Sheltered by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 5) Read online

  RHONDA LEE CARVER

  Sheltered by the Lawman

  (Lawmen of Wyoming #5)

  2018 Rhonda Lee Carver

  Copyright 2018 Rhonda Lee Carver

  All rights reserved

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission from the author, Rhonda Lee Carver—except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages written in a review. For information, please contact Rhonda Lee Carver @ [email protected].

  This work is fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue in this work are from the author’s imagination and creation. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, dead or alive, is completely coincidental.

  This book is for your personal pleasure. Ebooks are not transferrable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. If you have enjoyed this book and wish to share with another reader(s) please purchase another copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, purchase a copy. Thank you for appreciating the hard work the author invested into this book.

  This book contains material that isn’t suitable for anyone under the age of 17.

  To read more books by Rhonda Lee Carver check out the list of her books at the end of this book.

  BLURB:

  Struck over the head, Monica Warren wakes up in the hospital with no recollection of who she is or what happened. The sexy man who has stayed by her side is the only person in the world she knows and she can’t help but cling to him.

  Cullen Cade thinks he’s landed the easiest mission he could hope for. Find the missing woman and bring her in. Simple. Then all hell breaks loose when he saves her from a burning building, almost takes a bullet, then learns that she has no memory—not even of who she is or that she is wanted for questioning in the death of her lover. Up until this point in life, Cull has made every decision with his head, but something about the woman, and her situation, tugs at his compassion.

  Against better judgement, he offers her shelter, but soon secrets start to unravel as an attraction unlike anything he’s ever felt begins to grow. He struggles to keep his heart protected and stay professional because she is a criminal…isn’t she? What choices will he make that could harm his career? Or break his heart.

  An act of mistaken identity, murder, and danger closing in will leave Monica fighting for her memories and her life.

  From the author:

  I have enjoyed Cull’s story. As I was writing his and Monica’s fairytale I wanted to make him rogue-ish, but he truly is a gentleman. He wanted to do right by Monica. There must be unwritten rules regarding protecting someone with memory loss, and he breached a few, but all in all, he did right by her. In this book there are a few parts that are a raw, but I assure you, some of the characters are just a bad breed and they got what they deserved…

  The next story in this series is Kiersten’s love tale. You’ll visit with her here, in Cull and Monica’s story, but hold onto your seats, readers. You’re going to be “blown” away with the trouble she gets into. It’ll be a book jam-packed with excitement, intrigue and sex-appeal. I can’t wait for you to read her story!

  Also, I’m starting a spin-off of Lawmen of Wyoming. If you love the Cades in Wyoming, I think you’ll love-love-love the next Cades I’m writing about. Watch for the first book later this year.

  I hope you enjoy this story! Please leave a review and look for the bonus Chapter in the back.

  Best wishes, Rhonda Lee Carver

  Dedication

  To my Rowdy Readers.

  Table of Contents

  Front Matter

  Blurb

  From the Author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Back Matter

  Bonus – Letting Go (Chapter One)

  Chapter 1

  THE COLT PRANCED back and forth, snorting loudly as Cullen Cade watched from a few feet away planning his approach. He took a step to minimize the space and, once things seemed calmer, Cull patted Mr. Big’s slick neck, then gradually smoothed his hand to the saddle. “That’s right, buddy. Just like that. We’ll take this nice and slow.”

  He pulled himself up and the second he was settled into the polished leather, the colt snorted loudly, clawed at the air, then came down hard. “Whoa there, boy,” Cull whispered.

  Mr. Big’s ears cocked before he turned several times, his tail swishing. He twisted left then right and expertly tossed Cull into the dirt. The horse whinnied and walked away as if nothing had happened.

  With a silent curse, Cull stood, dusted himself off and dragged his Stetson off to slap it against his jeaned thigh. “That’s some stubborn sum’bitch,” he muttered. He’d been working with the colt for weeks now and hadn’t gotten anywhere.

  “Don’t you mean that’s some birthday gift from Dad? He’s either trying to prove a point or kill you,” Zander Cade said from where he straddled the top rail around the arena.

  “You know the saying, ‘What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger’.” Cull didn’t take his eyes off Mr. Big who stood close to the fence, shaking his head back and forth as if warning Cull not to come any closer. “I bet if I had more carrots you’d be just fine.” The horse sniffed, and Cull growled, “This fellow doesn’t like men. That’s the problem.”

  “So, what are you going to do?”

  “I’m going to attempt this as many times as it takes.” Cull eased forward slowly and climbed into the saddle again. Holding the reins tight as the colt pranced irately around the arena, Cull clenched his jaw, preparing himself for another dirt bath, but it didn’t happen. “I think he’s finally settling down.”

  “Don’t let him fool you, bro,” Zander warned. “He’s got that look in his eye.”

  “Yeah, what look is that?”

  His brother’s laughter reached his ears. “Sort of reminds me of Kace when he gets pissed.”

  “I heard that.” Kace strolled up to the fence. “That horse doesn’t like you much, Cull.”

  “Nah, we just need to establish who’s boss.” Once he loosened his hold on the reins ever so slightly, the colt saw his chance and bucked wildly, kicking his back legs then his front and folded over like a performer taking a bow sending Cull sliding forward and onto the ground. He stood and held his side, feeling a twinge of pain in his ribs. At least they weren’t broken but they’d smart tomorrow.

  “See, I told you,” Zander bellowed. “Want me to try? I’ve been told I have the smooth touch.”

  Giving his brother an agitated eye, Cull sighed. “Just you watch and see. He’s going to make a fine horse one day.”

  “You going to train him, are you?” Kace asked.

  “Hell yeah, I am. I’ve never shied away from a challenge before. He just needs some time.”

  “You either have more nine lives than a li
tter of kittens or rubber bones.” Kace snorted.

  “Remember what Dad told us growing up?” Cull braced his elbows on the top of the fence.

  “Yeah, that rowdy horses make good cowboys.”

  “He’s right, you know. The first horse I trained was the devil, even broke a couple of my ribs, but he damn sure made me tougher.” Cull opened the gate and slipped out. “Will you take care of his saddle for me? I’ve got some place I need to be.”

  “Sure, but are you seriously doing this bounty hunter job?” Zander and Kace followed Cull into the stables.

  “Fugitive Recovery Agent, bro, and yes. I find it gratifying.”

  “I call bullshit!” Zander spit into the dirt.

  “Is it gratifying to be shot at by a two-hundred fifty-pound biker who’s wanted for the death of three people? Great entertainment, man,” Kace said.

  “The money’s good and this is just a stepping stone. I’ll talk to you both later. Don’t try riding my horse.” He crossed the grass to his truck, feeling a dull ache in his ribs. Mr. Big put a hurting on his body. It didn’t help that two days ago he’d cornered a fugitive and the bastard thought it would be clever to try and run Cull over with his Harley. He’d be dead by now if it wasn’t for quick reflexes. Too bad the concrete parking lot hadn’t been a little more forgiving on his landing.

  Pulling away from the Cade Ranch, he steered the wheel toward Cheyenne. He probably wouldn’t make it before nightfall but that was okay. As long as he got his man, handed him over to authorities and was in his bed by midnight, Cull didn’t care one bit what happened in between.

  Pushing the speaker button on his phone in the holder on the dashboard, it was answered on the second ring. “Hey, Deke. I’m headed to Cheyenne now. Want to give me the lowdown on this case?” Detective Deke Johnson worked for the Laramie Sheriff’s Department and he and Cull had been good friends since they’d been in the police academy together. Cull worked with agencies all over Wyoming chasing down fugitives and because of his honed tracking skills, his record was spotless. When he was set on the trail of a criminal, chances were they’d face iron bars within thirty-six hours.

  “You’ve got a real doozy on your hands this time, Cade,” Deke said.

  “Tougher than that tower of a bastard I brought in two days ago?” Why did he feel an invisible punch to his ribs?

  “Still in pain?”

  “Like a mofo, but that’s why you fellows contract this shit out. I take the beating and you take the credit.”

  Deke’s laughter rasped the line. “Yeah, that sounds about right. You sure you’re still into finding fugitives? This next one will throw you for a loop.”

  “He’ll go down like the rest.” Cull eased back into the leather of the driver’s seat.

  “Well, he’s actually a she who has a few tricks of her own. She is Monica Warren. We found a business card in the dead guy’s wallet. Who’d think escorts would have business cards these days. Anyway, she was last seen in Cheyenne a week ago, disappeared right after the murder of some big-time lawyer, Thomas Yates. He was found stewing in his own blood in a motel room.”

  “Thomas Yates? Isn’t he the one in the commercials, guaranteeing people that he’ll win their case? His slogan is ‘Yates has the best rates’.”

  “Yes, that’s him. Get this, the guy was married to some rich broad for ten years, but apparently liked snatch on the side. Warren was his paid mistress, and the last known person to be seen with him before he bit the dust. It appears the rich suit was into paying for dates for a year now and met Ms. Warren twice weekly, rain or shine. Same room.”

  “Do you think she had a motive to kill him? Isn’t that bad for business?”

  “Hell, maybe Yates wanted to turn the old model in for a new one and she didn’t like the thought of losing her money wagon. Shit, who knows what these people think.”

  Cull slowed the truck. He’d seen a lot of things in his days as a lawman, but he’d learned to never judge a book by its cover, so to speak. “How’d the victim die?”

  “A stab wound to the chest and a sliced throat. Her prints were all over the place, but she disappeared and is nowhere to be found and we can’t match her in the system. Broad’s never been in trouble and the only photograph we have is a shot from a surveillance camera from the hotel property.”

  “Did she work for an agency? Did you talk to them?”

  “No, and everything these days is done incognito online. I’m slammed with three homicides, the boss is breathing down my neck, and these cases with rich people suddenly become sweet bait to the media. We’re trying to keep the circumstances hush hush for the family, you know, because who the fuck wants it splattered all over the news that her husband had his dick where it didn’t belong. If anyone can find Warren and bring her in, it’ll be you. Bring her to me, buddy, so we can get to the bottom of this.”

  “It should be pretty easy.” He was ready for an easy capture. “Another question, who found the dead man?”

  “Housekeeping.”

  “A stabbing and sliced throat would cause a lot of bleeding. Did Ms. Warren walk out of the hotel with blood all over her?”

  “Hell, maybe she brought an extra pair of clothes to change in.”

  “Were they found?”

  Deke groaned. “Listen, buddy, you’re working the wrong side of the law here. Your job is to bring them in and let us handle the details.”

  “Right.” Cull had a hard time not asking questions, but the less he knew about a case the better. His only purpose was to track them down and haul them in.

  “You should be thanking me. There’s a large amount of reward attached to this. The family want her caught as badly as we do. They want this handled with care, if you know what I mean.”

  “A reward? Already? Seems like a knee-jerk reaction.”

  “Hell if I care. We’re on a time crunch here. If the media gets ahold of the details they’ll have a field day with their smear campaigns.”

  “Who are these people you’re talking about? Politicians or church members?”

  “You’re good, my friend. Politicians. Our widow is a candidate for senator and is endorsed by some heavy-duty backers who want this to stay as hushed as our widow does. The bastards are always wanting to cover up something.”

  “You don’t sound very sympathetic with the situation.”

  “Hey, the guy was boning a girl twenty years his junior and his wife gets in front of the camera and is all weepy-eyed. You know she must be thanking her lucky stars that the bastard met his death. Widow lady’s PR gave a speech with some bullshit story that Yates had been doing business from the motel room, blah blah blah. Anything to save her political career.”

  “You still harboring some issues with the ex, Deke?” Cull remembered how his buddy had hit rock bottom after his wife of twenty years asked him for divorce when she met a rich oil tycoon and they ran off together. This only made Cull appreciate more that he was single.

  “Just a bit.”

  “So, you want me to find the girl, bring her to you for questioning, and I collect the reward?”

  “I can’t collect, now can I? You know how these rich families work. They have the understanding that money speaks across all language barriers. A hundred grand for anyone with information that’ll lead to Warren’s capture.”

  Cull whistled through his teeth. “Maybe they need a private investigator and not me.”

  “If I wasn’t ten years away from retirement, I’d drop this job like a hot rock and find this princess myself. This is free money, dude. I’m relaying this information to you so you can go find the girl and we both win. You take the money and I look like the hero.” His laugh vibrated the line. “You’re the man for the job. Catch her before she disappears, Cull.”

  A hundred grand would be his best payment yet and would be enough to start building his dream house. “You said you had a picture of her?” Cull pulled over on the side of the road, grabbed his laptop from the backseat and switch
ed it on.

  “I’ll email it to you right now.” Keyboard clicks sounded in the background. “Get the email?”

  “Just did.” He clicked on the mail and his screen filled with a blurred security camera photo. She had striking red hair and was wearing a form-fitting red dress that paid tribute to long, toned legs. “Is this all you got?” he groaned. It was a poor shot.

  “You can find her. You’re the man for the job. I have faith in you.”

  “I’m glad you do.” Cull was known to track down criminals with little to go on, but this wasn’t a lawman’s everyday case.

  Muffled voices were heard on Deke’s side. “I’ve got to go, buddy. We have a dead body. What kind of dick dies at cocktail hour on a Friday?”

  “The nerve of some people.”

  The line went dead.

  Cull stared at the screen. So, this could be a bit difficult. With no time to waste, he pulled out onto the road, focusing on the reward that was waiting on him. He guessed he did owe his buddy a thank you. His law friends were good about leading him to cases that offered the big rewards.

  ****

  “Where will you stay tonight?”

  Sally Holloway plastered a smile on her face. She had become good at pretending things were okay. “Let’s see what my choices are…hmm…that upscale motel on the corner of Fifth or the luxurious park bench at the le terminus.” She laughed but the concerned look on her friend, Pete’s, face made her shoulders slump.

  “It’s not safe sleeping on the bench at a bus station.”

  “I’ve done it before. I have my handy dandy mace for protection.” He’d been letting her roll out a sleeping bag on the floor of his shop at night, but the last few days he’d been in the hospital fighting a case of pneumonia. “And you shouldn’t worry. I can take care of myself.”

  “Let me speak to Laura—”