Texas Witness

Dallas seemed to pick up on the added tension when he changed the subject by asking if Melissa wanted anything to drink.

“No, thanks,” she said. “I’m still shocked at hearing you got married. It’s good. And I think it’s amazing that you have a son.”

“It’s funny how everyone tells you that you won’t sleep when you have a baby, but no one says that you won’t mind,” Dallas said, that O’Brien pride written all over his features.

“I couldn’t be happier for you, Dallas.” She would bet any one of the O’Brien boys would make a great father, and her heart especially believed that about Colin. A wave of sadness crashed into her. She checked her phone again. The sooner she heard from Marshal Davis, the faster she could leave.

“Thank you. He’s a great kid. I hope you’ll swing by the ranch and meet my wife, Kate,” he said, and that comment netted a harsh look from Colin.

“I’d like that,” she said, even though the words were hollow. Liking the idea wasn’t the problem. She’d be Bethany soon enough and would never be allowed to look back. And especially not while Richard was a free man. Probably not after, either, considering he managed a network of ruthless criminals.

Speaking of the devil, she really needed to update Marshal Davis about Richard being in Bluff. She hoped Davis wasn’t waiting at their meet-up, but how could he be? She hadn’t thought about it before but there’d been cell coverage in the parking lot. She’d used her phone to call for an ambulance and yet she hadn’t heard from her handler.

Her cell buzzed, causing her to jump. She checked the text. Relief washed over her and through her when she saw the initials from her handler along with a text message. The second blessing was that Angelina didn’t wake.

New meet-up location: Bluff Motel.

“I have to go.” Melissa dropped the phone into her bag and felt around for the car keys.

Colin moved in between her and the door.

“You’re not leaving without explaining yourself.”

Chapter Five (#ubdfa2a4f-f3cc-5fc4-ae6e-e1877221bb1f)

The baby stirred at Colin’s booming voice. Melissa’s heart dropped. This time, Angelina whined and Melissa knew that her daughter was about to cry.

“Shhh, baby. It’s okay,” Melissa soothed. She needed to get out of there fast before Colin saw her daughter’s face—correction, their daughter’s face. All Melissa’s plans at keeping everyone safe while starting a new life were being threatened. O’Brien men were too honest and too much about family for Colin to stand by while she took his daughter on the run without him knowing where they’d gone or if they’d return. Coming to the hospital had been a huge risk, but what choice did she have? She’d had no idea where her handler was and her daughter needed protection. The storm that had been brewing inside her was developing, swirling, threatening to devastate her.

There was a ray of sunshine, though. Marshal Davis had finally contacted her. He was okay. Melissa needed to get to the checkpoint so she could disappear. Wow, she didn’t expect that word to hurt so much.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” Dallas said. He stopped as he rounded by Angelina and all Melissa could think was, Keep walking, Dallas.

Melissa feared he’d have questions, especially if he made a quick calculation and estimated Angelina’s age. Her heart dropped as one of her worst nightmares threatened to play out before her eyes. She held her breath, waiting. Dallas gave her a look as he passed by but he didn’t say a word.

She let out the breath she’d been holding.

“What’s going on?” Colin’s tone was harsh, his words like daggers being thrown at her.

“Colin, I can’t do this right now,” she shot back under her breath, trying to will her body to stop shaking. “I need to take care of my daughter and I have to go.”