Cowboy In The Crossfire(37)

Ethan cradled the napkin in both hands. "But there are two."

"One is for my assistant."

Her son's eyes brightened. "That's me."

Nancy laughed. "Yes, that's you. Now skedaddle while I show your mama the secret to amazing peanut butter cookies."

Ethan took a quick bite. "It's the chunky peanut butter," he said, his mouth stuffed.

"Yes, it is." Nancy ruffled his hair. "Now go find the deputy."

Ethan shot out of the kitchen and Leo took off behind him. Nancy turned to Amanda. "What's going on? And don't try to shove me aside. Parris won't tell me anything, but I know something's very wrong."

Amanda squirmed under the woman's intelligent gaze. "Thank you for what you did for Ethan. I haven't seen him smile in too long."

"He's a good boy, but don't think that'll get you off the hook, young lady." Nancy folded a dish towel and set it on the sink. "I haven't seen Blake this intense in a long time. I'm not sure I like it."

Blake rushed into the kitchen carrying a sobbing Ethan plastered to him, Leo at his heels. "We've got company at Logan's gate. We're out of time," he said sharply.

"I'm sorry," Amanda said. "So sorry I brought this horror with me."

Nancy rushed across to Blake and grasped his arm. "Tell me what's going on."

Blake's face softened and he touched his mother's cheek. "Parris will fill you in. I'll be in touch, I promise. But I have to do this. For Joey."

Blake rubbed Ethan's back. The boy's sobs quieted a bit. Amanda tried to take him, but he clung to Blake's neck. She understood, even though it stung that her son turned to Blake.

Nancy's eyes widened, then looked between him and Amanda. She swallowed at the utter anguish on Blake's mother's face, and there was nothing she could do about it. Logan rushed in and tossed Blake a set of keys. "Vehicle's out back. It won't lead to me or Carder. Money's in the glove box. Take the side gate." He paused. "I hope to see you again."

"You're not coming back?" Blake's mother's eyes teared.

Amanda heart twisted. She grabbed Blake's arm. "Give me the keys. Let us go. I'm ready to disappear."

"Joey and Kathy's murderers are not going to win." Blake's harsh features stood out sharp as his mother gasped in shock. "I won't stop until I find them, and you and Ethan are safe. There are no halfways."

The scream of sirens penetrated from outside. Amanda's heart raced in panic. Blake grabbed Amanda's hand and dragged her through the kitchen door to the SUV. "Backseat. Hold Ethan," he said.

Shouts raged at the front of the house. Logan's fierce protests rose above the yelling. Stalling for time.

Amanda dived into the car and held her arms out. Blake lifted Ethan toward her, and her son scrambled into her arms. He didn't say anything, just pressed his head against her chest and hugged her tight. Leo jumped up and planted himself just beneath Ethan's feet. She stroked her son's hair and braced herself as Blake slammed the door shut. He got in, and once he started the SUV, floored it. Within seconds they were over a small hill and out of sight of the ranch.

She kissed the top of Ethan's head and turned around, studying the hill for any sign of flashing lights.

No one followed.

She sagged back against the leather and cuddled Ethan against her as Blake followed the barely visible road to a side gate. He stopped the vehicle to open it.

She met Blake's gaze in the rearview mirror and recognized the unwavering determination. Just like she thought. He'd fight for them, and as much as she wanted to accept his help, how could she let him sacrifice his life for them? His mother shouldn't have to lose her son. She'd never met a man so willing to put aside his own needs for someone else.

Blake took a hard right at the next county road. "We stay off the highways," he muttered. "Keep to the dirt, not the pavement."

The sun had nearly set by the time Blake turned into the Maddox place. He'd had to pull off as another screaming siren headed toward the Triple C. Now he slowed to a crawl.

She didn't see anything out of place.

He pulled in behind the house. "Wait here," he said. Within moments he was back. "All clear."

Leo jumped to the ground and a too-quiet Ethan didn't follow. He stayed within touching distance of his mother. Blake knelt beside the open door. "You ready to go into the house, Ethan?"

He peered down from his seat inside the SUV. "Will the bad men come again?"

"This is a good hiding place," Blake said.

Ethan stared at Amanda, and she could barely swallow around the emotion filling her throat, but she made herself smile. "We'll keep you safe, little man."

"Leo's waiting for you," Blake said with a smile that exuded confidence.

Everything in his face, his posture his words screamed certainty. Could he really be sure they were safe here?

Leo barked and Ethan gave a weak smile. "Okay." He climbed out of the vehicle but hovered near the door. "Are you coming, Mommy?"

She pasted on a smile. "Of course." She climbed out and held her hand to him. He grabbed it.

Blake led them into the house. "How about we make chili for dinner?"