NoonecanresistabookbyDianaPalmer!

“Nobodydoesitbetter.”

—NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorLindaHoward

“Palmerknowshowtomakethesparksfly…heartwarming.”

—PublishersWeeklyonRenegade

“Acompellingtale…[thatpacks]anemotionalwallop.”

—BooklistonRenegade

“Sensualandsuspenseful.”

—BooklistonLawless

“DianaPalmerisamesmerizingstorytellerwhocapturestheessenceofwhataromanceshouldbe.”

—AffairedeCoeur

“NobodytopsDianaPalmerwhenitcomestodeliveringpure,undilutedromance.Iloveherstories.”

—NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorJayneAnnKrentz

“Thedialogueischarming,thecharacterslikableandthesexsizzling.”

—PublishersWeeklyonOnceinParis

DearReader,

WillofSteelstartedouttobeadifferentsortofbookaltogether,acomedyaboutayounggirlanda
policechiefwhocametogetherbecauseoftheirrespectiveuncles’wills.Butthatisn’thowitturned
out,asyouwilldiscover.

Authorsknowthatcharacterstendtotakeonlivesoftheirown,oncetheyarecreated.Youcanhavea
patternforabook,buttheheroandheroinecanreviseittotheirownliking.No,I’mnotcertifiable:
thisisactuallyhowthecreativeprocessworks.SoIplotthebook,andthecharacterswriteittheir
ownway.

RourkewasinToughtoTameandDangerous,andhepoppedupagaininthisbook,withabitmore
background.Ididn’tinvitehim:hejustcamealongfortheride.He’soneofthosemenIcan’tgetrid
of.CashGrierwasanother.He’llgetabookofhisowndowntheline,Iguess.

Thanksforyoursupportandyourkindness,andalltheprayersandhugs.Iamdoingwell,although
I’malittlelessmobilethanIusedtobe.Chronicillnessforceschanges,notmanyofthemwelcome.I
amgratefultohaveloyalfansandlaptopcomputersandathoughtfulhusbandandunderstanding
family.Thoseareblessingsworthrubiesinthisworld.Themostbeautifulrubyismygranddaughter,
Selena,butIwon’tgoonaboutthat,althoughIcould!

Muchlovetoallofyou,andthanksagainforstayingaroundandreadingmybooks.You’rethe
reasonIcan’tstopwritingthem.

Love,

DianaPalmer

D

IANA

P

ALMER

WILLOFSTEEL

SelectedBooksbyDianaPalmer

SilhouetteDesire

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ThatBurkeMan#913

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Beloved#1189

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AManofMeans#1429

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ManinControl#1537

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BossMan#1688

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IronCowboy#1856

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TheMaverick#1982

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WillofSteel#2054

SilhouetteSpecialEdition

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MattCaldwell:TexasTycoon#1297

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Carrera’sBride#1645

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HeartofStone#1921

SilhouetteBooks

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ALong,TallTexanSummer

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LoneStarChristmas

“ChristmasCowboy”

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LovewithaLong,TallTexan

SilhouetteRomance

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Calhoun#580

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Justin#592

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Tyler#604

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Sutton’sWay#670

*

Ethan#694

*

Connal#741

*

Harden#783

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Evan#819

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Donavan#843

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Emmett#910

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Regan’sPride#1000

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Coltrain’sProposal#1103

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ThePrincessBride#1282

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Callaghan’sBride#1355

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Lionhearted#1631

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Cattleman’sPride#1718

HarlequinRomance

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WinterRoses

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DiamondintheRough

*

ToughtoTame

DIANAPALMER

Withmorethanfortymillioncopiesofherbooksinprint,DianaPalmerisoneofNorthAmerica’s
mostbelovedauthorsandconsideredoneofthetoptenromanceauthorsintheUnitedStates.

Diana’shobbiesincludegardening,archaeology,anthropologyandmusic.Shehasbeenmarriedto
JamesKyleforoverthirty-fiveyears.Theyhaveoneson,Blayne,whoismarriedtotheformer
ChristinaClayton,andagranddaughter,SelenaMarie.

Tothereaders,allofyou,manyofwhomaremyfriendsonmyFacebookpage.Youmakethisjob

wonderfulandworthwhile.Thankyouforyourkindnessandyoursupportandyouraffectionthrough

allthelongyears.Iamstillyourbiggestfan.

Contents

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

One

H

eneverlikedcominghere.Thestupidcalffollowedhimaround,everywherehewent.Hecouldn’t

gettheanimaltoleavehimalone.Once,he’dwhackedthecalfwithasoftfirtreebranch,butthathad
ledtorepercussions.Itsownerhadalottosayaboutanimalcrueltyandquotedthelawtohim.He
didn’tneedhertoquotethelaw.Hewas,afterall,thechiefofpoliceinthesmallMontanatownwhere
theybothlived.

Technically,ofcourse,thiswasn’ttown.ItwasabouttwomilesoutsidetheMedicineRidgecity

limits.AsmallranchinHollister,Montana,thatincludedtwoclear,coldtroutstreamsandhalfa
mountain.Heruncleandhisunclehadowneditjointlyduringtheirlifetimes.Thetwoofthem,best
friendsforever,hadrecentlydied,hisunclefromaheartattackandhers,aboutamonthlater,inan
airplanecrashenroutetoacattleman’sconvention.Thepropertywassettogoupontheauction
block,andaCaliforniarealestatedeveloperwasskulkinginthewings,waitingtoputinthewinning
bid.Hewasgoingtobuildarichman’sresorthere,bankingonthosepuretroutstreamstobringin
thebusiness.

IfHollisterPoliceChiefTheodoreGraveshadhisway,themanwouldneversetfootonthe

property.Shefeltthatway,too.Butthewilyoldmenhadplacedaclauseinboththeirwillspertaining
toownershipofthelandinquestion.Theclauseinheruncle’swillhadbeenasourceofshockto
Gravesandthegirlwhentheamusedattorneyreaditouttothem.Ithadprovokedawarofwords
everytimehewalkedinthedoor.

“I’mnotmarryingyou,”JillianSanderstoldhimfirmlytheminutehesteppedontheporch.“I

don’tcareifIhavetoliveinthebarnwithSammy.”

Sammywasthecalf.
Helookeddownatherfromhisfarsuperiorheightwithfaintarrogance.“Noproblem.Idon’t

thinkthegrammarschoolwouldgiveyouahallpasstomarrymeanyway.”

Herpertnosewrinkled.“Well,you’dhavetogetpermissionfromtheoldfolks’home,andI’ll

betyouwouldn’tgetit,either!”

Itwasastandingjoke.Hewasthirty-onetoheralmosttwenty-one.Theywerecompletely

mismatched.Shewassmallandblondeandblue-eyed,hewastallanddarkandblack-eyed.Heliked
gunsandworkingonhisoldtruckwhenhewasn’tperforminghisdutiesaschiefofpoliceinthe
smallMontanacommunitywheretheylived.Shelikedmakinguprecipesfornewsweetsandhe
couldn’tstandanythingsweetexceptpoundcake.Shealsohatedgunsandnoise.

“Ifyoudon’tmarryme,Sammywillbefeaturedonthemenuinthelocalcafé,andyou’llhave

toliveinthewoodsinacave,”hepointedout.

Thatdidn’thelpherdisposition.Sheglaredathim.Itwasn’therfaultthatshehadnofamilyleft

alive.Herparentshaddiednotlongaftershewasbornofaninfluenzaoutbreak.Herunclehadtaken
herinandraisedher,buthewasnotingoodhealthandhadheartproblems.Jillianhadtakencareof
himaslongashewasalive,fussingoverhisdietandtryingtoconcoctspecialdishestomakehim
comfortable.Buthe’ddiednotofillhealth,butinalightairplanecrashonhiswaytoacattle

convention.Hedidn’tkeepmanycattleanymore,buthe’dlovedseeingfriendsattheconferences,and
helovedtoattendthem.Shemissedhim.Itwaslonelyontheranch.Ofcourse,ifshehadtomarry
Rambo,here,itwouldbelesslonely.

Sheglaredathim,asifeverythingbadinherlifecouldbelaidathisdoor.“I’dalmostrather

liveinthecave.Ihateguns!”sheaddedvehemently,notingtheonehewore,old-fashionedstyle,on
hishipinaholster.“Youcouldblowaholethroughaconcretewallwiththatthing!”

“Probably,”heagreed.
“Whycan’tyoucarrysomethingsmall,likeyourofficersdo?”
“Iliketomakeanimpression,”hereturned,tongue-in-cheek.
Ittookheraminutetogettheinsinuation.Sheglaredathimevenmore.
Hesighed.“Ihaven’thadlunch,”hesaid,andmanagedtolookasifhewerestarving.
“There’sagoodcaférightdowntown.”
“Whichwillbeclosingsoonbecausetheycan’tgetacook,”hesaidwithdisgust.“Damnedest

thing,weliveinatownwhereeverywomancooks,butnobodywantstodoitforthepublic.Iguess
I’llstarve.Iburnwater.”

Itwasthetruth.Helivedontakeoutfromthelocalcaféandfrozendinners.Hegloweredather.

“Iguessmarryingyouwouldsavemylife.Atleastyoucancook.”

Shegavehimasmuglook.“Yes,Ican.Andthelocalcaféisn’tclosing.Theyhiredacookjust

thismorning.”

“Theydid?”heexclaimed.“Whodidtheyget?”
Sheavertedhereyes.“Ididn’tcatchhername,buttheysayshe’stalented.Soyouwon’tstarve,I

guess.”

“Yes,butthatdoesn’thelpoursituationhere,”hepointedout.Hissensuallipsmadeathinline.“I

don’twanttogetmarried.”

“NeitherdoI,”sheshotback.“I’vehardlyevendatedanybody!”
Hiseyebrowswentup.“You’retwentyyearsold.Almosttwenty-one.”
“Yes,andmyunclewassuspiciousofeverymanwhocamenearme,”shereturned.“Hemadeit

impossibleformetoleavethehouse.”

Hisblackeyestwinkled.“AsIrecall,youdidescapeonce.”
Sheturnedscarlet.Yes,shehad,withanauditorwho’dcometodothebooksforalocallawyer ’s

office.Theman,mucholderthanherandmoresophisticated,hadcharmedher.She’dtrustedhim,
justasshe’dtrustedanothermantwoyearsearlier.Theauditorhadtakenherbacktohismotelroom
togetsomethingheforgot.Orsohe’dtoldher.Actuallyhe’dlockedthedoorandproceededtotryto
removeherclothes.Hewasveryniceaboutit,hewasjustinsistent.

Buthedidn’tknowthatJillianhademotionalscarsalreadyfromamantryingtoforceher.She’d

beensoafraid.She’dreallylikedtheman,trustedhim.UncleJohnhadn’t.Healwaysfeltguiltyabout
whatshe’dbeenthroughbecauseofhishiredman.Shewasunderage,andhetoldhertostayaway
fromtheman.

Butshe’dhadstarsinhereyesbecausethemanhadflirtedwithherwhenshe’dgonewithUncle

Johntoseehisattorneyaboutalanddeal.She’dthoughthewasdifferent,nothinglikeUncleJohn’s
hiredmanwhohadturnednasty.

He’dtalkedtoheronthephoneseveraltimesandpersuadedhertogooutwithhim.Infatuated,

shesneakedoutwhenUncleJohnwenttobed.Butshelandedherselfinveryhotwaterwhentheman
gotoverlyamorous.She’dmanagedtogethercellphoneoutandpunchedin911.Theresulthad
been…unforgettable.

“Theydidgetthedoorfixed,Ibelieve…?”shesaid,lettinghervoicetrailoff.
Heglaredather.“Itwaslocked.”

“There’ssuchathingaskeys,”shepointedout.
“WhileIwasfindingone,you’dhavebeen…”
Sheflushedagain.Shemoveduncomfortably.“Yes,well,Ididthankyou.Atthetime.”
“Andatravelingmathematicianlearnedthedangersoftryingtoseduceteenagersinmytown.”
Shecouldn’treallyargue.She’dbeensixteenatthetime,andTheodore’squickreactionhad

savedherhonor.Theauditorhadn’tknownherrealage.Sheknewhe’dneverhaveaskedheroutifhe
hadanyideashewasunderlegalage.He’dbeentheonlymanshehadarealinterestin,forherwhole
life.He’dquitthefirmheworkedfor,soheneverhadtocomebacktoHollister.Shefeltbadaboutit.
Thewholefiascowasherownfault.

Thesadthingwasthatitwasn’therfirstscaryepisodewithanolderman.Thefirst,atfifteen,

hadscarredher.She’dthoughtthatshecouldtrustamanagainbecauseshewascrazyaboutthe
auditor.Buttheauditorbecametheicingonthecakeofherwithdrawalfromtheworldofdatingfor
good.She’dreallylikedhim,trustedhim,hadbeeninfatuatedwithhim.Hewasn’tevenabadman,
notlikethatotherone…

“Thejudgedidlethimgowithaseverereprimandaboutmakingsureofagirl’sageandnot

tryingtopersuadeherintoanillegalact.Buthecouldhavegonetoprison,anditwouldhavebeenmy
fault,”sherecalled.Shedidn’tmentionthemanwhohadgonetoprisonforassaultingher.Teddidn’t
knowaboutthatandshewasn’tgoingtotellhim.

“Don’tlooktometohaveanysympathyforhim,”hesaidtersely.“Evenifyou’dbeenoflegal

age,hehadnorighttotrytocoerceyou.”

“Pointtaken.”
“Youruncleshouldhaveletyougetoutmore,”hesaidreluctantly.
“Ineverunderstoodwhyhekeptmesoclosetohome,”sherepliedthoughtfully.Sheknewit

wasn’tallbecauseofherbadexperience.

Hisblackeyestwinkled.“Oh,that’seasy.Hewassavingyouforme.”
Shegapedathim.
Hechuckled.“Hedidn’tactuallysayso,butyoumusthaverealizedfromhiswillthathe’d

plannedafutureforusforsometime.”

Alotofthingswerejustbecomingclear.Shewasspeechless,foronce.
Hegrinned.“Hegrewyouinahothousejustforme,littleorchid,”heteased.
“Obviouslyyouruncleneverdidthesameforme,”shesaidscathingly.
Heshrugged,andhiseyestwinkledevenmore.“Oneofushastoknowwhattodowhenthetime

comes,”hepointedout.

Sheflushed.“Ithinkwecouldworkitoutwithoutdiagrams.”
Heleanedcloser.“WantmetolookitupandseeifIcanfindsomeforyou?”
“I’mnotmarryingyou!”sheyelled.
Heshrugged.“Suityourself.Maybeyoucanputupsomecurtainsandlayafewrugsandthe

cavewillbemorecomfortable.”Heglancedoutthewindow.“PoorSammy,”headdedsadly.“His
futureisless,shallwesay,palatable.”

“Forthelasttime,Sammyisnotabull,he’sacow.She’sacow,”shefaltered.
“Sammyisabull’sname.”
“ShelookedlikeaSammy,”shesaidstubbornly.“Whenshe’sgrown,she’llgivemilk.”
“Onlywhenshe’scalving.”
“Likeyouknow,”sheshotback.
“Ibelongtothecattleman’sassociation,”heremindedher.“Theytellusstufflikethat.”
“Ibelongtoit,too,andno,theydon’t,youlearnitfromraisingcattle!”
Hetuggedhiswide-brimmedhatoverhiseyes.“It’suseless,arguingwithablondfencepost.I’m

goingbacktowork.”

“Don’tshootanybody.”
“I’venevershotanybody.”
“Ha!”sheburstout.“Whataboutthatbankrobber?”
“Oh.Him.Well,heshotatmefirst.”
“Stupidofhim.”
Hegrinned.“That’sjustwhathesaid,whenIvisitedhiminthehospital.Hemissed.Ididn’t.And

hegotsentencedforassaultonapoliceofficeraswellasthebankheist.”

Shefrowned.“Hesworehe’dmakeyoupayforthat.Whatifhegetsout?”
“Tentotwenty,andhe’sgotpriors,”hetoldher.“I’llbeinanursinghomeforrealbythetime

hegetsout.”

Shegloweredupathim.“Peoplearealwaysgettingoutofjailontechnicalities.Allheneedsisa

goodlawyer.”

“Goodlucktohimgettingoneonwhatheearnsmakinglicenseplates.”
“Thestateprovidesattorneysforpeoplewhocan’tpay.”
Hegasped.“Thankyoufortellingme!Ididn’tknow!”
“Whydon’tyougotowork?”sheasked,irritated.
“I’vebeentryingto,butyouwon’tstopflirtingwithme.”
Shegasped,butforreal.“Iamnotflirtingwithyou!”
Hegrinned.Hisblackeyeswerewarmandsensuousastheymethers.“Yes,youare.”Hemoved

astepcloser.“Wecoulddoanexperiment.Toseeifwewerechemicallysuitedtoeachother.”

Shelookedathim,puzzled,forafewseconds,untilitdawnedonherwhathewassuggesting.

Shemovedbacktwosteps,deliberately,andherhighcheekbonesflushedagain.“Idon’twanttodo
anyexperimentswithyou!”

Hesighed.“Okay.Butit’sgoingtobeaverylonelymarriageifyoukeepthinkingthatway,

Jake.”

“Don’tcallmeJake!MynameisJillian.”
Heshrugged.“You’reaJake.”Hegaveheralonglook,takinginherraggedjeansandbulky

graysweatshirtandbootswithcurled-uptoesfromuse.Herlongblondhairwaspinnedupfirmly
intoatopknot,andsheworenomakeup.“Tomboy,”headdedaccusingly.

Sheavertedhereyes.Therewerereasonsshedidn’taccentuateherfeminineattributes,andshe

didn’twanttodiscussthepastwithhim.Itwasn’tthesortofthingshefeltcomfortabletalkingabout
withanyone.ItmadeUncleJohnlookbad,andhewasdead.He’dcriedabouthislackofjudgmentin
hiringDavyHarris.Butitwastoolatebythen.

Tedwasgettingsomesortofvibrationsfromher.Shewaskeepingsomethingfromhim.He

didn’tknowwhat,buthewasalmostcertainofit.

Histeasingmannerwentintoeclipse.Hebecameapolicemanagain.“Istheresomethingyou

wanttotalktomeabout,Jake?”heaskedinthesofttoneheusedwithchildren.

Shewouldn’tmeethiseyes.“Itwouldn’thelp.”
“Itmight.”
Shegrimaced.“Idon’tknowyouwellenoughtotellyousomethings.”
“Ifyoumarryme,youwill.”
“We’vehadthisdiscussion,”shepointedout.
“PoorSammy.”
“Stopthat!”shemuttered.“I’llfindherahome.IcouldalwaysaskJohnCallisterifheandhis

wife,Sassy,wouldletherlivewiththem.”

“Ontheirranchwheretheyraisepurebredcattle.”

“Sammyhaspurebredbloodlinesonbothsides,”shemuttered.“Hermotherwasapurebred

HerefordcowandherfatherwasapurebredAngusbull.”

“AndSammyisa‘blackbaldy,’”heagreed,givingitthehybridname.“Butthatdoesn’tmake

herapurebredcow.”

“Semantics!”sheshotback.
Hegrinned.“Thereyougo,throwingthoseone-dollarwordsatmeagain.”
“Don’tpretendtobedumb,ifyouplease.Ihappentoknowthatyougotadegreeinphysics

duringyourstintwiththearmy.”

Heraisedboththickblackeyebrows.“ShouldIbeflattered?”
“Why?”
“Thatyoutakeaninterestinmybackground.”
“Everybodyknows.Itisn’tjustme.”Heshrugged.
“Whyareyouasmall-townpolicechief,withthatsortofeducation?”sheaskedsuddenly.
“BecauseIdon’thavethetemperamentforscientificresearch,”hesaidsimply.“Besides,you

don’tgettoplaywithgunsinalaboratory.”

“Ihateguns.”
“Yousaid.”
“Ireallymeanit.”Sheshivereddramatically.“Youcouldshootsomebodybyaccident.Didn’t

oneofyourpatrolmendrophispistolinagrocerystoreanditwentoff?”

Helookedgrim.“Yes,hedid.Hewasoffdutyandcarryinghislittle.32wheelguninhispants

pocket.Hereachedforchangeanditfelloutanddischarged.”Hepursedhislips.“AmistakeIcan
guaranteehewillnevermakeagain.”

“Sohiswifesaid.Youareonemeanmanwhenyouloseyourtemper,doyouknowthat?”
“Thepistoldischargedintoadisplayofcans,fortunatelyforhim,andweonlyhadtopay

damagestothestore.Butitcouldhavedischargedintoachild,oragrown-up,withtragicresults.
Therearereasonswhytheymakeholstersforguns.”

Shelookedathispointedly.“Thatonesureisfancy,”shenoted,indicatingthescrollworkonthe

softtanleather.Italsosportedsilverconchosandfringe.

“Mycousinmadeitforme.”
“Tanika?”sheasked,becausesheknewhiscousin,afull-bloodedCheyennewholiveddown

nearHardin.

“Yes.”Hesmiled.“Shethinkspracticalgearshouldhavebeauty.”
“She’sverygifted.”Shesmiled.“Shemakessomegorgeousparflechebags.I’veseenthematthe

tradingpostinHardin,neartheLittleBighornBattlefield.”Theywererawhidebagswithbeadedtrim
andfringe,incrediblybeautifulandusefulfortransportingitemsintheolddaysfornativepeople.

“Thankyou,”hesaidabruptly.
Sheliftedhereyebrows.“Forwhat?”
“FornotcallingittheCusterBattlefield.”
Alotofpeopledid.HehadnothingagainstCuster,buthisancestrywasCheyenne.Hehad

relativeswhohaddiedintheLittleBighornBattleand,later,atWoundedKnee.Custerwasasorespot
withhim.Sometouristsdidn’tseemtorealizethatNativeAmericansconsideredthatpeopleother
thanCuster ’stroopswerekilledinthebattle.

Shesmiled.“IthinkIhadaSiouxancestor.”
“Youlooklikeit,”hedrawled,notingherfaircoloring.
“MycousinRabbyishalfandhalf,andhehasblondhairandgrayeyes,”sheremindedhim.
“Iguessso.”Hecheckedthebigwatchonhiswrist.“I’vegottobeincourtforapreliminary

hearing.Bettergo.”

“I’mbakingapoundcake.”
Hehesitated.“Isthataninvitation?”
“Youdidsayyouwerestarving.”
“Yes,butyoucan’tliveoncake.”
“SoI’llfryasteakandsomepotatoestogowithit.”
Hislipspulledupintoasmile.“Soundsnice.Whattime?”
“Aboutsix?Barringbankrobberiesandinsurgentattacks,ofcourse.”
“I’msurewewon’thaveonetoday.”Heconsideredherinvitation.“TheCallistersbroughtmea

flutebackfromCancúnwhentheywentontheirhoneymoon.Icouldbringitandserenadeyou.”

Sheflushedalittle.ThefluteanditsconnectionwithcourtingintheNativeAmericanworldwas

quitewell-known.“Thatwouldbenice.”

“Itwould?”
“Ithoughtyouwereleaving.”Shedidn’tquitetrustthatsmile.
“IguessIam.Aboutsix?”
“Yes.”
“I’llseeyouthen.”Hepausedwithhishandonthedoorknob.“ShouldIwearmytuxedo?”
“It’sjuststeak.”
“Nodancingafterward?”heasked,disappointed.
“Notunlessyouwanttobuildabonfireoutsideanddancearoundit.”Shefrowned.“IthinkI

knowoneortwostepsfromthewomen’sdances.”

Heglaredather.“Ballroomdancingisn’tdonearoundcampfires.”
“Youcandoballroomdances?”sheasked,impressed.
“OfcourseIcan.”
“Waltz,polka…?”
“Tango,”hesaidstiffly.
Hereyestwinkled.“Tango?Really?”
“Really.OneofmyfriendsintheservicelearneditdowninArgentina.Hetaughtme.”
“Whatanimagethatbringstomind—”shebegan,tongue-in-cheek.
“Hedidn’tteachmebydancingwithme!”heshotback.“Hedancedwithagirl.”
“Well,Ishouldhopeso,”sheagreed.
“I’mleaving.”
“Youalreadysaid.”
“Thistime,Imeanit.”Hewalkedout.
“Six!”shecalledafterhim.
Hethrewupahand.Hedidn’tlookback.

Jillianclosedthedoorandleanedbackagainstit.Shewasalittleapprehensive,butafterall,she

hadtomarrysomebody.SheknewTheodoreGravesbetterthansheknewanyothermen.And,despite
theirquarreling,theygotalongfairlywell.

ThealternativewastoletsomecorporationbuildaholidayresorthereinHollister,anditwould

beadisasterforlocalranching.Resortsbroughtinallsortsofamusement,plushotelsandgas
stationsandbusinesses.Itwouldbeaboonfortheeconomy,butHollisterwouldloseitsrural,small-
townappeal.Itwasn’tsomethingJillianwouldenjoyandshewascertainthatotherpeoplewouldfeel
thesame.Shelovedtheforestswiththeirtalllodgepolepines,andtheshallow,diamond-brighttrout
streamswhereshelovedtofishwhenshehadfreetime.OccasionallyTheodorewouldbringoverhis

spinningreelandjoinher.Thenthey’dworksidebyside,scalingandfilletingfishandfryingthem,
alongwithhushpuppies,inavatofhotoil.Hermouthwatered,justthinkingaboutit.

Shewanderedintothekitchen.She’dlearnedtocookfromoneofheruncle’sraregirlfriends.It

haddelightedher.Shemightbeatomboy,butshehadanaturalaffinityforflourandshecouldmake
breadfromscratch.Itamazedherhowfewpeoplecould.Thefeelofthedough,softandsmooth,was
agifttoherfingertipswhenshekneadedandpunchedandworkedit.Thesmelloffreshbreadinthe
kitchenwasadelightforthesenses.Shealwayshadfreshhomemadebuttertogoonit,whichshe
purchasedfromanelderlywidowjustdowntheroad.Theodorelovedfreshbread.Shewasmakinga
batchfortonight,togowiththepoundcake.

Shepulledoutherbinofflourandgotdownsomeyeastfromtheshelf.Ittookalongtimeto

makebreadfromscratch,butitwasworthit.

Shehadn’tchangedintoanythingfancy,althoughshedidhaveonanewpairofbluejeansanda

pinkcheckedshirtthatbuttonedup.Shealsotuckedapinkribbonintoherlongblondhair,whichshe
tidiedintoabunontopofherhead.Shewasn’telegant,orbeautiful,butshecouldatleastlooklikea
girlwhenshetried.

Andhenoticedtheminutehewalkedinthedoor.Hecockedhisheadandstareddownatherwith

amusement.

“You’reagirl,”hesaidwithmocksurprise.
Sheglaredupathim.“I’mawoman.”
Hepursedhislips.“Notyet.”
Sheflushed.Shetriedforacomebackbutshecouldn’tfumbleoneoutofherflusteredmind.
“Sorry,”hesaidgently,andbecameseriouswhenhenotedherreactiontotheteasing.“That

wasn’tfair.Especiallysinceyouwenttoallthetroubletomakemefreshrolls.”Heliftedhisheadand
sniffedappreciably.

“Howdidyouknowthat?”
Hetappedhisnose.“Ihaveasuperlativesenseofsmell.DidIevertellyouaboutthetimeI

trackedawantedmurdererbythewayhesmelled?”headded.“Hewaswearingsomegosh-awful
cheapcologne.Ijustfollowedthescentandwalkeduptohimwithmygunout.He’dspentawhole
daycoveringhistrailandstumblingoverrockstothrowmeoffthetrack.HewassoshockedwhenI
walkedintohiscampthathejustgaveupwithoutafight.”

“Didyoutellhimthathissmellgavehimaway?”sheasked,chuckling.
“No.Ididn’twanthimtomentionittoanybodywhenhewenttojail.Noneedtogivecriminalsa

heads-upaboutsomethinglikethat.”

“NativeAmericansaregreattrackers,”shecommented.
Heglowereddownather.“Anybodycanbeagoodtracker.Itcomesfromtraining,not

ancestry.”

“Well,aren’tyoutouchy,”sheexclaimed.
Heavertedhiseyes.Heshrugged.“Baneshasbeenatitagain.”
“Youshouldassignhimtoschoolcrossings.Hehatesthat,”sheadvised.
“No,hedoesn’t.Hisnewgirlfriendisawidow.She’sgotalittleboy,andBaneshassuddenly

becomehishero.He’dlovetoworktheschoolcrossing.”

“Still,youcouldfindsomeunpleasantdutytoassignhim.Didn’thesayoncethathehatesbeing

ontrafficdetailatballgames?”

Hebrightened.“Youknow,hedidsaythat.”
“See?Anopportunitypresentsitself.”Shefrowned.“Whyarewelookingforwaystopunish

himthistime?”

“HebroughtinanewbookontheLittleBighornBattleandshowedmewhereitsaidCrazy

Horsewasn’tinthefighting.”

Shegavehimadrolllook.“Oh,sure.”
Hegrimaced.“Everysooften,somewriterwhoneversawarealNativeAmericangetsabunch

ofhearsayevidencetogetherandwritesabookabouthowhe’stheonlyonewhoknowsthetruestory
ofsomefamousbattle.ThisguyalsosaidthatCusterwasnutsandhadahandintheposttrader
scandalwheretraderswerecheatingtheSiouxandCheyenne.”

“NobodywhoreadsextensivelyaboutCusterwouldbelievehehadahandinsomethingso

dishonest,”shescoffed.“HewenttocourtandtestifiedagainstPresidentUlyssesS.Grant’sown
brotherinthatcorruptiontrial,asIrecall.Whywouldhetakesuchariskifhewaspersonally
involvedinit?”

“Mythoughtsexactly,”hesaid,“andItoldBanesso.”
“WhatdidBanessaytothat?”
“Hequotedtheauthor ’sextensivebackgroundinmilitaryhistory.”
Shegavehimasuspiciouslook.“Yes?Whatsortofbackground?”
“He’sanexpertintheNapoleonicWars.”
“Great!WhatdoesthathavetodowiththecampaignontheGreasyGrass?”sheasked,which

referredtotheLakotanameforthebattle.

“Notadamnedthing,”hemuttered.“Youcanbebrilliantinyourownfieldofstudy,butit’s

anotherthingtodoyourresearchfromastandingstartandcometoallthewrongconclusions.Banes
saidtheguyusedperiodnewspapersandmagazinesforpartofhisresearch.”

“TheLakotaandCheyenne,asIrecall,didn’twriteaboutcurrentevents,”shemused.
Hechuckled.“No,theydidn’thavenewspaperreportersbackthen.Soitwasallfromthe

cavalry’spointofview,orthatofpoliticians.Historyisthestoryofmankindwrittenbythevictors.”

“Truly.”
Hesmiled.“You’reprettygoodonlocalhistory.”
“That’sbecauseI’mrelatedtopeoplewhohelpedmakeit.”
“Me,too.”Hecockedhishead.“IoughttotakeyoudowntoHardinandwalkthebattlefieldwith

yousometime,”hesaid.

Hereyeslitup.“I’dlovethat.”
“SowouldI.”
“There’satradingpost,”sherecalled.
“Theyhavesomebeautifulthingsthere.”
“Madebylocaltalent,”sheagreed.Shesighed.“Igetsotiredofso-calledNativeAmericanart

madeinChina.NothingagainsttheChinese.Imean,theyhaveaboriginalpeoples,too.Butifyou’re
goingtosellthingsthataresupposedtobemadebytribesinthiscountry,whyimportthem?”

“Beatsme.Asksomebodybetterinformed.”
“You’reapolicechief,”shepointedout.“Thereisn’tsupposedtobeanybodybetterinformed.”
Hegrinned.“Thanks.”
Shecurtsied.
Hefrowned.“Don’tyouownadress?”
“Sure.It’sinmycloset.”Shepursedherlips.“Iworeittograduation.”
“Spareme!”
“IguessIcouldbuyanewone.”
“Iguessyoucould.Imean,ifwe’recourting,itwilllookfunnyifyoudon’twearadress.”
“Why?”
Heblinked.“Yougoingtogetmarriedinbluejeans?”
“Forthelasttime,Iamnotgoingtomarryyou.”

Hetookoffhiswide-brimmedhatandlaiditonthehalltable.“Wecanargueaboutthatlater.

Rightnow,weneedtoeatsomeofthatnice,warm,freshbreadbeforeitgetscoldandbutterwon’t
meltonit.Shouldn’twe?”headdedwithagrin.

Shelaughed.“Iguessweshould.”

Two

T

hebreadwasasdeliciousashe’dimagineditwouldbe.Heclosedhiseyes,savoringthetaste.

“Youcouldcook,ifyou’djusttry,”shesaid.
“Notreally.Ican’tmeasurestuffproperly.”
“Icouldteachyou.”
“WhydoIneedtolearnhow,whenyoudoitsowellalready?”heaskedreasonably.
“Youlivealone,”shebegan.
Heraisedaneyebrow.“Notforlong.”
“Forthetenthtimetoday…”
“TheCaliforniaguywasintowntoday,”hesaidgrimly.“Hecamebytheofficetoseeme.”
“Hedid?”Shefeltapprehensive.
Henoddedashebitintoanothersliceofbutteredbreadwithperfectwhiteteeth.“He’salready

approachedcontractorsforbidstobuildhishousingproject.”Hebitthewordsoffashewasbiting
thebread.

“Oh.”
Jet-blackeyespiercedhers.“Itoldhimabouttheclauseinthewill.”
“Whatdidhesay?”
“Thathe’dheardyouwouldn’tmarryme.”Shegrimaced.
“Hewasstruttingaroundtownlikeatomturkey,”headded.Hefinishedthebreadandsipped

coffee.Hiseyesclosedashesavoredit.“Youmakegreatcoffee,Jake!”heexclaimed.“Mostpeople
wavethecoffeeoverwater.Youcouldstandupaspooninthis.”

“Ilikeitstrong,too,”sheagreed.Shestudiedhishard,leanface.“Iguessyouliveonitwhen

youhavecasesthatkeepyououtallnighttracking.Therehavebeentwoorthreeofthosethismonth
alone.”

Henodded.“Ourwinterfestivalbringsinpeoplefromalloverthecountry.Someofthemsee

theminingcompany’sbankrollasaprimetarget.”

“Nottomentiontheskeet-and-trap-shootingregionalchampionships,”shesaid.“I’veheardthat

thievesactuallyfollowtheshootersaroundandgetlicenseplatenumbersofcarswhoseownershave
theexpensiveguns.”

“They’retargets,allright.”
“Whywouldsomebodypayfivefiguresforagun?”shewonderedoutloud.
Helaughed.“Youdon’tshootincompetition,soit’snousetryingtoexplainittoyou.”
“Youcompete,”shepointedout.“Youdon’thaveagunthatexpensiveandyou’reatriple-A

shooter.”

Heshrugged.“Itisn’tthatIwouldn’tliketohaveone.ButunlessItakeupbankrobbing,I’mnot

likelytobeabletoaffordone,either.ThebestIcandoisborrowoneforthebigcompetitions.”

Hereyespopped.“Youknowsomebodywho’llloanyouafifty-thousand-dollarshotgun?”
Helaughed.“Well,actually,yes,Ido.He’spolicechiefofasmalltowndowninTexas.Heused

todoshotguncompetitionswhenhewasyounger,andhestillhasthehardware.”

“Andheloansyouthegun.”
“Heisn’tattachedtoit,likesomeownersare.Although,you’dnevergethimtoloanhissniper

kit,”hechuckled.

“Excuseme?”
Heleanedtowardher.“Hewasacovertassassininhisshadypast.”
“Really?”Shewasexcitedbythenews.
Hefrowned.“Whatdowomenfindsofascinatingaboutmenwhoshootpeople?”
Sheblinked.“It’snotthat.”
“Thenwhatisit?”
Shehesitated,tryingtoputitintowords.“Menwhohavebeeninbattleshavetestedthemselvesin

awaymostpeopleneverhaveto,”shebeganslowly.“Theylearntheirownnatures.They…Ican’t
exactlyexpressit…”

“Theylearnwhatthey’remadeof,rightwheretheyliveandbreathe,”hecommented.“Under

fire,you’realwaysafraid.Butyouharnessthefearanduseit,attackwhenyou’dratherrun.Youlearn
themeaningofcourage.Itisn’ttheabsenceoffear.It’sfearmanagement,atitsbest.Youdoyour
duty.”

“Nicelysaid,ChiefGraves,”shesaidadmiringly,andgrinned.
“Well,Iknowathingortwoaboutbeingshotat,”heremindedher.“Iwasinthefirstwaveinthe

secondincursionintheMiddleEast.ThenIbecameapoliceofficerandthenapolicechief.”

“Youmettheotherpolicechiefatoneofthoseconventions,I’llbet,”shecommented.
“ActuallyImethimattheFBIacademyduringatrainingsessiononhostagenegotiation,”he

corrected.“Hewasteachingit.”

“Mygoodness.Hecannegotiate?”
“HedidmostofhisnegotiationswithagunbeforehewasaTexasRanger,”helaughed.
“HewasaRanger,too?”
“Yes.Andacyber-crimeexpertforaTexasD.A.,andamerc,andhalfadozenotherinteresting

things.Hecanalsodance.HewonatangocontestinArgentina,andthat’ssayingsomething.Tango
andArgentinagotogetherlikecoffeeandcream.”

Sheproppedherchininherhands.“Amanwhocandothetango.Itbogglesthemind.I’veonly

everseenacoupleofmendoitinmovies.”Shesmiled.“AlPacinoinScentofaWomanwasmy
favorite.”

Hegrinned.“Notthe‘governator ’inTrueLies?”
Sheglaredathim.“I’msurehewasdoinghisbest.”
Heshookhishead.“IwatchedRudolphValentinodoitinanoldsilentfilm,”hesighed.“Real

style.”

“It’sabeautifuldance.”
Hegaveheralonglook.“There’sanewLatindanceclubinBillings.”
“What?”sheexclaimedwithpuresurprise.
“Nokidding.AguyfromNewYorkmovedoutheretoretire.He’dbeeninballroom

competitionmostofhislifeandhegotbored.Soheorganizedadancebandandopenedupadance
club.PeoplecomeupfromWyomingandacrossfromtheDakotasjusttohearthebandanddothe
dances.”Hetoyedwithhiscoffeecup.“SupposeyouandIgoupthereandtryitout?Icanteachyou
thetango.”

Herheartskipped.Itwasthefirsttime,despiteallthebanter,thathe’deversuggestedtakingher

onadate.

Hescowledwhenshehesitated.

“I’dloveto,”sheblurtedout.
Hisfacerelaxed.Hesmiledagain.“Okay.Saturday?”
Shenodded.Herheartwasracing.Shefeltbreathless.
Shewassoyoung,hethought,lookingather.Hehesitated.
“Theydon’thavegrammarschoolonSaturdays,”shequipped,“soIwon’tneedanexcusefrom

theprincipaltoskipclass.”

Heburstoutlaughing.“IsthathowIlooked?Sorry.”
“I’malmosttwenty-one,”shepointedout.“Iknowthatseemsyoungtoyou,butI’vehadalotof

responsibility.UncleJohncouldbeahandful,andIwastheonlypersontakingcareofhimformost
ofmylife.”

“That’strue.Responsibilitymaturespeopleprettyquick.”
“You’dknow,”shesaidsoftly,becausehe’dtakenwonderfulcareofhisgrandmotherandthen

theunclewho’downedhalfthisranch.

Heshrugged.“Idon’tthinkthere’sachoiceaboutlookingafterpeopleyoulove.”
“NeitherdoI.”
Hegaveheranappraisinglook.“Yougoingtotheclubinbluejeansandashirt?”heasked.

“Becauseifyouare,Iplantowearmyuniform.”

Sheraisedbotheyebrows.
“OrhaveyouforgottenwhathappenedthelasttimeIworemyuniformtoasocialevent?”he

added.

Shegloweredathim.
“IsitmyfaultifpeoplethinkofmeasatargettheminutetheyrealizewhatIdoforaliving?”he

asked.

“Youdidn’thavetoanointhimwithpunch.”
“SureIdid.Hewassohotunderthecollaraboutaspeedingticketmyofficergavehimthathe

neededinstantcoolingoff.”

Shelaughed.“Yourpatrolmanisstilltellingthatstory.”
“Withsomeexaggerationsheaddedtoit,”Theodorechuckled.
“Itcuredtheguyofcomplainingtoyou.”
“Yes,itdid.ButifIwearmyuniformtoadanceclubwherepeopledrink,there’sboundtobeat

leastoneguywhothinksI’matarget.”Shesighed.

“Andsinceyou’rewithme,you’dberightinthethickofit.”Hepursedhislips.“Youwouldn’t

liketobefeaturedinariot,wouldyou?”

“NotinBillings,no,”sheagreed.
“Thenyoucouldwearaskirt,couldn’tyou?”
“Iguessitwouldn’tkillme,”shesaid,butreluctantly.
Henarrowedhiseyesashelookedather.Therewassomereasonshedidn’tlikedressinglikea

woman.Hewishedhecouldaskheraboutit,butshewasobviouslyuncomfortablediscussing
personalissueswithhim.Maybeitwastoosoon.Hedidwonderifshestillhadscarsfromher
encounterwiththeauditor.

Hesmiledgently.“Somethingdemure,”headded.“Iwon’texpectyoutolooklikeapoledancer,

okay?”

Shelaughed.“Okay.”
Helovedthewayshelookedwhenshesmiled.Herwholefacetookonaradiancethatmadeher

pretty.Shedidn’tsmileoften.Well,neitherdidhe.Hisjobwasasomberone,mostofthetime.

“I’llseeyouaboutsix,then.”
Shenodded.Shewaswonderinghowshewasgoingtoaffordsomethingnewtoweartoafancy

nightclub,butshewouldneverhaveadmittedittohim.

SheranintoSassyCallisterintownwhileshewastryingtofindsomethingpresentableonthe

bargaintableatthesinglewomen’sclothingstore.

“You’relookingforadress?”Sassyexclaimed.She’dknownJillianallherlife,andshe’dnever

seenherinanythingexceptjeansandshirts.Sheevenworeapantsuittochurchwhenshewent.

Jillianglaredather.“Idohavelegs.”
“Thatwasn’twhatImeant.”Shechuckled.“IgatherTed’stakingyououtonarealdate,huh?”
Jillianwentscarlet.“Ineversaid…!”
“Oh,weallknowaboutthewill,”Sassyrepliedeasily.“It’ssensible,forthetwoofyoutoget

marriedandkeeptheranchinthefamily.Nobodywantstoseesomefancyresortbeingsetuphere,”
sheadded,“withoutsidersmeddlinginourlocalpoliticsandthrowingmoneyaroundtogetthings
thewaytheythinktheyshouldbe.”

Jillian’seyestwinkled.“Imagineyoucomplainingabouttherich,whenyoujustmarriedoneof

therichestmeninMontana.”

“YouknowwhatImean,”Sassylaughed.“AndI’llremindyouthatIdidn’tknowhewasrich

whenIacceptedhisproposal.”

“Amultimillionairepretendingtobearanchforeman.”Jillianshookherhead.“Itcameasa

shocktoalotofuswhenwefoundoutwhohereallywas.”

“Iassureyouthatitwasmoreofashocktome,”cametheamusedreply.“Itriedtobackoutof

it,buthewouldn’tletme.Hesaidthatmoneywasanaccessory,notacharactertrait.Youshouldmeet
hisbrotherandsister-in-law,”sheaddedwithagrin.“Herparentsweremissionariesandherauntisa
nun.Oh,andhergodfatherisoneofthemostnotoriousex-mercenarieswhoeverusedagun.”

“Mygoodness!”
“Butthey’reallverydown-to-earth.Theydon’tstrut,iswhatImean.”
Jilliangiggled.“Igetit.”
Sassygaveherawiselook.“Youwantsomethingniceforthatdate,butyou’restrainedtothe

gillstryingtomanageonwhatyouruncleleftyou.”

Jillianstartedtodenyit,butshegaveup.Sassywastoosweettolieto.“Yes,”sheconfessed.“I

wasworkingforoldMrs.Rogersatthefloristshop.Thenshediedandtheshopclosed.”Shesighed.
“Notmanyjobsgoinginatownthissmall.You’dknowallaboutthat,”sheadded,becauseSassyhad
workedforafeedstoreandwasassaultedbyherboss.Fortunatelyshewasrescuedbyhersoon-to-be
husbandandtheperpetratorhadbeensenttojail.ButitwastheonlyjobSassycouldget.Hollisterwas
verysmall.

Sassynodded.“Iwouldn’twanttoliveanyplaceelse,though.EvenifIhadtocommutebackand

forthtoBillingstogetajob.”Shelaughed.“Iconsideredthat,butIdidn’tthinkmyoldtruckwould
getmethatfar.”Hereyestwinkled.“ChiefGravessaidthatifheownedapieceofjunklikeIwas
driving,he’dbethefirsttoagreetomarryamanwhocouldaffordtoreplaceitforme.”

Jillianburstoutlaughing.“Icanimaginewhatyousaidtothat.”
Shelaughed,too.“Ijustexpressedthethoughtthathewouldn’tmarryJohnCallisterforatruck.”

Shecockedherhead.“Hereallyisacatch,youknow.TheodoreGravesisthestuffoflegendsaround
here.He’shonestandkindheartedandaverymeanmantomakeanenemyof.He’dtakecareofyou.”

“Well,heneedsmoretakingcareofthanIdo,”camethedrollreply.“AtleastIcancook.”
“Didn’tyouapplyforthecook’sjobattherestaurant?”
“Idid.Igotit,too,butyoucan’ttellTheodore.”

“Iwon’t.Butwhycan’tI?”
Jilliansighed.“Incasethingsdon’tworkout,Iwanttohaveameansofsupportingmyself.He’ll

takeitpersonallyifhethinksIgotajobbeforeheevenproposed.”

“He’sold-fashioned.”
“Nothingwrongwiththat,”Jillianrepliedwithasmile.
“Ofcoursenot.It’sjustthatsomemenhavetobehitovertheheadsothey’llacceptthatmodern

womencanhaveoutsideinterestswithoutgivingupfamily.Comeoverhere.”

ShetookJillian’sarmandpulledhertooneside.“Everythinginhereisathree-hundred-percent

markup,”shesaidunderherbreath.“IloveJessie,butshe’sover-priced.You’recominghomewith
me.We’rethesamesizeandI’vegotaclosetfullofstuffyoucanwear.Youcanborrowanythingyou
like.Heck,youcanhavewhatyoulike.I’llneverwearallofitanyway.”

Jillianflushedredandstammered,“No,Icouldn’t…!”
“Youcouldandyou’regoingto.Nowcomeon!”

JillianwastransportedtotheCallisterranchinaJaguar.Shewassofascinatedwithitthatshe

didn’thearhalfofwhatherfriendwassaying.

“Lookatallthesegadgets!”sheexclaimed.“Andthisisrealwoodonthedash!”
“Yes,”Sassylaughed.“Iactedthesameasyou,thefirsttimeIrodeinit.Myoldbatteredtruck

seemedsopitifulafterward.”

“Ilikemyoldcar.Butthisisamazing,”shereplied,touchingthesilkywood.
“Iknow.”
“It’ssoniceofyoutodothis,”Jillianreplied.“Theodorewantedmetowearaskirt.Idon’teven

ownone.”

Sassylookedatherbriefly.“Youshouldtellhim,Jilly.”
Sheflushedandavertedhereyes.“Nobodyknowsbutyouandyourmother.AndIknowyou

won’tsayanything.”

“NotunlessyousaidIcould,”Sassyreplied.“Butitcouldcauseyousomeproblemslateron.

Especiallyafteryou’remarried.”

Jillianclenchedherteeth.“I’llcrossthatbridgeifIcometoit.ImaynotmarryTheodore.We

maybeabletofindawaytobreakthewill.”

“One,maybe.Two,never.”
Thatwastrue.Botholdmenhadleftironcladwillswithclausesaboutthedispositionofthe

propertyifTheodoreandJillianrefusedtogetmarried.

“Theoldbuzzards!”Jillianburstout.“Whydidtheyhavetocomplicatethingslikethat?

TheodoreandIcouldhavefoundawaytodealwiththeproblemonourown!”

“Idon’tknow.Neitherofyouiswell-off,andthatCaliforniadeveloperhastonsofmoney.I’ll

bethe’salreadytryingtofindawaytogettooneofyouaboutbuyingtheranchoutrightonceyou
inherit.”

“He’llnevergetit,”shesaidstubbornly.
Sassywasgoingtocommentthatrichpeoplewithintentsometimesknewshadywaystomake

peopledowhattheywantedthemto.Butthedeveloperwasn’tlocalandhedidn’thaveany
informationhecouldusetoblackmaileitherTheodoreorJillian,soheprobablycouldn’tforcethem
toselltohim.He’djustsitandwaitandhopetheycouldn’taffordtokeepit.Fatchance,Sassythought
solemly.SheandJohnwouldbailthemoutiftheyhadto.Nowaywassomeout-of-statefatcattaking
overJillian’sland.Notafterallshe’dgonethroughinheryounglife.

MaybeitwasagoodthingTheodoredidn’tknoweverythingabouthisfuturepotentialwife.But

Jillianwassettingherselfupforsomerealheartbreakifshedidn’tlevelwithhim.Afterall,hewasin
lawenforcement.Hecoulddigintocourtrecordsandfindthingsthatmostpeopledidn’thaveaccess
to.Hehadn’tbeenintownwhenJillianfacedherproblems,he’dbeenawayattheFBIAcademyona
trainingmission.AndsinceonlySassyandhermother,Mrs.Peale,hadbeeninvolved,nobodyelse
excepttheprosecutingattorneyandthejudgeandthepublicdefenderhadknowledgeaboutthecase.
Notthatanyofthemwoulddiscloseit.

Shewasprobablyworryingunnecessarily.ShesmiledatJillian.“Youareright.He’llneverget

theranch,”sheagreed.

Theypulledupatthehouse.Ithadbeengivenamakeoveranditlookedglorious.
“You’vedonealotofworkonthisplace,”Jilliancommented.“Irememberwhatitlookedlike

before.”

“SodoI.Johnwantedtogototallygreenhere,sowehavesolarpowerandwindgenerators.

Andtheelectricityinthebarnrunsonmethanefromthecattlerefuse.”

“It’sjustfantastic,”Jilliancommented.“Expensive,too,I’llbet.”
“That’strue,buttheinitialcapitaloutlaywasthehighest.Itwillpayforitselfovertheyears.”
“Andyou’llhavelowerutilitybillsthantherestofus,”Jilliansighed,thinkingabouther

upcomingone.Ithadbeenacolderthanusualwinter.Heatingoilwasexpensive.

“Stopworrying,”Sassytoldher.“Thingsworkout.”
“Youthink?”
Theywalkeddownthehalltowardthemasterbedroom.“How’syourmother?”Jillianasked.
“Doinggreat.Shegotglowingreportsfromherlastcheckup,”Sassysaid.Thecancerhadbeen

containedandhermotherhadn’thadarecurrence,thankstoJohn’sinterferenceatacriticaltime.
“Shealwaysasksaboutyou.”

“YourmotheristhenicestpersonIknow,nexttoyou.HowaboutSelene?”
ThelittlegirlwasoneMrs.Pealehadadopted.Shewasingrammarschool,veryintelligentand

withdefinitegoals.“She’sreadingbooksabouttheAirForce,”Sassylaughed.“Shewantstobea
fighterpilot.”

“Wow!”
“That’swhatwesaid,butshe’sveryfocused.She’sgoodatmathandscience,too.Wethinkshe

mayendupbeinganengineer.”

“She’ssmart.”
“Very.”
Sassyopenedtheclosetandstartedpullingoutdressesandskirtsandblousesineverycolor

underthesun.

Jillianjuststaredatthem,stunned.“I’veneverseensomanyclothesoutsideadepartmentstore,”

shestammered.

Sassychuckled.“NeitherdidIbeforeImarriedJohn.Hespoilsmerotten.Everybirthdayand

holidayIgetpresentsfromhim.Picksomethingout.”

“Youmusthavefavoritesthatyoudon’twanttoloan,”Jillianbegan.
“Ido.That’swhythey’restillinthecloset,”shesaidwithagrin.
“Oh.”
Sassywaseyeingherandthentheclothesonthebed.“Howaboutthis?”Shepickedupa

patternedblueskirt,verylongandsilky,withapalebluesilkblousethathadpuffysleevesanda

roundedneckline.Itlookeddemure,butitwasawitchyensemble.“Trythaton.Let’sseehowit
looks.”

Jillian’shandsfumbled.She’dneverputonsomethingsoexpensive.Itfitherlikeaglove,andit

feltgoodtomovein,assomanyclothesdidn’t.Sheremarkedonthat.

“Mostclothesontherackaren’tconstructedtofitexactly,andthelessexpensivetheyare,the

worsethefit,”Sassysaid.“Iknow,becauseIboughtclothesoffthesalesrackallmylifebeforeI
married.Iwasshockedtofindthatexpensiveclothesactuallyfit.Andwhentheydo,theymakeyou
lookbetter.Youcanseeforyourself.”

Jilliandid.Glancinginthemirror,shewasshockedtofindthattheskirtputlessemphasisonher

fullhipsandmoreonhernarrowwaist.Theblouse,ontheotherhand,madehersmallbreastslook
justalittlebigger.

“Now,withyourhairactuallydownandcurled,insteadofscrewedupintothatbun,”Sassy

continued,pullingouthairpinsasshewentandreachingforabrush,“you’lllooksodifferentthat
Tedmaynotevenrecognizeyou.Whatadifference!”

Itwas.Withherlongblondhaircurlingaroundhershoulders,shelookedreallypretty.
“Isthatme?”sheasked,shocked.
Sassygrinned.“Sureis.”
Sheturnedtoherfriend,fightingtears.“It’ssoniceofyou,”shebegan.
Sassyhuggedher.“Friendslookoutforeachother.”
Theyhadn’tbeenclosefriends,becauseSassy’shomeproblemshadmadethatimpossible

beforehermarriage.Buttheyweregrowingclosernow.Itwasnicetohavesomeoneshecouldtalk
to.

Shedrewawayandwipedathereyes.“Sorry.Didn’tmeantodothat.”
“You’reaniceperson,Jilly,”Sassytoldhergently.“You’ddothesameformeinaheartbeat,if

oursituationswerereversed,andyouknowit.”

“Icertainlywould.”
“I’vegotsomecurlers.Let’sputupyourhairinthemandthenwecansnapbeans.”
“You’vegotbeansinthemiddleofwinter?”Jillianexclaimed.
“Fromtheorganicfoodmarket,”shelaughed.“Ihavethemshippedin.Youcantakesomehome

andplantup.Tedmightlikebeansandhamhocks.”

“Evenifhedidn’t,Isurewould.I’llbetit’syourownpork.”
“Itis.Welikeorganicalltheway.Putyourjeansbackonandwe’llwashyourhairandsetit.It’s

thinenoughthatitcandrywhilewework.”

Anditdid.Theytookthecurlersoutacoupleofhourslater.Jillianwassurprisedatthe

differenceafewcurlsmadeinherappearance.

“Makeupnext,”Sassytoldher,grinning.“Thisisfun!”
“Funandeducational,”Jilliansaid,stillreeling.“Howdidyoulearnallthis?”
“Frommymother-in-law.Shegoestospasandbeautyparlorsallthetime.She’sstillgorgeous,

eventhoughshe’sgaininginyears.Sitdown.”

Sassyputherinfrontofafluorescent-litmirrorandproceededtoexperimentwithdifferent

shadesoflipstickandeyeshadow.Jillianfeltasspoiledasifshe’dbeentoanexclusivedepartment
store,andshesaidso.

“I’mstilllearning,”Sassyassuredher.“Butit’sfun,isn’tit?”
“ThemostfunI’vehadinalongtime,andthankyou.Theodoreisgoingtobeshockedwhenhe

showsupSaturday!”shepredicted.

Shockedwasanunderstatement.Jillianinablueensemble,withherlonghairsoftandcurling

aroundhershoulders,withdemuremakeup,wasarevelationtoamanwho’donlyeverseenher
withoutmakeupinraggedjeansandsweatshirtsor,worse,baggyT-shirts.Dressedup,inclothesthat
fitherperfectly,shewasactuallypretty.

“Youcancloseyourmouth,Theodore,”sheteased,delightedathisresponse.
Hedid.Heshookhishead.“Youlooknice,”hesaid.Itwasanunderstatement,comparedtowhat

hewasthinking.Jillianwasaknockout.Hefrownedashethoughthowhernewlookmightgodown
intown.Therewereacoupleofyoungermen,nice-lookingoneswithwealthybackgrounds,who
mightalsofindthenewJillianahotitem.Hemighthavecompetitionforherthathecouldn’thandle.

Jillian,watchinghisexpressionschange,wassuddenlyinsecure.Hewasscowlingasifhedidn’t

actuallyapproveofhowshelooked.

“Itisn’ttoorevealing,isit?”sheworried.
Heclearedhisthroat.“Jake,you’recoveredfromstemtostern,exceptforthehollowofyour

throat,andyourarms,”hesaid.“Whatdoyouthinkisrevealing?”

“Youlooked…well,youlooked…”
“Ilookedlikeamanwho’sconsideringthefightahead.”
“Excuseme?”
Hemovedastepcloserandlookeddownatherwithpureappreciation.“Youreallydon’tknow

whataknockoutyouare,alldressedup?”

Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.“Me?”
Hisbighandsframedherfaceandbroughtituptohisdancingblackeyes.“You.”Herubbedhis

noseagainsthers.“Youknow,Ireallywonderifyoutasteasgoodasyoulook.Thisisasgoodatime
asanytofindout.”

Hebenthisheadashespokeand,forthefirsttimeintheirrelationship,hekissedher,righton

themouth.Hard.

Whateverheexpectedherreactiontobe,therealityofitcameasashock

Three

J

illianjerkedbackawayfromhimasifhe’doffendedher,flushingtotherootsofherhair.She

staredathimwithhelplessmisery,waitingfortheexplosion.Theauditorhadcursedabluestreak,
calledhernames,sworethathe’dtelleveryboyheknewthatshewasahopelesslittleicicle.

ButTheodoredidn’tdothat.Infact,hesmiled,verygently.
Shebitherlowerlip.Shewantedtotellhim.Shecouldn’t.Thepainwasalmostphysical.
Hetookherflushedfaceinhisbighandsandbentandkissedhergentlyontheforehead,thenon

hereyelids,closingthem.

“Weallhaveourownsecretpain,Jake,”hewhispered.“Onedayyou’llwanttotellme,andI’ll

listen.”Heliftedhishead.“Forthetimebeing,we’llbebestbuddies,exceptthatyou’rewearinga
skirt,”headded,tongue-in-cheek.“Ihavetoconfessthatveryfewofmybuddieshaveuseda
women’srestroom.”

Ittookheraminute,thensheburstoutlaughing.
“That’sbetter,”hesaid,andgrinned.Hecockedhisheadandgaveheraverymaleappraisal.

“Youreallydolooknice.”Hepursedhislipsashecontemplatedtheensembleanditsprobablecost.

“They’reloaners,”sheblurtedout.
Hisblackeyessparkledwithunholyglee.“Loaners?”
Shenodded.“SassyCallister.”
“Isee.”
Shegrinned.“Shesaidthatshehadawholeclosetofstuffsheneverwore.Ididn’twantto,but

shesortofbulldozedmeintoit.She’salotlikehernewhusband.”

“Hewearspetticoats?”heaskedoutrageously.
Sheglaredathim.“Womendon’twearpetticoatsorhoopskirtsthesedays,Theodore.”
“Sorry.Wrongera.”
Shegrinned.“Talkaboutlivinginthedarkages!”
Heshrugged.“Iwasraisedbymygrandmotherandmyuncle.Theyweren’tforthcomingabout

women’sintimateapparel.”

“Well,Iguessnot!”
“YouruncleJohnwasthesamesortofthrowback,”heremarked.
“Sowebothcomebyithonestly,Isuppose.”Shenotedhisimmaculatedarksuitandthespotless

whiteshirtandbluepatternedtiehewaswearingwithit.“Youlooknice,too.”

“IboughtthesuittoweartoJohnCallister ’swedding,”hereplied.“Idon’toftenhavethe

occasiontodressup.”

“Me,neither,”shesighed.
“Iguesswecouldgoafewplacestogether,”hecommented.“Iliketohuntandfish.”
“Idonotlikeguns,”shesaidflatly.
“Well,inmyprofession,they’resortofanecessity,Jake,”hecommented.
“Isupposeso.Sorry.”

“Noproblem.Youusedtolikefishing.”
“It’sbeenawhilesinceIdippedapoor,helplesswormintothewater.”
Hechuckled.“Everythinginlifehasapurpose.Aworm’sistohelppeoplecatchdeliciousfish.”
“Thewormmightnotshareyourpointofview.”
“I’llask,thenexttimeIseeone.”
Shelaughed,andherwholefacechanged.Shefeltbetterthanshehadinages.Theodoredidn’t

thinkshewasalostcause.Hewasn’tevenangrythatshe’dgonecoldathiskiss.Maybe,shethought,
justmaybe,therewasstillhopeforher.

Hisblackeyeswerekind.“I’mgladyouaren’twearinghighheels,”hecommented.
“Why?”
Heglanceddownathisbigfeetinsoftblackleatherboots.“Well,thesearen’tastoughasthe

bootsIwearonthejob.I’dhatetohaveholesinthemfromspikedheels,whenyousteponmyfeeton
thedancefloor.”

“Iwillnotsteponyourfeet,”shesaidwithmockindignation.Shegrinned.“Imighttripover

themandlandinaflowerpot,ofcourse.”

“Iheardaboutthat,”hereplied,chuckling.“PooroldHarrisTwain.I’llbethe’llneverstickhis

legsoutintothewalkwayofarestaurantagain.Hesaidyouwereprettyliberallycoveredwithpotting
soil.Youwentinheadfirst,Ibelieve…?”

Shesighed.“Mostpeoplehavetalents.Mineislackofcoordination.Icantripovermyownfeet,

muchlesssomeoneelse’s.”

Hewonderedaboutthatclumsiness.Shewasverycapable,inherownway,butsheoftenfell.He

frowned.

“Now,see,you’rethinkingthatI’maklutz,andyou’reabsolutelyright.”
“Iwaswonderingmoreaboutyourbalance,”hesaid.“Doyouhaveinnerearproblems?”
Sheblinked.“Whatdomyearshavetodowiththat?”
“Alot.Ifyouhaveaninnereardisturbance,itcanaffectbalance.”
“Andwheredidyougetyourmedicaltraining?”shequeried.
“Ispendsometimeinemergencyrooms,withvictimsandperpsalike.Ilearnalotabout

medicalproblemsthatway.”

“Iforgot.”
Heshrugged.“Itgoeswiththejob.”
“Idon’thaveearaches,”shesaid,andavertedhereyes.“Shouldn’twegetgoing?”
Shewashidingsomething.Alot,maybe.Heletitgo.“Iguessweshould.”
“ALatindanceclubinBillings.”Shegrinned.“Howexotic!”
“Theowner ’sevenmoreexotic.You’lllikehim.”Heleanedcloser.“Hewasagunrunnerinhis

wildyouth.”

“Wow!”
“Ithoughtyou’dbeimpressed.SowasI.”
“Youhaveaninterestingcollectionofstrangepeopleinyourlife,”shecommentedonthewayto

histruck.

“Goeswiththe—”
“Job.Iguess.”Shegrinnedwhenshesawthetruck.“Washedandwaxedit,huh?”sheteased.
“Well,youcan’ttakeanicewomantoadanceinadirtytruck,”hestated.
“Iwouldn’thaveminded.”
Heturnedtoheratthepassengersideofthetruckandlookeddownathersolemnlyinthelight

fromthesecuritylamponapolenearby.Hisfacewassomber.“No,youwouldn’t.Youdon’tlookat
bankaccountstojudgefriendships.It’soneofalotofthingsIlikeaboutyou.Idatedawoman

attorneyonce,whocameheretotryacaseforaclientindistrictcourt.Whenshesawthetruck,the
oldoneIhadseveralyearsago,sheactuallybackedoutofthedate.Shesaidshedidn’twantany
importantpeopleinthecommunitytoseeherridingaroundinapieceofjunk.”

Shegasped.“No!Howawfulforyou!”
Hishighcheekboneshadafaintflush.Herindignationmadehimfeelwarminside.“Something

you’dneverhavesaidtome,asbluntasyouare.Itturnedmeoffwomenforawhile.NotthatIeven
likedher.Butithurtmypride.”

“Asifavehiclewasanystandardtobaseacharacterassessmenton,”shehuffed.
Hesmiledtenderly.“Small-townpolicechiefsdon’tusuallydriveJaguars.AlthoughthisguyI

knowinTexasdoes.Buthemadehismoneyasamerc,notinlawenforcement.”

“Ilikeyoujustthewayyouare,”shetoldhimquietly.“Anditwouldn’tmattertomeifwehadto

walktoBillingstogodancing.”

Hegroundhisteethtogether.Shemadehimfeeltaller,moremasculine,whenshelookedathim

likethat.Hewasstrugglingwithmoreintenseemotionsthanhe’dfeltinyears.Hewantedtograbher
andeatheralive.Butsheneededcarefulhandling.Hecouldn’tbeforwardwithher.Notuntilhecould
teachhertotrusthim.Thatwouldtaketime.

Shefeltuneasywhenhescowledlikethat.“Sorry,”shesaid.“Ididn’tmeantoblurtthatoutand

upsetyou…”

“Youmakemefeelgood,Jake,”heinterrupted.“I’mnotupset.Well,notforthereasonsyou’re

thinking,anyway.”

“Whatreasonsupsetyou?”
Hesighed.“Tobeblunt,I’dliketobackyouintothetruckandkissyouhalftodeath.”Hesmiled

wrylyathershockedexpression.“Won’tdoit,”hepromised.“JusttellingyouwhatIreallyfeel.
Honestyisasidelinewithmostpeople.It’sfirstonmylistofnecessities.”

“Mine,too.It’sokay.Ilikeitwhenyou’reupfront.”
“You’rethesameway,”hepointedout.
“Iguessso.MaybeI’mtooblunt,sometimes.”
Hesmiled.“I’dcallitbeingforthright.Ilikeit.”
Shebeamed.“Thanks.”
Hecheckedhiswatch.“Gottogo.”Heopenedthedoorforherandwaiteduntilshejumpedup

intothecabandfastenedherseatbeltbeforeheclosedit.

“ItimpressesmethatIdidn’thavetotellyoutoputthaton,”hesaidashestartedtheengine,

noddingtowardherseatbelt.“Idon’tridewithpeoplewhorefusetowearthem.Iworkwrecks.Some
ofthemarehorrific,andtheworstfatalitiesarewhenpeopledon’thaveonseatbelts.”

“I’veheardthat.”
Hepulledoutontothehighway.“Herewego,Jake.Ourfirstdate.”Hegrinned.“Ourunclesare

probablylaughingtheirghostlyheadsoff.”

“Iwouldn’tdoubtit.”Shesighed.“Still,itwasn’tniceofeitherofthemtorigthewillslikethat.”
“Iguesstheydidn’texpecttodieforyearsandyears,”hecommented.“Maybeitwasajoke.

Theyexpectedthelawyertotelluslongbeforetheydied.Excepthediedfirstandhispartnerhadno
senseofhumor.”

“Idon’tknow.Ourunclesdidliketomanipulatepeople.”
“Toomuch,”hemurmured.“TheybrowbeatpooroldDanHarperintomarryingDaisyKane,

andhewasmiserable.Theythoughtshewasasweet,kindgirlwho’dneverwantanythingmorethan
togoonlivinginHollisterfortherestofherlife.”

“Thenshediscoveredafascinationformicroscopes,gotasciencedegreeandmovedtoNew

YorkCitytoworkinaresearchlab.Danwouldn’tleaveHollister,sotheygotadivorce.Goodthing

theydidn’thavekids,Iguess.”

“Iguess.EspeciallywithDanlivinginawhiskeybottlethesedays.”
Sheglancedathim.“Maybesomewomenmaturelate.”
Heglancedback.“YougoingtodevelopafascinationwithmicroscopesandmovetoNew

York?”heaskedsuspiciously.

Shelaughedoutloud.“Ihopenot.Ihatecities.”
Hegrinnedagain.“Me,too.Justchecking.”
“Besides,howcouldIleaveSammy?I’msurethereisn’tanapartmentinabigcitythatwouldlet

youkeepacalfinit.”

Helaughed.“Well,theywould.Butonlyinthefridge.Orthefreezer.”
“Youbiteyourtongue!”sheexclaimed.“Nobody’seatingmycow!”
Hefrownedthoughtfully.“Goodpoint.I’mnotexactlysureIknowhowtofielddressacow.A

steer,sure.Butcowsare,well,different.”

Sheglaredathim.“YouarenotfielddressingSammy,soforgetit.”
Hesighed.“Theregomydreamsofanicesteak.”
“Youcangetoneattherestaurantintownanytimeyoulike.Sammyisforpetting,noteating.”
“Ifyousayso.”
“Ido!”
Helovedtowindherupandwatchtheexplosion.Shewassofulloflife,soenthusiasticabout

everythingnew.Heenjoyedbeingwithher.Therewereallsortsofplaceshecouldtakeher.Hewas
thinkingahead.Farahead.

“You’resmirking,”sheaccused.“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”
“Iwasjustrememberinghowexcitedyougetaboutnewthings,”heconfessed.“Iwasthinkingof

placeswecouldgotogether.”

“Youwere?”sheasked,surprised.Andflattered.
Hesmiledather.“I’veneverdatedanybodyregularly,”hesaid.“Imean,I’vehaddates.Butthis

isdifferent.”Hesearchedforawaytoputintowordswhathewasthinking.

“Youmean,becausewe’resortofbeingforcedintoitbythewills.”
Hefrowned.“No.That’snotwhatImean.”Hestoppedatanintersectionandglancedherway.“I

haven’thadregulardateswithawomanI’veknownwellforyearsandyears,”hesaidafteraminute.
“SomebodyIlike.”

Shebeamed.“Oh.”
HechuckledashepulledoutontothelonghighwaythatledtoBillings.“We’vehadourverbal

cut-and-thrustencounters,butdespitethatsharptongue,Ienjoybeingwithyou.”

Shelaughed.“It’snotthatsharp.”
“Nottome.Iunderstandthere’saformercustomerofthefloristshopwhereyouworkedwho

couldwriteatestimonialforyouaboutyouruseofwordsinafree-for-all.”

Sheflushedandfiddledwithherpurse.“Hewasobnoxious.”
“Actuallytheysaidhewasjusttryingtoaskyouout.”
“Itwasthewayhewentaboutit,”shesaidcurtly.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverhadamantalktome

likethatinmywholelife.”

“Idon’tthinkhe’lleverusethesamelanguagetoanyotherwoman,ifit’saconsolation.”He

teased.“Somuchforhisinflatedego.”

“Hethoughthewasirresistible,”shemuttered.“Braggingabouthisfastnewcarandhisdad’s

bankbalance,andhowhecouldgetanywomanhewanted.”Herlipsset.“Well,hecouldn’tgetthis
one.”

“Teenageboyshaveinsecurities,”hesaid.“Icanspeakwithconfidenceonthatissue,becauseI

usedtobeonemyself.”Heglancedatherwithtwinklingblackeyes.“They’repuffadders.”

Sheblinked.“Excuseme?”
“I’veneverseenonemyself,butIhadabuddyintheservicewhowasfromGeorgia.Hetoldme

aboutthem.They’rethesesnakeswithinsecurities.”

Sheburstoutlaughing.“Snakeswithinsecurities?”
Henodded.“They’reterrifiedofpeople.Soifhumanscometooclosetothem,theyriseupon

theirtailsandweavebackandforthandblowouttheirthroatsandstarthissing.Youknow,imitatinga
cobra.Mostofthetime,peopletakethematfacevalueandrunaway.”

“Whatifpeoplestandtheirgroundanddon’trun?”
Helaughed.“Theyfaint.”
“Theyfaint?”
Henodded.“Deadaway,mybuddysaid.Hetookafriendhomewithhim.Theywerewalking

throughthefieldswhenapuffadderroseupanddidhisactforthefriend.Theguywasabouttorun
foritwhenmybuddywalkedrightuptothesnakeanditfainteddeadaway.Ihearhisfamilyisstill
tellingthestorywithaccompanyingsoundeffectsandhilarity.”

“Afaintingsnake.”Shesighed.“WhatI’vemissed,byspendingmywholelifeinMontana.I

wouldn’thaveknownanybetter,either,though.I’veneverseenacobra.”

“Theyhavetheminzoos,”hepointedout.
“I’veneverbeentoazoo.”
“What?”
“Well,BillingsisalongwayfromHollisterandI’veneverhadavehicleIfeltcomfortable

aboutgettingtherein.”Shegrimaced.“Thisisaverydesertedroad,mostofthetime.IfIbrokedown,
I’dworryaboutwhomightstoptohelpme.”

Hegaveheracovertappraisal.Shewassuchaprivateperson.Shekeptthingstoherself.

Rememberingheruncleandhisweakheart,hewasn’tsurprisedthatshe’dlearnedtodothat.

“Youcouldn’ttalktoyouruncleaboutmostthings,couldyou,Jake?”hewonderedoutloud.
“Notreally,”sheagreed.“Iwasafraidofupsettinghim,especiallyafterhisfirstheartattack.”
“Soyoulearnedtokeepthingstoyourself.”
“Iprettymuchhadto.I’veneverhadclosegirlfriends,either.”
“Mostofthegirlsyouragearemarriedandhavekids,excepttheoneswhowentintothe

militaryormovedtocities.”

Shenodded.“I’mathrowbacktoanotherera,whenwomenlivedathomeuntiltheymarried.

Gosh,theworldhaschanged,”shecommented.

“Itsurehas,”heagreed.“WhenIwasaboy,televisionsetswerebigandbulkyandincabinets.

Nowthey’resothinandlightthatpeoplecanhangthemonwalls.AndmyiPoddoeseverythinga
televisioncando,rightdowntoplayingmoviesandgivingmenewsandweather.”

Shefrowned.“Thatwasn’twhatImeant,exactly.”
Heraisedhiseyebrows.
“Imean,thatwomenseemtowantcareersandmeninvolume.”
Heclearedhisthroat.
“Thatdidn’tcomeoutright.”Shelaughedself-consciously.“Itjustseemstomethatwomenare

morelikethewaymenusedtobe.Theydon’twantcommitment.Theyhavecareersandtheylivewith
men.Iheardanewscastersaythatmarriageistooretroaconceptformodernpeople.”

“Therehavealwaysbeenpeoplewholivedoutofthemainstream,Jake,”hesaideasily.“It’sa

choice.”

“Itwouldn’tbemine,”shesaidcurtly.“Ithinkpeopleshouldgetmarriedandstaymarriedand

raisechildrentogether.”

“Nowthat’sapointofviewIlike.”
Shestudiedhimcuriously.“Doyouwantkids?”
Hesmiled.“Ofcourse.Don’tyou?”
Sheavertedhereyes.“Well,yes.Someday.”
Hesighed.“Ikeepforgettinghowyoungyouare.Youhaven’treallyhadtimetoliveyet.”
“Youmean,getfascinatedwithmicroscopesandmovetoNewYorkCity,”shesaidwithagrin.
Helaughed.“Somethinglikethat,maybe.”
“Icouldneverseestuffinmicroscopesinhighschool,”sherecalled.“IwassoexcitedwhenI

finallyfoundwhatIthoughtwasanorganismandtheteachersaiditwasanairbubble.That’sallI
evermanagedtofind.”Shegrimaced.“Icamewithintwogradepointsoffailingbiology.Asitwas,I
hadthelowestpassinggradeinmywholeclass.”

“Butyoucancooklikeanangel,”hepointedout.
Shefrowned.“Whatdoesthathavetodowithmicroscopes?”
“I’mmakinganobservation,”hereplied.“Weallhaveskills.Yoursiscooking.Somebodyelse’s

mightbescience.Itwouldbeaprettyboringworldifweallweregoodatthesamethings.”

“Isee.”
Hesmiled.“Youcancrochet,too.Mygrandmotherlovedhercrafts,likeyoudo.Shecouldmake

quiltsandknitsweatersandcrochetafghans.Awomanofmanytalents.”

“Theydon’tseemtocountformuchinthemodernworld,”shereplied.
“Haveyoueverreallylookedatthemagazinerack,Jake?”heasked,surprised.“Therearemore

magazinesonhandicraftsthanthereareonrockstars,andthat’ssayingsomething.”

“Ihadn’tnoticed.”Shelookedaround.TheywerejustcomingintoBillings.Ahead,shecould

seetheawesomeoutlineoftheRimrocks,wheretheairportwaslocated,inthedistance.“We’re
here?”sheexclaimed.

“It’snotsofarfromhome,”hesaidlazily.
“Notatthespeedyougo,no,”shesaidimpudently.
Helaughed.“Therewasn’tanytrafficandwearen’toverlyblessedwithhighwaypatrolsatthis

hourofthenight.”

“Youcatchspeeders,andyou’relocallawenforcement,”shepointedout.
“Idon’tcatchthemontheinterstateunlessthey’redrivingonitthroughmytown,”hereplied.

“Andit’snotsomuchthespeedthatgetsthemcaught,either.It’sthewaythey’redriving.Youcanbe
safeathighspeedsanddangerousatlowones.Weavinginandoutoftraffic,ridingpeople’s
bumpers,runningstopsigns,thatsortofthing.”

“Isawthistelevisionprogramwhereanexperiencedtrafficofficersaidthatwhatscaredhim

mostwastoseeadriverwithbothhandswhite-knuckledandclosetogetheronthesteeringwheel.”

Henodded.“Thereareexceptions,butitusuallymeanssomeonewho’sinsecureandafraidof

thevehicle.”

“Youaren’t.”
Heshrugged.“I’vebeendrivingsinceIwastwelve.Kidsgrowupearlywhentheyliveon

ranches.Havetolearnhowtooperatemachinery,liketractorsandharvesters.”

“Ourranchdoesn’thaveaharvester.”
“That’sbecauseourranchcan’taffordone,”hesaid,smiling.“Butwecanalwaysborrowone

fromneighbors.”

“Smalltownsaresuchniceplaces,”shesaiddreamily.“Iloveitthatpeoplewillloanyouapiece

ofequipmentthatexpensivejustbecausetheylikeyou.”

“Iimaginetherearepeopleincitieswhowoulddothesame,Jake,butthere’snotmuchusefor

themthere.”

Shelaughed.“No,Iguessnot.”
Heturnedthecornerandpulledintoaparkinglotnexttoalong,lowbuilding.Therewasaneon

signthatsaidRed’sTavern.

“It’sabar?”sheasked.
“It’sadanceclub.Theydoservealcohol,butnotonthedancefloor.”
“Theodore,Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeeninabarinmylife.”
“Nottoworry,theywon’tforceyoutodrinkanythingalcoholic,”hetoldher,tongue-in-cheek.

“Andiftheytried,I’dhavetocalllocallawandhavethemarrested.You’reunderage.”

“Locallaw?”
“I’mnotsanctionedtoarrestpeopleoutsidemyownjurisdiction,”heremindedher.“Butyou

couldmakeacitizen’sarrest.Anybodycaniftheyseeacrimebeingcommitted.It’sjustthatwedon’t
adviseit.Couldgetyoukilled,dependingonthecircumstances.”

“Iseewhatyoumean.”
Hegotoutandopenedherdoor,liftinghergentlydownfromthetruckbythewaist.Heheldher

justinfrontofhimforaminute,smilingintohersofteyes.“You’reaslightasafeather,”he
commentedsoftly.“Andyousmellpretty.”

Ashockedlittlelaughleftherthroat.“Ismellpretty?”
“Yes.Iremembermygrandmotherbyherscent.Sheworealight,flowerycologne.Irecognize

itifIsmellitanywhere.Shealwayssmelledsogood.”

Herhandsrestedlightlyonhisbroadshoulders.Hewasverystrong.Shelovedhisstrength,his

size.Shesmiledintohisdarkeyes.“Yousmellgood,too.Spicy.”

Henuzzledhernosewithhis.“Thanks.”
Shesighedandslidherarmsaroundhisneck.Shetuckedherfaceintohisthroat.“Ifeelsosafe

withyou,”shesaidsoftly.“Likenothingcouldeverhurtme.”

“Now,Jake,that’snotthesortofthingamanlikestohear.”
Sheliftedherhead,surprised.“Why?”
Hepursedhislips.“Wewanttohearthatwe’redangerousandexciting,thatwestiryouupand

makeyounervous.”

“Youdo?”
“It’safigureofspeech.”
Shesearchedhiseyes.“Youdon’twantmetofeelcomfortablewithyou?”shefaltered.
“Youdon’tunderstandwhatI’mtalkingabout,doyou?”hewonderedgently.
“No…notreally.I’msorry.”
Itwasearlydaysyet,heremindedhimself.Itwasdisappointingthatshewasn’tshakywhenhe

touchedher.But,then,shekeptsecrets.Theremustbeareasonwhyshewassoicyinsideherself.

Hesetherdownbuthedidn’tlethergo.“Somethingshavetobelearned,”hesaid.
“Learned.”
Heframedherfacewithhisbig,warmhands.“Passion,forinstance.”Sheblinked.
Itwaslikedescribingicetoadesertnomad.Hesmiledwistfully.“Youhaven’teverbeenkissed

insuchawaythatyou’ddietohaveithappenagain?”

Sheshookherhead.Hereyeswerewideandinnocent,unknowing.Sheflushedalittleand

shiftedrestlessly.

“Butyouhavebeenkissedinsuchawaythatyou’dratherundergotorturethanhaveithappen

again,”hesaidsuddenly.

Shecaughtherbreath.Hecouldn’tknow!Hecouldn’t!
Hisblackeyesnarrowedonherface.“Somethinghappenedtoyou,Jake.Somethingbad.Itmade

youlockyourselfawayfromtheworld.Anditwasn’tyourexperiencewiththetravelingauditor.”

“Youcan’tknow…!”
“Ofcoursenot,”heinterruptedimpatiently.“YouknowIdon’tpry.ButI’vebeeninlaw

enforcementalongtime,andI’velearnedtoreadpeopleprettygood.You’reafraidofmewhenIget
tooclosetoyou.”

Shebitdownhardonherlowerlip.Shedrewblood.
“Stopthat,”hesaidinatendertone,touchingherlowerlipwhereherteethhadsavagedit.“I’m

notgoingtotrytobrowbeatyouintotellingmesomethingyoudon’twantto.ButIwishyoutrusted
meenoughtotalktomeaboutit.YouknowI’mnotjudgmental.”

“Itdoesn’thaveanythingtodowiththat.”
Hecockedhishead.“Can’tyoutellme?”
Shehesitatednoticeably.Shewantedto.Shereallywantedto.But…
Hebentandkissedhereyelidsshut.“Don’t.Wehaveallthetimeintheworld.Whenyou’re

readytotalk,I’lllisten.”

Shedrewinalong,laboredbreathandlaidherforeheadagainsthissuitcoat.“You’rethenicest

manI’veeverknown.”

Hesmiledoverherhead.“Well,that’sastart,Iguess.”
Shesmiled,too.“It’sastart.”

Four

I

twastheliveliestplaceJillianhadeverbeento.Thedancebandwasonaplatformattheendofa

long,widehallwithapolishedwoodenfloor.Aroundthefloorwerebooths,nottables,andtherewas
abarinthenextroomwiththreebartenders,twoofwhomwerefemale.

Themusicwasincredible.ItwasLatinwithacapitalL,pulsingandnarcotic.Onthedancefloor,

peopleweremovingtotherhythm.Somehadonjeansandboots,otherswerewearingensemblesthat
wouldhavedonejusticetoaclubinNewYorkCity.Stillothers,apparentlytoointimidatedbythe
talentbeingdisplayedonthedancefloor,werestandingontheperimeteroftheroom,clappingand
smiling.

“Wow,”Jilliansaid,watchingaparticularlytalentedcouple,asilver-hairedleanandmuscular

manwithawillowyblondewomansomewhatyoungerthanhewas.Theywhirledandpivoted,
laughing,withsucheasygraceandelegancethatshecouldn’ttakehereyesoffthem.

“That’sRedJernigan,”hetoldher,indicatingthesilver-hairedman,whosethick,longhairwas

inaponytaildownhisback.

“Heisn’tredheaded,”shepointedout.
Hegaveheranamusedlook.“Itdoesn’trefertohiscoloring,”hetoldher.“Theycalledhimthat

becauseinanybattle,hewastheonemostlikelytocomeoutbloody.”

Shegasped.“Oh.”
“Ihavesomeoddfriends.”Heshrugged,thensmiled.“You’llgetusedtothem.”
Hewassayingsomethingprofoundabouttheirfuture.Shewasconfused,butshereturnedhis

smileanyway.

ThedanceendedandTheodoretuggedheralongwithhimtothedancefloor,wherethesilver-

hairedmanandtheblondewomanwerecatchingtheirbreath.

“Hey,Red,”hegreetedtheotherman,whogrinnedandgrippedhishand.“Goodtoseeyou.”
“Abouttimeyoucameupforavisit.”Red’sdarkeyesslidtothesmallblondewomanbesidethe

policechief.Hiseyebrowsarched.

“ThisisJillian,”Theodoresaidgently.“AndthisisRedJernigan.”
“I’mMelody,”theprettyblondewomansaid,introducingherself.“Nicetomeetyou.”
Redslidhisarmaroundthewomanandpulledherclose.“NicetoseeTedgoingaroundwith

somebody,”heobserved.“It’spainfultoseeamancomealonetoadanceclubandrefusetodance
withanyoneexcepttheowner ’swife.”

“Well,Idon’tlikemostmodernwomen.”Theodoreexcusedhimself.Hesmileddownata

grinningJillian.“IlikeJake,here.”

“Jake?”Redasked,blinking.
“He’salwayscalledmethat,”Jilliansighed.“I’veknownhimalongtime.”
“Shehas,”Theodoredrawled,smiling.“Shelikescattle.”
“Idon’t,”Melodylaughed.“Smellythings.”
“Oh,butthey’renotsmellyifthey’rekeptclean,”Jillianprotestedatonce.“Sammyisalways

neat.”

“Hercalf,”Theodoreexplained.
“Isheabull?”Redasked.
“She’saheifer,”Jillianinserted.“Alittleblackbaldy.”
RedandMelodyweregivingheroddlooks.
“AsanacquaintanceofmineinJacobsville,Texas,wouldsay,”Redtoldthem,“ifJohnnyCash

couldsingaboutagirlnamedSue,apersoncanhaveagirlanimalwithaboy’sname.”Heleaned
closer.“HehasafemalebordercollienamedBob.”

Theyburstoutlaughing.
“Well,don’tstandoverherewithusoldfolks,”Redtoldthem.“Getouttherewiththeyounger

generationandshowthemhowtotango.”

“Youaren’told,Bud,”Theodoretoldhisfriendwithtwinklingeyes.“You’rejustahairslower

thanyouusedtobe,butwiththesameskills.”

“WhichIhopeI’mnevercalledtouseagain,”Redrepliedsolemnly.“I’mstillonreservestatus.”
“Iknow.”

“Redwasabirdcolonelinspecops,”TheodoreexplainedtoJillianlaterwhentheyweresitting

atatablesamplingtheclub’sexquisitelycookedseasonedsteakandfancybakedsweetpotatoes,
whichitwasasfamousasforitsdanceband.

“Andhestillis?”sheasked.
Henodded.“HecandomorewithrecruitsthananymanIeverknew,andwithoutbrowbeating

them.Hejustencourages.Ofcourse,therearetimeswhenhehastogetalittlemorecreative,withthe
wildersort.”

“Creative?”
Hegrinned.“TherewasthisgiantofakidfromMilwaukeewhowasassignedtohisunitinthe

field.KidplayedvideogamesandthoughtheknewmoreaboutstrategyandtacticsthanReddid.So
Redturnshimlooseontheenemy,butwithcovertbackup.”

“Whathappened?”sheasked,alleyes.
“Thekidwalkedrightintoanenemysquadandfrozeinhistracks.It’sonethingtodothatona

computerscreen.Quiteanothertoconfrontarmedmeninreallife.Theywereaimingtheirweapons
athimwhenRedledasquadintorecoverhim.Tookabouttwominutesforthemtoeliminatethe
threatandgetCommandoCarlbacktohisownlines.”Heshookhishead.“Intheexcitement,thekid
had,shallwesay,neededaccesstoarestroomanddidn’thaveone.Sotheyhunganicknameonhim
thatstuck.”

“Tellme!”
Hechuckled.“Let’sjustsaythatitsuitedhim.Hetookitinhisstride,suckeduphispride,

learnedtofollowordersandbecamearealcredittotheunit.Helaterbecamemayorofasmalltown
somewhereupnorth,wherehe’sstillknown,toafavoredfew,as‘Stinky.’”

Shelaughedoutloud.
“Actually,hewasingoodcompany.IreadinabookonWorldWarIIthatoneofourbetter

knowngeneralsdidthesamethingwhenhisconvoyranintoaGermanattack.Poorguy.I’llbet
Stinkycringedeverytimehesawthatothergeneral’sbookonarack.”

“Idon’tdoubtit.”
Shesippedhericedteaandsmiled.“Thisisreallygoodfood,”shesaid.“I’veneverhadasteak

thatwassotender,notevenfrombeefmyuncleraised.”

“ThisisKobebeef,”hepointedout.“RedgetsitfromJapan.Godknowshow,”headded.
“Ireadaboutthose.Don’ttheyactuallymassagethebeefcattle?”
“Pamperthem,”heagreed.“Youshouldtrythatsweetpotato,”headvised.“It’sreallyaunique

combinationofspicestheyuse.”

Shefrowned,pickingatitwithherfork.“I’veonlyeverhadacoupleofsweetpotatoes,andthey

weremostlytasteless.”

“Justtryit.”
Sheputtheforkintoit,lifteditdubiouslytoherlipsandsuddenlycaughtherbreathwhenthe

tastehithertonguelikedynamite.“Wow!”sheexclaimed.“Whatdotheycallthis?”

“Redcallsit‘theultimatejalapeño-brown-sugar-sweet-potatodelight.’”
“It’sheavenly!”
Hechuckled.“Itis,isn’tit?Thejalapeñogivesitakicklikeamule,butit’snotsohotthateven

tenderfeetwouldn’teatit.”

“Iwouldneverhavethoughtofsuchacombination.AndIthoughtIwasagoodcook.”
“Youareagoodcook,Jake,”hesaid.“ThebestIeverknew.”
Sheblushed.“Thanks,Theodore.”
Hecockedhishead.“Iguessitwouldkillyoutoshortenthat.”
“Shortenwhat?”
“Myname.MostpeoplecallmeTed.”
Shehesitatedwiththeforkinmidair.Shesearchedhisblackeyesforalongtime.“Ted,”shesaid

softly.

Hisjawtautened.Hehadn’texpectedittohavethateffectonhim.Shehadasoft,sweet,sexy

voicewhensheletherselfrelaxwithhim.Shemadehisnamesounddifferent;special.New.

“Ilikethewayyousayit,”hesaid,whenshegavehimaworriedlook.“It’s—”hesearchedfora

wordthatwouldn’tintimidateher“—it’sstimulating.”

“Stimulating.”Shedidn’tunderstand.
Heputdownhisforkwithalongsigh.“Somethinghappenedtoyou,”hesaidquietly.“Youdon’t

knowmewellenoughtotalktomeaboutit.Ormaybeyou’reafraidthatImightgoafterthemanwho
didit.”

Shewasastounded.Shecouldn’tevenmanagewords.Shejuststaredathim,shocked.
“I’minlawenforcement,”heremindedher.“Afterafewyears,youreadbodylanguageina

differentwaythanmostpeopledo.Abusedchildrenhavealook,awayofdressingandacting,one
that’sobvioustoacop.”

Shewentwhite.Shebitherlowerlipandherfingerstoyedwithherforkasshestaredatit,

fightingtears.

Hisbighandcurledaroundhers,gently.“Iwishyoucouldtellme.Ithinkitwouldhelpyou.”
Shelookedupintoquiet,patienteyes.“Youwouldn’t…thinkbadlyofme?”
“ForGod’ssake,”hegroaned.“Areyounuts?”
Sheblinked.
Hegrimaced.“Sorry.Ididn’tmeantoputitthatway.NothingIfoundoutaboutyouwould

changethewayIfeel.Ifthat’swhyyou’rereluctant.”

“You’resure?”
Heglaredather.
Sheloweredhereyesandcurledhersmallhandintohisbigone,atrustinggesturethattouched

himinanewanddifferentway.

“WhenIwasfifteen,UncleJohnhadthisyoungmanhegottodooddjobsaroundhere.Hewasa

drifter,veryintelligent.Heseemedlikeanice,trustworthypersontohavearoundthehouse.Thenone

dayUncleJohnfeltbadandwenttobed,leftmewiththehiredmaninthekitchen.”

Herjawclenched.“Atfirst,hewasrealhelpful.Wantedtoputoutthetrashformeandsweepthe

floor.Ithoughtitwassoniceofhim.Thenallofasudden,heaskedwhatwasmybrasizeandifI
worenylonpanties.”

Theodore’seyesbegantoflash.
Sheswallowed.“IwassoshockedIdidn’tknowwhattodoorsay.Ithoughtitwassomesick

joke.Untilhetriedtotakemyclothesoff,mumblingallthetimethatIneededsomebodytoteachme
aboutmenandhewastheperfectperson,becausehe’dhadsomanyvirgins.”

“GoodGod!”
“UncleJohnwasasleep.Therewasnobodytohelpme.ButthePealeslivedrightdowntheroad,

andIknewabackwaythroughthewoodstotheirhouse.Ihithiminabadplaceandranoutthedoor
asfastasmylegscouldcarryme.Iwasalmostnakedbythen.”Sheclosedhereyes,shiveringwith
thememoryoftheterrorshe’dfelt,runningandhearinghimcursebehindherashecrashedthrough
theundergrowthinpursuit,

“Ididn’tthinkwhatdangerImightbeplacingSassyPealeandhermotherandstepsisterin,Ijust

knewthey’dhelpmeandIwasterrified.IbangedonthedoorandSassycametoit.Whenshesaw
howIlooked,sheranfortheshotguntheykeptinthehallcloset.Bythetimethehiredmangotonthe
porch,Sassyhadtheshotgunloadedandaimedathisstomach.Shetoldhimifhemovedshe’dblow
himup.”

Shesippedteawhileshecalmedalittlefromtherememberedfear.Herhandwasshaking,but

justalittle.HerfreehandwasstillclaspedgentlyinTheodore’s.

“Hetriedtoblameitonme,tosayI’dflirtedandtriedtoseducehim,butSassyknewbetter.She

heldhimatbayuntilhermothercalledthepolice.Theytookhimaway.”Shedrewinabreath.“There
wasatrial.Itwashorrible,butatleastitwasinclosedsession,inthejudge’schambers.Thehired
manplea-bargained.Yousee,hehadpriors,manyofthem.Hedrewalongjailsentence,butitdidat
leastsparemeapublictrial.”Shesippedteaagain.“HissisterlivedoverinWyoming.Shecameto
seeme,afterthetrial.”Hereyesclosed.“ShesaidIwasaslutwhohadnobusinessputtingasweet,
niceguylikehimbehindbarsforyears.”Shemanagedasmile.“Sassywasinthekitchenwhenthe
womancametothedoor.Shemarchedintothelivingroomandgavethatwomanhell.Shetoldher
aboutherinnocentbrother ’spriorsandhowmanyyounggirlshadsufferedbecauseofhisinabilityto
controlhisowndesires.Shewaseloquent.Thewomanshutupandwentaway.Ineverheardfromher
again.”Shelookedoverathim.“Sassy’sbeenmyfriendeversince.Notacloseone,I’msorrytosay.
Iwassoembarrassedathavingherknowaboutitthatitinhibitedmewithherandeveryoneelse.
Everyonewouldbelievetheman’ssister,andthatI’daskedforit.”

Hisfingerscurledcloserintohers.“Noyoungwomanasksforsuchabuse,”hesaidsoftly.“But

abusersusethatargumenttodefendthemselves.It’salie,likealltheirotherlies.”

“Sometimes,”shesaid,tobefair,“womendolie,andmen,innocentmen,gotojailforthings

theydidn’tdo.”

“Yes,”heagreed.“Butmoreoftenthannot,suchliesarefoundout,andthewomenthemselves

arepunishedforit.”

“Iguessso.”
“Iwasn’therewhenthathappened.”
“No.YouweredoingthatworkshopattheFBIAcademy.AndIbeggedthejudgenottotellyou

oranybodyelse.Shewasverykindtome.”

Helookedoverherhead,hiseyesflashingcoldandblackashethoughtwhathemighthave

donetothemanifhe’dbeenintown.Hewasn’tinterestedinJillianasawomanbackthen,because
shewasstillalmostachild,buthe’dalwaysbeenfondofher.Hewouldhavewipedthefloorwiththe

man.

Hisexpressionmadeherfeelwarminside.“You’dhaveknockedhimupanddownmainstreet,”

sheventured.

Helaughed,surprised,andmethereyes.“Worsethanthat,probably.”Hefrowned.“Firstthe

hiredman,thentheaccountant.”

“Theaccountantwasmyfault,”sheconfessed.“InevertoldhimhowoldIwas,andIwas

infatuatedwithhim.Hewasdrinkingwhenhetriedtopersuademe.”Sheshookherhead.“Ican’t
believeIevendidthat.”

Hestaredather.“Youwereakid,Jake.Kidsaren’tknownfordeepthought.”
Shesmiled.“Thanksfornotbeingjudgmental.”
Heshrugged.“I’msuchanicemanthatI’mneverjudgmental.”
Hereyebrowsarched.
Hegrinned.“AndIreallycandothetango.SupposeIteachyou?”
Shestudiedhislean,handsomeface.“It’savery,well,sensualsortofdance,theysay.”
“Very.”Hepursedhislips.“ButI’mnotanaggressiveman.Notinanywaythatshouldfrighten

you.”

Shecoloredalittle.“Really?”
“Really.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“Iguesseverywomanshoulddancethetangoatleastonce.”
“Mythoughtsexactly.”
Hewipedhismouthonthelinennapkin,tookalastsipoftheexcellentbutcoolingcoffeeand

gottohisfeet.

“Youhavetowatchyourbackonthedancefloor,though,”hetoldherasheledhertowardit.
“Whyisthat?”
“WhentheotherwomenseewhatagreatdancerIam,they’llprobablymobyouandtakeme

awayfromyou,”heteased.

Shelaughed.“Okay.”Sheleanedtowardhim.“Areyoupacking?”
“Areyoukidding?”heasked,indicatingtheautomaticnestledathiswaistonhisbelt.“I’macop.

I’malwayspacking.Andyoukeepyourlittlehandsoffmygun,”headdedsternly.“Idon’tletwomen
playwithit,eveniftheyasknicely.”

“Theodore,I’mscaredofguns,”sheremindedhim.“Andyouknowit.That’swhyyoucome

overandsitonthefrontporchandshootbottlesonstumps,justtoirritateme.”

“I’lltrytoreform,”hepromised.
“Lies.”
Heputhishandoverhisheart.“IonlyliewhenI’msalvingsomeone’sfeelings,”hepointedout.

“Therearetimeswhentellingthetruthiscruel.”

“Oh,yeah?Nameone.”
Henoddedcovertlytowardawomanagainstthewall.“Well,ifItoldthatniceladythatherdress

lookslikeshehaditpaintedonatacarnival,she’dprobablyfeelbad.”

Shebitherliptryingnottolaugh.“Sheprobablythinksitlookssexy.”
“Oh,no.Sexyisadressthatcoversalmosteverything,butleavesonelittletantalizingplace

bare,”hesaid.“That’swhyJapanesekimonoshavethatdiponthebackoftheneck,thatjustreveals
thenape,whentherestofthewomaniscoveredfromheadtotoe.TheJapanesethinkthenapeofthe
neckissexy.”

“Mygoodness!”Shestaredupathim,impressed.“You’vebeensomanyplaces.I’veonlyever

beenoutofMontanaonce,whenIdrovetoWyomingwithUncleJohntoacattleconvention.I’ve
neverbeenoutofthecountryatall.Youlearnalotaboutotherpeoplewhenyoutravel,don’tyou?”

Henodded.Hesmiled.“Othercountrieshavedifferentcustoms.Butpeoplearemostlythesame

everywhere.I’veenjoyedthetravelmostofall,evenwhenIhadtodoitonbusiness.”

“LikethetimeyouflewtoLondonwiththatdetectivefromScotlandYard.ImagineaBritishcase

thatinvolvedasmalltownlikeHollister!”sheexclaimed.

“Theperpetratorwasamurdererwhocameoverherefishingtoprovidehimselfwithanalibi

whilehiswifecommittedthecrimeandblameditonherabsenthusband.Intheend,theybothdrew
lifesentences.”

“Whodidtheykill?”sheasked.
“Hercousinwhowassettoinheritthefamilyestateandabouttenmillionpounds,”hesaid,

shakinghishead.“Thethingssensiblepeoplewilldoformoneyneverceasestoamazeme.Imean,it
isn’tlikeyoucantakeitwithyouwhenyoudie.Andhowmanyhousescanyoulivein?Howmany
carscanyoudrive?”Hefrowned.“IthinkofmoneythewaytheCrowandCheyennepeopledo.The
waymostNativeAmericansdo.Themaninthetribewhoisthemosthonoredisalwaysthepoorest,
becausehegivesawayeverythinghehastopeoplewhoneeditmore.They’renotcapitalists.They
don’tunderstandsocietiesthatequateprestigewithmoney.”

“Andtheyshareabsolutelyeverything,”sheagreed.“Theydon’tunderstandprivateproperty.”
Helaughed.“NeitherdoI.Thewoodsandtheriversandthemountainsareageless.Youcan’t

ownthem.”

“See?That’stheCheyenneinyoutalking.”
Hetouchedherblondhair.“Probablyitis.Wegoingtodance,ortalk?”
“You’releading,aren’tyou?”
Hetuggedherontothedancefloor.“Apparently.”Hedrewhergentlytohimandthenhesitated.

Afterwhatshe’dtoldhim,hedidn’twanttodoanythingthatwouldmakeheruncomfortable.Hesaid
so.

“Idon’t…well,Idon’tfeeluncomfortable,likethat,withyou,”shefaltered,lookingupintohis

blackeyes.Shemanagedashakylittlesmile.“Ilikebeingclosetoyou.”Sheflushed,afraidshe’d
beentoobold.Orthathe’dthinkshewasbeingforward.Herexpressionwastroubled.

Hejustsmiled.“Youcansayanythingtome,”hesaidgently.“Iwon’tthinkyou’rebeingshallow

orvampish.Okay?”

Sherelaxed.“Okay.Isthisgoingtobehardtolearn?”
“Very.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“ThenIguessweshouldgetstarted.”
Hiseyessmileddownather.“Iguessweshould.”
Hewalkedheraroundthedancefloor,toheramusement,teachingherhowthebasicstepswere

done.Itwasn’tlikethoseexotictangosshe’dseeninmoviesatfirst.Itwaslikekindergartenwasto
education.

Shefollowedhissteps,hesitantlyatfirst,thenalittlemoreconfidently,untilshewasmoving

withsomeelegance.

“Now,thisiswherewegetintothemoreexoticparts,”hesaid.“Itinvolveslittlekicksthatgo

betweenthelegs.”Heleanedtoherear.“Ithinkweshouldhavekidsoneday,soit’sveryimportant
thatyoudon’tgetoverenthusiasticwiththekicks.Andyoushouldalsobeverycarefulwhereyou
placethem.”

Ittookheraminutetounderstandwhathemeant,andthensheburstoutlaughinginsteadof

beingembarrassed.

Hegrinned.“Justplayingitsafe,”hetoldher.“Ready?Thisishowyoudoit.”
Itwasfascinating,thecomplexityofthemovementsandthefluidflowofthestepsashepaced

thedancetothemusic.

“Itdoesn’tlooklikethisinmostmovies,”shesaidasshefollowedhissteps.
“That’sbecauseit’sastylizedversionofthetango,”hetoldher.“Mostpeoplehavenoideahow

it’ssupposedtobedone.Butthereareafewmoviesthatgointoitindepth.Onewasmadeinblack
andwhitebyaBritishwoman.It’smyfavorite.Verycomprehensive.Evenaboutthedangerofthe
kicks.”Hechuckled.

“It’sArgentinian,isn’tit?Thedance,Imean.”
“You’dhavetoaskmybuddyaboutthat,I’mnotsure.Iknowthereareplentyofdanceclubs

downtherethatspecializeintango.Thethingis,you’resupposedtodothesedanceswithstrangers.
It’sasmuchasocialexpressionasitisadance.”

“Really?”
Henodded.Hesmiled.“Maybeweshouldgetabucketandputalloursparechangeintoit.Then,

whenwe’reRed’sage,wemighthaveenoughtobuyticketstoBuenosAiresandgodancing.”

Shegiggled.“Oh,I’msurewe’dhavetheticketpriceintwentyorthirtyyears.”
Hesighedasheled.“Orforty.”Heshookhishead.“I’vealwayswantedtotravel.Ididagoodbit

ofitintheservice,butthereareplentyofplacesI’dlovetosee.LikethoseruinsinPeruandthe
pyramids,andtheSonorandesert.”

Shefrowned.“TheSonorandesertisn’texotic.”
Hesmiled.“Sureitis.Doyouknow,thoseSaguarocacticanliveforhundredsofyears?And

thatifalimbfallsonyou,itcankillyoubecauseoftheweight?Youdon’tthinkaboutthembeingthat
heavy,buttheyhaveawoodyspineandlimbstosupporttheweightofthewatertheystore.”

“Gosh.Howdoyouknowallthat?”
Hegrinned.“TheScienceChannel,theDiscoveryChannel,theNationalGeographicChannel…”
Shelaughed.“Iliketowatchthose,too.”
“Idon’tthinkI’vemissedasinglenaturespecial,”hetoldher.Hegaveheradrolllook.“Now

thatshouldtellyouallyouneedtoknowaboutmysociallife.”Hegrinned.

Shelaughed,too.“Well,mysociallifeisn’tmuchbetter.ThisisthefirsttimeI’vebeenonareal

date.”

Hisblackeyebrowsarched.
Sheflushed.Sheshrugged.Sheavertedhereyes.
Hetiltedherfaceuptohisandsmiledwithatendernessthatmadeherkneesweak.“Iheartily

approve,”hesaid,“ofthefactthatyou’vebeensavingyourselfforme,justlikeyouruncledid,”he
addedoutrageously.

Shealmostbentoverdoublelaughing.“Nofair.”
“Justmakingthepoint.”Heslidhisarmaroundherandpulledheragainsthim.Shecaughther

breath.

Hehesitated,hisdarkeyessearchingherstoseeifhe’dupsether.
“My…goodness,”shesaidbreathlessly.
Heraisedhiseyebrows.
Sheavertedhereyesandhercheekstookonaglow.Shedidn’tknowhowtotellhimthatthe

sensationsshewasfeelingwereunsettling.Shecouldfeelthemusclesofhischestpressedagainsther
breasts,anditwasstimulating,exciting.Itwasawholenewexperiencetobeheldclosetoaman’s
body,tofeelitswarmstrength,tosmelltheelusive,spicycolognehewaswearing.

“You’vedancedwithmenbefore.”
“Yes,ofcourse,”sheconfessed.Shelookedupathimwithfascination.“Butitdidn’t,well,it

didn’t…feellikethis.”

Thatmadehimarrogant.Hischinliftedandhelookeddownatherwithpossessionkindlingin

hiseyes.

“Sorry,”shesaidquickly,embarrassed.“Ijustblurtthingsout.”
Hebenthishead,sothathismouthwasrightbesideherearasheeasedherintothedance.“It’s

okay,”hesaidsoftly.

Shebitherlipandlaughednervously.
“Well,it’sokaytofeellikethatwithme,”hecorrected.“Butyoushouldknowthatit’svery

wrongforyoutofeelthatwaywithanyotherman.Soyoushouldneverdancewithanybodybutme
fortherestofyourlife.”

Sheburstoutlaughingagain.
Hechuckled.“You’reaquickstudy,Jake,”henotedasshefollowedhisstepseasily.“Ithinkwe

maybecomefamouslocallyforthisdanceonceyougetusedtoit.”

“Youthink?”sheteased.
Heturnedherbackoverhisarm,pulledherup,andspunheraroundwithskill.Shelaughed

breathlessly.Itwasreallyfun.

“Ihaven’tdancedinyears,”hesighed.“Ilovetodoit,butI’mnotmuchofapartyperson.”
“I’mnot,either.I’mmuchmoreathomeinakitchenthanIaminaclub.”Shegrimaced.“That’s

notverymodern,either,forawoman.IalwaysfeelthatIshouldbeworkingmywayupacorporate
laddersomewhereorimmersingmyselfinhighereducation.”

“Wouldyouliketobeacorporateleader?”
Shemadeaface.“Notreally.Jobslikethataredemanding,andyouhavetowantthemmorethan

anything.I’mjustnotambitious,Iguess.Although,”shemused,“IthinkImightliketotakeacollege
course.”

“Whatsort?”heasked.
“Anthropology.”
Hestoppeddancingandlookeddownather,fascinated.“Why?”
“Ilikereadingaboutancienthumans,andhowarchaeologistscanlearnsomuchfromskeletal

material.IgocrazyoverthoseNationalGeographicspecialsonEgypt.”

Helaughed.“SodoI.”
“I’dlovetoseethepyramids.Allofthem,eventhoseinMexicoandAsia.”
“TherearepyramidshereintheStates,”heremindedher.“Thosehugeearthenmoundsthat

primitivepeoplebuiltweretheequivalentofpyramids.”

Shestoppeddancing.“Whydoyouthinktheybuiltthem?”
“Idon’tknow.It’sjustaguess.Butmostoftheearthenmoundsarenearrivers.I’vealways

thoughtmaybetheywerewherethevillagewenttogetoutofthewaterwhenitflooded.”

“It’sasgoodatheoryasanyother,”sheagreed.“ButwhataboutinEgypt?Idon’tthinktheyhad

aproblemwithflooding,”sheadded,tongueincheek.

“Now,see,there’sanothertheoryaboutthat.Thousandsofyearsago,Egyptwasgreenand

almosttropical,withabundantsourcesofwater.Sowhoknows?”

“Itwasgreen?”sheexclaimed.
Henodded.“Therewereforests.”
“Wheredidyoulearnthat?”
“Iread,too.IthinkitwasinHerodotus.Theycalledhimthefatherofhistory.Hewroteabout

Egypt.Headmittedthattheinformationmightnotallbefactual,buthewrotedownexactlywhatthe
Egyptianprieststoldhimabouttheircountry.”

“I’dliketoreadwhathesaid.”
“Youcanborrowoneofmybooks,”heoffered.“IhaveseveralcopiesofhisHistories.”
“Why?”
Hegrimaced.“BecauseIkeeplosingthem.”

Shefrowned.“Howintheworlddoyouloseabook?”
“You’llhavetocomehomewithmesometimeandseewhy.”
Hereyessparkled.“Isthataninvitation?Youknow,‘comeupandseemybooks’?”
Hechuckled.“No,it’snotapickupline.Ireallymeanit.”
“I’dliketo.”
“Youwould?”Hisarmcontracted.“When?HowaboutnextSaturday?I’llshowyoumy

collectionofmaps,too.”

“Maps?”sheexclaimed.
Henodded.“Iliketopomaps,andreliefmaps,bestofall.Ithelpsmetounderstandwhereplaces

arelocated.”

Shesmiledsecretively.“Wecouldcomparemaps.”
“What?”
Shesighed.“Iguesswedohavealotincommon.IthinkI’vegothalfthemapsRandMcNally

everpublished!”

Five

“W

ell,whatdoyouknow?”Helaughed.“We’rebothclosetmapfanatics.”

“Andweloveancienthistory.”
“Andweloveshootingtargetsfromthefrontporch.”
Shegloweredupathim.
Hesighed.“I’lltrytoreform.”
“YoumightmissandshootSammy,”shereplied.
“I’madeadshot.”
“Anybodycanmissonce,”shepointedout.
“Iguessso.”
They’dstoppedonthedancefloorwhilethebandgotreadytostartthenextnumber.Whenthey

did,hewhirledheraroundandtheystartedalloveragain.Jillianthoughtshe’dneverenjoyed
anythinginherlifesomuch.

Tedwalkedhertothefrontdoor,smiling.“Itwasanicefirstdate.”
“Yes,itwas,”sheagreed,smilingback.“I’veneverhadsomuchfun!”
Helaughed.Shemadehimfeelwarminside.Shewassuchanhonestperson.Shewasn’tcoyor

flirtatious.Shejustsaidwhatshefelt.Itwasn’tatraithewasfamiliarwith.

“Whatareyouthinking?”sheaskedcuriously.
“ThatI’mnotusedtopeoplewhotellthetruth.”
Sheblinked.“Whynot?”
“AlmostallthepeopleIarrestareinnocent,”hetickedoff.“Theyweresetupbyafriend,orit

wasacaseofmistakenidentityevenwhentherewereeyewitnesses.Oh,and,thepolicehaveitinfor
themandarrestthemjusttobemean.That’smypersonalfavorite,”headdedfacetiously.

Shechuckled.“Iguesstheywishtheywereinnocent.”
“Iguess.”
Shefrowned.“There’sbeensometalkaboutthatmanyouarrestedforthebankrobberygetting

paroledbecauseofatechnicality.Isittrue?”

Hisfacesetinhardlines.“Itmightbe.Hisattorneysaidthatthejudgemadeanerrorinhis

instructionstothejurythatprejudicedthecase.I’veseenmengetoffinsimilarsituations.”

“Ted,hesworehe’dkillyouifheevergotout,”shesaidworriedly.
Hepursedhislipsandhisdarkeyestwinkled.“Frightenedforme?”
“OfcourseIam.”
Hesighedandpulledherclose.“Now,that’sexactlythesortofthingthatmakesamanfeelgood

abouthimself,whensomesweetlittlewomanworriesabouthim.”

“I’mnotlittle,I’mnotsweetandIdon’tusuallyworry,”shepointedout.
“It’sokayifyouworryaboutme,”heteased.“Aslongasyoudon’tdoitexcessively.”

Shetoyedwiththetopbuttonofhisunbuttonedjacket.“Therearelotsofsaferprofessionsthan

beingapolicechief.”

Hefrowned.“You’rekidding,right?”
Shegrimaced.“Ted,JoeBrown’swifewasoneofmyuncle’sfriends.Shewasmarriedtothat

deputysheriffwhowasshottodeathafewyearsago.Shesaidthatshespenttheirwholemarriedlives
sittingbythephoneatnight,almostshakingwithworryeverytimehehadtogooutonacase,hoping
andprayingthathe’dcomehomealive.”

Hishandsonherslenderwaisthadtightenedunconsciously.“Anyonewhomarriessomeonein

lawenforcementhastolivewiththatpossibility,”hesaidslowly.

Shebitherlowerlip.Shewasseeingherselfsittingbythephoneatnight,pacingthefloor.She

waspronetoworryanyway.ShewasveryfondofTed.Shedidn’twanthimtodie.Butrightnow,she
wasn’tinlove.Shehadtimetothinkaboutwhatshewantedtodowithherlife.Shewassureshe
shouldgivethisalotofthoughtbeforeshedivedheadfirstintoarelationshipwithhimthatmightlead
veryquicklytomarriage.She’dheardpeopletalkabouthowitwaswhenpeoplebecamevery
physicalwitheachother,thatitwassoaddictivethattheycouldn’tbeartobeapartatall.Oncethat
happened,shewouldn’thaveachancetoseethingsrationally.

Tedcouldalmostseethethoughtsinhermind.Slowlyhereleasedherandsteppedback.
Shefeltthedistance,anditwasmorethanphysical.Hewasdrawingawayineverysense.
Shelookedupathim.Shedrewinalongbreath.“I’mnotsureI’mready,Ted.”
“Readyforwhat?”
Thatstiffnessinhimwasdisturbing,butshehadtobehonest.“I’mnotsureI’mreadytothink

aboutmarriage.”

Hisblackeyesnarrowed.“Jillian,ifwedon’tgetmarried,there’saCaliforniadeveloperwho’s

goingtomakethisplaceintohotrealestatewithtouristimpact,andSammycouldendupona
platter.”

Shefeltthosewordslikeabodyblow.Hereyes,tormented,methis.“Butit’snotfair,torush

intosomethingwithouthavingtimetothinkaboutit!”sheexclaimed.“Thewillsdidn’tsaywehaveto
getmarriedtomorrow!There’snorealtimelimit!”

Therewas,buthewasn’tgoingtopushher.Shehadcoldfeet.Shedidn’tknowhimthatwell,

despitetheyearsthey’dbeenacquainted,andshewasn’treadyforthephysicalsideofmarriage.She
hadhang-ups,andgoodreasonstohavethem.

“Okay,”hesaidafteraminute.“Supposewejustgettoknoweachotherandlettherestridefora

while?”

“Youmean,goondatesandstuff?”
Hepursedhislips.“Yes.Datesandstuff.”
Shenoticedhowhandsomehewas.Inacrowd,healwaysstoodout.Hewasavividsortof

person,notlikeshewasatall.Buttheydidenjoythesamesortsofthingsandtheygotalong,mostof
thetime.

“Iwouldliketoseeyourplace,”shesaid.
“I’llcomeandgetyouSaturdaymorning,”hesaidquietly.
Hewaitedforheranswerwithbridledimpatience.Shecouldseethat.Hewasn’tsureofheratall.

Shehatedbeingsohesitant,butitwasarushedbusiness.Shewouldhavetomakeadecisioninthe
nearfutureorwatchUncleJohn’sranchbecomearesort.Itdidn’tbearthinkingabout.Ontheother
hand,ifshesaidyestoTed,itwouldmeanarelationshipthatshewascertainshewasn’treadyfor.

“Stopgnawingyourlipoffandsayyes,”Tedtoldher.“We’llworkoutthedetailsaswego

along.”

Shesighed.“Okay,Ted,”shesaidafteraminute.

Hehadn’trealizedthathe’dbeenholdinghisbreath.Hesmiledslowly.Shewasgoingtotakethe

chance.Itwasastart.

“Okay.”Hefrowned.“Youdon’thaveanylow-cutblousesandjeansthatlooklikeyou’vebeen

pouredintothem,doyou?”

“Ted!”
“Well,Iwasjustwondering,”hesaid.“Becauseifyoudo,youcan’twearthemoveratmyplace.

Wehaveadresscode.”

“Adresscode.”Shenodded.“Soyourcowboyshavetoweardresses.”Shenoddedagain.
Heburstoutlaughing.Hebentandkissedher,hard,butimpersonally,andwalkeddownthe

steps.“I’llseeyouSaturday.”

“Youcallthatakiss?”sheyelledafterhim,andshockedherselfwiththeimpertinentremarkthat

hadjumpedoutofhersoimpulsively.

Buthedidn’treacttoitthewaysheexpected.Hejustthrewuphishandandkeptwalking.

Theyworkedsidebysideinhiskitchenmakinglunch.Hewaspreparinganomeletwhileshe

madecinnamontoastandfriedbacon.

“Breakfastforlunch,”shescoffed.
“Hey,Iveryoftenhavebreakfastforsupper,ifI’vebeenoutonacase,”hesaidindignantly.

“There’snorulethatsaysyouhavetohavebreakfastinthemorning.”

“Isupposenot.”
“See,youdon’tknowhowtobreakrules.”
Shegasped.“You’reapolicechief!Youshouldn’tbeencouraginganybodytobreakrules.”
“It’sokayaslongasit’sonlyrelatedtofood,”hereplied.
Shelaughed,shakingherhead.
“Yougoingtoturnthatbaconanytimesoon?”heasked,noddingtowardit,“ordoyoureally

likeitrawononesideandblackontheother?”

“Ifyoudon’tlikeitthatway,youcouldfryityourself.”
“Idoomelets,”hepointedout.“Idon’teveneatbacon.”
“What?”
“Pigmeat,”hemuttered.
“Ilikebacon!”
“Good.Thenyoucaneatit.I’vegotanicecountryhamallcarvedupandcookedinthefridge.

I’llhavethatwithmine.”

“Hamispigmeat,too!”
“Ithinkofitassteakwithacurlytail,”hereplied.
Sheburstoutlaughing.Hewassodifferentoffthejob.She’dseenhimwalkingdownthe

sidewalkintown,somberanddignified,almostunapproachable.Here,athome,hewasachanged
person.

“Whatareyoubroodingabout?”hewondered.
“WasI?Iwasjustthinkinghowdifferentyouareathomethanatwork.”
“Ishouldhopeso,”hesighed,ashetooktheomeletupontoaplatter.“Imean,thinkofthe

damagetomyimageifIcookedomeletsfortheprisoners.”

“ChiefBarnesusedto,”shesaid.“IrememberUncleJohntalkingaboutwhatasweetmanhe

was.He’dtaketheprisonershimselftofuneralswhentheyhadfamilymembersdie,andinthosedays,
whenthejailwasdownthehallfromthepolicedepartment,he’dcookforthem,too.”

“Hewasakindman,”Tedagreedsolemnly.
“Tothinkthatitwasoneoftheprisonerswhokilledhim,”sheaddedquietlyassheturnedthe

bacon.“Ofalltheironies.”

“Themanwasdrunkatthetime,”Tedsaid.“And,ifyourecall,hekilledhimselfjustafew

weekslaterwhilehewaswaitingfortrial.Heleftanotesayinghedidn’twanttoputthechief’sfamily
throughanymorepain.”

“Everybodythoughtthatwassoodd,”shesaid.“Butpeopleforgetthatmurderersarejustlike

everybodyelse.Theyaren’tbornplanningtokillpeople.”

“That’strue.Sometimesit’salcoholordrugsthatmakethemdoit.Othertimesit’sanimpulse

theycan’tcontrol.Although,”headded,“therearepeoplebornwithoutaconscience.Theydon’t
mindkilling.I’veseentheminthemilitary.Nottoomany,thankgoodness,buttheycomealong
occasionally.”

“Yourfriendwhowasasniper,washelikethat?”
“Notatall,”hesaid.“Hewastrainedtothinkofitasjustaskill.Itwasonlylater,whenitstarted

tokillhissoul,thatherealizedwhatwashappeningtohim.Thatwaswhenhegotout.”

“Howintheworlddidhegetintolawenforcement,withsuchabackground?”shewondered.
Hechuckled.“UncleSamoftendoesn’tknowwhenhislefthandisdoingsomethingdifferent

thanhisrightone,”hecommented.“Governmentagencieshaveclosedfiles.”

“Oh.Igetit.Butthosefilesaren’tclosedtoeveryone,arethey?”
“They’reonlyaccessibletopeoplewithtop-secretmilitaryclearance.”Heglancedather

amusedly.“Neverknewacivilian,outsidetheexecutivebranch,whoevenhadone.”

“Thatmakessense.”
Hepulledoutherchairforher.
“Thankyou,”shesaid,withsurpriseinhertone.
“I’mimpressingyouwithmygoodmanners,”hepointedoutashesatdownacrossfromherand

putanapkininhislap.

“I’mveryimpressed.”Shetastedtheomelet,closedhereyesandsighed.“Andnotonlywith

yourmanners.Ted,thisisdelicious!”

Hegrinned.“Thanks.”
“Whatdidyouputinit?”sheasked,tryingtodecidewhatcombinationofspiceshe’dusedto

producesuchataste.“Tradesecret.”

“Youcantellme,”shecoaxed.“Afterall,we’realmostengaged.”
“The‘almost’iswhyI’mnottelling,”heretorted.“Ifthingsdon’tworkout,you’llbeusingmy

secretspicesinyourownomeletsforsomeotherman.”

“Icouldpromise.”
“Youcould,butI’mnottelling.”
Shesighed.“Well,it’sdelicious,anyway.”
Hechuckled.“Thebacon’snotbad,either,”heconceded,havingforgonethecountryhamthat

wouldneedwarming.Hewashungry.

“Thanks.”Sheliftedapieceoftoastandgaveitacoldlook.“Shamewecan’tsaythesamefor

thetoast.Sorry.Iwasbusytryingnottoburnthebacon,soIburnedthetoastinstead.”

“Idon’teattoast.”
“Ido,butIdon’tthinkIwillthistime.”Shepushedthetoastaside.
Aftertheyate,hewalkedheraroundtheproperty.Heonlyhadafewbeefsteersinthepasture.

He’dboughtquiteafewAnguscattlewithhisownuncle,andtheywereattheranchthatJillianhad
sharedwithheruncleJohn.Shewaspensiveasshestrolledbesidehim,absentlystrippingadead
branchofleaves,thinkingaboutthefateofUncleJohn’sprizebeefifshedidn’tmarryTedsometime

soon.

“Deepthoughts?”heasked,handsinthepocketsofhisjeansunderhisshepherd’scoat.
Shefrowned.Shewaswearingherbuckskinjacket.Oneofthepiecesoffringecaughtonalimb

andshehadtostoptodisentangleit.“Iwasthinkingaboutthatresort,”sheconfessed.

“Here.Letme.”Hestoppedandremovedthebranchfromthefringe.“Doyouknowwhythese

jacketsalwayshadfringe?”

Shelookedupathim,awareofhisheightandstrengthsoclosetoher.Hesmelledoftobacco

andcoffeeandfirtrees.“Notreally.”

Hesmiled.“Whentheold-timersneededsomethingtotieupasackwith,theyjustpulledoffa

pieceoffringeandusedthat.Also,thefringecollectswateranddripsitawayfromthebody.”

“Mygoodness!”
“Mygrandmotherwasfullofstorieslikethat.Hergrandfatherwasafurtrapper.Helivedinthe

Canadianwilderness.HewasFrench.HemarriedaBlackfootwoman.”

Shesmiled,surprised.“ButyoualwaystalkaboutyourCheyenneheritage.”
“That’sbecausemyothergrandmotherwasCheyenne.Ihaveinterestingbloodlines.”
Hereyessketchedhishigh-cheekbonedface,hisblackeyesandhairandolivecomplexion.

“Theycombinedtomakeaveryhandsomeman.”

“Me?”heasked,surprised.
Shegrinned.“Andnotaconceitedboneinyourbody,either,Ted.”
Hesmileddownather.“Notmuchtobeconceitedabout.”
“Modest,too.”
Heshrugged.Hetouchedhercheekwithhisfingertips.“Youhavebeautifulskin.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Thankyou.”
“Yougetthatfromyourmother,”hesaidgently.“Irememberherverywell.Iwasonlyaboy

whenshedied,butshewaswell-knownlocally.Shewasthebestcookintwocounties.Shewasalways
thefirsttositwithanyonesick,ortotakefoodwhentherewasafuneral.”

“Ionlyknowaboutherthroughmyuncle,”shereplied.“Myunclelovedher.Shewashisonly

sister,mucholderthanhewas.Sheandmyfatherhadmeunexpectedly,lateinlife.”

Which,hethought,hadbeensomethingofatragedy.
“Andthentheybothdiedoftheflu,whenIwasbarelycrawling,”shesighed.“Ineverknew

eitherofthem.”Shelookedup.“Youdidatleastknowyourparents,didn’tyou?”

Henodded.“Mymotherdiedofastrokeinherearlythirties,”hesaid.“Myfatherwasoverseas,

workingforanoilcorporationasaroughneck,whentherewasabombingattheinstallationandhe
died.Mygrandmothertookmein,andmyunclemovedintohelpsupportus.”

“Neitherofushadmuchofachildhood,”shesaid.“Notthatourrelativesdidn’tdoallthey

couldforus,”sheaddedquickly.“Theylovedus.Lotsoforphanedkidshaveitalotworse.”

“Yes,theydo,”heagreedsolemnly.“That’swhywehaveorganizationsthatprovidefor

orphanedkids.”

“IfIevergetrich,”shecommented,“I’mgoingtodonatetothose.”
Hegrinned.“Ialreadydo.Toacouple,atleast.”
Sheleanedbackagainstatreeandclosedhereyes,drinkinginthesightsandsoundsandsmells

ofthewoods.“Ilovewinter.Iknowitisn’tapopularseason,”sheadded.“It’scoldandthere’salotof
snow.ButIenjoyit.Icansmellthesmokefromfireplacesandwoodstoves.IfIclosemyeyes,it
remindsmeofcampfires.UncleJohnusedtotakemecampingwithhimwhenIwaslittle,tohunt
deer.”

“Whichyounevershot.”
Sheopenedhereyesandmadeaface.“I’mnotshootingBambi.”

“Bull.”
“Peopleshouldn’tshootanimals.”
“Thatattitudebackincolonialtimeswouldhaveseenyoustarvetodeath,”hepointedout.“It’s

notlikethoseold-timerscouldgotoagrocerystoreandbuymeatandvegetables.Theyhadtohunt
andgardenordie.”

Shefrowned.“Ididn’tthinkaboutthat.”
“Infact,”headded,“peoplewhorefusedtoworkwereturnedoutofthefortsintothewilderness.

SomestolefoodfromtheIndiansandwerekilledforit.Othersstarvedorfrozetodeath.Itwasahard
life.”

“Whydidtheydoit?”shewonderedaloud.“Whyleavetheirfamiliesandtheirhomesandgeton

ricketyoldshipsandgotoacountrythey’dneverevenseen?”

“Alotofthemdidittoescapedebtor ’sprison,”hesaid.“Theyhaddebtstheycouldn’tpay.Afew

yearsoverhereworkingasanindenturedservantandtheycouldbefreeandhavemoneytobuytheir
ownland.Orthepeopletheyworkedformightgivethemanacreortwo,iftheyweregenerous.”

“Whataboutwhentheweathertooktheircropsandtheyhadnothingtoeat?”
“Therearestringsofgravesovertheeasternseaboardofpilgrimswhostarved,”hereplied.“A

sadendtoahopefulbeginning.Thisisahostilelandwhenit’sstrippedofsupermarketsandshopping
centers.”

Asilencefellbetweenthem,duringwhichhestaredatthesmallrapidsinthestreamnearby.

“Thatfreezesoverinwinter,”hesaid.“Itlookspretty.”

“I’dliketoseeitthen.”
Heturned.“I’llbringyouoverhere.”
Shesmiled.“Okay.”
Hisblackeyeslookedlonganddeepintohersacrossthedistance,untilshefeltasifsomething

snappedinsideher.Shecaughtherbreathandforcedhereyesaway.

Teddidn’tsayanything.Hejustsmiled.Andstartedwalkingagain.

Sheloveditthathedidn’tpressureherintoamorephysicalrelationship.Itgaveherabreathing

spacethatshedesperatelyneeded.

HetookhertoaplayinBillingsthefollowingweekend,amodernparodyofanoldplayabout

twomurderousoldwomenandtheirassortedcrazyrelatives.

Shelaugheduntilhersidesached.Later,astheyweredrivinghome,sherealizedthatithadbeen

alongtimesinceshe’dbeensoamusedbyanything.

“I’msogladIneverhadrelativeslikethat,”sheventured.
Helaughed.“Me,too.Themurderouscousinwiththespookyfacewasarealpain,wasn’the?”
“Hisassociatewasevencrazier.”
Shesatbackagainsttheseat,hereyesclosed,stillsmiling.“Itwasagreatplay.Thanksfor

askingme.”

“Iwasatalooseend,”hecommented.“Wehavebusyweekendsandslowweekends.Thiswasa

veryslowone,nothingmyofficerscouldn’thandleontheirown.”

Thatwasareminder,andnotaverypleasantone,ofwhathedidforaliving.Shefrownedinthe

darknessofthecab,brokenonlybythebluelightoftheinstrumentpanel.“Ted,haven’tyouever
thoughtaboutdoingsomethingelseforaliving?”

“Likewhat?”heasked.“Teachingchemistrytohighschoolstudents?”
Hemadeajokeofit,butshedidn’tlaugh.“You’renotlikelytobekilleddoingthat.”

“Iguessyoudon’tkeepupwithcurrentevents,”heremarkedsolemnly,andproceededtoremind

herofseveralterribleschoolshootings.

Shegrimaced.“Yes,butthosearerareincidents.Youmakeenemiesinyourwork.Whatif

somebodyyoulockedupgetsoutandtriestokillyou?”

“Itgoeswiththejob,”hesaidlaconically.“Sofar,I’vebeenlucky.”
Lucky.Butitmightnotlastforever.Couldsheseeherselfsittingbythephoneeverynightofher

life,waitingforthathorriblecall?

“You’redwellingonanticipationoftheworst,”hesaid,glancingherway.“Howintheworlddo

youthinkpeoplegetbywhohavelovedoneswithchronicillnessorlife-threateningconditions?”

Shelookedathiminthedarkness.“I’veneverthoughtaboutit.”
“Mygrandmotherhadcancer,”heremindedher.“Haditforyears.IfI’dspentthattimesittingin

achair,broodingonit,whatsortoflifewouldithavebeenforher?”

Shefrowned.“Lonely.”
“Exactly.Iknewitcouldhappen,anytime.ButIlivedfromdaytoday,justlikeshedid.Aftera

while,Igotusedtotheidea,likeshedid,andwewentonwithourlives.Itwasalwaysthere,inthe
background,butitwassomethingwejust—”hesearchedfortheword“—livedwith.That’show
husbandsandwivesofpeopleinlawenforcementandthemilitarydealwithit.”

Itwasanewconceptforher,livingwithaterrifyingrealityandgettingusedtoit.
“You’reveryyoung,”hesaidheavily.“Itwouldbeharderforyou.”
Itprobablywould.Shedidn’tanswerhim.Itwassomethingnewtothinkabout.
Hewalkedherupthestepstoherfrontdoor.Helookedgoodinasuit,shethought,smiling.
“Whatareyouthinking?”heteased.
“Thatyoulookveryelegantinasuit.”
Heshrugged.“It’sanicesuit.”
“It’sanicemanwearingit.”
“Thanks.Ilikeyourdress.”
Shegrinned.“It’sold,butIlikethecolor.It’scalledRoseDust.”
Hefingeredthelacycollar.Hewouldn’thavetoldher,becauseitwouldhurtherfeelings,butit

lookedlikethesortofdressahighschoolgirlwouldwear.Itwasn’tsophisticated,orevenold
enoughforhernow.Buthejustsmiled.

“Nicecolor,”heagreed.
Shecockedherhead,feelingreckless.“Goingtokissme?”sheasked.
“Iwasthinkingaboutit.”
“Andwhatdidyoudecide?”
Hestuckhishandsinhispocketsandjustsmileddownather.“Thatwouldberushingthingsa

littletoomuch,”hesaidgently.“Youwanttodateandgettoknoweachother.Ithinkthat’sagood
idea.Plentyoftimefortheother,later.”

“Well,mygoodness!”
“Shockedbymypatience,areyou?”heaskedwithagrin.“Me,too.”
“Very.”
Hiseyeswereoldandwise.“Whenthingsgetphysical,there’sadifferenceinthewaytwo

peopleare,together.There’snotimetostepbackandlookathowthingsreallyare.”

Shenodded.“Youmean,likeSassyandherhusband,JohnCallister,whentheyfirstgotmarried.

Theycouldn’tstandtobeapart,evenforanhourortwo.Theystillprettymuchgoeverywhere
together.Andthey’realwaysstandingclose,ortouching.”

“That’swhatImean.”
Shefrowned.“Ihaven’teverfeltlikethat,”shesaid.

Hesmiled.“Inoticed.”
Sheflushed.“I’msorry,Ijustblurtthingsout…”
“Idon’tmindthatyou’rehonest,”hesaid.“Ithelps.Alot.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“I’dgiveanythingifUncleJohnhadn’thiredthatmantocomeworkfor

him.”

“I’msureyourunclefeltthesameway.I’msurprisedthathenevertoldmeaboutit,”headded

curtly.

“Iimaginehethoughtyou’dholdhimresponsibleforit.Heblamedhimself,”sheaddedsoftly.

“Heneverstoppedapologizing.”Shesighed.“Itdidn’thelpverymuch.”

“Ofcourseitdidn’t.”Hesteppedcloserandtiltedherchinup.“You’lldealwithit.Ifyoudon’t

thinkyoucan,therearesomegoodpsychologists.Ourdepartmentworkswithtwo,wholivein
Billings.”

Shemadeaface.“Idon’tthinkIcouldtalkaboutsomethinglikethattoatotalstranger.”
Hestaredatherforalongtime.“Howaboutme?”heaskedsuddenly.“Couldyoutalkaboutitto

me?”

Six

J

illianstaredupathimwithconflictingemotions.Butafteraminuteshenodded.“IthinkIcould,”

sherepliedfinally.

Hebeamed.Hisblackeyesweretwinkling.“That’samajorstepforward.”
“Thinkso?”
“Iknowso.”
Shemovedastepcloser.“Ienjoyedtonight.Thankyou.”
Hegaveherateasinglookandmovedastepaway.“Idid,too,andI’llthankyoutokeepyour

distance.Idon’twanttobeanobjectoflusttoasinglewomanwholivesalone.”

Shegaspedtheatrically.“Youdoso!”
“Ido?”
“Absolutely!”sheagreed.Shegrinned.“Butnotrightnow.Right?”
Helaughed.“Notrightnow.”Hebentandbrushedalazykissagainstherforehead.“Getsome

sleep.I’llcallyouMonday.”

“Youdothat.Notearly,”sheadded,withouttellinghimwhy.Shehadasecret,andshewasn’t

sharingit.

“Notearly,”heagreed.“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,Ted.”
Heboundeddownthesteps,jumpedinhistruckandsattheredeliberatelyuntilshegotthe

message.Shewentinside,lockedthedoorandturnedofftheporchlight.Onlythendidhedriveaway.
Itmadeherfeelsafe,thatattitudeofhis.Probablyitwasinstinctive,sincehewasinlawenforcement,
butshelikedit.Shelikeditverymuch.

Snowcamethenextmorning.Jillianlovedit.Shedroveslowly,sothatshedidn’tslipoffthe

road.Buttherewasn’tmuchtraffic,andshelivedclosetotown.Itwaseasierthansheexpectedtoget
inonthecountryroads.

Whensheleftagain,atnoon,itwasadifferentstory.Thesnowhadcomefastandfuriously,and

shecouldbarelycrawlalongthewhitehighway.Theroadcrewshadbeenbusy,spreadingsandand
gravel,buttherewereicyspotsjustthesame.

Shehesitatedtogoallthewaybacktotheranchwhenshecouldn’tseetheroadaheadforthe

blindingsnow,soshepulledintothetown’sonlyrestaurantandcutofftheengine.

“Well,”shesaidtoherself,“Iguessifworsecomestoworst,theymightletmesleepinabooth

intherestaurant.”Shelaughedattheimagery.

Shegrabbedherpurseandgotout,gratefulforherhigh-heeledcowboybootsthatmadeiteasier

togetafootholdinthethick,wetsnow.Thiswasthekindthatmadegoodsnowmen.Shethoughtshe
mightmakeonewhenshefinallygothome.Acalf,perhaps,tolooklikeSammy.Shelaughed.Ted
wouldhowlatthat,ifshedidit.

Sheopenedthedooroftherestaurantandwalkedrightintoanightmare.DavyHarris,theman

whohadalmostrapedher,wasstandingbythecounter,payinghisbill.Hewasstillthinandnervous-
looking,withstragglybrownhairandpaleeyes.Helookedatherwithmingleddistasteandhatred.

“Well,well,IhopedImightrunintoyouagain,”hesaidinavoicedrippingwithvenom.“Idon’t

guessyouexpectedtoseeme,didyou,Jillian?Notthemanyouputinprisonfortryingtokissyou!”

TheowneroftherestaurantknewJillian,andlikedher,buthewassuddenlygivingheravery

oddlook.Therewasanothercustomerbehindhim,onewho’dknownJillian’suncle.Hegaveheran
oddlook,too.

“Therewasmoretoitthanthat,”Jilliansaidunsteadily.
“Yes,Iwantedtomarryyou,Ican’timaginewhy,youlittleprude,”hesaidwithcontempt.“Puta

maninprisonfortryingtoteachyouaboutlife.”

Sheflushed.Shehadagoodcomebackforthat,butitwastooembarrassingtotalkaboutitin

public,especiallyaroundmenshedidn’treallyknow.Shefeltsickallover.

Hecameuptoher,rightuptoher,andlookeddownatherflushedface.“I’mgoingtobeintown

forawhile,Jillian,”hesaid.“Anddon’tgetanyideasabouthavingyourboyfriendtrytobootmeout,
orI’lltellhimafewthingshedoesn’tknowaboutyou.”

Withthatshockingstatement,hesmiledattheowner,praisedthefoodagainandwalkedoutthe

door.

Jilliansatdrinkingcoffeewithcold,tremblinghands.Shefelttheowner ’seyesonher,andit

wasn’tinawaysheliked.Heseemedtobesizingherupwiththenewinformationhiscustomerhad
givenhimabouther.

Peoplewhodidn’tknowyoutendedtoacceptevenunsavorydetailswithopenhandedness,she

thoughtmiserably.Afterall,howwelldidyoureallyknowsomebodywhoworkedforyouafewdays
aweek?Jillianlivedoutsidetownandkepttoherself.Shewasn’tasocialperson.

Therewouldbegossip,shewasafraid,startedbythemanwho’djustgottenoutofprison.And

howhadhegottenout?shewondered.He’dbeensentencedtotenyears.

Whenshefinishedhercoffee,shepaidforitandleftatip,andpausedtospeaktotheowner.She

didn’treallyknowwhattosay.Herenemyhadmadeanaccusationabouther,buthowdidsherefute
it?

“Whathesaid,”shestammered,“there’salotmoretoitthanitsoundslike.Iwas…fifteen.”
Theownerwasn’tastupidman.He’dknownJilliansinceshewasachild.“Listen,”hesaid

gently,“Idon’tpayanymindtogossip.IknowJackHaynes,theassistantcircuitD.A.He’dnever
prosecuteamanunlesshewassurehecouldgetaconviction.”

Shefeltalittlerelieved.“Thanks,Mr.Chaney.”
Hesmiled.“Don’tworryaboutit.YoumighttalktoJack,though.”
“Yes,Imight.”Shehesitated.“Youwon’t,well,fireme?”
“Don’tberidiculous.Andyoubecarefuloutthereinthesnow.Ifitgetsworse,stayhome.Ican

getoldMrs.Barrytosubforyouinthemorning,okay?”

“Okay,”shesaid.“Thanks.”
“Wedon’twanttoloseyouinanaccident,”hereplied.
Shesmiledback.

JackHayneshadhisofficeinthecountycourthouse,inHollister.Shewalkedin,hesitantly,and

askedtheclerkifhewasthereandcouldsheseehim.

“Sure,”hesaid.“He’sjustgoingovercasefiles.”Hegrimaced.“Notafunthingtodo.Court’s

nextweek.”

“Icanimagine.”
Heannouncedherandshewalkedin.JackHaynessmiled,shookhandswithherandofferedher

achair.

“DavyHarrisisoutofprison,”sheblurtedout.“Iwalkedrightintohimattherestaurantthis

morning.”

Hescowled.“Who’sout?”
Sherepeatedtheman’sname.
Hepushedtheintercombutton.“Didwereceivenotificationthatthey’dreleasedDavyHarrisin

thatattemptedrapecase?”

“Justaminute,sir,I’llcheck.”
Theprosecutorcursedunderhisbreath.“Ihadnoidea!Yousawhim?”
Shenodded.“HetoldeverybodyinearshotthatIhadhimputinprisonfortryingtokissme.”

Sheflushed.

“Whatawhitewashjob!”
“Tellmeaboutit.”
Theintercomblared.“Sir,theysentanotification,butitwasn’tontheserver.I’msorry.Idon’t

knowhowitgotlost.”

“Electronicmail,”Haynesscoffed.“Inmyday,wewenttothepostofficetogetmail!”
“Andeventhereitgetslostsometimes,sir,”hisclerksaidsoothingly.“Sorry.”
“SoamI.HowdidHarrisgetout?”
“Onatechnicality,pertainingtothejudge’sinstructionstothejurybeingprejudicialtohiscase,”

camethereply.“He’sonlyoutuntiltheretrial.”

“Yes,well,thatcouldtakeayearortwo,”Haynessaidcoldly.
“Yes,”hisclerksaidquietly.
“Thanks,Chet,”hereplied,andclosedthecircuit.
HeturnedhisattentionbacktoJillian.“That’sthesecondpieceofunsettlingnewsI’vehadfrom

thecourtsystemthisweek,”hesaidcurtly.“They’vereleasedSmittyJones,thebankrobber,who
threatenedourpolicechief,alsoonatechnicality.He’soutpendingretrial,too.”Hisfacehardened.
“Itshouldn’tcomeasasurprisethattheyhavethesamelawyer,somehotshotfromDenver.”

Jillianclenchedherteeth.“Hesaidhe’dkillTed.”
Haynessmiledreassuringly.“BettermenthanhimhavetriedtokillTed,”hepointedout.“He’s

gotgoodinstinctsandhe’saveteranlawenforcementofficer.Hecantakecareofhimself,believe
me.”

“Iknowthat,butanybodycanbeambushed.LookatChiefBarnes.Hewasacautious,capable

lawenforcementofficer,too.”

Hegrimaced.“Iknewhim.Hewassuchagoodman.Shame,whathappened.”
“Yes.”
Hegaveheralonglook.“Jillian,wecan’tdoanythingaboutHarriswhilehe’soutonbond,”he

toldher.“Butyoucantakeprecautions,andyoushould.Don’tgoanywherealone.”

“Ilivealone,”shepointedout,worriedly.
Hedrewinasharpbreath.He’dseencaseslikethisbefore,wherestalkershadvowedrevenge

andkilledorrapedtheiraccuserswhentheywerereleasedfromprison.Hehatedthethoughtof
havingsomethingbadhappentothispoorwoman,who’dseenmorethanhershareofthedarksideof
men.

“I’lltellTed,”shesaidafteraminute.
Hiseyebrowsarched.
Sheavertedhereyes.“We’resortofinasituation,abouttheranch.Ourunclesleftaclausethatif

wedon’tgetmarried,theranchhastobesoldatpublicauction.Tedthinksweshouldgetmarried
verysoon.ButI’vebeenhesitant,”shesaid,andbitoffthereason.

Heknew,withoutbeingtoldbyher.“Youneedtobeintherapy,”hesaidbluntly.
Shegrimaced.“Iknow.ButIcan’t,Ijustcan’ttalkaboutthingslikethattoastranger.”
Hehadadaughteraboutherage.Hethoughthowitwouldbeforherinasimilarcircumstance.It

madehimsad.

“They’reusedtoallsortsofterriblestories,”hebegan.
“Ican’ttalkaboutpersonalthingstoastranger,”sherepeated.
Hesighed.“Itcouldruinyourwholelife,lockyouupinwaysyoudon’tevenrealizeyet,”he

saidgently.“I’veseencaseswherewomenwereneverabletomarrybecauseofit.”

Shenodded.
“Don’tyouwantahusbandandafamily?”
“Verymuch,”shesaid.Shegroundherteethtogether.“Butitseemsjusthopelessrightnow.”She

lookedup.“ThatCaliforniadeveloperislickinghislipsovermyranchalready.ButIdon’tknowifI
canbeagoodwife.Tedthinksso,butit’saterriblegamble.IknowIhavehang-ups.”

“They’llgetworse,”hesaidbluntly.“Ispeakfromexperience.I’vetriedmanycaseslikeyours

overtheyears.I’veseenthevictims.Iknowtheprognosis.Itisn’tpretty.”

Hereyeswerehauntedandsad.“Idon’tunderstandwhyhedidit,”shebegan.
“It’sacompulsion,”heexplained.“Theyknowit’swrong,buttheycan’tstop.Itisn’tamatterof

will.”Heleanedforward.“It’slikeaddiction.Youknow,whenmentrytogiveupalcohol,butthere’s
somethinginsidethemthatpushesthemtostartdrinkingagain.Itdoesn’texcuseit,”hesaid
immediately.“ButI’mtoldthatevenwhentheytrytoliveanormallife,it’sverydifficult.It’soneday
atatime.”

Heshookhishead.“Iseetheresultsofaddictionallthetime.Alcohol,sex,cards,younameit.

Peopledestroynotonlytheirownlives,butthelivesoftheirfamiliesbecausetheyhaveacompulsion
theycan’tcontrol.”

“It’sashamethereisn’tadrugyoucangivepeopletokeepthemfromgettingaddicted,”she

saidabsently.

Heburstoutlaughing.“Listentoyou.Adrug.Drugsareourbiggestheadache.”
Sheflushed.“Sorry.Wasn’tthinking.”
Hegaveheracompassionatesmile.“TalktoTed,”hesaid.“He’lllookoutforyouuntilour

unwantedvisitorleaves.Infact,there’savagrancylawonthebooksthatcouldgivehimareasonto
makethemanleave.TellhimIsaidso.”

Shesmiled.“Iwill.Thankssomuch,Mr.Haynes.”
Shestoodup.Hedid,too,andshookherhand.
“Ifyouneedhelp,andyoucan’tfindTed,youcancallme,”hesaidunexpectedly.Hepulledouta

businesscardandhandedittoher.“MyJessicaisjustyourage,”headdedquietly.“Nothinglikethat
everhappenedtoher.Butifithad,I’dhaveahardtimerememberingthatmyjobistoupholdthe
law.”

“Jessicaisverynice.”
“Why,thankyou,”hechuckled.“Ithinkso,too.”
Theydidn’tdiscusswhyhe’draisedJessicaalone.Hermotherhadrunoffwithavisitingpublic-

relationsmanfromNevadaanddivorcedMr.Haynes.He’dbeenleftwithaninfantdaughterthathis
wifehadnoroomforinhernewandexcitinglifeoftravelandadventure.Buthe’ddoneverywell

raisingher.Jessicawasinmedicalschool,studyingtobeadoctor.Hewasveryproudofher.

“Don’tforget,”hetoldJillianonthewayout.“Ifyouneedme,youcall.”
Shewasverytouched.“Thanks,Mr.Haynes.”
Heshrugged.“WhenI’mnotworking,whichisn’toftenevenafterhours,mysociallifeis

playingWorldofWarcraftonline.”Hesmiled.“Idon’tgetoutmuch.Youwon’tbothermeifyou
call.”

“I’llremember.”
Shewentoutandclosedthedoor,smilingattheyoungclerkonherwayoutside.
SheranheadlongintoTed,whohadboundedupthesteps,wearinganexpressionthatwould

havestoppedachargingbull.

“Whatdidhesaytoyou?”hedemandedhotly.Hisblackeyesweresparkingwithtemper.
“What…Mr.Haynes?”shestammered,noddingtowardtheofficeshe’djustleft.
“Nothim.That…”Heusedsomelanguagethatliftedbothhereyebrows.“Sorry,”hesaid

abruptly.“Iheardwhathappened.”

Sheletoutabreath.“Heannouncedinthedinerthathegotputinprisonbecausehewantedto

marrymeandIdidn’twanthimtokissme,”shesaidcoldly.“He’soutonbondbecauseofa
technicality,Mr.Haynessaid.”

“Iknow.Iphonedtheprisonboard.”
Shetriedtosmile.“Mr.Haynessaysyoucanarresthimforvagrancyifhestaysintownlong

enough.”

Hedidn’tsmileback.“Hegotajob,”hesaidangrily.
Shehadtoleanagainstthewallforsupport.“What?”
“Hegotadamnedjobintown!”hesnapped.“OldHarringtonatthefeedstorehiredhimonasa

daylaborer,deliveringsuppliestoranchers.”

Shefeltsicktoherstomach.ItmeantthatDavyHarrishadnoplanstoleavesoon.Hewasgoing

tostay.Hewasgoingtoliveinhertown,bearoundallthetime,gossipabouthertoanybodywho
wouldlisten.Shefelthunted.

Tedsawthatandgrimaced.Hedrewherintohisarmsandheldhergently,withoutpassion.“I’ll

findawaytogethimoutofhere,”hesaidintoherhair.

“Youcan’tbreakthelaw,”shesaidmiserably.Sheclosedhereyesandfeltthestrongbeatofhis

heartunderherear.“Itgetsworse.SmittyJones,thatmanyouarrestedforbankrobbery,gotout,too,
didn’the?”

Hehesitated.“Yes.”
“Iguessit’sourdayforbadnews,Ted,”shegroaned.
Hehuggedher,hard,andthenlethergo.“Idon’tliketheideaofyourlivingaloneoutatthe

ranch,”hesaidcurtly.“Itmakesyouabettertargetifhecameherewithplansforrevenge.Whichhe
mighthave.”

Shebitherlowerlip.“Idon’twanttogetmarriedyet.”
Heletoutanexasperatedsigh.“Idon’thavefundsthatIcouldusetogetyoupoliceprotection,”

hesaidangrily.“AndevenifIdid,themanhasn’tmadeanythreats.He’sjusthere.”

“Iknow,”shesaid.“Andhe’sgotajob,yousaid.”
Henodded.“Icouldhaveawordwiththeownerofthefeedstore,butthatwouldbecrossingthe

line,bigtime.Ican’ttellamerchantwhotohire,asmuchasI’dliketo,”headded.

“Iknowthat.He’djustfindanotherjob,anyway,ifhe’sdeterminedtostayhere.”Sheclosedher

eyesonagrimace.“He’lltalktoeverybodyhemeets,he’llsayIhadhimputawayforsomefrivolous
reason.”Sheopenedhereyes.“Ted,hemakesitallsoundlikeIwasjustaprudethatheshockedwith
amarriageproposal.Hecantellalieandmakeitbelieveable.”

“Somepeoplewillbelieveanythingtheyhear,”heagreed.Hisblackeyeswereturbulent.“Idon’t

likeit.”

“Idon’t,either.”Shefeltsickallover.She’dthoughtthingswerebadbefore.Now,theywere

worse.“Icouldleavetown.”

“Thatwouldmakeitworse,”hesaidflatly.“Ifyourun,itwillgivehimcredibility.”
“Iguessso.”Shelookedupathimworriedly.“Don’tyoulethimconvinceyouthatIhadhimput

awayfortryingtokissme.Itwasalotmorethanthat.”

Heonlysmiled.“I’mnoteasytosway.Besides,I’veknownyoumostofyourlife.”
Thatwastrue.Shedidn’taddthatTedhadn’tknownherreallywelluntiljustrecenttimes.
“Thereareotherpeoplehewon’tconvince,includingtheprosecutor.”
“Mr.HaynessaidIcouldcallhimifIgotintroubleandyouweren’tavailable,”shesaid.
Hesmiled.“He’dcome,too.He’sagoodguy.”
“Ican’tunderstandwhyawomanwouldrunawayfromherhusbandandalittlebaby,”shesaid.

“He’ssuchaniceperson.”

“Somewomendon’twantnice,theywantdangerousorrecklessorvagabond.”
“Notme,”shesaid.“IwanttostayinHollistermywholelife.”
“Andhavekids?”
ShelookedupatTedworriedly.“Iwantkidsalot,”shetoldhim.“It’sjust…”
“It’sjustwhatyouhavetodotomakethem,”hereplied.
Sheblushed.
“Sorry,”hesaidgently.“Ididn’tmeanforittocomeoutlikethat.”
“I’maprude.Ireallyam.”
“You’renot.”
Shewasbeginningtowonder.Shedidn’tlikerecallingwhathadhappenedwiththemaninher

past,buthisaccusationshaddisturbedher.Wasshereallysocluelessthatshe’dsenthimtoprisonfor
somethingthatwasn’thisfault?Hadsheoverreacted?Shehadbeenatfaultwiththeauditor;she’d
gonewithhimtothemotelandatfirstshe’dlethimkissher.Thenthingsgotoutofhandandshe
panicked,largelybecauseofwhatDavyHarrishaddonetoher.

Tedwaslookingathiswatch.“Damn!I’vegotameetingwithadefenseattorneyinmyofficeto

takeadepositioninatheftcase.I’llhavetogo.”Hebentandkissedhercheek.“Youstayclearofthat
coyote,andifhegivesyouanytrouble,anyatall,youtellme.I’llthrowhisbuttinjail.”

Shesmiled.“Iwill.Thanks,Ted.”
“Whatarefriendsfor?”heasked,andsmiledback.
Shewatchedhimwalkawaywithmisgivings.Shewantedtotellhimthatshewasn’tconfident

aboutheractionsinthepast,tellhimthatmaybethemanshe’daccusedwasn’tasguiltyasshe
thought.Shewishedshehadsomebodytotalktoaboutit.

Shesighedandgotinhertruckanddrovetotheranch.Itwasgoingtobethebiggestproblemof

herlife,andshedidn’tknowhowshewasgoingtosolveit.

Thingswentfrombadtoworseveryquickly.ShewentintoworkthenextmorningandDavy

Harriswassittinginabooththeminutethedoorsopened.Shehadtocomeouttoarrangepiesand
cakesinthedisplaycaseforthelunchcrowd.Shedidn’tworklunch,butshedidmuchofthebaking
aftershe’dfinishedmakingbreakfastforthecustomers.

Everytimeshecameouttoarrangetheconfections,themanwaswatchingher.Hesatascloseto

thecounterashecouldget,sippingcoffeeandgivinghermaliciouslooks.Hemadehervery

nervous.

“Sir,canIgetyouanythingelse?”thewaitress,awareofJillian’sdiscomfort,askedthemanina

politebutfirmtone.

Heliftedhiseyebrows.“I’mfinishingmycoffee.”
“Breakfastisnolongerbeingserved,sir.We’regettingreadyforthelunchcrowd.”
“Iknow.I’llbebackforlunch,”heassuredher.“I’malmostdone.”
“Yes,sir.”Sheproducedthecheckandputitnexttohisplate,andwentbacktoherother

customer,theonlyotheroneleftintheroom.

“Youalwaysdidcooksweetssowell,Jilly,”Harristoldherwithalongvisualappraisal.“Iloved

thelemoncakeyouusedtomakeforyouruncle.”

“Thanks,”shemutteredunderherbreath.
“Youliveallaloneinthatbigranchhouse,now,don’tyou?”heaskedinapleasanttonethatwas

onlysurface.Hiseyeswerefullofhate.“Don’tyougetscaredatnight?”

“Ihaveashotgun,”sheblurtedout.
Helookedshocked.“Really!”
“Really,”sherepliedwithacoldglare.“Itwouldbesounwiseforanybodytotrytobreakinat

night.”

Helaughedcoldly.“Why,Jilly,wasthatathreat?”heasked,raisinghisvoicewhenthewaitress

camebacktothatsideoftherestaurant.“Wereyouthreateningtoshootme?”

“Iwassayingthatifanybodybrokeintomyhouse,Iwouldusemyshotgun,”shefaltered.
“Areyouaccusingmeoftryingtobreakinonyou?”heaskedloudly.
Sheflushed.“Ididn’tsaythat.”
“Areyousure?Imean,accusingpeopleofcrimestheyhaven’tcommitted,isn’tthatafelony?”

hepersisted.

Thewaitressmarchedbacktohistable.“Areyoufinished,sir?”sheaskedwithabiteinher

voice,becauseshewasfondofJillian.“Wehavetoclearthetablesnow.”

Hesighed.“IguessI’mfinished.”Helookedatthebill,pulledouthiswallet,lefttheamountplus

aten-centtip.Hegavethewaitressanamusedsmile.“Now,don’tyouspendthatwholetipallinone
place,”hesaidwithdrippingsarcasm.

“I’llbuyfeedformypoloponieswithit,”shequippedback.
Heglaredather.Hedidn’tlikepeopleone-uppinghim,anditshowed.“I’llseeyouagain,soon,

Jilly,”hepurred,withalastglance.

Heleft.Jillianfelthermusclesunlocking.Buttearsstunghereyes.
“Oh,Jill,”thewaitress,Sandra,groaned.SheputherarmsaroundJillianandhuggedhertight.

“He’llgoaway,”shesaid.“He’llhaveto,eventually.Youmustn’tcry!”

Jillianbawled.Shehadn’tknownthewaitresswellatall,untilnow.
“There,there,”Sandrasaidsoftly.“Iknowhowitis.Iwaslivingwiththisguy,Carl,andhe

knockedmearoundeverytimehegotdrunk.Once,hehitmewithaglassanditshatteredandcutmy
facerealbad.Ilovedhimsomuch,”shegroaned.“Butthatwokemeup,whenthathappened.Imoved
out.Hemadethreatsandeventriedtosetfiretomyhouse.ButwhenhefinallyrealizedImeantit,he
gaveupandfoundanothergirlfriend.LastIheard,shewasmakingweeklytripstotheemergency
roomupinBillings.”

Jillianpulledback,wipinghereyes.“Itwasn’tlikethat,”shewhispered.“Iwasfifteen,andhe

triedto…”“Fifteen?”

Jillianbitherlowerlip.“Myunclehiredhimasahandyman.”
“GoodLord!Youshouldhavehadhimarrested!”
“Idid,”Jilliansaidmiserably.“Buthegotout,andnowhe’sgoingtomakemylifehell.”

“Youpoorkid!YoutellChiefGraves,”shesaidfirmly.“He’lltakecareofit.”
Jillian’seyesweremisty.“Youcan’thavesomebodythrownoutoftownwithoutgoodreason,”

shesaid.“Hehasn’tthreatenedmeordoneanythingexceptshowupheretoeatallthetime.Andit’s
theonlyrestaurantintown,Sandra,”sheadded.

“Yes,buthewasmakingsomeprettythickaccusations,”sheremindedtheothergirl.
“Words.Justwords.”
“Theycanhurtasbadasfists,”Sandrasaidcurtly.“Ioughttoknow.Myfatherneverhesitatedto

tellmehowuglyandstupidIwas.”

Jilliangasped.Nobodyinherfamilyhadeversaidsuchthingstoher.
“Iguessyouhadnicepeopletolivewith,huh?”Sandraaskedwithaworldlysmile.“Thatwasn’t

thecasewithme.Myfatherhatedme,becauseIwasn’this.Mymotherhadanaffair.Peopledoitall
thetimethesedays.Shecameback,buthecouldnevergetoverthefactthatshehadmebysomebody
else.Shediedandhemademepayforit.”

“I’msosorry.”
“You’reanicekid,”Sandratoldherquietly.“Thatguymakesanytroubleforyouinhere,he’ll

havetodealwithme.”

Jillianchuckled.“I’veseenyouhandleunrulycustomers.You’regoodatit.”
“Ioughttobe.Iwasinthearmyuntiltwoyearsago,”sheadded.“Iworkedasmilitarypolice.

NotmuchIdon’tknowabouthand-to-handcombat.”

Jillianbeamed.“Myheroine!”
Sandrajustlaughed.“Anyway,yougetthosecakesarrangedandgohome.I’lldealwiththe

visitingproblemwhileyou’reaway.”

“Thanks.Foreverything.”
“AlwayswishedIhadakidsister,”Sandrascoffed.Shegrinned.“SonowIdo.Youtellpeople

I’myoursisterandwe’llhavesomelaughs.”

Thatwouldhavebeenfunny,becauseSandra’sskinwasaverydarkcopper,comparedto

Jillian’sverypaleskin.Sandrawas,afterall,full-bloodedLakota.

“ChiefGravesisCheyenne,”shesaidaloud.
“NothingwrongwiththeCheyenne,nowthatwe’renotbashingeachother ’sbrainsoutlikewe

didacenturyago,”cametheamusedreply.Sandrawinked.“Bettergetcracking.Thebossisgivingus
darklooks.”

Jilliangrinned.“Can’thavethat!”shelaughed.

Jilliandidfeelbetter,andnowshehadanallyatwork.Butshewasstillworried.Thatmanhad

obviouslycometoHollistertopayherbackforhisjailsentence,andnowshewasdoubtingherown
storythathadcosthimhisfreedom.

Seven

J

illianhadneverconsideredthatshemightbecomeavictimofastalker.Andshewonderedifit

couldevenbecalledstalking.DavyHarriscameintotherestauranteverymorningtoeat.Butitwas
theonlydinerintown.Sowasthatstalking?

Tedthoughtso,butthelawwasn’tonthevictim’ssideinthiscase.Amancouldn’tbearrested

forstalkingbyeatingintheonlyrestaurantintown.

ButhemadeJillianuptight.Shefumbledacakeontothefloortwomorningslater,onethathad

takenalotoftroubletobake,withcreamfilling.Harrislaughedcoldly.

“Why,Jilly,doImakeyounervous?”hechided.“I’monlyhavingbreakfasthere.Ihaven’ttried

totouchyouoranything.”

Shecleanedthefloor,flushedandunsettled.Sandrahadcalledinsickthatmorning,sotheyhada

substitutewaitress,onewhojustdidherjobanddidn’twastetimeongettingtoknowtheother
employees.Shehadnoonetobackherup,now.

“Ionlywantedtomarryyou,”Harrissaidinasoft,quiettone.“Youwererealyoung,butI

thoughtyouwerematureenoughtohandleit.Andyoulikedme.Rememberwhenthelittlewhite
kittenswerebornandtheyweregoingtohavetobeputdownbecauseyoucouldn’tkeepthemall?I
wentaroundtoalmosteveryhouseintownuntilIfoundplacesforthemtolive.”

Shebitherlip.Thatwastrue.He’dbeenkind.
“AndwhenyouruncleJohnhadthatvirusandwassosickthathecouldn’tkeepthemedicine

down?Idrovebothofyoutothehospital.”

“Yes,”shesaidreluctantly.
Helaughed.“Andyourepaidmykindnessbyhavingmeputinprisonwithmurderers.”
Herfacewasstrickenasshestaredathim.
Hegottohisfeet,stillsmiling,buthiseyeswerelikeacobra’s.“DidyouthinkI’djustgoaway

andyou’dneverhavetoseemeagain?”

Shegotup,alittlewobbly.“Ididn’trealize…”
“What,thatIreallywouldgotoprisonbecauseyouexaggeratedwhathappened?”heinterrupted.

“Whatkindofwomandoesthattoaman?”

Shefeltreallysick.Sheknewherfacewaswhite.
“Ijustwantedtomarryyouandtakecareofyou,andyouruncle,”hesaid.“Iwouldn’thavehurt

you.DidIeverhurtyou,Jilly?”

Shewasgrowinglessconfidentbythesecond.Hadshemisjudgedhim?Washeinprison

becauseshe’dblownthingsoutofproportion?

Heputafive-dollarbilldownbesidehisplate.“Whydon’tyouthinkaboutthat?”hecontinued.

“Thinkaboutwhatyoudidtome.Youdon’tknowwhatit’slikeinprison,Jilly.Youdon’tknowwhat
mencandotoothermen,especiallyiftheyaren’tstrongandpowerful.”Hisfacewastautwith
distaste.“Youstupidlittleprude,”hesaidharshly.“Youlandedmeinhell!”

“I’m…I’msorry,”shestammered.

“Areyoureally?”heaskedsarcastically.“Well,notsorryenough,notyet.”Heleanedtoward

her.“Butyou’regoingtobe,”hesaidinavoicethatdidn’tcarry.“You’regoingtowishyounever
heardmynamewhenI’mthroughwithyou.”

Hestoodbackupagain,smilinglikeausedcarsalesman.“Itwasareallygoodbreakfast,Jilly,”

hesaidoutloud.“You’restillagreatlittlecook.Haveaniceday,now.”

Hewalkedout,whiletheowneroftherestaurantandthecashiergavehimathoughtfullook.

Jilliancouldimaginehowitwouldsound.Herewasthepoor,falselyaccusedmantryingtobeniceto
thewomanwho’dputhimaway.Jillianwasn’tgoingtocomeoutsmellinglikeroses,nomatterwhat
shesaidordid.Andnowshehadherowndoubtsaboutthepast.Shedidn’tknowwhatshewasgoing
todo.

Tedcamebythenextday.Sheheardhiscaratthefrontdooroftheranchhouseandshewentto

thestepswithafeelingofunease.Shedidn’tthinkTedwouldtakethesideoftheotherman,butDavy
couldbeveryconvincing.

Tedcameupthesteps,lookingsomber.Hepausedwhenhesawherexpression.
“What’shappened?”heasked.
Sheblinked.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Youlooklikedeathwarmedover.”
“DoI?Itmustbetheflour,”shelied,andforcedalaugh.“I’vebeenmakingacherrypie.”
Once,hewouldhavemadeajoke,becauseitwashisfavorite.Buthewasquietandpreoccupied

ashefollowedherintothekitchen.

“Anycoffeegoing?”heaskedashesailedhishatontothecounter.
“Icanmakesome.”
“Please.”
Shestartedapot,awareofhiskeenandpenetratinggaze,followingherassheworked.
“What’sgoingonwithyouandHarris?”heaskedsuddenly.
Thequestionstartledhersomuchthatshedroppedapanshe’dbeenputtingunderthecounter.

Herhandswereshaking.

Sheturnedbacktohim.“No…nothing,”shestammered,buthercheekshadflushed.
Hisfacehardened.“Nothing.”
“Hecomesintherestauranttohavebreakfasteveryday,”shesaid.
“Andyou’dknowthis,how?”
Sheputthepandowngentlyonthecounteranddrewinabreath.“BecauseI’vegotajobthere,

cookingforthebreakfastcrowd.”

Helookedangry.“Sincewhen?”
Shehesitated.Shehadn’trealizedhowdifficultitwasgoingtobe,tellinghimaboutherjob,and

explainingwhyshe’ddecidedtokeepitsecretfromhim.Itwouldlookbad,asifshedidn’ttrusthim.

Theguiltmadehimangrier.
Shepouredcoffeeintoamugandputitinfrontofhimonthetable.Herhandswereunsteady.“I

realizeitmustseemlikeI’mkeepingsecrets,”shebegan.

“Itsoundsalotlikethat.”
“Iwasgoingtotellyou,”sheprotested.
“When?”
Shehesitated.
“Yousaidyoudidn’twanttogetmarriedyet.Isthatwhy?”hepersisted.“Yougotajobsoyou

couldtakecareofyourbillshere,sothatyoucouldrefusetohonorthetermsofouruncles’wills?”

Itwassoundingworsethanitwas.Hewasmad.Hecouldn’tevenhideit.
Hehadn’ttouchedhiscoffee.Hegottohisfeet.“YoubackawayeverytimeIcomeclosetoyou.

WhenItakeyouout,youdresslikeateenagergoingtoadanceinthegym.Yougetajobanddon’t
tellme.You’rebeingoverheardflirtingwiththemanwhosupposedlyassaultedyouyearsago.”His
eyesnarrowedasshesearchedforwaystoexplainherbehavior.“Whatothersecretsareyoukeeping
fromme,Jillian?”

Shedidn’tknowwhattosaythatwouldn’tmakethingsworse.Herfacewasastudyinmisery.
“I’mnotflirtingwithhim,”shesaid.
“Thatisn’twhatoneofthedinerssaid,”hereturned.
Shebitherlowerlip.“I’vebeenwondering,”shebegan.
“Wonderingwhat?”
Sheliftedoneshoulder.“MaybeImadeamistake,”sheblurtedout.“MaybeIdidexaggerate

whathappened,becauseIwassonaive.”Sheswallowedhard.“Likewiththeauditor,whenIwentout
withhimanddidn’ttellhimmyage,andhegotintrouble.”

Ted’sexpressionwasn’teasilyexplained.Hejuststaredatherwithblackeyesthatdidn’tgive

anyquarteratall.

“DavyHarriswaskindtoUncleJohn,”shehadtoadmit.“Andhewasalwaysdoingthingsfor

him,andforme.”Sheloweredhereyestothefloor,somiserablethatshealmostchokedonherown
words.“Hesaidtheothermendidthingstohiminprison.”

Hestillhadn’tspoken.
Shelookedup,wincingathisexpression.“Hewasn’tameansortofperson.Heneverhurt

me…”

Hepickeduphishat,slammeditoverhiseyes,andwalkedoutthedoor.
Sheranafterhim.“Ted!”
Hekeptwalking.Hewentdownthesteps,gotintohistruckanddroveoffwithoutasingleword.
Jillianstaredafterhimwithafeelingofdisaster.

Sandragapedatherthenextmorningatwork.“YoutoldTedGravesthatyoumadeamistake?”

sheasked.“Whatintheworldisthematterwithyou?Youweresoyoung,Jillian!Whatsortofman
triestogetitonwithakidbarelyinhighschool?”

“Hewasjusttwenty-one,”sheprotested.
“Heshouldhaveknownbetter.Nojuryintheworldwouldhaveturnedhimlooseformaking

advancestoyou.”

“Yes,buthe,well,whilehewasinprison,someofthemen…”Shehesitated,searchingforthe

wordstoexplain.

“Iknowwhatyoumean,”Sandrarepliedshortly.“Butyou’remissingthewholepoint.Agrown

mantriedtomakeyougotobedwithhimwhenyouwereyoungthen.Isn’tthatwhathappened?”

Jilliandrewinalongbreath.“Yes.Iguessso.”
“Thenwhyareyoutryingtotaketheblameforit?Didyouleadhimon?Didyouwear

suggestiveclothing,flirtwithhim,trytogethimtocomeintoyourroomwhenyourunclewasn’t
around?”

“Goodheavens,no!”Jillianprotested.
Sandra’sblackeyesnarrowed.“Thenwhyisityourfault?”
“Hewenttoprisononmytestimony.”

“Soundstomelikehedeservedto,”Sandrarepliedcurtly.
“Buthewasakindman,”shesaid.“Hewasalwaysdoingthingsforotherpeople.Oneweek

whenUncleJohnwasrealsick,heevendidthegroceryshoppingforus.”

“Afewyearsbackinamurdertrial,awitnesstestifiedthattheaccusedmurdererhelpedhertake

hergroceriesintothehouse.Anothertoldthejurythathetunedupheroldcarwhenitwouldn’tstart.
Whatdoesthathavetodowithaman’sguiltorinnocence?”

Jillianblinked.“Excuseme?”
“Don’tyouthinkthatamancandokindthingsandstillkillsomeone,giventhemotive?”she

asked.

“Ineverthoughtofitlikethat.”
“Evenkindpeoplecankill,Jillian,”Sandrasaidbluntly.“Iknewthisguyonthereservation,

Harry.He’dgiveyoutheshirtoffhisback.HedroveoldMr.Hotchkisstothedoctoreverymonthto
gethischeckup.Buthekilledanothermaninanargumentandgotsenttoprisonforit.Doyouthink
theyshouldhaveacquittedhimbecausehedidacoupleofkindthingsforotherpeople?”

“Well,no,”shehadtoadmit.
“Weallhavegoodandevilinus,”theolderwomanreplied.“Justbecausewe’recapableofgood

doesn’tmeanwecan’tdosomethingevil.”

“IguessIunderstand.”
“Youthinkaboutthat.Andstoptryingtoassumeresponsibilityforsomethingthatwasn’tyour

fault.Youwerejustoutofgradeschoolwhenithappened.Youweren’toldenoughormatureenough
topermitanymanlibertieslikethat,atthetime.Youweren’toldenoughtoknowbetter,Jillian,buthe
was.”

Shefeltalittlebetter.
“Besidesthat,didyoulikeit?”
“Areyoukidding?”Jillianexclaimed.“No,Ihatedit!”
“Thenthatshouldtellyouwho’satfault,shouldn’tit?”
Jillianbegantorelax.“Youhaveawaywithwords.”
“Ishouldhavebeenawriter,”Sandraagreed.Shegrinned,showingperfectwhiteteeth.“Now

youstopspoutingnonsenseandstartworkingonthatbacon.We’llhavecustomersrantingbecause
breakfastisn’tready!”

Jillianlaughed.“Iguesswewill.Thanks.”
Sandragrinned.“You’rewelcome.”

Jilliandidn’tgooutfrontwhenthedoorsopened,noteventoputoutthecakesandpies.Sandra

didthatforher.

“Curious,”shesaidwhenshecamebackintothekitchen.
“Whatis?”
“YouroldfriendDavywasn’toutthere.”
“Maybehedecidedtoleave,”Jilliansaidhopefully.
“Itwouldtakesomebodymoregulliblethanmetobelievethat,”theolderwomanreplied.
“Yes,butIcanhope.”
“KnowwhattheArabssay?”Sandraasked.“Theysay,trustinAllah,buttieupyourcamel.

Soundadvice,”sheadded,shakingalongfingerattheotherwoman.

Jilliandidhopeforthebest,anyway,andnotonlyaboutDavyHarrisleavingtown.Shehoped

thatTedmightcomebytotalk,orjustsmooththingsoverwithher.Buthedidn’tcometothe
restaurant,ortotheranch.Andthenextmorning,DavyHarriswasrightbackinthesamebooth,
waitingforhisbreakfast.

“Didyoumissme?”heteasedJillian,havingsurprisedherasshewasputtingapoundcakein

thedisplaycase.

“Ididn’tnoticeyouweregone,”shelied,flushing.
“Webothknowbetterthanthat,don’twe?”Heleanedbackinthebooth,hispaleeyessosmug

thatitmadehercurious.“I’vebeentalkingtopeopleaboutyou.”

Shefeltuneasy.“Whatpeople?”
“Justpeople.”
Shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Shegottoherfeetandwentbackintothekitchen.Herstomachwas

cuttingsomersaultsalltheway.

Thatafternoon,asshewentouttogetintoheroldvehicletogohome,shewalkedrightinto

Davy.

Shegaspedandjumpedback.Helaughed.
“DoImakeyounervous?”hechided.“Ican’timaginewhy.Youknow,Inevertriedtohurtyou.I

neverdid.DidI?”

“N-no,”sheblurtedout,embarrassed,becauseafewpeoplestandingoutsidethebankwere

listening,andwatchingthem.

“ItoldyouruncleIwantedtomarryyou,”hesaid,withoutloweringhisvoice.Heevensmiled.

“HesaidthathehopedIwould,becausehelikedmeandheknewI’dtakecareofyou.Butthatwas
beforeyoutoldthoseliesaboutme,wasn’tit,Jilly?Thatwasbeforeyougotmeputinjailfortrying
tokissyou.”

Shewasembarrassedbecausetheyweretalkingaboutsomethingprivateinaverypublic

location,andseveralpeoplewerelistening.

“Itwasn’t…wasn’tlikethat,”shestammered,flushing.
“Yes,itwas,youjustdon’tlikeadmittingthatyoumadeamistake,”hesaid,hisvoicealittle

loudernow.“Isn’tthatthetruth?”

Shewasfumblingforwords.Shecouldn’tgethermindtoworkatall.
“Youliedaboutme,”hecontinued,raisinghisvoice.“Youlied.”
Sheshouldhavedisputedthat.Sheshouldhavesaidthatitwasnolie,thathe’dtriedtoassaulther

inherownhome.Butshewastooembarrassed.Sheturnedandalmostrantohertruck.Onceinside,
shelockedthedoorwithcold,tremblingfingers.

Davystoodonthesidewalk,smiling.Justsmiling.Amanandwomancameuptohimandhe

turnedandstartedtalkingtothemasJilliandroveaway.Shewonderedwhattheyweresaying.She
hopeditwasn’tabouther.

Butinthenextfewdays,shenoticedachangeinattitude,especiallyincustomerswhocameto

therestaurants.Herprettycakeshadbeenquicklyboughtbefore,butnowtheystayedinthecase.Jill
tookmostofthembackhome.Whenshewenttothebank,thetellerwaspolite,butnotchattyand
friendlyassheusuallywas.

Evenatthelocalconveniencestorewheresheboughtgas,theclerkwasreserved,allbusiness,

whenshepaidatthecounter.

Thenextmorning,atwork,shebegantounderstandwhyshewasbeingtreatedtoacold

shoulderfrompeopleshe’dknownmostofherlife.

“Everybodythinksyoudidajobonme,Jilly,”Davysaidunderhisbreathwhenshewasputting

acakeonthecounter—onlyonecaketoday,insteadofthevarietysheusuallyproduced,sincethey
weren’tselling.

Sheglaredathimoverthecake.“Itwouldn’tdototellthemthetruth.”
“Whatisthetruth?”Heleanedbackinthebooth,hiseyescoldandaccusing.“Youhadmesentto

jail.”

Shestoodup,tiredofbeingharassed,tiredofhisunspokenaccusations,tiredofthewaylocal

peopleweretreatingherbecauseofhim.

“Iwasafreshmaninhighschoolandyoutriedtoforcemetohavesexwithyou,”shesaid

shortly,awareofashockedlookfromamalecustomer.“Howhardisthattounderstand?It’scalled
statutoryrape,Ibelieve…?”

Davyflushed.Hegottohisfeetandtoweredoverher.“Ineverrapedyou!”
“YouhadmyclothesoffandtheonlyreasonyoustoppedwasbecauseIsluggedyouandran.If

SassyPealehadn’thadashotgun,youneverwouldhavestopped!Youranaftermeallthewaytoher
house!”

Heclenchedhisfistsbyhisside.“Iwenttojail,”hesnapped.“You’regoingtopayforthat.I’ll

makesureyoupayforthat!”

Shetookthecake,aimeditandthrewitrightinhisface.
“Icouldhaveyouarrestedforassault!”hesputtered.
“Goahead,”shesaid,glaringathim.“I’llcallthepoliceforyou,ifyoulike!”
Hetookaquicksteptowardher,butthemalecustomerstoodupallatonceandmovedtoward

him.Hebackedaway.

“You’llbesorry,”hetoldJillian.Heglaredattheothercustomer,andwalkedout,wipingaway

cakewithahandkerchief.

Jillianwasshaking,butshehadn’tbackeddown.Shetookashakybreath,fightingtears,and

startedpickingupcake.

“Youthinkhe’llgoaway,”thecustomer,atallblondmanwithapatchoveroneeye,saidquietly,

inanaccentedtone,likeaBritishaccent,butwithahardaccentontheconsonants.Sherecalled
hearingaccentslikethatinoneoftheLethalWeaponmovies.“Hewon’t.”

Shestoppedpickingupcakeandgottoherfeet,staringathim.
Hewastallandwellbuilt.Hisblondhairwasinaponytail.Hisfacewaslean,withfaintscars,

andhehadonelightbrowneyevisible.Helookedlikethesortofmanwhosmiledalot,buthewasn’t
smilingnow.Hehadadangerouslook.

“Youshouldtalktoalawyer,”hesaidquietly.
Shebitherlip.“Andsaywhat?Heeatshereeveryday,butthisistheonlyrestaurantintown.”
“It’sstillharassment.”
Shesighed.“Yes.Itis.ButIcan’tmakehimleave.”
“TalktoTedGraves.He’llmakehimleave.”
“Tedisn’tspeakingtome.”
Heliftedaneyebrowexpressively.
“Itickedhimoff,too,bysayingImighthavemadeamistakeandoverreactedtowhatDavydid

tome,”shesaidmiserably.“DavymadeitsoundasifIdid.Andthenheremindedmeaboutallthe
kindthingshedidformyuncleandme…”

“AdolphHitlerhadadog.Hepetteditandtookitforwalksandthrewsticksforittochase,”he

saidblandly.

Shegrimaced.Shewentbackdownandpickedupmorecake.
“Ifyouweresoyoungandittookashotguntodeterhim,”themancontinued,“itwasn’tan

innocentact.”

“I’mjustbeginningtogetthatthroughmythickskull,”shesighed.
“Thissortofmandoesn’tquit,”hecontinued,stickinghishandsdeepinthepocketsofhisjeans.

Hiseyewasnarrowandthoughtful.“He’shereformorethanbreakfast,ifyougetmydrift.Hewants
revenge.”

“Iguessso.”
“Ihopeyoukeepagun.”
Shelaughed.“Ihateguns.”
“SodoI,”hemused.“Imuchpreferknives.”
HeindicatedahugeBowieknifeononehip,inafringedleathersheath.
Shestaredatit.“Idon’tguessyou’dhavetodomuchmorethanshowthattosomebodytomake

thembackoff.”

“That’susuallythecase.”
Shefinishedcleaningupthecake.“Theyaren’tsellingwelllately,butIthoughtthisonemight.

DavyseemstohavebeenspendingallhissparetimetellingpeoplewhatanevilwomanIam.There’s
adistinctchillintheairwhereverIgonow.”

“That’sbecausehe’stellinghissideofthestorytoanybodywho’lllisten,”hereplied.“And

that’sharassment,aswell.”

“IcanseeTedarrestinghimfortalkingtosomeone,”shesaidsarcastically.
“Itdependsonwhathe’ssaying.Iheardwhathesaidinhere.Ifyouneedawitness,I’m

available.”

Shefrowned.“Hedidn’tsaymuch.”
“Hesaidenough,”hereplied.
Sheshrugged.“Iliketohandlemyownproblems.”
“OrdinarilyI’dsaythat’sadmirable.Notinthiscase.You’reupagainstamanwho’sdonehard

timeandcameoutwithagrudge.Hewantsblood.Ifyou’renotverycareful,he’llgetit.He’sdoinga
numberonyourcharacteralready.Peopletendtobelievewhattheywanttobelieve,anditisn’talways
thetruth.Especiallywhenalikeableyoungmanwho’sapparentlybeenrailroadedbyanastyyoung
girltellstherightkindofstory.”

Sheblinked.“I’dbethenastyyounggirlinthisstory?”
Henodded.
Sheputtheremnantsofhercakeintothetrashcanbehindthecounter.Sheshrugged.“Inever

thoughtofmyselfasabadperson.”

“It’shisthoughtsthatyouhavetoworryabout.Ifhe’smadenough,andIthinkheisifhecame

hereexpresslytotormentyou,hewon’tstopwithgossip.”

Thatthoughthadoccurredtoher,too.Shelookedupatthecustomerwithwide,worriedeyes.

“MaybeIshouldgetajoboverinBillings.”

“Andrunforit?”heasked.“Fatchance.He’dfollowyou.”
Shegasped.“No…!”
Hisfacehardened.“I’veseenthishappenbefore,inasimilarcase,”hesaidtersely.“Infact,Iwas

actingasanunpaidbodyguardasafavortoafriend.Theperpnotonlygotoutofjail,hewentafter
thegirlwhotestifiedagainsthimandbeatherup.”

Sheglared.“Ihopeyouhurthim.”
“Severalofus,”hereplied,“wantedto,butherboyfriendgottohimfirst.He’sbackinjail.Butif

she’dbeenalone,theremightnothavebeenanybodytotestify.”

Shefeltsicktoherstomach.“You’resayingsomething,aren’tyou?”
“I’msayingthatsuchmenareunpredictable,”hereplied.“It’sbettertowatchyourbackthanto

assumethateverythingwillworkitselfout.Inmyexperience,situationslikethisdon’tgetbetter.”

Sheputdowntheragshe’dbeencleaningwith,andlookedupwithworriedeyes.“IwishTed

wasn’tmadatme,”shesaidquietly.

“Gomakeupwithhim,”headvised.“Anddoitsoon.”Hedidn’taddthathe’dseenthe

expressiononherassailant’sfaceandhewascertainthemanwouldsoonresorttoviolencetopay
herback.

“IsupposeIshould,”shesaid.Shemanagedasmile.“Thanks,Mr….?”
“JustcallmeRourke,”hesaid,andgrinned.“Mostpeopledo.”
“Areyouvisitingsomebodylocal?”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Don’tIlooklikealocal?”
Sheshookherhead,softeningthenoncommentwithasmile.
Helaughed.“Actually,”hesaid,“Icamebytoseethepolicechief.Andnotonacase.TedandI

wereinthemilitarytogether.Ibroughtamessagefromanoldfriendwhoworksasapolicechief
downinTexas.”

Shecockedherhead.“Thatwouldn’tbetheonewhotaughthimtotango?”
Heblinkedhissingleeye.“HetaughtTedtodance?”
Shenodded.“He’sprettygood,too.”
Rourkechuckled.“Wondersnevercease.”
“That’swhatIsay.”
Hesmileddownather.“TalktoTed,”headvised.“You’regoingtoneedsomebodywhocan

backyouup,ifthatmangetsviolent.”

“I’lldothat,”shesaidafteraminute.“Andthanks.”
“You’rewelcome,butforwhat?”
“Formakingmeseethelight,”sherepliedflatly.“I’vebeenblamingmyselfforsendingDavyto

prison.”

“Youmarkmywords,”hereplied.“Verysoon,Davyisgoingtoprovetoyouthatitwaswhere

hebelonged.”

Shedidn’treply.Shejusthopeditwasn’taprophecy.ButshewasgoingtoseeTed,theminute

shegotoffwork.

Eight

B

eforeJilliancouldfinishherchoresandgetoutoftherestaurant,SassyPealeCallistercameinto

therestaurantanddraggedhertooneside.

“Ican’tbelievewhatIjustheard,”shesaidshortly.“Didyouactuallysaythatyoumighthave

beenwrongtohaveDavyHarrisputinjail?”

Jillianflushedtotherootsofherhair.“Howdidyouhearaboutthat?”shestammered.
“Hollisterisaverysmalltown.Youtellonepersonandeverybodyelseknows,”theother

womanreplied.“Comeon,isittrue?”

Jillianfeltevenmoreuncomfortable.“HewasremindingmehowmuchhehelpedmeandUncle

Johnaroundtheranch.Hewasalwayskindtous.Once,whenweweresick,hewenttothestoreand
pharmacyforus,andthennursedusuntilwewerewellagain.”

Sassywasn’tbuyingit.Herfacewasstony.“Thatmeanshe’scapableofdoinggooddeeds.It

doesn’tmeanhecan’tdobadthings.”

“Iknow,”Jilliansaidmiserably.“It’sjust…well,he’sbeeninhereeveryday.Hemakesitsound

likeIoverreacted…”

“Youlistentome,he’snoheartsickwould-besuitor,”Sassysaidfirmly.“He’sacard-carrying

coyotewithdelusionsofgrandeur!Iwasn’tsurethathewasn’tgoingtotrytotaketheshotgunaway
fromme,evenifI’dpulledthetrigger.Hewasfurious!Don’tyourememberwhathesaid?”

Jillianglancedaroundher.Therestaurantwasempty,buttheownerwasnearby,atleastwithin

earshot.

“Hesaidthathe’dgetbothofus,”Sassyreplied.“Johnthinkshemeantitandthathe’sherefor

revenge.Hehiredmeabodyguard,ifyoucanbelievethat.”Sheindicatedthetallmanwithalong
blondponytailandapatchoveroneeye.

“That’sRourke,”Jillyexclaimed.
Sassyblinked.“Excuseme?”
“That’sRourke.Hewasinherethismorning,whenIthrewacakeatDavy.”SheignoredSassy’s

gaspandkeptgoing.“HesaidthatIwasnutstryingtomakeexcusesfortheman,andthatIshould
makeupwithTed.HethinksDavyisdangerous.”

“SodoI,”Sassysaidquietly.“Youshouldcomeandstaywithusuntilthisisover,onewayorthe

other.”

Jillianwastempted.ButshethoughtoflittleSammyandameansofrevengethatmightoccurto

amindastwistedasDavy’s.Hemightevenburnthehousedown.Shedidn’tdareleaveitunattended.

“Thanks,”shesaidgently,“butIcan’tdothat.Anyway,I’vegotmyuncle’sshotgun.”
“Whichyou’venevertouched,”Sassymuttered.“Idoubtit’sbeencleanedsincehedied.”
Jillianstaredatthefloor.“TedwouldcleanitformeifIaskedhimto.”
“Whydon’tyouaskhimto?”cametheshortreply.“Andthentellhimwhyyouneeditcleaned.I

dareyou.”

“Idon’tthinkDavywouldhurtme,really,”shesaidslowly.

“Heassaultedyou.”
“Maybehejustgot,well,overstimulated,and…”
“Heassaultedyou,”Sassyrepliedfirmly.
Jilliansighed.“Ihateunpleasantness.”
“Whodoesn’t?Butthisisn’tjustamanwholetakissgotoofar.Thisisamanwhodeliberately

cametoHollister,gotajobanddevilsyoueverydayatyourplaceofwork,”Sassysaidquietly.“It’s
harassment.It’sstalking.Maybeyoucan’tproveit,butyoushouldcertainlytalktoTedaboutit.”

“He’llthinkI’moverreacting.”
“He’sapoliceman,”Sassyremindedher.“Hewon’t.”
Jillianwasweakening.ShewasbeginningtofeelevenmoreafraidofDavy.IfSassy’shusband

thoughttherewasathreat,andwentsofarastohirehiswifeabodyguard,hemustbetakingit
seriously.

“Johntriedtohavehimarrested,butTedremindedhimthatyoucan’tputsomebodybehindbars

forsomethinghesaidyearsago.Hehastohaveconcreteevidence.”

Thatmadethingssomehowevenworse.Jillian’sworriedeyesmetherfriend’s.“Davydoes

scareme.”

Sassymovedcloser.“I’mgoingtohaveRourkekeepaneyeonyou,too,whenI’msafelyhome

withJohn.We’vegotenoughcowboysattheranchwhohavefederalbackgroundstokeepmesafe,”
sheaddedwithachuckle.“OneofthemusedtoworkforthegodfatherofJohn’ssister-in-law.Hewas
amercenarywithmobconnections.He’sgotmillionsandhestillcomestoseeher.”Sheleaned
forward,sothatRourkecouldn’thear.“TherewasgossiponcethatRourkewashisson.Nobody
knowsandRourkenevertalksabouthim.”

“Wow,”Jillianexclaimed.“ThatwouldbeK.C.Kantor,wouldn’tit?”
Sassywasimpressed.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Iwouldn’thave,butyourhusbandwastalkingabouthimattherestaurantonemorningwhen

youwereonthatshoppingtriptoLosAngelesandhehadtoeatintown.”

“Eavesdropping,wereyou?”Sassyteased.
Jilliansmiled.“Sorry.Sometimesawaitresscan’thelpit.”
“Idon’tmind.”Shedrewinabreath.“Ihavetogo.Butifyouneedanything,youcall.I’lllend

Rourketoyou.”

“Myearswork,evenifI’mmissingoneeye,”thetallblondmandrawled.
Bothwomenturned,surprised.
“AndK.C.Kantorisnotmyfather.”Hebitoffeveryword.“That’smaliciousgossip,aimedat

mydad,whowasamilitarymaninSouthAfricaandmadeenemiesbecauseofhisjob.”

“Sorry,”Sassysaidatonce,andlookeduneasy.Rourkerarelydidanythingexceptsmile

pleasantlyandcrackjokes,buthispalebrowneyewasglitteringandhelookeddangerous.

Hesawtheconsternationhiswordshadproduced,andfellbackintohiseasygoingpersonawith

novisibleeffort.Hegrinned.“Ieavesdropshamelessly,too,”headded.“Ineverknowwhensome
prettyyoungwomanmightbemakingniceremarksaboutme.Wouldn’twanttomissit.”

Theybothrelaxed.
“Sorry,”Sassysaidagain.“Iwasn’tsayingittobeunkind.”
Heshrugged.“Iknowthat.KantortookmeinwhenIwasorphaned,becauseheandmydadwere

friends.It’sacommonmisconception.”Hefrowned.“You’rerightaboutJillian.Livingaloneis
dangerouswhenyou’vegotanenemywithunknownintentions.Mrs.Callisterissafeatnight,unless
she’sgoingoutwithoutherhusband.Icouldcomeoverandsleeponyoursofa,ifyoulike.”

“Yes,hecould,”Sassysecondedatonce.
ThatmadeJillianvisiblyuncomfortable.Sheavertedhereyes.“That’sverykindofyou,thanks,

butI’llmanage.”

Rourkeliftedaneyebrow.“Isitmyshavinglotion?Imean,itdoessometimesputwomenoff,”

hesaidblandly.

Sassylaughed.“No.It’sconvention.”
“Excuseme?”
“Shewon’tstayaloneatnightwithamaninthehouse,”Sassysaid.“Andbeforeyousay

anything—”shestoppedhimwhenheopenedhismouthtoreply“—Iwouldhavefeltexactlythe
samewaywhenIwassingle.Womeninsmalltowns,broughtupwithcertainattitudes,don’tentertain
singlemenatnight.”

Helookedperplexed.
“You’veneverlivedinasmalltown,”Jillianventured.
“IwasborninAfrica,”hesaid,surprisingly.“I’velivedinsmallvillagesallmylife.ButIdon’t

knowmuchaboutsmallAmericantowns.Isupposetherearesimilarities.Well,exceptforthebride
pricethatstillexistsinsomeplaces.”

“Brideprice?”Jillianstaredathim,waiting.
“Amanwhowantstomarryawomanhastogiveherfatheracertainnumberofcattle.”
Shegapedathim.
“It’sacenturies-oldtradition,”heexplained.HepursedhislipsandsmiledatJillian.“I’llbet

yourfatherwouldhaveaskedathousandheadforyou.”

Sheglaredathim.“Myfatherwouldneverhaveofferedtosellmetoyou!”sheexclaimed.
“Differentplaces,differentcustoms,”hesaideasily.“I’velivedinplaces,inways,thatyoumight

neverimagine.”

“Johnsaidyouwereagunrunner,”Sassymused.
Heglaredather.“Iwasnot,”hesaidindignantly.Thenhegrinned.“Iwasanarmsdealer.”
“Semantics!”sheshotback.
Heshruggedagain.“Amanhastomakealivingwhenhe’sbetweenjobs.Atthetime,there

wasn’tmuchactiongoingoninmypartofAfricaformercenaries.”

“Andnowyouworkasabodyguard?”Jillianasked.
Hehesitated.“Attimes,whenI’monvacation.Iactuallyworkasanindependentcontractorthese

days.Legit,”headdedwhentheylookedathimwithopensuspicion.“Idon’tdomercenarywork
anymore.”

“SothatcaseinOklahomawhereyouhelpedfreeakidnappingvictimwaslegit,too?”Sassy

asked.

“Iwashelpingoutafriend,”hereplied,chuckling.“HeworksforthesamefederalagencyI

workforthesedays.”

“Butyou’reanAfricancitizen,aren’tyou?”Jillianasked.“Imean,ifyouwerebornthere…?”
“IhaveAmericancitizenshipnow,”hesaid,andlookeduncomfortable.
“WhenhewenttoworkforMr.Kantor,hehadtohaveit,”Sassymurmured.“Iimaginehepulled

somestringsatthestatedepartment?”

Rourkejustlookedather,withoutspeaking.
Sheheldoutherhands,palmsup.“Okay,I’msorry,Iwon’tpry.I’mjustgratefulyou’rearound

tolookoutforme.”SheglancedatJillian.“Butyoustillhaveaproblem.WhatifHarrisdecideshe
wantstogetevenonedarknight,andyoucan’tgettothatshotgunintime?Theonethathasn’tbeen
cleanedsinceyouruncledied?”

“IsaidI’dgetTedtocleanitforme,”theotherwomanprotested.
“YouandTedaren’tspeaking.”
“I’llcomeoverandcleanitforyou,”Rourkesaidquietly.“Andteachyoutoshootit.”

Jillianlookedhunted.“Ihateguns,”sheburstout.“IhateditwhenTedwouldcomeoverand

shoottargetsfromthefrontporch.I’llnevergetusedtothesoundofthem.It’slikedynamitegoing
offinmyears!”

Rourkelookedatherwithshockeddisdain.“Didn’tanybodyevertellyouaboutearplugs?”
“Earplugs?”
“Yes.Youalwayswearthemonthegunrange,”heexplained,“unlessyouwanttogodeafatan

earlyage.Earprotectorsarefineontherange,butearplugscanbeinsertedquicklyifyou’reonajob
andexpectingtrouble.”

“Howdoyouhear?”
“Theyletinsound.Theyjustdeadencertainfrequenciesofsound,”heexplained.Heglancedat

Sassy.“Youwon’tneedmetonight.Iheardyourhusbandsayhe’slinedupanewwerewolfmovieto
watchwithyouonpay-per-view.”

Shelaughed.“Yes.It’sthesecondinavampiretrilogy,actually.Iloveit!”
Hedidn’treact.HeglancedtowardJillian.“SoI’llbefreeaboutsix.Icancomeoverandclean

theshotgunanddoasecuritysweep.Ifyouneedlocksandsilentsentries,Icaninstallthem.”

Shebitherlip,hard.Shecouldn’taffordsuchthings.Shecouldbarelypaythebillsonwhatshe

madeasacook.

Theowneroftherestaurant,whohadbeenblatantlyeavesdropping,joinedthem.“Youcanhave

anadvanceonyoursalaryanytimeyouneedit,”hetoldJilliangently.“I’dbarHarrisfromcoming
onthepremises,ifIcould,buthe’sthesortwho’dfilealawsuit.Ican’taffordthat,”headdedheavily.

“Thanks,Mr.Chaney,”Jilliansaidquietly.“Ithoughtyoumightfireme,becauseofallthat’s

goingonrightnow.”

“Fatchance,”hesaidamusedly.“You’rethebestcookI’veeverhad.”
“Heshouldn’tbeallowedtoharassherwhileshe’sdoingherjob,”Sassysaidcurtly.
“Iagree,”therestaurantownersaidgently.“ButthisisabusinessandIcan’tbarpeopleIdislike

withoutproofthey’recausingproblems.I’veneverheardhimthreatenJillianorevenbedisrespectful
toher.”

“That’sbecausehewhispersthingstomethathedoesn’twantanybodytooverhear,”shesaid

miserably.“HemademebelievethatIhadhimlockedupfornoreasonatall.”

“IliveinHollister,”hesaidquietly.“Evenifit’snotinblaringheadlines,mostofusknowwhat’s

goingonhere.Irememberthecase.Mysister,ifyourecall,wastheassistantprosecutorinthecase.
ShehelpedJackHayneswiththeprecedents.”

“Idoremember,”Jilliansaid.Shefoldedherarmsoverherslightbreasts.“It’ssoscary.Inever

thoughthe’dgetout.”

“Peoplegetoutallthetimeontechnicalities,”Rourkesaid.“Acaseinpointisthebankrobber

yourpolicechiefputaway.AndafriendofmineintheFBIinTexashasasimilarproblem.Amanhe
sentawayforlifejustgotoutandisafterhim.Myfriendcan’tdomuchmorethanyou’redoing.The
stalkerdoesn’tdoanythinghecouldevenbechargedwith.”

“Lifeishard,”Sassysaid.
“Thenyoudie,”Rourkequipped,andgrinned.“DidyouwatchthatBritishcopshow,too?

You’reprettyyoung.”

“Everything’sondiscnow,eventhoseoldshows.It’soneofJohn’sfavorites,”Sassychuckled.
“Mine,too,”Chaneyadded,laughing.“Theywereanoddmix,thefemaleBritishcopandthe

Americanone,inateam.”

“Pityitendedbeforeweknewhowthingsworkedoutbetweenthem,”Rourkesighed.“Iwould

havelovedabig,romanticfinale.”

Bothwomenandtherestaurantownerstaredathim.

“I’maromantic,”hesaiddefensively.
Thewomenstaredpointedlyatthepistolintheshoulderholsterunderhisloosejacket.
“Icanshootpeopleandstillberomantic,”hesaidbelligerently.“Outtheresomewhereisa

womanwhocan’twaittomarrymeandhavemychildren!”

Theystaredmore.
Hemoveduncomfortably.“Well,myprofessionisn’tconducivetochild-raising,Iguess,butI

couldstillgetmarriedtosomeniceladywhowantedtocookanddarnmysocksandtakemyclothes
tothedrycleanerwhenIwashomebetweenjobs.”

“That’snotromantic,that’sdelusional,”Sassytoldhim.
“Andyou’relivinginthewrongcentury,”Jillianadded.
Heglared.“I’mnotshackingupwithsomecorporateraiderinapin-stripedbusinesssuit.”
“It’snotcalledshackingup,it’scalledcohabiting,”Sassysaiddrolly.“AndIreallycan’tseeyou

withacorporateraider.IshouldthinkaDallasCowboyline-backerwouldbe…Don’thitme,I’lltell
John!”shesaidinmockfearwhenhegloweredandtookastepforward.

“Awomaninapin-stripedsuit,”hequalified.
Sassynodded.“Afemalemobhit-person.”
Hethrewuphishands.“Ican’ttalktoyou.”
“Youcouldifyou’dstopmixingmetaphorsandlookingforwomenwholivedinthedarkages.”

Shefrowned.“Youdon’tgetoutmuch,doyou?”

Helookedoutthewindowoftherestaurant.“Inthisburg,itwouldn’tmatterifIdid.Ithinkthere

aretwounmarriedladieswholiveinthistown,andthey’rebothintheirsixties!”

“Wecouldaskifanybodyhasprettycousinsornieceswholiveoutoftown,”Jillianoffered.
Hegaveherapursed-lipscrutiny.“You’renotbad.Youhaveyourownranchandyoucancook.”
“Idon’twanttogetmarried,”Jilliansaidcurtly.
“That’strue,”Sassysaidsadly.“IthinkHarrishasputheroffmenforlife.Shewon’tevenmarry

Ted,andthatmeansshe’lllosetheranchtoadeveloper.”

“Goodgrief,”Rourkeexclaimed.“Why?”
“It’sinmyuncle’swillandhisuncle’swillthatwehavetomarryeachotherortheranchgets

soldatpublicauction,”Jilliansaidmiserably.“There’saCaliforniadeveloperlickinghislipsinthe
background,justwaitingtoturnmyranchintoaresort.”

Rourkewasoutraged.“Notthatbeautifulhunkofland!”
Shenodded.“ItwilllookliketheWestCoastwhenhegetsthrough.He’llcutdownallthetrees,

pavetheland,andbuildexpensivecondominiums.Ihearheevenhasplansforastripmallinthe
middle.Oh,andanamusementpark.”

Rourkewasunusuallythoughtful.“Nicepieceofland,that,”heremarked.
“Verynice.”
“Butthatdoesn’tsolveyourproblem,”Sassyreplied.
“Icanbeoveraboutsix,ifthat’sokay?”hetoldJillian,withaquestioningglanceatSassy.
“Thatwillbefinewithus,”Sassyassuredhim.SheglaredatJillian,whowashesitating.“IfTed

won’ttalktoyou,somebodyhastocleantheshotgun.”

“Isupposeso.”
“Enthusiasmlikethathaslaunchedcolonies,”Rourkedrawled.
Jillianlaughedself-consciously.“Sorry.Idon’tmeantosoundreluctant.Ijustdon’tknowwhat

Tedwillthink.He’salreadymadbecauseIsaidImighthaveoverreactedtoDavyHarriswhenIhad
himarrested.”

“Itwasn’toverreaction,”therestaurantowner,Mr.Chaney,insertedindignantly.“Theman

deservedwhathegot.I’mjustsorryIcan’tkeephimoutofhere.Ifheeverinsultsyouormakesa

threat,youtellme.I’llbarhimevenifIdogetsued.”

“Thanks,boss.Really,”Jilliansaid.
“LeastIcoulddo.”Heglancedatthefrontdoor.“Excuseme.Customers.”Heleftwithasmile.
“Healwaysgreetspeoplewhentheycomein,”Jillianexplainedwithasmile,“andthenhecomes

aroundtothetablesandcheckstomakesuretheserviceandthefoodareokaywiththem.He’sagreat
boss.”

“It’sagoodrestaurant,”Rourkeagreed.“Goodfood.”HegrinnedatJillian.
“So.Six?”headded.
Jilliansmiled.“Six.I’llevenfeedyou.”
“I’llbringtherawmaterials,shallI?”heaskedwithatwinkleinhiseyes.“Steaksandsalad?”
“Lovely!”Jillianexclaimed.“Ihaven’thadasteakinalongtime!”
“You’vegotallthatbeefoverthereandyoudon’teatsteak?”heexclaimed.“Whataboutthat

primeyoungcalf,thelittlesteer…?”

“Sammy?”Jilliangasped.“She’snoteatingbeef!”
“She?”heasked.
“She’sacow.Orshewillbeoneday.”
“AcownamedSammy.”Helaughed.“SoundslikeCyParks,downinJacobsville,Texas.He’s

gotagirldognamedBob.”Everyonelaughed.

“See?”Jilliansaidindignantly.“I’mnottheonlypersonwhocomesupwithoddnamesfor

animals.”

Sassyhuggedher.“No,youaren’t.I’mgoinghome.YouletRourkecleanthatshotgun.”
“Okay.Thanks,”sheadded.
“Mypleasure,”Rourkesaid.
Sassygrinned.“Anddon’tlethimtalkyouintomarryinghim,”sheaddedfirmly.“Tedwill

neverspeaktousagain.”

“Nodangerofthat,”Jilliansighed.“Sorry,”sheaddedtoRourke.
“Don’tbesohasty,now,”Rourkesaid.“Ihavemanygoodqualities.I’llelaborateonthem

tonight.Seeyouatsix.”

HeleftwithSassy.Jillianstaredafterthem,gratefulbutuneasy.WhatwasTedgoingtothink?

Rourkeshoweduppromptlyatsixwithabagofgroceries.
Heputhispurchasesoutonthetable.Expensivesteaks,lettuce,alltheingredientsforsaladplus

avarietyofdressings,andacherrypieandapintofvanillaicecream.

“Iknowyoucookpiesandcakesverywell,”heexplained,“butIthoughtyoumightlikeataste

ofsomeoneelse’scooking.Mrs.Callister ’snewcookproducedthat.It’sfamouswhereshecomes
from,upinBillings,Montana.”

“I’llloveit.Cherrypieisoneofmyfavorites.”
“Mine,too.”
Hestartedthesteaksandthenusedhergourmetknivestodoafantasticchoppingofvegetables

forthesalad.

Jillianwatchedhismasteryofkniveswithpurefascination.“Itmusthavetakenyoualongtime

tolearntodothatsoeffortlessly.”

“Itdid.Ipracticedonmanypeople.”
Shestaredathim,uncertainhowtoreact.
Hesawthatandburstoutlaughing.“Iwasjoking,”heexplained.“NotthatI’veneverusedknives

onpeople,whentheoccasioncalledforit.”

“Isupposeviolenceisawayoflifetosomeoneinyourposition.”
Henodded.“IlearnedtohandleanAK-47whenIwastenyearsold.”
Shegasped.
“WhereIgrewup,inAfrica,therewerealwaysregionalwars,”hetoldher.“Themusclemen

triedtomoveinandtakeoverwhatbelongedtothelocaltribes.Ididn’thavefamilyatthattime,was
livinginanorphanage,soIwenttofightwiththem.”Helaughed.“Itwasanintroductiontomean
livingthatI’veneverbeenabletogetpast.Violenceisfamiliar.”

“Isupposeitwouldhavetobe.”
“Ilearnedtacticsandstrategyfromasuccessionoflocalwarlords,”hetoldher.“Someofthem

werehandeddownfromthetimeofShakaZuluhimself.”

“Whowasthat?”
“ShakaZulu?ThemostfamousoftheZuluwarriors,astrategistofthefinestkind.He

revolutionizedweaponryandfightingstylesamonghispeopleandbecameagreatwarlord.He
defeatedtheBritish,withtheiradvancedweapons.”

“Goodgrief!Ineverheardofhim.”
“Therewasaminiseriesontelevisionabouthisexploits,”hesaidwhilehechoppedceleryand

cucumbersintostrips.“Ihaveit.Iwatchitalot.”

“IsawOutofAfrica.”
Hesmiled.“That’sabeaut.”
“Itis.Ilovedthescenery.”Shelaughed.“Imagine,playingMozartforthelocalapes.”
“Inventive.”Hestoppedchopping,andhiseyebecamedreamy.“IthinkAfricaisthemost

beautifulplaceonearth.It’ssadthattheanimalsarelosinghabitatsoquickly.Manyofthelargerones
willgoextinctinmylifetime.”

“Therearelotsofpeopletryingtosavethem.Theyraisethelittleonesandthenturnthemback

outontotheland.”

“Wherepoachersarewaitingtokillthem,”hesaidlaconically.“Youcanstillfindivory,and

elephantfeetusedforfootstools,andrhinoceroshorninclandestineshopsallovertheworld.They
docatchsomeoftheperps,butnotallofthem.It’stragictoseeawayoflifegoingdead.Likethe
littleBushmen,”headdedquietly.“Theirculturewastotallydestroyed,denigrated,ridiculedas
worthlessbyEuropeaninvaders.Theendresultisthattheybecamedisplacedpeople,livingincities,
inslums.Manyarealcoholics.”

“Icouldtellyouthesameistruehere,whereNativeAmericansreceivedsimilartreatment,”she

toldhim.

Hesmiled.“Itseemsthattheoldculturesaresoprimitivethatthey’reconsideredwithoutvalue.

Ourgreatestmoderncivilizationsarelessthantwothousandyearsold,yetthoseofprimitivepeoples
canmeasureinthehundredsofthousands.DidyouknowthatthemightycivilizationsofMiddle
Americawerebasedonagriculture?Oursarebasedonindustry.”

“Agriculture.Farming.”
Henodded.“Citiesgrewuparoundirrigatedlandswherecropswereplantedandgrewevenin

conditionsofgreatdrought.TheHohokaminArizonahadcanals.TheMayancivilizationhad
astronomy.”Heglancedather.“ThemedicalpractitionersamongtheIncasknewhowtodo
trepanningonskullstorelievepressureinthebrain.Theyusedobsidianscalpels.Itisn’twell-known,
butthey’restillinusetodayinscalpelsforsurgery.”

“Howdidyoulearnallthat?”shewondered.
“Traveling.It’soneoftheperksofmyjob.Igettoseethingsandmixwithpeoplewhoareoutin

thevanguardofresearchandexploration.Ionceactedasbodyguardtooneoftheforemost

archaeologistsonearthinEgypt.”

“Gosh!”
“Haveyouevertraveled?”heasked.
Shethoughtaboutthat.“Well,IdidgotoOklahomaCity,once,”shesaid.“Itwasalongdrive.”
Hewasholdingtheknifeinmidair.“ToOklahomaCity.”
Sheflushed.“It’stheonlyplaceoutsideMontanathatI’veeverbeen,”sheexplained.
Hewasshocked.“Nevertoanothercountry?”
“Oh,no,”shereplied.“Therewasneverenoughmoneyfor…”Shestoppedandglancedoutthe

window.Apickuptruckpulledupintheyard,veryfast.Theenginestopped,thedooropenedandwas
slammedwithsomefury.

Rourke’shandwentinvoluntarilytothepistolunderhisarm.
“Oh,dear,”Jilliansaid,bitingherlip.
“Harris?”heaskedcurtly.
Shesighed.“Worse.It’sTed.”

Nine

T

herewerequick,heavyfootstepscomingupontotheporch.Jilliandidn’thavetoaskifTedwas

mad.Whenhewasn’t,histreadwashardlyaudibleatall,eveninboots.Now,hewaswalkingwitha
purpose,andshecouldhearit.

Heknockedonthedoor.Sheopeneditandsteppedback.
Hisblackeyesglitteredather.“Ihearyouhavecompany,”hesaidshortly.
Rourkecameoutofthekitchen.Hisjacketwasoff,sothe.45automatichecarriedwasplainly

visibleinitsholster.“Shedoes,indeed,”hereplied.Hemovedforwardwitheasygraceandextended
ahand.“Rourke,”heintroducedhimself.“I’monloanfromtheCallisters.”

Tedshookthehand.“TheodoreGraves.Chiefofpolice,”headded.
Rourkegrinned.“Iknewthat.Icametotowntotrytoseeyoutheotherday,butyouwereouton

acase.CashGriersaidtotellyouhello.”

Tedseemedsurprised.“Youknowhim?”
“Weusedtoworktogetherunder,shallwesay,unusualconditions,inAfrica,”camethereply.
Tedrelaxedalittle.“Rourke.Ithinkhementionedyou.”
Heshrugged.“Igetaround.Ireallycameovertocleanhershotgunforher,butI’mcooking,

too.”HegaveTedanappraisalthatdidn’tmissmuch,includingtheotherman’sjealousy.“I’m
impressingherwithmyculinaryskills,inhopesthatshemightwanttomarrymeaftersupper.”

Tedgapedathim.“What?”
“He’sjustkidding,”Jilliansaid,flushing.
“Iam?”Rourkeasked,andraisedbotheyebrows.
Tedglaredattheotherman.“She’sengagedtome.”
“Iamnot!”Jilliantoldhimemphatically.
Rourkebackedupastepandheldupahand.“IthinkI’llgobackintothekitchen.Idon’tliketo

getmixedupinfamilysquabbles,”headdedwithagrin.

“Wearenotafamily,andwe’renotsquabbling!”Jillianraged.
“We’regoingtobeafamily,andyes,weare,”Tedsaidangrily.
Rourkediscreetlymovedintothekitchen.
“Icouldhavecleanedtheshotgun,ifyou’djustaskedme,”hesaidangrily.
“Youstormedoutofhereinasnitandneversaidaword,”shereturned.“HowwasIsupposedto

askyou,mailaletter?”

“Emailisquicker,”cameadrollvoicefromthekitchen.
“Youcanshutup,thisisaprivateargument,”Tedcalledback.
“Sorry,”Rourkemurmured.“Don’tbetoolongnow,coldsteakisunappetizing.”
“You’refeedinghimsteak?”Tedexclaimed.“Whatdidhedo,carveupSammy?”
“Idon’teatuglycalves!”Rourkequipped.
“Sammyisnotugly,she’sbeautiful!”Jillianretorted.
“Ifyousayso,”Rourkesaidunderhisbreath.

“There’snothingwrongwithblackbaldies,”shepersisted.
“Unlessyou’veneverseenaBrahmacalf,”Rourkesighed.“Gorgeouslittlecreatures.”
“Brahmasaretheugliestcattleonearth,”Tedmuttered.
“Theyarenot!”Rourkeretorted.“Iownsomeofthem!”
Tedstopped.“Youruncattlearoundhere?”heasked.
Rourkecamebackintotheroom,holdingafork.“InAfrica.MyhomeisinKenya.”
Ted’seyesnarrowed.“Sothat’showCashmetyou.”
“Yes.Iwas,shallwesay,gainfullyemployedinhelpingoustalocalwarlordwhowas

slaughteringchildreninhisrushtopower.”

“Goodforyou,”Tedreplied.
“Nowyou’reteamingup?”Jilliansaid,fuming.
“Onlyasfarascattleareconcerned,”Rourkeassuredherwithaflashofwhiteteeth.“I’mstilla

contenderinthematrimonialsweepstakes,”headded.“Icancookandcleanandmakeapplestrudel.”
HegaveTedamusingappraisal,asiftosay,topthat.

Tedwasoutdone.Itwaswell-knownthathecouldn’tboilwater.Heglaredattheblondman.“I

canknockpenniesoffbottleswithmypistol,”hesaid,searchingforaskilltocompare.

“IcandoitwithanUzi,”Rourkereplied.
“Notinmytown,youwon’t—that’sanillegalweapon.”
“Okay,butthat’sasadwaytocopoutofacompetition.”Heblinked.“Imadeapun!”
“I’mnotacop,I’mapolicechief.”
“Semantics,”Rourkesaidhaughtily,borrowingJillian’sfavoriteword,andwalkedbacktothe

kitchen.

TedlookeddownatJillian,whowasstrugglingnottolaugh.Hewasmoreworriedthanhe

wantedtoadmitaboutherassailant,whokeptaddingfueltothefireintownwithgossipabout
Jillian’spast.Heknewbetter,butsomepeoplewouldn’t.He’dbeenirritablebecausehecouldn’tfinda
waytomakethelittleweaselleavetown.Jillianwaspaleandnervous.Hehadn’thelpedbyavoiding
her.Itwasself-defense.Shemeantmoretohimthanhe’drealized.Hedidn’twantherhurt,evenifshe
couldn’tdealwithmarryinghim.

Herestedhishandonthebuttoftheautomaticholsteredonhisbelt.“Iheardaboutwhat

happenedintherestaurant.YoushouldlistentoSassy.It’spossiblethatHarrismaytrytogetrevenge
onyouhere,whereyou’realone.”

“She’snotalone,”Rourkechimedin.“I’mhere.”
“Notusually,andhe’llknowthat,”Tedsaidirritably.Hedidn’tliketheothermanassumingwhat

hethoughtofashisownresponsibility.

“Mrs.Callisteralreadyaskedhertocomestayattheranch,butshewon’t,”camethereply.
Teddidn’tliketheideaofJillianbeingclosertoRourke,either.Buthehadtoadmitthatitwas

thesafestthingforher,ifshewouldn’tmarryhim.

“Wecouldgetmarried,”hetoldher,loweringhisvoice.
“Canyoucook?”Rourkeasked.“Besides,Ihaveallmyownteeth.”
Tedignoredhim.Hewasworried,anditshowed.Hesearchedhereyes.“Harrisboughtabig

Bowieatthehardwardstoreyesterday.”

“It’snotillegaltoownaknife,”Rourkesaid.
“Technicallyit’snot,althoughaBowiecertainlyfallsundertheheadingofanillegalweaponif

hewearsitintown.Ithasabladelongerthanthree-and-a-quarterinches.It’stheimplicationofthe
purchasethatconcernsme,”headded.

Rourkequicklybecamemoresomber.“He’smakingastatementofhisintentions,”hesaid.
“That’swhatIthought,”Tedagreed.“Andheknowsthere’snotadamnedthingIcandoaboutit,

unlesshecarriestheweaponblatantly.He’snotlikelytodothat.”

Rourkedidn’tmentionthathe’dbeenwearinghisownBowieknifeintown.“Youcouldturn

yourbackandIcouldhaveatalkwithhim,”Rourkesuggested,notcompletelyfacetiously.

“He’dhavemearrestyou,andhe’dcallhislawyer,”wasthereply.
“Isupposeso.”
“MaybeIcouldvisitsomebodyoutofstate,”Jilliansaidonasigh.
“He’djustfollowyou,andposeathreattoanybodyyoustayedwith,”Tedsaid.“Besidesthat,

youdon’tknowanybodyoutofstate.”

“Iwasonlyjoking,”Jillianreplied.“I’mnotrunning,”sheaddedfirmly.
Themenlookedatherwithsmilingadmiration.
“Foolhardy,”Rourkecommented.
“Sensible,”Tedreplied.“Nobody’sgettingpastmeinmyowntowntodoherharm.”
“I’mnotneededattheranchatnight,”Rourkesaid.“Icouldstayoverhere.”
TedandJillianbothglaredathim.
Hethrewuphishands.“Youpeoplehavesomeincrediblehang-upsfortwenty-firstcentury

humanbeings!”

“Weliveinasmalltown,”Jillianpointedout.“Idon’twanttobetalkedabout.AnymorethanI

alreadyam,Imean,”shesaidmiserably.“IguessHarrishasconvincedhalfthepeopleherethatI’ma
heartlessflirtwhohadhimarrestedbecausehewantedtomarryme.”

“Goodlucktoanybodybrain-damagedenoughtobelieveastorylikethat,”Rourkesaid.

“Especiallyanybodywhoknowsyouatall.”

“Thanks,Rourke,”Jillianreplied.
Tedshookhishead.“Therearepeoplewhowillbelieveanything.I’dgiverealmoneyifIcould

findalawonthebooksthatIcouldusetomakehimleavetown.”

“Vagrancywouldhavebeenagoodoneuntilhegotthatjob.”
“Iagree,”Tedsaid.
“It’snotright,”Jillianblurtedout.“Imean,thatsomebodycancomehere,harassme,makemy

lifemiserableandjustgetawaywithit.”

Ted’sexpressionwaseloquent.Hishighcheekbonesflushedwithimpotentbadtemper.
“I’mnotblamingyou,”Jilliansaidatonce.“I’mnot,Ted.Iknowthere’snothingyoucando

aboutit.”

“Oh,forthewildolddaysinAfrica,”Rourkesighed.“Wherewemadeupthelawsaswewent

along.”

“Lawisthefoundationofanycivilization,”Tedsaidfirmly.
“True.Butlaw,likeanythingelse,canbeabused.”Rourkepursedhislips.“Areyoustayingfor

supper?Iactuallybroughtthreesteaks.”

Jillianfrowned.“Three?”
Hechuckled.“Let’ssayIanticipatedthatwemighthavecompany,”hesaidwithawryglanceat

Ted.

Tedseemedtorelax.HegaveJilliananappraisinglook.“Aftersupper,wemightsitonthefront

porchanddoalittletargetshooting.”

Sheglaredathim.
“Wecouldpracticewithhershotgun,”Rourkeagreed,addingfueltothefire.
“Ionlyhavetwoshells,”Jilliansaidcurtly.
Rourkereachedintoabaghe’dplacedonanearbyshelf.“Ianticipatedthat,too.”Hehandedthe

shellstoTedwithagrin.

“Doubleoughtbuckshot,”Tedmused.“Weusethatinourriotshotguns.”

“Iknow.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Jillianwantedtoknow.
“It’saheavyload,usedbylawenforcementofficerstoensurethatcriminalswhofireonthem

paydearlyfortheprivilege,”Tedsaidenigmatically.

“Tearsbigholesinthings,love,”Rourketranslated.
Teddidn’tliketheendearment,andhisblackeyesglittered.
Rourkelaughed.“I’lljustgoturnthosesteaks.”
“Mightbesafer,”Tedagreed.
RourkeleftandTedtookJillian’shandandledherintothelivingroom.Heclosedthedoor.
“Idon’tlikehimbeingoverherewithyoualone,”hesaidflatly.
Shegavehimahuntedlook.“Well,Iwasn’texactlyoverflowingwithpeopletryingtoprotect

mefromDavy!”

Heavertedhiseyes.“Sorry.”
“Whydidyougetsoangry?”
“Youweremakingexcusesforhim,”hesaid,hisvoicecurt.“Lettinghimconvinceyouthatit

wasallamistake.Igotaccesstothecourtrecords,Jillian.”

Sherealizedwhathewassaying,andflushedtoherhairline.
“Hey,”hesaidsoftly.“It’snotyourfault.”
“HesaidIworesuggestivethings…”
“Youneverworesuggestivethingsinyourlife,andyouwerefifteen,”hemuttered.“Howwould

youfeel,atyouragenow,ifafifteen-year-oldboyactuallyflirtedwithyou?”

“I’dtellhismama,”shereturned.
“Exactly.”Hewaitedforthattoregister.
Hereyesnarrowed.“Youmean,Ididn’thavethejudgmenttoinvolvemyselfwithaman,even

onejustsixyearsolderthanme.”

“Youdidn’t.Andyouneverworesuggestivethings.”
“Iwasn’tallowed,evenifI’dwantedto.Myunclewasveryconservative.”
“Harriswasapredator.Hestillis.Butinhisownmind,hedidn’tdoanythingwrong.That’swhy

he’sgivingyouthebusiness.Hereallyfeelsthathehadeveryrighttopursueyou.Hecan’tunderstand
whyhewasarrestedforit.”

“Butthat’scrazy!”
“Nocrazierthanyousecond-guessingyourownreactions,whenyouactuallyhadtoruntoa

neighbor ’shousetosaveyourselffromassault,”hepointedout.

Shegnawedherlowerlip.“Iwasscaredtodeath.”Shelookedupathim.“Menaresostrong,”

shesaid.“EventhinmenlikeDavy.Ialmostdidn’tgetaway.AndwhenIdid,hewentnuts.Hewas
yellingthreatsallthewaytothePeales’house.IreallythinkhewouldhavekilledmeifSassyhadn’t
pulledthatshotgun.Hemighthavekilledher,too,anditwouldhavebeenmyfault,forrunningover
thereforhelp.Butitwastheonlyhousecloseenough.”

“I’msureSassyneverblamedyouforthat.She’sagoodperson.”
“Soareyou,”shecommentedquietly.“I’msorryI’vebeensuchatrialtoyou.”
Hisfacesoftened.Hisblackeyessearchedhers.“Ishouldhavebeenmoreunderstanding.”He

grimaced.“Youdon’tgethowitis,Jake,togooutwithawomanyouwantandbeapprehensiveabout
eventouchingher.”

Shehadablanklookonherface.
“Youdon’tknowwhatI’mtalkingabout,doyou?”heaskedinafrustratedtone.Hemoved

closer.“Maybeit’stimeyoudid.”

Hecurledherintohisbodywithalong,powerfularmandbenthishead.Hekissedherwithsoft

persuasionatfirst,then,whensherelaxed,hismouthbecameinvasive.Heteasedherlipsapartand
nibbledthem.Hefeltherstiffenatfirst,butafterafewseconds,shebecamemoreflexible.She
stoppedresistingandstoodverystill.

Shehadn’tknownthatshecouldfeelsuchthings.Upuntilnow,Tedhadbeenalmostteasing

whenhekissedher.Butthistime,hewasn’tholdinganythingback.Hisarm,atherback,archedher
upagainsthim.Hisbighandsmoothedupfromherwaistandbrushedlightlyattheedgesofher
small,firmbreast.

Shereallyshouldprotest,shetoldherself.Sheshouldn’tlethimdothat.Butasthekissesgrew

longerandhungrier,herbodybegantofeelswollenandhot.Sheachedformorethanshewas
getting,butshedidn’tunderstandwhatshewanted.

Tedfeltthosevaguelongingsinherandknewhowtosatisfythem.Hismouthgrounddownonto

hersashisfingersbegantosmoothoverthesoftmoundofflesh,barelytouching,kindlinghungers
thatJillianhadneverknownbefore.

Shegaspedwhenhisfingersrubbedoverthenippleanditbecamehardandincrediblysensitive.

Shetriedtodrawback,butnotwithanyrealenthusiasm.

“Scared?”hewhisperedagainsthermouth.“Noneed.Wehaveachaperone.”
“Thedoor…it’sclosed.”
“Yes,thankgoodness,”hegroaned,“becauseifitwasn’t,Iwouldn’tdaredothis.”
“This”involvedthesuddenriseofhershirtandthebraupunderherchinandtheshocking,

delicious,invasionofTed’swarmmouthoverherbreast.

Sheshuddered.Itwasthemostintensepleasureshe’deverfelt.Hershortnailsdugintohisbroad

shouldersassheclosedhereyesandarchedbackwardtogivehimevenbetteraccesstothesoft,warm
fleshthatachedforhistendercaress.

Shefelthishandcuppingher,liftingher,ashismouthopenedoverthenippleandhetookit

betweenhislipsandtongue.

Hersoftgaspwasfollowedbyaharsh,shiveringlittlemoanthatcosthimhiscontrol.Notonly

haditbeenalong,dryspell,butthiswomanwasthemostimportantpersoninhislifeandhewanted
herwithanobsessivehunger.Hehadn’tbeenabletosleepforthinkingabouthowsweetitwouldbeto
makelovetoher.Andnowshewas,despiteherhang-ups,notonlywelcominghistouch,butenjoying
it.

“Yousaidyoudidn’twanttomarryme,”hewhisperedroughlyashismouthbecamemore

demanding.

Hernailsdugintohisback.“Isaidalotofthings,”sheagreed.Hereyesclosedasshesavored

thespicysmellofhiscologne,thetendernessofhismouthonforbiddenflesh.“Imighthaveeven…
believedthem,atthetime.”

Heliftedhisheadandlookeddownather.Hisexpressiontautenedatthesightofherpretty,firm

breasts,andhisbodyclenched.“Itookitpersonally.Likeyouthoughttherewassomethingwrong
withme.”

“Ted,no!”sheexclaimed.
Hepulledbackthehandthatwastracingaroundhernipple.
Shebitherlip.“Iwasn’tsayingnotothat,”shesaidwithhopelessshyness,avertinghereyes.“I

meant,Idon’tthinkthere’sanythingwrongwithyou…!”

Shegaspedasherespondedtotheblatantinvitationinhervoiceandteasedthehardriseofflesh

withhisthumbandforefinger.

“Youdon’t?”hewhispered,andsmiledatherinawaythatheneverhadbefore.
“Ofcoursenot!Iwasjustscared,”shemanaged,becausewhathewasdoingwascreating

sensationsinsomeveryprivateplaces.“Scaredofmarriage,Imean.”

“Marriageissupposedtobeafeastofpleasurefortwopeoplewhocareabouteachother,”he

pointedout,watchingwithdelightherfascinationwithwhathewasdoingtoherwillingbody.He
drewinalongbreathandbenthishead.“I’mbeginningtobelieveit.”

Heopenedhismouthoverhersoftbreastanddrewitinside,sucklingitwithhislipsandhis

tongueinaslow,easycaressthatcausedherwholebodytoclenchandshiver.Ashisardorincreased,
hefeltwithwonderthesearchingfingersonthebuttonsofhisshirt.Theyhesitated.

“Menliketobetouched,too,”hewhisperedintoherear.
“Oh.”
Shefinishedopeningthebutton,alittleclumsily,andspreadherhandsoverthethick,curling

massofhairthatcoveredhischest.“Wow,”shewhisperedwhensensationsrippledthroughherbody
andseemedtobeechoedcomingfromhis.“Youlikethat?”sheaskedhesitantly.

“Iloveit,”hegritted.
Shesmiledwiththejoyofdiscoveryasshelookedupathim,athismussedhair,hissensuous

mouth,hissparklingblackeyes.Itwasnew,thissharedpleasure.Andshe’dbeensocertainthatshe’d
neverbeabletofeelitwithhim,withanyone.

Hebenttohermouthandcrushedhislipsdownoveritashisbodyeasedontohers.Shefeltthe

pressofhisbarechestagainstherbreastsandarcheduptoincreasethecontact.Herarmswentaround
himtightly,holdingonasthecurrentofpassionsweptheralong.

Heeasedonelong,powerfullegbetweenbothofhersandmovedagainstherinarhythmthat

drewshuddersandsoftmoansfromherthroat.Sheburiedherteethinhisshoulderasthesensations
begantoriseandbecomeobsessive.Hemusthavefeltsomethingcomparable,becausehesuddenly
pusheddownagainstherwithaharshgroanashiscontrolbegantoslip.

Thesoftknockonthedoorcameagainandagain,untilitwasfinallyahammering.
Tedliftedhishead,hisshockedeyesonJillian’sprettypinkbreastswithvisiblepassionmarks,

herfaceflushedandrigidwithdesire,hereyesturbulentastheymethis.

“What?”Tedsaidaloud.
“Steak’sready!Don’tletitgetcold!”Rourkecalled,andtherewereaudiblefootstepsgoingback

downthehall.

Withthepassionslowlyreceding,JillianwasdisturbedatlettingTedseeherlikethis.Flushed,

shefumbledherblouseandbrabackon,wincingasthesensitivenipplewasbrushedbythefabric.

“Sorry,”hewhisperedhuskily.“Ilostmyhead.”
Shemanagedashakysmile.“It’sokay.Ilostmine,too.”Shelookedathimwithabsolutewonder.

“Ididn’tknowitcouldfeellikethat,”shestammered.“Imean,Ineverfeltlikethatwithanybody.Not
thatIeverletanymandothat…!”

Heputalongfingeroverherlipsandsmiledatherinawayheneverhadbefore.“It’sokay,

Jake.”

Shewasstilltryingtocatchherbreath,andnotdoingagoodjobofit.
“Ithinkyoucouldsaythatwe’recompatible,inthatway,”hemused,enjoyingherreactionto

himmorethanhecouldfindawaytoexpress.

Shelaughedsoftly.“Yes,Ithinkyoucould.”
Hesmiled.“So,supposewegetmarried.Andyoucanlivewithme,hereontheranch,andyou’ll

neverhavetoworryaboutHarrisagain.”

Shehesitated,butnotforverylong.Shenodded,slowly.“Okay.”
Hishighcheekboneswentaruddycolor.Itflatteredhimthatshe’dagreeafteratorridpassionate

interlude,whenhehadn’tbeenabletopersuadeherwithwords.

“Don’tgetconceited,”shesaidfirmly,figuringouthisthoughts.
Hiseyestwinkled.“Notpossible.”

Shelaughed.Itwasasiftheworldhadchangedcompletelyinthosefewminutes.Allherhang-

upshadgoneintoeclipsetheminuteTedturnedtheheatup.

“Iwondered,”heconfessed,“ifyou’dbeabletorespondtoamanafterwhathappenedtoyou.”
“Idid,too.”Shemovedclosetohimandputherhandsonhischest.“ItwasonereasonIwas

afraidtoletthingsgo,well,veryfar.Ididn’twanttoleadyouoninanywayandthenpullawayand
run.Ialmostdidthatonce.”

“Yes,”hesaid.
“Ifwegetmarried,you’llgivemealittletime,won’tyou?”sheaskedworriedly.“Imean,Ithink

Icandowhatyouwantmeto.Butit’sjustgettingusedtotheidea.”

Ted,whoknewmorethanshedidaboutwomen’sreactionswhenpassiongotreallyhot,only

smiled.“Noproblem.”

Shegrinned.“Okay,then.Dowegetmarriedinthejusticeofthepeace’soffice…?”
“Inachurch,”heinterrupted.“Andyouhavetohaveawhitegownandcarryabouquet.I’lleven

wearmygoodsuit.”Hesmiled.“I’monlygettingmarriedonce,youknow.Wehavetodoitright.”

Shelovedthatattitude.Itwaswhatshe’dwanted,butshewassensitiveaboutbeingpushy.

“Okay,”shesaid.

“You’llbebeautifulinaweddinggown,”hemurmured,bendingtokisshertenderly.“Notthat

youaren’tbeautifulinbluejeans.Youare.”

“I’mnot,”shefaltered.
“Youaretome,”hecorrected.Hisblackeyessearchedhersandhethoughtaboutthefuture,

aboutlivingwithher,aboutlovingher…Hebentandkissedherhungrily,delightingwhenshe
returnedtheembracefervently.

“Thesteak’sgoingtoberoomtemperatureinaboutthirtyseconds!”Rourkeshouteddownthe

hall.

Tedpulledback,laughingself-consciously.“Iguesswecouldeatsteak,sincehe’sbeennice

enoughtocookit,”hetoldher.Hiseyesglittered.“Wecantellhimwe’reengagedbeforeweeven
starteating.”

“Rourke’snotinterestedinmethatway,”shesaideasily,smiling.“He’saniceman,buthe’sjust

protectiveofwomen.Itisn’tevenpersonal.”

Tedhadhisdoubtsaboutthat.Jillianunderestimatedherappealtomen.
“Comeon,”shesaid,andslidherlittlehandintohisbigone.
Thatknockedtheargumentrightoutofhim.Itwasthefirstphysicalmoveshe’dmadetoward

him.Well,notthefirst,butabigone,justthesame.Heslidhisfingersbetweenherssensually,and
smiledather.

Shesmiledback.Herheartwashammering,hersenseswerealiveandtumultuous.Itwasthe

beginningofawholenewlife.ShecouldhardlywaittomarryTed.

Rourkegavethemaknowingsmilewhenhenoticedthetelltalesignsofwhatthey’dbeendoing.

Heservedupsupper.

“Thisisreallygood,”Tedexclaimedwhenhetookthefirstbiteofhissteak.
“I’magourmetchef,”Rourkereplied,surprisingly.“Inbetweendangerousjobs,Iusedtowork

inoneofthebetterrestaurantsinJo’burg,”hesaid,givingJohannesburgitaffectionateabbreviation.

“Wonderswillnevercease,”Jilliansaidwithagrin.“Fromsteakstocombat.”
“Oh,itwasalwayscombatfirst,”Rourkesaideasily,“sinceIwasborninAfrica.”
“Africawasalwaysaroughvenue,fromwhatCashtoldme,”Tedsaid.

Rourkenodded.“Wehaveplentyoffactions,alltryingtogaincontrolofthedisputedAfrican

states,althougheachisasovereignnationintheOrganizationofAfricanUnity,whichcontainsfifty-
fournations.Thewarsarealwaysbloody.Andtherearemillionsuponmillionsofdisplacedpersons,
tryingtosurvivewiththeirchildren.Amercenarydoesn’tevenhavetolookforwork,it’sallaround
him.”Hisfacehardened.“What’shardestiswhattheydotothekids.”

“Theymustdieveryyoungthere,”Jilliancommentedsadly.
“No.Theyputautomaticweaponsintheirhandswhenthey’regrammarschoolage,teachthem

tofirerocketlaunchersandsetexplosivecharges.Theyhavenosenseofwhatchildhoodshould
actuallybe.”

“Goodheavens!”sheexclaimed.
“You’venevertraveled,Jake,”Tedsaidgently.“TheworldisalotbiggerthanHollister.”
“Iguessitis.ButIneverhadthemoney,evenifI’dhadtheinclination,”shesaid.
“That’swhyIjoinedthearmy.”Tedchuckled.“IknewitwastheonlywayI’dgettotravel.”
“Iwantedtoseetheworld,too.”Rourkenodded.“ButmostofwhatI’veseenofitwouldn’tbe

appropriateforanytravelmagazine.”

“Youhavearanch?”Tedasked.
Hesmiled.“Yes,Ido.Luckilyit’snotinanyofthecontestedareas,soIdon’thavetoworry

aboutpoliticiansseizingpowerandtakingoverprivateland.”

“AndyourunBrahmas,”Tedsaid,shakinghishead.“Uglycattle.”
“They’rebredtoenduretheheatandsometimesdroughtconditionsthatwehaveinAfrica,”

Rourkeexplained.“Ourcattlehavetobehearty.AndsomeofyourAmericanranchersusethemas
breedingstockforthatveryreason.”

“Iknow.I’veseenalotofthemdowninTexas.”
“Theydon’tmindheatanddrought,somethingyoucan’tsayforseveralotherbreedofcattle,”

Rourkeadded.

“Iguess,”Jilliansaid.
Rourkefinishedhissteakandtookasipofthestrongcoffeehe’dbrewed.“Harrishasbeen

frustratedbecauseJilliangotoneofthewaitressestostartputtingcakesoutforherinthedisplay
case.”

“Theyhaven’tbeenselling,”Jilliansaidsadly.“Theyusedtobeverypopular,andnowhardly

anybodywantsslicesofthem.IguessDavyhasconvincedpeoplethattheyshouldn’teatmycooking
becauseI’msuchabadperson.”

“Oh,that’snottrue,”Tedsaidatonce.“Don’tyouknowaboutthecontest?”
Shefrowned.“Whatcontest?”
“Youdon’treadthelocalpaper,doyou?”Rourkechidedher.
Sheshookherhead.“Wealreadyknowwhat’sgoingon,weonlyreadapapertoknowwhogot

caught.ButIhavehim,”shepointedatTed,“totellmethat,sowhydoIneedtospendmoneyfora
newspaper?”

Theybothlaughed.
“ThemayorchallengedeveryoneinHollistertogiveupsweetsfortwoweeks.It’sacompetition

betweenbusinessesandpeoplewhoworkforthem.Attheendofthetwoweeks,everybodygets
weighed,andthebusinesswiththeemployeeswholostthemostweightgetsacashprize,putupbythe
businessesthemselves.Theemployeesgettodecidehowthemoney’sspent,too,sotheycanuseitfor
workplaceimprovementsorcashbonuses.”

Jillianperkedup.“Thenitisn’taboutme!”
“Ofcoursenot,”Tedchuckled.“I’veheardatleasttwomenwhoeatinthatrestaurantcomplain

becausetheycouldn’teatthosedeliciouscakesuntilthecontestended.”

“Ifeelsomuchbetter,”shesaid.
“I’mglad,”Rourketoldher.“Butthatstilldoesn’tsolveyourproblem.HarrisboughtaBowie

knifeandhedoesn’thunt.”Helettheimplicationsinkin.“He’sfacingatleasttentofifteenonthe
chargesifhegoesbacktotrialandisconvictedagain.He’sbeenheardsayingthathe’llnevergo
backtothathellholevoluntarily.Sobasicallyhe’sgotnothingtolose.”HeglancedatTed.“Youknow
thatalready.”

Tednodded.“Yes,Ido,”hereplied.HesmiledatJillian.“Whichiswhywe’regettingmarried

Saturday.”

Shegasped.“Saturday?Butthere’snotenoughtime…!”
“Thereis.We’llmanage.Meanwhile,”Tedsaid,“you’regoingtotakeSassy’sinvitation

seriouslyandstayoutatherranchuntiltheceremony.Right?”

Shewantedtoargue,butbothmaleshadsetfacesanddeterminedexpressions.Soshesighedand

said,“Right.”

Ten

N

otonlydidJohnandSassyCallisterwelcomeJillianasahouseguest,Sassythrewherselfinto

weddingpreparationsandrefusedtolistentoJillian’sprotests.

“I’venevergottentoplanawedding,notevenmyown,”Sassylaughed.“Johnhireda

professionaltodoitforusbecausesomanyimportantpeoplecametotheceremony.SonowI’m
takingoverpreparationsforyours.”

“ButIcan’taffordthisstore,”theyoungerwomantriedtocomplain.“Theydon’tevenputprice

tagsonthisstuff!”

Sassygaveherasmile.“JohnandIagreedthatourweddingpresenttoyouisgoingtobethe

gownandaccessories,”shesaid.“Soyoucanhanditdownthroughyourfamily.Youmighthavea
daughterwho’dlovetowearitatherownwedding.”

Jillianhadn’tthoughtaboutthat.Shebecamedreamy.Achild.Alittlegirlthatshecouldtakeon

walks,cuddleandrock,readstoriesto.Thatwasapartofmarriageshe’dneverdwelledonbefore.
Now,itwasadelightfulthought.

“Sostoparguing,”Sassysaidgently,“andstartmakingchoices.”
Jillianhuggedher.“Thanks.Forthegownandforlettingmestaywithyouuntilthewedding.”
“Thisiswhatfriendsarefor.You’ddoitformeinaheartbeatifoursituationswerereversed.”
“Yes,butIcouldhavegottenyoukilledthatnightbyrunningtoyouforhelp,”Jilliansaid.“It

tormentsme.”

“IwasperfectlycapableofhandlingDavyHarris.AndnowI’vegotJohn,whocanhandle

anything.”

“You’reverylucky.He’sagoodman.”
“Yes,heis,”Sassyagreedwithasmile.
“I’veneverseenanythingasbeautifulasthesedresses,”Jillianbegan.
“Ihearyou’regettingmarriedSaturday,Jilly,”cameacold,tauntingvoicefrombehindher.
Bothwomenturned.DavyHarriswaswatchingthem,anastylookonhisface.
“Yes,I’mgettingmarried,”Jilliantoldhim.
“TherewasatimewhenIthoughtyou’dmarryme,”hesaid.“Ihaditallplanned,rightdownto

whatsortofdressyou’dwearandwherewe’dlive.I’dlinedupafull-timejobwithalocalrancher.
Everythingwasset.”Hislipstwisted.“ThenyouhadtogoandgetoutragedwhenItriedtoshowyou
howIfelt.”

“I’llshowyouhowIfeel,”Sassysaidpertly.“Where’smyshotgun?”
“Terroristicthreatsandacts,Mrs.Callister,”heshotback.“SupposeIcallthenewsmediaand

tellthemthatyou’rethreateningme?”

Jillianwashorrified.
Sassyjustsmiled.“Well,wouldn’titbeashameifthatsamenewsmediasuddenlygotaccessto

thetrialtranscripts?”sheaskedpleasantly.

Hisfacehardened.“Youthinkyou’resosmart.Womenareidiots.Myfatheralwayssaidso.My

motherwasutterlyworthless.Shecouldn’tevencookwithoutburningsomething!”

Jillianstaredathim.“Thatdoesn’tmakeawomanworthless.”
“Shewasalwaysnervous,”hewenton,asifshehadn’tspoken.“Shecalledthepoliceonce,but

myfathermadesuresheneverdiditagain.Theyputhiminprison.Ineverunderstoodwhy.Shehad
himlockedup.Hewasrighttomakeherpayforit.”

SassyandJillianexchangeddisturbedlooks.
HarrisgaveJillianachillingsmile.“Hediedinprison.ButIwon’t.I’mnevergoingback.”He

shrugged.“Youenjoythinkingaboutthatwedding,Jilly.Becauseallyou’regoingtogettodoisthink
aboutit.Haveaniceday,now.”

Hewalkedout.
TheshoppingtripwasruinedforJillian.Sassyinsistedthattheygetthegownandthethingsthat

wentwithit,butJillianwascertainthatDavyhadmeantwhathesaid.Hewasgoingtotrytokillher.
Maybehe’devenkillhimself,afterward.Inhisownmind,hewasjustified.Therewasnowayto
reasonwithsuchaperson,amanwhothoughtthathisownmotherdeservedtodiebecauseshe’dhad
hisfatherarrestedforapparentlygreatlyabusingher.

“Youknow,therearescarypeopleintheworld,”JilliantoldSassyinasubduedtone.“I’llbetif

UncleJohnhadeverreallytalkedtoDavy,he’dneverhavelethiminthefrontdoorinthefirstplace.
He’smentallydisturbed,anditisn’tapparentuntilhestartstalkingabouthimself.”

“Inoticedthat,”Sassyreplied.Shedrewinalongbreath.“I’mgladwehaveRourke.”
Jillianfrowned.“Whereishe?”
“Watchingus.IfHarrishadmadeathreateningmove,he’dalreadybeinjail,probablyaftera

triptotheemergencyroom.I’veneverseenRourkemad,butJohnsaysit’ssomethingyoudon’twant
toexperience.”

“Igotthatimpression.”Shelaughed.“HecookedsteaksforTedandme.”
“Iheardaboutthat,”theotherwomansaidinanamusedtone.“Tedwasjealous,washe?”
“Very.ButafterherealizedthatRourkewasjustbeingfriendlyandprotective,hisattitude

changed.ApparentlyheknowsapolicechiefinTexasthatTedmetataworkshopbackeast.”

“Rourkedoesgetaround.”SheglancedatJillian.“Heactslikeaperpetualclown,butifyousee

himwhenhethinkshe’salone,it’sallanact.He’saverysomber,sadperson.Ithinkhe’shadsome
roughknocks.”

“Hedoesn’ttalkaboutthemmuch.Justabouthisranch.”
“Hedoesn’ttalkaboutK.C.Kantor,either,”Sassyreplied.“Butthere’ssomesoundgossipabout

thefactthatRourke’smotherwasonceveryclosetotheman.”

“FromwhateverybodysaysaboutthatKantorman,heisn’tthesorttohavekids.”
“That’swhatIthought.Butamancangetintoasituationwherehedoesn’tthinkwithhismind,”

Sassychuckled.“Andwhenpeoplegetcareless,theyhavekids.”

“I’dbeproudofRourke,ifIwashisfather.”
“You’rethewrongageandgender,”Sassysaid,tongueincheek.
“Oh,youknowwhatImean.He’sagoodperson.”
“Heis,”Sassysaidasshepulledupinfrontoftheranchhouse.“I’mgladJohnhiredhim.At

leastwedon’thavetoworryaboutbeingassassinatedonthewaytotown!”

“Amen,”Jilliansighed.

JohnCallisterwasaneasygoing,friendlyman.Hedidn’tseematalllikeamillionaire,orat

least,Jillian’svisionofone.Hetreatedherashewouldalittlesister,andwashappytohaveher

around.

JillianalsolikedSassy’smother,whowasinpoorhealth,andheradoptedsister,Selene,who

wasawhizatmathandscienceingrammarschool.Johntookcareofthem,justashetookcareof
Sassy.

ButtheeasygoingpersonalitywentintoeclipsewhenheheardthatDavyHarrishadfollowed

themintothedressshopinBillings.

“Themanisdangerous,”hesaidastheyateanearlysupperwithRourke.
“Heis,”Rourkeagreed.“Heshouldn’tbewalkingaroundlooseinthefirstplace.Whatthehell

iswrongwiththecriminaljusticesysteminthiscountry?”

Johngavehimadrolllook.“It’sbetterthantheoldvigilantesystemofthedistantpast,”he

pointedout.“Anditusuallyworks.”

“NotwithHarris,”Rourkereplied,hisjawsetashemunchedonachef’ssalad.“Hecanputona

goodactforawhile,buthecan’tkeepitup.Hestartstalking,andyouseethelunacyunderneaththe
appearanceofsanity.”

“Disturbedpeopleoftendon’tknowthey’redisturbed,”Sassysaid.
“That’susuallythecase,I’msadtosay,”Rourkeadded.“PeoplelikeHarrisalwaysthinkthey’re

beingpersecuted.”

“Iknewaguyoncewhowassurethegovernmentsentinvisiblespiestowatchhim,”John

mused.“Hecouldseethem,butnobodyelsecould.Heworkedforusonesummerontheranchback
home.GilandIputupwithhimbecausehewasthebesthorsewranglerwe’deverhad.Butthatwasa
mistake.”

“Howso?”Rourkeasked.
“Well,hehadthisdog.Itwasviciousandherefusedtogetridofit.Onedayitcamerightupon

theporchandthreatenedGil’slittlegirls.Gilpunchedhimandfiredhim.Thenhestartedcutting
fencesandkillingcattle.Atthelast,hetriedtokillus.Heendedupinprison,too.”

“Goodheavens!”Jilliansaid.“NowonderyouhiredabodyguardforSassy.”
“Exactly,”Johnrepliedtersely.Hedidn’tmentionthatSassyhadbeenthevictimofapredator

herself,inthefeedstorewhereshewasworkingwhentheymet.Thatmanwasservingtimenow.

HiseyeslingeredonSassywithwarmaffection.“Nobody’shurtingmybestgirl.Orherbest

friend,”hedeclaredwithagrinatJillian.

“NotwhileI’monthejob,”Rourkeadded,chuckling.“Youcouldmarryme,youknow,”hetold

Jillian.“Ireallydohavemostofmyownteethleft,andIcancook.Yourfiancécan’tboilwater,I
hear.”

“That’strue,”Jilliansaid,smiling.“ButI’veknownhimmostofmylife,andwethinkthesame

wayaboutmostthings.We’llhaveagoodmarriage.”Shewassureofthat.Tedwouldbegentle,and
patient,andhe’dridherofthedistasteDavyhadleftinheraboutphysicalrelationships.She’dnever
beenmorecertainofanything.

“Well,it’sagreatshame,”Rourkesaidwithatheatricalsigh.“I’llhavetogobackhometomy

uglycattleandliveinsqualorbecausenobodywantstotakecareofme.”

“You’llfindsomelovelygirlwhowillbehappylivingonasmallfarminAfrica,”Jillian

assuredhim.

Johnalmostchokedonhiscoffee.
Rourkegavehimacoldglare.
“Whatiswrongwithyou?”Sassyaskedherhusband.
Hewipedhismouth,stillstiflinglaughter.“Privatejoke,”hesaid,sharingalookwithRourke,

whosighedandshrugged.

“Butithadbetterbesomebodywhocandressbulletwounds,”Johnaddedwithatwinkleinhis

eyesasheglancedattheotherman.

“Ionlygetshotoccasionally,”Rourkeassuredhim.“AndIusuallyduckintime.”
“That’strue,”Johnagreed,forkinganotherpieceofsteakintohismouth.“Heonlyhasonehead

wound,anditdoesn’tseemtohaveaffectedhisthinkingprocesses.”Hedidn’tmentionthelosteye,
becauseRourkewassensitiveaboutit.

“Thatwasascalpwound,”Rourkereplied,touchingafaintscarabovehistemple.Heglaredat

theothermanfromapalebrowneye.“Andnotfromabullet.Itwasfromaknife.”

“Poorthing,”Jillianmurmured.
Johnchokedonhissteak.
“Willyoustop?”Rourkemuttered.
“Sorry.”Johncoughed.Hesippedcoffee.
Jillianwishedsheknewwhattheyweretalkingabout.Butitwasreallynoneofherbusiness,and

shehadotherworries.

Theweddinggownwasexquisite.Shecouldn’tstoplookingatit.Shehungitonthedoorinthe

guestbedroomandsighedoveritateveryopportunity.

Tedcamebytovisitfrequentlyandtheytooklongwalksinthewoods,totalkandtoindulgeina

favoriteofdatingcouples,thehotphysicalinterludesthatgrewinintensitybytheday.

Heheldherhandandwalkedwithherdownalongpaththroughthesnow,hisfingerswarmand

stronginhers.

“Ican’tstanditifIgoawholedaywithoutseeingyou,”hesaidoutofthebue.
Shestoppedwalkingandlookedupathimwithpurewonder.“Really?”
Hepulledherintohisarms.“Really.”Hebentandkissedherslowly,feelingherrespond,feeling

herwarmlipsopenandmovetenderly.Shereachedherarmsuparoundhisneckasifitwasthemost
naturalthingintheworld.Hesmiledagainstherlips.Itwasadelightfulsurprise,hereasyresponseto
him.

“MaybeIcangetusedtoSammyfollowingmearound,andyoucangetusedtomeshooting

targetsoffthefrontporch,”heteased.

Shegrinned.“Maybeyoucanteachmetoshoot,too.”
Helookedshocked.“Ican?”
“Weshouldsharesomeinterests,”shesaidwisely.“Youalwaysgotothatshootingrangeand

practice.Icouldgowithyousometimes.”

Hewassurprisedandcouldn’thideit.
Shetoyedwithashirtbutton.“Idon’tlikebeingawayfromyou,either,Ted,”sheconfessedand

flushedalittle.“It’ssosweet…”

Hepulledherclose.Oneleanhandsweptdownherback,rivetinghertohispowerfulbody.

“Sweeterthanhoney,”hemanagedbeforehekissedher.

Hishandpushedherhipsagainstthesuddenhardnessofhisown,elicitingatinysoundfromher

throat.Butitwasn’tprotest.Ifanything,shemovedcloser.

Hegroanedoutloudandgroundherhipsintohis.
“Ican’twaituntilSaturday,”hesaidinahuskytone,easinghishandsunderJillian’sblouse,

underthebratocaresshersoftbreasts.“I’mdying!”

“SoamI,”shewhisperedshakily.“Oh,Ted!”shegaspedwhenhepulledthegarmentsoutofhis

wayandcoveredherbreastwithhismouth.Itwassosweet.Toosweetforwords!

Hedidn’trealizewhathewasdoinguntiltheywerelyingonthecoldground,inthesnow,while

hekissedheruntilshewasbreathless.

Shewasshakingwhenheliftedhishead,butnotfromcoldorfear.Hereyesheldthesame

frustrateddesirethathisheld.

“Iwantto,somuch!”shewhispered.
“SodoI,”hereplied.
Foronelonginstant,theyclungtogetheronthehardground,withsnowmakingdampsplotches

alldownJillian’sbackandlegs,whiletheybothfoughtforcontrol.

Tedclenchedhishandsbesideherheadandclosedhiseyesasherestedhisforeheadagainst

hers.Hewasrigid,helplesslyarousedandunabletohideit.

Shesmoothedbackhisblackhairandpressedsoft,undemandinglittlekissesalloverhistaut

face,finallyagainsttheclosedeyelidsandshortthickblacklashes.

“It’sallright,”shewhispered.“It’sallright.”
Hewasamazedattheeffectthosewords,andthecaresses,hadonhim.Theyeasedthetorment.

Theycalmedhim,inthesweetestwayhe’deverimagined.Hesmiledagainsthersoftthroat.

“Learninghowtotamethebeast,aren’tyou?”hewhisperedinateasingtone.
Shelookedupathimwithsoft,lovingeyes.“Howtocalmhimdown,anyway,”shesaidwitha

littlelaugh.“Ithinkmarriageisgoingtobeanadventure.”

“SodoI.”
Hestoodandtuggedherup,too,helpingtorearrangeherdisheveledclothing.Hegrinnedather.

“Webothlovemapsandthetango.We’llgodancingeveryweek.”

Hereyesbrightened.“I’dlikethat.”
Heenvelopedheragainsthimandstoodholdingher,quietly,inthesilenceofthesnow-covered

woods.“Heaven,”hewhispered,“mustbeverylikethis.”

Shesmiled,hugginghim.“Icoulddieofhappiness.”
Hisheartjumped.“SocouldI,sweetheart.”
Theendearmentmadeherownheartjump.She’dneverbeensohappyinherlife.
“Saturdaycan’tcomesoonenoughforme,”hemurmured.
“Orforme.Ted,Sassyboughtmethemostbeautifulweddinggown.Iknowyouaren’tsupposed

toseeitbeforetheceremony,butIjusthavetoshowittoyou.”

Hedrewback,smiling.“I’dlikethat.”
Theywalkedhandinhandbacktotheranchhouse,easyandcontentwitheachotherinaway

they’dneverbeenbefore.Theylookedasifthey’dalwaysbeentogether,andalwayswouldbe.

Sassy,busyinthekitchenwiththecook,grinnedatthem.“Stayingforlunch,Ted?We’rehaving

chiliandMexicancornbread.”

“I’dloveto,ifyouhaveenoughtoshare.”
“Plenty.”
“Then,thanks,Iwill.Jillianwantsmetoseetheweddinggown.”
“Badluck,”Sassyteased.
“Wemakeourownluck,don’twe,honey?”heaskedJillianinahusky,lovingtone.
Sheblushedatthesecondendearmentinveryfewminutesandsqueezedhishand.“Yes,wedo.”
Sheopenedherbedroomdoorandgasped,turningpale.There,onthefloor,weretheremainsof

herweddinggown,herbeautifuldress.Ithadbeenslashedtopieces.

“Stoprightthere,”Tedsaidcurtly,hisarmpreventingJillianfromenteringtheroom.“Thisis

nowacrimescene.I’llgetthesheriff’sdepartment’sinvestigatorouthererightnow,andthestate
crime-labtechs.Iknowwhodidthis.Ionlywantenoughprooftohavehimarrested!”

Jillianwrappedherarmsaroundherchestandshivered.Davyhadcomerightintothehouseand

nobodyknew.NotevenRourke.Itwaschilling.Sassy,arrivinglate,tookinthescenewithaquick

glanceandhuggedJillian.

“Itwillbeallright,”shepromised.Butherowneyesweretroubled.Itwasscarythathe’dcome

intothehousewithoutbeingseen.

Rourke,whenherealizedwhathadhappened,waslivid.“Thatpolecat!”hesnarled.“Rightunder

mybloodynose,andmelikearawrecruitwithnocluehewasontheplace!Thatwon’thappenagain!
I’mcallinginmarkers.I’llhavethisplacelikeafortressbeforeSaturday!”

Nobodyarguedwithhim.Thesituationhadbecomeatragedyinthemaking.They’dall

underestimatedDavyHarris’swildernessskills,whichwereapparentlyquiteformidable.

“Hewasahunter,”Jillianrecalled.“Heshowedmehowtotrackdeerwhenhefirststarted

workingwithUncleJohn,beforehegottobeaproblem.Hecouldwalksonobodyheardastep.I’d
forgottenthat.”

“Icanghost-walkmyself,”Rourkeassuredher.
“Heusedtosetbeartraps,”Jillianblurtedout,andreddenedwheneverybodylookedather.“He

saiditwastocatchawolfthathadbeenpreyingonthecalves,butUncleJohnsaidtherewasadog
caughtinit…”Shefeltsick.“I’dforgottenthat.”

Themenlookedateachother.Abeartrapcouldbeusedformanythings,includingcatching

unsuspectingpeople.

JillianstaredatTedwithhorror.“Ted,hewouldn’tusethatonSammy,wouldhe?”sheasked

fearfully.Davyknewhowmuchshelovedhercalf.

“No,”heassuredherwithacomfortingarmaroundhershouldersashelied.“Hewouldn’t.”
Rourkelefttheroomforafewminutes.Hecameback,grim-faced.“We’regoingtohavealot

ofcompanyverysoon.Allweneedisproofthathewashere,andhewon’tbeaproblemagain.”

Whichwouldhavebeenwonderful.Exceptthattherewasn’tafootprintinthedirt,afingerprint,

oranytraceevidencewhatsoeverthatDavyHarrishadbeenneartheCallisterhome.Thetechnicians
withalltheirtoolscouldn’tfindonespeckofproof.

“SomuchforLocard’sExchangePrinciple,”Tedsaidgrimly,andthenhadtoexplainwhatit

meanttoJillian.“AFrenchcriminalistnamedEdmondLocardnotedthatwhenacrimeiscommitted,
theperpetratorbothcarriesawayandleavesbehindtraceevidence.”

“ButDavydidn’t,”shesaidsadly.
“He’seitherverygoodorverylucky,”Tedmuttered.HeslidaprotectivearmaroundJillian.

“Anditwon’tsavehim.He’stheonlypersonintownwhohadamotivefordoingthis.It’sjusta
matterofprovingit.”

Shelaughedhollowly.“MaybeyoucouldcheckhisnewBowieknifetoseeifit’sgotpiecesof

whitelacestickingtoit,”shesaid,tryingtomakethebestofabadsituation.

Buthedidn’tlaugh.Hewasthoughtful.“Thatmightnotbesuchabadidea,”hemurmured.“All

I’dneedisprobablecause,ifIcanconvinceajudgetoissueasearchwarrantonthebasisofit.”He
pursedhislipsandnarrowedhiseyes,noddingtohimself.“Andthat’sjustwhatI’mgoingtodo.Stick
closetothehousetoday,okay?”

“Okay.”
Hekissedherandleft.

ButTedcamebackafewhourslaterandstucktoherlikeglue.Shenoticedthathewassuddenly

visiblenearher,everywhereshewentaroundthehouseandthebarn.Itwasjustafterhe’dreceiveda
phonecall,towhichnobodywasprivy.

“What’sgoingon?”Jillianaskedhimbluntly.
Hesmiled,hisusualeasygoingself,ashewalkedbesideherwithhishandsdeepinthepockets

ofhiskhakislacks.“Whatwouldbegoingon?”

“You’reusuallyatworkduringtheday,Ted,”shemurmureddryly.
Hegrinnedather.“MaybeIcan’tstayawayfromyou,evenonaworkday,”heteased.
Shestoppedandturnedtohim,frowning.“That’snotananswerandyouknow…!”
Shegaspedashesuddenlywhirled,pushinghertothegroundashedrewhispistolandfiredinto

aclumpofsnow-coveredundergrowthnearthehouse.Evenashefired,shefeltastinginherarm
andthenheardasoundlikeahigh-pitchedcrackofthunder.

Thatsoundwasfollowedbytheequallyloudrapidfireofa.45automaticaboveher.Sheheard

thebulletsastheyconnectedwithtreetrunksinthedistance.

“Youokay?”heaskedurgently.
“Ithinkso.”
Hestoppedfiring,andeaseduptohisfeet,standingverystillwithhisheadcocked,listening.Far

inthedistancewasthesoundofavehicledoorclosing,thenanenginestarting.Hewhippedouthis
cellphoneandmadeacall.Hegaveaquickexplanation,aquickerdescriptionofthedirectionof
travelofthevehicleandassurancesthattheintendedvictimwasallright.Heputupthecellphoneand
kneltbesideashakenJillian.

Therewasbloodonherarm.Thesleeveofhergraysweatshirtwasripped.Shelookedatitwith

growingsensation.Itstung.

“Whatintheworld?”shestammered.
“You’vebeenhit,sweetheart,”hesaidcurtly.“That’sagunshotwound.Ididn’twanttotellyou,

butoneofmyinvestigatorslearnedthatHarrisboughtahigh-poweredriflewithatelescopicsight
thismorning,afterIhadhisrentedroomtossedforevidence.”

“He’saconvictedfelon,nobodycouldhavesoldhimagunatall…!”sheburstout.
“Thereareplacesinanytown,evensmallones,wherepeoplecanbuyweaponsunderthetable.”

Hisfacewashardasstone.“Idon’tknowwhosoldittohim,butyou’dbetterbelievethatI’mgoing
tofindout.AndGodhelpwhoeverdid,whenIcatchuptohim!”

Shewasstilltryingtowraphermindaroundthefactthatshe’dbeenshot.Rourke,who’dbeenat

theotherendoftheproperty,camescreechingupinaranchJeepandjumpedout,wincingwhenhe
sawthebloodonJillian’sarm.

“Ispottedhim,Iwastrackinghim,whenIheardthegunshot.God,I’msorry!”heexclaimed.“I

shouldhavebeenquicker.Doyouthinkyouhithim?”heaskedTed.

“I’mnotsure.Maybe.”HehelpedJillianup.“I’llgetyoutoadoctor.”HeglancedatRourke.“I

calledthesherifftobringhisdogsandhisbestinvestigatorouthere,”headded.“Theymayneed
somehelp.Itoldthesheriffyou’dbeenonthecase,workingfortheCallisters.”

Rourke’spalebrowneyenarrowed.HelookedfardifferentfromthemanJillianhadcometo

knowashereasygoingfriend.“Ilethimgetontotheproperty,andI’msorry.ButIcandamnedsure
trackhim.”

“Noneofuscouldhaveexpectedwhathappenedhere,”Tedsaidreassuringly,andputakindly

handontheotherman’sshoulder.“She’llbeokay.Sheriff’sdepartmentinvestigatorisonhiswayout
here.Igavethesheriff’sinvestigatoryourcellphonenumber,”Tedadded.

Rourkenodded.HewincedatJillian’sface.“I’msorry,”hesaidcurtly.
Shesmiled,holdingherarm.“It’sokay,Rourke.”

“Ididn’trealizehewasontheplace,either,untilIheardthegunshots,”Tedsaid.
“Notthefirsttimeyou’vebeenshotat,Igather?”sheaskedwithblackhumor.
“Notatall.Youusuallyfeelthebulletbeforeyouhearthesound,”headdedsolemnly.
“Andthat’safact,”Rourkeaddedwithfainthumor.
“Let’sgo,”Tedsaidgently.
Shelethimputherintothepatrolcar.Shewasfeelingsick,andshewasinsomepain.“Itdidn’t

hurtatfirst,”shesaid.“Ididn’tevenrealizeIwasshot.Oh,Ted,I’msorry,youhavetowait…!”She
openedthedoorandthrewup,thenshecriedwithembarrassment.

Hehandedheracleanwhitehandkerchief,putherbackinthecar,andbrokespeedlimitsgetting

hertotheemergencyroom.

“It’sneverlikethatontelevision,”shesaiddrowsily,whenshe’dbeentreatedandwasinasemi-

privateroomforthenight.They’dgivenhersomethingforpain,aswell.Itwasmakinghersleepy.

“Whatisn’t,sweetheart?”
Shesmiledattheendearmentasheleanedoverher,gentlytouchingherface.“Peoplegetting

shot.Theydon’tthrowup.”

“That’snotreallife,either,”heremindedher.
Shewasworried,butnotonlyforherself.
“Whatisit?”heaskedgently.
“Sammy,”shemurmured.“Iknow,it’sstupidtobeworriedaboutacalf,butifhecan’tgettome,

hemighttrytohurtsomethingIlove.”Shesearchedhiseyes.“Youwatchout,too.”

Hisdarkeyestwinkled.“Becauseyouloveme?”hedrawled.
Sheonlynodded,herfacesolemn.“Morethananyoneintheworld.”
Therewasaflushonhishighcheekbones.Hecuppedherheadinhisbighandsandkissedher

withblatantpossession.“Thatgoesdoubleforme,”hewhisperedagainstherlips.

Shesearchedhiseyeswithfascination.“Itdoes?”
“WhyintheworlddoyouthinkI’dwanttomarryyouifIdidn’tloveyou?”heaskedreasonably.

“Noparceloflandisworththatsortofsacrifice.”

“Youneversaid,”shestammered.
“Neitherdidyou,”hepointedout,chuckling.
Shelaidherhandagainsthisshoulder.“Ididn’twanttosayitfirst.”
Hekissedhernose.“Butyoudid.”
Shesighedandsmiled.“Yes.Idid.”
Foronelongmoment,theyweresilenttogether,savoringthenewnessofanemotionneitherhad

realizedwassointense.

Finallyheliftedhishead.“Idon’twanttoleaveyou,butwe’vegotalotofworktodoandnota

lotoftimetodoit.”

Shenodded.“Youbecareful.”
“Iwill.”
“Ted,couldyoucheckonSammy?”sheaskedworriedly.
“Yes.I’llmakesureshe’sokay.”
Shesmiled.“Thanks.”
“Noproblem.”

SassycameandtookherbacktotheCallisterranchassoonasthedoctorreleasedher.
“Istillthinktheyshouldhavekeptyouovernight,”Sassymuttered.
“Theytriedto,butIrefused,”Jilliansaiddrowsily.“Idon’tlikebeinginhospitals.Haveyou

heardanythingmore?”

“AboutHarris?”Sassyshookherhead.“Iknowthey’vegotdogsinthewoods,huntinghim.But

ifhe’sagoodwoodsman,he’llknowhowtocoverhistrail.”

“Hetalkedaboutthatonce,”Jillianrecalled.“Hesaidtherewerewaystocoverupascenttrailso

adogcouldn’ttrackpeople.Funny,Ineverwonderedwhyhe’dknowsuchathing.”

“I’msorryhedoes,”Sassyreplied.“Ifhedidn’thavethoseskills,he’dbealoteasiertofind.”
“Iguessso.”

“I’vegotasurpriseforyou,”Sassysaidwhentheywalkedintothehouse.Shesmiled

mysteriouslyassheledJilliandownthehalltotheguestbedroomshe’dbeenoccupying.

“Whatisit?”Jillianasked.
Sassyopenedthedoor.There,hangingontheclosetdoor,wasaduplicateofthebeautiful

weddinggownthatSassyhadchosen,rightdowntotheembroidery.

“Theyonlyhadtwoofthatmodel.TheotherwasinastoreinLosAngeles.Ihadthemovernight

it,”Sassychuckled.“Nothingisgoingtostopthiswedding!”

Jillianburstintotears.ShehuggedSassy,ascloseasherwoundedarmwouldpermit.“Thank

you!”

“It’slittleenoughtodo.I’msorrytheotheronewasruined.We’rejustluckythattherewasa

secondoneinyoursize.”

Jillianfingeredtheexquisitelace.“ItisthemostbeautifulgownI’deverseen.I’llneverbeable

tothankyouenough,Sassy.”

Theotherwomanwassolemn.“Wedon’ttalkaboutit,butI’msureyouknowthatIhadasimilar

experience,withmyformerbossatthefeedstorewhereIworkedjustbeforeImarriedJohn.Iwas
olderthanyouwere,anditwasn’tquiteastraumaticasyours,butIknowhowitfeelstobeassaulted.”
Shesighed.“Funnything,IhadnoideawhenyoucamerunninguptothedoorwithHarrisastep
behindyouthatI’deverfacethesamesituationinmyownlife.”

“I’msorry.”
“Yes,soamI.Therearebadmenintheworld.Buttherearegoodones,too,”Sassyreminded

her.“I’mmarriedtooneofthem,andyou’reabouttomarryanotherone.”

“IfDavydoesn’tfindsomehorriblenewwaytostopit,”Jilliansaidwithrealconcerninher

voice.

“Hewon’t,”Sassysaidfirmly.“Therearetoomanypeopleinuniformsrunningaroundherefor

himtotakethatsortofachance.”

Shebitherlowerlip.“TedwasgoingtoseeaboutSammy.Idon’tknowifHarrismighttryto

hurther,togetbackatme.”

“Hewon’thavethechance,”Sassysaid.“Johnandtwoofourhandstookacattletraileroverto

yourhouseafewminutesbeforeIlefttopickyouupatthehospital.They’rebringingheroverhere,
andshe’llstayinourbarn.Wehaveamanfull-timewhodoesnothingbutlookafterourprizebulls
wholiveinit.”

“You’vedonesomuchforme,”Jilliansaid,fightingtears.
“You’ddoitforme,”wastheotherwoman’swarmreply.“Nowstopworrying.Youhavetwo

daystogetwellenoughtowalkdowntheaisle.”

“Maybeweshouldpostponeit,”shebegan.
“Notachance,”Sassyreplied.“We’llhaveyoubackonyourfeetbythenifwehavetoflyin

specialists!”Andshemeantit.

Eleven

J

illiancarriedasmallbouquetofwhiteandpalepinkrosesasshewalkeddowntheaisleofthesmall

countrychurchtowardTed,whowaswaitingatthealtar.Herarmwassoreandthrobbingalittle,and
shewasstillworriedaboutwhetherornotDavyHarrismighttrytoshootoneofthemthroughthe
window.ButnoneofherconcernsshowedinherradiantexpressionasshetookherplacebesideTed.

Theministerreadthemarriageceremony.Jillianrepeatedthewords.Tedrepeatedthem.Heslid

aplaingoldbandontoherfinger.Sheslidoneontohis.Theylookedateachotherwithwonderand
finallysharedakisssotenderthatsheknewshe’drememberitallherlife.

Theyheldhandswalkingbackdowntheaisle,laughing,astheywereshoweredwithrosepetals

bytwolittlegirlswhowerethedaughtersofoneofTed’spoliceofficers.

“Okay,now,standrightherewhilewegetthephotos,”Sassysaid,stage-managingtheminthe

receptionhallwherefoodandpunchwerespreadoutonpristinewhitelinentableclothswithcrystal
andchinatocontainthefeast.She’dhiredaprofessionalphotographertorecordtheevent,over
Jillian’sprotests,aspartoftheCallisters’weddinggifttothem.

Jillianfeltregalinherbeautifulgown.Thenightbefore,she’dgoneouttothebarnwithTedto

makesurelittleSammywassettledinastall.Itwassillytobeworriedaboutananimal,butshe’dbeen
abigpartofJillian’slifesinceshewasfirstborn,toacowthatwaskilledbyafreaklightningstrike
thenextday.Jillianhadtakenthetinycalftothehouseandkeptheronoldblanketsonthebackporch
andfedheraroundtheclocktokeepheralive.

ThatclosenesshadamusedTed,especiallysincethecalffollowedJillianeverywhereshewent

andeven,onoccasion,triedtogointhehousewithher.Hesupposedhewasluckythattheydidn’t
makecalfdiapers,he’dteased,orJillianwouldgivetheanimalabedroom.

“DidanybodychecktoseeifIleftmyjacketdownthattrailwhereItookSammyforherwalks?”

Jillianaskedsuddenly.“Thebuckskinone,withtheembroidery.Ithasn’trained,butifitdoes,itwill
besoaked.IforgotallaboutitwhenIcametostaywithSassy.”

“I’lllookforitlater,”Tedtoldher,nuzzlinghernosewithhis.“Whenwegohome.”
“Home.”Shesighedandclosedhereyes.“Iforgot.We’lllivetogethernow.”
“Yes,wewill.”Hetouchedherface.“MaybenotascloselyasI’dlikeforafewmoredays,”he

teaseddeeplyandchuckledwhensheflushed.“Thatarmisgoingtotakesomehealing.”

“Ineverrealizedthatafleshwoundcouldcausesomuchtrouble,”shetoldhim.
“Atleastitwasjustafleshwound,”hesaidgrimly.“DamnedifIcanfigureoutwhywecan’t

findthatpolecat,”hemuttered,borrowingRourke’sfavoriteterm.“We’vehadmenscouringthe
countrysideforhim.”

“Maybehegotscaredandlefttown,”shesaidhopefully.
“Wefoundhistruckdeserted,abouthalfwaybetweentheCallisters’ranchandours,”hesaid.

“Dogslosthistrailwhenitwentofftheroad.”Hefrowned.“Oneofourtrackerssaidthathis
footprintschangedfromonesideofthetrucktotheother,asifhewascarryingsomething.”

“Maybeasuitcase?”shewondered.

Heshookhishead.“Wecheckedthebusstationandwehadthesheriff’sdepartmentsendcarsall

overthebackroads.Hejustvanishedintothinair.”

“I’mnotsorry,”shesaidheavily.“ButI’dliketoknowthathewasn’tcomingback.”
“SowouldI.”Hebentandkissedher.“We’llmanage,”headded.“Whateverhappens,we’ll

manage.”

Shesmiledupathimwarmly.“Yes.Wewill.”

Theysettleddownintomarriedlife.Tedhadhonestlyhopedtowaitadayorsountilherarm

wasalittlelesssore.

Butthatnightwhiletheywerewatchingamovieontelevision,hekissedherandshekissedhim

back.Thentheygotintoamorecomfortablepositiononthesofa.Verysoon,piecesofclothingcame
offandwerediscardedonthefloor.Andthen,skinagainstskin,theylearnedeachotherinwaysthey
neverhadbefore.

Justforaminute,itwasuncomfortable.Hefeltherstiffenandhismouthbrushedtenderlyover

herclosedeyelids.“Easy,”hewhispered.“Trytorelax.Movewithme.Movewithme,sweetheart…
yes!”

Andthenitwasallheatandurgencyandexplosionsofsensationlikenothingshe’deverfeltin

herlife.Shedughernailsintohishipsandmoanedharshlyasthehard,fiercethrustofhisbodylifted
hertoelevationsofpleasurethatbuiltoneachotheruntilshewasafraidthatshemightdietryingto
survivethem.

“Yes,”hegroaned,andhebruisedherthighswithhisfingersashestrainedtogetevencloserto

herwhenthepleasureburstandshudderedintoecstacy.

Shecriedout.Herwholebodyfeltonfire.Shemovedwithhim,herownhipsarchingupinone

lastsurgeofstrengthbeforetheworlddissolvedintosweetmadness.

Shewasthrobbingallover,likehersorearmthatshehadn’tevennoticeduntilnow.She

shiveredundertheweightofTed’sbody.

“Iwasgoingtowait,”hemanagedinahuskywhisper.
“Whatintheworldfor?”shelaughed.“It’sjustasorearm.”Hereyesmethiswithshydelight.
Heliftedaneyebrowrakishly.“Isanythingelsesore?”heasked.
Shegrinned.“No.”
Hepursedhislips.“Well,inthatcase,”hewhispered,andbegantomove.
Sheclutchedathimandgaspedwithpuredelight.
Heonlylaughed.

Muchlater,theycurleduptogetherinbed,exhaustedandhappy.Theysleptuntillatethenext

morning,missingchurchandatelephonecallfromthesheriff,LarryKane.

“Bettercallmeassoonasyougetthis,”Larrysaidgrimlyonthemessage.“It’surgent.”
TedexchangedaconcernedglancewithJillianashepickeduphiscellphoneandreturnedthe

call.

“Graves,”hesaidintothephone.“What’sup?”
Therewasapausewhilehelistened.Hescowled.“What?”heexclaimed.
“Whatisit?”Jillianwasmouthingathim.
Heheldupahandandsighedheavily.“Howlongago?”
Henodded.“Well,it’sapity,inaway.Butit’sironic,youhavetoadmit.Yes.Yes.I’lltellher.

Thanks,Larry.”

Hesnappedthephoneshut.“TheyfoundDavyHarristhismorning.”
“Whereishe?”sheasked,gnawingherlip.
“They’vetakenhimtothestatecrimelab.”
Sheblinked.“Ithoughttheyonlytookdeadpeople…Oh,dear.He’sdead?”
Henodded.“Theyfoundhimwithhislegcaughtinabeartrap.He’dapparentlybeentryingto

setitontheranch,downthattrailwhereyoualwayswalkwithSammy,throughthetreeswhereit’s
hardtoseetheground.”

“GoodLord!”sheexclaimed,andthepossibilitiescreatednightmaresinhermind.
“He’dlockedthetrapintoplacewithalogchain,aroundatree,andpadlockeditinplace.Sheriff

thinkshelostthekeysomewhere.Hecouldn’tgetthechainlooseorfreehimselffromthetrap.He
bledtodeath.”

Shefeltsickallover.ShepressedintoTed’sarmsandheldontight.“Whatahorriblewayto

go.”

“Yes,well,justrememberthatitwashowheplannedforSammytogo,”hesaid,without

mentioningthatHarrismaywellhaveplannedtocatchJillianinit.

“Hissisterwillsueusallforwrongfuldeathandsaywekilledhim,”Jilliansaidmiserably,

rememberingthewoman’sfurywhenherbrotherwasfirstarrested.

“Hissisterdiedtwoyearsago,”hereplied.“Ofadrugoverdose.Atrulytroubledfamily.”
“Whendidyoufindthatout?”shewondered.
“Yesterday,”hesaid.“Ididn’twanttospendourweddingdaytalkingaboutHarris,butIdid

wonderifhemightruntohissisterforprotection.SoIhadaninvestigatortrytofindher.”

“Asadend,”shesaid.
“Yes.Butfortunately,notyours,”hereplied.Heheldherclose,gladthatitwasover,finally.
Shesighed.“Notmine,”sheagreed.

RourkeleftthreedayslatertogobacktoAfrica.He’dmeanttoleavesooner,butSassyandJohn

wantedtoshowhimaroundMontanafirst,despitethethicksnowthatwasfallinginabundancenow.

“I’vetakenmoviesofthesnowtoshowbackhome,”hementionedashesaidhisfarewellsto

JillianandTedwhilearanchhandwaitedinthetrucktodrivehimtotheairportinBillings.“We
don’tgetalotofsnowinKenya,”headded,tongueincheek.

“Thanksforhelpingkeepmealive,”Jilliantoldhim.
“Mypleasure,”hereplied,andsmiled.
Tedshookhandswithhim.“Ifyouwanttolearnhowtofishfortrout,comebackinthespring

whenthesnowsmeltandwe’llspendthedayontheriver.”

“Imighttakeyouuponthat,”Rourkesaid.
Theywatchedhimdriveaway.
JillianslidherarmaroundTed’swaist.“Youcominghomeforlunch?”sheaskedastheywalked

tohispatrolcar.

“ThoughtImight.”Hegaveherawickedgrin.“Yougoingtofixfoodorarewegoingtospend

mylunchhourintheusualway?”

Shepursedherlips.“Oh,Icouldmakesandwiches.”
“Youcouldpacktheminaplasticbag,”headded,“andIcouldtakethembacktoworkwithme.”
Sheflushedandlaughed.“Ofcourse.Wewouldn’twanttowasteyourlunchhourbyeating.”
Hebentandkissedherwithbarelyrestrainedhunger.“Absolutelynot!Seeyouaboutnoon.”

Shekissedhimback.“I’llbehere.”
Hedroveoff,throwingupahandashewentdownthedriveway.Shewatchedhimgoand

thoughthowfarshe’dcomefromthescaredteenagerthatDavyHarrishadintimidatedsomanyyears
before.Shehadagoodmarriageandherlifewashappierthaneverbefore.Shestillhadhermorning
jobatthelocalrestaurant.Shelikedthelittlebitofindependenceitgaveher,andtheycouldusethe
extramoney.Tedwasn’tlikelytogetrichworkingasapolicechief.

Ontheotherhand,theirlackofmaterialwealthonlybroughtthemclosertogetherandmade

theirsharedlivesbetter.

Shesighedassheturnedbacktowardthehouse,hereyesfullofdreams.Snowwasjust

beginningtofallagain,likeaburstofgloriouswhitefeathersaroundherhead.Winterwasbeautiful.
Likeherlife.

ISBN:978-1-4268-7597-7

WILLOFSTEEL

Copyright©2010byDianaPalmer

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