Free Safe In His Arms (Manhunt) by Rita Herron

broke out of jail,” Alex snapped. “And he’s here on the ranch.”
    Royce’s eyes widened, a seed of worry flickering in his expression.  “His wife is here ?”
    “Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. Have you spoken to Jones or seen him lately?”
    Royce looked down at Alex’s hands where he was gripping Royce by the shirt.  “No. I met him in the prison, but only because my cell mate knew him. I didn’t like the bastard. The feeling was mutual.” He angled his cheek so Alex could see his puckered scar. “He gave me that just because I dared challenge him.”
    “If you’re lying, I’ll find out,” Alex said gruffly.
    “I’m telling you the truth.” Royce clenched his jaw. “You think he killed Ms. Joleen?”
    Alex hesitated. “He’s top on my suspect list.”
    “Then I hope you find the asshole,” Royce muttered.  “Ms. Joleen was like a mama to us guys here on the ranch.”
    The sincerity in the man’s voice made Alex loosen his grip.
    “Don’t leave town,” Alex said.
    “I can’t,” Royce said bitterly. “I’m on parole.”
    Maybe the guy was trying to get back on his feet and telling the truth. Alex relaxed, but Royce arched his brows.
    “You said you thought he paid someone to find his wife. Why would you think she’s at the Crossties?”
    “Because she is here,” Alex said. “Mia Matthews used to be married to him.”
    Royce dropped his hands to his sides. “That explains a lot.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “Why she’s so stand offish to all the men here. Two or three of the hands asked her out, but she turned them down flat.”
    Alex’s pulse hammered. “Were you one of them?”
    Royce gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Yeah. But hell, now I’m glad she did. I heard Jones say he’d kill anyone who touched her.”
     

     
    Mia’s instinct was to run as far away as she could.
    Not only to protect herself but to protect those around her who she cared about.
    If Joleen had died because of her, she would never forgive herself for coming to the Crossties.
    “We’re going to have to let Joleen’s family know about her death,” Joy said, her voice strained with emotions.
    Mia’s stomach clenched. “She has a daughter?”
    “Yes, she lives in Houston with her husband and three children. She’ll be devastated.”
    More guilt heaped onto the pile. 
    “I’m so sorry, Joy. Sorry for Joleen and her family and…sorry for coming here.”
    Joy brushed her hands down her apron then pulled Mia into a hug. “This is absolutely not your fault,” Joy said firmly. 
    Mia hugged the woman, but Joy’s reassuring words fell on deaf ears.
    How could it not be her fault if Geoff had killed Joleen because of her?
    A noise sounded outside, and Joy looked up, stricken. “What was that?”
    Dusk had set, the sun already faded so night shadows plagued the land as Mia glanced out the window. A dozen different scenarios taunted her.
    Geoff had called her only a few minutes ago. Was he in the woods watching now?
    Perhaps sneaking up to the house to trap her while Alex and the other men were at the dining hall?
    Had he killed Joleen to lure Alex away from her so he could gain easier access to her?
    She grabbed the rifle and braced it by her side. “Stay here, Joy, I’ll be right back.”
    If Geoff showed up, she’d be ready.
    Suddenly a window crashed in the living room.
    Mia raced to the hallway and screamed at Joy to run out the back just as smoke began to fill the room.
     

     
    By the time Alex went back inside the dining hall, the ME was there. 
    “What happened?” Sheriff Leonard asked.
    “Emmett Royce tried to run. I caught him.”
    Henry rubbed at his chin.  “Did Royce hurt Joleen?”
    “I don’t think so,” Alex said. “But he was in prison with Geoff Jones. He claims he hated the man though and has a scar to prove they weren’t friends.”
    “Do you believe him?” Sheriff Leonard asked.
    Alex shrugged. “I think so. Did you learn