LITMIR.BIZ

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don’t have a habit of watching the rearview all the time. King’s pretty expensive cargo, so I keep my focus ahead.” Adams removed his hat and ran a hand over a bald head slick with sweat. “Man, Ernie’s gonna kill me if that bull is hurt in any way.”

      “Trust me,” Tessa said. “He’s just fine and ready to rumble.”

      A curious look crossed Adams’s face. “You the one he wanted to meet up close and personal?”

      She nodded.

      Adams’s expression turned to relief. “He’s a real ornery fella, so I’m glad you two didn’t actually meet.”

      The sheriff exited his car and took everyone’s attention as he came to full height and paused to survey the area. He was fit and over six feet tall in his navy blue uniform. He locked gazes with Braden. His piercing brown eyes gave Braden a moment of uncertainty. He doubted criminals fared well under the man’s attention. He marched across the asphalt, his gaze lighting on his daughter and unfettered concern replaced the intensity.

      The only concern Braden ever received from his dad was back in Braden’s bull riding days. His dad constantly worried that Braden would quit earning big bucks and his dad wouldn’t be able to mooch off him any longer. Braden was bad at saying no, but he couldn’t stomach paying for his dad’s lifestyle. That was one of the factors in his leaving bull riding at the pinnacle of his success.

      He watched to see if the sheriff would hug Tessa as Matt had done, but he simply stopped in front of her.

      “You’re sure you weren’t harmed?” He might not have hugged her, but his voice hitched and it was clear that the man loved his daughter.

      “Not a scratch on me.” Her lighthearted tone didn’t match the rigid set to her shoulders.

      He gave a firm nod and ran his fingers over a graying mustache. Braden saw him clamp down on his jaw and work the muscles hard before speaking again. “Be that as it may, you’re not to step foot out of the house without another deputy at your side until we find the jerk who tried to kill you.”

      She looked like she wanted to argue, but her father spun to face Adams, who stood gawking at them. “How about taking a seat on the bench over there while we have a chat?”

      Adams nodded and seemed glad to escape the group of lawmen.

      Walt shot out a hand to Braden. “You must be Braden. Walt McKade.”

      “Nice to meet you, Sheriff.”

      “It’s Walt.” He released Braden’s hand. “Thank you for all you did in keeping my little Peanut safe.”

      “Dad, please.” Tessa planted her hands on her hips. “Enough with the Peanut thing when I’m working.”

      Braden started to smile, but when she caught his gaze with a feisty one of her own, he controlled it. “I’m glad I was there at the right time.”

      Walt faced his son. “Bring me up to speed on what the driver had to say.”

      Matt filled him in, his narration concise and organized, impressing Braden.

      “Now the question is, is this a onetime attempt to hurt Tessa or an ongoing threat?” Matt asked.

      The sheriff frowned. “We have to proceed as if the suspect plans to make another attempt.”

      Braden nodded. “Something that could happen at the rodeo, though at this point we can’t confirm that this attack is related to her competition.”

      Tessa planted her hands on her hips. “Don’t even suggest that I bow out of the competition. We have two days before that’s a factor, and I hope we have this resolved before then.”

      “I hope that happens, but we need to plan how we’ll keep you safe in case it isn’t.” Walt frowned, his mustache drooping, as he looked at Braden. “I’d demand that she drop out, but she’s a McKade through and through and telling her to give up on something she’s passionate about would be like trying to talk sense into one of those bulls you used to ride. Besides, she’ll only be in the arena for what? Fifteen seconds? Minimal exposure. Only a gun could take her out that quickly, and we’ve never allowed them in the arena. We search all backpacks and anyone looking suspicious.”

      “I don’t think he’s going to try anything in a crowd, anyway,” Matt said. “Or even use a gun.”

      “How’s that?” Braden asked.

      “He could have shot her today, right? Instead, a bull was his weapon of choice—even though that must have taken a lot of time and planning. Maybe there’s a message there. Maybe not. But either way, he acted at a time when no one was around. Used a weapon that couldn’t easily be traced back to him. Says to me he’s being extra careful not to get caught.”

      “Good point,” Walt said. “And if he tries something in a crowd of witnesses, he has to know we’ll arrest him on the spot, making it even less likely that he’ll act during the rodeo.”

      “Not that you’re asking me.” Tessa’s arms relaxed. “But I can skip the opening night ceremonies and the contestant introductions before the competition begins, too, to limit my visibility just in case. And I promise, if at any point we think fans are in danger, I’ll bow out of the competition.”

      “You still need protection.” Braden shifted his gaze to Walt. “And I’d like to help out with that going forward.”

      “Agreed on the need for protection, but what are you proposing?” the sheriff asked.

      “As Matt said, since this attempt was made at the arena, we can’t rule out a connection to the rodeo. My experience in this area makes me better able to recognize anything out of the ordinary there.”

      “Good point.” Her father appraised him. “But why would you want to give up your free time?”

      Though this had a lot to do with promises he’d made to himself after Paul died, Braden wasn’t going to mention that. However, he could offer another explanation that was equally valid. “You ever have something happen on patrol where you just can’t let it go? You can’t put a finger on why, but it haunts you and you know you have to keep after it and see things through to the end?”

      The sheriff nodded and so did Matt. Tessa even looked like she agreed.

      “Well, that’s how I feel. Like I have to be here to help Tessa, and if I leave, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

      An obvious look of approval crossed the sheriff’s face. “Then I’m happy for your help, son. What with the Fourth of July celebration and rodeo, my department is stretched to the limit as it is. You might be a real blessing, and I’d appreciate your help this weekend.”

      “Hold on.” Tessa held up her hands. “I can’t believe you’d let a man we know nothing about into our lives like this. That you’d leave me alone with him while you go about your business.”

      “Seriously, girl.” Her father frowned. “You know better than that. Why do you think I’m so late? I was checking him out. His lieutenant says his skills are top-notch, and he’d trust him to protect his own family, which is all I need to know. And as to our family? You know we’re not going anywhere. We’ll still be involved in protecting you and in tracking down this guy who wants to hurt you, but Braden here has insider knowledge we don’t have and can recognize suspicious situations we’d have no idea to look out for.”

      “Maybe this is just a random theft.” Tessa sounded like she was grasping at straws to keep from having him around and it stung. “A guy sees the truck running and decides to steal it. Then he finds the bull in the back and dumps him at the arena to get rid of him. Doesn’t even look inside to see if anyone is around.”

      “Only one problem with that theory,” Walt said, his gaze going to Tessa. “The truck and trailer were just found abandoned on the far side of town. The thief was after the bull, not

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