For the Sake of His Child

“So what do I tell McKenzie tomorrow?”

Julia met her gaze. “I didn’t meet him, so I can’t give an opinion. But my gut instinct says protect this place.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s more than just McKenzie, isn’t it?”

Brynn placed her glass on the table, restlessness overtaking her. “I can’t run forever, especially since I don’t know what I’m running from.”

“The unknown’s damn scary,” Julia advised gently. “But if the police couldn’t discover a motive for the break-ins, how can you expect to? You know they scanned Kirk’s photos, compared them with the national data bank. And they admitted the photos were exactly what they appeared to be. No covert snap of anyone famous or infamous.”

“The second set of detectives believed that was because photography was supposed to be Kirk’s cover.” Even now, the bile rose in her throat as she remembered their insinuations. They felt he must have been involved in something shady and ultimately lethal.

“But you know the truth.”

Did she? In her darkest moments, Brynn wondered if she could have somehow been wrong—horribly, terribly wrong. The man she knew had loved his family and put them first. Yet she had no explanation for what had happened after his death. “I’m probably overreacting.”

“You have to be concerned about your safety, not only for yourself but for your work. Think of the children you’ve already had here. Where would they be without your help?”

As true as that might be, Brynn also knew that she couldn’t live with herself if, out of fear, she turned Andrea McKenzie away and the child took her own life.

The phone rang. It was Dr. Halliwell, the psychiatrist who had referred Susan Cranston. He admitted that he’d passed Brynn’s number along to Jake McKenzie. The men had been roommates in college. And he’d also thought it helpful for Jake to speak with the Cranstons, because Susan’s experience had been so positive. Since the doctor had only Brynn’s cell number to pass along, there was nothing to reproach the man for. He didn’t know about Brynn’s special circumstances.

After he hung up, Brynn related his end of the conversation to Julia. “And I suppose the Cranstons saw no harm in giving out my location to their doctor’s friend.” Deflated by the rush of conflicting emotions, Brynn collapsed in one of the comfortable chairs. “Do you think the threat could possibly be past?”

Julia’s eyes filled with worry. “How can you know for sure without exposing yourself?”

“You’re right. And I don’t think I could face another move—even if I had a place to run to.”

CHAPTER THREE

SOMETHING HAD CHANGED in Brynn Alder. Jake didn’t know why, but he wasn’t questioning their good fortune.

True to her word, Brynn had called him first thing that morning. Without hesitation, she had agreed to start working with Andrea. And she’d willingly answered all his queries, leading him to believe his daughter would be safe with her.

In return, he had complied with Brynn’s wish to speak to the psychiatrist about easing Andrea off her medications.

Jake then wasted no time collecting Andrea and her belongings. Now, turning in at the unmarked road that led to Brynn’s house, he squeezed Annie’s hand, offering reassurance. But she didn’t respond. God, he wished he could repair all the damage his ex-wife had inflicted.

He’d been an idiot to become involved with a woman who cared for nothing but herself. And naive to believe that motherhood would somehow change that. Still, Val’s presence had meant a great deal to Annie, since he was gone so frequently.

He was as riddled with guilt as with worry. His career had provided all the material benefits his family needed. And since he was dissatisfied with his marriage, it had also provided an escape. But there hadn’t been one for Annie.

Jake glanced over at her. “We’re almost there.”

No response.

He withheld a sigh as the ranch came into sight. It sat on sloping land at the base of a sheltering hill. The stone house looked as though it could stand for many more generations.

Driving into the wide yard, he parked beneath one of the many shade trees. As he got out of the car, the front door opened and Brynn appeared. Apparently she had been watching for them.

She waited beside a glider on the porch, her face partially hidden by flower-filled hanging baskets, though he caught a quick impression of her tall, slim form and long golden hair. As before, the Border collie stood by her side.

Picking up a suitcase and taking his daughter’s hand, he climbed the wide steps to the porch. Jake couldn’t help feeling as though he and Andrea were new kids on the first day of school.

Brynn stepped closer, gesturing to the entry-way. “Andrea, your room is at the top of the stairs, first door on the left.”

Jake gripped the large suitcase more tightly, glancing at the backpack hanging from his daughter’s other hand. When Brynn offered to help her get settled in, Andrea stepped back, and Jake sensed her distress. “I can carry the suitcase upstairs, get her unpacked.”

“That will be fine. I made some sandwiches and lemonade. I’ll carry them out to the terrace.”

Grateful for her sensitivity, Jake climbed the stairs with his daughter. The room Brynn had chosen for Andrea was both soothing and cheerful. Freshly picked sunflowers and other wildflowers he couldn’t identify were arranged in vases around the room, providing bursts of color. Sage-green walls framed the wide, tall window.

Andrea listlessly accepted his help, not caring where her belongings were put. She dragged her feet as they walked downstairs. Even though he knew this stay was for her benefit, Jake couldn’t repress his guilt, sensing her confusion and fright.

“Annie, Mrs. Alder’s going to help you. And I’m only a phone call away.”

She didn’t look reassured.

His heart heavy, Jake draped one arm over Andrea’s shoulders as they walked out to the cobbled terrace.

Brynn waited for them at a redwood table also decorated with sunflowers. As they approached, she poured the lemonade. “I’m always parched after a long drive.”

“Looks good,” Jake agreed, accepting a glass.

Andrea ignored the cool drink as Shamus settled beside her. Hesitantly, the girl petted his shaggy head. Remembering how she’d responded to the dog on her first visit, Brynn was encouraged. Often animals could reach children when no human could.

Once they’d eaten, Brynn took them on a tour of the house and immediate grounds. Inside the hazy, sunlight-pricked interior of the barn, bales of clean hay were stacked in a stair-step fashion, and a small tack room smelled of aged leather. Six horses were stabled in generous stalls. The Fords had always loved riding on the land they owned.

Julia was the last of her family, and the ranch was important to her. Even though these days she didn’t live on the old homestead, Brynn was certain her friend would never sell the property. It meant too much to her.

Walking farther into the barn, Brynn spotted Roy Bainter, a local man who had cared for the Fords’ horses for decades. He and his wife, Mary, lived close to town. To date, Roy was the only local she’d met. Brynn had found that he was kind but taciturn, with a soft spot for kids.

“Hello, Roy. I’d like you to meet some new friends.”

The older man removed his hand from the mane of the horse he was grooming. The animals loved Roy, and the horse nudged his shoulder with her muzzle.

Jake chuckled. “Looks like we’re making the filly jealous.”

Roy met Jake’s gaze with an appraising one of his own. “You know horses?”

Jake nodded. “I took lessons, then rode regularly at a stable in the city. But that was a lot of years ago.”

“Mebbe. But a man doesn’t forget the things that count.”

The men shook hands.

Brynn continued the introductions. “And this is Jake’s daughter, Andrea.”