Beneath the Stetson(54)

The doctor looked at the monitor. “She’s in pain. As soon as you have what you need, I’ll give her more meds.”

Gil shuddered. What they were about to do seemed little shy of torture. “You have to do it,” he muttered to Nate. “I can’t. I’ll step over here where she won’t see me.”

Nate stared at him. “I understand.”

As Gil watched, Bailey opened her eyes. Only for a few seconds. But in a moment, she tried again, this time focusing on Nate.

He spoke softly, reassuringly. “Hey, there, Bailey. Glad to see you’re back with us.”

Her lips trembled. “I’m so sorry.”

Nate touched her hand. “Steady. I need to know if you can help me. Do you remember?”

Her expression destroyed Gil. He had never seen such agony on a woman’s face.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Nate nodded, his face calm, his eyes kind. “Someone ran you off the road and hit you on the head.”

“Yes.”

“Who was it?”

“I don’t know. He wore a ski mask.”

“Anyone else in the car?”

“I think so, but I’m not sure.”

“And the vehicle?”

“A beige sedan...newer model. Maybe a Honda. The plate was dirty, but it was Mexican, I think. Had a 367 at the beginning.”

“Anything else, honey?”

“It all happened so fast. They didn’t want money. Cade was in the car asleep. I had to do something...” Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. “Oh, God.” She sobbed aloud, groaning as her involuntary movements caused her discomfort.

Nate squeezed her hand. “Relax, Bailey. It’s okay. You may remember something else later. Everything’s going to be okay. I promise.”

The doctor pushed something in the IV and Bailey’s body visibly relaxed.

Nate exhaled. “Well, at least we have something. It’s a start.”

Gil shook his head, his heart sick. “It’s damn little.”

“Faith, Gil. Keep the faith.”





Sixteen



The next time Bailey awoke, she knew exactly where she was and why. Gil sat beside her bed, his eyes closed, his face gray with exhaustion. She wet her dry, chapped lips. “May I have a drink, please?”

He roused instantly, poured water from an insulated pitcher, and stuck a straw in it. Holding it for her, he helped her take several sips. “You look a little better,” he said.

“You don’t have to stay with me. I know you have responsibilities at the ranch. And you need to help Nate look for...” Her throat hurt. She couldn’t say the last word.

He shrugged. “They tell me civilians only get in the way.”

She closed her eyes, processing what he wasn’t saying. “You’re angry with me.”

“No.” The answer was quick. “But I warned you that the investigation was dangerous.”

His calm stoicism made her feel worse. Inside, he had to be a mess. And all because he had entrusted Bailey with his son’s care, and she had allowed him to be kidnapped.

“Is there any word about Cade?” She could barely voice the question. Because she knew the answer in her heart. Gil wouldn’t be here if Cade had been found. He would be with his son.

Gil’s expression was grim. “Not yet. Nate has brought in off-duty officers from other counties. I’m footing the bill for the extra help. They will find Cade.”

“You sound so sure.”

His gaze met hers square on, and for the first time, she saw the extent of his torment. “I can’t allow room for doubt. I won’t.” His voice was raw.

Tears burned her eyes, but she blinked them away. “I never should have let myself get close to you or to Cade. We’re all paying for my selfishness.”

His scowl deepened. “We both made mistakes. Both lost sight of our primary goals. You had a job to do, and I had a son to protect. Have a son,” he corrected swiftly, the words cracking.

A masculine voice in the hall caught her attention. It sounded like the sheriff. Gil stood up. “I’m going to grab a cup of coffee. I’ll be right back.” He pulled the door partway closed as he walked out.

The men conversed in low voices, obviously thinking Bailey could not hear them. But she was able to catch words here and there, enough to piece together what was being said.

They were arguing about possible theories. Judging from Nate’s line of thought, he was still expecting a ransom note. She strained to listen. Gil was audibly upset, his voice growing louder.

Suddenly, the voices moved away and the hall was silent.

Bailey shrank back in the bed, tears filling her eyes and spilling across her cheeks. Gil would never forgive her, even if and when Cade was found. Her actions had brought harm to Gil’s family. One moment she’d been standing on the cusp of something wonderful, and now it was all gone.