Free Protecting Her Daughter (Wrangler's Corner) by Lynette Eason

wreck a year ago, right?”
    “Yes.”
    “Was he involved in anything that he shouldn’t have been a part of?”
    She was shaking her head before he finished the question. “No way. Trevor was as straight as they come. A rule follower to the nth degree. There was only black and white for him, and he never deviated from doing the right thing.” She knew now that was why she’d been so drawn to him. She’d craved the stability she saw in him. “I met him in college, and we hit it right off. We got married six months after we met and then had Sophia. He was a good man.” She looked at Sophia who was listening with wide eyes. “And a great dad.”
    “I miss him,” Sophia said with a sigh. “I miss going with him and Grandpop to see Thunderbolt race.”
    “I know, baby.”
    “Thunderbolt?” Aaron asked.
    “Our horse,” Zoe said. “Or rather, Trevor’s. He enjoyed owning a racehorse. Trevor and Alexander, Trevor’s father, would take Sophia to the racetrack to cheer on Thunderbolt. It was something they all did together.” She smiled. “There was no gambling involved, Trevor didn’t believe in it. But he loved to watch the horses race.”
    “Grandpop told Daddy he should sell Thunderbolt and get his money while he had a winner, but I’m glad he didn’t.”
    “I am, too.” Zoe ran a finger down her little girl’s cheek. “Trevor took a lot of pleasure in that horse. The fact that he got to spend time with his father and Sophia doing something he loved just made it that much sweeter.” She gave a little shrug. “So, no. This has nothing to do with Trevor. I don’t know what it has to do with, but it’s not him.”
    * * *
    Aaron couldn’t help but wonder if she was right. She sounded so positive, but could Trevor have been involved in something without Zoe knowing about it? Probably. Most spouses could manage to hide things from the other one if they truly wanted to. But had Trevor been one of those? That was the question.
    Aaron downed the last of his coffee then set the cup in front of him. He looked at Lance. “So, until we figure out what all of this is about, what’s the plan to keep Zoe and Sophia safe?”
    Lance sipped his orange juice and shook his head. “I’ll talk to Clay, and we’ll come up with something. I definitely don’t think they should be alone.”
    A knock on the door sounded, and Aaron saw Zoe jump. She settled a hand over her heart, took a deep breath and started to rise. Aaron placed a hand on her arm. “I’ll get it.”
    He pulled his weapon, and Lance stood, too. “If it was one of the bad guys from yesterday, I don’t think he’d be knocking,” Lance said.
    “I know, but I’m just being careful.”
    Lance and Ginny both pulled their guns and held them ready. “Good idea, but while there are cops in the house, let us handle it. Put your gun away.”
    Aaron did so and Lance walked to the door, staying to the side and not moving in front of the windows. He peered out and relaxed, shoving his weapon back in his holster. “It’s Clay.” He opened the door.
    Clay stepped inside and nodded. “Morning.”
    “Morning,” Aaron said. “What brings you out here this early?”
    “I’d thought I’d drop in and check on Zoe and Sophia, but I’m glad you’re here.”
    “You need something to do while waiting for that baby to be born?”
    Clay scowled at him and Aaron couldn’t help the small smile that lifted his lips. Clay was always the one in control. “You find me amusing right now, don’t you?”
    “A bit.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Anytime.”
    Clay’s features morphed into concern. “I wanted to let you know that there won’t be any charges brought against you on the shooting yesterday.”
    Aaron let out a slow breath. “Thanks. I wasn’t really worried, but you never know.”
    “Yeah, well, with all the testimony from Lance and Zoe as to what happened, it’s an open-and-shut deal.”
    “How is he?” Aaron asked. “The man I shot.”
    “He’s