nbsp; “Johnson found it as he was leaving at the end of his shift,” Brian explained, stepping away from Carter. “There was a three-minute window when it could have been placed, and this is the only blind spot. Whoever did this, knows how to time the shift changes and avoid the security cameras that don't use infrared. And they knew to avoid me.”
“That's concerning.” Carter hated that his stomach tensed. He could almost feel the heat of the flames again.
“I agree, sir.” Brian paused for a moment before continuing. “Sir, it may be time to change locations.”
Carter considered it. However, the thought of leaving didn't give him hope. It made him angry. He wasn't about to be pushed around. It was time to push back.
Carter was done running.
“No. I’m staying,” he said. “We catch him the next time he even thinks about coming on the property.”
“Yes, sir.” Brian pulled out a tablet and punched in a code. He held it out to Carter. “I'd like to add some new hardware to the system. More cameras, more alarms, and some of my own personal touches. Some of it will be common knowledge, but most of it will only be known to you and me. I'd usually consider it overkill, but...”
Carter glanced at the tablet and pushed the approval button for everything Brian wanted. He then looked back over at the bloodied airbag on the porch. His stomach twisted and fear gnawed at his bones.
“Do whatever you need to do, Brian. And then some.”
“I will keep you safe, Mr. Williamson,” Brian promised. His eyes darkened. “Whoever this is, they've just messed with the wrong man. This was my watch. It won't happen again, sir.”
Carter almost felt sorry for the poor SOB who now had a very angry Brian after them. Brian's pride was on the line now.
“I know it won't, Brian.” Carter handed the tablet back to Brian. “You have my full approval to do whatever you need to do.”
“Excellent sir,” Brian replied with a sharp nod. “I'd like to restrict the number of people who have access to the ranch. Cut it down to Laura, the two approved ranch hands, the trainer, and the vet. They've all passed background checks and have worked here long enough I don't suspect them. No one else.”
“I want Mia and the kids.” Carter was surprised at how vehement the words came out. Brian raised an eyebrow at him. “Unless you think little Grayson managed to carry that up here without anyone seeing him.”
He motioned to the porch with the long walk up the driveway.
“Mia and the kids, too,” Brian amended. He frowned at the scene. “We'll find out who is threatening you, sir.”
“I want this taken care of, Brian,” Carter told him. Anger flowed through his veins and he clenched his fists. “Do whatever it takes.”
Chapter 12
Mia
The sun slowly slid down behind the mountains, pulling them up over herself like they were a giant blanket. The sky was awash with pinks and golds that reflected off the snow capped peaks making the world look more like a painting than real life. Mia took a deep breath in and tried to save this moment. It was going to be their second to last time on the ranch, and she wanted to remember it like this.
The window was basically paid off. Even if Carter only had paid the kids the barest of wages and purchased the most expensive window possible, the work was still done. They were only on the schedule one more time. It made Mia's heart ache in a way she hadn't been expecting. She found herself looking forward to these trips. Though, if she was really being honest with herself, it was seeing Carter that she really looked forward to, not the horses and watching the kids work.
“Mia?” Laura asked, touching her arm and pulling her away from the sunset. She wore a hopeful smile. “I wanted to ask you something before I mentioned it to the kids. I didn't want to get their hopes up.”
“Sure,” Mia replied, turning away from the mountain view and back toward Laura and the barn. “What's up?”
“Our mare is going to give birth soon,” Laura explained. “I think the kids would love to be a part of it.”
“When is it supposed to happen?”
“It's hard to say.” Laura shrugged. “These things are impossible to plan. The mare is showing all the signs of impending birth though, so it should be tonight or early tomorrow.”
“You think they're ready for this?” Mia had already had an in-depth “where do babies come from” discussion with Lily and Alexander, and a shorter version with Grayson, so at least she knew she didn't' need to go into how the baby got there.
Laura nodded. “Lily has learned everything about it already. I think she knows more about the science of it than I do at this point. She's going to make a great veterinarian someday,” Laura explained proudly. “The boys have asked about it, too. I think they'd really benefit from the experience. They can all stay in the barn tonight to help.”
Mia thought for a moment as Grayson and Alexander walked past the barn doors, each of them carrying horse equipment and smiling. There had been no more behavior incidents at school since the boys had started working on the ranch. Each of the kids' teachers were reporting that they were paying more attention in class and their grades were going up. Even their foster mom was reporting better behavior.
Mia smiled at her boys and then looked over at Laura. It would be good for the kids to see something so natural, plus they didn't have school tomorrow.