TheirlovewasborninTexas…

GabrielBrandonhadbeenherheroeversinceshewasagirlandhe’drescuedher,anorphan,from
sureruin.AndMichelleGodreyhadlovedhimforever,themysteriousrancherwiththedarkeyes,
herprotectorandguardianangel.Nowshe’dblossomedintoawoman.ButcouldMichelleevercast
asidetheshadowsthatlingeredbetweenthem?CouldsheshowGabrielthattheirLoneStarlovewas
true?

“Palmer ’slatestentryinherLong,TallTexansseriesisanintriguingstorythatblursthelinebetween

goodandevil…theromancebetweenthemaincharactersbuildsnicelywithsomegentlehumor,and

themoraldilemmastheyfacearebelievableandengrossing.”

—RTBookReviewsonProtector

PraiseforthenovelsofNewYorkTimesandUSATODAYbestselling

authorDIANAPALMER

“Palmerdemonstrates,yetagain,whyshe’sthequeenofdesperadoquestsforjusticeandtruelove.”

—PublishersWeeklyonDangerous

“ThepopularPalmerhaspennedanotherwinningnovel,aperfectblendofromanceandsuspense.”

—BooklistonLawman

“Thisisafascinatingstory…It’snicetohaveaherowiseenoughtoknowwhenhecan’tdothings

aloneandwillingtoaccepthelpwhenheneedsit.Thereispleasuretobefoundinthenicesenseof

familythistaleimparts.”

—RTBookReviewsonWyomingBold

“DianaPalmerisamesmerizingstorytellerwhocapturestheessenceofwhataromanceshouldbe.”

—AffairedeCoeur

“Readerswillbemovedbythistaleofrevengeandjustice,griefandhealing.”

—BooklistonDangerous

DearReader,

Ididn’tstartouttowriteanothermercenarybook.ItmighthelpifIexplainhowIwrite.I’llbe
watchingamovieorreadingabookorplayinggamesonmycomputerwhensomethingflashesinto
mymind.Usuallyit’sapersonwithsomespecificbackground.Mostlyit’saman.IstopwhateverI’m
doingandtrytoseewhoheisandwhereheisandwhyhe’sthere.ThenI’llseeanotherperson,this
timeawoman.IseethemexactlyasI’lldescribethemlaterinabook.

AsItrytofigureoutwhatpointthey’vereachedintheirindividuallives,I’llseeglimpsesoftheir
pasts,wheretheycamefrom,whotheirpeopleare.Bythispoint,I’mtotallyintriguedwiththem.It
becomeslikewatchingamovie.IwritedownwhatIseeasfastasIcan,untilIgettotheendofthe
book.Imightpointoutthatthisisaparticularlydifficultwaytodoabook,becauseifIgetsickand
can’twork,awholebookmaypassrightthroughmybrainwithoutstoppingforthecomputer.Ihave,
infact,losttwobooksthatwayovertheyears.

It’sthemostmysteriousprocessyoucanimagine.Allwritershavetheirindividualwritingmethods.
Somedoapageortwoaday.Others,likeme,startabookanddrivethefamilycrazybecausethey
can’tbebotheredtodonormalthingsuntilit’sfinished.SoIwroteabookaboutamercenarybecause
that’swhatIsawwhenGabrielBrandon’sfacecameintomymind.Iliketheresult.Ihopeyoudo,too.

DianaPalmer

AlsoavailablefromDianaPalmer

Magnolia
Renegade
LoneStarWinter
Dangerous
Desperado
Merciless
Heartless
Fearless
HerKindofHero
Lacy
Nora
BigSkyWinter
ManoftheHour
Trilby
Lawman
HardtoHandle
TheSavageHeart
Courageous
Lawless
DiamondSpur
TheTexasRanger
LordoftheDesert
TheCowboyandtheLady
MostWanted
FitforaKing
PaperRose
RageofPassion
OnceinParis
AftertheMusic
RoomfulofRoses
ChampagneGirl
PassionFlower
DiamondGirl
FriendsandLovers
Cattleman’sChoice
LadyLove
TheRawhideMan
Outsider
NightFever
BeforeSunrise
Protector
MidnightRider
WyomingTough

WyomingFierce
WyomingBold

OtherbooksintheMorcaiBattalionseries

TheMorcaiBattalion

Andcomingsoon

TheMorcaiBattalion:TheRecruit

WyomingStrong

ForourfriendsCynthiaBurtonandTerrySosebee

Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Excerpt

One

M

ichelleGodfreyfeltthedustoftheunpavedroadalloverherjeans.Shecouldn’treallyseeher

pants.Hereyeswerefullofhottears.Itwasjustonemoreargument,onemoreheartache.

Herstepmother,Roberta,wasdeterminedtoselloffeverythingherfatherhadowned.He’donly

beendeadforthreeweeks.Robertahadwantedtoburyhiminaplainpineboxwithnoflowers,not
evenachurchservice.Michellehaddaredherstepmother ’shottemperandappealedtothefuneral
director.

Thekindlyman,afriendofherfather ’s,hadpointedouttoRobertathatComancheWells,Texas,

wasaverysmallcommunity.ItwouldnotsitwellwiththelocalsifRoberta,whommostconsidered
anoutsider,wasdisrespectfulofthelateAlanGodfrey’swishesthathebeburiedintheMethodist
churchcemeterybesidehisfirstwife.Thefuneraldirectorwassoft-spokenbuteloquent.Healso
pointedoutthatthemoneyRobertawouldsavewithherso-calledeconomyplans,wouldbeavery
smallamountcomparedtotheoutrageshewouldprovoke.IfsheplannedtocontinuelivinginJacobs
County,manydoorswouldclosetoher.

Robertawasirritatedatthecomment,butshehadashrewdmind.Itwouldn’tdotomakepeople

madwhenshehadmanythingstodisposeofonthelocalmarket,includingsomecattlethathad
belongedtoherlatehusband.

Shegavein,withillgrace,andleftthearrangementstoMichelle.Butshegoteven.Afterthe

funeral,shegatheredupAlan’spersonalitemswhileMichellewasatschoolandsentthemalltothe
landfill,includinghisclothesandanyjewelrythatwasn’tmarketable.

Michellehadcollapsedintears.Thatis,untilshesawherstepmother ’swickedsmile.Atthatpoint,

shedriedhereyes.Itwastoolatetodoanything.Butoneday,shepromisedherself,whenshewas
grownandnolongerunderthewoman’sguardianship,therewouldbeareckoning.

Twoweeksafterthefuneral,RobertacameunderfirefromMichelle’ssoft-spokenminister.He

droveupinfrontofthehouseinaflashyredolderconvertible,anoddchoiceofcarforamanofthe
cloth,Michellethought.Butthen,ReverendBlairwasadifferentsortofpreacher.

She’dlethimin,offeredhimcoffee,whichherefusedpolitely.Roberta,curiousbecausetheynever

hadvisitors,cameoutofherroomandstoppedshortwhenshesawJakeBlair.

Hegreetedher.Heevensmiled.They’dmissedMichelleatservicesforthepasttwoweeks.Hejust

wantedtomakesureeverythingwasallright.Michelledidn’treply.Robertalookedguilty.Therewas
thisstrangerumorhe’dheard,hecontinued,thatRobertawaspreventingherstepdaughterfrom
attendingchurchservices.Hesmiledwhenhesaidit,buttherewassomethingabouthimthatwas
strangelychillingforareligiousman.Hiseyes,ice-blue,hadalookthatRobertarecognizedfrom
herownyouth,spentfollowingherfatheraroundthecasinosinLasVegas,wherehemadehisliving.
Someofthepatronshadthatsamepenetratinggaze.Itwasdangerous.

“Butofcourse,wedidn’tthinktherumorwastrue,”JakeBlaircontinuedwiththatsmilethat

accompaniedtheunblinkingbluestare.“Itisn’t,isit?”

Robertaforcedasmile.“Um,ofcoursenot.”Shefaltered,withanervouslittlelaugh.“Shecango

whenevershelikes.”

“Youmightconsidercomingwithher,”Jakecommented.“Wewelcomenewmembersinour

congregation.”

“Me,inachurch?”Sheburstoutlaughing,untilshesawthetwoblandfaceswatchingher.She

soundeddefensivewhensheadded,“Idon’tgotochurch.Idon’tbelieveinallthatstuff.”

Jakeraisedaneyebrow.Hesmiledtohimself,asifatsomeprivatejoke.“Atsomepointinyour

life,Iassureyou,yourbeliefsmaychange.”

“Unlikely,”shesaidstiffly.
Hesighed.“Asyouwish.Thenyouwon’tmindifmydaughter,Carlie,comesbytopickMichelle

upforservicesonSunday,Itakeit?”

Robertagroundherteethtogether.ObviouslytheministerknewthatsinceMichellecouldn’tdrive,

Robertahadbeenrefusingtogetupanddrivehertochurch.Shealmostrefused.Thensherealized
thatitwouldmeanshecouldhaveBertoverwithouthavingtowatchforherstepdaughterevery
second.Shepursedherlips.“Ofcoursenot,”sheassuredhim.“Idon’tmindatall.”

“Wonderful.I’llhaveCarliefetchyouintimeforSundayschooleachweekandbringyouhome

afterchurch,Michelle.Willthatworkforyou?”

Michelle’ssadfacelitup.Hergrayeyeswerelargeandbeautiful.Shehadpaleblondhairanda

flawless,lovelycomplexion.ShewasasfairasRobertawasdark.Jakegottohisfeet.Hesmiled
downatMichelle.

“Thanks,ReverendBlair,”shesaidinhersoft,huskyvoice,andsmiledathimwithgenuine

affection.

“You’requitewelcome.”
Shewalkedhimout.Robertadidn’toffer.
Heturnedatthestepsandloweredhisvoice.“Ifyoueverneedhelp,youknowwhereweare,”he

said,andhewasn’tsmiling.

Shesighed.“It’sjustuntilgraduation.Onlyafewmoremonths,”shesaidquietly.“I’llworkhardto

getascholarshipsoIcangotocollege.IhaveonepickedoutinSanAntonio.”

Hecockedhishead.“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”
Herfacebrightened.“Iwanttowrite.Iwanttobeareporter.”
Helaughed.“Notmuchmoneyinthat,youknow.Ofcourse,youcouldgoandtalktoMinette

Carson.Sherunsthelocalnewspaper.”

Sheflushed.“Yes,sir,”shesaidpolitely,“Ialreadydid.ShewastheonewhorecommendedthatI

gotocollegeandmajorinjournalism.Shesaidworkingforamagazine,evenadigitalone,wasthe
waytogo.She’sverykind.”

“Sheis.Andsoisherhusband,”headded,referringtoJacobsCountysheriffHayesCarson.
“Idon’treallyknowhim.Excepthebroughthisiguanatoschoolafewyearsago.Thatwasreally

fascinating.”Shelaughed.

Jakejustnodded.“Well,I’llgetback.Letmeknowifyouneedanything.”
“Iwill.Thankyou.”
“Yourfatherwasagoodman,”headded.“Ithurtallofustolosehim.Hewasoneofthebest

emergency-roomdoctorsweeverhadinJacobsCounty,eventhoughhewasonlyabletoworkfora
fewmonthsbeforehisillnessforcedhimtoquit.”

Shesmiledsadly.“Itwasahardwaytogo,foradoctor,”shereplied.“Heknewallabouthis

prognosisandheexplainedtomehowthingswouldbe.Hesaidifhehadn’tbeensostubborn,ifhe’d
hadthetestssooner,theymighthavecaughtthecancerintime.”

“Younglady,”Jakesaidsoftly,“thingshappenthewaythey’remeantto.There’saplanto

everythingthathappensinlife,evenifwedon’tseeit.”

“That’swhatIthink,too.Thankyoufortalkingtoher,”sheaddedhesitantly.“Shewouldn’tletme

learnhowtodrive,andDadwastoosicktoteachme.Idon’treallythinkshe’dletmeborrowthecar,
evenifIcoulddrive.Shewouldn’tgetupearlyforanything,especiallyonaSunday.SoIhadnoway
togettochurch.I’vemissedit.”

“Iwishyou’dtalkedtomesooner,”hesaid,andsmiled.“Nevermind.Thingshappenintheirown

time.”

Shelookedupintohisblueeyes.“Doesit...getbetter?Life,Imean?”sheaskedwiththemiseryof

someonewho’dlandedinahardplaceandsawnowayout.

Hedrewinalongbreath.“You’llsoonhavemorecontroloverthethingsthathappentoyou,”he

replied.“Lifeisatest,Michelle.Wewalkthroughfire.Buttherearerewards.Everypainbringsa
pleasure.”

“Thanks.”
Hechuckled.“Don’tlethergetyoudown.”
“I’mtrying.”
“Andifyouneedhelp,don’tholdback.”Hiseyesnarrowedandtherewassomethingalittle

chillinginthem.“Ihaveyettomeetapersonwhofrightensme.”

Sheburstoutlaughing.“Inoticed.She’sahorror,butshewasreallynicetoyou!”
“Sensiblepeopleare.”Hesmiledlikeanangel.“Seeyou.”
Hewentdownthestepstwoatatime.Hewasatallman,veryfit,andhewalkedwithaveryodd

gait,lightandalmostsoundless,ashewenttohiscar.Thevehiclewasn’tnew,butithadsomekindof
bigengineinit.Hestarteditandwheeledoutintotheroadwithaskillandsmoothnessthatsheenvied.
Shewonderedifshe’deverlearntodrive.

Shewentbackintothehouse,resignedtoseveralminutesofabsolutemisery.
“Yousetthatmanonme!”Robertaraged.“YouwentovermyheadwhenItoldyouIdidn’twant

youtobotherwiththatstupidchurchstuff!”

“Ilikegoingtochurch.Whyshouldyoumind?Itisn’thurtingyou....”
“Dinnerwasalwayslatewhenyouwent,whenyourfatherwasalive,”thebrunettesaidangrily.“I

hadtotakecareofhim.Somessy.”Shemadeaface.Infact,Robertahadneverdoneathingforher
husband.SheleftitalltoMichelle.“AndIhadtotrytocook.Ihatecooking.I’mnotdoingit.That’s
yourjob.Soyou’llmakedinnerbeforeyougotochurchandyoucaneatwhenyougethome,butI’m
notwaitinganextrahourtositdowntoameal!”

“I’lldoit,”Michellesaid,avertinghereyes.
“Seethatyoudo!Andthehousehadbetterbespotless,orIwon’tletyougo!”
Shewasbluffing.Michelleknewit.ShewasunsettledbytheReverendBlair.ThatamusedMichelle,

butshedidn’tdareletitshow.

“CanIgotomyroomnow?”sheaskedquietly.
Robertamadeaface.“Dowhatyouplease.”Sheprimpedatthehallmirror.“I’mgoingout.Bert’s

takingmetodinnerupinSanAntonio.I’llbeverylate,”sheadded.ShegaveMichelleaworldly,
patronizinglaugh.“Youwouldn’tknowwhattodowithaman,youlittleprude.”

Michellestiffened.Itwasthesameoldsonganddance.RobertathoughtMichellewasbackwardand

stupid.

“Oh,goontoyourroom,”shemuttered.Thatwide-eyed,resignedlookwasirritating.
Michellewentwithoutanotherword.
Shesatuplate,studying.Shehadtomakethebestgradesshecould,sothatshecouldgeta

scholarship.Herfatherhadleftheralittlemoney,butherstepmotherhadcontrolofituntilshewasof
legalage.Probablybythentherewouldn’tbeapennyleft.

Herfatherhadn’tbeenlucidattheendbecauseofthemassivedosesofpainkillershehadtotake

forhiscondition.Robertahadinfluencedthewayhesetuphiswill,andithadbeenherownpersonal
attorneywho’ddrawnitupforherfather ’ssignature.Michellewascertainthathehadn’tmeantto
leavehersolittle.Butshecouldn’tcontestit.Shewasn’tevenoutofhighschool.

Itwashard,shethought,tobeundersomeone’sthumbandunabletodoanythingyouwantedtodo.

Robertawasalwaysafterheraboutsomething.Shemadefunofher,ridiculedherconservative
clothes,madeherlifeadailymisery.Butthereverendwasright.Oneday,she’dbeoutofthis.She’d
haveherownplace,andshewouldn’thavetoaskRobertaevenforlunchmoney,whichwas
demeaningenough.

Sheheardatruckgoalongtheroad,andglancedouttoseeabigblackpickuptruckpassby.Sohe

wasback.TheirclosestneighborwasGabrielBrandon.Michelleknewwhohewas.

She’dseenhimforthefirsttimetwoyearsago,thelastsummershe’dspentwithhergrandfather

andgrandmotherbeforetheirdeaths.They’dlivedinthisveryhouse,theoneherfatherhadinherited.
She’dgonetotownwithhergrandfathertogetmedicineforasickcalf.Theownerofthestorehad
beentalkingtoaman,averyhandsomemanwho’djustmoveddowntheroadfromthem.

Hewasverytall,muscular,withoutitbeingobvious,andhehadthemostbeautifulliquidblack

eyesshe’deverseen.Hewasbuiltlikearodeocowboy.Hehadthick,jet-blackhairandafaceoffofa
movieposter.Hewasthemostgorgeousmanshe’deverseeninherlife.

He’dcaughtherstaringathimandhe’dlaughed.She’dneverforgottenhowthattransformedhis

hardface.Ithadmeltedher.She’dflushedandavertedhereyesandalmostrunoutofthestore
afterward.She’dembarrassedherselfbystaring.Buthewasverygood-looking,afterall—hemustbe
usedtowomenstaringathim.

She’daskedhergrandfatherabouthim.Hehadn’tsaidmuch,onlythatthemanwasworkingforEb

Scott,whoownedaranchnearJacobsville.Brandonwasrathermysterious,too,hergrandfatherhad
mused,andpeoplewerecuriousabouthim.Hewasn’tmarried.Hehadasisterwhovisitedhimfrom
timetotime.

Michelle’sgrandfatherhadchidedherforherinterest.Atfifteen,he’dremindedher,shewasmuch

tooyoungtobeinterestedinmen.She’dagreedoutloud.ButprivatelyshethoughtthatthatMr.
Brandonwasabsolutelygorgeous,andmostgirlswouldhavestaredathim.

Bycomparison,Roberta’sfriend,Bert,alwayslookedgreasy,asifheneverwashedhishair.

Michellecouldn’tstandhim.Helookedatherinawaythatmadeherskincrawlandhewasalways
tryingtotouchher.She’djerkedawayfromhimonce,whenhe’dtriedtoruffleherhair,andhemade
abigjokeofit.Buthiseyesweren’tlaughing.

Hemadeheruncomfortable,andshetriedtostayoutofhisway.Itwouldhavebeenallrightifhe

andRobertadidn’tflaunttheiraffair.MichellecamehomefromschooloneMondaytofindthemon
thesofatogether,half-dressedandsweaty.Robertahadalmostdoubledupwithlaughteratthelook
shegotfromherstepdaughterasshelayhalfacrossBert,wearingnothingbutalacyblackslip.

“Andwhatareyoustaringat,youlittleprude?”Robertahaddemanded.“DidyouthinkI’dputon

blackclothesandabandonmenforlifebecauseyourfatherdied?”

“He’sonlybeendeadtwoweeks,”Michellehadpointedoutwithchokingpride.
“Sowhat?Hewasn’teventhatgoodinbedbeforehegotsick,”shescoffed.“WelivedinSan

Antonioandhehadawonderfulpractice,hewasmakingloadsofmoneyasacardiologist.Thenhe
getsdiagnosedwithterminalcanceranddecidesovernighttopullupstakesandmovetothisflea-
bittenwreckofatownwherehesetsupafreecliniconweekendsandlivesonhispensionandhis
investments!Whichevaporatedinlessthanayear,thankstohismedicalbills,”sheaddedhaughtily.“I

thoughthewasrich...!”

“Yes,that’swhyyoumarriedhim,”Michellesaidunderherbreath.
“That’stheonlyreasonIdidmarryhim,”shemuttered,sittinguptolightacigaretteandblow

smokeinMichelle’sdirection.

Shecoughed.“Daddywouldn’tletyousmokeinthehouse,”shesaidaccusingly.
“Well,Daddy’sdead,isn’the?”Robertasaidpointedly,andshesmiled.
“Wecouldmakeitathreesome,ifyoulike,”Bertoffered,sittingupwithhisshirthalf-off.
Michelle’sexpressionwaseloquent.“IfIspeaktomyminister...”
“Shutup,Bert!”Robertasaidshortly,andhereyesdaredhimtosayanotherword.Shelookedback

atMichellewithcoldeyesandgottoherfeet.“Comeon,Bert,let’sgotoyourplace.”Shegrabbed
himbythehandandhadledhimtothebedroom.Apparentlytheirclotheswereinthere.

Disgustedbeyondmeasure,Michellewentintoherroomandlockedthedoor.
Shecouldhearthemarguing.Afewminuteslatertheycamebackout.
“Iwon’tbeherefordinner,”Robertasaid.
Michelledidn’treply.
“Littletorment,”Robertagrumbled.“She’salwayswatching,alwayssopureandunblemished,”she

addedharshly.

“Icouldtakecareofthat,”Bertsaid.
“Shutup!”Robertasaidagain.“Comeon,Bert!”
Michellecouldfeelherselfflushingwithangerassheheardthemgooutthedoor.Roberta

slammeditbehindher.

MichellehadpeekedoutthecurtainsandwatchedthemclimbintoBert’slow-slungcar.Hepulled

outintotheroad.

Sheclosedthecurtainswithasighofpurerelief.Nobodyknewwhatahellthosetwomadeofher

life.Shehadnopeace.ApparentlyRobertahadbeenseeingBertforsometime,becausetheywere
obviouslyobsessedwitheachother.Butithadcomeasashocktowalkinthedoorandfindthem
kissingthedayafterMichelle’sfatherwasburied,tosaynothingofwhatshe’djustseen.

***

Thedayssincethenhadbeentenseanduncomfortable.ThetwoofthemmadefunofMichelle,
ridiculedthewayshedressed,thewayshethought.AndRobertawasfullofpettycommentsabout
Michelle’sfatherandtheillnessthathadkilledhim.Robertahadneverevengonetothehospital.It
hadbeenMichellewho’dsatwithhimuntilheslippedaway,peacefully,inhissleep.

Shelayonherbackandlookedattheceiling.Itwasonlyafewmonthsuntilgraduation.Shemade

verygoodgrades.ShehopedMaristCollegeinSanAntoniowouldtakeher.She’dalreadyapplied.
Shewassweatingouttheadmissions,becauseshe’dhavetohaveascholarshiporshecouldn’tafford
togo.Notonlythat,she’dhavetohaveajob.

She’dworkedpart-timeatamechanic’sshopwhileherfatherwasalive.He’ddropheroffafter

schoolandpickherupwhenshefinishedwork.Buthisillnesshadcomeonquicklyandshe’dlostthe
job.Robertawasn’tabouttoprovidetransportation.

Sherolledoverrestlessly.MaybetherewouldbesomethingshecouldgetinSanAntonio,perhaps

inaconveniencestoreifallelsefailed.Shedidn’tmindhardwork.Shewasusedtoit.Sinceher
fatherhadmarriedRoberta,Michellehaddoneallthecookingandcleaningandlaundry.Sheeven
mowedthelawn.

Herfatherhadseemedtorealizehismistaketowardtheend.He’dapologizedforbringingRoberta

intotheirlives.He’dbeenlonelysincehermotherdied,andRobertahadflatteredhimandmadehim
feelgood.She’dbeenfuntobearoundduringthecourtship—evenMichellehadthoughtso.Roberta
wentshoppingwiththegirl,praisedhercooking,actedlikeareallyniceperson.Itwasn’tuntilafter
theweddingthatshe’dshownhertruecolors.

Michellehadalwaysthoughtitwasthealcoholthathadmadeherchangesosuddenlyfortheworse.

Itwasn’tdiscussedinfrontofher,butMichelleknewthatRobertahadbeenmissingforafewweeks,
justbeforeherfatherwasdiagnosedwithcancer.Andtherewasgossipthatthedoctorhadsenthis
youngwifeofftoarehabilitationcenterbecauseofadrinkingproblem.Afterward,Robertahadn’t
beenquitesohardtolivewith.Untilthey’dmovedtoComancheWells,atleast.

Dr.GodfreyhadpattedMichelleontheshoulderonlydaysbeforethecancerhadtakenasudden

turnfortheworseandhewasbedridden.He’dsmiledruefully.

“I’mverysorry,sweetheart,”he’dtoldher.“IfIcouldgobackandchangethings...”
“Iknow,Daddy.It’sallright.”
He’dpulledhercloseandkissedherforehead.“You’relikeyourmother.Shetookthingstoheart,

too.Youhavetolearnhowtodealwithunpleasantpeople.Youhavetolearnnottotakelifeso
seriously....”

“Alan,areyouevercominginside?”Robertahadinterruptedpetulantly.Shehatedseeingher

husbandandherstepdaughtertogether.Shemadeeveryefforttokeepthemapart.“Whatareyou
doing,anyway,lookingatthosestupidsmellycattle?”

“I’llbethereinamoment,Roberta,”hecalledback.
“Thedisheshaven’tbeenwashed,”shetoldMichellewithacoldsmile.“Yourjob,notmine.”
She’dgonebackinsideandslammedthescreen.
Michellewinced.
Sodidherfather.Hedrewinadeepbreath.“Well,we’llgetthroughthis,”hesaidabsently.He’d

wincedagain,holdinghisstomach.

“YoushouldseeDr.Coltrain,”sheremarked.Dr.CopperColtrainwasoneoftheirlocal

physicians.“Youkeepputtingitoff.It’sworse,isn’tit?”

Hesighed.“Iguessitis.Okay.I’llseehimtomorrow,worrywart.”
Shegrinned.“Okay.”

***

Tomorrowhadendedwithabatteryoftestsandasadprognosis.They’dsenthimbackhomewith
moremedicineandnohope.He’dlastedafewweekspastthediagnosis.

Michelle’seyesfilledwithtears.Thelosswasstillnew,raw.Shemissedherfather.Shehatedbeing

atthemercyofherstepmother,whowantednothingmorethantosellthehouseandlandrightout
fromunderMichelle.Infact,she’dalreadysaidthatassoonasthewillwentthroughprobate,shewas
goingtodoexactlythat.

Michellehadprotested.Shehadseveralmonthsofschooltogo.Wherewouldshelive?
That,Robertahadsaidicily,wasnoconcernofhers.Shedidn’tcarewhathappenedtoher

stepdaughter.Robertawasyoungandhadalifeofherown,andshewasn’tgoingtospenditsmelling
cattleandmanure.ShewasgoingtomoveinwithBert.Hewasinbetweenjobs,butthesaleofthe
houseandlandwouldkeepthemforawhile.Thenthey’dgotoLasVegaswheresheknewpeopleand
couldmaketheirfortuneinthecasino.

Michellehadcockedherheadandjuststaredatherstepmotherwithapatronizingsmile.“Nobody

beatsthehouseinLasVegas,”shesaidinasoftvoice.

“I’llbeatit,”Robertasnapped.“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutgambling.”
“Iknowthatsanepeopleavoidit,”shereturned.
Robertashrugged.

***

Therewasonlyonereal-estateagentinComancheWells.Michellecalledher,nervousandobviously
upset.

“Robertasaysshe’ssellingthehouse,”shebegan.
“Relax.”BettyMatherslaughed.“Shehastogetthewillthroughprobate,andthenshehastolistthe

property.Thehousingmarketisinthebasementrightnow,sweetie.She’dhavetogiveitawaytosell
it.”

“Thanks,”Michellesaidhuskily.“Youdon’tknowhowworriedIwas....”Hervoicebroke,andshe

stopped.

“There’snoreasontoworry,”Bettyassuredher.“Evenifshedoesleave,youhavefriendshere.

Somebodywilltakethepropertyandmakesureyouhaveaplacetostay.I’lldoitmyselfifIhaveto.”

Michellewasreallycryingnow.“That’ssokind...!”
“Michelle,you’vebeenafixturearoundJacobsCountysinceyouwereoldenoughtowalk.You

spentsummerswithyourgrandparentshereandyouwerealwaysdoingthingstohelpthem,andother
people.YouspentthenightinthehospitalwiththeHarrises’littleboywhenhehadtohavethat
emergencyappendectomyandwouldn’tletthemgiveyouadime.Youbakedcakesforthesalethat
helpedRobMeinerwhenhishouseburned.You’realwaysdoingforotherpeople.Don’tthinkit
doesn’tgetnoticed.”Hervoicehardened.“Anddon’tthinkwearen’tawareofwhatyourstepmother
isupto.Shehasnofriendshere,Ipromiseyou.”

Michelledrewinabreathandwipedhereyes.“ShethoughtDaddywasrich.”
“Isee,”camethereply.
“Shehatedmovingdownhere.Iwasneversohappy,”sheadded.“IloveComancheWells.”
Bettylaughed.“SodoI.ImovedherefromNewYorkCity.Ilikehearingcricketsinsteadofsirens

atnight.”

“Me,too.”
“Youstopworrying,okay?”sheadded.“Everything’sgoingtobeallright.”
“Iwill.Andthanks.”
“Nothanksnecessary.”

***

Michellewastorememberthatconversationtheverynextday.Shegothomefromschoolthat
afternoonandherfather ’sprizedstampcollectionwassittingonthecoffeetable.Atall,distinguished
manwashandingRobertaacheck.

“It’samarvelouscollection,”themansaid.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Michelleexclaimed,droppingherbooksontothesofa,asshestaredatthe

manwithhorror.“Youcan’tsellDaddy’sstamps!Youcan’t!It’stheonlythingofhisIhaveleftthat
webothshared!Ihelpedhimputinthosestamps,fromthetimeIwasingrammarschool!”

Robertalookedembarrassed.“Now,Michelle,we’vealreadydiscussedthis....”

“Wehaven’tdiscussedanything!”sheraged,red-facedandweeping.“Myfatherhasonlybeendead

threeweeksandyou’vealreadythrownawayeverysinglethinghehad,evenhisclothes!You’ve
talkedaboutsellingthehouse...I’mstillinschool—Iwon’tevenhaveaplacetolive.Andnowthis!
You...you...mercenarygolddigger!”

Robertatriedtosmileattheshockedman.“Idoapologizeformydaughter....”
“I’mnotherdaughter!Shemarriedmyfathertwoyearsago.She’sgotaboyfriend.Shewaswith

himwhilemyfatherwasdyinginthehospital!”

ThemanstaredatMichelleforalongmoment,turnedtoRoberta,snappedthecheckoutofher

handsandtoreitintoshreds.

“But...wehadadeal,”Robertastammered.
Themangaveheralookthatmadehermovebackastep.“Madam,ifyouwerekintome,Iwould

disownyou,”hesaidharshly.“Ihavenowishtopurchaseacollectionstolenfromachild.”

“I’llsueyou!”Robertaraged.
“Byallmeans.Attemptit.”
HeturnedtoMichelle.“Iamverysorry,”hesaidgently.“Foryourlossandforthesituationin

whichyoufindyourself.”HeturnedtoRoberta.“Goodday.”

Hewalkedout.
Robertagavehimjustenoughtimetogettohiscar.ThensheturnedtoMichelleandslappedherso

hardthatherteethfeltasifthey’dcomelooseonthatsideofherface.

“Youlittlebrat!”sheyelled.“Hewasgoingtogivemefivethousanddollarsforthatstamp

collection!Ittookmeweekstofindabuyer!”

Michellejuststaredather,coldpridecracklingaroundher.Sheliftedherchin.“Goahead.Hitme

again.Andseewhathappens.”

Robertadrewbackherhand.Shemeanttodoit.Thechildwasahorror.Shehatedher!Butshekept

rememberingthelookthatministerhadgivenher.Sheputherhanddownandgrabbedherpurse.

“I’mgoingtoseeBert,”shesaidicily.“Andyou’llgetnolunchmoneyfrommefromnowon.You

canmopfloorsforyourfood,forallIcare!”

Shestormedoutthedoor,gotintohercarandroaredaway.
Michellepickedupthepreciousstampcollectionandtookitintoherroom.Shehadahidingplace

that,hopefully,Robertawouldn’tbeabletofind.Therewasaloosebaseboardinhercloset.She
pulleditout,slidthestampbookinsideandpusheditbackintothewall.

Shewenttothemirror.HerfacelookedalmostblisteredwhereRobertahadhither.Shedidn’tcare.

Shehadthestampcollection.Itwasamementoofhappytimeswhenshe’dsatonherfather ’slapand
carefullytuckedstampsintoplacewhilehetaughtheraboutthem.IfRobertakilledher,shewasn’t
givingthestampsup.

Butshewasinahardplace,withnorealwayout.Themonthsuntilgraduationseemedlikeyears.

Robertawouldmakeherlifealivinghellfromnowonbecauseshe’dopposedher.Shewassotired
ofit.TiredofRoberta.TiredofBertandhisinnuendoes.Tiredofhavingtobeaslavetoher
stepmother.Itseemedsohopeless.

Shethoughtofherfatherandstartedbawling.Hewasgone.He’dnevercomeback.Robertawould

tormenthertodeath.Therewasnothingleft.

Shewalkedoutthefrontdoorlikeasleepwalker,outtothedirtroadthatleadpastthehouse.And

shesatdowninthemiddleofit—heartbrokenanddustywithtearsrunningdownhercheeks.

Two

M

ichellefeltthevibrationofthevehiclebeforeshesmelledthedustthatcameuparoundit.Her

backwastothedirectionitwascomingfrom.Desperationhadblindedhertothehopeofbetterdays.
Shewassickoflife.Sickofeverything.

Sheputherhandsonherknees,broughtherelbowsin,closedhereyes,andwaitedforthe

collision.Itwouldprobablyhurt.Hopefully,itwouldbequick....

Therewasasquealingoftiresandametallicjerk.Shedidn’tfeeltheimpact.Wasshedead?
Long,muscularlegsinfadedbluedenimcameintoviewabovebigblackhand-tooledleather

boots.

“Wouldyoucaretoexplainwhatthehellyou’redoingsittinginthemiddleofaroad?”adeep,

angryvoicedemanded.

Shelookedupintochillingliquidblackeyesandgrimaced.“Tryingtogethitbyacar?”
“Idriveatruck,”hepointedout.
“Tryingtogethitbyatruck,”sheamendedinamatter-of-facttone.
“Caretoelaborate?”
Sheshrugged.“MystepmotherwillprobablybeatmewhenshegetsbackhomebecauseIruined

hersale.”

Hefrowned.“Whatsale?”
“Myfatherdiedthreeweeksago,”shesaidheavily.Shefiguredhedidn’tknow,becauseshehadn’t

seenanysignsoflifeatthehousedowntheroaduntilshe’dwatchedhistruckgobyjustrecently.
“ShehadallhisthingstakentothelandfillbecauseIinsistedonarealfuneral,notacremation,and
nowshe’stryingtosellhisstampcollection.It’sallIhaveleftofhim.Iruinedthesale.Themanleft.
Shehitme....”

Heturnedhishead.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dnoticedthesideofherfacethatlookedalmost

blistered.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Getinthetruck.”

Shestaredathim.“I’malldusty.”
“It’sadustytruck.Itwon’tmatter.”
Shegottoherfeet.“Areyouabductingme?”
“Yes.”
Shesighed.“Okay.”Sheglancedathimruefully.“Ifyoudon’tmind,I’dreallyliketogotoMars.

SinceI’mbeingabducted,Imean.”

Hemanagedaroughlaugh.
Shewentaroundtothepassengerside.Heopenedthedoorforher.
“You’reMr.Brandon,”shesaidwhenheclimbedintothedriver ’sseatandslammedthedoor.
“Yes.”
Shedrewinabreath.“I’mMichelle.”
“Michelle.”Hechuckled.“Therewasasongwiththatname.Myfatherlovedit.Oneofthelineswas

‘Michelle,mabelle.’”Heglancedather.“DoyouspeakFrench?”

“Alittle,”shesaid.“Ihaveitsecondperiod.Itmeanssomethinglike‘mybeauty.’”Shelaughed.

“Andthathasnothingtodowithme,I’mafraid.I’mjustplain.”

Heglancedatherwithraisedeyebrows.Wassheserious?Shewasgorgeous.Young,anduntried,

buthercreamycomplexionwaswithoutablemish.Shewasnicelyshapedandherhairwasapale
blond.ThosesoftgrayeyesremindedhimofafoginAugust...

Hedirectedhiseyestotheroad.Shewasjustachild,whatwashethinking?“Beauty,astheysay,is

intheeyeofthebeholder.”

“DoyouspeakFrench?”sheasked,curious.
Henodded.“French,Spanish,Portuguese,Afrikaans,Norwegian,Russian,Germanandahandful

ofMiddleEasterndialects.”

“Really?”Shewasfascinated.“Didyouworkasatranslatororsomething?”
Hepursedhislips.“Fromtimetotime,”hesaid,andthenlaughedtohimself.
“Cool.”
Hestartedthetruckanddrovedowntheroadtothehouseheowned.Itwasn’tfar,justaboutahalf

mile.Itwasaranchhouse,setbackofftheroad.Therewereoceansofflowersbloomingarounditin
thesummer,plantedbythepreviousowner,Mrs.Eller,whohaddied.Ofcourse,itwasstilljust
February,andverycold.Therewerenoflowersherenow.

“Mrs.Ellerlovedflowers.”
“Excuseme?”
“Shelivedhereallherlife,”shetoldhim,smilingastheydroveuptothefrontporch.“Her

husbandworkedasadeputysheriff.Theyhadasoninthemilitary,buthewaskilledoverseas.Her
husbanddiedsoonafterward.Sheplantedsomanyflowersthatyoucouldneverevenseethehouse.I
usedtocomeoverandvisitherwhenIwaslittle,withmygrandfather.”

“Yourpeoplearefromhere?”
“Oh,yes.Forthreegenerations.DaddywenttomedicalschoolinGeorgiaandthenhesetupa

practiceincardiologyinSanAntonio.Welivedthere.ButIspenteverysummerherewithmy
grandparentswhiletheywerealive.Daddykepttheplaceup,after,anditwaslikeavacationhome
whileMamawasalive.”Sheswallowed.Thatlosshadbeenharsh.“Westillhadeverything,eventhe
furniture,whenDaddydecidedtomoveusdownhereandtakeearlyretirement.Shehateditfromthe
firsttimeshesawit.”Herfacehardened.“She’ssellingit.Mystepmother,Imean.She’salreadytalked
aboutit.”

Hedrewinabreath.Heknewhewasgoingtoregretthis.Hegotout,openedthepassengerdoor

andwaitedforhertogetout.Heledthewayintothehouse,seatedherinthekitchenandpulledouta
pitcheroficedtea.Whenhehaditinglasses,hesatdownatthetablewithher.

“Goahead,”heinvited.“Getitoffyourchest.”
“It’snotyourproblem...”
“Youinvolvedmeinanattemptedsuicide,”hesaidwithadrolllook.“Thatmakesitmyproblem.”
Shegrimaced.“I’mreallysorry,Mr.Brandon....”
“Gabriel.”
Shehesitated.
Heraisedaneyebrow.“I’mnotthatold,”hepointedout.
Shemanagedashysmile.“Okay.”
Hecockedhishead.“Sayit,”hesaid,andhisliquidblackeyesstaredunblinkingintohers.
Shefeltherheartdropintohershoes.Sheswalloweddownahotwaveofdelightandhopedit

didn’tshow.“Ga...Gabriel,”sheobliged.

Hisfaceseemedtosoften.Justalittle.Hesmiled,showingbeautifulwhiteteeth.“That’sbetter.”
Sheflushed.“I’mnot...comfortablewithmen,”sheblurtedout.
Hiseyesnarrowedonherface,heravertedeyes.“Doesyourstepmotherhaveaboyfriend?”

Sheswallowed,hard.Theglassinherhandtrembled.
Hetooktheglassfromherandputitonthetable.“Tellme.”
Itallpouredout.FindingRobertainBert’sarmsjustafterthefuneral,findingthemonthecouch

togetherthatday,thewayBertlookedandherandtriedtotouchher,thevisitfromherminister...

“AndIthoughtmylifewascomplicated,”hesaidheavily.Heshookhishead.“I’dforgottenwhatit

wasliketobeyoungandatthemercyofolderpeople.”

Shestudiedhimquietly.Theexpressiononhisfacewas...odd.
“Youknow,”shesaidsoftly.“Youunderstand.”
“Ihadastepfather,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.“Hewasalwaysaftermysister.Shewasverypretty,

almostfourteen.Iwasafewyearsolder,andIwasbiggerthanhewas.Ourmotherlovedhim,God
knewwhy.We’dmovedbacktoTexasbecausetheinternationalcompanyheworkedforpromoted
himandhehadtogotoDallasforthejob.OnedayIheardmysisterscream.Iwentintoherroom,
andtherehewas.He’dtriedto...”Hestopped.Hisfacewaslikestone.“Mymotherhadtogeta
neighbortopullmeoffhim.Afterthat,aftersheknewwhathadbeengoingon,shestilldefended
him.Iwasarrested,butthepublicdefendergotanearful.Hespoketomysister.Mystepfatherwas
arrested,charged,tried.Mymotherstoodbyhim,thewholetime.Mysisterwasvictimizedbythe
defenseattorney,afterwhatshe’dalreadysufferedatourstepfather ’shands.Shewassotraumatized
bytheexperiencethatshedoesn’tevendate.”

Shewinced.Onesmallhandwentshylytocoverhisclenchedfistonthetable.“I’msosorry.”
Heseemedtomentallyshakehimself,asifhe’dbeenlockedintothepast.Hemethersoft,

concernedgaze.Hisbighandturned,curledaroundhers.“I’veneverspokenofit,untilnow.”

“Maybesometimesit’sgoodtoshareproblems.Darkmemoriesaren’tsobadwhenyouforcethem

intothelight.”

“Seventeengoingonthirty?”hemused,smilingather.Itdidn’toccurtohertowonderhowhe

knewherage.

Shesmiled.“Therearealwayspeoplewhoareinworseshapethanyouare.MyfriendBillyhasan

alcoholicfatherwhobeatshimandhismother.Thepoliceareoverthereallthetime,buthismother
willneverpresscharges.SheriffCarsonsaysthenexttime,he’sgoingtojail,evenifhehastopress
chargeshimself.”

“Goodforthesheriff.”
“Whathappened,afterthetrial?”sheproddedgently.
HecurledhisfingersaroundMichelle’s,asifheenjoyedtheirsoftcomfort.Shemighthavebeen

fascinatedtoknowthathe’dneversharedthesememorieswithanyotherwoman,andthat,asarule,
hehatedhavingpeopletouchhim.

“Hewenttojailforchildabuse,”hesaid.“Mymotherwasthereeveryvisitingday.”
“No,whathappenedtoyouandyoursister?”
“Mymotherrefusedtohaveusinthehousewithher.Weweregoingtobeplacedinfosterhomes.

Thepublicdefenderhadamaidenaunt,childless,whowassuicidal.Herproblemsweren’tsoterrible,
butshetendedtodepressionandsheletthemtakeheralmostovertheedge.Sohethoughtwemight
beabletohelpeachother.WewenttolivewithAuntMaude.”Hechuckled.“Shewasnotwhatyou
thinkofasanybody’smaidenaunt.ShedroveaJaguar,smokedlikeafurnace,coulddrinkanygrown
manunderthetable,lovedbingopartiesandcookedlikeagourmet.Oh,andshespokeabouttwenty
languages.Inheryouth,shewasinthearmyandmusteredoutasasergeant.”

“Wow,”sheexclaimed.“Shemusthavebeenfascinatingtolivewith.”
“Shewas.Andshewasrich.Shespoiledusrotten.Shegotmysisterintotherapy,forawhileat

least,andmeintothearmyrightafterIgraduated.”Hesmiled.“ShewasnutsaboutChristmas.Wehad
treesthatbentattheceiling,andthelimbsgroanedunderallthedecorations.She’dgooutandinvite
everystreetpersonshecouldfindovertoeatwithus.”Hisfacesobered.“Shesaidshe’dseenforeign
countrieswherethepoorweretreatedbetterthantheywerehere.Ironically,itwasoneofthesame
peoplesheinvitedtoChristmasdinnerwhostabbedhertodeath.”

Shewinced.“I’msosorry!”
“Me,too.Bythattime,though,SaraandIweregrown.Iwasinthe...military,”hesaid,hopingshe

didn’tnoticetheinvoluntarypause,“andSarahadherownapartment.Maudelefteverythingshehad
tothetwoofusandhernephew.Wetriedtogiveoursharebacktohim,asheronlybloodheir,buthe
justlaughedandsaidhegottokeephisauntforyearslongerbecauseofus.Hewentintoprivate
practiceandmadeafortunedefendingdruglords,sohedidn’treallyneedit,hetoldus.”

“Defendingdruglords.”Sheshookherhead.
“Wealldowhatwedo,”hepointedout.“Besides,I’veknownatleastoneso-calleddruglordwho

wasbetterthansomeuprightpeople.”

Shejustlaughed.
Hestudiedhersmallhand.“Ifthingsgettooroughforyouoverthere,letmeknow.I’llmanage

something.”

“It’sonlyuntilgraduationthisspring,”shepointedout.
“Insomesituations,afewmonthscanbealifetime,”hesaidquietly.
Shenodded.
“Friendshelpeachother.”
Shestudiedhisface.“Arewe?Friends,Imean?”
“Wemustbe.Ihaven’ttoldanyoneelseaboutmystepfather.”
“Youdidn’ttellmetherestofit.”
Hiseyeswentbacktoherhandrestinginhis.“Hegotoutongoodbehaviorsixmonthsafterhis

convictionanddecidedtomakemysisterpayfortestifyingagainsthim.Shecalled911.Thepolice
shothim.”

“Oh,mygosh.”
“Mymotherblamedbothofusforit.ShemovedbacktoCanada,toAlberta,wherewegrewup.”
“AreyouCanadian?”sheaskedcuriously.
Hesmiled.“I’mactuallyTexasborn.WemovedtoCanadatostaywithmymother ’speoplewhen

myfatherwasinthemilitaryandstationedoverseas.SarawasborninCalgary.Welivedthereuntil
justaftermymothermarriedmystepfather.”

“Didyouseeyourmotheragain,afterthat?”sheaskedgently.
Heshookhishead.“Ourmotherneverspoketousagain.Shediedafewyearsback.Herattorney

trackedmedownandsaidsheleftherestate,whattherewasofit,tothecousinsinAlberta.”

“I’msosorry.”
“Lifeiswhatitis.Ihadhopedshemightonedayrealizewhatshe’ddonetomysister.Shenever

did.”

“Wecan’thelpwhowelove,orwhatitdoestomessusup.”
Hefrowned.“Youreallyareseventeengoingonthirty.”
Shelaughedsoftly.“MaybeI’manoldsoul.”
“Ah.Beenreadingphilosophy,havewe?”
“Yes.”Shepaused.“Youhaven’tmentionedyourfather.”
Hesmiledsadly.“Hewasinaparamilitarygroupoverseas.Hesteppedonanantipersonnelmine.”

Shedidn’tknowwhataparamilitarygroupwas,soshejustnodded.
“HewasfromDallas,”hecontinued.“HehadasmallranchinTexasthatheinheritedfromhis

grandfather.HeandmymothermetattheCalgaryStampede.Hetrainedhorsesandhe’dsoldseveral
tobeusedatthestampede.ShehadanunclewhoownedaranchinAlbertaandalsosuppliedlivestock
tothestampede.”Hestaredathersmallhandinhis.“HerpeoplewereFrench-Canadian.Oneofmy
grandmotherswasamemberoftheBlackfootNation.”

“Wow!”
Hesmiled.
“Then,you’reanAmericancitizen,”shesaid.
“Ourparentsdidthewholecitizenshipprocess.Inshort,InowhavebothCanadianandAmerican

citizenship.”

“MydadlovedthisCanadiantelevisionshow,DueSouth.HehadthewholeDVDcollection.Iliked

theMountie’sdog.Hewasawolf.”

Helaughed.“I’vegottheDVDs,too.Ilovedtheshow.Itwashilarious.”
Sheglancedattheclockonthewall.“Ihavetogo.Ifyouaren’tgoingtorunoverme,I’llhaveto

fixsupperincaseshecomeshometoeat.It’sgoingtobegruesome.She’llstillbefuriousaboutthe
stampcollection.”Herfacegrewhard.“Shewon’tfindit.I’vegotahidingplaceshedoesn’tknow
about.”

Hesmiled.“Devious.”
“Notnormally.Butshe’snotsellingDaddy’sstamps.”
Heletgoofherhandandgotupfromhischair.“Ifshehitsyouagain,call911.”
“She’dkillmeforthat.”
“Notlikely.”
Shesighed.“IguessIcould,ifIhadto.”
“Youmentionedyourminister.Whoishe?”
“JakeBlair.Why?”
Hisexpressionwasdeliberatelyblank.
“Doyouknowhim?He’sawonderfulminister.Oddthing,mystepmotherwasintimidatedbyhim.”
Hehesitated,andseemedtobetryingnottolaugh.“Yes.I’veheardofhim.”
“Hetoldherthathisdaughterwasgoingtopickmeupandbringmehomefromchurchevery

week.HisdaughterworksfortheJacobsvillepolicechief.”

“CashGrier.”
Shenodded.“He’sverynice.”
“CashGrier?”heexclaimed.“Nice?”
“Oh,Iknowpeopletalkabouthim,buthecametospeaktomycivicsclassonce.He’sintelligent.”
“Very.”
Hehelpedherbackintothetruckanddrovehertoherfrontdoor.
Shehesitatedbeforeshegotout,turningtohim.“Thankyou.Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeenso

depressed.I’veneveractuallytriedtokillmyselfbefore.”

Hisliquidblackeyessearchedhers.“Weallhavedayswhenwe’reriddenbythe‘blackdog.’”
Sheblinked.“Excuseme?”
Hechuckled.“WinstonChurchillhadperiodsofseveredepression.Hecalleditthat.”
Shefrowned.“WinstonChurchill...”
“Therewasthisreallybigworldwar,”hesaidfacetiously,withover-the-topenthusiasm,“andthis

countrycalledEngland,andithadaleaderduring—”

“Oh,givemeabreak!”Sheburstoutlaughing.
Hegrinnedather.“Justchecking.”
Sheshookherhead.“Iknowwhohewas.Ijusthadtoputitintocontextisall.Thanksagain.”
“Anytime.”
Shegotoutandclosedthedoor,notingwithreliefthatRobertahadn’tcomehomeyet.Shesmiled

andwaved.Hewavedback.Whenhedroveoff,shenoticedthathedidn’tlookback.Notatall.

***

ShehadsupperreadywhenRobertawalkedinthedoor.Herstepmotherwasstillfuming.

“I’mnoteatingbeef,”shesaidhaughtily.“YouknowIhateit.Andarethosemashedpotatoes?I’ll

betyoucrammedthemwithbutter!”

“Yes,Idid,”Michellerepliedquietly,“becauseyoualwayssaidyoulikedthemthatway.”
Roberta’scheeksflushed.Sheshifted,asifthewords,inthatquietvoice,madeherfeelguilty.
Infact,theydid.Shewasrememberingherbehaviorwithsomethingclosetoshame.Herhusband

hadonlybeendeadthreeweeks.She’dtossedhisbelongings,refusedtogotothefuneral,madefun
ofherstepdaughterateveryturn,evenslappedherformessingupthesaleofstampswhichAlanhad
lefttoMichelle.Andafterallthat,thechildmadeherfavoritefood.Herbehaviorshouldberaising
redflags,butherstepdaughterwas,thankfully,toonaivetonoticeit.Bert’sdoing,shethought
bitterly.Allhisfault.

“Youdon’thavetoeatit,”Michellesaid,turningaway.
Robertamadearoughsoundinherthroat.“It’sallright,”shemanagedtautly.Shesatdownatthe

table.SheglancedatMichelle,whowasdippingateabaginacupofsteamingwater.“Aren’tyou
eating?”

“Ihadsoup.”
Robertamadeinroadsintothemeatloafandmashedpotatoes.Thegirlhadevenmadecreamed

peas,herfavorite.

Shestartedtoputherforkdownandnoticedherhandtrembling.Shejerkeditdownontothewood

andpulledherhandback.

Itwasgettingworse.Sheneededmoreandmore.Bertwascomplainingabouttheexpense.They’d

hadafight.She’dgonestorminguptohisapartmentinSanAntoniotocryonhisshoulderabouther
idiotstepdaughterandhe’dstartedcomplainingwhenshedippedintohisstash.Butafterall,hewas
theonewho’dgottenherhookedinthefirstplace.

Ithadtakenmoremoneythanshe’drealizedtokeepup,andAlanhadfinallyfiguredoutwhatshe

wasdoing.They’dargued.He’daskedherforadivorce,butshe’dpleadedwithhim.Shehadnoplace
togo.SheknewBertwouldn’thearofhermovinginwithhim.Herwholefamilywasdead.

Alanhadagreed,butthepriceofhisagreementwasthatshehadtomovedowntohishometown

withhimafterhesoldhisverylucrativepracticeinSanAntonio.

She’dthoughthemeantthemovetobeatemporaryone.Hewastiredoftheratrace.Hewanted

somethingquieter.Butthey’donlybeeninhisoldfamilyhomesteadforafewdayswhenhe
confessedthathe’dbeendiagnosedwithaninoperablecancer.Hewantedtospendsometimewithhis
daughterbeforetheend.Hewantedtorunafreeclinic,tohelppeoplewhohadnomoneyfordoctors.
Hewantedhislifetoendonapositivenote,intheplacewherehewasborn.

SoherewasRoberta,stuckafterhisdeathwithahabitshecouldnolongeraffordandnowayto

breakit.StuckwithCinderellahere,whoknewaboutasmuchaboutlifeassheknewaboutmen.

Sheglaredatthegirl.She’dreallyneededthemoneyfromthosestamps.Therewasnothingleft

thatshecouldliquidateforcash.Shehadn’ttakenallofAlan’sthingstothelandfill.She’dtold
Michellethatsoshewouldn’tlookforthem.She’dgonetoaconsignmentshopinSanAntonioand
soldtheworks,evenhiswatch.Itbroughtinafewhundreddollars.Butshewasgoingthroughmoney
likewater.

“Whatdidyoudowiththestamps?”Robertaaskedsuddenly.
Michelleschooledherfeaturestogiveawaynothing,andsheturned.“Ihitchedarideintotownand

askedCashGriertokeepthemforme.”

Robertasuckedinherbreath.Fearradiatedfromher.“CashGrier?”
Michellenodded.“Ifigureditwasthesafestplace.ItoldhimIwasworriedaboutsomeonestealing

themwhileIwasatschool.”

Whichmeantshehadn’ttoldthemanthatRobertahadslappedher.ThankGod.Allsheneedednow

wasanassaultcharge.Shehadtobemorecareful.Thegirlwastoostupidtorecognizeher
symptoms.Thepolicechiefwouldn’tbe.Shedidn’twantanyonefromlawenforcementontheplace.
Butshedidn’tevenhavethegracetoblushwhenMichellemadethecommentaboutsomeonepossibly
“stealing”herstampcollection.

Shegotupfromthetable.Shewasthirsty,butsheknewitwouldbedisastroustopickuphercupof

coffee.Notuntilshe’dtakenwhatsheneededtosteadyherhands.

Shepausedonherwaytothebathroom,withherbacktoMichelle.“I’m...Ishouldn’thaveslapped

you,”shebitoff.

Shedidn’twaitforareply.Shewasfuriouswithherselfforthatapology.Whyshouldthekid’s

feelingsmattertoher,anyway?ShepushedawaymemoriesofhowwelcomingMichellehadbeen
whenshefirststarteddatingAlan.Michellehadwantedtoimpressherfather ’snewfriend.

Well,thatwasancienthistorynow.ShewasbrokeandAlanhaddied,leavinghernexttonothing.

Shepickedupherpursefromthesidetableandwentintothebathroomwithit.

Michellecleanedoffthetableandputthedishesintothedishwasher.Robertahadn’tcomeoutofthe

bathroomevenaftershe’ddoneallthat,soshewenttoherroom.

***

Michellehadbeensurprisedbythealmost-apology.Butonceshethoughtaboutit,sherealizedthat
Robertamightthinkshewasgoingtopresscharges.Shewasafraidofherstepmother.Shehad
violentmoodswingsandshe’dthreatenedtohitMichelleseveraltimes.

Itwasodd,becausewhenshe’dfirstmarriedDr.AlanGodfrey,Michellehadlikedher.She’dbeen

funtobearound.Butshehadarovingeye.Shelikedmen.Iftheywenttoarestaurant,someone
alwaysstruckupaconversationwithRoberta,whowasexquisitelygroomedanddressedandhad
excellentmanners.Robertaenjoyedmasculineattention,withoutbeingeithercoarseorforward.

Then,severalmonthsago,everythinghadchanged.Robertahadstartedgoingoutatnightalone.

Shetoldherhusbandthatshe’djoinedanexerciseclubatafriend’shouse,aprivateone.Theydid
aerobicsandPilatesandthingslikethat.Justwomen.

Butsoonafterward,Robertabecamemorecarelessaboutherappearance.Hermannersslipped,

badly.Shecomplainedabouteverything.Alanwasn’tgivingherenoughspendingmoney.Thehouse
neededcleaning,whywasn’tMichelledoingmorewhenshewasn’tinschool?Shewasn’tdoingany
morecooking,shedidn’tlikeit,Michellewouldhavetotakeoverforher.Andonitwent.Alanhad
beendevastatedbythechange.SohadMichelle,whohadtobearthebruntofmostofRoberta’sfury.

“Somewomenhavemoodswingsastheygetolder,”Alanhadconfidedtohisdaughter,butthere

wassomethingoddinhistoneofvoice.“Butyoumustn’tsayanythingaboutittoher.Shedoesn’tlike
thinkingshe’sgettingoninyears.Allright?”

“Allright,Daddy,”she’dagreed,withabigsmile.
He’dhuggedherclose.“That’smygirl.”

***

Robertahadgoneawayforafewweeksafterthat.Then,nottoolongafterherreturn,they’dmoved
toComancheWells,intothehousewhereMichellehadspentsomanyhappyweekswithher
grandparentseverysummer.

TheelderlycouplehaddiedinawreckonlyafewyearsafterMichelle’smotherhaddiedofa

stroke.Ithadbeenablow.Herfatherhadgonethroughterriblegrief.Butthen,sohadMichelle.

Despitethedoubletragedy,ComancheWellsandthishouseseemedfarmorelikehomethanSan

Antonioeverhad,becauseitwassosmallthatMichelleknewalmosteveryfamilywholivedinit.She
knewpeopleinJacobsville,too,ofcourse,butitwasmuchlarger.ComancheWellswastinyby
comparison.

Michellelovedthefarmanimalsthathergrandparentshadkept.Theyalwayshaddogsandcatsand

chickensforhertoplaywith.ButbythetimeAlanmovedhisfamilydownhere,therewasonlythe
smallherdofbeefcattle.Nowtheherdhadbeensoldandwasgoingtoalocalrancherwhowas
goingtotruckthesteersovertohisownranch.

Herdooropenedsuddenly.Robertalookedwild-eyed.“I’mgoingbackuptoSanAntonioforthe

night.IhavetoseeBert.”

“All...”Shehadstartedtosay“allright,”butthedoorslammed.Robertawentstraightouttoher

car,revveditupandscatteredgravelonthewaytotheroad.

Itwasoddbehavior,evenforher.
Michellefeltalittlebetterthanshehad.AtleastsheandRobertamightbeabletomanageeach

other ’scompanyuntilMay,whengraduationrolledaround.

ButGabrielhadhelpedhercopewithwhatshethoughtwasunbearable.Shesmiled,remembering

hiskindness,rememberingthestrong,warmclaspofhisfingers.Herheartsailedatthememory.
She’dalmostneverheldhandswithaboy.Once,whenshewastwelve,ataschooldance.Buttheboy
hadmovedaway,andshewasfartooshyandold-fashionedtoappealtomostoftheboysinherhigh
schoolclasses.Therehadbeenanotherboy,athighschool,butthatdatehadendedinneardisaster.

Gabrielwasnoboy.Hehadtobeatleastinhismid-twenties.Hewouldthinkofherasachild.She

grimaced.Well,shewasgrowingup.Oneday...whoknewwhatmighthappen?

SheopenedherEnglishtextbookandgotbusywithherhomework.Thensherememberedwitha

startwhatshe’dtoldRoberta,thatlieabouthavingCashGrierkeepthestampbook.WhatifRoberta
askedhim?

Herfaceflamed.Itwouldbeadisaster.She’dlied,andRobertawouldknowit.She’dtearthehouse

apartlookingforthatcollection...

ThenMichellecalmeddown.RobertaseemedafraidofCashGrier.Mostpeoplewere.Shedoubted

veryseriouslythatherstepmotherwouldapproachhim.Butjusttocoverherbases,shewasgoingto
stopbyhisofficeafterschool.ShecoulddoitbypretendingtoaskCarliewhattimeshewouldpick
herupforchurchservices.Thenmaybeshecouldworkupthenervetotellhimwhatshe’ddone.She
wouldgowithoutlunch.Thatwouldgiveherjustenoughmoneytopayforacabhomefrom

Jacobsville,whichwasonlyafewmilesaway.Goodthingshealreadyhadherlunchmoneyforthe
week,becauseRobertahadtoldhertherewouldn’tbeanymore.Shewasgoingtohavetodowithout
lunchfromnowon,apparently.Orgetajob.Andgoodlucktothat,withoutacaroradriver ’s
license.

Shesighed.Herlifewasmorecomplicatedthanithadeverbeen.Butthingsmightgetbetter.

Someday.

Three

M

ichellegotofftheschoolbusindowntownJacobsvilleonFridayafternoon.Shehadtostopbythe

newspaperofficetoaskMinetteCarsonifshe’dgiveherareferenceforthescholarshipshewas
applyingfor.TheofficewasveryclosetopolicechiefGrier ’soffice,whomshealsoneededtosee.
Andshehadjustenoughmoneytogetthelocalcabcompanytotakeherhome.

MinettewassittingoutfrontatherdeskwhenMichellewalkedin.Shegrinnedandgotuptogreet

her.

“How’sschool?”sheasked.
“Goingverywell,”Michellesaid.“IwantedtoaskifIcouldputyoudownasareference.I’m

applyingforthatjournalismscholarshipwespokeaboutlastmonth,atMaristCollegeinSan
Antonio.”

“Ofcourseyoucan.”
“Thanks.I’mhopingIcankeepmygradesupsoI’llhaveashotatit.”
“You’lldofine,Michelle.Youhaveawaywithwords.”SheheldupahandwhenMichellelooked

asifshemightprotest.“Ineverlieaboutwriting.I’mbrutallyhonest.IfIthoughtyoudidn’thavethe
skill,I’dkeepmymouthshut.”

Michellelaughed.“Okay.Thanks,then.”
Minetteperchedontheedgeofherdesk.“Iwaswonderingifyoumightliketoworkpart-timefor

me.AfterschoolandSaturdaymorning.”

Michelle’sjawdropped.“Youmean,workhere?”sheexclaimed.“Oh,mygosh,I’dloveto!”Then

thejoydrainedoutofherface.“Ican’t,”shegroaned.“Idon’tdrive,andIdon’thavecabfarehome.I
mean,Idotoday,butIwentwithoutlunch....”Herfaceflamed.

“Carlielivesjustpastyou,”shesaidgently.“Sheworksuntilfive.Sodowe.Iknowshe’dletyou

ridewithher.SheworksSaturdaymornings,too.”

Thejoycamebackintoherfeatures.“I’llaskher!”
Minettechuckled.“Dothat.Andletmeknow.”
“Iwill,Ipromise.”
“YoucanstartMonday,ifyoulike.Doyouhaveacellphone?”Minetteasked.
Michellehesitatedandshookherheadwithloweredeyes.
“Don’tworryaboutit.We’llgetyouone.”
“Oh,but....”
“I’llhaveyouphoningaroundtownfornews.Juniorreporterstuff,”sheaddedwithagrin.“A

cell’sanabsolutenecessity.”

“Inthatcase,okay,butI’llpayyouback.”
“That’sadeal.”
“I’llgooverandtalktoCarlie.”
“Stopbackbyandletmeknow,okay?”
“Okay!”
Shedidn’tnormallyrush,butshewassoexcitedthatherfeetcarriedheracrossthestreetlike

wings.

Shewalkedintothepolicestation.CashGrierwasperchedonCarlie’sdesk,dictatingfromapaper

heheldinhishand.HestoppedwhenhesawMichelle.

“Sorry,”Michellesaid,coloring.Sheclutchedhertextbookstoherchestalmostasashield.“Ijust

neededtoaskCarliesomething.Icancomebacklater....”

“Nonsense,”Cashsaid,andgrinned.
Shemanagedashysmile.“Thanks.”Shehesitated.“Itoldalietomystepmother,”sheblurtedout.

“Ithinkyoushouldknow,becauseitinvolvedyou.”

Hisdarkeyebrowsarched.“Really?Didyouvolunteermefortheleadinamotionpictureor

something?BecauseIhavetotellyou,myaskingpriceisextremelyhigh....”

Shelaughedwithpuredelight.“No.ItoldherIgaveyoumyfather ’sstampcollectionfor

safekeeping.”Sheflushedagain.“Shewasgoingtosellit.She’dalreadythrownawayallhisstuff.He
andIworkedonthestampcollectiontogetheraslongasIcanremember.It’sallIhaveleftofhim.”
Sheswallowed.Hard.

Cashgotup.Hetoweredoverher.Hewasn’tlaughing.“YoubringitinhereandI’llputitinthe

safe,”hesaidgently.“Nobodywilltouchit.”

“Thanks.”Shewastryingnottocry.“That’ssokind...”
“Now,don’tcryoryou’llhavemeintears.Whatwouldpeoplethink?Imean,I’mabig,toughcop.

Ican’tbeseenstandingaroundsobbingallovertheplace.Crimewouldflourish!”

Thatamusedher.Shestoppedbitingherlipandactuallygrinned.
“That’sbetter.”Hisblackeyesnarrowedquizzically.“Yourstepmotherseemstohavesomeissues.I

gotanearfulfromyourministerthismorning.”

Shenoddedsadly.“ShewassodifferentwhenwelivedinSanAntonio.Imean,wewentshopping

together,wetookturnscooking.ThenwemoveddownhereandshegotmixedupwiththatBert
person.”Sheshivered.“Hegivesmecoldchills,butshe’scrazyabouthim.”

“BertSims?”Cashaskedinadeceptivelysofttone.
“That’shim.”
Cashdidn’tsayanythingelse.“Ifthingsgetroughoverthere,callme,willyou?Iknowyou’re

outsidethecitylimits,butIcangettoHayesCarsonprettyquickifIhaveto,andhehasjurisdiction.”

“Oh,it’snothinglikethat....”
“Isn’tit?”Cashasked.
Shefeltchilled.ItwasasifhewasabletoseeRobertathroughhereyes,andhesaweverything.
“Shedidapologize.Sortof.Forhittingme,Imean.”
“Hittingyou?”Cashstoodstraighter.“When?”
“ImessedupthesaleofDaddy’sstamps.Shewaswild-eyedandscreaming.Shejustslappedme,is

all.She’sbeenexcitablesincebeforeDaddydied,butnowshe’sjust...just...nuts.Shetalksaboutmoney
allthetime,likeshe’sdyingtogetherhandsonsome.Butshedoesn’tbuyclothesorcosmetics,she
doesn’tevendresswellanymore.”

“Doyouknowwhy?”
Sheshookherhead.Shedrewinabreath.“Shedoesn’tdrink,”shesaid.“Iknowthat’swhatyou’re

thinking.SheandDaddyusedtohavedrinkseverynight,andshehadaproblemforalittlewhile,but
shegotoverit.”

Cashjustnodded.“Youletmeknowifthingsgetworse.Okay?”
“Okay,Chief.Thanks,”sheadded.
Thephonerang.Carlieansweredit.“It’syourwife,”shesaidwithabiggrin.
Cash’sfacelitup.“Really?Wow.Abig-timemoviestarcallingmeuponthephone.I’mjustawed,

Iam.”Hegrinned.Everybodyknewhiswife,Tippy,hadbeenknownastheGeorgiaFireflywhen

she’dbeenasupermodeland,later,anactress.“I’lltakeitinmyoffice.Withthedoorclosed.”He
madeamockscowl.“Andnoeavesdropping.”

Carlieputherhandoverherheart.“Iswear.”
“Notinmyoffice,youdon’t,”heinformedher.“Swearingisamisdemeanor.”
Shestuckouthertongueathisdepartingback.
“Isawthat,”hesaidwithoutlookingbehindhim.Hewentintohisofficeandclosedthedoorontwo

gigglingwomen.

“He’satriptoworkfor,”Carlieenthused,hergreeneyessparklinginafaceframedbyshort,dark,

wavyhair.“IwasscaredtodeathofhimwhenIinterviewedforthejob.Atleast,untilheaccusedme
ofhidinghisbulletsandtellinghismenthathereadfashionmagazinesinthebathroom.”

Michellelaughed.
“He’sreallyfunny.HesayshekeepsfilesonaliensinthefilingcabinetandlocksitsoIwon’t

peek.”Thesmilemoderated.“Butifthere’sanemergency,he’sthetoughestguyI’veeverknown.I
wouldnevercrosshim,ifIwasacriminal.”

“TheysayhechasedaspeederallthewaytoSanAntonioonce.”
Shelaughed.“Thatwasn’tthechief.ThatwasKilraven,whoworkedhereundercover.”Sheleaned

forward.“Hereallybelongstoafederalagency.We’renotsupposedtomentionit.”

“Iwon’ttell,”Michellepromised.
“However,thechief—”shenoddedtowardhiscloseddoor“—gotonaplanetoanunnamed

foreigncountry,tossedarunawaycriminalintoabagandboatedhimtoMiami.Thecriminalwas
partofadrugcartel.Hekilledasmall-towndeputybecausehethoughtthemanwasaspy.Hewasn’t,
buthewasjustasdead.Thenthefedsgotinvolvedandthelittleweaselescapedintoacountrythat
didn’thaveanextraditiontreatywithus.However,oncehewasonAmericansoil,hewasimmediately
arrestedbyDadeCountydeputies.”Shegrinned.“Thechiefdeniedeverhavingseentheman,and
nobodycouldprovethatitwashimonthebeach.And,”sheaddeddarkly,“youneverheardthatfrom
me.Right?”

“Right!”
Carlielaughed.“SowhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Ineedaridehomefromwork.”
“I’vegotanotherhourtogo,but...”
“Nottoday,”Michellesaid.“StartingMonday.MinetteCarsonjustofferedmeapart-timejob,butI

don’thaveawaytogethome.AndshesaidIcouldworkpart-timeSaturday,butIcan’tdriveandI
don’thaveacar.”

“Youcanridewithme,andI’dwelcomethecompany,”Carliesaideasily.
“I’llchipinforthegas.”
“Thatwouldreallyhelp!HaveyouseenwhatIdrive?”Shegroaned.“Mydadhasthisthingabout

cars.Hethinksyouneedanoldtrucktokeepyoufromspeeding,soheboughtmeatwelve-year-old
tank.Atleast,itlookslikeatank.”Shefrowned.“Maybeitwasatankandhehaditremodeled.
Anyway,itbarelygetstwelvemilestoagallonanditwon’tgooverfifty.”Sheshookherhead.“He
drivesavintageFordCobra,”sheaddedwithascowl.“OneoftheneatestridesontheplanetandI’m
notallowedtotouchit,canyoubelievethat?”

Michellejustgrinned.Shedidn’tknowanythingaboutcars.Shedidrecallthewaytheministerhad

peeledoutofthedriveway,scatteringgravel.Thatcarhedrovehadonebigengine.

“Yourdadscaredmystepmother.”Michellelaughed.“Shewasn’tlettingmegotochurch.Yourdad

saidIcouldridewithyou.”Shestoppedandflushed.“IreallyfeellikeI’mimposing.IwishIcould

drive.IwishIhadacar....”

“It’sreallynotimposing,”Carliesaidsoftly,smiling.“AsIsaid,I’dlikethecompany.Igodown

lotsofbackroadsgettingherefromComancheWells.I’mnotspookyoranything,butthisguydid
trytokillmyDadwithaknife.”Sheloweredhereyes.“Igotintheway.”

Michellefeltguiltythatshehadn’tremembered.“I’lllearnkarate,”shepromised.“Wecangotoa

classtogetherorsomething,andifanybodyattacksuswecanfightback!”

“Badidea,”Cashsaid,rejoiningthem.“Afewweeksofmartialartswon’tmakeyouanexpert.

Evenanexpert,”headdedsolemnly,“knowsbetterthantofightifhecangetawayfromanarmed
man.”

“Thatisn’twhattheadssay,”Carliemused,grinning.
“Yes,Iknow,”Cashreplied.“Takeitfromme,disarmingsomeonewithagunisdifficultevenfor

ablackbelt.”Heleanedforward.“WhichIam.”

Carliestoodup,boweddeeplyfromthewaist,andsaid,“Sensei!”Cashlostit.Heroaredwith

laughter.

“Youcouldteachus,”Michellesuggested.“Couldn’tyou?”
Cashjustsmiled.“Isupposeitwouldn’thurt.Justafewbasicsforanemergency.Butifyouhavean

armedopponent,yourun,”hesaidfirmly.“Orifyou’recornered,scream,makeafuss.Never,”he
emphasized,“getintoacarwithanyonewhothreatenstokillyouifyoudon’t.Oncehe’sgotyouina
car,awayfromhelp,you’redead,anyway.”

Michellefeltchillsrundownherspine.“Okay.”
Carlielookeduncomfortable.Sheknewfirsthandaboutanarmedattacker.Unconsciously,she

rubbedtheshoulderwheretheknifehadgonein.She’dtriedtoprotectherfather.Herassailanthad
beenarrested,buthaddiedsoonafterward.Sheneverknewwhyherfatherhadbeenthetargetofan
attackbyamadman.

“Deepthoughts?”Michelleaskedher.
Shesnappedback.“Sorry.Iwasrememberingtheguywhoattackedmyfather.”Shefrowned.

“Whatsortofpersonattacksaminister,forgoodness’sake!”

“Comeondowntofederallockupwithme,andI’llshowyouabaker ’sdozenwhohave,”Cashtold

her.“Religiousargumentsquiteoftenleadtomurder,eveninfamilies.That’swhy,”headded,“we
don’tdiscusspoliticsorreligionintheoffice.”Hefrowned.“Well,ifsomeonediedinhere,we’d
probablysayaprayer.Andifthepresidentcametoseeme,andwhywouldn’the,we’dprobably
discusshisforeignpolicy.”

“Whywouldthepresidentcometoseeyou?”Michelleaskedinnocently.
Cashpursedhislips.“Foradvice,ofcourse.Ihavesomegreatideasaboutforeignpolicy.”
“Forinstance?”Carliemused.
“IthinkweshoulddeclarewaronTahiti.”
Theybothstaredathim.
“Well,ifwedo,wecansendtroops,right?”hecontinued.“Andwhatsoldierinhisrightmind

wouldn’twanttogoandfightinTahiti?Lushtropicalflowers,fire-dancing,beautifulwomen,the
ocean...”

“Tahitidoesn’thaveastandingarmy,Idon’tthink,”Michelleventured.
“Allthebetter.Wecanjustoccupyitforlikethreeweeks,letthemsurrender,andthengivethem

foreignaid.”Heglowered.“Nowyou’vedoneit.You’llrepeatthateverywhereandthepresidentwill
hearaboutitandhe’llneverhavetocomeandhearmeexplainit.You’veblownmychancesforan
invitationtotheWhiteHouse,”hegroaned.“AndIdidsowanttospendanightintheLincoln

bedroom!”

“Listen,breakoutthosefilesonaliensthatyoukeepinyourfilingcabinetandtellthepresident

you’vegotthem!”Carliesuggested,whileMichellegiggled.“He’llcomerightdownheretohavea
lookatthem!”

“Theywon’tlethim,”Cashsighed.“Hissecurityclearanceisn’thighenough.”
“What?”Carlieexclaimed.
“Well,he’sonlyintheofficeforfouryears,eighttops.Sotheguysinchargeoftheletteragencies

—thereallysecretiveones—allegedlykeepsomesecretstothemselves.Particularlythosedealing
withaliens.”Hechuckled.

Thegirls,whodidn’tknowwhethertobelievehimornot,justlaughedalongwithhim.

***

MichellestoppedbackbyMinette’sofficetotellherthegoodnews,andtothankheragainforthejob.

“Youknow,”shesaid,“ChiefGrierisreallynice.”
“Nicewhenhelikesyou,”Minettesaiddrily.“Thereareafewcriminalsinmaximum-security

prisonswhomightdisagree.”

“Nodoubtthere.”
“So,willMondaysuityou,tostarttowork?”Minetteasked.
“I’dreallylovetostartyesterday.”Michellelaughed.“I’msoexcited!”
Minettegrinned.“Mondaywillcomesoonenough.We’llseeyouthen.”
“Canyouwritemeanote?JustincaseIneedone?”ShewasthinkingofhowtobreakittoRoberta.

Thatwasgoingtobetricky.

“Noproblem.”Minettewenttoherdesk,typedoutanexplanationofMichelle’snewposition,and

signedit.Shehandedittotheyoungerwoman.“Thereyougo.”

“Dresscode?”Michelleasked,glancingaroundthebigopenroomwhereseveralpeoplewere

sittingatdesks,toaglass-walledroombeyondwhichbigsheetsofpaperrestedonalongsectionlike
achalkboard.

“Justbeneat,”Minettesaideasily.“ImostlykickaroundinjeansandT-shirts,althoughIdress

whenIgotopoliticalmeetingsortointerviewswithstateorfederalpoliticians.You’llneedtolearn
howtouseacamera,aswell.Wehavedigitalones.They’reveryuser-friendly.”

“Thisisveryexciting,”Michellesaid,hergrayeyesglimmeringwithdelight.
Minettelaughed.“Itistome,too,andI’vedonethissinceIwasyoungerthanyouare.Igrewup

runningaroundthisoffice.”Shelookedaroundwithpureloveinhereyes.“It’shome.”

“I’mreallylookingforwardtoit.WillIjustbereportingnews?”
“No.Well,notimmediately,atleast.You’lllearneveryaspectofthebusiness,fromsellingadsto

typingcopytocomposition.Evensubscriptions.”Sheleanedforward.“You’lllearnthatsome
subscribersprobablyusedtobedoctors,becausethehandwritinglooksmorelikeSanskritthan
English.”

Michellechuckled.“I’llcope.Mydadhadtheworsthandwritingintheworld.”
“Andhewasadoctor,”Minetteagreed,smiling.
Thesmilefaded.“Hewasaverygooddoctor,”shesaid,tryingnottochokeup.“Sorry,”shesaid,

wipingawayatear.“It’sstillhard.”

“Ittakestime,”Minettesaidwithgenuinesympathy.“Ilostmymother,mystepfather,my

stepmother—Ilovedthemall.You’lladjust,butyouhavetogetthroughthegriefprocessfirst.Tears

arehealing.”

“Thanks.”
“Ifyouneedtotalk,I’mhere.Anytime.Nightorday.”
Michellewipedawaymoretears.“That’sreallyniceofyou.”
“Iknowhowitfeels.”
Thephonerangandoneoftheemployeescalledout.“Foryou,boss.Themayorreturningyour

call.”

Minettegrimaced.“Ihavetotakeit.I’mworkingonastoryaboutthenewwatersystem.It’sgoing

tobesuper.”

“I’llseeyouafterschoolMonday,then.Andthanksagain.”
“Mypleasure.”

***

Michellewenthomewithdreamsofjournalismdancinginherhead.She’dneverbeensohappy.
Thingswerereallylookingup.

ShenotedthatRoberta’scarwasinthedrivewayandshementallybracedherselfforafight.Itwas

suppertimeandshehadn’tbeentheretocook.Shewasgoingtobeinbigtrouble.

Sureenough,theminuteshewalkedinthedoor,Robertathrewherhandsupandglaredather.“I’m

notcooking,”shesaidfuriously.“That’syourjob.Wherethehellhaveyoubeen?”

Michelleswallowed.“Iwasin...intown.”
“Doingwhat?”camethetartquery.
Sheshifted.“Gettingajob.”
“Ajob?”Shefrowned,andhereyesdidn’tseemtoquitefocus.“Well,I’mnotdrivingyoutowork,

evenifsomebodywascrazyenoughtohireyou!”

“Ihavearide,”shereplied.
“Ajob,”shescoffed.“Asifyou’reeveraroundtodochoresasitis.You’regoingtogetajob?

Who’sgoingtodothelaundryandthehousecleaningandthecooking?”

Michellebithertongue,tryingnottosaywhatshewasthinking.“Ihavetohavemoneyforlunch,”

shesaid,thinkingfast.

Robertablinked,thensherememberedthatshe’dsaidMichellewasn’tgettinganymorelunch

money.Sheavertedhereyes.

“Besides,Ihavetosaveforcollege.I’llstartinthefallsemester.”
“Jobs.College.”Robertalookedabsolutelyfurious.“AndyouthinkI’mgoingtostaydownherein

thishicktownwhileyousashayofftocollegeinsomebigcity,doyou?”

“Igraduateinjustoverthreemonths...”
“I’mputtingthehouseonthemarket,”Robertashotback.Sheheldupahand.“Don’tevenbother

arguing.I’mlistingthehousewithaSanAntoniobroker,notonefromhere.”ShegaveMichellea
dirtylook.“They’reallonyourside,tryingtokeepthepropertyoffthemarket.Itwon’twork.Ineed
money!”

Forjustoneinstant,Michellethoughtaboutlettingherhavethestamps.Thenshedecideditwas

uselesstodothat.Robertawouldspendthemoneyandstilltrytosellthehouse.Shecomforted
herselfwithwhatthelocalRealtorhadtoldher—thatitwouldtaketimeforthewilltogetthrough
probate.Iftherewasaguardianangel,perhapsherswoulddragoutthetimerequiredforallthat.And
eventhen,therewasachancethehousewouldn’tsell.

“Idon’timaginealotofpeoplewanttomovetoatownthissmall,”Michellesaidoutloud.
“Somebodylocalmightbuyit.Oneofthoseranchers.”Shemadeitsoundlikeadirtyword.
ThatmadeMichellefeelbetter.Ifsomeonefromhereboughtthehouse,theymightconsider

rentingittoher.Sinceshehadajob,thankstoMinette,shecouldprobablyaffordreasonablerent.

Robertawipedherface.Shewassweating.
Michellefrowned.“Areyouallright?”
“OfcourseI’mallright,I’mjusthungry!”
“I’llmakesupper.”Shewenttoherroomtoputherbooksawayandstoppedshort.Theplacewas

inshambles.Drawershadbeenemptied,theclothesfromtheshelvesintheclosetweretossed
haphazardlyalloverthefloor.Michelle’sheartjumped,butshenoƒticedwithoutlookingtoohard
thatthebaseboardsintheclosetwerestillwheretheyshouldbe.Shelookedaroundbutnottoo
closely.Afterall,she’dtoldRobertathatChiefGrierhadherfather ’sstampcollection.Ithadn’t
stoppedRobertafromsearchingtheroom.Butitwasobviousthatshehadn’tfoundanything.

Shewentbackoutintothehall,whereherstepmotherwasstandingwithfoldedarms,a

disappointedlookonherface.She’dexpectedthatthegirlwouldgoimmediatelytowhereshe’d
hiddenthestamps.Thefactthatshedidn’tevensearchmeanttheyweren’there.Damntheluck,she
reallyhadtakenthemtothepolicechief.AndevenRobertawasn’tbrashenoughtowalkuptoCash
Grieranddemandthestampcollectionback,althoughshewasprobablywithinherlegalrightstodo
so.

“Don’ttellme,”Michellesaid,staringather.“Squirrels?”
Robertawasdisconcerted.Withoutmeaningto,sheburstoutlaughingatthegirl’saudacity.She

turnedaway,shakingherhead.“Allright,Ijustwantedtomakesurethestampcollectionwasn’tstill
here.Iguessyouweretellingthetruthallalong.”

“Roberta,ifyouneedmoneysomuch,whydon’tyougetajob?”
“Ihadajob,ifyourecall,”shereplied.“Iworkedinretail.”
Thatwastrue.RobertahadworkedatthecosmeticscounterinoneofSanAntonio’smost

prestigiousdepartmentstores.

“ButI’mnotgoingbacktothat,”Robertascoffed.“OnceIsellthisdumpofahouse,I’llbeableto

gotoNewYorkorLosAngelesandfindamanwhoreallyisrich,insteadofonewho’sjust
pretendingtobe,”sheaddedsarcastically.

“Gosh.PoorBert,”Michellesaid.“Doesheknow?”
Roberta’seyesflashedangrily.“Ifyousayawordtohim...!”
Michelleheldupbothhands.“Notmybusiness.”
“Exactly!”Robertasnapped.“Now,howaboutfixingsupper?”
“Sure,”Michelleagreed.“AssoonasIcleanupmyroom,”sheaddedinablandtone.
Herstepmotheractuallyflushed.Shetookaquickbreath.Shewasshivering.“Ineed...more...”she

mumbledtoherself.Shewentbackintoherownroomandslammedthedoor.

***

Theyatetogether,butMichelledidn’ttastemuchofhersupper.Robertareadafashionmagazine
whileshespoonedfoodintohermouth.

“Whereareyougettingajob?Who’sgoingtoevenhireakidlikeyou?”sheaskedsuddenly.
“MinetteCarson.”
Themagazinestilledinherhands.“You’regoingtoworkforanewspaper?”

“Ofcourse.Iwanttostudyjournalismincollege.”
Robertalookedthreatened.“Well,Idon’twantyouworkingfornewspapers.Findsomethingelse.”
“Iwon’t,”Michellesaidfirmly.“ThisiswhatIwanttodoforaliving.Ihavetostartsomewhere.

AndIhavetosaveforcollege.Unlessyou’dliketovolunteertopaymytuition....”

“Ha!Fatchance!”Robertascoffed.
“That’swhatIthought.I’mgoingtoapubliccollege,butIstillhavetopayforbooksandtuition.”
“Newspapers.Filthyrags.”Hervoicesoundedslurred.Shewaspickingatherfood.Herforkwas

movinginslowmotion.Andshewasstillsweating.

“Theydoagreatdealofgood,”Michelleargued.“They’retheeyesandearsofthepublic.”
“Nosypeoplestickingtheirheadsintothingsthatdon’tconcernthem!”
Michellelookeddownatherplate.Shedidn’tmentionthatpeoplewithoutthingstohideshouldn’t

haveaproblemwiththat.

Robertatookherpapertowelandmoppedhersweatyface.Sheseemeddisorientedandshewas

flushed,aswell.

“Youshouldseeadoctor,”Michellesaidquietly.“There’sthatflustillgoingaround.”
“I’mnotsick,”theolderwomansaidsharply.“Andmyhealthisnoneofyourbusiness!”
Michellegrimaced.Shesippedmilkinsteadofanswering.
“It’stoohotinhere.Youdon’thavetokeepthethermostatsohigh!”
“It’sseventydegrees,”Michellesaid,surprised.“Ican’tkeepithigherorwecouldn’taffordthegas

bill.”ShepaidthebillswithmoneythatwasgrudginglysuppliedbyRobertafromthejointbank
accountshe’dhadwithMichelle’sfather.Robertahadn’tliftedafingertopayabillsinceAlanhad
died.

“Well,it’sstillhot!”cametheagitatedreply.Shegotupfromthetable.“I’mgoingoutside.Ican’t

breatheinhere.”

Michellewatchedhergowithopencuriosity.Odd.Robertaseemedoutofbreathandflushedmore

andmorelately.Shehadepisodesofshakingthatseemedveryunusual.Sheacteddrunksometimes,
butMichelleknewshewasn’tdrinking.Therewasnoliquorinthehouse.Itprobablywastheflu.She
couldn’tunderstandwhyapersonwhowasobviouslysickwouldn’tjustgotothedoctorinthefirst—

Therewasaloudthudfromthegeneraldirectionofthefrontporch.

Four

M

ichellegotupfromherchairandwentoutontotheporch.ItsoundedasifRobertahadflunga

chairagainstthewall,maybeinanotheroutburstoftemper.

Sheopenedthedoorandstopped.Robertawaslyingthere,onherbackontheporch,gaspingfor

breath,hereyeswide,herfacehorrified.

“It’sallright,I’llcall911!”Sheranforthephoneandtookitoutsidewithherwhileshepushedin

theemergencyservicesnumber.

Robertawasgrimacing.“Thepain!”shegroaned.“Hurts...so...bad!Michelle...!”
Robertaheldoutherhand.Michelletookit,heldit,squeezeditcomfortingly.
“JacobsCounty911Center,”cameagentlevoiceontheline.“Isthisanemergency?”
“Yes.ThisisMichelleGodfrey.Mystepmotheriscomplainingofchestpain.She’sshortofbreath

andbarelyconscious.”

“We’llgetsomeonerightoutthere.Stayontheline.”
“Yes,ofcourse.”
“Helpme,”Robertasobbed.
Michelle’shandclosedtighteraroundherstepmother ’s.“TheEMTsareontheway,”shesaid

gently.“Itwillbeallright.”

“Bert,”Robertachoked.“DamnBert!It’s...his...fault!”
“Pleasedon’ttrytogetup,”Michellesaid,holdingtheolderwomandown.“Liestill.”
“I’ll...killhim,”Robertachoked.“I’llkillhim...!”
“Roberta,liestill,”Michellesaidfirmly.
“Oh,God,ithurts!”Robertasobbed.“Mychest....mychest...!”
Sirenswerebecomingnoticeableinthedistance.
“They’realmostthere,dear,”theoperatorsaidgently.“Justafewmoreminutes.”
“Yes,Ihearthem,”Michellesaid.“Shesaysherchesthurts.”
Therewasmuffledconversationinthebackground,onthephone.
Aroundthecurve,theambulanceshottowardherleavingawashofdustbehindit.Roberta’sgrip

onMichelle’shandwaspainful.

Theolderwomanwaswhiteasasheet.ThehandMichellewasholdingwascoldandclammy.

“I’m...sorry,”Robertabitoff.Tearswelledinhereyes.“Hesaiditwasn’t...pure!Heswore...!Itwas
too...much...”Shegaspedforbreath.“Don’tletBert...getaway...withit...”Hereyesclosed.She
shivered.ThehandholdingMichelle’swentslack.

Theambulancewasinthedrivewaynow,andamanandawomanjumpedoutofitandrantoward

theporch.

“Shesaidherchesthurt.”Michellefalteredasshegotoutoftheway.“Andshecouldn’tbreathe.”

Tearsweresaltyinhereyes.

Robertahadneverbeenreallykindtoher,exceptatthebeginningofherrelationshipwith

Michelle’sfather.Butthewomanwasinsuchpain.Ithurthertoseeanyonelikethat,evenamean
person.

“Isshegoingtobeallright?”Michelleasked.
Theyignoredher.TheyweredoingCPR.Sherecognizedit,becauseoneoftheRedCrosspeople

hadcometoherschoolanddemonstratedit.InbetweencompressionsoneEMTrantothetruckand
camebackwithpaddles.TheysetthemachineupandtriedtorestartRoberta’sheart.Once.Twice.
Threetimes.Inbetweentherewerecompressionsofthechestandhurriedcommunicationsbetween
theEMTsandadoctoratthehospital.

Afterafewminutes,oneEMTlookedattheotherandshookhishead.Theystoodup.Theman

turnedtoMichelle.“I’mverysorry.”

“Sorry.Sorry?”Shelookeddownatthepale,motionlesswomanonthedustyfrontporchwitha

blankexpression.“Youmean,she’s...?”

Theynodded.“We’llcallthecoronerandhavehimcomeout,andwe’llnotifythesheriff’s

department,sinceyou’reoutsidethecitylimits.Wecan’tmoveheruntilhe’sfinished.Doyouwantto
callthefuneralhomeandmakearrangements?”

“Yes,uh,yes.”Shepushedherhairback.Shecouldn’tbelievethis.Robertawasdead?Howcould

shebedead?Shejuststoodthere,numb,whiletheEMTsloadeduptheirequipmentandwentbackout
tothetruck.

“Istheresomeonewhocanstaywithyouuntilthecoronergetshere?”thefemaleEMTasked

softly,staringworriedlyatMichelle.

Shestaredbackatthewoman,devoidofthought.Robertawasdead.She’dwatchedherdie.Shewas

inshock.

Justastherealityofthesituationreallystartedtohither,apickuptruckpulledupintothedriveway,

pasttheEMTvehicle,andstopped.Atall,good-lookingmangotoutofit,pausedtospeaktothemale
EMTandthencamerightuptotheporch.

Withoutaword,hepulledMichelleintohisarmsandheldher,rockedher.Sheburstintotears.
“I’lltakecareofher,”hetoldthefemaleEMTwithasmile.
“Thanks,”shesaid.“She’llneedtomakearrangements....”
“I’llhandleit.”
“We’venotifiedtheauthorities,”theEMTadded.“Thesheriff’sdepartmentandthecoronershould

arriveshortly.”TheEMTsleft,theambulancesilentandgrimnow,insteadofalivewithlightand
sound,aswhenithadarrived.

MichelledrankinthescentthatclungtoGabriel,thesmellsofsoapandspicycologne,theleather

smellofhisjacket.Beneaththat,themasculineodorofhisskin.Shepressedcloseintohisarmsand
letthetearsfall.

***

ZackTallmanarrivedjustbehindthecoroner.Michellenotedtheactivityonthefrontporch,butshe
didn’twanttoseeRoberta’sbodyagain.Shedidn’tgooutside.

SheheardGabrielandthelawmanandthecoronerdiscussingthings,andtherewasthewhirring

soundacameramade.SheimaginedthattheywerephotographingRoberta.Sheshivered.Itwasso
sudden.They’djusthadsupperandRobertawentoutsidebecauseshewashot.AndthenRobertawas
dead.Itdidn’tseemreal,somehow.

Afewminuteslater,sheheardthecoroner ’svandriveaway.GabrielandZackTallmancamein

together.Zackwashandsome,tall,leanandgood-looking.HiseyeswerealmostasdarkasGabriel’s,
buthelookedolderthanGabrieldid.

“Thecoronerthinksitwasaheartattack,”Zackwassaying.“They’llhavetodoanautopsy,

however.It’srequiredincasesofsuddendeath.”

***

“HayestoldmethatYancyDeanwentbacktoFlorida,”Gabrielsaid.“Hewastheonlyinvestigator
youhad,wasn’the?”

“Hewas,”Zacksaid,“sowhenheresigned,IbeggedHayesonmykneesfortheinvestigator ’s

position.It’sapeachofajob.”

“Paysaboutthesameasaseniordeputy,”Gabrielmused,tongueincheek.
“Yes,butIgettogotoseminarsandtalktoforensicanthropologistsandentomologistsanddo

hard-coreinvestigativework,”headded.Hechuckled.“I’vebeenafterYancy’sjobforever.Notthat
hewasbadatit—hewasgreat.ButhisparentsneededhiminFloridaandhewasofferedhisoldjob
backwithDadeCountySO,”headded,referringtothesheriff’soffice.

“Well,itworkedoutforbothofyou,then,”Gabrielsaid.
“Yes.”HesoberedasMichellecameintothelivingroomfromthekitchen.“Michelle,I’msorry

aboutyourstepmother.Iknowitmustbehard,comingsocloseontheheelsofyourfatherpassing.”

“Thanks,Mr.Tallman,”sherepliedgently.“Yes,itis.”Sheshookherhead.“Istillhavetotalkto

thefuneraldirector.”

“I’lltakecareofthatforyou,”Gabrieltoldher.
“Thanks,”sheadded.
“Michelle,canyoutellmehowithappened?”Zackaskedher.
“Ofcourse.”Shewentthroughtheafternoon,endingwithRobertafeelingtoohotandgoingouton

theporchtocooloff.

HestoppedherwhenshementionedwhatRobertahadsaidaboutBertandhadherrepeatRoberta’s

lastwords.Hefrowned.“I’dliketoseeherroom.”

Michelleledtheway.Theroomwasamess.Robertaneverpickedanythingup,andMichellehadn’t

hadtimetodoanycleaning.Shewasembarrassedatthewayitlooked.ButZackwasn’tinterestedin
theclutter.Hestartedgoingthroughdrawersuntilheopenedtheoneinthebedsidetable.

Hepulledouthisdigitalcameraandshotseveralphotosofthedraweranditscontentsbeforehe

putonapairofgloves,reachedintoitandpulledoutanoblongcase.Hedustedthecasefor
fingerprintsbeforeheopeneditonthetableandphotographedthat,too,alongwithasmallvialof
whitepowder.HeturnedtoGabrielwhoexchangedalonglookwithhim.

“Thatexplainsalot,”Zacksaid.“I’lltakethisuptothecrimelabinSanAntonioandhavethemrun

itforus,butI’mprettysurewhatitisandwhereshegotit.”

“Whatisit?”Michelleasked,curious.
“Somethingevil,”Zacksaid.
Michellewasn’tdense.“Drugs,”shesaidicily.“It’sdrugs,isn’tit?”
“Hardnarcotics,”Zackagreed.
“That’swhyshewassocrazyallthetime,”Michellesaidheavily.“Shedranktoexcesswhenwe

livedinSanAntonio.Dadgotherintotreatmentandmadeherquit.Iwassureshewasokay,because
wedidn’thaveanyliquorhere.Butshehadtheseawfulmoodswings,andsometimesshehitme...”
Shebitherlip.

“Well,peopleundertheinfluencearen’teasytolivewith,”Zackrepliedheavily.“Notatall.”

***

ZacksatdownwithMichelleandGabrielatthekitchentableandquestionedMichellefurtherabout

Roberta’srecentroutine,includingtripstoseeBertSimsinSanAntonio.Roberta’slastwordswere
telling.HewroteitalldownandgaveMichelleaformtofilloutwithallthepertinentinformation
aboutthepastfewhours.Whenshefinished,hetookitwithhim.

Therewasnorealcrimescene,sinceRobertadiedofwhatwasbasicallyaheartattackbroughton

byadrugoverdose.Thecoroner ’sassistanttookphotosonthefrontporch,addingtoZack’s,sothere
wasarecordofwhereRobertadied.Butthehousewasn’tsearched,beyondZack’sthorough
documentationofRoberta’sroom.

“BertSimsmaytrytocomearoundtoseeifRobertahadanythingleft,toremoveevidence,”Zack

saidsolemnlytoMichelle.“Itisn’tsafeforyoutobeherealone.”

“I’vegotthatcovered,”Gabrielsaidwithasmile.“Nobody’sgoingtotouchher.”
Zacksmiled.“Ialreadyhadthatfiguredout,”hemused,andGabrielclearedhisthroat.
“Ihaveachaperoneinmind,”Gabrielreplied.“Justsoyouknow.”
Zackpattedhimontheback.“Ifiguredthatoutalready,too.”HenoddedtowardMichelle.“Sorry

again.”

“Me,too,”Michellesaidsadly.

***

MichellemadecoffeewhileGabrielspoketohissister,Sara,onthephone.Shecouldn’tunderstand
whathewassaying.HewasspeakingFrench.Sherecognizedit,butitwasalotmorecomplicated
than,“Mybrotherhasabrownsuit,”whichwasaboutherlevelofskillinthelanguage.

Hisvoicewaslow,andurgent.Hespokeagain,listened,andthenspokeoncemore.“C’estbien,”

heconcluded,andhungup.

“ThatwasFrench,”Michellesaid.
“Yes.”Hesatdownatthetableandtoyedwiththethickwhitemugshe’dputinfrontofhim.There

wasgoodchina,too—RobertahadinsistedonitwhensheandAlanfirstmarried.Butthemugseemed
muchmoreGabriel’sstylethanfancychina.She’dputamugatherplace,aswell.Shehadtohave
coffeeinthemorningorshecouldn’tevengettoschool.

“Thismorningeverythingseemedmuchlesscomplicated,”shesaidaftershe’dpouredcoffee.He

refusedcreamandsugar,andshesmiled.Shedidn’ttakethem,either.

“Youthinkyou’regoinginastraightline,andlifeputsacurveintheway,”heagreedwithafaint

smile.“Iknowyoudidn’tgetalongwithher.Butshewaspartofyourfamily.Itmuststingabit.”

“Itdoes,”sheagreed,surprisedathisperception.“ShewasnicetomewhensheandDaddywere

dating,”sheadded.“Taughtmehowtocooknewthings,wentshoppingwithme,taughtmeabout
makeupandstuff.”Shegrimaced.“NotthatIeverwearit.Ihatethewaypowderfeelsonmyface,and
Idon’tlikegunkingupmyeyesandmouthwithpastycosmetics.”Shelookedathimandsawanodd
expressiononhisface.“Thatmustsoundstrange....”

Helaughedandsippedcoffeebeforehespoke.“Actually,Iwasthinkinghowsaneitsounded.”He

quietlystudiedherforacoupleofmoments.“Youdon’tneedmakeup.You’requiteprettyenough
withoutit.”

Shegapedathim.
“Michelle,mabelle,”hesaidinanodd,soft,deeptone,andhesmiled.
Shewentscarlet.Sheknewherheartwasshakinghertodeath,thathecouldseeit,andshedidn’t

care.Hewassimplythemostgorgeousmanshe’deverseen,andhethoughtshewaspretty.Astupid
smileturnedherlipsup,elongatingtheperfectbowshapetheymade.

“Sorry,”hesaidgently.“Iwasthinkingoutloud,nothittingonyou.Thisishardlythetime.”
“Wouldyouliketoscheduleatime?”sheaskedwithwide,curiouseyes.“Becausemyeducationin

thatdepartmentisreallysad.Thisoneboytriedtokissmeandmissedandalmostbrokemynose.
Afterthat,Ididn’tgetanotherdateuntilthejuniorprom.”Sheleanedforward.“Hewasgayandso
sweetandshyaboutit...well,heaskedmeandtoldmethereasonveryhonestly.AndIsaidI’dgowith
himtotheprombecauseofthewaymyotherdatehadended.Imean,hewasn’tlikelytotrytokissme
andbreakmynoseandall...Whyareyoulaughing?”

“Marshmallow,”heaccused,andhissmilewasfullofaffectionateamusement.
“Well,yes,IguessIam.Buthe’ssuchaniceboy.Severalofusknowabouthim,buttherearethese

twoguysonthefootballsquadthathe’safraidof.They’realwaysmakingnastyremarkstohim.He
thoughtifhewentwithagirltoadance,theymightbackoff.”

“Didthey?”heasked,curious.
“Yes,butnotbecausehewentwithme,”shesaid.Shegloweredatthememory.“Oneofthemmade

anastyremarktohimwhenweweredancing,nexttotherefreshmenttable,andIfilledabigglass
withpunchandthrewitinhisface.”Shegrinned.“Igotinbigtroubleuntilthegymcoachwastold
whyIdidit.Hisbrother ’sgay.”Thegringotbigger.“HesaidnexttimeIshouldusethewhole
pitcher.”

Heburstoutlaughing.“Well,yourattitudetowardmodernissuesis...unique.Thisisaverysmall

town,”heexplainedwhenhereyebrowswentup.

“Oh,Isee.Youthinkwetreatanybodydifferentlikeafungus.”Shenodded.
“Notexactly.Butwehearthingsaboutsmalltowns,”hebegan.
“Nobigotshere.Well,exceptforChiefGrier.”
Heblinked.“Yourpolicechiefisabigot?”
Shenodded.“Heisseverelyprejudicedagainstpeoplefromotherplanets.Youshouldjusthearhim

talkabouthowaliensaregoingtoinvadeusonedaytogettheirhandsonourcows.Hethinksthey
haveamilkaddiction,andthat’swhyyouhearaboutcattlemutilations...You’relaughingagain.”

Hewipedhiseyes.Shecouldn’tknowthatherarelylaughed.Hislifehadbeenaseriesoftragedies.

Humorhadneverbeenpartofit.Shemadehimfeellightinside,almosthappy.

“Icanseethechief’spoint,”hemanaged.
“Cowbigot,”sheaccused,andhealmostfellonthefloor.
Shewrappedhercoldhandsaroundhermug.“IguessIshouldn’tbecrackingjokes,withRoberta

dead...”Hereyesburnedwithtears.“Istillcan’tbelieveit.Roberta’sgone.She’sgone.”Shedrewina
breathandsippedcoffee.“We’vedonenothingbutarguesinceDaddydied.Butshewantedmetohold
herhandandshewasscared.Shesaidshewassorry.”Shelookedathim.“ShesaiditwasBert’sfault.
Doyouthinkshewasdelirious?”

“Notreally,”herepliedquietly.
“Why?”
“Thatcanwaitabit.”Hegrewsomber.“Youdon’thaveanyotherfamily?”
Sheshookherhead.Shelookedaround.“ButsurelyIcanstayherebymyself?Imean,I’meighteen

now...”

Hefrowned.“Ithoughtyouwereseventeen.”
Shehesitated.Hereyeswenttothecalendarandshegrimaced.“Ijustturnedeighteen.Todayismy

birthday,”shesaid.Shehadn’tevenrealizedit,she’dbeensobusy.Tearsrandownhercheeks.“What
anawfulonethisis.”

Hecaughtherhandinhisandheldittight.“Nocousins?”

Sheshookherhead.“Ihavenobody.”
“Notquitetrue.Youhaveme,”hesaidfirmly.“AndSara’sonherwaydownhere.”
“Sara.Yoursister?”
Henodded.
“She’llstaywithme?”sheasked.
Hesmiled.“Notexactly.“You’llstaywithus,inmyhouse.Iwon’triskyourreputationbyhaving

youmoveinwithjustme.”

“But...we’restrangers,”shepointedout.
“No,we’renot,”hesaid,andhesmiled.“Itoldyouaboutmystepfather.That’samemoryI’ve

neversharedwithanyone.Andyouwon’tmentionittoSara,right?”

“Ofcoursenot.”Shesearchedhisblackeyes.“Whywouldyoudothisforme?”
“Whoelseisthere?”heasked.
Shesearchedhermindforalogicalanswerandcouldn’tfindone.Shehadnobody.Herbestfriend,

Amy,hadmovedtoNewYorkCitywithherparentsduringthesummer.Theycorresponded,andthey
werestillfriends,butMichelledidn’twanttoliveinNewYork,evenifAmy’sparents,withtheirfive
children,weretoofferherahome.

“Ifyou’rethinkingofthelocalorphanage,”hesaid,tongueincheek,“theydrawthelineatcow

partisans.”

Shemanagedalaugh.“Oh.Okay.”
“Youcanstaywithusuntilyougraduateandstartcollege.”
“Ican’tgetinuntilfallsemester,eveniftheyacceptme,”shebegan.
“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”
“MaristCollegeinSanAntonio.There’sanexcellentjournalismprogram.”
Hepulledouthiscellphone,punchedafewbuttonsandmadeaphonecall.Michellelistenedwith

starkshock.Hewasnodding,laughing,talking.Thenhethankedthemanandhungup.

“Youcalledthegovernor,”shesaid,dumbfounded.
“Yes.Wewereinthesamefraternityincollege.He’sontheboardoftrusteesatMarist.You’re

officiallyaccepted.They’llsendalettersoon.”

“Buttheydon’thavemygrades...!”
“Theywillhave,bythetimeyougo.What’sontheagendaforsummer?”hecontinued.
“I...Well,Ihaveajob.MinetteCarsonhiredmefortherestoftheschoolyear,afterschoolandon

Saturdays.AndI’msureshe’llletmeworkthissummer,soIcansaveforcollege.”

“Youwon’tneedtodothat.”
“What?”
Heshrugged.“Idriveatruckherebecauseithelpsmefitin.ButIhaveanapartmentinSanAntonio

withagarage.Inthegarage,there’sabrand-newJaguarXKE.”Heraisedaneyebrow.“Doesthatgive
youahintaboutmyfinances?”

ShehadnoideawhatanXKEwas,butsheknewwhataJaguarwas.She’dpricedthemonce,just

forfun.Ifitwasnew...gosh,peoplecouldbuyhousesaroundhereforless,shethought,butshedidn’t
sayit.

“But,I’mastranger,”shepersisted.
“Notforlong.I’mgoingtopetitionthecourttobecomeyourtemporarylegalguardian.Sarawill

gowithustocourt.Youcanwearadressandlookhelplessandtragicandindesperateneedof
assistance.”Hepursedhislips.“Iknow,itwillbeastretch,butyoucanmanageit.”

Shelaughedhelplessly.

“Thenwe’llgetyouthroughschool.”
“I’llfindawaytopayyouback,”shepromised.
Hesmiled.“Noneedforthat.Justdon’teverwriteaboutme,”headded.Itsoundedfacetious,buthe

didn’tsmilewhenhesaidit.

“I’dhavetomakeupsomethinginordertodothat.”Shelaughed.
Shedidn’tknow,andhedidn’ttellher,thattherewasmoretohislifethanshe’dseen,orwould

eversee.Saraknew,buthekepthisprivatelifeexactlythat—private.

Justforaninstant,heworriedaboutputtingherinthelineoffire.Hehadenemies.Dangerous

enemies,whowouldn’thesitatetothreatenanyoneclosetohim.Ofcourse,therewasSara,butshe’d
livedinWyomingforthepastfewyears,awayfromhim,onaranchtheyco-owned.Nowhewas
puttingherinjeopardyalongwithMichelle.

Butwhatcouldhedo?Thechildhadnobody.Nowthatheridiotstepmotherwasdead,shewastruly

onherown.Itwasdangerousforayoungwomantolivealone,eveninasmallcommunity.Andthere
wasRoberta’sboyfriend,Bert.

Gabrielknewthingsaboutthemanthathewasn’teagertosharewithMichelle.Themanwaspartof

acriminalorganization,andheknewMichelle’shabits.Healsohadayenforher,ifwhatMichelle
hadblurtedouttohimoncewastrue—andhehadnoindicationthatshewouldlieaboutit.Hemight
decidetocomeandtryhisluckwithhernowthatherstepmotherwasoutofthepicture.Thatcouldn’t
beallowed.

HewassurprisedbyhisownaffectionforMichelle.Itwasn’tpaternal.Shewas,ofcourse,fartoo

youngforanythingheavy,beingeighteentohistwenty-four.Shewasabeauty,kindandgenerousand
sweet.Shewasthesortofwomanheusuallyranfrom.No,strikethat,shewasnowoman.Shewas
stillunfledged,adovewithoutflightfeathers.Hehadtokeephisinteresthidden.Atleast,untilshe
wasgrownupenoughthatitwouldn’thurthisconsciencetopursueher.Afterward...well,whoknew
thefuture?

Atthemoment,however,hisprimaryconcernwastomakesureshehadwhateversheneededtoget

throughhighschooland,then,throughcollege.Whateverittook.

***

Saracalledhimback.Shewouldn’tbeabletogetaflighttoTexasfortwodays,whichmeantthat
Michellewouldbeonherownatnight.Gabrielwasn’tabouttoleaveher,notwithBertSimsstillout
there.Buthecouldn’triskherreputationbyhavingherstayalonewithhim.

“Youdon’twanttobealonewithme,”MichelleguessedwhenhementionedSara’sdilemmaand

frowned.

“Itwouldn’tlookright,”hesaid.“Youhaveaspotlessreputationhere.I’mnotgoingtobethefirst

toputablemishonit.”

Shesmiledgently.“You’reaveryniceman.”
Heshrugged.“Characterisimportant,regardlessofthemesssomepeoplemakeoftheirsinpublic

andbragaboutit.”

“Mydadusedtosaythatcivilizationrestedonthebedrockofmorality,andthatwhenmorality

went,destructionfollowed,”sherecalled.

“Astudentofhistory,”hesaidapprovingly.
“Yes.Hetoldmethatfirstgothearts,thengoesreligion,thengoesmorality.Afterthat,youcount

downthedaysuntilthesocietyfails.AncientEgypt.Rome.Ahundredothergovernments,somemore

recentlythanothers,”shesaid.

“Who’sright?Idon’tknow.Ilikethemiddleoftheroad,myself.Weshouldlivethewaythatsuits

usandleaveotherstodothesame.”

Shegrinned.“IknewIlikedyou.”
Hechuckled.Hefinishedhiscoffee.“Weshouldstopdiscussinghistoryanddecidewhattodowith

youtonight.”

Shestaredatherowncoolingcoffeeinthethickmug.“Icouldstayherebymyself.”
“Never,”hesaidshortly.“BertSimsmightshowup,lookingforRoberta’sleftovers,likeZack

said.”

Shemanagedasmile.“Thanks.YoucouldsleepinRoberta’sroom,”sheoffered.
“Onlyifthere’ssomeoneelseinthehouse,too.”Hepursedhislips.“Ihaveanidea.”Hepulledout

hiscellphone.

***

CarlieBlairwalkedinthedoorwithherovernightbagandhuggedMichelleclose.“I’msosorry,”
shesaid.“Iknowyouandyourstepmotherdidn’tgetalong,butit’sgottobeashock,tohaveit
happenlikethat.”

“Itwas.”Michelledashedawaytears.“Sheapologizedwhenshewasdying.Shesaidoneother

thing,”sheadded,frowning,assheturnedtoGabriel.“Shesaiddon’tletBertgetawaywithit.You
nevertoldmewhatyouthoughtthatmeant.”

Gabriel’sliquidblackeyesnarrowed.“Didshesayanythingelse?”
Shenoddedslowly,recallingtheoddstatement.“Shesaidhetoldheritwasn’tpureandhelied.

Whatintheworlddidthatmean?”

Gabrielwassolemn.“Thatwhitepowderinthevialwascocaine,”heexplained.“Dealersusually

cutitwithsomethingelse,diluteit.Butifit’spureandauserdoesn’tknow,itcanbelethalifthey
don’tadjustthedose.”HesearchedMichelle’seyes.“I’mbettingthatBertgaveherpurecocaineand
shedidn’tknow.”

Carliewassurprised.“Yourstepmotherwasusingdrugs?”sheaskedherfriend.
“That’swhattheythink,”Michellereplied.SheturnedbacktoGabriel.“Didheknowitwaspure?

Washetryingtokillher?”

“That’ssomethingZackwillhavetofindout.”
“Ithoughthecaredabouther.Inhisway,”shefaltered.
“Hemighthave,evenifitwasonlybecauseshewasacustomer.”
Michellebitherlowerlip.“Thatwouldexplainwhyshewassodesperateformoney.Ididwonder,

youknow,becauseshedidn’tbuynewclothesorexpensivecosmeticsorthingslikesheusedtowhen
Daddywasalive.”Shefrowned.“Sheneverboughtanything,butsheneverhadanymoneyandshe
wasalwaysdesperateformore.Likewhenshetriedtosellmyfather ’sstampcollection.”

“It’saveryexpensivehabit,”Gabrielsaidquietly.
“But...Bertmighthavemeanttokillher...?”
“It’spossible.Maybeshemadethreats,maybeshetriedtoquitorarguedovertheprice.But,

whetherhemeanttokillherornot,he’sgoingtofindhimselfinalotofhotwaterprettysoon.”

“Why?”Michelleaskedcuriously
Hegrimaced.“I’msorry.That’sallIcansay.Thisismorecomplicatedthanitseems.”
Shesighed.“Okay.Iwon’tpry.Keepyoursecrets.”Shemanagedasmile.“Butdon’tyouforgetthat

I’mareporterintraining,”sheadded.“Oneday,I’llhavelearnedhowtofindoutanythingIwantto
know.”Shegrinned.

“Nowyou’rescaringme,”heteased.
“Good.”
Hejustshookhishead.“Ihavetogobacktomyplaceandgetarazor.I’llberightback.Lockthe

door,”hetoldMichelle,“anddon’topenitforanybody.IfBertSimsshowsup,youcallmeatonce.
Gotthat?”

“Gotit,”shesaid.
“Okay.”
Heleft.Carliegotupfromthesofa,whereshe’dbeenperchedonthearm,andhuggedMichelle.“I

knowthisishardforyou.I’msosorry.”

“Me,too.”Michellegavewaytotears.“Thanksforcomingover.IhopeI’mnotputtingyouinany

danger.”

“Notme,”Carliesaid.“Andneitherofusisgoingtobeindangerwiththattall,dark,handsome

manaround.Heissogood-looking,isn’the?”sheaddedwithatheatricalsigh.

Michelledriedhertears.“Hereallyis.Myguardianangel.”
“Someangel.”
Shetriedtothinkofsomethingthatmightrestorealittlenormalcyintoherroutine.Robertawas

lyingheavilyonhermind.“Ihavetododishes.Wanttodry?”

“Youbet!”

Five

C

arlieandMichellesharedthedoublebedinMichelle’sroom,whileGabrielsleptinRoberta’s

room.Michellehadinsistedonchangingthebedlinenfirst.SheputRoberta’sclothesinthewashing
machine,theonesthathadbeenscatteredallovertheroom.Whenshe’dwashedthem,sheplannedto
donatethemtocharity.Michellecouldn’thavewornthemevenifshe’dlikedRoberta’sflamboyant
style,whichshedidn’t.

Thenextmorning,GabrielwenttothelocalfuneralhomeandmadethearrangementsforRoberta.

ShehadanoldersisterinVirginia.Thefuneralhomecontactedher,butthewomanwantednothingto
dowithanyarrangements.SheandRobertahadnevergottenalong,andshecouldn’tcareless,she
said,whethertheycrematedherorburiedherorwhat.Gabrielarrangedforhertobecremated,and
ReverendBlairofferedaplotinthecemeteryofhischurchforhertobeinterred.Therewouldbeno
funeralservice,justagravesideone.Michellethoughttheyowedherthatmuch,atleast.

ReverendBlairhadinvitedMichelletocomeandstayathishousewithCarlie,butMichellewanted

familiarthingsaroundher.ShealsowantedGabriel,onwhomshehadcometorelyheavily.Butshe
couldn’tstaywithGabrielalone.ItwouldnotlookrightinthetinycommunityofComancheWells,
wheretimehadn’tmovedintothetwenty-firstcenturyyet.

“Sarawillbeheretomorrow,”Gabrieltoldthegirlsastheysatdowntosupper,whichMichelleand

Carliehadpreparedtogether.Hesmiledashesavoredhashbrownswithonions,perfectlycooked,
alongsideatendercutofbeefandasalad.“Youtwocancook,”hesaidwithadmiration.“Hash
brownsarehardtocookproperly.Thesearewonderful.”

“Thanks,”theysaidinunison,andlaughed.
“Shedidthehashbrowns,”Carlieremarked,grinningatMichelle.“Inevercouldgetthehangof

them.Minejustfallapartandgetsoggy.”

“Mymotherusedtomakethem,”Michellesaidwithasadsmile.“Shewasawonderfulcook.Ido

mybest,butI’mnotinherleague.”

“Wheredoyourparentslive,Gabriel?”Carlieaskedinnocently.
Gabriel’sexpressionwenthard.
“Imadeacherrypiefordessert,”Michellesaid,quicklyandneatlydeflectingCarlie’squestion.

“Andwehavevanillaicecreamtogoonit.”

Carlieflushed,realizingbelatedlythatshe’dmadeaslightfauxpaswithherquery.“Michelle

makesthebestcherrypiearound,”shesaidwithenthusiasm.

Gabrieltookabreath.“Don’tlooksoguilty,”hetoldCarlie,andsmiledather.“I’mtouchyabout

mypast,that’sall.Itwasaperfectlynormalquestion.”

“I’msorry,justthesame,”Carlietoldhim.“IgetnervousaroundpeopleandIbabble.”Sheflushed

again.“Idon’t...mixwell.”

Gabriellaughedsoftly.“NeitherdoI,”heconfessed.
Michelleraisedherhand.“Thatmakesthreeofus,”sheremarked.
“Ifeelbetter,”Carliesaid.“Thanks,”sheadded,intentonherfood.“Ihaveaknackforputtingmy

footintomymouth.”

“Whodoesn’t?”Gabrielmused.
“Imyselfneverputmyfootintomymouth,”Michellesaid,affectingahaughtyair.“Ihavenever

madeasinglestatementthatoffended,irritated,shockedorbotheredasingleperson.”

Theothertwooccupantsofthetablelookedatherwithpursedlips.
“Beingperfect,”sheaddedwithatwinkleinhereyes,“Iamunabletounderstandhowanyonecould

makesuchamistake.”

Carliepickedupherglassofmilk.“Onemoreword...”shethreatened.
Michellegrinnedather.“Okay.JustsoyourememberthatIdon’tmakemistakes.”
Carlierolledhereyes.

***

Itwaschillyoutside.Michellesatontheporchsteps,lookingupatthestars.Theyweresobright,so
perfectlyclearincoldweather.Sheknewithadsomethingtodowiththeatmosphere,butitwasrather
magical.Therewasadimcometbarelyvisibleinthesky.Michellehadlookedatitthroughapairof
binocularsherfatherhadgivenher.Ithadbeenwinter,andmosthadn’tbeenvisibletothenakedeye.

Thedooropenedandclosedbehindher.“SchoolisgoingtobedifficultonMonday,”shesaid.“I

dreadit.Everyonewillknow...yousureyoudon’tmindgivingmerideshomeafterwork?”sheadded.

“Thatdependsonwhereyouwanttogo,”cameadeep,amusedmasculinevoicefrombehindher.
Sheturnedquickly,shocked.“Sorry,”shestammered.“IthoughtyouwereCarlie.”
“Shefoundagameshowshecan’tlivewithout.She’ssorry.”Hechuckled.
“Doyoulikegameshows?”shewondered.
Heshrugged.Hecameandsatdownbesideheronthestep.Hewaswearingathickblackleather

jacketwithexquisitebeadwork.She’dbeenfascinatedwithitwhenheretrieveditfromhistruck
earlier.

“That’ssobeautiful,”sheremarked,lightlytouchingthecolorfultrimabovethelongfringeswith

herfingertips.“I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.”

“SouvenirfromCanada,”hesaid.“I’vehaditforalongtime.”
“Thebeadworkisgorgeous.”
“ABlackfootwomanmadeitforme,”hesaid.
“Oh.”Shedidn’twanttopursuethat.Thewomanhementionedmighthavebeenalover.Shedidn’t

wanttothinkofGabrielwithawoman.Itwasintenselydisturbing.

“Mycousin,”hesaid,withoutlookingdownather.“She’ssixty.”
“Oh.”Shesoundedembarrassednow.
Heglancedatherwithhiddenamusement.Shewassoyoung.Hecouldalmostseethethoughtsin

hermind.“Youneedsomebodyyoungtocutyourteethon,kid.They’dbreakonmythickhide.”

Sheflushedandstartedtojumpup,buthecaughtherhandinhisbig,warmone,andpulledher

gentlybackdown.

“Don’trun,”hesaidsoftly.“Noproblemwaseversolvedbyretreat.I’mjusttellingyouhowitis.

I’mnotinvolvedwithanyone.Ihaven’tbeenforyears.You’reabud,justopeningonarosebush,
testingtheairandthesunlight.Ilikemyrosesinfullbloom.”

“Oh.”
Hesighed.Hisfingerslockedintohers.“Theseonesyllableanswersaredisturbing,”hemused.
Sheswallowed.Thetouchofhisbig,warmhandwascausingsomeoddsensationsinheryoung

body.“Isee.”

“Twosyllables.Better.”Hedrewinalongbreath.“Untilyougraduate,we’regoingtobelivingin

closeproximity,evenwithSarainthehouse.I’llbeawaysomeofthetime.Myjobtakesmeallover

theworld.ButtherearegoingtohavetobesomestrictgroundruleswhenI’mhome.”

“Okay,”shefaltered.“What?”
“Nopajamasornightgownswhenyouwalkaroundthehouse.Youputthemonwhenyougoto

bed,inyourroom.Nostayinguplatealone.Stufflikethat.”

Sheblinked.“IfeellikeMataHari.”
“Youfeellikeaspy?Anoldone,atthat.”Hechuckled.
“Afemmefatale,then,”sheamended.“Gosh,Idon’tevenownpajamasoragown...”
“Youdon’twearclothesinbed?”Hesoundedshocked.
“Oh,getreal,”shemuttered,gladhecouldn’tseeherface.“Iwearsweats.”
“Tobed?”heexclaimed.
“They’recomfortable,”shesaid.“Nobodywhowantedagoodnight’ssleepeverworealong

gown,theyjusttwistyouupandconstrictyou.Andpajamasusuallyhavelaceorthickembroidery.
It’sirritatingtomyskin.”

“Sweats.”Ofallthethingshe’dpicturedhisyoungcompanioninatnight,thatwasthelastthing.
Shelookeddownathisbighandinthelightfromthelivingroom.Itburnedoutontotheporchlike

yellowsuninthedarkness,makingshadowsofthechairsbehindthemonthedustyboardsofthe
porch.Hehadgoodhands,bigandstrong-looking,withsquarenailsthatwereimmaculate.“Iguess
thewomenyouknowlikefrillystuff.”

Theydid,buthewasn’twalkingintothatlandmine.Heturnedherhandinhis.“Doyoudate?”
Herheartjumped.“Notsincethealmost-broken-nosething.”
Helaughedsoftly.“Sorry.Iforgotaboutthat.”
“Therearen’talotofeligibleboysinmyschoolwholiveinthedarkageslikeIdo,”sheexplained.

“Atleasttwooftheoneswhogotomychurcharewildasbucksandgotostrippartieswithdrugs.”
Shegrimaced.“Idon’tfitin.Anywhere.Myparentsraisedmewithcertainexpectationsofwhatlife
wasallabout.”Sheturnedtolookathim.“Isitwrong,tohaveabeliefsystem?Isitwrongtothink
moralityisworthsomething?”

“ThosearequestionsyoushouldbeaskingCarlie’sdad,”hepointedout.
“Doyoubelievein...inahigherpower?”
Hisfingerscontractedaroundhers.“Iusedto.”
“Butnotanymore?”
Hisdrawnbreathwasaudible.“Idon’tknowwhatIbelieveanymore,mabelle,”hesaidsoftly.“I

liveinaworldyouwouldn’tunderstand,Igotoplaceswhereyoucouldn’tsurvive.”

“Whatkindofworkdoyoudo?”sheasked.
Helaughedwithouthumor.“That’sadiscussionwemayhaveinafewyears.”
“Oh,Isee.”Shenodded.“You’reacannibal.”
Hestilled.“I’m...awhat?”
“Yourworkembarrassesyou,”shecontinued,unabashed,“whichmeansyoudon’tworkinabank

ordrivetrucks.IfIhadajobthatembarrassedme,itwouldbeinvolvedwithcannibalism.”

Heburstoutlaughing.“Pest,”hemuttered.
Shegrinned.
Hisbigthumbrubbedhersoftfingers.“Ihaven’tlaughedsomuchinyears,asIdowithyou.”
Shechuckled.“Imightgoonthestage.IfIcanmakeahardcaselikeyoulaugh,Ishouldbeableto

doitforaliving.”

“AndhereIthoughtyouwantedtobeareporter.”
“Ido,”shesaid.Shesmiled.“Morethananything.Ican’tbelieveI’mactuallygoingtoworkfora

newspaperstartingMonday,”shesaid.“Minetteisgettingmemyowncellphoneandshe’sgoingto
teachmetouseacamera...it’slikeadreamcometrue.Ionlyaskedherforareferenceforcollege.
Andsheofferedmeajob.”Sheshookherhead.“It’slikeadream.”

“Igatheryou’llberidingwithCarlie.”
“Yes.I’mgoingtohelpwithgas.”
Hewassilentforaminute.“Youkeepyoureyesopenontheroad,whenyou’recominghomefrom

work.”

“Ialwaysdo.Butwhy?”
“Idon’ttrustRoberta’sboyfriend.He’sdangerous.EvenCarlieisinjeopardybecauseofwhat

happenedtoherfather,soyoubothhavetobecareful.”

“Idon’tunderstandwhysomeonewouldwanttoharmaminister,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“It

makesnosense.”

Heturnedhisheadtowardher.“Michelle,mostministersstartedoutassomethingelse.”
“Somethingelse?”
“Yes.Inotherwords,ReverendBlairwasn’talwaysareverend.”
Shehesitated,listeningtomakesureCarliewasn’tatthedoor.“Whatdidhedobefore?”sheasked.
“Sorry.That’saconfidence.Ineversharethem.”
Shecurledherhandaroundhis.“That’sreassuring.IfIevertellyousomethingdreadfulinsecret,

youwon’tgoblabbingittoeveryoneyouknow.”

Helaughed.“That’sagiven.”Hishandcontracted.“Thereverseisalsoapplicable,”headded

quietly.“Ifyouoverhearanythingwhileyou’reundermyroof,it’sprivilegedinformation.Notthat
you’llhearmuchthatyoucanunderstand.”

“Youmean,likewhenyouweretalkingtoSarainFrench,”shebegan.
“Somethinglikethat.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“DidyouunderstandwhatIsaid?”
“Icansay,where’sthelibraryandmybrotherhasabrownsuit,”shemused.“Actually,Idon’thave

abrother,butthatwasinthefirst-yearFrenchbook.Andit’saboutthescopeofmyunderstanding.I
lovelanguages,butIhavetostudyveryhardtolearnanything.”

Herelaxedalittle.He’dsaidsomethingsaboutMichelle’srecentproblemstoSarathathedidn’t

wanthertoknow.Notyet,anyway.Itwouldsoundasifheweregossipingabouthertohissister.

“Thegravesideserviceistomorrow,”shesaid.“WillSarabehereintime,doyouthink?”
“Shemight.I’mhavingacarpickherupattheairportanddriveherdownhere.”
“Acar?”
“Alimo.”
Herlipsparted.“Alimousine?Likethoselong,blackcarsyouseepoliticiansridingaroundinon

television?I’veonlyseenonemaybeonceortwice,onthehighwaywhenIwasonthebus!”

Helaughedsoftlyatherexcitement.“Theyalsohavesedansthatyoucanhiretotransportpeople,”

hetoldher.“IusethemalotwhenItravel.”

Hewastalkingaboutanotherworld.InMichelle’sworld,mostcarswereoldandhadplentyof

mechanicalproblems.She’dneverevenlookedinsidealimousine.She’dseenthemonthehighwayin
SanAntonio.Herfathertoldherthatimportantbusinessmenandpoliticiansandrichpeopleand
moviestarsrodearoundinthem.Notordinarypeople.Ofcourse,Gabrielwasn’tordinary.He’dsaid
heownedanewJaguar.Certainlyhecouldaffordtorideinalimousine.

“Doyouthinkthey’dletmelookinside,whenitbringsherhere?”sheasked.
Gabrielwasamusedatherinnocence.Sheknewnothingoftheworldatlarge.Hecouldn’t

rememberbeingthatyoung,orthatnaiveaboutlife.Hehopedshewouldn’tgrowuptooquickly.She

madehimfeelmoremasculine,morecapable,moreintriguingthanhereallywas.Helikedher
influence.Shemadehimlaugh.Shemadehimwanttobeallthethingsshethoughthewas.

“Yes,”hesaidafteraminute.“Certainlyyoucanlookinside.”
“Somethingtoputinmydiary,”shemused.
“Youkeepadiary?”heasked,withsomeamusement.
“Oh,yes,”shesaid.“InoteallthecowsI’veseenabducted,andthestrangelittlemenwhocomeout

ofthepastureatnight...”

“Oh,coolit.”Hechuckled.
“Actually,it’sthingslikehowIdidontests,andmemoriesIhaveofmyfatherandmother,”she

confessed.“AndhowIfeelaboutthings.There’salotaboutRobertaandBertinthere,andhow
disgustingIthoughttheywere,”sheadded.

“Well,Roberta’swhereshecan’thurtyou.AndBertisprobablytryingtofindawayoutofthe

country,ifhe’ssmart.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”sheasked.
Hestoodupandpulledherupbesidehim.“That’saconversationforanothertime.Let’sgoseeif

Carlie’sgameshowisoff.”

“Don’tyoulikegameshows?”shewonderedaloud.
“IliketheHistoryChannel,theNatureChannel,theMilitaryChannel,andtheScienceChannel.”
“NoTVshows?”
“They’renotTVshows.They’reexperimentsinhowtocreateattentiondeficitdisordersinthe

entirepopulationwithendlesscommercialsandadsthatpopuprightinthemiddleofprograms.I
onlywatchmotionpicturesorDVDs,unlessIfindsomethinginterestingenoughtosufferthrough.I
likeprogramsonWorldWarIIhistoryandscience.”

Sheponderedthat.“Iguessthere’sfiveminutesofprogramtofifteenminutesofcommercials,”

sheagreed.

“Aslongaspeopleputupwithit,thatwillcontinue,too.”Hechuckled.“Irefusetobepartofthe

process.”

“Ilikehistory,too,”shebegan.
“Therewasthisbigwar...”hebeganwithanexaggeratedexpression.
Shepunchedhisarmaffectionately.“Nocherrypieandicecreamforyou.”
“Itakeitback.”
Shegrinnedupathim.“Okay.Youcanhavepieandicecream.”
Hesmiledandopenedthedoorforher.
Shehesitatedintheopening,juststaringupathim,drinkinginafacethatwasashandsomeasany

moviestar ’s,atthephysiquethatcouldhavegracedanathlete.

“Stopoglingme,ifyouplease,”hesaidwithexaggeratedpatience.“Youhavetotransferthat

interesttosomeonelessbroken.”

Shemadeafaceathim.“You’renotbroken,”shepointedout.“Besides,there’snobodyanywhere

whocouldcomparewithyou.”Sheflushedatherownboldness.“Anyway,you’resafetocutmyteeth
on,andyouknowit.”Shegrinned.“I’moff-limits,Iam.”

Helaughed.“Off-limits,indeed,anddon’tyouforgetit.”
“Spoilsport.”
Shewentinsideaheadofhim.Hefeltasifhecouldfly.Dangerous,that.Moredangerous,his

reactiontoher.Shewasyearstooyoungforanythingmorethanbanter.But,heremindedhimself,the
yearswouldpass.Ifhelivedlongenough,aftershegraduatedfromcollege,whoknewwhatmight

happen?

***

TherewasagrimmemorialserviceattheComancheWellsCemetery.Itwaspartofthelandowned
bytheMethodistchurchwhereReverendBlairwastheminister.Hestoodoverthesmallopengrave,
withanopenBibleinhishands,readingtheserviceforthedead.TheurncontainingRoberta’sashes
wasintheopengrave,waitingforthefuneralhome’smaintenanceman,standingnearby,toclose
aftertheceremony.

GabrielstoodbesideMichelle,close,butnottouching.Hewaswearingasuit,someexpensive

thingthatfithimwithdeliciousperfection.Thenavydarknessofthesuitagainstthespotlesswhite
shirtandbluepatternedtieonlyemphasizedhisgoodlooks.Hiswavyblackhairwasunrulyinthe
stiffbreeze.Michelle’sownhairwastormentedintoabunbecauseofthewind.Butitblewtendrils
downintohereyesandmouthwhileshetriedtolistentotheservice,whileshetriedevenharderto
feelsomethingforthelateRoberta.

Itwassadthatthewoman’sownsisterdidn’tcareenoughtoevensendaflower.Totalstrangers

fromJacobsCountyhadsentspraysandwreathesandpottedplantstothefuneralhomethathad
arrangedforthecremation.Theflowerswerespreadallaroundthegrave.Someofthemwouldgoto
thelocalhospitalandnursinghomeinJacobsville,othersfortheeveningchurchservicehere.Afew
ofthepottedplantswouldgohomewithMichelle.

Sherememberedherfather,andhowmuchhe’dbeeninlovewithRobertaatfirst.Sheremembered

RobertainthedaysbeforeBert.Morerecently,sherememberedhorribleargumentsandbeing
slappedandhavingRobertatrytoselltheveryhouseunderherfeet.Therehadbeenmorebadtimes
thangood.

Butnowthatpartofherlifewasover.ShehadafuturethatcontainedGabriel,andthebeginningof

acareerasajournalist.Itwassomethingtolookforwardto,somethingtobalanceherlifeagainstthe
recentdeathofherfatherandRoberta’sunexpectedpassing.

Sara’splanehadbeenheldupduetoanelectricalfault.She’dphonedGabrieljustbeforeheand

MichellewenttothefuneralwithCarlie,toapologizeandgiveanupdatedarrivaltime.Michelle
lookedforwardtomeetingher.FromwhatGabrielhadsaidabouthissister,shesoundedlikeavery
sweetandcomfortableperson.

ReverendBlairreadthefinalverses,closedtheBible,bowedhisheadforprayer.Afewminutes

later,hepausedtospeaktoMichelle,whereshestoodwithGabrielandCarlie,thankingthefewlocal
citizenswho’dtakentimetoattend.Therehadn’tbeentimeforthenewspapertoprinttheobituary,so
serviceshadbeenannouncedonthelocalradiostation.Everybodylistenedtoit,fortheobituariesand
thecountry-westernmusic.Theyalsolistenedfortheschoolclosingswhensnowcame.Thatdidn’t
happenoften,butMichellelovedtheraretimeswhenitdid.

“I’msorryforyourloss,”ReverendBlairsaid,holdingCarlie’shandandsmilinggently.“No

matterhowcontrarysomepeopleare,wegetusedtohavingtheminourlives.”

“That’strue,”Michellesaidgently.“Andmyfatherlovedher,”sheadded.“Foratime,shemade

himhappy.”Shegrimaced.“Ijustdon’tunderstandhowshechangedsomuch,soquickly.Evenwhen
shedranktoomuch...”shehesitated,lookingaroundtomakesureshewasn’toverheardbeforeshe
continued,“shewasneverreallymean.”

Gabrielandtheministerexchangedenigmaticglances.
Michelledidn’tnotice.Hereyeswereonthegrave.“AndshesaidnottoletBertgetawaywithit,”

sheaddedslowly.

“Therearesomethingsgoingonthatyou’rebetteroffnotknowingabout,”ReverendBlairsaid

softly.“YoucansafelyassumethatBertwillpayapriceforwhathedid.Ifnotinthislife,theninthe
next.”

“Butwhatdidhedo?”Michellepersisted.
“Badthings.”ReverendBlairsmiled.
“Mysisterwillbehereinanhour,”Gabrielsaid,readingthescreenofhiscellphone,withsome

difficultybecauseofthesun’sglare.Hegrinnedatthereverend.“Youcanhaveyourdaughterback
tonight.”

ReverendBlairgrinned.“Imustsay,Imissthelittletouches.Likecleandishesandlaundrygetting

done.”Hemadeaface.“She’smademelazy.”Hesmiledwithpureaffectionathisdaughter,who
grinned.

“I’llmakeyoufreshrollsforsupper,”Carliepromisedhim.
“Oh,my,andIdidn’tgetyouanything,”hequipped.
Shehuggedhim.“You’rejustthebestdadinthewholeworld.”
“Pumpkin,I’mgladyouthinkso.”Helethergo.“Ifyouneedanything,youletusknow,allright?”

heaskedMichelle.“Butyou’reingoodhands.”HesmiledatGabriel.

“She’llbesafe,atleast.”GabrielgaveReverendBlairacomplicatedlook.“Makesureaboutthose

newlocks,willyou?I’vegottenusedtohavingyouaround.”

Theothermanmadeaface.“Locksandboltswon’tkeepoutthedetermined,”heremindedhim.“I

putmytrustinahigherpower.”

“SodoI,”Gabrielreplied.“ButIkeepaGlockbythebed.”
“TrustinAllah,buttieupyourcamel.”
EverybodylookedatMichelle,whoblushed.
“Sorry,”shesaid.“IwasrememberingsomethingIreadinanonfictionbookabouttheMiddle

East.ItwaswrittenbyaformermemberoftheFrenchForeignLegion.”

Nowthestaresweremorecomplicated,fromthetwomalesatleast.
“Well,theyfascinateme,”sheconfessed,flushingalittle.“Ireadtruecrimebooksandbiographies

ofmilitarymenandanythingIcanfindabouttheSpecialAirServicesofGreatBritainandtheFrench
ForeignLegion.”

“My,my,”Gabrielsaid.Hechuckledwithpureglee,areactionthatwaslostonMichelle.
“Ileadashelteredlife.”Michelleglancedatthegrave.Themaintenanceman,alittleimpatient,had

startedtofillthegrave.“Weshouldgo.”

“Yes,weshould.”ReverendBlairsmiled.“Takecare.”
“Thanks.Theservicewasverynice,”Michellesaid.
“I’mgladyouthoughtso.”
Gabrieltookherarmandledherbacktothecar.Hedroveherhomefirst,sothatshecouldchange

backintomorecasualclothesandgetherovernightbag.Thenhedrovehertohisownhouse,where
Sarawasduetoarriveanyminute.

MichellehadthispictureofSara.Thatshe’dbedark-hairedanddark-eyed,withabigsmileanda

verytendernature.RememberingwhatGabrielhadtoldherinconfidence,abouttheperilsSarahad
survivedwhentheywereinschool,sheimaginedtheotherwomanwouldbealittleshyand
withdrawn.

Soitcameassomethingofashockwhenatall,beautifulwomanwithlongblackhairandflashing

blackeyessteppedoutofthebackofthelimousineandtoldthedriverwherehecouldgoandhow

fast.

Six

“I

amverysorry,lady,”thedriver,atalllankyman,apologized.“Itrulydidn’tseethetruck

coming...”

“Youdidn’tlook!”sheflashedathiminatersebutsultrytone.“Howdareyoutextonyourcell

phonewhiledrivingacustomer!”

Hewasveryflushedbynow.“Iwon’tdoitagain,Iswear.”
“Youwon’tdoitwithmeinthecar,andIamreportingyoutothecompanyyouworkfor,”she

concluded.

Gabrielsteppedforwardasthedriveropenedthetrunk.HepickedupthesinglesuitcasethatSara

hadbroughtwithher.SomethinginthewayGabriellookedatthemanhadhimbackingaway.

“Verysorry,again,”hesaid,flustered.“Ifyou’djustsigntheticket,ma’am...”
Hefetchedaclipboardandhandedittoher,eyeingGabrielasifheexpectedhimtoleaponhim

anysecond.Sarasignedit.Themanobviouslyknewbetterthantolookforatip.Henodded,turned,
jumpedintothecarandleftatrailofdustashespedaway.

“Thatcouldhavegonebetter,”Sarasaidwithagrimsmile.ShehuggedGabriel.“Sogoodtosee

youagain.”

“You,too,”hereplied.Hisfacechangedashelookedattheyoungerwoman.Hetouchedherhair.

“Youonlygrowmorebeautifulwithage.”

“Youonlythinksobecauseyou’remybrother.”Shelaughedmusically.Shelookedpasthimat

Michelle,whostoodsilentandwary.

“AndyoumustbeMichelle.”Sarawenttoher,smiledandhuggedherwarmly.“Ihaveanasty

temper.Thesillymanalmostkilledusboth,textingsomewoman.”

“I’msogladhedidn’t,”Michellesaid,huggingherback.“It’sverykindofbothofyoutodothis

forme,”sheadded.“I...reallydon’thaveanyplacetogo.Imean,theReverendBlairsaidIcouldstay
withhimandCarlie,but...”

“Youcertainlydohavesomeplacetogo,”Gabrielsaidwithagrin.“Saraneededthechangeof

scenery.ShewasvegetatingupinWyoming.”

Sarasighed.“Inasense,Isupposeso,althoughIlikeitbettertherethaninBritishColumbia.Ileft

ourforemaninchargeattheranchinCatelow.That’sinWyoming,”SaratoldMichellewithasmile.
“Anythingthatneedsdoingforthesale,Icandoonline.”Herblackeyes,solikeGabriel’s,hadasad
cast.“Thechangeofscenerywilldomegood.Ilovetoride.Doyou?”sheaskedtheyoungerwoman.

“Ihaven’tbeenonahorseinyears,”Michelleconfessed.“Mostly,horsestrytoscrapemeoffor

dislodgeme.I’msortofafraidofthem.”

“Myhorsesareverytame,”Gabrieltoldher.“They’llloveyou.”
“Ihopeyouhavecoffeemade,”Sarasighedastheymadetheirwayintothesprawlinghouse.“I’m

sotired!Flyingisnotmyfavoritemodeoftravel.”

“I’veneverevenbeenonaplane,”Michelleconfessed.
Sarastoppedandstaredather.“Never?”
“Never.”
“Shewantedtolookinsidethelimo.”Gabrielchuckled.“She’sneverseenoneofthose,either.”
“I’msosorry!”Saraexclaimed.“Imadeafuss...”

“Youshouldhavemadeafuss,”Michellereplied.“Therewillbeothertimes.”
“I’llmakesureofthat.”Sarasmiled,anditwaslikethesuncomingout.

***

SchoolhadbeenroughinthedaysafterRoberta’sdeath.Peoplewerekind,butthereweresomany
questionsabouthowshedied.Gossipranrampant.Oneofthegirlsshesatnearinhistoryclasstold
herthatRoberta’sboyfriendwasanotoriousdrugdealer.Atleasttwoboysintheirschoolgottheir
fixesfromhim.

NowthethingsRobertahadsaidstartedtomakesense.AndMichellewaslearningevenmoreabout

thenetworksandhowtheyoperatedfromMinettesinceshe’dstartedworkingfortheJacobsville
newspaper.

“It’savilething,drugdealing,”Minettesaidharshly.“Kidsoverdoseanddie.Themensupplying

thedrugsdon’tevencare.Theyonlycareabouttheprofit.”Shehesitated.“Well,maybesomeofthem
havegoodintentions...”

“Adrugdealerwithgoodintentions?”Michellelaughed.“Youhavegottobekidding.”
“Actually,I’mnot.You’veheardofthemantheycallElJefe?”
“Whohasn’t?”Michellereplied.“WeheardthathehelpedsaveyouandSheriffCarson,”sheadded.
“He’smyfather.”
Michellegapedather.“He’s...?”
“Myfather,”Minetterepeated.“Ididn’tknowwhomyrealfatherwasuntilveryrecently.Mylife

wasindanger,evenmorethanHayes’swaswhenhewasshot,becausemyfatherwasinaturfwar
witharivalwhowasthemostevilmanIeverknew.”

“Yourlifeislikeasoapopera,”Michelleventured.
Minettelaughed.“Well,yes,itis.”
“Iwishminewasmoreexciting.Inagoodway,”sheclarified.Shedrewinalongbreath.“Okay,

whataboutthiscamera?”sheasked.Ithadmoredialsandsettingsthanaspaceship.

“Iknow,it’salittleintimidating.Letmeshowyouhowitworks.”
Shedid.Ittookalittletime,andwhentheyfinished,aphonecallwaswaitingforMinette.She

motionedtoMichelle.“Ihaveanewreporter.I’mgoingtolethertakethisdown,ifyoudon’tmind.
HernameisMichelle....That’sright.It’sadeal.Thanks!”Sheputherhandoverthereceiversothatthe
callerwouldn’thear.“ThisisBenSimpson.He’sourJacobsCountyrepresentativeinDistrict3for
theTexasSoilandWaterConservationBoard.Hewantsustodoastoryonalocalrancherwhowon
RancheroftheYearfortheJacobsCountySoilandWaterConservationDistrictforhis
implementationofnaturalgrassesandponds.TheawardwasmadejustbeforeChristmas,butthe
rancherhasbeenoutofthecountryuntilnow.I’mgoingtoletyoutakedownthedetails,andthenI’ll
sendyououttohisranchtotakeaphotoofhimwiththenaturalgrassesinthebackground.Areyou
uptoit?”sheteased.

Michellewasalmostshaking,butshebitherlipandnodded.“Yes,ma’am,”shesaid.
Minettegrinned.“Goforit!”

***

Michellewasusedtotakingcopiousnotesinschool.Shedidwellinherschoolworkbecauseshewas
thorough.Shetookdownthestory,pausingtoclarifythespellingofnames,andwhenshewas
throughshehadtwosheetsofnotesandshe’darrangedadayandtimetogoouttophotographthe

rancher.

Shehungup.Minettewasstillinthedoorway.“DidIdothatokay?”sheaskedworriedly.
“Youdidfine.Iwaslisteningontheotherphone.Itooknotes,too,justincase.Youwritethestory

andwe’llcompareyournotestomine.”

“Thanks!”Michellesaidfervently.“Iwasnervous.”
“Noneedtobe.You’lldofine.”Sheindicatedthecomputeratthedesk.“Getbusy.”Shesmiled.“I

likethewayyouarewithpeople,evenonthephone.Youhaveanengagingvoice.Itwillserveyou
wellinthisbusiness.”

“That’sniceofyoutosay,”Michellesaid.
“Writethestory.Remember,short,concisesentences,nothingfloweryoroverblown.I’llbeout

frontifyouneedme.”

ShestartedtothankMinetteagain,butitwasgoingtogettediousifshekeptitup,soshejust

noddedandsmiled.

***

Whensheturnedinthestory,shestoodgrittingherteethwhileMinettereaditandcompareditwith
herownnotes.

“Youreallyareanatural,”shetoldtheyoungerwoman.“Icouldn’thavedonebettermyself.Nice

work.”

“Thankyou!”
“Nowgohome,”shesaid.“It’sfive,andCarliewillbepeelingrubberanyminutetogethome.”
Michellelaughed.“Ithinkshemay.I’llseeyoutomorrow,then.DoIgoouttophotographtheman

tomorrow,too?”

“Yes.”
Michellebitherlip.“ButIdon’thavealicenseorownacar...there’sonlyRoberta’sandshedidn’t

leaveittome.Idon’tthinksheevenhadawill...andIcan’taskCarlietotakeofffromwork....”The
protestscameinsmallbursts.

“I’lldriveyououtthere,”Minettesaidsoftly.“Wemightdropbysomeofthestateandfederal

officesandI’llintroduceyoutomysources.”

“Thatsoundsveryexciting!Thanks!”Shesoundedrelieved,andshewas.
“Onemorething,”Minettesaid.
“Yes?”
“I’mprintingtheconservationstoryunderyourownbyline.”
Michellecaughtherbreath.“Myfirstone.That’ssokindofyou.”
“You’llhaveothers.Thisisjustthefirst.”Shegrinned.“Haveagoodnight.”
“Iwill.Sara’smakinghomemadelasagna.It’smyfavorite.”
“Sara?”
“Gabriel’ssister.She’ssobeautiful.”Michelleshookherhead.“Thetwoofthemhavebeen

lifesaversforme.Ididn’twanttohavetopickupandmovesomewhereelse.Icouldn’thavestayed
heretofinishschoolwithoutthem.”

“Notquitetrue,”Minettereplied.“Youcouldhavecometous.EvenCashGriermentionedthatthey

couldmakeroomforyou,ifyouneededaplacetostay.”

“Somany,”Michellesaid,shakingherhead.“Theyhardlyknowme.”
“Theyknowyoubetterthanyouthink,”wasthereply.“Insmallcommunitieslikeours,thereareno

secrets.Yourgooddeedsarenotedbymany.”

“IguessIlivedinthecityfortoolong.Daddyhadpatientsbutnorealfriends,especiallyafter

Robertacameintoourlives.Itwasjustthethreeofus.”Shesmiled.“Ilovelivinghere.”

“SodoI,andI’vebeenhereallmylife.”Shecockedherhead.“Gabrielseemsanoddchoicetobe

yourguardian.Heisn’twhatyouthinkofasafamilyman.”

“He’snotwhatheseems,”Michellereplied.“HewaskindtomewhenIneededitmost.”Shemadea

face.“Iwassittinginthemiddleoftheroadhopingtogethitbyacar.Itwastheworstdayofmylife.
Hetookmehomewithhimandtalkedtome.Hemadeeverythingbetter.WhenRoberta...died...hewas
theretocomfortme.Iowehimalot.HeevengotSaradownheretolivewithhimsothathecouldbe
mylegalguardianwithnoraisedeyebrowsaroundus.”

Minettesimplysaid,“Isee.”Whatshedidsee,shewasn’tgoingtoshare.ApparentlyGabrielhada

littlemorethannormalinterestinthisyoungwoman,buthewasn’tgoingtoriskherreputation.It
wasgoingtobeallbythebook.MinettewonderedwhathehadinmindforMichellewhenshewasa
fewyearsolder.AndshealsowonderedifMichellehadanyideawhoGabrielreallywas,andhowhe
earnedhisliving.Thatwasasecretshewasn’tgoingtoshare,either.Notnow.

“Well,I’llseeyoutomorrow,then,”Michelleadded.
“Tomorrow.”

***

Carliewaswaitingforheratthefrontdoorthenextmorning,whichwasFriday.Shelookedoutof
breath.

“Issomethingwrong?”Michelleasked.
“No.Ofcoursenot.Let’sgo.”
Carliecheckedallaroundthetruckandevenlookedunderitbeforeshegotbehindthewheeland

startedit.

“Okay,now,what’sgoingon?”Michelleasked.
“Daddygotaphonecallearlier,”Carliesaid,lookingbothwaysbeforeshepulledcarefullyoutof

thedriveway.

“Whatsortofcall?”
“FromsomemanwhosaidDaddymightthinkhewasoutofthewoods,butsomebodyelsewas

comingtopayhimavisit,andhe’llneverseeitcoming.”Sheswallowed.“Daddytoldmetocheck
mytruckoutbeforeIdroveit.Iforgot,soIlookedunderneathjustincase.”Sheshookherhead.“It’s
likeanightmare,”shegroaned.“Ihavenoideainthisworldwhyanyonewouldwanttoharma
minister.”

“It’slikeourpolicechiefsaid,”Michellerepliedquietly.“Therearemadmenintheworld.Iguess

youcan’teverunderstandwhatmotivatesthemtodothethingstheydo.”

“Iwishthingswerenormalagain,”Carliesaidinasadtone.“Ihatehavingtolookovermy

shoulderwhenIdriveandlookforbombsundermycar.”SheglancedatMichelle.“Iswear,Ifeel
likeI’mlivinginacombatzone.”

“Iknowthefeeling,althoughI’veneverbeeninanyrealdanger.Notlikeyou.”Shesmiled.“Don’t

youworry.I’llhelpyoukeepalookout.”

“Thanks.”Shesmiled.“It’snice,havingsomeonetoridewithme.Thesebackroadsgetvery

lonely.”

“Theydo,indeed.”Michellesighedasshelookedoutoverthebarrenflatlandscapetowardthe

horizonasthecarspedalong.“Ijustwrotemyfirststoryforthenewspaper,”shesaidwithasmile.
“AndMinetteistakingmeouttointroducemetopeoplewhoworkforthestateandfederal
government.It’sthemostexcitingthingthat’severhappenedtome,”sheadded,hereyesstarrywith
pleasure.“Igetmyownbyline.”Sheshookherhead.“Itreallyistrue...”

“What’strue?”Carlieasked.
“Mydadsaidthataftereverybadexperience,somethingwonderfulhappenstoyou.It’slikeyou

payapriceforgreathappiness.”

“Iseewhatyoumean.”Shepaused.“Ireallydo.”

***

MinettedroveMichelleouttothePattersonranch,totakephotographsforherstoryandtoseethe
rancher ’sawardforconservationmanagement.ShealsowantedalookathisprizeSantaGertrudis
bull.Thebullhadbeenfeaturedinacattlemagazinebecausehewasconsideredoneofthefinestof
hisbreed,astudbullwhoseorigins,likeallSantaGertrudis,wasthefamousKingRanchinTexas.It
wasabreednativetoTexasthathadresultedfrombreedingShorthornandHerefordcattlewith
Brahmancattle.TheresultingbreedwasnamedfortheSpanishlandgrantwhereRichardKing
foundedthecattleempireinthenineteenthcentury:SantaGertrudis.

WoffordPattersonwastall,intimidating.Hehadjet-blackhair,thickandstraight,andanolive

complexion.Hiseyes,surprisingly,weresuchapalebluethattheyseemedtoglitterlikeArcticice.
Hehadbighandsandbigfeetandhisfacelookedasifithadbeencarvedfromsolidstone.Itwas
angular.Handsome,initsway,butnotconventionallyhandsome.

Therewerescarsonhishands.Michellestaredatthemassheshookhishand,andflushedwhenshe

sawhiskeen,intelligenteyesnotingthescrutiny.

“Sorry,”shesaid,althoughshehadn’tvoicedhercuriosity.
“IdidastintwiththeFBI’sHostageRescueTeam,”heexplained,showingherthepalmsofbothbig

hands.“Souvenirsfrommanyrappelsdownalongropefromahoveringchopper,”headdedwitha
faintsmile.“Evenglovesdon’talwayswork.”

Herlipsfellopen.Thiswasnotwhatshe’dexpectedwhenMinettesaidthey’dtakepicturesofa

rancher.Thismanwasn’twhatheappearedtobe.

“Noneedtolookthreatened,”hetoldher,andhispaleeyestwinkledasheshovedhishandsintothe

pocketsofhisjeans.“Idon’thavearrestpowersanymore.”Hescowled.“Haveyoudonesomething
illegal?Isthatwhyyoulookintimidated?”

“Oh,no,sir,”shesaidquickly.“It’sjustthatIwaslisteningforthesoundofhelicopters.”She

smiledvacantly.

Heburstoutlaughing.HeglancedatMinette.“Ibelieveyousaidshewasajuniorreporter?You

didn’tmentionthatshewasnuts,didyou?”

“Iamnotnuts,Ihavereadofpeoplewhowitnessedactualalienabductionsofinnocentcows,”she

toldhimsolemnly.Buthereyesweretwinkling,likehis.

“Ihaven’twitnessedany,”hereplied,“butifIeverdo,I’llphoneyoutocomeoutandtake

pictures.”

“Wouldyou?Howkind!”SheglancedatMinette,whowasgrinningfromeartoear.“Nowabout

thatconservationaward,Mr.Patterson...”

“Mr.Pattersonwasmyfather,”hecorrected.“AndhewasMisterPatterson,withacapitalletter.

He’sgonenow,Godresthissoul.HewastheonlypersonaliveIwasreallyafraidof.”Hechuckled.

“YoucancallmeWolf.”

“Wolf?”
“Wofford...Wolf,”hesaid.“TheyhungthatnicknameonmewhileIworkedfortheBureau.Ihave

somethingofareputationfortracking.”

“Andabitmore,”Minetteinterrupted,tongueincheek.
“Yes,well,butwemustn’tputheroff,right?”heaskedinreturn,andhegrinned.
“Right.”
“ComeonandI’llshowyouPatterson’sLonePineRedDiamond.Hewona‘bulloftheyear ’

awardforconformation,andI’mrollinginthegreenfromstudfees.Hehasnicelymarbledfatand
large—”heclearedhisthroat“—assets.”

MinetteglancedatMichelleandshookherheadwhenWolfwasn’tlooking.Michelleinterpreted

thatasan“I’lltellyoulater”look.

ThebullhadhisownstallinthenicestbarnMichellehadeverseen.“Wow,”shecommentedasthey

walkeddownthebrickedwalkwaybetweentheneatwoodenstalls.Therewasplentyofventilation,but
itwascomfortablywarminhere.Atackroominbackprovidedanyequipmentormedicinesthat
mightbeneededbythevisitingveterinarianforthelivestockinthebarn.

Thereweretwocows,hugelypregnant,intwoofthestallsandabigrottweiler,blackascoal,lying

justinfrontofthetackroomdoor.Theanimalraisedhisheadattheirapproach.

“Down,Hellscream,”heinstructed.Thedoglaybackdown,waggingitstail.
“Hellscream?”Michelleasked.
Hegrinned.“Idon’thaveasociallife.Toobusywiththebloodstockhere.Soinmysparetime,I

playWorldofWarcraft.TheleaderoftheHorde—thefactionthatfightstheAlliance—isGarrosh
Hellscream.Ireallydon’tlikehimmuch,somycharacterjoinedtherebelliontothrowhimout.
Nevertheless,heisafiercefighter.Soismygirl,there,”heindicatedtherottweiler.“Hence,the
name.”

“WinnieKilraven’shusbandisagamingfanatic,”Minettemused.
“KilravenplaysAlliance,”Wolfsaidinacontemptuoustone.“APaladin,noless.”Hepursedhis

lips.“Ikilledhiminabattleground,doingplayerversusplayer.Itwasverysatisfying.”Hegrinned.

“I’dlovetoplay,butmyhusbandisaddictedtotheWesternChannelonTVwhenhe’snotinhis

officebeingthesheriff,”Minettesighed.“Heandthekidswatchcartoonmoviestogether,too.Idon’t
reallymind.Butgamingsoundslikealotoffun.”

“Trustme,itis.”Wolfstoppedinfrontofahuge,sleekred-coatedbull.“Isn’theabeaut?”heasked

thewomen,andactuallysighed.“I’dlethimliveinthehouse,butIfearthecarpetswouldnever
recover.”

Thewomenlookedateachother.Thenhelaughedattheirexpressions,andtheyrelaxed.
“Ireadaboutawomanwhokeptachickeninsideonce,”Michellesaidwithablandexpression.“I

thinktheyhadtoreplaceallthecarpets,eventhoughshehadachickendiaper.”

“I’dliketoseeacowdiaperthatworked.”Wolfchuckled.
“That’saproductnobodyislikelytomake,”Michellesaid.
“Canwephotographyouwiththebull?”Michelleasked.
“Whynot?”
Hewentintothestallwiththebullandlaidhislongarmaroundhisneck.“Smile,Red,you’re

goingtobeevenmorefamous,”hetoldthebiganimal,andsmoothedhisfur.

Heandthebullturnedtowardthecamera.Michelletookseveralshots,showingthemtoMinetteas

theywentalong.

“Nice,”Minettesaid.Shetookthedigitalcamera,pulleduptheshots,andshowedthemtoWolf.
“They’lldofine,”Wolfreplied.“YoumightwanttomentionthatthebarnisassecureastheWhite

House,andanyonewhocomesherewithevilintentwillendupinthebackseatofapatrolcar,
handcuffed.”Hepursedhislips.“Istillhavemyhandcuffs,justincase.”

“We’llmentionthatsecurityistight.”Minettelaughed.
“Hereallyisaneatbull,”Michelleadded.“Thanksforlettinguscomeoutandlettingustake

pictures.”

Heshruggedbroadshoulders.“Noproblem.I’mprettymuchavailableuntilnextweek.”
“Whathappensnextweek?”Michelleasked.
“AWorldEventonWorldofWarcraft,”hemused.“The‘LoveIsintheAir ’celebration.It’sa

hoot.”

“Aworldevent?”Michelleasked,curious.
“Wehavethemforeveryholiday.It’sachanceforpeopletoobservethemin-game.Thisisthe

equivalentofValentine’sDay.”Helaughed.“There’sthisotherplayerIpalaroundwith.I’mpretty
sureshe’sagirl.Wedobattlegroundstogether.Shegetshungontrees,getslost,getskilledalot.I
enjoyplayingwithher.”

“Whydidyousaythatyouthinkshe’sagirl?”Michelleasked.
“Peoplearen’twhattheyseeminvideogames,”hereplied.“Alotofthewomenareactuallymen.

Theythinkofitasplayingwithadoll,dressingherupandstuff.”

“Whataboutwomen,dotheyplaymen?”shepersisted.
Helaughed.“Probably.I’vecomeacrossafewwhosemannerswereadeadgiveaway.Womenare

mostlynicerthansomeoftheguys.”

“WhatclassisyourHordecharacter?”Minettebrokein.
“Oh,youknowaboutclasses,huh?”
“JustwhatIoverheardwhenKilravenwasravingaboutthemtomyhusband,”shereplied,

chuckling.

“IplayaBloodElfdeathknight,”hesaid.“Two-handedsword,badattitude,practicallyinvincible.”
“Whatdoesthewomanplay?”Michelleasked,curious.
“ABloodElfwarlock.Warlockscastspells.Deadliestclassthereis,besidesmages,”hereplied.

“She’sreallygood.I’veoftenwonderedwhereshelives.SomewhereinEurope,Ithink,becauseshe’s
onlateatnight,whenmostpeopleintheStatesareasleep.”

“Whyareyouonsolateyourself?”Michelleasked.
Heshrugged.“Ihavesleepissues.”Andforaninstant,somethinginhisexpressionmadeherthink

ofwoundedthingslookingforshelter.Hesearchedhereyes.“You’restayingwiththeBrandons,
aren’tyou?”

“Well,yes,”shesaidhesitantly.
Henodded.“Gabriel’sagoodfellow.”Hisfacetautened.“Hissister,however,coulddrophouses

onpeople.”

Shestaredathim.“Excuseme?”
“Iwasbackingoutofaparkingspaceatthecountycourthouseandshecameflyingaroundthe

cornerandhitthebackendofmytruck.”Hewasalmostsnarling.“Thenshegetsout,cussingablue
streak,andsaysit’smyfault!Shewastheonespeeding!”

Michellealmostbithertongueofftryingnottosaywhatshewasthinking.
“Soyourhusband—”henoddedtoMinette“—comesdownthecourthousestepsandshe’sjust

charmingtohim,almostintearsoverherpoorcar,thatIhit!”Hemadeaface.“Igethitwitha

citationforsomegoldarnedthing,andmyinsurancecompanyhastofixhercarandmyratesgoup.”

“Wasthatbeforeorafteryoucalledherabroom-ridingwitchandindicatedthatshedidn’tcome

fromWyomingatall,butbywayofKansas...?”

“Sure,herandtheflyingmonkeys,”hemuttered.
Michellecouldn’tkeepfromlaughing.“I’msorry,”shedefendedherself.“Itwastheflyingmonkey

bit...”Sheburstoutlaughingagain.

“Anyway,Ipolitelyaskedherwhichwayshewasgoingandifshewascomingbacktotown,soI

couldparkmytrucksomewherewhileshewasontheroad.Setheroffagain.Thenshestartedcussing
meinFrench.Iguessshethoughtsomedumbcountryhicklikemewouldn’tunderstandher.”

“Whatdidyoudo?”Michelleasked.
Heshrugged.“GaveitbacktoherinfluentandformalFrench.Thatmadehermadder,soshe

switchedtoFarsi.”Hegrinned.“I’malsofluentinthat,andIknowtheslang.Shecalledonthesheriff
toarrestmeforobscenity,buthesaidhedidn’tspeakwhateverlanguagewewereusingsohe
couldn’tarrestme.”Hesmiledblithely.“Ilikeyourhusband,”hetoldMinette.“Hewasniceaboutit,
buthesentheronherway.Herpartingshot,alsoinFarsi,wasthatnowomaninNorthAmerica
wouldbestupidenoughtomarryamanlikeme.Shesaidshe’dratherremainsingleforeverthanto
evenconsiderdatingsomeonelikeme.”

“Whatdidyousaytoherthen?”Michellewantedtoknow.
“Oh,Ithankedher.”
“What?”Minetteburstout.
Heshrugged.“Isaidthatburlymasculinewomendidn’tappealtomewhatsoever,andthatI’dlikea

nicewifewhocouldcookandhavebabies.”

“And?”Minettepersisted.
“AndshesaidIwantedamalleablefemaleIcouldchaintothebed.”Heshookhishead.
“Whatdidyousayaboutthat?”
“Isaiditwouldbetoomuchtroubletogetthestoveinthere.”
Michellealmostdoubleduplaughing.ShecouldpictureSaratryingtotiethismanupinknotsand

failingmiserably.Shewonderedifshedaredrepeattheconversationwhenshegothome.

Wolfanticipatedher.Heshookhisfingerather.“Nocarryingtales,either,”heinstructed.“You

don’tarmtheenemy.”

“Butshe’snice,”sheprotested.
“Nice.Suresheis.Doesshekeepherpointedhatintheclosetordoesshewearitaroundthe

house?”heaskedpleasantly.

“Shedoesn’townasingleone,honest.”
“Makehermad,”heinvited.“Thenstandbackandwatchthebroomandthepointyhatsuddenly

appear.”

“You’dlikeherifyougottoknowher,”Michellereplied.
“No,thankyou.Noroominmylifeforawomanwhosharesherbarnwithflyingmonkeys.”

***

MichelleandMinettelaughedallthewaybacktotheoffice.

“Oh,whatSara’smissing,”Minettesaid,wipingtearsofmirthfromhereyes.“He’soneofakind.”
“Hereallyis.”
“IwishIcouldtellherwhathesaid.Iwouldn’tdare.She’salreadyscoredalimousinedriver.I

expectshecouldstriptheskinoffWoffordPattersonattenpaces.”

“Alimousine?”
Michellenodded.“Thedriverwastextingsomeoneatthewheelandalmostwreckedthecar.She

reportedhimtotheagencythatsenthim.”

“Goodforher,”Minettesaidgrimly.“Therewasawreckafewmonthsago.Agirlwastextinga

girlfriendandlostcontrolofthecarshewasdriving.Shekilledaten-year-oldboyandhis
grandmotherwhowerewalkingonthesideoftheroad.”

“Irememberthat,”Michellesaid.“Itwassotragic.”
“It’sstilltragic.Thegirlisinjail,pendingtrial.It’sgoingtobeveryhardonherparents,aswellas

thoseofthelittleboy.”

“Youhavesympathyforthegirl’sparents?”Michelleventured.
“Whenyouworkinthisbusinessforawhile,you’lllearnthattherereallyaretwosidestoevery

story.Normalpeoplecandosomethingimpulsiveandwrongandendupservingalifeterm.Many
peopleinjailarejustlikeyouandme,”shecontinued.“Excepttheyhavelesscontrolofthemselves.
OnestoryIcovered,ayoungmanhadanargumentwithhisfriendwhilehewasskinningadeer
they’djustkilledinthewoods.Impulsively,hestabbedhisfriendwiththeknife.Hecriedathistrial.
Hedidn’tmeantodoit.Hehadonesecondofinsanityanditdestroyedhislife.Buthewasagood
boy.Neverhurtananimal,neverskippedschool,neverdidanythingbadinhislife.Thenhekilledhis
bestfriendonanimpulsethatheregrettedimmediately.”

“Ineverthoughtofitlikethat,”Michellesaid,dazed.
“Convictedfelonshavefamilies,”shepointedout.“Mostofthemareasnormalaspeoplecanbe.

Theygotochurch,givetocharity,helptheirneighbors,raisegoodchildren.Theyhaveachilddo
somethingstupidandlandinjail.They’renotmonsters.AlthoughImustconfessI’veseenafew
parentswhoshouldbesittinginjail.”Sheshookherhead.“Peoplearefascinatingtome,afterall
theseyears.”Shesmiled.“You’llfindthat’strueforyou,aswell.”

Michelleleanedback.“Well,I’velearnedsomething.I’vealwaysbeenafraidofpeopleinjail,

especiallywhentheyworkontheroadwayspickinguptrash.”

“They’rejustscaredkids,mostly,”Minettereplied.“Therearesomebadones.Butyouwon’tsee

themoutonthehighways.Onlythetrustedonesgettodothatsortofwork.”

“Theworldisastrangeplace.”
“It’sstrangerthanyouknow.”Minettechuckled.Shepulledupinfrontofthenewspaperoffice.

“Now,let’sgetthosephotosuploadedandcroppedandintothegalleys.”

“Youbet,boss,”Michellesaidwithagrin.“Thanksfortheride,too.”
“Youneedtolearntodrive,”Minettesaid.
“Forthat,youneedacar.”
“Robertahadone.I’lltalktoBlakeKemp.He’sourdistrictattorney,buthe’salsoapracticing

attorney.We’llgethimgoingonprobateforyou.”

“Thanks.”
“Meanwhile,askGabrielaboutteachingyou.He’sveryexperiencedwithcars.”
“Okay,”shereplied.“I’llaskhim.”Itdidn’toccurtohertowonderhowMinetteknewhewas

experiencedwithcars.

Seven

“N

o,no,no!”Gabrielsaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Michelle,ifyouwanttolookatthelandscape,for

God’ssake,stopandgetoutofthecarfirst!”

Shebitherlowerlip.“Sorry.Iwasn’tpayingattention.”
Thetruck,histruck,wasaninchawayfromgoingintoadeepditch.
“PutitinReverse,andbackupslowly,”heinstructed,forcinghisvoicetoseemcalm.
“Okay.”Shedidasinstructed,thenputitingear,andwentforwardveryslowly.“How’sthis?”
“Better,”hesaid.Hedrewinabreath.“Idon’tunderstandwhyyourfathernevertaughtyou.”
Mentionofherfathermadehersad.“Hewastoobusyatfirstandthentoosick,”shesaid,hervoice

strained.“Iwantedtolearn,butIdidn’tpesterhim.”

“I’msorry,”hesaiddeeply.“Ibroughtbacksadmemoriesforyou.”
Shemanagedafaintsmile.“It’sstillnotthatlongsincehe,well,sincehewasgone,”shereplied.

Shecouldn’tbringherselftosay“died.”Itwastooharshaword.Sheconcentratedontheroad.“This
isalotharderthanitlooks,”shesaid.Sheglancedupintherearviewmirror.“Oh,darn.”

Heglancedbehindthem.Acarwasspeedingtowardthem,comingupfast.Theroadwasstraight

andclear,however.“Justdrive,”hetoldher.“He’sgotplentyofroomtopassifhewantsto.”

“Okay.”
Thedriversloweddownsuddenly,pulledaroundthemandgaveherasignthatmadeherflush.
“Andthatwasdamnedwelluncalledfor,”Gabrielsaidshortly.Hepulledouthiscellphone,called

thestatehighwaypolice,gavethemthelicenseplatenumberandofferedtopresschargesifthey
caughttheman.“She’sbarelyeighteenandtryingtolearntodrive,”hetoldtheofficerhewas
speakingto.“Theroadwasclear,hehadroomtopass.Hewasjustbeingajerkbecauseshewas
female.”

Helistened,thenchuckled.“Itotallyagree.Thanks.”
Heclosedthecellphone.“They’regoingtolookforhim.”
“Ihopetheyexplainmannerstohim.Somanypeopleseemtogrowupwithoutanythesedays,”she

sighed.Sheglancedathercompanion.Ithadmadehimreallyangry,thatotherman’srudeness.

Hecaughtherstaring.“Watchtheroad.”
“Sorry.”
“What’swrong?”
“Nothing.Iwasjust...well,itwasniceofyou,tocarethatsomeoneinsultedme.”
“Nobody’spickingonyouwhileI’maround,”hesaidwithfeeling.
Shebarelyturnedherheadandmethissearchingblackeyes.Herheartwentwild.Herhandsfelt

likeiceonthewheel.Shecouldbarelygetherbreath.

“Stopthat,”hemuttered,turninghisheadaway.“You’llkillusboth.”
Sheclearedherthroat.“Okay.”
Hedrewinabreath.“Youmaybethedeathofme,anyway,”hemused,givingheracovertglance.

Shewasverypretty,withherblondhairlong,aroundhershoulders,withthatcreamycomplexionand
thosesoftgrayeyes.Hedidn’tdarepaytoomuchattention.Butwhenshewasfullygrown,shewas
goingtobreakhearts.Hisjawtautened.Hedidn’tliketothinkaboutthat,forsomereason.

“Nowmakealeftturnontothenextroad.Givethesignal,”hedirected.“That’sright.Lookboth

ways.Good.Verygood.”

Shegrinned.“Thisisfun.”
“No,funiswhenyoustreakdowntheinterstateatahundredandtwentyandnobodyseesyou.

That’sfun.”

“Youdidn’t!”shegasped.
Heshrugged.“Jagsliketorun.Theypurrwhenyoupileonthegas.”
“Theydonot.”
“You’llsee.”Hesmiledtohimself.Healreadyhadplansforhergraduationday.HeandSarahad

planneditverywell.Itwasonlyacoupleofmonthsaway.Heglancedathiscompanion.Shewas
goingtobeabsolutelystunnedwhensheknewwhattheyhadinmind.

***

ThepieceonWoffordPattersonranwithMichelle’sbyline,alongwithphotosofhisnativegrasses,
hiswaterconservationprojectandhishugebull.Peopleshedidn’tevenknowatschoolstoppedherin
thehalltotalktoher.Andnotonlyotherstudents.Teacherspaidhermoreattention,aswell.Shefelt
likeaminorcelebrity.

“Iactuallyhadsomeonetositwithatlunch,”shetoldSara,allenthusiasm,whenshegothome

fromschoolthatday.“MostlyI’malwaysbymyself.Butonelittlearticleinthepaperwithmyname
andjustlook!”

Saramanagedasmile.“Itwaswellwritten.Youdidagoodjob.Consideringthematerialyouhad

toworkwith,”sheaddedwithsmolderingblackeyes.

ThenMichelleremembered.WoffordPatterson.Mortalenemy.Sara’snemesis.
“Sorry,”shesaid,flushing.
“Themanisatotallunatic,”Saramuttered,slammingpansaroundasshelookedforsomethingto

boilpastain.Herbeautifulcomplexionwasflushed.“Hebackedintomeandtriedtoblamemeforit!
ThenhesaidIrodeabroomandkeptflyingmonkeysinthebarn!”

Michellealmostbitthroughherlowerlip.Shecouldn’tlaugh.Shecouldn’tlaugh...
Saraglancedather,rolledhereyes,anddraggedoutabigpot.“Youlikehim,Igather?”
“Well,hedidn’taccusemeofkeepingflyingmonkeys,”Michellesaidreasonably.“He’svery

handsome,inarough-cutsortofway,andhelovesanimals.”

“Probablybecauseheisone,”Sarasaidunderherbreath.
“Hehasthishugerottweiler.Youwouldn’tbelievewhathecallsher!”
“Haveyouseenmyhammer?”Gabrielinterruptedsuddenly.
Bothwomenturned.
“Don’tyoukeepitinthetoolbox?”Michelleasked.
“Yes.Where’smytoolbox?”heamended.
Thetwowomenlookedateachotherblankly.ThenSaraflushed.
“I,uh,hadtofindapairofplierstoturnthewaterspigotonoutside.Notmyfault,”sheadded.“You

havebighandsandwhenyouturnthewateroff,Ican’tturnitbackon.Itookthewholetoolboxwith
mesoI’dhaveaccesstowhateverIneeded.”

“Noproblem.Butwhereisit?”Gabrieladded.
“Um,”Sarafrowned.“IthinkIremember...justasec.”Sheheadedoutthebackdoor.
“Don’t,forGod’ssake,tellherthenameofPatterson’sdog!”Gabrielsaidinaroughwhisper.
Shestaredathim.“Why?”

Hegaveheraspeakinglook.“WhodoyouthinkPatterson’sunknownbuddyinWorldofWarcraft

is?”heaskedpatiently.

Hereyeswidenedwithglee.“Youmean,they’rebuddiesonlineandtheydon’tknowit?”
“Inanutshell.”Hegrinned.“Twolonelypeoplewhocan’tstandeachotherinperson,andthey’re

soulmatesonline.Letthemkeeptheirillusions,forthetimebeing.”

“Ofcourse.”Sheshookherhead.“She’dlikehimifshegottoknowhim.”
“Iknow.Butfirstimpressionsdiehard.”
Sarawasback,carryingabeat-upbrowntoolbox.“Here.”Shesetitdownonthetable.“Sorry,”she

addedsheepishly.

“Idon’tmindifyouborrowstuff.Justputitback,please.”Hechuckled.
Sheshrugged.“SometimesIdo.I’mjustscatterbrained.”
“Listen,”hesaid,kissingthetopofherhead,“nobodywhospeakssixlanguagesfluentlycould

evenremotelybecalledscatterbrained.Youjusthavealotonyourmindallthetime.”

“Whatanicewaytoputit.Nowonderyou’remyfavoritebrother!”
HegaveMichelleadrolllook.
“Well,ifIhadotherbrothers,you’dstillbemyfavorite,”Saraamended.
“Arewegoingtodrivesomemoretoday?”Michelleaskedhimhopefully.
“Maybetomorrow,”hesaidafteraminute.Heforcedasmile.Heleft,quickly.
Michellesighed.“Ican’tfolloworders,”sheexplainedwhileSaraputwaterontoboilandgotout

spaghetti.

“He’sjustimpatient,”Sarareplied.“Healwayswas,evenwhenwewerekids.”Sheshookherhead.

“Somehabitsyounevergrowoutof.”

MichelleknewalotaboutSara,andherchildhood.Butshewastookindheartedtomentionanyof

whatGabrielhadtoldher.Shejustsmiledandaskedwhatshecoulddotohelp.

***

Graduationwasonlydaysaway.SomuchhadhappenedtoMichellethatshecouldhardlybelievehow
quicklythetimehadgoneby.MaristCollegehadacceptedher,justasGabrielhadtoldher.Shewas
scheduledfororientationinAugust,andshe’dalreadyhadaconversationonlinewithherfaculty
advisor.

“I’msoexcited,”shetoldGabriel.Theyweresittingonthefrontporch,watchingameteorshower.

Therewereacoupleoffireballs,colorfulandrare.“I’llbeincollege.Ican’tbelieveit.”

Hesmiled.“You’llgrow.Collegechangespeople.Youseetheworldinadifferentwaywhen

you’vestudiedcourseslikeWesternCivilizationandmath.”

“I’mnotlookingforwardtothemath,”shesighed.“Peoplesaycollegetrigisanightmare.”
“Onlyifyoudon’thaveatutor.”
“ButIdon’t...”
Heglanceddownather.“ImadestraightA’s.”
“Oh.”Shegrinned.“Okay.Thanksinadvance.”
Hestretched.“Noproblem.Maybeyou’lldobetteratmaththanyoudoatdriving.”
Shethumpedhisarm.“Stopthat.Icandrive.”
“Sortof.”
“Ittakespractice,”sheremindedhim.“HowcanIpracticeifyou’realwaystoobusytorideinthe

truckwithme?”

“YoucouldaskSara,”hepointedout.
Shegloweredathim.“Idid.”
“And?”
“She’salwaysgotsomethingreadytocook.”Shepursedherlips.“Infact,shehaspotsandpans

linedup,ready,incaseIlooklikeI’mevenplanningtoaskhertoridewithme.”Hereyesnarrowed
suspiciously.“Ihavereasontobelieveyou’vebeenfillingherheadwithirrelevantfactsabouthow
manytimesI’verunintoditches.”

“Lies.”
“Itwasonlyoneditch,”shepointedout.
“Thatremindsme.”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandcheckedatextmessage.Henodded.“Ihavea

professionaldrivinginstructorcomingouttoworkwithyou,startingSaturdayafternoon.”

“Coward,”sheaccused.
Hegrinned.“Idon’tteach.”
“Ithoughtyouweredoingverywell,exceptforthenonstopcursing.”
“Ithoughtyouweredoingwell,exceptforthenonstopnearaccidents.”
Shethrewupherhandsandsighed.“Okay.Justpushmeoffontosometotalstrangerwho’llhavea

heartattackifImissaturn.Hisfamilywillsueusandwe’llendupwalkingeverywhere...”

Heheldupahand.“Iwon’tchangemymind.Ican’tteachyouhowtodrivewithanyefficiency.

Thesepeoplehavebeendoingitforalongtime.”

Shegavein.“Okay.I’llgiveitashot.”Shelookedupathim.“YouandSaraarecomingto

graduation,aren’tyou?”

Hesmileddownather.“Iwouldn’tmissitforthewholeworld,mabelle.”
Herheartjumpedupintoherthroat.Shecouldwalkonair,becauseGabrielteasedherinthatdeep,

softtonethatheusedonlywithher.

Hetouchedherlonghairgently.“You’realmostgrown.Justafewmoreyears.”
“I’meighteen.”
Heletgoofherhair.“Iknow.”Heturnedaway.Shewaseighteenyearsold.Yearstooyoungfor

whathewasthinkingof.Hehadtolethergo,lethergrow,lethermature.Hecouldn’tholdherback
outofselfishness.Inafewyears,whenshewasthroughcollege,whenshehadagoodjob,whenshe
couldstandalone—then,yes,perhaps.Perhaps.

“You’reveryintrospectivetonight,”sheremarked.
“AmI?”Hechuckled.“Iwasthinkingaboutcows.”
“Cows?”
“It’saclearnight.IfaUFOweretoabductacow,wewouldprobablyseeit.”
“Howexciting!Let’sgolookingforthem.I’lldrive!”
“Notonyourlife,anddon’tyouhavehomework?Finalsarecomingup,Ibelieve?”
Shemadeaface.“Yes,theyare,andIcan’taffordtomakeabadgrade.”Sheglancedathim.

“Spoilsport.”

Heshrugged.“Iwantyoutograduate.”
Shefoldedherhandsonherjeans-cladthighs.“I’venevertoldyouhowmuchIappreciateallyou

andSarahavedoneforme,”shesaidquietly.“Ioweyousomuch...”

“Stopthat.Wewerehappytohelp.”
Ithadjustoccurredtoherthatshewasgoingaway,verysoon,tocollege.Shewasgoingtolivein

thedormitorythere.Shewouldn’tlivewithSaraandGabrielagain.Herholidayswouldbespentwith
fellowstudents,ifanyoneevenstayedoncampus—didn’tthecampuscloseforholidays?

“Icanseethewheelsturning,”hemused,glancingdownather.“You’llcometousforholidaysand

vacations,”hesaid.“SaraandIwillbehere.Atleastuntilyou’rethroughcollege.Okay?”

“ButSarahasaplaceinWyoming—”shebegan.
“WehaveaplaceinWyoming,andwehaveacompetentmanagerinchargeofit,”heinterrupted.

“Besides,shelikesithereinTexas.”

“Ididnoticeshewasupverylatelastnightonthecomputer,”shesaidunderherbreath.
“Newexpansiononhergame,”hewhispered.“Sheandherunknownpalarerunningbattlegrounds

together.She’sveryexcited.”

Michellelaughedsoftly.“Weshouldprobablytellher.”
“Noway.It’sthefirsttimeI’veseenherhappy,reallyhappy,inmanyyears,”hesaidwistfully.

“Dreamsareprecious.Letherkeepthem.”

“Isupposeitwon’thurt,”shereplied.“Butshe’snotgettingalotofsleep.”
“Shehasn’tsleptwellinalongtime,despitetherapyandprescriptions.Thisgamingmightactually

solveafewproblemsforher.”

“Youthink?”
“Wecanwaitandsee,atleast.”Heglancedathiswatch,thenumbersglowinginthedarkness.“I

havesomepaperworktogetthrough.Youcomingin?”

“Injustaminute.Idolovemeteorshowers.”
“SodoI.Ifyoulikeastronomy,we’llhavetobuyatelescope.”
“Couldwe?”sheaskedenthusiastically.
“Ofcourse.I’llseeaboutit.”
“IwouldlovetolookatMars!”
“SowouldI.”
“Iwouldlovetogothere,”sheventured.
Heshrugged.“Notgoingtohappen.”
“Itwasworthatry.”
Hechuckled,ruffledherhairandwentbackinside.

***

Graduationdaywasgoingtobelongandexciting.Michellehadgonetotherehearsal,whichhadto
beheldinsidebecauseitwaspouringrainthatday.Shehadhopeditwouldn’trainongraduationday.

Hergownandcapfitperfectly.Shewasn’tgoingtograduatewithhonors,butshewasatleastinthe

top10percentofherclass.Hergradeshadearnedherasmallscholarship,whichwouldpayfor
textbooks.Shedidn’twantGabrielandSaratobeoutofpocketonheraccount,regardlessoftheir
financialworth.

Hergownwaswhite.Itmadeherlookalmostangelic,withherlongblondhairdowntoherwaist,

herpeaches-and-creamcomplexiondelicatelycolored,hergrayeyesglitteringwithexcitement.

Shedidn’tseeGabrielandSaraintheaudience,butthatwasn’tsurprising.Therewasahugecrowd.

Theywereabletograduateoutsidebecausetheskiesclearedup.Theyheldthegraduationceremonies
onthefootballfield,withfacultyandstudentsandfamiliesgatheredfortheoccasion.

Michelleacceptedherdiplomafromtheprincipal,grinnedatsomeofherfellowstudentsand

walkedofftheplatform.Onthewaydown,sherememberedwhataterrifyingfutureshewasstepping
into.Fortwelveyears,she’dgonetoschooleveryday—well,thirteenyearsifyoucounted
kindergarten.Now,shewasfree.Butwithfreedomcameresponsibility.Shehadtosupportherself.

Shehadtomanageanapartment.Shehadtopaybills....

Maybenotthebillspart,totally.ShewouldhavetoforceGabrielandSaratoletherpayrent.That

wouldhelpherpride.She’dgoofftocollege,tostrangers,toadormitorythatmightactuallybe
unisex.Thatwasascarythought.

SherantoGabrielandSara,tobehuggedandcongratulated.
“Youarenowafreewoman.”Sarachuckled.“Well,mostly.Exceptforyourjob,andcollege

upcoming.”

“Ifit’sgoingtobeaunisexdorm,”Michellebeganworriedly.
“It’snot,”Gabrielassuredher.“Didn’tyounotice?It’saProtestantcollege.Theyevenhavea

chaplain.”

“Oh.Oh!”Sheburstoutlaughing,andflushed.“No,Ididn’treallynotice,untilIthoughtabout

havingtosharemyfloorwithmenwhoaretotalstrangers.”

“Nowaywouldthathappen,”Gabrielsaidsolemnly,andhisdarkeyesflashed.“I’dhaveyou

drivenbackandforthfirst.”

“SowouldI,”Saraagreed.“OrI’dmoveuptoSanAntonio,getanapartmentandyoucouldroom

withme.”

TearsstungMichelle’scheeks.Shewasrememberinghowproudherfatherhadbeenofhergrades

andherambitions,howhe’dlookedforwardtoseeinghergraduate.Heshouldhavebeenhere.

“Now,now,”Gabrielsaidgently,asifhecouldseethethoughtsinhermind.Hebrushedthetears

awayandkissedhereyelidsclosed.“It’sahappyoccasion,”hewhispered.

Shewastinglingalloverfromtheunexpectedlyintimatecontact.Herheartwentwild.Whenhe

drewback,everythingshefeltandthoughtwasrightthere,inhereyes.Hisownnarrowed,andhis
tall,muscularbodytensed.

Saracoughed.Shecoughedagain,tomakesuretheyheardher.
“Lunch,”Gabrielsaidatonce,snappingoutofit.“Wehavereservations.”
“Atoneofthefinestrestaurantsinthecountry,andwestillhavetogettotheairport.”
“Restaurant?Airport?”Michellewasallatsea.
Gabrielgrinned.“It’sasurprise.Someone’smotioningtoyou.”Heindicatedafemalestudentwho

waswavinglikecrazy.

“It’sYvonne,”Michelletoldthem.“IpromisedtohavemypicturetakenwithherandGerrie.They

wereinmygeographyclass.Berightback!”

Theywatchedhergo,herfacealivewithpleasure.
“Closecall,maskedman,”Sarasaidunderherbreath.
Hestuffedhishandsintohisslacksandhisexpressionhardened.
“Youhavetobepatient,”Saraaddedgently,andtouchedhischestwithasmallhand.“Justfora

littlewhile.”

“Justforyears,”hesaidcurtly.“Whileshemeetsmenandfallsinlove....”
“Fatchance.”
Heturnedandlookeddownather,hisfaceguardedbutfullofhope.
“Youknowhowshefeels,”Sarasaidsoftly.“Thatisn’tgoingtochange.Butshehastohavetimeto

growup,toseesomethingoftheworld.Thetimewillpass.”

Hegrimacedandthendrewinabreath.“Yes.Isupposeso.”Helaughedhollowly.“Maybeinthe

meantime,IcanworkuptohowI’mgoingtoexplainmylineofworktoher.Anotherhurdle.”

“Bythattime,she’llbemorelikelytounderstand.”
Henodded.“Yes.”

Shehuggedhimimpulsively.“You’reagreatguy.Shealreadyknowsit.”
Hehuggedherback.“I’llbeherbestfriend.”
“Youalreadyare.”Shedrewback,smiling.Thesmilefadedandhereyessparkedwithtemperas

shelookedpasthim.

“My,my,didyouloseyourbroom?”cameadeep,drawlingvoicefrombehindGabriel.
“Theflyingmonkeysareusingitrightnow,”Sarasnarledatthetallman.“Areyoujustgraduating

fromhighschool,too?”sheadded.“AndIdidn’tgetyouapresent.”

Heshrugged.“Myforeman’sdaughtergraduated.I’mhergodfather.”
“Somanyresponsescometomind.Butchoosingjustone,”sheponderedforaminute.Shepursed

herfulllips.“Doyouemployafull-timehitman,ordoyouhavetomanagewithpickups?”

Heraisedhisthickeyebrows.“Oh,full-time,definitely,”hesaideasily,handsdeepinhisjean

pockets.Hecockedhishead.“Buthedoesn’tdowomen.Pity.”

SarawassearchingforacomebackwhenMichellecamerunningback.
“Oh,hi,Mr.Patterson!”shesaidwithagrin.“How’sthatbulldoing?”
“Eatingallhecangetandlookingbetterbytheday,MissGodfrey,”hereplied,smiling.“Thatwas

agoodpieceyouwroteontheranch.”

“Thanks.Ihadgoodmaterialtoworkwith.”
Saramadeasounddeepinherthroat.
“Whatwasthat?Callingtheflyingmonkeysinsomestrangegutturallanguage?”WolfaskedSara

withwide,innocenteyes.

SheburstoutinFarsi,thingsthatwouldhavemadeMichelleblushifsheunderstoodthem.
“Oh,my,whatathingtosaytosomeone!”Wolfsaidwithmocksurprise.Helookedaround.

“Where’sapoliceofficerwhenyouneedone?”

“Byallmeans,findonewhospeaksFarsi,”Sarasaidwithasarcasticsmile.
“Farsi?”JacobsvillepolicechiefCashGrierstrolledupwithhiswife,Tippy.“IspeakFarsi.”
“Great.Arresther,”Wolfsaid,pointingatSara.“Shejustsaidterriblethingsaboutmymother.Not

tomentionseveralofmyancestors.”

CashglancedatSara,whowasgloweringatWolf,andtotallyunrepentant.
“Hestartedit,”Sarasaidangrily.“Idonotrideabroom,andIhaveneverseenaflyingmonkey!”
“Idid,once,”Cashsaid,nodding.“Ofcourse,amanthrewitatme...”
“Areyougoingtoarresther?”Wolfinterrupted.
“You’dhavetoprovethatshesaidit,”Cashbegan.
“Gabrielheardhersayit,”Wolfpersisted.
CashlookedatGabriel.SodidSaraandMichelleandTippy.
“I’llburnthepastaforaweek,”Sarasaidunderherbreath.
Gabrielclearedhisthroat.“Gosh,I’msorry,”hesaid.“Iwasn’tpayingattention.Wouldyouliketo

sayitagain,andthistimeI’lllisten?”heaskedhissister.

“Collusion,”Wolfmuttered.HegloweredatSara.“IstillhavemyhandcuffsfrommyFBIdays...”
“Howverykinky,”Sarasaidhaughtily.
Cashturnedawayquickly.Hisshoulderswereshaking.
Tippyhithim.
Hecomposedhimselfandturnedback.“I’msorry,butIreallycan’tbeofanyassistanceinthis

particularmatter.Congratulations,Michelle,”headded.

“Thanks,ChiefGrier,”shereplied.
“Whyareyouhere?”Wolfaskedthechief.

“Oneofmyyoungbrother-in-law’soldergamingfriendsisgraduating,”herepliedwithasmile.

“Wecametowatchhimgraduate.”Heshookhishead.“He’sawesomeattheHaloseriesonXbox
360.”

“SoamI,”Wolfsaidwithagrin.HeglancedatGabriel.“Doyouplay?”
Gabrielshookhishead.“Idon’treallyhavetime.”
“It’sfun.Ilikeconsolegames.ButIalsolike...”Wolfbegan.
“Thereservations!”Gabrielinterrupted,checkinghiswatch.“Sorry,butwe’vegotaflighttocatch.

Graduationpresent,”headdedwithagrinandaglanceatMichelle.“Seeyoualllater.”

“Sure,”Wolfreplied.HeglancedatSaraandhiseyestwinkled.“Anairplane,huh?Having

mechanicalproblemswiththebroom...?”

“Wehavetogo,rightnow,”Gabrielsaid,catchingSarabeforeshecouldmovetowardWolf.
Hehalfdraggedheraway,totheamusementoftheothers.

***

“Youshouldhaveletmehithim,”Sarafumedastheysatcomfortablyinthebusiness-classsectionof
anaircraftboundforNewOrleans.“Justonelittleslap...”

“Infrontofthepolicechief,whowouldhavebeenobligedtoarrestyou,”Gabrielpointedout.“Not

agoodthingonMichelle’sgraduationday.”

“No.”ShesmiledatMichelle,wholookedasamusedasGabrieldid.“Sorry.Thatmanjustrubsme

thewrongway.”

“It’sokay,”Michellesaid.“Ican’tbelievewe’reflyingtoNewOrleansforlunch.”Shelaughed,

shakingherhead.“I’veneverbeenonaplanebeforeinmylife.Thetakeoffwassocool!”she
recalled,rememberingtheburstofspeed,thecloudscomingcloser,thelandfallingawayunderthe
planeasshelookedoutthewindow.They’dgivenherthewindowseat,sothatshehadabetterview.

“Itwasfun,seeingitthroughyoureyes,”Sarareplied,smiling.“Itendtotakeitforgranted.So

doeshe.”SheindicatedGabriel,wholaughed.

“Ispendmostofmylifeonairplanes,ofonetypeoranother,”Gabrielconfessed.“Imustadmit,

myflightsaren’tusuallythisrelaxed.”

“Youneverdidtellmewhatyoudo,”Michellesaid.
“I’msortofagovernmentcontractor,”hesaideasily.“Anadvisor.Igolotsofplacesinthat

capacity.Idealwithforeigngovernments.”Hemadeitsoundconventional.Itreallywasn’t.

“Oh.Likebusinessmendo.”
“Somethinglikethat,”helied.Hesmiled.“Youhaveyourfirstdrivinglessontomorrow,”he

remindedher.

“Sureyouwouldn’tliketodoitinstead?”sheasked.“Icouldtryreallyhardtoavoidditches.”
Heshookhishead.“YouneedsomebodybetterqualifiedthanIam.”
“Ihopehe’sgotagoodheart.”
“I’msurehe’llbepersonable...”
“Ihopehe’sinverygoodhealth,”sheamended.
Gabrieljustchuckled.

***

Theyateatafive-starrestaurantdowntown.ThefoodwasthemostexquisiteMichellehadevertasted,
withaCajunspicedfarethatteasedthetongue,anddessertsthatalmostmadehercrytheywereso

delicious.

“ThisisoneofthebestrestaurantsI’veeverfrequented,”Gabrielsaidastheyfinishedsecondcups

ofcoffee.“IalwaysstopbywhenI’minthearea.”Helookedaroundattheelegantdecor.“Theyhad
someproblemsduringHurricaneKatrina,butthey’veremodeledandregrouped.It’sbetterthanever.”

“Itwasdelicious,”Michellesaid,smiling.“Youguysarespoilingmerotten.”
“We’reenjoyingit,”Sarareplied.“Andthere’sanevenbiggersurprisewaitingwhenweget

home,”sheadded.

“Anotherone?ButthiswasthebestpresentI’veeverhad!Youdidn’tneedto...”
“Oh,butwedid,”Gabrielreplied.Heleanedbackinhischair,elegantinanavybluejacketwitha

blackturtleneckanddarkslacks.Sarawaswearingasimpleblackdresswithpearlsthatmadeher
lookbothexpensiveandbeautiful.Michelle,incontrast,waswearingtheonlygooddressshehad,a
simplesheathofoff-white,withhermother ’spearls.Shefeltdowdycomparedtohercompanions,
buttheydidn’tevenseemtonoticethatthedresswasold.Theymadeherfeelbeautiful.

“Whatisit?”Michelleaskedsuddenly.
Shewasmetwithblandsmiles.
“Waitandsee,”Gabrielsaidwithtwinklingblackeyes.

Eight

I

twasverylatewhentheygotbacktotheranch.There,sittinginthedriveway,wasabeautifullittle

whitecarwithabigredribbontiedaroundit.

Michellegapedatit.Hercompanionsurgedhercloser.
Shetouchedthetrunk,whereasleeksilverJaguaremblemsatabovethekeyhole.
“It’saJag,”shestammered.
“It’snotthemostexpensiveone,”SarasaidquicklywhenMichellegavethemaccusingglances.“In

fact,it’samidrangeautomobile.Butit’soneofthesafestcarsontheroad.Whichiswhywegotitfor
you.HappyGraduation!”

ShehuggedMichelle.
“It’stoomuch,”Michellestammered,touchingthebodywithawe.Shefoughttears.“Inever

dreamed...Oh,it’sso...beautiful!”SheturnedandthrewherselfintoSara’sarms,huggingherclose.
“I’lltakesuchgoodcareofit!I’llpolishitbytheinch,withmyownhands...!”

“Don’tIgetahug,too?Itwasmyidea,”Gabrielsaid.
Shelaughed,turnedandhuggedhimclose.“Ofcourseyoudo.Thankyou!Gosh,Ineverdreamed

you’dgetmeacarasapresent!”

“Youneededone,”Gabrielsaidatthetopofherhead.“Youhavetobeabletodrivetoworkfor

Minetteinthesummer.Andyou’llneedonetocommutefromcollegetohomeonweekends.Ifyou
wanttocomehomethatoften,”headded.

“WhywouldIwanttostayinthecitywhenIcancomedownhereandridehorses?”sheasked,

smilingupathim.Hewassuchadish,shethoughtdreamily.

Gabriellookedbackatherwithdark,intenteyes.Shewasbeautiful.Menwouldwanther.Other

men.

“Well,tryitout,”Sarasaid,interruptingtactfully.“I’llhelpyouuntietheribbon.”
“I’mneverthrowingtheribbonaway!”Michellelaughed.“Oh.Wait!”Shepulledouthercellphone

andtookapictureofthecarinitsbow.

“Standbesideit.We’llgetoneofyou,too,”Gabrielsaid,pullingouthisowncellphone.Hetook

severalshots,smilingallthetime.“Okay.Nowgetinsideandtryitout.”

“Who’sridingshotgun?”Michelleasked.
Theylookedworriedlyateachother.
“It’stoolatetotakeitoutofthedriveway,”Gabrielsaidfinally.“Juststartitup.”
Michellestoodatthedoor.Itwouldn’topen.
“Thekey,”SarapromptedGabriel.
“Thekey.Duh.”Hechuckled.HedugitoutofhispantspocketandhandedittoMichelle.Itwasstill

warmfromhisbody.

Shelookedatthefobinthelightfromtheporch.“There’snokey.”
“Youdon’tneedone.”
Sheunlockedthecarandgotinside.“There’snogearshift!”
“Seethestartbutton?”Gabrielprompted.“Pressit.”
Shedid.Nothinghappened.
“Holddownthebrakewithyourfootandthenpressit,”headded.

Shedid.Thecarroaredtolife.Shecaughtherbreathastheventsopenedandthegearshiftroseup

outoftheconsole.“Oh!”sheexclaimed.Shelookedatthecontrols,attheinstrumentpanel,atthe
leatherseats.“Oh!”shesaidagain.

Gabrielsquattedbythedoor,onthedriveway.“Itscreatorsaidsomethinglike,‘wewillnevercome

closertobuildingsomethingthatisalive.’EachJaguarisunique.Eachhasitsownlittle
idiosyncrasies.I’vebeendrivingthemforyears,andIstilllearnnewthingsaboutthem.Theypurr
whenthey’rehappy,theygrowlwhentheywanttheopenroad.”Helaughedself-consciously.“Well,
you’llsee.”

Sheleanedoverandbrushedhersoftmouthagainsthischeek,veryshyly.“Thanks.”
Hechuckledandgottohisfeet.“You’rewelcome.”
“Thanks,Sara,”shecalledtotheotherwoman.
“Itwastrulyourpleasure.”Sarayawned.“Andnowwereallyshouldgettobed,don’tyouthink?

Michellehasanearlymorning,andI’mquitetired.”Shehesitated.“Perhapsweshouldchecktomake
suretheflyingmonkeysarelockedupsecurely...?”

Theybothlaughed.

***

Thedrivinginstructor ’snamewasMr.Moore.Hehadasmallwhiteroundpatchofhairatthebaseof
hisskull.Michellewonderedifhishairlosswasfromclosecallsbystudents.

Hewasverypatient.Shehadacoupleofnear-misses,butwasabletocorrectintimeandavoidan

accident.Hetoldherthatitwassomethingthatmuchpracticewouldfix.Sheonlyneededtodrive,and
rememberherlessons.

Soshedrove.ButitwasSara,notGabriel,whorodewithherthatsummer.Gabrielhadpackeda

bag,toldthewomengoodbye,andrushedoutwithoutanotherword.

“Whereishegoing?”MichellehadaskedSara.
Theotherwomansmiledgently.“We’renotallowedtoknow.Someofwhathedoesisclassified.

Andyoumustnevermentionittoanyone.Okay?”

“Ofcoursenot,”Michellereplied.Shebitherlip.“Whathedoes—it’sjustofficestuff,right?I

meanheadvises.That’stalkingtopeople,instructing,right?”

Sarahesitatedonlyabeatbeforeshereplied,“Ofcourse.”

***

Michelleputitoutofhermind.Gabrieldidn’tphonehome.He’dbeengoneseveralweeks.During
thattime,Michellebegantoperfectherdrivingskills,withSara’shelp.Shegotherdriver ’slicense,
passingthetesteasily,andnowshedrovealternatelytoworkwithCarlie.

“Thisisjustsogreat,”Carlieenthusedonthewaytowork.“TheyboughtyouaJaguar!Ican’t

believeit!”Shesighed,smoothingherhandoverthesoftleatherseat.“Iwishsomebodywouldbuy
meaJaguar.”

Michellechuckled.“Itwasashocktome,too,letmetellyou.Itriedtogiveitback,butthey

wouldn’thearofit.TheysaidIneededsomethingsafe.LikeabigFordtruckwouldn’tbesafe?”she
mused.

“I’dloveabigbrand-newFordtruck,”Carliesighed.“OneofthoseF-Seriesones.OraDodge

Ram.OraChevySilverado.I’venevermetatruckIdidn’tlove.”

“Ilikecarsbetter,”Michellesaid.“Justapersonalpreference.”Sheglancedatherfriend.“I’m

goingtomissridingwithyouwhenIgotocollege.”

“I’llmissyou,too.”Carlieglancedoutthewindow.“Justhavingcompanykeepsmefrom

brooding.”

“Carsonisstillgivingyoufits,Igather?”Michelleaskedgently.
Carlielookeddownatherhands.“Idon’tunderstandwhyhehatesmesomuch,”shesaid.“I

haven’tdoneanythingtohim.Well,exceptmakeafewsarcasticcomments,buthestartsit,”sheadded
withascowl.

“Maybehelikesyou,”Michelleventured.“Andhedoesn’twantto.”
“Oh,sure,that’sthereason.”Sheshookherhead.“No.Thatisn’tit.He’dthrowmetothewolves

withoutasecondthought.”

“HespendsalotoftimeinCashGrier ’soffice.”
“They’reworkingonsomething.I’mnotallowedtoknowwhat,andthechiefmakessureIcan’t

overhearhimwhenhetalksonthephone.”Shefrowned.“Myfather ’sintherealot,too.Ican’t
imaginewhy.Carsonisn’ttheprayingsort,”sheaddedcoldly,alludingtoherfather ’sprofession.He
was,afterall,aminister.

“Iwouldn’tthinkthechiefistheprayingsort,either,”Michellereplied.“Maybeit’ssomethingto

doaboutthatmanwhoattackedyourfather.”

“I’vewonderedaboutthat,”hercompanionreplied.“Dadwon’ttellmeanything.Hejustclamsup

ifImentionit.”

“Youcouldaskthechief.”
Carlieburstoutlaughing.“Youtryit,”sherepliedwithagrin.“Hechangesthesubject,picksupthe

phone,dragssomeonepassingbyintotheofficetochat—he’samasteratevasion.”

“YoumighttryaskingCarson,”sheadded.
Thesmilefaded.“Carsonwouldwalkalloverme.”
“Youneverknow.”
“Iknow,allright.”Carlieflushedalittle,andstaredoutthewindowagain.
“Sorry,”Michellesaidgently.“Youdon’twanttotalkabouthim.Iunderstand.”
“It’sokay.”Sheturnedherhead.“IsGabrielcomingbacksoon?”
“Wedon’tknow.Wedon’tevenknowwhereheis,”Michellesaidsadly.“Someforeigncountry,I

gather,buthedidn’tsay.”Sheshookherhead.“He’ssomysterious.”

“Mostmenare.”Carlielaughed.
“Atleastwhathedoesisjustbusinessstuff,”camethereply.“Sowedon’thavetoworryabouthim

somuch.”

“Ablessing,”Carlieagreed.

***

Michelledidastoryaboutthelocalfiredepartmentanditsnewfireengine.Shelearnedalotfromthe
firechiefabouthowfireswerestartedandhowtheywerefought.Sheputitallintoanicearticle,with
photosofthefiremen.Minetteranitonthefrontpage.

“Favoritism,”CashGriermutteredwhenshestoppedbytogetCarlieforthedrivehomethat

Fridayafternoon.

“Excuseme?”Michelleaskedhim.
“Astoryaboutthefiredepartment,onthefrontpage,”hemuttered.Heglaredather.“Youhaven’t

evendoneoneaboutus,andwejustsolvedamajorcrime!”

“Amajorcrime.”Michellehadn’theardofit.
“Yes.SomeonecapturedoldmanJones’schicken,putitinadolldress,andtiedittohisfront

porch.”Hegrinned.“Wecapturedtheperp.”

“And?”Michelleprompted.Carliewaslistening,too.
“ItwasBenHarris’sgranddaughter.”Hechuckled.“Hergrandmotherpunishedherforoverfilling

thebathtubbytakingawayherfavoritedolly.Sotherewasthisniceredhenrightnextdoor.Shetook
thechickeninside,dresseditup,andhadfunplayingwithitwhilehergrandparentswereatthestore.
Thensherealizedhowmuchmoretroubleshewasgoingtobeinwhentheynoticedwhatthechicken
did,sinceitwasn’twearingadiaper.”

Bothwomenwerelaughing.
“SoshetookthechickenbacktoJones’house,butshewasafraiditmightrunoff,soshetieditto

theporchrail.”Heshookhishead.“Thedoll’sclotheswereadeadgiveaway.She’sjustnotcutout
foralifeofcrime.”

“WhatdidMr.Jonesdo?”Michelleasked.
“Oh,hetookpictures,”hereplied.“Wantone?They’reprettycool.I’mthinkingofhavingone

blownupformyoffice.Toputonmysolved-crimewall.”Hegrinned.

Theywerelaughingsohard,tearswererollingdowntheircheeks.
“Andthelittlegirl?”Michellepersisted.
“She’sassignedtomenialchoresforthenextfewdays.Atleast,untilallthechickenpoophasbeen

cleanedoffthefloorsandfurniture.Theydidgiveherbackthedoll,however,”headded,tonguein
cheek.“Topreventanyfuturelapses.Sadthing,though.”

“Whatis?”
“Thedollisnaked.Ifshebringsitoutofthehouse,asmuchasIhateit,I’llhavetociteitfor

indecentexposure...”

Thelaughtercouldbeheardoutsidethedoornow.Thetallmanwithjet-blackhairhangingdown

tohiswaistwasn’tlaughing.

Hestopped,staringatthechiefandhisaudience.
“Something?”Cashasked,suddenlyallbusiness.
“Something.”Carson’sblackeyesslidtoCarlie’sfaceandnarrowedcoldly.“Ifyoucansparethe

time.”

“Sure.Comeonin.”
“Ifyoudon’tneedme,I’llgohome,”Carliesaidatonce,flushed,assheavoidedCarson’sgaze.
“Idon’tneedyou.”Carsonsaiditwithpurevenom.
Sheliftedherchinpugnaciously.“ThankGod,”shesaidthroughherteeth.
Heopenedhismouth,butCashintervened.“Goonhome,Carlie,”hesaid,ashegrabbedCarsonby

thearmandsteeredhimintotheoffice.

***

“Sothat’sCarson,”MichellesaidasshedrovetowardCarlie’shouse.

“That’sCarson.”
Michelledrewinabreath.“Athoroughlyunpleasantperson.”
“Youdon’tknowthehalfofit.”
“Hereallyhasitinforyou.”
Carlienodded.“Toldyouso.”

Therereallydidn’tseemtobeanythingelsetosay.Michellegaveherasympatheticsmileandkept

hersilenceuntiltheypulledupinfrontoftheVictorianhouseshesharedwithherfather.

“Thanksfortheride,”Carliesaid.“Myturntodrivetomorrow.”
“Andmyturntobuygas.”Shechuckled.
“Youdon’thearmearguing,doyou?”Carliesighed,smiling.“Gasisoutrageouslyhigh.”
“Soismosteverythingelse.Haveagoodnight.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”
“Sure.Thanksagain.”

***

Michelleparkedhercarinfrontofthehouse,notedthatshereallyneededtotakeitthroughthecar
wash,andstartedtowardthefrontdoor.Sara’scarwasmissing.Shehadn’tmentionedbeingaway.
Notaproblem,however,sinceMichellehadakey.

Shestartedtoputitintothelock,justasitopenedonitsown.AndtherewasGabriel,tannedand

handsomeandsmiling.

“Gabriel!”Shethrewherselfintohisarms,tobelifted,andhugged,andswungaroundonce,twice,

threetimes,inanembracesohungrythatsheneverwantedtobefreeagain.

“Whendidyougethome?”sheaskedathisear.
“Abouttenminutesago,”hemurmuredintoherneck.“Yousmellofroses.”
“Newperfume.Saraboughtitforme.”Shedrewbackjustenoughtoseehisface,herarmsstill

aroundhisneck,hisarmsstillholdingherclose.Shesearchedhiseyesatpoint-blankrangeandfelt
herheartgointooverdrive.Shecouldbarelybreathe.Hefeltlikeheaveninherarms.Shelookedat
hismouth,chiseled,perfect,andwondered,wonderedsohard,howitwouldfeelifshemovedjusta
little,ifshetouchedherlipstoit...

Hishandcaughtinherlonghairandpulled.“No,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.
Shemethiseyes.Shesawthere,orthoughtshesaw,thesameburninghungerthatwasbeginningto

tautenheryoungbody,tokindleneedsshe’dneverknownshehad.

Herlipspartedonashakybreath.Shestaredathim.Hestaredback.Thereseemedtobenosound

intheworld,nothingexceptthesoftraspofherbreathingandtheincreasingheavinessofhisown.
Againstherflattenedbreasts,shecouldfeelthewarmhardnessofhischest,thethunderofhis
heartbeat.

Oneofhishandsslidupanddownherspine.Hisblackeyesdroppedtohermouthandlingered

thereuntilshealmostfelttheimprintofthem,likeahard,roughkiss.Hernailsbitintohimwhereher
handsclung.

Shewantedhim.Hecouldfeelit.Shewantedhismouth,hishands,hisbody.Herbreathwascoming

intinygasps.Hecouldfeelherheartbeatbehindthesoft,warmlittlebreastspressedsohardtohis
chest.Hermouthwasparted,moist,inviting.Hecouldgrindhisowndownintoitandmakehermoan,
makeherwanthim,makeheropenherarmstohimonthelong,softsofathatwasonlyafewsteps
away....

Shewaseighteen.She’dneverlived.Therehadn’tbeenaseriousromanceinheryounglife.He

couldrobherofherinnocence,makeheratoy,leaveherbrokenandhurtingandold.

“No,”hewhispered.Heforcedhimselftoputherdown.Heheldherarms,tightly,untilhecould

forcehimselftoletgoandstepback.

Shewasshaky.Shefelthishunger.Hewasn’timpervioustoher.Buthewascautious.Hedidn’t

wanttostartanything.Hewasthinkingaboutherage.Sheknewit.

“Iwon’t...alwaysbeeighteen,”shemanaged.
Henodded,veryslowly.“Oneday,”hepromised.“Perhaps.”
Shebrightened.Itwaslikethesuncomingout.“I’llreadlotsofbooks.”
Hiseyebrowsarched.
“Youknow.Onhowtodo...stuff.AndI’llbuyahopechestandfillitupwithfrothylittleblack

things.”

Theeyebrowsarchedevenmore.
“Well,it’sahopechest.Asin,IhopeI’llneeditonedaywhenyouthinkI’moldenough.”She

pursedherlipsandhergrayeyestwinkled.“IcouldfakemyID....”

“Giveitup.”Hechuckled.
Sheshrugged.“I’llgrowupasfastasIcan,”shepromised.Shegloweredathim.“Iwon’tlikeitifI

hearaboutyouhavingorgieswithstrangewomen.”

“Mostwomenarestrange,”hepointedout.
Shehithischest.“Notnice.”
“How’sthedriving?”heasked,changingthesubject.
“Ihaven’thitatree,runofftheroadorapproachedaditchsinceyouleft,”shesaidsmugly.“I

haven’tevendingedthepaint.”

“Goodgirl,”hesaid,chuckling.“I’mproudofyou.How’sthejobcomingalong?’
“It’sgreat!I’mworkingonthishugestory!Itmayhaveinternationalimplications!”
Odd,howworriedhelookedforafewseconds.“Whatstory?”
“Itinvolvesakidnapping,”shecontinued.
Hefrowned.
“Achickenwasinvolved,”sheadded,andwatchedhisfaceclearandbecomeamused.“Alittlegirl

whosedollwastakenawayforpunishmentstoleachickenanddresseditindoll’sclothes.I
understandshe’llbecleaningthehousefordaystocome.”

Helaughedheartily.“Thejoysofsmall-townreporting,”hemused.
“Theyneverend.Howwasyourtrip?”
“Long,”hesaid.“AndI’mstarving.”
“Saramadealovelycasserole.I’llheatyouupsome.”
Hesatdownatthekitchentableandwatchedherwork.Shemadecoffeeandputamugofit,black,

athisplacewhileshedealtwithreheatingthechickencasserole.

ShewarmedupapieceofFrenchbreadwithbuttertogowithit.Thenshesatdownandwatched

himeatwhileshesippedherowncoffee.

“Itsurebeatsfriedsnake,”hemurmured.
Sheblinked.“What?”
“Well,weeatwhatwecanfind.Usually,it’sasnake.Sometimes,ifwe’relucky,abigbirdorsome

fish.”

“Inanofficebuilding?”sheexclaimed.
Heglancedatherwithamusement.“It’snotalwaysinanofficebuilding.Sometimeswehavetogo

outandlookat...projects,wherevertheymightbe.Thistime,itwasinajungle.”

“Wow.”Shewasworriednow.“Poisonoussnakes?”
“Mostly.Itdoesn’treallyaffectthetaste,”headded.
“Youcouldgetbitten,”shepersisted.
“I’vebeenbitten,halfadozentimes,”herepliedeasily.“Wealwayscarryantiveninwithus.”
“Ithoughtyouweresomeplacesafe.”

Hestudiedherworriedfaceandfeltatwingeofguilt.“Itwasjustthisonce,”helied,andhesmiled.

“WhatIdoisrarelydangerous.”Anotherlie.Abiggerone.“Nothingtoconcernyou.Honest.”

Sheproppedherfaceinherhands,herelbowsonthetable,andwatchedhimfinishhismealandhis

coffee.

“Stopthat,”heteased.“Icantakecareofmyself.I’vebeendoingitfortwenty-oddyears.”
Shegrimaced.“Okay.Justchecking.”
“Ipromisenottogetkilled.”
“Ifyoudo,I’mcomingafteryou.Boy,willyoubesorry,too.”
Helaughed.“Ihearyou.”
“Wantdessert?Wehaveacherrypie.”
Heshookhishead.“Maybelater.Where’sSara?”
“Ihavenoidea.Shedidn’tevenleaveanote.”
Hepulledouthiscellphoneandpressedthespeeddial.Hegotupandpouredmorecoffeeintohis

cupwhilehewaited.

“Whereareyou?”heaskedafteraminute.
Therewasareply.HeglancedatMichelle,hislipspursed,hiseyestwinkling.“Yes,she’sright

here.”

Anothersilence.Hesatbackdown.Hewasnodding.
“No,Ithinkit’saverygoodidea.Butyoumighthaveaskedformyinputfirst....No,Iagree,you

haveexquisitetaste....Yes,that’strue,returnsarepossible.Iwon’ttellher.Howlong?...Okay.Seeyou
then.”Hesmiled.“Me,too.Thanks.”

Hehungup.
“Whereisshe?”sheasked.
“Onherwayhome.Withalittlesurprise.”
“Somethingforme?”sheasked,andherfacebrightened.
“I’dsayso.”
“Butyouguyshavealreadygivenmesomuch,”shebegan,protesting.
“Youcantakethatupwithmysister,”hepointedout.“Notthatitwilldoyoumuchgood.She’svery

stubborn.”

Shelaughed.“Inoticed.”Shepaused.“Whatisit?”
“You’llhavetowaitandsee.”

***

Sarapulledupintothedrivewayandgotoutofhercar.Shepoppedthetruckanddraggedoutseveral
bigshoppingbags.ShehandedsometoGabrielandonetoMichelle.Shewasgrinningfromearto
ear.

“Whatintheworld...?”Michelleexclaimed.
“Justafewlittleoddsandendsthatyou’regoingtoneedtostartcollege.ComeoninsideandI’ll

showyou.Gabriel,getyournoseoutofthatbag,it’sprivate!”

Helaughedandledthewayintothehouse.

***

Michellewasspeechless.Sarahadexquisitetasteinclothing,anditshowedintheitemsshe’d
purchasedfortheirhouseguest.Therewaseverythingfromjeansandsweatstodressesandhandbags

andunderwear,gossamergownsandaneveninggownthatbroughttearstoMichelle’seyesbecauseit
wastheloveliestthingshe’deverseen.

“Youlikethem?”Saraasked,alittleworried.
“I’veneverhadthingslikethis,”shestammered.“Daddywassosickthatheneverthoughtof

shoppingwithme.AndwhenRobertatookme,itwasjustforbrasandpanties,neverfornice
clothes.”ShehuggedSaraimpulsively.“Thankyou.Thankyousomuch!”

“Youmighttryonthatgown.Iwasn’tsureaboutthesize,butwecanexchangeitifitdoesn’tfit.I’ll

gohavecoffeewithGabrielwhileyoucheckthefit.”Shesmiled,andleftMichellewiththebags.

***

TheyweresippingcoffeeinthekitchenwhenMichellecamenervouslytothedoorway.She’dfixed
herhair,putonshoesandshewaswearingthelong,creamyeveninggownwithitstightfitandcap
sleeves,revealingsoftcleavage.Therewasfaintembroideryonthebodiceandaroundthehem.The
off-whitebroughtoutthehighlightsinMichelle’slong,paleblondhair,andaccentuatedherpeaches-
and-creamcomplexion.Inhersoftlypowderedface,hergrayeyeswereexquisite.

Gabrielturnedhisheadwhenhecaughtmovementinhisperipheralvision.Hesatlikeastone

statue,juststaring.Sarafollowedhisgaze,andherfacebrightened.

“It’sperfect!”sheexclaimed,rising.“Michelle,it’sabsolutelyperfect!Nowyouhavesomethingto

weartoareallyformaloccasion.”

“Thanks,”shereplied.“It’sthemostbeautifulthingI’veeverowned.”SheglancedatGabriel,who

hadn’tspoken.Hiscoffeecupwassuspendedinhishandinmidair,asifhe’dforgottenit.“Does
it...lookokay?”sheaskedhim,wantingreassurance.

Heforcedhiseyesaway.“Itlooksfine.”Heputthemugdownandgottohisfeet.“Ineedtocheck

thelivestock.”Hewentoutthebackdoorwithoutaglancebehindhim.

Michellefeltwobbly.Shebitherlowerlip.“Hedidn’tlikeit,”shesaidmiserably.
Saratouchedhercheekgently.“Menarestrange.Theyreactinoddways.I’msurehelikedit,but

he’snotdemonstrative.”Shesmiled.“Okay?”

Michellerelaxed.“Okay.”

***

Outinthebarn,Gabrielwasstrugglingtoregainhiscomposure.He’dneverseenanythinginhislife
morebeautifulthanMichelleinthatdress.He’dhadtoforcehimselfoutthedoorbeforehereactedin
atotallyinappropriateway.Hewantedtosweepherupinhisarmsandkissheruntilhermouthwent
numb.Notagreatidea.

Hestoodbesideoneofhishorses,strokingitsmuzzlegently,whilehecametogripswithhis

hunger.Itwasyearstoosoon.Hewouldhavetomanagethelongwait.Meanwhile,heworriedabout
theothermen,youngmen,whowouldseeMichelleinthatgownandwanther,ashewantedher.But
theywouldbeherage,younganduntried,withouthisjadedpast.Theywouldbelikeher,fullof
passionforlife.

Itwasn’tfairofhimtotrytokeepher.Hemustdistancehimselffromher,giveherthechanceto

growawayfromhim,tofindsomeonemoresuitable.Itwasgoingtobehard,buthemustmanageit.
Shedeservedthechance.

***

Thenextmorning,hewasgonewhenMichellewentintothekitchentohelpSarafixbreakfast.

“Histruck’sgone,”Michellesaid,herspiritsdroppinghard.
“Yes.Ispoketohimlatelastnight,”Sarareplied,notlookingather.“Hehasanewjob.Hesaidhe

mightbeawayforafewweeks.”Sheglancedattheyoungerwomanandmanagedasmile.“Don’t
worryabouthim.Hecantakecareofhimself.”

“I’msurehecan.It’sjust...”Sherestedherhandonthecounter.“Imisshim,whenhe’saway.”
“I’msureyoudo.”Shehesitated.“Michelle,youhaven’tstartedtoliveyet.There’sawholeworld

outtherethatyouhaven’tevenseen.”

Michelleturned,hereyesoldandwise.“AndyouthinkI’llfindsomeyoungmanwho’llsweepme

offmyfeetandcarrymeofftoacastle.”Shesmiled.“There’sonlyonemanI’lleverwanttodothat,
youknow.”

Saragrimaced.“Therearesomanythingsyoudon’tknow.”
“Theywon’tmatter,”Michellerepliedveryquietly.ShesearchedSara’seyes.“Noneofitwill

matter.”

Saracouldn’tthinkoftherightwords.SoshejusthuggedMichelleinstead.

Nine

M

ichellewasverynervous.Itwasthefirstdayofthesemesteroncampus,andevenwithamap,it

washardtofindallherclasses.Orientationhadgiventhefreshmenanoverviewofwhereeverything
wasoffthequad,butitwassoconfusing.

“IsWesternCivilizationinSimsHallorWaverlyHall?”shemutteredtoherself,peeringatthemap.
“Waverly,”cameapleasantmalevoicefromjustbehindher.“Comeon,I’llwalkyouover.I’m

Randy.RandyMiles.”

“MichelleGodfrey,”shesaid,shakinghishandandsmiling.“Thanks.Areyouinmyclass?”
Heshookhishead.“I’majunior.”
“Shouldyoubetalkingtome?”sheteased.“Afterall,I’mpondscum.”
Hestoppedandsmiled.Hehaddarkhairandpaleeyes.Hewasalittlepudgy,butnice.“No.You’re

notpondscum.Trustme.”

“Thanks.”
“Mypleasure.AreyoufromSanAntonio?”
“MyfamilyisfromJacobsville,butIlivedherewithmyparentswhiletheywerealive.”
“Sorry.”
“Theywerewonderfulpeople.Thememoriesgeteasierwithtime.”Sheglancedaround.“Thisisa

hugecampus.”

“Theykeepaddingtoit,”hesaid.“SimsHallisbrand-new.Waverlyisold.Myfatherhadhistory

witholdProfessorBarlane.”

“Really?”
Henodded.“Justawordofwarning,neverbelateforhisclass.Youdon’twanttoknowwhy.”
Shegrinned.“I’llremember.”
OnthewaytoWaverlyHall,RandyintroducedMichelletotwoofhisfriends,AlanDrewand

MarjoryWills.Alanwasdistantlypleasant.MarjorywasmuchmoreinterestedintalkingtoRandy
thanbeingintroducedtothisnewstudent.

“You’regoingtobelateforclass,aren’tyou?”AlanaskedMichelle,checkinghiswatch.“I’llwalk

youtherestoftheway.”

“Nicetohavemetyou,”Randysaidpleasantly.Marjoryjustnodded.
MichellesmiledandfollowedAlantothetoweringbuildingwhereherclasswaslocated.
“Thanks,”shesaid.
Heshruggedandsmiled.“Thosetwo.”Herolledhiseyes.“They’recrazyabouteachother,but

neitheronewilladmitit.Don’tletthemintimidateyou,especiallyMarjory.Shehas...issues.”

“Noproblem.IguessI’llseeyouaround.”
“Youwill.”Heleanedforward,grinning.“I’mintheclassyou’regoingtorightnow.Andwe’d

betterhurry!”

***

Theybarelymadeitbeforethebell.Theprofessor,Dr.Barlane,wasoldandcranky.Hegavetheclass
adismissivelookandbegantolecture.Michellewasgratefulthatshe’dlearnedhowtotakenotes,

becauseshehadafeelingthatthisclasswasgoingtobeoneofthemoredemandingones.

Besideher,Alanwasscribblingonscrapsofpaperinsteadofanotebook,likeMichelle.Hewasn’t

bad-looking.Hehaddarkhairandeyesandanicesmile,butinherheart,therewasonlyGabriel.She
mightlikeothermenasfriends,buttherewasnevergoingtobeonetocomparewithGabriel.

Afterclass,Alanleftherwithasmileandwhistledashecontinuedontohisnextclass.Michelle

lookedatherschedule,puzzledoutthedirectiontogoandwentalongthewalkwaytothenext
building.

***

“Well,howwasit?”Saraaskedthatnightonthephone.

“Verynice,”shereplied.“Imadeacoupleoffriends.”
“Maleones?”Sarateased.
“Whatwasthat?”Gabrielspokeupinthebackground.
“Shemadefriends,”Saracalledtohim.“Don’thaveacow.”
Hemadeasarcasticsoundandwasquiet.
“Howdoyoulikeyourroommate?”Saracontinued.
Michelleglancedintothenextroom,whereDarlawassearchingfranticallyforablouseshe’d

unpackedandcouldn’tfind,mutteringandrufflingherredhair.

“She’sjustlikeme.Disorganizedandflighty,”Michellesaid,alittleloudly.
“Iheardthat!”Darlasaidoverhershoulder.
“Iknow!”Michellelaughed.Darlashookherhead,laughing,too.
“We’regoingtogetalongjustfine,”MichelletoldSara.“Neitherofushashalfamind,andwe’re

sodisorganizedthatwe’relikelytobethrownoutforcreatingapubliceyesore.”

“Notlikely,”Sarareplied.“Well,I’mgladthingsaregoingwell.Ifyouneedus,youknowwhere

weare,sweetie.”

“Ido.Thanks.Thanksforeverything.”
“Keepintouch.Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
“Yourfamily?”Darlaasked,pokingherheadintotheroom.
Michellehesitated,butonlyforasecond.Shesmiled.“Yes.Myfamily.”

***

Michelleadjustedtocollegequiteeasily.Shemadesomefriends,mostlydistantones,andonegood
one—herroommate,Darla.SheandDarlawerebothreligious,sotheydidn’tgotoboozypartiesor
datepromiscuousboys.Thatmeanttheyspentalotoftimewatchingrentedmoviesandeating
popcornintheirowndormroom.

OnethingSarahadsaidwasabsolutelytrue;collegechangedher.Shelearnedthingsthat

questionedherownviewoftheworldandthingsaboutothercultures.Shesawtheriseandfallof
civilizations,thedifferenceinreligions,theriseofscience,thefascinationofhistory.Shecontinued
herstudyofFrench—mainlybecauseshewantedtoknowwhatSaraandGabrielspokeaboutthatthey
didn’twanthertohear—andshesweatedfirst-yearbiology.Butbyandlarge,shedidwellinher
classes.

***

Alltoosoon,finalexamsarrived.Shesatinthelibrarywithotherstudents,sheandDarlatryingto
absorbwhattheyneededtoknowtopasstheircourses.She’dalreadylivedinthebiologylabfor
severaldaysafterschoolwithastudygroup,goingovermaterialthatwascertainlygoingtocomeup
whentheyweretested.

“I’mgoingtofail,”shemoanedsoftlytoDarla.“I’llgohomeindisgrace.I’llhavetohidemyhead

inapapersack....”

“Shutup,”Darlamuttered.“You’regoingtopass!SoamI.Bequietandstudy,girl!”
Michellesighed.“Thanks.Ineededthat.”
“I’mgoingtofail,”oneoftheboysnearbymoanedtoDarla.“I’llgohomeindisgrace...”
Shepunchedhim.
“Thanks.”Hechuckled,andwentbacktohisbooks.

***

Michelledidpass,withflyingcolors,butshedidn’tknowitwhenshewentbacktoComancheWells
fortheholidays.

“I’llhavetosweatitoutuntilmygradescomethrough,”shesaidtoSara,huggingherwarmly.

“ButIthinkIdidokay.”ShelookedpastSaraandthenather,curious.

“He’soutofthecountry,”Sarasaidgently.“Hewasreallysorry,hewantedtobehomeforthe

holidays.Butitwasn’tpossible.Thiswasarushthing.”

Michelle’sheartfell.“Iguesshehastowork.”
“Yes,hedoes.Buthegotyourpresents,andmine,andwrappedthembeforeheleft.”Herdarkeyes

twinkled.“Hepromisedthatwe’dlovethegifts.”

“I’dlovearock,ifhepickeditoutforme,”Michellesighed.“Canwegoshopping?MinettesaidI

couldworkforherovertheholidayswhileI’mhome,soI’llhavealittlemoneyofmyown.”

“Wheneveryoulike,dear,”Sarapromised.
“Thanks!”
“Nowcomeandhavehotchocolate.Iwanttohearallaboutcollege!”

***

MinettehadsomeinterestingassignmentsforMichelle.OnewastointerviewoneofJacobsville’s
seniorcitizensaboutChristmascelebrationsinthemid-twentiethcentury,beforetheinternetorspace
travel.Ithadsoundedratherboring,honestly.ButwhenshespoketoAdelaideDuncan,theoldwoman
madethepastcomealiveinhersoft,mellowtones.

“Wedidn’thavefancydecorationsfortheChristmastree,”Mrs.Duncanrecalled,herpaleblue

eyesdancingwithdelightfulmemories.“Wemadethemfromconstructionpaper.Wemadegarlands
ofcranberries.Weusedcandlessetonthebranchestolightthetree,andweusedsoappowdermixed
withalittlewaterforsnow.Presentswerepracticalthings,mostlyfruitornutsorhandcrafted
garments.OneyearIgotorangesandaknitcap.Another,Igotadressmymotherhadmademeina
beautifullemoncolor.Myhusbandkissedmeunderthemistletoewhenwewerestillinschool
together,longbeforewemarried.”Herfacewaswistful.“HewasseventeenandIwasfifteen.We
dancedtomusicthatourparentsandrelativesmadewithfiddlesandguitars.Iworethelemon-yellow
dress,ruffledandlaced,andIfeltlikeIhadpossessionofthewholeworld’streasures.”Shesighed.
“Weweremarriedforfifty-fiveyears,”sheaddedwistfully.“Andoneday,nottoolongawaynow,
I’llseehimagain.Andwe’lldancetogether....”

Michellehadtofighttears.“Fifty-fiveyears,”sherepeated,andcouldn’timaginetwopeople

stayingtogetherforsolong.

“Oh,yes.Inmyday,peoplegotmarriedandthenhadchildren.”Sheshookherhead.“Theworld

haschanged,mydear.Marriagedoesn’tseemtomeanthesameasitusedto.Historytendstorepeat
itself,andIfearwhenthestabilityofacivilizationislost,societycrumbles.You’llstudytheresultsin
yourhistoryclassesincollege,”sheadded,nodding.“DoyouhaveDr.Barlaneforhistorybyany
chance?”

“Yes,”Michellesaid,stunned.
Theoldwomanlaughed.“HeandIgraduatedtogetherfromMaristCollege,bothwithdegreesin

history.ButhewentontohighereducationandIgotmarriedandhadafamily.Byandlarge,Ithink
mylifewashappierthanhis.Henevermarried.”

“Doyourchildrenlivehere?”sheasked.
“Oh,no,they’rescatteredaroundtheworld.”Shelaughed.“IvisitwiththemonSkypeandwetext

backandfortheveryday,though.Moderntechnology.”Sheshookherhead.“Itreallyisablessing,in
thisdayandtime.”

Michellewassurprised.“Youtext?”sheasked.
“Mydear,”theoldladymused,laughing,“Inotonlytext,Itweetandsurf,andIamhellonwheels

withatwo-handedswordinWorldofWarcraft.Iownaguild.”

Theyoungerwoman’sideaofelderlypeoplehadgoneupinablazeofdisbelief.“You...playvideo

games?”

“Ieatthemup.”Sheshrugged.“Ican’trunandjumpandplayinreallife,butIcandoitonline.”

Shegrinnedfromeartoear.“Don’tyoudaretellWoffordPatterson,butIcreamedoneofhisHorde
toonslastnightonabattleground.”

Michellealmostfelloverlaughing.
“Andyouthoughtyouweregoingtointerviewsomedriedupoldhulkwhosatinarockingchair

andknitted,Ibet,”thewomanmusedwithtwinklingeyes.

“Yes,Idid,”Michelleconfessed,“andIammostheartilysorry!”
“That’sallright,dear,”Mrs.Duncansaid,pattingherhand.“Weallhavemisconceptionsabout

eachother.”

“Mineweretotallywrong.”
“Howniceofyoutosayso!”
Michellechangedgearsandwentbacktotheinterview.Butwhatshelearnedaboutelderlypeople

thatdaycoloredherviewofthemforever.

***

“Sheplaysvideogames,”MichelleenthusedtoMinette,backattheoffice.She’dwrittenherstoryand
turneditin,alongwithherphotos,whileMinettewasoutoftheoffice.Nowshewaselaboratingon
thestory,fascinatedwithwhatshe’dlearned.

“Yes,therehavebeenalotofchangesinthewayweperceivetheelderly,”Minetteagreed.“Ilive

withmygreat-aunt.Shedoesn’tplayvideogames,butIdidcatchherdoingTaiChialongwithan
instructoronpublictelevision.Andshecantext,too.”

“Mygrandparentssatandrockedontheporchaftersupper,”Michellerecalled.“Hesmokedapipe

andshesewedquilttopsandtheytalked.”Sheshookherhead.“It’sadifferentworld.”

“Itis.”Shehesitated.“HasGabrielcomehome?”

Michelleshookherhead.“It’salmostChristmas,too.Wedon’tknowwhereheis,orwhathe’s

doing.”

Minette,whodid,carefullyconcealedherknowledge.“Well,hemightsurpriseyouandshowupon

Christmasday.Whoknows?”

Michelleforcedasmile.“Yes.”

***

SheandSaradecoratedthetree.TwoofthemenwhoworkedforGabrielpart-time,takingcareofthe
horsesandtheranch,hadcomeinearlierwithabigbucket,holdingatreewiththerootballstill
attached.

“Ican’tbeartokillatree,”Saraconfidedasthemenstruggledtoputitinplaceinthelivingroom.

“Sorry,guys,”sheadded.

“Oh,MissSara,it’snotroubleatall,”thetallerofthetwocowboyssaidatonce,holdinghishatto

hisheart.Hegrinned.“Itwasourpleasure.”

“Absolutely,”theshorteroneagreed.
TheystoodsmilingatSarauntilonethumpedtheotherandremindedhimthattheyhadchoresto

do.Theyexcusedthemselves,stillsmiling.

“Youjusttiethemupinknots.”Michellelaughed,whentheywereoutoftheroom.“You’reso

pretty.”

Saramadeaface.“Nonsense.”
“Hideyourheadinthesand,then.Whatarewegoingtodecorateitwith?”sheadded.
“Comewithme.”
Sarapulleddowntheladderandthetwowomenclimbedcarefullyupintotheattic.
Michellecaughtherbreathwhenshesawtheheartofpinerafters.“Mygoodness,it’salmosta

religiousexperiencetojustlookatthem!”sheexclaimed.“Thoseraftersmustbeahundredyears
old!”

Saraglancedatherwithamusement.“Ibelievetheyare.Imagineyou,enthralledbyrafters!”
“Heartofpinerafters,”shereplied.“Mygrandfatherbuilthouseswhenhewasyounger.Hetook

mewithhimatimeortwowhenhehadtopatcharooforfixaleak.Hewaspassionateaboutrafters.”
Shelaughed.“Andespeciallythosemadeofheartofpine.They’rerare,thesedays,whenpeople
mostlybuildwithgreenlumberthathasn’tbeenproperlyseasoned.”

“Thishousehasahistory,”Sarasaid.“Youprobablyalreadyknowit,sinceyourpeoplecamefrom

JacobsCounty.”

Michellenodded,watchingSarapickuptwoboxesofornamentsandstackthemtogether.“It

belongedtoaTexasRanger.”

“Yes.Hewaskilledinashoot-outinSanAntonio.Heleftbehindtwosons,adaughterandawife.

There’saplaqueincityhallinJacobsvillethattellsallabouthim.”

“I’llhavetogolook,”Michellesaid.“Ihaven’tdoneanystoriesthattookmethere,yet.”
“I’msureyouwill.Minettesaysyou’returningintoaverygoodreporter.”
“Shedoes?”Michellewasalleyes.“Really?”
Saralookedatherandsmiled.“Youmusthavemoreconfidenceinyourself,”shesaidgently.“You

mustbelieveinyourownabilities.”

“That’shard.”
“Itcomeswithage.You’llgetthehangofit.”ShehandedMichelleaboxofornaments.“Becareful

goingdownthesteps.”

“Okay.”

***

Theyspenttheafternoondecoratingthetree.Whentheyfinallypluggedinthebeautiful,coloredfairy
lights,Michellecaughtherbreath.

“It’sthemostbreathtakingtreeI’veeverseen,”sheenthused.
“Itislovely,isn’tit?”Saraasked.Shefingeredabranch.“Wemustkeepitwatered,sothatit

doesn’tdie.WhenChristmasisover,I’llhavethemenplantitnearthefrontsteps.Idosolovewhite
pines!”

“DoyouevermissWyoming?”Michelleasked,alittleworriedbecausesheknewSarawasonly

heresothatMichellecouldcomehome,sothatshewouldn’tbealonewithGabriel.

Saraturnedtoher.“Alittle.IlivedtherebecauseGabrielboughttheranchandoneofusneededto

runit.ButIhadnorealfriends.I’mhappierhere.”Herdarkeyesweresoft.Shesmoothedoveran
ornament.“Thisbelongedtomygrandmother,”shesaidsoftly.Itwasalittlehouse,madeoflogs,
hangingfromaredsilkribbon.“Mygrandfatherwhittleditforher,whentheyweredating.”She
laughed.“WhereverIam,italwaysmakesmefeelathomewhentheholidayscome.”

“Yourmother ’sparents?”
Sara’sfacewenthard.“No.Myfather ’s.”
“I’msorry.”
Saraturnedbacktoher.Inherlovelyface,herdarkeyesweresad.“Idon’tspeakofmymother,or

herpeople.I’msorry.It’sasorespotwithme.”

“I’llremember,”Michellesaidquietly.“It’slikemystepmother.”
“Exactly.”
Michelledidn’tbetrayhersecretknowledgeofSara’searlylife,ofthetragedysheandGabrielhad

livedthroughbecauseoftheirmother ’spassionfortheirstepfather.Shechangedthesubjectand
askedabouttheotherornamentsthatSarahadplacedonthetree.

ButSarawasn’tfooled.Shewasveryquiet.Later,whentheyweresippinghotchocolateinthe

kitchen,herdarkeyespinnedMichelle.

“Howmuchdidhetellyou?”sheaskedsuddenly.
Inherhands,themugjumped,almostenoughtospillthehotliquidonherfingers.
“Careful,it’shot,”Sarasaid.“Comeon,Michelle.HowmuchdidGabrieltellyou?”
Michellegrimaced.
Saratookinalongbreath.“Isee.”Shesippedtheliquidgingerly.“Heneverspeaksofitatall.Yet

hetoldyou.”HersofteyesliftedtoMichelle’sworriedgrayones.“I’mnotangry.I’msurprised.”

“Thathetoldme?”
“Yes.”Shesmiledsadly.“Hedoesn’twarmtopeople.Infact,he’scoldandwithdrawnwithalmost

everyone.Youcan’timaginehowshockedIwaswhenhephonedmeandaskedmetocomedown
herebecauseofayounggirlhewasgoingtogetcustodyof.”Shelaughed,shakingherhead.“I
thoughthewasjoking.”

“Buthe’snot.Coldandwithdrawn,Imean.”Michellefaltered.
“Notwithyou.”ShestaredintoMichelle’seyesearnestly.“Ihaven’theardGabriellaughinyears,”

sheaddedsoftly.“Buthedoesitallthetimewithyou.Idon’tunderstandit.Butyougivehimpeace,
Michelle.”

“Thatwouldbenice,ifitweretrue.Idon’tknowifitis,”Michellereplied.
“It’sfairlyobviouswhatyoufeelforhim.”
Sheflushed.Shecouldn’tlifthereyes.
“Hewon’ttakeadvantageofit,don’tworry,”Saraaddedgently.“That’swhyI’mhere.”She

laughed.“He’stakingnochances.”

“Hedoesn’twanttogetinvolvedwithachild,”Michellesaidheavily.
“Youwon’tbeachildformuchlonger,”theotherwomanpointedout.
“I’msurehemeetsbeautifulwomenallthetime,”Michellesaid.
“I’msureitdoesn’tmatterwhattheylooklike,”Sarareplied.Shesmiled.“You’llsee.”
Michelledidn’treplytothat.Shejustsippedherhotchocolateandfeltwarminside.

***

ItwastheweekbeforeChristmas,aFridayaboutlunchtime,whenthewomenheardatruckpullupin
thedriveway.

Michelle,whowaspettingoneofthehorsesinthecorral,sawthetruckandgaspedandranasfast

asshecouldtothemangettingoutofit.

“Gabriel!”shecried.
Heturned.Hisfacelituplikefloodlights.Heheldouthisarmsandwaiteduntilsheranintothemto

pickherupandwhirlheraround,holdinghersoclosethatshefelttheyweregoingtobejoined
togetherforever.

“Oh,I’vemissedyou,”shechoked.
“I’vemissedyou.”Hisvoicewasdeepatherear.Heliftedhisheadandsetheronherfeet.His

blackeyeswerenarrow,intentonherface.Hetouchedhermouthwithjustthetipofhisforefinger,
teasingitapart.Hiseyesfelltoitandlingeredtherewhileherheartthreatenedtojumprightoutof
herthroat.

“Mabelle,”hewhisperedroughly.
Heframedherovalfaceinhisbighandsandsearchedhereyes.“Mabelle,”herepeated.Hiseyes

felltohermouth.“It’slikefallingintofire...”

Ashespoke,hisheadstartedtobend.Michelle’sheartranaway.Shecouldhearherownbreathing,

feelhisbreathgoingintohermouth,tastethecoffeeandthefaintodoroftobaccothatcamefrom
him,mingledwithsomemasculinecolognethatteasedhersenses.

“Gabriel,”shewhispered,hangingathismouth,achingtofeelitcomecrashingdownonherlips,

crushingthem,devouringhim,easingtheache,thehungerthatpulsedthroughheryoung,untried
body...

“Gabriel!”
Sara’sjoyfulcrybrokethemapartjustinthenickoftime.Gabrielclearedhisthroat,turnedtohis

sisterandhuggedher.

“It’sgoodtohaveyouhome,”Sarasaidagainsthischest.
“It’sgoodtobehome.”Hewasstrugglingtosoundnormal.HismindwasstillonMichelle’ssoft

mouthandhishungertobreakitopenunderhislips,backherintoawallanddevourher.

“Haveyoueaten?Ijustmadesoup,”Saraadded.
“No.I’mstarved.”HemadeanattemptnottolookatMichellewhenhesaidthat.Heevensmiled.
“Icouldeat,too,”Michellesaid,tryingtobreakthetension.
“Let’sgoin.”Saratookhisarm.“Wheredidyoucomefrom?”

“Dallas,thistime,”hesaid.“I’vebeenintheStatesforacoupleofdays,butIhadbusinessthere

beforeIcouldgethome.”Hehesitated.“IgotticketstotheballetinSanAntoniowhenIcamethrough
therethismorning.”HeglancedatMichelle.“WanttogoseeTheNutcrackerwithme?”headdedwith
agrin.

“Oh,I’dloveto,”shesaidfervently.“Whatdowewear?”
“Averydressyeveningoutfit,”Sarasaid.“Iboughtyouoneonce,andyouneverevenworeit.”
Michellegrinned.“Well,Ihaven’tbeenanywhereI’dneedtowearit,”shereplied,notguessing

whatittoldGabriel,whoseeyestwinkledbrightly.

Michelleflushedandthengrinnedathim.“No,I’mnotdatinganybodyatcollege,”shesaid.She

shrugged.“I’mtoobusystudying.”

“Isthatso?”Gabriellaughed,andwasrelieved.
“Whenareyouleaving?”Saraasked.
“Atsix,andyou’dbetterstartdressingaswell,becausewe’reallthreegoing,”Gabrieladded,and

heexchangedaspeakinglookwithSara.

“Allofus?Oh.Oh!That’snice!”Michelleworkedatsoundingenthusiastic.
Sarajustwinkedather.“I’dbettergothroughmycloset.”
GabriellookeddownatMichellewiththeChristmastreebrightandbeautifulbehindher.“I

wouldn’tdaretakeyououtalone,mabelle,”hesaidunderhisbreath.“Youknowit.Andyouknow
why.”

Hereyessearchedhishungrily.Sheknew.She’dfeltit,whenheheldherbesidethetruck.Sheknew

thathewantedher.

She’dhadnoideawhatwantingreallywas,untilGabrielhadcomeintoherlife.Nowshewas

awareofahungerthatcamearoundwhenhewasclose,thatgrewandsurgedinherwhenhelooked
ather,whenhespoketoher,whenhetouchedher....

“Yes,youknow,don’tyou?”hebreathed,standingalittletooclose.Herubbedhisthumbagainst

herlips,hardenoughtomakehergaspandshiverwithdelight.Hisblackeyesnarrowed.“It’stoo
soon.Youknowthat,too.”

Shegroundherteethtogetherasshelookedathim.Hewasthemostperfectthinginherlife.He

waspreachingcautionwhenallshewantedtodowaspushhimdownonthefloorandspreadher
bodyoverhimand...

Shedidn’tknowwhatwouldcomenext.She’dreadbooks,buttheywerehorriblylackingin

preliminaries.

“Whatareyouthinkingaboutsohard?”heasked.
“Aboutpushingyoudownonthefloor,”sheblurtedout,andflushed.“ButIdon’tknowwhat

comesnext,exactly...”

Heburstoutlaughing.
“Youstopthat,”shemuttered.“I’llbetyouweren’tbornknowingwhattodo,either.”
“Iwasn’t,”heconfessed.Hetouchedhernosewiththetipofhisfinger.“It’sjustaswellthatyou

don’tknow.Yet.Andwearen’tgoingtobealone.Yet.”

Shedrewinalongsighandsmiled.“Okay.”
Hechuckled.
“I’veneverbeentotheballet,”sheconfessed.
“Hightimeyouwent,”hereplied,andhelaughed.“Goon.”

***

SarahadlaidoutthemostbeautifulblackvelvetdressMichellehadeverseen.Ithadadiscreet
roundednecklineandlongsleeves,anditfelltotheankles,withonlyaslighttuckwherethewaistline
was.

“It’sgorgeous!”Michelleenthused.
“Andyou’lllookgorgeousinit,”Sarareplied.ShehuggedMichelle.“It’syours.Ihaveshoesanda

pursetomatchit.”

“But,Ihaveadress,”Michellebegan.
“Asummerdress,”Sarasaidpatiently,andsmiled.“Thisoneismoresuitableforwinter.Ihaveone

similartoitthatI’mwearing.We’lllookliketwins.”Shegrinned.

“Okay,then.Andthankyou!”Michellesaidheartily.
“You’reverywelcome.”

Ten

G

abrielworeadressjacketwithdarkslacksandablackturtlenecksweater.Helookedclassyand

elegant.Saraworeasimplesheathofnavybluevelvetwithanexpensivegoldnecklaceandearrings
andlookedexquisite,withhersilkyblackhairloosealmosttoherwaistandherbig,darkeyessoftin
herbeautifulface.

Michelleinherblackvelvetdressfeltlikeroyalty.Thetriodreweyesastheyfiledintothe

auditoriumwheretheballetwasbeingperformed.

Upfront,intheorchestrapit,themusiciansweretuninguptheirinstruments.Gabrielfoundtheir

seatsandletthewomengoinfirstbeforehetookhisplaceontheaisle.

“There’squiteacrowd,”Michelleremarkedasmorepeoplefiledin.
“Oh,dear.”Sara’svoicewasfullofconsternation.
BeforeMichellecouldaskwhatwaswrong,shesawitforherself.WoffordPatterson,inadinner

jacketwithawhitetieandblackslackswasescortingabeautifulblonde,inanelegantgreenvelvet
gown,downtheaisle—directlytotheseatsbesideSara.

“Mr.Brandon,”Wolfsaid,nodding.“ThisisEliseJorgansen.Elise,GabrielBrandon.That’shis

sister,Sara.Andthat’shisward,Michelle.”

“Nicetomeetyou,”Elisesaid,andsmiledatthemallwithgenuinewarmth.
“Ibelieveourseatsarerightthere,”Wolftoldtheprettywoman.HeescortedherpastGabrieland

thewomenwithapologies,becauseitwasatightsqueeze.HesatnexttoSara,withEliseonhisother
side.

Saratensedandglaredstraightahead.Wolfgrinned.
“Ididn’tknowthatyoulikedtheballet,MissBrandon,”Wolfsaidpolitely.
“Ilikethisone.It’sTheNutcracker,”sheaddedwithavenomouslookatthemanbesideher.
Hepursedhislips.“Lefttheflyingmonkeysathome,didwe?”
“I’dlovetodropahouseonyou,dearman,”shesaidunderherbreath.
“Now,now,it’stheballet,”hepointedout.“Wemustbehavelikecivilizedpeople.”
“You’dneedsomuchinstructionforthat,Mr.Patterson,”Sarasaid,hervoicedrippinghoney.
“Isn’tthemusiclovely?”Michellebrokein.
Themusicwastheinstrumentsbeingtuned,butitshatteredthetensionandeveryonelaughed.
“Behave,”Gabrielwhisperedtohissister.
Shegavehimanirritatedlook,butshekeptherhandsinherlapandsatquietlyastheballerinas

cameonstageonebyoneandtheperformancebegan,toMichelle’sutterfascinationanddelight.
She’dneverseenaliveperformanceoftheballet,whichwasherfavorite.

Atintermission,Saraexcusedherselfandlefttherow.
“I’mnotgettingup,”Wolfsaid.“I’dnevergetbackinhere.”
“NeitheramI,”Gabrielmused.“It’squiteacrowd.”
“Youseemtobeenjoyingthemusic,MissGodfrey,”Wolfsaidpolitely.
“I’veneverbeentoaballetbefore,”shereplied,laughing.“It’ssobeautiful!”
“YoushouldseeitinNewYorkCity,attheAmericanBalletCompany,”Gabrielsaidgently.
“Theydoanexcellentperformance,”Wolfagreed.“HaveyouseenitattheBolshoi?”headded.
“Yes,”Gabrielagreed.“Theirsisunbelievablybeautiful.”

“That’sinRussia,isn’tit?”Michelleasked,wide-eyed.
“Yes,”Gabrielsaid.Hesmileddownather.“Oneday,SaraandIwillhavetotakeyoutraveling.”
“Youshouldseetheworld,”Eliseagreed,frombesideWolf.“Oratleast,someofit.Travel

broadensyourworld.”

“Ican’tthinkofanythingI’dlovemore,”Michellereplied,smilingbackatthewoman.
“Elisestudiedballetwhenshewasstillinschool,”Wolfsaid.“Shewasinlinetobeaprima

ballerinawiththecompanysheplayedwithinNewYork.”

“Don’t,”Elisesaidgently.
“Sorry,”Wolfsaid,pattingherhand.“Badmemories.Iwon’tmentionitagain.”
“Thatlifeislongover,”shereplied.“ButIstilllovegoingtoseetheballetandthetheaterand

opera.WehavesucharichculturalheritagehereinSanAntonio.”

“Wedo,indeed,”Gabrielagreed.
Themusiciansbegantuningtheirinstrumentsagain,justasSaracamebackdowntheaisle,so

gracefulandpoisedthatshedrewmaleeyesalltheway.

“Yoursisterhasaneleganceofcarriagethatisquiterare,”ElisesaidtoGabrielassheapproached.
“Shealsostudiedballet,”Gabrielrepliedquietly.“Butthestressofdancingandtryingtoget

throughcollegebecametoomuch.Shegaveupballetandgotherdegreeinlanguages.”Helaughed.
“Shestilldances,though,”headded.“Shejustdoesn’tputonatutufirst.”

“Itwouldn’tgowiththebroom,”SarasaidtoWolf,andsmiledcoldlyasshesatdown.
“Broom?”Eliseasked,curious.
“Nevermind.I’llexplainittoyoulater,”Wolfreplied.
Saragavehimalookthatmighthavecurdledmilkandturnedherattentiontothestageasthe

curtainbegantorise.

***

“Well,itwasawonderfulevening,”Michellesaiddreamilyasshefollowedthemouttothecar.
“Thankyousomuchfortakingus,”sheaddedtoGabriel.

Hestudiedherinthelovelydress,smiling.“Itwasmypleasure.We’llhavetodothismoreoften.”
“Exposeyoutoculture,hemeans,”Sarasaidinastagewhisper.“It’sgoodforyou.”
“Ireallyhadagoodtime.”
“Iwouldhave,exceptforthecompany,”Saramuttered.Sheflushed.“Notyoutwo,”shesaidhastily

whentheygapedather.“That...man!Andhisdate.”

“IthoughtElisewasverynice,”Michelleventured.
Saraclammedup.
Gabrieljustchuckled.

***

ChristmasEvewasmagical.TheysataroundtheChristmastree,watchingaprogramofChristmas
musicontelevision,sippinghotchocolateandmakings’moresinthefireplace,whereasleepyfire
flamedeverynowandthen.

Inallherlife,Michellecouldn’trememberbeingsohappy.HereyeskeptdartingtoGabriel,when

shethoughthewasn’tlooking.Eveninjeansandaflannelshirt,hewasthestuffofdreams.Itwasso
hardnottoappearstarstruck.

Theyopenedpresentsthatnightinsteadofthenextmorning,becauseSaraannouncedthatshe

wasn’tgettingupatdawntoseewhatSantahadleft.

ShegaveMichelleabeautifulscarfofmanycolors,adesignerone.Michelledrapeditaroundher

neckandravedoverit.ThensheopenedGabriel’sgift.Itwaspearls,asoftoff-whitesetinared
leatherbox.TheywereJapanese.He’dbroughtthemhomefromhislasttripandhiddenthemtogive
atChristmas.Thenecklacewasaccompaniedbymatchingdropearrings.

“Iwasright,”hemusedasMichelletriedthemonenthusiastically.“They’rejusttherightshade.”
“Theyare,indeed.Andthankyouformine,also,mysweet.”Sarakissedhistancheek,holdinga

strandofwhiteonesinherhand.Theysuitedherdelicatecoloringjustastheoff-whiteonessuited
Michelle’s.

“Ilikemine,too.”HeheldupacollectionofDVDsofshowsheparticularlylikedfromMichelle

andablackdesignerturtleneckfromSara.

SaralovedherhandmadescarffromMichelle.Itwascrochetedandhadtakenanagetofinish.It

wasthesoftestwhiteknit,withtassels.“I’llwearitallwinter,”shepromisedMichelle,andkissedher,
too.

Michellehadhungmistletoeinstrategicplaces,butshehadn’tcountedonGabriel’sdetermined

reticence.Hekissedheronthecheek,smiledandwishedherthehappiestofChristmasesandNew
Years.Shepretendedthatitdidn’tmatterthathedidn’tdragherintoanemptyroomandkissherhalf
todeath.Hewasdeterminednottotreatherasanadult.Itwaspainful.Butinsomesense,shedid
understand.

***

Sothreeyearswentby,morequicklythanMichellehaddreamedtheywould.Shegotajobpart-time
withadailynewspaperinSanAntonioanddidpoliticalpiecesforitwhileshegotthroughhercore
coursesandintoseriousjournalismincollege.

Shewenttoclassduringsummertospeedupherdegreeprogram,althoughshecamehomeforthe

holidays.Gabrielwasalmostalwaysawaynow.Sarawasthere,althoughshespentmostofhertimein
WyomingattheranchsheandGabrielowned.Michellehadgoneuptherewithheronesummerfora
coupleofweeksduringhervacation.Itwasabeautifulplace.Sarawasdifferentsomehow.Something
hadhappenedbetweenherandWoffordPatterson.Shewouldn’ttalkaboutit,butsheknewthatithad
changedSara.GabrielhadmentionedsomethingaboutSaragoingbackintotherapyandtherehad
beenanargumentinFrenchthatMichellecouldn’tfollow.

WoffordPattersonhadalsomoveduptoCatelow,Wyoming.Heboughtahugeranchtherenear

Sara’s.HekepthisplaceinComancheWells,butheputinaforemantomanageitforhim.Hehad
businessinterestsinWyomingthattookupmuchofhistime,hesaid,anditwashardtocommute.
Saradidn’tadmitthatshewasgladtohavehimasaneighbor.ButMichellesuspectedthatshedid.

Sarawasstillplayingheronlinegamewithherfriend,andtheyfoughtbattlestogetherlateintothe

night.Shestilldidn’tknowwhohereallywas,either.Gabrielhadmadesureofit.

“He’ssuchagentleman,”Saramusedovercoffeeonemorning,herfacebrightwithpleasure.“He

wantstomeetmeinperson.”Shehesitated.“I’mnotsureaboutthat.”

“Whynot,ifyoulikehim?”Michelleaskedinnocently,althoughshedidn’tdareletonthatshe

knewexactlywhoSara’sfriendwas,andsheknewthatSarawouldhaveastrokeifshesawhimin
person.Itwouldbetheendofalovelyonlinerelationship.

“Peoplearen’twhattheyseem,”Sarareplied,andpainwasinhereyes.“Ifitseemstoogoodtobe

true,itusuallyis.”

“Hemightbeaknightinshiningarmor,”Michelleteased.“Youshouldfindout.”
“Hemightbeanogrewholivesinacavewithbats,too.”Sarachuckled.“No.Ilikethingstheway

theyare.Ireallydon’twanttotrytohavearelationshipwithamaninreallife.”Herfacetensed.“I
neverwantedto.”

Michellegrimaced.“Sara,you’resobeautiful...”
“Beautiful!”Shelaughedcoldly.“IwishI’dbeenbornugly.Itwouldhavemademylifesomuch

easier.Youdon’tknow...”Shedrewinaharshbreath.“Well,actually,youdoknow.”Shemanageda
softsmile.“We’reallprisonersofourchildhoods,Michelle.Minewasparticularlyhorrible.It
warpedme.”

“Youshouldhavebeenintherapy,”Michellesaidgently.
“Itriedtherapy.Itonlymadethingsworse.Ican’ttalktototalstrangers.”
“Maybeyoujusttalkedtothewrongperson.”
Sara’seyesweresuddenlysoftanddreamyandsheflushed.“IthinkIdid.Somuchhaschanged,”

sheaddedsoftly.

Michelle,whohadagoodideawhatwasgoingonupinWyoming,justgrinned.
Sara’seyestookonanodd,shimmeringsoftness.“LifeissomuchsweeterthanIdreameditcould

be.”Shesmiledtoherselfandlookedatherwatch.“Ihavesomephonecallstomake.Ilovehaving
youaround.”Sheadded,“Thanks.”

“Forwhat?”
“Forcaring,”Sarasaidsimply.

***

MichellewaslookingforwardtoherlastChristmasincollege.Shegottalkedintoablinddatewith
Darla’sboyfriend’sfriend.Heturnedouttobeaslightlyhaughtymanwhoworkedasastockbroker
andneverstoppedtalkingonhiscellphoneforfiveseconds.Hewasatitallthroughdinner.Bob,
Darla’sboyfriend,lookedveryuncomfortableandapologetic.

“Bobfeelsawful,”DarlawhisperedtoMichelleintherestroomafterthey’dfinishedeating.“Larry

seemedtobeanormalguy.”

“Hejustlivesandbreatheshisjob.Besides,”sheadded,“youknowthere’sonlyonemanwho

interestsmeatall.Andit’snevergoingtobesomeonelikeLarry.”

“HavingseenyourMr.Brandon,Itotallyunderstand.”Darlagiggled.Sheshookherhead.“Heisa

dreamboat.”

“Ithinkso.”
“Well,we’llstopbythebarforanightcapandgohome.MaybewecanpryLarryawayfromhis

phonelongenoughtosaygood-night.”

“IwishIwasridingwithyouandBob,”Michellesighed.“Atleasthestopstalkingwhilehe’s

driving.”

“Curious,thathedidn’twanttoridewithBob,”Darlasaid.“Well,that’sjustmen,Iguess.”

***

ButLarryhadanagendathatthegirlsweren’tawareof.HeknewthatBobandDarlaweregoing
dancingandwouldn’tbehomesoon.SowhenhewalkedMichelletothedooroftheapartmentshe
andDarlashared,hepushedhiswayinandtookoffhisjacket.

“Finally,alonetogether,”heenthused,andreachedforher.“Now,sweetie,let’shavealittle

paybackforthemealandthedrinks...”

“Areyououtofyourmind?”shegasped,avoidinghisgraspingarms.
“Ipaidforthefood,”hesaid,almostsnarling.“Youoweme!”
“Ioweyou?LikehellIoweyou!”Shegottothedoorandopenedit.“I’llsendyouacheckformy

partofthemeal!Getout!”

“I’mnotleaving.Youjustwanttoplayhardtoget.”Hestartedtopushthedoorclosed.And

connectedwithasteelybighandthatcaughthimbythearm,turnedhimaroundandbootedhimout
intothenight.

“Gabriel!”Michellegasped.
“Youcan’tdothattome...!”Larrysaidangrily,gettingtohisfeet.
Gabrielfellintoafightingstance.“Comeon,”hesaidsoftly.“Icouldusetheexercise.”
Larrycametohissenses.HeglancedatMichelle.Shewentbackinside,gothisjacket,andthrewit

athim.

“Dinnerdoesn’tcomewithbed,”shetoldhimicily.
Larrystartedtomakeareply,butGabriel’sexpressionwasalittletoounsettling.Hemuttered

somethingunderhisbreath,turned,slammedintohiscarandroaredaway.

GabrielwentinsidewithMichelle,whowastearingupnowthatthedramahadplayeditselfout.
“Ah,no,mabelle,”hewhispered.“There’snoneedfortears.”Hepulledherintohisarms,benthis

head,andkissedhersohungrilythatsheforgottobreathe.

Heliftedhishead.Hisblackeyesweresmoldering,sofullofdesirethattheymesmerizedMichelle.

Shetastedhimonhermouth,felttheheavythrobofhisheartunderherhands.

“Finally,”hebreathed,pullingherclose.Hebrushedhislipsoverhersoftmouth.“Finally!”
Sheopenedhermouthtoaskwhathemeant,andthekissknockedhersooffbalancethatshe

couldn’tmanageasinglewordinreply.Sheheldonwithallhermight,clungtohim,pushedher
bodyintohissothatshecouldfeeleverymovementofhispowerfulbodyagainsther.Hewas
aroused,veryquickly,andeventhatdidn’tintimidateher.Shemoaned.Whichonlymadematters
worse.

Hepickedherup,stillkissingher,andlaidheroutonthecouch,easinghisbodydownoverhersin

asilencethatthrobbedwithfrustrateddesire.

“Soft,”hewhispered.“Softandsweet.Allmine.”
Shewouldhavesaidsomething,buthewaskissingheragain,andshecouldn’tthinkatall.Shefelt

hisbig,roughhandsgounderherdress,upandup,touchingandexploring,testingsoftness,finding
herbreastsunderthelacylittlebra.

“Youfeellikesilkallover,”hemurmured.Hefoundthezipperandeasedheroutofthedressand

thehalfslipunderit,thenoutofthebra,sothatallshehadleftonwereherbriefs.Hekissedhisway
downherbody,lingeringonherpertbreastswiththeirtightlittlecrowns,savoringhersoft,helpless
criesofpleasure.

Itexcitedhimtoknowthatshe’dneverdonethis.Heateheruplikecandy,tastingherhungrily.He

nuzzledherbreasts,kissingtheirsoftcontourswithapracticedtouchthatmadeherriseupinan
achingarchtohislips.

Somehow,hisjacketandshirtendeduponthefloor.Shefelttherough,curlinghaironhischest

againstherbarebreastsashisbodycoveredhers.Hispowerfullegseasedbetweenherown,sothat
shecouldfeelwithhimanintimacyshe’dneversharedwithanyone.

Shecriedoutashemovedagainsther.Sensationswerepilingoneachother,draggingherunder,

drowningherinpleasure.Sheclungtohim,pleadingformore,notevenknowingexactlywhatshe

wanted,butsodrawnwithtensionthatshewasdyingforittoease.

Shefelthottearsrundownhercheeksashismouthmovedbackontohers.Hetouchedherashe

neverhadbefore.Sheshivered.Thetouchcameagain.Shesobbed,andopenedhermouthunderhis.
Shefelthistonguegointohermouth,ashishandsmovedonhermoreintimately.

Suddenly,likeafalloffire,aflashofagonizedpleasureconvulsedthesoftbodyunderhis.He

groanedandhadtofighttheinstinctiveurgetofinishwhathestarted,togorightintoher,pushinside
her,takewhatwashis,whathadalwaysbeenhis.

Butshewasavirgin.Hisexplorationhadalreadytoldhimthat.He’dknownalready,byher

reactions.Shewasverymuchavirgin.Hedidn’twanttodothis.Notyet.Shewashis.Itmustbedone
properly,inorder,inawaythatwouldn’tshamehertoremembersomewheredowntheline.

Soheforcedhisshiveringbodytobearthepain.Heheldherveryclosewhilesherecoveredfrom

herfirstecstasy.Hewrappedheruptight,andheldherwhileheenduredwhathemusttospareher
innocence.

Shewept.Hekissedawaythetears,sotenderlythattheyfellevenharder,hotandwetonherflushed

cheeks.

Shewasembarrassedandtryingnottolethimsee.
Heknew.Hesmiledandkissedhereyesshut.“Ithadtobewithme,”hewhispered.“Onlywithme.I

wouldratherdiethanknowyouhadsuchanexperiencewithanyotherman.”

Sheopenedhereyesandlookedupintohis.“Really?”
“Really.”Helookeddownathernudity,hiseyeshungryagainatthesightofherpink-and-peach

skin,silkyandsoftandfragrant.Hetouchedherbreaststenderly.“YouarethemostbeautifulwomanI
willeversee.”

Herlipspartedonashakybreath.
Hebentandkissedherbreasts.“Andnowwehavetogetup.”
Shestaredathim.
“Ornotgetup,”hemurmuredwithalaugh.“BecauseIcan’tcontinuethismuchlonger.”
“Itwouldbe...allright,”shewhispered.“Ifyouwantedto,”sheadded.
“Iwantto,”hesaidhuskily.“Butyouwon’tbehappyafterward.Andyouknowit.Notlikethis,ma

belle.Notourfirsttimetogether.Ithastobedoneproperly.”

“Properly?”
“Yougraduatefromcollege,getajob,gotowork.Icometoseeyoubringingflowersand

chocolates,”hemused,tracinghermouth.“Andthen,eventually,aring.”

“Aring.”
Henodded.
“An...engagement...ring?”
Hesmiled.
“Peopledoitallthetime,evenbeforetheygetengaged,”shesaid.
Hegottohisfeet.“Theydo.Butwewon’t.”
“Oh.”
Hedressedher,enjoyingtheactofputtingbackontoherlovelybodythethingshe’dtakenoffit.

Helaughedatherraptexpression.“Youhaveabeliefsystemthatisn’tgoingtoallowamoremodern
approachtosex,”hesaidblandly.“Sowedoityourway.”

“Icouldadjust,”shebegan,stillhungry.
“Yourhappinessmeansalottome,”hesaidsimply.“I’mnotgoingtospoilsomethingbeautiful

withatarnishedmemory.NotafterI’vewaitedsolong.”

Shestaredupintohisblackeyes.“I’vewaitedforyou,too,”shewhispered.
“Iknow.”Hesmoothedbackherhairjustastheyheardacardoorslamandfootstepsapproaching.
Michellelookedhorrified,thinkingwhatcouldhavehappened,whatconditiontheycouldhave

beeninasDarlaputherkeyintothelock.

Gabrielburstoutlaughingatherexpression.“NowwasIright?”heasked.
Thedooropened.DarlastoppedwithBobintowandjuststaredatGabriel.Thenshegrinned.

“Wow,”shesaid.“LookwhatLarrychangedinto!”

Andtheyallburstoutlaughing.

***

Michellegraduatedwithhonors.GabrielandSarawereboththerefortheceremony,applaudingwhen
shewalkeddowntheaisletoacceptherdiploma.Theywentouttoeatafterward,butoncetheywere
home,Gabrielcouldn’tstay.Hewaspreoccupied,andveryworried,fromthelookofthings.

“Canyoutellmewhat’swrong?”Michelleasked.
Heshookhishead.Hebenttokissher,verygently.“I’mgoingtohavetobeoutofthecountryfor

twoorthreemonths.”

“No!”sheexclaimed.
“Onlythat.ThenIhaveajobwaiting,onethatwon’trequiresomuchtravel,”hepromised.“Bear

withme.I’msorry.Ihavetodothis.”

Shedrewinalongbreath.“Okay.Ifyouhavetogo.”
“You’vegotajobwaitinginSanAntonio,anyway,”heremindedherwithasmile.“Onadaily

newspaper.Ithasasolidreputationforreportingexcellence.Makeanameforyourself.Butdon’tget
toocomfortablethere,”headdedenigmatically.“BecausewhenIgetback,weneedtotalk.”

“Talk.”Shesmiled.
“Andotherthings.”
“Oh,yes,especially,otherthings,”shewhispered,dragginghismouthdowntohers.Shekissed

himhungrily.Hereturnedthekiss,butdrewbackdiscreetlywhenSaracameintotheroom.He
huggedher,too.

Hepausedinthedoorwayandlookedbackatthem,smiling.“Takecareofeachother.”Hegrinned

athissister.“Happy?”heasked,referringtothechangesinherlife.

Saralaughed,tossingherlonghair.“Icoulddieofit,”shesighed.
“I’llbebackbeforeyoumissme,”hetoldMichelle,whowaslookingsad.Hewantedtokissher,

rightthereinfrontoftheworld.Butitwasn’tthetime.Andhewasn’tsurehecouldstop.

“Impossible,”Michellesaidsoftly.“Imissyoualready.”
Hewinkedandclosedthedoor.

***

Michellelikedthejob.Shehadadeskandthreeyearsofsolideducationbehindhertohandlethe
assignmentsshewasgiven.

Abigstorybrokethesecondmonthshe’dbeenwiththenewspaper.Therewasamassacreof

womenandchildreninasmallMiddleEasternnation,perpetrated,itwassaid,byagroupof
mercenariesledbyaCanadiannationalnamedAngelLeVeut.Hehadtiestoananti-terrorismschool
runbyamannamedEbScottin,ofallplaces,Jacobsville,Texas.

Michellewentontheoffensiveatonce,diggingupeverythingshecouldfindaboutthemeninthe

groupwhohadkilledthewomenandchildreninthesmallMuslimcommunitythatwasatoddswitha
multinationaloccupationforce.

Thenameofthemanaccusedofleadingtheassaultwasironic.Oneofthelanguagesshe’dstudied

wasFrench.Andiflooselytranslated,theman’snamecameoutas“Angelwantsit.”Itwasanodd
playonwordsthatwasusedmostnotablyinthesixteenthcenturybyauthoritieswhencertaincases
weretriedandaguiltyverdictwasdesired.Thephrase“LeRoileVeut”meantthatthekingwanted
theaccusedfoundguilty—whetherornothereallywas,apparently.ThemysteriousAngelwas
obviouslyaneducatedmanwithaknowledgeofEuropeanhistory.Michellewaspuzzledoverwhy
suchamanwouldchoosealifestylethatinvolvedviolence.

***

HerfirststopwasJacobsville,Texas,whereshearrangedaninterviewwithEbScott,the
counterterrorismexpert,whosemenhadbeeninvolvedinthemassacre.Michelleknewhim,froma
distance.

Herfatherhadgonetoschoolwithhimandtheywereacquaintances.Herfatherhadsaidthere

wasn’tafinermananywhere,thatEbwasnotoriousforbackinglostcausesandfightingforthe
underdog.Thatdidn’tsoundlikeamanwhowouldorderthemurderofhelplesswomenandchildren.

Ebshookherhandandinvitedherintohishouse.Hiswifeandchildrenweregonefortheday,

shoppinginSanAntonioforsummerclothing.Itwaslatespringalready.

“Thankyouforseeingme,”Michellesaidwhentheywereseated.“Especiallyunderthe

circumstances.”

“Hidingfromthepressisneveragoodidea,butattimes,inmatterslikethis,it’snecessary,until

thetruthcanbeferretedout,”Ebsaidsolemnly.Hisgreeneyessearchedhers.“You’reAlan
Godfrey’sdaughter.”

“Yes,”shesaid,smiling.
“YouusedtospendsummersinComancheWellswithyourgrandparents.”Hesmiledback.

“MinetteCarsonspeakswellofyou.Shedidaninterviewwithmeyesterday.Hopefully,someofthe
truthwilltrickledowntothemassnewsmediabeforetheycrucifymysquadleader.”

“Yes.Thisman,Angel,”shebegan,lookingoverhernoteswhileEbScottgrimacedandtriednot

torevealwhathereallyknewabouttheman,“hisnameisquiteodd.”

“LeVeut?”Hesmiledagain.“Hegetshisway.He’ssomethingofanauthorityonsixteenth-century

Europeanhistory.HeandKilraven,oneofthefedswho’smarriedtoalocalgirl,gotoe-to-toeover
whetherornotMaryQueenofScotsreallyhelpedLordBothwellmurderherhusband.”

“Hasthismanworkedforyou,withyou,foralongtime?”sheasked.
Henodded.“Manyyears.He’sriskedhislifetimeandtimeagaintosaveinnocents.Icanpromise

youthatwhenthetruthcomesout,anditwill,he’llbeexonerated.”

Shewastypingonhersmallnotebookcomputerashespoke.“He’saCanadiannational?”
“Hehasdualcitizenship,hereandinCanada,”hecorrected.“Buthe’slivedintheStatesmostofhis

life.”

“DoesheliveinJacobsville?”
Ebhesitated.
Sheliftedherhandsfromthekeyboard.“Youwouldn’twanttosay,wouldyou?”sheasked

perceptibly.“Ifhehasfamily,itcouldhurtthem,aswell.Therewouldn’tbeaplacetheycouldgo
wherethemediawouldn’tfindthem.”

“Themediacanbelikeadogafterajuicybone,”Ebsaidwithsomeirritation.“They’llgetfedone

wayortheother,withtruthor,iftimedoesn’tpermit,withlies.I’veseenlivesruinedbyeager
reportersouttomakeanameforthemselves.”Hepaused.“Presentcompanyexcepted,”headded
gently.“IknowallaboutyoufromMinette.”

Shesmiledgently.“Thanks.Ialwaystrytobefairandpresentbothsidesofthestorywithout

editorializing.Idon’tlikealotofwhatIseeontelevision,presentedasfaircoverage.Mostofthe
commentatorsseemquitebiasedtome.Theyconvictpeopleandactasjudge,juryandexecutioner.”
Sheshookherhead.“IlikethepaperIworkfor.Oureditor,evenourpublisher,arefanaticsfor
accurateandfaircoverage.Theyfiredareporterlastmonthwhosestoryimplicatedaninnocentman.
Hesworehehadeyewitnessestobackupthefacts,andthathecouldprovethem.Later,whenthe
editorsentotherreportersouttorecheck—aftertheinnocentman’sattorneysfiledalawsuit—they
foundthatthereporterhadignoredpeoplewhocouldverifytheman’swhereaboutsatthetimeofthe
crime.Thereporterdidn’tevenquestionthem.”

Ebsighed,leaningbackinhisrecliner.“Thathappensalltoooften.Evenonmajornewspapers,”he

added,alludingtoareporterforoneoftheverylargeEastCoastdailieswho’drecentlybeenletgo
forfabricatingstories.

“Wetry,”Michellesaidquietly.“Wereallytry.Mostreportersonlywanttohelppeople,topointout

problems,tohelpbettertheworldaroundus.”

“Iknowthat.It’stheonebadappleinthebarrelthatpollutestheothers,”hesaid.
“Thisman,Angel,isthereanywayIcouldinterviewhim?”
Healmostbitthroughhislip.Hecouldn’ttellherthat.“No,”hesaidfinally.“We’vehiddenhimina

luxuryhotelinaforeigncountry.Thenewsmediawillhaveahellofatimetryingtoferrethimout.
Wehavearmedguardsinnativedresseverywhere.Meanwhile,I’vehiredaninvestigativefirmoutof
Houston—DaneLassiter ’s—todigoutthetruth.Believeme,there’snooneintheworldbetteratit.
He’saformerHoustonpoliceman.”

“Iknowofhim,”shereplied.“Hissonwasinvolvedinaturfwarbetweendruglordsinthearea,

wasn’the?”

“Yes,hewas.Thatwasawhileback.”
“Well,tellmewhatyoucan,”shesaid.“I’lldomybestnottoconvictthemaninprint.The

mercenarieswhowerewithAngel,”sheadded,“aretheybackintheStates?”

“That’sanotherthingIcan’ttellyourightnow,”hereplied.“I’mnottryingtobeevasive.I’m

protectingmymenfromtrialbymedia.Wehaveattorneysforallofthem,andourinvestigatorhopes
tohavesomethingconcreteforus,andthepress,verysoon.”

“That’sfairenough.”
“Here’swhatweknowrightnow,”Ebsaid.“MysquadleaderwasgivenanassignmentbyaState

DepartmentofficialtointerviewalocaltribesmaninavillageinAnasrah.Themanhadinformation
aboutagroupofterroristswhowerehidinginthevillage—protectedbyahigh-rankinggovernment
official,weweretold.Mysquadleader,indisguise,tookasmallteamintointerviewhim,butwhen
heandhismenarrived,thetribesmanandhisentirefamilyweredead.Oneoftheterroristspointed
thefingeratAngelandaccusedhisteamoftheatrocity.I’mcertaintheterroristwaspaidhandsomely
todoit.”

Michellefrowned.“Youbelievethat?”
Ebstaredherdownwithglitteringgreeneyes.“MissGodfrey,ifyouknewAngel,youwouldn’t

havetoaskmethatquestion.”

“Sorry,”shesaid.“It’smyjob,Mr.Scott.”

Heletoutabreath.“Youcan’timaginehowpainfulthisisforme,”hesaid.“MenItrained,men

I’veworkedwith,accusedofsomethingsoinhuman.”Hisfacehardened.“Followthemoney.It’sall
aboutthemoney,Iassureyou,”headdedcurtly.“Someonestandstolosealotofitifthetruthcomes
out.”

“Icanonlyimaginehowbaditmustbe,”shesaid,andnotwithoutsympathy.
Sheaskedquestions,heansweredthem.Shewasimpressedbyhim.Hewasn’tatallthesortof

personthatshe’dpicturedwhensheheardpeoplespeakofmercenaries.Eventhewordmeanta
soldierforhire,amanwhosoldhistalentstothehighestbidder.ButEbScott’sorganizationtrained
menincounterterrorism.HehadanenormousoperationinJacobsville,andmenandwomencame
fromaroundtheworldtolearnfromhisexperts.Therewererumorsthatafewgovernmentagents
hadalsoavailedthemselvesofhisexpertise.

Thecampwasstate-of-the-art,witheveryelectronicgadgetknowntomodernscience—andafew

thingsthatwerelargelyexperimental.Theytaughteverythingfromevasivedrivingtechniquesto
disarmingbombs,improvisedweapons,stealth,martialarts,theworks.Michellewasallowedto
photographonlyasmallsectionoftheentireoperation,andshewasn’tallowedtophotographanyof
hisinstructorsorthestudents.Butevenwiththereservationsonwhatshewasshown,whatshelearned
fascinatedher.

“Well,I’llneverthinkofmercenariesthesamewayagain,Mr.Scott,”shesaidwhenshewasready

toleave.“Thisoperationisveryimpressive.”

“I’mgladyouthinkso.”
Shepausedatthedoorandturned.“Youknow,theelectronicmediahaveresourcesthatthoseofus

inprintjournalismdon’t.Imean,wehaveadigitalversionofourpaperonline,likemosteveryone
does.Butthebignetworksemploydozensofexpertswhocanfindoutanything.Iftheywanttofind
yourman,theywill.Andhisfamily.”

“MissGodfrey,forthesakeofalotofinnocentpeople,Ihopeyou’rewrong.”
Thewayhesaiditstayedonhermindforhoursaftersheleft.

Eleven

M

ichellewrotethestory,andshedidtrytobefair.Butwhenshesawthephotographsofthe

massacre,thebodiesofsmallchildrenwithwomenandmenweepingoverthem,herhearthardened.
Ifthemanwasguilty,heshouldbehangedforthis.

Shedidn’tslantthestory.Shepresentedthefactsfrommultiplepointsofview.Sheintervieweda

maninSaudiArabiawhohadafriendinAnasrahwithwhomhe’drecentlyspoken.Sheintervieweda
representativeoftheStateDepartment,whosaidthatoneoftheirstaffhadbeenledintothevillageby
aminorgovernmentofficialjustaftertheattackandwasadamantthatthemercenarieshadbeen
responsiblefortheslaughter.Shealsointerviewedanelderinthevillage,throughaninterpreter,who
saidthatanAmericanhadledtheattack.

Therewasanotherman,alsolocal,whodeniedthataforeignerwasresponsible.Hewasshouted

downbytheothers,butMichellemanagedtogettheirrepresentativeinSaudiArabiatogoto
Anasrah,aneighboringcountry,andinterviewthemaninthevillage.Hisstorycontradictedthe
others.Hesaidthatitwasamanwell-knowninterroristcircleswhohadcomeintothevillageand
accusedthetribesmenofbetrayingtheirownpeoplebyworkingwiththegovernmentandforeigners.
Hesaidthatifitcontinued,anexample,ahorribleexample,wouldbemade,hewouldseetoit
personally.

Thelocalmansaidthathecouldprovethattheterroriststhemselveshadperpetratedtheattack,ifhe

hadtime.

Michellemadethefirstbigmistakeofhercareerinjournalismbydiscountingthestill,smallvoice

inthewilderness.Theman’sstorydidn’tringtrue.Shetooknotes,andfiledthemonhercomputer.
Butwhenshewrotethestory,sheleftoutwhatsoundedlikeamade-uptale.

***

Thestorybrokewiththeforceofbombs.Allofasudden,itwasallanyoneheardonthemedia.The
massacreinAnasrah,thechildrenmurderedbyforeigners,themercenarieswhohadcutthemdown
withautomaticweaponswhiletheirparentspleadedformercy.Ontelevision,theweepingrelatives
wereinterviewed.Theirstoriesbroughtevenhardenedcommentatorstotearson-screen.

Michelle’sstory,withitsuniquepointofviewandEbScott’sinterview—whichnoneofthenational

mediahadbeenabletoget,becauseherefusedtotalktothem—putherinthelimelightforthefirst
time.Herstorywasreprintedpartiallyinmanynationalpapers,andshewasinterviewedbythemajor
newsnetworks,aswell.SherespectedEbScott,sheadded,andshethoughthewassincere,butshe
weptforthedeadchildrenandshethoughtthemercenaryresponsibleshouldbetriedintheworld
courtandimprisonedfortherestofhislife.

Herimpulsivecommentwasbroadcastoverandover.Andjustafterthatcamethenewsthatthe

mercenaryhadasister,livinginWyoming.Theyhadhername,aswell.Sara.

***

Itcouldhavebeenacoincidence.Exceptthatsuddenlysherememberedthattheman,Angel,hadboth

AmericanandCanadiancitizenship.NowshelearnedthathehadasisternamedSara.Gabrielwas
goneforlongperiodsoftimeoverseasonjobs.Michellestilltriedtopersuadeherselfthatitwasn’t,
couldn’t,beGabriel.

UntilSaracalledheronthephone.
“Icouldn’tbelieveitwhentheysaidyoubrokethestory,”shesaidinacoldtone.“Howcouldyou

dothistous?”

“Sara,itwasn’taboutanyoneyouknow,”shesaidquickly.“Itwasaboutamercenarywhogunned

downlittlechildreninaMiddleEasternvillage...!”

“Hedidnothingofthesort,”Sarasaid,hervoicedrippingice.“Itwasthetribesman’sbrother-in-

law,oneoftheterrorists,whokilledthemanandhisfamilyandthenblameditonAngelandhis
men.”

“DoyouknowthismanAngel?”Michelleasked,asickfeelinginherstomachbecauseSara

soundedsoharsh.

“Knowhim.”Herlaughwasascoldasdeath.“Webothknowhim,Michelle.HeusesAngelasan

aliaswhenhegoesonmissionsforEbScott’sclients.ButhisnameisGabriel.”

Michellefeltherbloodruncold.Imagesflashedthroughhermind.Deadchildren.Theone

dissentingvoice,insistingthatitwastheterroristsnottheAmericanswhoperpetratedthehorror.Her
refusaltolisten,toprinttheothersideofthestory.Gabriel’sside.She’dconvincedherselfthatit
couldn’tbeGabriel.Nowshehadtofacefacts.

“Ididn’tknow,”shesaid,hervoicebreaking.“Sara,believeme,Ididn’tknow!”
“Ebtoldyouitwasn’thim,”Sarasaidfuriously.“Butyouwouldn’tlisten.Ihadacontactinthe

StateDepartmentsendamantotellyournewspaper ’sagentaboutthedeadman’sbrother-in-law.And
youdecidednottoprintit.Didn’tyou?Godforbidyoushouldrunagainstthevoiceoftheworld
pressandriskyourownglowingreputationasacrusaderforjusticebydissenting!”

“Ididn’tknow,”Michellerepeatedthroughtears.
“Youdidn’tknow!IfGabrielendsupheadfirstinaditchsomewhere,itwillbeallright,because

youdidn’tknow!WouldyouliketoseetheroadinfrontofourranchhereinWyoming,Michelle?”
sheadded.“Itlookslikeatentcity,surroundedbysatellitetrucks.They’recertainthey’llwearme
downandI’llcomeoutandaccusemybrotherforthem!”

“I’msosorry.”Michelledidn’thavetobetoldthatGabrielwasinnocent.Sheknewhewas.But

she’dhelpedconvicthim.

“You’resorry.I’llbecertaintotellhimwhen,andif,Iseehimagain.”Therewasaharshly

indrawnbreath.“Hephonedmetwodaysago,”shesaidinahauntedvoice.“They’rehuntinghimlike
ananimal,thankstoyou.WhenItoldhimwhosoldhimout,hewouldn’tbelieveme.Itwasn’tuntilI
senthimalinktoyourstorythathesawforhimself.”

Michellefelteverydropofblooddrainingoutofherface.“What...didhesay?”
“Hesaid,”Sarareplied,enunciatingeveryword,“thathe’dneverbeensowrongaboutanyonein

hislife.Hethoughtthatyou,ofallpeople,woulddefendhimevenagainstthewholeworld.Hesaid,”
sheaddedcoldly,“thatheneverwantedtoseeyouorhearfromyouagainaslongashelived.”

Thewordswerelikebullets.Shecouldactuallyfeeltheirimpact.
“Ilovedyoulikemyownsister,”Sarasaid,hervoicebreaking.“AndIwillnever,neverforgive

you!”Sheslammeddownthephone.

Michellerealizedafteraminutethatshehadn’tbrokentheconnection.Shehungupherown

telephone.Shesatdownheavilyandheardtherecriminationsbreakoverherheadagainandagain.

SherememberedEbScott’scertaintythathismanwouldneverdosuchathing.Sara’sfierceanger.

IthadbeeneasytodiscountthemwhileAngelwasashadowyfigurewithoutsubstance.ButMichelle
knewGabriel.Andshewascertain,absolutelycertain,thatthemanwho’dsavedherfromsuicide
wouldneverputanotherhumanbeinginharm’sway.

***

IttooktwodaysfortheeffectsofSara’sphonecalltowearoffenoughthatshecouldstopcryingand
blamingherself.Thenewsmediawashavingafielddaywiththestory,runningupdatesaboutitall
day,everyday,eitherinnewscastsorinbannersundertheanchorpeople.Michellefinallyhadtoturn
offthetelevisiontoescapeit,sothatshecouldgetherselfbacktogether.

Shewanted,sodesperately,tomakeupforwhatshe’ddone.Butshedidn’tevenknowwhereto

start.Thestorywaseverywhere.PeoplewerecondemningtheAmericanmercenariesoneverynews
programintheworld.

ButGabrielwasinnocent.Michellehadhelpedconvicthiminthepress,withoutknowingwhoshe

waswritingabout.Nowitwasherturntodoherjobproperly,andgivebothsidesofthestory,
howeverunpopular.Shehadtosavehim,ifshecould,evenifhehatedherforeverforwhatshe’d
done.

***

Soshewentbacktowork.Herfirstactwastocontactthenewspaper ’smaninSaudiArabiaandask
himtorepeatthestoryhisinformantinAnasrahhadtoldhim.ThenshecontactedEbScottandgave
himtheinformation,sothathecouldpassitontohisprivateinvestigator.Beforeshedidthat,she
askedhimtocallherbackonasecureline,becausesheknewhowsomeofthetabloidnewsbureaus
sometimeshadlessscrupulousagentsdiggingoutinformation.

“You’relearning,MissGodfrey,”Ebsaidsolemnly.
“Notsoonenough.IknowwhoAngelisnow,”sheaddedheavily.“Hissisterhatesme.Hetoldher

thatheneverwantedtoseeorspeaktomeagain,either.AndIdeservethat.Iwasn’tobjective,and
peoplearepayingformyerror.ButIhavetodowhatIcantoundothemessIhelpedmake.I’msorry
Ididn’tlisten.”

“Toolittle,andalmosttoolate,”hesaidbrutally.“Learnfromit.Sometimesthesingledissenting

voiceistherightone.”

“Iwon’tforget,”shesaid.
Hehungup.

***

ShetriedtophoneSarabackandapologizeonceagain,totellhershewastryingtorepairthe
damage.ButSarawouldn’tacceptthefirstphonecallandafterthat,hernumberwasblocked.Shewas
heartsick.TheBrandonshadbeensogoodtoher.They’dmadesacrificestogetherthroughschool,
throughcollege,alwaysbeentherewhensheneededhelp.Andshe’drepaidthemlikethis.Itwounded
herasfewthingsinlifeeverhad.

Whenshetriedtospeaktohereditorinconfidence,tobacktrackonthestoryshe’dwritten,he

laugheditoff.Themanwasobviouslyguilty,hesaid,whymakewavesnow?She’dmadeanamefor
herselfininvestigativereporting,itwasallgood.

ShetoldhimthatAngelwasn’tthesortofpersontoeverharmachild.Thenhewantedtoknow

howsheknewthat.Shewouldn’trevealhersource,shesaid,fallingbackonatriedandtrueresponse.
Butthemanwasinnocent.

Hereditorhadjustlaughed.Soshethoughttheguywasinnocent,whatdiditmatter?Thenewswas

thethingthatmattered,scoopingalltheothermediaandbeingfirstandbestatdeliveringthestory.
She’dgiventhefactsofthematter,thatwastheendofit.Sheshouldjustenjoyhercelebritystatus
whileitlasted.

Michellewentbacktoherapartmentthatnightsaddenedandweary,withanewsenseof

disillusionmentaboutlifeandpeople.

***

Thenextmorning,shephonedMinetteCarsonandaskedifshehadanopeningforareporterwho
wascertainshewasn’tcutoutforthebigdailies.

Minettewashesitant.
“Look,nevermind,”Michellesaidgently.“IknowI’vemadealotofenemiesinJacobsvillewith

thewayIcoveredthestory.It’sokay.Icanalwaysteachjournalism.I’llbeanaturalatshowing
studentswhatnottodo.”

“Weallhavetostartsomewherewhenwelearnhowtodoajob,”Minettereplied.“Usually,it’sa

painfulprocess.EbScottcalledandaskedme,beforeyoudidtheinterview,ifyouknewwhoGabriel
reallywas.Itoldhimno.Iknewyou’dhavesaidsomethinglongbeforethis.Ishouldhavetoldyou.”

“Ishouldhavesuspectedsomething,”camethesadreply.“Hewasawayfromhomeforlong

stretches,hespokeadozenimpossiblelanguages,hewassecretiveaboutwhatsortofworkhedid—I
justwasn’tpayingattention.”

“Itamusedeveryonewhenhetookyouinashisward,”Minettesaid.“Hewasoneofthecoldest

menEbScotteverhired—well,afterCarson,whoworksforCyParks,thatis.”Shechuckled.“But
onceyoucamealong,allofasuddenGabrielwassmiling.”

“Hewon’tbeanymore,”Michellesaid,feelingthepaintothesolesofherfeet.
“Giveittime,”wastheolderwoman’sadvice.“First,youhavesomeworktodo.”
“Iknow.I’mgoingtodoeverythinginmypowertoprovehiminnocent.Whateverittakes,”

Michelleaddedfirmly.

“That’smorelikeit.Andaboutthejob,”shereplied.“Onceyou’veproventhatyouaren’trunning

awayfromanuncomfortableassignment,we’llhaveaplaceforyouhere.That’sapromise.”

“Thanks.”
“You’rewelcome.”

***

MichelleconvincedEbScotttolethertalktohisdetective.Itworkedoutwell,becauseDaneLassiter
wasactuallyinSanAntonioforaseminarthatweekandheagreedtomeetwithherinalocal
restaurant.

Hewasn’texactlywhatshe’dexpected.Hewastall,dark-hairedanddark-eyed,withaneasygoing

mannerandawifewhowasthirtysomethingandveryattractive.She,likeMichelle,wasblonde.

“Wealwaysgotogetherwhenhehastogiveseminars.”Tesslaughed.“AtleastonceI’vehadto

chaseapursuingwomanoutofhisroom.”Sheshookherhead,sighingasshemetherhusband’s
amusedgaze.“Well,afterall,Iknowhe’sadish.Whyshouldn’totherwomennotice?”

Michellelaughedwiththem,butherheartwasn’tinit.Therehadbeenasnippetofnewson

televisionthenightbefore,showingacampofjournalistsontheroadthatledtotheBrandons’
Wyomingproperty.TheywerestilltryingtogetSaratotalktothem.Butthistimetheyweremetwith
asteely-eyedmanMichellerecognizedasWoffordPatterson,whowasadvisingthemtodecamp
beforesomeofSara’sfriendsloosedafewbearsonthepropertyinaconservationproject.Patterson
hadbecomeSara’spersonalprotectorandmuchmore,aftermanyyearsofantagonism.

“I’vebeenwatchingthepressreportsonBrandon,”Danesaid,havingguessedthetrainofher

thoughts.“Youwatchsixdifferentreportsandgetsixdifferentstories.”

“Yes,”Michellesaidsadly.“Noteveryonetriesforaccuracy.AndIcanincludemyselfinthat

company,becauseIshouldhavegonetheextramileandpresentedtheonedissentingopinion.Itwas
easytocapitulate,becauseIdidn’tthinkIhadanyinterestintheoutcome,”sheaddedmiserably.

Tess’spaleeyesnarrowed.“Mr.Brandonwasyourguardian.”
Shenodded.Hewasmore,butshewasn’tsharingthatnewswithavirtualstranger.“Isoldhimout.I

didn’tmeanto.IhadnoideaAngelwasGabriel.Itwashard,goingagainstamajorityopinion.
Everyonesaidhewasguiltyassin.Isawthephotographsofthewomenandchildren.”Herface
hardened.“Itwaseasytobelieveit,afterthat.”

“I’veseensimilarthings,”Danesaid,sippingblackcoffee.“ButIcantellyouthatthingsarerarely

whattheyseem.”

Shetoldhimabouthercontacts,andhetooknotes,gettingnamesandtelephonenumbersand

puttingtogetheralistofpeopletointerview.

Heputuphispenandnotebook.“Thisisgoingtobealotofhelptothemenwhowereblamedfor

thetragedy,”hesaidfinally.“There’saviolentelementinthecountryinquestion,dedicatedto
rootingoutanyhintofforeigninfluence,howeverbeneficial.Butatthesametime,intheirranksare
afewwhoseeawaytoquickprofit,awaytofundtheirterrorismandinflictevenmorehorroron
ouroverseaspersonnel.Thisgroupthatputyourfriendinthemiddleofthecontroversyismadeup
ofafewmoney-hungryprofiteers.OurStateDepartmenthasworkedveryhardtotrytostiflethem.
Wehaveseveraloilcorporationswithofficesthere,andagoodbitofourforeignoilisshippedfrom
thatcountry.Wedependonthegoodwillofthelocalstokeeptheoilcompanies’officialsandworkers
safe.Theterroristsknowthat,andtheyseeawaytomakeaquickprofitthroughkidnappingsand
otherattacks.Exceptthatinsteadofholdingpeopleforransom,theythreatenviolenceiftheir
demandsaren’tmet.It’salmostlikeaprotectionracket...”

“That’swhathemeant,”Michellesaidsuddenly.
“Excuseme?”
“EbScottsaid,‘followthemoney,’”sherecalled.
“Eb’ssharp.Yes,that’sapparentlywhat’sbehindallthis.Theterroristleaderwantedmillionsin

bribestoprotectoilcompanyexecutivesinhiscountry.Thebrother-in-lawoftheleaderwasselling
himouttoourStateDepartment.Alotoflocalmenworkfortheoilcompaniesanddon’twantany
partoftheterrorist’splans.It’sapoorcountry,andtheoilcompaniesprovideasecurelivingforthe
village.Butnobodymakeswavesandgetsawaywithit.Theterroristleaderretaliated,intheworst
possibleway,andblameditonAngelandhismen—awayofprotectinghisownmen,whomhe
orderedtokillhisbrother-in-lawtokeephimfromtalking.Itwasalsoawayofnotifyingforeigners
thatthisishowanyfutureattemptstobypasshisauthoritywouldbehandled.”

“I’mnottellingyouanythingyoudidn’talreadyknow,”shesaidsuddenly.
“Iknewit.Icouldn’tproveit,”headded.“Butyou’vegivenmecontactswhocanbackupthe

protester ’sstory.I’llhavemyinvestigatorscheckthemoutandourattorneyswilltakedepositions
thatwillholdupincourt.ItwillgivetheStateDepartment’srepresentativestheleveragetheyneedto

dealwiththeterrorists.Anditwillprovideournewsmediawithaweekofguaranteedstories,”he
addedcoldly.

Shesighed.“IthinkI’minthewrongbusiness.”
“Goodreporterscandoalotofgoodintheworld,”Tessinterrupted.“It’sjustthatthere’smore

profitindiggingupdirtonpeople.”

“Amen,”Danesaid.
“Well,ifIcanhelpdigGabrieloutoftheholeIputhiminto,I’llbehappy,”Michelletoldhim.“It’s

littleenoughinthewayofapology.”

“Ifyouhearanythingelse,throughyoursources,youcancallmeanytime,”hetoldher.
“I’llremember.”

***

Danewenttopaythecheck,againstMichelle’sprotests.

Tesssmiledather.“Youreallycareaboutthemercenary,don’tyou?”sheasked.
“Morethanyouknow,”Michellereplied.“Heandhissistersacrificedalotforme.I’llneverbe

abletopaythemback.Andnow,thishashappened....”

“Atleastyou’retryingtomakeupforit,”shereplied.“That’sworthsomething.”
“Ihopeit’sworthenough.I’mgratefultoyouandyourhusbandformeetingwithme.”
“Itwasaniceinterludebetweentherehashingofhorriblecases.”Tesslaughed.“Iworkasaskip

tracer,somethingDanewouldneverletmedobefore.Myfatherplannedtomarryhismother,but
theywerekilledinawreck,soDanebecamesortofresponsibleforme,”sheaddedsurprisingly.“He
wasn’tveryhappyaboutit.Wehadarockyroadtothealtar.”Shesmiled.“Butasonandadaughter
later,we’reverycontent.”

“Youdon’tlookoldenoughtohavetwochildren.”Michellelaughed.“Eitherofyou.”
“Thanks.Butbelieveme,weare.”
Danewasback,puttingawayhiswallet.HehandedMichelleabusinesscard.“Mycell’sonthere,as

wellastheofficenumber.”

“I’llcrossmyfingers,thatourcontactscanhelpyougetGabrielandhismenoffthehook,”

Michellesaid.

Hiseyesnarrowed.“I’msurprisedthatthenationalnewsmediahasn’tbeencampedonyour

doorstep,”heremarked.

“Gabrieldidn’tadvertisehisinvolvementwithme,”shereplied.“AndnobodyinJacobsville,

Texas,willtellthemathing,believeme.”

Hesmiled.“Inoticedthewaythelocalsshutthemoutwhentheywaltzedintotownwiththeir

satellitetrucks.Amazing,thattherestaurantsallranoutoffoodandthemotelswereallfulland
nobodyhadasingleroomtorentoutatanyprice.”

Shesmiledangelically.“I’msurethatwasmostlytrue.”
“TheydidtryComancheWells,Ihear,”Daneadded.
“Well,see,ComancheWellsdoesn’thavearestaurantoramotelatall.”
“Thatexplainsit.”

***

Shewentbacktowork,onlytofindherdeskpiledhighwithnotes.

“Hey,Godfrey,can’tyougetyouransweringmachinetowork?”Murphy,oneoftheolder

reporterswhosedeskwasbesidehers,asked.“Myoldhandsaretoognarledtotakenotesfromall
yourdarnedcallers.”

“Sorry,Murph,”shesaid.Shewasfrowningwhenshenoticedwhothenoteswerefrom.“They

wanttosendalimoformeandhavemestayatthePlaza?”sheexclaimed.

“Whatitistobeacelebrity,”Murphshookhishead.“Hey,therewasthiscoolvideothatBrad

Paisleydid,aboutbeingacelebrity...!”

“Isawit.Thanks,”shesaid,wavingthenotesathim.Shepickedupherpurseandleftthebuilding,

justavoidinghereditoronthewayoutthedoor.

ApparentlythenewsmediahadfoundsomebodyinJacobsvillewhowaswillingtotalktothem.

Shewonderedwithdrollcynicismwhattheinformanthadbeenpaid.

***

Shediscoveredthatifsheagreedtodoanexclusiveinterviewwithjustonestation,theotherswould
havetoleaveheralone.Beforeshesignedanypapers,shespokewithanattorneyandhadhimcheck
outtheagreement.

“ItsaysthatIagreetotellthemmystory,”shesaid.
“Exactly,”hereplied.
Shepursedherlips.“Itdoesn’tspecifywhichstory.”
“Ithinkthey’llassumeitmeansthestorytheywanttohear,”hereplied.“Althoughthat’simplied

ratherthanstated.”

“Ah.”
“AndIwouldadvisecautionwhentheyaskyoutonamethepersonoverseaswhomyournewspaper

providedasareferenceregardingtheinformer,”headded.“Thatmaybeaprotectedsource.”

“Iwashopingyou’dnoticethat.Itisaprotectedsource.”
Heonlysmiled.

***

Shesatdowninfrontofthetelevisioncameraswithawell-known,folksyinterviewerwhowascalm,
gentleandveryintelligent.Hedidn’tpressherfordetailsshecouldn’tgive,andheunderstoodthat
somesourcesofinformationthatshehadaccesstowereprotected.

“Iunderstandfromwhatyoutoldourcorrespondentthatyoudon’tbelievethemeninquestion

actuallyperpetratedtheattack,whichresultedinthedeathsofseveralwomenandsmallchildren,”he
began.

“That’scorrect.”
“Wouldyoutellmewhy?”
“WhenIfirstbrokethestory,Iwentontheassumptionthatbecausethemajorityoftheinterviewees

placedtheblameontheAmericanmercenaries,theymustbeguilty.Therewas,however,one
conflictingopinion.Avillager,whomIcannotname,saidthatextortionwasinvolvedandthatmoney
wasdemandedfortheprotectionofforeignworkers.Whenarelativeoftheextortionistthreatenedto
gototheauthoritiesandrevealthefinancialaspect,heandhisfamilywerebrutallymurderedasa
warning.ThesemurderswereblamedontheAmericanswhohad,infact,beenworkingforthe
governmenttryingtouncoveranestofterroriststhreateningAmericanoilcompanyemployees
there.”

Theinterviewerwasfrowning.“Thenthemassacrewas,infact,retaliationforthevillager ’sthreat

toexposetheextortionist.”

“Thatismyinformation,yes.”
Hestudiedasheetofpaper.“Iseeherethatthenewspaperwhichemploysyouuseditsownforeign

sourcestodointerviewsaboutthisstory.”

“Thosesourcesarealsoprotected,”Michellereplied.“Ican’tnamethem.”
Hepursedhislipsand,behindhislenses,hisblueeyestwinkled.“Iunderstand.ButIbelievethe

samesourceshavebeennamed,inthepress,byattorneysforthemenallegedlyimplicatedbythe
internationalpressfortheatrocities.”

Shesmiled.“Ibelieveso.”
“Inwhichcase,”headded,“wehaveelicitedpermissiontoquoteoneofthesources.Hehassigned

anaffidavit,whichisinthehandsofourStateDepartment.PleasewelcomeMr.DavidArbuckle,who
isliaisonfortheU.S.DepartmentofStateinAnasrah,whichisatthecenterofthismatter.Mr.
Arbuckle,welcome.”

“Thankyou,Mr.Price,”apleasant-looking,middle-agedmanreplied.Hewasinastudioin

Washington,D.C.,hisimageprovidedviasatellite.

“Now,fromwhatMs.Godfreyhastoldus—andwehavevalidatedherstory—aterroristcellhad

infiltratedthevillageinquestionandmadethreatsagainstforeignnationalsincludingours.Isthis
true?”

“Itis,”Mr.Arbucklesaidsolemnly.“We’reverygratefultoMs.Godfreyforbringingthismatterto

ourattention.Weweretoldthatagroupofmercenariesmuscledtheirwayintothevillage,demanding
tributeandkilledpeoplewhentheirdemandswerenotmet.Thisisaverydifferentstorythanwewere
abletoverifybyspeaking,underofferofprotection,toothermeninthesamevillage.”

Hecoughed,thencontinued,“Wewereabletoascertainthataterroristcellwithlinkstoanother

notoriousinternationalorganizationwasgoingtofunditselfbyextortingmoneyfromoil
corporationsdoingbusinessnearthevillage.Theywereusingthevillageitselfforcover,posingas
innocenttribesmen.”

“Abominable,”thehostreplied.
“Yes,killinginnocentstoproveapointisaparticularlybloodthirstymannerinwhichtooperate.

Thelocalpeoplewereterrifiedtosayanything,afterthemassacre,althoughtheyfeltverysadthat
innocentmenwereblamedforit.Infact,theso-calledmercenarieshadprovidedmedicalsuppliesand
treatmentformanychildrenandelderlypeopleandevenhelpedbuyfoodforthem.”

“Alaudableoutreacheffort.”
“Indeed,”Mr.Arbucklerepliedgrimly.“Sufficeittosaythatwehaveusedourinfluencetomake

surethattheterroristsnolongerhaveafootholdinthevillage,andtheinternationalcommunityhas
movedpeopleintoassurethesafetyofthetribesmenwhoprovideduswiththisinformation.”

“ThentheAmericanmercenariesarebeingclearedofanyinvolvementwiththemassacre?”
“Icanassureyouthattheyhavebeen,”Mr.Arbucklereplied.“Wewereprovidedwithaffidavitsand

otherdocumentsconcerningthemassacrebyanAmericanprivatedetectiveworkinginconcertwith
themercenaries’attorneys.Theywereallowedtoleavethecountrylastnightandareenroutetoa
securelocationwhilewedealwiththeterroristsinquestion.Theterroristsresponsibleforthe
massacrewillbebroughttotrialforthemurdersandheldaccountable.Andthemercenarieswill
returntotestifyagainstthem.”

“I’msureourviewerswillbehappytohearthat.”
“Weprotectourpeopleoverseas,”Mr.Arbucklereplied.“Allofthem.Andinfact,themercenaries

inquestionwereprivatecontractorsworkingfortheUnitedStatesgovernment,notthesortof

soldiersforhirethatofteninvolvethemselvesinforeignconflicts.”

“Anothersurprise,”Mr.Pricesaidwithasmile.
“Inthisdayandtime,weallhavetobealertaboutoursurroundingsabroad,”Mr.Arbucklesaid.

“Wetakecareofourown,”headdedwithasmile.

“Thankyouforyourtime,Mr.Arbuckle.”
“Thankyouforyours,Mr.Price.”
Mr.PriceturnedbacktoMichelle.“Itwasaverybravethingyoudid,Ms.Godfrey,goingup

againsttheweightoftheinternationalpresstodefendthesemen.Iunderstandthatyouknowsomeof
them.”

“IknowEbScott,whorunsaninternationalschoolofcounterterrorism,”Michellecorrected,

unwillingtosaymore.“Hehasgreatintegrity.Ican’timaginethatanyagentshetrainedwouldever
goagainstbasichumanitarianism.”

“Hehasagoodadvocatehere.”Hechuckled.
“Ilearnedalessonfromthis,aswell,”sherepliedquietly.“Thatyoudon’tdiscountthesinglesmall

voiceinthewildernesswhenyouwriteastorythatcancostlivesandreputations.ItisoneIhopeI
neverhavetorepeat.”Shepaused.“I’dliketothankmyeditorforstandingbyme,”sheadded,lying
becausehehadn’t,“andforteachingmetheworthofintegrityinreporting.”

Mr.PricenamedthenewspaperinSanAntonioandthankedherforappearingonhisprogram.

***

Backintheoffice,hereditor,LenWorthington,wasecstatic.“Thatwasthenicestplugweevergot
fromanybody!Thanks,kid!”hetoldher,shakingherhand.

“You’rewelcome.Thanksfornotfiringmeformessingupsobadly.”
“Hey,whatarefriendsfor?”
He’dneverknow,shethought,butsheonlysmiled.She’dseenasideofjournalismthatlefther

feelingsick.Itwasn’tpretty.

***

Shedidn’ttrytocallSaraagain.Thepoorwomanprobablyhadn’tseentheprogramMichellewason.
Itwaslikelythatshewasavoidinganysortofpresscoverageofwhathadhappened.Thatwasn’thard
anymore,becausetherewasanewscandaltoppingthenewsnow,andallthesatellitetruckshadgone
insearchofotherprey.Michelle’sphonehadstoppedringing.Therewerenomorenotesonherdesk,
nomoreoffersoflimosandfive-starhotels.Shedidn’tmindatall.

SheonlyhopedthatonedaySaraandGabrielwouldforgiveher.Shewentbacktoworkonother

stories,mostlypoliticalones,andhopedthatshe’dneverbeinapositionagainwhereshe’dhaveto
sellouthernearestanddearestforajob.Notthatsheeverwould.Norwouldshehavedoneit,if
she’dhadanyideawhoGabrielreallywas.

***

MichellehadthoughtaboutaskingMinetteforajobagain.Shewasn’treallyhappylivinginthecity
andshecringedeverytimesomeonementionedhernameinconnectionwiththepastbignewsstory.

Shestillhadn’theardfromGabrielorSara.Shedidn’texpectto.She’dhopedthattheymight

contacther.Butthatwaswishfulthinking.

Shenowownedthehomewhereherfatherand,beforehim,hergrandparentshadlivedin

ComancheWells.Shecouldn’tbeartodrivetheJaguarthatGabrielandSarahadgivenher...drivingit
madehertoosad.SosheparkeditatGabriel’shouseandputthekeyinthemailslot.Oneday,she
assumed,he’dreturnandseeit.SheboughtacutelittleVWbug,withwhichshecouldcommutefrom
JacobsvilletoworkinSanAntonio.Shemovedbackhome.

Atfirst,peoplewereunderstandablyalittlestand-offish.Shewasanoutsider,eventhoughshewas

borninJacobsCounty.Perhapstheythoughtshewasgoingtogoallbig-cityonthemandstartpoking
hernoseintolocalpolitics.

Whenshedidn’tdothat,thetensionbegantoeasealittle.WhenshewentintoBarbara’sCaféto

havelunchonSaturdays,peoplebegantonodandsmileather.Whenshewentgroceryshoppingin
thelocalsupermarket,thecashieractuallytalkedtoher.Whenshegotgasatthelocalstation,the
attendantfinallystoppedaskingforidentificationwhenshepresentedhercreditcard.Littlebylittle,
shewasbecomingpartofJacobsCountyagain.

***

Carliecametovisitoccasionally.Shewashappilymarried,andexpectingherfirstchild.They
weren’tascloseastheyhadbeen,butitmadeMichellefeelgoodtoknowthatherfriendwassettled
andsecure.

Sheonlywishedthatshecouldbe,settledandsecure.Butasmonthswentbywithnowordofor

fromtheBrandons,shegaveupallhopethatshemightonedaybeforgivenforthethingsshe’d
written.

SheknewthatSarahadawholenewlifeinWyomingfromthecashieratthegrocerystorewhohad

knownher.Michelledidn’tblameherfornotwantingtocomebacktoTexas.Afterall,she’donly
livedinComancheWellsasafavortoGabriel,sothathecouldbeMichelle’sguardian.

Guardiannomore,obviously.He’dgivenupthatbefore,ofcourse,whensheturnedtwenty-one.

ButsometimesMichellewishedthatshestillhadatleastarelationshipwithhim.Shemournedwhat
couldhavebeen,beforeshelostherway.Gabrielhadassuredherthattheyhadafuture.Butthatwas
before.

***

Shewashangingoutsheetsintheyard,fightingthefierceautumnbreezetokeepthemfromblowing
away,whensheheardavehiclecomingdownthelongroad.Itwasodd,becausenobodylivedoutthis
wayexceptMichelle.ItwasSaturday.Thenextmorning,she’dplannedtogotochurch.She’dmissed
itforacoupleofSundayswhilesheworkedonahotpoliticalstory.

Thesedays,noteventheReverendBlaircamevisitingmuch.Shedidn’tvisitotherpeople,either.

Herjoboccupiedmuchofhertime,becauseareporterwasalwaysoncall.ButMichellestillattended
servicesmostSundays.

Soshestaredatthetruckasitwentpastthehouse.Itswindowsweretinted,androlledup.Itwasa

newtruck,averyfancyone.PerhapssomeonehadboughttheoldBrandonplace,sheconcluded,and
wentbacktohangingupclothes.ItmadehersadtothinkthatGabrielwouldselltheranch.But,after
all,whatwouldheneeditfor?Heonlyhadamanagertheretocareforit,soitwasn’tasifheneeded
tokeepit.Hehadotherthingstodo.

She’dheardfromMinettethatGabrielwaspartofaninternationalpoliceforcenow,onethatEb

ScotthadcontractedwithtoprovidesecurityforthoseMiddleEasternoilmenwhohadplayedsucha

partinGabriel’sclosecall.

ShewonderedifhewouldevercomebacktoComancheWells.Butshewasfairlycertainhe

wouldn’t.Toomanybadmemories.

Twelve

M

ichellefinishedhanginguphersheetsinthecoolbreezeandwentbackintothehousetofix

herselfasandwich.

Therewererumorsatworkthatabigstorywasabouttobreakinvolvinganoilcorporationanda

terroristgroupintheMiddleEast,onethatmighthavelocalties.Michelle,nowhereditor ’sfavorite
reporterforhavingmentionedhimonTV,wasgiventheassignment.Itmight,hehinted,involve
someoverseastravel.Nottoworry,thepaperwouldgladlypayherexpenses.

Shewonderedwhatsortofmessshemightgetherselfintothistime,pokinghernoseintothings

shedidn’tunderstand.Well,itwasajob,andshewasluckytoevenhaveoneinthishorribleeconomy.

Shefinishedhersandwichanddrankacupofblackcoffee.Forsomereasonshethoughtof

Gabriel,andhowmuchhe’denjoyedhercoffee.Shehadtostopthinkingabouthim.She’dalmost
costhimhislife.She’ddestroyedhispeaceofmindandSara’s,subjectedthembothtocamerasand
reportersandharassment.Itwasnotreallyasurprisethattheyweren’tspeakingtoheranymore.Even
ifshe’dgonethelastmiledefendingthem,tryingtomakeupforherlackofforesight,itdidn’terase
thedamageshe’dalreadydone.

Shewasboredtodeath.Thehousewaspretty.She’dmadeimprovements—she’dredecorated

Roberta’soldroomandhadthewholeplacerepainted.She’dputupnewcurtainsandboughtnew
furniture.Butthehousewascoldandempty.

Backwhenherfatherwasalive,itstillheldechoesofhisparents,ofhim.Now,itwasareminderof

oldtragedies,mostespeciallyherfather ’sdeathandRoberta’s.

Shecarriedhercoffeeintothelivingroomandlookedaroundher.Sheoughttosellitandmove

intoanapartmentinSanAntonio.Shedidn’thaveapet,notevenadogorcat,andthelivestockher
fatherhadownedwerelonggone.Shehadnothingtoholdherhereexceptasadattachmenttothe
past,todeadpeople.

Buttherewassomethingthatkeptherfromlettinggo.Sheknewwhatitwas,althoughshedidn’t

wanttoremember.ItwasGabriel.He’deatenhere,slepthere,comfortedherhere.Itwaswarmwith
memoriesthatnootherdwellingplacewouldeverhold.

Shewonderedifshecouldn’tjustphotographtheroomsandblowupthephotos,makepostersof

them,andsacrificethehouse.

Sure,shethoughthollowly.Ofcourseshecould.
Shefinishedhercoffeeandturnedonthetelevision.Sameoldstories.Sameprogramswithfive

minutesofcommercialsforeveryoneminuteofprogramming.Sheswitcheditoff.Thesedaysshe
onlywatchedDVDsorstreamedmoviesfrominternetwebsites.Shewastooantsytositthrougha
hundredcommercialseveryhalfhour.

Shewonderedwhypeopleputupwithit.Ifeveryonestoppedwatchingtelevision,wouldn’tthe

advertisersbeforcedtocomeupwithalternativesthatcompromisedabitmore?Sure.Andcows
wouldstartflyinganyday.

Thatremindedherofthestandingjokeshe’dhadwithGrierandGabrielaboutcowsbeing

abductedbyaliens,anditmadehersad.

Outside,sheheardthetruckgoflyingpastherhouse.Itdidn’tevenslowdown.Mustbesomebody

lookingatGabriel’shouse.Shewonderedifhe’dputitonthemarketwithoutbotheringtoputafor-

salesignoutfront.Whynot?Hehadnorealtieshere.He’dprobablymoveduptoWyomingtolive
nearSara.

Shewentintothekitchen,puthercoffeecupinthesink,andwentbacktoherwashing.

***

Sheworeasimplebeigeskirtandashort-sleevedbeigesweatertochurchwithprettyhighheelsanda
pursetomatch.Sheleftherhairlong,downherback,andusedonlyatraceofmakeuponherface.

She’dhadampleopportunitiesforromance,butallthoseyearsshe’dwaitedforGabriel,certain

thathewasgoingtoloveheroneday,thatshehadafuturewithhim.Nowthatfuturewasgone.She
knewthatoneday,she’dhavetodecideifshereallywantedtobenothingmorethanacareerwoman
withnotorietyandmoneytakingtheplaceofahusbandandchildrenandasettledlife.

Therewasnothingwrongwithambition.Butthefewcareerwomenshe’dknownseemedempty

somehow,asiftheypresentedahappyfacetotheworldbutthatitwaslikeamask,hidingthe
insecuritiesandlonelinessthataccompaniedademandinglifestyle.Whatwoulditbeliketogrowold,
withnofamilyaroundyou,withonlyfriendsandacquaintancesandbusinessassociatestomarkthe
holidays?Woulditmakeupforthecontinuityofthenextgenerationandthegenerationafterthat,of
seeingyourfeaturesreproduceddownthroughyourchildrenandgrandchildrenandgreat-
grandchildren?Woulditmakeupforlaughinglittlevoicesandbusylittlehands,andsoftkisseson
yourcheekatbedtime?

Thatthoughtmadeherwanttocry.She’dneverthoughttoomuchaboutkidsduringherschool

days,butwhenGabrielhadkissedherandtalkedaboutafuture,she’ddreamedofhavinghischildren.
Ithadbeenahungerunlikeanythingshe’deverknown.

Shehadtostoptormentingherself.Shehadtocometogripswiththeworldthewayitwas,notthe

wayshewantedittobe.Shewasagrownwomanwithapromisingcareer.Shehadtolookahead,not
behindher.

***

Sheslidintoherusualpew,listenedtoReverendBlair ’ssermonandsangalongwiththechoirasthey
repeatedthechorusofawell-lovedoldhymn.Sometimeduringtheoffering,shewasawareofa
tinglingsensation,asifsomeonewerewatchingher.Shelaughedsilently.Nowshewasgetting
paranoid.

Astheserviceended,andtheyfinishedsingingthefinalhymn,asthebenedictionsoundedin

ReverendBlair ’sclear,deepvoice,shecontinuedtohavethesensationthatsomeonewaswatching
her.

Slowly,asherpewfiledoutintotheaisle,sheglancedtowardthebackofthechurch.Buttherewas

noonethere,noonelookingather.Whatastrangesensation.

***

ReverendBlairshookherhandandsmiledather.“It’snicetohaveyouback,MissGodfrey,”he
teased.

Shesmiledback.“Rubitin.Ihadanightmareofapoliticalstorytofollow.Ispentsomuchtimeon

itthatI’mthinkingImayrunforpublicofficemyself.Bynow,Iknowexactlywhatnottodotoget
elected,”sheconfidedwithachuckle.

“Iknowwhatyoumean.Itwasagoodstory.”
“Thanks.”
“Seeyounextweek.”
“Ihope.”Shecrossedherfingers.Hejustsmiled.

***

Shewalkedtohercarandclickedthesmartkeytounlockitwhenshefelt,ratherthansaw,someone
behindher.

Sheturnedandherheartstoppedinherchest.Shelookedupintoliquidblackeyesinatanned,hard

facethatlookedasifithadneverknownasmile.

Sheswallowed.Shewantedtosaysomanythings.Shewantedtoapologize.Shewantedtocry.She

wantedtothrowherselfintohisarmsandbeghimtoholdher,comforther,forgiveher.Butshedid
noneofthosethings.Shejustlookedupathimhopelessly,withdeadeyesthatlookedasiftheyhad
neverheldjoy.

Hissquarechinlifted.Hiseyesnarrowedonherface.“You’velostweight.”
Sheshrugged.“Oneofthebetterconsequencesofmyprofession,”shesaidquietly.“Howareyou,

Gabriel?”

“I’vebeenbetter.”
Shesearchedhiseyes.“How’sSara?”
“Gettingbacktonormal.”
Shenodded.Sheswallowedagainanddroppedhereyestohischest.Itwashardtofindsomething

tosaythatdidn’tinvolveapologiesorexplanationsorpleasforforgiveness.

Thesilencewentonforsolongthatshecouldhearpiecesofconversationfromotherchurchgoers.

Shecouldhearthetrafficonthehighway,thesoundofchildrenplayinginsomeyardnearby.She
couldhearthesoundofherownheartbeat.

Thiswasdestroyingher.Sheclickedthekeyfobagaindeliberately.“Ihavetogo,”shesaidsoftly.
“Sure.”
Hemovedbacksothatshecouldopenthedoorandgetinside.Sheglancedathimwithsorrowin

herface,butsheavertedhereyessothatitdidn’tembarrasshim.Shedidn’twanthimtofeelguilty.
Shewastheonewhoshouldfeelthatemotion.Intheendshecouldn’tmeethiseyesorevenwave.She
juststartedthecaranddroveaway.

***

Well,atleastthefirstmeetingwasoverwith,shetoldherselflater.Ithadn’tbeenquiteasbadasshe’d
expected.Butithadbeenrough.Shefeltlikecrying,buthereyesweredry.Somepainwastoodeepto
beeasedbytears,shethoughtsadly.

ShechangedintojeansandaredT-shirtandwentoutonthefrontporchtowaterherflowerswhile

aTVdinnermicrowaveditselftoperfectioninthekitchen.

Herflowersweregoingtobebeautifulwhentheybloomed,shedecided,smilingastheypoked

theirlittleheadsupthroughthedirtinanassortmentofceramicpotsalloverthewoodenfloor.

ShehadthreepotsofchrysanthemumsandonelittlebonsaitreenamedFred.Gabrielhadgivenit

toherwhenshefirstmovedinwiththem,asortofwelcomepresent.Itwasatinyfirtreewitha
beautifulcurvingtrunkandfeatherylimbs.Shebabiedit,boughtitexpensivefertilizer,readbookson
howtokeepithealthyandworriedherselftodeaththatitmightaccidentallydieifsheforgottowater

it.Thathadn’thappened,ofcourse,butsheloveditdearly.OfallthethingsGabrielhadgivenher,
andtherehadbeenalot,thiswasherfavorite.Sheleftitoutsideuntiltheweathergrewtoocold,then
shecarrieditinsideprotectively.

TheJaguarhadbeenwonderful.Butshe’dstillbeendrivingitwhenshedidthestorythatalmost

destroyedGabriel’slifeandafterthat,shecouldnolongerbeartositinit.Thememorieshadbeen
killingher.

ShemissedtheJag.ShemissedGabrielmore.Shewonderedwhyhe’dcomeback.Probablytosell

thehouse,shedecided,tocuthislasttiewithComancheWells.Ifhewasworkingforaninternational
concern,itwasn’tlikelythathe’dplantocomebackhere.He’dseetheJaginthedriveway,she
thought,andunderstandwhyshe’dgivenitback.Atleast,shehopedhewould.

Thatthought,thathemightleaveComancheWellsforever,wasreallydepressing.Shewatered

Fred,putdownthecan,andwentbackintothehouse.Itdidn’toccurtohertowonderwhathe’dbeen
doingatherchurch.

***

Whenshewentintothekitchentotakeherdinneroutofthemicrowave,adark-hairedmanwassitting
atthetablesippingcoffee.Thereweretwocups,oneforhimandoneforher.Thedinnerwassitting
onaplatewithanapkinandsilverwarebesideit.

Heglancedupasshecameintotheroom.“It’sgettingcold,”hesaidsimply.
Shestoodbehindherchair,juststaringathim,frowning.
Heraisedaneyebrowashestudiedhershirt.“Youknow,mostpeoplewhoworeredshirtsonthe

originalStarTrekendedupdead.”

Shecockedherhead.“Andyoucameallthiswaytogivemefashionadvice?”
Hemanagedafaintsmile.“Notreally.”Hesippedcoffee.Heletoutalongbreath.“It’sbeenalong

time,Michelle.”

Shenodded.Slowly,shepulledoutthechairandsatdown.TheTVdinnerhadtheappealof

mothballs.Shepusheditasideandsippedtheblackcoffeehe’dputatherplace.Hestillremembered
howshetookit,afterallthistime.

Sheranherfingeraroundtherim.“Ilearnedahardlesson,”shesaidafteraminute.“Reporting

isn’tjustaboutpresentingthemajoritypointofview.”

Heliftedhiseyestohers.“Lifeteachesveryhardlessons.”
“Yes,itdoes.”Shedrewinabreath.“Iguessyou’resellingthehouse.”
Hiseyebrowslifted.“Excuseme?”
“Isawatruckgooutthereyesterday.AndIreadthatyou’reworkingwithsomeinternationalpolice

forcenow.SosinceSara’slivinginWyoming,Iassumedyou’dprobablybemovinguptherenear
her.Forwhenyou’rehomeintheStates,Imean.”

“I’dconsideredit,”hesaidafteraminute.Hesippedmorecoffee.
Shewonderedifherheartcouldfallanydeeperintoherchest.Shewonderedhowintheworldhe’d

gottenintothehousesosilently.Shewonderedwhyhewasthereinthefirstplace.Washesaying
goodbye?

“DidyoufindthekeystotheJag?”sheasked.
“Yes.Youdidn’twanttokeepit?”
Sheswallowedhard.“Toomanybadmemories,ofwhatIdidtoyouandSara,”sheconfessed

heavily.

Heshookhishead.Afteraminute,hestaredatherbenthead.“Idon’tthinkyou’vereallylookedat

meonce,”hesaidfinally.

Shemanagedatightsmile.“It’sveryhardtodothat,afterallthetroubleIcausedyou,”shesaid.“I

rehearsedit,youknow.SayingIwassorry.Workingupallsortsofwaystoapologize.Butthere
reallyisn’tagoodwaytosayit.”

“Peoplemakemistakes.”
“ThekindImadecouldhaveburiedyou.”Shesaidittautly,fightingtears.Itwasharderthanshe’d

imagined.Sheforceddowntherestofthecoffee.“Look,I’vegotthingstodo,”shebegan,standing,
avertingherfacesohecouldn’tseehereyes.

“Mabelle,”hewhispered,inavoicesotenderthathercontrolbroketheinstantsheheardit.She

burstintotears.

Hescoopedherupinhisarmsandkissedhersohungrilythatshejustwentlimp,archingupto

him,socompletelyhisthatshewouldn’thaveprotestedanythinghewantedtodotoher.

“Soit’slikethat,isit?”hewhisperedagainsthersoft,tremblingmouth.“AnythingIwant?

Anythingatall?”

“Anything,”shewept.
“Outofguilt?”heasked,andtherewasanedgetohistonenow.
Sheopenedherweteyesandlookedintohis.“Outof...love,”shechoked.
“Love.”
“Goahead.Laugh...”
Heburiedhisfaceinherthroat.“IthoughtI’dlostyouforgood,”hebreathedhuskily.“Standing

thereatyourcar,lookingsodefeated,sodepressedthatyoucouldn’tevenmeetmyeyes.Ithought,
I’llhavetoleave,there’snothingleft,nothingthereexceptguiltandsorrow.AndthenIdecidedto
haveonelasttry,tocomehereandtalktoyou.Youwalkedintotheroomandeverysinglethingyou
feltwasthere,rightthere,inyoureyeswhenyoulookedatme.AndIknew,then,thatitwasn’toverat
all.Itwasonlybeginning.”

Herarmstightenedaroundhisneck.Hereyeswerepouringwithhottears.“Ilovedyou...somuch,”

shechoked.“Sarasaidyouneverwantedtoseemeagain.Shehatedme.Iknewyoumusthateme,
too...!”

Hekissedthetearsaway.HesatdownonthesofawithMichelleinhislapandcurledherintohis

chest.“Sarahasaquick,hottemper.Shelosesit,andit’sover.She’ssorrythatshewassobrutalwith
you.Shewasfrightenedandupsetandthemediawashuntingher.She’shadotherproblemsaswell,
thatyoudon’tknowabout.Butshe’sashamedthatshetookitalloutonyou,blamedyoufor
somethingyoudidn’tevendodeliberately.”Heliftedhisheadandsmoothedthelong,damphair
awayfromhercheek.“Shewantedtoapologize,butshe’stooashamedtocallyou.”

“That’swhy?”shewhispered.“IthoughtIwouldneverseeheragain.Oryou.”
“Thatwouldneverhappen,”hesaidgently.“You’repartofus.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“Isoldyouout...!”
“Youdidnot.YousoldoutamercenarynamedAngel,someoneyoudidn’tknow,someoneyou

thoughthadperpetratedaterriblecrimeagainstinnocentwomenandchildren,”hesaidsimply.He
brushedhismouthoverherweteyes.“Youwouldneverhavesoldmeoutinamillionyears,evenif
youhadthoughtIwasguiltyassin.”Heliftedhisheadandlookedintohereyes.“Becauseyoulove
me.Youlovemeenoughtoforgiveanything,evenmurder.”

Thetearspouredoutevenhotter.Shecouldn’tstopcrying.
Hewrappedherupclose,turnedherunderhimonthesofa,slidbetweenherlonglegsandbeganto

kissherwithanguishedhunger.Thekissesgrewsolongandsohardandsohotthatshetrembledand
curledherlegsaroundthebackofhis,urginghimintogreaterintimacy,pleadingwithhimtoease
thetensionthatwasputtingheryoungbodyontherack.

“Ifyoudon’tstopcrying,”hethreatenedhuskily,“thisisgoingtoendbadly.”
“No,itisn’t.Youwantto,”shewhispered,kissinghisthroat.
“Yes,Ido,”hereplieddeeply.“Butyou’regoingtoneedalotoftimethatIcan’tgiveyouwhen

I’moutofcontrol,”hemurmureddarkly.“Youwon’tenjoyit.”

“Areyousure?”shewhispered.
Heliftedhishead.Hiseyeswerehotandhungryonherbody.Hishandshadpusheduptheredshirt

andthebra,andhewasstaringatherpert,prettybreastswithachingneed.“Iamabsolutelysure,”he
managed.

“Oh.”
Thesinglewordandthewide-eyed,hopelesslookinhereyesbrokethetensionandhestarted

laughing.“That’sit?‘Oh’?”

Shelaughed,too.“Well,IreadalotandIwatchmovies,butit’snotquitethesamething...”
“Exactly.”
Heforcedhimselftorolloffher.“Ifyoudon’tmind,couldyoupullallthisbackdown?”heasked,

indicatingherbreasts.Heavertedhiseyes.“AndI’lltrydeepbreathsandmentalimageryofsnow-
coveredhills.”

“Doesitwork?”
“Notreally.”
Shepulleddownhershirtandglancedathimwithnewknowledgeofhimandherself,andsmiled.
“That’sasmuglittlelook,”heaccused.
“IlikeknowingIcanthrowyouoffbalance,”shesaidwithawickedgrin.
“I’llenjoylettingyoudoit,butnotuntilwe’reusedtoeachother,”hereplied.Hepulledherclose.

“Thefirsttimehastobeslowandeasy,”hewhispered,brushinghismouthoverhers.“Sothatit
doesn’thurtsomuch.”

“Ifyoucanknockmeoffbalance,Iwon’tcareifithurts,”shepointedout.
Hisblackeyestwinkled.“I’llrememberthat.”
Shelaybackonthesofaandlookedupathimwithwide,wonderingeyes.“Ithoughtitwasall

over,”shewhispered.“ThatIhadnothingleft,nothingtolivefor...”

“Ifeltthesameway,”hereturned,solemnandquiet.“ThankGodIdecidedtomakeonemore

attempttogetthroughtoyou.”

Shesmiledgently.“Fate.”
Hesmiledback.“Yes.Fate.”
“Whereareyougoing?Comebackhere.”Shepulledhimbackdown.
Hepursedhislips.“Weneedtodiscussthingsvertically,nothorizontally.”
“I’mnotgoingtoseduceyou,honest.IhavesomethingveryseriousIneedtotalktoyouabout.”
“Okay.What?”
Shepursedherownlipsandhereyestwinkled.“Cowabductions.”
Heburstoutlaughing.

***

TheyweremarriedintheMethodistchurchtwoweekslaterbyReverendBlair.Michelleworea

conventionalwhitegownwithlaceinsertsandafingertipveil,whichGabrielliftedtokissherforthe
firsttimeashiswife.Intheaudienceweremoremercenariesandex-militaryandfedsthananyone
locallyhadseeninmanyayear.

EbScottandhiswife,alongwithDr.MicahSteeleandCallie,andCyParksandLisa,wereallinthe

frontrowwithMinetteCarsonandherhusbandHayes.Carlieandherhusbandwerethere,too.

TherewasareceptioninthefellowshiphallandJacobsvillepolicechiefCashGrierkeptlooking

aroundrestlessly.

“Issomethinggoingonthatweshouldknowabout?”Gabrielaskedwithagrin.
“Justwaitingfortheriottobreakout.”
“Whatriot?”Michelleaskedcuriously.
“Youknow,somebodysayssomething,somebodyelsehastoomuchtodrinkandtakesoffense,

blowsareexchanged,policearecalledintobreakupthealtercation...”

“ChiefGrier,justhowmanyriotsatweddingshaveyouseen?”shewantedtoknow.
“Abouthalfadozen,”hesaid.
“Well,Icanassureyou,therewon’tbeanyhere,”Michellesaid.“Becausethere’snobooze!”
Cashgapedather.“Nobooze?”
“No.”
“Well,damn,”hesaid,gloweringather.
“Whydoyousaythat?”sheasked.
“Howcanyouhavealtercationswithoutbooze?”Hethrewuphishands.“AndIhadsolooked

forwardtoalittleexcitementaroundhere!”

“IcouldthrowapunchatHayes,”Gabrieloffered,grinningatthesheriff.“Butthenhe’dhaveto

arrestme,andMichellewouldspendourhoneymoonlookingforbailbondsmen....”

Cashchuckled.“Justkidding.Iliketheoccasionalquietwedding.”Heleanedforward.“When

you’renotbusy,youmightwanttoaskBlakeKempabouthisweddingreception,though,”headded
gleefully.“Jacobsvillewillneverforgetthatone,Iswear!”

***

MichellelaytremblinginGabriel’sarms,hotanddampintheaftermathofsomethingsoturbulent
andthrillingthatsheknewshecouldliveonthememoryofitfortherestofherlife.

“Ibelievethechiefwantedalittleexcitement?”Shelaughedhoarsely.“Idon’tthinkanyonecould

topthis.Ever.”

Hetrailedhisfingersupherbody,lingeringtenderlyonadistendednipple.Hestrokedituntilshe

archedandgasped.“Idon’tthinkso,either.”Hebenthisheadandslippedhislipsovertheduskypeak,
teasingituntilitgrewevenharderandsheshivered.Hesuckledit,delightinginthesoundsthatcame
outofherthroat.

“Youlikethat,doyou?”hewhispered.Hemovedoverher.“Howaboutthis?”
“Oh...yes,”shechoked.“Yes!”
Heslidahandunderherhipsandliftedherintotheslowpenetrationofhisbody,movingrestlessly

assheacceptedhim,archedtogreethim,shiveredagainasshefelttheslow,hungrydepthofhis
envelopment.

“It’seasiernow,”hewhispered.“Doesithurt?”
“Ihaven’t...noticedyet,”shemanaged,shudderingashemovedonher.
Hechuckled.

“Iwasafraid,”sheconfessedinarushofbreath.
“Iknow.”
Sheclungtohimastherhythmliftedher,teasedherbodyintocontortionsofpure,exquisite

pleasure.“Ican’tbelieve...Iwasafraid!”

Hishipsmovedfromsidetosideandshemadeaharsh,oddlittlecrythatwasechoedinthe

convulsionofherhips.

“Yes,”hepurred.“Icanmakeyousohungrythatyou’lldoanythingtogetmecloser,can’tI,ma

belle?”

“Any...thing,”sheagreed.
Hegroundhisteethtogether.“Itworks...bothways...too,”hebitoff.Hegroanedharshlyasthe

pleasurebitintohim,archedhimdownintoherastherhythmgrewhardandhotanddeep.Hefelthis
heartbeatinhishead,slamminglikeahammerashedroveintoherwelcomingbody,fasterand
harderandcloseruntilsuddenly,likeastormbreaking,asilvershaftofpleasurewentthroughhim
likeaspear,liftinghimaboveherinanarchsobrittlethathethoughthemightshatterintoathousand
pieces.

“Like...dying,”hemanagedasthepleasuretookhim.
Sheclungtohim,tooinvolvedtoevenmanageareply,liftingandpleading,digginghernailsinto

hishardbackasshewelcomedthehard,heavypushofhisbody,welcomedthedeep,achingtension
thatgrewandswelledandfinallyburstlikerocketsgoingoffinsideher.

Shecriedouthelplessly,sobbing,astheecstasywashedoverherlikethepurestformofpleasure

imaginableandthen,justasquickly,wasgone.Gone.Gone!

Theyclungtogether,dampwithsweat,slidingagainsteachotherintheaftermath,holdingontothe

echoesoftheexquisitesatisfactionthatthey’dshared.

“Remindmetotellyouonedayhowrareitisfortwopeopletofindcompletionatthesametime,”

hewhispered,slidinghismouthoverhersoft,yieldingbody.“Usually,thewomantakesalongtime,
andthemanonlyfindshissatisfactionwhenhersisover.”

Sheliftedaneyebrow.“Andyouwouldknowthis,how?”shebegan.
Heliftedhisheadandlookedintohereyeswitharakishgrin.“Oh,fromthevideosIwatchedand

thebooksIreadandtheotherguysIlistenedto....”

“Isthatso?”shemused,withasuspiciouslook.
Hekissedheraccusingeyesshut.“ItwaslongbeforeIknewyou,”hewhispered.“Andafterthe

firstdayIsawyou,sittingintheroadwaitingformetorunoveryou,therewasnoone.Ever.”

Hereyesflewopen.“Wh-what?”
Hebrushedthehairfromhercheeks.“IknewthenthatIwouldloveyouoneday,forever,”hesaid

quietly.“Sotherewerenootherwomen.”

Herfaceflushed.“Gabriel,”shewhispered,overcome.
Hekissedhertenderly.“Thewaitingwasterrible,”hegroaned.“IthoughtImightdieofit,waiting

untilyougrewup,untilyouknewsomethingoftheworldandmensothatIdidn’trobyouofthat
experience.”Heliftedhishead.“Always,Iworriedthatyoumightfindayoungermanandfallin
love...”

Sheputherfingersoverhischiseledmouth.“IlovedyoufromthedayImetyou,”shewhispered.

“WhenIstaredatyou,thatdayintownwithmygrandfather,beforeIwasevensixteen.”Shetouched
hischeekwithherfingertips.“Iknew,too,thattherecouldneverbeanyoneelse.”

Henibbledherfingers.“Sosweet,theencounterafterallthewaiting,”hewhispered.
“Sweeterthanhoney,”sheagreed,hereyeswarmandsoftonhisface.

“There’sjustonething,”hemurmured.
Sheraisedhereyebrows.
Heopenedadrawerandpulledoutanitemthathe’dplacedthereearlier.Anitemthatthey’d

forgottentouse.

Shejustsmiled.
Afteraminute,hesmiledbackanddroppedtheitemrightbackintothedrawer.

***

Sarawasoverjoyed.“Ican’twaittocomedownthereandseeyouboth,”sheexclaimed.“Butyou’ve
onlybeenmarriedsixweeks,”sheadded.

GabrielwasfacingthecomputerwithMichelleathisside,holdingheraroundthewaist,hisbig

handsrestingprotectivelyoverherslightlyswollenbellyastheytalkedonSkypewithSarain
Wyoming.“Wewerebothverysurethatitwaswhatwewanted,”hesaidsimply.

“Well,I’mdelighted,”Sarasaid.Shesmiled.“TheonlywayIcouldbemoredelightedisifitwas

mewhowaspregnant.But,thatwillcomewithtime,”shesaidcomplacently,andsmiled.“I’monly
sorryIcouldn’tbeatthewedding,”sheaddedquietly.“Iwasverymeantoyou,Michelle.Icouldn’t
faceyou,afterward.”

“Iunderstood,”Michellesaidgently.“You’remysister.Reallymysisternow,”sheaddedwitha

delightedlaugh.“We’regoingtogetaplacenearyoursinWyomingsothatwecanbenearbywhen
thebabycomes.”

“Ican’twait!”
“NeithercanI,”Michellesaid.“We’lltalktoyousoon.”
“Verysoon.”Sarasmiledandcuttheconnection.
“Haveyouevertoldher?”Michelleaskedafteraminute,curlingupinGabriel’slap.
Hekissedher.“Wedidjusttellher,mylove...”
“Notaboutthebaby,”sheprotested.“AboutWolf.Aboutwhohereallyis.”
“Youmean,hergamingpartnerforthepastfewyears?”Hegrinned.“That’sastoryforanother

day.”

“Ifyousayso.”
Hekissedher.“Idosayso.Andnow,howaboutanicepickleandsomevanillaicecream?”
Hereyebrowslifted.“Youknow,thatsoundsdelicious!”
Hebenthisheadandkissedthelittlebumpbelowherwaist.“He’sgoingtobeextraordinary,”he

whispered.

“Yes.Likehisdad,”sherepliedwithherheartinhereyes.
Andtheybothgrinned.

*****

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ChapterOne

G

enevraBravo-Calabretti,princessofMontedoro,heavedthelightweightladderuprightandbraced

itagainstthehighstonewall.

Theladderinstantlytiltedandslidtotheside,makingwaytoomuchracketasitscrapedalongthe

rougholdstones.Gennywincedandglancedaroundnervously,butnotrustyretainerpoppedupto
askherwhatshethoughtshewasdoing.Soshegrabbedtheladderfirmly,righteditandliftedit,
bringingitdownsharplytoplantitmoresolidlyintheunevenground.

Breathinghard,shebracedherfistsonherhipsandglaredatit,daringittotopplesidewaysagain.

Theladderdidn’tmove.Good.Allreadytogo.

ButGennywasn’tready.Notreally.Shedidn’tknowifshe’deverbeready.
Withaveryunprincesslike“Oof,”shedroppedtoherbottominthedryscrubgrassatthebaseof

thewall.Stillpantinghard,shewrappedherarmslooselyaroundherspreadkneesandletherhead
droop.

Onceherbreathingevenedout,sheleanedbackonherhandsandstaredupattheclearnightsky.

Thecrescentmoonseemedtoshineextrabright,thoughthelightsfromtheharborbelowobscured
mostofthestars.ItwasabeautifulMaynightinMontedoro.Shecouldsmellroses,faintly,ontheair.

Alowmoanescapedher.Itwasn’tright.Wasn’tfair.Sheoughttobeoutwithfriendsinabusycafé

orenjoyinganeveningstrollonherfavoritebeach.Notdressedallinblacklikealadycatburglar,
preparingtoscalethewallaroundVillaSantorno.

Uselesstearscloggedherthroat.Shewilledthemaway.She’dbeendoingthatalotlately,pulling

herselfbackfromthebrinkofacryingjag.Theworryandfrustrationweregettingtoher.Notto
mentionthehormones.

Shedidn’twanttodothis.Shefeltridiculousandpushy,inadditiontoneedyandunwantedand

morethanalittlepathetic.

Butseriously,whatchoicehadhegivenher?
“Iamnotgoingtocry,”shewhisperedfiercelyasanotherwaveofemotioncascadedthroughher.

“Absolutelynot.”Withthebackofherhand,shedashedthemoisturefromhereyes.

Enough.Shewasstallingandsheknewit.She’ddraggedthatdamnladderallthewayupthehill.

Shewasn’tquittingnow.Timetogetthisoverwith.

Gatheringherlegsunderher,shestoodandbrushedthebitsofdrygrassanddirtfromtheseatof

herblackjeans.Theladderwaswaiting.Itreachedabouttwo-thirdsofthewayupthewall,notquite
asfarasshemighthavehoped.

Buttoobad.Nowaywassheturningbacknow.
Sheputherfootonthefirstrungandstartedtoclimb.
Aminutelater,withanotherlowmoanandawhimperysigh,shecurledherfingersaroundthe

ladder ’shighestrung.Thetopofthewallseemedmilesaboveher.

Butshemadeherselftakethenextstep.Andthenext.Untilshewasplasteredagainstthewall,her

handsonthebroader,flattertopstones,herblackChuckTaylorAllStarsperchedprecariouslyon
thatfinalrung.

“Badidea,”shewhisperedtotheroughstones,thoughtherewasnoonebutthenighttohearher.

“Bad,badidea....”Rightatthatmoment,shewishedwithallherheartforthesuperiorupperbody

strengthofaman.

Herwishwasnotgranted.Andtherewasnothingtodobutgoforitorgoback.Shewasnotgoing

back.

Withadesperateanimalgruntofpureeffort,sheboostedherselfup.
Itdidn’tgoallthatwell.Herfeetlefttheladderandtheladderswayedsidewaysagain,skittering

alongthestones,thistimewithnoonetocatchitbeforeitfell.Itlandedwithaclatteratthebaseofthe
wall.

Couldherheartpoundanyharder?Itbouncedaroundmadlyinsideherchest.
Hadtheyheardtheladderfallinthevilla?Wouldsomeonecometohelpher?Orwouldshehang

hereuntilherstrengthfailedandshefellandbrokehersillyneck?Rafewouldhavetocomeand
collectherlimpbody.Servehimright.Shegruntedandmoaned,prayingherquiveringarmswould
holdout,therubbersolesofhershoesscrabblingforpurchaseagainstthewall.

Andthen,miracleofmiracles,shefigureditout.Thetrickwastosimplyholdonwithherwimpy

womanarmsandusethesturdymusclesinherlegstowalkupthewall.Sheswungherleftlegupand
overwithwaytoomuchundignifiedgruntingandgroaning—andthen,thereshewas,lyingontopof
thewall,legsdanglingtoeitherside.

Safe.
Forthemomentanyway.Sherestedhercheekonthegrittystoneandtookaminutetocatchher

breathagain.

Throughthenight-darkbranchesofoliveandpalmtrees,shecouldseethevilla.Thelightswere

on.Butapparently,noonehadheardtheracketshe’dmade.Thegardensurroundingthehousewas
quiet.Sheliftedupenoughtopeeratthesofter-lookinggrassygroundonthegardenside.Itseemeda
verylongwaydownthere.

Sheprobablyshouldhavethoughtthisthroughalittlemorecarefully.
Maybethethingtodonowwastostartshouting,justscreamherheadoffuntilRafeorthe

housekeeperorsomeonecameoutsideandhelpedherdown.

Butno.Shejustcouldn’tdothat,couldn’tcallforhelpandhavetoberescued.Sherefusedtobe

thatpitifulandineffectual.She’dgottenuphereonherown.She’dgetdownthesameway.

DearLord,havemercy.Please,pleasebekind....
Sheeasedherleftleglower,swungtherightoneoveranddown.Nowshewasdanglingonthe

gardensideofthewall,holdingonfordearlife.

Shesqueezedhereyesshut.Letgo,Genevra.Youhavetoletgo....
Notthatshehadmuchchoiceatthatpoint.Herinstinctshadhertryingtoholdon,butherstrength

wasusedup.

Shedroppedlikearockandhitthegroundhard.Painshotupherrightheel,sangthroughherankle

andstabbedalonghercalf.Astrangledscreamescapedher,alongwithseveralverybadwords.

“Ugh!”Shecrumpledtohersideandgrabbedherankle.“Ow,ow,ow!”Itthrobbedintimetoher

racingheart.“Ow,ow,ow,ow...”Sherubbedandmoaned,rockingbackandforth,wonderingifthere
wasanywayshewasgoingtobeabletostand.

“Gen.”Thedeepfamiliarvoicecamefromjustbeyondthehedgetoherleft.“Imighthaveknown.”
Shewhippedherheadaround.“Rafe?”
RafaelMichaelDeValery,earlofHartmore,steppedforwardthroughabreakinthehedge.Andher

sillyheartleaptwithhopelessjoyatthesightofhim,hugeandimposingandasstillasastatue,
standingintheshadowsafewfeetaway.“Haveyouhurtyourself?”

Sheshothimaglareandkeptrubbingherpoorankle.“I’llsurvive.Andyoucouldhavesimplylet

meinthegatethetimesIcameknocking—ormaybe,oh,Idon’tknow,takenoneofmycalls?”

Foramoment,hedidn’tanswer.Eveninthedarkness,shecouldfeelhisblackeyesonher.Finally,

hespokeinaruefultone.“ItseemedwisertokeeptheagreementwemadeinMarch.”

Thosehumiliatingtearsroseagain,thickeningherthroat,burningbehindhereyes.Sheblinked

themaway.“WhatifIneededyou?WhatifIneedyourightnow?”

Hewassilentagain,abreath-heldkindofquiet.Then,finally,“Doyouneedme?”
Shecouldn’tquitebringherselftosayit.Yet.
Andhespokeagain,chidingly.“Youneversaidsointhemessagesyouleft.Orwhenyoucameto

thegate.”

Shehadthetearsundercontrolforthemoment.Butstill,herpulsegallopedalong,refusingto

slow.Hercheekswereburningred.Memoriesoftheirfour-dayloveaffairseemedtoswirlinthe
nightairbetweenthem,dizzying.Glorious.Yetawful,too,inthesenseoflossandhopelessnessthat
draggedather.“Yes,well,Idohavesomepride.I’mnottellingyourhousekeeperIneedyou.I’mnot
puttingitinatextorleavingitonyourvoicemail.”

Hetookastepcloser.“Gen...”Whatwasitsheheardinhisvoice?Longing?Pain?Oronlyherown

wishfulthinking?Shecouldn’ttell,notwithjustthatonesyllabletojudgeby.Whateveremotion
mighthavegrippedhim,heinstantlybanisheditandaddedwithhiscustomaryquietcontrol,“Come
inside.”

“Fine.”Shebracedherhandagainstthewall,putmostofherweightonhergoodfootand

staggeredupright.Herbadankledidn’tgiveout,butitwobbledbeneathher.Shewincedandletouta
moan.

Hewasathersideinaninstant.“Letmehelp.”Eerie,thewayhecouldmove,thatmagicalswift

gracethatsocompletelybeliedhissize.Oneofhislegshadbeenbrokenintheaccidentsixmonths
before.Twomonthsago,he’dstillhadaslightlimp.Thelimpwasgonenow.

Butwhenthemoonlightfellacrosstherightsideofhisface,thescarwasstillthere,puckeredand

angry,thoughnotasredasbefore.Itstartedatthecornerofhiseye,curvingaroundhischeekina
shapethatechoedthecrescentmoonabovethem,theendofitseemingtotugatthesideofhismouth,
asthoughtryingtoforcehimtosmile—andfailing.Raferarelysmiled.Twomonthsago,she’dasked
ifhe’dcheckedintothepossibilitiesofplasticsurgery.He’dsaidno,hehadn’t.Andhedidn’tintend
to.

“Here.”Hetookherhand.Histouchslammedintoher,makinghimsuddenlysorealtoheragain,

sowarmandsolid.Andwhydidhehavetosmellsogood?Itwasn’ttheleastfair.He’dalways
smelledgoodtoher,evenwhenshethoughtofhimstrictlyasafriend—soclean,sohealthy,likenew
grassandfreshairandsweet,just-turnedearth.

Andplease.Whatdiditmatterthathesmelledgood?Shehadtoputallherconcentrationonthe

taskbeforeher,ontellinghimwhatheneededtoknow.

Heguidedherarmaroundhishuge,hardshoulders.Hisheatandstrengthsearedalongherside.

Together,withherleaningonhimtokeepherweightoffherrightfoot,theyturnedtogoin,taking
thestonepaththroughthehedgeandacrossastretchoflawntothewidepatioshadedbyjacaranda
andcarobtreesandthroughtheopenFrenchdoorsintothecombinationkitchenandfamilyroom.

“Here...”Heledhertoawidewhitechair.
“Maybenot,”shewarned.“I’vegotbitsofgrassanddirtallovermyjeans.”
“It’sallright.Sitdown.”
“Yourcall,”shesaidresignedly,easingherarmfromacrosshisshouldersandsinkingontothe

softcushion.“Ithardlylookslikethesameplace.”Thelargeroomhadbeenredecoratedandupdated,

thelivingareawithlight-coloredfabricsandmodernoversizefurniture.Thekitchennowhadchef-
qualityappliancesandgraniteandwoodcountertops.

“Touristswithfatbillfoldsdon’tappreciateheavydraperiesandanancientfridge.Theywant

comfortandopennesstogowiththeview.”HegesturedtowardtheterraceoppositetheFrenchdoors.
Onthatside,thevillaneedednogardenwalls.Ittouchedtheedgeofthecliff.Fromwhereshesat,she
couldseethecrownsofpalmtreesandfartherout,theharborandtheblueMediterranean.The
DeValeryswereEnglish,ofNormandescent,butMontedoranbloodalsoranintheirveins.Villa
SantornohadcomedownthroughthegenerationsfromaMontedoran-bornDeValerybride.

“So.”Shetriednottosoundwistful.“Youreallydoplantomakeitarental?”
“Ido.”Hetoweredaboveher,thescarpullingathismouth,hiseyesendlesslydarkandwaytoo

somber.Twomonthsago,he’dcometoMontedorotomakearrangementsforthevilla’srenovation.
Atthattime,ithadbeenfourmonthssincetheaccidentthattookhisolderbrotherEdward’slifeand
gaveRafetheearldomaswellashiscrescentscar.Gennyhadessentiallyrunhimtogroundthen—
justasshewasdoingnow.

Twomonthsago...
They’dmadeloveinthisveryroom.Butthenthecurtainshadbeenheavy,layered,ornatevelvets

overfloraldamask,thesofasandotherfurnitureagorgeousmash-upofbaroque,rococoand
neoclassical.

Heaskedlowandalittlegruffly,“Doyouhavetolooksosad?”
“Ilikeditthewayitwas,that’sall.”Nowandthenduringherchildhood,variousmembersofhis

familywouldcomeandstayatthevillatoenjoytheMontedorannightlife,orattendsomeeventatthe
palace.Occasionallyduringthosevisits,herfamilyhadbeeninvitedtodineorhaveteahere.She
couldstillrememberherten-year-oldselfperchedonavelvet-seatedstraightchairbesidetheFrench
doorstothegarden,holdingaSevresteacupandsaucer,schemingtogethisgrandmother,Eloise,
asideandwrangleherselfanotherinvitationtoHartmore,theDeValeryestateinDerbyshire.To
Genny,Hartmorehadalwaysbeenthemostbeautifulplaceintheworld.

Hekneltatherfeetandherbreathcaughtatthesuddennessofthemovement.“I’llhavealook,shall

I?”Beforeshecoulddecidewhetherornottoobject,hehadherfootinonebig,gentlehandandwas
untyingtheshoelacewiththeother.Heslidtheshoeoff,setitasideandthenbeganprobingather
ankle,histouchwarmandsure,makingherhearthurt.Makingherbodyyearn.“Itdoesn’tseemtobe
broken.Maybeaslightsprain.”

“It’sfine,really.It’salreadystoppedhurting.”
Heglancedup,caughthereye.“Justtobesafe,Ithinkweoughttowrapit.”
Harsh,angryaccusationspushedatthebackofherthroat,butsheonlysaidfirmly,“Leaveit,Rafe.

It’sfine.”

“Fairenough.”Heloweredherfoottothefloorandrosetohisconsiderableheight.
Shetrackedthemovement,andfoundherselfstaringupthebroad,strong,wonderfullengthofhim.

Struckagainwithlonging,herbreathgotcaughtandtangledsomewhereinthecenterofherchest.
Howstrange.She’dalwayslovedhimasaperson,butfoundhimhulkingandcoarse,unattractiveasa
man.

Whatablind,childishfoolshe’dbeen.
“Tellmewhat’sbroughtyouhere,”hesaid,hiseyessodeepanddark,seeingeverything,giving

nothingaway.Themanwaslikeahumanwall,alwaysquietandwatchfulandcareful,asthoughwary
ofhisownstrengthamongmeremortals.“Tellme,Gen.Please.Whateveritis.”

“Allright,then.”Shedrewinafortifyingbreath—andsuddenly,contrarily,sheachedtodelaythe

inevitable.Butwhatwasthepointinthat?Heneededtoknowandshe’dalmostbrokenherneck
climbingthegardenwalltogettohimandtellhim.“I’mpregnant.It’syours.”

Didheflinch?
Shewasn’tsure.Mostlikelyhehadn’t.Heneverflinched.Thatforamomentithadseemedsowas

probablyonlyherimaginationworkingovertime.

“MyGod,Gen.”Hesaiditsoftly,almostreverently.“How?Wewerecareful.”
“Notcarefulenough,evidently—andifyouwantapaternitytest,I’llbehappyto—”
“Notestisnecessary.Ibelieveyou.”
Ibelieveyou.Thesoft-spoken,calmwordsechoedinherhead.
Andsheknewrelief,justahintofit,likeaslightbreezeinacloseroom.So,then.Shehadtoldhim

atlast.Andhehadn’tdeniedher,hadn’tturnedawayfromher.Hewasstillstandingthererightin
frontofher,stillwatchingherpatientlywithoutahintofrancororaccusation.

Lettingherheaddropagainstthesoftbackofthewhitechair,sheclosedhereyesandreleaseda

longsigh.“Well.There.It’soutatlast.”

“Areyouwell?”Hisvoicecamefromdownatherlevelagain.
Sheopenedhereyestofindhehaddroppedtohiskneesinfrontofheroncemore.“Perfectly,”she

toldhim.

“Haveyoubeentoyourdoctor?”
“Notyet.ButItookfourhometests.Theywereallpositive.Andtheinstructionsonthebox

promisedthatthetestwascompletelydependable.”

“Youshouldseeadoctor.”
“Iknow.I’lldothatsoon—butI’mperfectlyhealthy.”Shefrowned.“Ormaybeyousomehowthink

I’mnotpregnantafterall.”

“Itoldyou,Ibelieveyou.ButIthinkavisittothedoctorisinorder.”
“I...Yes.Ofcourse.Allright.”
“I’lltakecareofeverything.”Hisgazeneverwavered.
Herstomachlurched.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“We’llbemarried.”Hesaiditwithoutapause,withouttheslightesthesitation.
Andshewantedtocryagain—partlyfromanother,strongerwaveofrelief.Andpartlybecause,

really,itwasallwrong.

Onceshe’ddreamedofmarryinghisbrother.Ithadtobebeyondinappropriatesimplytoswitch

brothers.Andsincethosefourmagnificentdaystwomonthsago,Rafehadmadesomethingofanart
formofavoidingher.Amanyoumarryshouldn’tspendweeksdodgingyou—andthenatthemention
ofababydroprighttohiskneesandpropose.

“Rafe.Honestly.Idon’tknowif...”
“Ofcourseyouknow.It’stherightthing.”
Sheshouldbestronger.Prouder.Andseriously.Nobodymarriedjustbecausetherewasababy

coming,notanymore—well,exceptmaybeforherbrotherAlex.AndpossiblyhersisterRhia.

Andcometothinkofit,bothofthosemarriageswereturningoutjustfine.
Andshehadsuchathingforhimnow.Plus,theirbabyhadarighttobetheHartmoreheir,andto

betheheirrequiredlegitimacy—oratleast,itwouldallgomuchmoresmoothly,ifthebabywas
legitimate.Therewouldbeabsolutelynoquestionthenofwhoshouldinherit.

AndthentherewasHartmoreitself.HerbelovedHartmore...
MistressofHartmore,temptationwhisperedinherear.Shecouldhaveherdreamcometrueafter

all,thoughshe’dbeensocertainitwaslosttoherforeverwithEdward’sdeath.

Edward.
Justthinkinghisnamemadeherheartheavywithguiltandconfusion.Shereallyhadthoughtthat

shelovedhim,thatshewasonlywaitingforhimtomakeamovetowardhersotheycouldbeginto
forgethelifetheywereborntohavetogether.

Now,feelingasshedidaboutRafe,shewasn’tsosureaboutEdward,aboutallthoseplansshe’d

hadtobeEdward’sbride.Shewasn’tsureaboutanythinganymore.

“Sayyes,”thegiant,seductivestrangerwhowasonceherdearfriendcommandedinatoneboth

tenderandmerciless.

Shestaredathim,trembling.“Areyousure?”
“Iam.Sayyes.”
Thewordwasthere,insideher,waiting.Shesimplypushedherguiltandconfusionasideandlet

thatwordgetfree.“Yes.”

Copyright©2014byChristineRimmer

ISBN-13:9781460340547

TexasBorn

Copyright©2014byDianaPalmer

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