Jensen
As I pulledup to the pasture, I saw that the horses were pacing, their movements almost agitated. When Phoenix spotted me as I slipped from my SUV, she let out a whinny and ran for the fence line.
I hurried over. “What’s got everyone so upset?” I rubbed her neck as I scanned the fields and surrounding forests for any signs of predators. Wolves were rare but not unheard of now that their numbers were rising again. I didn’t see a thing out of place.
Phoenix whinnied again. “It’s all right, girl.” I turned to scan where my property met up with the Harris ranch and froze. Scrawled on my storage barn was hideous graffiti.You can’t save them all.
My stomach roiled. Some asshole had dirtied the safe place I had created for these mustangs, and myself. My gaze darted back to the herd, and I counted quickly. They were all there and unharmed. I jogged back to my SUV, unlocked my vehicle’s gun safe, and pulled out my rifle. I walked through the snow towards the barn. As I got closer, I saw that the paint was dry. The person responsible was likely long gone.
I blew out a breath and pulled out my phone, tapping Tuck’s name.
“What’s up, Wilder?”
I clenched my phone a little tighter. “Someone vandalized my barn. I’m pretty sure it’s the same person who’s been killing the mustangs.”
All levity left Tuck’s voice. “I’m on my way. Get in your vehicle and lock the doors.”
I scanned the area, still nothing. “Whoever did this is long gone. And I’ve got my rifle.”
An engine turning over sounded across the line. “For once in your life, will you just do as I ask without being stubborn?”
I rolled my eyes heavenward. “Fine. But don’t get used to it.” I hit end and stomped back over to my SUV, climbing inside. I rested the rifle across my lap and waited. I kept scanning the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of something, but there was nothing to see.
It wasn’t long before Tuck showed, his tires spitting gravel everywhere as he sped up the road. I rested the rifle back in the gun safe and slid out of my vehicle just as he pulled in. He jumped from his truck, fury barely contained on his face and came towards me in strides that ate up the distance.
Tuck pulled me into his arms with a ferocity that pushed all the air from my lungs. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. The only thing that isn’t fine is my barn.” I attempted to look over my shoulder to scowl at the offending scrawl, but Tuck held me firmly in place.
“Just give me a minute.”
I’d give him eternity. Standing there safe in his arms, there was nowhere else I’d rather be.
Finally, Tuck released his hold. “Show me.”
I led Tuck over to the barn and showed him the graffiti.
That little muscle in his cheek ticked, the one that told me he was really freaking pissed. “I have to call Walker. This is technically his jurisdiction. Which means, we’ll probably end up working the case together.” Tuck pulled out his phone, tapped a few keys, and was filling my brother in within seconds.
On one level, I was glad that the case would be getting some additional attention. On the other, my brother was going to freak. If there was one thing Tuck and Walker brought out in each other, it was their overprotectiveness for the women in their lives. I sighed.
Tuck slipped his phone into his back pocket. “You know why this happened, don’t you?”
My brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
Tuck’s jaw flexed. “It happened because you’ve been nosing around. Obviously, whoever’s doing this heard you were talking to ranchers, and that did not make them happy.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it? It gives us more clues as to who it could be. It would have to be someone who works on one of those ranches or who’s friends with someone who does…” My voice trailed off.
“Which is basically every person in Sutter Lake. Anyone could’ve heard about you asking questions.”
My shoulders slumped.Dammit.I’d thought we had our first break.
Tuck must have seen the defeat in my expression because he pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me and resting his chin on my head.
“Well, what is my son doing behind the barn with pretty little Miss Jensen?”
We startled apart, and I regained my composure a little quicker than Tuck. “Hi, Mr. Harris. I was just upset, and Tuck was comforting me.”
