Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

Jacob thought about trying to delve into more about that story, but decided against it. Instead he said, “So is lunch back on? You have to try Uncle Hiro’s sesame chicken. It is out of this world.”

She nodded. “Lead the way, cowboys.”

* * * *

Willie got into the rental car, a nondescript white Nissan Versa. Cindy Trollinger had made all the arrangements for this trip. He didn’t trust the bitch, but she had done something he hadn’t been able to do.

Trollinger had found Carrie.

Wait until I get my hands on that cunt. After all I did for her, how could she have betrayed me?

He pulled onto Interstate 70. Only four hours to Money, the town close to Destiny. The little motel Trollinger had booked a couple of nights for him was called the Nickel and Dime Inn. Appropriate, since that’s what he’d had to live on since Carrie had run away and stolen everything. Bitch! You will pay.

The call from Trollinger couldn’t have come at a better time. One of the deacons at the church in Arkansas where he’d been filling in at the pulpit had uncovered one of his earlier identities. Now there was no hope of convincing the tiny congregation of elderly assholes to let him become their pastor.

Trollinger had made it clear what she wanted from him on the phone, but before she could commit fully demanded to meet in person.

Trollinger’s office was impressive, though he knew it wasn’t permanent. There were no personal photos, no awards on the shelves, nothing intimate that a space would normally have if lived in for any length of time at all. Likely only rented for the week just for the meeting with him. He appreciated her style and flair. Good-looking, too.

But he was much smarter than she gave him credit for.

Walking into Trollinger’s building in Denver, he’d been greeted by two men who clearly were packing heat. The young man behind the counter, much less intimidating and wearing glasses, led him to her office.

Trollinger had met him with a warm smile. She stood and walked up to him, her gorgeous brown eyes locked on his. Her short dark hair was spiked. She wore a leather red mini, a lacy white top, and stilettos that accentuated her long legs. She turned to her assistant. “Thank you, Michael. That will be all.”

The man left quickly without a word. It was obvious that this woman demanded absolute obedience from her underlings. An iron fist. Nice.

“Please have a seat, Reverend. I think you’ll be thrilled by what my agency has turned up for you. We found the woman you’ve been looking for.”

She’d already mentioned knowing about Carrie on their earlier phone call. “And?”

“Before I tell you, I have to get assurance you will do what we’ve agreed to.”

“I swear it.” He sent her his most winning smile, a smile that had landed him many followers and lots of money. Not to mention lots of women to fuck.

Trollinger didn’t appear susceptible to any of his charms. On the phone call she intimated she knew about the fire in Mississippi. She might have the upper hand with him now, but he would make sure to get some dirt on her to even the playing field.

“Trust me, Reverend, we are going to do great work together. Carrie’s location was just discovered by Jena, the wife of her brother.”

Her brother? Fuck. “Where is the bitch?”

“I expect she’ll be arriving in Destiny, Colorado, tomorrow.”

Trollinger gave him the rest of the details, a burner cell, and a thick wad of cash. She took his hand and sealed the bargain. “If you need me, call the number in the speed dial, Willie.”

He’d left the building, glad to be working with Trollinger. Maybe it was a partnership worth continuing. But only after he finished what lay before him.

As his focus returned to the road ahead, he sneered. “I’m coming for you, Carrie.”

Chapter Four

Carrie rode into town on the majestic horse. Josh and Jacob rode on either side of her.

She’d fallen in love with horses back when Willie had been pastor at a church in Bronte, Texas. A couple, members of the church, owned a horse ranch. The woman was her Sunday school teacher and had taught her everything she knew about riding.

Bronte had been a longer stop on Willie’s trek back and forth across the country. Eight months. She’d turned twelve there. It had been the happiest time of her life. She’d even let herself dream that Willie might actually settle down and stay there. But of course he didn’t. In the cover of night, like always, they skipped town.

Since then Carrie never passed an opportunity to be around horses. Unlike people, she could trust them.