Dangerous Wyoming Rescue - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Several things happened with a speed that left Cassidy dizzy. Operatives from RMJ arrived—more even than Marcus and Martinez. The operatives hid in the surrounding woods, ready to detain Booth's men when they came to get the RV.

Cassidy determined that Lisa was suffering from dehydration, malnutrition and had several skin infections that required medical treatment. The young woman had been sent to the hospital for care.

Booth was no fool. He'd certainly become suspicious when his men went missing. The time for the raid was pushed up by several hours.

With Cassidy as a passenger in Travis's truck, they drove back to Pleasant Pines. The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky pink and orange. The valley below was violet.

Without preamble, Travis said, "I need you with us on this raid. We have no idea what shape the women are in, but it's not likely to be good. Some of them have been victims of sexual assault, and I'm damn sure that many of them have been using. They'll need treatment for physical wounds then and there. I'm not going to lie—a lot can go wrong. I can't guarantee your safety."

Leaning her head on the glass, Cassidy watched her reflection. "I don't have a choice," she said. "I have to go."

He turned onto Main Street. Streetlamps glowed, a spark of light against the gathering night. He pulled into a parking place in the back lot of the County Office Building and turned off the ignition.

She glanced his way. "Why are you doing this?"

"It's my job."

"It's more than your job, Travis. I'm not a cop or a lawyer, but I'm also not stupid. The way we're conducting the raid isn't exactly legal. Why are you taking such risks, both personal and professional?"

"My sister," he said, his voice little more than a whisper.

Cassidy had known Travis since they were kids. She'd always thought he was an only child. Had time erased the memory of his sibling? "I don't remember her," she began.

"She was older than me and got involved with a guy who was a lot like Booth. One night, a cop comes to the house with the news that my sisterdied of an overdose."

Her chest ached. "I never knew."

"Nobody does, really," he said. "It broke my mother's heart. It's why we moved here when I was in fourth grade."

"It's also why you became a cop and we aren't playing by the rules tonight?"

Nothing.

He'd been honest with her; now was the time that she leveled with him. "Travis, I'm glad that you are here with me."

"Cassidy," he whispered, leaning toward her. She met his gaze, running her hand gently over his hair, skimming the nape of his neck. He hesitated only a moment before crushing Cassidy's mouth with his own. The kiss was hungry. Cassidy didn't mind. She was in the mood to be devoured.