“Blissfully asleep.”
“Good.”
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yup. I’m walking out the door. Luckey’s here and he’ll phone you when it’s time to leave for the arena.”
“I’m excited to watch you and your brother compete.”
“I haven’t hazed for him in a while.”
“Don’t give me that bull. No pun intended.” He laughed. “I happen to know a hazer has to foresee all possibilities of trouble and correct them in a split second. You couldn’t turn in a bad performance if you tried.”
“I’m flattered by your confidence in me. See you back here after the rodeo. Stay safe.”
“You, too. Go get ’em, cowboy!”
Luckey stared at him as he hung up. “Yup,” he murmured.
“Don’t say it. Don’t say anything.”
“Oh, I won’t!” A big grin broke out on his tanned face. “That conversation said it all.”
“See you later. I’m out of here.”
Kit left the room still wearing his clerical shirt and got into his car. He’d stowed his riding clothes and cowboy hat in the trunk. Brandon would be waiting for him in his trailer behind the livestock pens.
He checked his rearview mirror repeatedly on the way to see if anyone was following him, but he saw nothing suspicious.
Kit arrived to find his brother standing outside with one of his team members. The second he saw him, Brandon ran to the car, practically pulling Kit out of the driver’s seat to give him a hug. “Thanks, bro. You’re saving my life. I know you’re on a case.”
“It’s all right. I’ve got it covered.”
His brother did a double-take when he pulled away from him. “What are you doing in that outfit?”
“Part of my cover. Let’s go inside the trailer so I can change.”
“Where’s your gear?”
“In the trunk.”
“I’ll get it.” Brandon was so grateful, it was as if he couldn’t do enough for his older brother. It didn’t take long for Kit to put on his rodeo clothes.
“Terry’s already walked our horses inside,” Brandon informed him.
“How’s Flash?”
“The vet checked both horses over this morning. Yours is in great condition. I’ve seen to that. Let’s go.”
The familiar smell of the animals took Kit back to the time when he’d competed on a regular basis. It seemed a lifetime ago. Since then so much in his life had changed, starting with his move to Austin and the beginning of his career as a Ranger. He’d gained three close friends who were like brothers.
He loved this life.
If he hadn’t chosen this profession, he would never have met Natalie. The thought of any harm coming to her or Amy filled him with rage. But he needed to take Luckey’s advice and stay centered on the job ahead of him for Brandon’s sake.
If his brother could win the national championship in Las Vegas, the prize money would be enough to keep the family ranch running. Kit determined to do his best for him.
Flash, Kit’s black-and-white gelding, nickered as Kit rubbed his forelock. “Good to see you, buddy. I’ve missed you, too.” He slipped his horse some sugar cubes. “I’m going to eat my pre-competition Snickers, so you should be able to binge, too.”