Ranch Refuge

Blake obviously saw the direction he was headed and finished his thought. “You aren’t exactly a stranger in River City, are you?”

“If someone recognized me, they could connect me to Laura.” It was possible his past had already hindered his ability to keep Laura safe.

But his pal was quick to reassure him. “Unlikely. River City has grown by leaps and bounds since your days there. Unless there’s something you need to tell me?”

He knew what Blake was alluding to. His friends had pulled him from that gambling life after he’d lost everything, including his ranger career, to it. The addiction had overtaken him, tossing him into a deep, dark pit of despair. They’d all had their ways of coping with the aftermath of the ambush. That had been his.

“No. Except for meetings, I never go near there.” His Gamblers Anonymous meetings were held at a church on the outskirts of town. It was a small connection to his old life, but it was one he still considered important.

Colton was certain he heard relief in Blake’s voice. He knew how bad he’d gotten and Blake, the closest of his ranger brothers, had had a front-row seat for his descent. “For now, keep a low profile. I’ll swing by and we’ll see if we’ll take a look at the area. We might be able to find some bullet fragments or tire tracks that could lead us to the shooter.”

“We’ll be here. Can I ask one more favor? Laura didn’t have time to pack a bag and we left the store before purchasing anything. Do you think Miranda would mind lending her some clothes?” They’d left behind the groceries as well, but he still had a full freezer, so they would be okay food-wise.

“Sure, I’ll ask her.”

Colton thanked him, then hung up. His friend wouldn’t let him down. The bond they shared was something that could never be erased. Because no matter what he did or where he went, his ranger brothers would always have his back.

* * *

Blake arrived at the house later that afternoon with Miranda by his side. Colton and Laura met them on the porch. Laura saw Blake had an air of former military about him. Miranda was pretty, blonde and petite, but her jewelry suggested a flamboyant personality.