Attracted to Fire (21 page)

Chip needed to be long gone from the Dancin' Dust. If he was innocent, then the truth would surface, and he'd be exonerated. Lindsay should be moved too. Keeping her here risked her life—and possibly those who guarded her. How many agents did Warrington have to lose before he realized an investigation needed to be launched internally? Meghan rubbed the chill bumps on her arms. Not sure she could voice the thought of someone within the Secret Service betraying them. Thinking about the downside of her assignment only blocked her from using the skills she'd been taught to keep her protectee safe.

Get past Wade's death, Meghan. You have a job to do.

She turned her attention to Chip. Later on tonight, he'd be gone, and Ethan wouldn't handle that well. Chip's account of the loose wire mesh in the attic bothered her. She'd run this past Ash. Better to have him grumble about her mentioning something trite than to find out later that it fit into the bewildering scheme.

“You have fond memories here, or you wouldn't have returned to help your dad.”

“I do. Most folks don't understand my love of horses and the outdoors.”

“I do a little, but not to your extent. I bet your mom loved to hear you sing and play.”

“She did the best she could.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mom was deaf. She felt the music through the soles of her feet, and she read lips.” He offered a grim smile. “She clapped in perfect time. Even danced with Dad.”

Meghan's heart sped. “Did she teach you how to read lips too?”

“She did.” He quieted, as though remembering. “I wanted to be a part of her silent world, and reading lips helped me accomplish it. We used to sign back and forth to each other too.”

“You must have loved her very much.”

“I did. I was one of those kids who didn't rebel, so arguments were few in our household.” He took a breath. “When we did disagree, it was a silent argument.”

She smiled, but her insides twisted. Chip read lips. She'd seen him looking through binoculars around the ranch. He knew every word the agents said. Had he sold them out?

Chapter 32

Meghan studied the tormented look on Ethan's face as Chip was escorted to a Secret Service SUV. Three agents had arrived to transport him for further questioning.

“Dad, I want you to know I have no idea who shot Wade.”

Ash opened the vehicle's door and Chip, with his hands cuffed behind his back, slid into the backseat.

“Dad, Mr. Burnette will get this cleared up, and I'll be back in time for church on Wednesday night.”

Although Ethan's clenched fists indicated his anger, a tear trickled down his weathered cheek.

Chip's face could have been etched in stone. “I'll take any test they have to prove my innocence. I don't have anything to hide.”

“This is not right.” Ethan choked back his words. “I want to call Mr. Burnette and get this settled.”

Ash closed the door and turned to Ethan. “Sir, we understand your feelings—”

“No, you don't. You have no idea what it's like to see your son hauled away like a criminal. Chip had nothing to do with Wade's murder or slicing that girth. Y'all are looking for a scapegoat. Someone is sabotaging your assignment here, but it isn't my son.”

“Ethan—”

“It's Mr. Leonard to you.” He watched the vehicle turn around and drive through the front gate.

Meghan saw the agony in the older man's green eyes, an intensity that she'd seen in father and son. Chip might be involved with this, but not Ethan. “I'm sorry,” she said.

“I know you didn't have a thing to do with this. You're a good girl, and you saw the goodness in my son.”

But she was one of the agents who thought he might be involved. “They need to find out who's responsible for Wade's murder. Then he can come back.”

“And that will happen tomorrow. Zinders, I want to make a call.”

Ash handed him his personal cell, and Ethan punched in a number. “Don't any of you fancy Secret Service agents leave. I want you to hear this.”

Meghan didn't move. Neither did Ash nor Bob.

“Mr. Burnette, this is Ethan Leonard. We have a problem at the Dancin' Dust, and I'd like for you to speak to the president about it. Yes, sir, I can hold.” Ethan glared at Ash and Bob. “I'm not surprised at this kind of treatment from A2Z, but Bob, you came across as a good man, just like Wade.” He lifted his chin. “Yes, the problem here is Chip's been taken by the Secret Service as a suspect in Wade Enders's murder.” Ethan listened, his eyes glistening.

Meghan saw the respect in Ash's face for Ethan, but she wasn't surprised.

“You think having him taken from his home in handcuffs is merely procedure? Harsh treatment, don't you think? My boy has a clean record.” Ethan's face reddened. “That's all I ask. If you can speed the process and get him back on the ranch, I'd appreciate it.” He snapped the phone shut and drew in a ragged breath. “Mr. Burnette's going to talk to the president about what's been done to Chip.”

“I'm sure the Secret Service in conjunction with the White House will expedite matters.” Ash stepped toward Ethan. “You and I have had our problems. What I'd like for you to understand is Lindsay's not just here to regain her health. She's been threatened.”

Ethan's eyes narrowed. “And you think Chip is part of that too?”

“Sir, it's our job to keep Lindsay safe, and that means dealing with anything and everything suspicious. What would you do if Chip was threatened? Wouldn't you want every precaution taken to ensure his safety?”

Well said, Ash.
Meghan would have been hard pressed to form such a sympathetic and honest reply.

Ethan shook his head. “This has all gotten too complicated for me. I'd just like for all of you to leave and give me back my son.”

“We'd all like that, Mr. Leonard. Hopefully we can oblige you soon. Your home has been disrupted, and a horrible crime's been committed.”

Ethan eyed Ash for several moments. “But my son didn't commit it, and Mr. Burnette believes in his innocence too.” He walked into the stables.

Meghan turned to Bob and Ash. “Do you think Ethan is a part of a conspiracy?”

Bob rubbed his massive hands. “When I was a kid growing up in New Orleans, I discovered many a father who had no clue what his kids were doing. When the authorities picked them up, the fathers took the word of their kids. Every time.” He looked toward the stables. “I'd say Ethan would believe in Chip's innocence no matter what comes out of this. The man lost his wife, and Chip is all he has left. His son is his hope for a legacy. No man wants to consider his own flesh and blood capable of murder.”

“I agree with you.” Meghan pressed her fingers into her aching neck muscles. Another long day, where thoughts and suspicions had bombarded her mind. She glanced at Ash. “What do you think?”

Ash hesitated, as though pondering her question. “I think until we have the killer in custody, all of us have to assume Chip's involved and Ethan is aware of it. If any of us look away for one second, Lindsay or one of us could be dead. You've heard me say enough about no one going down on my watch. Well, it happened today. No one knows better than I do what that means. I suspect anyone who looks at me cross-eyed. Wade is the second good friend I've lost, and I have no qualms over how a confession is obtained from Chip, Ethan, or whoever else might have the answers.” His narrowed gaze revealed his pain. “Being termed A2Z helps me get the job done. I trust all of you will come to me with anything and everything that might be related to solving Wade's killing and ensuring Lindsay's safety.”

While Bob and Meghan filled in for Ash and Wade's shift, Ash stayed close to the computer. He anticipated e-mails to arrive for Lindsay, and he hoped the powers in DC changed their minds about not moving her. Caution rode with him. Here on the Dancin' Dust, Lindsay and those who protected her were in danger. Couldn't the president and Scottard see that? And how had Warrington been convinced that the ranch was the best place for her? For the first time, Ash realized how much he cared for Lindsay. He'd lost Wade, and he refused to give up Lindsay or anyone else to an assailant.

The agents swapped tales about Wade until after ten o'clock. Ash listened, adding a comment here and there. His mind continued to spin with memories . . . and why someone had gunned down an agent.

Once the other agents disappeared, he stepped out into the darkness to see Meghan. Ash needed to relieve her so she could get some rest. But he doubted any of them would sleep tonight.

Remembering the last time they were alone in the dark gave him pause, especially in his emotionally spent condition. He refused to take advantage of her grief to ease his own anguish. “Need some company?”

“Sounds good. I have a few things I'd like to discuss.” She sounded weary. When she finished what she had to say, he'd insist she take a break.

Beneath the black veil of night, Meghan stared out at the surroundings through night-vision binoculars. A professional who didn't take her work lightly.

Ash processed her earlier statements about Chip. First the loose wire over the air duct in her bedroom. But he could have lied. What interested Ash was Chip's admittance to reading lips, reinforcing his belief that the guy wasn't on their side. A mole to report their conversations and actions.

Anger sliced through his stomach and burned the back of his throat. “Bob didn't get a thing out of Chip today. He aced every question.”

“Strange, since it looks like he's in the middle of the crimes. He could have been well trained, but his past doesn't indicate a military background.”

“What about Ethan?” Ash honestly wanted her thoughts. “Do you think he's involved? I know you formed a good relationship with him.”

“Actually I doubt it. He's a different breed from Chip—God-and-country sort of guy. Sure would like to know the kind of company Chip kept in Dallas.”

“We're on that. Chip could be taking a paycheck that would more than compensate what he left behind in the corporate world. If he's guilty, Warrington will find out.”

Meghan lowered her binoculars. “Can we talk about the information we have regarding the happenings here and in DC? I keep thinking we're missing something that's right in front of our noses. I'm sick about Wade, and I'm angry enough to be persistent until the killer is found.” Her soft voice gave her a fresh appeal, innocence in an odd sort of way. Ash knew better. Behind those brown eyes smoldered intelligence and calculating skill. Another reason he liked her. Another reason he'd kissed her in the wee hours of the morning. Perhaps she had more insight after successfully working her way into Lindsay's confidence.

Her question to Ash surfaced. “Do you think today is linked to a drug cartel? Because I think it's something on a much bigger scale.”

He believed the same, but he wasn't ready to share his thoughts. “I'm listening.”

“We've already discussed the possibility of a cartel that had an agenda of mammoth proportions. I've considered organized crime stemming from one of President Hall's opponents or even enemies overseas. But to be honest, my intuition tells me the crimes between DC and the Dancin' Dust are connected, and it will get worse before it gets better. The longer it takes us to find who's responsible, the bolder the actions.”

He liked the way her mind worked. Whether he agreed with her theories or not. “What about how thick Chip could be involved?”

“Not sure there. Until tonight, I didn't suspect him of anything. But he pretty much nailed his coffin closed with his admittance to reading lips.”

“Tried, convicted, and judged, huh?” Ash studied her.

“He might not have pulled the trigger, but I bet he knows who did. I'm sure of it.”

“Or do you want to have it solved so you can sleep better tonight?”

She stiffened. “Maybe. I've never been the type to condemn without evidence, but this is different. As crazy as it sounds, I don't want to think it's Chip . . . for Ethan's sake.”

Meghan had taken this personally. Ash recognized the signs. The problem was he felt the same way. “It all goes back to the same questions we've asked ourselves all day. Why would someone hire a sniper to kill an agent assigned to the president's daughter? A daughter who has been trouble for this administration since Hall took office. Could this be about loyalty to Jackson Hall? Is that what the caller meant today?”

“Do you mean someone wants to eliminate Lindsay so the president can accomplish his goals and keep his opponents and the media out of his business?”

“Possibly. I'm sure Lindsay's demise has been on a few politicians' minds.”

“Ash, think about it. Lindsay's an embarrassment, not a global problem.”

“Some view her position differently. You and I have heard the comments that President Hall can't run the country effectively if he can't control his daughter. Makes me wonder what angle DC is taking in bringing this to a close.”