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  Storming back into the bedroom, he kicked the cage. “Wake the fuck up, you worthless slut.”

  The girl whimpered and cowered in the corner, holding her arms against her naked chest. “Let… me… go…”

  “Go? We’re just getting started.” Unlocking the cage, he dragged her out by her hair. She was expendable, just like all the others. “Let’s have some fun. Shall we?”

  Boone sat in the seat and adjusted the earphones before turning on the controls. As the helicopter came to life, the flapping sounds escalating, he took a look at his flight plan. Four more hours. If he could get in two today and two in the next week, he would be ready. Why the hell was he shaking? Anger? Worry? Maybe a little of both.

  He pushed several buttons and the helicopter lifted off, hovering as he checked and rechecked all the controls. This he had to do with precision. “Flight 172 ready for takeoff.”

  The control tower was just behind him. Hearing the blips and clicks, he looked out the front glass. He was going to take a ride over Quigg Peak to see the damage firsthand. Maybe this was too soon, but he had to learn about the destruction.

  “172, you are cleared for takeoff.”

  He rolled the helicopter forward, easing the throttles until he was over the horizon. Checking the gauges once again, he was confident and moved out. The wind was light and the day perfectly clear.

  Except for the area around the mountain.

  As he picked up speed, turning in the direction of the peak, he realized his heart was thumping. He’d never been afraid of a fire or of dying before. Even the parachute incident hadn’t deterred his thoughts about jumping. But on this day, on this beautiful day that should provide peace of mind, he was tethered to the incident.

  Stasha had remained sleeping when he’d been forced awake, sweat covering every inch of his body. She hadn’t heard his yelp or known the tears. And he didn’t want her to know. He held his breath until he reached the desired altitude, maneuvering the bird just like he’d been taught. His hands were sweating as he studied the mountain range ahead. Even from where he was sitting, he could see the remaining smoke, reminders of the horror so many had gone through.

  Cutting back the throttle, he realized he was no longer certain about his destination. Fear thwarted his every action, keeping him on edge. Stasha could never see him like this. Not afraid. Not worried for his life and those around him.

  Boone took several deep breaths then continued on, moving in the direction of the peak. As he got closer, he could tell he was jumpy, his legs shaking. This was ridiculous. He was a trained jumper, a trained pilot and could handle pressure. The exercise would do him some good. He was certain of the fact.

  As he came closer, he pushed the ugly thoughts away, concentrating on the beauty around him. The mountains were scarred but they would heal. The land was destroyed, but it would come back. And the air would be clean, allowing for flowers and other foliage to grow. He pushed on until he was over the spot. Very slowly he dropped down, taking the bird to the exact spot.

  He could still see the faces of his team, the relief and joy of being alive. He could still hear the song, the woeful bars as if there would never be another tomorrow. Making a last-minute decision, he set down the helicopter on the exact spot where they’d taken their last stand. In the few moments of looking out, taking in the destruction, he bowed his head and wept.

  “I think little Miss Cassandra Nightingale is going to be just fine,” Stasha cooed as she held the kitty, enjoying the feel of soft fur against her neck.

  “Thank you, Dr. Parker for seeing me. We just can’t afford the other vets in town any longer.”

  “I appreciate you coming here, Mrs. Myers.” This was the sixth patient of the day and there were at least three more. She was ecstatic and able to push aside her ugly fears.

  “Please, call me Martha. You’re so good with animals.”

  She eased the kitty on the table and continued stroking. “That’s very sweet. They are my life. Isn’t that right, sweet girl? You can make an appointment for another two weeks for a second round of shots. She’s very healthy.”

  “Come here, little baby. Mama is going to take you home.” Holding Cassandra against her chest, Martha offered a huge smile. “I love spoiling her.”

  Following Martha to the door, she glanced out into the waiting room, excited to see two humans and two very large dogs. “Don’t forget, if you hear about anyone wanting to adopt a puppy, let me know.”

  “I will. I have several friends who’ve been looking for a dog.”

  Folding her arms, she watched as Martha paid her bill. The day had been damn good. She eased behind the counter, looking over Megan’s shoulder. “Did you post the ad for the puppies?”

  “On the website as well as in the local news. Already had two calls.” Megan grinned. “We’ll get those babies adopted.”

  “Let’s hope so. Who do we have next?”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Powers and Muffy and Sage.” Megan stood and leaned over the counter, making eyes at the two dogs.

  “Have Shaun show them into exam room two and I’ll be right there.” Stasha could honestly say, she hadn’t been this exhausted from doing her job in months. The feeling was fabulous.

  “Oh, and doctor, I mean Stasha?” Megan twisted her head, lowering her voice.

  She swung around, half expecting a bit of bad news. “Do I want to know?”

  Laughing, Megan shook her head. “You have a phone call, a personal one holding for you and um…” She walked closer, fanning her face. “If his body is anything like his voice, I’m jealous.”

  “Does this mystery caller have a name?” A cold chill settled into her lower back.

  “He refused to say. Said you’d know who he was.”

  Stasha refused to have Megan rattled any more than she was. The girl had practically driven her batty with questions about changing the locks. “I’ll take it in my office.” She realized her feet were heavy and as she closed the door, she stared down at the blinking light. Another confrontation from some asshole wasn’t on her agenda today. Reaching out, she had her fingers on the receiver then yanked back.

  “Chicken shit,” she murmured before yanking the phone into her hands. “Dr. Stasha Parker.”

  “Mmm… Doctor. I like the sound of that. Do you make house calls?”

  She narrowed her eyes then eased onto her seat, throwing one leg over the other. “Depends on the kind of problem you might be having, Mr. Martin.” Her pussy was tingling, her nipples aching, and she allowed a sinful vision of the moment he slid his cock deep inside her cunt to filter into the back of her mind.

  “Let me think,” Boone breathed into the phone. “I have a large, thick muscle that’s driving me crazy. Throbbing. I haven’t been able to work, eat or even do anything but try and tend to the issue.”

  “And what have you been doing to tend to this issue, Mr. Martin?” Sliding her hand into her blouse, she slipped the tip of her index finger under her bra, fingering her already hardened nipple. If there wasn’t a window next to her office door, she might have dragged off her panties, fingering her clit.

  “Well, I’ve been forced to stroke. Hard and fast. Over. And. Over. Again. Ooh…”

  “That’s good medicine but my honest guess is that you need a hot. Wet. Mouth. Sliding up and down instead.” Fuck, she was so turned on. She pushed another finger past the thin lace of her bra, pinching and twisting her nipple. Panting, she licked beads of perspiration off the top of her lip.

  “Yes…” The single word elongated, he growled. “Do you think that would relieve the pressure?”

  “Oh, yes, but only if the sweet and salty liquid is released, drained.” Stasha could tell her panties were soaked and she detected a hint of her pussy juice. This wouldn’t bode well for the rest of the day.

  “I just might have to make that happen later. I also know there’s a very special lady in need of some discipline. That might make this ache much worse, but necessary.”

 
; “Discipline. Do you mean like a hard spanking?”

  “Yes, as well as time spent in the corner. I might even have to wash her mouth out with soap.”

  She licked her dry lips and closed her eyes, envisioning the very concept. “She has been a very bad girl.”

  “Then tonight, after drinks and dinner, she’s going to have her ass tanned by one large bath brush. I think that might allow her to see the error of her ways,” Boone whispered, his tone of voice guttural.

  “She might need additional lessons. Very naughty women usually do.” Her legs were quivering, her heart racing.

  “I can make that happen. Seven sharp, Ziggy’s for a couple drinks. Dinner of my choosing. Then time spent for punishment.”

  “That sounds fantastic.” Rubbing her fingers across her forehead, she grinned seeing the beads of sweat.

  “Good. It’s a date. Don’t be late or the discipline will be much worse.”

  “Mmm… Yes, sir.” When she hung up the phone, she fanned her face. The man was everything she wanted. Whew. Hesitating for only a few seconds, she stood, her legs still shaky and walked out into the reception area. Noticing Penny Johnson standing alone, as if waiting for her, she smiled. “Penny. What are you doing here?”

  “I’m sorry to bother you, Dr. Parker. I just came about the puppies.” Penny’s smile was huge.

  “Word travels fast,” Stasha said as she scratched her head.

  “I told you that it does. I wanted to say thank you for what you did. I know it was a terrible experience and I wanted to see if I could adopt a puppy. I know you must have heard I have lots of animals, but I have help taking care of them and I really do make certain they’re well fed and loved, toys and all kinds of running space and—”

  “Penny,” Stasha interrupted. “It’s fine. You have a glowing reputation by just about everyone in this town. I’m happy you want to adopt. Let me take you back to where I’m keeping them, so you can spend some time.”

  “That’s so sweet of you,” Penny cooed.

  “Not a problem. Megan, I’ll be right back.” She led Penny back into the area where she lived and the room she was keeping the puppies in. She was happy to see they hadn’t chewed through the wall board as of yet. “Here you go. I have a patient, but it shouldn’t take me too long.”

  “I’ll wait, my dear and if you don’t mind me saying, Boone Martin is such a sweet boy. Good choice.”

  Stasha shook her head. “Does everybody know everything in this town?”

  “Well, pretty much.” Penny laughed then patted her arm. “Good news travels as fast as bad and I do know almost everyone in this town.”

  “By the way. Did someone tell you about the puppies?”

  “No, honey. I just heard them. So sad.”

  She almost started to grill the poor woman on what she might know about the horse thefts and the rodeo, but knew she was just asking for trouble. Besides, Penny didn’t flinch a muscle when she asked. “I think that’s good to know.” She continued shaking her head as she walked back to the examination rooms. She had to admit, Missoula was growing on her.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Powers. So lovely to meet you.”

  Almost thirty minutes later, Stasha washed her hands and glanced at the clock. Two more appointments then a fabulous night with her man. And hopefully no emergencies.

  “Penny, you’re still here.”

  “I wasn’t going to just leave. I found the cutest little baby. I’ve named him Bosco,” Penny said as she held him up over her head.

  “Perfect name for him, Mrs. Johnson,” Megan said, her voice full of excitement.

  “Honey, it’s Miss or just Penny. Trust me, I would kill a man if I had to live with him. What do I owe you, doctor?”

  “Not a penny. First shots are taken care of, but you’ll need to make an appointment.” Stasha couldn’t resist rubbing behind the little man’s ears.

  “That I will do. Thank you again. You are an angel, a true angel. Have a wonderful day.”

  “You’ll learn. I’m not anything like that and you too.” Laughing, Stasha walked back toward her office. Just before she reached the door, she heard the now familiar creaking of the hinges on the door. No rest for the weary.

  “Hello, Stasha. It’s been a long time.”

  Hearing the voice, his voice, she froze and clenched her fists. Holding her breath, she turned around slowly. “What are you doing here?” Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the expression on Penny’s face. One of confusion.

  “What am I doing here?” His tone, sensuous but commanding, he walked to within two feet of her, his dark eyes laced with evil. “I’ve come to take what belongs to me.”

  Chapter 11

  Holy shit, batman. Did someone die? Are you going to a funeral?”

  Boone grinned as he walked up to the bar, turning in a full circle before winking at Shannon then grabbing a handfuls of peanuts from the complimentary bowl. He’d decided on linen pants and a crisp white shirt, not his normal attire. “If you must know. I have a date.”

  Shannon pressed her hand over her mouth, feigning shock. “Hey, everyone. Boone Martin has a date.”

  “Yes!”

  “You go!”

  “Woo-hoo!”

  The calls and claps were rowdy, and a flush of embarrassment crept up his face. “Not for the evening news, darlin’.”

  “In my world, it is. You look very handsome. I think the lovely doctor will be impressed. What are you drinking? On the house for such a momentous occasion.” Shannon leaned over the bar.

  “Just a beer tonight.” Boone noticed Sawyer and Antonio approaching, shit eating grins on their faces. “Don’t you dare say a word.”

  “Hey, not me. Just thought I’d see what all the commotion was about,” Antonio teased.

  “You look excellent if I do say so myself,” Cooper said then gave him a high five.

  Sawyer slapped him on the back. “I’m glad you finally have your head out of your ass.”

  “What do I need friends for? Huh?” Boone growled. He was on top of the world. At least for tonight.

  “Heard you had a ride in a helicopter today.” Landen came from behind, sidling up to the bar.

  “Does everybody have to get in my business?” Boone wasn’t certain whether to be angry or amused.

  “Little goes on in this town without all of us knowing about it,” Antonio offered. “Besides, the captain might have mentioned that you were a pilot.”

  Sighing, he knew he couldn’t say anything else but agree. “I dabble. Just a hobby.”

  “Like ropin’ those steers, huh?” Sawyer nudged his shoulder.

  “So, I have different sides.” Boone wanted to talk with Sawyer in private, given what he’d learned from Colton. He also didn’t want them knowing about the captain’s request.

  “That’s cool. Might come in handy one day. You never know,” Antonio grabbed some peanuts and nodded to Shannon. “Sweet thing, can we get another round in the back?”

  “Sweet thing? Did you get laid last night?” Shannon chortled, ducking when he threw several peanuts in her direction.

  “Everyone’s a comedian. We’re alive. That’s worth celebrating.” Antonio’s grin faded. “We’re alive.”

  Shannon tapped the bar. “Thank God. You’re right. It’s time to celebrate. I’ll get one of the waiters to bring back a tray.” She exhaled in an exaggerated fashion.

  “What’s up, bar keep? You don’t look happy.”

  “Jessica. She’s not doing well at all. Stoker called and said her blood pressure is sky high. She might have to go into the hospital if they can’t get it down.”

  “Is the baby in trouble?” Landen asked as he rubbed her arm.

  “They don’t know yet. They ran some tests today. It’s not good. We all need to say a prayer.” Shannon slid the bottle of beer toward Boone.

  “Stoker must be beside himself,” Landen huffed. “I’ll give him a call later.”

  “He’s not doing well. He tried
to fake it, but you know Stoker. All brawn and then some.” Shannon beckoned for the bartender. “Another round for the gents in back.”

  “Will do.” The man nodded.

  “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Boone asked Sawyer, keeping his voice low.

  “Sure. I’ll drag dating boy back in a few minutes,” Sawyer said to the others.

  “I know when we’re not wanted. Come on, Antonio. Cooper.” Landen grinned before walking away.

  Sawyer sat down on the stool next to Boone and waited until Antonio left. “What’s up? Dating advice? I assume you’ve had sex before. That’s right. You have with two women.”

  “I’m serious.” Boone looked over his shoulder. The crowd was light, but he didn’t want any information getting around at this point.

  “Okay. What’s going on?”

  “What you told me about the Dreyfus family. Did you know there’s a sister?”

  Sawyer swirled his beer and looked toward the ceiling. “I think I did, but I haven’t heard anything about her in years. Why?”

  “I have a buddy who told me that the Dreyfus family is trying to take over the circuit. He wasn’t certain in what way, but he mentioned that at least one of the boys was back in town and that he might be selling horses to a group of Saudi’s.”

  Choking on his beer, Sawyer grabbed a napkin after spewing liquid on his shirt. “What the hell? That’s a little farfetched.”

  “Yeah, I know but he was certain of what he knew. Said they’re dangerous and to watch out.”

  “That’s why you think the good doctor was shot at?”

  “Maybe. If they think she knows more, then she could be a target. The guy who was murdered evidently worked for the family. The sheriff was weird about it today as well.”

  Sawyer narrowed his eyes. “The sheriff?”

  “Came to see me again today but I’m not entirely certain why. I do think he knows more than he’s telling.”

  “Are you trying to suggest the sheriff is in on this in some manner?”

  Boone inhaled before answering. “I don’t know what I’m saying other than there’s a lot of shit going down and everything seems to center around horses, but there has to be more.”