Texas Rebels: Egan. Linda Warren

knew he’d awakened her.

      “I’m sorry to call so early. This is Hardy Hollister, Rachel’s brother. I’m trying to get in touch with her.”

      “What? Rachel left on Friday to visit her family in Horseshoe.”

      “Are you sure? She didn’t call to let us know.”

      “She wanted it to be a surprise.”

      “Thank you, Della. She never arrived and we’re worried. I’ll call you back as soon as I find out anything.”

      “Please do.”

      * * *

      THE WIND PICKED UP and seemed to be pushing Egan backward, but he kept going. He punched the phone repeatedly, praying for it to light up. When it finally did, he almost tripped and fell. He sank to the ground, still holding Rachel, who was now completely limp.

      “Egan...Egan...are you there?” It was Rico.

      His body sagged as he answered. “Can you hear me?”

      “Yeah. Man, where have you been? The whole family’s looking for you.”

      “I’m west of the big coastal hay patch, in direct line to the barn where Jude makes his saddles. I have a casualty. She’s been attacked by dogs and needs to get to a hospital. Call 911 and bring a Polaris Ranger out here. I’ll keep walking until you get here. Do you hear me?”

      “Got it.” The good thing about Rico was he never asked questions. Egan struggled to his feet and started walking again. Help was on the way. He relaxed just a little.

      “Egan...” Rachel murmured. “Don’t let me float away.”

      He held her a bit tighter, picked up his pace and then slowed when he saw the ranger speeding toward him. Sinking to his knees, Egan clutched Rachel in his arms.

      “Help is on the way, sweet lady. We made it. Can you hear me?”

      “E-gan...” Her flushed face rested against his chest, her lips barely moving.

      His brothers Falcon and Quincy jumped from the ranger. Falcon was the oldest and had taken control of the ranch after their father’s death. He wasn’t quite the same after his wife had left him and their three-month-old daughter. He was strict and stern and gave no one any leeway, not even his little girl.

      Quincy was the second son, with dark hair and eyes similar to Egan. He was the peacemaker in the family. He’d taken it upon his broad shoulders to keep unity among the brothers, which was not an easy task, since they seemed to have wildness branded onto their souls.

      “Is an ambulance on the way?” Egan asked.

      Falcon and Quincy squatted beside him, staring at Rachel. “What happened?” Falcon asked.

      “Is an ambulance on the way?” Egan repeated.

      “Rico’s waiting at the ranch entrance, but I talked to the dispatch lady and told her it might be best to send a medical helicopter, since you were so far out on the range.” His brow knotted. “She looks as if she’s been in a fight or something. What are those scratches from?”

      “Help me get her in the ranger,” Egan said. “I’ll explain later.”

      He stood once again with Rachel in his arms, but paused when he heard the sound of a chopper.

      Quincy waved his arms, guiding the helicopter in. Things happened quickly after it landed in a whirlwind of dust. Two paramedics jumped out with a stretcher and Egan laid Rachel on it. They immediately began to assess her condition.

      “What happened?” one of them asked.

      “She was attacked by dogs. A scrape on her right calf is infected.”

      The other paramedic talked on the phone and then glanced at Egan. “Do you know who owns the dogs?”

      “Isadore McCray of Horseshoe.”

      “Rabies is a concern, but we have to get her to the hospital now. Her temperature is 103.”

      As they rolled the stretcher to the chopper, Rachel stirred. “Egan...”

      He went to her. “Everything’s going to be okay. They’re taking you to the hospital and your family will meet you there.” Egan glanced at the paramedic. “Her name is Rachel Hollister and her father is Judge Hardison Hollister of Horseshoe. He shouldn’t be too difficult to locate.”

      “E-gan...”

      “Shh. You’re going to be fine.” He brushed wet hair from her forehead.

      “Don’t let me float away.”

      Egan’s throat closed up and he stood there in silence as they loaded her onto the chopper. The blades began to swirl, the force of the draft almost knocking him off his feet. His hat blew away and he let it go. He kept staring at the chopper as it lifted up and disappeared into the blue sky.

      Just as quickly as she’d arrived in his life, Rachel was gone. He should feel relief, but what he was feeling he couldn’t describe. It had to be the tiredness that was pulling him down. When he could no longer see the helicopter, he whispered, “Goodbye, sweet lady.”

       Chapter Five

      Wyatt frowned as Hardy walked into his office.

      “Did you locate Rachel?”

      The sheriff stood, anger in every line of his tall body. “I’ve had other things to keep me occupied.” He picked up a piece of paper and slapped it onto the desk. “I have a warrant signed by Judge Henley for Egan Rebel’s arrest.”