Her Rocky Mountain Protector

The woman stood and hurried to the sheriff. “Please, Reed, we need to start looking for Zack right now.”

“And we will, Gina. First, I had to issue an Amber Alert on the boy, and find a description of Eric’s last-known vehicle.” He glanced over the paper. “That was a 1998 primer-gray Ford truck, Colorado license.” He read off the numbers. “I have all the state agencies involved in the search, Gina.”

That description sparked Grady’s interest. He walked up to the twosome. “Maybe I can help.”

They both turned to him, but his attention went to the pretty brunette with the wide green eyes. Grady quickly turned to the sheriff, shielding his injured side.

“Hey, Grady, I haven’t seen you in town for a while.”

“There’s been no need, until today. You’re looking for a gray truck? I might know where you can find it.”

Gina forced herself to draw in her next breath as she looked up at the giant of a man. He had a head full of sandy-brown hair that curled in thick waves. His dark eyes were deep-set and edged with tiny lines. His chiseled jaw was firm and clean-shaved. She caught a glimpse of an angry red scar on the side of his neck.

Gina gasped. “Where?”

Suddenly the man turned his intense gaze on her. Her first instinct was to back away from the intimidating man, but she forced herself to listen to what he had to say.

She forced herself to move closer. “Did you see a little boy, Mr …?”

“It’s Fletcher, ma’am. Grady Fletcher. There’s a truck with that description on my grandfather’s property. But I haven’t seen anyone.”

The sheriff spoke up. “This is Gina Williams, Grady. Her seven-year-old son has been taken by his father. Eric Lowell was recently released from prison for drug possession and abuse. He kidnapped the boy from his home sometime during the night. We believe he’s dangerous, so any help would be appreciated. Where did you see the vehicle?”

Grady nodded. “On the northeast section of my grandfather’s property,” he told them. “The truck is partly hidden off the road just below Rocky Top Ridge.”

Reed Larkin frowned. “Where your granddad’s old mines are?”

The man nodded. “As far as I can tell the truck has been there a few days. I came in to report it. I figured they were thinking the mine is abandoned, or they’re trying to jump Fletch’s old claim.”

“Oh, God,” Gina gasped and turned to the sheriff. “Eric’s been in town that long, stalking us?”

“It’s okay, Gina. We’re going to get him.” He looked back at Grady. “When was the last time you saw the truck?”

“At dawn this morning,” the man said.

Reed nodded. “Did he see you?”

“Not unless he was out walking around early. There wasn’t anyone in the truck when I found it.”

“Good, we have a possible location,” the sheriff said. “My bet is he’s holed up in one of the old mines. Can you take us there, Grady?”

He shrugged. “It’s pretty rough terrain, but my dog might be able to pick up the trail. Are you and your men experienced hikers?”

Larkin nodded. “We’ve all had survival training. I hope the weather holds out today.”

They started to walk away. Gina went after them. “Wait,” she called. “Please, take me with you.”

Reed went to her. “Gina, no. You can’t handle the climb.”

She blinked. “You have no idea what I can handle, Reed. My son is up there with a man who swore he’d get even with me. I’m not going to stand by and wait while he takes his revenge out on Zack.”

The sheriff shook his head. “It’s not safe.”

“I can do this. And I know Eric. I know what pushes his buttons. Besides, he doesn’t want Zack, or he’d be on the road heading for parts unknown.”

She exchanged a glance with Grady Fletcher. “He wants me.” She stood straight. “And as long as my son is safe, I’m willing to make a trade.”

Minutes later, Grady stood out of the way as the sheriff made arrangements to leave. It hadn’t taken long for Reed to give in to the mother’s plea. Grady didn’t like this plan, not one bit. Take this woman with them. No way.

He shook his head. He didn’t need this problem. All he had to do was take them up to the mine, then leave the sheriff to handle the rest. Right. He wasn’t made that way. In the army he’d become a take-charge-guy as a means of survival. But that was before the explosion, before he gave up his career. He shoved the memory aside and turned his thoughts to the problem at hand.

This Lowell must be a crazy bastard to come in and steal his own kid. It definitely could turn out badly.

Just then Gina Williams came out of Reed Larkin’s office. She’d changed into hiking boots laced up at the bottom of her jeans. A sweatshirt under a quilted down vest would keep her warm against the cool day. She had her hair pulled back into a ponytail and a wide-brimmed hat to protect her from the elements. Springtime in Colorado was unpredictable. It could mean anything from rain to a full-blown snowstorm.

A blonde woman walked out behind the boy’s mother. He recognized her as Lorelei Hutchinson Yeager. She’d pretty much owned this town since her father’s death last year. Grady knew about the Hutchinsons only because of his grandfather’s stories. Old Fletch had a strong dislike for any members of the town’s founding family. It had something to do with disagreements over land rights.

Grady stood straighter when the two women walked his way. Ms. Williams had a stuffed toy in her hand.

“Mr. Fletcher, this is my sister, Lori Yeager. Lori, Grady Fletcher.”

He nodded. “Mrs. Yeager.”

She managed a smile. “It’s Lori. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help finding my nephew. Zack means the world to us. If there’s anything you need, let Reed know.”

Gina looked at Grady. “The sheriff said you have a dog who can track.”

He wasn’t about to explain that he’d been through hell and back. “Scout was a military working dog. We’re both retired now.”

Gina held up a floppy-eared rabbit. “This belongs to Zack. Do you think he could pick up his scent?”

Since Scout’s injury, he hadn’t been put to the test. “It’s worth a try.”

She hugged her sister and they all walked outside. The sheriff and his two men had loaded up the white four-wheel drive SUV. After instruction to lead, Grady climbed in his own truck and Scout greeted him.

“Looks like we got some work to do. You up to it, fella?”

Surprisingly the animal let out a bark as the passenger-side door opened and the pretty Gina Williams peered in. “The other car is full. Would you mind if I rode with you?”

It seemed to take forever to get to their destination. The longest twenty minutes in Gina’s life, but thanks to Grady Fletcher she now had hope of finding Zack.

She tried to calm herself as she stole a glance at the beautiful scenery along the gravel road leading to the dotting of tall pines in the distance. A stream ran alongside the winding path. She thought of Zack. Was he warm enough? Had Eric hurt him? She tensed. He’d better not have.

Suddenly she felt a nudge on her arm. She started to pull away, then discovered it was Mr. Fletcher’s dog. “Hey, fella.”

She looked at the man who filled up the truck cab, making Gina very aware of his presence. “Is it okay if I pet him?”

He gave her a curt nod. “It seems Scout wants the attention.”