected a pink one and handed it to him.

"You get Pinkie Pie."

"Thank you." Hiding a grin, he took the toy from her. He couldn't resist studying the beautiful child seated before him. He imagined April must have looked just like her at that age. "What pony is your favorite?"

Brianna held up a white pony with a multi-colored mane and tail. "This is Princess Celestia. She's my most favorite."

"I can see why. She's beautiful."

Brianna giggled. His chest squeezed again. She was absolutely adorable. He guessed her age at about four or five.

He sucked in a breath.

"How old are you Brianna?"

"Five."

His heart pounded.

When she gazed up at him again, she pulled a lock of curly hair away from her face. He was struck by her eyes. He hadn't noticed what color they were before, since they were partially hidden by her bouncy curls.

Five.

Pinkie Pie fell from his hand and landed on the blanket. Shock rocked him back on his heels. He stared at her again. At her eyes.

Holy hell!

He'd expected to see April's lovely light gray eyes hidden beneath those curls.

But the eyes staring back at him weren't April's.

They were his.

* * *

April knew the moment Nick discovered the truth. He dropped the toy Brianna had handed him and fell back into the grass. He was so pale he looked like he might pass out.

Forcing her legs to cooperate, April hurried across the yard.

"Good to have you back," Mildred called as April passed her chair.

"Thanks," April said distractedly. "It's good to be back."

When she reached her daughter, Brianna squealed with delight and launched herself into April's arms. Love consumed her as she squeezed her precious little girl against her. Oh how she'd missed her. It was so hard leaving her whenever she had to do a show.

"Mommy missed you." April breathed in the clean scent of her daughter's freshly washed hair. Fairy Berry Strawberry.

"I missed you too, Mommy." Brianna giggled as April tickled her, then squealed and squirmed to be free. "Put me down!"

Chuckling, April set her daughter back onto the ground, though she was reluctant to release her. Nick was on his feet now. Though she didn't look at him, she felt his gaze boring into her. Her heart hammering against her ribs, she said, "I see you've met my daughter, Brianna."

Nick stepped in front of her. April lifted her gaze to his. The look in his eyes said he knew the truth and he was pissed. April grabbed his arm and took several steps back, pulling him with her. She didn't want Brianna to overhear this conversation.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Nick hissed, "Our daughter, you mean. She's mine." His gaze was filled with accusation. And...hurt.

April swallowed hard. "Yes." This was so much harder than she'd imagined.

"Why?" He took a breath, glanced over at Brianna, who had resumed her play on the blanket, then pinned April with his stare again. "Why didn't you tell me? Why?"

Her first instinct was to fight back. "What, Mr. Knows Everything FBI Agent couldn't figure out I had a child? You seem to know everything else about me."

His gaze narrowed. "I didn't look that deep. It never occurred to me. So tell me, why did you keep her a secret from me?"

He wouldn't let her go until she answered him. Deciding to admit defeat, she gathered her courage and lifted her gaze to his. "Because every time I look at her, every time I hold her, I see you and I'm reminded of the night she was conceived and how you betrayed me." Her voice cracked and she looked away. She cleared her throat. "And I knew there was no way I could survive having to see you again whenever you just decided to pop into town to visit her. You lied to me, used me, then betrayed me. As far as I was concerned, you didn't deserve to know about her. You don't deserve her now." She wiped at a tear.

His gaze hardened even more. A muscle twitched in his jaw. "We both know I didn't use you. Not like that. You came to my room that night, begged me to make love to you."

Heat scorched her cheeks. Her breath caught. She didn't need to be reminded how pathetically needy she'd been that night. She'd practically flung herself at him. "You could have said no, turned me away."

He made a harsh sound. "I tried." His gaze locked on hers. His voice softened. "God knows how hard I tried."

Heat flared in the pit of her stomach at the remembrance of that incredible night in his arms. She yanked her gaze away. "You could have tried harder."

He let out a soft snort. "Probably. If you were any other girl, it would have been easy to push you away. But I was so crazy about you I couldn't say no. I wanted you." He waited until she lifted her gaze to his. "I don't regret it."

She didn't either, but she wasn't about to tell him that. That night had given her Brianna. And that was something she'd never regret.

She cleared her throat, jerked her gaze away. A tense silence stretched between them.

He sighed. "Regardless of what happened between us, you had no right to keep her from me. She's mine, April. And I intend to be a part of her life."

He turned on his heel and strode toward the path that led to the lake.

April puffed out a breath. She sank down on the grass next to her daughter. She thought she might be sick.

"Will you play ponies with me, Mommy?"

April forced a smile to her lips, swallowed away the nausea. "Yes, Sweetie. Mommy will play with you."

Brianna held a pony out to her. April took it without really seeing it.

Now that Nick knew about Brianna, April wouldn't be able to keep him out of her life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Nick found himself down at the lake, trying to skip rocks across the surface. April had tried to teach him how to do it once, but he'd never mastered the craft. An eerie call of a loon echoed across the lake, filling him with memories. Nick spotted the bird near the shore on the far side of the water. Another loon answered in a haunting wail that sent shivers down his spine.

He'd missed this place. So damn much.

The area around the lake hadn't changed much in the past six years. Some of the underbrush was thicker now, and he imagined the trees were a bit taller, but other than that, it looked the same. The water was the same green-blue. The forest still thick with mature pines and various sized saplings. Birds chirped from the trees up high...

Nick lifted his face to the sky and breathed in the calming scent of pine and fresh forest smells.

Memories swamped him.

He and April sitting by the bank, watching breathlessly while a huge bull elk drank from the other side of the lake...

He and April fishing from the boat...

He and April splashing in the water, trying to dunk each other...

He and April giggling as they slid off the horse's back...

He and April kissing in the grass...

Gradually the hurt and anger wore off. He sank down onto a large boulder near the water's edge. He sighed. He couldn't believe he had a daughter. He couldn't believe Brianna was his.

Warmth filled his chest. He had a daughter! That adorable little girl was his. Now that the shock had worn off, delight consumed him. Now he could see where she'd inherited those bouncy curls that looked a lot better on her than they did on him. And his eyes...

He smiled. Little Brianna had his eyes. She would be a beauty someday, like her mother.

He sat there and stared out at the water. He wasn't mad at April. He'd hurt her badly and keeping Brianna a secret had been her way of protecting herself from being hurt again. He couldn't change the past. But he had every intention of being a part of his daughter's life. April couldn't keep him from her. He wouldn't allow it.

Brianna was his. As he sat there absorbing this knowledge, another thought struck him. April had not run to the arms of another man. She had not created a child with someone else. Brianna was truly his.

Fallen branches crunched behind him. He turned as April stepped into the clearing. He sat there silently until she reached him. She stared out at the lake for a long moment without speaking.

"I sat there on that very boulder, where you're sitting now, right after I found out I was pregnant."

Still, she didn't look at him. This had to be difficult for her.

"I was so scared. I didn't know anything about babies. I had no idea how to be a mother. I'd never had a mother before." She swallowed.

Nick longed to reach out and take her hand in his, to comfort her somehow, but he didn't think she'd welcome his touch, so he remained where he was and stared out at the lake.

She cleared her throat. "My father was in prison, my mother—" She took a deep breath. "I still haven't talked to her. I blame her for what my father did. There was no way in hell I was asking her for help." She let out a bitter laugh.

Nick glanced at her. "I know it's none of my business, but I think you should give her a chance."

April jerked her head toward him, sent him a fierce glare. "You're right. It's none of your business."

Nick held up his hands in surrender. "Okay. Sorry." He knew how stubborn she was. It would do no good to argue with her. April was the type of person who had to figure things out on her own. No one could force her to do anything she wasn't ready to do.

She dipped her head in a quick nod. She looked back out at the water. "It was just me and Bernie. And he was an old man." She let out a soft laugh. "An old man with a lot of knowledge about babies." A smile touched her lips. She glanced at Nick. "Can you believe Bernie helped me with Brianna those first weeks after she was born? He'd trade nights with me, staying up and feeding her so I could get some sleep. I don't know what I would have done without him. He was a godsend." Sadness filled her eyes. "I miss him so much."

Nick wanted to tell her he would have gladly helped her with Brianna, sharing sleepless nights, diaper changes, and feedings. But it didn't matter now. They couldn't change the past.

He scooted over on the boulder and motioned for her to sit next to him. She hesitated, then sat down beside him.

"Whatever happened to Bernie?"

She sighed. "He died two years ago. Pancreatic cancer. It just came on so fast. I wasn't ready. One day he was healthy and happy and the next, he was frail and weak, bedridden..." Her voice trailed off. Tears filled her eyes. She blinked rapidly. Nick's heart ached for her. She'd been so alone.

Because of him.

He reached over, covered her hand with his. "I'm sorry. I guess he left the ranch to you?"

She started to pull away, then relaxed, leaving her hand beneath his.

She nodded. "His kids were furious. It's been an ongoing court battle for the past two years. I don't know what will happen. If the court gives the ranch to Bernie's kids, Brianna and I will have to leave. I don't know where we'll go. Bernie's kids only want the ranch so they can sell it for the money."

Nick squeezed her hand. "Whatever happens, April, I'm here for you."

Her gaze darted to his. "You mean...you're not mad at me?"

Nick looked out at the lake. "I was at first, but not anymore. I think I understand why you kept Brianna a secret. I'm really sorry for all the pain I caused you. I never wanted to hurt you. If it makes you feel any better, if I could go back and do things differently, I wouldn't have taken your father in that night."

She turned away and stared out at the lake. "I know." It came out as a soft whisper. "I just wish things could have been different between us."

Me too. Nick bent down, picked up a rock. "I never did quite figure out how to skip rocks. Can you still do it?" He tossed the rock out into the water, where it immediately sank beneath the surface.

Her brow slanted up. She bent to retrieve a rock. Rising from the boulder, she flicked her wrist and tossed it across the water.

It skipped perfectly across the surface until it reached the center of the lake and disappeared.

Nick clapped. "You can still do it!"

Her lips twitched. Her eyes sparkled with laughter. Something stirred within his chest. Something that had been dead for a long time. He'd missed her so damn much. Missed her infectious smile. What he wouldn't give to see her happy again. What he wouldn't give to just see her again. Every single day for the rest of his life.

She turned away for a moment, then glanced back at him. "I think, maybe, someday, I'll be able to forgive you for betraying me."

His breath caught. His heart squeezed. Was she serious?

"I think, maybe, I can even start right now." She cleared her throat. "I hated you for a long time. But now, I'm ready to start forgiving. Do you think you'll ever be able to forgive me for keeping Brianna a secret?"

He searched her eyes. "Yes. I already do."

She swallowed hard. "Thank you."

No, thank you. A heaviness lifted from his chest and that feeling that was returning hit him hard. He released the breath he'd been holding and stepped toward her, longing to draw her into his arms, but not sure if she would let him. She took a step toward him, as if she wanted the same thing.

Nick's cell phone chirped. April leapt back as if she'd been stung by a bee. Nick pulled the phone from his pocket and put it to his ear.

"Miller."

"We've got another one." Craig's no-nonsense voice came over the phone.

Nick's heart leapt into his throat. He turned away from April so she wouldn't hear. "Where?"

"A rest stop just outside of Boise, Idaho. Same as the others."

Nick swallowed. "She and her crew rested there for several hours last night. This guy's following her."

He glanced at April. Her eyes were wide as she stared at him. Had she heard?

"I'm just north of Sandpoint now. Can you send someone else to the scene?"

"I already have. I'm bringing in Norton and Shaw from the Seattle office to help you there and other agents are coming up from Salt Lake to deal with the scene. Local law enforcement should be contacting you shortly, too. They're supposed to be sending out some deputies to offer you some assistance. I want you to stay with her now, keep her safe. I have others who can handle the crime scenes. Are you at a safe location now?"

Nick glanced around at the pristine beauty of the wilderness around him. How could anyone be afraid in such a beautiful place? But a killer was out there somewhere.

"Yeah, I think we're safe for the moment. If this guy followed us, things could change at any moment."

Nick had not seen any other cars following them down the drive to the ranch. But that didn't mean the killer hadn't seen where they'd gone.

Or that he wouldn't show up at any moment.

Nick ended the call and stuffed the phone back in his pocket. April watched him. "Well?"

He sighed. "They found another body at the rest area you stopped at last night."

"Oh no!" A hand flew to her mouth. "This is all my fault."

"No." Nick stepped toward her. "It's not your fault."

"But he's after me. And I think I know the connection now."

Nick paused a few feet away. "What do you mean?"

"You said women were killed in Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, right?"

He nodded. Where was she headed with this?

"Those were all places where my father and I lived or stayed at while we were on the run."

Nick considered that. "How would he know that?"

She shrugged. "It wouldn't be too hard. Every time someone recognized my dad and we had to leave, it was broadcast on America's Most Wanted, right? John Williams was last seen in such and such town...blah, blah, blah...If the killer watched those episodes or was able to get a hold of all them, he would have a history of most of the places we lived."

"Damn," Nick whispered. "I never thought of that." What kind of game was this guy playing? If April's hunch was correct, the killer had tracked April's progress across Arizona, killing women in each place she'd lived, until Nick had gotten involved in the case. Then he'd changed tactics and killed women in Utah and Idaho, places where April had just been. But what about the murder just down the road from his condo? Had that been because April had once lived in Phoenix, or had that simply been a "plant" to try to get Nick's attention? And the first one in the wash by his parents' house? Nick didn't know what to think.

Nick thought of the note he'd received back at the hotel in Arizona. It's about time you joined the game, Special Agent Miller. I've been waiting for you.

I've been waiting for you. Had the killer planned everything out, trying to lure Nick out as Nick had originally thought, knowing Nick would eventually be called in to take the case? Why had he targeted Nick?

The first murder had been in Tucson, so the guy probably hadn't known April before then. He must have met her in Arizona. And he either knew Nick personally or had heard of him...

Son-of-a-bitch!

Had Nick's childhood bully come back to torment him?
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

He now had them both where he wanted them. Drawing Nick Miller into the game had taken a little longer than he'd wanted, but he'd ended up getting more enjoyment out of it, because he'd had to kill more women in order to get Nick to take the bait. He was getting pretty good at killing now. It was an art he'd nearly perfected. His plan had been brilliant, if he did say so himself. No one would ever suspect him.

The first four killings—all of them easy ones—had been to lure Miller out. The Utah killing had been to make sure Miller realized how serious he was. He'd wanted Nick to stay close to April and his plan had worked perfectly. Had Nick figured out who he was yet? Probably not. But he would soon.

He'd killed the woman at the Boise rest stop to let April know he was right behind her. He wanted her to know he was coming for her. That she would soon be his.

Showing up at the stadium and watching her from the grandstands had been one of the most daring things he'd done. But no one had had a clue. She'd stared right back at him, as if she wasn't afraid, and that had turned him on. He was anxious to get her alone so he could tell her how much he'd missed her. How he'd been searching for her all these years. It was destiny.

And now she'd led him right to her home. Just liked he'd planned.

He had more messages to deliver. One for each of them.

He chuckled.

He just had to find a way around the cops guarding her home to get close enough to deliver them.

He should have known she'd have a hideaway back in the forest that wasn't visible from the road. Hidden in all the huge pines. Luckily for him, he'd spent five years as a lumberjack, so he knew how to climb big trees. And watch. And wait. He was an excellent hunter.

He'd chosen the tallest tree in the forest a couple hundred yards from her ranch. He'd removed his climbing tools and headed up the tree. He had a nice vantage point from here. He could see anyone who came and went, could see anything they did outside in the yard. And with the binoculars, he could even see inside the windows of the rooms that didn't have the blinds drawn.

Now that local law enforcement had arrived, he had to be more careful. If they spotted him, they'd be on him in an instant. But he planned to sneak in stealthily, right beneath the cops' noses. He couldn't wait to touch her. Anticipation thrummed through him. But he wouldn't kill her. That was no way to treat a lady. His momma had taught him to treat women with respect. And he always had.

He snickered. Well, mostly. He hadn't originally planned to kill anyone. But when he'd discovered Nick Miller had joined the FBI, a plan had formed in his mind. A plan to lure Miller out. And what better way than to kill women who looked like April?

When he'd first met April, he'd been instantly smitten. She was spectacular. He'd known she was meant to be his.

Then she'd disappeared into thin air.

He'd tried to find another girl like her, but none of them had measured up. None of them had even come close.

But he'd found her now. And soon she would be his.

Having Nick Miller falling into his carefully laid trap just added the icing to the cake. He would make Nick suffer hard for stealing the girl who should have been his. His plan was working perfectly. Now he could make them both pay. All he had to do was watch. And wait.

The cops weren't too much of a problem. He'd get around them.

He'd waited a very long time for this.

He didn't mind waiting a little longer.

* * *

"I want to go with you." April stepped in front of Nick as he reached for the doorknob. He'd made the mistake of telling her over breakfast a few minutes ago that he was going to visit her father. Of course she'd wanted to go. He should have seen that one coming. Nick had ignored her insistence that she was going with him and had headed for the door as soon as he finished his meal.

He lowered his hand. "I need to do this alone. I'll be back by the end of the day." Nick had come to the conclusion while traveling toward the ranch yesterday that John Williams might know something about the killer. Besides, Nick needed to rule out any other suspects before he focused solely on the man he suspected: Jeremy Bishop. If John had an enemy or someone who might be after April for some reason or other, Nick needed to check that person out.

"But he's my father." She lifted her chin. "I want to see him."

Nick sighed. The conversation he wanted to have with her father was one he wanted to have in private. Without her. He hadn't told April who he suspected the killer was. He wasn't sure how she would react and decided it was best if she didn't know just yet.

Though Nick longed to draw her close and tell her everything would be all right, he kept his hands at his sides. He was doing his best to keep his distance. It was better this way. Less painful. His heart was coming back to life simply from being around her. When he left this time, it was going to kill him. So keeping his distance was the only option.

"You should be here with Brianna."

She bristled. "Don't tell me what I should do with my daughter."

He didn't want to argue with her. He gentled his tone. "She's my daughter, too, and I think you need to be here with her. I'd feel better if I knew you were with her."

April glanced into the large living room behind her. Nick followed her gaze. Mildred entered with Brianna. The nanny situated herself on the big leather couch while Brianna sorted through a stack of children's books in a box next to the couch. Brianna selected a book from the box and hurried over to Mildred, handing her the book and scooting up onto the nanny's lap. Nick's heart warmed at the sight of his daughter. Such a beautiful little girl. Someday soon, he'd get to know her better.

"Please, Nick. I hardly ever get to see him anymore."

Nick slid his gaze back to April. He tried to ignore the guilt that seeped in, but it was impossible. It was his fault she rarely got to see her father. His fault she'd had to struggle on her own. He groaned. She wasn't making this any easier.

"It's best that you stay here. I know the cops make you nervous, but they're just people like you and me. They'll stay out of your way as much as possible."

The door opened behind Nick and one of the sheriff's deputies stuck his head inside. "Um, there's woman out here named Karen Williams. She said you asked her to come. Can I let her in?"

Shit. Nick hadn't meant today. He'd called Karen last night and apprised her of the situation and suggested it might be a good time for her to reunite with April. Karen had eagerly agreed. Nick just hadn't expected her to show up unexpectedly like this. He'd wanted to gently ease April into the idea of seeing her mother first.

April paled. Her gaze bounced to his. "You invited my mother here?"

Nick cleared his throat. "Not exactly. I mean, I did, but not...yet." He trailed off as the deputy opened the door farther.

"So it's okay to let her in?"

"No." April spun around as Karen Williams hesitated over the threshold. Karen's gaze jumped from Nick to April.

Well hell.

"It's all right, Nick," Karen said gently. "I'll take it from here." She smiled at April. "He didn't know I was coming this morning. I didn't even know I was coming until I was in the car. So don't be mad at him. Be mad at me."

Nick hesitated. He glanced at April, but she was staring at her mother with wide eyes.

Nick cleared his throat. "I'll be back sometime this evening." He darted past Karen and made his escape. He expected April to run after him, but when he backed the car out a few moments later, she hadn't left the lodge. Nick wasn't sure how their reunion would play out, but he felt better knowing her mother was here. It was time April stopped being so damn stubborn and gave her mother a chance.

It was about five hours to the prison in Deer Lodge where John Williams was incarcerated. Nick planned to be back before nightfall. He hadn't seen John since his arrest more than six years ago. He wasn't sure what type of reception he would receive, even though John had surrendered without a fight. Even though Nick hadn't truly wanted to take him into custody back then.

His actions had cost him dearly. He'd lost the only woman he'd ever loved. And he'd ripped a father and daughter apart. Would John be resentful?

There was only one way to find out.

* * *

April eyed her mother warily after the door closed behind Nick. Karen Williams glanced around the lodge. "Lovely place." Her gaze fell upon Brianna and Mildred on the couch. Her features softened. "And what a gorgeous little girl."

April couldn't think of anything to say. All she could do was stare as her mother faced her. Karen Williams had short dark hair and pretty dark brown eyes. She was shorter than April by an inch or two and was very attractive. As April studied her, she had to admit she looked a lot like her mother.

"Nick called me last night and told me what was going on." Her gaze was gentle as she looked at April. "I wanted to come here in person to make sure you were okay. Don't blame Nick. He only wants what's best for you."

April turned away. Did he? Her chest still ached whenever she thought about Nick and what might have been. She may be starting to forgive him, but that didn't lessen the pain of what he'd done.

She glanced back at the woman who'd given birth to her. Karen watched her with open affection written all over her face, her dark eyes bright with expectation, her mouth curved into a hesitant smile. Something loosened in April's chest, opened up, and finally set her free. She let out a soft gasp and stepped back. Could her mother truly love her? April recalled what her father had told her at her last visit to the prison.

Just give her a chance. She's not a bad person.

It would be wrong to turn her mother away. April might be stubborn, but she wasn't cruel. Was she? She sighed.

But what to do with her mother?

Just give her a chance.

April couldn't send her mother away when she'd come all this way...

"Well..." She cleared her throat. "Now that you're here, I guess we can find a room for you. Just take your pick of the empty rooms upstairs and we'll have it made ready for you."

A hand touched her arm. April turned around. Her mother gently squeezed. "Thank you for not turning me away. It means a lot to me." April stiffened.

She looked into her mother's gentle brown eyes and saw the tears welling in them. She cleared her throat. She'd kept this woman at bay for six years. And she hadn't even known about her the twenty years prior to that. As much as she wanted to hate Karen Williams, she couldn't. Not now. Her father's words kept coming back to her.

Just give her a chance. She's not a bad person.

This woman was her mother. Now that April had a daughter of her own, she could only imagine how her mother must have suffered all these years, not knowing where April was or if she was safe.

If anything happened to Brianna...April couldn't even think about that.

Now she understood. And she'd been so cold and unforgiving to her mother.

She let out a long breath. She couldn't believe she was thawing toward Karen Williams. She'd vowed never to forgive her, yet April now felt that vow slipping away.

Her own eyes filled with tears and she blinked rapidly. "I'm sorry. Is it too late to make amends?"

"Oh April." Her mother let out a sob, then flung her arms around April. April hesitated. She forced herself to relax, gently patted her mother's back. She'd never felt a mother's arms around her before, never felt a mother's love...April drew in a shaky breath, forcing back a sob of her own, forcing back emotions she'd locked away for so many years. How would she feel if Nick stole Brianna away from her and kept her hidden for so long? She couldn't bear the thought.

Nick would never do that.

But her father had.

April lifted her head and wiped at a tear. She stepped back. Her father had. Yet she'd never blamed him. She'd blamed her mother. Guilt settled deep in her chest. She'd been stubborn and harsh to her mother. Unfair. It was time to make amends. Time to open her heart and allow her mother inside.

She met Karen's gaze. "Do you think maybe..." April cleared her throat. She could do this. "Do you think maybe we could start fresh? I think Brianna would like to have a grandmother."

Tears spilled from her mother's eyes. She hugged April tightly to her. "Yes, I'd like that so very much."

"Mommy, why are you crying?" Brianna looked up from the book Mildred had been reading her. "Who's that lady?"

April stepped away from her mother. She motioned her daughter forward. "Come here Sweetheart. This is your grandmother. My mommy."

Brianna's eyes widened briefly, then her lips turned up into a grin. She slid off Mildred's lap and bounded across the room, launching herself into her grandmother's arms. "I always wanted a grandma. I only have a grandpa and I never get to see him."

April's throat thickened with emotion. She thought of Nick's parents, Brianna's other set of grandparents. Would Brianna get to meet them someday?

Karen's gaze sought April's over the top of Brianna's head. They smiled at each other. Brianna didn't have a shy bone in her body. April supposed she took after her. She'd always been a precocious child herself. There was happiness in her mother's eyes. Relief. April's smile widened. Maybe it was time for a lot of forgiving.

"I'm here now," Karen told Brianna as she hugged her in just the way April had always believed a grandmother would. "You'll get to see me whenever you want."

* * *

John settled into the metal chair, glanced at Nick across the visiting room's table. "What's going on? Is April okay?" Nick's presence here couldn't be good. Something must have happened to April. John's heart was beating a little too fast, an anxiety issue he'd developed from those years on the run. If he didn't get it under control soon, he'd have a full blown anxiety attack. He took a deep breath and tried to calm down. He didn't want to lose it in front of Nick.

"April's fine. But..." Nick broke off. He stared down at the tabletop. "I don't know how to say this John, except to just say it."

John's pulse quickened. "Say what? Spit it out, dammit!"

Nick sighed. "April's...being stalked by a serial killer. I think I know who it is, but I need to rule out anyone else first. Did you have any enemies over the years, someone who might go after April to seek revenge?"

John choked out a breath. A serial killer? What the hell? He wracked his brain, thought back to all the places he and April had lived over the years. All the people they'd met. They hadn't stayed in any one place long enough to really make any enemies. He honestly couldn't think of anyone wanting to harm April.

"No." He sighed. "I can't think of anyone."

Nick had been the only true friend April had made over the years, and John had forced her to leave him behind. Guilt settled into his gut. He wished he'd done something to allow them to keep in touch somehow. Maybe let her send Nick letters or something...but he'd always made sure they severed any connection with anyone from their past each time they moved. It had been essential to their survival. Things might have ended differently between Nick and April if John had allowed April to keep in touch with Nick. But everything would have ended badly for John. Though he couldn't predict what might have happened, he probably would have gone to prison a lot sooner if he hadn't been so careful. His selfishness had hurt his daughter, something he'd never forgive himself for.

Nick's expression filled with frustration. "No one at all?"

John shook his head. "No one. Wait. What about that escaped con who attacked her at the ranch six years ago? You think maybe he's out now? Stalking her?"

Nick paled. "Shit, I never thought of him. Do you remember what the guy's name was?"

"It was a Native American name. Whitehorse or Whitedeer or something. I'm sure you can find out, can't you?"

Nick nodded, a faraway look in his eyes. "Yeah."

"How dangerous is this guy?"

Nick's gaze slid back to his. "Very. He's killed six women so far. I want to catch this bastard."

Six women? John gasped. What if the bastard got to April? He couldn't stomach the thought of anything happening to her. It was a long moment before he could breathe again.

"Me too. If I have to break out of this place..."

"Don't even think of it." Nick's too-serious gaze impaled him. "I'll take care of April." He paused. "And Brianna."

John pulled his gaze away. So he'd found out about Brianna. Was he angry? He had a right to be. "She told you then?"

Nick's gaze locked on his. "Not exactly. I saw Brianna playing in the yard when we all got to the ranch. I bent down and introduced myself. She's so dang cute. And when she looked up at me..." He shrugged. "I just knew."

John nodded. "Yeah. She does look a lot like you. Has your curly hair, and your eyes, as April has pointed out more than once. And she is a beautiful child." John's eyes grew moist with tears. His chest tightened. "Wish I could see her in person and not just in pictures..."

Nick cleared his throat. "I'm not mad at April for keeping her a secret."

John jerked his head in a quick nod. "Good. I was hoping you wouldn't be mad at her, though you certainly deserve to be."

Nick's voice softened. "After how much I hurt her, I don't think so. I don't deserve any kindness from her, but you know what? She's forgiven me. Or at least she's starting to." He sounded awed by the revelation.

An unexpected calmness settled into John's chest. Peace. He had high hopes Nick would stick around this time and be there for April and Brianna. "Do you still love her?"

He watched Nick's Adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed. "Always."

John nodded. "Good. I expect you to take care of her and Brianna. Stick around this time. If you hurt her again, I swear I'll break out of here and hunt you down."

Nick looked away briefly. Then met John's gaze across the table. "It's not like that. I'm only here to do a job."

John narrowed his eyes. "That's what you said the last time."

"I know. You don't know how much it hurts to be this close to her..." he trailed off, turned his head to stare at the wall. His voice hardened. "I'm keeping my distance this time so neither one of us gets hurt."

John snorted. "Then you're a coward." He glared across the table at him. "Don't let her push you away. Force her to accept you in her life. If she didn't have Brianna..." Now it was John's turn to trail off. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. "If she didn't have Brianna, I don't know how she would have survived. Brianna is all she has now. If you truly love April, you won't abandon her again."

Nick heaved out a breath. "She doesn't want me, John. Let it go."

The quietly spoken words pissed John off. He bolted to his feet.

"If you've convinced yourself of that, then you're a bigger idiot than I thought. The next time I see you, it better be because you're delivering good news." He turned on his heel and stalked away. Damn that boy! He'd better not hurt April again or John would make him suffer.

He reached the guard standing in wait at the door. "Take me back to my cell now."

As the guard led him away moments later, John glanced back. Nick still sat in the chair, staring after him. But there was a faraway look on his face. What—or who?—did Nick really see? Good, let the boy stew about it for a while.

He wanted to believe Nick would take care of April and Brianna, protect them from this madman who was out there somewhere. But he couldn't be sure. What if Nick wasn't able to protect them? What if this sicko got them?

Over his dead body!

The guard led him to his cell. John stepped inside. He paced back and forth as the guard walked away. He vowed he'd find a way out of this place. If Nick couldn't protect them, then John would. He'd just have to find a way to break out of here. There had to be some areas where a smart man could find a way out. Since he was a model prisoner and never got in trouble, he'd been allowed into the dairy program that was just outside the fenced perimeter of the prison. He got to go once a week.

He'd start planning, investigating. Learn the layout of the dairy. Learn the weak areas and the less security-conscious guards. Find out if he could slip out of the dairy barn somehow...see if someone could be bribed...someway.

He had to find a way to save his family from the evil that was closing in on them.

He couldn't rely on Nick to do it alone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Nick arrived back at the ranch just before nightfall. He'd stopped at the Super Wal-Mart on the way back and picked up some extra clothes and toiletries. He had no idea how long he'd be staying and he couldn't wear dress slacks or penny loafers out here in the woods. So he'd bought jeans and T-shirts, a couple of long-sleeved shirts, socks and underwear, sneakers, and a pair of hiking boots, just in case. He was sure April would let him use her washer and dryer when he needed clean clothes.

He'd thought about John's words on the long drive back. John was right. How could Nick just walk away from her again? But they had separate lives now. He had his career with the FBI and she had her horse training business. Arizona was a long way from northern Idaho. Neither of them were the same people they'd once been. He didn't even know if a relationship could work between them now. He had no idea how she felt about him anymore. He wasn't sure if she even wanted him. John seemed to think she did, but April's actions indicated otherwise. Every time Nick got too close to her, she pushed him away. And how could Nick even begin to think about a future with April when there was a serial killer out there somewhere? He had to solve this case first. He wouldn't be able to concentrate if he was thinking about April. Which was impossible not to do. He hadn't been able to get her out of his head since seeing her again. She was already distracting him, though by no fault of her own.

Then there was sweet, adorable little Brianna. Nick definitely planned to be a part of his daughter's life. He was pretty certain they could work out visiting arrangements, but dammit, he wasn't sure how well he would handle having to see April every time he picked up Brianna for a visit...didn't know if his heart could suffer such abuse again and again.

He pulled up to the lodge and sighed. He couldn't think about that right now. He had a killer to catch. And then...he'd let himself think about the future.

The Bonner County Sheriff's vehicle was still parked out front. Karen Williams' tan Buick was still in the lot as well, along with a black sedan that had to be an FBI-issued vehicle.

Reinforcements had arrived.

The presence of Karen Williams' vehicle could only mean April's reception of her mother had gone better than he'd imagined. But would April forgive him for sneaking out just as her mother arrived? As far as Nick was concerned, a relationship with her mother could only be a good thing.

Deputy Allen sat on the front porch swing. He nodded at Nick.

"Everything go okay while I was gone?" Nick asked.

"Yep. It's been pretty quiet." The deputy was a young man who couldn't be any older than twenty-two or twenty-three. He seemed eager and willing to help. Nick was glad for the extra help. It was less stressful for him when he had extra eyes, ears, and guns around.

"That's good." Nick motioned to the black sedan. "FBI?"

Deputy Allen nodded. "Yeah. They got here about a half hour ago. They're inside eating dinner. If you hurry, you can probably get some food before it's all gone. Peterson and I already ate."

Nick nodded and headed for the door. "If you need to trade off with someone soon so you can get some rest, just let me know."

Deputy Allen gave a quick nod of his head. "Will do."

As soon as Nick stepped inside the lodge, feminine laughter greeted his ears. It sounded like Karen. That was a good sign. He followed the sound to the dining room. As he rounded the corner, he spied Karen seated at the large dining room table with Brianna on her lap. Brianna had a crayon in her little hand and was coloring in a coloring book. A smile touched his lips. Mildred was on Karen's left with her ever-present yarn and crochet needle. The yarn object on the table in front of her looked like a hat for an infant. April sat on her mother's right, and across from the women sat the two FBI agents who had just arrived. Both men were nearly finished eating, their plates almost empty.

April's gaze jerked to his as he entered the room.

Karen looked up and smiled at him. "Hi Nick. Won't you join us? There's plenty of food."

He smiled and nodded politely to Karen. "Hello."

He glanced at April. Was she mad at him for Karen being there? Her expression gave nothing away.

The swinging door to the kitchen burst open and Tara swooped into the room with a plate that was overflowing with food. "Have a seat, Nick." She indicated the empty spot next to April and slid the plate onto the table for him. "There you go."

Nick's stomach growled. He hadn't eaten since breakfast. He'd been too worried about his conversation with John. He glanced at April again. She flushed and lowered her gaze. Nick sat down and picked up his fork. April stiffened next to him, but he didn't let that bother him. Somehow he'd find a way to loosen the tension between them. If only it could be like it had been before...but those days were long gone.

"This is Special Agent Joe Norton," Karen introduced, motioning to the fortyish sandy-blond haired man directly across from Nick. "And Special Agent Gabe Shaw." Agent Shaw was younger, mid-twenties, with dark hair and dark eyes.

Nick inclined his head to each of them. "Nick Miller. Thanks for coming." He shoveled a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth. He sliced off a chunk of ham, gobbled it down, sighing at the heavenly flavor of the food. It was just as good as it had been when Bernie was the cook.

Agent Norton stared at him with wide eyes. "As in The Nick Miller? The one who apprehended the infamous murderer and kidnapper John Williams?"

April tensed next to him.

The ham suddenly tasted like cardboard. Nick chewed, swallowed hard, forcing it down.

"The one and only."

"I heard about you," the younger agent, Gabe Shaw, said excitedly, joining the conversation. "That Williams guy was on the run for over twenty years. You were a celebrity. You were all over the news. You did what hardly anyone in history had ever done before."

Nick had lost his appetite. He glanced at April out of the corner of his eye. She was staring down at the tabletop, her face pale. The hand that sat in her lap was shaking. Nick lowered his arm and gently covered her hand with his beneath the table. She quivered at his touch, her gaze slamming into his then jerking away. Nick squeezed her hand. The color quickly returned to her face.

He couldn't be angry at the other agents, because they had no idea who April really was.

Nick glanced at Karen, who had also grown pale. She kept looking at April, then away. Brianna, fortunately, was oblivious to the conversation going on around her, and continued to color in the book. Mildred kept crocheting as if nothing untoward was happening.

Nick cleared his throat. "They made a bigger deal out of it than it really was. I didn't deserve the credit they gave me since John surrendered. I just happened to be the one he surrendered to."

April pulled her hand from his grasp. Nick felt her withdrawal like a slap to the face. But what did he expect?

Agent Norton chuckled. "A humble young agent is rare, but I understand you deserved the credit you got. You'd gone undercover and found him when no one else could. You did a fine job, if I say so myself. "

"Thanks," Nick mumbled. He picked up his fork and forced himself to take another bite. Trying to lighten the mood, he turned to April.

"This tastes like Bernie's cooking. Did you cook it?"

"No, I did." Tara stood by the kitchen door, watching him curiously. "And yes, those are the recipes Bernie left behind. April isn't much of a cook. That's one of the things she hired me to do."

Nick glanced back at April. "You never learned how to cook?"

April scowled. "I hate cooking. I'd rather clean out a stall."

Agents Shaw and Norton chuckled. Karen smiled at Nick, relief flickering across her face at the change of conversation. He was surprised by the genuine warmth in her eyes. As long as no one talked about John Williams again, everything would be fine.

Judging by the way April allowed Karen to hold Brianna on her lap, he imagined things had gone well between them at least. He longed to spend time with Brianna, too. But would April let him? He was unsure after the blatant reminder of his betrayal. The other agents had inadvertently rubbed salt into April's wound and Nick was helpless to try and wash it back out. Though April sat only a few feet away, the distance between them seemed like miles.

"But you don't have to clean stalls anymore," Tara reminded April. "That's also part of my job description."

April shrugged. "I still like it better than cooking."

Gabe Shaw smiled at Tara. "I love your cooking. Any time you want to try out a new recipe, I'll be your guinea pig."

Identical bright red spots appeared on each of Tara's cheeks. She smiled shyly and lowered her gaze. "Thanks."

Gabe cleared his throat. He rose to his feet. "Well. I'm going to take a quick nap so I'll be ready to trade off with Deputy Allen when he's ready. See you all later."

Joe Norton finished his meal and rose. "Me too. Thanks for the meal." He left the dining room.

April glanced at Tara. "Why'd you turn all red and tongue-tied? I've never known you to be tongue-tied before."

Tara's blush deepened. "Yeah, well, I've never been around a man like him before either."

Karen's soft laughter filled the room. She and Mildred exchanged a glance.

Tara sighed, then muttered something under her breath that Nick couldn't make out. She cleaned up the men's plates.

Brianna glanced up from the coloring book. She looked at Nick. "Will you color with me Nick?"

His heart melted. He smiled at her. "Of course I will." He glanced at April. She nodded. Nick slid the plate aside. He came around the table and sat across from Karen and Brianna. "Which page do you want me to color?"

Brianna's smile grew big. "That one!" She slid the coloring book across the table toward him.

Nick selected a crayon and colored in the book. Brianna leaned forward and watched. He glanced up once and met Karen's gaze. Her eyes sparkled with genuine happiness. Maybe now April and her mother could make amends and Brianna could have a grandmother.

He thought of his own parents. What would they think when he told them he had a daughter? They'd be delighted. He couldn't wait for them to meet Brianna. But first he had to work things out with April. At least to the point of her allowing him to take Brianna on visits to Arizona. He'd rather it be more than that, but he didn't dare hope for too much right now.

He would have to take this slowly and not push April for any more time with Brianna than she was willing to give. He'd have to give his daughter time to get used to him first. The fact that April was letting him color with Brianna was a good sign. It meant she wasn't adverse to him spending time with Brianna.

Would she allow more soon?

What about her? Did he stand a chance of a future with April? Dare he bring up the subject with her? Did she still care about him as her father believed? Or was that simply wishful thinking on John's part?

Nick glanced up from the coloring book and glanced at April. She was watching him with what could only be described as pure longing on her face. His gaze met hers. Her cheeks reddened. Awareness crackled between them. Nick's heart came to life in his chest. His pulse quickened. Now that was something he hadn't just imagined.

He smiled at her. He couldn't resist.

Her lips curved. Something flashed in her eyes. Something that gave him hope.

His heart squeezed. Maybe they had a chance...

His chest filling with emotions he hadn't experienced in a long time, Nick lowered his gaze.

Dammit, this was bad timing. He couldn't allow himself to get distracted by her. Not yet.

A killer lurked somewhere out there. A killer who was hunting April.

And she wasn't safe until Nick caught him.

Nick had always prided himself on his self-control. When he got involved in a case, he kept at it until it was solved. Nothing distracted him.

But when it came to April, he had no control.

She was his one and only weakness.

* * *

He lowered the binoculars and settled back into the blind. He'd had to change trees last night. His first tree had been perfect, until he discovered he couldn't see the backyard. The first tree had given him an excellent view from the front of the lodge. He could see whoever came and went. The only problem was he couldn't see anything going on anywhere else. So he'd removed his gear and climbed down, selecting a new tree into the forest at the back of the property. Now he had a great view of the backyard and the stables where he was certain April would go from time to time. She had to feed the horses. He decided this was a better watch tower than before. The only problem was now he wouldn't know who came and went. He'd have to find a way to sneak the messages in without one of the cops seeing him. He wanted to drop one on the front porch and one on the back.

Stealth was his middle name. He'd just wait until it got a little darker and the cops watching the back and front doors got a little too comfortable. Then he'd sneak in the notes and slip out without anyone knowing.

He'd hidden the Jeep back in the trees where no one would find it. He'd left his prisoner inside. Even if the prisoner awoke and thrashed around in the Jeep, no one would hear. He'd go back for his prisoner when he was ready. Until then, the prisoner would just have to wait. He had bigger fish to fry.

He lifted the binoculars again. The cops were changing places. One of the FBI agents was settling into the chair the sheriff's deputy vacated. The guy was probably tired from the drive here, so tonight would be a good time to sneak the notes in.

He lowered the binoculars again. It wouldn't be long now. He would just watch and wait for the precise moment. He could shimmy down the tree faster than anyone could shout. And then he'd be back up in the blind before anyone realized where he'd gone.

Just a little longer now.

And he'd make his move.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

After tucking Brianna into bed, April stepped out into the hallway. She'd explained to Brianna as gently as she could that Nick was her father and that he planned to be a part of her life now, but only if Brianna wanted him to. Brianna had absorbed the information in silence. Then she'd whispered, "I always wanted a daddy. Can we ask him to stay here with us?"

If only it were that simple.

"We'll see," April had whispered back. She'd kissed Brianna's forehead, then left the room.

Nick stood out in the hallway, obviously waiting for her. He'd colored with Brianna at the table, then sat on the couch with her in his lap while he read her a couple of stories before bed. Her mother had gone to bed early and April told Mildred she could have the rest of the evening to herself so Nick could have a chance to spend time with his daughter. April had been unable to keep from hovering close by, just in case. But Nick didn't seem to mind. He was a natural at fatherhood. She imagined her life would have been easier if she'd told him the truth when she first found out she was pregnant. She couldn't deny it would have been easier taking care of Brianna if Nick had been around to help her.

She couldn't change the past or what she'd done. All she could do was try to make amends by allowing him to get to know his daughter now.

No matter how much it hurt being so close to him again.

Nick's gaze met hers. "Can we talk for a minute?"

Her heart kicked against her ribs. She wasn't sure what he wanted to talk about, but she had many things she needed to say to him. Things she should have said long ago. Things she'd been thinking about all day while he'd been gone visiting her father. Could she summon up enough courage to say what she needed to say?

He followed her down the hallway and the staircase to the large living room with Bernie's numerous stuffed animal heads. Some people might find the heads creepy, but April found them soothing. Bernie's lodge had been a place of solace for her and her father. It was now a place she considered home. The animal heads were a part of Bernie that he'd left behind.

She perched on the edge of Bernie's favorite leather chair. Nick strolled around the room, gazing up at the animal heads. April waited a moment in silence. It was time to say what she needed to say. Time she got it off her shoulders.

She cleared her throat. Nick paused, turning to look at her. She stammered, "I-I just wanted to apologize for not telling you about Brianna sooner. I want to make things right, if I can. I won't stop you from seeing her whenever you want. And I imagine your parents will want to see her. They have a right to. But I'd like to go with her when you take her to Arizona, at least the first few times, until she gets more comfortable around you." She was talking way too fast. She lowered her gaze.

Nick stepped in front of her. She looked up.

"Thank you." The gentle sincerity of his words and the kindness and gratitude in his gaze made her heart clench. But that was just Nick. "I'd like that. That's what I was going to ask you about, taking her to Arizona."

She swallowed. Nodded. She'd never been nervous around him before, but ever since she'd seen him again in Ogden, she'd been overcome with nerves. She wasn't the same girl she'd been six years ago. She'd lost her impulsiveness, her carefree nature. Now she planned things out, considered her options carefully before making decisions. Though she longed to throw herself into his arms and have him hold her tight, she remained stiffly in the chair. Things would never be the way they'd once been. But now she'd had six years to dwell on it. Nick wasn't the bad guy and he'd never meant to hurt her. He'd only been trying to do the right thing. Her father had broken the law.

And another thing was now clear to her: her mother hadn't deserved her contempt. Having a child of her own made April realize what her mother must have gone through. Her mother showing up here had forced April to acknowledge her.

She took a deep breath and pulled her gaze back to his. "My mother's...not what I expected."

His gaze softened. "I want to apologize for your mother showing up like she did. It was my fault and I'm sorry."

April lowered her gaze. "I don't blame you. I think she's just as stubborn and willful as me." She let out a nervous laugh. "I actually like having her here."

Nick smiled. "I'm glad you and your mother are working things out. All I've ever wanted was for you to be happy."

Her heart pinched. Tears blurred her vision. She jerked her gaze away. "Thank you." She cleared her throat again, blinked rapidly.

He knelt before her chair.

She pulled her gaze back to his. What was he doing? Mesmerized by his beautiful eyes, she couldn't look away. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the thick sides of the chair, caging her in.

"What..." She took a deep breath. "...are you doing?"

"Testing the waters." He leaned farther into the chair until she was pressed as far back as she could into the thick leather. There was no escape. Her heart galloped out of control and she couldn't seem to rein it in. Part of her wanted to lean into him, the other part of her wanted to flee. Her breath came in shallow pants as his face came closer...

Her eyelids drifted closed as his lips brushed hers, lightly, then retreated. Then again. And once more, just a soft whisper of his mouth against hers, teasing her, making her want more. His fingers slid into her hair, his warm breath soft against her lips. A sigh escaped her.

He leaned back.

Her eyelids fluttered open, her gaze locking on his. He studied her a moment in silence.

"The April I used to know wasn't timid or shy. She actually made the first move."

Heat swam into her cheeks. "I'm not that girl anymore."

A smile touched his lips. "I know. And that's partially my fault." He hesitated a moment, his hand falling away from her hair. "Do you still care for me?"

To her horror, her hand reached up all on its own, her fingers gently stroking his face. He turned his cheek into her palm. He sighed. His gaze darkened as it continued to hold hers. She would always care about him.

She jerked her head in a quick nod. "Yes."

He closed his eyes briefly. Relief swept across his face. Had he been afraid of her response? He opened his eyes and stared at her lips. Heat shot through her. He made her weak. Resisting his pull was difficult. She wanted him to kiss her more than anything. Wanted to lean into him and let herself feel the magic only Nick could make her feel...

But what would happen afterwards? Could she let herself get that close again to the one man who'd broken her heart? The only man she'd ever loved? What would happen after he caught the killer and went back to Arizona? Could her heart handle that? Could she? What did she want? And could she handle it?

"Nick." Her voice sounded breathless and needy. She was so pathetic.

His gaze softened. He reached up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. "Does it make you uncomfortable having me here?"

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath. She let out a nervous laugh and looked at him. "Yes." But only because I'm terrified of falling in love with you again.

He leaned away, his gaze watchful, guarded. "Would it be better if I left?"

No! I need you here. I want you to stay with me. Forever. She drew in a sharp breath. Her eyes filled with tears. That would never happen. Nick had his job. His life in Arizona. She had her life here. She pulled her hand away from his face.

His gaze filled with disappointment. And...hurt.

It was time to explain some things to him.

She cleared her throat. "All my life I just wanted to be me," she whispered, looking anywhere but at him. "I hated it whenever my father made us move and I had to change my name again, pretend to be someone I wasn't. You're the only person I was ever able to just be myself around. Even when I had to be 'Rebecca' or 'Sammie' I was still able to be me. You were the only person who truly 'got' me, who understood me."

She drew in a deep breath, forced herself to look into his eyes. "But I don't even know who I am anymore, Nick. After you left, I just fell apart. My father was gone and Bernie didn't know what to do with me. He cursed you up and down, said if he ever saw you again, he'd mount your head up on the wall with his animals."

Nick's lips twitched. He rose to his feet, held his hand out to her. She hesitated, then placed her hand in his. He pulled her to her feet and led her across the room to the big leather couch. He sat in the corner, urging her down onto the couch. April sank down next to him. His arm came around her and drew her back against him. He ran his fingers through her hair, gently stroking. She sighed.

It felt so good to be held again. It had been so long. Nick always knew how to make her relax. Make her feel comfortable. Safe. Loved.

Loved? If only...

She cleared her throat again. "What I was trying to say..."

He turned his head and looked at her, all the while continuing to stroke her hair.

"My whole life I've had to keep my true identity a secret. And now I'm not really me anymore. I lost myself when you left. And I changed. I've spent the past six years trying to be someone I wasn't, and now I'm not even sure who I am."

He cupped her cheek in his hand, turning her face toward his. "You don't have to hide behind a false alias anymore, April."

"Yes, I do."

"Why?" His gaze probed hers. "There's no need to hide who you are."

She pushed away from him and rose from the couch. "You don't understand." Her throat closed up. She forced back tears. She used to be so afraid of what people thought of her, what they'd say if they discovered who her father was. Not anymore. Now her fear was Nick and how he made her feel. To admit the whole truth was to admit she still loved him. That she wasn't herself without him. Some people had "other halves" that made them complete, while others were perfectly fine on their own. Nick had been her other half. She had never been her true self without him. Without Nick, she'd never been whole.

Her legs trembled. Oh God.

Was that really why she was so afraid to be herself again? Was that really why she was hiding? Because she didn't know how to be herself without him?

He rose from the couch. "I understand more than you think. I don't think you lost yourself completely. You just became someone stronger. You put up barriers to protect yourself. Deep down inside, you're still you." He stepped closer, forcing her to look at him. "Once you realize you don't have to hide anymore, you'll be able to be the person you want to be. Only you can be who you truly want."

A tear trickled down her cheek. He still didn't understand. She couldn't be her without him. She needed him. She turned her face away. She didn't want to need him. She was a strong, independent woman, dammit.

Everyone needs someone. It's okay to be weak once in a while.

Nick brushed the tear away. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I think you know I'd do anything for you. And if I can help you find yourself again, I will. Just name it."

Nick's cellphone rang. He pulled it from his pocket, answering it as he turned away from her.

"Miller. What's up?"

He slowly turned back around, his gaze settling on her. His expression hardened.

Her heart thudded against her ribs. Something was up.

"Shit."

The color seeped out of his face. He lowered the phone.

"That was Gabe. Someone just delivered you another note at the back door."
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

I'm here, pretty girl. You can't escape me now. You're mine.

April lowered the note. Her hand shook as she handed it back to Nick. Gabe had told Nick he'd turned his head to listen to something Tara said and when he'd turned back, the note was lying on the porch at his feet.

Nick had awakened everyone and notified them of what was going on. He'd warned them all to be alert and careful and not to venture outside. April's mother and Mildred had both gone back to bed at April's urging. She didn't want them worrying about her. Nick and the other law enforcement officers would keep them all safe.

This guy was out there somewhere, watching her. Somewhere close. He now knew where she lived. Nick had been right. She'd led him right to her home. Now Brianna was in danger. And Tara and Mildred. Her mother...

She'd put them all in danger because she'd ignored Nick's warning that she'd be leading the killer right to her home. Now what would she do? She had to protect her friends and family. Her employees.

Hey, pretty girl...

A chill crept down her spine as she recalled that day the escaped con had attacked her out in the barn six years ago. His creepy, raspy voice, evil eyes and big, rough hands...

April shuddered. Had that escaped con come back for her? Was he out of prison now? The thought of that evil man anywhere near Brianna terrified her. She shivered.

Nick wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Squeezed.

Agents Shaw and Norton were back outside, one guarding the front door, the other the back. But April didn't feel safe anymore. This guy was too close. She had a feeling if he could sneak a note under Agent Shaw's nose, then it would be easy for him to get her and drag her out.

Or snatch Brianna.

The thought chilled her to the bone.

"I was thinking," she said, pulling away from Nick. "What about that escaped con who attacked me out in the barn six years ago? What if he's out now? What if it's him?"

The front door to the lodge burst open before Nick could respond. Agent Norton strode into the room. "You're not going to believe this."

April focused on the envelope he held in his right hand. Her breath caught. Another one? So soon?

Nick took the envelope from him. He paled. "It's addressed to me. The same handwriting as the one he stuck under my door."

"At the hotel?" April's heart pounded. This was getting too serious now.

He nodded. His jaw tightened. He gently opened the envelope and unfolded the paper. April leaned over his arm to read it.

I've got you right where I want you, Nick the Nerd. Know who I am yet?

Agent Norton met Nick's gaze. "That arrogant son-of-a-bitch! He's playing a game. It's almost like he knows you."

Nick let out a snort. "He does." He glanced down at April. "I didn't want to tell you this before, but I know who he is. And so do you."

"I do?" The blood drained from her face. "How? Who is he?" Was it Steve? Had she been wrong about him? Was he the killer? Or was it that creepy escaped con? She shivered again, hugged herself.

Nick glanced at Agent Norton. "Could you give us a minute?"

"No problem." Norton turned and went back outside.

While April waited, Nick gathered his thoughts. Then he met her gaze. "Remember the day we met?"

"Of course." How could she forget? "Daisy caused a stampede and ruined the Junior Dairy Show. Then she dragged you around the arena and stomped on your stomach."

His lips twitched, but his eyes remained dead serious. "And after that?"

"Then a bunch of bullies started harassing you, so I challenged them to show Daisy themselves. Big Mouth Jeremy Bishop took her rope and she dragged him away, slamming him into the rail. It was pretty funny. I think she dislocated his shoulder or something." April held his gaze. "Is that what you were talking about?"

"Yes. And later, he hurt you, remember? The night when I had dinner at your house and you walked me halfway home?"

She'd forgotten about that humiliating moment. "Yeah. He was a jerk. I hated him."

Nick's hands rested on her shoulders. "He hated you too, April. Remember I warned you about him? Told you not to egg him on, but you did it anyway. You weren't afraid of anything back then."

She swallowed. She couldn't look away from his intense gaze. "You think the killer is Jeremy Bishop?" She let out a disbelieving snort. "I didn't do anything to him that would make him hold a grudge for over twelve years. I just stood up for you when no one else would."

Nick winced.

"I'm sorry." She touched his arm. "I didn't mean it like that."

He shrugged. "It's true. You did stand up for me when no one else would." He let go of her arms and turned away. "He's the only one who called me Nick the Nerd. And I saw his face when you called him a big mouth and when you stomped on his foot. He was livid. I'm telling you, April, he hated you. It was probably a good thing you and your father left Tucson when you did or he might have done something terrible to you."

He turned back around. April searched his gaze. A myriad of emotions flickered across his face: worry, anger, frustration...

She straightened her spine. She wasn't a weakling, dammit. She wasn't afraid of Jeremy Bishop.

"I hope it is Jeremy Bishop. I'm not afraid of him. That scrawny punk can't hurt me."

She turned away. Nick grabbed her arm. "That scrawny punk may have killed six women, April. And what makes you think he's still scrawny? He could have grown into a giant for all we know."

Her heart thudded against her ribs. "You're scaring me," she whispered. "And I hate being afraid."

He sighed. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to be afraid."

"Are you afraid of him?" The bully who'd picked on him as a kid may have come back into his life to torment him. She wouldn't blame him if he was afraid.

Nick choked out a soft laugh and drew her into his arms. "No, I'm not afraid. I'm pissed. I want to catch this son-of-a-bitch."

She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing tight. She would not let Jeremy Bishop hurt Nick or her friends and family. And he sure as hell wouldn't get to her. She'd take the bastard out before he hurt anyone else. She didn't care how big he was.

"When I was a kid I used to wish I could be brave like you," Nick murmured against her hair. "You were such a brave little thing. It took me years to acquire what just came naturally to you."

She stepped back and lifted her gaze to his.

"I'm not afraid of this guy, Nick. I know you'll catch him."

He dragged her back against him and buried his face in her hair. "Damn right I will."

He said it almost desperately, as if he was trying to convince himself of that fact.

April vowed not to let this creep hurt anyone else.

If Nick couldn't stop him, she would.

* * *

Nick sat at the dining room table with the file Craig had emailed him on Jeremy Bishop spread out in front of him. He'd waited until April had gone to bed, then uploaded the file and printed it out with April's printer. He hadn't wanted her to see what was in the file for fear it would scare her. Hell, it scared him. Nick shivered at the thought of Jeremy Bishop, even all these years later. There was just something evil and creepy about that guy.

Jeremy had lived a rough life. His father, Jeremy Sr., was currently on death row at the Arizona Browning Unit at the state prison complex just outside of Florence for the brutal murder of Jeremy's mother, Caroline. The murder had occurred when Jeremy Jr. was seventeen, which would have been shortly after April left Tucson. Nick had known that much, because he'd seen it on the news back then. Jeremy had been the one to discover his mother's body, which Nick hadn't known. She'd been beaten to death with a baseball bat that was found in Jeremy Jr.'s closet. Nick's stomach churned. It had to have been a gruesome and traumatizing experience for a seventeen-year-old to find his mother that way.

The report stated Jeremy Jr. had been sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Phoenix, where he'd quickly started getting into trouble with the law. His first charge was battery and attempted rape of a sixteen-year-old girl. Since Jeremy had been a juvenile at the time, he'd only served a few months in a juvenile delinquent center, been placed on a probationary period, and participated in a required amount of community service hours. A year later he joined the Marine Corps and served two tours of duty before receiving a dishonorable discharge for desertion. Why had Jeremy deserted? Had he been unable to handle it? Or had he had another reason for leaving? The military never punished him for the desertion. Nick suspected it was because they couldn't find him and didn't take the time to try to track him down. After being discharged from the Marine Corps, Jeremy worked at various jobs until he was again arrested, this time for rape. He was convicted of the rape charge and sentenced to six years, but he only served twenty-four months before being released. He disappeared after his release and had been off the grid for more than a year. Jeremy's prison photo gave Nick the willies. Something cold and evil lurked beneath those steel blue eyes. His military records indicated he was five-foot-nine and weighed one hundred and sixty pounds. Not a big man by any means, but not scrawny anymore either. His release had been only a few months before the first murder in Tucson.

Coincidence?

Nick glanced at Jeremy's most current address and the hair stood up on the back of his neck. He lived less than two blocks from where Nick's condo was located in Phoenix. A chill slithered down his spine. Had Jeremy been watching him? Keeping tabs on him? What did this guy want? Now the first two murders were starting to make sense. Jeremy had planted those bodies close to Nick intentionally to try to lure him out. To get him to take the case. But why? What did he want with Nick?

Nick had also asked Craig to check into Johnny Whitehorse, the escaped con who'd attacked April out in the barn six years ago. The man had a long rap sheet. Theft. Assault. Attempted rape. He'd been released from prison about a year ago also. He now worked as an auto mechanic in Bozeman, Montana. Craig had placed a call to the guy's parole officer to check his whereabouts. He'd gotten a voicemail. Craig had told Nick he'd let him know when he heard back from the P.O. about where Johnny Whitehorse was.

Groaning in frustration, Nick leaned back in the chair. His gut told him the killer was Jeremy Bishop, but he couldn't rule out Johnny Whitehorse or Steve Jones yet.

His head throbbed. What did this creep want? Nick rubbed a hand over the back of his neck, trying to relieve the strain on his tired muscles. What he needed was sleep. But how could he sleep knowing that bastard was out there somewhere?

He let out a long breath, closed his eyes. The lodge was quiet. So quiet that the sound of the back door creaking open had him instantly on alert.

His eyes flew open. His hand flashed to the gun in his shoulder holster.

Soft footsteps headed his way.

He sat up in the chair.

Tara entered the room.

Nick released his hold on the gun.

Tara smiled tiredly at him and sank into a chair across the table. She motioned to the papers spread out before him.

"What you got there?"

Nick gathered the paperwork and stacked it together in a pile, placing it face down in front of him. He'd forgotten she'd gone out to sit with Agent Shaw. She'd been out there for several hours.

"Trust me, you don't want to know." He yawned.

"Secret FBI information?" She smiled across the table at him.

Nick couldn't help but smile back. "Something like that. Why aren't you in bed? It's almost two."

She shrugged. "It was more fun sitting outside talking with Gabe." She sighed dreamily and wrapped her arms around herself.

Nick chuckled. "I know you like him, but you need to be careful about distracting him from doing his job."

"I didn't distract him." She huffed out a breath. "I helped him keep a lookout. It's pitch black out there in the trees. I can see why the killer was able to sneak up to the back porch without Gabe even knowing. You ought to hook up some flood lights or something so we can see out there."

Nick hadn't even thought of that. "We'll check into it tomorrow." He gathered up the paperwork and stood.

"I know April's not who she pretends to be."

Nick turned back to her. He had no idea what, if anything, April had told Tara about her past. But he was pretty certain she wouldn't want him to divulge that information to anyone. "How do you know this?"

She shrugged. "I figured it out a while ago. She disappears one Sunday every month. She's gone all day and when she gets back, she's distracted, melancholy. I wondered where she went that made her so sad and why she was so secretive about it. Then one day when I went out and got the mail, there was a letter from the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. The sender's name in the top corner said 'John Williams.' Since April's last name is Huntington, at first I thought maybe it was a letter from Brianna's father, that his last name was Williams. When I asked April about it, she said it was none of my business and after that she wouldn't let me get the mail."

Nick sighed and sank back into the chair, rubbing a hand over his face. He wanted to hear the rest of Tara's story. If she had discovered April's true identity, others could easily do so as well.

"Go on." He removed his hand from his face and looked at her across the table.

She smiled, warming to her tale. "So, I decided to research the name 'John Williams' and you'll never guess what I found."

Nick rolled his eyes at her dramatic rendition. "I can imagine."

She wrinkled her nose. "Stop mocking me. You already know all this, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I was completely shocked to discover John Williams was the infamous murderer and kidnapper who had eluded law enforcement for over twenty years and that he'd finally been apprehended by a young hotshot FBI agent named Nick Miller." She lifted a finger and pointed it across the table at him. "You."

Nick buried his face in his hand again. Hell. All that recognition he'd wanted when he first joined the FBI was way more than he wanted now. If he could just go back and change the outcome of that night...

"Of course, I didn't realize who you were at first, because you just introduced yourself to everyone as Agent Miller. But then Gabe and Joe mentioned it at dinner last night and I realized that was how April knew you. Poor girl looked like she was going to pass out."

He peeked out at her from between his fingers.

"You love her, don't you?" Her gaze was sympathetic.

Nick removed his hand from his eyes and met her gaze across the table. "Does April know you know all this?"

"No." She shook her head back and forth. "She would probably fire me. She's very secretive about her past and her personal life. I finally figured out she goes and visits her father at the prison one Sunday each month." She looked away for a moment, tapped her fingernails against the tabletop. "Knowing all of this now, it makes sense why she's the way she is." Her gaze returned to his.

"What do you mean?"

"She's a hard person to get to know, but I'm sure you know that."

No, he didn't. April had been open and honest with him from the start, except for the truth about her identity. But he couldn't blame her for that. He and April had connected instantly and he'd always believed he knew her better than anyone else. How much had she changed over the past six years?

"No, I don't know what you mean. Explain."

"Well, for one, I've worked for her for three years now and I don't really know her. She never shares personal things with me like most girls would, we never go out and do fun girl things together. It's strictly a professional working relationship. But sometimes I can see in her eyes that she wants to be friends, yet it's almost like she's afraid to open herself up. And she's aloof with the road crew and her other staff. I was talking with some of the crew members at the Ogden show and we all agreed that none of us really know her. She's a mystery."

A small ache pierced Nick's chest. The April he'd known hadn't been afraid of anything. The April Tara had just described was terrified of being herself, afraid to open up to others. Which explained why she was still hiding behind a false alias.

"It's partially my fault."

Tara's interested stare skewered him. He looked away.

"I figured as much. I've seen the way you look at her. Hell, I've seen the way all men look at her. But the others don't look at her the way you do, with such...tenderness, with...regret. What happened between you two? I'm just dying with curiosity."

Hell, was he that obvious? He rose to his feet with the file on Jeremy Bishop.

"You're not getting any information out of me. Goodnight."

He turned on his heel and left, Tara's disappointed sigh following after him.

Nick's lips twitched, but he quickly sobered. The fact that Tara had so easily discovered April's true identity worried him. If Tara had found out the truth, then anyone else could too. Though Nick believed it was past time for April to stop hiding behind a fake identity, April wasn't ready yet.

It might be a good idea to let April know her secret wasn't so secret anymore.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

"April, you need to see this."

April reached the bottom of the stairs and paused. She'd slept in later than normal since she'd been up half the night tossing and turning. Her mother rose from the couch in the living room and came toward her. She was holding a newspaper. The look on her mother's face made April's heart plummet. Where had she gotten the paper? April didn't like newspapers in general. They made her uncomfortable with the "hottest news." Throughout her childhood, her father had always read the paper, almost religiously. Now she knew why. It had alerted him to "danger." Helped him stay ahead of capture. Though she was sometimes mentioned in the paper, especially just before or after a show, she tried to ignore it, and she didn't encourage it. She liked her privacy too much. If reporters chose to mention her every once in a while, she couldn't stop them.

But her mother's tone alerted April she wasn't going to like whatever was in today's paper.

"What is it? Where'd you get the paper?"

"Deputy Allen brought it when he came back from the store this morning." She paused, met April's gaze. "Everyone knows the truth now."

The breath snagged in April's throat. "What?" She gasped. "What are you talking about?"

Her mother took her arm and gently led her into the dining room. "Sit first, then I'll give it to you." She pushed April into a chair, then handed her the paper. "It's front page news."

April's hand shook as she took the paper from her mother and forced herself to look at the headline: From Living on the Run to Living in Fame: Beloved Horse Trainer Has Been Pretending to be Someone She's Not and Her Fans Aren't Happy About It. The article went on to explain how April was the daughter of the infamous murderer and kidnapper John Williams, that she had changed her name and fooled her fans into thinking she was someone she wasn't. The writer had interviewed some of April's fans, who had made comments such as, "She lied to us. Now we don't know what to believe." And, "She's a fraud. I'll never go to another one of her shows."

April lowered the paper. She thought she might throw up. She couldn't read anymore. Who had told the press? How had it gotten out? She'd been so careful to keep her true identity a secret. Now everyone knew she'd lied.

"If you read the rest," her mother motioned to the paper, "you'll see that not everyone cares. In fact, I'll bet most of them don't. They love you anyway."

April read a few more lines. Other fans hadn't seemed bothered at all that April was the daughter of a convicted felon. They still loved her. The reporter had ended the article with: So will the revealing of Ms. Huntington's secret affect her career? Probably not. She is a celebrity, after all, and celebrities just wouldn't be celebrities without some type of scandal.

April lowered the paper again, mulled over the reporter's words.

The unusual silence in the lodge penetrated her senses. She glanced up at her mother. "Where is everyone?"

Karen cleared her throat. "Nick was in the game room playing Candy Land with Brianna when I came in here earlier. Mildred was sitting in a chair next to them making another infant hat. Tara and Agent Shaw went out to feed the horses a few minutes ago. The sheriff's deputies are sitting at their posts guarding the house. And Agent Norton is unpacking the floodlights out back. Nick decided it would be a good idea to light the yard up at night to make it harder for the killer to get close to the house without being seen."

April waved the paper at her mother. "Do they all know about this?"

Her mother hesitated. "Deputy Allen does. I'm not sure about the others. I asked him if I could read it and he handed it to me. But he didn't say anything. I'm sure he'll keep it to himself."

April snorted. "Keep it to himself...The whole world knows now." She jumped up from the table just as the door to the game room opened. Brianna came into the room, followed by Nick and Mildred. Seconds later the back door opened and Tara entered the dining room.

"Mommy!" Brianna flung herself into April's arms. "Daddy played Candy Land with me. I was the winner."

April jerked her gaze to Nick's. Was he okay with Brianna calling him "Daddy" so soon? He smiled at her, obviously okay with it. He even looked pleased. April hugged her daughter to her. Brianna's easy acceptance of Nick and willingness to call him "Daddy" warmed that cold place in April's heart. She was glad Nick was here getting to know Brianna. Would he disappear when this was over? "That was nice of him. Sounds like you had fun."

She glanced up at Nick again as his gaze settled on the newspaper she'd left sitting on the table. His face drained of color. Obviously he hadn't seen it until now. His gaze flew across the room to Tara. Nick snatched up the paper and thrust it at Tara.

"You wouldn't have any idea who leaked this story now would you?" His tone was accusatory.

Tara reddened. "What story?" She took the paper from him, perused it. Her gaze darted to April, then back to Nick. "It wasn't me!" She hurried across the room to April's side. "I swear I didn't tell anyone."

April drew in a shaky breath. "You knew? How?"

Tara lowered her gaze. She shrugged. "I figured it out a while ago, but I kept it to myself. I never told anyone. Please don't fire me. I need this job."

April rubbed her temple. "I'm not going to fire you, Tara. But what would make Nick think you'd told someone? And how did he know you knew?"

Tara glanced at Nick, who had come up to stand next to April. Tara and Nick exchanged a long glance. Nick said, "She told me last night she knew the truth. I was going to mention to you today that if Tara had figured it out, you might need to be prepared for others figuring it out too, but I never got the chance." He motioned to the paper. "You can't let this upset you, April."

"We can send out a press release or something." Tara eyed April earnestly. "I can draft it for you if you want. We'll let everyone know you're just a very private person and were embarrassed about what your father did—"

April glared at Tara. "I'm not embarrassed of my father! He only did what he did because he loved me." Okay, that wasn't entirely true. She was embarrassed of how she'd had to live and was afraid of what people would think of her if they knew her father was a convicted felon. That's why she kept her true identity so well guarded. She'd been hiding for so long that she was afraid to be herself. She didn't know how to be herself anymore.

A tense silence followed her outburst. Tara stared at the floor. Her mother stood to the side, her face white. Nick's contemplative gaze remained on April's face. She swallowed. She could only imagine what he was thinking. She'd reacted defensively. He knew that. He knew her better than anyone.

She sighed. "I'm sorry Mom." She turned to her mother. The word "mom" came easier than she'd expected it to and it felt right.

Karen shook her head. "No, no, you have nothing to be sorry for." She patted April on the back. "I'm fine. Really."

Another tense silence followed. Mildred stepped forward. "Brianna, isn't it time for school now?" Though Mildred home schooled Brianna for kindergarten so April wouldn't have to worry about getting her to and from an outside school, April would now have to change that, beginning with the next school season. Brianna would start first grade next year. April had to prepare herself for letting Brianna out of her sight each day. She had the summer months to prepare herself for that. It was okay to be overprotective of Brianna, but her overprotectiveness bordered on paranoia. It was because of the way she'd grown up. She'd vowed her daughter would be protected and had the security and stability April had lacked as a child. April was now beginning to realize she could protect Brianna and give her a secure and stable environment without keeping her so sheltered. It was time to loosen the reins a bit.

"Yeah!" Brianna bounced up and down. "I love learning time."

Mildred took Brianna's hand and led her from the room.

Tara glanced up at April. "Do you want me to get started on that press release now? What if we say you weren't trying to deceive anyone, that you weren't hiding anything, that you just use a stage name like a lot of celebrities..."

But she was hiding. She was a coward who didn't want the world to know her father was a convicted felon. April lowered her gaze. Perhaps Nick was right. Perhaps it was time she stopped hiding. The thought made her stomach churn.

"Or how about you tell me what to say," Tara added quickly.

April had no clue what to say. She wasn't very good with words. That was why she had an assistant. She glanced at Nick. He would know what to say. "Would you help her write it up?"

Surprise flickered in his eyes. "I'd be glad to."

They all sat at the table and Tara pulled a notepad off the shelf next to the wall. Nick's concerned gaze met April's. He was worried about her. She was worried too. She had no idea how to deal with this. She was afraid of what her fans would think of her now. She trusted Nick to say the right thing in the press release. When he reached over and squeezed her hand in reassurance, she squeezed back. Nick would make everything all right. He didn't think she needed to hide anymore. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to come out of hiding.

"I like your idea, Tara." She looked across the table at her assistant. "Put that in there. It sounds legit. Fans probably won't question it. And mention that anyone who feels deceived can return their tickets for a full refund."

Tara glanced up from the notebook. "Those are non-refundable tickets."

April nodded. "I know. But if they're not happy, they can have their money back."

"Okay...But we've only got a little bit of money left in the checking account."

April waved away Tara's concern. "If anyone wants their money back, we'll find a way to give it to them."

A moment of silence stretched around the table. "I've been thinking..." April began, "after this year's show schedule is over, I don't think I'll go on tour anymore. I don't like being away from Brianna so much."

Tara nodded, the pen held ready. "So you'll just do your television show?"

Her mother, who sat to April's left, reached over and grabbed April's hand, giving it a squeeze.

April took a deep breath. "Yeah. And I'll open the ranch to clients who want one-on-one instruction. Instead of clinics in different towns, people can bring their horses to me to learn. We've got fifteen guest rooms here. Let's say we offer one-on-one clinics here at the ranch. We can limit each clinic to ten people. We've got twelve stalls out in the barn, plus the corrals, and the pastures. We can have clinics here. And I won't have to travel anymore."

Tara's hand flew across the notepad as she wrote down April's suggestion. She grinned. "I like that idea. How much do we charge them?"

"I don't know. We'll get into that later. You can research how much others are charging for similar services. Let's just get the press release done for now. We'll mention the new one-on-one clinic and ask clients to contact us if they're interested. Then we can go from there."

Nick's gaze landed on her. "You're amazing," he whispered. "You didn't need me to write the press release."

Her cheeks flamed. She lowered her gaze. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her mother beaming at them.

It would be the first time since Bernie's death that they would have strangers at the ranch.

I can handle it.

Tara rose from the table. "I'll go get the press release typed up, then I'll print out a final for your review."

"Thanks Tara."

Tara left the room.

The front door opened and closed. Deputy Allen strode in and dropped a pile of mail on the table next to April. "Here's your mail."

April glanced down at the stack of mail. She flipped through a couple of bills, letters that appeared to be from fans, ads, then paused on one in the middle of the stack. She stared at the sender's name and address.

No way.

Steve Jones.

Steve lived in Coeur d'Alene? She'd had no idea he was so close. What the hell was Steve up to now?

"What is it?" Nick asked.

She lifted the envelope. "It's from Steve."

Nick tensed next to her. "Do you want me to open it?"

April hesitated. She wasn't afraid of Steve. She didn't think he was the killer. Not anymore. Besides, Nick believed Jeremy Bishop was the prime suspect.

"No, I can handle it." She tore open the envelope and pulled out a sheet of paper. Her mother shifted in her seat, her hand again grabbing April's and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

April cleared her throat, then read the typed message aloud: "Thanks for having me arrested. That was real nice of you. Must be how your dad feels, hmm? But I'm free now and you can't touch me again. To get even, I decided to tell the world who you really are. Did you see the newspaper? Looks like you have some unhappy fans. Oh dear. Whatever will you do?" He'd signed his name at the bottom.

April let out a snort. She couldn't believe he'd signed the letter, as if he was bragging about what he'd done. She glanced at Nick. "I don't suppose you can arrest him for this?"

Nick shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. He has the right to freedom of speech. Unless he actually threatens you, I can't do anything."

April let out a frustrated groan and tossed the letter onto the table. "Well, now I know who leaked the story to the press. I'm not surprised. He's had it out for me for over a year now, though I still don't understand why."

Worry flashed across her mother's face. "He's been harassing you for over a year? Is this guy dangerous? Could he be the killer, the one sending you notes?"

Nick glanced at April. "What do you think?"

She shook her head. "No, I don't think he's a killer. He just doesn't like me for some reason and wants to try to steal my fans. He seems to think he can lure them away by doing this."

Nick's brow slanted up. "Killing you would certainly be a way to steal some of your fans."

True. Could Steve be the killer? He lived less than an hour away. If he wanted to get to her, he knew right where she was.

But she'd never sensed an evil vibe from him before. Sure, he was rude and antagonistic, but she'd never believed he wanted to physically harm her. Even when she'd had her doubts about him, she hadn't felt truly afraid.

"No," she said more firmly. "I don't think he's the killer. He's just mad that he was arrested for something he didn't do and he's trying to get even."

Nick's brow creased. "Just because I suspect Jeremy Bishop, doesn't mean Jeremy is the killer. For all we know, he and Steve may be working together."

April sighed. Nick had a suspicious mind, but he had to in order to do his job. She, on the other hand, tended to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. She just couldn't picture Steve as a serial killer. No, his animosity was based on something else. She just wasn't sure what.

"No, I don't think it's Steve." She glanced at Nick, then at her mother.

"Well," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "My secret's out now whether I want it to be or not. Now everyone knows." She let out a small laugh.

Nick and her mother exchanged glances.

April lifted her chin. "I can handle this, you guys."

Nick looked at her. "Of course you can. I never doubted it for a second. Frankly, I don't think this will affect your career one way or another. Who cares who your father is, right?"

April's heart swelled. Knowing he believed in her made her want to believe in herself.

She could handle this.

Steve would not break her.

And neither would anyone else.

* * *

He giggled as he lowered the binoculars. A little girl. How sweet. Now why hadn't he discovered that before? He'd thought he'd known everything about April, but apparently not. The child was obviously hers. The kid looked just like her. Cute as a button. Damn, she looked kind of like his niece, who was close to the same age.

Who was the daddy? Could it be love struck Nick the Nerd? He let out a nasty chuckle. He'd have to change his plans a bit. The kid was perfect. All he had to do was snatch her up and April would come running. Then he'd ditch the kid and take home his prize.

He'd never kidnapped a kid before. The thought scared him. He liked kids. Especially cute ones. It was deceitful women he couldn't stand. Kids were innocent. He'd been innocent once. Long ago. Before he'd become tainted.

But he had to do it. It was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

He licked his lips in anticipation. Yep. He was gonna' do it.

And then he'd set the trap for Nick.

He was coming for her soon. Wouldn't be much longer now. He'd create some sort of distraction, sneak in and snatch the kid.

Then April would be his.

And Miller would lose his girl once and for all.

He couldn't wait.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

April wandered down the stairs. It was after midnight. Everyone was in bed asleep. Except her. Agents Norton and Shaw were at their posts, keeping them all safe. Did they get lonely out there, staring off into the trees, looking for danger? Now that the yard was lit up like a ball game she doubted the killer would come close to the house at night. It would be too easy to see him. The floodlights had been a brilliant idea. She was glad they had installed them earlier that day.

Tara had emailed the press release off that morning. April was now all over the news. Tara had monitored the email account all day, and had answered the numerous calls that had come in, both from fans and the press. April had wanted nothing to do with it and let Tara handle it all. At the end of the day, Tara announced things had died down a bit, but some good had come out of it, for they now had over a hundred people who had signed up for the one-on-one clinics at the ranch.

With everything that was going on, April couldn't sleep. She'd tossed and turned, worried sick Nick wouldn't be able to catch this killer. Worried maybe that creepy ex-con had come back. Worried Steve might really somehow be involved and she'd misjudged him. She was afraid someone she loved would be hurt. Terrified something would happen to Brianna. There had to be something she could do, some way to get the killer to come out so Nick could catch him. She was as desperate to catch this guy as Nick was.

She reached the bottom of the stairs and rounded the corner into the dining room. Her steps slowed. Nick sat at the dining room table with papers spread all over the table in front of him. His back was to her.

She hesitated. She had thought he'd gone to bed, but this case was obviously keeping him up late at night. Were all his cases like this? He had a stressful job. But he was on a mission to catch the killer.

I wish I could be more like him.

Nick was selfless, putting others before himself. Always doing the right thing.

His head lifted. His hand jerked to the gun in his shoulder holster.

"It's just me," she whispered as she came up behind him.

He let go of the gun, lowered his hand. He gathered the papers into a stack in front of him. April caught glimpses of bodies, gruesome photos that made her gasp and turn away.

Nick jumped to his feet and flipped the stack of papers upside down. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to see those."

She took a deep breath, turned to face him. "Are those...the women he killed?"

He gently pushed into a chair. "Yes."

She closed her eyes, but she saw the last photo in her mind, a young woman with long black hair, her eyes open in an eerie blue stare, her mouth wide in a horrified scream. April shuddered. There had been lots of blood. And bruises...the woman had been beaten, tortured...

"How can you stand to look at that stuff day in and day out?"

Nick sank back into the chair he'd just vacated. He rubbed a hand over his face. "It's not easy. But it has to be done. Someone's got to catch these sick bastards."

April studied his profile. His hair was mussed, as if he'd repeatedly raked his hand through it. Several short curls jutted out in disarray. A day's growth of beard stubble shadowed his face. He would always be the most handsome man she'd ever known. Always be the only man she would ever love. He looked so exhausted she feared he might collapse. How much sleep had he gotten since this whole thing had started?

She rose and moved to stand behind his chair. He turned his head, his gaze questioning. Before she lost her nerve, she placed her hands on his shoulders, gently kneaded his muscles. He let out a soft groan. He closed his eyes, allowing her to continue with the massage. Her fingers found the hard knots and she gently pressed and massaged each one away. Gradually the tension left his body. She'd never touched a man like this before, massaging away the tension from his tired muscles. Hard, solid muscles. He wasn't thick and bulky like a body builder, but lean and well-defined. Sexy. Her cheeks heated. Touching him like this made her warm all over. She swallowed.

What if she asked him to stay here after this was all over? If he stayed, she could massage his tired muscles for him every night. Could cuddle up close to him every night. Make love every night...

Her face grew warmer. How could she ask him such a thing? She didn't even know where she stood with him. She didn't even know how he felt about her anymore. Sure, he "cared," but what did "cared" mean? If she asked him to stay, would he?

His head rolled back against her breasts. Her movements slowed. Heat spread from his head into her chest, warming her. Her skin tingled wherever his head pressed into her.

He didn't move. April stared down at his head. At his dark, sexy curls. She fought the urge to run her fingers through his hair. Had he fallen asleep? She rested her hands on his shoulders, trying to figure out how to move his head off her chest without waking him. It was impossible. If she moved away, his head would fall back and hit the chair.

His hand covered hers.

"Don't go."

The softly spoken words rooted her to the spot. She couldn't move if she wanted to. He opened his eyes and lifted his head, gently tugged her hand, pulling her around to the side of the chair. His gaze locked on hers as he scooted the chair back, then pulled her onto his lap.

His mouth slid over hers even before she was fully seated. She tasted the hunger in his kiss, the desperate need. His fingers tangled in her hair, anchoring her still as he ravaged her mouth. She moaned. Her hands moved greedily to the buttons on his shirt. She undid the first three and slid her hands inside, reveling in the feel of smooth hard muscles beneath her fingers. His breathing quickened. He unhooked the shoulder holster and laid the gun on the table. His mouth left hers to move down her neck, pressing soft kisses to her skin, along her collarbone and then back up behind her ear.

His lips claimed hers again, his tongue seeking entrance. She opened for him, heat flaring through her as their tongues met and melded together. His hands moved down her torso, pausing near her breasts, waiting. He lifted his head, his gaze seeking hers.

Her eyelids drifted closed as his fingers gently stroked her breasts through her shirt, his thumbs moving in circles around her nipples. She gasped and arched against his hands, moaning softly at the exquisite pleasure. Oh God. Only Nick could make her feel this way.

Nick made a sound in his throat and kissed her again, sucking and biting gently at her bottom lip and drawing it into his mouth.

She gasped, kissing him back, wanting more, needing all of him...Her hands roamed up his strong torso, marveling at the corded muscles beneath her fingers. He was perfect. He was here, finally. At last she was in his arms again. Where she belonged. It was more wonderful than she remembered. It was heaven. Sweet heaven. She threaded her fingers into the hair at his nape, pulling him closer. If she'd had any doubt he wanted her, she didn't anymore. The physical attraction was still there, stronger than before, even more powerful than she remembered. Her body pulsed with desire. Heat coiled in her loins. She practically vibrated with wanting him. Needing him.

But would he stay if she asked? She had to know. If she gave herself to him again, it couldn't be just one time. She couldn't do this if he was going to leave her again. The pain would be unbearable.

She drew back, pushing against his chest.

His eyes smoldered with passion, glistening like polished amber as he gazed at her. He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. Heat shot straight to her core. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was hard to think straight when he was looking at her like that, kissing her hand and making her heart flutter in her chest. She desperately wanted him to make love to her, but she didn't think she could do it if he wasn't going to stay.

She cleared her throat. She opened her eyes and looked into his mesmerizing gaze.

"Nick." It came out a soft whisper.

He waited patiently, stroking her palm with his thumb. Heat scorched her cheeks.

Ask him now. Do it.

What she wanted to ask him was selfish, but she had to know. She just wasn't herself without Nick. She needed him. Having him here with her now reminded her of that fact. She didn't think she could say goodbye to him. She didn't want him to leave. She wanted him. Forever. It hit her with a clarity that was startling. She didn't care about the past anymore. She just wanted Nick.

She took a deep breath for courage. "If I asked you to stay here with me and Brianna, would you do it?"

He blinked. "What?"

Her face burned. "After you catch the killer, would you stay here? With us?"

He turned his face away. A muscle twitched in his jaw. "April, I—" He sighed. He dropped her hand and rose from the chair, setting her down as he stood.

Her heart slammed to a halt. She'd upset him. Of course she had. What had she been thinking?

He turned away from her, raked a hand through his hair. "It's a little soon to be talking about that, isn't it? We aren't even close to catching the killer yet." He let out a soft groan. "We haven't seen each other in six years. Neither one of us is the same person anymore. I—" He broke off again, turned back to her. "You can't expect me to just give up everything, my life, my job, to come here and do...what? Hide away in the mountains with you?"

She flinched, even though she knew he spoke the truth. Pain sliced through her heart. She wrapped her arms around herself. Stupid, selfish girl. What were you thinking? He might want to have sex with you, but that doesn't mean he wants to move in.

He winced. "I'm sorry. That didn't come out right. I didn't mean it like that. I just...you caught me off guard." He groaned again. "I never thought—hell. I can't just drop everything and move in with you, April. God knows I want to, but I just can't. I have my life in Arizona, my job, and my parents are only a few hours away from where I live. It's way too soon to make a decision like that. What if I asked you and Brianna to move to Arizona with me? Would you do it?"

God, she was such a fool. She should have kept her mouth shut. Now Nick knew how needy he made her. She shook her head back and forth, struggling to keep her tears at bay. "No. This is my home. I'm not leaving. I wouldn't be happy anywhere else." All those years she'd had to move around with her father, wishing each time that this time they could stay...and now she'd finally found a place where she could stay forever. She couldn't leave. She would make sure Brianna had a stable place to grow up. She would not uproot her little girl. She had hoped with all her heart that Nick would stay too.

God April. Get a grip already.

Nick sighed. "I'm thrilled that you want me to stay, but I need time to think about this first. We need time to get to know each other again."

He was right, but it didn't stop the pain that settled heavily in her chest. She swallowed hard. "When were you going to tell me? After you made love to me and made me fall in love with you all over again?"

"April—" He reached for her.

She reared back. "Don't." It hurt, being this close to him and knowing he wasn't as sure of his feelings for her as she was about her feelings for him. He obviously needed more time. She turned away. So she would give him time. All the damn time he needed.

He touched her shoulder. She jerked away. "Don't touch me, Nick. Don't kiss me and lead me on if you aren't sure what you want from me. I can't...be intimate with you if you're just going to leave in the end."

He sighed again. Papers crinkled as he gathered up the file. "One thing I know for sure, April. All I ever wanted was you." He slid the gun across the table and picked it up.

Then his quiet footsteps disappeared down the hallway.

April's heart pinched. Emotion clogged her throat. All he'd ever wanted was her?

And she may have just screwed everything up, pushed him away for good.

She sank to the floor as silent tears streamed down her cheeks. Oh God, now what did she do?

His admission made her feel like a selfish bitch. He hadn't seen her in six years, then suddenly they were thrust together again, and if that wasn't emotionally overwhelming for him, he'd also just found out had a daughter he didn't know about...and to top it all off, he was desperately trying to catch a killer before the guy hurt anyone else. The poor guy was probably suffering from emotion overload. And she'd cornered him, put him on the spot with the suggestion that he move in with her and Brianna.

April groaned and wiped at her tears. How could she have been so selfish and demanding of Nick? He was doing everything he could. She had no right to ask him to stay. No right to even suggest it.

She owed Nick an apology. But would he even listen to her after how she'd just treated him? Ashamed of her actions, April stared down at the floor.

It was time to apologize to Nick. But it wouldn't be easy. She'd made a complete fool out of herself. He might not be willing to forgive her.

She straightened her spine. Gathered her courage.

She could do this.

Pushing to her feet, she went to find Nick.
CHAPTER THIRTY

April slipped up the stairs and paused outside Nick's room. Was it too late? Had she pushed him too far away? Had she screwed everything up?

She took a deep breath, then knocked on the door. Several seconds passed before the door opened. Nick looked down at her. His expression immediately shuttered and his eyelids drooped over his eyes, concealing his emotions. He was trying to protect himself, but it still hurt seeing him shut her out. It was her own fault. He hadn't deserved the way she'd just treated him.

She jerked her gaze down and noticed he was bare chested. She tried not to stare, but her eyes betrayed her, roaming down his hard, masculine chest and flat stomach. He was still as muscular as he'd been six years ago, perhaps more so. Her breath caught. He was beautiful. Her gaze followed the dark sprinkling of hair that disappeared into his jeans. Her cheeks flamed. She swallowed. His jeans were unbuttoned and unzipped, as if he'd been in the process of taking them off and getting ready for bed. Since arriving at the ranch, he'd changed from wearing his dress slacks to wearing jeans.

She dragged her gaze back to his face. He stood there, staring at her without speaking. For a moment she feared he'd close the door on her. She witnessed the brief flicker of pain in his eyes before he concealed it.

He took a deep breath, as if preparing himself, and stepped aside, opening the door wider. She tiptoed into the room. Nick closed the door behind her and came around to sit on the edge of the bed. Still he didn't speak. He waited, his eyes shuttered as he watched her, his expression blank. He wasn't making this easy for her, but she didn't blame him.

She cleared her throat. "I came to apologize. It was selfish of me to expect an answer from you so soon. It was wrong of me to even suggest something like that. I'm sorry." She drew in a ragged breath. "Please don't hate me."

He expelled a breath, then held a hand out to her. "Come here."

Relief swamped her. She stepped forward, hesitantly at first, then ran into his arms. Tears burned her eyes. Nick gathered her close. Gently ran his fingers through her hair.

He sighed. "I could never hate you." He continued to stroke her hair away from her face, then tilted her head so she was forced to meet his gaze. "I had no idea how difficult it would be to see you again after all these years." He looked away for a moment. A long silence stretched between them. April waited, sensing he wanted to say more.

"I'm going to tell you a story." His gaze shifted back to hers. "It's a little embarrassing. But afterwards, if you still have any doubts about how I feel about you, then there's something really wrong inside that head of yours." He tapped her gently on the forehead. His lips curved into a smile.

Then he grew serious. He cleared his throat.

"After your father's trial, I resigned from the FBI."

"What?" Her gaze searched his.

His face filled with color.

She waited, breathless, for him to continue.

"I couldn't take it anymore. The guilt was eating me up inside." He swallowed. "How could what I'd done have been the right thing when it felt so wrong? I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat. I couldn't work. My boss told me to take a week off. But a week wasn't enough. It didn't matter." His voice cracked. "I'd hurt the only girl I'd ever loved and there was nothing I could do to take it back." He took a deep breath, let it out slowly. "So I quit. Gave my resignation and went back to Tucson."

April held her breath as she waited for him to continue. She'd had no idea...

His gaze found hers again. "I was such a mess. My parents took pity on me and talked me into staying with them for a while. My dad convinced me to help show some of his horses at the Scottsdale show that year. Believe it or not, it helped, getting away for a while, being around the horses again. But I couldn't stop thinking about you and what I'd done. I knew you hated me. But you couldn't possibly hate me as much as I hated myself."

She squeezed his hand. "So what happened?"

He let out a snort. "My boss wouldn't leave me alone. He kept calling, wondering when I was going to come back. I think he called me three or four times a day until I finally gave in. So a couple of months after I quit, I went back."

He closed his eyes a moment. When he opened them, emotion swam in his gaze. He swallowed. "I think Craig thought if I was constantly busy trying to solve cases, I'd forget about you and get on with my life. But I never got over what I did to you. To this day, I don't know if I did the right thing. What, exactly, did I accomplish by bringing your father in? Except hurt you."

On the verge of tears, April blinked rapidly. "I'm sure you made my mother happy."

Nick sighed. "Yes. But she hadn't seen you since you were an infant. I can't imagine the relief she must have felt when your father was finally apprehended. He kept you from her for twenty years, and he killed another human being, whether it was an accident or not. Yet...even though what your father did was wrong, I still wonder...did I do the right thing?"

April didn't have an answer to that. What he'd done had caused her more pain than she'd imagined possible. Had he done the right thing? Had it been right to betray her in order to be the one who got credit for arresting her father? Had "doing the right thing" been more important to him than the girl who loved him?

She'd had no idea he'd been so tortured by what he'd done. She'd been too wrapped up in her own misery to think about how he might be suffering. Her heart ached for him now, even as it hurt for her own pain.

But that was in the past now.

"You thought you were doing the right thing." Whatever Nick's reasons, she had forgiven him. What she'd done to him hadn't been any better. It had been cruel to keep Brianna a secret from him. Not only had she deprived Nick of the right to help raise his child, but she'd deprived Brianna of the love of her father. A love she knew Nick would bestow upon Brianna until the day he died.

He snorted. "Maybe. Yeah. But was it right? Sometimes there's a fine line between right and wrong."

"That's in the past now, remember? I forgave you." She looked into his eyes, willing him to let it go. She didn't blame him anymore.

He gave a quick nod. Relief swept across his face. "So do you understand now? There's no reason to rush this. We've got the rest of our lives to figure it out." He kissed her forehead. "I know I was the one who started this downstairs and I apologize for that. I couldn't help myself. I can't seem to concentrate when you're around. I shouldn't have kissed you. I'm sorry."

"No." She shook her head. "It was my fault. I touched you first. I couldn't help myself either."

He chuckled. "Regardless of who started what, I can't resist you. Even when we were kids I couldn't tell you no. And I've got way too much on my mind to think about us right now. As much as I'd love to get lost in you, for days on end, just the two of us..." He sighed. "I can't right now. I've got to catch this bastard, but if you keep distracting me, I'm afraid I'll screw up and he'll hurt someone else. Or he'll get to you."

He drew in another breath, his gaze intense. "And I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you, April."

She lifted a hand to cup his cheek. "I know. I'm sorry. Sometimes I just overreact."

He covered her hand with his, drew it to his lips, and kissed her palm. "Let's just take this one day at a time, okay? See where it leads. Can you be okay with that for now? I can't promise you anything yet. I've got too many things to figure out first."

Though she was impatient, she would have to be content with that for now. He'd suffered as much or more than she had. She couldn't push him. If he needed time, she'd have to give it to him. She had to believe he wouldn't leave her again, that they'd find a way to make it work. Because she'd rather die than be without him for the rest of her life.

She nodded reluctantly.

His lips twitched. His gaze filled with tenderness. "I can see you don't like that idea, but I'm doing the best I can, okay?"

She lowered her gaze. And became mesmerized by the hard, naked male chest beneath her hands. Her fingers moved of their own accord, gently running over his splendid form, feeling the muscles tighten and tense beneath her fingertips. She wanted to lower her head and taste him everywhere. She didn't want to go slow. She'd been without him for far too long.

He drew in a ragged breath and captured her hands in his.

"Stop. If we're going to take this slow, then you need to stop tempting me. I'm only human."

She stared at his mouth. Wished he would kiss her. Wished he would make love to her. Right now. Right here.

He groaned softly and closed his eyes. "God April, you're killing me." He drew in another breath and rose from the bed. He strode to the door. "You're not supposed to distract me, remember?" He ran a hand over his face. "I think you need to go now. Stop tempting me."

Her cheeks flaming, she walked to the door. When the time was right, she would show him how much she loved him. She would have to try not to be so impatient. April had to believe he wouldn't leave her now.

His head jerked toward the door. "Did you hear that?"

April's heart rammed into her ribs. "What?" She stood still, listening, and then a faint cry reached her ears.

"Mommy?" The sound came from out in the hallway.

April yanked open the door and rushed out into the hall with Nick at her heels. Brianna stood in the hallway, her eyes large with fright. April bent down and scooped her daughter into her arms.

"What is it, Sweetie?"

Brianna buried her face in April's hair. She pointed at her room across the hall. "There's a man. In the trees."

"What?" April's blood went cold.

Nick hurried across the hall and into Brianna's room. April followed. Nick stared out the window for a long moment, then turned back to them.

"I don't see anyone." He glanced down at Brianna, who peeked up at him from April's arms. "You sure you saw someone out there?"

She nodded. "He was up in the tree. He waved at me."

April's breath caught in her throat. She glanced back at Nick. A muscle twitched in his jaw. He glanced down at Brianna again.

"Did you wave back?"

She shook her head. "No. He was scary. I ran to find my mommy."

April hugged Brianna. "It's all right now, Sweetie. Mommy's got you."

"That son-of-a-bitch," Nick whispered. "That's where he's at. Up in the trees."
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Early Tuesday morning, John walked on the prison bus with the rest of the inmates who had been enrolled in the dairy program. It was a short drive to the dairy farm a few miles down the road. This was John's third time to leave the minimum security portion of the prison, but the first time he was truly aware of his surroundings. Today he would make note of every detail. If he was going to escape, this would be the only way.

The prisoners would spend all day at the dairy, milking and feeding cows, cleaning up cow shit, and helping with the delivery of new calves. Without being too obvious, he checked everything out, looking for a loophole, a way to sneak away. He didn't know when another opportunity might arrive, and time was running out. A killer was out there stalking his daughter. John would do everything in his power to ensure her safety. But first he had to escape.

By three o'clock that afternoon, he was exhausted. He'd hooked dozens of cows up to milking machines, cleaned up more manure than any human being should ever have to, and helped pull two new calves into the world. He didn't mind the physical labor. It was better than sitting in a cell all day.

As John and several other inmates shoveled shit over the fence into a pile, he spied the tractor heading toward the outside of the cattle pen where he stood. He'd seen the tractor earlier loading the manure into a huge trailer that was hooked to a semi. The semi would haul the manure off the farm to an unknown location.

John's arms ached. He paused a moment to rest and catch his breath, leaning on the handle of the shovel. He watched as the tractor scooped up a pile of manure and headed toward the waiting trailer.

And then it hit him.

The manure trailer.

That was his way out.

If he could climb up into that huge trailer without being seen, he could escape.

"You there!" A prison guard shouted, motioning to John. "Go help the tractor load the manure. He needs someone to help line him up to the trailer and guide him in."

John leaned his shovel against the fence. He glanced from left to right at the other inmates, unable to believe his luck. He shot over the fence before the guard could change his mind and followed after the tractor. When he reached the trailer, the driver of the truck was nowhere to be seen. He must have taken a bathroom break. John scrambled up onto the fender well of the trailer. He latched onto the metal ladder rungs that went up the side and began to climb. When he reached the top, he stood on the ledge and looked down into the trailer.

Damn, that was a lot of shit. The trailer was about three-quarters full. God, did it stink. He'd never seen so much cow manure in his life.

Balancing on the ledge, John motioned the tractor driver over and guided the guy in.

John spent the next twenty minutes on the top of the trailer, lining the tractor up so the driver could dump the manure into the trailer. At last the trailer was full and the tractor headed back toward the cattle pens. John knelt on the ledge of the trailer, preparing to climb down. He glanced around, his gaze darting from left to right. No one was looking at him. The nearest guard stood just outside the cattle pen John had been shoveling the manure in earlier, facing away from him.

John held his breath and dropped into the trailer, landing into the disgusting manure. He wiggled deeper into the manure, trying to bury himself and hide his bright orange prison garbs. He wiggled and squirmed until the only thing that wasn't buried was his face.

The stench was overwhelming. His eyes stung. His nose burned. He opened his mouth a crack, breathed in and out. It helped. A little. The stench wasn't so strong through his mouth. He lay as still as possible. Slowly breathed in and out through his mouth.

And waited.

Minutes seemed like hours. The manure burned his bare arms and hands, soaked through his clothes, stuck to his hair. He didn't know how much longer he could stand it. He closed his eyes and thought of April.

He imagined her at six months old, cooing and smiling up at him, her chubby fingers gripping his thumb. She was such a precious little thing.

April at five years old, cute as a button, squealing as he tickled her belly.

April at six, flying her first kite, giggling as it soared higher and higher.

April at fourteen, telling him about a boy with "whiskey eyes" that she'd met at the fair.

The semi truck rumbled to life, gurgling and sputtering.

John opened his eyes. Tears trickled down his cheeks from the overpowering stench of manure. He closed his eyes again. Would he ever get rid of the stinging burn in his eyes?

The truck started to move. Slowly at first, then it kicked into higher gear, traveling past the gate to the dairy. The trailer hit a rut in the road. Manure sloshed around him, splashing over his face. John sputtered and gagged, spitting manure from his mouth. He lifted a hand to wipe it from his face. All he succeeded in doing was smearing manure across his face and into his eyes. He whimpered at the stinging pain. But he didn't dare sit up, didn't dare move until the truck was away from the dairy.

And far away from the prison.

John didn't know how long it would take the prison guards to discover he was missing. Or how long it would take them to figure out how he'd escaped.

Or how long it would take them to come looking for him.

He couldn't stay with the truck for too long. As soon as it made its first stop, he'd jump off.

The truck pulled out onto the freeway several minutes later and picked up speed. John sat up and flipped manure away from his face. He peered over the side of the trailer. Gulped in fresh air.

His eyes still stung, but he was able to make out the blur of trees that whipped past on either side of the road. After a few moments he determined they were heading north. Toward Missoula.

Perfect. He was headed in the right direction.

April was only about five hours away.

He was going home to help Nick save his girls.

* * *

April opened her closet door and stared up at the shoebox on the top shelf. Her mother's letters were inside. Still unopened.

But not for long.

Tonight she was going to read them.

She'd tucked Brianna back into bed moments ago and headed for her own room. Nick had gone outside to talk with the agents about the guy in the trees.

April took a deep breath, reached for the box.

Moments later she sat on her bed and opened the lid. She drew out the envelope on top.

Tearing open the flap, she unfolded the letter. It was three pages long.

Three pages.

What could her mother find to talk about that filled three entire pages?

Her heart in her throat, she sucked in another deep breath and began to read...

* * *

Nick contemplated bringing in a team to help search the woods for the killer, but if the guy was hiding up in the trees, it would be nearly impossible to catch him. Some of those pines were over a hundred feet tall. They'd have a difficult time even seeing him up there, let alone figuring out how to get up there to apprehend him. The thick trees around April's home had been Nick's biggest fear from the start. He hadn't wanted to bring the guy here. It was too easy for him to hide. They needed to lure him out somehow, get him to come out in the open so they could catch him. But this guy was smart. He moved with stealth. If it was Jeremy Bishop, then he'd had military training, hands-on combat. Nick needed to get everyone out of here. Take them to a safer place.

April apparently had the same idea. As everyone sat down to breakfast the next morning, she glanced across the table at Nick. "I've been thinking about something." Though she looked at him, everyone else turned to listen. They all found Nick and April's relationship fascinating. Everyone here wanted them to become a couple and live happily ever after. Nick wanted that too. But he couldn't go there yet. They had a killer to catch.

He raised a brow, waiting.

"I came up with a plan last night to try to catch this guy. I know you're not going to like it," she glanced around the table, "and neither are any of you, but we've got to do something to lure this guy out of the trees. We'll never catch him otherwise. Some of those trees are huge, and they're so thick there's no way anyone will find him out there."

Her gaze returned to Nick's. He nodded encouragingly.

"I want to send my mother and Brianna, Mildred and Tara away. Someplace safe." She glanced at Agent Shaw and then Agent Norton. "I want you guys to see that they get to a safe place and then make sure they are protected. I want them all to be away from here. It's too dangerous."

"But—" Tara protested.

April lifted a hand and Tara closed her mouth. She looked at Nick again. "I'm going to stay here and do everything I can to lure this creep out. I want you to stay with me, Nick. And Deputies Allen and Peterson too. With less people to worry about, and less distractions..." she glanced at Tara and smiled. Tara reddened and lowered her gaze. "...It will be easier to keep a lookout." She glanced around the table again, meeting each person's gaze. "We'll turn the horses out to pasture so we don't have to feed them every day. It's too easy for someone to hide out in the barn and ambush us. I think there's enough pasture now for the horses to get by for a week or two. Anyone got a problem with that?"

Silence. Everyone looked away. April's gaze moved to Nick again. "You okay with that?"

No, he wasn't okay with that. He wanted everyone to leave, yes, wanted them all to be safe. But he wanted April safe too. He had a feeling she had a plan up her sleeve, something she wasn't going to tell the whole group. Something he wasn't going to like at all. He had a feeling she was going to use herself as bait to try to lure the killer out in the open.

Because that was something she would do.

Nick held her gaze for a long moment. She didn't squirm. She stared back. She dared him to tell her no. But her idea was better than anything else they'd come up with so far. If they brought in a swarm of cops, they'd never catch the guy. That was probably just what he expected them to do. Once they were done with breakfast, Nick would get April alone and find out what it was she planned to do.

"No, I don't have a problem with it." He poured syrup over his pancakes. He could imagine what thoughts were going through everyone's heads. But his biggest concern was what April was thinking and what "plan" she had concocted to lure the killer out.

Almost simultaneously, Nick's cellphone, Agents Norton and Shaw's cellphones, and the two deputies' radios went off. Nick lifted his phone, checked the text message that had come in.

Alert! Escaped felon: John Williams on the loose. Disappeared from Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge late yesterday afternoon. All law enforcement should be on the lookout. A photo of John was included with the text.

Well hell. This was just what he didn't need: someone else to worry about. It was his fault. He shouldn't have told John about the killer. How the hell had John escaped? Nick sighed.

At least he knew where John was headed.

"Holy shit!" Gabe glanced down the table at Nick. "John Williams escaped! He's coming after you, Nick!"

Nick groaned. "No, he's not. He's coming to try to save April."

April paled. Her gaze skewered Nick. "How did this happen? What did you say to him the other day?"

Nick forced himself to hold her gaze. "I asked if he had any enemies who could be coming after you. I wanted to rule out every other possible suspect before I focused on Jeremy Bishop."

April swallowed. "If something happens to my father, I'll hold you responsible."

Nick looked away. Hell.

"Do you think he's coming here?" Deputy Peterson asked.

Nick nodded. "But I don't want anyone trying to play hero or attempting to apprehend him. If he shows up here, just let him inside. He's harmless. He won't hurt anyone. He just wants to protect April."

Everyone exchanged glances.

"Can I play on the swings?" Brianna glanced at Mildred.

"Not right now. It's school time." Mildred reached for Brianna's hand. Brianna scowled, but she got up from the table and followed the nanny from the room.

"After this is all over," Nick continued. "I'll escort John back to the prison."

A moment of silence stretched around the table.

"Do you think my dad's okay?" The quiet words came from April, who eyed him worriedly.

God, I hope so. "Yeah. I think he's fine. Your father's very resourceful. He did manage to elude law enforcement for twenty years."

She let out a soft laugh, her expression relaxing. "Yes, he did. He'll be fine. I hope he gets here soon."

So did Nick. The longer John was out there, the easier it would be for something to happen to him. Nick's biggest fear was some hotshot young cop would come upon him and try to play hero. John could be hurt or killed. For April's sake, Nick prayed John made it safely to the ranch.

A startled scream came from just beyond the back door.

A child's scream.

Brianna.

Nick's heart leapt into his throat. He bolted to his feet and reached for his gun, yanking it from the holster. The other law enforcement officers followed suit, all reaching for their guns and leaping to their feet.

They all sprinted toward the back door with Nick in the lead.

Just as Nick reached the back porch, Mildred stumbled up the steps, her expression full of terror. Brianna was nowhere to be seen.

Nick's heart dropped to his knees. No. God no.

"April!" Mildred rushed past Nick and flung her arms around April. "I'm so sorry. Brianna wanted to play on the swing set, but I told her no, we had to stay inside. That it wasn't safe. But she got away from me before I could stop her. She's just so dang fast." She hitched in a breath. A tear trickled down her cheek. "He took Brianna. Oh God. He took her!"

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Nick blamed himself for Brianna's abduction. How could he not? He was supposed to be protecting everyone.

Mildred had informed them that a man dressed in camouflage with his face painted had snatched Brianna up and fled into the trees.

After several hours of searching with the other agents and the sheriff's deputies, they'd all headed back to the lodge defeated. Without any sign of Brianna.

Nick's chest compressed at his failure. How could he have left this happen?

He had no choice but to call in the SWAT team. He needed the help of the specialists if they were going to get Brianna back.

The SWAT team arrived within an hour. They searched the woods all day. They found no trace of Brianna. The man had vanished with her.

His heart heavy, Nick entered the lodge later that evening. Silence met his ears as he stepped inside. Cops swarmed the grounds and the woods outside, but everyone else was gone. He'd sent Karen, Tara and Mildred away with Agent Norton. He'd kept Gabe Shaw here.

Nick himself was on the verge of collapsing. It took everything he had to keep himself together. His little girl was gone. He might never see her again. How could he ever look April in the eye again, knowing he'd failed her?

Nick sank into a chair at the dining room table and put his face in his hands. He didn't know what to do. He'd left April alone in her room upstairs about an hour ago. She'd been sleeping when he left, her body finally giving in to exhaustion. She'd cried and cried all morning while Karen and Tara had tried to comfort her. Nick had left her with them and gone back outside, unable to bear the sounds of her tortured sobs. Unable to bear her pain.

For it mirrored his own.

Now everyone was gone.

Nick rose from the chair and headed upstairs. He'd posted one of the SWAT team officers outside of April's door before he'd gone back outside earlier. Not only for her own safety, but to keep her from doing something irrational, like charging off into the woods after Brianna. Once she started thinking clearly again, she'd want to go save her daughter. And he couldn't allow that.

Nick came up the stairs.

The officer stepped away from the wall.

"Is she still sleeping?"

The guy shook his head. "No. She tried to leave a minute ago, but I told her she needed to stay put. She called you a bunch of names and slammed the door." His lips twitched. "She's a feisty one."

Nick breathed out a sigh. It sounded like she was becoming herself again. Thank God. He hated seeing her so broken.

"Thanks. You can go back outside now. I appreciate your help."

The cop nodded and bounded down the stairs.

Nick knocked on the door. A moment later it swung open. April glared up at him. Her expression changed as she registered who stood in front of her.

"Nick? Did you find her? Is she okay?"

He took a deep breath and stepped into the room. He gently grabbed her shoulders, looked into her eyes. "Not yet. But we will. We'll find her."

Her gaze searched his. Her eyes flooded with tears. "He has my baby. You have to get her back, Nick. You have to."

He swallowed hard. "I know." He turned away, cleared his throat. "I'm doing everything I can." But what if it wasn't enough? What if it was already too late?

"We waited too long to send everyone away," she said. "We should have made them all leave first thing this morning. It's all my fault. I'm her mother. I'm supposed to protect her."

Nick turned back to her, his heart heavy, his chest constricting with emotion. "It's no one's fault, April." No one's but his. He should have protected her.

His phone went off and he yanked it from his pocket.

"Miller."

"Uh, we got a situation out here." It was Deputy Allen. "John Williams just showed up and the SWAT team tackled him. They have him on the ground with guns drawn. I told them he's not our guy, but they won't listen to me. They seem to think he's the kidnapper. Can you come out here and help diffuse the situation?"

Thank God John had made it safely to the ranch. Now Nick had one less person to worry about.

"I'll be right there." He ended the call and slipped the phone back in his pocket.

"What is it?" April's eyes were wide. "What's happened?"

"Your father's here. You can come with me if you stay calm and don't freak out okay? And please, stay back out of the way. There a lot of guns out there."

She nodded and followed him from the room.

When they exited the lodge moments later, John was handcuffed and standing in the middle of about ten cops. He had a scrape on his cheek and blood trickled down his left forearm. A twinge of guilt slithered through Nick. He hoped they hadn't hurt John too badly when they'd tackled him.

Nick approached the group with April at his heels.

"Step aside!"

The SWAT team slowly parted. John's head swung toward Nick. Their gazes locked. John's gaze shifted to April. His eyes filled with tears.

"April," he whispered. "You're okay."

She sobbed and rushed toward him. "Dad."

"Get these cuffs off him!" Nick shouted. "He's not our guy."

The SWAT commander stepped forward. "He's John Williams, the escaped convict. The cuffs stay on."

Nick stared the beefy guy down. "I know who he is. I said let him go. Now."

A tense silence followed. No one moved. April stared from Nick to the police officer. She held her hand out to the cop. "The key, please?"

The man glared at Nick for another two or three seconds, then yanked a handcuff key from his pocket and dropped it into her palm. He turned on his heel and stalked away.

April rushed forward with the key. She freed her father, then leapt into his arms. John crushed her to him, his gaze meeting Nick's over the top of her head. The other officers moved away.

A shout from the trees drew everyone's attention. Three of the SWAT team officers barreled down the drive toward them. The guy in the lead spoke as he drew to a stop in front of Nick. "We found a red Jeep out by the road, hidden with branches." The guy paused to take a breath. "There's a body inside."

Nick's stomach churned.

Please God, don't let it be Brianna.

He forced himself to breathe. "Is it...a child?"

"No." The officer shook his head. "It's a man. His hands and feet are bound with duct tape. My guess is he's only been dead for a day or two."

"Show me."

The cops all turned as a group and headed down the road.

"Stay here," Nick told April and her father. He glanced at Deputy Allen. "Keep an eye on them."

Nick followed after the officers.

A red Jeep was indeed hidden back in the trees out by the main road. It had been covered with branches in an attempt to hide it. The Jeep had Arizona plates and the registration papers in the glove box indicated it belonged to none other than Jeremy Bishop. No surprise there. What surprised Nick was that the guy had gone through the trouble of registering the vehicle in his own name. It was almost as if Jeremy was taunting him. As if he didn't believe he'd ever be caught.

Nick lifted the hatchback and looked in at the body that lay in the back of the Jeep under a blue tarp. Rigor mortis had set in, but decay hadn't yet. The man couldn't have been dead for more than a few days.

Nick slipped on a pair of latex gloves one of the officers handed him. He rolled the body over so he could see the guy's face.

He jerked back. "Shit!"

The dead man's face was way too familiar. Nick had just seen a prison photo of that same face last night when he'd been looking at Jeremy Bishop's file.

What the hell was going on?

"You know him?" one of the officers asked.

Nick swallowed. "Yeah. That's our perp. Jeremy Bishop."

* * *

The SWAT team was gone. April had been glad to see them go. Being around all those tough cops and their macho attitudes had made her uncomfortable. They'd wanted to take her father with them, but Nick had refused to release him. He'd told them he would personally escort her father back to prison after they caught the killer. Until then, her father was his responsibility. After some fierce arguing back and forth, the SWAT team had finally left. April had been proud of Nick for standing up to all those tough guys. Nick might not be big and beefy like them, but he could hold his own. He hadn't backed down. She was grateful to him for that, for letting her father stay. At least for a while.

The coroner had arrived and taken Jeremy Bishop's body. He promised to call Nick when he determined the exact cause of death. April was still freaked out by everything. Whoever had killed Jeremy must have Brianna. She was so confused. Had they been wrong about Jeremy? If he wasn't the killer, then who was? That creepy ex-con? Steve Jones?

And where was her little girl?

"How you holding up, Honey?"

April glanced over at her father, who sat next to her on the couch. She thought of her sweet Brianna out there somewhere, alone and scared. She drew in a ragged breath. "I'm hanging in there. I just wish I could do something besides sit here and wait. I can't help wondering if she's cold. If she's hungry..." Her voice cracked.

Her father squeezed her hand. "It's tough, I know. But Nick's doing everything he can. As soon as the sun comes up, he'll be back out there, searching. And Brianna's not weak. She's a tough little thing. Just like her mother. Whoever has her won't break her spirit. You've got to believe that."

The front door burst open. Deputy Allen entered the lodge. "Where's Nick? I called his cell but he didn't answer."

April leapt up from the couch. "He's in the dining room going over the file. Why? What's wrong?"

The deputy hesitated. "There's a guy here to see you. Big dude. He's pretty drunk. Reeks like he's been drinking beer all night. I'm not sure how he even made it here without wrecking his truck. I made him wait out on the porch while I find Nick to make sure it's okay."

A big drunk guy? April's gaze flew to her father's. "Did he say what his name was?"

"He gave me his I.D." Deputy Allen lifted his hand, revealing a driver's license, and read aloud, "Stephen Paul Jones."

"Steve's here?" April stumbled backward. Her father caught her against him. What was Steve doing here? Had he killed Jeremy? Did he have Brianna? This couldn't be a coincidence that he'd shown up right after Brianna was kidnapped, could it?

"Who's Steve?" her father asked.

Nick strode into the room. He'd obviously overheard their conversation and come to investigate. "My phone's dead. That's why I missed your call. I just plugged it in. Did you say Steve Jones was here?"

Deputy Allen handed him Steve's driver's license. "Yeah. Who is he? He's looking for April. And he's pretty wasted."

Nick glanced at the I.D., then looked at April. "This can't be good."

She agreed. But she wanted to know why Steve was here. If he had information that might help them find Brianna...

"I have to talk to him. He might know where Brianna is."

Nick stepped in front of her. "I agree, but this guy could be dangerous. He might have killed Jeremy Bishop. He might have killed those women. We need to be very careful here. Okay?"

She nodded. "I'll be careful."

Nick turned to Deputy Allen. "Bring him in. But be prepared for anything. Don't let your guard down for a second."

The deputy nodded and went to get Steve. Moments later he returned with the hulk. Steve stumbled into the lodge, his watery gaze darting around at all the animal heads as he came forward. His gaze settled on April.

Nick and April's father stood on either side of her as Steve reached her. Deputy Allen stood behind Steve, his hand hovering over his gun.

"Nice place." Steve's gaze flicked to a few of the stuffed animal heads behind her, then back to April. "What'd you have to do to get it? Bat those pretty eyelashes? Spread your—"

"Watch it buddy, that's my daughter you're talking to." Her father took a step forward. Nick reached behind April and grabbed her father's sleeve.

"Easy John."

Steve's gaze swung to her father. "Oh, so you're the escaped felon. You don't look dangerous to me. You know there's a $5,000 reward out for you. I should take you in and collect on it. I could use five grand."

Nick stepped forward, blocking Steve from getting any closer to April or her father.

"He's helping in an FBI investigation. You know, the same one you were questioned about in Utah? Your presence here now makes you look awfully suspicious."

Steve raised his hands, stumbled back a few steps. "I'm not armed. That cop already searched me. And I didn't kill anyone. I already told the other cops that. I just came to see April."

Nick's gaze hardened. "Why? What do you want with her?"

Steve's gaze snapped to April. "Just to talk."

Nick continued his interrogation. "Do you know a man named Jeremy Bishop?"

Steve blinked. "Who?"

April touched Nick's arm. She didn't think Steve was there to hurt her, and she didn't think he'd killed Jeremy. But she was curious as to why he was here. She stepped forward. "It's all right, Nick. Let him talk."

Nick wouldn't let her get any closer to Steve. He kept his body planted firmly between them.

"If you know where Brianna is, please tell us." April's gaze met Steve's. "Please."

Confusion crossed his face. He blinked again. "Huh? Who's Brianna?"

April's heart sank. Steve didn't know where she was. "My daughter."

Steve's arrogance slipped away. Uneasiness took its place. "Your daughter? I didn't know you had a daughter." He wobbled forward, then managed to catch himself before he fell. "What happened to her?"

"She was kidnapped." Nick gently pushed April behind him. "Early this morning. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, now would you?"

Steve blanched. He tripped backward several steps. "Hell no! Why would I? I didn't even know she had a kid!" He turned away and headed for the door, muttering something that sounded like, "Not again," under his breath.

"Wait!" Nick shouted, pulling his gun and pointing it at Steve. "Stop right there!"

Deputy Allen likewise pulled his gun and pointed it at Steve.

Steve paused and turned back around, his arms in the air. His eyes were wild and blood shot as he glanced from one gun to the other. "Don't shoot. I didn't take her. Why would I take her?" He let out a sob. "What? You think just because I lost my own Jennie to some sicko and I still haven't got her back, that means I'd take someone else's child? What kind of guy do you think I am?" He let out a loud moan. Steve sank to the floor as pathetic sobs overtook him. "Oh Jennie, oh God, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault."

Deputy Allen glanced at Nick. Nick shrugged, lowered his gun. Bewildered, April stared at the big man sobbing on the floor. The big drunk man. Steve was too drunk and too distraught to be dangerous to anyone. She'd had no idea he'd lost a child.

She stepped forward, bent near Steve's side. Despite his prior harassment, her heart went out to him. She touched his shoulder. "I'm sorry about your Jennie. No parent should have to lose a child."

Steve looked up at her through tear-filled eyes. "She was just starting to become famous. Had her own television show. She was building up her fan-base, when she was taken. She was only twenty-eight."

April's eyes filled with tears. Now everything was starting to make sense. Now she understood what he'd meant when he'd said his daughter was better than April and April had stolen some of her fans.

"I've seen her," April whispered. "Jennie Jones. She had a way with horses that was amazing to watch. It was almost like she was talking to the animals and they were talking back, or communicating telepathically or something. She was brilliant. I used to watch her on T.V. I've always wanted to meet her, ask her what method she used. I'm so sorry, Steve. I didn't know she was your daughter."

"They never found her." Steve's gaze lost its focus as he looked away. "It's been over a year and they still haven't found her. She just...vanished without a trace. She was supposed to have what you have. Be what you are." He shoved her away and stumbled to his feet. "But she can't because someone stole her away."

Nick moved up to stand beside April.

"I remember that case." Nick's gaze was compassionate as he looked at Steve. "It's still unsolved. After I catch this killer, I'll check into your daughter's case if you want."

Steve's eyes widened. He swallowed. Nodded. "Yes. Please."

Steve's gaze flicked back to April. "I swear I didn't know you had a daughter." He wiped at a tear. "How old is she?"

April's heart clenched as she thought of sweet Brianna out there all alone. Scared. Probably cold and hungry. Her breath hitched. "Five."

"Jesus, mother of God." Steve stumbled back a step. "Five? What kind of sick fuck would steal a five-year-old?"

Nick wrapped an arm around April's shoulders as a tear trickled down her cheek.

"One who wants to hurt me," she whispered. "So he took my little girl."

Her father squeezed her hand.

April drew in a breath. She looked up at Steve. "I'm sorry. I thought it was you."

"Me?" He paled. He gulped in a breath. "I guess that was my fault for being such a prick. I took out all my grief on you, blamed you. I just figured if I kept harassing you, you'd give up and I wouldn't have to worry about seeing you anymore." His voice cracked. He gulped in a breath. "Because every time I saw you on T.V., I thought of my Jennie and what she would never be." He turned away and stumbled for the door. "I hope you find your daughter."

He paused with his hand on the doorknob and turned back to her. "I won't bother you anymore. That's a promise."

He opened the door and stumbled out.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Nick sat alone at the dining room table, unable to sleep again. It was after one o'clock in the morning. Deputy Allen had stopped Steve Jones from getting into his truck and had called a cab to take him home. Steve hadn't put up a fight, just sat in the chair Deputy Allen ushered him into and dozed on and off until the cab arrived.

Nick didn't know what to think about the guy who'd lost his daughter a year ago and had taken out his grief on April by harassing her and trying to get her to quit her job. Though he felt sorry for the guy, he didn't condone his actions and was glad he was gone. He hoped the guy got it together. Nick decided that once they got Brianna back and caught this killer, he'd ask his boss if he could check into Jennie Jones' case. If Nick could help Jones find his daughter, or at least find closure, then he would.

After Steve left, April and her father went up to bed.

Nick again had all the murder files spread out before him. Jeremy Bishop's file sat to the side. Nick had a feeling he'd been wasting his time with that one. His brain was on overdrive, his heart in a turmoil. Something just wasn't right. Did Jeremy have an accomplice who'd killed him? If so, why? And if Jeremy did have an accomplice, who was he? Nick would know more when the coroner gave him the cause of Jeremy's death. Jeremy's murder changed everything.

Nick was back to square one.

He tried to put himself into the killer's shoes and think the way a killer might think. Why would he take Brianna, an innocent child?

To hurt April. To punish her. To get her to give herself in exchange for her daughter.

Footsteps approached from behind him. He turned as John shuffled into the room. John pulled back a chair next to Nick and sank into it.

"April's finally sleeping. Don't know how long it will last. Poor girl's a wreck."

She wasn't the only one.

"Yeah." Nick glanced at the papers spread out before him. "I've got to catch this son-of-a-bitch. I thought I knew who he was, but now I don't know shit."

John patted him on the shoulder. "You're doing all you can. Don't beat yourself up over it. You'll catch him."

Nick gathered the papers into a pile in front of him. He wished he had John's confidence. He glanced at the older man.

"You going to tell me how you escaped from prison?"

John shrugged. "I hopped into the shit trailer at the dairy and buried myself down under the manure." He scrunched up his face, let out a soft groan. "God, it was horrible. My eyes stung, my skin burned, my hair was plastered with shit..."

Nick chuckled. "Sounds nasty. How did you get back here?"

"I rode on the trailer until it stopped for gas in Missoula, then I jumped off. I broke into an old farm house where I cleaned up and stole some guy's clothes. I hitched a ride with another semi truck that was heading north and hopped off at the gas station out on the main highway. Then I walked the rest of the way here."

Nick nodded. "Impressive. But you've always been a resourceful guy." He paused a moment. "As much as I don't want to, you know I'm going to have to take you back when this is all over."

John stared down at the tabletop. "I know."

The back door swung open. Gabe strode into the house. He tossed an envelope onto the table. "He's back. He left that envelope stuffed in a crack in the swing set. I saw it fluttering in the breeze and went to investigate." He waited, obviously curious about the contents of the note.

Nick left the envelope sitting on the table for a moment. This confirmed Jeremy Bishop wasn't the killer. Or did it? Just because he was dead didn't mean he hadn't killed those women before he'd died. But he obviously wasn't the one who'd stolen Brianna.

Nick sighed. He had no idea who, or what, he was dealing with anymore.

He glanced up at Gabe. "Thanks, Gabe."

Gabe hesitated, then went out and closed the door behind him.

Nick picked up the envelope. It was addressed to him. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly. He didn't know how much more he could withstand. If the killer was trying to break him, he'd damned near accomplished his goal.

His heart pounding, Nick opened the envelope and unfolded the paper.

He felt John's eyes on him.

Let's make a trade. You give me April and I'll give you the kid. You've got until noon tomorrow and then the kid dies.

Nick's hand shook as he dropped the paper onto the table and put his face in his hands. How could he make a decision like that? April or Brianna? Brianna or April? It was impossible.

What would he do?

* * *

Nick climbed the stairs at two a.m. and headed to his room. He was so exhausted he could hardly move. This case was going to be the death of him. He paused outside the door to Brianna's room, a heaviness in his chest. He couldn't look inside.

He walked on.

When he reached April's room, he again paused, wondering if he should check on her. Though John had said she'd gone to bed over an hour ago, that didn't mean she wasn't lying awake with thoughts of Brianna swirling in her mind. She had to be terrified for her little girl, wondering if she was frightened, if she was okay...because those same thoughts kept tormenting Nick.

Nick hesitated. He turned the knob. He'd just peek in on her to make sure she was okay, then he'd leave.

He pushed the door open and tiptoed into the room. The floodlights from outside lit up the room enough for him to see she wasn't in the bed.

His heart slammed into his ribs. He nearly dropped the files in his hand.

Where the hell was she?

Nick scrambled out of the room. Certainly she wouldn't go out in the night searching for Brianna? Not on her own. April was smarter than that. Wasn't she?

He crossed the hall to his own room and shoved open the door. Striding to the nightstand, he dropped the files on the top. As he spun around, he spied April curled up in the bed.

The breath whooshed out of his lungs. He sagged against the end of the bed.

Damn her, she'd scared the hell out of him. Nick willed his heart to slow down, his breathing to even out.

His head throbbed. The stress and lack of sleep were catching up to him. He couldn't recall ever going this long without sleep. Couldn't recall ever being this worried. But no one had ever threatened the woman he loved before. Or stolen his child. His heart squeezed.

Hang in there, Brianna. We'll find you soon.

The pounding in his head increased. He moaned. He needed something for the headache. Nick walked into the adjoining bath. He pulled the bottle of Tylenol off the shelf and tossed four pills into his palm. Filling a Dixie cup with water from the sink, he washed the pills down.

"Nick?" April's soft voice called out to him. He came back into the room, pausing at the foot of the bed. "Come to bed." She sat up and patted the mattress next to her. "You need sleep."

He hesitated.

"Come on. I'll help you sleep." She pulled the covers back invitingly.

Nick dropped his gaze. She wore a pink and white nightshirt that bunched around her gorgeous thighs. Was she wearing anything underneath it? He swallowed. If he climbed in bed with her, he wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself. But maybe that was a good thing. At a time like this, they both needed a distraction to keep from worrying about Brianna. He hadn't wanted to rush this before, but now...if they could comfort each other, make each other forget for a short while...

He stepped up to the bed. "I have a headache is all. I just took some Tylenol." He knew what would happen if he climbed in that bed with her. But he wasn't going to fight it anymore. He needed her as much as she needed him.

He sank down onto the mattress.

"I can help fix that," she whispered. "We can help each other forget for a few hours. And in the morning, we'll find Brianna and bring her back."

He heaved out a sigh. "Yes." Damn right they'd get Brianna back. They had to.

She reached for his shirt, unbuttoned the first button. Nick sat there with his hands at his sides as she made her way down. Each brush of her fingertips against his skin sent his heart hammering faster. He was curious about how she would help get rid of his headache, but that wasn't the only reason he just sat there. As much as he tried to convince himself he couldn't be distracted by her, he still yearned for her with everything he had. She made him weak. And he needed her. Desperately.

She freed the last button and opened the shirt, pulling it back as he shrugged his arms loose. She tossed the shirt aside. She looked at his chest and licked her lips.

Heat flared in his groin. He was at her mercy. She could do to him whatever she wanted.

"Lie down on your stomach," she whispered.

Nick complied.

She straddled his waist. Her hands went to his neck and shoulders first, gently kneading his tired muscles. He sighed and closed his eyes. He could get used to this.

Her hands moved down his back and then back up, gently massaging. It was heaven. Nick relaxed beneath her administrations and let himself enjoy every little touch.

"You're always taking care of other people," she whispered. "But no one ever takes care of you." Her hands moved back up to his neck, across his shoulders, along either side of his spine. "Now it's your turn to relax and let me take care of you."

The breath snagged in his throat. His chest constricted. He swallowed hard, his eyes moistening with tears. No one had ever wanted to take care of him before. He hadn't believed he'd needed taking care of. Until now. What would he do without her?

She leaned forward, her breath tickling his ear. "Better now?"

He swallowed hard. "Yes. Thank you."

Her lips touched his neck.

Nick tensed, clenching his fists at his sides.

She hesitated, then kissed his shoulders, first one, then the other. She rained kisses down his back, along his spine, as her fingers continued to gently stroke and massage. A trail of fire followed in the wake of her kisses. A fire that burned him clear to the depths of his soul. She paused a moment, lifting her head.

Nick held his breath, waited.

She leaned forward again and pressed a kiss just beneath his earlobe. He moaned and rolled over, reaching for her. He had to touch her. Now.

She caught his hands in hers, stopping him.

"No. Let me take care of you this time."

Nick breathed in deeply, then out, forcing himself to lie there while she explored his chest with her fingers, gently twirling the hair around his nipples, stroking his stomach and back up again, down again. She paused beneath his navel and lifted her gaze to his.

His stomach quivered. His breathing quickened.

His headache was gone.

She lowered her head and kissed his stomach. Nick sucked in a breath. Her mouth moved lower, pausing at the base of his jeans.

"April."

She lifted her head.

Sliding his fingers into her hair, he pulled her mouth to his, kissing her long and slow. At last he drew back.

"You don't have to do this."

"I want to," she whispered. "Let me love you, Nick."

Her hands moved to unzip his jeans. He closed his eyes, drew in a sharp breath. She pulled the zipper down, then paused. He opened his eyes. Her gaze seared his. She clutched the sides of his jeans. He lifted his hips off the bed. She pulled the pants down his legs, dragging his underwear with them, releasing one leg at a time and tossing the jeans onto the floor.

She leaned over him again as her mouth returned to his, her kisses sweet and innocent, intoxicating. His arms disobeyed him, surging out as his fingers sought her breasts through her nightshirt. He had to touch, had to feel every inch of her. It had been too damn long.

She yanked the nightshirt over her head, tossed it aside. Nick's mouth went dry. She was beautiful. Her breasts were larger than he remembered, fuller. He reached for them, cupping one in each hand. She gasped, closing her eyes and leaning into his hands. He lifted his head, drawing one nipple into his mouth and teasing it with his tongue.

"Nick." She arched against his mouth. "Oh God."

He flicked his tongue around her nipple, over and over, drawing a gasp from her. Then she drew back and stared down at his chest. She lifted a finger to stroke down and around his pecs. His muscles twitched beneath her hand.

He groaned. Dear God. He was ready to explode. He didn't think he could stand it much longer.

She bent her head to rain kisses across his chest and down his stomach. His muscles clenched. He was on fire for her, aching with need. It took every ounce of willpower to keep his hands at his sides. She kissed back up his torso and lifted her head. Her mouth came back to his, tentatively at first, then more hungrily as Nick kissed her back, his tongue darting into her mouth and encouraging her to open for him. When her tongue touched his for the first time, he nearly lost it. Letting out a soft growl, he reached for her, his hands sliding to the waistband of her panties. She leaned back, wiggling out of the silky underwear as he pushed it down her legs.

And there she was. In all her glory. Slim and gorgeous with soft, stunning curves, gently rounded hips and as purely feminine as he was masculine. She took his breath away.

Her gaze sought his. She blushed.

"You're stunning," he rasped.

"So are you," she whispered.

Then it was skin on skin as she settled against him. His breath caught. He lost all thought. From that moment on, all he could do was feel as she took him to heaven and they became one.

Sometime later Nick opened his eyes to find her curled up next to him, her head on his shoulder, her fingers stroking through his hair.

"I heard somewhere that sex helps relieve a man's stress level," she whispered. "I wanted to do something nice for you. You should be able to sleep now."

His eyes stung with tears. Something nice? Hell, she'd given him the most magical, incredible thing she could ever give him. His throat clogged with emotion. He swallowed.

"Thank you. No one has ever loved me like that before." And no one would ever love her the way he did. He couldn't walk away from her now if he tried.

She leaned up to press a kiss against his lips, then settled back against him. "You're welcome."

Nick closed his eyes. He let out a deep breath and relaxed, reveling in his euphoria.

This was one distraction he would never regret.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

When April woke, the sun was up. The clock on the nightstand said 7:15. She glanced at Nick sleeping soundly beside her. He looked so peaceful, she didn't dare wake him. He needed sleep. He had so much weight on his shoulders, so much pressure to catch the killer and find Brianna. She was glad she was able to relieve his stress, if only for a few hours. Last night had been special. She'd wanted to give Nick something to show him how much he meant to her. Had he enjoyed it as much as she had? Had last night meant as much to him as it had to her? Would he stay after they found Brianna and caught this killer?

April slid out of the bed. She needed to find her daughter. She yanked her nightshirt over her head and headed for the door. As she passed the end table, she noticed the papers Nick had tossed there the night before. The murder files. April's curiosity got the best of her.

She glanced at the bed. Nick was still sleeping. She lifted the page on the top. The prison photo of Jeremy Bishop was frightening. He looked like an angry man. She skimmed through the words on the page, horrified by what he'd had to endure as a child. But what if Jeremy hadn't killed those women? What if someone else had? What if Nick had investigated the wrong person?

Who had stolen her daughter?

April dropped the paper back on the stack, her heart in her throat.

Oh Brianna, hang in there sweetie. Mommy's going to find you soon.

As April turned away, her gaze landed on the corner of an envelope that poked out from the pile of papers. Had the killer delivered another note last night? Why hadn't Nick told her?

She glanced back at the bed, then slipped the envelope from the stack. Nick's name was written across the front. She held her breath as she opened the paper and read the message.

Let's make a trade. You give me April and I'll give you the kid. You've got until noon tomorrow and then the kid dies.

The paper slipped from her fingers, landing on the floor.

Noon!

Her heart kicked against her ribs. No wonder Nick had been so tormented last night. Noon was just a few hours away. How could he make a decision like that?

She straightened her spine. She would just make the decision for him. She would give that creep what he wanted. An exchange. Herself for Brianna. Turning away, she slipped out of the room.

April ran to her room and dressed quickly. She hurried down the stairs and went into Bernie's study. She rarely went into this room. It had been Bernie's sanctuary, where he went to be alone.

She strode to the giant gun cabinet that sat against the far wall and spun the dial right, left, then right again, releasing the combination. The lock clicked free. She swung the door open. Bernie had an arsenal of hunting rifles and other various weapons. She selected a 30.06 hunting rifle and pulled it out of the gun safe. Grabbing a handful of bullets from the box on the shelf, she loaded the gun with as many bullets as it would take. She stuffed a bunch of bullets into the front pockets of her jeans. Just in case.

She was ready. She would give herself up. But not before Brianna was safe. Then she'd figure out a way to escape.

Moments later, April entered the dining room with the gun slung over her shoulder. Her father was serving breakfast to the sheriff's deputies and Agent Shaw. She strode past, heading for the back door.

They all looked up at her.

Agent Shaw's mouth dropped open. Everyone leapt to their feet.

"I'm going to save my daughter. Don't try to stop me."

"April." Her father jumped in front of her, blocking her exit. "Don't be silly. You can't take on a killer by yourself."

She lifted her chin. "Watch me."

The deputies and Agent Shaw surrounded her.

"Take her gun," her father said.

"No!" She stepped back, gripping the gun tightly in her hands. "Didn't you see the note he left last night? He wants me in exchange for Brianna."

"We know." Agent Shaw was the one who spoke. "But we can't let you go out there, April. Nick would have our hides."

"Nick's still sleeping." She glared at each one of them. "I couldn't wake him. He needs his sleep. Do any of you have a better idea? That's my daughter out there. I have to save her."

Everyone exchanged glances.

"Then we're coming with you." Her father looked at her, then glanced at the cops. "But not until after breakfast." He steered April back into the dining room.

The cops followed.

April moved past her father and entered the kitchen. Without realizing it, her father was giving her a chance to sneak out.

"Anyone want coffee?" she called. There was a rarely used door that led to the backyard from the kitchen. Since none of the cops had been in the kitchen, they didn't know about it. She was going to use that door to sneak out and go find her daughter.

April didn't waste any time. As soon as the swinging door closed behind her, she rushed to the back door. Her father entered the kitchen behind her. She glanced back, noting her father's pale, startled face.

She sprinted out the door.

"Dammit April!"

I'm sorry, Dad. I have to do this alone.

She prayed he would forgive her. The killer would never release Brianna if cops swarmed the woods. That's why April had to do this alone.

The sun was hovering over the top of the mountain, slowly rising. She raced across the yard and didn't stop running until she'd entered the dark forest. She stopped and glanced around. Shadows lurked everywhere. A chill crept down her spine.

She stood still and listened. A squirrel chattered from a tree off to her left, then scampered away, flicking its tail as it bounced up the trunk of the tree.

She clicked off the gun's safety and lifted it to her shoulder. She strode forward, her gaze darting from left to right, pointing the gun in front of her. Bernie had taught her how to shoot and she was a damn good shot.

She'd wandered about twenty yards into the trees when the birds stopped chirping and the forest grew silent. The upper branches of the huge pines rustled and snapped in the wind. April glanced up. Branches waved this way and that. She shivered. She wished she'd brought a jacket. She caught a flash of movement up in the trees to her right. She spun that way, pointing the gun in front of her. A woodpecker squawked. With a flutter of wings, it flew up into the sky.

Branches cracked behind her and she spun around, her heart in her throat.

It was just the wind.

She took a step forward. More branches swayed above her. The hair sprang up on her arms. A chill ran through her. Movement off to the left and up above had her spinning around, pointing the gun upward. Something that looked like a pile of leaves was moving down the trunk of a huge pine tree. It took a moment for her brain to register what she was seeing. She stared as a man dressed in full camouflage garb shimmied down the trunk of the tree. The man was huge, like a football player. Like Steve. She gasped and leapt back, but she was too slow.

He pounced.

His foot struck her shoulder. The gun went off, flying from her hands and landing in the underbrush. April hit the ground beneath him, scraping her palms on the fallen branches and pine needles that littered the earth. She cried out. Scrambling to her knees, she reached for the gun.

But he was faster.

She caught a glimpse of cold blue eyes surrounded by a face camouflaged by brown, black and green paint. Short-cropped blond hair.

Definitely not Steve.

He lifted the butt of the gun and slammed it into the side of her head.

Then everything went black.

* * *

Giddy with excitement, he hefted his prize onto his shoulder and hurried toward the barn at the back of the property. He dropped April in the underbrush behind the barn, then rushed inside to free the little girl. It was time to get rid of the brat. Kids made him uncomfortable. Especially cute ones. When he'd been forced to stuff the dirty rag into the kid's mouth to keep her quiet, guilt had nagged at him. She reminded him of his niece and he could never harm sweet little Kayla.

He shimmied up the ladder to the hay loft. The girl sat in the corner where he'd left her tied to an old metal ring in the wall. She was shivering from the cold. Another reason to be rid of her. He didn't want her dying of hypothermia on him. She was too cute. His mother would be disappointed in him if she discovered he'd hurt a child. Couldn't disappoint Mom.

The kid's eyes widened. She whimpered, scooting back against the wall. He lifted a finger to his lips.

"Want to go home now, little one?"

Eyeing him warily, she nodded.

"Then be very quiet and I'll let you go."

The kid remained still while he untied her from the ring. He tossed her over his shoulder and shimmied back down the ladder. The hayloft had been the perfect place to hide her. He'd waited until the cops completed their search of the barn, then snuck the kid in. The dumb cops hadn't come back to the barn after their initial search. If they had, they would have found the girl up in the loft. They'd been too intent on searching the trees. He'd laughed from his post up high while they'd scoured the ground beneath him, knowing they'd never find him. Knowing he'd outsmarted them.

He slipped out the barn door and set the girl on the ground. He left the gag in place so she couldn't scream until after he was gone. No need to call attention to himself before he could sneak away.

A loon called from the lake, its eerie cry piercing the stillness of the forest.

Time to get a move on before April woke.

He gave the little girl a shove toward the lodge.

"Go, little one. You're free."

Her gaze swung to the open yard before her. She took off, her little legs sprinting toward the lodge. He hunkered down behind a bush and watched as she raced into the yard. John Williams charged off the porch. The child ran straight into his arms. John scooped her up, holding her close.

Oh, how sweet.

He snickered and turned away.

They'd found Jeremy, which had messed up his plans a little. Jeremy wasn't supposed to die yet. But he hadn't fed or watered the guy for more than a week. He'd kept his prisoner tied up in the back of the Jeep ever since he'd ambushed him back in Phoenix. They hadn't seen eye-to-eye and he'd grown tired of the bully. He suspected the prick had died of dehydration. Or too much Xylazine. One of the perks of being a veterinary assistant was access to drugs.

Oh well. Too bad about Jeremy. No big loss there. He could still finish this without Jeremy. He'd only been using Jeremy so they'd have someone to blame the murders on. So he could slip away with April after he killed Miller. They would never suspect him. No one even knew he was gone, since he'd taken a week's vacation. His own mother would never suspect he'd done what he'd done.

He smiled. He was brilliant.

He bent down to scoop up his unconscious prize. Cradling the beauty against his thick chest, he headed into the trees.

Beauty and the beast.

He cackled.

How appropriate.

All he had to do now was lure Nick out for the grand finale.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

A loud crack had Nick jerking awake in the bed.

Was that a gunshot?

He sat there for a moment, trying to get his bearings.

Someone pounded at the door.

Tossing the covers aside, he scrambled across the room and yanked open the door.

Deputy Peterson stood out in the hallway.

"Did I just hear a gunshot?"

"Yes, it's April. She went off after him by herself. When we realized she was gone, the others ran out the door to find her. Agent Shaw told me to come and get you."

Nick's heart hammered against his ribs. He dragged a pair of jeans up his legs, then yanked a shirt from the closet, the hanger bouncing off the rod and crashing to the floor. Damn, why had he slept in so late? He shouldn't have let her leave. He should have kept her by his side. But he'd been so exhausted and so content after a night in April's arms that he'd slept like the dead, allowing her to slip out without him even being aware. Damn her! He couldn't lose her to that bastard. Not now.

He stumbled down the stairs after the deputy, his shirt hanging off one shoulder. They thundered out onto the back porch just as John scooped Brianna up into his arms. Nick's chest tightened. He choked out a breath. His eyes stinging with tears, he ran, barefoot, across the yard toward them.

John removed the gag from Brianna's mouth and she sobbed into his neck.

"Grandpa," she cried. "Grandpa."

Nick's gaze locked with John's. John had told him he'd never met Brianna before, that he only had the pictures April showed him. So how had Brianna known who he was?

John squeezed Brianna against him. Then he handed her over. Nick gathered his precious daughter close, holding her tight, inhaling her sweet scent, as relief shuddered through him. Thank God she was alive and unharmed.

"How do you know that's Grandpa?" he asked gently.

"Because Mommy showed me pictures of him." She burrowed into his chest. Her soft voice whispered, "The scary man let me go."

"Did he hurt you, Sweetheart?"

She shook her head back and forth, then snuggled into his shoulder. "I was just scared. It was dark in there. And so cold." She shivered against him.

Nick squeezed her tight, met John's gaze again. "Dark in where, Honey?"

"The barn. He tied me up in the barn."

The barn.

Why hadn't they thought of that? Because they'd been looking for him in the trees. Son-of-a-bitch!

"Do you know where your mommy is?"

Again a shake of her head. "I didn't see Mommy anywhere. She wasn't there."

Nick handed her back over to John, who cradled her against him.

"Take care of her," he said hoarsely, wiping at his eyes. "I'm going to find April."

Or die trying.

* * *

April moaned as she came awake. She had a massive migraine, a persistently fierce pounding on the side of her head. She opened her eyes. She was surrounded by semi-darkness, but the smell, the sounds seemed familiar somehow. Branches rustled in the breeze. Birds chirped.

Forest sounds.

She was outside somewhere. But where?

She jolted upright into a sitting position. Pain spliced through her skull and she moaned again. Something dry and dusty was stuffed in her mouth and wrapped around her head. She'd been gagged. She tugged on her arms, discovered they were tied behind her back. She scooted back until she hit a wall. A collapsible wall. Fabric stretched. Canvas? She jerked away from the moveable wall. Her shoulders ached. The floor creaked beneath her.

Her eyes gradually adjusted to the semi-darkness.

She was in a tree. In a blind. A small, square box. It made sense now.

Her head throbbed anew. Tears stung her eyes. Was it day or night? The blind was sealed up tight.

Then she remembered the man dressed in camouflage coming down the tree at her. He'd hit her with her own gun.

Idiot! What had she been thinking? She'd known he was up in the trees somewhere, but she hadn't expected him to be nearly invisible. Or to land on top of her and knock the gun aside.

Where was Brianna?

April trembled. Her chest tightened. She forced back a sob.

Please God, let my baby be okay.

The killer had no use for Brianna now, right? So he must have freed her. She had to be safe with Nick now.

Please let her be safe.

April huddled in the corner against the fabric wall, praying over and over that Brianna was okay. Praying she'd find a way to escape. Praying Nick would find her soon.

After what seemed like hours, a noise came from beneath her. She sat up straighter against the wall.

He was coming.

A scraping sound.

A grunt.

A zipper unzipping pierced the silence. Light filtered into the blind as the flap was pulled away. It was daytime. She caught a glimpse of branches filled with pine needles before the man's head came into view.

April held her breath, cringing back against the canvas wall. The floor creaked as he hefted his huge body into the blind with her. He closed the zipper behind him.

Fear clawed at her. She desperately fought it back.

Be brave. Don't let him scare you.

A flashlight flicked on, shining in her face. She jerked away, turning her head to the side to try to block the glare.

Those cold blue eyes that she remembered from earlier bored into hers. His mouth cracked into an evil smile. The camouflage paint on his face was starting to smear, giving him an even more frightening appearance. April shivered. He yanked something from a pocket at his side. A syringe glittered as he held it up in the flashlight beam.

"Nick will be coming soon. I just delivered the final note. It's time to move you, pretty girl."

He leaned toward her with the syringe, popped off the cap.

"It's show time!"

* * *

"Grandpa, will Daddy find Mommy soon?"

"Of course he will. You just hang in there, Sweetheart. He'll find her."

Brianna nodded once, then buried her face against his chest. John patted her back. Stroked her springy curls. Poor child. He had no idea what that son-of-a-bitch had done to her, but he hoped she was just frightened from being scared and alone in the barn and the man hadn't mistreated her in any way.

Hang in there little one. We'll get your mommy back soon.

John hugged his granddaughter to his chest, rocking her gently in Bernie's old leather recliner. He needed to help find April. Needed to help get her back. He knew these woods better than any of them did.

But he needed someone to take care of Brianna until this was over.

Nick had disappeared into the forest with both the sheriff's deputies over an hour ago, searching for April. John had an uneasy feeling they wouldn't find any sign of her. At least not yet. Not until the killer wanted them to.

Agent Shaw paced back and forth across the living room, obviously agitated and anxious to be out there doing something. Nick had ordered him to stay at the lodge in case April somehow escaped and made it back.

She's not coming back. Not on her own.

"Stop pacing," John growled at the young agent. "You're making me crazy."

Agent Shaw paused, scowling at him. "I don't know why Nick won't let me do anything. I should be out there helping them look."

"They're not going to find her. We both know that. If you want to do something helpful, get a hold of Karen Williams and the nanny Mildred and have them brought back out here. I need them to help watch Brianna. She needs her grandma."

Brianna's eyes opened. "Is Grandma here?"

"Not yet." John patted her back. "But she will be soon." He glanced up at Agent Shaw. "Right?"

Shaw nodded. "I don't see any harm in bringing them back here. I actually think it's a good idea. The kid needs a woman's comfort. Her grandma and nanny will be perfect. Besides, I don't think anyone else is in danger now that he's got April." He lifted his cell phone and swiped the screen, turning away from John as he spoke into the phone.

John kissed Brianna on the forehead and continued to rock her in the chair. "Grandma will be here soon," he whispered. "Then I'll go get your mommy."

* * *

When Nick and the two deputies returned to the lodge in the early afternoon, the envelope was waiting on the back porch. Nick had known searching the woods for her would be fruitless, but he'd needed to do something. Where the hell was she? What had that bastard done with her?

His heart in his throat, Nick bent down and scooped up the envelope. He refused to believe April was dead. This guy was playing some kind of sick game and Nick was somehow a part of it. He just wasn't sure what his role was supposed to be.

Nick tore open the envelope and unfolded the message.

She's waiting for you at a place up high.

Come alone to find her or she's going to die.

You only have six hours to make things right

Or she'll disappear forever into the night.

Tick tock, tick tock...

What the fuck? It was a damn poem. Nick glared at the message.

"What does it say?" Deputy Allen asked.

Nick thrust the note at him. How long had it been sitting on the back porch? A minute? An hour? How much time did he have left?

Pushing open the back door, he strode into the lodge. Gabe came running, his face pale.

"Did you find her?"

Nick shook his head. "No. How long since you've been out on the back porch?"

Gabe shrugged. "Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe. I've been doing regular sweeps around the house. Why?" Deputy Allen handed Gabe the note. Gabe paled as he read it.

If Nick allowed a half hour since Gabe's last sweep, that meant he had five and a half hours left to find her.

Gabe cleared his throat. "Norton's bringing Karen and the nanny back out to help with Brianna. They should be here any minute." Gabe looked away for a moment. "He's bringing Tara too."

Nick nodded. He didn't believe any of them were in danger anymore, not now that the killer had April. He would tell them all to stay inside the lodge just to be safe.

"Good thinking, Shaw. Brianna needs someone familiar around to help comfort her." Especially since his mind was in such a turmoil he wouldn't be any good to his daughter right now.

Relief flashed across Gabe's face. "As soon as the women get here, John's going out to search for April. He says he knows these woods better than anyone and thinks he can bring her back."

A tiny sparkle of hope filled Nick's chest. He latched onto it like a starving man snatching up a bread crumb. Though John was a civilian, Nick wasn't against asking for his help. He needed John's help.

His phone chirped. He glanced at the caller ID. Craig.

Hell. If his boss was calling, it couldn't be good.

"Miller." Nick turned away from everyone and walked into the hallway.

"What the hell is going on up there, Nick?"

Nick flinched under his boss's angry tirade.

"When were you going to tell me that child was yours? And why the hell are you harboring a fugitive? What. The. Fuck?"

Nick took a deep breath, puffed it out. He'd never suffered the brunt of Craig's rage before. He hadn't known Craig could be so mad. "I didn't know about Brianna until a few days ago. I'm sorry. I just forgot to mention her. And I'm escorting John back to the prison as soon as this is over."

Craig let out a disgusted snort. "I had to listen to a furious SWAT team commander who said you wouldn't let him take John Williams in. You're in over your head there, Nick. You're too close to the individuals involved. You can't think objectively. I have to take you off this case now." He sighed. "I probably never should have let you take it in the first place."

Nick rubbed a hand roughly over his face. "The killer drew me into this case for a reason, Craig, and you know it. I can't leave. It's imperative that I be here. He's got April now. He's only given me six hours to find her before he kills her. You can't take me off the case now. I'm not giving up until I find her."

Craig swore again. "You're my best agent, Nick. But you're walking on thin ice right now. Don't fail me. If you haven't found her by the perp's six-hour deadline, then I'm sending in a new team and taking you off the case. Got it?"

Nick groaned. "Yeah."

"Anything else you omitted?"

Nick sighed. "No. That's it. I'm sorry, Craig." There was a long pause. "Did you happen to locate Johnny Whitehorse yet?"

"Yes. Whitehorse is in Bozeman. As of a couple of hours ago, he was at his job at the mechanic's shop. There's no way he could be your killer."

"Shit."

Silence stretched across the line, then Craig let out a long sigh. "I got your cause of death for the man found in the Jeep. Dehydration. His organs failed. M.E. said it looked like he'd been tied up in that hot car for a week or more. He had no food in his stomach. And no fluids. Said his skin was shriveled up, his body dry as sand. It wasn't a pleasant death."

Hell. Nick ran a hand over his face. The list of suspects had shrunk down to none.

"M.E. also found traces of Xylazine in his system. It's used in veterinary medicine as a general anesthetic and for sedation. Whoever kidnapped him also drugged him, probably to keep him quiet."

"I've heard of it." Nick's mind spun. "So he had access to veterinary medicines. Could he be a vet? Or a veterinary assistant?"

"Possible."

"So why was Jeremy here?" Nick threaded his fingers through his hair and pulled. "Why did this guy leave him tied up in the Jeep? Why did he drug him? Were they working together and Jeremy pissed the other guy off so he left him to die?"

"All very good questions. Have you got any leads as to who he could be?"

Nick groaned. "No." Not a single one. He was more confused than ever. The only possible suspect now was Steve Jones, but Nick's gut told him it wasn't Jones. Then who the hell was it?

Craig cleared his throat. "I want hourly updates from here on out."

Nick ended the call and stuffed the phone back in his pocket. He had less than six hours to find April.

Or he would lose her forever.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

He ran the flashlight over his prize. April wasn't so pretty with the huge bump on her head or the dried blood caked to the side of her face. Her hair was a tangled mess, her face pale, and her eyes wild with fear.

He chuckled. He'd never thought strong and willful "Rebecca" would be afraid of him. He was a little disappointed that she was. He wanted her to fight back. He wanted her freaky eyes to flare with hatred, he wanted her lips to spit angry words at him. And then, after he'd gotten rid of Miller, he wanted her to tell him how much she wanted him, how he would be the only man for her.

He propped the flashlight against his boot, angling it so it shined directly on April. He cut the rope that bound her wrists, then sat back against the tree trunk and looked at her. She watched him while she rubbed her wrists together. She couldn't go anywhere in the small blind, unless she jumped to her death. But she was smarter than that.

He stuck the cap back on the syringe and set it at his feet. He wasn't quite ready for it yet. Her gaze followed the movement, then flicked back to him.

He grinned. If only she'd chosen him back then, things would be so different right now.

She pulled the gag from her mouth.

"If you scream, you'll regret it."

"I won't." Her voice was raspy. Sexy. It turned him on. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" She watched him warily from where she huddled near the wall. "What did I ever do to you?"

He smiled. "You chose the wrong guy. I would have worshipped you, given you everything, don't you know? But you chose the nerd over me. I still don't get it."

Confusion flickered across her face. "What are you talking about? Who are you?"

He was disappointed she didn't recognize him. He picked up the syringe, twirled it in his hand. "You snubbed me." He'd been angry at first, then hurt. And finally, he'd decided she was just playing hard to get. Women did that sometimes. Pretended they didn't care, when they really did. She wanted him. He just had to remind her of that. "After all I did for you, you just snubbed me." He shook his head. "I saved you from that son-of-a-bitch! Me! But you ran into that nerd's arms as if he was the one who saved you. I couldn't believe you did that. You didn't appreciate what I did for you. But I liked your courage. You were the first one to ever stand up to Jeremy."

She scooted back against the fabric wall, still rubbing her hands together. Then her eyes widened.

She'd figured out who he was. Good. It was about time.

"Chris McClay? I didn't snub you. I thanked you for saving me. I called you a gentleman."

He pulled his lip back in a sneer. "Yeah, you did. Before you wrapped yourself around the nerd. I still don't get what you see in him. I was your hero. Not him. I rescued you. Not him."

"I'm sorry." Her gaze settled on his again. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. It's just...I didn't even know you and Nick was my best friend." She wrapped her arms around her legs, hugging herself against the wall. "I didn't mean to insult you." Her voice softened. "Will you please forgive me?"

Chris snorted. "It's a little late for that now. If you had chosen me years ago, none of those women would have had to die. Jeremy wouldn't have had to die. But you didn't. You just took off and left me hanging."

Her throat moved as she swallowed. Her eyes widened. "So you're the one who killed those women?"

"Of course. Every single one of them."

"You're a monster! Not a hero! Heroes don't kill innocent people." Her freaky eyes were huge in her pale face.

"Have I upset you?" He smirked at her.

Her gaze shifted to the syringe in his hand, then jumped back to his face. "Why did you kill Jeremy? Why was he even here?"

"You haven't figured that out yet? We were roommates, lived just down the street from Nick. But we didn't always see eye-to-eye. I finally got tired of his bullying. I brought him along because I knew Nick would think he was the killer. He had motive. He hated you and Nick both."

She gasped. "You set him up?"

She was a smart one. "Sure did. But he died before I could finish the game, so now Nick will know it wasn't him. But he'll never suspect me."

She studied him a moment in silence, her eyes wide with horror. "And here I thought you were a gentleman, but you're nothing but a sick, demented killer!"

Chris narrowed his eyes. "Watch it. I could kill you right now if I wanted to."

She lifted her chin. "Then do it. What's stopping you?"

Her words took him aback. He barked out a laugh. "Because I'm not going to kill you. I'm stealing you from the nerd. And then I'm killing him."

She was silent a moment. They stared at each other, their gazes locked. He was definitely going to enjoy taming her. He liked her feistiness. He'd known the moment he'd seen her that it was destiny. And this just confirmed it. She'd been made for him.

"How did you find me?" she asked softly. "How did you know who I was?"

He leaned back on his heels. "Oh, that was easy. I figured out who you were right after you left Tucson. Your dad's a famous criminal. And I'm sure you know there aren't many women with your freaky eyes. Then one day I was channel surfing on the satellite and I saw this gorgeous babe who looked just like you." He puffed out his chest.

She didn't look impressed. "That still doesn't explain why you killed six innocent women."

He chuckled. "Oh, that. That was all for Nick. I had to lure him out somehow. It worked pretty good, didn't it? I left the first body in the wash by his parent's house right by where you rode horses."

Her eyes widened. "How did you know we rode horses in the wash?"

"I watched you."

She paled. "You're mentally unstable, you know that? Sick. You belong in a mental institution!"

He tried to ignore the slice of pain that pierced his chest. I'm not mental, dammit! No matter what anyone said. He'd been called a dumb jock too many times to count. A follower. But he wasn't dumb and he wasn't a follower! He was brilliant. A genius. He'd planned this all by himself, hadn't he?

He inhaled deeply, pushed it out. Shoved the pain out with it. He wouldn't let her hurt him. Someday soon he'd teach her all about respecting her man.

Chris chuckled. "Probably scared the shit out of his parents."

A horrified expression crossed her face. "Were his parents the ones who found the body?"

He scowled. "Unfortunately, no. Though I was hoping they would." That had been his plan all along, to try to lure Nick out with the very first murder, to try to make him think it was April, but it hadn't worked that way. So he'd planted the second body near Nick's condo, hoping to lure him out with that one. But Nick still hadn't taken the bait. Nick hadn't taken the case until after the fourth murder, much to Chris's frustration.

But he had Nick exactly where he wanted him now.

"I still don't know what you want with me."

He scooted across the floor toward her. She cringed back against the wall.

"Haven't you figured it out yet? We're meant to be together. Soul mates. You were made just for me."

"You're disgusting!" She hissed the words at him, shrinking back against the wall as he came closer. "Don't touch me!"

Lust pulsated through him, making him instantly hard. He wanted her.

He slapped her across the face.

She whimpered and turned her head to the side.

"Fight back," he ordered. What had happened to the feisty little girl from his past? The one who'd stood up to Jeremy? If he was going to tame her, she had to fight back first. He had no use for weak women. His mother had told him to find a woman who was worthy of him.

He slapped her again, harder. She cried out and cringed away.

"Fight back you little bitch." He grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her head back. He crushed his mouth on hers.

She squirmed beneath him, then sank her teeth into his lip. He jerked back at the sharp pain, releasing her. She spit in his face, then came at him like a wild beast, clawing at his face.

"Yes!" He sat back and let her attack him for a moment as satisfaction swirled through him. He was getting turned on. This was what he'd been waiting for.

When he decided he'd had enough, he captured her arms and yanked them behind her back.

"That's what I wanted to see. A woman who's worthy of me."

Her spit dribbled down his nose. Blood oozed from the scratches on his cheek and his cut lip. Battle scars. Ones he'd wear with pride.

She glared at him. Damn, she was hot. He ached with desire, wanting to shove her back against the tree and take her right then and there. He'd known she'd had fight in her somewhere. It was good to see it come to life. But there would be plenty of time later to train her the way he wanted. To make her his. First he had to get rid of the nerd. He couldn't get distracted from the goal. Later, she'd be his for the taking. Whenever and wherever he wanted.

He bound her arms behind her back again. She pulled at the rope. She wasn't glaring anymore.

"Please. Where's my little girl? What did you do to her?"

He rose to his feet. "I let her go after I caught you. She was never in danger. I have a niece, you know. I'd never hurt a kid. I was just using her as bait. Like you."

Her eyes filled with tears. "Please, don't hurt Nick. I'll do whatever you want. You can take me and leave. We'll run away together. Just the two of us. You'll never have to see Nick again."

Chris considered her words for a moment. Desperate words of a frightened woman. But as long as Nick was alive, she wouldn't be truly his. She'd pine after Nick. She'd do everything to protect that damn nerd. And he couldn't have that.

There would only be one winner in this game.

Him.

He stuffed the gag back in her mouth.

He popped the lid off the syringe and leaned toward her. Her eyes widened. She leaned back against the wall.

"You, pretty girl, were never my target. You're the ultimate prize."

He jabbed the needle into her thigh.

* * *

"How is she?"

Karen entered the room, her gaze on Brianna in John's arms. John hesitated, reluctant to hand her over, yet he needed to help Nick find April and he couldn't do that if he was sitting in a chair.

"She's holding out."

Brianna turned her head. "Grandma."

John rose from the chair. He handed his granddaughter over to his wife, whom he hadn't seen since his trial more than six years ago. Karen took the child and cuddled her close. Brianna snuggled into Karen's warmth and let out a soft sigh.

Karen met his gaze. "Thank you, John."

He gave a quick nod, his gaze downcast. A moment of silence stretched between them. He owed her an apology. He'd stolen April away and hadn't allowed Karen to see her for over twenty years. And it had been his influence that kept April from seeing Karen after that. He'd been a selfish cad.

He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. I hope someday you can forgive me for what I did."

She let out a long sigh. "I don't hate you anymore. I admit I did for a long time, but not anymore. You did a good job raising April. She's a wonderful young woman. I don't know if I could have done any better."

He jerked his gaze to hers. He didn't know what to say.

Karen squeezed Brianna against her, then lifted her gaze to his again. "Being around Brianna helps relieve some of the bitterness and hate. She's such a precious little girl." She stroked Brianna's hair away from her face. "I'm sorry for what I did, too. I should have just told you I wanted out of the marriage instead of hurting you like that."

He hadn't expected her to apologize. Hell, he hadn't expected her to be civil at all. Obviously they'd both matured in the past twenty-six years. He was glad he'd had the FBI bring her back here. She deserved this time with Brianna. He could never make up to her all the years he'd stolen from her, but at least he could let her be with her granddaughter now.

"We were both young and foolish back then."

Another moment of silence stretched between them.

"What was it like?" she asked. "Living on the run all those years? That had to have been difficult. Did you ever date anyone? Did you ever fall in love again?"

"No." It had been impossible to date anyone. They'd moved around too much. It wouldn't have been fair to a woman anyway. Because as soon as he started a relationship with a woman, he would have had to pack up and leave. He hadn't wanted to risk anyone's feelings that way.

He met Karen's gaze again. "Tell me, Karen. Is she mine?"

Something flickered in her eyes before she pulled her gaze away. "Of course April's yours. She's always been yours."

She was lying. Something heavy and painful nestled into his chest. He tried to push it aside. All these years he'd loved and cared for April, believing she was his. But she wasn't.

He let out a deep sigh. "You're not a very good liar."

Her gaze bounced back to his. Her face reddened. "I'm sorry. I thought you had a right to know."

"Does April know?" His chest tightened.

Karen shook her head. "No. I haven't told her. It won't change anything. You're the only father she's ever known. What good would come from telling her? It doesn't matter that you're not her biological father. You're her father in every way that counts."

The heaviness slowly lifted from his chest. Karen was right. April was his daughter in every way that mattered. Knowing she wasn't his natural daughter didn't change anything. He still loved her and always would. He and April had a special bond that had nothing to do with genetics. She was his and always would be. No matter what.

He turned to leave the room.

Now he was going to help Nick find April and bring her back.

* * *

"If he's up in the trees, he's probably spent some time as a lumberjack." John eyed Nick across the table. "He probably has boots with spikes and he'd need ropes and other climbing tools."

Nick took a deep breath. "Do you think he could haul April up there with him?"

"If he's a big guy, yeah. April's only, what? One-ten, one-fifteen...she doesn't weigh much. But it wouldn't be easy if she was awake, because she'd probably fight and make it hard for him to keep his balance. A normal-sized guy like you or me would have a harder time with it."

If he's a big guy...

"Could he use a hoist?" Deputy Peterson asked.

John nodded. "Yeah."

Nick's stomach churned. He couldn't even think about how this guy might get April up into the trees. If he strapped her to his back, if he hoisted her up...

Assuming that's where she was.

He thought about the poem again: somewhere up high...

The only thing high around here was the trees. Or the top of a large building.

Nick grew still. The lodge was tall.

So was the barn.

The killer had been playing a game from the start. Maybe he wanted them to think she was in the trees, but in reality he was hiding her somewhere else.

He'd hidden Brianna in the barn, letting them think he had her up in the trees. Had he done the same with April?

They'd searched the barn after the killer had released Brianna, but there'd been no sign of April. They'd searched the barn again this morning. And once more about an hour ago.

So where was she?

Was she on top of the roof of the lodge? On top of the barn? How would the killer get her up there? Would his lumberjack climbing gear work on the lodge? Probably. The lodge was made of giant larch logs.

How would Nick get up there to check?

"Is there a ladder in one of the outbuildings?" He turned to John.

"There's a couple of them. Or at least there was six years ago." He studied Nick. "What are you thinking?"

Nick met his gaze. "I think he's got her on the roof somewhere. He wants us to think she's in the trees, but he's hiding her up on a roof."

Gabe's mouth dropped open. "I'll bet you're right. I never even thought of that!"

Karen entered the room and pulled back a chair at the table. "Brianna's sleeping finally. Any luck?"

Nick noticed how John and Karen avoided looking at each other. He imagined it was a little uncomfortable for them to be in each other's presence.

"Maybe. I think she might be up on the roof." Nick slid back his chair and rose. He'd find her if it was the last thing he ever did.

"Show me those ladders, John. Let's see if I'm right."
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Chris lowered the binoculars with a chuckle. Nick and John had leaned a ladder up against the side of the lodge and climbed up onto the roof. They wouldn't find April there. He'd just moved her from the other blind a few minutes ago, the one clear back in the forest where he'd kept her so they wouldn't hear her if she happened to wake up.

The other cops were on the back porch, waiting.

"Getting warmer," he whispered. "But still too cold, Nick. Time's running out."

Nick looked around, his gaze skimming the trees. Then he paused as his gaze landed on Chris in his blind. Chris froze. The binoculars dropped from his hand. Could Nick see the blind from the top of the roof? The blind was invisible from the ground. He'd taken great care to hide it. But the rooftop was nearly the same level. If a person knew what to look for, he might see the blind.

Nick looked away and Chris let out the breath he'd been holding. That had been too close. He needed to get down out of the tree and go to the place where he'd left April. The place where he'd planned his grand finale. April didn't weigh much, around a hundred and fifteen, so hauling her up and down from the blind and across the forest floor had been easy.

The drug was probably wearing off about now. He needed to go to her before she woke. He wanted to see her reaction when Nick arrived. If Nick had thought to look up on the roof, then it wouldn't be long before he figured out where to find her. And Chris planned to be there waiting when Nick showed up.

Excitement surged through him.

Nick the Nerd was about to get his punishment.

And Chris was about to win the prize.

* * *

Nick's heart thundered. He'd just seen a man up in a blind in a tree across the yard. A big man dressed in full camouflage, his face painted. Nick didn't recognize him beneath all the face paint. The only reason Nick had even seen him was because the guy had been looking through binoculars and when he'd moved, the sun had shined off the lenses, which had caught Nick's eye. Even so, the man had been difficult to see in the blind. Nick had almost missed him.

Nick turned around and whispered to John. "He has a blind in the trees. I just saw him. About thirty feet up. No, don't look, not yet. I don't want him to know I saw him. It's the big pine near the back of the swing set, the one closest to the edge of the yard."

John nodded. "I'll go wait for him at the bottom of the tree. He can't come down as long as I'm there."

"He's killed six people, John. Maybe more. Don't underestimate him."

John glowered. "You think I'm afraid of him? He's got my baby. If I get my hands on that bastard, he's dead."

Nick didn't argue. He felt the same way. The first beginnings of hope trickled through Nick. With John's help, he might just be able to catch this son-of-a-bitch. "Try to keep him up there as long as possible while I try to find April. If I find her, then I might be able to free her before he gets down. I'm going to look on the barn roof now. There's so many branches blocking it from here that I can't tell if she's there or not. If you can keep him away as long as possible, it'll give me a chance to find her."

John headed down the ladder.

"John?" Nick called softly.

John paused, meeting his gaze.

"Be careful. This guy's dangerous."

"Not as dangerous as a daddy trying to save his daughter." John hurried down the ladder.

Nick followed. How the hell could he take John back to prison after this? It hadn't felt right the first time he'd taken John in and it sure as hell didn't feel right now.

He sighed. He couldn't think about that now. He had to find April.

When he reached the ground, he picked up the ladder and headed for the barn while John went to the base of the giant pine where Nick had seen the guy in the blind. Please let her be on the barn roof.

Nick reached the barn and leaned the ladder up against the lowest part of the roof. He climbed up.

The roof was littered with pine needles. Fallen branches. Dirt. He swept his gaze from one end of the roof to the other. No April. She wasn't there. Shit.

His heart sank. Time was running out.

Where the hell was she? Despair tried to creep in. He desperately fought it off. He refused to give up. He had to find her.

Maybe she really was up in the blind with the killer.

Nick climbed back down the ladder, his heart sinking. If she was up in the blind, how would Nick get up there to rescue her? None of the ladders were thirty feet tall. And he didn't have lumberjack boots or climbing gear.

But he could probably get some.

A shout echoed across the forest.

Nick raced around the corner of the barn.

John lay on the ground at the base of the pine tree while a huge, camouflage-garbed man fled into the woods.

Nick gave chase, but he lost sight of the guy within seconds after entering the trees. The bastard had disappeared. Nick bounced his gaze around the silent forest, searching. Steve Jones was the only man Nick knew who was that big. But he was pretty sure Jones was back in Coeur d'Alene. He'd have to send a cop out to his place to find out if he was there. Nick quickly placed the call, then stuffed his phone back in his pocket. He would have to wait until someone called him back to let him know if Steve Jones was located. In the meantime, he planned to find April.

Muttering in frustration, Nick hurried back to John, who had climbed to his feet.

"Son-of-a-bitch landed on top of me, then took off." John wiped dirt from his clothes. "Big bastard too! Damn. I can't believe he got away. Why didn't I anticipate that?"

Nick stared back into the trees where the killer had disappeared. He'd gone back by the barn. "It means we're getting close to where he's hiding April and he's getting anxious."

Where was she?

Somewhere up high...

Nick glanced up at the huge pine tree where he'd seen the man hiding in his blind. Was April up there in that blind? Could Nick get up there to rescue her?

He motioned to the tree. "Do you think she's up there, John?"

John tilted his head back and stared up at the tree. "Nah. I don't think so."

Nick's cell phone rang. He turned away from John as he answered. It was the Kootenai County Sheriff. Steve Jones had been located at his house in Coeur d'Alene. Nicked stuffed his phone back in his pocket. His last suspect had just been eliminated.

He let out another frustrated groan.

Where was she?

Somewhere up high...

Had the guy somehow snuck her into the barn in the past hour and hidden her up in the loft?

The loft was up high.

Nick headed toward the barn. "I've got to find her John. She's got to be around here somewhere."

John followed at his heels. "I'll bet he snuck her in the barn when we weren't looking."

Nick paused, turned back around. "I was thinking the same thing. We just checked there an hour ago, but he's pretty sneaky. Do you think he got her in there without us seeing?"

John shrugged. "Can't hurt to look."

Nick's heart pounded. The more he thought about it, the more certain he became. The man had disappeared back by the barn. He'd also kept Brianna in the barn. He could have slipped inside when Nick went back to the tree where John waited.

Nick was going to find her. He was going to save her from this sicko.

"Head back to the lodge and tell the others." Nick's gaze locked on John's. "We're going to need all the backup we can get."

John nodded, turning toward the lodge. "John, wait!"

John paused, turned back to him. "Give me about fifteen minutes before you send them. He said to come alone or she'd die. I can't risk her life like that. I'll need time to try to negotiate with him and get her away first, okay?"

John flicked a hand in acknowledgment as he raced toward the lodge.

His heart in his throat, Nick scurried to the barn.

Please let her be there. Please let her be okay.

The door creaked as he pulled it open. It was dark inside. He pushed the door wide. He propped it open with a rock, waiting momentarily while the light filled the barn and his eyes adjusted. Gun drawn and ready, he entered, glancing one way, then the next, as he hurried down the barn corridor. All the stalls were empty.

Somewhere up high...

At the far end of the barn, he found the old wooden ladder that led up to the loft. The rungs were rotted and split with age. He couldn't climb while holding the gun, so he stuffed it back in his holster and grabbed the sides of the ladder. The rotted wood cracked under his weight as he ventured up, one step at a time.

A muffled whimper reached his ears and he froze halfway up the ladder. She was up there. Was she alone? Nick climbed the rest of the way up and peered into the loft. It was darker up here, but the light from the open door gently filtered into the loft, casting shadows on the walls.

He spied her instantly. She sat on the floor against the barn wall. Gagged. Her arms tied behind her back. Her face was bruised and swollen, dried blood caked to the side of her head. The son-of-a-bitch had hurt her.

April stared at him, her eyes widening. She shook her head quickly from side to side.

Nick cautiously climbed up into the loft and reached for his gun, yanking it free.

Someone rushed at him, slamming into him from the side and knocking the breath from his lungs. He hit the floor with a thud, the gun flying from his hand.

Shit!

April whimpered beneath the gag and fought against her bonds. Nick rolled to his feet and turned to face his attacker. The gun had landed somewhere in the hay near the corner.

Out of reach.

What the hell?

Nick couldn't believe he'd lost his gun that fast.

Moron!

"So we meet again, Nick the Nerd." His attacker let out an evil cackle. The man was dressed in full camouflage and his face painted. His eyes held an evil glint as he eyed Nick.

April mumbled against the gag, her eyes wide. Nick swung his gaze back to her. She was alive. At least for the moment. He intended to keep her that way. But if he got distracted, it could be the end for him. And her.

Focus. Don't get distracted.

He faced his opponent. Tried to figure out who the guy was. No one but Jeremy Bishop had called him Nick the Nerd. But Jeremy's swarm of groupies had overheard. Could this guy be one of Jeremy's followers? Forcing his gaze to remain on the killer, Nick did his best to ignore April. If he was going to get her out of here, he had to concentrate.

"Ready to fight for your girl now? Hand-to-hand combat?" The man's beefy arm moved and a knife glinted in a thin beam of light that shone through the open barn door. "It will be a duel to the death. The winner takes the girl. I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

Nick stared hard at the man, trying to figure out how he knew him. He had to be one of Jeremy's groupies, but who? It was hard to make out the guy's facial features behind all that face paint. "Who are you?"

The man chuckled. "I'm the hero, don't you know?"

Nick stared at him in confusion. "The hero?"

"Yeah, dumb ass. The one who saved Rebecca from Jeremy. Don't you remember?"

Shock slammed through Nick. He stumbled back. "Chris? But...why? I don't understand."

"Haven't you figured it out yet?"

Nick was dumbfounded. The "gentle giant" was a serial killer? It didn't make any sense. Chris had rescued April from Jeremy. So why was he doing this now? What was his motive?

Nick hadn't wanted to fight Jeremy Bishop as a teenager and he sure as hell didn't want to fight Chris McClay now. Chris had been a big kid and was an even larger man. He stood at least six-five and Nick guessed he weighed at least two-eighty, possibly even three hundred pounds. Shit.

Though Nick had had the required "defensive tactics" training at the FBI academy, including Krav Maga and other arrest and control tactics, he'd never had to use the training in a life or death situation before. Nick had never killed another human being.

What about Chris? Had he truly killed all those women or had Jeremy? Had they been working together?

They circled each other slowly. Nick kept his gaze on the knife. It wasn't that big of a knife, but Chris was fully capable of killing him with it. If Nick could deflect the attacks long enough to disarm Chris, maybe he could take him down.

"So who killed all those women?" Nick danced to the side as Chris lunged at him. "You or Jeremy?"

Chris snickered. "I did, you fool. I was going to set Jeremy up, let him take the fall for all those murders, but he went and died on me. Guess I shouldn't have left him alone in the Jeep for so long."

Nick's stomach churned. Never in a million years would he have suspected Chris McClay was capable of such horrendous crimes. He hadn't thought the guy had the mental capacity to even plan out something like this.

Nick feared he didn't stand a chance against Chris. Not only was the guy nearly twice his size, but he'd killed before. And he apparently enjoyed it.

But Nick had to save April. And facing off with this beast of a man was the only way. It was kill or be killed. Nick had to come out the winner. There was no other option. He couldn't fail April. He'd vowed at sixteen that he'd be her hero someday, and dammit, he would.

"Why are you doing this?" Nick decided to try to distract Chris by talking.

Chris's arm slashed out as he made a jab at Nick. Nick jumped to the side, narrowly missing the blade. His heart thundered out of control. He took a deep breath and tried to reel it in.

"You stole my girl, nerd. She was supposed to be mine." Chris lunged at him again. The blade sank into Nick's forearm before Chris jerked it back out. Chris's mouth twisted into a satisfied sneer. "And you're weak. I hate weaklings."

Nick tried his best to ignore the pain as blood pooled on his shirt and trickled down his arm. "She was never yours to steal."

Chris danced forward again. Nick darted to the side, his arm snaking out and coming down hard on Chris's hand. But Chris didn't drop the knife.

Smiling, Chris faced Nick again.

"She was mine from the moment I saw her, nerd. And now I'm taking her back."

Chris made several more jabs at Nick as they danced around the loft, the knife making a thin slice across Nick's stomach and another one along his ribcage. Both were only flesh wounds, but they still hurt.

Nick now had three wounds and Chris had none.

"She doesn't love you." Nick tried a new tactic. Piss him off and maybe he'd get sloppy.

Chris's gaze hardened. "She will. As soon as I get rid of you."

He lunged at Nick again. Nick bounced out of reach. Just barely. The blade slashed through the air, narrowly missing his throat

"Then what took you so long. If she was yours, then why did you wait twelve years to come get her?"

"I had to find her first." Chris lowered the knife, just a little. "And I had to kidnap Jeremy so he could take the fall. We were roomies in Phoenix. He was the one who told me where you lived. And then I started to plan my revenge. It was all my idea. All of it. I'm not a dumb jock. I never did like him. He was such a bully."

Nick had to agree, but Jeremy hadn't deserved what Chris had done to him. No one deserved to die like that. How horrible it must have been for Jeremy those last hours as he suffered and his body shut down.

"Then I had to drag you into the game so I could get rid of you. Now she's mine and you're going to die."

Chris lunged at Nick again, the knife making a thin slice across Nick's side. Nick spun around, flinching at the pain. A new stream of blood trickled down his torso.

Then he made a grievous error.

Chris came at him quickly and Nick misjudged his intent. Chris faked him out, pretending to move one way and instead moved the other. Nick made the mistake of moving into the knife instead of away from it.

Nick gasped as pain pierced his chest. He glanced down to see the knife imbedded in his ribs near his heart.

April sobbed against the gag. Nick swung his gaze to her.

I'm sorry.

He tried to draw air into his lungs but he couldn't breathe.

His legs gave out on him. He stumbled to his knees. He touched the knife, then jerked his hand away. He couldn't pull it out or he might bleed to death.

Chris sniggered. "Looks like I get the girl this time. I told you she was mine!" He bent down and yanked the knife from Nick's chest.

Nick moaned. He pressed his hand against the wound to try to stop the flow of blood, but it was useless. Blood streamed out and ran down his stomach. He feared the knife had pierced his heart.

April's sobs grew wilder against the gag. She thrashed against the bonds, rattling the ring on the wall.

Chuckling, Chris turned toward April with the bloody knife.

"No," Nick slurred. Stop.

He gasped for breath again, but he still couldn't draw any air into his lungs. It was as if his lungs had seized up.

I failed her.

His vision turned hazy.

He wheezed, trying to suck in air.

Then he fell face first into the hay.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

April cringed away from Chris as he slashed her bonds with the knife and stepped back, grinning.

"You're mine now. I won you fair and square. This proves we're soul mates. Destined to be together forever."

She rubbed her sore wrists to restore circulation, then pulled the gag from her mouth. This guy was insane. Crazy. She flicked her gaze to where Nick lay unmoving on the floor. Was he dead? No, she wouldn't think that. She refused to let him die. She had to get help for Nick before it was too late.

She pulled her gaze back to Chris. "You won't get away with this. I'll never go with you willingly."

He chuckled. "No? That's good. I like a feisty woman."

Chills tingled down April's spine.

The ladder creaked.

Someone was coming.

Chris either didn't hear the ladder creak or he didn't care. He reached for her.

April lunged to the side.

He snagged a handful of her hair in his fist and yanked her head back. She cried out, clawing at his face. The scratches seemed to excite him. He let her attack him for a moment before pulling her arms behind her back. His eyes flaring with something evil and frightening, he leered down at her.

"That's my girl," he breathed against her ear. "You and I are going to get along just fine. I knew we were meant to be."

Nick's arm snaked out. His hand wrapped around Chris's ankle.

"Leave. Her. Alone."

Chris yanked his leg free. He spun around as Nick rose to his knees in the hay, his gaze steady on Chris.

"You're not dead yet, nerd?"

Nick wobbled, his face paler than April had ever seen it.

Chris shoved April aside and turned to face Nick.

She stumbled back toward the ladder.

A familiar dark head appeared over the top. She gasped and jumped out of the way as her father landed in the loft and rushed at Chris.

Chris spun toward the newcomer. Her father rammed into him, tackling him back onto the floor.

Nick made a gasping sound and collapsed back into the hay.

"Nick!" April rushed to his side while her father grappled across the floor with Chris. Please God, let him be alive. Please.

Nick's eyes were closed. She dropped before him. He didn't even stir. April rolled him over and pressed a finger to his neck, checking for a pulse. It was faint. But he was still alive. She lowered her ear to his face and listened. Shallow breaths, wheezy and far apart. Had the knife punctured Nick's lung?

Her throat constricted. She drew in a ragged breath.

Don't cry. You have to be strong. You have to save him. She had to.

But he was fading fast.

Yanking off her shirt, she pressed it against the wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood. Nick would die if he didn't get help soon. There was too much blood.

The floor thudded next to her. April glanced up into her father's eyes. She gasped.

"Are you all right, Dad?"

"Don't worry about me. I've got this bastard. Take care of Nick." He struggled to his feet and tackled Chris back onto the floor of the loft. They grappled some more, then someone grunted. April stared as her father fell back onto the floor. Chris rose, the knife dripping with blood. He advanced toward her. Her gaze darted back to her father, but he didn't move.

No!

"You bastard!" She launched herself at Chris like a wildcat, kicking and clawing. He'd hurt Nick and now her father.

He was going to die!

In her wild struggles, her foot amazingly connected with the hand that held the knife. The knife soared through the air, landing somewhere in the hay behind Chris. He looked startled for a moment, then he chuckled.

"Nice kick, babe. You just unarmed me." He shook a finger at her as he came toward her. "I'm going to enjoy taming you."

April backed toward the edge of the loft. As she passed Nick lying on the floor, she thought his hand moved but she couldn't be sure in the semi-darkness.

Chris didn't even glance at Nick as he passed him, his gaze so intent on April.

April skirted around the edge of the loft while Chris stalked her. She glanced again at her father's unmoving form, hoping and praying he was alive.

She glanced back at Nick.

He was gone.

Her breath caught.

Where did he go?

There!

Nick had crawled into the corner where his gun had landed. How had he done that? He'd been barely breathing a moment ago.

His movements painstakingly slow, Nick searched through the hay for the weapon.

April jerked her gaze back to Chris, who was quickly advancing, a wicked gleam in his eye.

Hurry Nick! Please hurry!

Nick rose from the hay with the gun gripped in his hands. Blood dripped down his chest and onto the floor.

"I. Said..." He gasped for breath. "...Leave. Her. Alone."

Chris swung around. "What you gonna' do with that?" He eyed Nick with a sneer. "You can hardly stand up."

"Shoot him!" April dropped to the floor of the loft, squeezing her eyes shut and rolling out of the way, trying to give Nick a clear shot.

A loud crack! reverberated through the barn.

April glanced up in time to see the startled look on Chris's face before he toppled backward into the hay.

The gun slipped from Nick's hand.

Nick collapsed, his body hitting the floor of the loft with a soft thud.

* * *

"Nick!"

John jolted at the sound of April's voice. He strained to see in the semi-darkness, then managed to make out her shape in the far corner. She was bent over something, sobbing. John struggled to sit up, but pain sliced through his chest. He fell back into the hay. Son-of-a-bitch had cut him good. He lifted a hand and felt the warm sticky wetness covering his torso. Blood.

Even without seeing the wound, he knew it was bad. It hurt like a son-of-a-bitch. He wouldn't last long. He was so tired. All he wanted to do was sleep. His eyelids drooped.

Shouts came from outside. Heavy footsteps raced into the barn. Moments later the loft swarmed with cops.

"Help him, please!" April's frantic voice drew John's attention again. He jerked his eyes open.

People everywhere.

Someone bent over him. Fingers touched his neck, feeling for a pulse.

"Sir, can you hear me?"

John tried to focus on the face that appeared before him, but everything was a blur. He nodded once. "Yeah." His voice sounded raspy and weak.

"Get the paramedics up here!"

John coughed, closed his eyes again. He was so tired. Just wanted to sleep.

"Dad!" April's voice again, closer. He forced his eyes open and there she was, leaning over him, her beautiful face streaked with tears. She grasped his hand in both of hers and squeezed.

"It's going to be okay, Dad. The paramedics are coming in now. Hang in there."

He coughed again, tried to focus on her face. "Did Nick...get that bastard?"

"Yes." She squeezed his hand. "Hang on, Dad. Just hang on."

"Can't." He coughed again. His eyes drifted closed. "So tired. I love you, April. You're my girl. Always my girl. Nick will take care of you now."

"I love you, too, Dad. But you're not going to die." She sounded frantic now. "I won't let you. Hang in there. Please."

"Can't go back to prison," he wheezed out, then coughed again. "Better this way. I'll see you again. I promise."

"Dad!" April sobbed. "Don't leave me. Please don't leave me."

"I'm sorry, ma'am," a voice said. Fingers touched his neck again. John sighed. Light appeared from somewhere above, shining down on him, calling him. He reached toward it, feeling its pull.

"No!" April buried her face in his chest.

John jerked once, twice.

Goodbye sweet girl. I love you.

He let the light lift him away.

* * *

He'd given his life to save her.

April sobbed into her father's chest.

Nooo!

He'd loved her beyond anything in the world, given up so much for her. He didn't deserve this. She couldn't imagine a life without him. She needed him.

"This one's still breathing."

April's head snapped up. If they were talking about Chris, she'd stop them herself. She would not let them save that bastard.

The paramedics were bending over Nick.

Hope filled her chest.

She'd lost her father.

Oh God.

Another sob escaped her. She struggled to draw air into her lungs. To breathe. She couldn't lose Nick too.

Please let him live. Please.

Gabe appeared through the chaos. He helped her to her feet and tossed a jacket over her shoulders, covering her up. He gently led her toward the ladder. She spied her blood-soaked shirt in a discarded heap on the floor as they passed. Her breath quivered as she paused to watch the paramedics working on Nick.

Please don't let him die. I can't live without him.

Nick had saved her life. He was her hero and he always would be. She couldn't live without him. She couldn't let him die.

She hitched in a breath. "Will he make it?"

"I don't know." Gabe spoke quietly. "He's lost a lot of blood." He urged her toward the ladder. "Come on. Let's get out of the way and let the paramedics do their job."

April paused once more, glancing down at Chris's unmoving form.

"Is he dead?"

"The perp? Yes. Nick's bullet struck him right in the heart. It was an excellent shot."

Gabe urged her forward.

April descended the ladder as numbness came over her. Her father was gone. Gone! And Nick, oh God! She couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Her vision blurred as Gabe led her out of the barn and toward the lodge.

"Mommy!"

April's heart leapt into her throat.

Brianna.

She wiped at her eyes, swinging her gaze across the yard. Brianna raced toward her, her little legs pumping across the ground. April let out another sob. She bent to scoop her precious daughter into her arms. Hugging Brianna, she rose, tears streaming down her cheeks. Thank God her little girl was safe. She would never let her out of her sight again.

Her mother and Mildred hurried forward. Gabe stood aside with Tara, an arm around her shoulders. Everyone looked at April anxiously.

April swallowed hard. "Dad's...gone." Her voice cracked and she drew in a ragged breath. "Nick's...badly hurt. They don't know if he'll make it." Her eyes filled with tears again.

Her mother stepped forward. Karen drew April into her arms and squeezed her tight. While Brianna maintained a death grip around April's neck, April leaned into her mother and let herself be held.

"I'm so sorry," her mother whispered against her ear. "We'll pray for him, April."

Tara touched April's arm. "He's a fighter."

Mildred nodded urgently in agreement, her gaze compassionate as she looked at April.

April squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn't lose Nick. Without him, she was nothing. Without him, she had no life.

A tiny hand brushed her cheek. April opened her eyes.

"Don't cry, Mommy." Brianna wiped at April's tears. "Daddy's not going to die. He can't. He promised me we would all be a family now."

April forced back a sob as a fresh wave of pain washed over her. She couldn't lose Nick now.

"Then he can't die, because I expect him to keep that promise."

And dammit, true heroes weren't supposed to die.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Was he dead?

Was this heaven? Or hell?

There was no happiness, no joyful long-lost relatives rushing to greet him. No pearly gates. No clouds. No angels. The happy events of his life didn't flash before his eyes.

There was only pain. Intense, excruciating pain.

Darkness.

Loneliness.

Frustration.

He couldn't speak. He couldn't move. He couldn't see.

He heard voices, but he didn't understand what they were saying. April was there. He felt her, but he couldn't see her. Couldn't touch her. Couldn't hold her. Couldn't tell her how much he loved her.

He thought his parents were there, but he couldn't talk to them. Couldn't tell them about Brianna. They would be so excited to learn they had a granddaughter. Oh God, would he even get to raise Brianna?

Time seemed to stand still.

Where was he?

Purgatory?

Why couldn't he see anyone? Why couldn't he touch anything?

Why couldn't he feel?

Then Nick heard it.

A voice. Calling his name.

He knew the voice.

"Nick!"

He opened his eyes.

He could see!

John Williams stood next to him. They were in the clearing, standing by the lake. The fresh scent of pines permeated the air. Nick lifted his face to the sky, breathed deeply. Birds chirped from the treetops. Branches rustled in the wind. He loved it here, the peaceful serenity of the woods. He could easily see why April never wanted to leave.

"Did you ever learn how to skip rocks?"

Nick chuckled, turning to John. "No. April tried to teach me, but I could never quite figure it out."

John picked up a rock and skipped it perfectly across the lake.

"Nice job." Nick clapped. "Now I see where April got her talent."

John turned to Nick. "It's time I went back now. I just had to help you get through the tunnel." He started to walk away, heading straight for the lake. "You can't come with me, Nick. You have to take care of my girls. They need you." He kept walking out into the water.

Nick raced after him. The water sloshed at his legs. "Hey! Where you going? John! Come back."

John kept walking out into the water until it splashed over his head, swallowing him whole.

He was gone.

Nick gasped as the water rose and swirled around him, dragging him under. He flayed wildly, trying to swim to the surface. He couldn't breathe.

"He's awake. Quickly, get the doctor!" Footsteps clomped from the room.

"Sir!" a woman's voice said sharply. "Calm down! You're all right. Please, stop fighting. You'll pull your I.V. out."

His I.V.? What I.V.?

Nick tried to open his eyes. His eyelids were so heavy he had to struggle to get them open. Bright light blinded him and he squeezed his eyes shut again. What the hell? Where was he?

"Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital. Do you remember what happened to you?"

Nick tried to sit up, but the woman pushed him back down. "No. Just lie still for a bit. The doctor's on his way. We thought for sure you weren't going to make it. It's a miracle you're alive. Truly a miracle."

Nick squinted up at the woman as his eyes adjusted to the light. A round face with serious green eyes, a stern mouth, and dark hair tied back in a bun. She was twice as wide as he was, which explained why she hadn't had any trouble pushing him back into the bed. Either that, or he was so weak it hadn't taken much to control him.

He glanced around the room. White walls, an ugly gray curtain, a small sink in the corner, a television hanging from the ceiling. Indeed, he was in a hospital room. Why? What had happened?

Dizziness swirled in his head as everything came back to him in a rush.

April tied to the barn wall, her face bruised and dried blood caked to the side of her head.

Chris McClay's hate-filled stare as he came at Nick with the knife.

A sharp pain in his chest.

John attacking Chris.

Nick searching for the gun in the hay.

Shooting Chris.

April crying.

Cops everywhere.

He closed his eyes against the onslaught.

He'd shot Chris in the heart.

Chris was dead.

But so was John.

Pain filled his chest. He gasped for breath. He'd failed April. He hadn't been able to save her father.

The door opened. A tall, gray-haired man entered the room. The doctor, Nick presumed. The nurse stepped aside, ready to assist with his exam.

"I'm Dr. Montgomery. How are you feeling?" The man leaned over Nick.

"Like shit."

The doctor let out a soft chuckle. "We can up your pain meds if you need. You are one lucky young man, you know. One of your lungs was punctured by the knife and the lower part of your heart was slashed. You lost a lot of blood. We gave you more than eight pints of blood, which is almost the entire mass your body can hold. I'm guessing you only had about a pint left when they brought you in. The fact that you're alive is a miracle. The paramedics said they lost you twice in the ambulance, but somehow managed to bring you back."

The doctor patted his shoulder.

"You are indeed one lucky young man."

The door sprang open. April burst into the room, her face anxious. Behind her came his parents. Nick's heart squeezed. She was here! His family was here.

Without waiting for the doctor to finish his exam, April rushed forward and leaned over him. "You're awake!" Tears filled her eyes, trickled down her cheeks. She ran her hands down his body, feeling his arms, his legs, then moving to scale up his torso, being extra careful around his knife wounds. "How do you feel?"

Dr. Montgomery lifted a silver brow, but April didn't pay him any mind.

Nick lay stiffly beneath her hands. He kept his own hands at his sides, not touching her, though he longed to. He'd failed her. Could she forgive him for being unable to save her father?

"What is it, Nick?" Her eyes filled with concern.

He swallowed hard. Shook his head back and forth.

I'm sorry.

The tears came then, but he couldn't stop them.

"I failed you," he rasped. "I couldn't save your father."

Her expression filled with utter bewilderment. She settled on the bed next to him. Ignoring the doctor's protests, she wrapped her arms around him, careful not to touch his chest wound. "It wasn't your fault, Nick. You did everything you could." Her breath hitched. She grabbed his face in her hands and forced him to meet her gaze. "Do you really think he would have gone back to prison anyway? Would you really have been able to take him back?"

Nick hesitated as he stared into her eyes. She wasn't mad at him. She didn't blame him. She didn't hate him. The breath whooshed out of his lungs.

He gulped in a breath. "No." There was no way in hell he would have been able to take John back to the prison. Consequences be damned, he couldn't have done it.

His parents rushed forward, leaning over either side of the hospital bed.

The doctor sighed. "Come on, people. Let me check him first."

"He's fine," April whispered, brushing a strand of hair off his forehead and smiling down at him. His heart swelled at the love in her eyes.

"He's just perfect."

CHAPTER FORTY

"April, relax." Her mother cast an indulgent look her way. "You can't keep pacing around like that. You're driving me crazy."

"Yes, April, you have been rather anxious lately. Why don't you come sit by me and I'll teach you how to crochet?"

April stopped pacing across the grass. She cast a horrified glance at Mildred. "I think I'll pass on the crocheting, thanks. I would just mutilate your yarn."

Mildred chuckled. She and Karen exchanged a smile.

April glanced back at her mother. "I can't help it, Mom. I am anxious."

Her mother smiled. "I know you are. But you're not helping any. You don't even know when he's coming back. It might be today. It might be tomorrow. It might be..."

"Never." April voiced her fear aloud. "He might never come back."

"I was going to say it might be right this very second," her mother chided gently.

"Mommy, will you push me in the swing?" Brianna called.

April headed toward the swing set, grateful to have something to do. Her mother followed behind her. Karen stood back while April pushed Brianna in the swing.

"You don't really believe that, do you?" Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder. "You know he's coming back."

April turned to her. "When he left, he said he had some things he needed to take care of. But he never said he'd be back. What if he doesn't come back?"

Her mother drew her into her arms and ran a hand soothingly through her hair. This was what she'd been missing as a child. The love and comfort only a mother could give. The love and comfort a mother could always give. Karen Williams was her mother. She had come to accept that. And like it.

April relaxed against her mother. It felt good to be held, to finally have a relationship with her mother, something she never would have admitted a few months ago. But she was glad her mother was in her life now. Both for her and for Brianna. She'd forgiven her mother for what she'd done. It wasn't worth being upset over.

"Nick loves you. Have faith in him, April. He'll be back. I know he will."

Karen released her and April stepped back. She'd never been a patient person. Nick had been gone for three weeks now, but it had seemed liked three years. His parents had taken him back to Arizona with them after he'd been released from the hospital. April had not had a moment alone with him since before Chris had captured her. Though she longed for Nick to return, deep down she was terrified he wouldn't come back. Afraid she'd never see him again.

What if Nick didn't want to live here? What if he wanted to be in Arizona? Could April leave the Idaho wilderness and move to the Arizona desert? This was where she'd found peace. Where she wanted to stay. She would be miserable in Arizona. Would Nick be miserable here? She was certain he liked it here. But did he like it enough to give up everything and move here to be with her and Brianna? She was afraid of the answer to that. Afraid he didn't love her enough. Worried that she had no right to expect him to move here.

"Oh look!" Her mother pointed across the lawn. April swung her head to stare as a dark gray sedan drove up to the front of the lodge. Her heart leapt into her throat. Was it him? She stared as the driver's door swung open and a man stepped out.

A tall, handsome man with curly brown hair.

"Daddy!" Brianna squealed, leaping from the swing and racing across the yard.

April stared as Nick swung Brianna up into the air and spun her around in a circle. Her eyes stung with tears.

He was here.

But would he stay?

Had he only come to see Brianna?

Or was he here for her too?

Her heart hammered wildly as she watched him set Brianna on the ground. April couldn't stop staring. He seemed to get more handsome each time she saw him. He was beautiful. He was perfect. He was her Nick. And he'd come back.

Brianna grabbed his hand and dragged him across the yard.

"Push me in the swing, Daddy! Push me in the swing!"

Chuckling, Nick followed her to the swing set. April lowered her gaze as he passed her. She stepped back and gave him room to push Brianna in the swing. Brianna squealed in delight as he pushed her higher and higher...

April felt his gaze on her. She lifted her head. A hesitant smile touched his lips.

"Hi."

She looked into his eyes. Her heart melted.

"Hi."

His grin widened. "Can you spare me a minute?"

A small, nervous laugh escaped her. "I can spare you the rest of my life."

He sobered at her words, his gaze turning serious.

April's heart stopped. Had she said the wrong thing?

He held a hand out to her. "Walk with me?"

April took a deep breath to try to calm her rioting nerves. She placed her hand in his.

They stepped away from the swing set.

Karen hurried forward and gave Brianna another push. "Your mommy and daddy will be back in a minute. I'll push you until they get back."

April and Nick walked down the path to the lake, the forest sounds filling the silence between them.

When they reached the lake, Nick stared out at the water for a moment. He released her hand and sank down onto the big boulder. He turned to look up at her. April wasn't sure if she should sit next to him or not. So she remained standing while her heart raced.

Nick cleared his throat. "I thought you'd be happier to see me."

She swung her gaze to his. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She turned back to the lake.

"Are you unable to forgive me for what happened to your father?" His voice sounded strained.

She spun to face him. "No! You know better than that. It wasn't your fault. I already told you that. I just..." She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. "I'm scared."

He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward him. "Come here."

She stepped hesitantly toward him as he rose from the boulder. He wrapped his arms around her.

"What are you afraid of?"

She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. Once again her insecurities were getting in the way. "That you won't stay." Her bottom lip trembled. "That you only came to see Brianna."

"Oh April." He squeezed her against him. He held her for a long moment, then set her away and looked down at her. "You are by far the most gorgeous woman I've ever met in my entire life. Not only that, but you're stubborn and willful and smart and courageous and kind and loving...You could have any man you wanted. Any man. Sometimes I still don't understand what you see in a goofy, too serious nerd like me."

She choked out a laugh. "You exaggerate. But I don't care about other men. I only want you."

He closed his eyes for a moment and squeezed her against him again. "And I thank God for that." He gazed down at her. "Because you take my breath away. I can't..." He looked away for a moment, his eyes growing moist. He cleared his throat. "Because I can't even begin to try to describe the depth of my feelings for you. I've loved you since the day I met you and I'll love you until the day I die."

Her own eyes filled with tears.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you." He stepped away from her and fumbled with something in the pocket of his jeans. He went down on one knee, flipped open a green velvet box. She stared, tears rolling down her cheeks, at the most beautiful diamond ring she'd ever seen.

"April, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

She dragged her gaze from the ring and looked into his eyes. His beautiful, loving eyes. Whiskey eyes.

"It's stunning."

He put a hand over his heart. "You're killing me, here. Is that a yes?"

She dropped to the ground next to him, flung her arms around his neck. "Of course it's a yes! I love you Nicholas Miller, goofiness and all."

He grinned. "You can't possibly love me as much as I love you." Taking her hand, he slipped the ring on her finger and held it up, admiring it in the sunlight.

"It's perfect," she whispered. "Just like you." She jumped to her feet, giddy with happiness. Nick rose, watching her with a big smile on his face as she admired the ring. "How did you know what ring to get?"

He shrugged. "When I saw the right ring, I just knew. It had your name written all over it."

She turned back to him, her eyes filling with fresh tears. "You've made me the happiest woman in the world." She hesitated a moment as she looked up into his eyes. "Does this mean you're going to stay?"

"I don't care where we live, April, as long as we're together."

"What about your job? Your life in Arizona?" She waited nervously for his response.

He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. "I told you I had some things to take care of, remember? That's what took me so long. I wanted to have everything squared away first."

She searched his gaze, waiting.

"I sold my condo in Phoenix. I put it on the market the day after I got back and it sold two weeks later."

"You did?" He'd sold his condo to be with her? Her heart swelled.

He nodded. "I tried to give my notice to the FBI, but my boss wouldn't hear of it. He said he wasn't letting me go." Nick chuckled. "I will now be investigating non-violent crimes. But first, I promised Steve Jones I'd check into his daughter's case. If that's all right with you."

"Yes. I'd like to help him too. But..." she trailed off. "The closest FBI field office is in Seattle."

"Yeah, I know. Too far for me to travel on a daily basis." His eyes held a teasing glint.

She smacked him playfully on the arm. "So what happened?"

"Well, since I'm going to be handling white-collar crimes like fraud, bribery, forgery, money laundering and what not, the majority of my job will mostly involve investigating, gathering facts and evidence, which I can do from pretty much anywhere. I'll still have to travel on occasion, but my duties will mostly be in an office-type environment." His eyes twinkled. "No more murder scenes for me. They're going to let me work from home."

"Oh Nick, that's wonderful!" She flung her arms around his neck. "I want to meet your boss so I can thank him personally."

He chuckled and set her away from him. "That can be arranged. He put in his transfer to the Seattle office so he could still work with me. You'll end up meeting him soon. Also, my parents have invited us to spend a week with them in Tucson next month, all three of us."

"I'd like that." She cupped his face in her hands and reached up to kiss him. "There's some things I need to tell you, too."

He waited expectantly.

"I received the judge's decision on the ranch two weeks ago. He said it wouldn't be fair to Bernie's kids to give me the entire ranch, but he wanted to take Bernie's wishes into consideration. So, he said he would treat me like one of Bernie's biological children. He split the ranch between us, three ways. He said we could either sell the ranch and each get our one-third portion of the sale...or I could buy it and pay his kids their portion."

Nick raised a brow. "How much is the ranch worth?"

"One point two million."

Nick let out a low whistle. "Do you have that much money?"

"Yes. Well, I did."

His brow went higher. "What happened?"

She grinned. "I've been saving every spare dime from my clinics and T.V. program for the past four years, because I knew I'd probably need it if I wanted to keep the ranch. I bought the ranch last week and paid Bernie's kids their portion. I just got the deed two days ago." She smiled. It had felt so wonderful to hold that deed in her hand. "It's mine now, free and clear."

"That's wonderful!"

"Yes, it is. I'm broke for a while, though. I'm a little worried about my show in July. I hope my fans decide to show up." She wasn't sure what would happen at her next show. But if she lost a few fans, so be it. She would survive. She didn't have to hide her true identity anymore. It wasn't such a big deal to her now. Not now that Nick was back. With him at her side, everything would be fine. She could accomplish anything.

Nick grabbed her hand. "They'll show. And if they don't, who cares? Screw them. If they can't accept you for who you are, then you don't need them anyway."

Her chest tightened. "I love you. You're good for my self-esteem."

His eyes twinkled. "And you're good for mine. But you won't have to scrape by. I still have my job, remember? And I have money, April. I sold my condo, remember?" His lips twitched in a sheepish grin. "And I'm kind of a money hoarder, too. Though not intentionally. I just spent what I needed over the years and invested the rest in stable funds. I've got plenty for us to live off of for a long time, even without working."

She didn't think her heart could swell any bigger. "Did I tell you how much I love you?"

He chuckled and drew her into his arms for a fierce hug. "Yes, but I'll never get tired of hearing it."

Hand-in-hand they headed back down the path toward the lodge.

"I noticed your mother's still here," he murmured as they entered the trees. "Does that mean you've worked things out with her?"

She nodded. "She's selling her house in Montana and moving here with us. I invited her to."

Nick smiled. "I'm glad. I think I'll like having her around."

"Me too."

They'd gone a few more steps when he asked, "Did you have a little memorial service for your father?"

"Yes." Her chest tightened. Her eyes welled up and she blinked rapidly. "We spread his ashes out on the lake." She missed her father dearly, but he was in a better place now, probably hounding Bernie.

Nick squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry I wasn't here. I think he would have liked the lake to be his final resting place."

"Yes."

They continued down the path. "I didn't see Tara when I arrived. Did you send her into town for some errands?"

"No, she took a week off to go visit Gabe in Seattle. I have a feeling she won't be working for me much longer."

Nick chuckled. "I'm happy for her. And for Gabe. I guess that means you'll have to learn how to cook."

She paused on the path and turned to see the teasing glint in his eyes. "I'd rather clean horse shit."

He threw back his head and laughed. She smiled. Then she laughed with him.

"Luckily my mom knows how to cook, so if Tara does decide to move on, we won't starve."

Nick leaned down to press a quick kiss to her lips. "That's good to know."

They came out of the trees and headed across the yard toward the lodge.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Brianna squealed from the top of the slide. "Watch me! Watch me go down the slide!"

Her heart full of happiness, April watched her daughter breeze down the slide and land on her bottom in the sand beneath it. Giggling, Brianna leapt to her feet and scrambled back up the ladder.

April knew the moment her mother spied the ring on her finger, for Karen's hand went to her mouth and she turned to Mildred, wide eyed. Mildred nodded and smiled, indicating she'd also seen the evidence of their engagement.

April turned back to Nick and smiled. She couldn't contain her happiness. He smiled back, his eyes mirroring the same joy she felt.

He squeezed her hand.

Nick had come back.

And this time he was here to stay.

###

Thanks for reading Nick and April's story. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment leave me a review. Reviews are what help readers discover new authors and I appreciate each and every one. I also encourage you to share this book with your friends.

Be sure to check out the other books in the series:

Abducted – Book 2

Deceived – Book 3

Stoned – Book 4

Scarred – Book 5

Other Titles by Leslie Georgeson

AVAILABLE NOW:

Unlikely Heroes romantic suspense series:

Stolen – Book 1

Abducted – Book 2

Deceived – Book 3

Stoned – Book 4

Scarred – Book 5

Underneath fantasy/paranormal romance series:

Exiled – Book 1

Drifter – Book 2 (coming May 2017)

Unseen – Book 3 (coming November 2017)

Standalone mystery/drama:

No Son of Mine

About Leslie Georgeson

Leslie Georgeson began writing at the age of fourteen and has been weaving tales ever since. She's an avid reader and craves edgy, unique stories about strong characters overcoming difficult struggles. She likes to make her own characters suffer through life-altering hardships, but she believes happy endings are what make all the struggles worthwhile.

Leslie lives with her husband, daughter, two horses and a cat on a quiet county acreage in Idaho. Visit her webpage at http://lesliegeorgeson.com/ to learn more.

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