Rancher Rescue by Barb Han Page B

him pay. He deserves to be in jail.”
    “You’re right.” Caleb pulled over, and then concentrated on his phone. The map feature produced three coffee shops and an internet café nearby. “There’s a place a few blocks from here we might be able to go into.”
    He’d have a chance to inspect their injuries. Caleb’s shirtsleeve was soaked. He needed to stop the bleeding.

Chapter Six
    Katherine fumbled for her cell as it buzzed for the second time. The screen read Private.
    Caleb parked the car in a crowded lot as she answered before the call transferred to voice mail, hoping she might recognize the voice if she heard it again.
    “Did you find what you’ve been looking for?” His tone was smooth and practiced, and she detected a slight accent. His cool and calm demeanor made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle.
    Frustration got the best of her. “What do you think you’ll accomplish by hurting me? Not to mention the fact I can’t find anything for you if I’m dead. You didn’t have to kill an innocent person to get what you want. I’ll gladly give it to you when I find it.” Could she ask about the government men without giving Caleb away?
    “Are you saying you don’t have the file?” the even voice said.
    “That’s not answering my question. Who were those men you sent to kill me?”
    “Let’s just say I have very loyal employees.”
    Damn him for being so composed when her world had crumbled around her. She gripped her sister’s CD tighter. Anything could be on there. She hoped this was the file they wanted, but she couldn’t be sure. Besides, if she said yes and was wrong, she’d be signing a death warrant for Noah. She had to stall them. “Tell me what I’m looking for. I want to help you. I want Noah back and I want this nightmare over.”
    “What was in the envelope?”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Fire crawled up her neck at the lie. If he could see her now, she’d be exposed.
    “Don’t play games with me.” Anger cracked his voice.
    “At least give me a hint. There’s a world of possibilities and I have to get this right.” Panic made her hands shake. Breathe.
    Caleb covered her hand with his. His touch calmed her rising pulse.
    “Your sister knew exactly what I was talking about. My bet is you do, too.”
    “Is that why you tried to kill me?” Katherine railed against the urge to scream. She suppressed her need to tell him what he could do with his file. She had to think about Noah. Nothing mattered more than bringing him home safely. “I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage here. My sister and I weren’t that close. She didn’t tell me much of anything. Just used me as a free babysitter.” Katherine hated playing nice with this guy when she wanted to climb through the phone connection and do horrible things to him. “How’s my nephew?”
    “Not good if you don’t get me what I want.”
    Katherine’s heart pummeled her ribs. “How’s his breathing?”
    “I won’t let anything happen to him. Not unless you don’t cooperate.”
    “Let me speak to him. I won’t do anything else until I know he’s okay. You won’t like it if I disappear,” she hedged.
    The phone went silent. Damn. Anger them more and Noah could pay the ultimate price. She struggled to hold back the tears that were threatening. Let one drop and the avalanche would come.
    “Auntie?” His voice sounded small and frail, nothing like his usual boisterous self.
    Her heart skipped. “Noah. Baby, listen to me. Everything’s going to be okay.” He couldn’t panic. Not with his condition. “We’re going to get your medicine.”
    “I don’t like it here.” His sniffles punctured her heart.
    “They didn’t hurt you, did they?” She struggled to keep her voice calm.
    “No. They’re nice.”
    “I need you to be very brave. Can you do that?”
    “Uh-huh.”
    “Be good. Listen to what they say. I promise I’m coming to get you as soon as I can.”
    Before he could