Lone Star Christmas Rescue. Margaret Daley

Was that why she was gone? “I don’t know, and I don’t have a good feeling about this. I think someone is after her and is possibly willing to kill to find her.” The more he thought of the couple’s murder and the fact a stranger had come into her room, the more he felt Kay was in trouble. When he left her, she hadn’t given any indication she would flee. In fact, she’d seemed to appreciate his presence—a familiar face.

      The microwave beeped at the same time the back door opened, and his younger brother, Frank, came into the kitchen, plopping his cowboy hat on the peg by the door. “I see you arrived about the same time I finished unloading the hay.”

      Drake grinned. “Yep, I parked by the gate and waited until you were through. Why do you think I have a pair of high-powered binoculars in my car?”

      His brother tossed back his head and laughed. “I always thought because you were a Texas Ranger you needed them for your job, but now I know the truth. Next time I’ll keep the barn doors shut so you can’t see in.”

      Drake took his plate out of the microwave and sat at the table. “How’s Blue Bonnet?” The mare had been his mother’s horse, and ever since their mom died two years ago, Frank had taken extra care of the pinto their mother had loved.

      “She fractured her leg and the vet had to set it, but she should heal all right. She has many years ahead of her.”

      “Sons, I’m heading to bed.” Their dad strolled from the kitchen, cradling his mug.

      “I didn’t even mention Mom.” Drake cut his roast beef into smaller pieces.

      “I know. He still can’t talk about her death. I hope one day when I find the right woman, I have their kind of marriage.”

      Drake had had that with Shanna—until someone killed her. His family had been there for him when his wife had died five years ago, but no one could erase the pain. He knew what his father was going through. Time had helped, but it couldn’t make him forget the devastating loss. “Dad will come around.”

      “You haven’t.”

      Drake started to reply, but his cell phone rang. Maybe it was news about Kay. He quickly answered the unknown number. “Drake Jackson here.”

      “This is Kay. I’m in trouble.”