Deadly Identity by Lindsay McKenna Page B

and your brothers, me or you.”
    â€œKnowing Dirk, he has some dark, devious plan for all of us,” Rachel said, terror eating away at her. It was a warm February day for freezing Wyoming. Gwen had come earlier and told her it was theirannual February thaw. Warmer weather would arrive for about a week. Snow and icicles would start to melt. The sun was bright at 1:00 p.m. and the sky a brilliant blue, unlike most days when it was cloudy and gray.
    â€œWhat does your handler advise? Should you leave? Be on the move more?” Daisy asked.
    â€œShe said to stay put. I’m new to this area and few people know me. As a matter of fact, the last couple of months I think I’ve been in town only two times. I’m trying to keep a really low profile here until they can capture him.”
    â€œHmm, good idea. I don’t have that luxury. I have to go out and do all my running around for myself. The police do drop by and I do have increased security here. It’s good, you have people who can do your errands for you and you can stay in a house. That makes me feel more at ease.”
    â€œDon’t worry about me, Mom.”
    â€œAre you starting your illustrations with your school online yet?”
    â€œYes, I am. Not only that but I’m rediscovering how much I love being in the country again. About a week ago I was out at the barn and I saw my first moose! It was enormous and looking longingly at the hay inside the corral.”
    â€œWonderful! I’ve never seen one, but then Iowa doesn’t have them,” Daisy laughed.
    Rachel warmed with love for her mother. “I remember.” In her eyes, Daisy Donovan was the epitome of farm values and strength. No matter what had happened in the lives of her brothers and herself, Daisy had been their eye of the hurricane. She was always practical, sensible and had a quiet voice that commanded attention and immediate respect. Her mother had abilities Rachel wished she had.
    â€œI wish so much that they’d let us talk more than once a month for ten minutes, Mom. I really miss you. Especially now.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Daisy murmured. “I wish I was there to hold you, to tell you it would be all right.”
    But it wasn’t all right. Rachel loved her mother fiercely for her desire to try and make her feel better than she did. “I know. I wish you were, too. Why couldn’t we have entered the witness protection program together? That way, we wouldn’t have to suffer this awful separation.”
    Daisy chuckled. “Oh, I agree completely! But listen, buck up. I refuse to let that monster ruin the rest of my life. And you should try to get on with yours. He’s going to get caught. I know he will. You hold on to that, Rachel.”
    â€œI’m trying to, Mom.” She looked around the living room. Soft instrumental music floated from the kitchen where she had a small radio on the counter. Rachel liked unobtrusive music when she was cooking, taking care of Jenny, sketching and writing.
    She heard the crunching of tires on snow nearthe house. “Mom, someone is here. I have to go. I’m sorry…”
    â€œOh, don’t be, honey, I understand. I love you and you’re always in my prayers and heart. Keep your head high and keep your hope alive. Love you. Bye…”
    Putting the throwaway cell phone in her pocket, Rachel got up with a frown gathering on her brow. She couldn’t see who had driven in, but the icy crunch of snow beneath the tires couldn’t be ignored. Maybe the propane truck had arrived. The driver came once a month to fill the tanks at the various houses. Walking out of the living room, Rachel went into the kitchen.
    â€œCade!” she said, surprise in her tone.
    Feeling nervous, Cade closed the door behind him. “I was trying to surprise you and you caught me red-handed. I’d thought you would be at the barn or over at my parents’