Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron Page B

hasn’t had time to do it.”
    “Any idea who’s she afraid of?” Brent asked.
    “None. She hasn’t indicated any problems.”
    “Well, I have a bit of other bad news. Your car brakes were tampered with. I talked to the owner of the shop. He swears he was the only one to work on your car, and says all his staff has been with him several years, except one. I checked the new guy out. He transferred from another job in town to be closer to his home. Story appears to be solid, but we’re doing more researching on all of them.”
    “And my house?”
    “You knew the fire was caused by an unknown person. I know you thought you were the main target, and you didn’t want it to spill over to your lady. I think you’re wrong. She’s the target. Why the person or persons wants to hit at you, too, I’m not sure. How serious is this relationship?”
    “This might be the one.”
    “Ah, then my guess is someone else wants her for their own. And if he can’t have her, he’s going to make sure you both pay.”
    “You can’t be right. I got the impression she’s been all work and no play for a long time.”
    Brent didn’t comment except to add, “I suppose you want us to stay on this?”
    “Right. I’ll try and clear out my business here in Washington quickly. Meanwhile don’t let her take a step alone. In fact, I think I’ll let her know about the guards. If I call her now, how soon can you be at her place?”
    “I’m standing outside now with my man.”
    “I’ll ring you back when it’s time to go to her door.” Drake clicked off and rang Janice.
    “Hello?” Janice said.
    Drake noted the caution in her voice. “How are things going, honey?”
    “Drake, I’m relieved to hear your voice.”
    “You don’t sound good. Is something wrong?”
    “I’ve had a stressful Monday.”
    “Want to tell me about it?”
    “Not really. I’m trying to forget.”
    “Janice, you know you can tell me anything. I’ll help you with any problem.” Drake glanced at the phone. Frustration seeped into every pore. He wanted and needed to be with her. Her tone told him she wasn’t all right. After what his brother had relayed, his concern for her safety had spiked.
    “I appreciate the offer. Perhaps we can talk when you get back.”
    “That might not be for several more days.”
    “Believe me, you can’t help me from a distance.” Edgy irritation came across the phone lines.
    “I’m closing out my business with the government. I can’t get out of the debriefing. I want to finish and not have to come back.”
    “You’re quitting your job? Why?”
    “Did you forget your ultimatum? Settle down, not be flying all over. I decided you were right.”
    “Whoa, you’re serious?”
    “Look we’ll talk about this later. I wanted you to know I hired guards to protect you. They’ve been outside your house and following you to work and all since you were taken home.”
    “You what?”
    “Let me finish. My brother, Brent, is right outside. This is his business, protecting important people. He’s going to introduce himself and assure you you’ll be protected until I can return and do it for you.”
    “But it was your car and house that had problems.”
    “Neither was an accident, and both times you were with me.”
    “I wasn’t with you when the shelf fell.”
    “True. I checked the bolts holding the edges tight to the wall. They’d been messed with. One or both of us are targets. Humor me and let my brother handle your safety.”
    He waited, impatient to hear her accept his offer. She’d be protected whether she agreed on not, but he’d like to have her accept the help. They were more apt to be successful in protecting her if they didn’t have to hide from her and the bad guy, whoever he was.
    “You think all this is necessary?”
    “I do.”
    “Okay, send your brother in. I’d like to meet him. I’m going to find out all your childhood secrets.”
    Drake chuckled. “Not a chance. Brent is well trained to