Saved by the Rancher

chapter Sixty-One


THE POLICE ARRIVED and they spent hours in the conference room answering questions about why David tried to kill her. Every detail of the last two years was discussed along with her reasons for coming to the board meeting today with several bodyguards and an FBI agent in tow.

“So he came back to kill you after you showed him today’s newspaper?” the lieutenant asked again.

“Actually, Lieutenant, the newspaper is a fake,” Sam supplied.

“What do you mean it’s fake? It’s supposed to come out today.” Jenna didn’t understand why Sam hadn’t set up the paper to be printed and distributed as they’d planned.

“We knew David would try something, so I asked the paper to print this newspaper with the story on Jenna, but they won’t distribute it.

“It isn’t necessary to expose you like this, Jenna. You’ve accomplished what you wanted, and there’s no reason to publicize the abuse you’ve suffered. Since you own the paper, I threatened you’d shut the place down if they didn’t keep this a secret.”

She went into his arms and held him close. She hadn’t considered they could accomplish this without the paper going out. “Thank you, Sam.”

“I see, so what Mr. Shaw said about you having a copy sent to David’s wife was incorrect?” the lieutenant asked.

“I made David believe a copy was left for his wife this morning. I lied. I’ve never spoken to her, nor did I have a paper delivered to her.” Jenna had just been egging David on, hoping he’d make a mistake they could use against him. She never actually believed he’d end up dead.

“So you provoked David?”

“Yes. He pushed me. I pushed him back, knowing his penchant for violence. I warned him several days ago after he almost killed me to leave me alone, or I’d take everything that mattered from him. Today I made good on that threat by taking over Merrick International and firing him.”

“So you’re saying this is simply a case of employee rage. You were using the bodyguards and an FBI agent as self-defense.”

“That’s what I’m saying. That’s all I’m saying.”

“There’s a lot more to the story. You planned for this eventuality when Mr. Merrick would snap and go after you, Mrs. Merrick.”

Jenna didn’t say anything. Taking a page from Cameron’s book and remaining silent, she waited the lieutenant out. The less she said, the better the chance she didn’t incriminate herself.

“There simply isn’t any evidence Sam or Jack Turner shot the man in cold blood. Mr. Merrick fired his gun several times into the boardroom, where you were standing. The pictures in the fake paper confirm David Merrick was a deadly threat.”

Relieved the lieutenant saw things her way, she decided to get out of there before he changed his mind and took her in for more questioning. “If you’ll excuse me, we’re flying home. If you have further questions, you can contact my lawyer.”

“You’re free to go, but I’ll be in touch until the case is officially closed.”

Jenna nodded her agreement, walked past David’s grieving family, and left Sam to handle any further details with the police.



JACK HADN’T NEEDED stitches, which annoyed Jenna just a little. She was always the one getting stuck with needles. Actually, she was relieved Sam and Jack were both okay. They boarded the plane, and after taking off they removed their bulletproof vests and settled on the couch for a much-needed rest. Jenna brought each of them a beer. She sat next to Jack and turned toward Sam and punched him as hard as she could in the arm.

“Ow! What’s that for?”

“Giving Jack a gun. What the hell were you thinking? He could have been killed. You got your brother shot.”

“I didn’t shoot him. I gave him the gun so he could protect you and himself. He knew we were plotting behind his back. What’d you expect me to do?”

“Honey, it’s not Sam’s fault. If he hadn’t given me the gun, I’d have brought one from the ranch. I wasn’t going to let David hurt you ever again.”

“Instead, he shot you. You could have been killed. You’re lucky he has terrible aim.”

Jack squeezed her to his side, kissed the side of her head and held her close. “Honey, calm down. It’s not good for the babies. It’s over now, and we don’t have to worry about him anymore. Sam will handle the police until they close their investigation. It shouldn’t take long. Then this whole mess will be behind us.”

He was right, and she was having a delayed reaction to the stressful and traumatic events. Snapping at him allowed her to let off steam and Jack understood. It was finally over.

“We never got to have cake at Decadence. Now, that’s a great name for a bakery. I think next time we visit the city, we should definitely go there.”

“Whatever you want, honey.” Jack kissed her head and held her close. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, finally able to sleep, free of the suspense of wondering if David was out there, somewhere, hunting her.