Page 34 of Cowboy Elite 2: Mike

Maybe it would.

"I ran the florist's transaction," Joe said. "Delivery service out of Austin. Online order. Paid cash. Burner IP." He shook his head. "Can't track it further. Yet."

"Son of a bitch," Lyle muttered, sitting up straighter.

"How long before someone shows up?" Kenny asked. First words he'd spoken since walking in.

Joe shook his head. "Hard to say. Depends on who's looking and how motivated they are."

"Motivated enough to track her from New York to Bear Valley," Mike said flatly. "That's pretty damn motivated."

Lyle leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "So what's the play?"

Mike stopped pacing. Looked at his brothers. "We keep her here. We keep her safe. And we find out who's hunting her before they get close enough to matter."

"She tell you what she's running from?" Joe asked.

"Not all of it." Mike's jaw worked. "But enough. She was apparently the sole witness to a crime. And whoever she saw has mafia connections and doesn't want her talking."

Kenny's voice was quiet. Certain. "Then we make sure she doesn't have to."

Joe's laptop pinged.

All four brothers turned.

Joe clicked, scrolled, his expression going dark. "We've got a problem."

"What kind?" Lyle asked.

"The ranch database was accessed. Guest records. Reservation emails." Joe's fingers moved fast. "Masked IP. Could be routed from anywhere, but the code syntax feels domestic. New Mexico, maybe."

"When?" Mike asked.

"Two hours ago."

Mike cursed.

"Whoever’s looking for her is not being subtle about it," Joe said.

"Can you lock them out?" Lyle asked.

"Already did. But if they got in once?—"

"They'll try again," Kenny finished.

Mike scrubbed both hands over his face. "What do we need to do?"

"I'll reinforce the firewall," Joe said. "Set up alerts if anyone pings us again."

"I'll patrol perimeter at night," Lyle added.

Kenny nodded once. "I'll take morning watch."

Mike looked at each of his brothers. "And I'll make sure she's never alone."

"You gonna tell her about the hack?" Joe asked.

"Eventually." Mike's voice was tight. "But right now, she's barely holding it together. I need to give her a minute to breathe before I drop another bomb."