Bounty Hunter (Temptation)

Desire thickened his vocal chords. “Prove it.”

She slid out of his arms and turned to the dog. “Gretchen, lie down.” Gretchen plopped to the floor and put her head on her paws. “Stay,” Dallas instructed Then she turned back to Gabe and crooked one finger.

At that moment he would have followed her anywhere

Once inside the bedroom, she closed the door and leaned against it to take off her boots. Then, while he watched in an increasing state of arousal, she discarded her shirt and fringed shorts, until she stood before him in thong-style panties and a tease of a bra.

She motioned him toward the bed. “We’ll start with your boots .” Straddling his leg, she presented an enticing view of her backside as she pulled off his boot with practiced ease.

He ran a finger down her spine. “Seems like you might have done this maneuver before: He considered himself liberated when it came to former lovers, but he didn’t feel libe;ated when he contemplated Dallas taking off another guy’s boots.

“Yep.” She stepped over his other leg and repeated the process. Then she turned and sat astride his lap. He started to reach for her, but she grabbed his wrists. “You have a problem with that, cowboy?”

“Yes : The word was out before he could call it back.

“Too bad: Still astride him, she released his wrists and placed both hands on his chest. He allowed her to push him down to the mattress. Then she began unbuttoning his shirt, her hair falling around her face and over her scantily covered breasts. “I’ve had hundreds of lovers; she said, rocking gently against his groin.

“Liar.” He dug his fingers into her soft bottom.

“How do you know?” She scooted back just enough to unbuckle his belt.

“You think all Dave Fogarty and I do is play pool?” He gasped as she unbuttoned his jeans and reached in to stroke his bulging manhood. “He s told me all about you. Engaged once. Didn’t work out. You don’t even Damn , that feels good-” He groaned as she slipped her hand inside his briefs.

“I don’t even what?”

“Go out much.” He closed his eyes in ecstasy.

“Maybe I lied to Dave.” She paused in her fondling and braced her hands on either side of his head so she could lean down and nibble on his lower lip. “And why did you want to know, anyway?”

He grasped her by the waist and in one deft movement rolled over, sending her sprawling underneath him on the bed. “Lord knows why; he said, panting from excitement and the exertion of changing positions’I certainly didn’t expect to find a twenty-nine year -old virgin in this day and’ age Not one who looks like you, anyway. But damned if I like the idea of any other guy, even one, being inside you. “

Her gray eyes glowed. “That’s be inga bit possessive , Escalante.”

“I know.” He admired the way her breasts heaved beneath him. “Was he good? The guy you were engaged to?”

She licked her lips. “Great.”

“Damn you:’ He kissed her hard, thrusting his tongue deep into her mouth. When he’d opened the front fastening of her bra he plundered her breasts, nipping with his teeth at her soft flesh. There may have been other lovers, but he was here now, and she would never forget him. Never.

She writhed beneath him, arching her hips upward until he reached down and pulled away the damp scrap of cotton between her legs. He resented the delay while he put on a condom. Finally he buried himself in her warm, moist center. There. He pushed forward a little more and felt her ripple of reaction rise up and enfold him. “you’re mine now; he murmured, drawing back and easing forward again, locking in on the center of her response. She quivered once again. “Mine.” He didn’t move much. He didn’t need to. She was trembling all over now, a volatile mixture ready to erupt all around him. He pressed forward insistently-seeking, seeking Her trembling grew more violent. His voice was hoarse as he repeated the word. His teeth raked across her throat.

Mine.

Then, with one final push he tapped into the epicenter of her passion, and her cry of affirmation rang in his ears. As her spasms guided him to his own shattering release, he accepted a truth his body had known since the first time he’d lain with her. She was his… and he was hers.

SHE’D WANTED TO BE claimed. She couldn’t deny it, all her feminist rhetoric to the contrary. When he’d demanded her allegiance, she’d had no choice but to grant it. That didn’t give him the right to tell her what to do. That didn’t give him domiruon over her life. But it gave him her loyalty and her fidelity.

Perhaps she’d known from the beginning that he could wrest such a promise from her, and she’d feared the power that implied. In the end, it was an easy promise to make. How could she ever welcome another into her bed after experiencing such total commuruon with Gabe?

Still breathing hard, he raised his head to look into her eyes, as if searching for confirmation. Without speaking, she met his gaze.

His breath caught, and he swallowed. “Once I told a woman that I loved her; he began. “What I felt was a soft emotion. Sweet. And so.. pale compared to this: He touched her cheek. “I don’t know what this is :

‘

“Neither do I.”

“I thought maybe…” He smoothed a strand of hair back from her cheek as he seemed to grope for words. “Maybe it was just plain old lust.” His wry smile squeezed her heart. “But I’ve lusted after centerfolds in magazines, and I never had the urge to-This will really sound chauvinistic-I want to brand you somehow , so that no man will ever even think about the prospect of having you.” His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “He’d have to kill me first .”

Stirred by his intensity, she cradled his face in her hands. “you’re right. That’s not very politically correct”

“But it’s honestly the way I feel .”

She met his gaze, all pretense stripped away. “That’s how I feel about you. Any woman who wants you has to get past me. And, Gabe, I fibbed about the man I was engaged to. He doesn’t hold a candle to you.” She paused. “No one does.”

“That’s good, because your days of experimenting are over.”

She decided to go for broke. “Do you realize what you’re saying?”

“Yes.” His eyes smiled into hers, bringing joy surging through her. “Which doesn’t mean all the rough parts are worked out of this arrangement; he cautioned’ It just means they will be.”

“You sound so sure .”

He shrugged. “It’s simple, really. I caxi t stand the idea of someone else making love to you. you’re a vibrant , healthy woman with lots of years of lovemaking ahead of you. So if I’m ruling out anybody else satisfying you , I guess the job falls to me.”

“What a noble sacrifice; she said, laughing.

“Isxi t it, though?” He leaned down and kissed her softly. “I need you, mi guerida.”

“Oh, Gabe.” She savored the gentle message conveyed by his kiss. Maybe they could make it, after all.

They held each other in contented silence for long moments. Finally he propped his head on his fist and gazed at her. “How about some rehozen ice cream? I’m starved.”

“Not me. But you go ahead.”

“Thanks, I will: He rolled away horn her and stood. “you’re sure? I’ll bring it to you.”

“No, thanks.” She levered herself up and watched him pull on his jeans and shirt. “I use that ice cream for comfort food when things aren’t going well : ‘

He glanced at her. “Since you had me pick it up this morning, I guess you anticipated needing some comfort”

“I wasn’t sure what would happen between us .”

“I’m still not sure.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. “But that’s okay. Come on in and keep me company while I eat the ice cream.” ,

She grabbed a robe from the closet. By the time she entered the kitchen he was already scooping ice cream into the mug that said Hair Stylists Get You All Lathered

Up. Gretchen stood close by, looking hopeful.

“Couldn’t find a bowl?” she asked, lea rung against a cupboard.

“I’ve been wanting to use this mug ever since last night : ‘

“Was it only last night?”

He stopped scooping and turned to her. “Yeah, incredible as that seems” Then he continued filling the mug.

She could hardly believe that the same man who had stood in her kitchen and seemed so remote the night before could be the same guy who stood barefoot in front of her sink, his shirt hanging open, his hair tousled horn their lovemaking. “What a difference a day makes .”

He winked at her. “That’s for sure.” Then he tossed the scoop in the sink and took a spoon out of a drawer.

“I usually give Gretchen a little in her bowl.”

“Okay.” He picked up the scoop, dug out a generous portion and flicked it into Gretchen’s bowl. She immediately lowered her head and started lapping. Then he returned the scoop to the sink and put away the ice cream.

Dallas started over to rinse the scoop and put it in the dishwasher.

Gabe caught her eye just as she reached for the scoop. “Why not leave it?” he asked casually.

“Because I usually don’t.”

“I tend to leave things around.”

She held his gaze. “I tend to put them away.”

“Hmm.” He regarded her thoughtfully, as if she were an experiment he was working on. “Maybe we’ll have to have separate houses .” ,

“Isxi t that a little extreme? You could make a greater effort to pick things up.”

“Or you could learn to leave them lying around The corners of his mouth twitched. “Oh, the arguments we’ll have, Dallas.”

She gazed at him in astonishment. “You sound as if you relish the arguing.” ,

“Arguing’s not so bad.”

“It’s not?”

“Nope. Keeps things exciting: He leaned against the counter and scooped out some ice cream. Her gaze lingered with appreciation on the expanse of hair sprinkled chest revealed each time he took another bite. “After all, you have to argue before you can make up.”

She sank to a kitchen chair in bewilderment. “I thought the idea was to find somebody you could agree with most of the time: ‘

“So did I. Then I met you. I know for a fact we won’t agree on lots of things, but I have to be with you, so the arguing will be part of it, I guess.” He gestured to the ice cream with his spoon. “This isxi t bad refrozen: ‘

He wasn’t bad, either, she thought. The soft jeans molded the lines of his crotch, lines she could now trace in her mind’s eye from memory. She propped her chin on one hand. “We wouldn’t have to argue all the time , you know. You could just give in.”

“That’s not in my nature.”

“No kidding: ‘

“It’s not in yours, either; he said around another scoop of ice cream. “don’t sweat it, Dallas.”

“Two days ago I wouldn’t have believed anyone who told me I’d be having this conversation.”

“Two days ago we hadn’t made love: ‘

“Good point: How she loved to look at him. Even the movement of the muscle in his forearm when he lifted the spoon made her stomach tighten with desire.

“Although saying it’s only been a short time is deceiving” He scraped his spoon around the bottom of the mug. “We’ve been working on this attraction a lot longer than two days. It all started with that shampoo “

“I beg your pardon. I treated you the way I treat every customer. “

“Is that right?” He took a chair across from her and set the mug and spoon in front of him. “Then it was my imagination that you fondled my hair a little more than necessary? “

She flushed. “Well, maybe I-“

“And the way you leaned over me. I swear I could almost read your mind, and you were thinking of something move than washing my hair.”

“Noxisense: ‘

“Really?” He took the spoon from the mug. Droplets of melted ice cream clung to it. He reached for her hand and held the spoon over her wrist until a trickle of ice cream fell with a cool plop on her pulse point. “I’ll admit to you that I was imagining how your fingers would feel on other parts of my body.” He lifted her wrist and licked the ice cream away, send inga tingling shot of awareness through her body to settle in that sweet, aching spot he’d so recently turned into a volcano of sensation. ““Fess up, Dallas: ‘

She struggled to remain calm. “you’re arrogant, Escalante You think every woman is hot for your body.”

“I don’t care about every woman: He dribbled more ice cream in the crook of her arm. “I want to know if you were.” He lowered his lips to her arm. “That first night .”

“Maybe:’ The cool ice cream followed by the warmth of his mouth was driving her crazy with de , sire.

“Just maybe?” he prompted, dripping ice cream into her palm.

“All right. Yes.”

“And now?” He circled her palm with his tongue and followed the tiny rivulets of ice cream that had oozed between her fingers.

She was embarrassed by the ease with which he could arouse her. She turned her face away. “Gabe, we

“

He put down the spoon and caught her chin to bring her back to face him. “Ah, Dallas, don’t hide from me. That’s what I wanted to see. The need in those beautiful gray eyes: Still holding her hand, he stood and came around the table. “Come here, mi querida.”

The soft Spanish endearment swept away whatever small resistance she had. She allowed him to pull her to her feet and open her robe. Reaching behind her for the mug, he guided her up against the table. He slowly dripped more ice cream over her breasts and licked them clean until she was pantqng with need. Then he kneeled before her, and the last of the cool liquid found its way to her heated center. She groaned, shameless now, all inhibitions gone as he replaced the coolness with his tongue.

When she thought she could take no more, he rose and unfastened the fly of his jeans. A condom appeared in his hand, although she was past caring if he used one. The table edge bit into her backside as he thrust forward, but she didn’t care about that, either. He provided enough pleasure to make her forget everything else.

He cradled her face as he moved easily within her. “I love you; he said, his voice hoarse. “I love you, Dallas :’

Tears of happiness filled her eyes. “I love you, Gabe : ‘

“Forever.” He kissed her as she shuddered in his aims. Then with a muffled groan he found his own release.

GABE WASN’T HAPPY when he saw the small bruises on Dallas’s bottom as she toweled off after their shower the next mo ming

He pulled her over to the bed where he’d sat to pull on his boots. “We can’t have this happening, he said, bending to inspect the marks. “We’ll have to get all our furniture padded.”

“I kind of like them. They’re like the brand you talked about wanting to put on me.” She laughed as his lips tickled over the bruises. “Every time I sit down today I’ll think of you.”

“I’d rather have a different reminder than that.” He released her and reached for his shirt. “And I thought you wanted to go riding today. Can you?”

She gave him a look of scorn as she stepped into her panties. “I’m no hothouse flower. I believe I told you that .”

“Yeah, that was when I discovered you had a gun. That set me back some. Which reminds me, I should call Diego and Jasper, find out what Pamell’s been up to recently.”

Dallas snapped the front catch on her bra. “You still have them following him?”

“Not every minute, but they’re keeping track of him. Why?”

“Because I think it’s silly, that’s why.” She pulled a T shirt over her head. “He’s not doing anything wrong.”

“You have a short memory, Gabe said, buttoning his shirt and standing to tuck it into his jeans. “What about the times he followed you? What about Friday night? If I weren’t around, you’d be in hot water, lady.”

His tone sent her hackles up. She paused in the act of reaching for her jeans. “I think you’re exaggerating the situation. “

After all they’d shared, she didn’t think he’d react with the same closed-down expression as before. She was wrong. “Gabe, for heaven’s sake, what is it? Why do you get this way? “

He shoved his hands in his pockets and gazed out the window.

“Dammit, what aren’t you telling me about Neal? There’s more to this, isn’t there?”

He seemed to be struggling with whether to confide in her or not. Whatever thoughts he had, they were obviously painful.

A horrible suspicion arose in her mind. She tossed the jeans aside and walked over to lay a hand on his arm. “Gabe, is Neal related to that man who killed your parents?”

He shook his head and glanced down at her. Then he looked away again. His words, when they finally came, were filled with fury. “Neal Parnell raped my sister.”

DALLAS HUGGED HERSELF against the sudden chill that engulfed her. She stared at Gabe, who kept his back to her, his head bowed. “Your sister is Celia Martinez?” she asked, her voice little more than a whisper.

,

He nodded.

“Oh, Gabe. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I thought it would make you question my judgment about Parnell.”

“I’ve been questioning it, anyway.” And now she doubted he had any objectivity at all. Her heart ached-for him, for her, for the tender emotions that had been created between them and now seemed in jeopardy. She forced herself to say the words. “You weren’t at the trial.”

His jaw clenched. “I didn’t have to be. Celia told me he did it. That’s enough for me.”

“But the evidence-“

He whirled, his expression dangerous. “Damn the evidence! She knows it was him. And you would, too, if you weren’t so caught up in the details! Everything has to be lined up and neat for you, doesn’t it?”

She had to grit her teeth to keep them from chattering’ That how the system works.”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you. It didn’t work.”

“It did! He had a fair trial. I agree he’s not the most appetizing guy to have around, and I’ve gone along with you and Amber because I didn’t like the way he seemed to be fixating on me. But twelve intelligent people studied the evidence at that trial. He did not commit that rape .”

“Like hell .”

They stood as if a ten-foot wall separated them. And perhaps it did, she thought. They were never going to agree on this. And it was no longer a philosophical discussion , as she’d thought before. Hisnarrowed eyes and the arrogant tilt of his head told her he wa sing full warrior mode again. Her stomach churned as she realized what she had to do. “you’re sure he’s a rapist and his next target is me , right?”

“I’d bet my life on it.”

“But he seems to have backed off now that yodre around all the time.”

“That’s right. I could have protected Celia, too, if I’d been here. But I wasn’t. That’s something I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life.”

Anguish tore at her. Was his devotion to her only a salve for his guilty conscience about his sister? She couldn’t believe that or she d go completely crazy. She took a deep breath. “We can proae your premise. All you have to do is leave.”

His head snapped as if she’d hit him across the face. His jaw worked, and when he spoke his voice was strained. “I caxi t leave the way open for him to hurt you.”

“Then we’ll never know who’s right, will we?”

His gaze grew icy cold. “Do you want me to go?”

It was the hardest word she’d ever had to say. “Yes.”

All emotion left his face. “All right.” “you’re wrong about Neal. He won’t come after me : ‘

His tone was almost conversational, and all the more chilling because of that. “Let’s hope not. Because I’d have to kill him.”

Dallas.ns sPIN’r’re Dn Y riding q the foothills until Sugar was lathered and the tears soaking Dallas’s T-shirt had dried in the warm sun.” She stayed away from the trailer as long as possible, but eventually she had to go back to the rumpled sheets, the damned sticky mug and spoon still on the table and the rest of the coffee ice cream. She’d never be able to use it as comfort food again.

She threw out the ice cream. If Amber hadn’t given her the mug, she d have thrown it away, too, rather than rinse it out. But Amber loved that mug and used it every time she came over. Fresh tears streamed down Dallas’s cheeks and she used water hot enough to hurt her hands as she cleaned the mug and spoon. The least he could have done was rinse his own damned dishes!

Thoughts of Amber reminded Dallas that she needed to explain the changed situation before she and Amber worked together again. She called and made a lunch date for the next day.

“What? You can tear yourself away from that gorgeous hunk for a lunch with little ol’ me?” Amber asked.

“Anytime; Dallas said, forcing cheer into her voice.

“Want to go shopping, too?”

“Maybe.”

“I’ll bet you need some new underwear. I always get new underwear when I start a relationship. This will be fun, Dallas, having you two as a couple.”

Dallas gripped the phone and tried to think of how to stop Amber from babbling on.

“I think Vince and Gabe might get along,” Amber continued. “Maybe the four of us can go out together sometime.

“

Dallas grabbed at the first thing she could think of. “Oh, God, I think I left the gate open; Amber. Gretchen might get out : ‘

“Oh, no! can’t have that.”

“Right. See you tomorrow: She hung up and gazed at the phone through her tears. Gabe had certainly messed up her life. Even her dog wasn’t the same.

But she could do something about Igor. She dialed the number of her neighbor who owned the dog. “Mr. Stanhope? This is Dallas Wade down the road. I suggest you either get Igor neutered or keep him penned up. If I see him on my property again I’m taking him to the Humane Society.”

“What happened? Did he compromise that pretty little Great Dane of yours?” Stanhope laughed.

“Mr. Stanhope, I’m warning you. It’s irresponsible to allow an un neutered dog to run around impregnating the world : ‘

Stanhope laughed even louder. “Hell, that dog of yours is the only one he can reach. Any of the other females in the neighborhood would have to agree to stand on a stool.”

“Mr. Stanhope-“

“Ease up, Dallas. I’ll help you find homes for the puppies, if that’s your problem: ‘

“No, that’s not my problem, and please keep your dog penned up!” She put the phone down with more force than necessary and stomped out to feed the horses their evening meal.

As the shadows lengthened in the yard, she found herself glancing down the road. If a black Corvette showed up… but of course it wouldn’t. Neal would probably spend the night at Rowdy Ranch, and tonight was Amber’s night to work alone, so Dallas wouldn’t have to risk seeing him-or Gabe.

Maybe she’d spend the night watching television. She hardly ever gave herself time to do that. And she’d lock all the doors and windows. Not that she really needed to. Gabe was so determined to find his sister’s attacker and punish him that he couldn’t see that Neal was innocent

“Come on, Gretchen.” She took the dog by the collar and went inside, locking the door firmly behind her.

The sound of the television kept her company all evening. She ate a microwaved dinner in front of it, and if she didn’t like the current show she switched over to the country-music video station. When the video for “A Cowboy’s Dream” came on, she channel surfed until she found a sitcom that made her laugh.

“Televisioxi’s good; she murmured to herself. “I’ll watch more television.”

On one of her forays through the stations a courtroom drama caught her attention. The judge was in her chambers discussing some point of law with the prosecuting attorney

“I’m sorry, but that’s not admissable; the judge told the attorney.

The prosecutor looked about ready to explode. “But it proves the defendant murdered his wife.”

“Nevertheless, you and I know it’s not admissable. If you enter it, I’ll have to declarea mistrial, and I know you don’t want that, either. Prove your case without this evidence. you’re a good enough attorney.”

But he didn’t, and Dallas’s attention was riveted to the set as the supposed murderer went free because the jury never learned about the damning evidence. She switched to another channel, but the courtroom drama stayed with her.

That was only television, she told herself. How dramatic to have unusable evidence that would convict a killer. That probably happened once in a million times. She and the jury had heard everything there was to hear about the Celia Martinez case. Of course they had.

She didn’t sleep well that night and got up three times to recheck the locks on her doors and windows.

DALLAS MET AMBER at an Italian restaurant near the bustling Tucson Mall. They’d both dressed in slacks and sweaters; lunching out for them had always meant getting away from cowgirl clothes for a few hours.

Dallas saved her announcement until after the waiter had deposited a large all-you-can-eat salad bowl and two salad plates on their table. Then she told Amber what had happened, even including the incident with Gretchen.

“You sent that man away?” Amber wailed, her fork “That’s what counseling does for you, Amber said. clattering to her salad plate. “You are out of your mind, “It helps you deal with the trauma, so you won’t get ” hysterical every time you think about what happened.

“He’s paranoid, Amber: Dallas picked up a green I should know: ‘

chili pepper by the stem and put it back on her plate.

Dallas’s eyes widened. “You?” She wasn’t hungry. “I can understand it, I guess. If your I was raped when I was eighteen, she said evenly, sister swears some guy raped her, then you want to be-as if giving a weather report. , h the “Oh, my God.” lie’ve she’s right, so you can have somebody to ang , hate on. ” Amber’s tone grew harsher. “Some guy I met at a

“Dallas, look at me.” party took me out in the desert. I was drunk, but he

Dallas lifted her head. definitely raped me, the bastard.” Her hand shook as

“Has it ever occurred to you that-now don’t get mad she reached for her glass of iced tea and took a long, at me-that maybe, just maybe, Neal was guilty of that slow drink. The helpless fury remained in her eyes as

” she looked at Dallas. I couldn t prove that, either, but charge?

Dallas gazed at her as snippets from the television my pqents got me a good counselor, which is why I can , talk about it now without breaking dishes .” courtroom drama played in her mind. “But the evi

, pp “

Dallas reached across the table and covered Amdence didn’t su ort-her s hand with her own. “I wish I’d known. All this ” y y

I know you hate the idea that you mi t have hxmed the we’ve been discussing this, you’ve probably been a rapist loose: reliving what happened to you: ‘

Dallas shook her head. “I didn’t. And the other ” “

Amber sighed. Some. eleven people on that jury didn’t, either.” q, ,

“

I’m sorry. Dallas squeezed her hand.

“Criminals do get off sometimes, you know. “It’s just that it’s hard to prove, babe. You like your

Dallas poked at her salad while sorting through her world to be all organized, and when it comes to this jumbled thoughts. “We listened so carefully to every-crime, everything’s disorganized. This Celia and the thing.” She glanced up at Amber. “Gabe’s sister was rapist were the only people there. But I’ll tell you this. very composed on the stand. You’d think someone If she says it was Neal Parnell, I’d believe her.” who’d been through that would be more upset.” Dallas began to tremble. “You would? Even if the guy

“How long had it been?” was wear inga ski mask and disguised his voice?”

“Four months .” Amber’s laugh was short and humorless. “You can

“Did she have counseling in the meantime?” tell by the smell of his skin.”

“Yes, but-” Goose bumps rose on Dallas’s arms. “What?”

“You don’t think you remember how a guy smells, do you? But the memory s there, all right. I’ll bet if Gabe came up behind you, youd recognize him without looking. You say Celia went out with this guy once, probably even kissed him. She’d remember the scent of his skin. Or at least a part of her mind would, even if she doesn’t realize it. But of course something like that won’t stand up in court.”

“But the defense attorney said Celia was only trying to get back at Neal beqause he stopped taking her out. Celia doesn’t have much money, and someone like Neal would be a good catch.”

“So she accuses him of rape? What a great way to land a proposal : ‘

“Of course not, but ” Dallas put down her fork and covered her face with her hands. “I’m so damned confused”

“Hey, it’s not as if you did anything wrong; Amber said softly. “You had to go by the evidence.”

Dallas combed her hair back from her face with trembling fingers. “If I helped turn a rapist back out on the streets, I did do something wrong. If only I could know.”

“That’s the tough part. But, Dallas, in the meantime , watch out for yourself, okay? Have Frank or

Turner walk you to your car tonight. If you don’t want

Gabe around, that’s your business, but in case lies right, protect yourself.”

“I will: She sighed. “But it’s the uncertainty that bothers me the most: ‘

“You may have to live with that, babe: ‘

BUT DALLAs xNq’w that uncertainty was one thing she’d never been able to live with. She still had all the telephone numbers for her fellow jurors, and after a lackluster shopping spree with Amber she went home and called each one. She left several messages on answering machines, but was able to talk with three people. Each of them confirmed that they believed Neal was innocent.

“And he is innocent, Dallas told Gretchen as she locked her in the yard before driving off to work. “But in case I’m wrong, chew the hell out of anyone who comes around, okay?

Gretchen wagged her tail and barked.

“Some killer dog you are.” Dallas grinned and got into her truck. Then she scrambled back out, her heart hammering. On the seat of the truck lay a single red rose.

DALLAS WAS THROUGH her gate and back inside her locked trailer, Gretchen close by her side, inside of twenty seconds. Moments later she reemerged without

Gretchen, her Lady Smith & Wesson cocked and ready in her hand.

She scanned the area around her trailer. Creosote bushes grew three or four feet high all over the desert floor. Any one of them could hide a grown man. In her imagination Neal crouched behind each one she studied

A movement.

There! She aimed at the bush and fired, shattering the afternoon quiet. A huge jackrabbit bounded away unharmed , and she gasped in dismay. Trembling, she lowered the gun. She’d have to get hold of herself before she killed some innocent animal. Fighting panic, she worked her way through the gate, but she left it open for a quick retreat.

First she checked the back of the truck, but nothing was there except a few stray wisps of hay from Saturday At last she opened the passenger side of the truck and looked in quickly, before spinning around to check behind her. A ground squirrel popped back in his hole, and Sugar and Spice moved restlessly in the corral, but otherwise the landscape remained the same.

After climbing into the truck, she sat beside the rose and locked both doors. Had she locked the truck after coming home from lunch with Amber? Probably not. She wasn’t in the habit of doing that out here in the country. Obviously she’d have to start.

A note had been slipped under the stem of the rose. She could read it without moving the flower. Holding her breath, she scanned the brief message. Sorry my dog got your dog in the family way. You’re right. It’s timeforlgortoretire. Yours, George Stanhope

Dallas’s laughter had an edge of hysteria to it. Was she going to live this way from now on, afraid of anything that suggested the presence of Neal Parnell? Would she panic every time she saw a black Corvette or red roses?

“No, by God, she said, getting out of the truck, the rose and note in one hand, her gun in the other. She went back into the house, looked up the number of the prosecuting attorney Fred Axton, and dialed.

“Mr. Axton’s in court right now, his assistant told her. “I’ll be happy to take a message, Miss Wade.”

“I need to speak with him as soon as possible. Do you think he could meet me at Rowdy Ranch sometime tonight ? I’d be very grateful .”

“I don’t know, Miss Wade-” the assistant began.

“Please, it’s very important; Dallas cut in.

“Well, I could certainly ask him.”

“Thank you so much. Oh, and if he has any boots and jeans, this would be the time to wear them. Otherwise he II stick out like a sore thumb.”

“I’ll tell him.” The assistant sounded amused. “Will he have to do the Achy-Breaky?”

“I hope not.”

The assistant laughed. “So do I. He’s brilliant but uncoordinated. May I tell him what this is in reference to?”

“The sexual assault trial of Neal Parnell; Dallas said, takin ga deep breath. “I want to know everything about it ,”

DALLAs wALKED QUICKLY into Rowdy Ranch, hating the unscheduled disturbance that had made her late. But , she soon forgot about the time. Gabe stood by the pool table nearest her shop. He wore his black hat pulled low, so she couldn’t see directly into his eyes, but she didn’t need to see them to know his attention was focused like a laser on the front door.

His shoulders slumped in apparent relief when he saw her, and she wanted to cry. He’d been worried about her. Then he turned with that nonchalant movement of his hips she’d come to cherish and lined up his next shot as if he didn’t care a hoot what happened to her. The rush of warmth she’d felt curdled in her stomach. She’d sent him away, and a man like Gabe didn’t come knocking twice.

Cheeks warm, she walked past him without speaking , all the while remembering their grand entrance Saturday night. From the corner of her eye she assessed the reaction of the shop owners. Dave Fogarty was immersed in photograph inga laughing group of four women attired in dance-hall costumes, but Irving Skinner, who ran the leather shop next to Fogarty’s Fotography , seemed interested in Dallas’s passage. Dallas also figured the animated con venation between Ted and Louise McNulty in the jewelry shop had something to do with her. After all, she and Gabe had put on quite a show on Saturday. For them to come in separately tonight and then not even speak to each other would provide the shop owners and staff at Rowdy Ranch enough gossip for the entire evening.

She unlocked the wrought-iron accord ian gate that closed off her shop and pushed it back against the wall. A customer was already walking toward the shop. She felt Gabe’s glance even with her back turned and wondered how she’d ever be able to concentrate on her work with him so close. She might have thought she’d severed the link between them, but a connection so powerful wasn’t easily broken. With a sigh she turned on the lights and hung up her fringed jacket. She hoped Fred Axton took her message seriously and had some free time tonight. Otherwise it would be a very long evening.

ABoU’r AN HoUR into her work schedule she realized she hadn’t seen Neal yet. Then she looked for Beth and decided it might be Beth’s night off. That could explain Neal’s absence.

It also showed how ridiculous Gabe’s claims were. Neal had simply become attracted to Dallas at the trial and been a little persistent in his pursuit, which was probably the way rich men operated. Now he d moved on to Beth, and that would be the end of that. Dallas would find out from Fred Axton that all the evidence had been presented at the trial, and Gabe would have to face the fact that Neal was no threat, had never been one. Except Gabe would never admit that, and the is sue would always stand between them, keeping them forever apart.

At a quarter to eight Fred Axton arrived while Dallas was finishing up a customer. She tried to hold back a smile when she saw him approaching the Cutting Pen. His jeans were cinched up too high at his waist, and beneath his rolled-up pant legs she glimpsed burgundy wing tips. He’d adorned his rugby shirt with a bola tie , and the high, rounded crown of his hat gave new meaning to the label “ten-gallon.” Nobody would mistake

Fred Axton for a cowboy.

He smiled when he saw her, and she decided it was safe to smile back. “Please sit down; she said, nodding toward one of the chairs lirung one wall. “I’ll be through in just a moment.”

When her customer left, she sat next to Fred.

“How do I look?” he asked.

“Uh… different from how you looked at the trial.”

“The outfit needs a little work: Fred stretched his legs out in front of him. “Bought these jeans about four years ago, never wore them. I think I might have picked up the wrong size: He shrugged. “I’ll have them fixed before I come in here again.” “you’ve already decided to come back?”

Fred glanced out the door toward the dance floor, where people three rows deep were executinga line dance to “Boot-Scootiri Boogie.” “Sure thing. I’ve been meaning to try this place for months.” Dallas’s reservations must have been obvious from her expression because he jumped to his own defense. “Hey, I watched “Gunsmoke when I was a kid. I can pick up on this.”

He took off his hat and gazed at it. “Do you think this is too big?

“

“It’s not so much the size as the shape. Let me try something: Dallas took the hat over to the sink, turned the water on hot and held it over the steam while she reshaped the crown with a depression in the middle and a slant to the sides. Then she worked a curve into the brim so it didn’t stick out like a Frisbee. “Try that, she said, returning the hat to him.

Fred stood and adjusted the hat in the mirror. “Not bad; he said. He swaggered up to the mirror. “you’re dealing from the bottom of the deck, pardner: His chin jutted. “Oh, yeah?” He whipped two imaginary pistols from invisible holsters and fired them in quick succession Then he blew smoke from the barrels, turned back to Dallas and flipped the phantom guns back into place.

Dallas laughed. During the trial, she had gotten the impression that he was a dynamic and intelligent man. Now she also saw that he had a playful side. “Oldfashioned justice:”

“Sometimes I long for those days ‘

“I can see that, Mr. Axton “

“Fred. We go by first names out here in the West.” He resumed his seat and shoved back his hat. “Now what do you want to know about the Pamell trial?”

“Whatever you can tell me.” She felt a lump of nervousness rise in her throat.

He took off his hat and ran his fingers over the new crease in the crown. “I hated losing that one. But the plaintiff really loused up as far as helping us get a conviction You did your job and I expected the verdict. We couldn’t do ours .”

Dallas tensed. “So you really think he was guilty?”

Fred looked at her for a long moment. “I doxi t just think. I know.”

A movement by the bar suddenly drew Dallas’s attention Neal Parnell was there, dressed all in black.

GABE HADN’T PAID much attention to the guy in the rolled-up jeans when he’d entered Dallas’s shop until Dallas sat down beside him and began an earnest conversation The set of her shoulders told him this was no , idle chitchat, so he’d left his beer on the counter of the bar and ambled over in that direction.

Then the guy took off his hat and a chill passed through Gabe. Fred Axton. Celia had pointed him out at the end of the trial, too. What in hell was Dallas doing talking to him? Had Gabe been missing the connection all along? Had she somehow influenced the case through the prosecutor?

He rejected the thought as unworthy even before it was fully formed. Love was blind, but not that blind. He wouldn’t feel the way he did about Dallas if she had a rotten core. He had to believe that or doubt the entire meaning of his life.

No, she had some legitimate reason for talking to Axton, and the one that occurred to him built a small fire of hope in his heart. Maybe she had begun to doubt that Parnell was innocent, and she was gathering more information. He’d considered doing that himself, but had decided there was no point. He knew Parnell was guilty. But he could kick himself for not thinking to steer Dallas in that direction. Of course, she might not have done it if he’d made the suggestion.

He took a long, shaky breath. If she learned enough to shake her earlier convictions, would she come to him? He had to pray that she would.

HEART THUMPING, Dallas looked away from Neal. He wasn’t facing her way, and she hoped to hell he hadn’t recognized Fred. But Fred didn’t look much like a prosecutor in his strange outfit. “I’ve had other people tell me they knew for certain Neal was guilty; Dallas said, gripping the edge of her chair seat. “But the evidence didn’t support that. Was there something we didn’t see?”

“Something you didn’t hear.”

Dallas held her breath.

“An enthusiastic detective set up an illegal wiretap, got a conversation between Parnell and one of his buddies when he bragged about ‘getting the Martinez bitch.” The details fit her description of the events perfectly”

Dallas let out her breath and her blood pounded in her ears. “Oh, my God.” She’d done it. She’d turned a rapist loose. She felt sick to her stomach.

“Hey, don’t blame yourself. We couldn’t use that evidence , and without it our hands were tied. But if he steps out of line again, believe me, we’re going to nail his ass .”

Fred’s words of consolation had no meaning for her. Celia had been telling the truth, and she hadn’t seen it. Instead she’d helped convince the jury not to convict Neal. She was responsible for a rapist walking free. Justice had not been done, and it was her fault.

She thought of telling Fred about her recent experiences with Neal, but something held her back. What had Gabe said? That he’d rather know where a rattlesnake was than scare it away and have to wonder where it would turn up next?

Heart hammering, she allowed her gaze to roam as much of the dance hall as she could see from her position inside the shop. Neal had disappeared. Then a man in black turned in profile and laughed before continuing a pinball game. Neal. ,

He slammed the side of the pinball machine, laughed again and walked toward the bar. Then, as if guided by some unholy sixth sense, he looked straight across the room toward her.

She got up casually and placed herself in front of Fred, blocking Neal’s view of the man in her shop and Fred’s potential view of Neal. “Well, what you’ve told me is all very interesting. But I guess it doesn’t change the fact that Parnell is a free man.”

Fred stood. “I’m afraid not. I thought of contacting you and other members of the jury after the trial and telling you what we knew, but I perceived you all as conscientious people who would beat yourselves up over this. Please don’t. These things happen all the time.”

“I won’t beat myself up over it,” Dallas lied, her tone grim.

“I hope not.” Fred pulled his hat low over his eyes.

Dallas noticed with satisfaction that he was much less recognizable with the brim curvinga little over his face.

“Thanks for coming all the way out here tonight ” , Dallas said, offering her hand. If he left immediately, Neal might never know he d been here.

“No problem. You know, as long as I’m out tonight , maybe I’ll have a beer and try a few of those line dances : ‘

Dallas fought panic. “Fred.” She put her hand on his arm. She had to lean down a fraction to look into his eyes. “May I speak honestly?”

“Of course.”

“In your profession I’m sure you’ve learned the importance of first impressions.”

“Hmm.” He glanced toward the dance floor.

“Many of the same people come back here night after night, Fred. They 11 remember the rolled cuffs and the wing tips long after you’ve made the transition to tight jeans and Tony Lamas.”

“I suppose you have a point.” He touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you kindly, ma am.”

“Anytime.”

His eyes twinkled. “Prepare yourself for the return of Fred Axton. It’ll be a sight for sore eyes.”

“I’m sure it will.” With a sigh of relief she watched him leave the dance hall. From what she could tell, Neal didn’t even notice the short man in the too-large jeans. But someone else had. Gabe stood, leaning slightly on his cue stick, and watched Fred until he pushed through the heavy oak doors into the night. Dallas turned away before Gabe could realize she was looking at him. She had some heavy thinking to do, and she wouldn’t tip her hand until that thinking was done.

YEARS OF EXPERIINCE allowed Dallas to automatically shampoo and cut hair for the rest of the evening while she gave most of her attention to her problem. Near closing time she took a sealed envelope over to Dave Fogarty.

“Next time you have a chance, please give this to Gabe; she instructed.

Dave stroked his silvery beard. “Now, Dallas. This ain t junior high anymore.” “don’t I know it. I realize it looks juvenile, but I have my reasons why I dontt want to approach him directly. Trust me, this isn’t what you think.”

“Okay, I’ll do it. Mostly because I don’t understand why you two split up all of a sudden, and I’d like to see you work it out.”

Dallas had no idea if her plan would have any bearing on her relationship with Gabe. But like it or not, she needed his help. And she didn’t want Neal to know she’d even asked for it.

At closing time she left without acknowledging Gabe at all. Pepper spray in hand, she unlocked her truck and climbed behind the wheel. She drove home, checking her rearview mirror constantly. No one she recognized followed her.

Once parked under her dusk to-davrn light, she kept the pepper spray handy until she was safely inside her trailer with the door locked. Everything looked in order , but she toured the place, examining locks, checking closets and reassuring herself that she had her gun loaded and available in her bedside table drawer. Then she sat on her couch and waited, Gretchen at her feet.

To keep panic at bay, she focused on her plan, going over the details and testing it for flaws. She was sure there were some, but in general it was a good plan. The time dragged, and she clenched her cold hands in her lap and gazed at the pine paneling, imagining faces in the swirling knotholes.

A key clicked in the back door lock.

Hands clenched, she turned toward the sound as the door opened and Gabe stepped into her hallway. Her breathing quickened. He’d cooperated at least this much.

He approached her warily, the key in his hand. “If you gave me this, how did you get in?”

“I’ve always kept a key hidden out in the tack shed, under a saddle blanket .”

“I wouldn’t advise that anymore : ‘

She held up the second key. “This is it. I won’t put it back there again. Did you drive here through the wash?”

He nodded.

“Where’s your truck?”

“I left it in the wash and hiked the rest of the way.”

She grimaced. “That must have been a sacrifice. I know how cowboys hate to walk: ‘

“I managed.”

She shouldn’t have expected anything but these taciturn responses, but they knifed through her, nonetheless She waved him toward the rocker. “Have a seat.”

“I’ll stand: ‘

“All right.” She adopted his brusque attitude. “I’ll make this quick. I have reason to believe that Neal Parnell did rape your sister, as you said.”

His eyes flickered, but other than that he gave nothing away by his expression. She’d bet he was one hell of a poker player.

“Because I feel responsible for setting him free, I plan to help put him in j all, where he belongs .”

Gabe hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and waited.

“I remember all the details from the trial, and my guess is he’s more comfortable attacking someone in a deserted parking lot than breaking into their home, not that he wouldn’t do that, if all else fails. But if I guide him to the parking lot, he’ll try to rape me there, I think

: ‘

Gabes stoicism vanished and his face contorted. “You’ll whatY’

Her heart hammered and breathing became difficult , but she continued. “I’m going to lure Neal into the parking lot. I’ll spread some story around Rowdy Ranch that I’m staying late to do inventory.” She chuckled without mirth. “It could be the truth. I am behind on that little chore, thanks to all that’s happened”

His fists clenched at his sides. “Forget it.”

She gazed into his dark eyes that burned with anger. “That’s just it, Gabe. I can’t forget it. i can’t forget the trial, or Celia s testimony, or Neal’s part in traumatizing her. I’m going to make it right by catching him in the act .”

“No : ‘

Her shoulders slumped. “I had hoped you’d help me.

You and your two bounty-hunter friends.”

He took a step forward. “If you think for one minute that I’d allow you to put yourself in-“

“Allow?” His use of the word propelled her from the sofa to brace herself in front of him. “How dare you imply you control me? You have nothing to say about it.”

“The hell I don’t: He grabbed her and hauled her against his chest. “I won’t let you be the bait for that bastard:’

The rich scent of him filled her nostrils. Amber was right. She d know this man with her eyes closed. She longed to tangle her fingers in his hair, crush his lips to hers, but she struggled to put distance between them. As much as she wanted him, she wouldn’t ever be dictated to.

He held her fast. “Listen to me, Dallas. Please: ‘

“I’m doing this: She shoved hard at his chest. “With you or without you. “

“You’re crazy!” he gasped, holding her with effort. “Now be still and

“

“Never: She was panting, but she met his gaze straight on. “I’ll never be still. I’ll fight until the day I die to be my own person and make my own decisions.

Got that, Escalante? Now let me go before I kick you in a very uncomfortable spot.”

Slowly his arms came to his sides. He spoke through clenched teeth. “I’ve never met a woman like you.”

She lifted her chin. “Then it’s about time: ‘

He continued to stare at her. When she stared back, he glanced away and rubbed the back of his neck. “You want to lure him into the parking lot?”

She sensed the tide might be changing in her favor.

:’

“Then what?”

“You’ll be there. I checked tonight, and there’s a Dumpster that would keep you hidden. I’ll get him talking. You’ll be the witness I need to show what his intentions are.

Gabe shook his head.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Everything. He might grab you before you get to me. He might somehow grab you inside the building.”

“I thought of that. Station one of your friends inside Neal doesn’t know what they look like. You won’t even be there that niqht, but your friend will. At closing time your friend can hide somewhere-inside a rest room stall or something-and be available if I need him. But I think Neal will try to get me outside, where he has a clear escape route.”

He groaned. “You really think this is possible, don’t you? You have no experience with criminals. You don’t “

“And what’s the alternative? Do you enjoy hanging around this guy, waiting for him to make a false move? Do you want him to have that kind of power to keep your life on hold?”

“I won’t put your safety on the line!”

“But I will, she said quietly. “And you’re either in or you’re out :

‘

“If I say no, who would you get?”

She had no clue, but she didn’t want him to know that. “I know some guys. I’m sure they’d help.”

“Amateurs,” he retorted.

She could feel him weakening. “Well?”

His sigh seemed torn from the depths of his chest. “Damn you, Dallas”

“Help me do this, Gabe: ‘

His gaze was tortured. “I’d as soon be in hell: ‘

“If you won’t help me, that’s where I’d wish you.”

With a cry he turned away from her. After many long minutes he turned back, resignation and frustration obvious in the set line of his mouth. “I’d want both guys on this. One inside with you, another near the door where you’d come out, in case he grabs you there and tries to force you into his car or something: ‘

“Fine, three of you, then. Four of us, counting me. We can do this, Gabe. We can hang this guy.”

He stood, silent and brooding, in front of her. “How far am I supposed to let him go?” he asked quietly.

As GAsE wnI’rED for her answer, images assaulted him-of Parnell tearing at her clothes, of him putting his filthy hands on her skin and his insolent mouth on her lips. He closed his eyes as if to block out the ugly pictures. “How far, Dallas?”

“I… hadn’t thought that out yet.”

“I think you’d better consider that angle.” He knew from the way her glance shifted that he’d hit a nerve.

Then her gaze swung back to him, the gray depths cold as slate. “Far enough that he thinks he’s going to get away with it and starts saying things that will incriminate him.” She lifted her chin. “I realize it will be… unpleasant, but I’ll survive. When I think he’s gone far enough, I’ll shout a code word or something.”

He felt the sharp pain originate in his heart and spread outward to his arms and fingers. The pain engulfed his stomach and plunged dowm his legs as his body rebelled at what she was saying. “And I’m supposed to watch him paw and insult you? What are you asking of me, Dallas?”

“I’m asking you to help me catch the man who raped your sister.

Something loosened in his chest, and the outpouring of anguish left him dazed. How he loved this woman! This stubborn, courageous, foolhardy woman He stepped forward, his movements restrained, and touched her cheek. “All right, he said quietly.

She gazed up at him in wonder, then reached to brush her thumb across the corner of his eye. Only then did he realize his eyes were damp. “you’ve asked me to willingly risk what is most precious to me,” he said, his voice shaking. “don’t ever doubt the depth of that sacrifice.” Then he swept her up in his arms, her warmth against his chest reassuring him, soothing his pain, as he carried her to the bedroom He gazed into her eyes and saw mirrored there the same fierce agony that suffused him.

He closed the door, locking out the dog, and laid her on the bed. He undressed her slowly, carefully, as if she were a hologram that might dissolve if he moved too fast. With his own clothes he took less time, all the while holding her gaze with his.

When he finally lay next to her, she turned her face to him, like a flower moving toward the light.

“I love you,” he murmured, brushing his knuckles across the pulse point at her throat. “But I didn’t know until now how much. It seems I will do anything for you. Anything.”

She didn’t answer, and he was glad. A confession such as he had made required no answer. He’d humbled himself completely before her, and he hoped to God she would not take advantage of his vulnerability The amount of trust he’d placed in her, through no conscious decision of his own, staggered him.

He leaned toward her, his hand cupping her cheek. “But now I need… this…”

Her lips parted in invitation.

“Dear Lord, he whispered, accepting the invitation

He treasured everything-the sweet waft of breath as his mouth neared hers, the texture of her full lips, the supple movement of her tongue. With a touch light as a butterfly’s wing he outlined the summit of each breast, the curve of her ribs, the dip of her waist to the swell of her hips. How smooth her thighs, how fragile the backs of her knees. He cherished her delicate ankles , which he circled with thumb and forefinger, and the graceful arch of each foot.

Ripples of awareness marked the passage of his touch, as a wheat field reveals the passage of the wind. She grew warm and trembly beneath his hand, and when at last he brushed across the cleft of her womanhood , he found her wet with desire.

He sheathed himself and moved over her, capturing her gaze as he slid slowly inside, gentle as a man initiatinga virgin. He knew the wildness in her, knew she could match the wildness in him. But tonight there would be no ferocity in his touch, no desperation in his kiss. He moved unernngly forward until he rested securely within the cradle of her hips, her arms clasped around him. They paused, cocooned in each other, breath matching breath, heartbeat matching heartbeat

His subtle rhythm was nearly imperceptible, yet she responded as he knew she would, from the depths that he touched with such soft insistence. Burgeoning desire rose within her, closing him securely inside her. He loved her the way driving rain penetrates rich dark earth, and she began to swell with promise. There was no sharp moment of release, only a deep thrumming that gathered speed until waves of passion washed endlessly through their locked bodies. When he could hold back no longer, his essence rushed forth in a torrent , joining with her, binding them together in silent testimony-a covenant forged between souls.

THEY DECIDED THAT GABE wouldn’t appear inside Rowdy Ranch again and that no one should know of the plan except Gabe’s two friends, Jasper and Diego.

That next evening duringa break Dallas announced to Amber that the following night she’d stay late to take inventory.

Amber stopped repair inga nail she’d broken earlier. “Want me to stay and help?” Her offer lacked enthusiasm

“No, thanks. You and Vince have plans. I can handle it: ‘

Amber put down the emery board. “Wait a minute. I wasn’t thinking straight. This isn’t a good time for you to be here alone after closing. I am staying: “don’t be silly. Neal Parnell ha sri t bothered me in quite a while. See him out there having a good time with Beth?” The sight of Neal made Dallas’s skin crawl, but she forced herself to seem nonchalant.

“I don’t care. With Gabe out of the picture, I doxi t feel right about-“

“I woxi t be alone. Irving Skinner told me he’s staying to take inventory, too Dallas hated to lie to her friend, but Amber would throw up a million roadblocks if Dallas told her the truth.

“And you’ll leave when Irving leaves?”

Dallas held up her hand. “I promise.”

“Okay, then.”

One down and one to go, Dallas thought, noticing that Neal had stopped at the bar for another beer. “I’m parched; she said. “Would you watch the shop while I get a soda from the bar?”

“Sure,”

Dallas chose a spot halfway down the bar from where Neal sat. He didn’t look at her. What ifhe really has lost interest? she tqought, and was ashamed of the feeling of relief that surged through her at the possibility

Neal wouldn’t attack her, after all. But if she didn’t send him to prison, he would rape someone else. She caught the attention of Tom, the bartender on duty.

“How’s it going, Dallas?” he asked as he squirted soda from a nozzle into an ice-cube-filled glass.

“I’m so behind,” she said in a wail that she figured would carry down the length of the bar to Neal. “Looks like I’ll have to stay after closing tomorrow night to take inventory. “

Tom handed her the fizzing glass. “Bummer.”

“Isxi t it?” She started to turn away.

“Say, Dallas, what’s the story on that guy, the one who always wears the flannel shirts? First you throw him out of your shop, then you act like you’re going together , and now he’s vanished.”

He couldn’t have fed her better lines if she’d handed him a script. “I should have followed my first instincts with that man, Tom. Let’s just say it didn’t work out.

He’s history.”

Tom shook his head. “Dating’s tough in the nineties is all I have to say.”

“No kidding.” With a wave of her hand, Dallas returned to the shop with her drink. Unless Neal was hard-of-hearing, she’d just baited the trap.

WHFN SHE CAME HOME that night, Gabe was waiting. Their lovemaking was fervent and prolonged. They didn’t speak of the next night’s activities until early morning, just before Gabe returned to his truck hidden in the nearby wash.

“Forget this code-word business,” Gabe said, holding her tight as they stood by her back door in semidarkness’I’ll break things up when I think they’ve gone far enough: “don’t step in too soon: ‘

He didn’t answer but his kiss was punishing, and he left without another word:

Dallas kept busy all day with chores. When she finally cleaned up and dressed for work late in the afternoon , her fingers shook as she fastened her bra and drew on her panties. Was she insane? Then she thought of Celia’s testimony on the stand. At the time it had seemed too calm and rehearsed to be real. But it had been real. Celia had suffered through those things. And so would others, if Neal wasn’t stopped now. She had a chance to stop him.

A light rain fell as she drove to work. Ordinarily she’d park near the door on nights like this, but instead she chose a spot near the Dumpster. Plenty of daylight remained as she got out of the truck and locked it. But it didn’t take much imagination to picture the parking lot as she knew it to be at night, with pockets of darkness beside parked vehicles and in corners where the overhead lights didn’t reach. She hurried toward the building with the cowardly thought that maybe Neal wouldn’t come in tonight.

But he did. He’d dressed all in black again, and she shivered as she contemplated why.

Diego had volunteered to be the inside man. Dallas had never met him, but when he walked in she recognized him immediately from Gabes description stocky , with a short dark beard and curly hair under a battered western hat. Lacking the comfort of Gabe’s presence, Dallas kept her eye on Diego as a welcome port in a stormy sea. She noticed that he drank only soda during the evening.

“You okay?” Amber asked her about ten, when she’d dropped a pair of scissors twice in five minutes.

“Too much coffee today, Dallas said. “I really have to cut back on my caffeine.”

“If you’re nervous about staying here after closing, I’ll call Vince. We can all work on that damned inventory”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” She’d tried to avoid looking at Neal tonight, but he always seemed to be hovering in her field of vision, although he’d never acknowledged her. He moved like a panther through the dance hall, making her constantly aware of his menacing presence. She was jumpy, and if Amber had picked up on her nervousness, Neal might. She’d have to be more careful. “The inventory’s no big deal,” she said.

“Well, I feel guilty, leaving you here, even if Irving Skinner is sticking around Amber said.

“It’s really no problem. I-my God.”

“What?”

Dallas stared at the man sauntering toward her, a man with the power to ruin everything.

If circumstances had been different, he would have been, as he d promised, a sight for sore eyes. A boldly patterned western shirt accentuated the breadth of his shoulders, and stone-washed jeans displayed wellmuscled thighs and buttocks. Black lizard-skin boots added at least two inches to his height. His hat had been professionally blocked, and a tooled leather belt encircled his hips. Fred Axton had transformed himself into a cowboy.

Amber followed the direction of Dallas’s gaze. “Cute , but too short for you. And falling for somebody on the rebound is never a good idea, Dallas. Put your eyes back in your head.”

Dallas tried to gather her thoughts. “That’s not why I’m staring. You should have seen him a couple of days ago. I’m amazed at the transformation: And petrified that Neal will notice him and suspect something.

“What’d he look like?”

“Not like that: Dallas couldn’t see a way out of talking with Fred. He still didn’t look much like the chief prosecutor for Pima County. Maybe she was worried for nothing. “You couldn’t tell the guy had shoulders , or buns, either, for that matter.”

“Well, you can now. Like I said, a couple of inches taller and I’d want to know his name.”

“Well, I’ll introduce you, anyway.” Dallas smiled as Fred walked through the door of the shop. “I’m impressed ; she said.

“I’m a quick study,” Fred replied, his glance slipping toward Amber.

“Fred, this is my associate, Amber Dalton.”

Fred extended his hand and gave Amber the direct gaze that Dallas had observed mesmerizing more than one female juror during the trial. Dallas watched with amusement as Fred’s intensity brought a pleased flush to Amber’s cheeks. Short or not, Fred might be about , to give the unimaginative Vince a run for his money.

“Fred Axton was the prosecutor for the trial, Dallas continued as the handshake lasted a little longer than polite intercourse required.

“A lawyer, are you?” Amber asked.

“An urban cowboy; Fred responded. “Thanks to Dallas. She’s my wardrobe consultant.”

“She did a good job.”

“Thanks.” Fred took off his hat and tossed it on the rack. “But I think I need a finishing touch. How about trimming my hair, Amber?”

“LJm, sure: Amber glanced at Dallas, who gave her a covert thumbs-up as Fred settled into the chair. Dallas had never been crazy about Vince, Amber’s current boyfriend, and she couldn’t think of a better matchup than Amber and Fred. They both were intelligent, principled people with a sense of humor. So what if Fred was an inch shorter than Amber? It wouldn’t matter once they were prone.

Still, the niggling worry that Neal would recognize

Fred plagued her. She searched the dance hall and found

Neal in a far corner, leaning with both arms braced against the wall, imprison inga laughing Beth, who carried a tray of drinks. He seemed to have no interest in what was happening in the Cutting Pen. Rowdy Ranch was a huge place, after all. There were easily two hundred people within its confines tonight. No doubt she was imagining problems where there were none. Yet she’d be glad when Fred’s hat was back on his head.

After receivinga very thorough shampoo and hairstyling from Amber, Fred walked over to the bar. Dallas didn’t worry too much about it until she remembered Diego. She turned with a sense of foreboding , and sure enough, Fred had recognized Diego as a bail-enforcement officer.

Dallas watched helplessly as Diego made an excuse to get away from Fred, but it was too late. Dallas could tell the moment Neal recognized the prosecutor by the sudden stiffening of his posture and the abrupt end of his laughter. She turned away, heart racing, and tried to concentrate on the haircut she was giving. So what if Neal had recognized Fred? People from all over Tucson came to this place. But her plan no longer seemed so foolproof, and her palms grew slick with perspiration

“I like your Fred Axton; Amber said after the customer left.

“Do you now?” Dallas seized the distraction like a lifeline. “Personally, I think he’s a little short.”

Amber threw a towel at her, and she ducked.

“Did you give him your number?” she asked.

“No. That wouldn’t be fair to Vince.”

“Oh: Dallas allowed her disappointment to show.

“But he gave me his .”

“Oh! Good!”

Amber laughed. “just in case. don’t get too Excited. I told him I was going with someone.”

“I see.” Dallas smiled. “The conversation got that specific, then?”

“Let’s face it. Vince has proposed about twenty times , and I always find some excuse to stall him. Should tell me something, shouldn’t it?”

“I would say so .” ,

Amber walked over to pick up the towel shed thrown. “Funny how some people just click.”

“Yeah.”

Amber straightened, the towel in one hand, and looked directly at Dallas. “For example, I can’t forget the picture of you and Gabe kissing over there by the pool tables. I don’t care what you say. He s the right one. Maybe he went a little crazy when somebody raped his sister. What brother worth anything wouldn’t? Cut him some slack.” She peered at Dallas. “God, you have a peculiar look on your face. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Dallas put a hand over her roiling stomach. She didn’t need to talk about Celia’s rape right now. “Must be something I ate.”

“Go home after work, then. Forget the inventory “

“No .” Dallas’s voice sounded faint even to her own ears. She cleared her throat and spoke more forcefully. “I’ll feel better when it’s done

: ‘

“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn?”

“Yes; Dallas said, and glanced for the hundredth time at the clock.

GABE WIsHED that he smoked. He needed something to pass the time as he and Jasper sat in his truck parked a block from Rowdy Ranch. Jasper wasn’t much of a convesationalist. As they sat silently in the chilled cab, Gabe fooled with his watchband, snapping it repeatedly

“Damn, but you’re making me nervous; Jasper said. “And I don’t get nervous .”

Gabe stopped snapping the band. “Sorry.” Jasper’s calm temperament was one of his most endearing characteristics. An ex-wrestler, he had the kind of body that required custom clothes. When people saw jasper, they instinctively drew back, until he smiled his gap toothed smile and gave them a cheerful greeting.

Jasper liked everybody, unless he learned they’d run afoul of the law. Then he perceived it as his mission to bring them to justice. He accomplished this without rancor, but his brutal efficiency was legendary among bounty hunters. Gabe hadn’t sent him inside Rowdy

Ranch because he might have been recognized. And even if he hadn’t, Jasper never went unnoticed for long.

“We should be able to take our positions in about fifteen minutes; Gabe said. “Remember, if he comes out with her, don’t even take time for the radio. just get him, as long as you can do it without Dallas being hurt.”

“Right. And if he comes out alone, I’ll follow him and hide next to the electrical box .” Jasper hit his fist into the palm of his hand. “We’re gonna nail this sleazoid.”

“Yeah.” Gabe decided he couldn’t sit there any longer. He opened his door and glanced over at jasper. “I think we’re close enough to the time. Ready?”

Jasper nodded.

“Then let’s go .”

VnqrCs nqVED to pick up Amber as Rowdy Ranch began to empty out. Fortunately Irving Skinner hadn’t left, which gave support to Dallas’s story that Irving was also staying late to take inventory.

While Amber finished cleaning up her station, Vince held Dallas captive with a long-winded story about his latest softball triumph. When Amber left with Vince, she glanced over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. Dallas smiled, figuring she might not have to listen to many more of Vince’s stories. Even if Fred told stories, they’d at least be more interesting than anything Vince could dish out.

One by one the shop owners pulled the black accordion doors across the front of their shops.

“Inventory, huh?” Shirley Jorgenson from the T shirt shop commented as she walked by on her way out the door.

“Afraidso; Dallas said, looking official with a clipboard in one hand.

“Got mine done last week, thank God: ‘

“Lucky you.” Dallas watched Shirley walk out the door accompanied by Frank, one of the bouncers. Shirley didn’t like mace or pepper spray, claiming they always detonated in the heat that built up in the interior of her car on warm Arizona days. So she opted for an escort. Somethings terribly wrong when women can’t walk alone at night without fear Dallas thought. She took a deep breath. Tonight she’d do her part to combat the terrorism that had become the norm.

Only a few dancers remained on the floor. Diego had left his position by the bar, but Dallas had expected that. According to the plan, Diego would now be standing on a toilet seat in the mens rest room , crouched low so no one could detect his presence. Dallas hadn’t seen Neal recently, either, although Beth was still around. Was Neal in the parking lot, deep in the shadows, waiting? Fear tightened in her chest and quickened her heartbeat. She swallowed and took several deep breaths.

Eventually the deejay played the final song of the night, and the last few stragglers left. The gel lights and neon were extinguished in favor of clear overhead lights that dispelled much of the magic that drew Rowdy Ranch customers. In the overhead glare Dallas noticed worn spots on the dance floor and stains on the carpet. The sound of vacuum cleaners replaced the seductive country-western music, and the wait staff scurried back and forth with clean glassware and fresh stacks of napkins

At last one of the managers wandered over to Dallas ‘s shop. “We’re ready to take off,” he said. “You know which door to use when you go out : ‘

“Right.” The double doors in front and the delivery doors on the side were fitted with security bolts and the managers had the only key. Dallas could go out a back door, which would automatically lock behind her.

“just throw on the alarm system when you leave, the manager said.

“Sure thing.” Cool sweat trickled down her backbone’ See you tomorrow night: Tomorrow night seemed aeons away, a safe time when everything would be over. She wanted it to be tomorrow night.. now. The manager and the last of the wait staff walked out the back door.

She was alone. Except for Diego. Maybe she should go find him and tell him the coast was clear.

She walked toward the rest rooms, where one door depicted a pendulous cow and the other picture, pendulous in a different fashion, depicted a bull. She’d always resented those pictures, she thought as she headed toward the bull. Men might preen at being compared to a well-hung bull, but no woman she knerv appreciated being compared to a cow.

As she lifted her hand to push open the door, the dance hall was plunged into darkness.

She whirled, her heart racing. Had there been a power failure? What a damned rotten time for it!

But there had been no power failure. A single slash of purple neon flickered on, bathing the hall in a dim, otherworldly glow. Dallas strained to pick out a movement in the deep shadows but could see no one.

Then the sound system began to play, and George Shait’s voice filled the hall. Dallas’s mouth went dry and she stopped breathing. The song was “When Did You Stop Loving Me?”

“Diego!” she screamed, pushing open the door.

“Forget Diego;’ said a microphone-assisted voice over the music.

With a strangled sob, she dashed for the only door that would open, but a black figure, crouched and ready to spring, blocked her escape. “Just try it; he whispered. “I like it when they fight.”

She backed away from him and tried to unfreeze her brain. She had to figure this out. Had to be smarter than he was. She quickly calculated her position. To her left were the rest rooms, to the right the dance floor. Directly behind her, maybe ten yards away, was one of the bars.

If she talked, she might distract him enough to take defensive action. “You knew,” she choked out.

“That you’d stopped loving me?” he drawled, mimicking the song. “I’ve suspected for a while.” He moved toward hex as she inched away. He seemed in no hurry. “The idea of a trap crossed my mind when you so conveniently announced you’d stay late. But seeing that bastard Axton was the final clue. I’d been trying to place the guy with a beard, and when Axton talked to him I remembered the face. Saw him a couple of times the past few days, thought it was coincidence. But it wasrit coincidence, was it, Dallas? Your boyfriend hired him to follow me, didn’t he?”

As the George Strait number ended, her hands closed on the back of a chair. Using the same motion as ropinga calf, she hurled the chair at him.

He dodged the chair and laughed as it thudded harmlessly on the carpet behind him. “I knew this would be fun.”

A new song began, a move suggestive one. Let’s get together for that old bump and grind, sang a new country star.

“Diego!” Dallas screamed again as she eased toward the bar.

You’re just the sort of girl to make me lose my mind.

Neal stalked her, the left side of his face outlined in violet, the right thrown into shadow. The silver buttons on his black shirt gleamed dully in the ghostly light. His dark western hat shaded his eyes, those pale eyes she’d once thought babyish. “Your bearded friend won’t be coming; he said.

She stared at the movement of his full lips, heavy with carnality. Her stomach heaved. “You killed him.”

“No. I’m not a kill ex Dallas. Sweet Dallas. Haughty Dallas : ‘

“Then where is he?”

“Passed out in the bathroom: His teeth gleamed carnivorous and sharp in the neon glow. “Lucky for me I keep a few drugs in the car. Never know when they’ll come in handy. When I told Beth the guy would be laying for me torught, she agreed to slip something into his drink. You see, Beth will do about anything for me: ‘

And so, sweet darling; If you’re inclined to be kind… Dallas felt the padded edge of the bar against her back. “If she knew what you are, she wouldn’t .”

We’ll get together for that old bump and grind.

Neal sneered and stepped closer. “It was that puny little prosecutor who turned you around, wasn’t it? You used to like me. I know you did. But he told you I was guilty, and you believed that runt instead of me: ‘

“You raped Celia, didn’t you?”

Bump, bump, bump and grind.

“Such an ugly word, rape.” His voice reminded her of oil dripping. “What happened between Celia and me wasn’t like that at all. She liked it. She told me so.”

“Because you threatened to kill her if she didn’t say what you wanted?” Praying that the shadows hid her movements, she slipped one hand behind her, groping until her fingers closed around the neck of a bottle.

“Ah, Dallas, we say lots of things in the throes of passion, don’t we? I’m sure you’ve said violent things to that stud of yours-what’s his name? Gabe?”

She’d have to smash the bottle against the counter hard enough to break it. Then, with luck, she’d have a weapon. “Never mind what his name is.”

“Is he waiting outside the building? I found a radio on his bearded hi end

Dallas had a moment of hope. If the radio was still in the bathroom, she might be able to reach it.

“I had to smash the radio; he said, as if reading her thoughts. “Although I doubt your hero could get in here, anyway. The bolted doors would be impossible, and the back door locks horn the inside unless you have a key. I don’t suppose he has one?”

Come on, baby, its time to lose our minds.

She clenched her teeth together. Gabe had no key. The managers had jealously guarded the possession of keys after several cases of liquor had been stolen one night. “I gave him a key; she said.

“I don’t think so. Beth explained to me about the key situation when I mentioned it might be fun to sneak in here and have sex in the middle of the dance floor. She liked the fantasy. We couldn’t decide whether to do it in neon light or the revolving ball. I think I prefer the neon, don’t you?” He glanced once toward the purple slash on the opposite wall.

She q’abbed the brief moment to whip the bottle out and crack it against the counter. Bourbon splashed over her. The sudden stench of alcohol made her gag, but the bottle neck held together. She pointed the jagged glass at him.

“Oh, my.” He reached down, keeping his gaze on her, and pulled something horn his boot. When he crouched lower and began circling toward her, the violet light flickered across a long blade. “Ever had experience in krufe fighting, sweet thing?”

A new song came on the sound system. Hysterical laughter bubbled in Dallas’s throat as she imitated Neal’s stance. And I’m going crazy, no matter how cool Iseem, crooned the familiar song. She’d never been in a knife fight in her life. But if she expected to disable him, she had to get close enough to cut him with the bottle. “Causeshe is the answer to this cowboy’s dream.

She watched his knife hand weave a pattern in the air, and she gripped the neck of the bottle as he closed in.

She would aim for the stomach in one long motion, follow through like send inga cue stick into the white ball. One lunge and back out, away horn that weaving krufe. The music created an eerie tempo as he maneuvered closer, almost stepping in time.

“Care to dance?” he whispered.

With a yell she leaped forward. He caught her wrist when it was only halfway to its target. His fingers bit into her flesh. His face came within inches of hers. He raised the knife.

GAse sCArrtqrED the damp parking lot again. The rain had stopped, leaving the asphalt slick and shining in the overhead mercury lights. Nearby creosote bushes gave off the acrid scent of the desert after a rain. Nothing moved. He was almost sure Parnell wasn’t out there. He flicked on the radio and spoke softly to Jasper. “No sign of him?”

“Nothiri, Gabe. Either the guy left early or-“

“I don’t like it. I’m signaling Diego.”

“Just a minute, Gabe. I know you’re antsy, but I’m not sure everybody else is outta there. If some manager’s still around and a radio goes off… Diego would have a tough time explaining why he was hiding in the men’s rest room.”

Gabe had to trust his gut. “Then we’ll go in and help him explain. I’m calling him.” He punched in the code and waited. When nothing happened, he felt as if somebody had threaded an ice pick up his spine. He punched the number again. Then he punched in Jasper’s code. “lEie s not answering.”

“Maybe he s-“

“We’re going in.”

“How are we going in? I may be strong, Gabe, but I can’t break through any of those doors, and neither can you. “

“Stay there. I’m getting the truck.” He cut Jasper off in the middle of his startled oath of surprise and sprinted down a back alley, slipping twice in mud but regairung his balance each time. Along the way he tossed the radio in the bushes. The damn thing was no good. No good!

Wrenching open the door he leaped into the truck, the key already positioned for the ignition. He cranked once and the engine stayed silent, as if knowing the sacrifice he was about to ask. Cold sweat bathed his armpits. He cranked again, and the engine started. Throwing the truck into gear he roared down the Street He thought of all the times he’d pushed open the oak doors that led into Rowdy Ranch.

Thick suckers. Driving one-handed, he fastened his seat belt.

“DROP THE BOTTLE, sweet thing: ‘

Dallas watched in horrified fascination as the knife blade descended slowly toward her throat.

“Drop it.” He squeezed harder, cutting off the circulation to her fingers.

She felt the bottle slipping from her grasp, tried to keep her grip and failed. “Cause she is the answer to this cowboy’s dream.

The bottle shattered on the floor.

“Good girl. I doxi t want to cut you. You’ll be so much more fun alive than dead: ‘

The reminder of his ultimate intention snapped her from her hypnotized state. Puttingall her weight into it, she whacked her knee into his crotch.

An ugly expletive wheezed out of him as he released her and doubled over. Her shop was closer than the door to the outside. She could lock herself in. And there were scissors, and solutions to throw in his face. She ran across the polished dance floor as the finale to

“A

Cowboy’s Dream crescendoed around her. She’d nearly reached the other side of the floor when he tack led her from behind. She went down and felt a sharp pain ram from her wrist up the length of her arm.

“That wasn’t nice, he panted, rolling her over as she struggled to regain her wind. His hat was gone, his eyes wild, his hair disheveled and backlit in purple.

This was the Neal that Celia Martinez had seen, she thought. If the jury had seen the transformation in Neal’s baby face, even for a brief moment, they would never have acquitted him.

“Now it’ll only go worse for you; he rasped. ,

The music changed again. This time, she recognized the song she d waltzed to with Gabe. Neal must have watched them constantly, and the memory of that song had been burned into his fevered brain.

She fought him, despite the excruciating pain in her wrist. She scored one scratch to his cheek as he struggled to get her blouse open. He no longer had the knife, but he was strong, far stronger than she. His breath reeked of beer and he stank of sick desire. The more she struggled, the brighter grew the light in his eyes.

“Is this what you need to get excited?” she taunted , trying to kick him as he pinned her legs with one thigh. “I’ll bet you don’t even know what normal sex is .”

The waltz soared through the empty hall as if seeking out dancers.

“Shut up.” He held her wrists so tight she bit her lip to keep from crying out at the pain. He wanted her cries, and she wouldn’t give them.

“I’ll bet you can’t even do it with Beth, can you?” she choked out. “you’re impotent with her, aren’t you?”

“Shut up, bitch!” He tightened his hold on her.

Mute with the pain from her bad wrist, she stared at him through swimming eyes.

“That’s more like it. Now I’ll kiss you and make everything better:

‘

When his revolting lips descended toward hers, she spat in his face.

He looked up, her spit running down one cheek. She had never seen anyone look like that. His pupils seemed to be twin black holes leading to a bottomless pit, or the depths of hell. He circled her throat with one hand, his thumb pressing against her windpipe. Slowly, his jaw clenching with the effort, he squeezed. She tried to free herself, but she was weakening. The room began to spin and grow darker. The waltz faded slowly away. A rumbling noise sounded in the distance, or was it her own blood churning through her veins?

There was an explosion. Perhaps death came like that, a rending and tearing from this physical world. She would have imagined death would be quieter. Then she blacked out.

THE nvIP ACr ]AtqnqED the engine block back, but not far enough to crush Gabe’s legs. The seat belt held, but his arms felt as if he’d been operatinga jackhammer. Through a fog of steam coming from his ruptured radiator , the doors to Rowdy Ranch looked like bomb damage he d seen in the Middle East. But there was an opening big enough to fit through. And although it didn’t make sense, he could hear music.

He fumbled for the door latch, which seemed to be missing. Finally he put his shoulder to the door and shoved until it gave. When he leaped out, Jasper was standing there like a stone monument to perpehxal amazement, his mouth open, his eyes wide.

“We’re in; Gabe said, and headed for the opening.

Jagged pieces of wood ripped at his clothes and scratched his skin as he shoved his body through the opening, but he didn’t feel any pain. Once inside, he had to take a moment to adjust his eyes to the weird purple light. Then he saw her, lying across the edge of the dance floor. He felt dizzy.

“There he goes!” Jasper shouted, and sprinted after , a figure in black heading toward the back door.

Gabe barely paid them any attention. He walked unsteadily toward the crumpled woman and dropped to one knee beside her. “Dallas?” He forced himself to put his hand to the side of her neck. When her pulse beat softly against his fingers, he wept and gathered her into his arms.

Slowly she roused as his hot tears fell on her face. “Gabe?”

He couldn’t speak. With trembling hands he smoothed her hair back from her face.

“Did you get him?” she whispered.

“I don’t know.”

She frowned. “Where is he?” Her voice was raspy and bruises were appearing on her throat. He must have tried to choke her.

“I don’t know.”

“You have to get him.” ,

“Or all this is for nothing.” She grabbed his shirt in surprisingly strong fingers. “Gabel”

She was right. Slowly he lowered her to the floor again and stood. Over by the exit door he could hear the fight. He started in that direction, to help Jasper.

Except Parnell must have wriggled free of Jasper, because a figure dressed in black was suddenly coming at Gabe, obviously headed for the opening in the oak doors. But he couldn’t get there without passing by Dallas. And Gabe could never let him get near Dallas again. An un human cry rose to his lips as he launched himself at Parnell.

The man would be easy to kill, he thought as his knuckles connected with Parnell’s gut and the air whooshed out of him. Pamell went down and Gabe dragged him back up, planning to finish the job. It would be easy to do.

“Gabe, no!”

Her voice reached him from a great distance. Hadn’t she just told him to get Pamell? Hadn’t she given him permission to wipe him from the face of the earth? With the next blow, Pamell’s jaw gave way with a satisfying crunch and he went down like a rag doll.

“Gabe, don’t become an animal! Please God, don’t become like him.”

She was crying now. He paused to listen, confused.

Jasper came up and gazed down at Pamell. “I’d kill him. don’t give another jury a chance to let him off ” , he said in a perfectly even tone of voice. “Self-defense. I’m your witness.”

Gabe turned back toward Dallas, and the red haze of his blood lust drifted slowly away. With uncompromising clarity he took in the look of horror on her face, a look that told him all he needed to know. She d seen

, ‘

the savage in him, seen it reflected in one of his closest friends. Then he glanced at Jasper. “Better call the police ; he said.

“Think about your sister, man; jasper pleaded. “You know the deal. The guy’s got money. He’ll appeal for years. He’ll get paroled. He 11 probably study law in prison, if he even goes there, and find a way to sue for mistreatment : ‘

Gabe sighed. “Call the police, Jasper. And the paramedics , while you’re at it: ,

“So, DALLAs, what’s your current thinking about Gabe?” Amber asked. “Do you miss him?”

Mounted on Sugar, Dallas rode ahead of Amber and Spice through a quiet canyon in the Tucson Mountains It was the first week in April, a month after the rughtmarish incident at Rowdy Ranch, and March rains had scattered purple lupine and gold daisies over the desert floor.

“I thought we’d agreed not to bring up the subject of Gabe; Dallas said.

“You agreed. I didn’t.”

Dallas sighed. “Gabe is a leaving kind of man, Dallas said. “End of discussion.”

“I don’t believe that. Something more is going on.”

“I’ll tell you what’s going on.” Dallas guided Sugar around an outcropping of granite. “I ceased to be interesting once he caught the bad guy. Now he’s off in Bolivia, getting his kicks chasing another criminal. I was important for the run of the show. Now the show’s over. “

“I don’t believe that.” Amber shifted in her saddle and Spice blew air through his nostrils. “And neither does your horse.”

“Then why didn’t Gabe say anything before he left? Why didn’t he tell me to wait for him, and all that garbage men always say, even if they don’t mean it? He didn’t even have the decency to pretend he was coming back!” Sugar’s ears flicked nervously at Dallas’s angry tone. “Sorry, girl.” Dallas patted the silky neck, although her touch was awkward. She’d be glad when the cast could come off her wrist in a couple of weeks.

“Well, Fred’s been talking to Jasper and Diego, and they all think-“

Dallas groaned. “Look, I like Fred. You know I do. I’m happy you two are going out. But no way could someone like Fred understand Gabe Escalante.”

“Okay, have it your way. Gabe’s a creep who used you for his own ends, and there’s no reason you two should see each other again. Even if Gabe is due back in town today, and even if Fred did offer to invite him to Rowdy Ranch, you wouldn’t want to see him, so I’ll tell Fred to forget it .”

Dallas felt as if someone had just punched her in the stomach. “Fred.. Fred was going to invite him to Rowdy Ranch tonight?”

“Yeah, but I can see it’s no use. Both Jasper and Diego thought he d go, too. They have some theory that Gabe think5 you don’t want him around because he’s such a violent guy.”

Dallas pulled Sugar to a halt and turned in her saddle’ What did you say?”

Amber smiled. “Finally I have your attention. Let’s get down and set a spell, as they say.”

Dallas’s legs were shaky as she dismounted. Leading Sugar, she headed for a smooth, sunny rock that would seat two. She was careful not to step on any wildflowers as she walked to the rock and sat, holding Sugar’s reins loosely in one hand.

“Ah, nothing like something to warm your buns ” , Amber said, levering herself down beside her. Both horses began munching sprigs of tender young foxtail grass.

The relaxing warmth of the April day did nothing to calm Dallass turbulent stomach. “Okay, Amber. What’s been going on?”

“Well, Fred and I naturally talk about you. you’ve been so depressed and everything.”

“I have not!”

“See? you’re so depressed you don’t even know you’re acting depressed.”

“That’s bull .”

“Think what you think. Your friends are worried about you. Dave Fogarty considered taking up a collection among the shop owners to send you on a cruise or something: ‘

Dallas stared at her. “you’re kidding “

“Nope: ‘

Dallas moved her finger over the signatures decorating her cast, and a lump formed in her throat. “They’re good people.”

“Good, but not too perceptive. They all thought Gabe was a dead issue. I didn’t. So I pestered Fred to interrogate those two friends of Gabe s.”

“Interrogate?” She glanced up. “Good Lord, Amber”

Amber shrugged. “I’m picking up some of the lingo. Sorry. I meant he asked some questions. And the answers describe a guy who’s sure he s too rough around the edges for you. He thinks you see him as a savage who enjoys beating people up.”

Dallas felt light-headed. “Amber, he saved my life. How could I possibly judge his actions? He did what he thought was necessary. And he didn’t kill Neal, when I know every instinct told him to do it. Even Jasper told him to : ‘

Amber looked at her. “Yeah, well, you know how these guys jump to conclusions, and they caxi t communicate worth a dairm. He already had it in his head that he wasn’t the man you wanted. And once upon a time you told me the same thing: ‘

Dallass heart thudded painfully. Surely Gabe couldn’t think that she d reject him. Not after all they’d shared. “I didn’t really know him when I said that. And I was afraid he’d be like my father and stepfather, always trying to run things. I didn’t know the difference between a bully and someone with inner strength.”

“But you didn’t tell him any of that stuff later on.”

“I should have.” Dallas twisted the reins in her hand. “But there was the business with Neal and…”

“And some wonderful times in bed; Amber finished for her. “That can distract a woman from conversation real easy. “

Dallas’s face warmed. “But I still can’t believe he thinks I have a low opinion of him.”

“It seems he remembers you referring to ‘reckless bounty-hunter mentality I can certainly believe you said that, Dallas .”

Guilt washed over her. “But that was before I -” Before

Ifell in love, she finished silently.

“Also, Jasper said Gabe’s first wife left him because she hated his job. So Jasper figured out-and mind you, Gabe didn’t explain this to him-Jasper figured out that on that horrible night, when you were screaming at him not to become an animal, he decided he’d better get out of your life for good: ‘

“Oh, God.” Dallas buried her face in her hands and fought tears.

Amber put an arm around her shoulders. “But I guess that’s not what you wanted, was it; sweetie?”

Dallas shook her head.

“I had to make sure before I gave Fred the go-ahead. You see, Gabe’s two buddies are very protective.”

“I know,” Dallas murmured, head down. “Once Jasper and Gabe were sure I was okay, they tore back to the rest room to find Diego : She shuddered. “Thank God he only ended up with a massive headache and a wounded ego. Neal could have killed him: ‘

“And if he had, he’d be dead now himself.”

Dallas stared at the pebbled ground. “I wouldn’t have blamed them for doing that: ‘

“Good. Then you’ll understand that if Diego and Jasper thought for a moment you’d give Gabe the boot tonight, they’d move heaven and Earth to keep him away from you. “

Dallas lifted her head and swiped at her eyes. “I won’t give him the boot, Amber: “you’re sure? What about that fabled need to be in control, to be independent?” Amber gazed at her and waited.

Dallas thought of the past few weeks without Gabe. Oh, she’d been able to come and go as she pleased without considering another person. She d made all her own decisions. None of them had seemed worth making without

Gabe there. “Gabe once predicted that we’d fight a lot if we stayed together, but he said it would keep life exciting.”

Amber’s eyes sparkled with understanding. “It’s great to meet your match, in every sense of the word.”

Dallas nodded. “Maybe his unpredictable traveling and the constant danger will bother me. Maybe my compulsive neatness and stubborn streak will bother him. But I.. love him so much I was willing to take the risk. When he left I decided he wasn’t.”

Amber touched her hand. “You owe it to yourself to find out .”

“How will I know if he’s coming or not?”

“Not until they walk in, I’m afraid. Fred’s in court all day today, and he told me to leave a message with his assistant if I wanted him to call Gabe. And then there’s always the chance they won’t link up. Fred said he’d come in tonight, whether he brings Gabe or not, but he probably won’t know what’s happening until the last minute.” She patted Dallas’s knee. “Sorry to put you through that .”

Dallas gave her a watery smile. “Beggars can’t be choosers. “

IT WAS A TYPICAL TGIF crowd, boisterous and ready to party. Business at the Cutting Pen was brisk, for which Dallas was thankful.

“I think I’m more nervous than you are; Amber said,

tricately carved as the original doors, covered a metal core that the managers swore a tank couldn’t penetrate

The Rowdy Ranch slogan had been repainted over the door, and Dallas had taught herself not to look at the slash of purple neon that had illuminated the deeds of that awful night. Beth had been arrested and would no longer work at Rowdy Ranch. The blood stains had been cleaned from the carpet.

Best of all, Dallas didn’t have to fear Neal Parnell might come into the dance complex. The judge, knowing the nearly unlimited resources of the Parnell family , had ordered him held without bail in the Pima County jail until the trial. Celia had called Dallas to thank her, but Dallas had declined Celia’s lunch invitation Talking with Celia would only remind Dallas that Gabe was lost to her.

“What are you going to do when he comes in?” Amber asked duringa lull between customers.

“Ifhe comes in: ‘

“Okay, if. But I’m betting he will .”

Dallas glanced at her in horror. “don’t tell me people are placing bets on this !” ,

Amber laughed. “Actually, Dave suggested it and I told him you’d never forgive us .”

“That’s for sure. So I assume you told everybody that G abe might show up tonight?”

“Well, yes, I did. They’ve been suffering through this with you, you know. Shirley Jorgenson said you’ve ignored her several times, and Ted and Louise McNulty tli,.u x

, “Great choice. Any particular waltz?”

“I didn’t mean to be, Amber. I’ll make it up to them. we’ll have a big barbecue at my place sometime soon.”

Dallas didn’t think she could bear to dance to the

“If you think it’s definitely called for. Irving Skinner waltz Neal had sullied with his sick behavior. “No, I

still hasn gotten over being the decoy when you pre-guess not.

tended you and he were taking inventory together: “Then I’ll make a suggestion. That wonderful old

Dallas gazed at her. “you’re still upset about that, Anne Murray number, where she asks the guy if she can too, arexi t you?” have this dance for the rest of her life. That would be , “

“Yes; Amber said quietly. “I thought we were perfect. You wouldn’t have to say a word. friends .”

Dallas took a shaky breath. “He probably won’t

“We are, which is why I didn’t tell you. You would come.” have tried to stop me. “I’m going to set it up with the deejay, anyway. can’t

“

“Of course I would have tried to stop you, you idiot! hurt. Can you take this next customer while I run over That was the dumbest stunt I’ve ever heard of.” there?”

“But Neal’s in jail now.” Before Dallas could protest, Amber left. Dallas

“And you could be dead. Not a good trade, in my seated the man and reached for the massage wand. It opinion.” was getting late. She didn’t know how much longer she

“I did what I thought I had to.” g could stand the waiting.

Amber shook her head. “You and Gabe certainly de-As she was shampooing the customer, Amber walked serve each other. If it’s possible to breed this excessive back in, looking worried. nobility into your genes, the two of you will give birth Despite the fact they seldom discussed personal to the next Nathan Hale or Joan of Arc: ‘ business in front of customers, Amber walked over to

The idea of having Gabe’s children struck Dallas the shampoo bowl. “Fred just arrived; she said.. dumb. Dallas’s stomach began to churn.

“Ha; Amber said. “Gotcha again. You have a real “,

I’m sorry, Dallas. He’s alone.” case on the guy. So what are you going to do when he She clutched the edge of the shampoo bowl for sup comes in? Let’s think of something dramatic.” port.

“Let’s not .”

But he left a message on Gabe’s machine. He could

“Come on, Dallas. Your friends deserve a tear jerking still come in, you know. He’s probably been delayed wrap-up to this story. How about asking him to dance? , or he has a lot to do or-” I can give the deejay a signal, and he can play some- ” , ” thing special. What’ll it be?” Or he doesn’t want to see me, Dallas said through

Dallas swallowed the lump in her throat. “A waltz.” an aching haze that threatened to overwhelm her.

“I’ll finish this; Amber said, motioning her away from the customer. “Take a break. And doxi t give up.”

But she had. She couldn’t ride this roller coaster any longer. She remembered what it had felt like a month ago, when she’d been involved with Gabe. The uncertainty of the relationship was the part she d hated, even as she’d loved the excitement. She couldn’t keep herself dangling like this. With Gabe, it might be a pattern , and it was a pattern she couldn’t live with.

In the rest room shg dabbed at her eyes and took several long, calming breaths. The hell with him. She’d had a life before Gabe, and she d have one again. She had her business and her place in the country. Once Gretchen gave birth to her mongrel puppies, Dallas could get back to her plans of breeding purebreds.

She walked out of the rest room, and straight into Gabe’s arms.

He caught her and held her slightly away from him so he could look into her eyes. She stared back, drinking in the sight of him while her heart chugged like a freight train going up a steep rise. He wore no hat, and in the light pooled near the rest room area he looked haggard, with dark smudges under his eyes. His dark gaze searched hers. Then he reached down and brought her injured wrist, cast and all, to his lips.

Theremembered scent of him drew her closer. She touched his hair, grown shaggy around the collar of his flannel shirt. A Doug Stone song ended, and Dallas held her breath. When Anne Murray’s full-throated voice filled the dance hall, she felt dizzy, but kept her balance by looking into Gabe’s eyes.

Her voice trembled. “Would you… like to dance?”

“I would like that very much: He cupped her elbow and guided her to the floor. When they reached the polished boards, she turned and held out her arms. He swept her up, making her forget the bulk of the cast on her wrist, the agony of weeks without him, the pain of his imagined desertion. The sweet warmth of his embrace brought tears to her eyes.

They whirled around the floor, and she saw only him in the spinning colored lights. His hands were sure, his step unernng, his gaze locked with hers.

“You got Fred’s message, she murmured.

“Yes: ‘

“What did he say?”

His voice was husky. “That you wanted me. But I wasn’t sure what “

“Listen,” she said.

And as the words of Anne Murrays song surrounded them, the haggard lines slowly left his face, and the dark warrior eyes softened and began to glow with love. Vaguely Dallas realized that no other dancers were on the floor. Then, from the crowd sunounding the dance floor, came a smattering of applause. The applause soon swelled to a roar as shouts and cheers filled Rowdy Ranch.

Epilogue

Five months later

, “I’M Home'', Gabe called, opening the front door into the trailer. Then he realized his mistake as the floor shook under the galloping paws of the army coming down the hall to greet him. He struggled to maintain his balance as they barked and hurled themselves at him, covering him with dog slobber.

They surrounded him, and when Gretchen came around behind him and pushed against the backs of his knees, he went down. “Hey, you guys!” he protested as they whined and licked every available inch of exposed skin. Paws the size of soup ladles scrabbled over him. Ears flapped in his face. And above the clamor he could hear the sweetest sound.

Dallas was laughing. Dallas, who had once claimed to hate chaos, seemed able to handle it just fine. He liked to think that his unrestrained loving the past few months had something to do with her relaxed attitude.

He pushed away Gretchen and her four puppies, each the size of a midsize dog at four months. There, leaning in the entrance to the hall, was his wife. He’d been away for two weeks and it seemed a lifetime. Every trip got harder. He’d turned down two assignments that would have taken him out of the country.

A puppy surged forward, blocking his view, and he shoved it back so he could look at her and watch the way her eyes danced as she smiled down at him. “Hi ” , he said.

“Welcome back.” Her face glowed, and he knew that glow was in his honor.

“I see we still have four.”

“Considering we started out with ten, that’s not so bad: ‘

He managed to get to his feet, although both his shoelaces were now untied and the front of his shirt was soaked with puppy drool. They d inherited that from the Saint Bernard side of the family. “You guys are going out, he said, heading back toward the door.

“It’s raining, Dallas reminded him gently. “They’ll get muddy.”

Gabe weighed the options. It was August, so they might get muddy, but they wouldn’t get chilled. “I’ll hose them down later; he said, opening the door. All five dogs bounded joyfully into the rain.

He closed the door and turned to find Dallas right beside him. “I’m covered with “

She threw herself into his arms, cutting off his protest’ As if I care; she whispered against his mouth before claiming it in a greedy kiss.

He savored his return to paradise and wondered how he’d ever find the strength to leave when the next assignment came along. “Lord, I’ve missed you;’ he murmured when they came up for air.

“More than last time?”

“Much more.” He eased away and glanced down at her gently rounded belly. “How are you feeling?”

“Wonderful .” “you’re sure? Because if working at Rowdy Ranch is any problem, we could hire-“

“Gabe.” She gave him a warning look.

He sighed. “Okay, but promise me you’ll hire a replacement if you have any problems .”

She smoothed the frown from between his eyebrows’I think I promised that already. A few times. One of the reasons this works is that you can trust me to take care of myself when you’re away.”

He stroked his fingers through her hair. “And you want to know something stupid? I find myself wishing you weren’t so self-sufficient, that you’d beg me to stay home more, so I’d have a good excuse not to go.” He paused and stared at her. “I can’t believe I just admitted that .”

She gazed into his eyes, a soft smile on her face. “If we’re making confessions, I’ll admit that it tears my heart out each time you go, but I try not to show it. I don’t want to tie you down.”

He groaned and pulled her close. “Tie me down; he whispered, nuzzling the tender spot behind her ear. “Tell me you can’t live without me.”

“I can’t. But your job ‘

“Is becoming less important with every day I spend loving you. And when the baby comes… I’ll be cutting back, Dallas. I may even find some kind of law enforcement work that keeps me in Tucson all the time.” He was amazed that the decision made his heart light and joyous

“Right Man … Wrong time’

All women are haunted by a lost love-a disastrous first romance, a brief affair, a marriage that failed.

A second chance with him … could change everything.