that kind of wild abandon. Just the thought thrilled her. She’d awakened feeling as if she could conquer the world. Hadn’t she always known that she could be anything she wanted with the right man—in or out of bed?
“I am not going to let Dee or whoever she is keep me from doing what I love,” she said, as she felt the rough stubble along his strong jawline. “Especially this morning when I’m feeling so...”
He laughed. “So...?”
“Invincible.”
Colt pulled her to him and kissed her. As he drew back, he said, “I love seeing you like this, but Dee will figure out that you have her fingerprints and DNA. She isn’t going to take this lying down. You have to know that.”
She nodded. “Remember? I know what she’s capable of. And I know she isn’t finished. How long before we know who she is?” Colt had left for a while before daylight to go to the office to run Dee’s fingerprints. He had a friend at the crime lab he’d called.
“You’re counting on her fingerprints being on file. She might not have a record. Also, she might actually be Dee Anna Justice.”
Hilde knew Dee was slippery. She might have avoided getting arrested. Might never have had a job that required she be fingerprinted. She might even be who she said she was. But all Hilde could do was hope that not only was she right about Dee being an impostor—but also that the woman had had at least one run-in with the law so her prints would come up. The sooner Dee was exposed, the sooner she would be gone from the ranch.
“I just don’t want you getting your hopes up. The toothbrush was a good idea. We might be able to compare Dee’s DNA to Dana’s.”
“I should have thought to get Dana’s DNA while I was at it.”
“Don’t even think about,” he said, holding her away from him so she couldn’t avoid his gaze. “I’m serious. You have to stay away from Cardwell Ranch.”
Hilde nodded. By now Dee would have realized that her makeup and toothbrush were missing. Hopefully she was running scared.
* * *
COLT HATED THAT he had to go back down to West Yellowstone on the burglary case today. He didn’t like leaving Hilde alone.
“Can I see you for a minute?” the marshal asked, as he was getting ready to leave the office later that morning.
Colt stepped into Hud’s office.
“Close the door, please.”
He turned to close the door, worry making him anxious. Hud had always run the station in a rather informal way. Not that they all weren’t serious about their jobs. But Hud had never seen the need to throw around his weight.
“Have a sit,” he said now.
“Is something wrong?” Colt asked, afraid Hud had somehow found out that he’d sent Dee’s prints to his friend who worked at the crime lab.
“I wanted to talk to you about Hilde.” Hud shook his head. “I know, it’s not my place as your boss. Or even as your friend. But I feel I have to. Did you see her last night?”
Colt almost laughed. He figured Hud already knew that his patrol pickup had been parked in front of her house all night. News traveled fast in such a small, isolated community. Gossip was about the only excitement this time of year. It was too early for most tourists or seasonal homeowners, so things were more than a little quiet.
“Yes, I saw her,” he said, keeping his face straight.
“I’ve known Hilde for a long time. I’m concerned about her.”
“She’s been a little distraught,” Colt said. “She truly believes that Dee might be dangerous and is concerned about you and your family.”
“I gathered that,” Hud said with a curse, then studied him for a long moment. “I get the feeling you agree with her.”
“I think there is cause for concern.” He hurried on, before Hud could argue differently, knowing he was in dangerous territory. “You never laid eyes on this woman before she showed up at your door. You can’t even be sure she is who she says she is.”
“Dana sent her a certified letter that she had to sign for at her current address. And I’ve seen her identification.”
That surprised Colt. “Then you were suspicious.”
Hud sighed. “I had to be after the allegations Hilde was making. But she checks out, and Dana is enjoying her visit. She thinks Hilde is jealous. I can see that you don’t agree.”
“I’m just saying, you might want to keep an eye on her, that’s