LITMIR.BIZ

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one of the men came outside, wearing jeans that were too short, and an open shirt revealing a once-white T-shirt. Charlie Jacobs. As far as Chase could see he didn’t have a weapon on him.

      “I’m going to get us some fresh mounts,” he called over his shoulder as he jumped down the step and walked to his horse.

      Chase made his way to the back of the cabin as did Jesse. He motioned for Jesse to go after the man.

      The ranger nodded, then hurried off toward his horse.

      Chase went back to the side of the shack. He couldn’t see inside to tell where the boy was. And he didn’t want to take a chance on rushing in if one of the escapees had a gun pointed at the kid. He had to wait him out.

      Ten minutes later, he got a text message from Jesse. Got him.

      Chase knew Jesse would return as backup. Should he wait? Suddenly there was more commotion inside and the prisoner came to the door. “Stay where you are, niño, I need to pee, but I’ll be close by.”

      Chase’s heart rate accelerated as the man he recognized in the picture stepped off the stoop and started for the outhouse. He wouldn’t get a better chance than this.

      Chase took off running and tackled the guy to the ground with a thud. He knocked the air from his lungs, but the man was still able to put up a fight. Finally Chase landed a punch that connected with the man’s jaw and threw him to the ground again. Enough time for Chase to pull his gun and aim it at the suspect.

      “Go ahead. Give me a reason to shoot you…dead.”

      In answer Reyes cursed in Spanish, and raised his hands over his head. Chase instructed him to get into position, then he pulled his handcuffs off his belt and put them on him.

      About that time, Jesse showed up. He grinned. “Sweet mercy. This is turning out to be a good day. Really good day.”

      Chase wasn’t sure about anything until he saw the boy and knew he was safe. Once Jesse took charge of the prisoner, Chase holstered his gun and took off toward the shack. At the doorway he stopped, not wanting to frighten the boy.

      “Ryan,” he called out. “Ryan, it’s okay. I’m a Texas Ranger.”

      He looked inside to find a small figure huddled in the corner of the bunk. His eyes were big and red from crying. Chase blinked in the dim light and studied the boy’s dirty face, but he recognized him from the picture.

      “Are you gonna take me home to my mom?”

      Chase allowed himself to smile. “Yes, I am. She said to tell you that your grandpa is okay.”

      Ryan’s eyes brightened. “Grandpa tried to fight them. I’m glad he’s okay.”

      The kid had dark eyes and curly brown hair. His face was long and there was a small cleft in his chin. His features were so unlike Mallory’s, but he looked familiar.

      “Are you really a Texas Ranger?” Ryan said, interrupting his thoughts.

      Chase nodded as he pointed to the silver badge on his camouflage shirt. “Yes, I am. We’ve been tracking you for miles. Boy, is your mom going to be happy to see you.”

      With a smile the boy climbed off the bed and came to Chase. “I bet she cried ’cause I got kidnapped.”

      Chase knelt down in front of the boy. “She’s been pretty brave, too. You’re very important to her and your grandpa.”

      Chase felt something tighten in his chest. What if they hadn’t got here in time?

      “Did they hurt you?” Chase asked.

      Ryan shook his head. “Not much. They pulled me around some. But I didn’t cry,” he said as he pulled up his shirt to show off some bruises and red welts along the thin torso.

      Chase examined him and was drawn to a strawberry-colored birthmark on his small chest. It was very similar to the one Chase had on his lower back. The same type that his Uncle Wade had on his shoulder.

      Chase stood, but his gaze remained on the boy. His lungs didn’t seem to work as he noticed so much more about the child. The similar chin with a small indentation. His dark eyes…

      He shook his head. He couldn’t think that Mallory would do this to him. Nothing this cruel.

      “Are you taking me home?” Ryan asked.

      “Yes, so we need to get going.”

      It surprised Chase when the boy slipped his small hand into his. “I’m ready.” Together they walked out to the porch to see Jesse come toward them.

      “Boyd and Grant have the prisoners secured….” A slow grin appeared as he studied the two of them. “If I didn’t know better I’d say you two looked like—” He paused. “Sweet mercy,” he breathed as his smile died away.

      “Close your mouth, Raines. We need to get the boy back to his family.”

      Jesse nodded. “Right. Then you bring…Ryan down by horseback. And the helicopter is going to meet us at the ranch.”

      Chase nodded. He didn’t want to speak right now. What could he say? Until he confronted Mallory, he wouldn’t know for sure. He stole another glance at the boy.

      That wasn’t true. There was no doubt in his mind that Ryan Hagan was his son.

      Hearing the helicopter overhead, Mallory hurried outside. It had been two hours since Chase’s phone call and she’d heard Ryan’s voice. Her son was back safe.

      They landed about a hundred yards away in the pasture, but she didn’t care. She took off running. She needed to hold her child in her arms, to see for herself he was safe.

      The blades were slowing down as Chase stepped out, then reached back and lifted Ryan to the ground. Together they started toward her. Father and son.

      She stumbled on seeing the two together. They were so much alike, everyone had to see they were related. As much as she dreaded this day, she was happy it was finally here. The only problem was how much Chase and Ryan would hate her for keeping this secret?

      “Mom,” Ryan called and shot off. He nearly jumped into her arms.

      “Oh, Ryan,” she cried. “You’re safe.” She hugged him tighter. Inhaled that wonderful familiar boy’s smell of dirt and sweat. She loved it. She released him and did a quick examination. Although he’d been checked out in a small clinic near where he’d been found, she needed to see for herself. “You sure you’re okay?”

      His head bobbed up and down. “I’m okay. The doctor said I just got some bruises.” He yanked up his shirt. “But they don’t hurt anymore.”

      Just then Buck and Rosalie appeared and were calling to him. Before Mallory could stop her son, he shot off toward them. She was left alone with Chase. She finally was brave enough to look at him.

      “Is he mine, Mallory? Is Ryan my son?”

      Mallory swallowed and managed a nod.

      His jaw worked. “We need to talk.” He glanced toward Ryan. “I’ll be back tonight.”

      “No, it’s too soon.”

      He tipped his hat back, his gaze bore into hers. “Too soon? Hell, Mallory, I’d say it’s years too late.”

      He turned and walked back to the helicopter. The pilot started it up and soon it was in the air.

      What was she going to do now? How could she explain everything away?

      Buck waited for her as Rosalie took Ryan on ahead into the house. “He’s going to take a bath.”

      She shook her head. “Kids are so resilient, aren’t they?”

      “Oh, I think Ryan’s going to have his share of nightmares for a while.” He studied his daughter. “But

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