Justice Undercover Read online

  Zoe took her slice and then nibbled while Braden crammed the whole thing in his mouth. After he chomped his, Kylie broke a slice in half and gave him only a little at a time. Taking care of the twins helped keep her mind off of having a flaming bottle bomb shot into her house. Perhaps that wasn’t such a good thing. She needed to think about how close she’d come to being killed. Plan on how to prevent becoming a target again.

  The questions that plagued her were who and why. Maybe the big guy at the zoo had wanted her instead of the twins? Maybe the kids weren’t in any danger except when they were near her. That was a sobering thought.

  Had her identity been compromised? If so, Hal Alcott must be behind the attack. Since she’d placed him at the scene of the Coffey family’s deaths, he couldn’t afford for her to talk.

  Everyone believed she was dead. If someone knew she was really Melody Garner, what did they have to lose by killing her for real? She shivered.

  “You all right?”

  She looked at Luke and found concerned eyes staring back.

  His eyebrows arched. “The kids have been hollering for more.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” She handed both the kids another slice of apple.

  Luke directed his gaze back to the road, a frown firmly in place. “I shouldn’t have hired you as a nanny. Or anyone to watch the kids. This is my fault. I should’ve known I could put you in danger.”

  “What? No.” She wanted to tell Luke the truth. Tell him everything. Not having anyone—no family, coworkers, a significant other or anyone—was excruciating. Never again would she take family and close friends for granted. The only thing good that had come out of the last three years of totally being alone was that she found herself talking to God more often. “We don’t even know who’s targeting us. Or if someone is after the kids or just me.”

  He gripped the steering wheel tighter. “I appreciate you saying so, but I doubt anyone would be after you unless it has to do with you working for me. Why would anyone want to hurt you?”

  She looked out the window. How could she answer? If she told him the truth, would he tell Jax O’Neill and the rest of the Rangers? How long until everyone knew she was alive? Was she ready to take the chance? “Luke, I don’t know who was at my camper tonight. When we find out who, maybe we’ll know why.”

  He didn’t respond but looked deep in thought.

  The highway turned into a paved road, the headlights illuminating white vinyl fences. Big homes with lots of acreage lined both sides of the road. A mile or so farther, he pulled through a large piped gate, with Dryden Farms above the entry. The drive wound around a large pasture for a half mile before coming to an old two-story farmhouse. Unlike the neighbors, who had newer houses, this one was outfitted with barns and painted wooden fences. Kylie sucked in her breath.

  Home. This place could be on the cover of a magazine. Even though it was a bit larger, the estate reminded her of her parents’ house. The sudden ache for family squeezed her throat. Kylie could go for days without letting the worry for the people she’d left behind overtake her. Then something like the sight of Luke’s parents’ house would knock her off balance, and the emotions and guilt came flooding back. The birthdays and holidays she’d missed. The birth of her younger sister’s first child. Her brother’s high-school graduation. And, especially, not being there when her mother learned she had cancer.

  Her mother’s surgery, risky at best, was scheduled for two weeks from tomorrow. Kylie kept up with everyone because Emma, her youngest sister, just seventeen, posted everything on Facebook. If Kylie ever got back home, she needed to remind Emma about internet safety and privacy settings, but for now, she was grateful for the connection to her past.

  “Well, this is it.” Luke turned to her. “I’ll get the kids.”

  “I’ll help you.” Kylie got out and went to get Zoe.

  “Oh-h-h. You’re here.” A pretty lady with a classy layered bob hurried down the wooden steps of the huge front porch and headed their way. “Let Grandma see those babies.” She went to Kylie’s side of the truck, and Kylie stepped out of the way.

  “Zoe. You’re getting so big!” The little girl looked unsure as her grandma unstrapped her from the seat and pulled her into a hug. “Look at you. You’re the prettiest girl ever.”

  Her grandma put Zoe on her hip and hurried with a slight limp to the other side of the truck, but Luke already had Braden out and was waiting on Kylie. The woman’s smile faltered. “Thank you for bringing them by, Luke. We really appreciate it.”

  “I appreciate you putting us up on such short notice. Mom, this is Kylie Stone, the twins’ nanny. Kylie, this is my mom, Dottie.”

  Dottie gave her a warm smile. “Glad to meet you, Kylie. Excuse my manners—come on in, dear.”

  Kylie carried the diaper bags and snacks and followed them into the house. A big open room with white shiplap and leather furniture greeted her. Either someone was burning a candle, or his mother had been baking.

  Dottie brushed Braden’s cheek. “He has gotten so big.”

  Luke sighed. “He’s only a few months older, Mom.”

  “I know that, son, but I’ve missed them.”

  “I should’ve brought them by.”

  “You sure should have.” A tall man with a touch of gray hair strode into the room. His broad shoulders told Kylie that he either worked out or worked hard to stay in shape. Seeing the beautiful farm, probably the latter.

  “Grandpa!” Braden held out his hands.

  “I’ve been busy.” Luke set Braden on the floor and wiped his hands on his jeans.

  Luke’s dad picked up the boy and tossed him in the air. “Hello, biggin. How’s Grandpa’s little helper?”

  The toddler grinned and yelled, “Tractor.”

  The older man laughed. “It’s too dark now, but I can take you in the morning.”

  Luke cleared his throat. “Da—uh, I told you I’d rather the kids stay inside until we know what’s going on.”

  “Nonsense,” his dad huffed. “No one’s going to mess with these kids while I’m around. I may’ve only been a state trooper, but I know how to defend my family.”

  “You know—” Luke cut himself off and gave his dad a glassy stare. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh. “Kylie, this is my dad, Sam Dryden.”

  “Glad to meet you, sir.” She smiled. “You have a beautiful place.”

  Sam grumbled, “Thanks.”

  The tension in the room hung thick, like a stormy night. Kylie turned to Dottie and asked, “Where would you like their things?”

  Luke’s mom reached out and touched her hand. “Come with me.”

  With the diaper bags in tow, Kylie followed her to a back room that contained two cribs, one decorated with tractors and the other with unicorns. She wouldn’t have thought the scheme would’ve meshed, but the perfect highlights of yellow and green matched each twin’s personality to a T.

  “You can put their bags on the changing table.”

  “I’m sorry, but Luke had to leave in a hurry and didn’t have time to pack clothes. I’m afraid all they have is the extra set in the bag.”

  Dottie waved her hand. “Not to worry. We have plenty of baby things here.” She dug through a drawer and pulled out two sets of pajamas.

  Curiosity made Kylie want to ask about the seemingly strained relationship between Luke and his parents, but she refrained. It wasn’t uncommon for families to have problems. His parents’ reactions to the twins told her they loved and missed their grandchildren. Had Luke purposely kept them away after Megan had died? If so, why?

  “I’ll bathe the kids in this bathroom. Feel free to use our guest bath down the hall.”

  Kylie smiled. She hadn’t looked in a mirror, but she could guess what she must look like. With the fire, she hadn’t exactly had time to pack a bag. “Thanks.”

  As if she
had read her mind, Dottie said, “If you need any clothes, there’s some in that bedroom.” She pointed to the adjoining room. “Make yourself at home.”

  She thanked her, went into the room and turned on the light. A beautiful blue iron antique bed covered with a yellow-and-denim-blue quilt was the focal point. Sheer white curtains hung over the huge window and white shiplap covered the walls. Stuffed animals and a little girl’s jewelry box sat on a distressed dresser. This must’ve been Megan’s room.

  Sadness seeped into her bones. To lose a life at such a young age had to be almost unbearable on her family. Instantly, her mind again went to her own family in Wichita Falls. Even though she was alive, her mom and siblings had gone through the same grief. Kylie closed her eyes against the pain. She wanted to go home and let them know she hadn’t died in that explosion.

  Very soon her family would learn the truth. Hal Alcott would be brought to justice. Then she would come out of hiding.

  She found T-shirts, shorts and cotton pajama pants in the drawers. A quick look in the closet showed her jeans and some dressier clothes. Even though the items must’ve been several years old, Kylie found plenty of things that never went out of style. When she had searched Megan on the internet, Kylie had learned she had married Tommy Doane almost three years ago and had lived on her own since she was twenty. Kylie grabbed a Texas A&M T-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts, and went to take a quick shower.

  After finishing, she almost felt normal. As she dried herself off, cabinet doors slamming and the low hum of people talking told her Luke’s family was busy. She went back to Megan’s room and closed the door. Her laptop had surely burned up in the camper, so she pulled out her phone. She’d have to dig out her iPad, which had all of her files, from the Jeep later. Her laptop was much easier to use for reading, and she’d have to buy a new one later. She pulled up her sister’s Facebook page. She scrolled down—several new pictures had been posted. One of Emma and her best friend. A selfie with Emma and the family dog, Nash, who was perked up and watching television. A glimpse of her brother and Mom standing in the kitchen, too far away to get a good look, but she could imagine the conversation.

  A smile crept up her lips. They all looked so normal. Everyday life of coming and going, and then spending time with one another. Something Kylie now realized she’d taken for granted. The next photo was simply a map of the diner in town that they loved to eat at. Sara’s Diner. Kylie’s chest grew heavy as she scrolled through the pictures and browsed the silly comments left by others.

  A post left on Sunday contained only words, no pics. Please pray for my mom. She’s running a fever and they won’t be able to operate in two weeks unless it comes down.

  Unbidden tears blurred her vision. Maybe she should show up at her mom’s house. Instruct her family to tell no one she was alive.

  Even as the thought teased her longing to go home, Kylie knew she couldn’t do it. Hal’s men always used family and friends to threaten his victims. She couldn’t take the chance. Time was running out. She had to see Hal brought to justice.

  FOUR

  Kylie turned off her cell phone and checked the mirror to see if her face was red. A little blotchy, so she dug through the drawers and found a compact of face powder.

  When she marched back into the living room, Zoe and Braden sat in their grandpa’s lap listening to him read The Three Little Pigs. She almost laughed as he exaggerated the huff and puff sounds.

  Braden looked up at her and grinned, pure joy in his expression. “Grandpa’s reading to me.”

  “I see that.” She glanced at Zoe, who seemed content to be reading with her grandpa and brother.

  Luke stood in the kitchen alone, a large glass of iced tea in front of him, his expression solemn. “Would you like something to drink? Tea, water or lemonade.”

  “Lemonade sounds great.” After he set down the glass, she whispered, “Has she always been this quiet?”

  He looked over at his dad, who had begun reading again. “Zoe?” At her nod, he said, “Not this quiet.”

  “I found it.” Dottie whisked into the room holding a movie. Sam didn’t look up but kept reading as his wife made for the entertainment center. “I hope they haven’t seen this yet. I’ll make ice-cream floats in a bit.”

  “Zoe sure looks like Megan, doesn’t she?” Sam boasted.

  Dottie hollered back, “I thought the same thing.”

  Kylie’s breath hitched. The pain of losing a daughter must be unbearable, she thought, especially seeing the resemblance in her babies.

  His mother continued, “Braden has your chin.”

  “You think so?” Sam chuckled.

  Luke jerked his head, indicating the French doors off the living room. His face was beet red. “Come on. Let’s talk.”

  Kylie couldn’t help but smile at his parents’ excitement in entertaining the twins as she followed Luke out the door, drink in hand, to the large deck. What was wrong with Luke? She sat in the wicker chair with the bold yellow and pink throw pillows. He sat across from her on the large white wooden porch swing. Even though the furniture was large and sturdy, the Ranger looked like a misfit in the cottage-looking setting.

  Luke continued the conversation started in the kitchen. “Braden has always been more rambunctious than his sister, but she’s grown clingier and more subdued since Megan’s death.”

  She nodded. “I’m sorry.” Any more response seemed inadequate, so she left the comment at that. Luke’s worry lines had increased, and she didn’t want to pile more on his shoulders. Kylie wanted to help the toddlers, but she also was aware that she wouldn’t be a part of their life for long. Was it fair to let Zoe grow attached and then leave? No. Her heart was pulled in two different directions, but she had to do what was best for the children. That would be to encourage Luke and his parents to be the ones the kids leaned on.

  “I appreciate you coming over to help with the kids. I know it’s asking a lot.”

  “I don’t mind. They’re sweethearts.” She sipped her drink.

  He stared at her for a moment. “Do you have family nearby?”

  She swallowed, almost choking on her lemonade. She coughed to clear her throat. She wasn’t expecting the sudden change of topic. How did she answer? As Kylie Stone? Or as Melody Garner with a large family? Normally, she gave the standard I-don’t-have-family-close-to-me answer. “I haven’t seen them in a while.”

  He continued to watch her, like he was weighing her words. “You’re good with kids.”

  “Thank you.” Time to move past her involvement, but she had to be careful. “Your parents seem excited to see them.”

  “I suppose.” His expression lost its softness.

  She wasn’t going to let his sudden change in mood stop her. Again, she’d never be anything to the kids except a temporary sitter. She had plans to go back to her family. “Do you trust your parents to care for them?”

  “Kylie, like I said, I appreciate your help. But I don’t want to discuss my parents.”

  “I like them. Family is precious. You never...” She wanted to say that you never knew how important relatives were until you lost them, but he’d lost Megan, so she kept the words to herself.

  “Like I said, not going there.”

  The look he gave her probably intimidated a lot of people. Coworkers. Criminals. But Kylie had known tough law-enforcement officers, and she realized many times that a tough exterior was brought on by something painful deep inside. “Fine. But I wasn’t worried about you. It’s the kids. Zoe and Braden. Their life has been turned upside down. They need you. All of you.”

  Pain flashed across his face before he looked toward the yard. A breeze blew and a sudden chill bit her. She rubbed her arms.

  “Sorry. I won’t mention it again. Not my place.” The sooner this case was over, the better for everyone. She didn’t know why she was involving herself in his
family, anyway. She needed Hal Alcott behind bars. Then she could go back to being Melody and forget the fictional life of Kylie she’d created. “Have you heard back from Jax?”

  “We’ve talked.”

  “Any idea who burned my camper?”

  “Not yet. The firefighters put out the flames, but it doesn’t look like much is salvageable from your home. Thankfully, no other trailers caught fire. Your Jeep will need to be deep cleaned from all the smoke, the paint is blistered and Jax said something about the tires needing to be replaced. And we don’t know if that’s the extent of the damage. Will be tomorrow at the earliest before we learn what kind of explosive he used.” He crossed his arms. “I’m struggling with the why.”

  “Me, too. Makes me wonder if my attacker at the zoo was after the kids or not. Whatever his intentions were, I want to find out soon.”

  “Exactly. Get some sleep.” He unfolded his arms and leaned closer. “Will you be all right here with my parents and the twins tomorrow?”

  She’d been thinking about that. “What if I’m the only target? Wouldn’t that put your parents and the kids in danger? I think your folks can handle them without my help.”

  He shoved his hand through his hair. “I’ll let you know in the morning.”

  It sounded like she’d been dismissed. She stood to go into the house, but she couldn’t leave without setting the record straight. “Luke, I know I’m just the nanny, but I do care about Zoe and Braden, and I want what’s best for them.”

  As she started to go into the house, she heard his response. “Me, too, Kylie.”

  * * *

  The next morning, brown eyes connected with Kylie’s. She recognized the reserved excitement in the Ranger’s stoic demeanor.

  He clicked off his cell. “I just got a lead on Tommy Doane, Megan’s missing husband.”

  Kylie already knew who Tommy was and that he had disappeared two months before Megan’s death, but she remained silent.

  “I need to check this out. I’ll be back in a little while.” He headed toward the front door.