“Two more signatures,” Mac stated in a tight, efficient, military tone. “Northwest side of the property.”
The tension in the room skyrocketed, and Sadie felt her pulse spike as she tried to keep her hands steady.
“I’ll alert RJ and Dean,” Cooper said, and Mac nodded, as the former was already typing on his phone.
A tremor raced through Sadie, and she worked hard to stop a second from following. Dale wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “It’s okay,” he whispered into her hair. “They’ve got it under control. You’re safe here with me.”
She nodded against his chest, trying to focus on his strong, steady, reassuring heartbeat. But then, a loud explosion shook the house, and her head snapped up in alarm while her heart raced where it was currently lodged in her throat. “What was that?”
Mac frowned at the monitors. “It was the outbuilding in the far pasture,” he announced grimly.
“On it.” Cooper shot to his feet. “And I’ll call 911 on the way,” he said, racing from the room.
Two seconds later, the sound of a door shutting met her ears.
Was this really happening?Sadie asked herself, feeling a bit surreal.
Whoever was doing this, whether it was a cartel or not, they’d taken their time, drawing things out over the past week and a half or so. But now, they’d sped things up to rapid fire rate. They’d gone from slow motion to fast forward.
It was crazy, and that skyrocketed her fear. Her pulse raced, chest was tight, and she was having trouble concentrating on breathing.
“How the hell are they doing this?” Dale muttered a curse as he pointed to the screens. “Sinjin, Hunter, Dean, and RJ’s signatures are still with the other heat sources out in the woods. It can’t be those intruders doing this.”
Mac nodded, his jaw tight. “My guess is time fuzes were already in place before we tightened security here.
“So, they’re doing it remotely.” Dale’s jaw was tight.
An icy chill gripped Sadie’s already too tight chest. Was the house next?
Mac’s muttered oath recaptured her attention, and she glanced at the screen he was frowning at. “The barn’s on fire now,” he announced grimly.
The barn…
Sucking in a breath, she slapped a hand to her chest. “We’ve got to get the horses out!”
“I’ll do it,” Mac stated, rising to his feet. “You two stay here.”
Sadie tried to follow the guy out the door, but Dale pulled her back, his grip firm. “No, Sadie, stay inside,” he insisted, his grip as firm as his tone. “Mac will take care of it.”
“But the horses—” she began, her voice cracking with worry.
“They’ll be okay,” he reassured, leaning in he brushed her temple with his lips. “We need to stay here, where it’s safe. Cooper will help Mac get the horses out. The sheriff and fire department should be here soon. In fact, I think I can hear the sirens now. Listen.”
She did, and sure enough, she heard a muffled wail in the distance, growing louder and louder.
“Watch the screen,” he said, pointing to a specific monitor. Flashing lights and first responder vehicles turned onto the long driveway. “See? The cameras are picking them up now.”
Relief rushed through Sadie’s body so fast, her knees buckled. She reached out to grasp Dale’s arm to keep from falling.
“I’ve got you,” he said, drawing her close.
He held her for several minutes, stroking her hair as they watched the arrival of the sheriff and firefighters on a monitor. Gabe spoke with Mac, his expression grim.
That about stopped Sadie’s heart.
Was something wrong with the horses? Or one of the guys?
The not knowing was killing her.
