“The barn’s on fire!”

Layla rounded the corner and slid to a stop, gasping a heartfelt “Thank You, God!” when she realized there was no immediate danger to animals or buildings.

A pile of soiled hay was doing its best to burn in spite of the frigid temperatures. She didn’t want to leave the pile smoldering that close to a vulnerable building so she grabbed a pitchfork and proceeded to scatter the old hay to cool it.

The tines of the pitchfork hit something hard. Layla scraped away the glowing embers to reveal a blackened feed pan. She didn’t have to look closely to see the scrape marks she’d left on it when she’d taken her lab samples.

One mystery was resolved. When someone had tried to destroy the evidence, they’d admitted to purposely poisoning Michael Vance’s innocent cattle.

FAITH AT THE CROSSROADS: Can faith and love sustain two families against a diabolical enemy?

A TIME TO PROTECT-Lois Richer (LIS#13)

THE DANGER WITHIN-Valerie Hansen (LIS#15)

THROUGH THE FIRE–Sharon Mignerey (LIS#17)

IN THE ENEMY’S SIGHTS-Marta Perry (LIS#19)

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL-Terri Reed (LIS#21)

HEARTS ON THE LINE-Margaret Daley (LIS#23)

VALERIE HANSEN

was thirty when she awoke to the presence of the Lord in her life and turned to Jesus. In the years that followed she worked with young children, both in church and secular environments. She also raised a family of her own and played foster mother to a wide assortment of furred and feathered critters.

Married to her high school sweetheart since age seventeen, she now lives in an old farmhouse she and her husband renovated with their own hands. She loves to hike the wooded hills behind the house and reflect on the marvelous turn her life has taken. Not only is she privileged to reside among the loving, accepting folks in the breathtakingly beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, she also gets to share her personal faith by telling the stories of her heart for Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired line. Life doesn’t get much better than that!

The Danger Within
Valerie Hansen

MILLS & BOON

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To Joe, who loves me even when he thinks

I’m crazy—which is most of the time!

Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Valerie Hansen for her contribution to the FAITH AT THE CROSSROADS series.

Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent men; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

—Psalms 140:4

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Michael Vance—His cows kept getting sick and dying. Were they succumbing to disease or was someone poisoning them?

Layla Dixon—Working as the temporary ranch veterinarian and helping uncover the secrets behind the ailments of the cows kept the bohemian beauty close to Michael.

El Jefe—Who was the man also known as Chief? What did he have to do with the new influx of drugs into Colorado Springs? And why was he so intent on bringing down the Vance and Montgomery families?

Hector Delgato—Michael’s secretive new foreman was never around whenever bad things happened….

Dear Reader,

If you’re familiar with my other books, you’ll notice that this one is a bit different. Six authors were asked to participate in a series set in Colorado and I was thrilled to be included.

Many thanks to my fellow authors, Lois, Sharon, Marta, Terri and Margaret, and to our editor, Diane, of course. We brainstormed via e-mail and worked hard to make our series books fit together, as well as be wonderful stand-alone tales of love, faith and romantic suspense.

I also want to thank my other Colorado friends, Vicki and Carol, for answering my questions about daily life in the shadow of the Rockies.

Although I’m very particular about details in my books, I also understand that being a joyful believer is not dependent upon location or circumstance. Rather, it is a condition of the heart. Peace is found in Christ, no matter where life takes you. If that peace and sense of belonging is missing, it won’t be found by running away or by traveling aimlessly, as Layla learns in this story. To belong to God’s family, all you have to do is turn to Jesus and humbly ask for forgiveness. His arms are always open to embrace you.

I love to hear from readers. The quickest replies are by e-mail—valw@centurytel.net—or you can write to me at P.O. Box 13, Glencoe, AR, 72539 and I’ll do my best to answer as soon as I can. Or visit my Web site: www.centurytel.net/valeriewhisenand/

Blessings,

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Prologue

“We have to be careful, El Jefe.”

“Now you think of that? I told you not to trust an amateur like Ritchie Stark with a job as important as taking care of Mayor Vance.”

“It’s not my fault. Everything would have been fine if Ritchie hadn’t brought in one of his flunkies to do the job instead of handling it himself.”

“Fine? Hah! The guy botched it. Twice. And that nurse saw him the second time. She can identify him.”

“Chloe Tanner? Not necessarily. He hit her pretty hard. We can’t be positive how much she remembers.”

“All the same, now that she’s tied up with that FBI man it’s even more dangerous for us. We need to eliminate any witnesses who can lead the Feds back to us.”

“Well, don’t look at me! I have a reputation to protect.”

“Never mind,” The Chief, El Jefe’s Anglicized code name, rasped angrily. “I’ll do it myself, starting with that idiot friend of Ritchie’s.”

“We mustn’t act foolishly. I know you want success as much as I do but we must not call undue attention to this situation. Right now, everyone is concentrating on the mayor’s condition, hoping he’ll come out of the coma and be able to help the police. If there are more accidents or deaths associated with him, someone may suspect a conspiracy.”

The Chief snorted. “If they do, it’ll be the first intelligent conclusion they’ve come to.”

“Still…”

“I’ll be careful. This time, it’ll look like an accident. Like you said, I want this plan to succeed. And you’re going to help me.”

“My pleasure. The sooner you get what you want and make us both even richer, the happier I’ll be.”

“There’s more at stake here than merely a fortune in drugs. I have a score to settle with the Vance and Montgomery families. Nothing is going to stop me.”

“Or me,” his companion added.

“Good.” His laugh was sinister and guttural. “Because I would give up my life itself, if I knew my enemies would die with me.”

Chapter One

Layla Dixon lifted her face to the sun, closed her eyes and stood motionless, basking in the clean, welcoming feel of the high country. Of all the places she’d been, this part of Colorado came the closest to feeling like home. It truly was “God’s Country.”

She sighed, smiled. It had been a good idea to wander in this direction. After all, it wasn’t as if she intended to stick around very long. The minute she was made to feel unwelcome, she was history.

She zipped her down-filled vest as she glanced at the hopeful blue heeler waiting for her to let him out of the cab of her pickup. If Colorado Springs hadn’t been on the front range of the Rockies where the climate was warmer, the icy chill of early February would have been unbearable. As it was, her breath clouded around her head and her boots squeaked on the thin sheet of snow that dusted the sidewalk.

She opened the passenger side door and ruffled the dog’s mottled gray ears. “You wait in the truck, Smokey. I’ll bring you back a snack, okay?”

The sad look she got in return made her chuckle. “That won’t work this time, old boy. This is for your own good.”

He lunged, trying to lick her face.

Layla ducked and laughed. “I’m not changing my mind. I don’t care how many kisses you give me.” Hugging the dog’s muscular neck she told him, “You’re such a good boy. I’m so glad we met when we did. I needed a buddy.”

The dog wiggled and panted happily in response. Holding up her hand, palm out, she commanded, “Stay,” and backed away, closing the door. The windows were down enough for ventilation and the sun was shining in a cloudless sky. Smokey would probably be more comfortable than she was.

Shivering, Layla lifted her scarf to cover her head and wrapped her arms around herself, bangle bracelets jingling. Good thing she was familiar with this area and knew how to dress. She hadn’t given up her trademark flowing skirt and favorite silver jewelry but she had been smart enough to slip on sweatpants under the skirt and switch from moccasins to boots. Image was one thing. Freezing to death for the sake of style was another. If her parents had taught her anything, it was to conform to the dictates of nature and go with the flow instead of complaining.

Michael Vance clomped into the Stagecoach Café and shrugged out of his fleece-lined leather jacket before wending his way to his usual table.

He’d kind of hoped café owner Fiona Montgomery would be busy in the kitchen. No such luck. He could see he was in for an inquisition, starting right now. Bright red hair fluffed, grin in place, she was headed straight for him.

“Michael! What brings you into town?”

He snorted as he laid his black felt Stetson on the empty chair beside him. “What doesn’t. It’s been one of those weeks.”

“Uh-oh. It’s only Tuesday.”

“Tell me about it.”

Fiona slid her ample self into the chair across from him and leaned her elbows on the table. “Sounds like you’d better tell me. How are things on the Double V? Any word from your foreman?”

Though it wasn’t Michael’s habit to confide in the local telegraph-in-a-waitress’s uniform, he figured it might be for the best in this case. “No. Ben’s still missing. The police suspect he had problems with drugs again but I can’t believe it. He’d been clean and sober for years, even before I hired him.”

“How’s that Hector Delgato guy working out in Ben’s place?”

“He’s okay, I guess. Kind of quiet and moody but he does his job. I heard he has an eye for the ladies. You’d better watch out.” Michael gave Fiona a wink.

“Humph. I can handle myself. I’ve been married to Joe long enough to get all the practice handling unruly men that I’ll ever need.”

Michael chuckled. “It wouldn’t have been any better if you’d married a Vance. That’s exactly what Aunt Lidia always says about Uncle Max.”

“Poor man. I heard he’s still in a coma.”

“Yeah. I stopped at Vance Memorial before I came here. It’s tough to see him like that.”

“Lidia seems to be holding up okay, considering. I offered to let her come back and cook for me if she wanted, thought she might need the distraction. But she’s spending every spare minute at the hospital, holding Max’s hand. That’s understandable.”

“Yeah.” Michael ran his fingers through his hair. “All my troubles put together don’t amount to a hill of beans compared to theirs.”

“I know you’re worried about Ben and Max but I get the impression there’s more. What else is wrong?”

“Imelda sprained her ankle.”

“Oh, no! Is she okay?”

“Actually, I think she’s milking the injury for all it’s worth. Norberto’s been spending most of his time fussing over her, which means I’m not only short a cook, my best ranch hand is too distracted to think straight. A guy like me could starve to death cooking for himself. You don’t happen to know of anyone looking for a job as a housekeeper, do you?”

Fiona snorted. “No. Too bad Dorothy Miller’s in Florida for the winter or you could ask her to come out of retirement and come back to work for you.” She paused, thoughtful. “Say, if it’s a cook you want, how about asking at the Galilee Women’s Shelter? I’m sure Susan Dawson knows someone who could use the job and the self-esteem boost.”

“I thought of that. And I may. But I was kind of looking for a stable, motherly type, like Dorothy was.” He flashed Fiona a lopsided grin. “What are you doing for the next couple of weeks?”

The restaurant owner gave him a playful whack on the forearm. “Running this place and taking care of my Joe. That keeps me plenty busy, thank you.”

Michael shrugged. “Well, it was worth a try. How’s Joe doing these days?”

“Pretty well, considering. I’m not going to tell him about your problems because he might try to help out. It wouldn’t be good for him.”

“I know it wouldn’t. I’ve offered to get somebody to come in and take good care of Imelda to free up Norberto but he won’t hear of it. He’s like a mother hen around her.”

“Love is like that.”

Michael made a face. “I wouldn’t know.”

“You can’t count Tammy. She was wrong for you from the get-go. I’m just glad you saw through her before you made the biggest mistake of your life.”

“Yeah, right.” He cocked his head toward the kitchen. “So, what’s the special today? I figure I’d better fill up while I’m here.”

Fiona patted his hand as she got to her feet and took out her order pad. “We’re featuring the Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad but I know you’re strictly a meat-and-potatoes man. How about the Roasted Pork Green Chili? I’ve got fresh-baked corn bread to go with it.”

“Sounds good.” He scanned the growing lunch crowd. “Have you seen Doc Pritchard lately? I’ve been calling his office and all I get is the answering machine.”

“That’s all you will get for a while. He’s having some sort of midlife crisis, I guess. Took off for Vegas and left old Wilt in charge.”

Michael grimaced. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

“Why? What do you need a vet for?”

He lowered his voice and spoke aside. “I’ve lost five head recently. No sickness, no symptoms of disease. They just keeled over. I’m not about to trust the rest of the herd to Wilt. He retired from practice twenty years ago. His methods of diagnosis have to be outdated.”

“You going to bring in another vet then?”

Michael again raked his fingers through his thick, dark hair. “I don’t know yet. I hate to. The last thing we ranchers need is to have the government get in a tizzy over nothing and quarantine us before we figure out what’s causing the problem. The price of beef is already unsteady.”

“Well, no wonder your chin is draggin’ the ground. You just sit there and relax for a bit. I’ll get your order in and bring you a cup of coffee while you wait. How’s that sound?”

“Better than anything that’s happened to me lately,” Michael said. “And a piece of your famous apple pie, too, please.”

“Gladly. Back in a jiffy.”

Michael watched Fiona wend her way between the red-checkered, cloth-covered tables, greeting patrons as she went. The decor of the place was rustic and Western and the food was superb, but the real ambience came from its owner. Fiona radiated a homespun warmth that gave the Stagecoach Café its special aura of welcome, of home. Though her pride in the restaurant’s offerings was understandable, he suspected she could have served mundane fast food like any generic burger joint and been just as successful.

Speaking of burgers…Michael’s gut twisted. The mysterious losses he’d experienced hadn’t looked as though they were caused by any known bovine diseases but anything was possible, even though remote. The Double V was his life. His reason for being. His uncle Max, his sister, Holly, and most of his cousins had gone into some form of law enforcement. That kind of career had never appealed to him. He was man of the land. A rancher to the core. If he lost the ranch…

Philippians 4:6 popped into his mind and made him smile. “Yeah,” he said, trying not to be cynical, “‘Be anxious for nothing…’” Easier said than done. It was almost as hard to trust the Lord and not worry as it was to give thanks for the mess he was in.

Fiona delivered his meal and he bowed quietly over it to whisper, “Thank You for this food, Lord. Please be patient. I’m working on thanking You for the other stuff.”

Michael sighed, then added an honestly reverent, “Amen.”

Layla hesitated at the door of the busy restaurant. The red, barnlike building had been an empty, rundown relic of the nineteenth century the last time she’d visited Colorado Springs. Whoever had renovated it had done a monumental job of restoration. Curiosity urged her to open the door. Once she did, tantalizing aromas drew her inside without a second thought. She might not choose to eat meat but that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate well-prepared cuisine.

She slipped off her scarf, propped one hip on the nearest stool and leaned an elbow on the small counter just inside the entrance. A woman with hair the color of a shiny fire truck hurried over.

“Afternoon. Something to drink?” Fiona asked.

“No, thanks. I’m just waiting for a table. I can eat out here if you’re too full.”

“Nonsense. We’ll find you a place in a jiffy. What brings you to Colorado Springs?”

“Just passing through,” Layla said pleasantly. “I used to live around here, years ago.”

“Really?” There was no condemnation in the titian-haired woman’s expression when she said, “Maybe I knew you. I used to have lots of friends from the hippie commune on the way to Cripple Creek.”

“Then you may have heard of my family. I’m Layla Rainbow Dixon. My mother is Carol and my dad’s Gilbert.”

“Dixon? Not Carol ‘Moonsong’ and Gilbert ‘River’ Dixon!”

“That’s them.”

“Well, well, what a small world. What’re they up to these days? Still selling organic vegetables?”

“Actually, they run an herb business on the Internet. Dad may be sold on the simple life but it hasn’t stopped him from taking advantage of modern conveniences.”

“You don’t say. How about the little ones? Didn’t you have a brother and sister?”

“Sure did. My brother Hendrix is a stockbroker. My sister designs clothes.” Layla lifted a side panel of her flowing skirt and held it out in a soft drape. “Petal’s specialty is wedding couture but she designed this to look like a rainbow, just for me. I love it, don’t you?”

“It’s beautiful with your blond hair and blue eyes.” Fiona patted her bright coif. “Afraid it would clash with my natural coloring, though.”

Trying to keep from looking incredulous, Layla smiled. “It sure might.” She scanned the busy room. “So, do you work here or is this your place?”

“It’s all mine. Mine and the bank’s,” Fiona quipped. “What do you do, travel around and sell your sister’s designs?”

“No, no.” Layla’s soft curls danced as she shook her head. “I may not look like it, but I have a degree in veterinary medicine.” Seeing the older woman’s jaw drop she frowned. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“No, no. Where do you practice?”

“Here and there. I’m not tied down to an office, if that’s what you mean. I like the freedom of going where I want, when I want.”

Fiona glanced over her shoulder. “Tell you what. It could be half an hour or more before a table opens up. Would you mind if I sat you with another customer?”

Layla shrugged. “I guess not. I am pretty hungry.”

“Terrific.” She whirled and started away at a fast pace. “Follow me. I think I have the perfect place for you.”

Michael was deep in thought and concentrating on his bowl of chili and corn bread when Fiona approached. He looked up expecting her to offer a coffee refill. Instead, he saw her pointing to the opposite side of his small table. Beside her stood a blonde who looked like a cross between a country music wannabe and a gypsy. Mostly gypsy, he decided after a more careful perusal that included the multiple earrings peeking through her loose curls. She could have been a flower child of the sixties, except she was far too young.

Fiona was beaming. “Michael, honey, we’re out of room. Do you mind sharing?”

Before he could answer she prattled on. “I think the Lord has already answered our prayers. I’d like you to meet Layla Dixon. That’s Doctor Dixon. She’s a vet. Isn’t that wonderful? She was just passing through and look where she decided to stop for lunch.”

Michael pushed back his chair and stood politely, napkin in hand. The young woman looked amiable enough but he was far from pleased by Fiona’s well-intentioned interference.

“Michael Vance. Pleased to meet you.” He briefly shook the hand Layla offered and was startled at how cold—and how soft—her fingers were. “You’re freezing,” he said. “Here. Sit down and grab a cup of hot coffee.”

“I don’t drink coffee,” she said pleasantly. “I would like a cup of tea, though.”

“Fine.” He looked to Fiona. “And bring her some of this chili. It’s hot enough to melt an iceberg.”

“No, really, I…” Layla scowled.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be pushy. Everything here is good. Have whatever you like.”

“Thanks, I will.” Smiling, Layla swept her skirt gracefully aside and slid into the chair opposite him before unzipping her vest. “Please, continue eating. I didn’t mean to interrupt your meal.” She looked up at Fiona. “I’ll have herb tea and a Chef’s salad with only eggs and cheese. I don’t eat meat. Ranch dressing, please.”

Michael’s eyebrows rose at Layla’s choices as Fiona went to place the order. “Rabbit food?”

“It’s good for rabbits, isn’t it?”

“They tend to be pretty puny.”

“Only because that’s the way the Lord intended them to be. I’d hate to see a bunny the size of a horse.” One eyebrow arched. “Come to think of it, horses are vegetarians, too.”

“I can see you’re an expert,” Michael quipped. “Did they teach you that in veterinary college?”

“Nope. I already knew. I’m not a city girl. I was raised not far from here.”

“Really? Let me guess, around Manitou Springs?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact. How did you know?”

Michael saw her glance at her bangle bracelets, then start to finger the beads in one of the necklaces draped in silvery loops around her neck. She knew very well how he’d come to that conclusion and was obviously waiting for him to make some derogatory comment about life in a commune.

Instead, he nodded toward the chair where he’d placed his hat. “The same way you know I’m a rancher. We both dress the part.”

“I do have my conventional side.”

“You must, to have graduated as a veterinarian. Where did you go to school?”

“Up by Berkeley. The UC Davis campus.” Layla began to grin. “That way I didn’t have to buy a new wardrobe.”

“Very practical.” Michael paused as her tea and salad were delivered. “What brings you back to Colorado?”

Holding the cup in both hands to warm her fingers, she took a cautious sip. “Umm. I don’t know, exactly. I travel a lot. Here and there.”

“That’s it?” Michael was incredulous. “You just drift?”

“I like to see new sights. It suits my nature.”

He swallowed his last spoonful of lunch and settled back in his chair. “Amazing. I can’t imagine ever wanting to do that. This place is home.”

Layla smiled indulgently. “Any place can be home if your heart is right and you’re in tune with the Lord.”

“Sounds like you’ve kept the earthy philosophy you grew up with and substituted God for Mother Nature.”

“I didn’t need to substitute anything. It all belongs to God in the first place.”

“Good point.”

She nodded slowly. “I seem to remember a verse about Him owning the cattle on a thousand hills.”

“I’ve heard it. I just wish He was watching the livestock at my place a little closer.”

“Why?”

Michael shook his head soberly. “Never mind. It’s nothing. I’ll get it all sorted out soon.”

“Maybe I can help. I’d be glad to give you a professional opinion if you want.”

In spite of her age and nonconformist image he was tempted to take her up on the offer. However, once he confided in her there’d be no going back. Although she seemed friendly and concerned, it was foolish to expect loyalty—or silence—from someone he hardly knew.

“Thanks. I can handle it myself.”

“Good for you,” she said with a quirky smile. Her gaze settled on the table next to his empty chili bowl. “Are you going to eat those crackers?”

“No. Help yourself. I would have offered if they’d been whole wheat.”

“I have been known to consume refined flour on occasion. I make up for it by eating right the rest of the time. You know. Nuts, berries, twigs, whatever.”

“Glad to hear it.” He crumpled his napkin and placed it beside his empty bowl. “Well, it’s been nice meeting you. If you’ll excuse me…”

“Thanks for sharing your table—and your crackers.”

“You’re quite welcome. Have a nice life—wherever you decide to go.”

“Thanks. I will.”

Michael picked up his hat and squared it on his head. He was turning away when the phone in his pocket jingled. He flipped it open and answered. “Hello?”

“We got a problem, boss.”

Listening to Norberto explain what he meant by that, Michael scowled. “Have you done all you can?”

“Si, boss.”

“What about Hector? Where’s he?”

“Gone. He didn’t say where.”

“Terrific. Okay. I’m on my way.”

“Trouble?” Layla asked as Michael ended the telephone conversation.

“Yeah.” He studied her for a long moment. “What do you know about cows? Calving, to be more precise.”

“I paid attention in class, if that’s what you’re asking. Why?”

“We’ve got a special heifer in labor. Norberto, my best hand, says nobody can get close enough to check her. He thinks the calf is breech.”

Suddenly all business, Layla put down her fork and stood to face him. “How long has she been in labor? Is she out on the range or inside? Has he checked for the calf’s tail? Is the heifer down yet? Have her hips gone out?”

Michael held up his hand. “Whoa. We’ve got her in the barn but the rest I don’t know. Normally, we’d just let her go ahead and try until she got too tired and sore to fight us, then we’d step in and help. But this heifer is a 4-H project I bought at the fair last year. She belonged to one of the little girls from church. I promised I’d take extra good care of her.”

“Then we’d better get a move on. How far is your ranch?” As she spoke, she was scooping up the cellophane-wrapped crackers and stuffing them into her pockets.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“Of course I do! It’s what I went to school for. Besides, I have a way with animals.”

“It might help to have a woman there,” Michael reasoned. “I imagine the heifer remembers her first owner. Okay. You’re hired. But just for today. Just till we get the calf on the ground.”

He threw enough money on the table to pay for both their lunches and followed Layla. She was already almost to the door and practically running. If her skill matched her enthusiasm, maybe he hadn’t made such an arbitrary decision after all. And, maybe Fiona was right. Maybe the offbeat vet had been brought to Colorado Springs at that particular time because the Lord knew she’d be needed. Stranger things had happened in Michael’s life, especially lately.

He grabbed his jacket and shrugged into it as he shouldered out the door after Layla.

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