A terrible, icy feeling dove down Shiloh’s spine. “And if he really was?”
“Then none of us know, for sure, whether he saw you or not. Or if he realizes you’re at the employee house. He could have asked someone. We just don’t know. And as for you leaving the Wind River Ranch? No way. You have a passel of folks who are looking out for you. They are extra sets of eyes on this problem. Any one of them could spot this guy after they’ve seen his photo.”
Shiloh glanced over at Roan and then focused on Sarah. “I don’t want anyone hurt because of me.”
“Frankly? If Leath is out here? He’s picked the wrong place to be. The state of Wyoming is traditional old West, Shiloh. We carry guns out here and we aren’t afraid to use them to defend ourselves if we’re attacked. Steve will know what to do to keep you and everyone who works on his ranch safe.”
Shiloh squirmed inwardly, not convinced. She felt a horrible guilt threading through her, knowing Leath wouldn’t think twice about killing anyone who got in his way. “So? I’m not safe there at the employee house? Right?” She glanced over at Roan, looking at the hard set of his face, his gray eyes alive with a hunter-like look. Right now, she felt him in his warrior mode. It was nothing obvious. He hadn’t tensed up. His hands were relaxed on the arms of the chair. But she felt it around him.
“Is there anywhere else you can go on the property? Someplace you can’t be so easily spotted?”
“Yes,” Roan said. “She can stay at my cabin. I’m just about finished with the construction. It’s located half a mile north of Pine Grove. There’s a dirt road to it, but it’s out in the open for a half a mile in every direction so we can see someone coming. There’s no way to sneak up on my cabin.”
Sarah looked at Shiloh. “Would you be willing to move into his cabin until we can get a handle on Leath? I know the area and it’s a great hideout.”
“Yes, I can do that. But does it mean I have to stay hidden? That I couldn’t drive into town here and pick up my groceries?”
“For now,” Sarah said, lowering her voice with apology, “it would be best if you went to ground. That you remained out of the public’s sight.”
“That’s what I thought,” Shiloh whispered, agreeing with Sarah. She gave Roan a distressed look. “I guess you’re stuck with me.”
Roan grinned a little. “There’s worse things, Shiloh. We’ll manage. All right?” he asked, and he touched her cheek momentarily, as if to calm her concerns, whatever they might be.
The touch of his fingers across her cheek sent a badly needed signal to Shiloh. She hadn’t told Roan she would move in with him. He’d asked. She hadn’t answered. Now it looked like she had no choice. Roan had to be feeling confused about where they stood with each other. And as soon she could, despite feeling exhausted, Shiloh silently promised him that she’d clear it up with him.
Sarah stood. “You have my phone number, Shiloh?” And she handed her a business card. “Put this in your cell phone address book. Also”—she looked at Roan—“Maud and Steve Whitcomb need to know what’s going down. Tell them I’ll fax them over a copy of Leath’s photo and other pertinent info. That way, they can inform their employees and everyone will be on the same page. If Leath had the balls to go to the ranch once, he’ll do it again. Especially if he saw Shiloh.”
A new shiver of terror worked down through Shiloh. She knew more than anyone else what Leath was capable of doing.
“Got it,” Roan said. He glanced at Shiloh. “And I’ll be her big, bad guard dog.”
“Good,” Sarah said, relieved. “No one better than you, Roan. I know your black ops background.” She moved her gaze to Shiloh. “You won’t get any better bodyguard than Roan, so Shiloh, get some rest. And don’t worry, we’re going to find this dirtbag. We’ll be in touch.”
“God, I hope you can catch him before he hurts me . . . or someone else. . . .”
*
Shiloh almost felt like a convicted felon as she moved at Roan’s side as they walked into the grocery store in Wind River. He needed to get food for the cabin and wanted her input on what to choose since she was going to be living there until Leath was apprehended. She stayed close to him in the busy grocery store. It gave her a sense of safety when there was none left for her.