Taking Heart (20 page)

Justin grasped the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white from the strain of trying to control his temper. “The sarcasm is a beautiful change of pace, Julia, very mature.” He spoke through gritted teeth.

She wasn't in a frame of mind to have this discussion with him, not now and not later.

She stood up and dumped her coffee in the sink. “Since Chase is so talkative and knows all the details, he can fill you in on this one. I'm too tired and, honestly, I just don't want to think about it anymore. I have dogs to feed and take care of. Chase, you and Gracie can join me out there in about an hour and we can get started.”

She snatched her cell phone and slipped it into her back pocket. “Tango, come.” Her voice was sharper than usual, and the dog jumped up to do her bidding. But he didn't give her his usual tail thump, and she felt guilty for yelling at him. Between Justin, Chase, and Dylan, Tango was the only man in her life she wanted to spend any time with right now.

She'd no more walked into the kennel amid the din of barks and wild yips from the dogs when the phone rang. Julia looked down at the screen to see Gage's number. She hated herself for wishing it was Dylan as she answered the call and shut the door. “Hey, Gage.” Julia ran her fingers over her forehead, brushing her bangs back as she shifted the phone to her shoulder and plugged her ear to hear him better. “What's up?”

“Hi, Julia.” Her heart came to a complete stop in her throat as soon as she heard Dylan's voice. “Sorry, I think I left my phone at your place. Would you be willing to come into town to work Roscoe today?”

“I suppose.” He sounded tired and there was a cold edge to his voice. Nothing seemed warm or familiar, or apologetic. This wasn't a friendly call. He was all business. She took a deep breath, steeling her will to remain professional, to hide the pain she felt at his abandonment. “Is everything . . . okay?”

“Yeah, I'm just tired. It was a long night,” he confessed, and she could imagine that he would be rubbing his hand over his head, the way he always did when he was frustrated. She didn't want to acknowledge the flip her heart did against her ribs while wondering if he'd spent his night missing her as much as she had him.

“What did you have in mind?” Just the thought of seeing him later warmed her, and she had difficulty catching her breath. He'd been gone only twelve hours, and yet it felt like days. “Did you want to do the park again? I could bring Chase and Gracie.”

“Okay.” The icy tone had returned, and she wondered what she'd said to cause the change.

“Dylan, I miss you.” She heard his breath catch in the phone before he sighed into the receiver.

“I'll see you at the park at one.” He disconnected the call before she could say anything else. A painful lump lodged in her throat, and her eyes blurred with tears. She leaned back against the kennel door and slid down the wood, burying her face in her hands. She'd used what little strength she had this morning to deal with Justin, and Dylan's phone call had sapped whatever was left.

Her phone rang in her hand again. She sniffed and looked at it dumbly. Her heart skipped, nearly skidding to a stop in her throat as she saw Dylan's number on the screen. She cleared her throat, not wanting him to know she'd been crying.

“Dylan, you found it?”

“Guess again, sweetheart.”

The hair rose on Tango's neck, and he let out a low growl, his lips curling back over his teeth.

E
VAN
'
S VOICE ECHOED
in the receiver. Her mind raced, trying to figure out how he got his hands on Dylan's phone and why the connection sounded so clear. She heard the click of footfalls and looked up in time to see Evan walk out of her office into the hall of the kennel.

“On guard!”
Tango jumped up at her command, staring at Evan.

She knew it was a bluff command she'd taught him. She'd never trained Tango to attack, but she'd never trained Misty to attack either, and her protective instinct had gotten her killed. She wouldn't let that happen to another one of her dogs, ever.

“You don't want to do that,” he warned, disconnecting the call. “Remember the last dog you put between us?”

Julia worked her way up the wall, watching him, still at the other end of the aisle, looking like a snake ready to strike. It was shocking to see how much he'd aged over the past four years. She hadn't noticed the sallow, wrinkled tone of his skin in the store. She'd been too afraid. But he looked sick, and she wondered if his illness had gained the upper hand on him. If so, she might be able to use the knowledge to her benefit.

“What are you doing here, Evan? How did you get Dylan's phone?”

“You know, it's a funny thing. You and lover boy started having trouble in paradise right when I was making my way through the backyard again, so I hopped into his room and grabbed it. Deputy Dawg had no idea I was even there.” He smiled, pleased with himself. “And I got to hear the entire conversation.” He stuck out his lower lip, mocking her. “It was so sweet.”

She reached down and grasped Tango's collar. She wasn't about to take a chance that he might lunge forward. Every movement that came from Evan sent him into a new frenzy of snarls and deep barks of warning.

Evan suddenly raised his hands to his head and cringed. “Can't you shut these animals up?” He eyed the dogs in their runs.

“They want breakfast. You remember how that works.” She could practically see the wheels turning in his head. “If I feed them, they'll quiet down.”

He glared at her. “We aren't going to be here long enough to worry about it. Come on.”

“I'm not going with you.” If she left this ranch with Evan, no one would ever find her.

He pulled a gun from the back of his waistband. “You are or I will put a bullet into that dog right now. I have a clip of twenty here. There are plenty to go around.” The cruel smile that spread over his face was evil. She could only imagine the horrors he would have waiting for her if she didn't comply. “Oh, look,” he offered, reaching into his pocket. “Another clip. Enough for every dog here and your brother and the cop in the kitchen.”

She bit her lip, and Evan shook his head at her. “Did you really think I didn't know who was here and where they are? We're going to take a little ride, and you're going to leave that dog here.” He waved the gun at Tango.

She couldn't put Tango in danger. “Where are you taking me?”

The gleeful grin that split his face scared her more than anything else he'd done. He gave her a maniacal laugh she'd heard only from villains in movies. Who acted this way?

“You'll see. And it's going to be fun.” He waved the gun in the air. He took a step toward her again, and Tango's lip curled back once more, baring his long teeth. “You'd better calm him down, or I'll shoot him right now.”

“Tango, down, stay,” she commanded. He lay down at the door, but he remained alert, watching her walk toward Evan. She never would have imagined in a million years she would willingly walk away from her ranch with this madman, but she couldn't risk what Evan might do to someone else. She would figure out a way to get away from him, somehow, and complying with him would buy her some time.

Evan reached his hand out when she was within arm's distance and grasped her by the hair, tugging hard enough to bring tears to her eyes. She blinked them away. She knew he liked her pain. It gave him the power he wanted to feel, and she refused to surrender to him.

He bent his face close to hers and arched a brow. “Oh, sweetheart, you can pretend you're not enjoying this, but I know better. The longer you pretend, the more I'll have to do to get you to crack.”

His breath was hot, reeking of stale coffee and hatred. She could almost feel the sting of the blows he'd delivered four years ago and knew she probably wouldn't be so lucky this time. Evan shoved her out the back door, into the yard, pointing at the back gate.

“What are you going to do?”

He tucked the gun into his waistband, and she wondered how quickly she might be able to grab it. Evan squatted down and quickly picked up a roll of duct tape he'd left on the stoop. “Put your hands in front of you.”

He ripped off a piece and slapped it over her mouth before she could protest. The sickly sweet scent of the tape filled her nostrils, and her hands automatically drew up to yank it off.

“Oh, no you don't.” He shoved her against the door, her back slamming against the hard wood and knocking the breath from her lungs. “You don't want to piss me off, because then I'll have to punish you. Don't make me do that.” His voice sounded almost parentally sympathetic. “Remember what happens when I do that?”

How could she forget losing nearly a week of her life in an induced coma, and two more weeks recuperating from the swelling in her skull? She heard the click of Tango's nails on the tile flooring in the hall. He'd heard the commotion and read her emotions, even from this distance. He could smell her fear and would ignore her command in order to help her. His loyalty was going to get him killed. Julia thrust her hands in front of her and gave a muffled grunt from under the tape.

Evan smiled and wrapped tape around her wrists. She winced as he jerked it painfully tight and pushed her toward the back gate.

“See how much easier it is when you cooperate? But if you even think of running or calling for help, I'll shoot you before you can take more than one step.” The grin fell from his face and he pushed her into the woods, leading her down an old pathway she used to walk the dogs. “I'm not going to hurt you, Julia.” His voice held a sickening-sweet note, and her heart raced. “We are finally going to be together.”

D
YLAN RAN A
hand over his head and rubbed the back of his neck as Roscoe bumped against his leg, looking up at him with his sad brown eyes. “I know, I miss her, too.”

The dog sighed and flopped to the dingy carpet at Dylan's feet. The Crazy 8 Motel was nothing more than a place to crash for the night, and he was feeling cooped up. He couldn't wait to head out to the park and work the dogs. Calling Julia this morning had been a mistake, but he was tired from not sleeping the night before and pulled up her number, never intending to call. His fingers dialed and, before he realized what he was doing, she'd answered.

She sounded tired, and hurt. He hated what he'd done to her, both physically and emotionally. There was no way to make an easy transition from lovers back to colleagues. He needed to get as far from Julia Hart as he could, as soon as possible. His self-control would last only so long.

“Ready for breakfast?” Gage entered carrying two bags of crappy takeout that smelled as if it had been dipped in old grease. “At least the coffee is hot.” He set the cup on the nightstand.

Dylan took a tentative sip and grimaced. “How long was this sitting in the pot?” He looked into the bag and quickly decided that the coffee would be more than enough bravery for one day. He debated feeding Roscoe the meal but doubted even he'd eat it and dished him up dry kibble instead. Roscoe looked up at him, pathetically.

“See? Even he wants to know why we are doing this.” Gage picked at his food. “We could be drinking a fresh cup of coffee and eating Julia's pancakes in the kitchen while we listen to Justin and Chase talk football.”

Dylan didn't bother to look at him. Gage knew exactly why they were doing it. If he didn't, the nightmare Dylan had last night that had brought the manager banging on the door at three in the morning should be enough of a reminder. He was too dangerous and unpredictable to be around Julia.

“Did you take your meds this morning?”

“Do I look like a child? You don't have to remind me,” Dylan snapped.

Gage held up his hands. “Whoa, I see the happy pills haven't kicked in yet.”

“Shut up, Gage.” Dylan rose and headed for the door. Roscoe jumped up from the floor and followed him. “We have to meet Julia at the park in a few hours.”

“We're meeting her here in town? Why? How do you even know that?”

“I called her this morning.”

Gage's brows jumped toward his hairline. “You what?” He rose from the bed and began pacing the small room. “Do you really think that was fair? You told her last night you were walking away.”

“We are still going to see each other while we work Roscoe. I'm not disappearing.” He reached down and patted the dog's head as he looked up at his name. “You were right. He's helping, or I wouldn't have been able to come out of the episodes as quickly as I am.”

“I just don't see where it's fair—” Gage was cut off as his cell phone rang. He looked at the screen then at Dylan. “It's Chase.” Gage answered the phone, and his face fell as he immediately paled.

A shiver ran down Dylan's spine before he could push it aside.

“Okay, we'll be right there,” Gage said, hanging up.

Dread took up residence in his chest, turning it cold and hollow. “What's going on?”

“Julia's missing. She went out to feed the dogs, and they found Tango scratching at the back door of the kennel, howling.” Gage didn't bother to temper the news.

“She wouldn't leave Tango behind.” Dylan reached for his wallet and Gage's keys, opening the door.

“Hey! What do you think you're doing?”

“I'm driving and I'm going to find her. You can either stay here or you can get in the car with me.”

Gage ran toward the door, tucking his phone into his pocket. “At least let me lock the door.”

Dylan opened the back door of the Camaro and Roscoe jumped inside. He revved the engine as Gage climbed into the passenger seat, barely getting the door shut before Dylan peeled out of the parking lot and headed back to find Julia, trying to remember why he'd ever thought leaving her was a good idea.

“W
HAT THE HELL
are you good for, Chase, if you can't manage to keep her safe in her own house?”

Dylan knew he sounded like the world's biggest ass, but he didn't care. Julia was missing and there could be only one reason for that. Evan had her.

He should have been here to protect her instead of trusting her safety to a small-town deputy. “When was the last time you saw her?”

“It was around seven this morning. Justin came over for breakfast, and she got irritated with us and went to feed the dogs.”

Justin paced the kennel, aggravating the dogs into a frenzy of barking. “I knew I should have come out here before I left for the clinic. If I'd have checked on her, we'd have known sooner.”

“Then what?” Dylan didn't want to hear their excuses. He needed to get the facts straight so that he could begin searching for her. When he found Evan, he was going to murder him where he stood. “What time did you find Tango?”

“When she didn't come back in right away, I assumed she was cleaning out here and wanted to be alone. She was pretty upset this morning.” Dylan didn't miss the barb Chase cast his way. “Justin went to work, and I waited another hour or so before I decided to go out and check on her.”

Dylan's hands balled into fists at his side. “She was out here over two hours. He could have her clear across the county by now. He could have hit the airport with her and be anywhere.”

“I found this on the ground.” Chase handed Dylan a cell phone and a roll of duct tape. “Tango was doing everything possible to get into the yard. I'm betting that's where he took her.”

“My phone?” Dylan stared at the phone, now in a zipped plastic bag, dumbly. “I left it out here?”

“Maybe.” Chase pushed the home button through the plastic and showed him the last text received on the phone.

“That son of a bitch,” Dylan muttered as he stared at the phone. Staring up at him was a text from Julia's phone that simply read:
She's mine. Let's play.

“It was sent thirty minutes ago. He's toying with us.”

“He won't take her far,” Dylan supplied. “He wants to prove he's smarter than we are.” His hand found the back of his neck and rubbed the tight muscles there. “In the meantime, Julia is somewhere with a man who nearly killed her once. Who knows what he'll do this time?”

“I've got an APB out. If he's still in this area, we'll find him.”

Dylan's gaze shot to Gage. At this point, he didn't trust these guys to find their way out of a wet paper bag without help. Chase didn't have answers. Justin didn't have a clue. Gage was the only person he trusted right now to help him find Julia. And he was going to find her. “You couldn't find him before, what makes you think you'll find him now? Gage, can you find Julia's cell? Let's put those tech skills of yours to good use.”

T
HEY WALKED FOR
several miles through the woods before Evan turned her to head back toward the road. When they reached a beat-up sedan, he shoved her against it, knocking her off balance as she hit the door and stumbled. He reached up and ripped the tape from her mouth, taking skin with it. Her bound hands flew to her lips, and she couldn't stop the yelp of pain as it slipped out.

Evan smiled, his teeth crooked and yellowing. “I'm sorry. I probably should have warned you before I did that.” He took a step closer, pressing her body between him and the car. The smell of his sweat, like old clothes and hospitals, made her gag. “I'll make it up to you later.”