Colton's Secret Bodyguard

Rylan went inside. When he returned with the drinks, they sat together around the porch table.

“Do you have any news on the case?” Bree asked.

“Not really.” Trey sounded frustrated. “Nothing that leads directly to the guy who’s been targeting you. The only thing I’ve heard—and this was from an informant who was speaking about an unrelated matter—is that there’s been some talk about sabotage of more Colton events. Specifically, at The Lodge and The Chateau.”

“By the person who threw the brick through the gallery window?” Rylan asked.

“My source didn’t have that information,” Trey said. “It’s possible it was a different group, or an individual, but is that likely?”

Rylan looked from him to Bree. “The Colton clan isn’t popular with some folks. There could be several people who are gunning for your family.”

It pained him to say it because he liked them both, but they needed to consider all possibilities.

Bree was obviously thinking it through. “I don’t see how that fits with someone threatening me personally. Yes, the first emails were about me as a member of the Colton family. But the tone changed and became a personal attack. You’ve both seen them. They were about what the person sending them wanted to do to hurt me.”

“It could still be the same person,” Rylan insisted. “You’re a Colton, Bree. Threatening you and sabotaging the family are not mutually exclusive. From a starting point of resentment, this guy’s tactics could have changed and become obsession.”

“True.” Trey drained his drink. “But I think we have to keep an open mind. We could be dealing with a stalker who is fixated with Bree and someone else who has a grudge against the family. Or they could be the same person.” He cleared his throat. “By the way, I stopped by the gallery this morning to follow up on a few interviews. David, your security guard, said he needs to speak to you. After the damage to your pictures, he’s come up with a plan for improving the storage systems, including access to the exhibits. He was keen to run it by you.”

“You didn’t tell him where she is, did you?” Rylan asked.

“Yeah, of course I did. I posted a notice on the gallery door with a map showing where your ranch is.” Trey’s tone dripped sarcasm. “Come on, Rylan, obviously I have no intention of telling anyone where Bree is. You are not the only one around here who has my sister’s welfare at heart. Although David Swanson isn’t a suspect, is he? He was attacked as he tried to stop the stalker getting to Bree.”

“I know, but the fewer people who have the details of her whereabouts, the better. Anyone can slip up and give information away.”

Trey nodded his agreement. “By the way, you caused quite a stir at the gala.”

Rylan’s attention was focused on Bree, as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve had a few calls and messages from different family members asking me about Bree’s new guy.”

“I hope you told them to mind their own business.” Bree sank back in her chair with her arms folded over her chest.

Before Trey could say anything more, Bree’s cell phone, which was on the table, vibrated and lit up. She glanced at Rylan as she reached for it, and he could tell what she was thinking. Him.

Sure enough, she scanned the screen quickly, then looked up. “It’s an email.” He could see the nerves kicking in as she converted the text to speech.

Your skin looks like silk. So delicate. A blade will tear right through it. Take care. Even Colton cash can’t hide you forever.

* * *

“He’s right, isn’t he?” Bree crossed her arms over her body, gripping her upper arms as she tried to still the trembling. “I can’t hide forever.”

She had held it together while Trey was there, sitting quietly and listening as the two men furiously dissected the latest message for clues. Now, her brother had left, and her control had gone with him. Thoughts whirled wildly inside her head, and she had trouble holding on to them. Her breath came in gasps, and dark spots danced at the edges of her vision. Inside her chest, her heart took on its own life, leaping like a wild animal trying to escape from a prey.