WANTED (10 page)

“Not so far,” Declan said, and Harlan mumbled something similar.

“If Travis Weston shows up on that footage,” Dallas said, “then they’ll all claim they were set up.”

They’d probably claim it anyway. And at least one of them would be lying. Well, unless Billy had somehow managed to do the unthinkable and kill his own mother.

“It’s time one of you talked to all the suspects,” Kirby advised. “You, too.” His weathered eyes landed on Lyla. “If one of them is behind the threats, then it might do them some good to see you and Wyatt together. That way, they’ll know he and all his brothers will be protecting you.”

Lyla hadn’t thought of things from that angle, that it might get the killer to back off if he thought she was well protected by a family of federal marshals.

Was that why he’d gone after Sarah instead?

Because she’d been vulnerable?

Or maybe he’d even wanted to send Lyla a message—that she could be next. Whatever his motive, she didn’t want to be away from Wyatt anyway since he seemed bound and determined to protect her and the baby.

Lyla was counting heavily on that.

She wasn’t a coward, had always fought her own battles, but fighting this one alone could cost her the baby. She’d rather rely on Wyatt than risk that.

“I’ll make the calls,” Dallas volunteered, “and have the suspects come to the marshals’ office. Declan’s arranged for Greg to be there, so we might as well get three birds with one stone.” He checked the time. “Does an hour or two from now sound okay?”

Wyatt didn’t agree right off. He looked at her, as if debating what Kirby had suggested.

“You want me to stay here while you talk to them?” she asked, knowing that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight,” Wyatt verified. “We’ll just have to be smart about this. I don’t want to take you into town unless I’m sure I can keep you safe.” And he moved away from her to start coordinating things with Dallas.

Lyla intended to stay out of the action, but both Caitlyn and Joelle came toward her. “They’ll be a while,” Joelle said, taking Lyla by the arm. “It’ll give us a chance to talk.”

That put a knot in Lyla’s stomach, and she looked back at Wyatt to see if he could stop this, but his attention was on whatever Clayton was showing him on the computer screen.

Joelle and Caitlyn led her through the kitchen, snagging some food along the way, and they sat at a small breakfast table that faced the massive manicured backyard.

“All right.” Caitlyn dished up some of the bacon and eggs for the three of them. “Spill everything. How’d you manage to snag Wyatt?”

Lyla realized she should have expected the question, but she didn’t know how to answer it. Anything she could say would be a lie.

“Wait.” Caitlyn shook her head. “I didn’t mean it like that.
Snag
makes it sound like you tried to deceive him in some way. It’s just that Wyatt never said anything about being involved with anyone, much less being in love.”

“He’s not exactly the baring-his-soul type,” Joelle continued, “but we’re surprised we didn’t get a hint about the marriage before he just sprang it on us.”

“It happened very fast,” Lyla settled for saying.

Caitlyn smiled. “Love at first sight. The best kind. It’s what happened with me when I first saw Harlan.”

“Same here with Dallas.” Joelle leaned in, lowered her voice. “But with the exception of Ann, Wyatt just hasn’t jumped into any relationships. Before Ann, he was definitely the
love ’em and not hang around for long
type.”

Lyla didn’t doubt that. “How long have you known him?”

“About eighteen years,” Caitlyn answered, and Joelle bobbed her head in agreement. “We all grew up together at Rocky Creek.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re the first woman he’s brought home since his late wife,” Joelle continued. “Of course, that’s what happens when you’re in love.” She glanced over at him. “And it’s pretty clear that he’s crazy about you.”

Lyla frowned and looked at Wyatt to see if Joelle and she were seeing the same thing. Obviously not. The only thing she saw on Wyatt’s face was worry and concern while he was talking on his phone. If there was any craziness involved, it was only his obsession to keep her safe.

An obsession she was thankful for.

“So, when will you tell everyone you’re pregnant?” Caitlyn asked.

Lyla’s mouth dropped open. Either Wyatt and she were giving off some kind of weird vibes or else these two were mind readers.

“Uh, excuse me a second,” Lyla said, hoping to get her out of answering that question. But she also wanted to see what had put that look on Wyatt’s face.

He ended his call, but he stared at the phone for several seconds before his gaze met hers. There was something in his eyes that she couldn’t interpret.

Wyatt didn’t hurry when he came toward her, but as Joelle had done earlier, he gripped on to her arm and took her not just out of the breakfast area but through a formal dining room and to the other side of the house. He finally stopped when they reached the foyer, and he looked around to make sure they were alone.

They were.

“What happened?” she asked, and Lyla tried to brace herself for another death threat. Or worse, another murder.

Wyatt dragged in a long breath. “The test results are back.”

With all the talk of the crime scene and bomb, it took her a moment to realize which test results he meant.

The one from her amniocentesis.

A test that would tell them whose baby she was carrying.

Chapter Ten

Wyatt hadn’t thought beyond the test results. Hadn’t even considered how to tell Lyla. But judging from the way she staggered back and caught onto the wall, she already knew what he was about to say.

“The baby’s mine.”

The jolt went through him. So did the memories of how Ann and he had planned and hoped for this baby. Of course, they hadn’t planned on
this.

But then neither had Lyla.

She’d planned to have her own baby. One that she wouldn’t have to share with a birth father.

“You’re sure?” she asked, but then she waved him off, and she moved away from him when Wyatt tried to take hold of her. She didn’t look too steady on her feet.

And wasn’t.

Groaning and with her back still pressed against the wall, she sank down to the floor and put her hands over her face.

Wyatt had no idea what to say to her. Not
I’m sorry,
because that would be lie. He’d desperately wanted this child to be his, and it was. But there was no joy in seeing Lyla fall apart like this.

“Everything you told me has come true.” Her words didn’t have much sound, and she was on the verge of crying. “The threats, the attempted blackmail.” She paused, her mouth trembling. “Now the baby.”

Wyatt stooped down and tugged her hands from her face so he could make eye contact. Why, he didn’t know. He was probably the last person on earth she wanted to see right now, but he had to try to make this better.

Even if that was impossible.

Yeah, there were tears, all right, and even though Lyla was blinking them back, one still spilled down her cheek. Wyatt brushed it away with his thumb, but another quickly followed.

“I love this baby,” she whispered on a hoarse sob.

“So do I.” And that was a massive understatement. For both of them.

Lyla wanted this child enough to carry it and become a single parent. Definitely not an easy lifestyle choice. It’d be easier for him because he had a huge family ready and willing to help, but Wyatt didn’t think Lyla would appreciate his bringing that up now.

She finally met his gaze. “You’ll challenge me for custody.” And it wasn’t a question.

He would.

Except that didn’t feel right, either.

After all, Lyla still had over six months to go to carry this child. He seriously doubted her love for the baby would lessen during that time. Just the opposite. And she’d be the one taking all the risks that came with the pregnancy.

“Maybe we can work something out,” he offered.

“Shared custody.” She shook her head. “You really want this baby starting out his or her—” Lyla stopped, froze, probably because she saw the look on his face. “The test would have given you the sex of the baby.”

He nodded.

Wyatt didn’t get to do or say more than that, because he glanced over his shoulder at the sound of footsteps behind him and he spotted Declan making his way toward them.

“Everything okay?” Declan asked.

Neither Lyla nor he answered, but Wyatt did help her to her feet.

“Two of our suspects are on their way to the marshals’ office,” Declan continued, studying Lyla. He’d no doubt noticed the tears she was still trying to wipe away. “Zeke and Travis.”

Even though it was hard, Wyatt forced himself to think of the investigation and not the life-changing news he’d just delivered to Lyla.

“Did Zeke happen to say why he was at the hospital right before Sarah was murdered?” Wyatt asked.

“Not yet, but no one’s there to question him yet, since Saul’s had to leave town to testify at a trial over in Eagle Pass. It’s just Zeke, Travis and the dispatcher until Harlan gets there. He just left. Ranger McKinnon’s on the way, too, but he’s still a half hour out.”

Great. It wasn’t a good idea for Zeke and Travis to be alone together, since they were both accusing the other of being involved with not just Webb’s murder but the recent attacks. They might try to kill each other, and while Wyatt didn’t care if they inflicted some bodily harm, he wanted them both alive so they could answer questions.

“Dallas and Clayton are staying here with the family,” Declan continued. “Just in case.” He didn’t spell out there could be an attack, but all of them knew it. “Slade’s out of pocket because he just got called out to pick up a fugitive. I’d like to head over to the crime lab so I can push for some headway on this bomb and study the other reports coming in.”

All of that was necessary, but it left Wyatt to assist with the interrogations. Well, unless Saul pulled the plug on them before Wyatt could try to get whatever information he could out of Zeke and Travis.

“We should go,” Wyatt told Lyla. “I don’t want Harlan to have to tackle this by himself.”

She nodded. Her crying had finally stopped but that was probably because Declan was there. Later, the tears would come and so would the inevitable discussion they’d need to have. He was betting that wouldn’t lead to another round of kissing.

But Wyatt did brush a kiss on her forehead.

He wasn’t sure it gave her much comfort, but it certainly helped him.

“Let me get my purse,” she mumbled, and headed toward the stairs, leaving Declan there to stare at him.

Make that a glare.

“Are you trying to make this harder than it already is?” Declan asked. “Because there’s no reason to do a loving-couple act around me.”

“It’s not an act.” Wyatt winced at that. Then, cursed. “I mean, I’m attracted to her.”

Declan’s hands went on his hips. “Not exactly a news flash, brother. But what do you think this is doing to her, huh? She’s already having to play the part of your wife, and if you find out the baby is yours—”

“It is.”

Declan’s glare melted away, and he squeezed his eyes shut a moment. “Like I said, don’t make this harder on her than it already is.”

Darn good advice. Wyatt hoped his body would listen. And his heart. Because with Lyla carrying his baby, it tore down even more walls between them. He wasn’t ready for that to happen yet. Maybe never would be.

“Did something happen?” Lyla asked from the top of the stairs. She volleyed glances at both of them.

Wyatt shook his head and got them moving out the front door and into his SUV. He wanted to hurry so he didn’t have to keep thinking about paternity tests and feelings. Better for him to concentrate on learning about what was going on. But he also had to be careful about another attack, so he watched their surroundings when he drove away from the ranch.

“What did Caitlyn and Joelle have to say to you?” he asked.

Lyla didn’t jump to answer, and she gave him the same kind of look she’d given him when she’d seen him talking with Declan. She no doubt figured he was hiding something. And he was. He was hiding the fact that the baby news had clouded everything in his head, and the warning from Declan had just added to his confusion.

“Caitlyn guessed I was pregnant,” she finally said.

That was not something he’d expected to hear. “How?”

Lyla shook her head. “I didn’t say a thing, but maybe it takes one to know one. Or something like that.” She groaned softly. “All of this pretense is a lot harder than I thought it would be. And pretty soon you’ll have to tell them the truth about the marriage. About the baby.”

Yeah, he would. Especially if his brother’s wife had already figured out part of it. Still, it wasn’t something he just wanted to blurt out, and he didn’t want it to come in the middle of this dangerous mess. Of course, one way to end the mess was to get a confession from the person who’d orchestrated it.

Maybe Zeke or Travis.

But he didn’t want those answers at Lyla’s expense.

“You’ve already taken on enough stress,” he told her as he pulled into the parking lot of the marshals’ building. “It’s not good for you or the baby to add more, so you can wait in Saul’s office while Harlan and I talk to these guys.”

She didn’t argue, didn’t even make a sound, but then the same thoughts whirling through his mind were no doubt whirling through hers.

They went inside and through the security check, but before they even got up the stairs to the offices, Wyatt heard the yelling. When Wyatt stepped into the squad room, he saw Travis and Zeke with Harlan between them. His brother was definitely having to stave off a fistfight.

Wyatt grabbed Zeke by the collar just as Zeke brought up his fist, and Wyatt slung the man out of the fray. He didn’t get any thanks from Zeke though for stopping him from trying to land a punch.

“He set this up!” Zeke threw off Wyatt’s grip and jabbed his index finger in Travis’s direction. Zeke’s face was bright red, veins bulging on his neck, and his breath was coming out in ragged spurts.

Unlike Travis.

He didn’t appear to be ruffled at all, but Wyatt figured that was just to rile Zeke even more.

“What’d he set up?” Wyatt demanded.

“Nothing,” Travis answered, but Zeke had a different notion.

“He had some woman leave a message on my phone,” Zeke fired back. “A woman pretending to be Sarah Webb. I kept the message, so you can listen for yourself.”

“I already did,” Harlan explained. “It’s a woman, all right, and she called about an hour and a half before Sarah was murdered. But it could have been anyone. Her voice isn’t louder than a whisper.”

“Exactly the way a woman would sound if she’d just come out of a coma.” Zeke gave Travis another finger jab. “And he’s the one who had her call me and ask me to come to the hospital, saying she had to talk to me right away. He knew I’d go running to the hospital and that it’d set me up for her murder.”

Interesting. Wyatt wondered if Greg had gotten the same message. Of course, even if he had, it didn’t mean Zeke and he were innocent. Because they could have had someone call them and leave the message so they’d
look
innocent.

Or maybe Sarah really had come out of the coma.

If she had, then the woman could have used the phone in her hospital room. It was a long shot, but Wyatt needed to see if there was a way to trace a call from there.

“The same woman called me,” Travis volunteered. “I didn’t save it, and I damn sure didn’t go to the hospital. I figured it was some kind of setup.”

“Yeah, because you’re the one who set it up,” Zeke snarled.

Since this argument could go on for a while, Wyatt looked back at Lyla. “Why don’t you go ahead into Saul’s office?”

“Your bride should stay,” Travis insisted. “She might learn something to make you back off from trying to pin this on me.”

“I’m not trying to pin anything on you,” Wyatt insisted. “I’m trying to learn the truth.”

Lyla did go to Saul’s office, but she didn’t close the door.

“If you want the truth,” Travis went on, “then try this theory on for size. Years ago, Webb asked me to let some of the boys from Rocky Creek work on my ranch. But what he had in mind was gunrunning with his old friend, the sheriff here.”

“You’re admitting to this?” Harlan asked Travis.

“Just a theory.” Travis’s tone became even more smug. “And continuing that theory, something went wrong with the arrangement, and Webb and Zeke had a fallin’-out.”

“You’re a lying, worthless snake,” Zeke argued. “And you’re the one who had the fallin’-out with Webb, because he didn’t know about the gunrunning. You set it all up, and when Webb confronted you about it, you helped Sarah kill him.”

Travis just smiled. “Prove it. Oh, you can’t, can you? Because you got no evidence.”

“Other than your connection to the gunman who took shots at Lyla and me,” Wyatt reminded him.

Oh, that narrowed Travis’s eyes, and it got worse when Zeke chuckled.

Travis turned those narrowed eyes on Zeke. “It’s not me on that surveillance footage. It’s you.” And Travis’s smug look returned. “And I’m thinking you murdered Sarah because she might spill her guts and tell everyone you helped her kill her husband.”

No angry outburst this time. Zeke just shook his head. “Sarah was my best friend’s wife. I wouldn’t have hurt her.”

“But you think I did,” someone said.

Wyatt cursed because he hadn’t heard the footsteps behind him. Cursed even more that Greg, a suspect, had managed to waltz right in with Lyla so close.

“I don’t think that,” Zeke told Greg. He tipped his head to Travis. “I believe he set us up.”

“Well, someone did.” Unlike the other men, Greg was wearing a dark blue business suit. He definitely didn’t look like a cattle broker. “I got a call asking me to come to the hospital.” He pressed the speaker function on his phone. “Listen for yourself.”

It only took a few seconds for the voice to pour through the room. “It’s me, Sarah Webb,” the woman said in a hoarse whisper. “I need to see you. I’m scared. Please don’t tell anyone I’m out of my coma, because someone wants to keep me silent. Come to the hospital now but don’t let anyone see you going into my room.”

Wyatt checked the time of the call. A good half hour before Sarah had been found dead. “How’d you get into the hospital without being seen?”

“Clinic entrance,” Greg said without hesitation. “One of the doctors was working late, I guess, because I saw a patient leave through that door, and I went in.” He paused. “By the time I got to Sarah’s room, she was already dead.”

Wyatt studied Greg’s body language but couldn’t tell if he was lying. In fact, he couldn’t tell much of anything, because Greg seemed completely unruffled by any of this.

“Did you see anyone?” Zeke asked him. “Like Travis, maybe?” He didn’t wait for Greg to answer. “Because he could have gotten in the same way you did.”

“I wasn’t there,” Travis insisted.

“I didn’t see him,” Greg said at the same time. “But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t there.”

Lyla came out of the room, and even though Wyatt gave her a warning glance to go back, she stayed put.

“Why would Sarah have called you?” she asked Greg, taking the question right out of Wyatt’s mouth.

“Greg’s known Sarah for over a decade,” Zeke answered. “Ever since we’ve been in business together. I took him with me more than once whenever I drove out to Rocky Creek to check on her.”

Wyatt kept his attention planted on Greg, who suddenly looked uncomfortable. Or something. “That’s true?” Wyatt motioned for Zeke to keep quiet.