Tangled by Temptation (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 7)

“I can’t. I have no idea where Kip is, but I’m here because he has been sending me messages, saying he wants to meet me. I’m terrified, of course. I didn’t know where to turn.” Cindy’s eyes welled up. “I came to Destiny to find Mr. Black. He is here, isn’t he? That’s what his message said.”

Belle nodded. “Yes, he lives in Destiny now.”

“But he’s away,” Corey informed. “He’ll be back tonight.”

“Please. I need to talk to him. I need his help. Kip is a monster. We have to find him. We have to stop him.”

Shane pulled Belle in tighter. “Why should we believe you, Miss Trollinger? Why would a sister turn on her brother?”

“I never knew I had a brother. I don’t know him. I don’t want to know him. He’s a killer.” The woman wiped her eyes. “He’s a monster. Please. I need your help.”

Still no sign of deceit. She was either telling the truth or an incredible actress.

Do I trust my gut on this?

* * * *

“What kind of help, Miss Trollinger, do you want from us?” Looking down at Kip’s sister, Corey wondered how much truth the woman was telling them.

“Check my purse. I received a letter from Kip. He knows about me and that scares me to death. Belle, would you mind getting it out and reading it for everyone?”

“Sure thing.”

She nodded and started to step forward, but he blocked her. “I’ll get it for you.”

Even though Cindy was in a hospital bed, he didn’t want Belle any closer to her than she was.

He grabbed the purse from the side table where it had been placed and handed it to Belle.

She reached in and pulled out an envelope. “Are you sure you want me to read it, Cindy?”

“Yes, Belle. I trust you. Mr. Black, Shane, and Corey are my only hope.”

Before Belle could begin reading the letter, Jason Wolfe, the sheriff of Destiny, and Dylan Strange, who never was without his sunglasses, walked into the room. They were two other members of Shannon’s Elite.

“Shane, I got your text and brought Dylan with me.” Jason walked over to the bed. “Miss Trollinger, I have a few questions for you.”

“Hold on, Sheriff.” Belle’s traits of protectiveness, caring, and kindness were in full force for Cindy.

Corey wasn’t sure they were warranted now. He and Shane had witnessed Belle’s wonderful motherly instincts firsthand with all the orphans that were already at the Boys Ranch, but especially with Juan.

God, she was the perfect woman for him and Shane, but the timing wasn’t right for a serious relationship.

Shane was obviously moving too fast. He’d only just gotten released from prison. Even though Corey could see them eventually going forward with her to see where it might lead, he knew they needed to keep it casual for now. Belle had made it clear that’s what she wanted, too. In another year or so, maybe then he and Shane could get more serious with her, but not before.

“Belle, I only want to talk to Miss Trollinger,” Jason said. “She might have some information that would help us find her brother. That’s all.”

“She’s already been answering a ton of questions, Sheriff. I’m about to read a letter she got from her brother that she wants us all to hear.”

“Read on,” Dylan said.

Belle nodded and began reading.

Dear Cynthia,

Let me introduce myself. I am your brother.

I know that may come as a shock to you, but I am. Knowing my bastard father gave you up for adoption is something I can’t even get my head around.