Ranger Courage

had was a note in a victim’s pocket. It was weird and creepy—no doubt—but it also wasn’t a clear threat. The Chessmaster could’ve addressed her simply because she was the university’s chief of police.
“Listen, Avery.” Weston adjusted the cowboy hat on his head. “Watching out for you has nothing to do with your abilities as a police officer. I know we’ve never met before today, but we both care about Luke and Megan. Which means—I think—that we could be friends. Friends look out for each other.”
She took a deep breath. Part of her wanted to argue with him, but it would be hypocritical. Given the circumstances, if the shoe were on the other foot, she’d do the same. Even the best cops need backup. It was one of her father’s favorite phrases. It was also one Avery lived by for her entire career. She couldn’t stop now, just because it was inconvenient.
Avery relaxed her stance. “You’re right. This case is unusual and it’s smart to have someone watching my back. Although it’d be better if you didn’t scare the life out of me in the process. Next time, give me a call before you start creeping around my yard.”
“Sorry about that. I noticed you had a headache back at the office and I didn’t want to wake you if you were resting.” Weston met her gaze. “I promise. It won’t happen again.”
The last of Avery’s anger melted away. Weston had scared her, and he should’ve called, but his reasons for sending a text message instead were thoughtful.
“Apology accepted.” She paused, glancing at the trees behind Weston. “Did you notice anything suspicious during your perimeter check?”
“Actually, I did. Come with me.”
Weston led Avery to a cluster of trees. He couldn’t avoid sharing with her what he’d uncovered. She needed to know. Still, it wasn’t easy. Avery handled herself with professionalism and a clear sense of duty, but she was also human. Being singled out by a killer had to be terrifying.
“Have you been out to this part of the property recently?” he asked.
“No, not this far back. I mow the lawn and tend to the flowers around the house, but that’s it.”
Weston pushed aside a low hanging tree bough and pointed toward a bush. “See how those branches are broken? The rain has washed away any footprints, but I think someone was hiding in here.”
The scent of wildflowers drifted in the air as Avery moved past him to examine the area. Was it her shampoo or her perfume? The scent reminded him of warm, spring days on his family’s ranch. Weston took in a deep breath before he caught himself. He had no business wondering about the fragrance she was wearing. Guilt rolled over him. It’d been five years since his wife’s death from cancer. Yet the echo of his commitment still lingered, as real as the wedding rings hanging on the chain around his neck.
“There’s nothing else to indicate a person was here. No cigarettes or trash.” Avery fingered a broken twig. “An animal could’ve caused this.”
“Normally, I would agree with you. Except those branches are broken in a strange way. And there’s this.” He joined her in the small space and let the bough he was holding fall into its regular position. “Now look.”
Her face paled. “From here, someone would have a clear view of the back of my house. My living room. My…”
Bedroom. The thought sent a jolt of anger through Weston, and the vulnerability buried in Avery’s voice only fueled his temper. She didn’t deserve this. No one did.
Avery cleared her throat and lifted her chin. “Do you have a flashlight?”
He removed a tactical knife from his pocket and flipped on the flashlight attachment before handing it to her. She examined the broken bush more carefully. Then she moved to the area around it. “I don’t know, Weston. This could be nothing. Like I said before, I’ve never had a stalker and I’ve never noticed anyone following me. And Cooper’s never drawn my attention to anyone out here either.”
“Cooper?”
“My dog. He’s actually the one that alerted to your presence.”
Weston rocked back on his heels. “I’m willing to acknowledge I could be completely wrong. My intention isn’t to scare you, but I’m not going to withhold any information from you either.”
“I wouldn’t want you to.” She handed the flashlight back and lifted the branch. “Come on. Let’s go inside. It’s cold.”
Weston followed her across the yard. Avery went up the porch, and when she opened the front door, a dog burst out of the house. Tail wagging and barking excitedly, he ran straight for Weston.
“You must be Cooper,” Weston said, letting the animal sniff his hand. “Hey there.”
Avery watched from the doorway. “He’s great for letting me know someone’s on the property, but he’s not much of a guard dog. Cooper loves everyone.”
Weston patted Cooper’s head and the pup promptly lay down and exposed his belly. His tongue lolled out in bliss when Weston complied with the silent request. Avery shook her head. “What a baby you are, Cooper.”
“He’s great.” Weston chuckled. “I love dogs.”
“Do you have one?”
“No, traveling for work doesn’t make it possible. One day.”
He gave Cooper a final pat, then followed Avery into the house. It was a one-story with an open floor plan and decorated with comfort in mind. Family photographs were sprinkled around the living room. The walls were painted a soft blue and matched the throw pillows on the couch. The bookcase held rows of novels.
Avery yanked the curtains shut before turning to face him. She tucked a strand of silky hair behind her ear. “Did you actually go home this afternoon when our meeting ended?”
“I did, but the drive gave me a lot of time to think. It’ll be easier to protect you and work this case if I’m in town, so I packed a bag and came back. I checked into the Sullivan Inn. Seems like a nice place.”
“It is. Are you hungry? I’m supposed to have dinner