To Love Someone (Baytown Boys #14) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,95
turning her gaze up toward him. “Okay, let’s go.”
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After receiving a hug and visual scans of her injuries from Colt and Liam, Samantha stayed tucked into Joseph’s embrace. She was itching to confront Jim Bender but could feel the tense rage kept barely under control from Joseph. They walked toward the Benders’ house, staying just behind Liam.
Jim stepped out onto the porch, swept his gaze over the gathering deputies, and cocked his head to the side. “Sheriff Sullivan. Doctor Collins. What brings you—” His eyes widened as Colt stepped out of his vehicle. “Sheriff Hudson? What the hell’s going on?”
“We’re currently searching your property for two of your employees… Lionel Watson and Alejandro Cortez.”
“What the hell for?”
“Samantha was out here earlier. Followed Annette Carson from the clinic out here. Annette is suspected of stealing pharmaceuticals from Sam’s clinic. We have reason to believe that they may have been brought to your kennel. Plus, your two employees kidnapped Sam. My deputies have just rescued her from a small shed near the back of your property.”
Jim’s spine straightened as his ruddy cheeks grew redder. “What are you insinuating? I told Doctor Collins that I didn’t use nor did I need her services.” He dropped his gaze to her. “Is this some way to try to get back at me for not using your two-bit clinic? One call to my attorney and you’ll find you won’t have a clinic anymore!”
Paula pushed against the screen and walked out onto the porch, stopping next to Jim. Her hair was slightly mussed, and her cheeks were flushed as though she had been running. Clearing her throat, she placed her hand on her husband’s arm. “Jim, dear, what on earth is going on?”
“The sheriff says that Lionel and Alejandro kidnapped Doctor Collins and that some woman named Annette from the vet clinic has been bringing vaccines here. Get me our attorney’s number, Paula. I’m calling him right now!”
“Now, Jim… we don’t want to be rash, honey. Think of your blood pressure.”
“I don’t give a god damn about my blood pressure—”
A growl erupted from deep inside Joseph's chest as he stalked forward, starting up the steps, only halting when Liam’s hand landed on his chest. Ignoring Liam, he stared up at Jim and Paula. “Samantha was here, following Annette. Then suddenly, she was cut off when your two goons took her. Mark my words… if I have to tear this place apart, I will find them. And after I find them, I’m coming after you.” His final word was emphasized with a finger jabbed straight up toward Jim.
Samantha settled her hand on his waist, feeling the tension in his muscles. As angry as she was, the last thing she wanted was for Joseph to get arrested for threatening someone. “Sweetheart,” she whispered, catching and holding his gaze when he swung his head around to peer down at her. “Let them do their job. It’s the only way to make sure they’re stopped.”
Before he had a chance to respond, everyone’s attention was diverted as Hunter Simms, a narcotics detective for Colt, pulled up in a North Heron Sheriff’s SUV. Samantha had first met Hunter through the American Legion but became friends through his wife, Belle. And as Hunter climbed out of his SUV, he opened the back door and hauled out a handcuffed Annette.
“Stopped her car as she was heading back south. Seems she’s got a lot to say,” Hunter said as he marched her forward.
“Who the hell is she?” Jim bellowed.
At that question, Samantha swung her attention back toward Jim. Either the large man was a very good actor or he truly didn’t recognize Annette. A gasp from Paula had everyone turn her way. Her eyes widened as she stepped back, her gaze leveled on Annette, her mouth tightening into a pinched, thin line.
“It’s her,” Annette said, her arm raised and her finger pointing toward Paula. “She’s the one I bring the vaccines to.”
“You stupid bitch,” Paula said, her voice low but shaking.
Jim turned to look at her, his face slack. “What’s she talking about, Paula? What does she give you?”
“Mr. Bender, on suspicion of illegal drugs being brought to your property, suspicion of wolf-hybrids being bred on your property, and the kidnapping of Doctor Collins on your property, my deputies are already searching,” Liam said.
From the side, she heard another gasp.
“Oh, God, Sam. You were kidnapped? I… I had no idea.” Annette’s eyes were wide, her face pale as she stared at her.