Twice A Target (Task Force Eagle) Read Online Free PDF Page A

full-grown
steer. His head of blond fluff resembled hers too much for comfort.
    Seeing how at ease she was with his nephew sprouted an
idea in Holt’s mind. An idea he didn’t relish. He’d sooner house a rattler.
Madelyn McCoy had tempted him once. He wouldn’t allow her a second time.
    “After we’ve filed a challenge to your custody, Judge
Gilbert will appoint an advocate to investigate your situation,” continued the
voice in his ear. “When he sees your lack of responsibility toward my grandson,
I don’t think Edgar and I will have any trouble.” She snapped a goodbye.
    If she hadn’t hung up at that moment, Holt would’ve
barked out words he would’ve later regretted.
    The only way out of this box canyon meant more regret,
but he had no choice. The Pattersons were challenging his custody. Espie could
stay only two days a week, and most of the time involved cleaning and laundry.
The only possible hires for nanny were teenage girls who’d dropped out of
school. Not worth consideration. Not for Bobby. Holt’s only rescue was the last
person he should trust.
    The last person he should trust himself with.
    Maddy was the impulsive one, but impulse was all he
had. No time to find other options. He stared at the toes of his worn cowhide
boots. He mentally kicked himself with them for what he was about to do.
Temporary, only temporary.
    He shifted his jaw. “You thirsty? I got iced tea and
coffee, maybe a beer or two.”
    “Why, Holt Donovan, I didn’t know you had it in you to
play model host.” She grinned, the same impudent expression he’d seen many
times when they were kids. Only now the expression didn’t strike him as
childish.
    He scowled. “Just trying to be civilized. Or did all
your foreign travels make you forget Western hospitality?”
    “Iced tea would be wonderful. Please.” She eyed him
with skepticism, but kept rocking the sleeping infant.
    He used the tea preparation time to work out how to
proceed. Edge around the subject. Or maybe just ask her flat out. He took his
time finding a glass, dumping in ice cubes, and pouring the tea. “Already has
sugar in it. Espie knows how I like it.”
    “You always had that woman wrapped around your
finger.”
    Feeling like the awkward teen he used to be, he
extended the glass. “I think Bobby’s asleep enough to go back in his crib. You
want me to take him?”
    She looked as reluctant as he must at the idea they
pass the baby again. “No, just show me where, and I’ll do it.” She scooted to
the edge of the rocker and rose smoothly to her feet.
    “It’s Rob’s old room.” He stood in the doorway while
she deposited Rob’s son in the crib and laid a light blanket over him. “Put him
on his back. Doc said—”
    “Yes, I know. It cuts down on the danger of SIDS.” She
rolled her eyes as she breezed past him back to the kitchen. A light flowery
scent rose to muddle his senses. “Your nephew is fine, Donovan. I didn’t break
him.”
    He wiped his clammy hands on the seat of his jeans.
While she sipped her tea and wandered around the room, he yanked a beer from
the fridge and pulled a long swallow. “Looking good, Maddy. The footloose life
agrees with you.”
    She shrugged. “The way my family migrated around the
damn world, it’s all I know.”
    “Your wheels going to need much work?”
    “I don’t know yet. Tomorrow’s Monday. The guy at the
garage said he wouldn’t know much until late afternoon. He’ll probably have to
order a part.”
    “So you’re sticking around for a few days. You’re in
no hurry to get someplace like the Riviera or the Big Apple.” Damn, how lame
did that sound?
    “I’m in no rush. I’m...between assignments. Thought
I’d hang out in Rangewood. Take pictures. Enjoy the scenery.”
    Rangewood was no tourist town. No decent place to stay
this side of Manitou Springs. “Staying at the Valley Motel with the cowboys and
feed salesmen, are you?”
    Frowning, she put down her glass and folded her