BooksByDianaPalmer

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
SSE1921HeartofStone(09-2008)

ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorDianaPalmerisaformernewspaperreporterwith16years’
experienceonbothdailyandweeklynewspapers.Shebegansellingromancenovelsin1979and
currentlywritesforHQNBooks(mainstreamromances)andSilhouetteBooks(contemporaryseries
romances).
DianaPalmerhasover40millioncopiesofherbooksinprint,whichhavebeentranslatedand
publishedaroundtheworld,andshehaswrittenover100booksforSilhouette,MIRAandHarlequin
Books.Herawardsinclude10Waldenbooksnationalsalesawards,fourB.Daltonnationalsales
awards,twoBookraknationalsalesawards,aLifetimeAchievementAwardforseriesstorytelling
fromRomanticTimesMagazine,severalAffairedeCoeurawards,andtworegionalRWAawards.
Shehasbeenmarriedtoherhusband,James,since1972.Theyhaveoneson,whoisincollege
studyingtopursuealawenforcementcareer.Dianaherselfwentbacktocollegeasadaystudentatthe
ageof45,inspiredbyherhusband,whohadquitablue-collarmanufacturingjobtoreturntoschool
andgethisdiplomaincomputerprogramming.Dianagraduatedsummacumlaudefrom
PiedmontCollege,Demorest,Georgia,in1995withamajorinhistoryandadoubleminorin
archeologyandSpanish.Shewasnamedtotwohonorsocieties(theTorchClubandAlphaChi)and
wasnamedtotheNationalDean’sList.
Inadditiontoherwritingprojects,sheiscurrentlyworkingonhermaster ’sdegreeinhistoryat
CaliforniaStateUniversity.ShehopestospecializeinNativeAmericanstudies.

SSE1921HeartofStone(09-2008)

ISBN:978-1-4268-2174-5
Copyright©2008byDianaPalmer

DearReader,
ThisisabookthatI’vehadinthebackofmymindforovertwoyears.Icouldn’tgetthepremiseto
workatfirst,soImulleditoverinmysparetimeandstreamlinedituntilIcouldgettheplotjust
right.Thathappensalot,withbooksIlovebutcan’torganizeinanyreadablemanner.SoIsortof
workontheminmysparetimeuntiltheybecomepresentable.Itwasn’tuntilthisyearthatIreally
begantowriteHeartofStone.
IwasborninsouthwestGeorgia,inCuthbert,wheremysisterDannisandmynieceMaggiestilllive.
WehadlotsofdiamondbackrattlesnakesinRandolphCounty,alsoinCalhounCounty,wheremy
grandfatherandgrandmotherfarmed.WhenIwasachild,Ihadahounddogcompanionmyexactage
namedBuckwhowasmyprotector.Iwasnearsightedbutnobodyknew.Itwouldn’thavemattered,
becausesharecropperswereverypoor.Therewasnomoneyforeyeglasses,nomatterhow
necessary.OnedayIstarteddownagrassypathonGranddaddy’sfarmandBuckraninfrontofme.
Therewasasoundofsizzlingbacon(tothisdayitcanfreezemybloodjusttohearitonthestove),
andBuckemergedwithadyingfive-footrattler.Imightadd,thatinmypartofthecountry,afive-
footrattlerthesizeofaman’sthighwasnorarething.Bucksavedmylife.Theolddogdiedwhenhe
andIwerebothtwelveyearsold.Iwillneverforgethim.WithoutBuck,Iwouldneverhavegrownup
tobeawriterinthefirstplace.
AsIwrotethisbook,Iwasrememberingnotonlyrattlesnakes,butlazysummernightssittingonthe
frontporchlisteningtocricketsandhounddogsandwatchinglightningbugsflashneonyellowwhile
Iateboiledpeanuts.Sweetmemories.
Yourbiggestfan,
DianaPalmer

Tomysister,DannisSpaethCole,andmyniece,Maggie,inCuthbert,Georgia,andtomyotherniece
AmandaHofstetter,inPortland,Oregon.Loveyouall.

ChapterOne
KeelyWelshfelthispresencebeforeshelookedupandsawhim.Ithadbeenthatwayfromtheday
shemetBooneSinclair,herbestfriend’seldestbrother.Themanwasn’tmovie-starhandsomeor
gregarious.Hewasarecluse,alonerwhohardlyeversmiled,whointimidatedpeoplesimplyby
walkingintoaroom.Forsomeunknownreason,Keelyalwaysknewwhenhewasaround,evenifshe
didn’tseehim.
Hewastallandslender,buthehadpowerfullegsandbighandsandfeet.Therewererumorsabout
himthatgrewmoreexaggeratedwiththetelling.He’dbeeninSpecialForcesoverseasfiveyears
earlier.He’dsavedhisunitfromcertaindestruction.He’dwonmedals.He’dhadlunchwiththe
presidentattheWhiteHouse.He’dtakenacruisewithaworld-famousauthor.He’dalmostmarrieda
Europeanprincess.Andonandonandon.
Nobodyknewthetruth.Well,maybeWinonaandClarkSinclairdid.WinnieandClarkandBoone
werecloserthanbrothersandsistersusuallywere.ButWinniedidn’ttalkaboutherbrother ’sprivate
life,noteventoKeely.
Therehadn’tbeenadaysinceshewasthirteenwhenKeelyhadn’tlovedBooneSinclair.Shewatched
himfromadistance,hergreeneyessoftandcovetous.Herhandswouldshakewhenshehappenedon
himunexpectedly.Theywereshakingnow.Hewasstandingatthecounter,signingin.Hehadan
appointmentforhisdog’sroutineshots.Hemadeoneeveryyear.Helovedtheoldtan-and-black
Germanshepherd,whosenamewasBailey.Peoplesaiditwastheonlythingonearththathedidlove.
Maybehewasfondofhissiblings,butitdidn’tshow.HisaffectionforBaileydid.
OneoftheothervettechscameoutwithapadandcalledinBailey,withagrinatBoone.Itwasn’t
returned.Heledtheolddogintooneoftheexaminationrooms.HewalkedrightpastKeely.Henever
lookedather.Hedidn’tspeaktoher.Asfarashewasconcerned,shewasinvisible.
Shesighedasthedoorclosedbehindhimandhisdog.Itwasthatwayanyplaceintownthathesaw
her.Infact,itwaslikethatathishugeranchnearComancheWells,westofJacobsville,Texas.He
nevertoldWinniethatshecouldn’thaveKeelyoverforlunchoranoccasionalhorsebackride.Buthe
ignoredher,justthesame.
“It’sfunny,youknow,”Winniehadremarkedonedaywhentheywereoutriding.“Imean,Boone
nevermakesanycommentaboutyou,buthedoesmakeapointofpretendinghedoesn’tseeyou.I
wonderwhy.”ShelookedatKeelythen,withherdarkeyesmischievousintheirframeofblondhair.
“Youwouldn’tknow,Iguess?”
Keelyonlysmiled.“Ihaven’tgotaclue,”shesaid.Itwasthetruth.
“It’sonlyyou,too,”herfriendcontinuedthoughtfully.“He’sverypolitetoourbrotherClark’s
occasionaldate—eventothatwaitressthatClarkbroughthomeonenightfordinner,andyouknow
whatasnobBoonecanbe.Buthepretendsyoudon’texist.”
“Imayremindhimofsomebodyhedoesn’tlike,”Keelyreplied.
“Therewasthatgirlhewasengagedto,”Winniesaidoutoftheblue.
Keely’sheartjumped.“Yes,Irememberwhenhewasengaged,”shereplied.Ithadbeenwhenshewas
fourteen,almostfifteenyearsold,justbeforehecamebackfromoverseas.Keely’syounghearthad
beenbroken.
“Itwasjustbeforeyoucamebackheretolivewithyourmom,”Winniecontinuedasifshe’dread
Keely’smind.“Infact,itwasjustaboutthetimeshestarteddrinkingsomuchmore…”Shehesitated.
Keely’smotherwasanalcoholicanditwasasensitivesubjecttoherfriend.“Anyway,Boonewas
musteringoutoftheArmyatthetime.HisfiancéerushedtoGermanywherehe’dbeentakenwhenhe
wasairliftedoutofcombat,wounded,andthen…poof.Shewasgone,Boonecamehome,andhe

nevermentionedhernameagain.Noneofuscouldfindoutwhathappened.”
“SomebodysaidshewasEuropeanroyalty,”Keelyventuredshyly.
“ShewasdistantlyrelatedtosomemanwhowasknightedinEngland,”camethesarcasticreply.
“Anyway,sheranoutonBooneandhewasbitterforalongtime.Sothreeweeksagothephonerings
andhegetsacallfromher.She’sbeenlivingwithherfather,whoownsaprivatedetectiveagencyin
SanAntonio.ShetoldBooneshe’dmadeaterriblemistakeandwantedtomakeup.”
Keely’sheartfell.ArivalwhohadahistorywithBoone.Itmadehermiserablejusttothinkaboutit,
despitethefactthatshewouldnevergetcloseenoughtoBoonetogivetheotherwomanany
competition.“Boonedoesn’tforgivepeople,”shesaid,thinkingaloud.
“That’sright,”Winniereplied,smiling.“Buthe’smellowedabit.Hetakesheroutondates
occasionallynow.Infact,they’regoingtoaDesperadoconcertnextweek.”
Keelyfrowned.“Helikeshardrock?”sheasked,surprised.Helookedsostaidanddignifiedthatshe
couldn’tpicturehimatarockconcert.Shesaidso.
Winnielaughed.“Ican,”shesaid.“He’snottheconservative,quietmanheseemstobe.Especially
whenheloseshistemperorgetsinanargument.”
“Boonedoesn’targue,”Keelymusedaloud.
Hedidn’t.Ifhewasangryenough,hepunched.Neverwomen,ofcourse,buthismenknewnotto
pushhim,especiallyifhewasbroody.Onehorsehandlerhadfoundoutthehardwaythatnobody
madejokesattheboss’sexpense.Boonehadbeenkickedbyahorse,whichthehandlerthoughtwas
hilarious.Booneropedtheman,tiedhimtoapostandanointedhimwithabucketofrecycledhay.All
withoutsayingaword.
Keelylaughedoutloud.
“What?”Winnieasked.
“Iwasrememberingthathorsewrangler….”
Winnielaughed,too.“Hecouldn’tbelieveit,hesaid,evenwhenitwashappening.Boonereallydoes
looksostraitlaced,asifhe’dneverstooptodirtyhishands.Hiscowboysusedtounderestimatehim.
Notanymore.”
“Therattlesnakeepisodeisnoteworthy,aswell,”cametheamusedreply.
“Thatcookwassoshocked!”Winnieblurtedout.“Hewasareallyrottencook,buthethreatenedto
sueBooneifhefiredhim,soitlookedasifwewerestuckwithhim.He’dthreatenedtocookBoonea
rattlerifhemadeanymoreremarksaboutthefood.Headdedafewspicycommentsaboutwhy
Boone’sfiancéetookapowder.ThenonemorninghelooksinhisDutchoventoseeifit’sclean
enoughtocookin,andarattlesnakejumpsuprightintohisface!”
“Luckyforthecookitdidn’thaveanyfangs.”
“Thecookdidn’tknowthat!”Winnielaughed.“Hedidn’tknowwhodidit,either.Heresignedonthe
spot.Themenactuallycheeredashedroveoff.Thenextcookwastalented,andthesoulofpoliteness
tomybrother.”
“Iamnotsurprised.”
Sheshookherhead.“Boonedoeshavetheselittlequirks,”hissistermurmured.“Likeneverturning
ontheheatinhisbedroom,eveninicyweather,andalwaysgoingaroundwithhisshirtsbuttonedto
theneck.”
“I’veneverseenhimwithhisshirtoff,”Keelyremarked.Itwasunusual,becausemostofthecowboys
workedtoplessinsummerheatwhentheywerebrandingordoctoringcattle.ButBooneneverdid.
“Heusedtobelessprudish,”Winniesaid.
“Boone,prudish?”Keelysoundedshocked.

Winnieglancedatherandchuckled.“Well,Iguessthatreallydoesn’tfitatall.”
“No,itdoesn’t.”
Winniepursedherlips.“Cometothinkofit,he’snottheonlyprudearoundhere.I’veneverevenseen
youinaT-shirt,Keely.Youalwayswearlongsleevesandhighnecklines.”
Keelyhadagoodreasonforthat,oneshe’dneversharedwithanyone.Itwasthereasonshedidn’t
date.Itwasaterriblesecret.ShewouldhavediedratherthantellWinnie,whomighttellBoone….
“Iwasraisedverystrictly,”Keelysaidquietly.Andshehadbeen;foralltheiroddtendencies,bothher
parentshadinsistedthatKeelygotoSundaySchoolandchurcheverysingleSunday.“Myfather
didn’tapproveofclothingthatwastooflashyorrevealing.”
ProbablybecauseKeely’smotherpropositionedanymanshefanciedwhenshedrank.She’deven
triedtoseduceBoone.Keelydidn’tknowthat,andWinniedidn’tknowhowtotellher.Itwasone
reasonforBoone’santagonismtowardKeely.
ThingswouldhavebeenbetterifKeelyknewwhereherfatherwas.She’dtoldpeopleshethoughthe
wasdead,becauseitwaseasierthanadmittingthathewasanalcoholic,justlikehermother,and
linkedupwithabunchofdangerousmen.She’dmissedherfatheratfirst.Butshe’dhavebeenin
moredangerifshe’dstayedwithhim.
Shestilllovedhim,inherway,despitewhathadhappenedtoher.
“Cometothinkofit,Keely,youdon’tevendate.”
Keelyshrugged.“I’mavettech.Ihaveabusylife.Iworkoncall,youknow.Ifthere’sanemergency
atmidnightonaweekend,Istillgototheoffice.”
“That’salotofhogwash,”Winniesaidgentlyastheypausedtoletthehorsesdrinkfromoneofthe
crystal-clearstreamsonthewoodedpropertywheretheywereriding.“I’veeventriedtosetyouup
withnicemenIknowfromwork.Youfreezewhenamancomesnearyou.”
“That’sbecauseyouworkwiththepolice,Winnie,andyoubringcopshomeasprospectivedatesfor
me,”Keelysaidmischievously.Itwastrue.WinnieworkedasaclerkintheJacobsvillePolice
Department’sofficeduringtheday,andnowshewasdoingastinttwonightsaweekasadispatcher
forthe911center.Infact,shewashopingthatjobwouldworkintosomethingpermanent,because
beingaroundOfficerKilravenalldaywhenhewasonthedayshiftwaskillingher.
“Policemenmakemenervous,”Keelywassaying.“Forallyouknow,Imighthaveacriminalpast.”
Winniewasn’tsmiling.Sheshookherhead.“You’rehidingsomething.”
“Nothingmajor.Honest.”Whatshesuspectedaboutherfather,iftrue,wouldhaveshamedher.If
Booneeverfoundout,she’dreallydieofshame.Butshehadn’theardfromherfathersinceshewas
thirteen,soitwasn’tlikelythathe’djustturnupsomedaywithhisnewoutlawfriends.Sheprayedthat
hewouldn’t.Hermother ’sbehaviorwashardenoughtolivedownasitwas.
“There’sthisreallyhandsomepolicemanwho’sbeenworkingwithusforafewweeks.He’sjustyour
type.”
“Kilraven,”Keelyguessed.
“Yes!Howdidyouknow?”
“Becauseyoutalkabouthimallthetime,”Keelyreturned.Shepursedherlips.“Areyousureyou
aren’tinterestedinhim?Imean,you’resingleandeligibleyourself.”
Winnieflushed.“He’snotmytype.”
“Whynot?”
Winnieshiftedinthesaddleuneasily.“Hetoldmehewasn’tmytype.HesaidIwastooyoungtobe
mooningoveraused-uplobowolflikehimandnottodoitanymore.”
Keelygaspedoutloud.“Hedidn’t!”

Theoldergirlnoddedsadly.“Hedid.Ididn’trealizethatIwassoobviouswithit.Imean,he’sdrop-
deadgorgeous,mostwomenlookathim.HejustnoticedmorewhenIdidit.BecauseI’mwhoIam,I
guess,”sheaddeddarkly.“Boonemighthavesaidsomethingtohim.He’sveryprotectiveofme.He
thinksI’mtoonaivetobeletlooseontheworld.”
“Inhisdefense,youhaveledashelteredlife,”Keelysaidgently.“Kilravenisstreetsmart.Andhe’s
dangerous.”
“Iknow,”Winniemuttered.“Therehavebeentimesthathe’sbeeninsituationswhereIsweatblood
untilhewalksbackintothestation.He’snoticedthat,too.Hedidn’tlikeitandhesaidso.”Shetooka
long,sadbreathandlookedatKeely.“Soyoucanknowallaboutmyprivateagony,butyouwon’t
shareyours?It’snouse,Keely.Iknow.”
Keelylaughednervously.“Knowwhat?Idon’tkeepsecrets.”
“Yourwholelifeisasecret.Butyourbiggestoneisthatyou’reinlovewithmybrother.”
Keelylookedasifshe’dbeenslapped.
“Iwouldnevertellhim,”Winniesaidquietly.“That’sthetruth.I’msorryforthewayhetreatsyou.I
knowhowmuchithurts.”
Keelyshiftedhereyes,embarrassed.
“Don’tbelikethat,”Winniesaid,hervoicegentle.“Iwon’ttell.Ever.Honest.”
Keelyrelaxed.Shedrewinabreath,watchingthecreekbubbleoverrocks.“Itdoesn’thurtanything,
whatIfeel.He’llneverknow.Andithelpsmetounderstandwhatitmightbeliketoloveaman—even
ifthatloveisneverreturned.It’satasteofsomethingIcanneverhave,that’sall.”
Winniefrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?Ofcourseyou’llbelovedoneday!Keely,you’reonly
nineteen.Yourwholelifeisaheadofyou!”
Keelylookedatherfriend,andherdarkeyesweresoftandsad.“Notthatway,itisn’t.Iwon’tever
marry.”
“Butoneday…”
Sheshookherhead.“No.”
Winniebitherlowerlip.“Whenyou’realittleolder,itmightbedifferent,”shebegan.“Keely,you’re
nineteen.Booneisthirty.That’sabigagedifference,andhethinksaboutthingslikethat.Hisfiancée
wasonlyayearyoungerthanhewas.Hesaidthatpeopleshouldnevermarryunlessthey’rethesame
age.”
“Why?”
Winniesighed.“I’venevertalkedaboutitmuch,butourmotherwastwelveyearsyoungerthandad.
Hediedabrokenmanbecausesheranawaywithhisyoungerbrother.Healwayssaidhemadea
majormistakebymarryingsomeonefromanothergeneration.Itwasjusttoomanyyearsbetween
them.Theyhadnothingincommon.”
Keelyfeltheartsickforthefamily.“Isyourmotherstillalive?”
Shebitherlip.“We…don’tknow,”shesaid.“We’venevertriedtofindherorouruncle.They
married,afterthedivorce,andmovedtoMontana.Neitheroneofthemevertriedtocontactusagain.”
“That’ssosad.”
“ItmadeBoonebitter.Well,thatandthenhisfiancéecuttingoutonhim.Hedoesn’thaveahigh
opinionofwomen.”
“Youcan’tblamehim,really,”Keelyhadtoadmit.Shepattedherhorse’sneck.“It’ssad,isn’tit,that
we’rebothtooyoungforthemenwecareabout?”
“Onlyintheirminds,”Winniereturned.“Butwecanalwayschangetheiropinions.Wejusthaveto
findanangle.Onethatworks.”

Keelylaughed.“Doesn’tthatsoundeasy?”
Winniegrimaced.“Notreally.”Shetuggedonthereins,backingherhorseoutofthecreek.Keely
followedsuit.“Let’stalkaboutsomethingmorecheerful,”Winniesaidonthewaybacktotheranch.
“Areyoucomingtothebigcharitydance?”
Keelyshookherhead.“I’dliketo,evenwithoutadate,butbothmyjuniorbossesaregoing,andsois
ourseniortech.Ihavetobeoncall.”
“That’sawful!”
“It’sfair,though.Iwasofflastyear.”
“Iremember.Lastyearyoustayedhome.”
Keelystudiedthepommelastheleathersqueakedunderthesteadymotionofthehorse’sbody.
“Nobodyaskedmetogowiththem.”
“Youdon’tencouragemen,”Winniepointedout.
Keelysmiledsadly.“Whatfor?”sheasked.“Anymanwhoaskedmewouldhavebeensecondbest.I
don’twanttogetinvolvedwithanyone.”
WinniehadalwaysbeencuriousaboutKeely’soddprivatelife.Shewonderedwhathadhappenedto
theotherwomantoleavehersoalone.“It’sjustadance,”shepointedout.“Youdon’thavetoagreeto
marrythemanwhenhetakesyouhome.”
Keelyburstoutlaughing.“You’reterrible!”shechoked.
“Justpointingoutanobviousfact,”cametheamusedreply.
“Anyway,I’llbeworking.Yougoandhaveenoughfunforbothofus.”
“Anymanwhotookmewouldbesecondchoice,too,”sheremindedherfriend.“Thedifferenceis,I
wanttogosoIcanrubmydateinKilraven’sface.”
“Hewon’tgo,”Keelymurmured.
“Whatmakesyouthinkso?”
“Justaguess.Hekeepstohimself.HeremindsmeofCashGrier,thewayhewasbeforehemarried
TippyMoore.Grierwasabonafidewomanhater.IthinkKilravenis,too.”
Winniehesitated.“Iwonder.”
Keelydidn’tfollowupontheremark.ShefeltsorryforWinnie.Shefeltsorryforherself,too.Men
weresuchaheadache….
ShecamebacktothepresentintimetoseeBoonecomingoutoftheexaminationroomwithBailey
onaleash.HewalkedrightpastKeelywithoutlookingatherorsayingawordtoher.Shestaredafter
himwithherheartbreakingrightinsideherchest.Thensheturnedandwentbacktowork,puttingon
ahappyfaceforthebenefitofhercoworkers.

KeelyhatedBoone’sex-fiancéeonsight.MistyHarris’sfatherranaprivatedetectiveagencyinSan
Antonio,andshewaswealthy.Shewaspretty,shewasveryintelligentandshelookeddownonother
women.Boone,WinniehadtoldKeely,likedawomanwithagoodmindandanindependentspirit.
Shealsothoughtthatthewomanprobablywasgoodinbed,whichmadeKeelyuncomfortable.
Thewomanhadapoisonoustongue,andshedidn’tlikeKeely.Itwasobviouswhenshearrivedfora
datewithBoonethenextFridaynightandfoundKeelysittinginthelivingroomwithWinnie.
“Nodates?”shechidedtheotherwomen,lookingsleekinablackcocktaildresswithherlongblack
hairflowingoverhershoulders.Herdeepblueeyesweretwinklingwithmaliciousamusement.“Too
bad.Boone’stakingmetotheDesperadoconcert.He’sgoingtointroducemetotheleadsinger.
We’vehadticketsfortwomonths.It’sgoingtobeagreatevening!”
“IloveDesperado,”Winniehadtoagree.

“Iwouldn’tmissthisconcertforanything,”thebrunettepurred.
Therewasanoiseatthesidedoor,scratchingandhowling.
“Oh,it’sthatdog,”thebrunettemuttered.“He’sfilthy.ForGod’ssake,Winnie,youaren’tgoingtolet
himin?ThePersianrugsarepriceless!He’llgetmudalloverthem!”
“Baileyisamemberofthefamily,”Winniesaidicilyassheopenedthedoorandpulledatowelfrom
ashelfnearby.“Hello,oldfellow!”shegreetedtheoldGermanshepherd.“Didyougetwet?”
Shestartedtowelinghimdryandwipinghispaws.Hewaspantingandwhining.Histonguewas
purple.Heshuddered.Hisstomachwasswollen.
Withapracticedeye,Keelyobservedhim.Somethingwaswrong.ShegotupandjoinedWinnieatthe
slidingglassdoor,goingdownononeknee.Herhandstouchedthedog’sdistendedbelly.
Sheclenchedherteeth.“He’sgotbloat,”shetoldWinnie.
“Whatwasthat?”Booneasked,takingthestepstwoatatime.
Keelylookedupathim,tryingnottobetrayherpleasureatjustthesightofhim.“Bailey’sgotbloat.
Heneedstobeseenbyavetrightnow.”
“Don’tbeabsurd,”Booneshotback.“Dogsdon’tgetbloat.”
“Bigdogsdo,”Keelysaidurgently.“Youmusthaveseentheconditionincattleatonetimeor
another.Here.Feel!”
Shegrabbedhishandandcarriedittothedog’sbelly.
Hefeltitandscowled.
“Lookatthecolorofhistongue,”Keelypersisted.“Heisn’tgettingenoughoxygen.Ifyoudon’tget
himtothevetsoon,he’llbedead.”
“Oh,that’sridiculous,”thebrunettespat.“He’sjusteatentoomuch.Puthiminhiskennel.He’llbe
finebymorning.”
“He’llbedead,”Keelyrepeatedflatly.
“Listen,you,I’mnotmissingthatconcertforastupidolddogwithanupsetstomach!”thebrunette
raged.“You’rejusttryingtogetBoonetonoticeyoubytellinghimsomething’swrongwiththatdog!
Heknowswhatacrushyouhaveonhim.Thisisapatheticact!”
BoonelookedatKeely,whowaspaleandsickathearttohaveherinnermostsecretspokenaloudfor
Boonetohear.
HeranhishandoverBailey’sstomachonelasttime.“It’snotbloat,”hepronounced.“He’sjusthad
toomuchtoeatandhe’sgotgas.”Hegottohisfeet,pattingtheolddogonthehead,smiling.“You’ll
befine,won’tyou,oldman?”
Keelyglaredathim.Thedogwasstillpantingandnowhewaswhimperingloudly.
“He’snotyourdog,”Booneshotather.“Misty’sright.Thisisabidforattention,justlikeoldBailey
whiningsothatI’llpethim.Butitwon’twork.I’mtakingMistytotheconcert.”
Keelywassoinfuriatedthatshewouldn’tevenlookathim.Baileywasdying.
“Let’sgo,”BoonetoldMisty.
Hedidn’tspeaktoKeelyagain,ortoWinnie.Heandhisdatewalkedbacktothegarage.Minuteslater,
hiscarroaredoutdownthedriveway.
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Winnieasked,becauseshebelievedherbestfriend.
“Wecanlethimdieortakehimtothevet,”Keelysaidcurtly.
“Who’sdriving?”wasalltheotherwomanasked.

Theoldestofthethreevets,BentleyRydel,andtheowneroftheclinic,wasoncall.Hewasthebest
surgeonofthegroup.Atthirty-two,hewastheonlyunmarriedone.Peoplesaiditwasbecausehewas

soantagonisticthatnowomancouldgetnearhim.Itwasprobablythetruth.
HehelpedKeelygetBaileyintotheX-rayroomandontothetable.SheheldhimwhiletheX-rays
weretaken,pettinghimandtalkingsoothinglytohim.Foramanwhoresemblednothingmorethana
humanpitviperwithothermembersofhisownspecies,hewasthesoulofcompassionwithanimals.
HeandWinniewerebackintenminuteswiththeX-rays.Helookedsomberasheshowedthemthe
proofthatBailey’sstomachhadturnedover.“It’sacomplicatedandexpensiveprocedure,andIcan’t
promiseyouthatitwillsucceed.IfIdon’toperate,thenecrosiswillspreadandhe’lldie.Hemaydie
anyway.Youhavetomakeadecision.”
“He’smybrother ’sdog,”Winniesaiduneasily,pettingthewhimperingoldanimal.
“Yourbrotherwillhavetogiveconsent.”
“Hewon’t,”Keelysaidmiserably.“Hedoesn’tthinkit’sbloat.”
Bentley’seyebrowsarched.“Andwhatveterinaryschooldidhegraduatefrom?”
Winnie’sphoneplayingthethemefromStarWarsinterruptedtheconversation.Sheansweredit
nervously.She’drecognizedBoone’snumberonthecallerIDscreen.
“It’sBoone!”shewhisperedwithherhandoverthephone.Shegrimaced.“Hello?”shesaidhesitantly.
“Wherethehellismydog?”hedemanded.
Winnietookadeepbreath.“Boone,webroughtBaileyheretothevet…”
“We?Keely’smixedupinthis,isn’tshe?”hedemanded,outraged.
Thevet,seeingWinnie’spainedexpression,heldouthishandforthephone.Winniegaveittohim
gladly.
“Thisanimal,”thevetbeganfirmly,“hasaseverecaseofbloat.IcanshowyouontheX-rayswhere
necrosisoftissuehasalreadybegun.IfIdon’toperate,hewillbedeadinanhour.Thedecisionis
yours,butIurgeyoutomakeitquickly.”
Boonehesitated.“Willhelive?”
“Ican’tpromiseyouthat,”Bentleysaidcurtly.“Heshouldhavebeenbroughtinwhenthesymptoms
firstpresented.Thedelayhascomplicatedtheprocedure.Thisconversation,”headdedacidly,“is
anotherdelay.”
Thecursewasaudibletwofeetfromthecellphone.“Doit,”Boonesaid.“I’llgiveyoupermission.
Mysistercanbeyourwitness.Dowhatyoucan.Please.”
“CertainlyIwill.”HehandedthephonetoWinnie.“Keely,weneedtoprephimforsurgery.”
“Yes,sir.”Keelywassmiling.Herbosswasagreatnegotiator.Now,atleastBaileyhadachance,no
thankstotheheartlesswomanwho’dhavesacrificedhislifeforaconcertticket.

Theoperationtooktwohours.Keelystoodgownedbesidethevet,administeringanesthetictothedog
andcheckinghisvitalsignsconstantly.Therewasonlyasmallamountofdeadtissue,luckily,andshe
watchedBentley’sskillfulhandscutitawayefficiently.
“Whatwasthedelay?”heaskedher.
Sheclenchedherteeth.“ConcertticketsforDesperado.Boone’sdatedidn’twanttomissit.”
“SoshedecidedthatBaileyshoulddie.”
Shegrimaced.“I’mnotsureshewasbeingdeliberatelycoldhearted.”
“You’dbesurprisedathowmanypeopleconsideranimalsinanimateobjectswithnofeelings.Old-
timerscomeinsometimesandtellmeinallseriousnessthatnoanimalfeelspain.”
“Baloney,”shemuttered.
Helaughedshortly.“Myopinionexactly.”
“How’shedoing?”sheasked.

Henoddedasheworked.“Allright.Therearenocomplicationstoworryabout.IoperatedonTom
Walker ’sShilohshepherdforthisabouttwomonthsago,remember,andhehadatumorthesizeof
myfist.Welosthimdespitethetimelyintervention.”
“Wearen’tgoingtoloseBailey?”sheaskedworriedly.
“Notachance.He’sold,buthe’safighter.”
Shesmiled.EvenifBoonegaveherhell,itwouldbeworthit.Shewasfondoftheolddog,too,even
ifBoonefeltshewasusinghispet.ItmadeherfuriousthatBoonebelievedthatheartlessbrunette.
Keelywasn’tstupidenoughtothinkthatsuchaplaywouldworkonamanwithaheadlikeasteel
block.Boonewouldn’tcareifshewasHelenofTroy,he’dwalkrightbyherwithoutlooking.She
knewbetterthantotrytochasehim.Shewasamazedthathedidn’trealizethat.
“Done,”Bentleyannouncedfinallywhenthelastsuturewasinplace.Keelytookawaytheanesthetic
andwaitedwhilethevetexaminedtheolddog.“Ithinkhe’lldo,butdon’tquoteme.We’llknowinthe
morning.”
“Yes,sir.”
“I’llcarryhiminforyou,”hevolunteered,becausethedogwasveryheavyandKeelyhadproblems
carryingweight.
“Youdon’thaveto,”shebeganself-consciously.
Hispaleblueeyeswerekindastheymethers.“You’vehadsomesortofinjurytoyourleftshoulder.I
don’thavetoseeittoknowit’sthere.Itwon’tletyoubearweight.”
Shegrimaced.“Ididn’trealizeitwassoobvious.”
“Iwon’tgiveyouaway,”hesaidwithasmile.“ButIwon’tmakeyoucarryloadstooheavy,either.”
“Thanks,boss,”shesaid,smilingback.
Heshrugged.“You’rethehardestworkerI’vegot.”Heseemedself-consciousafterhesaidthat,and
hemadeabigproductionofliftingBailey,verycarefully,tooneoftherecoverycageswherehe’dbe
keptandmonitoreduntilhecameoutfromundertheanesthetic.
“Icanstayandwatchhim,”shebegan.
Heshookhishead.“IhadacallonmycellphonewhilewewerepreppingBailey,”heremindedher.
“There’saheifercalvingoveratCyParks’splace.She’shavingahardtime.It’soneofhispurebred
herdandhewantsmetheretomakesurethecalfisbornalive.”
“Soyouhavetogooutthere.”
Henodded.“I’llcheckonBaileywhenIgetback.It’sFridaynight,”headdedwithafaintsmile.
“Usuallywegetemergencycasesallnight,youknow.”
“Wantmetostayandanswerthephone?”sheasked.
Hestudiedherquizzically.“It’sFridaynight,”herepeated.“Whydon’tyouhaveadate?”
Sheshrugged.“Menhateme.Ifyoudon’tbelievethat,justaskBooneSinclair.”
Helookedoverhershoulderandhiseyebrowsliftedasadooropened.“Speakofthedevil,”hesaid
inavoicethatdidn’tcarryoverWinnie’sgreetingtoherbrother.

ChapterTwo
BoonestalkedintotheroomwhereKeelyandBentleywerestandingtogetherbesidetherecovery
cage,whichcontainedBailey.Hedidn’tlookverybelligerentnow,andhisconcernfortheolddog
wasevidentashekneltbesidethecageandtouchedtheheadofthesleepinganimalgentlywithhis
fingertips.
“Willhelive?”heaskedwithoutlookingup.
“We’llknowthatinthemorning,”Bentleysaidcurtly.“Hecamethroughthesurgeryverywell,andI
didn’tfindanythingthatwouldcomplicatehisrecovery.Forananimalhisage,he’sinexcellent
shape.”
Boonestoodup,facingthevet.“Thankyou.”
“ThankKeely,”cametheshortreply.“Sheignoredyoursuggestiontoleavetheanimalaloneuntil
morning.Atwhichtime,”thevetaddedwithaglitterinhiseyes,“you’dhavefoundhimdead.”
Boone’sowneyesflashed.“Ithoughthewastryingtogetattention.LikeKeely,”headdedwithicy
sarcasm.
Bentley’seyebrowslifted.“DoyoureallythinkKeelyneedstobeganymanforattention?”heasked,
asiftheremarkwasincredibletohim.
Boonestiffened.“Hersociallifeisnotmyconcern.I’mgratefultoyouforsavingBailey.”
“We’llknowhowsuccessfulIwasinthemorning,”Bentleyreplied.“Keely,canyougetmymedical
bagforme,please?”
“Yes,sir.”Shelefttheroom,gladforsomethingthatwouldtakeheroutofBoone’simmediate
presence.
Booneglancedagainatthecage.“HeandIhavebeenthroughsomehardtimestogether,”hetoldthe
vet.“IfI’drealizedhowdangeroushisconditionwas,I’dneverhavelefthim.”HelookedatBentley.
“Ididn’tknowthatdogsgotbloat.”
“Nowyoudo,”thevetreplied.“Mostlargedogsareatriskforit.”
“Whatcausesit?”
Bentleyshookhishead.“Wedon’tknow.Therearehalfadozentheories,butnodefiniteanswers.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Iexcisedthedeadtissueandtackedhisstomachtohisbackbone,”Bentleyrepliedquietly.“I’ll
prescribeaspecialdietforhim.Forthenextcoupleofdays,ofcourse,he’llgetfluids.”
“You’llletmeknow?”Booneaddedslowly.
Bentleyrecognizedtheworryinthosedarkeyes.“Ofcourse.”
BooneturnedtoWinnie.Hiseyeswereaccusing.
Shegrimaced.“Now,listen,Keelyknowswhatshe’sdoing,whateveryouthink,”shebegan
defensively.“IagreedwithherandI’lltakefullresponsibilityforbringingBaileyoverhere.”
“I’mnotcomplaining,”hesaid.Hissternexpressionlightened.Hebentandbrushedanaffectionate
kissontoWinnie’sforehead.“Thanks.”
Shesmiled,relievedthathewasn’tangry.“IloveoldBailey,too.”
KeelycamebackwiththemedicalbagandhandedittoBentley.Shewasholdinghisoldraincoat,as
well.
“Ihateraincoats,”hebeganangrily.
Shejusthelditup.Hegrimaced,butheslidhislongarmsintoitandpulleditup.“Worrywart,”he
muttered.
“Yougotpneumoniathelasttimeyouwentoutintoacoldrain,”sheremindedhim.
Heturnedandsmileddownather;actually,itwasmoreofafaintturningupofonesideofhismouth.

BentleyRydelneversmiled.“Gohome,”hesaid.
Sheshookherhead.“Iwon’tleaveBaileyuntilI’msurehe’soutfromundertheanesthesia,”shesaid,
andshedidn’tlookatBoone.“Besides,you’resuretohaveatleastoneemergencycallwaitingfor
youwhenyougetback.”
“Idon’tpayyouenoughforallthisovertime,”hepointedout.
Sheshrugged.“SoI’llnevergetrich.”Shegrinned.
Hesighed.“Okay.I’monmycellphone,ifyouneedme.”
“Drivecarefully.”
Hemadeafaceather.ButhisexpressionwasstaidandimpassiveashenoddedtotheSinclairsonhis
wayout.
BoonewasglaringatKeely.SheavertedhereyesandwentbacktoBailey’scagetocheckonhim.
“Weshouldgo,”Winnietoldherbrother.“Seeyoulater,Keely.”
Keelynodded.Shedidn’tlookatthem.
Boonehesitateduncharacteristically,buthedidn’tspeak.HetookWinnie’sarmandledheroutthe
door.
“Youcouldn’tevensaythankstoKeelyforsavingBailey’slife?”shechidedastheypausedbeside
theirrespectivevehicles.
Helookeddownathercoldlyinthemistyrain.“IcouldsueherforbringingBaileyherewithout
permission.”
Winniewasshocked.“Shesavedhislife!”
Heavoidedhergaze.“That’sbesidethepoint.Let’sgo.We’regettingwet.”
“Whataboutyourconcert?”Winnieasked,andtherewasafaintbiteinhertone.
“It’snotover.I’mgoingback.”
Shewantedtosaythathisex-fiancéewasn’tgoingtobepleasedthathe’ddesertedher,evenforafew
minutes.Butshedidn’tsayit.Hewasobviouslyoutofhumor,anditwasneverwisetopushhim.

KeelystayedwithBaileyuntilhecametoandBentleyreturnedfromhiscall.Therewasanew
emergency,awomanwhosechampionEnglishspringerspanielwaswhelpingandoneofthepuppies
wouldn’temerge.Onceagain,theyhadtodoanemergencysurgerytosavemotherandchild.
ItwastwointhemorningbeforetheyfinishedandKeelycleanedup.“Nowgohome,”Bentleysaid
gently.
“I’llhaveto.”Shelaughed.“Ican’tkeepmyeyesopen.”
“NomatterwhatBooneSinclairsays,”hetoldher,“youdidtherightthing.”HeglancedatBailey,
whowasnowsleepingpeacefullythankstoapainkiller.“Ithinkhe’lldo.”
Shesmiled.EventhoughBoonehadbeenapainintheneck,hedidlovetheolddog.Shewasgladthat
hewouldn’thavetogiveuphiscompanionjustyet.
Shewenthome,tiptoeingpasthermother ’sroom,andwenttobed.

Thenextday,sheworkeduntilnoonandthenwenthometodoallthehouseworkthathermother
neverbotheredwith.Shefinishedjustintimetostartsupper.Bythen,hermotherwasfinishingthe
secondwhiskeyhighballandherbestfriend,Carly,hadshownupforsupper.Keely,who’dprepared
enoughjustforhermotherandherself,hadtoaddpotatoesandcarrotstoherstewtostretchitout.
Thegrocerybudgetwasmeager.Ittooksecondplacetotheliquorbudget.
ItwasthesameeverySaturdaynightthatshewashome,Keelythoughtmiserably,hidingher
discomfortwhilesheservedupalightsupperinthediningroom.Hermother,Ella,alreadydrunk,

wasmakingfunofKeely’sconservativeclothingwhileherbestfriend,Carly,addedherown
sarcasticcommentstothemix.Bothwomenwereintheirforties,andhighlyunconventional.Carly
wasnobeauty,butEllawas.Ellahadalovelyfaceandagoodfigure,andsheusedbothtogood
advantage.Alistofherpastlovers,despitehersubstanceabuseproblem,wouldfillasmallnotebook.
Themischiefshecausedwasoneofherfavoritesourcesofamusement.NexttoridiculingKeely,that
was.SheandCarlyconsideredvirtueobsolete.Noman,theyemphasized,wantedaninnocentwoman
thesedays.Virginitywasaliabilitytoasinglewoman.
“Allyouneedisaman,Keely.”CarlyBlairgiggled,hoistingapotentTurkishcigarettetohertoo-red
lips.“Afewnightsinthesackwithanexperiencedmanwouldtakethatprudishpoutoutofyourlips.”
“Youneedtowearmakeup,”hermotheradded,inbetweensipsofherthirdwhiskeyhighball.“And
buysomeclothesthatdon’tlookliketheycameoutofamissionthriftshop.”
Keelywouldhaveremindedthemthatsheworkedwithanimalsinaveterinaryclinic,notinan
exclusiveboutique,andthatmenwerethinontheground.Butitonlyamusedthemmoreifshefought
back.She’dlearnedtokeepherheaddownwhenshewasunderfire.
Thebeefstewshe’dhadcookingalldayinherCrock-Potwasfragrantandthick.She’dmadeyeast
rollstogowithit,andasimplepoundcakefordessert.Hereffortswereunappreciated.Thewomen
hardlynoticedwhattheywereeatingastheygossipedaboutawomantheyknewintownwhowas
havinganaffair.TheircommentswereearthyandembarrassingtoKeely.
Theyknewthat,ofcourse;itwaswhytheydidit.Whatthetwowomendidn’tknowwasthatKeely
couldn’tsustainarelationshipwithaboyfriend,muchlessalover.Shehadasecretthatshe’dnever
sharedwithanyoneexceptthedoctorwhohadtreatedher.Itwouldkeepheralonefortherestofher
life.She’dmadesurethathermotherdidn’tknowwhatshewashiding.Theolderwomanwasbitter
andmiserableandshelovedmakingavictimofherdaughter.Keely’ssecretwouldhavebeenmore
fodderforherattacks.SoKeelykeptagooddistancebetweenherselfandhercoldheartedparent.
Shewonderedoftenwhathadbecomeofherfather.She’dlovedhimverymuch,andshe’dthought
thathelovedher.Buthehadn’tbeenthesamesincehe’dlosthisgamepark.He’dturnedtoalcohol
andthendrugstonumbthepainanddisappointment.He’dhadnowaytosupporthimself,muchless
anadolescentdaughter.He’dhadtoleaveherwithhermother.She’ddoneherbesttomakehimlet
herstay,offeringtogetajobafterschool,anything!Buthe’dsaidthatsheneededsecuritywhileshe
wasgrowingup,andhecouldnolongerprovideit.Hermotherwasn’tsuchabadperson,he’dsaid.
Keelyknewbetter,butshecouldn’tchangeherfather ’smind,sosherationalizedthathe’dprobably
forgottenwhatacruelwomanEllacouldbe.Besidesthat,shewasterrifiedofhisnewfriends;
especiallyoneofthem,who’dslappedheraround.
Ellaownedlandthatshe’dinherited,alongwithasizableamountofmoneyfromherlateparents.
She’dloanedherhusbandthemoneyforhisgameparktogethimoutofherlife,Ellasaid.She’d
quicklygonethroughthemoneyshe’dinherited,spendingitonluxuriousvacations,fancycarsanda
mansionwhileKeelywaslivinginmeagercircumstanceswithherfather.Buthermother ’swealthor
lackofitwasnoconcerntoKeely.Assoonasshewassettledcomfortablyinherjob,shewasgoing
togetanotherpart-timejobsothatshecouldaffordtomoveintoaboardinghouse.She’dhadallshe
couldtakeoflivinghere.
HerfatherhadjustleftheronElla’sfrontporch,cryingandstillpleadingtogowithhim.Ellahadn’t
beenhappytofindtheadolescentbackinherlife,butshetookherin,atleast.Attheageofthirteen,
Keelyhadsettleddownslowlywiththemothershebarelyrememberedfromchildhood,who
proceededtomakeherlifeamisery.
“BooneSinclairisdatingthatex-fiancéeofhiswhothrewhimoverwhenhegotoutoftheArmy,”

CarlyBlairdrawled,withaquickglanceatKeely.
“Ishe?”EllalookedatKeely,too.“Haveyouseenher?”sheasked,becausesheknewthather
daughterwasfriendlywithClarkandWinnieSinclair.“Whatdoesthewomanlooklike?”
“She’sverypretty,”Keelyrepliedcalmlybetweenbitesofstew.“Longblackhairanddarkblueeyes.”
“Verypretty.”Ellalaughed.“Nothinglikeyou,Keely,right?Youlooklikeyourfather.Iwanteda
beautifullittlegirlwholookedlikeme.”Shewrinkledhernose.“Whatadisappointmentyouturned
outtobe.”
“Wecan’tallbebeautiful,Mother,”Keelyreplied.“I’dratherbesmart.”
“Ifyouweresmart,you’dgotocollegeandgetabetterjob,”Ellaretorted.“Workingasatechnician
foraveterinarian,”sheaddedhaughtily.“Whatavulgarsortofjob.”
“TheseniorveterinarianwhereKeelyworksisverygood-looking,”Carlyinterrupted,shiftinginher
chair.Shechuckled.“Itriedtogethimtotakemeout,buthegavemeanicyglareandwentbackinto
hisoffice.”Sheshrugged.“Iguesshe’sgotagirlfriendsomewhere.”
Keelywassurprisedattheremark.Carlywasinhermid-fortiesandBentleyRydelwasonlythirty-
twoyearsold.Bentleyhadmentioned,onlyonce,thathecouldn’tstandCarly.Heprobablydidn’tlike
Keely’smother,either,buthewastoopolitetosayso.Notthattheyhadpetsthatwouldneedhis
services.Ellahatedanimals.
“Keely’sbossisacoldfish,likeBooneSinclair,”Ellasaid.Sheleanedbackinherchairandstudied
herdaughterwithacoldexpression.“You’llnevergetanywherewiththatman,youknow,”sheadded
inaslowdrawl.“Hemaytakehisex-fiancéearoundwithhim,buthe’snopassionatelover.”
“Howwouldyouknow?”Keelyreturned,stungbythecommentandthewayhermotheraimeditat
her.
Ellasmiledmockingly.“BecauseItriedtoseducehimmyself,onmorethanoneoccasion,”shesaid,
enjoyingthelookofhorroronherdaughter ’sface.“He’sice-cold.Hedoesn’trespondnormallyto
women,notevenwhentheycomeontohimphysically.Nomatterwhatpeoplesayabouthishot
relationshipwithhisex-fiancée,Icanassureyouthatheisn’tallthatresponsivetowomen.”
“Maybehejustdoesn’tlikeolderwomen,”Keelymutteredicily,hereyessparklingwithtemperas
shepicturedhermotherusingherwilesonBoone.
AcruellookpassedoverElla’sface.“Well,hecertainlydoesn’tlikeyou,”sheretortedwith
deliberatesarcasm.“Itoldhimyou’rehotforyourveterinarianbossandsleepingwithhimonthe
side.”
Keelywashorrified.“What!”sheburstout.“But,why?”
Ellalaughedatherexpression.“Iwantedtoseewhathe’dsay,”shemused.“Itwasadisappointment.
Hedidn’treactatall.SoIaskedhimifhehadn’tnoticedwhatanicefigureyou’vegot,evenifyou
aren’tpretty,andhesaidhedidn’tfeelattractedtochildren.”
Children.Keelywasnineteen.Thatwasn’tchildish.Shedidn’tthinkofherselfasachild.ButBoone
did…
“ThenIsaidthatyoumightlooklikeachild,butyouknewwhattodowithaman,andhejustwalked
away,”Ellacontinued.ShesawKeely’sstrickenexpression.“SoIsupposeyourlittlefantasyoflove
isn’tgoingtobefulfilled.”Herfacetookonawickedcast.“Ididmentioninthecourseof
conversation,beforeheleftsorudely,thatyouhadacrushonhimandhecouldprobablycutyouout
withyourbossifhetried.Hesaidthatyouwerethelastwomanonearthhe’dwant.”
Keelywantedtosinkthroughthefloor.SomeofBoone’santagonisticbehaviorbegantomakesense.
HermotherwasfeedinghimliesaboutKeely,andhewasswallowingthemwhole.Shewonderedhow
longEllahadbeendoingit,andifitwasrevengebecauseBoonewouldn’ttouchher.Maybeshesaw

KeelyasarivalandwantedtomakesuretherewasnochancethatBoonewouldweakentowardher
daughter.Eitherway,itwasdevastatingtotheyoungerwoman.Shelefttherestofherfood
untouched.Shecouldn’tchokedownanotherbite.
“Youmightgetsomewherewithhimifyoustoppeddressingoutofthriftshopsandworealittle
makeup,”Ellachided.
“Onmysalary,allIcanaffordareclothesfromthriftshops,”Keelysaid.
Therewasahotsilence.“Isthatadigatme?”Ellademanded,eyesflashing.“BecauseIgiveyoua
roofoveryourheadandfoodtoeat,”sheaddedcurtly.“Youonlyhavetodoalittlecookingand
houseworkfromtimetotimetoearnyourkeep.That’smorethanfair.I’mnotobligatedtodressyou,
aswell!”
“Ineversaidyouwere,Mother,”Keelyreplied.
“Don’tcallme‘Mother ’!”Ellashotback,weavingalittleinherchair.“Ineverwantedyouinthefirst
place.Yourfatherwashottohaveason.Hewasdisappointedwhenyouturnedouttobeagirl,andI
refusedtogetpregnantagain.Itruinedmywaistline!Ittookmeyearstogetmyfigureback!
“Iwantedtogiveyouupforadoptionwhenyouwereelevenandyourfatherdivorcedme,buthesaid
he’dtakeyouifI’dloanhimenoughmoneytoopenthatgamepark.SoIloanedhimthemoney—
whichheneverrepaid,bytheway—andhetookyouoffmyhands.Hedidn’twantyou,either,Keely,”
sheaddedwithadrunkensmile.“Nobodywantedyou.Andnobodywantsyounow.”
“Ella,”Carlyinterrupteduneasily,“that’sharsh.”Keely’sfacewasaswhiteasflour.
Ellablinked,asifshewasn’tquiteawareofwhatshewassaying.ShestaredblanklyatCarly.“What’s
harsh?”
CarlywincedasKeelygottoherfeetandbeganclearingthetablewithoutsayingaword.
Shecarriedemptyplatesintothekitchen,tryingdesperatelynottoletthewomenseehercry.Behind
her,sheheardmurmuring,whichgrewlouder,andthenhermother ’svoicearguing.Shewentout
intothecoldnightairinhershirtsleeves,tearspouringdownhercheeks.Shewrappedherarms
aroundherselfandwalkedtothefrontyard,stoppingattherailingthatlookedoutoverComanche
Wells,attherollingpasturelandandlittleoasisofdeciduoustreesthatshadedthefencedlandwhere
purebredcattlegrazed.Itwasabeautifulsight,withtheaircrispandthemoonshiningontheleaves
onthebigoaktreethatstoodinthefrontyard,makingitlookasiftheleaveshadbeenpaintedsilver.
ButKeelywasblindtothebeautyofit.Shewassicktoherstomach.
Sheheardthephoneringinthehouse,butsheignoredit.FirstBoone’sfierceantagonismandthe
argumentoverBaileyandtheex-fiancée’stauntsthenightbefore,andthenhermother ’shorrible
assertionstonight.ItwastheworsttwodaysofKeely’srecentlife.Shedidn’twanttogobackin.She
wantedtostayoutinthecolduntilshefrozetodeathandthepainstopped.
“Keely?”Carlycalledfromthebackdoor.“It’sClarkSinclair.Hewantstospeaktoyou.”
Keelyhesitatedforamoment.SheturnedandwentbackinsidewithoutmeetingCarly’seyesor
lookingtowardthediningroomwherehermothersatfinishingherdrink.
Shepickedupthephoneandsaid“Hello?”inasubduedtone.
“Theoldgirl’sgivingyouhell,isshe?”Clarkmused.“Howaboutgoingout?Iknowit’slatenotice,
butIjustgotinfromJacksonvilleandIwanttotalktosomebody.Winnie’sworkinglateatdispatch,
andGodknowswhereBoone’soffto.Howaboutit?”
“Oh,I’dreallylikethat,”Keelysaidfervently.
“Needanescapeplan,dowe?I’llbethereintenminutes.”
“I’llbeready.I’llwaitforyouonthefrontporch.”
“God,itmustbebadovertheretonight!”heexclaimed.“I’llhurry,soyoudon’tcatchcold.”Hehung

up.SodidKeely.
“Gotadate?”Elladrawled,comingtothedoorwayinazigzagwithherhighballglassstillinher
hands.Itwasemptynow.“Who’stakingyousomeplace?”
Keelydidn’tanswerher.Shewentdownthehalltoherroomandclosedandlockedthedoorbehind
her.

“Itoldyouitwasamistaketotellherthat,”Carlysaidplaintively.“You’llbesorrytomorrowwhen
yousoberup.”
“Mistaketotellherwhat?”Ellamuttered.“Ineedanotherdrink.”
“No.Youneedtogotobedandsleepitoff.Comeon.”Carlyledherdownthehalltoherown
bedroom,pushedherinsideandclosedthedoorbehindthem.“Howcouldyoutellherthat,Ella?”she
askedsoftlyasshehelpedherfrienddownontothebigdoublebedwithitsexpensivepinkcomforter.
“Idon’tcare,”Ellasaiddefiantly.“She’sinmyway.Idon’twantherhere.Ineverdid.”
“Shedoesallthehouseworkandallthecooking,”Carlysaidinoneofherraremomentsof
compassion.“Sheworksalldayandsometimeshalfthenightforherboss,andthenshecomeshome
andworkslikeahousekeeper.Youdon’tappreciatehowmuchshedoesforyou.”
“Icouldhiresomebodytodoallthat.”Ellawavedtheideaaway.
“Couldyouaffordtopaythem?”Carlyretorted.
Ellafrowned.Shewashardputjusttopayutilitiesandbuygroceries.Butshedidn’treply.
Carlyeyedherquietly.“Ifyoupushher,she’llleave.Thenwhatwillyoudo?”
“I’lldomyownhouseworkandcooking,”Ellasaidgrandly.
Carlyshookherhead.“Okay.It’syourlife.Butyou’remissingout.”
“Onwhat?”Ellamuttered.
“Ontheonlyfamilyyouhave,”Carlyrepliedinasubduedtone.“Idon’thaveanybody,”sheadded.
“Myparentsaredead.Ihadnosiblings.Iwasmarried,butIwasneverabletohaveachild.My
husbandisdead,too.Youhaveachild,andyoudon’twanther.I’dhavegivenanythingtohaveachild
ofmyown.”
“YoucanhaveKeely,”Ellasaid,laughing.“I’llgivehertoyou.”
Carlymovedtowardthedoor.“Youcan’tgivepeopleaway,Ella.”Shelookedback.“Youdon’treally
haveanybody,either.”
“Ihavemen.”Ellalaughedcoldly.“IcanhaveanymanIwant.”
“Foranight,”herfriendagreed.“Oldageiscomingupfast,forbothofus.Doyoureallywantto
driveyouronlychildaway?She’llmarrysomedayandhavechildrenofherown.Youwon’tevenbe
allowedtoseeyourgrandchildren.”
“I’mnothavinggrandchildren,”Ellashotback.“I’mnotgoingtobeold.I’monlyinmylate
thirties!”
Carlylaughed.“You’reheadingtowardfifty,Ella,”sheremindedherfriend.“Allthebeauty
treatmentsintheworldaren’tgoingtochangethat.”
“I’llhaveaface-lift,”theotherwomanreturned.“I’llsellmorelandtopayforit.”
Thatwasunwise.Ellahadalreadysoldmostofthelandherfamilyhadlefther.Ifshesoldtherest,
shewasgoingtobehard-pressedjusttopaybills.ButCarlycouldseethatitdidnogoodtoargue
withher.
“Goodnight,”shetoldElla.
Ellamadeafaceather,collapsedonthepillowandwasasleepinseconds.Carlydidn’tsayanything
else.Shejustclosedthedoor.

Keelyputonapairofbrowncorduroyslacksandabeigeturtlenecksweaterandranabrushthrough
herthick,straightblondhair.ShehopedClarkdidn’thaveanexpensivedateinmind.Shecouldn’t
dressforit.ShethrewanoldbeigeBerbercoatoverherclothesandgrabbedherpurse.
Truetohisword,Clarkpulledupintheyardinexactlytenminutes,drivinghissportscar.
CarlycameoutofElla’sbedroomjustasKeelywasleaving.
“Issheasleep?”Keelyaskeddully.
“Yes.”Carlywasworried,anditshowed.“Sheshouldneverhavesaidthattoyou,”sheadded.“She
lovedyouwhenyouwereababy.Youwouldn’tremember,youweretoolittle,butIdo.Shewasso
happy…”
“Sohappythatshenowtreatsmethisway?”Keelyasked,hurt.
Carlysighed.“Shewasdifferentafteryourfatherleft.Shestarteddrinkingthen,andit’sjustgotten
worseyearafteryear.”Shesawthatshewasn’tgettingthroughtotheyoungerwoman.“Thereare
thingsyoudon’tknowaboutyourparents,Keely,”shesaidgently.
“Suchas?”
Carlyshookherhead.“That’snotmyplacetotellyou.”Sheturnedaway.“I’mgoinghome.She’ll
sleepuntilmorning.”
“Lockthedoorwhenyouleave,please,”Keelysaid.
“I’mleavingnow.Youcanlockit.”Carlygotherpurseandstoppedjustasthedoorclosedbehindthe
twowomen.
“I’masbadassheis,sometimes,”theolderwomanconfessedquietly.“Ishouldn’tmakefunofthe
wayyouare,andneithershouldshe.Butyoudon’tfightback,Keely.Youmustlearntodothat.
You’renineteen.Don’tspendtherestofyourlifeknucklingunder,justtokeeppeace.”
Keelyfrowned.“Idon’t.”
“Youdo,baby,”Carlysaidsoftly.Shesighed.“EllaandIareabadinfluenceonyou.Whatyouneed
todoisgetanapartmentofyourownandliveyourownlife.”
Keelysearchedtheotherwoman’seyes.“I’vethoughtaboutthat….”
“Doit,”Carlyadvised.“Getoutwhileyoucan.”
Keelyfrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Carlyhesitated.“I’vesaidtoomuchalready.Enjoyyourdate.Goodnight.”

Carlywalkedofftohersmallimportcar.Keelywatchedherforaminutebeforeshewentdownthe
stepstowhereClarkwaswaitinginhissleekLincoln.Heleanedacrossandopenedthedoorforher.
Hegrinned.“I’dcomearoundandopenit,butI’mtoolazy,”heteased.
Shesmiledback.HewaslikeakinderversionofBoone.Clarkhadthesameblackhairanddarkeyes,
buthewasalittleshorterthanhisbrother,andhishairwaswavy—unlikeBoone’s,whichwas
straight.
“Neitheroneofyouresembleyoursister,”sheremarked.
Heshrugged.“Winniegotourmother ’scoloring.Shedoesn’tlikethat.Wehatedourmother.”
“SoWinniesaid.”
Heglancedatherastheypulledoutofhermother ’syard.“Wesharethefeeling,don’twe,Keely?”he
probed.“Yourmotherisawalkingheadache.”
Shenodded.“Shewasinhighformtonight,”shesaidwearily.“Drunkandvicious.”
“WhatwasCarlysayingtoyou?”
“ThatIhavetolearntostanduptoher,”shesaid.“Surprising,isn’tit,comingfrommother ’sbest

friend?Thetwoofthemmakefunofmeallthetime.”
Clarkglancedather,andhedidn’tsmile.“She’srightaboutthat.Youneedtostanduptomybrother,
too.Boonewalksalloverpeoplewhowon’tfightback.”
Sheshivered.“I’mnottakingonyourbrother,”shesaid.“He’sscary.”
“Scary?Boone?”
Sheavertedhergazetothewindow.“Can’twetalkaboutsomethingelse?”
Hewasdisconcertedbyherremark,buthepulledhimselftogetherquickly.“Sure!Ijustheardthatthe
Chinesearelaunchinganotherprobetowardthemoon.”
Shegavehimawrylook.
“Youdon’tlikeastronautics,”hemurmured.“Okay.Politics?”
Shegroanedoutloud.“I’msosickofpresidentialcandidatesthatI’mthinkingofmovingto
someplacewherenobodyrunsforpublicoffice.”
“TheAmazonjunglecomestomind.”
Hereyesnarrowed.“IfIwentfarenoughin,ImightescapetelevisionandtheInternet.”
“Icanseetheheadlinesnow,”hesaidwithmockhorror.“Localvettechnicianeatenbyjaguarin
darkestjunglesofSouthAmerica!”
“Noself-respectingjaguarwouldwanttoeatahumanbeing,”sheretorted.“Especiallyonewhoeats
anchoviesonpizza.”
“Ididn’tknowyoulikedanchovies.”
Shesighed.“Idon’t.ButwhenIwaslittle,IdiscoveredthatifIorderedthem,mydadwouldletme
havemorethantwoslicesofpizza.”
Helaughed.“Yourfathermusthavebeenacard.”
“Hewas.”Shesmiledreminiscently.“Animalslovedhim.I’veseenhimfeedtigersrightoutofhis
handwithouteverbeingbitten.Evensnakeslikedhim.”
“Thatanimalparkmusthavebeensomethingelse.”
“Itwaswonderful,”shereplied.“Wealllovedit.Buttherewasatragicaccident,andDadlost
everything.”
“Somebodygoteaten?”
“Almost,”shereplied,unwillingtosaymore.“Therewasalawsuit.”
“Andhelost,”heguessed.
Shedidn’tcorrecthim.“Itdestroyedhim.”
Hefrowned.“Didhecommitsuicide?”
Shehesitated.ThiswasClark.Hewasherfriend.Sheknewthathe’dnevertellBooneorevenWinnie
withoutaskingherfirst.“He’snotdead,”shesaidquietly.“Idon’tknowwhereheisorwhathe’s
doing.Hedevelopeda…adrinkingproblem.”Shecouldn’ttellhimthewholetruth.Sheglancedat
himworriedly.“Youwon’ttellanybody?”
“Ofcoursenot.”
Shestudiedherpurseinherlap,turningitrestlesslyinherhands.“HeleftmewithMotherandtook
off.Thatwassixyearsago,andIhaven’theardawordfromhim.ForallIknow,hecouldbedead.”
“Youlovedhim.”
Shenodded.“Verymuch.”Shemovedrestlessly.
“Whatisit?”
Shefeltthepainofhermother ’swordsgorightthroughher.“Mymothersaidthatsheneverwanted
me.Iruinedherfigure,”sheaddedwithahollowlaugh.
“GoodGod!AndIthoughtourmotherwasbad!”HestoppedatatrafficlightheadingintoJacobsville

andlookedtowardher.“Isn’titahellofashamethatwecan’tchooseourparents?”
“Yes,itis,”sheagreed.“Iwasjustsickwhenshesaidit.Ishouldhaveguessed.Shedidn’tlikeme
whenIleft,andshelikedmeevenlesswhenDaddumpedmeonher,andnowIthinkshehatesme.
I’vetriedtopleaseher,keepinghouseandcookingandcleaning,butshedoesn’tappreciateit.She
grudgesmetheveryfoodIeat.”Sheturnedtowardhim.“I’vegottogetoutofthathouse,”shesaid
desperately.“Ican’ttakeitanymore.”
“Mrs.Brownrunsaveryrespectableboardinghouse,”hebegan.
Shegrimaced.“Yes,andchargesarespectablepriceforrooms.Ican’tafforditonmysalary.”
“HitBentleyupforaraise,”hesuggested.
“Oh,right,I’lldothatfirstthingtomorrow,”shedrawled.
“You’rescaredofBentley.You’rescaredofBoone.”Hepulledoutintotraffic.“You’reevenscared
ofyourmother.Youhavetostepupandclaimyourownlife,Keely.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Youcan’tgothroughlifebeingafraidofpeople.EspeciallypeoplelikemybrotherandBentley
Rydel.Doyouknowwhythey’rescary?”hepersisted.“It’sbecauseit’shardworktotalktothem.
They’rebothbasicallyintrovertswhofinditdifficulttorelatetootherpeople.Consequentlythey’re
quietandsomberandtheydon’tgooutoftheirwaytojoininactivities.They’reloners.”
Shesighed.“I’maloner,too,inmyownway.ButIdon’tstandonthesidelinesandglareatpeopleall
thetime—or,worse,pretendthey’renotthere.”
“IsthatBoone’slatesttactic?”hemused,chuckling.“Heignoresyou,doeshe?”
“HediduntilIarguedaboutBailey’scondition.”
“ThankGodyoudid,”hesaidfervently.“BaileybelongstoBoone,butwealllovetheoldfellow.I’ll
neverunderstandwhyBoonedidn’trealizewhathadhappenedtohim.He’sacattleman—he’sseen
bloatbefore.”
“HisgirlfriendconvincedhimthatIwastryingtogetattention,usingBaileytolureBoonetomy
placeofwork.”
“Oh,forheaven’ssake!”heburstout.“Boone’snotthatstupid!”
“Well,apparentlymymother ’sbeentellinghimthatIhaveacrushonhim,andnowhethinks
everythingIdoorsayisanattempttowormmywayintohislife,”shesaidbitterly.
“Ellatoldhimthat?”heexclaimed.
“Yes.AndshetoldhimthatI’msleepingwithBentley.”
“DoesBentleyknowthatyou’resleepingwithhim?”heaskedinnocently.
Shelaughed.“Idon’tknow.I’llaskhim.”
Heburstoutlaughing,too.“That’smorelikeit,kid,”hesaid.“Youhavetolearntorollwiththe
punchesandnottakelifesoseriously.”
“Itfeelsprettyserioustomelately,”shereplied.“IfeellikeI’vehitawalltonight.”
“Youshouldpushyourmotherintoone,”hetoldher.“Orbetteryet,tellherwhatalousymother
she’sbeen.”
“Shedoesn’tlistenwhenshe’sdrunk,andshe’smostlyawayfromhomewhenshe’ssober.”She
pursedherlips.“Iworkforveterinarians.I’vebeenprofessionallytaughttoletsleepingdogslie.”
Hesmiled.“Haveyou,now?”
“Whereareyoutakingme?”sheaskedwhenhetookastatehighwayinsteadoftheJacobsvilleroad.
“Ithoughtweweregoingtoamovie.”
“I’mnotinthemoodforamovie.IthoughtwemightgotoSanAntonioforshrimp,”hereplied.“I’m
inthemoodforsome.Whatdoyouthink?”

“We’llbeverylategettingback,”sheremindedhimworriedly.
“Whatthehell,”hescoffed.“Youcantellyourmotheryou’resleepingwithmenowinsteadof
Bentleyandshecanmindherownbusinessaboutwhenyoucomehome.”
Hereyesalmostpopped.
Hesawthatandgrinned.“WhichbringstomindamatterIneedalittlehelpwith.Ithink,”headded,
“thatyouandIcanbethesolutionforeachothers’problems.Ifyou’regame.”
AllthewaytoSanAntonio,shewonderedwhathemeant,andhowshewouldfitintohis“solution.”

ChapterThree
TherestaurantClarktookKeelytowasoneofthemostexclusiveintown,famousforitsseafood.
Keelywasworriedthatshewasdressedtoocasuallyforsuchagrandplace,butshesawpeople
dressedupanddresseddownfortheeveningout.SherelaxedandfollowedClarkandthehostesstoa
cornertable.Theywereseatedandprovidedwithmenus.Keelyhadtobitehertongueattheprices.
Anyoneofthesedisheswouldhaveequaledaday’ssalary.ButClarkjustgaveheragrinandtoldher
toorderwhatshewanted.Theywerecelebrating.Shewonderedwhattheywerecelebrating,buthe
wouldn’tsay.
Keelyhadeatenearlier,soshejusthadaverylightmeal.Aftershe’dfinished,shewonderedifitwas
reallythefoodthatdrewhimhere.Hecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffthewaitresswhotooktheirorders.
Andthewaitressblushedprettilywhenhestaredather.
“Doyouknowher?”Keelyaskedsoftlywhenthewaitresswenttoturnintheirorders.
“Yes,”hesaid,grimacing.“I’minlovewithher.”
ImmediatelyKeelyrecalledBoone’sattitudetowardhissiblingsbecominginvolvedwithsomeone
fromalowereconomicclass.He’dbeenvocalaboutitinthepast.ThelookonClark’sfacewas
painfultosee.Sheknewwithoutaskingthathewasseeingthehopelessnessofhisownsituation
vividly.
“Isshetheoneyoutooktosupperattheranch?”sheasked,rememberingsomethingshe’dheard
fromWinnie.
Henodded.“Boonewaspolitetoher,butlaterheaskedmeifIwasoutofmymind.Heseesall
workingwomenasgolddiggerswhocan’twaittomarrymeandthendivorcemeforabig
settlement.”
“Notallwomenwantmoney,”shepointedout.
“TellBoone.Hedoesn’tknow.”
“Thatwomanhegoesoutwithseemstobeobsessedwithit,”Keelymuttered.
“Shedoesn’tcount,becauseshe’srichinherownright.”
“Yes.She’sbeautiful,too,”sheaddedwithmorebitternessthansherealized.
Hestudiedheracrossthewhitetableclothwithitsfreshflowers,candlesandsilverware.“Thinkabout
it—wouldamanlikeBoonestickhisheadintothesamenooseheescapedonce?Thatwomanwalked
awayfromhimwhenhewaslyinginahospitalwithshrapnelwoundsthatcouldhavekilledhim.She
didn’tlikehospitals.Shethoughthemightbecrippled,soshegavehimbackhisring.Nowshe’sin
SanAntonioandwantstogobacktowheretheystarted.HowdoyouthinkBoonefeelsaboutthat?”
Forthefirsttime,shefeltaglimmerofhope.“Yourbrotherdoesn’tforgivepeople,”shesaidsoftly.
Itwaswhatshe’dsaidoncetoWinnie.
“Exactly.Muchlesspeoplewhostickpinsinhispride.”
“Thenwhyishetakingheraroundwithhim?”Keelywantedtoknow.
Heshrugged.“She’sbeautifulandshehaspolishedmanners.Maybehe’sjustlonelyandhewantsa
showpieceonhisarm.Or,”headdedslowly,“maybehehassomethinginmindthatsheisn’t
expecting.Shewantstomarryhimagain.ButIdon’tthinkhewantstomarryher.AndIthinkhe’sgot
agoodreasonforgoingoutwithheratall.”
“Godknowswhatitis,”Keelymurmured.
“Goddoesknow.Heprobablydoesn’tlikeit,either.”
“YouthinkBooneisworkingonrevenge?”
“Couldbe.Hedoesn’toftensharehisinnermostthoughtswithWinnieorme.Booneplayshishand
closetohischest.Hedoesn’tgiveawayanything.”

“Whatwashelikebeforehecamehomewounded?”shewantedtoknow.
“Hewaslesssomber,”hetoldher.“Heplayedpracticaljokes.Helaughed.Heenjoyedparties,andhe
lovedtodance.Now,he’sthetotaloppositeofthemanheusedtobe.He’sbitterandedgy,andhe
won’tsaywhy.He’snevertalkedtoanyofusaboutwhathappenedtohimoverthere.”
“Youthinkwhateveritwasiswhatchangedhimsomuch?”
Henodded.“ImissthebrotherIhad.Ican’tgetclosetothemanhe’sbecome.Heavoidsmelikethe
plague.Moreso,sinceIbroughtNelliehomewithmeforsupper.Hegavemealonglectureonthe
dangersofencouraginghiredhelp.Hewaseloquent.”
“Soyou’reuneasyabouttakingheroutonadate.”
“I’muneasyaboutBoonefindingoutthatI’mdatingher,”heconfessed.“Whichbringsme,”headded
withaglance,“tothesolutionIneedyourhelpwith.”
Shegavehimawarylook.“WhydoIgetthefeelingthatIshouldn’thaveagreedtocomeherewith
you?”
“Ican’timagine.”Heleanedtowardher,smiling.“Butifyou’lljustcooperateinmylittleproject,I’ll
returnthefavoroneday.”
ShenoticedthatNellie,waitingonanothertable,wassendingpainedlookstowardClark,whowas
oblivioustoherinterest.“ThisisupsettingNellie,”shepointedout.
“Notforlong.I’llspeakwithherbeforeweleave.Listen,you’remybestfriend.Ineedyoutobea
friendandhelpmedivertBoonefromguessinghowinvolvedIamwithNellie.We’regoingto
pretendtogetinvolved,ifyou’regame.”
“Involved?”Keelysqueaked.“Listenhere,BoonealreadythinksI’msleepingwithBentley,thanksto
mymother.Hewon’tbelieveI’mturningmyattentiontoyou.Hehatesme!”sheexclaimed.“He’llgo
outofhismindifhethinksyou’reseriousaboutme,andhe’llstopitanywayhecan.I’lllosemyjob
andhavetostayathome,mymotherwilldrivemecrazy—”
“Yourmotherwillbethrilledifyougooutwithme,becauseI’mrich,”Clarksaidsardonically.“She
won’tcausetrouble.AndBoonewillspendhistimetryingtothinkupwaystogetyououtofmylife,
unawareofwhat’sreallygoingon.”
“Booneisn’tstupid,”sheworried.“He’sgoingtowonderwhatyouseeinme.I’mpoor,Iworkata
menialjob…”
“I’lltakecareofallthat,”hesaid,smoothingitover.“Allyouhavetodoispretendtofindme
fascinating.”Hegrinned.“ActuallyIamfascinating,”headded.“Nottomentionhighlyeligibleand
charming.”
Shemadeafaceathim.
“Butmybrothercan’tknowit’snotforreal,”Clarkaddedseriously.“He’sgotcontrolofallmy
moneyuntilIturntwenty-seven.ThenIcangettomytrust.That’snextyear.Ican’taffordtotickhim
offjustyet.ButI’mnotgivingupNellie.”Heglancedtowardtheyoungwaitress,whoblushedagain
athisinterestandalmostoverturnedatraylookingathim.“Youhavetohelpus,”hetoldher.“You
helpedBaileyandhe’sjustadog.I’makind,thoughtfulmanwhotreatsyoulikealittlesister.”
“That’sit,playonmyheartstrings,”Keelymuttered.
Hegrinned.“Comeon.ItwilldriveBoonenuts,youknowitwill.You’llloveit!”
ThinkingofthewayBoonehadtreatedher,shehadtoadmitthatthedeceptionwouldpaydividendsin
theformofrevenge.ButBoonewasaformidableenemyandKeelywasuncertainaboutmakingone
ofhim.Thatwasfunny,consideringhishostileandcondescendingattitudetowardher.Hewasher
enemyalready.
“I’llsaveyouifitgetstoorough,”hepromised.

Sheknewitwasabadidea.Shewasgoingtoregretgivingin.“IfIagreetodoit,IhavetotellWinnie
thetruth,”shebegan.
“No,”hesaidimmediately.“Winniecan’tkeepasecret,andshe’safraidofBoone,too.Ifheputson
thepressure,she’lltellhimeverythingsheknows.”
Keelygrimaced.“Ijustknowthisisgoingtoendbadly.”
“Butyou’lldoit,won’tyou?”heaskedwithacajolingsmile.
Shesighed.Shegrimaced.ClarkhadbeenherfriendaslongasWinniehad.He’dhelpedheroutof
halfadozenscrapesinvolvinghermother.“Okay,”shesaidatlast.
Hegrinnedfromeartoear.“Okay!Now.Howaboutdessert?”

Beforetheylefttherestaurant,heintroducedhertoNellieandexplainedtothewaitresswhoKeely
wasandwhatherplacewasinhislife.Nelliebrightenedatonce.ShewasglowingwhenClarkadded
thatKeelywasgoingtobetheredherringsothatheandNelliecouldgoondateswithoutBoone
knowing.
Keelynoticedthattheotherwomanwasverydemureandmeek,andClarkseemedtolovethat
attitude.ButKeelynoticedsomethingthathedidn’t;therewasafaintglintinNellie’seyesthatdidn’t
gowithameekdemeanor.Shecouldn’thelpbutbeapprehensive.MaybeNellie’sallureforhimwas
Boone’sdisapproval;inmanyways,he’donlyjuststartedtotrytheboundariesofhisbigbrother ’s
control.AndNelliehadtoknowthatthefamilywasrich.Shewasaworkinggirl,likeKeely.Ifshe
turnedouttobeagolddigger,KeelystoodtobeburnedatthestakebyClark’solderbrotherforher
partinthis.Shewishedshe’drefused.Shereallydid.

Theywereverylategettinghome.Itwasoneo’clockinthemorningwhenClarkdroveupatKeely’s
frontdoor.
Untilthatmoment,shehadn’trememberedhermother ’sviciouswords.Theycamebackwithcruel
forcewhenshesawtheliving-roomlightstillon.Shedidn’twanttogoinside.Ifshe’dhadanywhere
elsetogo,shewouldn’tsetfootintheplace.
Butherchoices,likehersalary,werelimited.Shehadtolivewithhermotheruntilshecouldmake
betterarrangements.
Clarkwaswatchingherwithopensympathy.“Sheprobablydoesn’tevenremembersayingit,”he
murmured.“Drunksaren’tbigonmemory.”
Sheglancedathim,curious.“Howwouldyouknowthat?”
Hehesitated,butonlyforaminute.“AfterBoone’sfiancéethrewhimover,hewentonatwo-week
bender.Hedidn’trememberalotofthethingshesaidtome,butI’veneverforgottenanyofthem.
Thecrowningjewel,”headdedwithtautfeatures,“wasthatI’dnevermeasureuptohimandthatI
wasn’tfittorunaranch.”
“Oh,Clark,”shesympathized.ShecouldonlyimaginebeingamanandhavingBooneasabig
brothertotrytoliveupto.Thosewereverybigshoestohavetofill.
“Hesoberedupanddidn’trememberanythinghe’dsaidtome.Butwordshurt.”
“Tellmeaboutit,”Keelysympathized.
Heturnedtoher.“We’rebothinthesameboat,aren’twe?We’repeoplewhodon’tmeasureuptothe
expectationsofthepeoplewelivewith.”
“WinnieandIthinkyou’regreatjustthewayyouare,”shereplieddoggedly.
Helaughed,surprised.“Really?”
“Really.You’vegotawonderfulsenseofhumor,you’renevermoodyorsarcasticandyou’vegota

bigheart.”Hereyesnarrowed.“IfI’dtoldyouthatBaileyneededemergencycareimmediately,you’d
havepackedhimintothecarandtakenhimrighttothevet.”
Hesighed.“Yes,IguessIwouldhave.”
“Boonethoughtitwasapitifulpleaforattentiononmypart,”sheaddedsadly.“Iguessmymother ’s
saidalotofthingstohimaboutme.”
“Apparently.Shedoesn’tlikeyou,doesshe?”
“Thefeelingismutual.We’resortofstucktogetheruntilIcangetaraiseorasecondjob.”
“Howwouldyoumanageasecondjob?”heasked.
“Gettingawayfrommymother ’sconstantabusewouldmakememanage.Ican’timaginelivingina
placewherenobodymakesfunofme.”
“Youcouldworkforme,”hesuggested.
Sheshookherhead.“Thanks,butnothanks.Iwanttobecompletelyindependent.”
“Ifiguredthat,butitdidn’thurttoask.”
Shesmiled.“Youreallyareaniceman.”
“I’llpickyouupnextSaturdaymorning.Wecangoridingattheranch.Wemightaswellmakeastart
atgettingonBoone’snerves,”headdedwithadrychuckle.
“TakeallhisbulletsawaybeforeIgetthere,”shepleaded.
“He’snotsobad,”hetoldher.
Sheshivered.“Sureheisn’t.”
ThefrontdooropenedandKeely’smothercameoutontotheporch.“Who’sthatoutthere?”she
drawled,hangingontooneofthesupportingposts.Shewaswearingfloralsilkslackswithafluffy
pinkrobe.Herhairwasdisheveledandshelookedsleepy.
“Don’tpayheranyattention,”KeelyadvisedClarkwithasadlittlesigh.“Shedoesn’tevenknowwhat
she’ssaying.I’llseeyounextSaturday.”
“Thanks,Keely,”hetoldherwithsincereaffection.
Sheshrugged.“You’ddoitforme,”shesaid,andsmiled.“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Shegotoutofthecarandwalkeduptotheporch,shakinginside,dreadinganotherconfrontationwith
herparent.ShetriedtowalkpastElla,buttheolderwomanstoppedher.
“Wherehaveyoubeen?”shedemanded.
Keelylookedather.Forthefirsttimeshedidn’tbackdown,eventhoughherkneeswereshaking.
“Out,”sherepliedtersely.
Theolderwoman’sfacetautened.“Don’ttalktomelikethat.Youliveinmyhouse,incaseyou’ve
forgotten!”
“Notformuchlonger,”Keelygritted.“I’mmovingoutassoonasIcangetanightjobtogowithmy
dayjob.Idon’tcareifIhavetoliveinmycar,itwillbeworthit!I’mnotstayinghereanylonger.”
Shebrushedpasthermotherandwentintothehouse,downthehall,intoherroom.Shelockedthe
doorbehindher.Shewasshaking.Itwasthefirsttimeinmemorythatshe’dstooduptoherabusive
parent.
Ellacametoherdoorandknocked.Keelyignoredher.
Sheknockedagain,withthesameresult.

Ellawassoberingupquickly.IthadjustdawnedonherthatifKeelyleft,she’dhavenobodytodothe
chores.Shecouldn’tevencook.She’dbeenabletoaffordhelpuntilthepasttwoorthreeyears.But
shewasfacingadrasticreductioninhercapital,duetoherbadbusinessdecisions.Andtherewas

somethingelse,somethingmoreworrying,thatshedidn’tdarethinkaboutrightnow.
“Ididn’tmeanwhatIsaid!”shecalledthroughthedoor.“I’msorry!”
“You’realwayssorry,”Keelyrepliedtightly.
“No.ThistimeI’mreallysorry!”
Therewasahesitation.Keelystartedtoweaken.Thensherememberedhermother ’strackrecordand
keptquiet.
“Ican’tcook!”Ellayelledthroughthedooraminutelater.“I’llstarvetodeathifyouleave!”
“Buyarestaurant,”wasKeely’sdryretort.
Withwhat,Ellawasthinking,butKeely’slightwentoff.Shestoodthere,weaving,herminddimmed,
herheartracing.Along,longtimeago,she’dcuddledKeelyinherarmsandsunglullabiestoher.
She’dlovedher.Whathadhappenedtothatsoft,warmfeeling?Haditdied,allthoseyearsago,when
shelearnedthetruthaboutherhusband?Somanysecrets,shethought.Somuchpain.Anditwasstill
here.Nothingstoppedit.
Sheneededanotherdrink.Sheturnedbackdownthehalltowardherownroom.Shecouldpleadher
casewithKeelytomorrow.Therewasplentyoftime.Thegirlcouldn’tleave.Shehadnoplacetogo,
andnomoney.Asforgettingasecondjob,howwouldKeelymanagethatwhensheworkedallhours
forthatvet?Sherelaxed.Keelywouldstay.Ellawassureofit.

Saturdaymorning,Clarkcametopickheruptogoridingwithhimattheranch.
She’ddonethatseveraltimeswithWinnie.Butshe’dneverdoneitwithClark.WinnieandBoone
wereusuallybothhomeontheweekend,butWinnie’sredVWBeetlewasnowhereinsightwhen
ClarkdroveupinfrontofthestableswithKeelybesidehim.
Hegotoutandopenedthedoorforherwithaflourish.Boone,whowassaddlingahorseofhisown
inthebarn,stoppedwiththesaddleinmidairtoglareatthem.
“Oh,dear,”Keelymutteredunderherbreath.
“He’sjustaman,”Clarkremindedher.“Hecankillyou,buthecan’teatyou.”
“Areyousure?”
Boonehadputthesaddlebackonthegroundatthegatethatkepthisfavoritegeldingfromleavinghis
stall.HestalkeddownthebrickaisletowardClarkandKeely,whoactuallymovedbackastepashe
approachedwiththatmeasured,quick,dangeroustread.
Heloomedoverthem,tallereventhanClark,andlookedintimidating.“Ithoughtyouwereflyingto
Dallastoday,”hetoldClark.
Clarkwasintimidatedbyhisoldersiblingandcouldn’thideit.Hetriedtolookdefiant,butheonly
lookedguilty.“I’mgoingMonday,”hesaid,anditsoundedlikeanapology.“IbroughtKeely.She’s
goingridingwithme.”
BoonelookeddownatKeely,whowasstaringatherfeetandmentallykickingherselfforever
agreeingtoClark’sharebrainedscheme.
“Isshe,now?”Boonemusedcoldly.HeglancedatClark.“FetchmeablanketforTankfromthetack
room,willyou?YoucanaskBillytosaddletwohorsesforyouontheway.”
Clarkbrightened.Hisbrothersoundedalmostfriendly.“Sure!”
HegrinnedatKeelyandmovedquicklydowntheaisleofthebarntowardthetackroom,leaving
KeelystrandedwithBoone,wholookedoddlylikealionconfrontedbyathick,juicysteak.
“TellClarkyoudon’twanttogoriding,Keely,”hesaidslowly.“Andaskhimtotakeyouhome.
Rightnow.”
Firsthermother,nowBoone.Shewassotiredofpeopletellingherwhattodo.Shelookedupathim

withwide,darkgreeneyes.“WhydoyoucareifIgoridingwithClark?”sheaskedquietly.“Igo
ridingwithWinnieallthetime.”
“There’sadifference.”
Shefeltthreatened.Thenshefeltinsulted.Shemethisdark,piercingstarewithresignation.“It’s
becausemypeoplearen’trichorsociallyimportant,isn’tit?”sheasked.“It’sbecauseI’mpoor.”
“Anduneducated,”headdedtauntingly.
Herfacecolored.“IhaveadiplomafortheworkIdo,”shestammered.
“You’reaglorifiedgroomer,Keely,”hesaidflatly.“Youholddogsandcatswhilethevettreats
them.”
Herwholebodytautened.“Thatisn’ttrue.Igiveanesthesiaandshots…”
Heheldupahand.“Sparemetheminutedetails,”hesaid,soundingbored.
“Wecan’tallgotoHarvard,youknow,”shemuttered.
“Andsomeofuscan’tevenfacecommunitycollege,”heshotback.“Youhadascholarshipandyou
threwitaway.”
Shefeltsick.“Ascholarshipthatpaidjustfortextbooks,”shecorrected.“Andonlyhalfofthat.How
intheworlddoyouthinkIcouldaffordtopaytuitionandgotoclassesandholddownafull-time
job,allatonce?”
“Youcouldgiveupthejob.”
Shelaughedhollowly.“Mymotherwouldlovethat.Thenshewouldn’tevenhavegroceries.”
Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“Doyoupayrent?”
Herbig,softgreeneyesmethis.“Idoallthehouseworkandallthecookingandcleaningand
shopping.That’smyrent.”
“Whobuysherliquor?”heaskedwithacoldsmile.“Andhersee-throughnegligees?”
Keely’sfacewentscarlet.Hewasinsinuatingsomething.Herstareaskedthequestionwithoutwords.
Hestuckhishandsinthepocketsofhisjeans,pullingthethickfabrictautoverthehard,powerful
musclesofhislegs.“Idroppedbyyourhousetothankyou,belatedly,forgettingBaileytothevetin
timetosavehim,”hesaidcurtly.“Youweren’thome,butshewas.Sheansweredthedoorinasee-
throughnegligeeandinvitedmeinside.”
Theshamewasoverpowering.Sheavertedherface.
“Embarrassed?”hescoffed.“Why?Likemother,likedaughter.I’msureyouwearsimilarthingsfor
Bentley,”headdedwithhoney-drippingsarcasm.
Shecouldn’tmanageareply.Hisopinionofherwaspainful.She’dlovedhimsecretlyforyears,and
hecouldtreatherlikethis.Hewouldn’tevengiveherthebenefitofthedoubt.
Herlackofresponsemadehimangry.Whyitshouldalsomakehimfeelguiltywasaquestionhe
couldn’tanswer.“YoukeepawayfromClark,”hesaidshortly.“Idon’twantyougoingoutwithhim.
Doyouhearme,Keely?”
“It’sjustforaride….”
“Idon’tgiveadamnwhatit’sfor!”hesnapped,watchingherbodytense,hereyesgrowfrightened.
Thatmadehimevenangrier.Hesteppedtowardherandwasinfuriatedwhenshebackedup.“Getout
ofClark’slife.Today!”hetoldherinagoadedundertone.
Shefeltherkneesgoweak.Hewasintimidating.Shecouldn’tevenforcehereyesbackuptohis.She
wassotiredofbeingafraidofeverybody;especiallyofBoone.
Beforehecouldsayanythingelse,Clarkcameupwithablanket.Hewasgrinning.“Billy’sgotthe
horsessaddled.He’sbringingthemrightup!”
BooneglareddownatKeely.“IthinkKeelywantstogohome,”hesaid.

“Youdo?”Clarkexclaimed,surprised.
KeelydrewinaquickbreathandsteppedclosetoClark.“I’dliketogoriding,”shereplied.
ClarkglancedatBoone,whoseeyeswereblackasjet.“What’sgoingon?”heaskedhisbrother.He
frowned.“DoyoureallymindifIjusttakeKeelyriding?”
BooneglaredatKeelyasifhe’dliketoroastheronaspit.Heglaredathisbrother,too.Hislipsmade
athinline.“Oh,hell!”Boonebitoff.“Dowhatyoudamnedwellplease!”
Heturnedandstrodeoutofthebarn,apparentlyoblivioustotheblanketClarkwasholdingoutand
thesaddlehe’dleftsittingatthestallgate.Hislong,quickstrideswereaudibleonthepavedfloor,
echoingdowntheaisle.
ClarkgroundhisteethtogetherashewatchedBoone’sdeparture.“Ihopehedoesn’trunintoanyof
hismenonthewaytowhereverhe’sgoing,”hesaidwithvisiblemisgivings.
“Why?”Keelyasked,relievedthatBoonehadn’tsaidanythingmore.
Suddenlytherewasadistantvoice,asharpcurseandthesoundofwaterbeingsplashed.
“Oh,boy,”Clarksaidheavily.
Keelystareddowntheaisle.Atall,drippingwetcowboycameintothebarn,sloshingwaterashe
walked.Hewaswringingouthisfelthat,muttering.HelookedupandsawKeelyandClarkand
grimaced.
“Whathappenedtoyou,Riley?”Clarkexclaimed.
Thecowboygloweredathim.“IjustmadeacommentabouthowgoodyouandMissKeelylooked
together,”hesaiddefensively.“Boonepickedmeupandtossedmeintothewateringtrough!”
ClarkexchangedaglancewithKeely.Shehadtobiteherliptokeepfromlaughingasthecowboy
passedondowntheaisle,mutteringabouthisfreshlylaunderedclothinghavingtogorightbackinto
thewashingmachine.Heheadedoutthebackdoorofthebarntowardthebunkhousebeyond.
“Poorguy,”Keelysaid.Shelookedup.“Yourbrotherhasaverynastytemper.”
“Yes.”Hedrewinabreath.“Well,itwasn’tasbadasIexpectedittobe,”headded,smiling.“Let’sgo
foranicerideandpretendthatmybrotherlikesyouandcan’twaittowelcomeyouintoourfamily!”
“Optimist,”Keelysaidandgrinned.

Boonewasgonewhentheycamebackfromthelazyridearoundtheranch,butWinniewasjust
puttinghercarintothegarage.ShedroveacutelittleredVolkswagenBeetle,herprideandjoy
becauseshewaspayingforitherself.
Shecameoutofthegaragefrowning.Shedidn’tevennoticeClarkandKeelyatfirst,notuntilshe’d
passedrightbythebarn.
“What’swrongwithyou?”Clarkcalledtoher.
Shestopped,glancedatthemandlookedblank.“What?”
“Isaid,what’swrongwithyou?”ClarkrepeatedasheandKeelyjoinedhissisternearthecorral.
“Baddayatwork?”Keelyaskedsympathetically.
Winniewastight-mouthed.“IhadalittleupsetwithKilraven,”shemuttered.
Keely’seyebrowsarched.“Whatsortofupset?”
Winniegrimaced.“Ididn’tmentiontheten-thirty-twoinvolvedinaten-sixteenphysical,”shesaid,
describingapossibleweaponinvolvedinadomesticdispute.“Thecallersaidherhusbandwasdrunk,
hadbeatenherupinfrontofthekidsandwasholdingapistoltoherhead.ThephonewentdeadandI
dispatchedKilraven.I’djustmanagedtogetthecallerbackonthephoneandIwaslisteningtoher
whileIgavehimtheinformation,andthecallerwashysterical,soIgotrattledanddidn’ttellhim
aboutthegun.WhenhegottotheaddressIgavehim,hehada.45caliberColtautomaticshovedinto

hisface.”
Keelygasped.“Washeshot?”
“Nothankstome,hewasn’t,”Winniesaidmiserably.“Iwasalsosupposedtoputoutaten-three,ten-
thirty-three,callingforradiosilencewhilehewentintothehouse.Imessedupeverything.Itwasmy
firstshiftworkingallalonewithoutmyinstructor,andIjustblewit!MysupervisorsaidIcouldhave
gottensomeonekilled,andshewasright.”Sheburstintotears.“Kilravencalledforbackupandtalked
themanoutofthegun,Godknowshow.Afterthemanwasincustodyonthewaytothedetention
center,KilravencalledmeonhiscellphoneandsaidthatifIeversenthimonacallagainandleftout
vitaldetailsofthedisturbance,he’dhavemefired.”
Keelyhuggedher,mutteringsympatheticthings,whileClarkpattedherontheshoulderandsaidthat
itwouldallblowover.
Winnieblewhernoseandwipedhereyes.“I’mgoingtoputinmyresignationatthepolicestation
andat911dispatchandcomehome,”shesobbed.“I’mamenace!KilravensaidIwastakingupjobs
thatsomeotherwomanneededdesperately,anyway.Hesaidrichwomenwhogotboredshouldfind
someotherwaytoentertainthemselves!”
“That’sharsh,”Clarkmuttered.“I’llhaveatalkwithhim.”
Winnielookedupathersweetbrotherthroughtear-filledeyes.“Areyoukidding?Kilravenmakes
Boonelookcivilized!”
“Well,wecouldaskBoonetospeaktohim,”Clarkcompromised.
JustasWinniewasstartingtoanswerhim,aJacobsvillepolicecarcameflyingupthelongdriveway
andskiddedtoahaltinfrontofthebarn.Atall,black-haired,powerful-lookingpolicemangotout
andstalkedtowardthem.
“Uh-oh,”Winniewhispered,goingpale.
“Whoisthat?”Clarkasked.
Winnietookabreath.“Kilraven,”shesaidheavily.

ChapterFour
Winnielookedlikeaprofessionalmourner.Herlong,wavyblondhairwasruffledbythewindand
herdarkeyeswereredfromcrying.
“It’sallright,”shesaid,tryingtodeflecttroubleasKilravencametoastop,toweringoverher.“You
didn’tneedtocomeallthewayoutheretotellmeI’mfired.I’mgoingtoputinmyresignationfirst
thingtomorrowmorning.”
Heproppedhishandonhisholsteredgunandstareddownatherwithglitteringsilvereyes.“Who
askedyoutoquit?”
“YousaidIshould,”sheaccused,anddabbedatnewtears.“YousaidIneededtoleavelaw
enforcementtopeoplewhowerequalifiedtoworkinit.”
Thetallmangrimaced.Thetearswerereal.He’dbeenbrowbeatenintocomingoutherebyhisboss,
JacobsvillePoliceChiefCashGrier,protestingallthewaybecausehethoughtWinniewasputtingon
anactforsympathy.Butthiswasnoact.Hisragedissolvedliketearsonhotpavement.
“Icouldhavegottenyoukilled,”Winnietoldhim,red-eyed,andstartedcryingalloveragain.“That
manheldapistoltoyourhead!”
Kilraven’sperfectteethclenched.“Itwasn’tloaded.”
Winniestaredathimthroughamist.“What?”
“Itwasn’tloaded,”Kilravenrepeated.“Hewastoodrunktorealizetheclipwasmissing.”
“Wouldn’ttherestillbeonebulletchambered?”Winnieasked.
Kilravenshrugged.“Didn’tmatter.”
Winniefrowned.“Itdidn’tmatter?Why?”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Hecouldn’trememberhowtogetthesafetyoff.”
Winniewasjustlookingathimnow,notsayinganything.
“Butitcouldhaveendedintragedy,”Kilravencontinuedquietly.“Imean,ifhe’dmanagedtoactually
firethedamnedthing…”Helefttherestunsaid.
Winnieblewhernoseandwipedhereyesagain.“Iknow.”
“Theystuckyouinthatdispatchjobwithnorealtraining,”hemuttered.“Anybigcity911staffgoes
throughatrainingprogram.Well,JacobsCountyhasone,too,”heconceded.“Butthedirectorthought
youwerejustplayingaround,thatyouweren’treallyseriousaboutworkinginthe911centersince
youworkedfull-timeforusinthepolicedepartment.Sohejuststuckyouinasanassistanttooneof
theregularsandletyougetonwithit.Hethoughtyou’dfoldafterafewdays,thatyouonlytookthe
jobbecauseyouwereboredwithbeingathome,andthatyouthoughtworkingforthepoliceand
emergencydispatchwasentertainment.IhadalongtalkwiththedirectorbeforeIcamehere.”
“Youdid?”Winniewasfascinated.Shehesitated.“Youdidn’t…hithimoranything?”
“Idonothitpeople,”thetallofficerrepliedhaughtily.
“That’snotwhatHarleyFowlersays,”Keelymurmuredunderherbreath.
Kilravenglaredather.“Thatguypulledaknifeonmeandthreatenedtocutoffmy…well,nevermind
whathethreatened,hewaslungingatmewithit.Itwashithimorshoothim.”
“Howmanypinsdidtheyhavetoputinhisjaw?”Keelywonderedaloud.
“Itwasbetterthanhavingtohaveabulletdugout,”Kilravenprotested.“AndIshouldknow.I’vehad
threebulletsdugout,overtheyears,alongwithvariousbitsofshrapnel,andI’mwearingtwosteel
pins,aswell.Thepinshurtless.”
Winniewasstudyinghimcuriously.
“I’mnottellingyouwheretheyare,”Kilravensaid.“Andshameonyouforwhatyou’rethinking!”
Winnieflushed.“Youdon’tknow!”

“ThehellIdon’t,”hehuffed.“Mygreat-grandfatherwasafullfledgedshamanwhocouldread
minds.”
“That’snotwhatHarleyFowlersayshewas,”Keelyinterrupted.
Hegaveheranexasperatedglance.“WhatdoesHarleyFowlerknowaboutme?I’veneverevenmet
theman!”
“Hedoesn’tknowyou,butheplayspokerwithGaronGrier,whoworkswithJonBlackhawk,who’s
yourhalfbrother,”Keelyexplained.
“DamntheFBI!”Kilravencursed.
“Harleydoesn’tbelongtotheFBI,”Winniepointedout.
“Garonandmybrotherdo,”Kilravensaid.“Andtheycanstoptellingpeopleliesaboutmeandmy
family.”
“Jonisyourfamily,”Winniereplied.“AndHarleydidn’ttelllies,hesaidyourgreat-grandfathergot
madatalocalsheriffandsmearedhimwithfreshmeatandshovedhimheadfirstintoawolfden.”
“Well,thewolfdenwasemptyatthetime,”Kilravendefendedhisancestor.
“Yes,butyourgreat-grandfatherdidn’tknowthat.”Keelylaughed.
Kilravenmadeafaceather.“Youdidn’tgetthatfromHarleyFowler,yougotitfromBentleyRydel.”
Keelyblushed.
Kilraventhrewuphishands.“Youtakeyourdogtoavetandexpecthimtosticktomedicine,instead
ofwhichhepumpsyouforpersonalinformationandthentellsthewholecommunity!”
“Youdon’tgettojointhefamilyunlessweknoweverythingaboutyou,”Clarkpointedout.
Kilravenscowled.“Whatfamily?”heaskedsuspiciously,andglancedatWinnie,whoblushedas
warmlyasKeelyhad.
“TheJacobsvillefamily,”Clarkreturned.“We’renotatown.We’reabigextendedfamily.”
“Youdon’tliveinJacobsville,youliveinComancheWells,”Kilravenretorted.
“It’sanextensionofJacobsville,andyou’reavoidingtheissue,”Clarksaidwithagrin.
Kilraven’swide,sexymouthpulledupintoafaintsnarl.“I’mleaving.Idon’twanttobepartofa
family.”
“Withthatattitude,Iwouldn’tworryaboutit,”Winniesaidunderherbreath.
Hepausedtolookdownather.“Yourdirectorwilltalktoyouinthemorningaboutsomemore
training.He’sgoingtodoitpersonally.Idon’twantyoufired.Neitherdoanyoftheotherlaw
enforcementandrescuepersonnel.You’vegotarealknackforthejob.”
Kilraventurnedonhisheelandstalkedoffbacktohispatrolcar.Hegotinunderthewheel,coaxed
theengineintoaroarandshotoutofthedrivewaywithoutaglance,awaveoranythingelse.
“Well,he’ssortofnice,”Clarkhadtoadmit.
“He’ssortofscary,too,”Keelysaid,watchingWinnie.
Winniewassmilingthroughhertears.“MaybeI’mnotalostcause,afterall.”
Keelyhuggedher.“Definitelynotalostcause,”shelaughed.
“Well,IguessI’llgoinsideandfindsomethingtoeat…”Shestopped,hergazemovingfromClark
toKeely.“Whatareyoutwodoingtogether?”
“DrivingBoonemad,”Clarksaid,andhegrinned.
“Wouldyouliketoexplainhow?”hissisterasked.
“IinvitedKeelyovertoridehorseswithme,andBoonewasinthebarnwhenwedroveuptogether.”
“Sothat’swhy,”Winniebeganthoughtfully.
“Why,what?”Keelywantedtoknow.
“WhymybrotherwassittingontheshoulderoftheroadinhiscarwithaTexasDepartmentofPublic

Safetycarflashingitslightsbehindhim,withatroopersittinginsiderunningwantsandwarrants.”
“Howdoyouknowwhathewasdoing?”Keelyasked.
“BecauseIruntagsallthetimeatworkforthetroopersandthelocalpolice,”shereplied.
“WhatwasBoonedoing?”Clarkaskedhesitantly.
Winniechuckled.“Teachingthetroopernewwords,fromthelookofit.Ididn’tdarestoptoask.”
“Oh,dear,”Keelysaid,glancingatClark.
“Stopthat,”Clarksaidfirmly.“It’snoneofBoone’sbusinessifIwanttoaskyouoverheretogo
ridingwithme.”
“Itshouldn’tbe,”Winnietoldherbrother.“Buthe’llmakeithisbusiness.HethinksKeely’stoo
youngtogooutwithmen.Anymen.”
Clark’seyespopped.“She’salmosttwentyyearsold!”
“Well,ofcoursesheis,”Winniesaidgently.“ButnottoBoone.Tohim,she’sstillinpigtailstryingto
teachherdoghowtofetchnewspapers.”
“Don’tdigthatup,”Keelymoaned.
“Thatwaswhenyourfolksrentedthatplacedowntheroadwhileyourhousewasbeingremodeled.
You’dhavebeenabouteleven.Thatdogwasverygoodatfetchingnewspapers,”Winniereplied.“It
wasjustthatitwaseasierforhimtobringyouBoone’spaperfromourfrontporchthanitwasto
fetchyoursoutofthepaperboxattheendofyourdriveway.”
“Booneyelledatme,”Keelyrecalledwithashudder.
“Booneyellsateverybody,”Winnieremindedher.
“Almosteverybody,”Clarkqualified.
Keely’seyebrowsarched.“Almost?”
“Itdidn’tworkwhenheyelledatBentleyRydel,didit?”Hechuckled.“Winnietoldme,”headded
whenKeelylookedpuzzled.
“Bentleyisn’tafraidofanybody,”Keelyagreed,smiling.“He’sbeengoodtome.”
“I’dthinkhehadacrushonyou,exceptforhisage,”Clarksaid.“He’sevenolderthanBoone.”
“Iguessheis,atthat,”Keelysaid.
“Wantsomelunch?”Winnieaskedthemafteramomentofsilence.“We’llhavetogetitourselves,
becauseourMrs.Johnstonisofftoday,butIcanmakeasaladandKeelycanmakerealbread.”
“I’dlovehomemadebread,”Clarksighed.“ThelunchroomladiesusedtomakeitatschoolwhenI
wasakid.”
“Wouldyoumind?”Winnieaskedherbestfriend.
Keelysmiled.“Notatall.Ilovetocook.”
Itwouldalsogiveheranexcusenottohavetogohomeforawhile.Hermotherwouldbegettingup
prettysoon,hungoverasusualanddrivingKeelynuts.Withalittleluck,maybeCarlywouldcome
overandtakeEllaoutpartying,sinceitwasSaturday.ItwouldgiveKeelyalovelyquietnightathome
aloneifshedidn’tgetcalledout;somethingsherarelyexperienced.

Thethreeofthemworkedinacompanionablesilencewhiletheywhippedtogetheralightlunch.
Keelytookalittleofthedoughshewasusingforrollsandaddedrealbutter,pecans,cinnamonand
sugarandmadecinnamonbunsfordessert.
Winnie’spastasaladhadtimetochillwhilethedoughsatrising.Withinanhour,Keelyhadfresh
breadonthetableandcinnamonbunscookingintheovenwhiletheyatetheirwaythroughpastaand
freshfruit.
Inthemiddleoftheimpromptufeast,Boonewalkedin.Hestoppedinthedoorway,hisnostrils

flaring.
“Ismellfreshbread,”heremarked,scowling.“Wherethehelldidyougetfreshbread?Istherea
bakeryintownthatIdon’tknowabout?”
“Keelymadeit,”Clarkmumbled,workinghiswaythroughathirdyeastrollliberallyspreadwith
butter.“Mmmm!”headded,closinghiseyesandgroaningatthedelicioustaste.
“Didyougetaticket?”Winnieasked,tryingtodiverthimfromthepenetratingglancehewasaiming
atKeely,whosquirmedinherchair.
“Ticketforwhat?”Booneasked,digginginthechinacabinetforaplate.
“Speeding,”shereplied.
Heputhisplateonthetableandfetchedsilverwareandanapkin.Hepouredhimselfacupofcoffee
fromthepotandsatdownwiththeotherthree.Keely’sheartwasalreadydoingovertime,andshehad
toworkatactingnormalwhileBoonewassoclose.
“Igotawarning,”hesaidtautly.
“MyfriendNoraisthecountydeputyclerkofcourt,”sheremindedhim.“Ifyougetaspeedingticket,
itwillgothroughherofficeandshe’lltellme.”
Hismouthtwitched.“Igotasmallticket.”
“There’sonlyonesize,”shesaid.
Heignoredher.Hereachedforaroll,buttereditandtookabite.Heworethesameexpressionthat
wasdominatingClark’sface.Freshrollswereatreat.Theircook,Mrs.Johnston,couldn’tmake
bread,althoughshewasagreatcookotherwise.
“There’ssomesaladleft,”Winniecommented,pushingthebowltowardhim.
“Wheredidyoulearntomakerolls?”heaskedKeely,andseemedreallyinterestedinheranswer.
“WhenIlivedwithmyfather,heranabiggamepark.Oneofhistemporaryworkershadbeeninthe
militaryandtraveledallovertheworld,”sherecalled.“Hewasagourmetchef.Hetaughtmetomake
breadandFrenchpastrieswhenIwastwelveyearsold.”
“Whatsortofanimalsdidyourfatherhave?”Boonepersisted.
“Theusualones,”shesaid,withoutmeetinghiseyes.“Giraffe,lions,monkeysandoneelephant.”
“Africanlions?”
Shenodded.“Andonemountainlion,”sheadded.Noonenoticedthatherfingers,holdingherfork,
wentwhite.
“Theyhavemeantempers,”Boonesaid.“Oneofmyranchhandshadtotrackonedownandkillit
whenheworkedoverinArizonasomeyearsago.Itwasbringingdowncattle.Hesaiditkilledoneof
histrackingdogsbeforehecouldgetaclearshotatit.”
“Theytendtobevicious,likemostwildanimals,”sheagreed.“They’renotmalicious,youknow.
They’rejustwildanimals.Theydowhattheydo.”
“Whatwasyourjobatawildgamepark?”Boonemurmured.
“Ifedtheanimalsandwateredthemandmadesurethegateswerelockedatnightsotheycouldn’tget
out,”shesaid.
Hefinishedhisrollandfolloweditwithsipsofblackcoffee.“Notasmartjobforatwelve-year-old
kid,”heremarked.
“ItwasjustDadandme,”shesaid,“exceptforoldBarney,andhewascrippled.He’dhuntedalion
whobecameaman-killerinAfricaanditfoughtback.Helostanarmandafoottoit.”
“Didhekeepthepeltwhenhekilledit?”Booneasked.
Shesmiledfaintly.“Hemadearugoutofitandsleptoniteverynight.Whenheleftus,hewasstill
carryingitaround.”

“Therollsweregood,”Boonesaidunexpectedly.
“Thanks,”Keelyrepliedshyly.
“Youcouldgetajobcooking,”hepointedout.
Shefrowned.“WhywouldIwanttogiveupworkingforBentley?”
Hispleasantexpressionwentintoeclipse.“Godknows.”
Winniegaveherbrotherapiercinglook.Heignoredit.Hestudiedherfaceandfrowned.“You’ve
beencrying,”hesaidabruptly.“Why?”
Shepaled.Shedidn’twanttotalkaboutit.
“Why?”hepersisted.
Sheknewitwasuselesstotrytohideitfromhim.Someonewouldtellhim,anyway.
“IalmostgotKilravenkilled,”sheconfessed,puttingdownherfork.
“How?”
“Igotrattledandforgottowarnhimthatthemaninvolvedinadomesticdisputewasarmed,”shesaid
quietly.“LuckilyforKilraven,theclipwasmissingandthemancouldn’tfigureouthowtogetthe
safetyoff.”
“Luckilyfortheman,”Clarkelaborateddryly.“Ifhe’dshotKilraven,he’dbeawaitingtrialinthe
hospital.”
“Thatwoulddependonwhereheshothim,”Winniereplied.
“Kilraven’ssteelrightthrough,”Keelyteased.“Nobulletcouldgetthroughthathardshell.”
“She’sright.”Clarkchuckled.“They’dhavetohithimwithabombtomakeadentinhim.”
NoneofthemnoticedthatBoonewassittingrigidly,withhiseyesstaringblindlyintospace.There
wasalookinthemthatanycombatveteranwouldhaverecognizedimmediately.Butnobodyinhis
familyhadeverbeeninthemilitary,exceptforhimself.
Keelydidnotice.SheknewthatBoonehadbeeninthewar,thathe’dbeenafrontline,SpecialForces
soldier.Sheknewthathewasrelivingsometerriblememory.Keelyknewaboutthose,becauseshe
hadherown.Withoutsayingaword,hereyescommunicatedthatknowledgetothetaciturnman
acrossfromher.Hefrownedandavertedhiseyes.
Hefinishedhiscoffeeandgottohisfeet.“I’vegottomakeafewphonecalls,”hemurmured.
“Keelymadecinnamonbuns,”Winniesaid.“Don’tyouwantone?”
Hehesitateduncharacteristically.“Bringmeoneintheoffice,withasecondcupofcoffee,willyou?”
heasked.
“Sure,”Winniesaid.
“No.”HisdarkeyesslidtoKeely.“Youbringit,”hesaid.
Beforeshecouldanswerhim,hestrodeoutoftheroom.
“Well!”Clarksaid,surprised.
“He’sinamoodtobitesomebody,”Winniesaidsolemnly.“Boone’sahorrorwhenthere’sno
audiencetoslowhimdown.IfhedisapprovesofyoudatingClark,he’llmakeyourlifehell.I’lltake
hisdesserttohim.”
“No,”Clarksaid.HelookedatKeely.“Youhavetostopbeingafraidofhimandstanduptohim,”he
toldher.“Thisisagoodtimetostart.”
Keelybecamepale.ShehesitatedandlookedtoWinnietosaveher.
ButWinniehesitated,too.Shefrowned.“MaybeClark’sright,”shesaidafteraminute.“You’reafraid
ofBoone.Heknowsit,andusesitagainstyou.”
Keelybitherlowerlip.“Isupposeyou’reright.I’mawimp.”
“You’renot,”herbestfriendreplied,smiling.“Here’syourchancetoproveit.”

“Withyourshieldoronit,”Clarkintoneddramatically.
Keelygloweredathim.“IamnotaSpartan.”
“AnAmazon,then,”Clarkcompromised,andgrinned.“Gogethim!”
“We’llberighthere,”Winniepromised.“Youcanyellforhelpandwe’llcomerunning.”
Keelyhadherdoubtsaboutthat.WinnieandClarklovedBoone,butneitherofthemhadeverbeena
matchforhistemper.Ifsheyelledforhelp,they’dassumethatBoonewasbristlingandreadyfora
fight,andthey’dbeunderheavypiecesoffurnituretryingnottogetnoticed.Still,theyhadapoint.
Shewasalmosttwentyyearsold.Itwastimeshelearnedtofightback.
Shepouredacupofblackcoffeefromthepotandtookthecinnamonbunsoutoftheoven.Sheput
twoofthemonasaucerandaddedanapkintoherburdens.Sheglancedatheraudience.
Clarkflappedhishandather.
Winniemouthed,“Goon!”
Shewouldhavemadeasmartremark,butherheartwasinherthroat.ItbotheredherthatBoonehad
askedhertobringdesserttohim.ConsideringhisreactiontoherfriendshipwithClark,hehadtobe
uptosomething.

Shetappednervouslyonthedoor.
“Comein,”hecalledcurtly.
Shebalancedthesaucerholdingthecinnamonbunsonthecupofcoffeeandgingerlyopenedhis
officedoor,closingitwithherbackonceshewasinside.
Itwasasmall,intimateroom,withceiling-to-floorbookcasesontwowalls,Frenchwindowsopening
ontoasmallpatio,andafireplacewithgaslogs.Thecarpetwasdeepbeige,thecurtainsechoingthe
earthtones.Butthefurniturewasredleather,asiftheverysedatenessoftheroomcommandeda
touchofcolor.Boonelookedrightathomeinabigredleather-upholsteredchairbehindhis
enormoussolidoakdesk.OverthemantelwasapaintingofBoone’sfather.Itwasaprophecyofwhat
Boonewouldlooklikeinoldage—withsilverhairandadistinguished,commandingexpression.
“Youlooklikehim,”Keelymusedassheputthecoffeeanditsaccompanyingdessertgentlyinabare
spotonthepaper-littereddesktop.Herhandswerecoldandshakingandthecuprattledinthesaucer.
Shehopedhehadn’tnoticed.
“DoI?”Heglancedattheportrait.“HewasaheadshorterthanIam.”
“Youcan’tseeheightinapainting,”shepointedout.
Shedidn’twanttoargue.Shestartedtowardthedoor.
“Comebackhere,”hesaidcurtly.Itwasn’tarequest.
Itwasnowornever.Shetookasteadyingbreathandturned.“Winnie’swaitingforme.”
“Winnie?”heaskedwithacynicalsmile.“OrClark?”
Sheswallowed.Herhandsbegantoshakeagain.Sheclaspedthematherwaisttostillthem.“Bothof
them,”shecompromised.
Heleanedbackinthechair,ignoringthebunsandthecoffee.“YouandClarkhavebeenlikesiblings
foryears.Whythesuddenpassion?”
“Passion?”sheparroted.
“He’sdatingyou.Didn’tyounotice?”heaskedsarcastically.
“Wewenthorsebackriding,”shepointedout.“Therearealotofthingsyoucan’tdoonahorse!”
Hiseyebrowsmadearches.“Really?Whatsortofthings?”
Hewasbaitingher.Sheglaredathim.“Yousaidyouwantedcinnamonbunsandcoffee.Thereitis.”
Shestartedtowardthedooragain.

Incredible,howfasthecouldmove,shethoughtdazedlywhenhewasalreadyatthedoorbeforeshe
reachedit.Shehadtostopsuddenlytokeepfromrunningrightintohistall,powerfulbody.
Heturnedsothatherbackwasagainstthedoor.Hisdarkeyesnarrowedashelookeddownather.She
feltlikeasmall,deliciousanddecidedlyalarmedbunny.
Heknewit.Hesmiledslowlyandhiseyesbegantoglitter.“You’reafraidofme,”hesaidinaslow,
deeptone.
Herhandsspreadbehindheragainstthedoorandshetriedtomeltintoit.Hewasveryclose.She
couldfeeltheheatfromhistall,powerfulbody,smelltheclean,spicyscentofhimasheleaned
closer.
Nowhehadanadvantage,andheknewit.She’ddoneastupidthing,tryingtorun.
“Youaren’tafraidofClarkorBentley,though,areyou?”hepersisted.
“They’renicepeople.”
Hemadeashort,roughsounddeepinhisthroat.“AndI’mnot?”
Shedraggedinaraggedbreath.Hereyeswouldonlygoashighashistopshirtbutton,whichwas
unfastened.Thick,blackcurlinghairpeekedoutfromunderit.Shewonderediftherewasmore
acrosshisbroad,muscularchestunderthefabric.Henevertookhisshirtoff,orevenopeneditpast
thattopbutton.Shewascurious.Herthoughtssurprisedher.Shehadn’tthoughtthatwayaboutaman
inalongtime.
Herecognizedherfearforwhatitwas.Oneleanhandcameuptohercheekandbrushedbackstrands
ofsoftblondhair,thegesturesensuousenoughtomakehershiver.Shecouldn’thideherreactionto
him.Shedidn’thavetheexperience.
Pressinghisadvantage,hebentandbrushedhisnoselazilyagainsthersinanodd,intimatelittle
caressthatmadeherbreathstopinherthroat.
“Yousmelloflilacs,”hewhispered.“It’sascentIneverconnectwithanyotherwoman.”
“It’sonlyshampoo,”sheblurtedout.Shewasshyandnervous.Shedidn’tunderstandwhathewas
doing.Wasthisapass?Shecouldn’trememberamanevertreatingherlikethis.
“Isit?”Heshifted,justalittle,butenoughtobringhislonglegsincontactwithhers,inanintimacy
she’dneversharedwithaman.
Instinctivelyhersmallhandswenttohischestandpushedonce,jerkily.
Hepulledbackfromherwitharoughword.Hiseyeswereblazingwhenhelookeddownather.“Did
youthinkIwasmakingapassatyou?”hechallengedtightly.“You’dbelucky!Idon’twastemytime
onchildren.”
Shewasshivering.Hiswholeposturewasthreatening,andhelookedmurderous.
“Hell!”heburstout,furiousathisownweaknessandhercoldreactiontoit.Shewasjustalittleicicle.
Herlowerliptrembled.Hewasscarylikethat.Shestillconnectedangerwithphysicalviolence,
thankstoafriendofherfather ’s.Shecringedinvoluntarilywhenheliftedhishand.
Herblatantfearputaquickcaponhistemper.Hestoppedforamoment,puzzled.Whathewas
learningabouther,withoutawordbeingspoken,fascinatedhim.Shereallywasafraidofhim.Not
onlyofhisardor,buthistemper,aswell.Shethoughthewasraisinghishandtostrikeher.Which
posedaworryingquestion.Hadsomemanhitherinthepast?
“Iwasgoingtoopenthedoor,Keely,”hesaidinatotallydifferenttone,theoneheusedwith
children.“Idon’thitwomen.That’sacoward’sway.”
Sheforcedhereyesuptohis.Shecouldn’ttellhim.Shekeptsomanysecrets.Therewerenightmares
inherpast.
Hefrowned.Hisfingerswenttohercheekanddrewdownitwithanoddtenderness.Theymovedto

hersoftmouthandtracedit,andthenliftedtosmoothbackherhair.
“Whathappenedtoyou?”heaskedinthesoftesttonehe’deverusedwithher.
Shemethiseyesevenly.“Whathappenedtoyou?”shecounteredinavoicethatwasbarelylouder
thanawhispertodiverthim.
“Me?”
Shenodded.“WhenClarkwastalkingaboutbombs,yougotallquietandyoureyeswereterrible.”
Theexpressiononhisfacewentfromtendertoindifferent,inseconds.Hewasshuttingherout.
“You’dbettergobacktotheothers,”hesaid.Heopenedthedoorforherandstoodaside,waitingfor
hertoleave.
Shewentthroughithesitantly,asthoughtherewassomethingunfinishedbetweenthem.
“Thanksforthecoffeeanddessert,”hesaidtautly,andclosedthedoorbeforeshecouldsayanother
word.

ChapterFive
Boonecameoutoftheofficeanhourlaterandleftwithoutsayingaword.KeelyandWinnieand
Clarkwatchedanewmovieonpay-per-viewandthensharedapizzabeforeClarkdroveKeelyhome.
Boonestillhadn’tcomeback.
Keelydidn’toftengetpremonitions,butshehadonenow.Itwasgettingdarkandwhentheydroveup
attheWelshhouse,twothingsregisteredatonce.TherewerenolightsoninthehouseandaJacobs
CountyDeputySheriff’scarwassittinginthedriveway.
“Oh,dear,”Keelymurmuredfearfully,grabbingatthedoorhandle.
Clark,concerned,gotoutofhiscarandwalkedwithhertothedeputy,whogotoutofhiscarwhen
Keelyapproached.
“Sorry,ma’am,”hetoldherwithaquietdemeanor,“butwecouldn’tcontactyoubyphoneand
there’s,well,there’ssortofanemergency.”
“Something’shappenedtomymother?”Keelyaskednervously.
“Notexactly.”Thedeputy,akindman,grimaced.“She’soveratShea’sRoadhouse,”headded,
namingasometimesnotoriousbarontheVictoriaroad.“She’sverydrunk,she’sbreakingbottlesand
sherefusestoleave.We’dlikeyoutocomewithusandseeifyoucangethertogohomebefore
we’reforcedtoarresther.”He,likemostofJacobsCounty,knewthatElla’sfortuneshaddwindled,
evenifKeelydidn’t.Keelylikelywouldn’thaveenoughmoneytobailEllaoutofjail.
“I’llcomerightnow,”Keelyagreed.
“I’lldriveyouandhelpyougetherhome,”Clarksaidatoncewithoutbeingasked.
Shesmiledatthedeputy.“Thanks.”
Heshrugged.“Iusedtohavetodragmyoldmanoutofbars,”hesaid.“It’swhyIwentintolaw
enforcementwhenIgrewup.I’llfollowyououtthere,incasethere’sanymoretrouble.”
“Thanks.”
“Itgoeswiththejob,butyou’rewelcome.”

WhentheygottoShea’s,Ellawasscreamingbloodymurderandholdinganemptywhiskeybottle
overherheadwhilethebartendercrouchedinacorner.
“Forgoodness’sake!”Keelyexclaimed,walkinguptohermotherwithClarkandthedeputyclose
behind.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Ellarecognizedherdaughterandslowlyputthebottleonthebar.Sheshivered.“Keely.”Inarare
showofemotion,shecaughtherdaughteraroundtheneck,huggedherandheldonfordearlife.
“Whatwillwedo?”shesobbed.“Oh,Keely,whatwillwedo?”
“Aboutwhat?”Keelyasked,shockedattheolderwoman’sbehavior.Shewasneveraffectionate.
“Allmyfault,”Ellamumbled.“Allmyfault.IfI’dtoldwhatIknew…”
Beforeshecouldelaborateonthatcrypticremark,shebegantocollapse.
“Help!”Keelycalled.
ThedeputyandClarkgotonbothsidesoftheolderwomanandheldherup.
“Doyouwanttopresscharges?”thedeputyaskedthebartender.
Themanlookedtorn.ButKeely’sfacedecidedhim.“Notifshe’llagreetopayforthedamages.”
“Ofcoursewewill,”Keelyreplied,unawareofhermother ’sfinancialstatus.
“WhereintheworldisTiny?”thedeputyaskedthebartender,becausetheirbouncerusuallyprevented
troublelikethis.
“He’shavingkneereplacementsurgery,”heconfided.“Oneofourmorevolatilecustomerskicked
himinthelegandputhimoutofcommission.Weusuallyhaveareliefbouncer,butwecan’tfindone.

NobodyexceptTinywantsthejob.”
“Ifyougetintrouble,allyouhavetodoiscallus,”thedeputytoldhim.
“Iknowthat.Thanks.”Thebartenderhesitated,frowning,asifhewantedtosaymore,butheglanced
worriedlyatKeely.
Thedeputywasaveteranoflawenforcement.Heknewthemanwantedtotellhimsomething.“I’ll
helpthemgetMrs.Welshtothecar,thenI’llcomebackandgetalistofthedamages,”hepromised,
andsawthebartenderrelaxalittle.
“Okay,”hesaid.

KeelyfollowedthedeputyandClark,withhermother,outtoClark’scar.
“Doyouhaveablanketorsomething,incaseshegetssick?”Keelyaskedworriedly.Itwouldbe
terribleifhermotherthrewupinthatluxuriousbackseat.
Clarkpoppedthetrunklidandpulledoutabigcomforter,throwingitoverthebackseat.“Ikeepitin
caseIhavetocarryBaileysomewhere,”heconfessed.“Hedoesn’tliketorideinthecar.”
TheygotElladownontheseatandclosedthedoor.Afteracoupleofwordswiththedeputy,they
wentbacktotheWelshplaceandbundledEllaintothehouseandontoherbed.Keelywascarefulto
useherrightarmintheprocess.Theleftonewastooweakandfragileforlifting.
“It’slikedeadweight,”Clarkcommentedwhenthey’dplacedher.
“Sheusuallyis,”Keelyreplied,breathless.Shefrownedatthepronesightofhermother,whowas
stillwearingslacksandablouseandsweaterandshoes.She’dtakethoseofflater,whenClarkleft.“I
justwonderwhatsetheroff?Shedoesn’tevergotobarsexceptwithCarly,andshedoesn’tusually
getthisdrunkeventhen.”
“Notelling,”Clarksaid.“Well,I’llgethome,”headded,smiling.“Thanksforeverything,Keely.”
Shesmiled.“Thankyou.”
“I’llcallyou.”
Shewavedashedroveaway.Itwasalreadydark.Shewentbackinside,stillpuzzledaboutElla’s
condition.

Butthereweremorepuzzlestocome.She’dtuggedoffhermother ’sshoesandthrownacoverlet
overher.UndressinganunconsciouspersonwasheavyworkandKeely’sshoulderwasalready
aching.
ShewaswatchingthenewsontheirsmallcolorTVwhiledoingaloadofclotheswhentherewasa
knockatthedoor.
MostSaturdaynights,therewasanemergencyatworkandshewascalledintoassist.Butthephone
hadn’trung.Thereweren’tevenanymessages,exceptforanoddcallwithnothingbutstaticandthen
aclick.ShewonderedifBentleyhaddrivenovertocollectherforanemergency.
Whensheopenedthedoor,itwasanothersurprise.SheriffHayesCarsonwasstandingonherfront
porch.Hewasn’tsmiling.
“Hi,Keely,”hesaid.“MindifIcomein?”
“Ofcoursenot.”Sheheldthedoorwidesothathecouldenter.HewasaheadtallerthanKeely,with
brown-streakedblondhairthathadastubbornwaverightoverhislefteyebrow.Hehaddarkeyesthat
seemedtoseerightthroughpeople.Inhismidthirties,hewasstillaconfirmedbachelor,and
consideredquiteacatch.ButKeelyknewhehadn’tcomecallinginthemiddleofthenightbecausehe
foundherirresistible.
Shewenttoturnthetelevisiondown,andmotionedhimintoachair.Sheperchedontheedgeofthe

sofa.
“Ifit’saboutthebartonight,”shebeganworriedly.
“No,”hesaidgently.“Notquite.Keely,haveyouheardfromyourfatherlately?”
Shewasstunned.Itwasn’tthequestionshe’danticipated.“No,”shestammered.“Ihaven’thearda
wordfromhimsincehedroppedmeoffherewhenIwasaboutthirteen,”sheadded.“Why?”
Heseemedtobeconsideringhisoptions.Heleanedforward.“Youknewhe’dfallenintosomebad
companybeforeyouleft?”
“Yes,”shesaid,andshuddered.“Oneofhisnewfriendsslappedmearoundandleftbruises,”she
recalled.She’dnevertoldthattoanyoneelse.“Ithinkitwasthemainreasonhebroughtmebackto
mymother.”
Hayes’ssensuousmouthmadeathinline.“Pityhewasn’tlivinginJacobsCountyatthetime,”he
muttered.
Keelyknewwhathemeant.She’dheardthatHayeswashellonwoman-beaters.“Itis,isn’tit?”she
agreed.“Ismyfatherinsomesortoftrouble?”
“Wethinkheneedsmoney.Hemaygetintouchwithyouoryourmother.Thisisimportant,Keely.If
hedoes,youneedtocallmerightaway.”Hewassolemnashespoke.“Youcouldbothbeinterrible
danger.”
“Frommyownfather?”sheasked,agape.
Hewashesitant.“He’snotthefatheryouremember.Notanymore.”
Heneverhadbeenthefathershe’dwanted,sherecalled,evenifshe’dtriedtogivehimthelovea
fatherwasduefromhisdaughter.Shecouldremembertimeswhenshewassickandherfatherlefther
alone,goingoutatoddhoursandstayinggone,sometimesfortwodaysatatime,whileKeelyand
thehiredhelpkeptthegameparkgoing.Atthelast,hisdrinkingandhisviolentfriendsworried
Keelymorethanshe’deveradmitted.
“Ishemixedupinsomethingillegal,SheriffCarson?”sheaskedworriedly.
Hisfacewasaclosedbook,revealingnothing.“He’sgotfriendswhoare,”hesaid,sharingwitha
littleofthetruth.“They’repushinghimformoneythathedoesn’thave,andtheywantitverybadly.
Wethinkhemayhavetriedtocontactyourmother.”
“Whywouldyouthinkthat?”sheaskedslowly.
Hesighed.“ThebartenderatShea’ssaidshewasyellingthatherhusbandwasgoingtokillherifshe
didn’tbuyhimoff,andshewasbroke.”
Herheartskipped.“Broke?Shesaidshewasbroke?”sheexclaimed.“Butsheownsproperty,shegets
rent—”
Hehatedbeingtheonewhohadtotellherthis.Hegroundhisteeth.“She’ssoldalltheproperty,
Keely,probablytopayherbarbills,”hesaidheavily.“OneoftheRealtorswhowasatthebaratthe
timementionedittome.There’snothingleft.She’sprobablydrainedhersavings,aswell.”
Keelyfeltsick.Shesankdownintothesofaandfeltwoundedalloveragain.NowonderElladidn’t
wanthertoleave.Hermothercouldn’taffordtohiresomeonetoreplaceherfordomesticwork.
“I’msorry,”Hayessaidgenuinely.
“No,it’sallright,”shereplied,forcingasmile.“Ididwonder.Sheletthingsslipfromtimetotime.”
Hergreeneyesweretroubled.Herownsmallsalarybarelyallowedhertoownanancientusedcar
andbuygastogettowork,muchlesspayforutilitiesandupkeep.WhatHayeshadtoldherwas
terrifying.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”sheasked,surmisingwhyhe’dcome.
“Iwantyoutotellmeifyouhearanythingfromoraboutyourfather,”hesaidgently.“There’salotat
stakehere.IwishIcouldtellyouwhatIknow,butIcan’t.”

Keelyrecalledthatherfather ’sfriendhadapolicerecord.He’dbraggedwhenheslappedherthat
he’dkilledawomanforlessthanKeelyhaddone,talkingbacktohim.
Shefrowned.“JustbeforeIcametoJacobsville,”sherecalled,“Dad’sfriend,Jock,saidhe’dkilleda
woman.”
“Jock?”HedrewoutaPDAandpulledupascreen.“JockHardin?”
Herheartflipped.“Yes.Hewastheonewhohitme.”
Hefrowned.“Whydidhehityou?”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“Iburnedtherolls.”
Hayescursedroundlyandthenapologized.Heleanedforwardandstaredrightintohereyes.“Didhe
doanythingmorethanhityou?”heasked.
“Hewantedto.”Shecouldn’tsaymore.Jockhadgottenhershirthalfwayoffandthenpushedher
away,revolted.Herpridewouldn’tletheradmitthattoHayes.
“Hewasprevented?”
Shenodded.Hergreeneyeslookedintohis.“Doyouknowwhereheis?Imean,heisn’tgoingto
comehereandmaketroubleforMamaandme,ishe?”
“Idon’tknow,Keely.He’sontherunfromanewcharge,oneheshareswithyourfather.Don’task.I
can’ttellyou,”headdedwhenshestartedtospeak.“Sufficeittosaythatwecanputhimawayforlife
ifwecancatchhim.”
“Andmyfather?”sheproddedgently.
Hebithisfulllowerlip.“He’llprobablygetthesamesentence.I’msorry.He’sdonesomebadthings
sinceheleftyouhere.Someverybadthings.Peoplehavedied.”
Herheartsankrightintohershoes.Sherememberedherfatherlaughing,buyingherapuppyand
takingheraroundwithhiminthegamepark,teasingheraboutheraffectionforthebigmountain
lion,Hilton.Hehadn’tbeenabadmaninthosedays,andhe’dbeenaffectionatewithher,andalways
kind.Themansherememberedatthelasthadbeenverydifferent,withviolentmoodswings.Jock
hadtakenoverhislife.AndKeely’s.She’drealized,belatedly,thatherfatherhadprobablysavedher
lifebybringingherbacktoJacobsville.
“Hewasn’tabadmanwhenwehadthegamepark,”shetoldHayes.“Hehadanicegirlfriendwho
tookmetochurchandheneverteasedmeaboutit.Shewasalsoourbookkeeper.Inthosedays,he
wasreligious,inhisownway.Helovedtheanimals.Theylovedhim,too.Hecouldwalkrightinwith
thetigerandthemountainlionandpetthem.”Shelaughed,remembering.“Theypurred…”Herface
fell.“WhatifJockcomeshere?”sheasked,andshewasreallyafraid.Themanhadterrifiedherfor
weeks.Herfatherhadbeensofaroutofrealitythathehadn’tevenintervened.
Hayes’sfacehardened.“I’lllockhimupsotighthe’llnevergetout,”hepromised.
Sherelaxedalittle.“Hewasvicioustome.”
“Youwereluckyhedidn’tkillyou.”
Shenodded.
“We’llallkeepawatchonyou,”hepromised,risingtohisfeet.“I’veworkeditoutwithmydeputies,
andtheJacobsvillepolicewillincreasepatrolsbyyourofficeatnightwhenyouworklate.Call
dispatchwhenyoustarthomeandletthemknowyou’reontheroad.We’llwatchyourback.”
“Iwill.Thanks,SheriffHayes,”sheaddedwhentheywereatthefrontdoor.
“I’msorryaboutthewaythingsworkedoutforyourfather,”hetoldherabruptly.“Iknowhowitis.
Myonlybrotherwasanaddict.Hediedofanoverdose.”
Shedidknow.Everybodydid.“I’msorry,foryou,too.”
“Keepyourdoorslocked.”

“Iwill.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Shewatchedhimdriveaway.Thenshelockedthedoorandsatdown,heavily,givingwaytotears.

Hermothersoberedupthenextdayandbecameveryquiet.Keelycookedandcleaned,equallysilent.
Neitherofthemmentionedthefinancialsituation.Hermotherwasverywatchfulandshelocked
doors.ButwhenKeelyaskedwhy,shewouldnotreply.
CarlycameoverthenextFridaynighttotakeEllaoutbarcrawling,butEllawassoberanddidn’t
wanttogo.
Theywereinthenextroom,talkingsoftly,butKeelywaslisteningandcouldhearthemabovethesoft
noiseofthedishwasher.
“AreyougoingtotellKeely?”Carlywasasking.
“IsupposeI’llhaveto,”Ellasaidtautly.“Ihopeditwouldnevercometothis,”sheaddedbrokenly.“I
thoughtitwasallover.Iprayedhe’ddie,thathe’dstayawayforever.”
“Iknowhowyoufeel,”Carlysaid.“Butit’stoolateforthat.Youtalkedtothesheriff,didn’tyou?”
“Yes.ItoldhimeverythingIknow.Hesaidhe’dtoldKeelythatsheandImightbeindangerandthat
shehadtotellhimifsheheardfromherfather.”Shehesitated.“Shelovedherfather.Iknowshestill
does,inspiteofeverything.Shemightnottellanybodyifhecalled.”
“Heisn’tthemansheloved,”Carlysaidtightly.“He’dkillherinaheartbeatifshegotinhisway.And
thatJockman,he’dkillanybodywithoutareason.He’sheartless.”
“Yes,”Ellasaid,andshuddered.“HecamewithBrenttobringKeelyhere.Hewouldn’tletBrentout
ofhissightforasecond,andtheydidn’tstaylong.”
“Iremember,”Carlyreplied.“HewasthescariestmanIevermet.Hemademyskincrawlwhenhe
lookedatme.”
“Theycan’tcomebackhere,”Ellasaidforcefully.“Idon’tcarehowmuchtroublethey’rein.Ican’t
givethemmoneyIdon’thave!”Shecoughed.“Hewantedmetosellthehouse!”
“It’sallyou’vegotleft,youcan’tdothat!”
“I’mnotgoingto,”Ellasaid.“Buthethreatened—”
“YoutoldSheriffCarson.They’llallwatchoutforKeely.”
Keelyfeltherheartstop.Hadoneofthementhreatenedher?Surelynotherfather!
“Jockwasinthemilitary,”Ellasaiddully.“Brentsaidhe’dbeeninsometop-secretpacification
program.Heknowshowtotorturepeopleandhelikesit.BrentsaidhestillhadayenforKeely,
despitewhathappenedtoher.”
“Whatdidhemean,whathappenedtoher?”Carlywonderedaloud.
“Idon’tknow.Hewouldn’ttellme.”Therewasalongpause.“Somanysecrets.I’vekeptthemfrom
KeelyandBrent’skeptthemfromme.ApparentlyKeely’skeepingsomeofherown.Somanysecrets.
OhGod,Ineedadrink!”
“Wecan’tgoout,”Carlysaidatonce.“Notnow.”
“Ihadalittlewhiskeyleft,”Ellasaidwistfully.“Idon’tknowwhereitis.”
“You’rebetteroffwithoutit,”Carlysaid.“Youhavetothinkoftheconsequences.Now,ofalltimes,
youneedtothinkclearly!”
Therewasanotherpause.“Yes.IsupposeIdo.”
Keely,herheadfullofwhattheyweresaying,feltnumb.Shedidn’tsayaword.Sheonlysmiledat
Carlywhensheleft,andavoidedbeingalonewithhermother,whowasasquietasachurch.Itwasso

uncharacteristicthatKeelyfeltchilled,asifshe’dsteppedoverherowngrave.

Shedidtry,once,togethermothertoopenupaboutherfather.Ellachangedthesubjectandwentto
watchthenewsontelevision.She’dstarteddoingthateveryday,asifshewerewaitingforsomestory
tobreak.ItmadeKeelynervous.
Clarkcamethenextnight,Saturday,togetherforoneoftheirdates,andhewasglumwhenthey
droveawayfromhermother ’shouse.
“What’swrongwithyou?”Keelyasked.
Heglancedather.“IwantedtodriveusovertoSanAntoniofordinnerandtotakeinaplay.Boone
saidwecouldn’tgo.”Hefrowned,glancingather.“Hesaysyou’reinsomesortoftrouble,andyou
aren’tsupposedtogooutofthecounty.”
Herbreathstoppedinherthroat.HowhadBooneknown?Whatdidheknow?Thensheremembered.
HayesCarsonwashisbestfriend.TheywentouttogethereveryweektoplaypokerwithGaronGrier
andJonBlackhawk,OfficerKilraven’shalfbrother.
“What’sgoingon,Keely?”Clarkasked.“WhatdoesBooneknowthatIdon’t?”
Shegroundherteethtogether.Shedidn’twanttotalkaboutit,butitwouldbenicetogetsomeofher
worriesoffherchest.“MyfatherisinsomesortoftroubleandSheriffCarsonthinksMamaandI
mightbeindanger.Hewantsmoney.Apparentlyhecalledmymotherandthreatenedher.Shewon’t
tellmewhathesaid.”
“GoodLord!”Clarkexclaimed.Heglancedintherearviewmirror.“Wouldthathaveanythingtodo
withwhywe’rebeingfollowed?”
“Followed?”
“Yes.Byasheriff’scarwhenIpickedyouup,andbyaJacobsvillepolicecarnowthatwe’reherein
town.”
KeelyrememberedwhatHayeshadtoldher.Sheclutchedherpurseinherlap.“SheriffCarsonsaid
they’dlookoutforme,”sheconfessed.“TheythinkImightbeindangerifIgooutatnight.”
“Withme?”
“Youcouldbeinthelineoffire,too,Clark,”shesaid,justrealizingit.“Maybeweshouldstopseeing
eachother….”
“No.”Hisvoicewasfirm.“I’mnotgivingupNellie.Thisisagoodplan.We’llworkaroundyour
father.Afterall,athreatisjustathreat.Howishegoingtohurtyouwhenwe’resurroundedby
uniforms?”heasked,grinning.
“Idon’tknow.”
“We’llbeperfectlysafe,”hesaid.“WhenBoonesaidIcouldn’ttakeyoutoSanAntonio,Icalled
Nellieandhadherdrivedownhere.I’llleaveyouatthelocallibrary.Itstaysopenuntilnineo’clock.
Thatwillgivemealittletimewithher,ifyou’regame.You’llbesafeatthelibrary,”headded.
Sheknewthat.Thepolicewouldbeabletowatchherthroughthemanyglasswindowsifshesatata
table.“Okay,”sheagreed.
Hegrinnedather.“You’rethenicestgirlIknow.”
“Thanks,Clark.”
“Imeanit.”Hehesitated.“Youdon’tthinkyourownfatherwouldreallyhurtyou?”headded,
worried.
“Ofcoursenot,”shelied.
“Thatmakesmefeelbetter.”
“WillNelliebesafe,drivingdownherefromSanAntonioandback,aloneatnight?”sheadded,and

shewasconcerned.
“ShedrivesoneofthosehugeSUVs,”hesaid.“Atankcouldn’tdentit.AndshehasacellphonethatI
payfor.Shecancallforhelpifshehasto.”
“Sheseemsverynice,”shereplied.
“She’sthebestthingthat’severhappenedtome,”hemurmured,smilingwistfully.“She’sjust
dynamiteinbed,andwhenIgiveherpresents,sheembarrassesmewiththegratitude.Thediamond
earringsmadehercry.”
ShewonderedifClarkrealizedwhathewasadmitting.Thewomanwastradingsexforexpensive
gifts,andhethoughtitwaslove.Shedidn’t.She’dseenthegreedinNellie’seyeswhenClarkhad
talkedtoherattherestaurant.Menweresodim,shethoughtsadly.EvenBoone,goingoutwiththat
traitorouswomanwho’dlefthiminthelurchwhenhewaswoundedoverseas.He’dtakenherbackin
aheartbeat.
“You’reveryquiet,”Clarkremarked.“Sorry.Ishouldn’thavemadethatremarkaboutNelliebeing
hot.Iguessyouthinkofsexoutsidemarriageasasin.”
“Ido,”sheconfessed.
“Ourdadneverthoughtofitlikethat,”hereturned.“Heenjoyedwomen.Heneverremarried,buthe
sureplayedthefield.Winnie,though,didn’tapproveofhislifestyle.She’salotlikeyou.”Heglanced
ather.“Shedidn’tlikeNellieatall.”Hegrimaced.“IguessNelliedoesn’tappealtowomen,”he
added.“Shehasalotoftroubleatwork.Hercoworkersthinkshegetstoomanytips.Theysayshe
playsonmen’svanityjustsothey’llleaveherbigtips.Ridiculous!”
Itwasn’t,butKeelywasn’tgoingtosayso.Withanyluck,whenClarkspentenoughtimewithhis
prettygirlfriend,he’dlearnthetruthforhimself.IfWinniedidn’tlikethegirl,itmeantsomething.
Winnielovedpeople,andshewasn’tpossessiveaboutherbrothers.
“Youdon’tmindstayingherealone?”heaskedwhenhepulledupinfrontofthelibrary.He’dcalled
Nellieonthewaythere.
Shesmiled.“Ofcoursenot.Gohavefun.”
Hebentandkissedheronthecheek.“You’resweet.I’llmakeituptoyou.Howaboutsomeemerald
earrings?Iknowyouloveemeralds…”
Shefrowned.“Idon’twantanythingfromyou,Clark,”shesaid,puzzled.“You’remyfriend!”
Helookedasifshe’dknockedhiminthehead.“Butyouloveemeralds,”hepersisted.
Shereachedupandkissedhischeek.“IfIwantany,I’llbuythem.Oneday,”sheadded,laughing.
“Isn’tthatNellie?”sheasked,indicatingabiggreenSUVthathadjustpulledupnexttotheminthe
parkinglot.Thewomaninsidewasopenlyglaringatthem.
“Uh-oh.”Clarklaughed.“Shesawyoukissme.She’sterriblyjealous.I’llhavetosweetenherup.”He
pulledajeweler ’sboxoutofhispocket,openeditandshowedittoKeely.Itwasadiamondnecklace.
Areal,glittery,veryexpensivediamondnecklace.“Iaskedherwhatshe’dreallylike,andshesaid
oneofthese.Thinkshe’lllikeit?”
Keelyhadtobitehertongue.“Sure!”
Heclosedthebox.“Itwillputherinagoodmood.”Hechuckled.“I’llbebackinalittlewhile.”
“Okay.”
Shegotoutofthecar.NelliecamearoundtheSUV,lockingitwithherremote.ShegaveKeely,who
waswearingcorduroyslackswithacottonblouseandBerbercoat,asuperiorsortoflook.Nelliewas
wearingadesignerdressandexpensiveshoeswithacoatthatwouldcostKeelyayear ’ssalary—
probablyanothergiftfromClark.Shelookedexpensiveandgreedyandveryjealous.
“Whydidyoukisshim?”sheaskedKeely,keepingherbacktoClark.“Idon’twantyoutouchinghim,

doyouhear?He’sallmine.”
“Inoticed,”Keelysaid,indicatingthecoatanddress.“Boughtandpaidfor?”
“Howdareyou!”Nelliesnapped.
Keelysmiledsweetly.“Onedayhe’llgetalookatthissideofyou,”shewhispered.“Andyou’llbeout
onyourear.”
“ThinkIcare?”Nelliedrawled.“There’salwaysanotherone,aricherone.Besides,menarestupid.”
ShebypassedKeelyandwentrushingintoClark’soutstretchedarms.“Oh,darling,Imissedyouso!”
sheexclaimed,andkissedhimhungrily.Clarkwaseatingitup.
Keelyshookherhead.Shewalkedintothelibrary,thinkingthatP.T.Barnumwasright.Asucker
actuallywasborneveryminute.ShewishedshecouldtellClarkthetruth.Amanthatmuchinlove
wouldn’thearher,orbelieveher,anditwouldruintheirfriendship.Butworsewastocome,she
knew.ShewishedsheandBooneweren’tenemies,soshecouldtellhimwhatwasgoingon.Sheknew
thatshewasgoingtoendup,inevitably,rightinthemiddleofallthetrouble.

ChapterSix
ThelibrarywasoneofKeely’sfavoriteplaces.Shedidn’tgetmuchtimetospendthere,becauseshe
wasusuallyoncallontheweekends.Butthisweekend,theseniorvettechhadunexpectedlyofferedto
takeKeely’splace.Herhusbandwasinthemilitary,andhisunithadbeencalledupforoverseas
deployment.Shewasblueaboutitanddidn’twanttospendsomuchtimealone.Keelysympathized
withher,butwasgladtohavethetimeoff.Orshehadbeen,untilherlifesuddenlybecame
complicated.
Shewasreadingathickbiologytextoncanineanatomywhenashadowfelloverher.Shelookedup,
straightintoBooneSinclair ’sdarkeyes.Herheartraced.Shefumbledwiththebookanditfellonto
thefloor.
Hepickeditupand,glancingatthetitlewithanoddsmile,putitbackonthetable.Hepulledupa
chairandsatdownnexttoher.Here,inthereadingarea,shewasalone.Thelibrarianwasintheback
cataloging,sotheyhadtheroomtothemselves.
“IthoughtyouandClarkhadadate,”hemurmuredsuspiciously.
Shecouldn’tthink.Hewasleaningtowardher,andshecouldsmellthemintyscentofhisbreathon
herface.Shebitherlowerlipnervously.
“Iwantedtolookupsomething,”shestammeredinventively.Sheflushed.Shewasn’tgoodatlying.
“Hewenttogetgas.He’scomingbackforme.”Sheforcedaglare.“WeweregoinguptoSan
Antoniotothetheaterwhenyoutoldhimwecouldn’tgo.”
“SanAntonioistoobigandwedon’tknowmanypoliceofficersthere,”hesaid,unexpectedly
somber.“Youdon’tneedtobeoutofsightofthepolice.It’seasiertowatchyouhere.”
“You’vebeentalkingtoSheriffHayes,”sheaccused.
Henodded.“Hayesisprettylaid-backmostofthetime.Whenheworries,there’sgoodreason.”His
eyesnarrowedonhers.“Yourmotherhasn’tbeenseenoutatShea’sforaweek?”Itwasaquestion.
Sheneededsodesperatelytotalktosomeone.Herfacewasdrawnwithworry.Clarkwassweet,buthe
wastooconcernedwithNellietopaymorethanalittleattentiontoKeely’sproblems.Notthathe
didn’tcareabouther.HejustcaredmoreaboutNellie.
IncrediblyBoone’sbighandsmoothedoverherswhereitlayonthebookcover.Helinkedhiswarm,
strongfingersintohers.“Talktome,”hesaidquietly.
Sheactuallyshivered.Ithadbeenyearssinceamanhadtouchedher.Notevenaman,really,justa
boyshedated.Shehadn’tbeenheld,kissed,caressed.Shewasawomanwithawoman’sfeelings,and
shecouldn’t,didn’tdare,indulgethem.
Booneknewmoreaboutwomenthansherealized.Heunderstoodherreactiontohim,andwas
puzzledbyit.“Forawomanwho’sgettingregularsex,yousuredon’tactasifyourneedsarebeing
met,”hecommented.
Shewentasredasthebookcoverandherhandjerkedunderhis.
Hesmiled,butnotinameanway.Hisfingerscontractedmore.“Tellmewhat’sreallygoingon,
Keely.”
Hishandwascomforting.Shedidn’tfightthefirm,caressingclasp.Itfeltsogood.Shewantedto
climbintohislapandputherheadonhisshoulderandcryhereyesout.Shewantedcomfort,justa
littlecomfort.Butthiswasn’ttheman,ortheplaceorthetime.
Shetookadeepbreath.“Something’sgoingonaboutmyfather,”sheconfessedinahushedtone.“I
don’tknowwhat.Nobodywilltellmeanything.He’smixedupinsomethingbad,andhehasthis
friend…”Hersoftfeaturescontractedandhereyeswerefullofpainatthememory.
“Thisfriend,”heprompted,squeezingherhand.Hewasveryintent.

“Jock.”Thenametastedlikepoisoninhermouth.“Mymotherthinkshehassomethingtodowith
whatever ’sgoingon.IoverheardhertalkingtoCarly.Shewon’ttellmeanything.”
“Thisman,Jock,”hepersisted.“Youlookfrightenedwhenyousayhisname.”
“He…hitme,”sheconfessed,fascinatedbytheexpressiononhisface.“Iwasjustbarelythirteen.He’d
beenwatchingmewhileIwascooking.Hemademenervous.He’dbeeninprison.Hesaidhe’dkilled
awoman.Iletthebiscuitsburn.”Shebitherlipagain.“Hehitmesohardheknockedmedown.My
fatherheardhimyellingandcameintothekitchenandmanagedtogetJockoutoftheroom.”She
wrappedherarmsaroundherchest,coldwiththememory.“ItwasjustafterthatwhenDadbrought
mebackheretolivewithMama.”
“GoodGod.”Boone’seyesweresoftandquietwithsympathy.“Nowonderyou’reuncomfortable
aroundmen.”Hewasremembering.Hisjawtautened.“That’swhyyouwereafraidofmeinmy
office.”
“Idon’treallyknowyou,”sheconfessedapologetically.“Andyoudon’tlikeme,”sheaddeduneasily.
“Youdon’tlikemebeingfriendswithWinnieandyoudon’tlikemegoingaroundwithClark.”
“No,Idon’t,”herepliedhonestly.Buthelookedtroubled.
“Iunderstand,”shesaidunexpectedly.“YouknowthatI’mpoorandyouthinkIuseWinnieand
Clark…”
“ThehellIdo!”Heloweredhisvoicequickly,lookingaroundtomakesurehehadn’tdrawnthe
attentionofthelibrarian.HelookedbackatKeely,scowling.“Youdon’tusepeople,”hebitoff.“You
worklikeasoldierforyourpaycheck.Unpaidovertime,tripsouttooldMrs.McKinnon’splaceto
giveherdogitsdiabeticinjectionsbecauseshecan’tdoit,walkingdogsattheshelteronweekendsso
thestaffcanhandleadoptions…”Hestopped,asifhehadn’twantedhertoknowthathewasawareof
heractivities.
“Mrs.McKinnonlovesherdog,”shereplied.“MaggiehandlestheshelteronSaturdaysandfeedsand
waterstheanimalsonSunday.There’sthistinylittlebudget.Shealreadyspendstwicethehoursshe
getspaidfortodoallthat.Ijusthelpalittle.”
Hisdark,quieteyesstudiedhersoft,ovalfaceinitsframeofthickblondhair,downtoherprettybow
mouth.Shewasn’tabeauty,butsheradiatedasortoflovelinessthatmostwomendidn’t.
“It’sapity,”hesaid,almosttohimself,“thatyouaren’tolder.”
“I’llbetwentyinDecember,”shesaid,misunderstanding.
“Twentywholeyearsold.”Helookeddownatherhand.Itwasausefulhand,notanelegantone.Short
nails,immaculatelykept,nopolish.Nojewelryonthosefingers,either.Hefrowned.“Norings?”he
asked.Helookedupatherearswhereherhairwaspushedback.“Noearrings?”
Sheflushed.“Ihavelittlesilverstuds,butIforgottoputthemon….”
“Clarkhasn’tgivenyouanything?”hepersisted.“Hewalkedouttonightwithahugejewelrycase.”
“Oh,thatwasfor—”Shestoppedatonce,horrified.
Hiseyebrowsarchedandthecornerofhismouthtuggedup.“Notforyou?”
Sheswallowedhard.“Idon’tlikejewelry.”
“Liar.”
Sheflushed.“Idon’thavetobepaidtogiveamanattention,”shesaidcurtly,andthenrealizedhow
thatsounded,andflushedevenmore.“Imean,Idon’twantexpensivethingsfromClark.”
Hecockedhisheadtoonesideandwatchedherlikeahawk.“Inthepastfewweeks,he’sgonethrough
halftheinventoryofajewelrystore.Iseethereceipts,Keely,evenifIdon’tpaythebills.Ihavean
accountanttodothat.”
Shewasinaquandarynow.Shecouldn’tadmitthatClarkhadn’tgiventhatexpensivejewelrytoher,

andifshedeniedit,she’donlygethimintrouble.
“Yourcarisapieceofjunk,”hepersisted.Hispracticedeyesweptovertheblouseandslacksshewas
wearing,thecoathungoverthebackofthechairbesideher.“You’vewornthatsameoutfittothe
househalfadozentimes.Youdon’tdriveunlessyouhaveto,soyoucansaveongasmoney.Andyou
won’tletClarkgiveyouapairofearrings?”
Herteethclampeddown.Shewasn’ttellinghimanythingelse.Shetuggedatherhand.
Hewouldn’tletitgo.“Thatwaitresshebroughttothehouse,”hesaidsoftly,“waslookingaround
betweeneverybite,catalogingpaintingsandsilverandfurnitureandputtingmentalpricetagsonthe
rugsandthechandelier.”
Shewashorrifiedthatshemightreacttothatstatement.Hereyeswerealmostbulging.
Hepursedhislipsandhisdarkeyestwinkled.“Clarkthinkshe’sputtingoneoveronme,”hesaidina
hushed,softtone.“Hedoesn’trealizethatMisty’sfatherhasaprivatedetectiveagencythatIcanhire
whenIneedto.Apparently,Nelliedoesn’trealizeit,either,orshe’dbemorecarefulaboutgoingwith
Clarktomotels.”
Shemadeasoftexclamationandherhorrorshowed.
“Youdon’tusepeople,”hecontinued.“ButClarkdoes.He’susingyou.Andyou’relettinghim.”
“Youdon’tknowthat,”sheprotestedweakly.
“I’monlysurprisedthatyourbossissoforgivingaboutit,”headded,andhisexpressionhardened.
“Isn’thethejealoustype?”
Shesankdownintoherchair.Shefeltlimp.She’dfailedClark.He’dneverforgiveher.“Dr.Rydelis
thirty-two,Boone,”shesaidgently,anddidn’tnoticethereactionwhenshespokehisname.Hiseyes
hadflashed.
“Thirty-two.”Heparrotedthewords.He’dgoneblankforaninstant.
“Thirty-two,”sherepeated,lookingup.“I’mnineteen.EvenifIwereafemmefatale,I’dhavemy
workcutout.Dr.Rydelhateswomen.Heonlylikesmebecausehethinksofmeasachild.Likeyou
do,”sheaddedinadifferenttone.
Hiseyeswereunreadable.“Therearetimes,”hesaidsoftly,“whenyouseemolderthanyouare.”He
frownedslightly.“Whydon’tyoudate,Keely?”heaskedsuddenly.
Shewasshockedbythequestion.“I…myjobtakesupsomuchtime…”She’dwalkedrightintothe
trap.Sheglaredathim.“IdateClark,”shesaiddoggedly.
“Clarklovesyou,”herepliedunexpectedly.“Likeasister,”headdedalmostatonce.“Henever
touchesyou.Hedoesn’tlightupwhenyouwalkintoaroom.Hishandsdon’tshakewhenyou’re
closetohim.Thatdoesn’tadduptoaromance.”
WhathewasdescribingwasexactlywhathappenedwithKeelywhenshesawBoone.Shedidn’tdare
admitit,ofcourse.WhathadhebeensayingaboutClark?
“Whenhebroughtthewaitresshomewithhim,”hecontinued,“hespilledcoffeealloverthelinen
tableclothtryingtopourherasecondcup.Heactuallyfelloutofhischairwhenhetouchedherhands
asshepassedhimthesaladbowl.”
Shegrimaced.
“AndIdon’tneedadeclarationtotellmewhogotthatdiamondnecklace.Itsureashellwasn’tyou.”
“Youwon’ttellhim?”sheaskedworriedly.“He’smyfriend,heandWinnie.Idon’thavemany.Igave
myword…”
Hiseyesglittered.“Itbothersmethatyoudidn’tmindhelpinghimgetaroundme.”
Hereyeswereapologetic.“Hesaidshewasthemostimportantthingintheworldtohimandthathe’d
dieifhehadtogiveherup.Hethoughtitwouldmakeyousoangry,seeingmewithhim,thatyou

wouldn’tthinkaboutNellie.”
Helookeddownatherhand.Hecaressedthebackofitabsentlywithhisfingers.Hedidn’twantto
admithowangryithadmadehim.Uncharacteristicallyangry.Keelywasachild.Hecouldn’tafford
tobecomeinvolvedwithher.Justthesame,hedidn’twantClarktakingadvantageofher.Odd,how
relievedhefeltthatshewasn’tsleepingwithBentleyRydel.Hermotherhadbeenlyingtohim,trying
tohurthimbecauseherejectedher.
“Yourmotherisapieceofwork,”hemutteredangrily.
Shewaspuzzled,nothavingbeenprivytohiscomplicatedthoughts.“Whydoyousaythat?”
Helookedup.“WhatdoyouthinkofNellie?”heasked,changingthesubject.
Shehesitated.
“Tellme,”heprodded.
Shesighedandmethiseyes.“Ithinkshe’stheworstsortofopportunist,”sheconfessed.“Sheaddsup
presentsandgivessexinreturn.Clarkthinksthat’slove,”sheaddedcynically.
“Youdon’t.”
Hereyeswereold.“Livingwithmyfathertaughtmesomethings.Hewasalmostbrokewhenhelost
thegameparkbecausethiswomanplayeduptohimandpretendedtobeawedatthewayhehandled
theanimals.Shestrokedhisvanityandheboughtherexpensivethings.Thentherewasalawsuit,and
wehadabsolutelynothing.Meanwhile,”sheadded,“therewasthissweetwomanwhokeptthebooks
forus,whotookmetochurchanddatedmyfather.Shewasshyandnotbeautiful,buthedroppedher
assoonastheotherwomancamealong.”
“Whathappened?”
“Whenhewentbankrupt,hisflashygirlfriendwassuddenlyinterestedinalocalRealtorwho’djust
inheritedalotofpropertyfromhislatefather.”
“Isee.”
“Clarkisasweetman,”shesaidquietly.“Hedeservesbetter.”
Heleanedback,finallylettinggoofherhand.Hiseyesnarrowedonherface.“Sheworksfora
living.Sodoyou.Iexpectedyoutotakeherside.”
“She’sasnake,”shereturned.“Andshedoesn’texactlyworkthathardforanormalliving.Her
coworkerssaysheplaysuptohermalecustomerstogetbigtips.Clarktoldme.Hethinksthey’re
jealousbecauseshe’spretty.”
Hehadafarawaylook.“Beautyissubjective,”hesaidoddly.“Itisn’talwaysmanifestedinsurface
details.”
Shesmiled.Thenshelaughed.“MaybeI’msubjectivelybeautifulandnobodynoticed,”shesaid.
Herealized,belatedly,thatshe’dmadeajoke.Helaughedsoftly.
Shelookedaround.Thelibrarianwasstartingtoclosedoorsandturnoutlights.Shebitherlip.Clark
wasnowhereinsight.
“Idon’tthinkthey’llletyoustaythenight,”hepointedout.
Shegotup,grimacing.Shepickeduphercoatandherpurse.“Atleastthere’sabenchoutfront.Itold
Clarktheyclosedatnine.”
Hegotup,too,toweringoverher.“Youhaven’tlearnedyetthatintimacymakespeoplelosetrackof
time.”
Shecouldn’tmeethiseyes.Hesoundedveryworldly.Sheputherpursedownandgingerlyeasedher
leftarmintothecoat.Hewasbehindheratonce,easingtherestofthegarmentoverherotherarm
andontohershoulder.
“Whathappenedtoyourarm?”heasked.

Shefelthiswarmhandsonhershoulders,thewarmstrengthofhisbodybehindher.Shewantedto
leanbackandhavehimholdher.Insanethoughts.
“Anaccident,”shesaidafteraminute.“Nothingterrible,”shelied.“Butitleftaweaknessinthatarm.
Ican’tliftmuch.”
Therewasapause.Hisusuallyimpassivefacehadaraggedlook.“Ihaveasimilarproblemwithone
ofmylegs,”hesaidhesitantly.“IfIoverdo,Ilimp.”
Sheturnedandlookedupathim.She’dnoticedthat.She’dneverexpectedhimtoadmitittohis
enemy.“YouwerehurtoverseasworsethanyoutoldWinnieandClark,”shesaidwithkeeninsight.
“Worsethanyou’vetoldanyone.ExceptmaybeSheriffCarson.”
Hisjawfirmed.“Youseetoomuch.”
“Inmyownway,I’vebeenthroughthewars,too,”sherepliedquietly.“Scarsdon’tgoaway,evenif
woundsheal.Andtheydestroypeople.”
Shewasn’tlookingathimasshesaidit.Hereyeshadthesameexpressionashisdid.Itwasamoment
ofsharedtragedy,sharedpain.Hemovedastepclosertoher.Shelookedupathimexpectantly.Itwas
asifthewallbetweenthemhadloweredjustalittle,lettinginnewlight.Butevenashestartedto
speak,acardroveupoutside.
BoonetuggedKeelybackintotheshadowsofarowofbooks.Outsidethetintedglasswindows,they
sawClarkglancefurtivelyatBoone’sbigJaguarsittingnexttoNellie’sSUV.Hebundledheroutof
hiscarandintotheSUVandwavedheroutoftheparkinglot.Helookedhunted.Hestoodatthefront
bumperofhiscar,lookingtowardthelibraryandhesitating.
“Thejig’sup,”KeelytoldBoonewithtwinklingeyes.
“No,itisn’t.Comehere.”Hetookherhandandtuggedherfartherdowntherowofbooks,outof
sightoftheglasswindows.“Ihopeyou’reagoodactress.”
“Excuseme?”
Theyheardthedooropen.Clarkwhisperedsomethingtothelibrarian.Therewasareturnedwhisper
andmuffledfootstepsoncarpetcomingcloser.
BooneletgoofKeely’shand.“Youwon’ttellmeadamnedthing,”hesaidinalowvoice,butonethat
carriedatleasttotheendoftheaisle.“IwanttoknowwhereClarkis,whyheisn’therewithyou.”He
noddedathermeaningfully.
Shecaughtonatonce.“Itoldyou,hejustwenttogetgas—”
Clarkturnedintotheaislewheretheywere.HislookoffeareclipsedwhenheoverheardwhatKeely
said.Heseemedtorelax.
“I’mback,”hetoldher.“Inthenickoftime.”Hejoinedthemandgrinnedathisbrother.“Whatare
youdoinghere?”
“IcameintogetabookandfoundKeely,”Boonemuttered.“Whydidn’tyoutakeherwithyoutoget
gas?”heaskedsuspiciously.
“ItoldhimthatIwantedtocheckoutthatcanineanatomybookIwastellingyouabout,”shesaidto
Clark.
“Oh.Right,”heagreedquickly.
Boonegavethembothaglareasthelightoverheadwentout.“NowIwon’thavetimetocheckon
mine,nothankstobothofyou.”Heturnedonhisheelandstalkedout,pausingonlylongenoughto
speaktothelibrarian.
Keelyrushedbacktograbherownbookandtakeittothedesk,tellingtheharassedlibrarianthat
she’dbebackonMondaytocheckitoutandapologizingforkeepingherlate.
Thelibrariansmiledandsaiditwasallright,butshefollowedthemrightoutthedoor,lockingup

behindher.
“Thatwasclose!”ClarkexclaimedwhentheywereinthecarheadingbacktowardKeely’shouse.
“Howlonghadhebeenthere?”
“Justacoupleofminutes,”shelied.“Ithoughtwewereinbigtrouble!”
“Wewouldhavebeenifhe’dseenNelliegetoutofmycarandintohers,”hesaid.“Whatabreakthat
hewastalkingtoyoudownanaisleinsteadofinfrontofthewindow!”
“Yes,wasn’tit?”sheagreed.
“I’llhavetoplanbetternexttime,”hesaid,almosttohimself.
“Didshelikethenecklace?”
Hechuckled.“Shelovedit!IorderedheraGuccisuittogowithitandhaditsenttoherapartment,”
headded.“Shewasverygrateful.”
Shecouldimaginetheformthatgratitudetook,butshewasn’tsayinganything.Shewasstill
wonderingwhatBooneexpectedhertodonow.Shecouldn’tbeartotellClarkshe’dsoldhimout.
Notthatshehad,really.Boonewasn’tstupid.Clarkunderestimatedhim,asusual.Itwasparforthe
coursethatBoonewasalwaysthreestepsaheadofeverybodyelse.
“Nelliereallyisbeautiful,”shecommented,forsomethingtosay.
“Absolutely.”HegrinnedatKeely.“Youdidn’thaveanytroublebeforeBooneshowedup?”
“Noneatall.Iwasfine.”
“I’llhavetoplanbetternexttime,”herepeated.“Boone’ssmart.Ihavetoworkhardtokeephimin
thedark.”
“I’msureyou’llcomeupwithsomething,”shereplied.
“Wewill,”hereplied.“We’reinthistogether,remember.”
ThiswaslikelytoendindespairforClark,eitherway,andshehatedhavingagreedtobeingapartyto
it.EspeciallynowthatBoonewascluedin.ShewonderedifsheshouldtellClarkthetruth.Probably
sheshould,butshewaswaryofBoone’stemperifhefoundout.Shefeltstifled.
“Don’tlooksoworried,”hesaidgently.“Everythingwillworkout.Reallyitwill.”
“DidyouknowthatMisty’sfatherhadaprivatedetectiveagencyinSanAntonio?”sheaskedabruptly,
andthencouldhavebittenhertonguefortheslip.
“Someagency,”Clarkmuttered.“Ihadthemcheckoutacowboyforuswhenwewerehiringona
newhorsewrangler.Hehadarapsheetandtheirbrilliantstaffdidn’tfindathing.”
Shestaredathim.“Howdidyoufindthatoutiftheydidn’ttellyou?”
“Boonefounditout,”hesaid.“Hewassuspiciousofsomethingthemandid,soheaskedHayesto
lookintotheman’sbackground.Hehadapriorforburglary.Aconviction,noless,andhe’dserved
time.Boonefiredhimthesameday.”
“Ithoughtevenabaddetectivecouldfindoutsomethinglikethat,”shereplied.
Hefrowned.“That’swhatIthought.ImentionedittoBoone,too.Hesaidthattheyhiredamanwith
falsecredentials,butfounditoutonlyaftertheyassignedhimourbackgroundcheck.Theythankedus
forflushinghimout.”
Shewascuriousaboutthat.Itseemedalittleeasilyexplained.Buttheywerealreadypullingupin
frontofherhouse,andtherewasnomoretimeforquestions.
WhenClarkpulledupattheporch,Ellawasstandingjustoutsidethescreendoorinjustherslipwith
afullglassofwhiskey.
“Sothereyouare!”sheragedasKeelyopenedherdoor.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”
“Whydon’tyoucomebackhomewithme?”Clarksuggestedquickly,leaningoverthepassengerseat
tolookoutather.

EvenhermotherinthatshapewaspreferabletobeinginthesamehousewithBooneaftertheir
awkwardconversation.Sheneededtimetothinkoverwhathe’dsaid.Nottomentionherdisquietat
havingtolistentoanotherlongrecitalofNellie’sassets,whichhadlastedallthewayhome.She
forcedasmile.“Icanhandleher,”shetoldhimgently.“It’sokay.”
“Ifyousayso.”Hesoundeddubious.“YouneverdidsaywhathappenedinBoone’sofficethelast
timeyouwereatthehouse.Weheardhimclosethedoor.”
“Hewasjustwarningmeoffyou,”sheprevaricated,andsmiledagain.“Itdidn’twork.”
Helaughed,relieved.“ThankGod.Icouldn’thandlehavingallmyplansgosouthbeforeweevenget
startedgood,andthisisjustthebeginningformeandNellie!You’repositiveyouwanttostay?”He
gesturedtowardhermother.
Shenodded.“Thanksfortheride.I’llseeyousoon.”
“Sure.Takecare.”Keelyclosedthepassengerdoor.Hewavedtohermother,whoignoredhim,
almostdancinginherimpatiencetotalktoherdaughter.Hedroveawaywithawave.
“What’swrong?”Keelyaskedwhenshegotontotheporch,becausethiswasn’tasimplecaseofafew
drinkstoomany.Hermother ’sfacewasstark-whiteandshewasvisiblyfrightened.
Ellabitherlip.“Yourfathercalledagain.”
“Again?Whereishe?”sheasked.“Ishecominghere?”
“Idon’tknow.”Shetookabigsipofherdrink.
“Whatdidhewant?”Keelypersisted.
Sheturnedandlookedatherdaughterwithwide,frightenedeyes.Thehandholdingthedrinkwas
shaking.“He…hedidn’tsay.”
“Whydidhecall,then?”
Ellalookedaroundnervously.“Let’sgoinside.”
Theydid,andEllalockedthedoor.Shewasrattled,allright.Shecouldn’tevenfindtherightlight
switchtoturnofftheporchlight.
“I’llgetit,”Keelyvolunteered.
Ellastoodwatchingher,bitingherlowerlip.Shewassopalethatherskinlookedlikemilk.
Keelystoodquietly,waitingfortheolderwomantospeak.

ChapterSeven
“Idon’tknowwheretostart,”Ellasaidhesitantly.“Iknowyourfatherdidn’ttellyouanythingabout
whathappenedherebeforeheleftwithyou.”
“Nobodyevertellsmeanything,”Keelyrepliedbitterly.“IknowthatDad’smixedupinsomething,
thatthepoliceareinterestedinhimforwhateveritisandthatJockisinvolvedsomehow.”She
straightened.“AndIknowthatyou’rebrokeandDadisthreateningyouformoney.”
Ellabitherlowerliphardenoughtodrawblood.“Youcouldn’tknowthat.Whotoldyouthat?”she
demanded.
“Isittrue?”Keelyprevaricated.
Ellalookedaroundwildlyandbrushedheruntidyhairbackfromherthinface.
Keelymovedforwardastep.“Isittrue?”sherepeatedsoftly.
Ellatookadeepbreath.Foronce,shereallylookedherage.“Yes,”shesaid.“Ithoughtthemoney
wouldneverrunout.Therewassomuchofit.Yourgrandparentsinvestedinlandwhenitwascheap.
Asthetowngrew,morepeopleneededland,sotheystartedrentingitoutforbusinesses.Whenthey
died,Icontinuedthepractice,raisingtherentsasthelandpricesincreased.”
“Whathappened?”Keelyprodded.
Ellalaughedhollowly.“Igotgreedy.Myparentswouldneverbuymedesignerclothesorevena
goodcar.Theymademepaymyownway,fromthedayIstartedworking.Theywantedmetogoto
college,butIthoughtIwassmartenough.YourfatherthoughtI’dgetallthatmoneytheminuteI
married,sohemarriedme.Butitdidn’tworkoutthatway.”Shedrewinalongbreath,hereyeswitha
farawaylook.“AllIhadwasanallowance.BrentandIboughtexpensivecarsanddiamondsandatein
thebestrestaurantsandtooklongtripsoverseas.Weranupafortuneinbills.Myparentspaidit,then
theystoppedmychecks.”Shelaughedagainassheglancedatherdaughter.“Brentgotusedtoliving
high.Hecouldn’tgobacktowages.Hefoundawaytomakealotofmoneyquick.”Herfacetautened.
“Youwerefartooyoungtounderstandwhatwasgoingon.Myparentsdiedinaplanecrashandwe
inheritedtheestate,buttherewasn’tmuchleft.Mostlyjusttheland—we’dspenttherest.Iwantedhim
outofmylife.Hewantedthatgamepark,soImadeadealwithhim.Isoldlandandgavehimthe
proceeds.Iwasfree,stillrelativelyyoung,andIwantedtocelebrate.SoIdid.Thenyourfather
dumpedyouhereandtheluxurylifestylewasathingofthepast.Iresentedyouforthat.Butit
probablysavedusfrombeingtossedoutintothestreetwiththeclotheswewerewearing.I’dgone
hogwildanddidn’tevenrealizeit.BythetimeIdid,itwastoolate.”
Shemovedintothelivingroomandsatdown,heavily,inachair.Keelysatdownonthearmofthe
sofaacrossfromher.Itwasunusualforherparenttospeaktoherlikethis,asanequal,withouteven
sarcasm.
Ellabrushedbackherhair.“Imanagedtosalvageacoupleofthepropertiesbeforetheywere
foreclosedonforunpaidbills.Butmyrentersfoundcheaperrentsandmovedout.Iwasleftwith
emptybuildingsthatIcouldn’trepair,andnobodywantedtousethem.Withinthepastsixmonths,it
wassuddenlyallgone,exceptforthehouseandthelanditsitson.”ShelookedupatKeely.“Your
fatherandJockarebrokeandtheyneedagrubstake.Theywantmetosellthehouseandpropertyto
fundit.”
“Butit’sallyouhaveleft,”Keelyargued.“Tellthemyouwon’tdoit.SheriffCarsonwilllookoutfor
you.”
Ellabitherlowerlip.“It’smorecomplicatedthanthat,Keely,”sherepliedquietly.“Yousee,your
fatherandIdidsomething…illegal,whenyouwereverysmall.Ifhetellswhatheknows,Icangoto
prison.”

Keely’smouththinned.“Ifheusesit,he’llbeincriminated,aswell,andhecangothere,too.”
Theolderwomansmiledsadly.“They’dhavetocatchhimfirst,wouldn’tthey?”sheasked.“He’s
beenonejumpaheadofthelawallhislife.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”Keelyasked,reasoningthathermotherwouldprobablycloseupandsaynothing
else.
Ellatookasipofherdrink.“I’velivedwiththeguiltforyears,”shesaid,almosttoherself.“Ithought
itwasn’tgoingtobotherme,whatwedid.Ithought…”Shetookanothersipofthedrink.“Alocal
boysawBrentbringinginashipmentofcocaineandhidingitinourbasement.Hewasgoingtotell
thesheriff.”Shegrimaced.“Myfatherwasdyingandhe’dalreadythreatenedtodisinheritmebecause
ofBrent.Iftherehadbeenascandal,andBrentandIhadbeenprosecuted,I’dhavelosteverything.
TheycouldhaveprovedthatI…paidfortheshipmentthatBrentwasgoingtocutandresellonthe
streets.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”Keelyaskedapprehensively.
“Theboylikedtogethigh,”Ellacontinuedmiserably.“Hediditallthetime,anyway.Hehada
supplier,oneofBrent’sdealers—shediedandhersistermarriedalocalcattlemanafewmonthsago.
Wepromisedhimthatwe’dsendtheboyakiloofcoke,allforhimself,ifhewouldn’ttellonus.”
Keelywasfeelingsick.Shealreadyhadanideaofwhohermotherwastalkingabout.“And?”
“Oh,heagreed.Infact,wepromisedhimadimebagonthespot.That’sahundreddollarsofcocaine
instreettalk.Whatwedidn’ttellhimwasthatitwasone-hundred-percentpure—itwasn’tcutwith
anythingtolessentheeffect.Wegaveittohissupplier,andhehadherinjecthim.Andhedied.Of
course,shedidn’tknow,either.Butwehadherinourpocketthen,too,becauseshecouldn’tprove
thatshedidn’tknowshewaskillinghim.”
Keely’seyesclosed.“ItwasSheriffHayesCarson’syoungerbrother,Bobby,wasn’tit?”sheasked
huskily.
Ellasighed.“Yes.I’velivedwiththeguiltandthefearalltheseyears,terrifiedthatSheriffHayes
wouldfindout.Hewouldn’trestuntilheputmeinprison.He’sblamedothers,andthattooktheheat
offme.ItwastheonlyhopeIhad…”
“NowonderyoupaidforthegameparkforDad,”shesaid,seeingclearlythepatternofthepast.“It’s
whyyoulethimtakemealong.”
Hermothernoddedslowly.“AfterBobbydied,Icouldn’tbeartolookatBrentanymore.Hemademe
feellikeamurderess.Iwasafraid,too,thathemightgethighonenightandtellsomeonewhatwe’d
done.SohepromisedtoleavetownifI’dlethimhavethemoneyforthegamepark.Heevensaid
he’dstraightenup,giveupdrugs,trytogethislifebacktogether.Hesaidhe’dneverwantedanything
morethanhewantedthatgamepark.”
Keely’seyesbecametormentedassherememberedwhathermotherhadsaid;she’dhadtopayher
husbandtotakeKeelywithher.
“No,”Ellasaidquickly,readingKeely’sexpression.“Iwantedtohurtyouthatnight.Itwasn’ttrue.
Brentwantedyouwithhim.HesaidthatifIfoughthim,he’dgotothepolicewiththetruth.Hehad
nothingtolosebythen.He’dalreadybeenarrestedforpossessiontwiceandgottenoffwiththehelp
ofalawyer.Buthe’dnevergetawaywithmurder,andneitherwouldI.SoIlethimtakeyou.”She
lookedup.“IneverevenaskedifJockwasthereason.Yousee,Jockhadnoticedyouwhenhecame
bytoseeBrentandtoldhimabouttheoldgameparkthathewasrunning.Theownerwantedout.
BrentsaidthatJocklikedyounggirls.Ididn’tevenconnectit,atthetime.”Sheshivered.“Ishouldbe
shot.”
Keelyfeltsickallover.Perhapsthataccident,asterribleasitwas,hadsavedherfromsomething

muchmoreterrible.Nowsherealizedwhathadprobablyhappened.Soonafterherfatherhad
purchasedthericketyoldgameparkwhereJockworkedandstartedrenovatingit,Jockhadbeen
arrested.Apparentlyhe’dservedtimeinprison,too,becauseitwasonlytwoyearslaterthathe
showedupatthepark.Thatwaswhenthingsstartedtogodownhill,andonlyaboutaweekbefore
Keely’saccident.Afterthat,Jockcouldn’tbeartotouchher.ProbablyitwashisideaforBrentto
dumpKeely,sothetwoofthemcouldpursueotherillegalenterprises.Keelymighthavebeenpartof
theplanforthosejobs,shethoughtwithmutedterror.She’dbeensavedfrommorethansheknewat
thetime,eventhoughshe’dresentedbeingdeserted.
Shehadn’tknownherfatheratall.She’dthoughthelovedher.Inthosetwoyearswhenitwasjustthe
twoofthem,andDinakeepingbooks,heryounglifehadbeenhappyandsecure.Herfatherhad,
twice,evengivenupdrinking;althoughKeelyhadn’tknownhewasusingdrugs.ButjustbeforeJock
hadturnedbackup,BrentWelshhadinvolvedhimselfwiththeflashywomanwhotookhimfor
everythinghe’dsaved;andtherehadbeenagoodbit.Jockhadbeenlividwhenhe’ddiscoveredthat.
“Whatareyouthinking?”Ellaasked.
Shelookedup.“Howhappywewereforacoupleofyears.IguessitwaswhileJockwasinprison,
becauseheleftwhenDadandIsettledintothegameparkandonlycamebackafewdaysbeforeDad
broughtmehere.”
Ellalookedrelieved.“AtleastJockdidn’thavemuchaccesstoyou,didhe?”
“No,”Keelyreplied.“Iwasafraidofhim.”
“Istillam,”Ellaconfessed.“Yourfathercouldbedangerouswhenhewasdrunk.ButhesaidJockwas
dangerouscoldsober.”
Keelysmoothedherhandsoverherknees.“Thankyoufortellingmethetruth.”
Ella’seyesweretroubled.“Iwasscared,Keely,”shesaidabruptly.“Icouldn’tfacethefactthatI’d
helpedkillaman,evenifnobodyknew.IstarteddrinkingandIcouldn’tstop.Ithelpedmeforget.”
Shebitherlipagain.“IshouldneverhavesaidthatIdidn’twantyou,Keely.Orthatyourfatherwas
disappointedyouweren’taboy.Iwantedyousomuch.Iwouldhavegivenupanythingratherthan
loseyou.Carlywasright.Ishouldneverhavesaidsuchathing.”
Itdidn’tmeanthatEllalovedher.Butitwassomething.“Thanks,”Keelyreplied.
Ellacockedherhead.“AreyougettinginvolvedwiththeSinclairboy?”sheaskedworriedly.“Brent
wouldfindawaytouseyoutohisadvantageifhecould,youknow.He’sanaddict.Hecan’tstop.He’s
moredangerousnowthanheeverwaswhenIlivedwithhim,especiallyinhissituationandwithJock
egginghimon.”
KeelywastryingtocometogripswiththeideathatherownparentshadahandinthedeathofSheriff
Hayes’syoungbrother,andthatherfatherwasadrugdealer.She’dknownaboutdealshe’dmadeto
acquireanimalsthatweren’tquitewhatshethoughtofaslegal.Buthe’dhiddenhisworstsidefrom
herduringthosetwoyearstheyweretogether.Fromhervantagepointnow,she’dbeennaiveand
stupid.Perhaps,shethought,itwasn’tsomuchignoranceasdenial.Shehadn’twantedalarcenous
parent.Evenanalcoholic,whichiswhatshethoughtherfatherwas,didn’thavethestigmaofathief.
Thenagain,itwasamatterofdegree.
“You’rerememberingthings,aren’tyou?”Ellaasked.“Listen,Keely,Imaynotbeagoodparent.I
maybetheworstalcoholicintown.ButI’veneverlaidahandonyouinangerorputyourlifeatrisk,
andyouknowit.”
Thatwasthetruth.Keelymightfeelusedbyhermother,butshe’dneverbeenafraidofher.She
nodded.
“I’dliketotellyouthatI’mgoingtostartover.ThatI’llstopdrinkingandcarpingandseducing

marriedmen.”Sheshruggedandmadeaself-mockingsmile.“Butitwouldbealie.I’vebeenlikethis
toolong.Ican’tchange.Idon’twanttochange.Ilikegettingdrunk.Ilikemen.”
“Iknowthat,”Keelysaidinaresignedtone.“Ifyoucouldjuststoptryingtomakemefeelinferior,
thatwouldbesomething.IthurtswhenyoumakefunofthewayIam.Dadcertainlyisn’tperfect,but
hemademegotochurcheverySunday.HeevensaidoncethathewasgoingtomakesureIdidn’tend
uplikebothofyou.”
Ellathoughtaboutthat.Shewasstillholdingherdrink.Shetookanothersip.“Well,hewasrighttodo
that.Yes.Hewas.Thebestwaytogiveupbeinganalcoholicisnevertostartdrinkinginthefirst
place.”
“Idon’tlikethesmellofit,”Keelymurmured.
Ellalaughed.“NeitherdoI,”sheconfessed.Andshesmiled,reallysmiled,atherdaughter.
“Dideitherofyourparentsdrink?”sheaskedoutoftheblue.
Ella’seyesdarkenedwithpain.Shetookabiggulpofthedrink.“Myfatherdid.”
Shewaited,butnootherconfessionswereforthcoming.ShewonderedatthehatredinElla’seyes
whenshetalkedaboutherfather.Keelyrememberedthatsheneverhadtalkedabouthim,orabouther
mother,either.
“Moresecrets,”Keelymurmuredabsently.
Ellaonlynodded.“Somearebestkeptforever.”Shegotup.“Well,I’mgoingtobed.Ifthephone
rings,dousbothafavoranddon’tanswerit.”
“IwishIcould,”Keelyconfided,“butIstillhaveajobthatrequiresmetogooutatallhours.”
Ellafrowned.“Doyouhaveacellphone?”
Sheflushed.“No.”Shecouldn’taffordevenacheapdisposableone.
Ellawenttoherpurseanddugouthers.“Whenyougooutatnightfromnowon,youtakemine.I’ll
bewithCarlyifIgoout.”Shewavedawaytheinstantobjection.“Wecanusehers.Youhavetohavea
waytocallforhelp.YourfatherandJockmighteventrytokidnapyou.Brentsoundeddesperate.”
“Whydon’ttheyjustrobabank?”Keelyasked,exasperated.
“Don’tevenjokeaboutthat,”hermothersaidatonce,andwentpale.
“Sorry.Ishouldn’thavesaidit.”
Ellaturnedtowardthehall.“I’mgoingtobed.Becarefulifyouhavetogoout.Callthesheriff’s
officeandhavethedeputieswatchoutforyou.”
“Iwill.”Shewasthinking,though,ofSheriffHayes’sbrotherandhowhe’dgrievedforhimafter
he’ddiedofthatso-calleddrugoverdose.Shecouldn’tbearthethoughtofbeinginanywayinvolved,
evenifshe’dhadnothingtodowithit.Herparentswereresponsible.Inevitably,onedayitwasgoing
tocomeout.Youneverreallyknewpeople,shetoldherself.Notevenyourparents.
Butdespiteeverything,itmadeherfeelwarminside,theunexpectedconcernfromtheoneparent
she’dthoughthatedher.Shedidn’tgotobedatonce.Shesavoredthefeelingofhavingarealmother
forthefirsttimeinherlife.Evenifthatmotherwasthenextbestthingtoakiller.

Clarkphonedhertwodayslaterandaskedhertothebigcharitydanceatthelocalcommunitycenter
onSaturday.Shewasn’toncallforthatonenight,soshecouldn’trefuse.
“Isthisdesperateorwhat?”heaskedmiserably.“It’stheonlythinggoingoninJacobsvilleforthe
foreseeablefuture,unlessyouwantmetosignusupforthesummersquare-dancingworkshop,”he
addedgrumpily.“I’llnevergettoseeNellie.”
“Ilikedancing,”shereplied.“It’sokay.Youcansneakoutandnobodywillevenmissyou.Thenyou
cansayyouhadastomachupset.”

“You’reagenius,”heexclaimed.
No,shewasjustgettinggoodatlying,shethought.ShestillwasconcernedaboutBoone’sperception
andClark’sheadlongflingintodisaster.Andinthebackofhermindwasthethoughtofherfatherand
Jockandtheirschemes.

Thingswereroutineatwork.Sheandhermotherweregettingalongforthefirsttime.EvenCarly
waskindertoKeely.Anditseemedthattheworkshedidaroundthehousewasslowlyappreciated,
rightdowntohercooking.Shefeltasifshehadanewleaseonlife.
ButonSaturdaymorning,whileshewasworryingovertheonegooddressshehadthatshewas
wearingtothedance,therewasaphonecall.
Sheansweredthephoneherself.Hermotherwassleepinglate—sheandCarlyhadgoneoutonthe
townthenightbefore—andshewasexpectingtohearfromClark.Butitwasn’tClark.
“Hasyourmotherputthehouseonthemarketyet?”
Sheknewthatvoice.Itwasn’therfather ’s.ItwasJock’s.
Shehesitated,sickwithfear.
“Answerme,damnyou!”
“N-no,”shestammered.“Shehasn’t…yet…”
“Youtellhershe’dbettergetmoving.Iknowwhatsheandyourfatherdid.Hemaynotwanttotell,
butIwill.Youhearme,Keely?”Andheslammedthephonedown.
Keelywouldn’thaveunderstoodthethreatevenaweekago.Sheunderstooditnow.Shecouldn’tvery
wellgotoHayesCarsonandtellhimthathermotherhadbeenaccessorytoahomicide.Therecould
benoprotectionfromthatquarter,especiallyifHayesfoundoutwhothehomicidehadbeen.Clark
couldn’thelpher,either.Shedidn’tdareinvolveBoone.Shesatdown,sickandfrightened,and
wonderedwhatintheworldtheyweregoingtodo.

Later,whenEllawokeup,Keelyhadtotellheraboutthephonecall.
Ellawashungover,butshesoberedquickly.“Jockknows,then?IwasafraidBrentwouldgethigh
enoughtotellhim.”
“Whatcanwedo?”Keelyaskedmiserably.
Elladrewinalongbreath.“Idon’tknow.I’llhavetothinkaboutthis.”
“Youdon’thavethetime!”Keelysaid.“Whatifhegoestothesheriff?”
Ellalookedatherdaughterandactuallysmiled.“Thanks,”shesaidhuskily.“Itmeansalot,afterthe
wayI’vetreatedyou,thatyou’dmindifIwenttojail.”Sheshrugged.“Maybeitwouldbejustaswell
togetitoutintheopen,Keely.It’sbeensomanyyears…ifIhadagoodlawyer…”
“Yes,”Keelywasagreeing.
Sheglancedattheyoungerwoman,sohopeful,soenthusiastic.EllaknewthatnojudgeinJacobs
Countywouldletherwalkawayfromahomicide;notwhenthesheriff’sbrotherwasthevictim,
regardlessofhowmuchtimehadtranspiredbetweenthedeathandthepresent.Keelywasyoungand
fullofdreams.Ellawaslongpastthem.Butshemightbeabletodosomethingtosaveherdaughter.
ShemightbeabletospareKeely,ifshehadthegutstodowhatwasnecessary.
“We’llworksomethingout,”sheassuredtheyoungerwoman.“You’regoingtothatdancewith
Clark,aren’tyou?He’sverynice.Maybehe’llmarryyou.”Hereyeslookeddreamyforamoment.
“He’sagoodman.He’dtakecareofyou,andyou’dhaveeverythingyouwanted.”
“ClarkandIarejustfriends,”shesaid.
Ellaglancedathercuriously.“It’shisbrother,isn’tit?Ididn’tdoyouanyfavorswiththeliesItold

him.Icouldcallhimupandtellhimthetruth.”
“No,”Keelysaidatonce.
Ellastaredather.“Youlovedhim,andIscreweditupforyou.I’msorry.”
“HethinksI’mmuchtooyoungforhim,”Keelysaidwithasadsmile.Shewasrememberingtheway
Boonehadtalkedtoheratthelibraryandhatingcircumstancesthathadrobbedherofevenachance
withhim.Nowthatsheknewthetruthaboutherparents,anysortofarelationshipwithhimwouldbe
impossible.BooneSinclair,withhissterlingreputationandimpeccablebloodlines,wouldn’tstoopso
lowastomarrythedaughterofdrugusersandmurderers.
“Youlooksosad,”Ellasaid.“Ireallyamsorry.”
“Iknow.It’sallright,”shereplied.
Ellagotup.“You’dbetterfinishpressingyourdress.I’dofferyouoneofmine,”sheadded,“but
you’remuchtooslender.”
“Thanksforoffering,”Keelysaidgently.
Ellasmiledback,andsomethingtwisteddeepinsideherassherecalledhowcruelshe’dbeentoher
child.Shewassorryaboutitnow.Maybeshecouldmakeamends.Maybe,justmaybe,shecouldspare
Keelyanymoreheartbreakifshewentaboutitright.

ClarkwasrightontimetopickupKeely.Shewaswearingaprettygreenvelvetdressthatclung
lovinglytoherprettyfigureallthewaytohershapelyankles,withafoxstolethatbelongedtoher
mother.Ellahadinsistedthatshetakeit.Shealsohadhighheelsthatwereexpensiveandpretty,
anotherloanfromElla,whoworethesameshoesize.Keelyhadnoeveningshoesatall,neverhaving
hadoccasiontowearthem.Herblondhairwascleanandshiny,neatlycombed,andhereyeswerefull
ofdreams.
“Youlookgorgeous,”Clarksaidsuddenlyashehelpedherintothecar.“Imeanit.Youreallydo.”
Shesmiled.“Thanks,Clark.”
Hegotintothecar,thoughtful.Whenhefrownedlikethat,heremindedherofBoone.
“Issomethingwrong?”sheasked.
Heshrugged.“IwasthinkingthatI’vebeenusingyouandit’swrong.”
“Idon’tmind.”
“That’swhatmakesitsobad,”hereplied.“I’mdoingthingsIdon’tlikejusttokeepBoonefrom
askingquestionsaboutmygirlfriend.”Heglancedather.“IfIreallycaredabouther,I’dbedoing
thingsdifferently,wouldn’tI,Keely?”
Shewassurprisedbyhisattitude,andthequestion.“You’reinlove.Itmakespeopledooddthings.”
“AmI?Inlove,Imean?”Heacceleratedaroundacurve.“I’veinvestedinaking’sransomofjewelry
anddesignerclothesforNellie.Shehasn’trefusedathing.Infact,she’smadesuggestionsaboutwhat
Icouldbuyherthatshe’dlikebest.”Heglancedather.“Ican’tgetyoutoacceptapairofinexpensive
earrings.”
Sheflushed.ItsoundedverymuchasifBoonehadmadesomeidlecommentthathadstartedhis
brotherthinkingaboutthings.
“Idon’tlikejewelry.”
“Ofcourseyoulikeit,Keely.Allwomenlikejewelry,”Clarkreplied.“Butyouwon’tacceptitfrom
me.Youwon’teventellmewhy.”
Shebitherlip.“Itwouldbelikeacceptingpaymentforhelpingyouout.”
“Andthat’swrong?”
“Inmyworld,yes,itis.AsmallpresentatChristmasisonething.Butexpensivejewelry,that’s

somethingelse.”
“That’swhatBoonesays.Hisgirlfriendwashintingthatshe’dlikeadiamondcollar.Hesaidshe
couldwhistleforit.Hedidn’thavetopaywomentogooutwithhim.Shewasreallymad.She
stormedoutwithoutanotherword.”
“I’llbetshecameback,”Keelysaidsadly.
“Ofcourseshedid.Boone’sloaded,andhe’sadish,andhe’srelentlesslychasedbyeveryspinster
southofDallas.”
Keely’sheartsank.Ofcoursehewas.Boonewaseverywoman’sdream.HewascertainlyKeely’s.
“Itstartedmethinking,”Clarkcontinued.“Andnotinagoodway.IfNellielovedme,she’dbe
wantingtobuythingsforme.”
“Shecouldn’taffordyourtaste,Clark,”shemurmureddryly.
Hethoughtforaminuteandthenlaughed.“Well,no,shecouldn’t.Butit’sthepointofthething,
Keely.Shehasn’tboughtmeanythingsincewestarteddating.NotevenahandkerchieforamusicCD.
Nothing.”
“Somepeoplearen’tgivers.”
“Somepeoplearegolddiggers,though,”hereplied.
Sheleanedbackagainsttheseatwithalittlesigh.“Iguessso.I’veneverunderstoodwhy.Ilove
workingforwhatIget.Mypaychecksmaybesmallcomparedtoalotofothers,buteveryonethrills
me.IworkedwithmyownhandsforwhatIhave.”
“Booneadmiresthat.”
“Doeshe?”Shetriednottosoundimpressed.
“Notthathewantsto.Hedoeshisbesttoignoreyou.”
“Inoticed.”
“Maybehe’sright,Keely,”hesaidsolemnly.“You’reveryyoung,eventobegoingoutwithme.”
Shethrewupherhands.“Whatisitaboutmyage?Forheaven’ssake,I’llbetwentyonChristmas
Eve!”
Hesmiled.Shemadehimfeelgood.Shealwayshad.SheandWinniewereclosertohimthanany
othertwowomenonearth.
“You’rethenicestfriendIhave,”hesaidoutoftheblue.“I’mgoingtostarttreatingyoubetter.”
“Areyou,really?Thenifyouwanttogetmesomething…”
“Anything!”heinterrupted.“Imeanthat.”
“I’dlovetohavematsformycar.”
Heblinked.“What?”
“Mats.Youknow,thoseblackribbedthingsthatgoonthefloorboard.Justforthedriver ’sside,”she
addedquickly.“Itwasused,soitdidn’tcomewiththeoriginalequipment,andDr.Rydel’sparkinglot
isn’tpaved.Ihavetowalkthroughmudtogettomycarwhenitrains.”
Clarkwasstillabsorbingtheshock.Nelliehadasked,petulantly,foradiamondpendantshe’dseen
advertisedinaslickmagazineandherewasKeelyaskingforasinglematforherdamnedcar.
“Notanythingexpensive,”shesaidquickly,fearingshe’doverstepped.“Imean,forChristmas.I’m
goingtogetyousomething,too,butitwillbeinexpensive.”
Hepulledupatthecommunitycenter,feelingtwoincheshigh.Heturnedtoherinthecar.“Youmake
meashamed,”hesaidquietly.
“Ofwhat?”sheasked.
Heshookhishead.“Nevermind.We’dbettergoin.Ithinkwe’realittlelate.”
“Myfault,”shesaid,smiling.“YouhadtowaitwhileIfoundmypurse.”Shehelditup.“Itwasanold

oneofmama’s.Sheletmehaveit,andhercellphone,andsheloanedmeherfoxfur—”shewavedit
athim“—andhershoes—”shehelduponefoottoshowhim.
Hecouldhavewept.Sheneveraskedforathing.Shewouldn’tletWinnieloanheranythingatall.
He’dneverfeltsobadinallhislife.He’dusedherasablindforhisgreatloveaffair,putherina
positionwhereBoonecouldsavageherifheeverfoundoutwhatshe’dbeendoingandnevereven
gaveathoughttotheconsequences.
“TonightisthelasttimeI’mhidingNelliebehindyou,”hesaidsuddenly.“I’llgooffwithher,this
once.Butfromnowon,I’mtakingherrightintothefrontdoorofmyhouse.”
“Havesomecatsuphandy,won’tyou?”sheteased.“Boonewillhaveherforsupper.”
“Iknowthat.Maybeitwouldn’tbeabadthingtolethimhaveabiteofher.Foronce,maybeshe’d
showhertruecolors.”
Shestoppedsmiling.“Itmightnotbeasbadasyouthink,”shesaidsoftly.“Imean,shemightcare
aboutyouandstilllikejewelry.”
“Shemightratherhavejustthejewelry,”hereturnedcynically.
AbigSUVpulledupintotheparkinglot.Hegrimaced.“She’searly.”HelookedatKeely.“Wantme
towalkyouin?”
Sheshookherhead.“Icandoitallbymyself.”
Hehandedheraticket.“You’retakingthat,evenifit’sallyou’llletmegiveyou.I’llbebackbefore
youmissme.”
Sheknewbetterthanthat.Hemighttalkgood,buthewasstillunderNellie’sspell.She’dhavehim
convincedbytheendoftheeveningthathecouldn’tlivewithouther.Poorman.
“Havefun,”shesaid.
Heharrumphed.“Youhavefun.”
Shegotoutofthecar,closedthedoorandwaved.Shedidn’tlooktowardNellie.Shewouldhave
happilythrownrocksatherifitwouldhavesparedClark.

Musicpouredoutintothecoldnightair.TheywereplayingaLatinnumber.Sheimaginedallthe
town’sexcellentdancers,includingMattCaldwellandCashGrier,wereoutonthedancefloor
dazzlingthespectators.Shewaslookingforwardtowatchingthem.
Shegaveherticketatthedoor,tuggedthefoxfurcloserandmovedintothehugeroomwherealive
bandwasplaying.
“Ithoughtyou’dbealongwhenIheardClarkmentionthatheboughttickets,”adeep,amusedvoice
saidbehindher.
SheturnedandlookedupintoBooneSinclair ’sdark,softeyes.

ChapterEight
Keelycouldn’tmanageasingleword.Boonecaughtherhandandtuggedherintothecommunity
centerwithhim.
“ShouldIaskwhereClarkis?”
Shefeltasifherfeetweren’tquiteonthefloor.“Noneed.Ididn’tseeyourcar.”
“That’sbecauseIdidn’tdriveithere.Ibroughtoneofthetrucksandparkeditoutback.IdoubtClark
evennoticed.”
“Hedidn’t.”Shelookedaround.“IsWinniehere?”
Hehesitated.“No.”
Shestoppedwalkingsothathehadtostop,too.
Helookeddownatherappreciably,hisdarkeyeslingeringonthewaytheemerald-greendressfither
slender,prettybody.“Greensuitsyou,”hemused.
“Winniedidn’tcome…?”sheprompted.
“Kilravensaidhewasn’tcoming,”hereplied.“Shesaiditwasuselesstoletmenshedidn’tevenlike
paradeheraroundthedancefloor.”
Shecockedherheadandlookedupathim.“Maybeshehasapoint.”
Heliftedaneyebrowandlookedwicked.“Maybeshedoes.”
Shefeltsuddenlyuneasy.Shelookedaroundagain,forMistythistime.
“She’snothere.”
Flushed,shelookedbackupintohisamusedeyes.
“Icamealone,”hetoldher.“ImentionedthatIwasn’tbuyingdiamondsforacasualdateandshetook
offense.”
“Iheard.”
“Oh?WasClarkimpressed?”
“Yes.Butdon’tcountonitlastinganylengthoftime,”sheadded.“Oncehe’salonewithher,he’ll
forgeteverythinghesaid.”
“Nodoubt.”Hepursedhislips.“Doyoudance,MissWelsh?”
Herheartskippedatthewayhesaidit.Hehadnodate,andhe’dcomeanyway.Andhewaslookingat
herasifhecouldeather.Thatwasthrilling,evenifshecouldn’thopeforanythingmore.
“Ido,”shereplied.Shesoundedbreathless.
HetookthefoxstoleandherpurseandlaidthemonatablenexttowhereCagHartandhiswife,Tess,
weresitting.“Doyoumindwatchingthem?”heasked.
Tessgrinned.“NotifIgettotryonthatstole.”
“Helpyourself,”Keelyinvitedwithabiggrin.
Tesswounditaroundherneckandstruckapose.Shebattedhereyelidsatherhusband.Herblueeyes
twinkledintheirframeofredhair.
“I’mnotbuyingyouadeadfox,”Caginformedherhaughtily.
KeelyrecalledthatCaghadwatchedthe“pig”movieandgaveupeatingpork.Shewonderedifhe’d
recentlyseenanyotheranimatedanimalfilms.
Tesslookedupandgrinned.“Therewasthisfoxhoundmovie…”
“Willyoustop?”Cagmuttered,lookingoddlyflushed.“Ilikeanimals.”
Tessbentoverandkissedhim.“SodoI.Butthisanimalhasprobablybeendeceasedforanumberof
years….”
Heburstoutlaughingandkissedherback.
BoonetuggedKeelytowardthedancefloor.

Heslidonearmaroundherwaistandpulledhercloser,easinghisfingersinbetweenhers.She
stumbledwithnervesashepropelledherexpertlyintotheslowrhythm,andhelaughed,deepinhis
throat.
Shefeltlikeafox,runningforcover.Herheartwasracing,herbreathwasstucksomewheresouthof
herwindpipe.Shebarelynoticedthemusic.ShewastooawareofBoone’spowerfulbodyagainst
hers,thescentofhisbreath,thesmellofhiscologne.Hemadeherfeelweakandshakyallover.
Hishandspreadagainstherbackoverthesoftvelvet.“Ilikethisdress,”hemurmuredatherforehead.
“It’sverypretty,”shebegan.
“Ilikethewayitfeels,”hecorrected.
Shelaughednervously.“Oh.”
Henuzzledhercheek,sothatsheliftedhereyestohis.“Nineteenyearsold,”hesaidquietly,studying
her.Helookedguilty.
Shefrowned.“Youknow,ageisn’teverything.”
“Ifyoutrotoutthattiredoldlineaboutitbeingthemileage,”hethreatenedsoftly.
“It’strue,though,”shereplied.
Hesmoothedhisfingersinbetweenhersastheymovedlazilytothemusic.“You’veheardfromyour
father,haven’tyou?”heaskedsuddenly.
Shejerkedinhisarms.
Henodded.“Ithoughtso.You’vebeenjumpysinceyouwalkedinthedoor.”
Shefeltmiserable,whensherememberedwhathermotherhadsaidaboutHayesCarson’sbrother.
Shewouldcarrytheguiltforherparents’actionsuntilshedied.AndHayeswastryingtolookoutfor
her,notknowingthetruth.
“Comehere.”
Hestoppeddancing,caughtherhandandledheroutthesidedoorontothedarkpatio,whereonlya
stripoflightfromtheroominsideshowedonthestonesoftheflooring.
“Tellmewhat’sworryingyou,”hecoaxed.
Sheleanedherforeheadagainsthischest.Ifonlyshecould.ButHayeswashisfriend.“ItwasJock
whocalled.Hemadethreats.MyfatherwantsMamatosellthehouseandgivehimthemoney,”she
saidheavily.“He’sgotsomethingonher,somethinghecanuse,ifshedoesn’tdoit.She’safraidof
him.”
“Whatdoeshehaveonher?”
Shegroanedsoftly.“Idon’tknow.”
Hetiltedherchinup.“Yes,youdo,Keely,”heargued,searchinghereyesinthedimlightfromthe
patiowindowsinside.
Hereyesweretormented.“Ican’ttellyou,”shesaidsadly.“Itisn’tmysecret.”
Hisfingerscaressedherchin.“Youcantellmeanything,”hesaid,hisvoicedeepandsoftand
seductive.“Anything.”
Hemadeherwanttotellhim.Hewaspowerfulandattractive.Hemadeherbloodrunhotthroughher
veins.Shewantedtokisshimuntiltheachingstopped.Shecouldn’ttellhimthat,ofcourse.
Shedidn’thaveto.Boonereadthesubtlesignsofherbodyandherbreathinganddrewaconclusion.
Slowly,sothathedidn’tfrightenher,hebenttowardhermouth.“Ishouldbeshot,”hewhispered.
Hisbreathtastedofcoffee.Theexquisitefeeloffleshagainstfleshinsuchanintimatewaymade
Keely’sheadspin.She’drarelybeenkissedatall,andneverlikethis.Hisskillwasapparent.
Butheseemedtolosecontrol,justalittle,asthekisslengthened.Hismouthgrewquicklyhungry.His
armscontractedandrivetedhertothelengthofhisbody,bendingherintoitshardcontours.She

stiffenedhelplesslyattheintimacy,towhichshewascompletelyunaccustomed.
Booneliftedhishead,surprisedbyherposture,byherreaction.Sherespondedasifshe’dneverbeen
heldandkissedinherlife;asifthedemandingardorofanadultmanwasunknowntoher.And
perhapsitwas.HeconsideredwhatheknewofherlifefromWinnie’svaguecomments.
Helethermoveback,justastep,buthedidn’tlethergo.“It’sallright,”hesaidsoftly,smiling.He
framedherfaceinhisbighandsandhelditwherehewantedit.Histhumbgentlypulleddownher
lowerlipashebentagain.“Allwehavetofear,”hequotedamusedly,“isfearitself…”
Itwasdifferentthistime.Hedidn’tdemand.Heteasedherlips,brushingtheminbrieflittlecaresses
thatmadeherwantmore.Hishandssmoothedbackherhair.Theymoveddownherback,tothecurve
ofherhips,andcoaxedhercloser.Sheshiveredatthecontactandforaninstanthismouthbecame
demanding.Butwhenshestiffened,herelentedatonce.
Itwaslikeasilentduel,shethought,fascinated.Headvanced,andwhenshehesitated,hewithdrew.It
wasasifheknewthedifficultyshefelt,asifhewasawareofhownewandfrighteningthese
sensationsweretoher.Hecalmedher,coaxedher,untilshebegantorelaxandstopfightingtheslow,
steadycrushofhismouth.
“That’sit,”hewhisperedwhenshesankgentlyagainsthim.“Justdon’tfightit.Don’tfightme.Iwon’t
hurtyou.”
Sheknewthat.Butitwasstilldifficulttogiveherselfovertosomeonewhodidn’tknowabouther
past.Shewasterrifiednotofhisexploringhands,butofwhathemightfindifhepersisted.
Sowhenshefelthisfingertipsteasingjustaroundtheedgeofherbreast,shejumpedandpulledback.
Sheexpectedanexplosion.Once,justonce,she’dgivenintotemptationinheradultyearsandagreed
togooutwithasalesmanwhocamethroughtown.He’dgrabbedherinthecarandshe’djerkedaway
fromhim.He’dbeenfurious,snappingatheraboutgirlswhoteased.Andthenhe’dforciblyrunhis
handoverhershoulderandherbreast.Shecouldneverforgetthelookofutterhorrorinhisface.
He’dpushedherawayfromhim.Hetookherhomewithoutasingleword.Hehadn’tevenlookedat
herwhenshegotoutofthecar.Itwasn’tasbadasthedateshe’dhadatthetenderageofsixteenthat
hadendedinsuchtrauma.Butitwasbadenough.Thatwasthelasttimeshe’devergoneoutwitha
manonadate.
ButBoonewasn’tangry.Infact,helookedpleasedratherthanoffendedatherlackofresponse.
Hewithdrewhishandandtracedherswollenlipswithit.“Well!”heexclaimedsoftly,andhesmiled.
Shewasworried.“Youaren’t…mad?”
Heshookhishead.“Virginsneedgentlehandling,”hewhispered,andbenttokissher,tenderly,when
sheblushed.
Whenhedrewback,hisexpressionwassolemnandgentle.Hesmoothedoverherhair,touchedher
cheek,hermouth,herchin.“Whenareyougoingtobetwenty?”heaskedafteraminute.
“Chr-ChristmasEve,”shestammered.
“ChristmasEve.Infourmonths.”Hekissedhereyelidsclosed,smilingagainstthem.“We’llhaveto
dosomethingveryspecialforyourbirthday.”
“We?Oh,youmeanWinnieandClarkandyou?”
Heliftedhisheadandsearchedhereyes.“Whywouldn’tyouthinkImeantjustyouandme?”he
queried.
“There’sMisty,”sheremindedhim.
Hefrowned,asifhedidn’tknowwhoshewastalkingabout.Themagicseemedtoseepaway.He
withdrewhishandandbecamealoof.“Misty,”herepeated.
Themagicdrainedoutofthenight.Hebecamethedistantstranger,thealoofmanofthepast.Atthat

moment,helookedasifhe’dneverconsideredtouchingKeely.
Shewrappedherarmsaroundherselfagainstachillthatdidn’tcomefromthenightair.“It’sgetting
cool,”shesaid,tryingtosoundnonchalant.
“Yes,itis.”Hemovedawayfromher,deepinthought.Hepausedtoopenthedoorforher.
Shewentthroughitwithoutlookingup.Shesaidnothing.Hesaidnothing.Shewenttothe
refreshmenttableandgotasmallcupofsodaandsatdownwithitoveragainstthewall.
ShewatchedBoonestopatagroupofcattlemenandstandtalkingtothem.Hereyesdartedaroundto
seeifClarkhadreturned.Whensheglancedtowardthegroupofcattlemenagain,Boonewasgone.
Shedidn’tseehimagain.

Clarkpickedherup.Helookeddisheveledandoutofsorts.
“Thepearlswerethewrongcolor,”hesaiddejectedly.“Shewantedpinkones.Igotgrayones.”
“I’msorry.”
Heglancedatherandgrimaced.“Ihatedleavingyoutherealone,”heconfessed.“I’mreallysorry.I
won’tdoitagain.”
“Itwasallright,”shesaid.“Ilikedthemusic.”
“You’rethenicestfriendI’veeverhad,”hesaidafteraminute.“Butyoushouldn’tletmetake
advantageofyoulikethis.”
Shelaughed.“Okay.”
Hegaveherarakishgrin.“Goodgirl.”
“What’sournextproject?”
Hesighed.“Ireallydon’tknow.I’llletyouknowwhenshedecidesifshewantstoseemeagain.”
“Shewill,”shesaidwithconviction.
“We’llsee.”

Dr.RydelwasraisingmorehellthanusualwhenKeelywentintoworkthenextMonday.
“Itoldyoutoreorderthatlow-fatdogfoodlastweek,”hewasragingattheirnewestclerk,Antonia.
“ButIdid,Dr.Rydel,”shesaid,neartears.“Theyhaditonbackorder.”
Hemadearudesound.“AndIsupposetheurncontainingMrs.Randolph’soldcatisalsoonback
order?”headdedsarcastically.
Antoniawasredbythistime.“No,sir,Iforgottocheckonitisall.I’msorry,”sheaddedquickly.
Itdidn’tmakeanydifference.Hestoodinfrontofherandglared.Sheburstintotearsandranintothe
back.
“Oh,nicejob,Doctor,”hiscolleague,Dr.PatsyKing,muttered.“She’llquitandwe’llhavetobreakin
yetanotherclerk.Howmanyisthatsofarthisyear?Letmethink…six,isn’tit?”sheaddedwithas
muchsarcasmasshecouldmuster.
Bentleyglaredather.“Four!”
“Oh.Onlyfour.”Sherolledhereyes.“Thatmakesmefeelbetter.”
“Don’tyouhaveapatientwaiting,Dr.King?”hedrawled,eyesflashing.
Shesighed.“Yes,Ido,thankGod,butIcameoutheretogetourclerktoschedulehernext
appointment.IsupposeI’llbedoingthatmyself!”Shelookedpointedlytowardthebackwhere
Antoniawasaudiblysobbing.
Hecursed.
Shemadeaface.“Oh,likethat’sgoingtohelp!”shegrumbled.ShesatdowninAntonia’schairand
usedthecomputertoschedulethenextvisitforherpatient.Whileshewasatit,sheaddedupthe

chargesandprintedoutasheetlistingthem.
“Icouldhelpyoudothat,”Keelyoffered.
“No,youcouldnot,”Dr.Rydelmuttered.“Ineedyoutohelpwithexaminations,notmaking
appointments.”
“Speakingofwhich,Keely,couldyoucarrythisdogouttoMrs.Reynolds’scarforher?”Dr.King
asked,andsmiledgently.
“Ofcourse,”Keelyansweredatonce,andwalkedoffwithDr.King,leavingafumingDr.Rydel
behind.

Afterthatmorning,itwasopenwarbetweenthetwoseniorveterinariansinthepractice.Dr.Kingwas
threeyearsyoungerthanDr.Rydel,marriedwithtwochildren,andsheneededherjob.Butshe
threatenedtoleaveifhedidn’tstopusingtheclerksfortargetpractice.Keelyandtheseniorvettech
andtheotherveterinarian,Dr.DaveMercer,triedtokeepoutofDr.Rydel’swayuntilhistemper
improved.Nobodyknewwhathadsethimoff,buthewaslikeaprizefighterwalkingdownthestreet
wearingboxinggloves.Hewasspoilingforafight.
ItwasareliefforKeelywhentheworkweekwasoverandshecouldgetawayfromthetension.She
wasstillmooningoverBooneandrelivingthetenderkisseshe’dsharedwithheronthepatioofthe
communitycenter.Shedidn’tunderstandhisbehavioratall.Everythinghadbeenfineuntilshe’d
mentionedMisty.Thenhe’dwithdrawnasifhe’dfeltguiltyabouttouchingKeely.He’dleftthedance
ratherthanriskhavingtotalktoheragain.
Worse,peopleweregossipingaboutthetwoofthem.TessHarthadteasedheraboutgoingoutonto
thepatiowithBooneandcomingbackinsideflushed.She’dmentionedittoCag.Probablyhe’dtold
hisbrothersandthey’dtoldotherpeople.SoKeelygotteasedwhenshewenttothegrocerystore,
becauseoneofthecheckoutgirlshadaboyfriendontheHartRanchproperties.Thenshegotteased
atthebank,becauseoneofthetellerswasmarriedtoCagHart’slivestockforeman.Thatteller ’s
marrieddaughterworkedatthe911centerwithWinnie.
“YouandBoonearethetalkofthetown,didyouknow?”Winnieteasedherfriendwhentheyhad
lunchtogetheratBarbara’sCaféthatSaturday.
“Boone’sgoingtokillme,”Keelysaidmiserably.“Clark’sprobablygoingtowanttokillme,too,
whenherealizesthatBooneknowswhathe’supto.”
“Oh,Boonealwaysknows,”Winniesaideasily.“Clarkcanneverhideanythingfromhim—orfrom
me.Butjustbetweenustwo,Idon’tthinkthisNelliethingisgoingverymuchfurther.Shegotmad
becauseClarkgaveherthewrongcolorpearls.That,afterhe’sgivenhermostofajewelrystore!”
Sheleanedforward.“Anditturnsoutthatshe’smarried.”
“What?”Keelyexclaimed.“DoesClarkknow?”
“That,andmore,”Winniesaid.“WhenIlefthome,Boonewaspresentingourbrotherwithathickfile
onMissNellieSummers.HesaidClarkwasn’tleavingthehouseuntilhe’dreadeverysordiddetail.”
“PoorClark.”
Winniechuckled.“Hewascussingmadafterhereadthefirstpage,”shesaid.“Hewouldn’thave
believediteventwoweeksago,butapparentlyBoonepickedjusttherighttimetotellhimthetruth.”
“I’mglad,”sheconfessed.“Itwasputtingmerightinthemiddle,beingusedasClark’scover.”
“Clarkshouldn’thavedonethat.Boonewasangry.HesaidClarkhadnorighttouseyouthatway.”
“Clark’smyfriend.Icouldhavesaidno,”Keelysaidsoftly.
“Youneversaynotoanyone,”Winniereplied,concerned.“You’retoogoodtopeople,Keely.You
won’tstandupforyourself.”

“I’mtrying.”
“Clarkwalksalloveryou.SodoesBoone.I’llbetDr.Rydeldoes,too.”
“Dr.Rydelwalksallovereverybody,”Keelypointedout.
“Well,youdohaveapointthere.”Shesippedcoffeeandthenhereyesbegantotwinkle.“Sowhatwas
goingonwithyouandmybrotheratthedance?”
“Notyou,too!”Keelywailed.
“I’myourbestfriend.Youhavetotellme.”
Keelyputonherbestblandexpression.“HewantedtotalktomeaboutClarkwithouteverybody
eavesdropping.”
Winnie’sfacefell.“Wasthatall?”
“Whatelsewouldtherebe?”Keelyreplied.“YouknowBoonecan’tstandme.Usuallyheignoresme.
ButheknewClarkwasuptosomethingandthatIwashelpinghim.Hegotitoutofme.”
“He’sgoodatthat,”Winniehadtoadmit.“Theyusedtolethiminterrogatepeoplewhenhewasinthe
military.”Shetoyedwithhercoffeecup.“He’schangedsomuchsincehecamebackfromoverseas.
Heusedtobeahappysortofperson.He’snothappynow.”Shelookedup.“HegoesoutwithMisty,
buthenevertouchesher.”
Keely’sheartjumped.“Howdoyouknow?”
“Heneverpicksupanything,”shesaidwithaffection.“Hejustleaveshisclotheslyingaroundinhis
room.IgatherthemupandputtheminthehamperforMrs.Johnson.Thereareneveranylipstick
stainsonhisshirts.”Shepaused,herlipspursed.“Well,that’snotquitethetruth.LastSaturdaynight,
therewerequiteafewlipstickstainsonhiscollar.”
Keely’sfaceflamedandWinnielaughedtriumphantly.KeelyknewthatWinniewouldgostraightto
Booneandteasehimifsheguessedwhathadhappened.Shecouldn’tletherfriendknowforsure.If
BoonewereteasedaboutKeelyathome,itwouldallbeoverbeforeithadtimetobegin.
“Nowonderhe’sbeenlikeascaldedsnakeallweek,”Winniemused,watchingKeelyclosely.“Andhe
hasn’tevencalledMisty.Odd,isn’tit?”
“Justslowdown,ifyouplease.Idancedwithhim,”Keelymuttered.“OfcourseIgotlipstickonhis
collar.”
Winnie’shappymoodslowlydrainedaway.Shefrowned.“Areyousurethat’sall?”
Keelygaveherfriendaspeakinglook.“Boonecan’tstandme.Hewasjusttryingtofindoutwhy
ClarkandIhadgonetoadanceandClarkwasmissing.”
“Oh,FishandChips!”Winniemuttered.
“Excuseme?”
Winnieshifted.“GoodLord,I’mcatchingHayesCarsonitis!”sheexclaimed.
“What?”
“HayesCarsondoesn’tcusslikeanormalman.Hesaysthingslike‘CrackersandMilk!’and‘Fish
andChips!’Itrubsoffwhenyou’rearoundhim.”
“WhatareyoudoinghobnobbingwithHayesCarson?”Keelyasked.
“Ontheradio!”
“Oh.Right.”
“He’snotbad-looking,”Winniemused.“Andhe’smuchfriendlierthanKilraven.Ishouldreallyset
mycapathim.”
“You’dbreakKilraven’sheart,”Keelyteased.
Winniewrinkledhernose.“Likehe’dnoticeifIflirtedwithanotherman,”shesaidshortly.“He’s
tryingBoone’stactics.He’signoringme.”

“He’sprobablyjustbusy.”
Winnietoyedwithhernapkin.“Menarenotworththetroubletheycause,”shesaidirritably.
Keelylaughed.“No,”sheagreed.“Theyaren’t.”
“Anddon’twebothliewell?”Winnieretorted.
Keelynodded.
ThelittlecaféwascrowdedforaSaturday,mostlywithtouriststryingtoenjoythelastfleetingdays
ofAugust.Jacobsvillehadanannualrodeothatdrewcrowds,becauseitattractedsomeofthestarsof
thecircuit.Theprizemoneywasn’tbad,either.
“Therearealotofcarswithout-of-statetags,”Winniemurmured.“Iguessit’stherodeothatdraws
them.”
“Iwasjustthinkingabouttherodeo.”Keelychuckled.“Greatmindsrunninginthesamedirection.”
“Exactly.Ithink—”Winnie’svoicebrokeoff.Shewasstaringatthefrontdoorhelplessly.
Keelyglancedtowardtheentrance.Kilraven,stillinuniform,wasstandingjustinsidethedoor.He
reallywashunky,Keelythought;tall,handsomeandelegantwithsilvereyesandthickblackhair.He
wasmuscularwithoutitbeingblatant.
“Excuseme,”hecalledinhisdeepvoice.“IsanyoneheredrivingaredSUVwithOklahomaplates?”
Ayoungmaninjeansandchambrayshirtraisedhishand.“Yes.Iam,”hecalled.“Anythingwrong,
Officer?”
Kilravenwalkedtohistable,spottedWinnieandKeelyandnoddedpolitelybeforehestoodoverthe
man.“Didyoupickupadeerfromthesideoftheroad,sir?”heasked.
Theyoungmanlaughed.“Yes,Idid.Itwasjustkilledbyacar,Ithink,becauseitwasstillwarmand
limpwhenIpickeditup.”Thesmilefaded.“Iwasonlygoingtotakeithomeandcutitupformy
freezer.DidIdosomethingwrong?”
Kilravenclearedhisthroat.“Youmightwanttocallyourinsuranceagent.”
Theyoungmanlookedblank.“Why?”
“Thedeerwasn’tdead.”
“Wasn’t…dead?”Henodded.
“Anditleftthevehiclerathersuddenly,throughyourwindshield.”
Theyoungmanwasstillnodding.“Throughthewindshield?”Hestiffened.“Throughmywindshield?
Inmybrand-newtruck?Aaahhh!”
Hejumpedup,overbalancinghischairsothatitfell.Healmosttrampledacouplegettingoutthe
door.Hisscreamofdismaycouldbeheardevenwiththedoorclosed.
KilravenshookhisheadashepausedbesideWinnie.“Thedeerwasjuststunned,”hesaidwithfaint
amusementinhissilvereyes.“Wehadamanmakethatsamemistakeaboutsixmonthsagoduring
huntingseason.Butfortunatelyforhim,thedeercametobeforehecouldliftitintohistruck.”
Outsidethecafé,thescreamsweregettinglouder.
Kilravenglancedoutsideandchuckled.“He’llwantareportforhisinsuranceagency.I’dbettergo
writehimup.”
“HavetheyfoundMacreedyyet?”Winnieaskedwithadrawlandagrin.
Kilravengroaned.“HesurfacedoverinBexarCountyaboutfiveyesterdayafternoontrailingforty
carsinafuneralprocession.TheyweresupposedtobeheadedforacemeteryinComancheWells,
wheretheyweredueatthreeo’clock,”headded,becauseKeelywaslookingpuzzled.“Hedidfinally
getthemtotherightchurch…afterseveralcarsstoppedtogetgas.”
“That’stwicethismonth.TheyshouldneverletMacreedyleadafuneralprocession,”Winniepointed
out.

Kilravenchuckled.“ItoldHayesCarsonthesamething,buthesaysMacreedywillneverlearnself-
confidenceifhepullshimoffpublicservicedetailsnow.”
“Doesn’thehaveamap?”Keelywantedtoknow.
“Ifhedoes,hecan’teverfindit,”Kilravensaidwithasigh.“Heledthelastfuneralprocessiondown
intoabogneartheriverandthehearsegotstuck.”Helaughed.“It’sfunnynow,butnobodywas
laughingatthetime.Theyhadtogettowtruckstohauleverybodyout.”
“HayesshouldcuthislossesandputMacreedyonadministrativeduties,”Winniesaid.
“Bigmistake.Hayesputhiminchargeofthejailmonthbeforelastandheletaprisonerouttousethe
bathroomandforgottolockhimupagain.Theprisonerrobbedabankwhilehewastemporarily
liberated.”Heshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkMacreedy’scutoutforacareerinlawenforcement.”
“Yes,buthisfatherdoes,”Winnieremindedhim.
“Hisfatherwasacareerstatetrooper,”KilraventoldKeely.“Heinsistedthathissonwastofollowin
hisfootsteps.”
“HayesCarsonisoursheriff,”Keelysaid,confused.“Macreedy’sasheriff’sdeputy.”
“Yes,well,Macreedystartedoutworkingasastatetrooper,”Winniebegan.
Kilravenwaschucklingagain.“Andthenhepulledoveranundercoverdrugunitintheirvanjustas
theywerespeedinguptostopahugeshipmentofcocaine.They’dbeenworkingthecaseforweeks.
ThedrugdealersgotawaywhileMacreedywascitingthedrugagentsforaburned-outtaillight.
Macreedy’sdaddidmanagetosavehimfromtheguysinthedrugunit,buthewasinvitedtopractice
hiscraftsomewhereelse.”
“SoHayesCarsongothim,”Winniecontinued.“Hayesishissecondcousin.”
“SheriffCarsoncouldhavesaidno,”Keelyreplied.
“Youdon’tsaynotoMacreedy’sfather,”Kilravenretorted.
“Atleasthe’slearningallthebackroads,”Winniesaidphilosophically.
Kilravengrinnedather.Thelooklastedjustasecondtoolongtobeconventional,andWinnie’s
delicateskintookonaprettyflush.
“Where’smyrifle?”cameabellowfromtheparkinglot.“Somebodystolemyrifle!”
Kilravenglancedoutthewindow.TheyoungfellowwhoownedtheredSUVwasrunningdownthe
streetwitharifle,inthegeneraldirectionthattheescapeddeerhadgone.Thegun’sownerwas
jumpingupanddowninhisrageandyellingthreatsafterthedeerhunter.
“I’dbettergosavethedeerhunter,”Kilravenremarked.
“Ihopehehasanunderstandinginsuranceagent,”Keelymused.
“Andagoodlawyer.Stealingriflesisafelony.”Kilravennoddedatthemandwentstridingoutthe
door.
“Well!”Keelyteasedsoftly.“Andyoudon’tthinkhelikesyou?”
Winnie’sexpressionwassojoyfulthatKeelyenviedher.

ChapterNine
KeelyhadlaughedatthepredicamentHayesCarsonwasinwithhiscousinMacreedy,butitwas
impossibleforhertotalkabouthimorthinkabouthimwithoutrememberinghermother ’spained
confessionaboutHayes’sbrother,Robert.
ShewasfeelingguiltyaboutthatwhenClarkphonedher.
“I’msorry,”shesaidassoonassherecognizedhisvoice.
“Youare?”Hehesitated.“Oh.IguessyoumeanaboutNellie.Booneknewallalong,Keely,”headded
heavily.“IthoughtIwaspullingthewooloverhiseyes.Ialwaysunderestimatehim.He’dhiredhis
girlfriend’sfather ’sdetectiveagencytoinvestigateNellie.Ican’tsayI’mreallysurprisedatwhathe
foundout.Well,I’msurprisedthatshewasmarriedand…foolingaroundwithme,Imean.”
“Booneisveryintelligent,”shesaidnoncommittally.
“Yes,andheknowshowtomakepeopletalk.”
Shegrimaced.“Ididn’tmeanto…”
“No!Notyou.Me!HeaskedmewhatthehellIthoughtIwasdoing,leavingyouatadancealoneall
evening.Hewasfurious.”
“ButIwasallright.”
“Heknowsthatyourfatherandhispartnerincrimemightmakeagrabforyou,Keely.Iknewit,or
shouldhaveknownit,andIputyouatrisk.Boonesaidanythingcouldhavehappened.I’mreally
sorry,Keely.IwassocrazyaboutNelliethatshewasallIthoughtabout.You’remyfriend.Ishould
havebeenlookingoutforyou.”
ItmadeherwarminsidethatBoonewasworriedforhersafety.“It’sokay,Clark,”shesaid.“Honest,it
is.”
“Hegetshotaboutyou,”hecontinued.“I’dalmostsayhe’spossessiveofyou,butthat’sridiculous.He
isfondofyou,inhisway,Ithink.”Hepaused.“Therewassometalkaboutthetwoofyouatthedance.
Youwentoutsidetogether…”
“Totalkaboutyou,”shecountered.“Hewantedtoknowwhereyouwereandwhatyouweredoing.
He’sveryinsistent.”
Therewasarelievedsigh.“Yes,heis.”Hepausedagain.“Keely,youdon’twanttoevergetmixedup
withhim,”hesaid,inastumblingsortofwaythatmadeherheartfillwithdisappointment.
“Somethinghappenedtohimoverseas.Hehatedwomenforyearsafterthatshe-catdroppedhim
whenhewaswounded.Godknowswhyhe’slettingherleadhimdownthesamepathagain.Maybehe
wantsrevenge.Hedoesn’tlikewomenatall.Hejustusesthem.Sortoflikeme,”headdedmiserably.
Keelydidn’tknowwhattosay,howtoanswerhim.“He’snotabadperson.”
“Ididn’tsayhewas,justthathe’shatefultowardwomen.He’skeepingMistyonatightrein,andhe
doesn’twatchhiswordswhenhetalkstoher.It’salmostlikehe’skeepingheraroundforsome
mysteriousreason,buthedoesn’treallywanttohaveanythingtodowithher.Hecouldn’tcarelessif
he’slateforadate,orifhedoesn’tevenshowup.Shespendsmostoftheirtimetogethercomplaining
aboutthewayhetreatsher,andaboutyou.”
“Me?”sheexclaimed.“Butwhy?Boonedoesn’tgiveahillofbeansaboutme!”
“Idon’treallyknow.She’sjealousofyou.”
“That’soneforthebooks,”shemumbled.“She’sbeautifulandrich.I’mplainandpoor.I’mno
competitionatall.”
“Icoulddisputethat,”Clarkrepliedgently.“Youhavesomewonderfulqualities.”
“I’mnobeauty.”
“Neitherisshe.”

Keelylaughedsoftly.“Ofcoursesheis.”
“She’snotabeautyinside,”hesaiddoggedly.“Youare.”
“Thanks,Clark.You’renice.”
“Nice.”Helaughed.“Well,atleastwe’restillfriends.Aren’twe?”
“Yes.”
“Thenyoucangoridingwithmefromtimetotime.Attheranch.WhenBooneisn’taround,”he
addedwithawickedchuckle.
“Webothknowyou’renotafraidofBoone,”shechided.
“Notmuch,anyway.”
“WhatdidyoutellNellie,aboutnotseeingheranymore?”
Therewasalongpause.
Herheartsank.“Clark,you’renotstillseeingher?”
Therewasalongerpause.
“Herhusbandmighthurtyou.Reallyhurtyou,”shewarned.
Hesighed.“Youdon’tunderstand.It’scomplicated.”
“IguessIdon’t,”shereplied.“Becareful.Okay?”
“I’llbecareful.IknowIhavetobreakitoff.Butwehadsomethingspecial—onmyside,atleast.It
takesalittletimetoadjust.”
“Youwatchyourback,”shereplied.
“I’lldothat.Seeyou.”
“Seeyou.”
Shehungup,butshewasworried.Clarkwasplayingwithfire.IfsheandBoonewerereallyfriends,
she’dtellhim.ButBoonehadn’tcalledorcomenearhersincethedance,whenhe’dkissedherso
sweetly.She’ddreamedabouthim,achedtoseehim,butshehadn’thadsomuchasaglimpseofhim.
Perhapshe’djustbeenleadingheron,shethoughtsadly,togetinformationaboutClarkandNellie.
Therewasamiserablethought,anditkeptherunhappytherestoftheday.

Sheandhermotherweregettingalongbetterthantheyeverhad,althoughKeelylivedinterrorthat
herfather,orworse,Jock,mightjustshowupatthedoor.EllahadtalkedtoaRealtoraboutthehouse
andland.ShehadtotakeJock’sthreatseriously,shesaid,andshedidn’twanttogotojail.Keelywas
worriedthatthesecretmightcomeoutanyway.Shefeltguiltyjustknowingaboutit.
ThingsgotworsewhenHayesshowedupatthevet’sofficewheresheworkedinthemiddleofthe
nextweek.Hewassomberandworried.HeaskedKeelyoutintotheparkinglot,awayfromthecrowd
inthewaitingroom,wheretheycouldtalkundisturbed.
“What’swrong?”Keelyaskedhimapprehensively.
“It’saboutyourfather,”hebeganhesitantly.Hisfacebecamehard.“I’veheardsomething.Alittle
gossip.Itinvolvesmybrother…”
“Oh,heavens!”Keelygroundout.“I’msosorry!”
Theexpressiononherfacespokevolumes.Shenevercouldkeepsecrets,andthisonehadcosther
manyanight’ssleep.IfHayespushed,she’dhavetotellhim.Shewentpale.
“Youknow,don’tyou?”heaskedquietly.“Tellme,Keely.”
Shewrappedherarmstightaroundherself.“IfIdo,mymotherwillgotojail,”shesaidmiserably.
“Ifyoudon’t,yourmothermaydie,”hecountered.“Yourfatherwasseenataroadhouseoverin
BexarCountytwodaysago.”
Sheactuallygasped.“WithJock?”

“Thepersonwhosawhimdidn’tknowabouttheotherman.Probablywouldn’trecognizehim.What
doesBrenthaveonyourmother,Keely,andwhathasitgottodowithmyfamily?”
Sheleanedbackagainsthispatrolcar,lookingathimwithdeadeyes.“Myfatherwasapparently
dealingcocainebeforeheleftherewithme,andhehadsomepurestuff.Hemadeadealwith…”She
stoppedandbitherlip.Shehadn’tthoughthowitwouldsound.
Hayesseemedtoknow.Heshiftedhistallframe.“Iknowwhatmybrotherwas,”hesaidquietly.“You
don’thavetopullanypunchesonhisaccount.He’slongdeadandburied.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“Yes,buthewasstillyourbrotherandyoulovedhim,”shesaidgently.“I
lovedmyfather.Ineverdreamed…”Shestopped.“Yourbrothersawmyfathermakeadrugbuy.My
fatherofferedhimasmallfortuneincocainenottotellyou.”
“Sothatwasit.”
“Myfathergaveittoyourbrother.Hedidn’ttellhimthatitwasahundred-percentpure.Yourbrother
hadhissupplierinjecthimwithit.That’swhyheoverdosed.”Sheloweredhereyes.“I’mso
ashamed!”
“No!”Hemovedforwardandframedherfaceinhisbig,warmhands.“No,Keely,it’snotyour
shameoryourguilt!You’reasmuchavictimasBobbywas.Don’ttakethatburdenonyourown
shoulders.It’stheircrime,notyours!”
Tearswererollingdownhercheeks.Hayesfeltforahandkerchief,buthedidn’thaveone.Keely
laughedasshetuggedapapertoweloutofherjeanspocket.“Ialwayscarrythemaround,”she
explained,draggingathereyes.“We’reconstantlycleaningupmesses.Somedogsgetsickwhen
they’rebroughthere.”
“Icansympathizewiththem,”Hayessaidwithaforcedsmile.“Idon’tlikegoingtodoctorsmyself.”
Sheblewhernose.“Iwantedtotellyou.Icouldn’t.Ihaven’tbeenclosetomymother,untilthelast
fewdays,andIknewifItold,shecouldgotoprison.”
“Whatfor?”heaskedheavily.“There’snoevidence.Everybodydirectlyconnectedwiththecaseis
dead.ThewomanwhogaveBobbythedrugswasIvyConley’ssister,Rachel.Shediedofadrug
overdoseherselfnotlongago.Sheleftadiaryandconfessedthatshe’dgivenBobbytheoverdose,”
hesaidsurprisingly.ActuallyKeelyknewIvy,whohadjustmarriedStuartYork,herbestfriend’s
brother.
Hayeslookedthoughtful.“YourfatherandRachelhandedBobbythegun,buthepulledthetrigger
himself,figurativelyspeaking.Bobbywasanaddictfromthetimehewastwelve.Iknewandtriedto
stophim.Inevercould.”
“Youmean,Mamawon’tgotojail?”sheworried.
“No.”Hehesitated.“Butyourfatherwill,ifIcanfindonedamnedthingtopinonhim,”headdedin
thecoldesttoneshe’deverheardhimuse.
Shefeltsad,becauseherfatherhadbeenkindtoher.Shehadn’tknownabouthisdarkpast,andshe’d
lovedhim.Itwashardtoknowthathewasonejumpaheadofthelaw.Shewonderedwhy,whathe’d
donetogetinsomuchtroublethathewasrunningscared.“Ifhe’srunning,andheneedsmoney,”she
reasonedoutloud,“hemustbedesperatetogetaway.”
Hepursedhislips.“Youthinklikeadetective,”hemused.
“He’sdonesomethingbad,”shecontinued.“OrJockhas,andhehelped.”Hereyesweresadasthey
metHayes’s.“Hewasgoodtome,thosetwoyearsIlivedwithhim.Ifhe’dnevergotmixedupwith
Jockagain,hemighthavestayedchanged.”
“Badmendon’tchange,Keely,”Hayessaidinaresignedtone.“Alotofthemareeasilyled.Others
arejustlazy,andtheydon’twanttohavetoworkforaliving.Somehavebeensobadlyabusedthat

theyhatetheworldandwanttogeteven.Inbetween,therearegoodkidswhousedrugsorgetdrunk
anddothingsthattheyregretfortherestoftheirlives.”Heshrugged.“Iguessthat’swhyGodmade
lawmen.”Hesmiled.
Shesmiledback.
“Ifyouhearanythingfromhim,”hesaid,“youhavetotellmerightaway.”
“Mama’stalkingtoRealtors,”shevolunteered.“She’sreallyafraidofwhathemightdo.”
“SoamI,”hesaid.“I’vegotafriendupinSanAntoniotalkingtothemanwhorecognizedyour
father.He’sgotalead,andhe’sfollowingitup.Maybewe’llgetlucky.”
“WhatshouldItellMamatodo?”
Hethoughtforaminute.“Tellhertogoaheadandputthepropertyonthemarket.”
Sheopenedhermouthtoprotest.
Heheldupahand.“Shedoesn’thavetosellit.Shejusthastoappearasifshe’ssellingit.Itmightbuy
usalittletime.I’dbetmoneythatyourfatherorhispartneriskeepinganeyeoutaroundhere.”
“I’lltellher,”shepromised.
“Andkeepyourdoorsandwindowslocked,justincase,”headdedgrimly.
“Wealwaysdothat.”
“Keepaphonehandy,too,”headvised.
Shenodded.
“I’msorryyouevergotinvolvedinthis,”hesaid.
“Wedon’tgettochooseourfamilies,”Keelysaidphilosophically.
“Isn’tthatthetruth?”

Shewenthomeafterworkandtoldhermotherwhatshe’dlearnedfromSheriffCarson.Ellawas
obviouslyrelieved.
“Iwasscaredtodeath,”sheconfessedtoherdaughter.“SheriffCarsonisn’tgoingtoarrestme?He
toldyouthat?”
“Hetoldme,”Keelyreplied.“Buthedoeswantyoutoputthehouseupforsale.”
“Icandothat.”Ellasmoothedherhandsoverhersilkslacks.“Yes.Icandothat.”Shelookedherage.
Shehadn’tevenputonmakeup.“I’veonlyhadonedrinktoday,”shesaidafteraminute,andsmiledat
herdaughter.“I’mshaky.ButmaybeIcangiveitup,ifItry.”
Keelyfeltthebeginningsofarealrelationshipwithhermother.“Really?”sheasked,andsmiled.
“Well,justdon’texpecttoomuch,”Ellalaughed.“I’vebeenaheavydrinkermostofmylife.Itisn’t
easytoquit.”
“Iunderstand.I’llhelp.AnywayIcan.”
Ellastudiedtheyoungerwomanquietly.“You’reagoodkid,Keely,”shesaid.“Ihaven’tbeenagood
mother.Iwish…”Sheshrugged.“Well,wedon’tgetmanysecondchances.ButI’lltry.”
“That’sallanyonecando,”Keelyreplied.Impulsivelyshehuggedhermother.Ellahesitatedfora
minute,butthenshehuggedherback.Itwasamomentoutoftime,whenanythingseemedpossible.
Butitonlyseemedthatway.

KeelyhadhopedthatBoonemightcallher,orbringBaileybytheofficeforacheckuporevenbeat
homewhenshewentridingwithWinnieontheoccasionalSaturday.Buthestayedaway.
SheacceptedaninvitationtogoridingattheSinclairs’,hopingforaglimpseofBoone.Sheknewit
waspathetic,butshewashungrytoseehim,underanycircumstances.Winnieledthewaydowna
woodedpathtotheriverthatranthroughtheproperty.Keelystartedtogetdownoffherhorse.

“Don’t,”Winniesaidquickly,indicatingthetallgrass.“Rattlersarecrawling.Oneoftheboyskilled
twoofthemneartheriverthisweek.”
“It’sreallyhot,”Keelysaid,unnervedbythementionofsnakes.Shewasterrifiedofthem.
“Yes,andtheylikecoolplaces,”Winniesaid.“We’dbettergetback,”sheadded,checkingherwatch.
“Ihavetogointhisafternoon.OneofourdispatchershadadeathinthefamilyandIpromisedtofill
inforher.”
“You’reaniceperson,”Keelysaid.“Ireallymeanthat.”
Winniesmiled.“Thanks,Keely.Soareyou.Imeanit,too.”
“How’sClark?”sheaskedonthewayback.
“Headingfortragedy,”Winniesaidcoolly.“He’sstillseeingthatwoman.”
“Howdoyouknow?”
“HestuffedajewelryboxintohispocketwhenhethoughtIwasn’tlookinglastnight,”shesaid.
“Butshe’smarried,”Keelyargued.“Whatifherhusbandfindsout?”
“Clarkwillbeverysorry,”shereplied.“Thatdetective’sreportsaidthathewasatruckdriverwho
didlonghauls,andhe’sgotapriorforassault.”
“Oh,boy,”Keelymuttered.
“Onedaywe’llgetacallforClarkatwork,youwaitandsee,”Winniesaidgrimly.“Hewon’tlisten.
Hethinkshecanwinherawayfromherhusband.He’sinlove.”
“Thatwomanhasn’tleftherhusbandforareason,”Keelyagreed.“She’sprobablyafraidofhim.”
“Thatwouldbemyguess.”
Theyrodeinsilenceuntiltheywerewithinsightofthebarn.
“Boone’sdoingastupidthing,too,”Winniesaidafteraminute.
Keely’sheartjumped.“What?”
“He’sbringingthatMistypersonhomefortheweekend,”shesaidtautly.“Godknowswhy.Hetreats
herbadly,butshehangson.Idon’tunderstandwhat’sgoingon.”
“Revenge,”Keelyguessed.
“That’swhatIthought,too.ButClarkwasn’ttheonlyonehidingjewelryfromme.Boonehada
jewelryboxinhispocket,too,justlikeClark,”shesaid,glancingworriedlyatKeely.“Isawit.Alittle
squareone,likearingcomesin.Hewashidingit.”
Keely’sworldwasending.Shetriedtosmile.“Iguesshediscoveredhereallydoescareabouther,
huh?”
Winnielookedworried.“Mybrothersarebothidiots,”shemuttered.
“Lovedoesn’tmakepeoplerational,”shesaid,glancingaroundattheparchedpasture.“Ifwedon’t
getsomerain,eventheanimalsaregoingtogoloco,”sheadded,tryingtochangethesubject.“This
droughtisterrible.”
“Worseforsmallranchersthanforus,”Winniereplied.“Wecanaffordtobuyhaytofeedourcattle.
Now,thiscornthingforfuelispushingthosepricesevenhigher.”Sheshookherhead.“Youtrytofix
onething,anditdamagesanotherthing.”
“That’slife,Isuppose.”
“Don’tlooksoglum,”Winniesaidgently.“MaybeitwasalapelpinorsomethingthatBoonebought
forafriend.Itmightnotevenbearing.”
“Ofcourse.”
Winnieknewtheotherwomanwashidingabighurt.Shechangedthesubjectastheyrodeback
towardtheranch.
TheymetafuriousClarkatthebarn.Hewaspacing,steaming.Hesawthewomenrideupandwentto

meetthem,alongwithawranglerwhotookthehorsestounsaddleandstable.
“Whatintheworldisthematterwithyou?”Winnieaskedherbrotherwhenthehorseshadbeenled
away.
“ThatdamnedprivatedetectivewhoworksforBoone’sgirlfriend’sfather,that’swhat’sthematter!”
heraged.“Boonesetmeup!”
“Setyouup?How?”Keelywantedtoknow.
“Nellieisnotmarried,”hegroundout.“Iwassuspicious,becauseshelivesinanapartmentintown.
Noneofherneighborshaveevermentionedthatshehadothermencomingandgoing,muchlessthat
herso-calledhusbandwasparkinghissemiinanapartmentparkinglot.SoIaskedafriendofmine
ontheSanAntoniopoliceforcetocheckheroutforme,onthequiet.Hefoundoutthatshe’snever
evenbeenmarried!”
Winniewasshocked.“Clark,I’msureBoonedidn’ttellthemtomakeupthatreport,”shebegan.
“BoonehatesNellie,”heshotback.“He’ddoanythingtobreakusup.Andbeforeyoubothsayit,I
knowshehasamercenarystreak.Shelikesprettythings,becauseshecan’taffordthem.It’smy
businessifIwanttobuythemforher…nobody’smakingmedoit.”
WinnieandKeelyexchangedwoefulglances.
“Anyway,she’sfuriousbecauseBoonecheckedheroutandtriedtobreakusupwithlies,”headded
grimly.“Shewon’tseemeanymore.”
Keelyfeltguilty.Althoughwhysheshouldwasanybody’sguess.
“I’mreallysorry,”Winniesaidgently,kissinghimonthecheek.“IwishIcouldstayandtalkmore
aboutit,butI’llbelateforwork.Wecantalklater,can’twe?”Shefrowned.“Oh,Iforgot!I’vegotto
driveKeelyhome….”
“I’lldriveher,”Clarkvolunteered.“Shecanconsoleme.”
Winniehuggedherbrother,andthenKeely.“I’llcallyou,”shetoldherfriend.
Keelynodded.Shewasdisappointedthatshedidn’tgettoseeBooneatall,andsadforClarkthathe’d
beenliedto.Itdidn’tseematalllikeBoonetohavepeoplemakeupstoriesaboutNellie.
Clarkputherintohissportscarandpeeledoutdownthedriveway.Hewasstillfurious,andit
showed.
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”sheasked.
“I’mgoingtodowhatBoonewantsmetodo,”hemuttered.“I’mgivingNellieupbeforehefindsa
waytodestroyherreputation.”
Shefeltsadforhim.“Booneisformidable,”shesaid.
“He’stoousedtogettinghisownway.He’srunthingsforsolongthathethinkshecanrunpeople’s
lives,aswell.”Heglancedather.“Areyougameforalittlepayback?Afterall,he’sdonehisbitto
hurtyou,aswell.”
Shefeltasenseofdarkforeboding.“Whatbit?”
“HetoldMistythatyouwererunningafterhimatthecharitydance,”hesaidtautly.“Itoldyouthere
wassomegossip.Shehearditandraisedhell.Booneusuallydoesn’tpayattentiontoherwhenshe
rants,buthedidthattime.Hesaidyou’dluredhimontothepatioandflirtedwithhimshamelessly.”
Shewassoembarrassedandhumiliatedthatshewantedtosinkthroughthefloor.Thatwasan
absolutelie,andBooneknewit.Shebitherlipalmostthrough.
Clarkglancedatherstonyexpressionandgrimaced.“Sorry.Ididn’tmeantolayitonthatthick.”
“Thetruthisalwaysbest,Clark,evenifithurts.”
“Icouldn’tbelieveitwhenIheardhim,”hesaid.“Iknowyoudon’tchasemen.Andyouneverflirt.
Whensheleft,Igavehimhell.Hejustwalkedawaywithoutaword.Youcan’targuewithhim.He

ignoresyou!”
Shefeltverysmall.She’dgonerunningouttotheSinclairhousetogoridingwithWinnieonthe
flimsiestexcuse,hopingtoseeBoone.Andhe’dbeentellingliesabouthertohisgirlfriend.Itwasthe
laststraw.Shefeltsicktoherstomach.
“Let’sstartgoingouttogether,forreal,”Clarksaidcurtly.
“Whatgoodwouldthatdo?”shewantedtoknow.
“ItwouldteachBoonealessonabouttryingtorunpeoples’lives,that’swhatitwoulddo,”hegritted.
“I’msickofhimleadingmearoundlikeakid.Hecan’tstandNelliebecausehesaysshe’smercenary.
Butwhatisthatgilt-edgedgolddiggerhetakesaroundwithhim,ifshe’snotmercenary?”
“Sheisn’toneofmyfavoritepeople.”
“Ormine.Andnowhe’stalkingaboutgettingengaged,”hemuttered.“Iheardhimmentionitto
HayesCarsononthephone.Icouldn’theareverythinghewassaying,buthesoundedfurious.Then
hementionedthathewastryingtogetengaged.Icouldn’tbelieveit.ButwhenIsawtheringssitting
onhisdesk…”
Herheartfelltherestofthewayintohershoes.
Hesighed.“Well,Iwon’tliveinthehousewiththatrattywoman,andWinniesaysshewon’t,either.If
shemovesin,we’removingout.Boonecanentertainherallbyhimself.”
“Ican’tsayIblameyou,”shesaidinasubduedtone.“ShewaswillingtosacrificepooroldBailey
justtogotoaconcert.”
“Somethingyou’dneverdoinalifetime,”herepliedandsmiledacrossather.
“Iloveanimals.”
“SodoI.”
“Sowhatdoyoumean,thatwe’dpretendtogoaroundtogether,likeweweredoingbefore?Boone
sawrightthroughit,Clark.”
“Hewon’tthistime,”heassuredher.
ShepuzzledthosewordstherestofthewayhomewhilesheenduredthepainofBoone’scrueltaunts.
Themanwho’dkissedhersotenderlyonthepatioofthecommunitycenterhadn’tseemedlike
someonewhowouldhumiliateawomanwhorespondedtohim.Butsheknewverylittleaboutmen,
andBoonehadcertainlypeggedherforanovice.Perhapshewasjustamusinghimself.He’dmoved
awayfromherwhenshementionedMisty,andhe’dbeenremote.Maybehefeltguiltyplayingupto
onewomanwhenhewasinvolvedwithanotherone.HehadtoexplainthegossiptoMisty,sohe’d
madeKeelythefallguy.Gal.Whatever.Shecouldalmosthatehimforthat.Forcertain,itbrought
hometherealityofhersituation.
Boonewaswealthy.Keelywaspoor.Hisgirlfriendwassociallyacceptableandpretty.Keely’sfather
wasacriminal.Thatsaiditall.
Clarkpulledupatherfrontdoorandcutofftheengine.“We’regoingtoSanAntonio,totheballet.”
Heheldupahandwhenshestartedtoprotest.“I’mgoingtohireabodyguardsoBoonewon’thave
theexcusethatI’mputtingyouindanger.”
Thatwasanewtwist.Shefeltnewrespectforherfriend.
“Andwe’regoingshopping,whetheryoulikeitornot,”headdedfirmly.“Youneedsomepretty
eveningwear,somethingsilkyandofftheshoulder,”headdedwithasmile.
Keelyfeltsick.“Idon’twearthosesortsofthings,”shesaidprimly.
“I’mnotaskingyoutowearyourunderwear,”hesaidgently.“Justsomethingalittlemorefeminine
thanwhatyouusuallygoaroundin.”
Hecouldn’tknowhowhewashurtingherpride.Butitdidshow,andhenoticed.Hefrowned.

“What’swrong?”heasked.
Sheclaspedherhandstogetherinherlap.“Clark,Ican’twearclothesthatdon’tbuttonuptotheneck,
muchlesssomethingofftheshoulder,”shesaidwithgrimpride.Sheraisedherface.“Ihadan…an
accident,justbeforeDadbroughtmebacktoJacobsville.Thereare,well,scars…”
“God,I’msorry!”hesaidatonce.“Ididn’tknow!”
“Nobodyknows,notevenmymother,”shesaid,tight-lipped.“Andyoucan’ttellanyone,either.”She
loweredhereyestoherjeans.“It’ssomethingI’velearnedtolivewith,inmyownway.ButIhaveto
dresswithinthelimitationsofmyinjury.”
“Thatweaknessinyourarm,”herecalledoutloud.“That’spartofit,isn’tit?”
Shenodded.Herfacewasflushed.“I’msorry.”
“No.I’msorry,”herepliedquietly.Hereachedoverandclaspedherhandinhis.“Iwon’ttell
anyone,”hepromised.“Andwe’llbuyveryconservativeclothes.Butprettyones.”
“Iwon’tletyoudothat,”shesaidproudly.
Hepursedhislips.“SupposeImadeyoualoan?”
“Icouldneverpayitback.You’lljusthavetomakedowithwhatIcanaffordtowear.Mymothercan
loanmesomeofhermoreconservativethings,andherfoxfur.I’lllookpresentable.Ipromise.”
Hesmiledgently.“Okay.Ifthat’swhatyouwant.”
“Thisbodyguard,youshouldprobablyaskSheriffCarsonaboutit,”shesaid.
“Iwill.Goonin.I’llbeintouch.”
“Areyousureyouwanttodothis?”sheaskedassheopenedherdoor.“Nelliemightcomebackto
you.”
“Idon’tknowthatIwantherto,”hereplied.“We’lltakeitonedayatatime.Ifyouneedanything,
though,youletmeknow,okay?”
Shewouldn’t,andheknewit,butshesmiled.
Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“AndI’msorrythatItoldyouwhatBoonesaid,”headdedsolemnly.“Ithurt
you.”
“Lifehurts,Clark,”shesaidquietly.“There’snogettingaroundthat.”
“Sotheysay.”Heleanedovertoclosethedoor,andpoweredthewindowopen.“NextFridaynight.
Theballet.”
Shesmiled.“I’llaskDr.RydelifIcanleaveworkearly.”
“I’llaskhim,too,”hevolunteered.
“Youbravesoul!”
“Yes,I’veheardthathe’smakingmealsofthestafflately,butwegetalong,”hechuckled.“I’llcall
you.Solong.”
“Solong.”

ChapterTen
ThebodyguardwasactuallyaJacobsvillepoliceofficerwhoworkedoddjobswhenhewasoffduty.
Hewaspowerfullybuiltandneverseemedtosmile.
Insteadofridinginthecarwiththem,hedrovehisownprivatevehicleandfollowedbehindthemto
SanAntonio.Clarkhadpaidforhisgasandwouldhaveboughthimaballetticket,aswell,untilhe’d
mentionedthathe’dpreferbeingburnedatthestake.SoClarkhadmadeotherarrangementsforwhen
theywereinside.
Keelywaswearingthesamegreenvelvetdressshe’dworntothedance,andhermother ’sfoxstole
andhighheels.ShewasnervousaboutminglingwiththeupperclassesofSanAntonio,butClarkheld
herhandandreassuredherthattheywerejustregularpeoplelikehimself.
HerecognizedafriendofhisandintroducedKeelytohim.ThemanwasJasonPendleton,who
ownedatruckfarminJacobsville.Hewasusuallywithhisstepsister,Gracie,buttonighthewaswith
aredheadwhomheintroducedashisfiancée.Thewomanwasbrassyandnotverypolite.She
draggedJasonawayscantminuteslaterandledhimtoalocalnewspaperownerinstead.
“Iguesswearen’tquitegoodenoughcompany,”Clarkmused.“OldPeppernellovertheredoesowna
newspaper,butourfamilycouldbuymosteverythingheownsoutofpettycash.Jasonwilltellher
that,atsomepoint,andthenshe’lldraghimbackoverhereandgushandpretendthatPeppernellisa
cousinorsomethingwhomshehadadutytotalkto.Hissister,Gracie,isn’timpressedbydollar
signs.Shehasfriendswhodon’thaveapenny.ButJason’sfiancéeapparentlyonlyassociateswiththe
ultrarich.”
Hewasamused.Keelywasmortified.“Isthatthesortofpeopleyouknow?”sheaskeduneasily.“They
judgeyoubydollarsigns?”
“Jasondoesn’t.Hisfiancéeapparentlydoes.”Hefrowned.“IwonderwhereGracieis?It’sunusualnot
toseethemtogether.”
“Isit?”shecountered,curious.“Brothersandsistersdon’tusuallypartnereachotheratsocialevents,
dothey?”
“They’renotrelated,”hesaidcarelessly.“Gracie’smothermarriedJason’sfather,andpromptlydied,
leavingJasontolookafterher.Gracie’smotherisdead,butGraciestillliveswithJason.Untilnow,
hehasn’tbeenmuchforcommitment.Hisfiancéeisnice-looking,Iguess,butshe’sgrasping,too.”
Keelyhadnoticedthat.ShewaswatchingthewomanasJasonPendletonbenthistallformtospeakto
her.ThewomangapedatClarkandKeelyandwinced.
“Shejustgotthebadnews.”Clarkchuckledunderhisbreath.
Keelylaughed,too,butassheturnedherhead,hereyescollidedwithBooneSinclair ’s.Sheshivered
attheunexpectedencounter.SheavertedhereyesatonceandturnedbacktoClark,clingingtohis
hand.Herheartwasracingagain.Boonehadaccusedherofchasinghimshamelessly.Shedidn’twant
tohavetospeaktohimatall.
BoonewaswithMisty.HetuggedherovertowhereKeelyandClarkwerestanding.
“Beforeyoustart,”Clarktoldhisbrotherbelligerently,“I’vegotJarrettfromtheJacobsvillePolice
Departmentactingasourbodyguardontheroad,andDetectiveRickMarquezhastheseatonthe
othersideofusattheballet.”Hegavehisbrotheracoldlook.Hewasstillsmolderingaboutthat
privatedetective’sreportonNellie.“I’vecoveredallourbases.”
Boone’sdarkeyesnarrowedirritably.HelookedatKeelyuntilshewasforcedtomeetthatriveting
stare,butsheimmediatelyturnedherattentionawayfromhim.Shecouldn’tforgetwhathe’dsaid
abouthertohisgirlfriend.
“Istilldon’tthinkit’sagoodidea,”Boonesaidshortly.

“Boone,whydon’twejustenjoyoureveningandletyourbrotherandhis…friend…enjoytheirs?”
Mistyaskedhaughtily.“He’sovertheageofconsent,youknow.”
BoonegaveMistyalook.HeturnedbacktoClark.“Don’tputheratrisk,”hesaidsolemnly.
“Iwouldneverdothat,”Clarkrepliedshortly.“Andyouknowit.”
BoonegaveKeelyalonglookthatsheignored.HewasscowlingwhenheescortedMistytotheir
seats.
“YouinvitedMarquez?”Keelyasked,forsomethingtosay.
“Yes.Helovestheballet,andhe’sourlookoutinside,justincaseyourfatherandhisfrienddecideto
mountanattackintheaudience,”headdedwithpuresarcasm.
Keelylaughed.“Idon’tthinkthat’slikelytohappen.”
“NeitherdoI.Boone’sgettingstrangelately.HewasgivingHayesCarsonhellonhiscellphonelast
night,Godknowsforwhat.Hayesishisbestfriend,butthey’refallingout.”
“Arethey?”sheaskedabsently,stillreelingfromBoone’sintenseinterestandnotreallyhearingwhat
Clarksaid.“Shouldn’twegoin?”
“Weprobably…”
“Oh,thereyouare,”JasonPendleton’sfiancéerushedup.“I’msosorrywerushedaway,butwehad
tospeaktothatfriendofJason’s!”
ClarkglancedatKeelyandhadtobitehistonguetokeepfromlaughing.
Jasonwasgivinghisfiancéeanoddsortoflook,asifhehadn’tnoticedthissocialclimbingpenchant
ofhers.Hewasn’tconventionallyhandsome,butKeelycouldseewhyhedrewwomen;anditwasn’t
becauseofhismoney.
ShegavethecoupleashysmileasClarkledherintotheauditorium.
DetectiveMarquezgrinnedatthemastheysatdown.
“You’realone?”Clarkasked,surprised.
“Ican’tgetgirls.”Marquezshrugged.“Oncetheyseethegun—”heindicatedhisshoulderholster“—
andtheyrealizethatIcarryitallthetime,theyusuallyleaveskidmarksgettingoutofmylife.Butit’s
okay,”hesaidpleasantly.“Ialwayswantedtospendmywholelifealonewithnokidsorgrandkids.”
ClarkandKeelyburstoutlaughing.
Hejustgrinned.

Allthroughtheballet,whichwasbeautifulandriveting,KeelywasawareofBoone’sdarkeyes
watchingher.Shehatedthefeelingsshecouldn’thelp,becausesheknewwhathereallythoughtofher.
Itwashumiliatingthatshecouldn’twishthemaway.
Whentheperformancewasover,BoonestoppedClark,Keelyandthebodyguardatthefrontdoor.
“We’restoppingbyChaco’sBarandGrillforanightcap.Whydon’tyoujoinus?Yourbodyguardis
welcometocomein,too.”
“Idon’tdrinkonthejob,”Jarrettsaidunapologetically.“Butthanks.”
“Weshouldprobablystarttowardhome,”Clarkbegan,knowingKeely’sreluctancetobearound
Boone.
“Justanightcap,”Boonesaid,andhehadthatexpressionthatmeanthewasgoingtogethisownway
comehellorhighwater.
“Well,allright,”Clarkgavein,ashealwaysdid.Hegrimaced,becausehe’dhadaglimpseofKeely’s
facewhenheagreed.
“Wewon’tstaylong,”Boonepromised.
HeandMistystartedtowardhissportscar.ItwasparkednexttoClark’s.Mistywascomplaining

loudlyabouttheintrusionontheirprivacy.Keelyfeltlikedoingthesame.Shedidn’twantanightcap,
especiallywithBoone.
Buttheyendedupatthebaranyway.Keelyorderedasoftdrink.Mistyglaredatherwhilesheordered
awhiskeysourwithasmirk,asifshethoughtKeelywasputtingonsomesortofPuritanact.
“Marquezwouldapprove,”ClarksaidgentlywhenKeelywasserved.“You’renotlegal,yet.”
“What?”Mistyasked.
“Youhavetobetwenty-onetohaveadrinkinabar,”Clarksaidcarelessly.
Shefrowned.“You’renoteventwenty-one?”sheaskedKeely.
“I’llbetwentyonChristmasEve,infourmonths,”Keelysaidwithoutlookingather.
Mistywasirritable,anditshowed.ShesippedherdrinkandignoredKeely.
Boonedidn’t.Heseemedrestless.WhenMistyexcusedherselftogototheladies’room—with
obviousreluctance—andClarkdecidedtogo,too,KeelywasleftalonewithBoone.
Shecouldn’tforceherselftolookathim.Shesippedhersodawithbothhandswrappedaroundthe
glassandstaredtowardthebar.
“Youhaven’tsaidawordtomeallnight,”hesaidunexpectedly.“Andyouhaven’tlookedatme
once.”
Keelydid,then,andhereyeswereblazing.“Ididn’twantittoseemasifIwerechasingyou,”shetold
himcoldly.“IunderstandthatIthrewmyselfatyouatthecharitydanceanditoffendedyou.”
Hisjawtautened.Helookedaway,asifthecommentembarrassedhim.“Therearethingsgoingon
thatyoudon’tknowabout.Youshouldn’tbewanderingaroundthestatewithClark.”
“I’massafewithhimasIwouldbeathome,”shesaid.“Clarkisawonderfulman.I’mveryluckythat
yourprivatedetectiveturnedhimoffNellie.Apparently,”sheaddedwithameaningfulsmile,“I’m
moretohistastethansheis.”
Hisscowlwasintimidating.Butbeforehecouldspeak,Mistywasback.Shesweptintoherchairand
leanedagainstBoone’sshouldertodistracthim.ClarkandKeelywerestiffanduncomfortable,and
theybarelymanagedtoremaincivilforthetimeittookthemtofinishtheirdrinks.

MistymadeapointofgettingKeelymomentarilyaloneontheirwayouttothecars.
“He’stalkedaboutnothingexceptyouallnight,Godknowswhy!Well,youwon’tgethim,”shesaid
icily.“I’mgoingtofixyou!”
Keelydidn’tgetachancetoaskherwhatshemeant.MistyrantoBooneandalmosttrippedgettingto
theircar.MistywasapparentlyjealousthatBoonehadmentionedKeely.Shecouldn’timaginewhy,
butitthrilledhertothinkhemightberegrettinghisbadbehavior.

“WhatthehelliswrongwithBoone?”Clarkaskedonthewayhome.“I’veneverseenhimsogrim.”
“Ihaven’ttheslightestidea,”Keelysaid.
“Igavehimthedevilaboutthatdetective’sreport.Hesworehehadn’tputthemanuptolying.”He
glancedatKeely.“It’shardformetostaymadathim.ButI’msorryIcouldn’tgetusoutofthat
drink.”
“It’sokay,Clark,”shereplied.“He’sabulldozer.It’shardforanyonetosaynotohim.”
“Especiallyme.”Hesmiled.“Whenwewerekids,Boonewasalwaysprotectingmefromthemean,
olderboys.Hewasneverafraidofanything.Iguessmaybeheprotectedmetoomuch.Afterourmom
left,Dadwashelltolivewith.Boonetookalotofhitsthatweremeantforme.”
“Helovesyou.”
“Yeah.Ilovehim,too.”Heglancedather.“BoonesaidthatSheriffCarsonwasoutyourway.”

“Yes,”shereplied.“IhadtotellhimwhatDaddid.”
“Excuseme?”
Shebitherlowerlip.Herfatherwasacriminal.ThatwasgoingtoputBoonerightoutofherorbit
forever.ShewascertainthatHayesCarsonhadalreadytoldhimaboutKeely’sparents.Thetwomen
hadbeenbestfriendsforever.
“Myfatherwasadrugdealer,Clark,”shesaidquietly.“HesuppliedthecocainethatkilledSheriff
Carson’sbrotherBobby.”
“Oh,boy,”Clarksaidheavily.“Youpoorkid.”
“Nowmydad’sbackandheandhispartnerwantmoney,lotsofit…”
“Icouldgivethemwhatevertheywant,”hesaidatonce.
“No!”Hereyeswereeloquent.“Don’tyousee,theonlywaytostopthemistokeepthemhanging
aroundwhileMamaputsthehouseonthemarket.Thepolicemighthaveachancetocatchthem
beforetheycanhurtanyone.”
“Doyouthinkyourfatherwouldhurtyou?”heasked.
Keelyhadneverlikedlookingback.Heraccidenthadhurtmorethanherbody.Whenthelittleboy
droppedintothelionpit,Keely’sfatherhadbeenstandingontheotherside.Hehadn’tmadeamove
tohelp.
“Yes,hewould,wouldn’the?”Clarkaskedperceptively.
Keelydrewinalongbreath.IthadbeenjustafterthecourtcasethatKeely’sfatherhadbroughther
backtoJacobsville.Hehadn’tsaidmuchtoher,andhehadn’tmethereyes.She’dtriedtotellherself
thathe’donlyhesitatedbecausehewasshocked.ButKeelyhadn’thesitated.
“I’vespentalltheseyearstryingtopretendthathebroughtmebackformyowngood,”shesaid.“But
IthinkitwasbecauseImadehimashamed.”Sheheldupherhandwhenhestartedtoaskaquestion.“I
can’ttalkaboutit,notevennow.It’ssopainfultothinkthatmyfatherwaswillingtostandbywhena
child’slifewasindanger.Ilovedhim.Buthewasreadytosacrificemetosavehimself.”Shelooked
up.“Inthesamesituation,Boonewouldn’thavehesitatedasplitsecond.Neitherwouldyouor
Winnie.”
Clarkwassolemn.“It’shardtolosefaithinaparent.Iknow.Whenourmotherranoffwithouruncle,
weweredevastated.Threelittlekids,andshejustleft.”
Keelywasthinkingthatshewouldneverhavedesertedherownfleshandblood.Butshedidn’tsayit.
Clarksmiled.“You’llmakeawonderfulmother,”hechuckled.“Yourkidswillbespoiledrotten.”
Shesmoothedherrighthandoverherleftarm.“No,”shesaidabsently.“Iwon’thavechildren.I
won’tmarry.”
“Afewlittlescarsaren’tgoingtomatter,”hetoldher.
Shedidn’treply.Hehadnoidea.Shecouldn’ttellhim,either.Sheglancedathim.“Ihadagoodtime,”
shesaid.Shesmiled.“Mr.Pendleton’sfiancéewasahoot.”Shechuckled.“Doyouthinkhe’sreally
goingtomarryawomanwho’sthatblatantaboutsocialclimbing?”
“Ithink,likeme,hegotintoaphysicalrelationshipthatblindedhimtoawoman’struenature,”he
saidafteraminute.“Ihopehe’sluckyenoughtoseethelightintime.”
Shefrowned.“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeyou.”
“IwaswatchingMistytonight,”hereplied.“ShewasalloverBoone,hereyeslikedollarsigns.She
likesgoingfirst-class.Shepretendstohavemoney,butIdon’tthinkshedoes.Ithinkshe’sputtingon
anact,totrytogetBooneback.Ihopehe’sgotbettersense.”Hegesturedwithhishand.“Isawmyself
whenIlookedathim.IwasjustasenchantedbyNellie.ButwhatIsawwasanillusion.”Heglancedat
her.“Youwon’tevenletmegiveyouemeraldearrings,andyoulovethem,”hesaidsoftly.“I’ve

neverknownawomanlikeyou.”
“Actuallytherearelotsofthem,andtheyallliveinJacobsvilleandComancheWells,”sheteased.
“Justplainunsophisticatedlittlecountrygirlswholoveanimalsandliketoplantthingsanddon’t
thinkmarryingarichmanisthegreatestoflifeambitions.”
Hegrimaced.“I’dnevergetoneofthosekindofgirlspastBoone,”hesaidwithresignation.“He
alwaysexpectstheworstwhenIdateanybodyoutsideourowncircles.”
Thatstung,butshedidn’tsayso.Clarkhadbeenkindtoher.“Ihavetogo,”shesaid.“Ihada
wonderfultimetonight,Clark,”sheadded.“Thanks.”
“We’lldoitagain.”Hefrowned.“Ididn’tmeanthatlikeitsounded—aboutdatinggirlsoutsidemy
owncircle,”headded.“Ialwaysthinkofyouasfamily.”
Shesmiled.“That’sthenicestthingyou’vesaidtome.”
Helookedsheepish.“Iguessyou’dratherIthoughtofyouasaneligibleyoungwoman?”
Sheshookherhead.“Ilikebeingyourfriend.”
“Ilikebeingyours.”Hebentandkissedhercheek.“Ifyoueverneededhelp,youknowyoucouldask
me.”
Shechuckled.“OfcourseIdo.ButIcantakecareofmyself.Goodnight,Clark.”
“Goodnight.”
Hewatchedhergointothehousebeforehedroveaway.

Hermotherwasunusuallyquiet.WhenKeelyaskedaboutthehouse,sheonlygotevasivereplies.
Carlywasnowhereinsight,andhadn’tbeenforsometime.Shewasoutoftownforawhile,Ellasaid
finally,anddidn’trefertoCarlyagain.TherewasalsoadisturbingphonecallthatEllahadanswered
withsinglesyllablereplies.Shewouldn’ttellherdaughterwhathadbeensaidorevenwhohadcalled.
WhenacarpulledupatthefrontdooronarainySaturdaymorning,Ellaactuallygasped.Keelyran
tolookout.
“It’sBooneSinclair,”shestammered,shocked.
“ThankGod,”Ellasaidheavily.“ThankGod.”Shewalkedbackdownthehall,wentintoherroom
andclosedthedoor.
Surprised,KeelywentoutontotheporchasBooneexitedthecarandtooktheporchstepstwoata
time.
Hewasinworkingclothes,jeansandbootsandwhiteStetsonwithacheckedWestern-cutlong-
sleevedshirtbuttonedrightuptotheneck.HelookeddownatKeely,hiseyesdarkandstormy.
“Comeforadrive,”hesaidcurtly.
Shecouldhavefoundadozenreasonsnottogo.Shewantedtocomeupwithanexcuse.Hermind
agreed.Butherbodywalkedbackintothehouse,grabbedherpurseandalightweightjacketandtold
hermothergoodbye.

Booneopenedthedoorofhiscar,helpedherinsideandwentaroundtogetinandstarttheengine.A
minutelater,theywerespeedingdownthehighwaytowardhisranch.
Shewasnervous,anditshowed.Herhandsplayedwithhersmallpursewhileshelistenedtothe
rhythmicsoundofthewindshieldwipersastheybrushedawaythepouringrain.
Despitealltheirrecentturmoil,shefeltsafewithBoone.Safe,excited,hopeful,breathlesslyinlove.
Herwholebodyachedtobeheldagainashe’dheldheratthecharitydance.Shehopedthatdidn’t
show.
Itdid.Boonewasfartooexperiencedtomistakeherbodylanguage.Hesmiledsoftlytohimself.If

she’dbeeninvolvedwithhisbrother,asClarkclaimed,shewouldn’tbethisnervousinBoone’s
company.Thatmeanttherewasstilltime.Ifhecouldconvinceherthathehadn’tmeanttohumiliate
her.
Hepulledoutontoapasturetrackthatledtoaclosedgate,stoppedthecarandcutofftheengine.
Therainfloodedontothewindshield,makingtheoutsideworldagrayblur.Heunfastenedhisseat
belt,settledhimselfcrosswaysinhisseatandstaredatKeely.
Thesilencewasalittleunnerving.Sheglancedathimandfoundhereyescapturedandheld.
“Clarksaysthetwoofyouaregoingsteady,”hesaid.
Nowwhatdidshesay,shewonderedfrantically.Itwasn’ttrue,butClarkwasusingherasatoolof
vengeance,apparently,forNellie’sloss.Shebitherlowerlipandtriedtofindagracefulwayoutof
thedilemma.
“Didhesaythat?”sheasked,playingfortimetothink.
Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“Don’tplaygameswithme,”hesaidcurtly.“Areyouorareyounotgetting
mixedupwithmybrother?”
Sorry,Clark,shesaidsilently,butnomerewomancouldhaveresistedthatlookinBoone’seyes.
“I’mnot,”shesaid,soundingbreathless,asthoughshe’drunalongway.
Thetautnessseemedtogooutofhim.“Well,thankGodforonethinggoingright,”hemurmured.“I
couldhavesluggedHayesCarson!”
Whileshewastryingtoworkoutthatpuzzle,he’dunfastenedherseatbeltandpulledheroverthe
consoleintohisarms.
“Ithoughtthisweekwouldneverend.”Hismouthgrounddownintohersasifhe’dgonehungryfor
yearsandsoughttosatisfythehungerinseconds.Hecrushedherupagainsthim,mindlessofhersoft
cryofprotest.“I’mstarvingtodeathforyou,”hewhisperedintohermouth.“Dyingforyou—”
Hadshereallyheardhimsaythat?Shegaveupprotesting.Itdidn’tdoanygood,anyway.Shecurled
upagainsthimandignoredthepaininhershoulderandarm,goingbonelessashisardoronly
increasedatherresponse.Herheadbegantospin.Itwasthesweetestinterludeofherlife.Rain
poundedontheroof,thehood,thetrunk,thewindblew,butsheheardnothingoverthepoundingof
herownheart.Shehadnoreserveleft.Whateverhewanted,hecouldhave.
Exceptwhenhishandsearchedunderherblouseandupoverherbreast,inchingtowardthestrap.She
couldn’t,didn’tdare,lethimfeelhershoulder.
Withasharplittlecry,shejerkedawayfromhim,herfaceflushedfromhisardor,hereyeswildwith
passionanddread.
Hemisunderstood.Hiseyesgrewcold.Hepushedheraway,dragginginharshbreaths,untilhecould
controlhimselfagain.He’dtakenherproteststhefirsttimehe’dkissedherasvirginalfears.Butthis
wasn’t.She’drejectedhim.She’dliedaboutherfeelingsforClark.Shecouldn’thidethefactthatshe
didn’twantintimacywithBoone.Hisegohurt,almostasbadlyasithadwhenMistyshiedawayfrom
himinthemilitaryhospital.
“Boone,”shebeganslowly,dreadingwhatshehadtotellhimnow.
“Forgetit,”hesaid,interruptingher.Heputhisseatbeltbackonandstartedthecar.“Obviouslyyou
can’tgetpastyourfeelingsforClark.Nosweat.”
Hedidn’tsayanotherword,orevenlookather,untiltheyweresittinginfrontofherhousewiththe
enginerunning.
“Itisn’twhatyouthink,”shebitoff.
“Thehellitisn’t,”hereturnedicily.“Goodbye,Keely.”
Thewayhesaidit,sheknewitwasn’tsimplyatemporaryfarewell.Hemeantthathewouldn’tseeher

aloneagain,ever.Herheartbroke.Hethoughtshe’drejectedhimanditwasn’ttrue.Shecouldn’tbear
toseethelookonhisfaceifhegothershirtoff.Thatwouldendanychanceshehadwithhim.Of
course,she’djustdonethat,withouttheaddedtraumaofwhathedidn’tknow.
Shedrewinaquietbreath.“Thanksfortheride,”shemanagedinapolitetone.Sheopenedthedoor
andgotout.
Hestillhadn’tsaidaword.Hewasdownthedrivewaybeforeherfootwasonthefirststepuptothe
house.Shedidn’tlookback.Itwouldn’thelp.

Hermotherwasstillactingoddly.AlmostaweekhadpassedsinceBoonehadtakenKeelyridingand
kissedher.Therainhadstoppedandnowtheheatblazed.Therewerewildfires.Everyonewasafraid
tothrowdownamatchorburntrashorevensmokeacigaretteoutdoors.Itwasalmosttimetoharvest
cornandhayandpeanuts.Thecornandhaywouldhavetolastthelivestockthroughthewinter;itwas
veryimportant.Combinesandtractorsweresittingonready,whilethelastdayscounteddownto
harvest.
OnSaturdaymorning,thesoundsofmachinerycouldbeheardeverywhere.Winniestoppedbyto
pickupKeelyforanimpromptulunch,assuringherfirstthatBoonewasoutwiththecombinesand
wouldn’tbeinallday.He’dtakenacoolerwithhim,bearinglunchandbeer.
“IhopeIhaveenougheggstodotheeggsalad,”Winniemurmuredastheypulledupintoher
drivewaypastthehugepoststhatheldthenow-opengatesthatledtothehouse.“IfIdon’t,Imayhave
torunbacktothestore.Whydidn’tIthinkofitwhileIwasintown?”shemoaned.Sheglancedat
Keely,wholookedapprehensive.“Boone’sreallyoutwiththecombine,”shepromised.“Iwouldn’t
lie.”
Keelyrelaxedwithasmile.“Okay.Sorry.”
“Notyourfault,”Winniereplied,leadingthewayintothehouse.“Booneragedaboutyouallweek,in
fact,nottomentionHayesCarson—Godknowswhy.Butthismorningsomethingcamebyexpress.
Hetookitintotheoffice,andgotallquiet.Hewentoutwithoutaword,walkingreallyslow.”She
grimaced.“Godhelpthecowboys.Somebodywillquitbysunset,youmarkmywords.He’s
seething!”
“Youdon’tknowwhy?”Keelyhadtoask.“Itcouldn’thavebeensomethingaboutmyfather…?”
Winnielookedsurprised.“WhatwouldBoonehavetodowithyourfather?”
Keelyfelttrapped.“Yousaidhe’dtalkedtoSheriffHayes…”
Winniescowled.“Keely,what’sgoingon?”
Shehesitated.“DidClarksayanythingtoyouatall?”
“HesaidyouhadtotakeabodyguardwithyouwhenyouwenttoSanAntonio,”Winniereplied
gently.“I’mnotstupid.There’sgossipaboutyourfatherbeingintroubleandthreateningyouand
yourmother.ButIdon’tthinkBoonewouldbemixedupwiththat.”
“No.No,ofcoursenot,”Keelysaidatonce.Sheforcedasmile.Winniehadnoideawhatwasreally
goingonwithBooneandherbestfriend.Itwasprobablybetterthatsheneverdid.Boonewouldnever
looktwiceatKeelyagain,anyway.Shewonderedhowshewasgoingtomanagetodrawbackfrom
herfriendshipwithWinniewithoutmakingtheotherwomansuspicious.Shehadtofindaway.Just
thethoughtofrunningintoBooneagain,afterthewaythey’dpartedSaturday,madehernervous.
Theystartedlunch,butasWinniehadpredicted,sheshouldhaveboughteggs.Sheonlyhadtwo.
“Ican’tmakeenougheggsaladforusnowandforthemenlateroutofjusttwoeggs,”shelaughed.
Shegrabbedhercarkeysandherpurse.“YoufinishthepastasaladandI’llruntothestore.I’llonly
befifteenminutes.”SheglancedatKeely’sworriedface.“He’soverinthenorthpasture,”sheadded

ruefully.“Boonecouldn’tevengethereinfifteenminutes.Feelbetter?”
“Yes,”Keelysaidblatantly.
Winniepursedherlips.“Idowonderwhat’sgoingonbetweenyouandmybigbrother.ButIwon’t
ask.Yet.”
Sherushedoutthebackdoorandcloseditbehindher.Keelyfeltlesssecure.
Shefinishedthepastasaladandputitintotherefrigerator.Sheheardthefrontdooropenandclose
andfeltapangofrelief.Winniewasback.
Butthefootstepscomingdownthehallweren’tsoftandmuffled.Theywereheavyandhard.
Apprehensive,sheturned.
AndtherewasBoone,wearingstainedjeansandboots,ashirtwetwithsweat,hisStetsondangling
fromonehand.Hiseyes,astheymethers,wereblazingwithanger.
“Comeintotheoffice,Keely,”hesaidtautly.“I’vegotsomethingtoshowyou.”Heturnedandwalked
away,leavinghertofollow.
Shepausedattheopendooroftheoffice,tuggingatthebuttonsonherlong-sleevedwhiteshirtshe
waswearingovertantwillslacks.HewasholdingtheenvelopethatWinniesaidhadcomebyexpress
servicethismorning.Hetookoutaphotographandhelditouttoher.
“Havealook,”hesaidinatonesothreateningthatitmadethehaironthebackofherneckstandup.
“Andthentellmeyoudon’thaveanythinggoingwithClark!”

ChapterEleven
KeelymovedslowlyintotheroomandtookthephotographBooneheldouttoher.Shealmost
chokedwhenshesawit.Thepictureshowedtwopeopleinbed,inanintimateembrace.Themanwas
Clark.ThewomanhadKeely’sface.Butitcertainlywasn’tKeely’sbody.Shealmostlaughedwith
reliefattheveryobviousattempttoframeherbyputtingherfaceonanotherwoman’sbody.
Shelookedupwiththeamusementinhereyes,butBoonewasn’tlaughing.Hewaspositively
enraged,andheobviouslybelievedthephotographwasproofofherlies.
“Thisisn’tme,”shebegan.
“Likehellitisn’t!”heraged.Hetorethephotographfromherfingersandrippedittoshreds,tossing
itontothecarpet.“Ifyou’djusttoldmethetruth,Icouldhaveacceptedit,Keely.Youdidn’thaveto
lie!”
“ButIdidn’t,”sheprotested.“AndIcanproveit!”
Herhandswent,reluctantly,tothebuttonsofhershirt.Shedidn’twanttohavetogotothisextreme,
buthewasn’tgoingtobeconvincedeasily.
Hemisunderstoodtheintentatonce.“Spareyourselftheembarrassment,”hesaidcurtly.“Idon’tcare
whatyoulooklikeunderthatshirt.Itwasjustagameonmypart,Keely,”headdedwithacoldsmile.
“Alittleflirting,alittleteasing,afewkisses.I’msureyoudidn’ttakeitseriously.Ionlywantedtosee
howfaryou’dgo.Ifyouhadn’tmadeitclearbefore,youcertainlymadeitclearjustnow.Eitherof
theSinclairbrotherswilldo,aslongasyougetenoughtomakeitworthyourwhile,isthatright?
AndIthoughtyouweresohonestanduprightandhardworking!Itwasjustasham.Likealltheothers,
you’reonlyaftermoney!”
“Thatisnottrue!”shesaiddefensively.
Hiseyesglitteredagain.“Idon’twantyouhereanymore.Ever.Yougetoutofmyhouse,Keely,and
gohome.Anddon’tyoucomebackagain.Idon’tgiveadamnifClarkorWinnieinvitesyou,don’t
come!Makeanexcuse,dowhateverittakes.Butdon’tcomehereagain.”
“Youdon’tunderstand!”shebeganhelplessly.
“Isaid,getout!Now!Ifyoudon’t,sohelpmeGodI’llcalloneofHayes’sdeputiesandhaveyou
takenoutinhandcuffs!”
Hewastooangrytolistentoreason,andhemeantwhathesaid.Keelycouldn’tbearthethoughtof
beinghauledofftojailfortrespassing.ItwouldbealloverComancheWellsandJacobsvilleinno
time,andshe’dneverliveitdown.
Shesighed,feelingasifshe’dbeencrushed.Shelovedhim,andhecouldtreathersobadly.
“I’mgoing,”shesaid.“Youdon’thavetomakethreatstogetmetoleave.PleasetellWinnie
somethingcameup.”
Hedidn’tanswerher.Hesweptbackdownthehall,outthedoorandintowhatsoundedlikeapickup
truck.ItroaredawayasKeelystarteddownthelongdriveway.Boonedidn’tknowthatWinniehad
drivenherhere.Shedidn’thaveawayhome.ButshewastoowaryofBoonetogodowntothe
bunkhouseandaskforaride.Itwoulddonogood,anyway—allthemenwereoutinthepastures,
bringinginthecrops.
Shewaswearingalong-sleevedblouse,shehadnowater,shewasn’tevenwearingahat.Thesunwas
brutal.Bythetimeshegotoutthegatesandaquarterofamiledowntheroad,shewastoosickand
thirstytogoon.She’dsitintheshadebythehighway,shethought.Itwasflathere.Winniewould
comedrivingbysoonerorlaterandspother.Herwhiteblousewouldstandoutinthatgroveof
mesquitetrees.She’djusthavetobecarefulofthetreestrailinglimbsandlongthorns,whichwereso
dangerousthattheycouldpierceaboot.

Thebigtreeneartheroadaffordedalittleshade.Therewasafallenlimbnexttoitwhichseemedto
havebeenthereforalongtime.Sheslumpeddown,exhaustedbytheheat,withoutlookingfirst.That
wasamistake.Sheheardthesoundoffryingbacon,whichevenheraddledbrainimmediately
connectedwiththesourcethatwouldbemakingitthisfarawayfromastove;adiamondback
rattlesnake.
Beforeshecouldeventurnherheadtolookforit,thesnakestruck.Itbitherontheforearmand
withdrew,stillrattling.
Terrified,shejumpedtoherfeetandranbackwardbeforeitcouldgetheragain.Thebitemarkwas
vivid,stainedwithblood.Tourniquet,shethought.Stopthebloodrunningtotheheart.Getthebite
lowerthantheheart…
Shedraggedthehandkerchiefshealwayscarriedfromherpocketandwrappedhalfofitaroundher
forearmbetweenthebiteandherelbow.Shegrabbedupastickandusedittotightenthehandkerchief.
Onlyuseittokeepthepoisonbelowtheskin,sherecalledfromthefirst-aidbookshe’dread,don’t
tightenitenoughtostopthecirculation.Oncetightened,don’tloosenit,gethelp.
Help?Shelookedbothways.Theroadwasdeserted.She’dbeenbittenbyapoisonoussnake.Herarm
wasalreadyswellingasthepoisontriedtomakeitswaytoherheart.Shekeptherleftarmdown—it
wouldbetheonethatwasalreadydamaged!—andtriedtobreatheslowlyandshallowly.She’dneed
antivenin.DidtheyhaveanyattheJacobsvillehospital?Shedidn’thavehermother ’scellphone.It
wasstillonthecounterinWinnie’skitchen.Theheathadalreadyexhaustedherandherheadwas
swimming.Shewasnauseated.Thebitehurt.Itreallyhurt!
Sheclosedhereyes,standinginthemiddleofthehighway.Ifsomebodydidn’tcomedownthatroad
soon,itwouldbetoolate.ShethoughtofBoone,thewayhe’dbeenatthecharitydance,holdingher,
kissinghersotenderly,almostasifhe…lovedher.
“Boone,”shewhispered.Andshefainted.

Winniewascursingherownbadluckasshedroverapidlybacktotheranch.Boonehadcalledher,
almostincoherentwithfury,daringhertoeverletKeelybackinthefrontdoor.Hehadphotos,he
saidharshly,ofherwithClarkthatturnedhisstomach.He’dtoldhertogetoutandheneverwantedto
seeherontheplaceagain.HehungupbeforeWinniecouldtellhimthatKeelyhadnowayhome.
Nowshewashopingshecouldgetbackintimetosavethepoorgirlalonganduncomfortablewalk.
Assheapproachedtheranchroad,shenoticedabundleofragsintheroad.Butasshecamecloser,
sherealizeditwasn’trags—itwasKeely!
Shewheeledhercararoundandleftitrunning,thedooropen,assherushedtoKeely’sside.
“Keely!Keely!”shecalled,asshewhippedouthercellphoneanddialedtheemergencyservices
numberwithouthesitation.
Keely’seyesopenedgroggily.“Winnie…snake…rattler…”Shetriedtoliftherleftarm.Itwas
swollenandalmostblackalready.
“DearGod,”Winniewhisperedreverently.Avoicespokeinherear.“ThisisWinnieSinclair,”she
said.“Shirley,isthatyou?Ithoughtitwas.Listen,I’vegotKeelyWelshhereinthemiddleofthe
highwaywithsnakebite.Itwasarattler,shesaid.I’mtakinghertoJacobsvilleGeneralmyself,no
timetodispatchanambulance.Havethemwaitingatthedoorwithantivenin.Gotthat?Thanks,
Shirley.No,Ican’tstayontheline,Ihavetogetherinthecar.”
ShehungupandmanagedtogetKeelyintothefrontseatandbeltedin,inamatterofseconds,with
strengthshedidn’tknowshehad.Herheartwaspoundingassheputthecaringearandlefttiremarks
assheshiftedintolowgear.

Amiledowntheroadshewasmetbyflashingbluelights.Sheslowed.Thecar,JacobsvillePolice,
spunaroundinfrontofher.ThedooropenedandKilraven’sheadpokedout.“Followme!”he
shouted.
Shenodded,relievedtohavehelp.Hetookoffandshefollowedcloseonhisbumper.Carsgotoutof
theway.Theywentrightthroughtworedlightsandturnedintotheemergencyentrancetothe
hospital.
Assoonasshestoppedthecar,KilravencamerunningbacktogetKeelyandcarryhertoherdoor
whereagurneyandDr.Coltrainwaited.
“Snakebite,”Winniepanted.“Diamondback.Sheputonatourniquetherself…”
“It’sallright,”Kilraventoldher.“Shirleycalledthemforyou.Everything’sready,exceptthe
antivenin,”headdedquietly.“Theydon’thaveenough,sothey’rehavingastatetrooperrunitdown
heretothecountyline.HayesCarson’sgoinghimselftomeethimandrelayitbackhere.”Heputa
bighandonWinnie’sshoulder.“She’llbeallright.Youdidgood.”
Shebitherlowerlip.Tearsraineddownherface.Sheturneditawayfromhimandstartedupthe
steps.
Hepulledheraroundandintohisarms.“Don’teverbeashamedoftears,”hesaidintoherear.“I’ve
shedmyshareofthem.”
Thatwassurprisingandsortofnice.Itmeanthewashuman.“Thanks,”shesaidhuskilyaftera
minute.Shedrewbackandwipedathereyeswiththebackofherhand.“IwasscaredstiffandI
couldn’tshowit.She’smyfriend.”
“Iknow.Comeon.I’llwalkyouin.Ihadacallhereanyway.RememberoldBenBarkley?Hissonput
abulletthroughhislegwhenhestartedbeatingtheboy’smother.”
“Rileyshothim?”sheasked,surprised.Theboywassweetandhelpfulwhenhecalledemergency
servicestogethelpsavinghismotherfromhishabituallydrunkfather.
“Rileydid,”heasserted.Hegrinned,andbentlow.“We’regoingtotakehimouttoourfiringrange
andhelphimimprovehisaim,incaseheeverdoesitagain.”
Sheburstoutlaughing.Itwassuchanoutrageousthingtosay.
“That’sbetter,”hesaidwhenhesawherface.“Stiffupperlip,now.”
“I’mnotBritish.”
“Youaren’t?”heexclaimed.“Why,whatacoincidence…neitheramI!”
Shepunchedhisbroadchest,laughing.Theywalkedtogethertotheemergencywaitingroom.

Furious,helplesstodoanythingforherfriend,Winnietookrefugeintheonlythingshecouldthink
ofthatmighthelp—revenge.ShephonedBooneandgavehimhell.
“Slowdown,slowdown!”hecomplained.“Ican’tunderstandawordyou’resaying.Wait…”Hecut
offtheengineonthetractorhewasusingtohelpwiththeharvest.“Allright,whatwasthatabout
Keely?”
“Shewaswalkinghome,thankstoyou,andshegotbittenbyarattlesnake!She’satJacobsville
General…Boone?Hello?Hello?Damn!”
Shehungup,evenmorefuriousnow,becausehewouldn’tlistentoher.ShecalledClark.“Whereare
you?”sheaskedwhenhedidn’tanswerforalmostaminute.
Hesoundedoutofbreath.“I’m,uh,Ihadtoruntocatchthephone,”hesaidlamely.Inthe
background,musicwasplayingandtherewasafaintprotest,whichsoundedasifitcamefroma
femininethroat.
“Oh,hell,nevermind,”shemutteredandhungup.Shedidn’tneedtoaskwherehewas.Hewas

almostcertainlywiththatdamnedNellieagain.Somuchforrestraint.
Buthephonedherbacktenminuteslater,whileshewaswaiting,hoping,forsomesortofreport
aboutKeely.Shestoppednurses,whopromisedtogoandcheckbutnevercameback.Shewasgetting
frustrated.
“Whatdidyouwant?”Clarkasked.
“Nevermind.GobacktoNellie,”shemuttered.
“Don’thangup!”hegrumbled.“I’mnotwithNellie.I’moveratDaveHarston’splacehelpinghim
moveapiano.Hiswife’smakinguslunch.”
Shefeltherfacegored.“Sorry.”
Helaughed.“Iguessthesoundsmustbesimilar,butIswearI’mnotdoinganythingI’dmindbeing
seendoing.What’sup?”
“Keelygotbittenbyarattler,”shesaidmiserably.“Ican’tfindoutwhat’sgoingonandI’mworried
sick.Herarmwasalmostblack,Clark.I’mscared—”Hervoicebroke.
“I’llbethereinfifteenminutes.She’llbeallright,sis.Iknowshewill.”
“Thanks,”shesaidhuskily,andhungup.Sheprayedthathewasright.
Acommotionatthedeskcaughtherattention.Boonewasbulldozingrightpastanurseandapolice
officer—Kilraven—onhiswaybacktotheemergencyroom.Winniealmostcheered.Ifanybody
couldcutthroughredtape,itwasherbigbrother.Theycouldthreaten,buttheywouldn’tstophim.
“Coltrain!”hebellowed.
“Overhere,”cameadeep,resignedvoice.
Boonehiditwell,buthewasterrified.Winnie’sphonecallmadehimfeelguiltyashell,andhe’d
hardlymanagedtobreatheasherushedtothehospital.Oneofhiscowboyshaddiedfromarattler
bitetheyearbefore.HewasscaredtodeaththatKeelymightnothavereachedhelpintime.Ifshe
died,he’dneverforgivehimself,never!
“Whereisshe?”Boonedemanded,darkeyesflashing,faceflushed.He’dcomestraightfromworkto
thehospitalinhisworkclothes,andnevernoticedhowdisheveledhewas.
Coltrainnoddedtowardacubiclewheretheywereworkingonher.Heknewbetterthantotrytostop
Boone.Itwouldmeanabrawl,wherehecouldleastaffordone.
Boonewalkedintothecubicleandstoppeddead.Everythingseemedtogooutoffocusexceptfor
Keely’sleftarm.They’dbaredhertothewaist,pullingthesheetonlyoveronebreast,leavingtheleft
oneandhershoulderbarewhiletheypumpedantiveninintoherinanattempttosaveherlife.Shewas
unconscious.Herarmwasalmostblack,swollenoutofrecognition.Butitwasn’ttheswellingthat
Boonewasfixatedon.Itwashershoulder.Therewerehugescars,whichlookedasifsomethingwith
enormousteethhadtakenabiterightoutofher.Thedamagewasstaggeringtolookat.Thepainshe
musthavesuffered—
Heknewatoncethathisphotographshadbeenfaked,andlaterhewasgoingtogivesomebodyhell
overthatbotched,so-calledinvestigation.Butrightnow,hiswholefocuswasonthisslipofagirl
whomhe’dmisjudged,whomhe’dalmostkilledwithhisoutrage.
“Whatinhellhappenedtoher?”Boonebitoff.
“Shewasbitten…”
“Notthesnakebite.That!”Hepointedathershoulder.
ColtrainwantedtotellhimthatheshouldaskKeely,butheknewitwoulddonogood.“Shejumped
intoamountainlionpitatherfather ’sgameparktosaveaseven-year-oldboywhosneakedunderthe
railwhennobodywaslooking.”
“GoodGod!Andwherewasherfatherwhileallthatwasgoingdown?”Boonedemanded.

“Standingattherail,watching,”Coltrainsaidwithutterdisdain.
“Damnhim,”Boonesaidhuskily.
“Icouldn’tagreemore.”
Heheldhisbreathashelookedather.“Willshelive?”heaskedfinally,havingpostponedthe
questionaslongashecould.
Coltrainlookedathim.“Idon’tknow,Boone,”hesaidhonestly.“Thepoisonhadagoodbitoftime
toworkbeforeshewasfound…”Hehesitatedbecauseofthetortureintheotherman’seyes.
BoonemovedpastthetechnicianstotheheadofthebedwhereKeelywaslying,sowhiteandstill.He
brushedbackhersweatyhairwithahandthatwasn’tquitesteady.Hebentdowntoherear.
“Youhavetolive,”hewhispered,hisvoiceforciblysteady.“Youhavetolive.Thisismyfault,butI
can’t…live…ifyoudon’t,Keely…”Hehadtostopbecausehisvoicewasbreaking.Shewasblurring
inhiseyes.Henevercried.Hiscomposurewasabsolute.Buthewaslosingit.Histhumbbrushedher
palelipsashedrewinanaudiblebreath.“I’llkillthatdamnedprivatedetective,”hewhispered.
Keelystirred,justaheartbeat’smovement,buthefeltit.Hisforeheadbentdowntohersandhislips
brushedagainstthepale,coldskin.“Don’tdie.Please…”
“Youhavetoletuswork,”Coltrainsaid,catchingtheotherman’sarm.Itwasasrigidasmetal.
“Comeon,Boone.Dowhat’sbestforher.”
Boonehesitatedjustlongenoughtotakeonelastlookather.
“Pityaboutthosescars,”oneofthetechswassaying.
“Whatscars?”Booneaskedhuskily.
Coltrainonlysmiledasheherdedtherancheroutofthecubicleandbackouttothewaitingroom.
WinnielookedupasBoonewasdepositedinthewaitingroom.Hepaused,almosttremblingwith
rage.Helookedathissister.“Youcallmeifthere’sanychange,anyatall,”hesaidheavily.“You
hear?”
“Yes,ofcourse,”shereplied.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Tokillaprivatedetective,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.He’daddedafewpithyadjectivestothe
sentence,whichhadWinnie’seyebrowsarchingtowardherhairline.
Hewasgoneinaflash.Sheconnectedthephotoshe’dmentionedtoKeely’ssuddendepartureand
thentotheprivatedetectivethatBoonewasgoingafter.Clarkwalkedinwhileshewasmullingitover
inhermind.
Sheturnedtohim.“Doweknowanybailbondsmen?”sheaskedinanalmostconversationaltone.

Keelyhadbeenfailing,butsheralliedwhentheyaddedtherelayedantivenintoherdripcatheter.She
wasn’tconscious,butshewasgroaning.Coltrainkeptherunderwhiletheyworkedtostabilizeher
vitalsigns.
Itwasverylatewhenhecameoutintothewaitingroom,smiling.
“She’llmakeit,”hetoldthemwearily.“Butshe’llbehereforafewdays.”
“ThankGod,”theysaidalmostinunison.
“Weshouldsendtheboysouthuntingrattlers,”Clarksuggested.
“Boone’salreadyoutafteroneofthem,I’mafraid,”Winniesaid.ShesmiledatColtrain.“Thanks.”
“Ilikeher,too,”hereplied.Hesmiled.“You’dbothbettergetsomerest.I’llhaveoneofthenurses
phoneyouifthere’sanychange.”
“Thanks,”Winniesaidagain.
“It’swhyI’madoctor,”Coltrainsaid,grinningasheleftthem.
WinnietriedtophoneBoone,buthedidn’tanswer.ShewasabouttotryagainwhenSheriffHayes

Carsoncameintotheroom,hisbrown-streakedblondhairshiningintheceilinglight.Hisdarkeyes
wereturbulent.
“Haveyoubeentryingtoreachyourbrother?”heaskedWinnie.“Sorry,buttheydon’tallowcell
phonesindetention.”
Winniegroaned.“Oh,no.”
“Oh,yes,”Hayesreplied.“Don’tworryaboutcallinganybody.Iwentandbailedhimoutmyselfwhile
Iwasoffduty.”Heputahandtohisear.“IsweartoGod,theguardswerewritingdownthewordsas
herippedthemout.I’veneverheardsuchlanguageinmylife.Atleastthedetectiveisn’tpressing
assaultcharges,however…”
“Heisn’t?Thankgoodness,”Winnieexclaimed.“Butwhy?”
“Heranforhislife.Hisemployersweren’tsofortunate.”Heactuallysmiled.“DetectiveRick
MarquezandIhavebeendoingalittlesleuthingofourown,afterofficehours,andwithalittlehelp
fromsomefriends.Itturnsout,”hesaidinalowtone,waryofeavesdroppers,“thatBoone’s
girlfriend,Misty,andherfatherareuptotheirnecksintheregionaldrugtrafficnetwork.Theyran
foritwhenMarquezsentaDEAagenttotheirdetectiveagencywithasearchwarranttohavealook
around.LastIheard,”headdedwithachuckle,“therewasastatewideBOLOforthem.Idon’tthink
we’llbeseeingthemagainanytimesoon.”
Winniewasalmostbreathless.“PoorBoone.HeandMistyweredating….”
“Iaskedhimtodoit,”Hayessaidquietly.“Hewasmadashell,too.Hesaiditwasinterferingwith
somethingverypersonal.Ihatedtostrong-armhimintoit,buthewastheonlypersonwhohadany
sortofaccesstoher.”
Winnie’seyeslitup.“Hedidn’treallycareabouther,then?”
“No.Hecouldn’tstandher.HedidittohelpmecutoffoneofJacobsville’stopdrugsuppliers.”
AndBoonedidn’twanttobecauseofsomethingpersonal.CoulditbeKeely?Shethoughtaboutthe
photosMisty’sfather ’sdetectivehaddugupforhim…
“Theyfakedthephotos,”sheburstout.
Hayesfrowned.“Whatphotos?”
“Nevermind.”
“How’sKeely?”Hayesaskedgently.“IheardaboutthesnakebitefromBoone.”
“She’sgoingtobefine.Istillcan’tgethimonthephone,”sheaddedworriedly.
“Bynow,he’smadeittothenurse’sstation,”hesaid.“Hedidn’tstopcursinguntilwegottotown.
He’sinthehospitalsomewhere.He’llturnupdirectly.”
Evenastheyspoke,Boonewalkedinthedoor.Hewasdisheveled,red-eyedandbruised.
“Iknow,”Winniesaidwhenheheldupabruisedhand.“Theotherguylooksworse.Areyouokay?”
Heshrugged.“Alittleragged,that’sall.IcalledColtrain.Hesaysshe’llbefine.Theminuteshecan
bemoved,she’scominghomewithus,”headded.
Winniehesitated.“She’snotgoingtowanttodothat.”
“She’sdoingitanyway.Hasanybodycalledhermother?”heasked.
ClarkcameinfromthesodamachinewithtwoCokes.“Doyouwantsomethingtodrink?”heasked
thetwomen.HefrownedatBoone.“Whatinhellhappenedtoyou?”
“Aslightaltercation,”Boonesaidnonchalantly.“I’dlikeablackcoffee,ifyou’retakingorders.”
Clarkgrinned.“Anythingformybigbrother,”hemurmured,andleftagain.
“I’lldrivebyKeely’shouseandspeakwithhermother,”Hayessaid.“I’mgoingbackintonight
becausewe’vegotacasepending,butI’mofftomorrow.”HewaggedhisfingeratBoone.“Yougo
homeandwashyourmouthoutwithsoap.”

Booneputanaffectionatearmaroundhisshoulders.“You’retheonlymanIknowwhothinks
‘CrackersandMilk’isacurse.”
“Igivetalkstolittlekidsaboutdrugs,”hepointedout.“WhatifIslippedinfrontofaclassroomof
kids?”
“Theyprobablyknowmorebadwordsthanyoudo,”Winniechippedin,grinning.“Youshouldhear
someoftheirparentstalkonthephonewhentheycallforthepolicetocome.”
Hayeswinced.“Iknow.Ihavetohearthem.”HegrinnedatWinnie.“Youknow,you’reprettygoodon
thatradio.Kilravenlikeshavingyouonduty.Hesaysyoubrightenupdarknights.”
“Hedoes?”Winnie’sfacebecameradiant.
“Cutthatout,”Boonesaidseverely.“She’sgoingtogobacktocollegeandgetadegreeandmarryan
educatedman.”
“Iamnotgoingbacktocollege,”Winniesaidpleasantly.“Idon’twantadegree,andI’mnot
marryinganyman,educatedorotherwise,untilitpleasesme.”
“Sothere.”Hayeschuckled.
Boonegloweredather.Shegloweredback.
“I,uh,wouldn’tgettoohopefulaboutKilraven,”Hayessaidgently,alittleembarrassed.“He’shad
sometragedyinhislife.Hemayactnormal,buthehasn’tgottenoverthetrauma.”
Winniemovedclosertohim.“Talktome,Carson,”shesaidquietly,usinghislastname,asshe
alwaysdidwhenshewasreallyserious.
“Afewyearsago,”hesaidquietly,“therewasaviolentmurderupinSanAntonio.Kilravenwas
workingundercoverthereatthetime,withthelocalpolice.ItwasarainySaturdaynight—whenwe
alwayshavedozensofwrecks—andheandhispartnerwerecloserthanthepatrolunits,mostof
whomweretiedup,sotheyvolunteeredtosecurethecrimescene.Kilravenrecognizedtheaddress
andranin,beforehispartnercouldstophim.”Hayesclosedhiseyes.“Itwasbad.Reallybad.”He
paused.“WhatI’mtellingyouisthatthemanisanemotionaltrainwrecklookingforaplaceto
happen,regardlessofhisseemingcomposure.He’snotgoingtoputdownrootsinJacobsville,
Texas.He’sputoffdealingwithhistraumatoolong.Oneday,he’llcrashandburn.”
“Didheknowthemurdervictims?”Winnieaskedhesitantly.
“Hewasrelatedtothem,”Hayessaid.“Andthat’sallI’msayingaboutit.”
Winniewonderedwhichrelativeswereinvolved.Poorman!“DidyouspeaktoDr.Coltrainabout
howsoonwecantakeKeelyhome?”sheaskedherbrother.
Booneshookhishead.“No.ButIwill.Icanguaranteeitwon’tbetonight.”
Shemanagedasmile.Hayeshaddashedherdreamstobits.Shedidn’twantittoshow.“I’mgoing
hometogetsomesleep.Youcoming?”sheaskedBoone.
Hehesitated.“Iguessso.”Helookedathimselfandgrimaced.“Ishouldhavegonehomeand
changed.”
“Nobodywillnotice,”shesighed.“Alotofpeoplehavebeenherealldayandhalfthenight,waiting
forhopetomakeresults.”Sheindicatedtwofamilieswithwhitefacesandredeyes.Shesmiledat
them.Theysmiledback.Friendsweremadeeasilyinemergencyrooms.Shesaidshewasgoing
homeandaskediftheyneededanythingthatshecouldbringthem.Buttheyshooktheirheads.There
werethingstheyneeded,buttheydidn’tdareleaveuntiltheyknewsomething.Sheunderstood.

WinnieandBoonesleptforawhileandthendrovebacktothehospital.Theyatebreakfastinthe
cafeteriawithouttastingwhattheyate,anddrankblackcoffee.
“WhatdidyousaytoKeely?”sheasked.

Hiseyesweretortured.“Toomuch,”hebitoff.Helookeddownintohisemptycoffeecup.“Those
damnedphotosweresoconvincing!”Herealized,too,thatKeelyhadn’tbeentryingtoseducehim
whenshestartedtounbuttonherblouse.Shewasgoingtoshowhimthescars.Itwasanactofbravery
thathehadn’tappreciatedatthetime.Now,ithurthim.
“She’llbeallright,”Winnieassuredhim.“Youcanmakepeace.”
Helaughedhollowly.“Thinkso?”
ThecafeteriadooropenedandHayesCarsoncamein.Hewasn’tsmiling.Hemadeabeelineforthe
Sinclairs.
“Ineedtotalktoyou,”hesaidtersely,lookingaroundtomakesurehewasn’tbeingoverheard.“Ijust
foundEllaWelsh,deadinherlivingroom!”

ChapterTwelve
“Dead?”Booneexclaimed,carefultokeephisvoicelow.“Ofwhat?”
“Agunshotwound,”Hayesreplied.Hepulledoutachairandsatdown.“Ihadthecoronerout,along
withaforensicteamfromthestatecrimelabandmyowninvestigator.Wefoundlatentprintsanda
shellcasing,butIdon’tneedESPtoknowwhodidit.”
“Keely’sfather,”Winnieguessed.“Orthatpartnerofhis,Jock.”
“Theyweredesperateformoney,Keelysaid,”Hayesreplied.“ItoldKeelytotellEllatoputthehouse
onthemarket,butnotreallysellit,tomakeBrentWelshthinkshewascomplying.Butthemenmust
havegonetoheranddemandedimmediateresults.Sheeitherrefusedorinfuriatedthem,Idon’t
know.”Hesighed.“Wedon’tdareletKeelyseeherbody.Itwillhavetobeaclosedcasket.”
“What?”Booneexclaimed.
Hayes’sexpressionwaseloquent.“Theytorturedher,probablytofindoutaboutanyassetsshehadn’t
produced.”
“GoodGod!”Boonesaidheavily.“They’llcomeafterKeely,won’tthey?”heaskedcoldly.“She’llbe
next,becauseshe’llinheritwhatlittleEllahadtoleaveher.”
“Wehaven’theardanythingaboutsightingsofthemsinceMistyandherfatherandthedetectiveran
fortheborder,”Hayestoldhim.“Theymaybespookedenoughtokeeprunning,iftheywereinthe
samenetworkwiththeremnantsoftheFuentesbrothers’drugsmugglingoperation.Too,themurder
maypromptthemtokeeprunning,sincetheyknowwe’llbeafterthemforit.Ontheotherhand,if
Ellaleftlifeinsurance,Keelywillgetthat.AndElla’ssavingsaccountswouldmeanreadycash.I
talkedtoherbankeralready.Hetoldmethereissomemoneythere.”
“We’llneedmorementoprotecttheranch,”Winniethoughtaloud.
“Severalmore,allex-military,andIknowwheretofindthem,”Boonesaidgrimly.“I’llmakethe
ranchintoafortress.WelshwillnevergethishandsonKeely!”
“Icouldmakeacommenthereaboutvigilantejustice,”Hayessaidwithgrimhumor,“butIwon’t.Just
don’tstepovertheline.Ican’taffordanymorebailmoney.”
Boonechuckled.“You’llbepaidbackforthat.”Thesmilefaded.“PoorKeely,”hesaidheavily.“First
thesnake,nowhermother.”
“Someonewillhavetotellher.”Hayeslookedaroundhimatthegrimfaces.“Wecoulddrawstraws.
OrwecouldaskColtraintodothedirtywork.”
“I’lltellherwhenthetimecomes,”Boonesaidsoftly.“It’smyresponsibilitynow.”
Winniedidn’tsayanything,butshelookedthoughtful,andhappy.

WhichwasafarcryfromhowKeelylookedwhenshecameoutfromundertheeffectsofthe
medicinesshe’dbeengiven.
Booneneverleftherbedside.She’dglaredathimthefirsttimeshesawhimthere,whenshewasstill
toosickandweaktospeak.Bythethirdday,shewasregainingsomestrengthandshewasfurious.
“Iknow,Iknow,”hesaidbeforeshegotstarted.“Igoteverythingbackward.Iaccusedyouofthings
youdidn’tdoandthrewyououtofthehouse.”Helookedbrieflytortured.“IknowIcausedthis.”He
drewinalongbreath,staringdownathisboots.“GodAlmighty,Inevermeantforyoutowalkhome
withtemperaturesatthecenturymark!Imusthavebeenoutofmyheadnottorealizethatyoudidn’t
evenhaveawaytogethome.”
Keelywantedtorageathim,butshewasstillverysickandherarmhurt.Shewincedeverytimeshe
moved.“Itwasn’tme…withClark,inthatpictureyoushovedinmyface!”
Heliftedhisheadandnodded.“Iknow,”hesaidgrimly.

Thatlook,andthewords,toldherthingsshewouldn’thaveaskedabout.Heknew.Heknewabouther
shoulder.Sheclosedhereyesandtearsflowedoutofthem.Shefeltevenworsenow.She’dnever
wantedBoone,ofallpeople,toknowhersecret.Hermindwentbacktotheboywho’dthrownup
whenhesawhershoulder…
Hemovedclosetothebedandbentoverher,withonebighandbesideherheadonthepillow.
“They’llkillmeifIsitdownhere.Iknowyou’restillweakandyouhurtlikehell.ButIwantyouto
feelsomething.”Hedrewherrighthanduptohischestovertheshirtandsmootheditdown.He
watchedhereyeswhileshedidit,sawtherealizationinhergreeneyes,andnodded.
Shefrownedasshemethiseyes.
“Therearemoreofthem,”hesaidstiffly,risingawayfromher.“Alotmore—onethateventook
boneoutofmythigh.WhenMistysawme,inGermany,justafterthebandageswereremoved,she
ranoutoftheroom.It’salittlelessmessynow,aftersomeplasticsurgery,butthescarsaretoodeep
tobepermanentlyerased,andit’snoticeable.Idon’tgoshirtlessanymore,”headdedbitterly.“I
haven’tforyears.”
Shefeltthepain.Sheunderstoodit.“Ihaven’twornanythingshort-sleevedsinceIwasthirteenyears
old,”sherepliedquietly.“WhenIwassixteen,aboyIlikedaskedmeoutonadate.Hewasjust
fumbling,youknow,likeboyswill,butwhenhegotmyblousehalf-offandsawthescars—theywere
fresh,then—he…”Sheclosedhereyes.“Hejerkedthecardooropenandthrewup.Hewassorry,
verysorry,butIwasdevastated.Iknew,then,thatI’dneverhaveanormallife.IknewI’dneverget
marriedandhave…havechildren…”Hervoicebrokeandtearsfellhotlyontohercheeks.Shewas
weakandsickandinpain,orshe’dneverhavelethimseeherdevastation.
Itaffectedhim.Hebentdownagainanddrewhismouthoverhereyes,hernose,hercheeks.“Don’t,”
hewhisperedhuskily.“You’vebeensobrave,Keely.Ican’tbeartoseeyoucry.Don’t,honey.Don’t.”
Nowsheknewshewasdreaming.Boonehadnevercalledherapetname,andhedidn’tcareifhehurt
her.Sheclosedhereyes,though,enjoyingthedream.Itwassosweettohavehisbreathonherlips,
hismouthcaressingherwetface,hisdeepvoicemurmuringsweetandimpossiblethings.
Thesoundofthedooropeningstoppedthedream,ofcourse.Boonemovedawayandshewassureit
hadbeenherimagination.She’dbeenheavilysedated,afterall,tocompensatefortheterriblepain.
Boone’sexpressionwastaciturn,asusual,andhedidn’tlookanythinglikeamanwho’dbeen
whisperingsweetendearmentstoher.WinnieandClarkcameintotheroom,somberandworried,
especiallywhentheysawKeely’sface.
“Youdidn’ttellher?”Winnieaskedangrily.“Coltrainsaidnotto—”
“Tellmewhat?”Keelyaskedatonce,dabbinghereyeswiththesheet.
Winnie’sfacecontorted.Booneglaredather.SodidClark.
“Tellmewhat?”Keelydemanded,belligerentnow,asshelookedfromoneguiltyfacetotheother.
“IsaidI’dtellherwhenitwastime,”Boonesaidshortly.“It’snottime.”
“Yes,but…”Winniestopped,horrified,asthetelevision,overhead,beganwiththeleadstoryofthe
day’snews.ThefirstbitwasaphotoofEllaWelshandnewsabouthermurder.Thatwaswhatsheand
ClarkhadrushedbackintoKeely’sroomtotellhim,becausetheyknewthetelevisionhadbeenon
althoughturneddown,sotheycouldcatchtheeveningnews.They’dseenthebeginningofthis
broadcastonthewalltelevisionsastheypassedthroughthewaitingroom.Theyhadn’tthoughtabout
themurderstorybeingbroadcastsosoon.
Keelyburstintofreshtears,almosthysterical.
“Damnthatthing!Shutitoff!”BooneshotatClarkashestartedtowardthecallbuttonnexttoKeely’s
pillow.WhileClarkshutoffthetelevision,Boonepressedthebuttonandaskedthenursetocomein,

beforehebenttocurlKeely’sfaceintohisshoulder.“It’sallright,honey.It’sallright.I’msosorry.I
nevermeantyoutohearitlikethat!”
Thenursecamein.Booneexplainedquietlywhathadjusthappened.Thenursegrimacedandwentto
callColtrain,whowas,sheexplained,stillmakingrounds.
Theredheadeddoctorwasintheroomscantminuteslater.HeorderedasedativeforKeelyandwaited
untilittookeffectbeforehecalledthesiblingsoutintothehall.
“Itwasthedamnedtelevision,”Boonesaidangrily.“Whydoyouhavethosethingsineveryroomin
thefirstplace?”
“Itwasn’tmyidea,believeme,”Coltrainrepliedatonce.“Keely’sgoingtohaveahardrecuperation
ifshehastogobacktothathousealone.”
“Shewon’t,”Boonesaidatonce.“She’scominghomewithus.I’vealreadydiscusseditwithHayes
Carson.”
“Goodthinking,”Coltrainreplied.Hedrewinaheavybreath.“Ineverexpectedthatstorytocomeout
sosoon.Hell,wedon’tevenhavealocaltelevisionbroadcastingstationinthecounty.”
“SanAntonioisplentycloseenoughtopickthestoryup,especiallyonaslownewsday,”Winnie
murmured.“There’snothingbutpoliticalnews,andeverybody’ssickofthat.”
“You’dbetterhiresomebodyguardstoprotectyouathome,”Coltrainadvised.“Theseguysare
desperateenoughtogoaftermoneyanywaytheycangetit.”
“EverybodyknowstheykilledKeely’smother—atleastlocallyweknowit,”Winniesaid.“They’dbe
stupidtostickaround.”
“Theseguyswillnevergetworkbuildingspaceships,”Coltrainsaid,tongue-in-cheek.“Otherwise,
theywouldn’thaveriskedcominghereinthefirstplace.HayesCarsonwouldlovetogetBrentWelsh
inhissightsonanypretext.”
“SowouldI,”Boonerepliedgrimly.“HestoodbyandwatchedwhileKeelygotmauledsavingakid
fromamountainlion.Thosescarsaregoingtobepermanent,aren’tthey?”heaskedColtrain.
Coltraingrimaced.“Wemightbeabletogetaplasticsurgeontocleanthemup,butthey’reverydeep.
She’dhavehalfadozensurgeriestoanticipate,atleast.Andthere’ssomethingelse—thesutures
weren’tdonewell,either.Shemayfacesomerealproblemsdowntheroad.I’drecommendplastic
surgeryforthatreasonalone.Butshehasnoinsurance,youknow.”
“Whatthehelldoesthatmatter?”Booneaskedblithely.“I’lltakecareofit.Youtalkherintoit,andI’ll
paythesurgeon.”
Coltraingrinned.“That’sadeal.”
Winniedidn’tsayanything,butshefeltterriblethatsheandKeelyhadbeenfriendsforsomany
years,andKeelyhadnevertoldherabouttheencounterwiththemountainlion.Shewonderedifshe’d
saidordonesomethingthatwouldmakeherbestfrienduncomfortabletellingheraboutit.
“IsKeelyasleep?”BooneaskedColtrain.
Henodded.“She’llbeoutforawhile.It’sjustaswell.Thatsnakebiteisstillgivingherhell.IfWinnie
hadn’tfoundherwhenshedid…Well,itdoesn’tbearthinkingabout,”headded,cuttingshortthe
remarkwhenhesawBoone’storturedeyes.“I’dbettergetbacktowork.Ifyouneedme,justtellthe
nurseonduty.Theycanalwaysfindme.”
“Thanks,”Boonesaid.
Coltrainshruggedandsmiled.“IlikeKeely.”
Thesiblingsgatheredaroundtodiscusstheirplans.Boonedecidedthathe’dbettergoandseeEb
Scottinperson.Hewasgoingtoneedspecializedtalent.ClarkandWinniewouldtaketurnsstaying
withKeely.Nobodywasgoingtogetpastthem.Theyweren’tarmed,buttheycouldcertainlycallfor

help.

ItwasmorningbeforeKeelywokeupagain.Thecombinationofallthedrugsandtheemotional
upheavalofhermother ’sdeathhadknockedheroutforthenight.Sheblinkedsleepily,hermindclear
anduntroubleduntilsherememberedquitesuddenlywhatshe’dseenontelevisionthenightbefore.It
waslikearockonherheart.Tearsstunghereyes,alloveragain.
“I’msosorry,Keely,”Winniesaidgently,fromhervigilinthechairbesidethebed.“Aboutyour
mother.”
Keelyglancedather.Shesighed.“IknewI’dlosehersomeday,”shesaid,“andwewerealmost
enemiesforsolong.Butwewerejustgettingtoknoweachotheragain,andwewerebecoming
friends…”Shebitherlip,hard.“It’sbeenarottenweek,”shesaidafteraminute.
“Yes,ithas.”Shehesitated.“Iwishyoucouldhavetoldmeaboutyourshoulder,”shesaid.“Ifeelthat
I’vefailedyou,becauseyoucouldn’ttrustmeenoughtotellme.”
Keelygrimaced.“Iwasafraidyou’dtellBoone,”shesaidsoftly.“Notthatitwouldhavemattered.He
hatedme…”
“No,hedidn’t,”cametheimmediatereply.“Youhavenoideawhat’sbeengoingon,whileyouwere
outofit.”
“Heshowedmeaphotographofsomewomanwithmyheadonanotherbody,inacompromising
situationwithClark,”Keelysaidheavily.“Iknewitwasafake,butBoonedidn’t.Hewasfurious.I
wasgoingtosinkmyprideandshowhim…andhethoughtIwastryingtoseducehim!”Hereyes
smoldered.“Ishouldhavehithimwithsomething!Thenhetellsmetogetoutofthehouse,andstalks
offbeforeIcansayIhaven’tgotawayhome.WhenIgetoutofthisbed,”sheadded,buildingup
steamasshespoke,“I’mgoingtoturnhimeverywhichwaybutloose!Thatmanhassomelumps
coming!”
Winniehadtofightasmile.Keelywassuchagentleperson,butshewasreallyangry.“I’llhelpyou
thumphim,”shepromised.“Buthedidn’tknow,Keely.Andyoudon’tknowhowhereactedwhenhe
foundout,either.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Whenhesawyouintheemergencyroom,hecameoutravingthathe’dbeenconnedbyMisty’s
father ’sdetective.Heleftandthenextthingweknew,HayesCarsonwashere,tellingushe’djusthad
tobailBooneoutofjailinSanAntonio.”
“What?”Keelyexclaimed.
“Hebeatupthedetectivewhofakedthatphotograph.”Winniechuckled.“HewasarrestedandHayes
hadtobailhimoutandbringhimhome.”
“Willtheyprosecutehim?”Keelyasked,herangerforgotteninconcernforBoone’sfuture.“Heisn’t
goingtohavetogotojail,ishe?”sheaskedfearfully.
“Notlikely.Thedetective,Misty,andherfatherallranfortheborder,andnobody’saroundtopress
charges,”Winniesaidsmugly.“Itsohappensthatthey’reinvolvedwiththeFuentes’soutfit,canyou
believeit?BoonewasonlyseeingMistytofeedHayesCarsoninformationonhercontacts.Hewas
furiousatHayesformakinghimdoit.”Shegrinned.“Itoldyouhewouldn’tforgiveherthateasily
afterwhatshedidtohim.”
“Boonegotarrested.”Keelysaidit,disbelievingly.“Heneverputsafootwrong.”
“Hedidthistime.Buttherewereextenuatingcircumstances.Hewasrathertipsyatthetime.”
“Hewasdrinking?”
“Fromwhatwehear,”Winnieagreed.Shelaughed.“Myspotlessbigbrother,drunkandbeatingup

detectives.”Sheshookherhead.“Whatistheworldcomingto?”ShegrinnedatKeely.“Apparentlyhe
thinksalittlemoreofyouthanheleton,I’dsay.”
Keelywasafraidtohopeformuch,especiallyafterBoonehadseenherwreckedshoulder.Buthis
actionsindicatedmorefeelingforKeelythanhe’dexpressedverbally.Therewashope,shethought.
Hehadscars,too.Perhapshe’dhadworseexperiencesthanshehad,withpeopleoftheoppositesex
whodidn’tunderstandorcareabouthisscars.

BythetimeBoonecamebacktothehospital,WinnieandClarkhadgonehomeforsupperandtoget
aroomreadyforKeelywhenshewasdischarged.Coltrainhadsaidshe’dbereadytogothenextday
ifshecontinuedimproving.
Keelydidn’twanttogohomewiththemifBooneonlyofferedoutofguilt.Butshedidn’twanttogo
toherhome,either,withElla’sdeathsofreshonhermind.NobodyhadtoldherwhereElladied,but
Keelysuspectedthatitwasatthehouse.
Shehadanunexpectedvisitorwhileshewasworryingherchoicestodeathinhermind.Ella’sbest
friend,Carly,camein,dressedinblack,red-eyedfromcrying.
“Didtheytellyou?”sheaskedgently,becauseshedidn’twanttoupsetKeely.
“Yes,”Keelysaidhuskily.“Weweredoingsowelltogether…”Hervoicebroke.
Carlybentoverthebed,andhuggedhergently.“I’vebeenoutoftown.Therewasamissedcallon
mycellphone,butwhenItriedtocallEllaback,therewasnoanswer.IgotworriedwhenIcouldn’t
getyou,either,soIcutmytripshortandcamehome.”Shegrimaced.“Whatahomecoming!Ella
dead,andyouinthehospitalinseriouscondition.Areyougoingtobeallright?”
“Yes,”Keelysaid.“ButIunderstandthatthesnakedied.”
IttookaminuteforCarlytogetthedryhumor.Shesmiled.“Poorsnake.”
“Iexpecthisrelativesareallsad.”Shedabbedathereyeswiththesheet.“Ihaven’thadtimetomake
anyarrangementsaboutthefuneral.”
“Doyouwantmetodothat?”Carlyaskedsolemnly.“Ellagavemeacopyofherwillandinstructions
forherfuneraltwoyearsago.Ineverreallythoughtthey’dbeneeded,butIhumoredher.”
“CouldyoucallLunsford’sandmakethearrangements?”Keelyaskedgently.“Shehasaburialpolicy
withthem,whichshouldcovereverything.Shepaiditoffafewyearsago.”
“I’llbegladtodothat,”Carlyreplied.Freshtearsrolleddownhercheeks.“ShewastheonlyfriendI
had—theonlyrealone.”
KeelyreachedouthergoodhandandsqueezedCarly’s.“Youwereheronlyrealfriend,”shereplied.
“I’mgladshehadyou.”
Carlycriedevenharder.“IwishIcouldtakebackeverymeanthingIeversaidtoyou,Keely,”she
sobbed.“Ididn’treallymeananyofit.Intheolddays,ItookcareofyoualotwhenEllacouldn’t.I
lostsightofthat.ButI’lldoanythingtomakeituptoyounow,ifIcan.”
“LookafterMama’sfuneralarrangements,”Keelysaid,“andwe’llcalliteven.”
Carlydriedhereyes.“Whendoyouwanttohaveit?”sheaskedworriedly.“Youdon’tlookuptoa
funeral.”
Shewasn’t.Shehesitated.Boonecameinthedoor,gaveCarlyacoldappraisalandmovedtoKeely’s
bed.
“I’vearrangedforsomeadditionalmanpowerattheranch,”hesaidwithoutpreamble.“Whatdoyou
wanttodoaboutyourmother?”
“Carly’sgoingtotakecareofthat,”Keelysaid.“Sheknowswhereeverythingis,andshehascopies
ofMama’swillandlastwishes.”

Booneglancedattheolderwoman.“Ifthereareanyoutstandingaccounts,I’lltakecareofthem,”he
said.
Carlynodded.HereyeswereasredasKeely’s.“Thanks.”Shehesitated.“Youknow,”shesaid,staring
meaningfullyatBoone,“itmightnotbeabadideatohavehercremated,andtheashesburiedinthe
familyplot.”
BooneknewthenthatCarlyhadseenEllaandwantedtospareKeelythetraumaofit.Hiseyes
narrowed.“Ithinkthat’sagoodidea.Keely?”
Keelywasn’tsure.Shehesitated.
“AVikingfuneral,”Boonesaidquietly.“Appropriateforabravewoman.”
Keelyburstoutcryingagain.“Yes,”sheagreed,choking.“Shewasbrave.Okay.That’sokay.”
Booneleanedoverandgatheredherascloseashecould,kissingthetearsaway.“Itpasses,”hesaid
softly.“Everythingpasses.You’llbeabletorememberherwithhappinessoneday.”
“Yes,youwill,”Carlyseconded.Shewentontheothersideofthebed,andbentandkissedKeely’s
disheveledhair.“I’llgoandgetthingsstarted.Thehospitalandthefuneralhomemayneedyour
approvalbeforetheycanproceed.I’llhavethemcallyouhere.”
“Dothat,”Boonesaidquietly.“ButIdon’tthinktherewillbeaproblem.YoustuckbyEllawhen
nobodyelsewouldgonearher.”
Carlytookthatforacomplimentandsmiled.“Thanks.”
“Ifyoucanfindthatsnake,”KeelytoldBoone,tryingtolightenthesombermood,“wecanarrange
thesamesortoffuneralforhim.Ofcourse,ifhedidn’tdiefrombitingme,we’llhavetokillhim
first.”
Boonemanagedachuckle.“I’mgladtoseethatyou’rebetter.”
Shesmiledweakly,grimacingasshemovedherarm.
“Coltrainsaysshecangohometomorrow,sowe’llhaveherwithus,”BoonetoldCarly.Hepulled
outhiswallet,gotoutabusinesscardandhandedittoher.“Ifyouneedhelpwiththearrangements,
letmeknow.”
“Okay.Ifwecremateher,wecanscheduleamemorialservicewhenthisisallover,”Carlytoldhim.
SheglancedatKeelyworriedly.“You’renotgoingtobeabletomanageafuneralinthecondition
you’reinrightnow.”
“Ihavetoagree,”Keelysaid.Shecaughtherbreath.“Oh,mygosh!Myjob!Ididn’tevencallDr.
Rydel!He’sgoingtofireme!”
“Iphonedhim,”Boonesaidatonce.“He’sgotatempfillinginforyou.Heandthestaffsendtheir
bestwishes.Theysentyouabigfruitbasket.Itjustcame,sothenursesgaveittome,butItookitout
tothecar.I’mtakingithome.Youcanhaveittomorrow.”
“Thanks,”shetoldhim.“Iwasafraidoflosingmyjob.Iwastoosicktocallandtellthemwhatwas
goingon.”
“Oh,everybodyinComancheWellsandJacobsvilleknowseverythingthat’sgoingonalready,”Carly
said.SheglancedamusedlyatBoone.“AndImeaneverything.”
Boone’seyesactuallytwinkled,butKeelydidn’tseeit.
CarlysaidhergoodbyesandleftBoonealonewithKeely.Hestuckhishandsinhisslacks’pockets
andstoodoverher,hiseyessoftandquiet.
“Youlookalittlebetter,”hecommented.
“IwishIfeltit.I’mstillsickatmystomachandmyarmthrobs,”shesaidhuskily.Shelookedupat
him.“Ihatesnakes.”
“Theydon’tlikepeoplesittingonthem,”hepointedout.

“Ididn’t.Hewasjustallofasuddenthere.Ididn’tevenlookathimsideways.Hejustrattledhishead
offandstruckatme.”
“Nervous.”
Sheblinked.“Excuseme?”
“Rattlesnakesarenervous.Theyrattletotrytoscarepeopleintogoingaway.”
Ithadneveroccurredtoherthatasnakecouldbenervous.Shesaidso.
Hesighed.“Anyway,wegothim.”
“Yougothim?Youdid?”Shewasexcited.
“Theboysfoundhimabouttwentyfeetfromwhereyouweresittingwhenhebityou.”
“Whatdidtheydowithhim?”
Hepursedhislips.“Doyoulikecowboyhats?”
“Iguessso.Idon’twearthemmuch,exceptwhenIgoriding.”
“You’llwearthisone.It’sjustyoursizeandit’sgotanicenewrattlesnakehatband.Oritwillhave,
whentheskin’stannedout.”
“Youdidn’t!”
“Idid.”Hegrinneddownather.“We’llgoriding,whenyou’rebetter.”
“Wewill?”
Oneeyenarrowed.“YougoridingwithClarkandWinnieallthetime.Youcangoridingwithme
now,”hesaidwithfaintbelligerence.
“Okay,”shesaid,fascinated.Italmostsoundedasifhewerejealousofher.Thatwasridiculous,of
course.
“Ihadatelevisionputinyourroom.Youcanwatchmoviesonpay-per-view.We’vegotsatellite,too,
soyoucanwatchprogramsfromallovertheworld.”Hiseyestwinkled.“Then,there’sthenational
news,withthepresidentialraceoneverychannel,everyhour,everyday.”
Shesighed.“Ihaven’twatchedthenationalnewsforweeks.Ican’tstandthemonotony.Theonlynews
theyreportisonthepresidentialelectionandeverydetailoftheprivatelivesofcelebrities.”
“TheSpanishchannelhastherealnews,”hepointedout.“Ifyouwanttoknowwhat’sgoingoninthe
world,that’swheretofindout.”
Shesmiled.“Ican’tspeakSpanish.”
“I’llteachyou,”hesaidquietly,andhiseyeswereinsinuatingthathehadinmindteachingherother
things,aswell.
Sheflushedalittle.Herlifehadbeenaclosed,painfulbook,herfutureadreamthatsheneverthought
wouldberealized.Now,herewasthisdishymanwithwhomshe’dbeeninloveforyears,lookingat
herwithacquisitiveeyesandsmilingather.Itfeltasifherheartmightburstfromjoy.
Hesmiled.“Mrs.Johnstonhasanassistantcook,Melinda.She’sfromGuatemala.She’steachingus
Mayan.Youcanlearn,too.”
“Mayan?”Shecaughtherbreath.“Theirculturehadastronomyandtheconceptofzeroandraised
bedsforplantingandirrigationwhileEuropeanswereknockingeachotherovertheheadwith
rocks.”
“Iknow.”Hechuckled.“Youspendyourtimeoffatthelibraryreadingbooksaboutthem.OrsoI
hearfromtheheadlibrarian.”
Sheflushed.Itflatteredherthathe’dlearnedthingsabouther.“I’dlovetogoandseesomeofthe
Mayanruins,”shesaid.“I’dlovetogotoPeruandseetheIncaruins,too.”
“SowouldI,”hetoldher.“Maybewecanbothgo,oneday.”
Forher,thatwasapipedream.She’dneversaveenoughtopayforaplaneticketeventosouthTexas

foravacation.Hersmilewaswistful.
Hesawthat.“Whatelsedoyoulike?”
Shesmiled.“Ancienthistory.”
“TheCaesars,thephilosophers,thepoliticians…?”
“Don’tmentionpoliticians!”
“Whatsortofhistory?”Hechuckled.“Andwhichhistoriansdoyouread?”
“Tacitus.Thucydides.Strabo.Arrian.Plutarch.Thoseones.”
“Deepauthorsforayoungmind,”hecommented.
“Youlistenhere,Imaybeyoung,butIhaveanoldmind,”shetoldhim.“Iwasprettymuchonmy
ownwhenmyfathertookmeouttowestTexastoliveinananimalpark,andIwasreallyonmyown
whenIcamebackhere,becauseMamawasdrunksomuch.”Mama.Thethoughtsoberedher,made
herawareofherrecenttragedy.“Ican’tbelievemyownfatherwouldkillher,”shesaid.“Hewasa
littleoutoftheboundsoflawsometimes,butheneverhurtanybody.”
“Hesolddrugs,”Booneremindedher.“Thatdoeshurtpeople.”
“Yes,butyouknowwhatImean,”shereplied.“Heisn’takiller.”
“Baby,allpeoplearekillers,giventherightincentive,”hesaid.“Anybodycankill.”
Shesighed.“Isupposeso,”shesaidsadly.
Hebentandkissedher,gently,onhermouth.“I’mgoingtogetacupofdecentcoffee.WhatcanI
bringyou?”
“Anicejuicysteakwithhashbrowns?”sheaskedhopefully.
“NochanceIcouldgetthatpastthenurses’station,unlesstheywereallwearingnoseplugs.Try
again,”heinvited.
“IguessI’llwaitforsupperhere,”shesaidwithresignation.
“Whenyou’rewellagain,I’llflyyouuptoFortWorthandtakeyoutothislittlesteakplaceIknow,”
hesaid.
Herheartjumpedupintoherthroat.“Youmeanit?”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“IhadtodateMistytofeedinformationtoHayes,andIgavehimhelltwice
adayaboutit.Iwasoverheryearsago.ButIhadtoputonanact,tokeepherfromgetting
suspicious.”Hiseyesdarkened.“Hayeshasalottoanswerfor.She’svindictive.Shesetyouup,andI
wastooangrytothinkstraightwhenIsawthosephotographs.”
KeelyrecalledthatMistyhadpromisedtogetevenwithher.She’ddoneagoodjobofit.“She’llget
herjustdesertsoneday,”Keelyreplied.
“Wealldo,”hesaidphilosophically.Heglancedathiswatch.“Ihavetomakeafewphonecallsand
getsomethingtoeat,thenI’llbeback.”
Hereyeslitup.“Okay.”
Hesmiledslowly.Disheveled,herhairuncombed,herfacedevoidofanymakeup,shewasbeautiful
tohim.Soeasily,shecouldhavebeendead.He’dneverhavebeenabletolivewiththat,knowinghe
causedherdeath.
Hebentandkissedheragainwithbreathlesstenderness.“I’llbebacksoon,”hewhispered.
Shesmiled.“Okay.I’llwait.”
Hechuckledashewalkedout.
Tenminuteslaterthephonerang.Sheansweredit,thinkingitmustbeCarlyorWinnieorClark.
“Keely,isthatyou?”
Itwasherfather ’svoice.

ChapterThirteen
“Youkilledmymother!”Keelychoked,overwhelmedwithrageatjustthesoundofhisvoice.“How
couldyou!”
“Itwasn’tme,Iswearitwasn’t!”hereplied,andhesoundedfrightened.“Keely,I’veneverkilleda
personinmylife.Youhavetobelieveme.”
“Youthreatenedherformoney—”
“Ihadto!Listen,ifIdon’tpaythem,they’ll…well,they’dalreadythreatenedtokillyourmother,now
theysaythey’llgetyou,too,”hesaidnervously.“It’stheFuentesgang!Igotmixedupwiththem
becauseofJock,”hesaidbitterly.“He’sbeenworkingforFuentesforyears.Heevenwenttoprison
forhim,justafteryoucametolivewithme.Hesaidtheypaidbetterthananyoftheotherdistributors,
andthathe’dgetmeinbecausehehadacousinintheorganization.Buttherewastroublerightup-
frontbecauseJockdouble-crossedoneofthebossesandpocketedsomedrugmoney.Thenhehidout
andleftmeholdingthebag.They’reafterme,now.”Therewasasigh.“Yourmotherwasrightabout
Jock.Shesaidhe’ddestroymeifIstuckwithhim,andhehas.Hekeepscallingme,makingthreats
towardyouifyoudon’tcomeupwithenoughmoneytohelphimtogetoutoftownbeforethedrug
lordskillhim.Idon’tknowwhattodo!”
Shehadtoclampdownhardonherfeelings.Hewasrationalizinghisbehavior,butsheremembered
thathe’dstoodbywhilethemountainliondraggedherawaytowhatwouldhavebeenherdeath.
“YougotoSheriffCarson,”shetoldhim.“Tellhimwhatyou’vetoldme,andhelphimfindJock.
That’swhatyouhavetodo.”
“Hell,Carsonwilllockmeupandthrowawaythekey!”hemuttered.“Igavehisbrotherthecokethat
killedhim.No,I’mnotgoingtothelaw.”
“Whatelsecanyoudo?”sheasked.
“GetenoughmoneytopayJock,sohe’llgetoffmyback.TheFuentesorganizationwantJock.They
wanttokillhim,buttheydon’tknowwhereheis.TheythoughtElladidandthey…”Hewasgoingto
saytheytorturedher,buthecouldn’tmakehimselfsaythattohisdaughter,whomhe’dfailedinso
manywaysalready.“Well,theykilledher.Now,theonlyhopeIhaveistoraiseenoughmoneytohelp
Jockgetoutofthecountrybeforetheycatchupwithhim.HesworeifIdidn’t,he’dtellthemIwasthe
onewhodouble-crossedthem.He’dgivethembackwhathetookandblameitonme!”
“Ifyougivehimmoney,”shesaidinawearytone,“he’llonlywantmore.”
“There’sachancehewon’t.Hejustwantstogetoutofthecountrybeforetheydotohimwhatthey
didtothosedrugagentstheykilled.Hewon’tsayso,butIthinkhe’safraidofFuentes’snewpartner.
ThepartneriscalledMachadoandhehatesJock.He’llkillhimbeforeFuentesdoesifhegetsthe
chance,andJockknowsit.”
“Lethim,”Keelysaidcoldly.
“JockwastheonlyfriendIhad,Keely,”hesaidheavily.“Hestoodbymewheneverybodyelse
jumpedship.”
JustasCarlyhadstoodbyElla.ButthathadbeenbecauseCarlygenuinelylovedKeely’smother.Jock
hadstoodbyBrentWelshbecauseheknewEllahadmoney,Keelythought,andhecoulduseBrentto
getsomeofit.Butshedidn’tsaythat.Hewouldn’thavelistenedanyway.
“Idon’thaveanymoney,”Keelytoldhim.“IworkasaveterinariantechnicianandImakeminimum
wage.Mama—”Hervoicebroke.Shecomposedherself.“Mamahadsomemoneyinasavings
account,butit’sinhernameandit’stiedupinprobate.Iwon’tbeabletogetitforweeks.”Shedidn’t
knowifthatwastrue,butitsoundedconvincing.
Hecursedsharply.“Theremustbesomethingyoucansell!”

“Shealreadysolditall,”shesaidbitterly.
Hemutteredagain,incoherent.“Thenthosefriendsofyours,theSinclairs—they’vegotmoney.Ask
themforit!”
“Iwon’t.”
“Yourlifeisontheline,Keely!”heraged.“It’snotagame!Jock’salreadysaidthathe’sgotnothing
tolose.He’llkillyouifyoudon’thelpus.”
Shefeltveryold.Hermotherwasdead,she’dalmostdiedherself.Booneknewherdarkestsecretand
wouldsurelynotwantheranymore,evenifhewascompassionateandunderstandingabouther
injury.Hewasscarredhimself.ButKeelysawnofutureforherself.
“Idon’tcare,”shesaidpassively.“LetJockdohisworst.Hemightbedoingmeafavor,”shesaid
withblackhumor.“Godknows,I’mnevergoingtohaveahusbandorafamily,thewayIlook.”
“I’m…sorry,”hesaidslowly.“I’mverysorry,forwhathappened.IwassoshockedthatIcouldn’t
evendoanything.Ifeelbadaboutthat.AndIdidn’tthinkabouthowthescarsmightaffectyourlife.”
“Pity,”shesaid,andfelthatredseethethroughher.“Untilthatmoment,Ithoughtyoucaredaboutme.”
“Idocare,inmyway,”hesaid.“Myparentswereice-coldwitheachotherandwithme.Theynever
wentoutoftheirwaytodoonecharitablethingforanyoneelse.Ilearnedthatyoutakecareof
numberone.”
“SodidMama,”shereplied.“Neitherofyouwasfittoraiseachild.”
“Tellmeaboutit,”helaughedhollowly.“Onceyoucame,ourliveschangedforever.Shewastoo
unstableemotionallytocopewithababy.”Hesoundedbitter.“YouspentalotoftimewithCarly.”
AlightflashedinhermindassherecalledCarly’sface.ItwasfarmorefamiliartoherthanElla’s.No
wondertheotherwomanhadbeensoprotectiveofher.
“Butthat’sallinthepast,andI’vegotbiggerproblemsnow.Youhavetotrytogetmesomemoney.
Jocksayshewon’twaitmuchlonger.”
“Tellhimtocomeseeme.Icanborrowashotgun,”shemused.
“It’snotfunny!”
“Ifyouwereinmyposition,itmightbe.”
“Askyourfriendsifthey’llhelpout.Eventwothousandmightbeenough,”herfatherpersisted.“Take
thisnumberdown,Keely.Youcanreachmehere.”
Shegrabbedapencilandpadfrominsidethedrawerbyherbed.“Okay.”
Hegaveherthenumber.“Doyourbest,honey,”hepleaded.“Youlivedagainstalltheodds.Idon’t
wantyoutodieoverahandfulofmoney.”
“I’llseewhatIcando,”shesaidheavily,andhungup.Itwasn’tuntilthensherealizedthatshewas
shaking.

WhenBoonecameback,hefoundKeelyquietandpreoccupied,staringintospace.
“What’swrong?”heasked,becauseheknewatoncethatsomethingwas.Hecouldfeelit.
Shefrowned.“Howdoyouknowsomethingis?”
Hemovedtothebedanddroppeddownlazilyintothearmchairbyherbed.“Ireadminds.Comeon.
Tellme.”
Shesankbackintothepillowswearily.“Myfathercalled.Jock’srunningfromthedruglordsandhe
wantsmoneytogetoutofthecountry.HetoldmyfatherthatifIdon’tgetitupforhimsomehow,
he’llkillme.Thedrugdealerswillprobablysendhimbacktowhereverhecamefrominashoebox.”
Hetookoffhishatanddroppeditonthefloorbyhischair.Heranabig,leanhandthroughhisblack
hair.“I’llturnBaileylooseonhim,andwhenhegetsthrough,Jockwillfitintheshoebox.Orpartsof

himwill.”
“IsBaileyallright?”sheasked.
Hesmiled.“Doinggreat,thankstoyou.”Hissmilefaded.“Istillcan’tbelieveIlistenedtothatself-
centeredlittlecheaterwhenyoutoldmewhatwaswrongwithBailey.IwishIcouldgobackandlive
thosefewminutesover.”
“Itturnedoutallright.”
Henodded.“Onlybecauseyouhadthegutstodowhatyouknewwasright.You’vegotgrit,Keely.”
“I’mjuststubborn,”shereplied.“WhatamIgoingtodo?Idon’thaveanythingIcouldsellthatwould
bringenoughmoneytobuyJockaplaneticket.”
“We’lltalktoHayes,”hetoldher.“He’llknowwhattodo.”

AndHayesdid.TheyarrangedforasumofmoneythatBoonewouldgiveherfathertolurehiminto
atrap.KeelyhadalreadygivenHayesthenumberwhereherfathercouldbereachedwhenshegotthe
money.
“You’renotgoing,”shetoldBoonewhenheandHayeswerediscussingwhowasgoingtotakethe
moneytoJock.
“Excuseme?”Booneaskedhaughtily.
Sheflushed,butshewouldn’tbacktrack.“You’renotgoing.Everybodyaroundmeiseitherdeadorin
danger,andyou’renotgoingtojoinmymotheratthelocalfuneralhome.Lethimdoit.”Shepointed
atHayes.“Heknowshowtodealwithcriminals.He’sgoodatit.”
“Thanks,”Hayesmused.
“IwaswithaSpecialForcesunitintheMiddleEast,”BooneremindedKeely.“Icamehome.”
ShelookedtoHayesforassistance.
Hegrimaced.“Okay,I’llworkoutthedetailsonceyougetthemoneytogether.Withanyluck,wecan
nabbothmen.”
“I’llcallyou,”Boonepromised.
WhenHayesleft,BoonewatchedKeelywithfaintamusement.“You’reafraidI’llgethurt.”
Sheshiftedonherpillows.“Mymotherisdeadbecausemyfatherwantedmoney.Idon’twanttolose
you…Imean,Idon’twantClarkandWinnietohavetoloseyou.”
Hepursedhislips.“IcouldhavewrungyourneckwhenIsawthosephotos,”hesaidconversationally.
“IcouldhavewrungClark’s,too.”
“Iknowyoudon’twanthimaroundmebecauseI’minanothersocialclass…”
“Stopthat,”hemuttered.“Ididn’twanthimaroundyoubecauseyou’remine,Keely,”hesaidcurtly.
Warmthshotthroughherbodylikefire.Surelyshewashearingthings.Herexpressionsaidso.
“We’llhavetodosomethingaboutthatself-image.”Hechuckled.“Idon’tknowwhyyoueverthought
Ididn’twantyou.EvenClarkrealizedIwasjealousashell.”
“Youhatedme,”sheexclaimed.“YouignoredmewhenyoucametobringBaileytoDr.Rydel!”
“Camouflage,”hereplied.“Ididn’tknowaboutyourshoulder,then,”headded,inasubduedtone.
“AllIcouldthinkaboutwasmyowndefects.I’dalreadyhadevidenceofhowawomanwouldreactto
them.You’resoyoung,Keely.Ithoughtyouweretooyoungtocope.”
“I’molderthanIlook,”shereplied.
“Webothare.”Hisdarkeyesgrewintentonherface.“Idon’tcareabouttheobstaclesanymore.We’ll
improvise.”
Shewastinglingatthewayhelookedather,butshewasalittleapprehensive.Itwasamodernworld,
inthecirclesBoonefrequented.ButKeelywaslivinginthepast.“I’veneverbeen…I’veneverhad…I

don’tknowhow…”Shegaveup,exasperated.
“Iknowallthat,”hesaidgently.“We’llgoslow.Iwon’trushyou.”
“Yes,butitwon’tmatter,”shesaidearnestly.“Don’tyousee?Iwasraisedreligiously,despitethebad
rolemodelsmyparentswere.Idon’tbelievepeopleshouldsleeptogetheriftheyaren’tmarried.”
“Funny,”hereturnedwithasmile,“that’sexactlythewayIfeel,too.”
Sheseemedtostopbreathing.Hereyeswereheldbyhis.Shefeltfunny.“Itis?”sheparroted.
“Itis.Sowe’llgettoknoweachotheralotbetter,thenwe’llmakelong-termdecisions.Okay?”
Shesmiled.Herheartwassoaringinherchest.“Okay.”
Hechuckleddeepinhisthroat.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dfelthappysincetheordealbegan.

Hegotthemoneyoutofhisbank,incash,andphonedHayes,whohadKeelycallherfatherandsetup
atimeandplaceforthemoneytochangehands.
“Yougotit!”herfatherexclaimed.“Keely,you’reawonder!Thiswillsavemylife!”
“Ithoughtitwasgoingtosavemine,”sherepliedsuspiciously.
“Ofcourse,yours!”hesaidquickly.“Imeantitwillsaveusboth!Wheredoyouwantmetomeet
you?”
“Dad,I’mstillinthehospital,”shepointedout.
“Oh!That’sright.IguessIcouldmeetyouinthehospital,then,”hesaid.
Sherepeatedwhathesaid,sothatBooneandHayescouldhearhim.Hayesnoddedenthusiastically.
“Yes,thatwouldbefine,”Keelysaid.“Whendoyouwanttocome?”
“Tenminutes,”hesaid,andhungup.
Sheputthereceiverbackdown.“He’sonhiswayhere,”shesaid.Hertonewasbitter.“Hesaidit
wouldsavehislife.Hewasn’teverconcernedaboutmine.”
“I’msorry,Keely,”Hayestoldher.“Butheneverwasconcernedaboutthewelfareofotherpeople.If
hehadbeen,he’dneverhavesentBobbythattotallypurecocaine,knowingitwouldkillhim.”
Keelysighed.“Ihadhopedthat—”Shebrokeoff,flushed.“Well,itwouldhavebeenniceifhe’d
caredalittleaboutme.Butifhehad,he’dhavedivedintothatmountainlionpitwithoutthinking
abouttheconsequenceswhenthatlittleboy’slifewasatstake.”
“Whichyoudid,”Boonereplied.
Shenodded.“Ididn’tthinkatall,Ijustreacted.Dadgotsuedbytheparentsbecauseofit,butthey
calledmetothestandanddescribedthewoundsIsustainedtryingtosavethelittleboy.Thefamily
wasshamefacedandaskedtheirlawyertowithdrawthecase.Thelittleboywasn’tevenfrightened,
andhedidn’thaveamarkonhim.Butthejudgewasn’tsoforgiving.HesaidthatDadshouldhave
hadbetterfencinginplace,andhenamedafigureforDadtopaythefamily.Butbythen,Dadspentall
hismoneyonhisprettygolddiggerandhadtoborrowonthegameparktopayoffthelittleboy’s
family,andtotakecareofhislegalfees.Helosteverything.IguesshethinksIowehimforthat.”
“Itseemstomethatheowesyou,”Boonesaidcoldly.
“Samehere,”Hayesagreed.Hegottohisfeet.“I’dbettergetsomebackupoverhere.I’lltalktothe
securityguard,too.”HeglancedatBoone.“Youstaying?”
“YoubetIam,”Boonereplieddoggedly.“I’mnotleavingherinherealoneincaseherfathergets
pastyou.”
Hayessmiled.“Idon’tthinkhewill,butbettersafethansorry.Wantagun?”
Boonechuckled.“Ineverneededone.Istilldon’t.”
“Okay.Singoutifyouneedhelp.Thanks,Keely,”hetoldher.
Shenodded.

HayesleftandshestaredcuriouslyatBoone.“Whydon’tyouneedagun?”sheaskedhim.
“Ihadthehighestscoreinmyunitinhand-to-handcombat,”hesaidsimply.“Icouldevendisarmmy
menwhentheycameatmewithweapons.”
Hereyessparkled.“Wow.”
Heshrugged.“It’saskill.Weallhavethem.”Hesmiledather.“Yoursishandlinganimals.Inever
toldyouthatBaileybites,didI?”
“He’sneverbittenme,”shesaid,confused.
“You’retheonlypersonwhoknowshimwhocansaythat,”hetoldherwithatwinkleinhiseyes.
“LikeIsaid.Youhaveskills.”
Shesmiledback.
Hegottohisfeetandmovedtothedoor,openeditandlookedbothways.Hecamebackintothe
room.He’djustturnedtowardtheclosetwhenthedooropenedsuddenlyandBrentWelshcameinto
theroom.
“Quick,Keely,givemethemoney!”hetoldKeelyabruptly.“HayesCarsonwasdownstairs—hegot
Jocktheminutewewalkedinthedoor!Somebodytippedthemoff!”
“Thenyoushouldbesafe,”Keelytoldhim.“IfSheriffCarsonhasJock.”
“I’llneverhaveenoughmoneytobesafe,”hesaid.“ButatleastIcangetawayfromtheFuentes
bunch.Where’sthe—”
InamovementsofluidthatKeelyalmostmissedit,BoonecaughtWelsh’sarm,swunghimaround
andpinnedhimtothewall.Heheldhimtherewithonebighandwhileheflippedopenhiscellphone
andpushedabutton.
“Letmego!”Brentpleadedwithhiscaptor.“Ican’tgotojailhere,they’llkillme!”
“Whatatragedythatwouldbe,”Boonedrawled.
ThedoorburstopenandHayeswalkedin,closinghiscellphone.Heputawaythe.40caliberGlock
he’dbeenholdingevenwithhisrighttemple,andgrinnedatBoone.“Youdon’tforgetthatmilitary
training,doyou?”Hechuckled.
Boonegrinned.“Igetinsomepracticeonstubbornbullsatroundup.Here.”HepropelledWelsh
aroundsothatHayescouldhandcuffhim.
“Keely,tellthemtoletmego!”Brentcalledtohisdaughter.“I’minnocent.ItwasJock!Hedidit!”
Keelyfeltsick.She’dalmostbelievedherfather ’sfalseapology.“Ican’thelpyou,”shesaidsadly.
“Nobodycan,now.”
Brent’sfacedarkenedandhebegantocurse.Hayesgrimacedashepushedthemanoutoftheroom
aheadofhimandturnedhimovertoadeputy.
“Sorryaboutthat,”hetoldKeely.“Wehadhim,butheslippedaway.We’vegothimnow,thanksto
you,”hetoldBoone,“andhispartner,aswell.I’lltalktoyoulater.Don’tworry,Keely,”headded.
“ThesetwoarewantedformurderinArizona.Iimaginethere’llbeanextraditionhearingverysoon.
Goodjob,Boone.Ifyoueverwanttoworkforme…?”
“I’dneverfitin,”Boonetoldhim.“Iuserealcursewords.”
Hayesmadeafaceathim.“‘CrackersandMilk’isaperfectlygoodcurse,”heinformedhisfriend.
“Ha!”
Hayesleftwithhisdignityintact.
BoonemovedtothebedandtuggedKeelyupintohisarms,carefulnottojarhersorearm.“Andnow
wecanconcentrateonhappiertimes,”hesaidgently,smilingashekissedherwithbreathless
tenderness.

ShehadaroomnexttoWinnie’supstairs,themostbeautifulbedroomshe’deverseeninherlife.She
wasafraidtowalkonthecarpet,whichwaspurewhite,dramaticagainstthebluecurtainsand
bedspreadandthebluetileinthebathroom.
“Gosh,thebathroomisbiggerthanmywholebedroomathome,”sheexclaimedwhenBoonecarried
herinandlaidheronthebed.
“Welikealotofspace,”hetoldher,smiling.“Comfortable?”
Shesankintofathomsoffeatherysoftness.“Oh,yes!”
WinnieandClarkcameinbehindthem,bearingflowersandfruit.
“Theflowerscamefromthegirlsatyouroffice,”Winnietoldher,“andthefruit’sfromDr.Rydel.”
“Doesheoftensendyoupresents?”Booneaskeddarkly.
“OnlywhenIgetbittenbyrattlesnakesandendupinthehospital,”shetoldhimsolemnly.
WinnieandClarkburstoutlaughing.
Booneflushedalittle.“Cutitout,”hemuttered.Hepulledhishatlowoverhiseyes.“I’vegottoget
theboysworkingoutonthewestpasture.I’llbebackintimeforsupper.”HegrinnedatKeely.“When
you’rebetter,youcanmakeussomemoreyeastrolls.”
Shelaughed,flatteredthathe’dlikedthem.“Okay.”
“Butnotyet,”hecautioned.
Shesalutedhim.Helaughedoutloud,winkedathissiblings,andleftthemwithKeely.
“Imaginethat,”Winniesighed,smiling.“YouandBoone.”
Keelyflushed.“He’sjustbeingkind.”
“Doyouthinkso?”Clarkmused.“Idon’t.”
“Shoo,”Winnietoldherbrother.“I’mgoingtosettleKeely,thenIhavetogoinandworkforafew
hours.I’monasplitshiftthisweek.”
“You’reworthafortune,andyou’reworkingforwages,”Clarksighed.
Winniemadeafaceathim.“Ilikeworkingforwages.”
Clark’seyestwinkled.“YoulikeworkingwithKilraven.”
Winnieblushed.“He’sjustoneoftheguysIworkwith,nowthatI’mworkingdispatchfull-time.”
Clarkwiggledbotheyebrowsandlaughedashewalkedout.
“Besides,”Winnietoldherbestfriend,“Kilravendoesn’tlikeme.”
Keelyhaddoubtsaboutthat,butshedidn’tsayaword.Shejustsmiled.
Winniehelpedhergetintoaflowered-printankle-lengthcottongownwithshortpuffysleevesanda
highneckline.Shewincedatthescars.“Youpoorthing,”shesaidwithgenuinesympathy.“Itmust
havebeensopainful!”
Keelylostherself-consciousnessatthatexpression.“Mostpeoplewouldhavesaidhowhorribleit
looks.Yes,itwasterrible.Thefirstfewdaysweretheworstofmylife.Andthen,evenwhenitstarted
healing,therewerethescars.”Sheshiveredandleanedbackintothepillowswithasigh.“ButIguess
itwasreallyablessingindisguise,becauseJockhadjustgottenoutofprisonaftertwoyears,andhe
cameontomethedayhegotback.Thescarswereallthatsavedmefromhim.HethoughtIwas
repulsive.”ShelookedatWinniemeaningfully.“Iwasthirteenyearsold,”shesaidbitterly.
Winniesatdownonthebedbesideherandsqueezedherhand.“Somemenareanimals,”shesaid
gently.“MenusedtocomeontomewhenIwenttopartiesbecausetheyknewwhoIwas,whomy
familywas.Theydidn’treallywantme,theywantedthewealthandpowerIhadaccessto.Boone
spentalotoftimemakingthreats.”Shelaughed.“That’swhyIlikeworkingfortheemergency
managementcenter,”sheadded.“Someofthenewerpeopledon’tevenknowIcomefromawealthy
background.Theytreatmelikeeverybodyelse.It’sflattering.”

Keelywascurious.“Kilravenknowswhoyouare.”
Winnienodded.Shefrowned.“It’sodd,isn’tit,thathedoesn’tseemtomind.”Shehesitated,looking
downatherlap.“Butmostofthetimehetreatsmejustlikehedoestheotherdispatchers.”
“I’vealwaysdreamedaboutBoone,”Keelysaid.“Ineverthoughthemightfeelthesamewayabout
me.”
Winnielaughed.“Ihadahunchaboutthatwhenhewentoffandbeatuptheprivatedetective,”she
mused.“That’snotlikeBoone.Itwasn’tjustguilt,either.Hemaythinkyou’retooyoung,Keely,but
heseemstohavecometogripswithyourage.”
Keelysmiled.“I’moldformyage,”shesaiddryly.
“AndI’llsayamentothat!”

ChapterFourteen
Boonecamehomedustyandworn-out,havinghelpedmovesteersfromsummerpastureintothe
holdingpensnearby,wherethey’dbehelduntiltheycouldbeshippedtoafeedlotforfinishingas
yearlings.
Itwasalong,arduousprocess,andsomebodyalwaysgothurt.Fortunately,Keelynoted,itwasn’t
Boone.
“Youpayyourforemanafortunetodothatjob,andthenyougooutandworklikeyou’rehim,”
WinniefussedashecameintoKeely’sbedroomafterhe’dshowered.
“I’mnotcutoutforthelifeofagentlemanofleisure,”hepointedout,smiling.“How’reyoudoing,
sprout?”heaskedKeely.
“Muchbetter,”sheassuredhim.“HaveyouheardanythingfromHayesCarson?”
Heshookhishead.“He’llgetbackintouchwithuswhenhe’sgotsomethingtosay.Meanwhile,stop
worrying.You’resafehere.”
Shesmiled.“Iknow.Itwasn’tthat.Ijustwondered.”
“I’mstarved,”hetoldWinnie.“Whenareweeating?”
“Mrs.Johnston’soutdoneherself,”Winnierepliedwithagrin.“BeefstewandMexicancornbread.”
“Worthworkingalldayfor,”hesaid.“I’llbringyoursup,”hetoldKeely.
“Icouldcomedownstairs,”shebegan.
“NotuntilColtrainsaysyoucan,”herepliedfirmly.“Wedon’twantarelapse,now,dowe?”
“Iguessnot.Myarm’sbetter,though,”shesaid,movingitgingerly.“Theswelling’sgonedowna
lot.”
“Damnedsnake,”hemuttered.
“That’sexactlywhatIsaidwhenithappened,”Keelyassuredhim.
Hegrinned.“Youdolookbetter.”Hiseyesslidoverthefloweredgown.Theywereboldand
possessive.

Thememoryofthatlookkeptheroccupiedallthroughsupper.He’dbroughtithimself,onatray,to
theamusementofWinnie,ClarkandMrs.Johnston,whoaddedaflowerinavasetothetray.
Aftersupper,Winniewentstraighttoherbedroomtochangeclothes.Clarkwentout.Boonechanged
intopajamasandarobeandcamewalkingintoKeely’sbedroomwithafilefolderinhishand,
readingglassesonandapenciloveroneear.HepiledintobedwithKeely,proppinghimselfupon
twoofthemoundofpillowsMrs.Johnstonhadbroughther.Heproceededtoopenthefolderand
read.
Keelywasfascinated.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Workingonprintoutsofthebreedingprogramthatourcowandcalfforemanbroughtme,”hetold
her.“Webreedforcertaintraits,likelowbirthweightandleanconformation,andweusecomputers
tomakeprojectionsforus.”Heshowedhertheinformationonthepages.
“No.Imean…Imean,whatareyoudoinginhere,likethat?”Sheindicatedhispajamasandrobe.
Hegaveheraconspiratorialgrin.“I’msleepingwithyou.”
“Youarenot!”shegasped.“Inthefirstplace,Ican’t—”
“Sleeping,”heemphasized.“Youcloseyoureyesandthenextthingyouknow,it’smorning.”
Sherelaxedalittle,butshewasstillwary.
“Allthedoorsareopen,”hepointedout,noddingtowardthehall.“They’llstayopen.Nobodywill
noticethatI’minhere.”
Winniewalkedpastthedoorwayandsmiled.Shestoppedsuddenly,turnedandstared.

Boonegloweredather.“What’sthematterwithyou?”heaskedhissister.“Haven’tyoueverseena
maninpajamasandarobebefore?”
“You’reinbedwithKeely,”shestated.“She’sstillfragile,”sheaddedworriedly.
“That’strue,butherfather ’sfriendissomethingofanescapeartist,”heagreed.Hereachedintohis
pocketandpulledoutaworn-lookingSmith&Wesson.38caliberpolicespecial.Heputitupagain.
“Nobody’sgettingpastme.”
Winniestoppedlookingshockedandbegantogrin.“Igetit.”
“Good.Whileyou’regettingthings,howaboutgettingBaileyandhisbedoutofmyroomand
bringingthembothinhere?”headded.“He’llstarthowlingifthelightgoesoffandhe’salonein
there.”
“Hereallydoes,”WinnietoldKeely.“HethinksBoonewilldieifheisn’ttheretoprotecthim.”
Keelysmiled.“He’sasweetoldboy.”
“Who,me?”Boonedrawled,peeringatherwickedlyoverhisreadingglasses.
“Thedog!”sheemphasized.
“Oh.”Hewentbacktohisspreadsheets,oblivioustotheworld.
Winniechuckled.“I’llgetBailey.”

Shedid.ShealsogotClarkandMrs.Johnston.Theyallpeeredinfromthehall,fascinated.Boonehad
neverevenbroughtawomanupstairsinlivingmemory,andherehewasinbed,inhispajamas,with
Keely.
Clarkstartedtospeak.Booneliftedthegun,displayedit,putitbackinhispocketwithoutlookingup
fromthespreadsheet.
“Ihaven’tsaidanything!”Clarkprotested.“Youshouldn’tthreatenpeoplewithgunsjustbecause
they’recurious!”
“It’sforKeely’sfather ’sevilfriend,”Winnietoldhim.
“Oh.Oh!”Clarkfinallygotit.“Okay.”
Mrs.Johnstonwasgrinningfromeartoear.Herwhitehairseemedtovibrate.SheandClarkand
Winniejuststood,staringandgrinning.Boonereachedinhisotherpocketandbroughtouta
jeweler ’sbox,justthesizetocontainaring.Hedisplayedit,stillwithoutlookingupfromthe
spreadsheet,andputitawayagain.NowKeelywaslookingbreathless,too.
“Here’sBaileyandhisbed,”WinniesaidassheputthedogpalletonBoone’ssideofthebed.“We’ll
closethedooronourwayout.”
“You’lldonosuchthing,”Boonetoldhercurtly.“Thisisarespectablehousehold.Nohanky-panky
abovestairs.”HeglaredatClark.“Fromanybody.”
Clarkthrewuphishands.“Ionce,onlyonce,sneakedagirlintomyroomforimmoralpurposes.He
neverforgets!”
“Itwasanactofcharity,”WinniechidedBoone.“Hefoundherwanderingallaloneonastreetcorner
andbroughtherhometogetablankettoputaroundher.”
Everybodyburstoutlaughing,evenClark.
“Allright,that’senough.Everybodyout.I’vegotworktodo,thenwe’regoingtohaveadecent
night’ssleep.”HeglanceddownatKeely,whowaswatchinghimwithopenlyworshipfuleyes.He
smiledtenderly.“Someofuscoulduseitmorethanothers.”
“Iwon’targuewiththat,”Keelyreplied.
Whiletheywerelookingateachother,theiraudiencevanished.
Booneglancedatthedoorwayandchuckleddeepinhisthroatashelookeddownathisbedmate.“Ido

haveevilpurposesinmind,”heconfidedinalowtone,“butthey’reprobablyallhidingtenfeetfrom
thedoor,waitingfordevelopments.Sowehavetobehave.”
Shesigheddeeply.“Okay,”shereplied.Herhand,underthesheet,reachedovertotouchhismuscular
arm.Sheclosedhereyes,comfortedbythecontact.“I’vebeenafraidtosleepfordays,”she
whispered.“NowI’mnot.”
Hesmoothedahandoverherblondhair.“Gotosleep,”hesaid.“I’llkeepyousafe.”
“Iknowthat.”
Hewentbacktothespreadsheet.Secondslater,inthelongsilencethatfollowed,threesetsofeyes
peeredcautiouslyinthedoor.
“What?”Booneaskedbelligerently.
Theyscatteredtothefourwinds.Baileyclimbedintohisbed,circledafewtimes,laydownand
yawnedandwentbacktosleep.

Thenextmorning,Keelyheardacardriveup.Sheopenedhereyesslowly,disoriented.Shewaslying
nexttoawarm,hardbodythathadherwrappedupgentlyagainstit.Theywerebothunderthecovers.
Boonelookeddownatherwarmly.“Readyforbreakfast?”heaskedsoftly.“Ihearmovementfrom
thegeneraldirectionofthekitchen.”
Shecurledcloser.“Icouldeat.”
Theywerebothonhersideofthebed,andhadapparentlybeencloselikethatallnight.Keelyfeltso
safeandcozythatshewasreluctanttomove.
Voicesmurmureddownstairs,andheavy,quickfootstepscameupthestaircase.HayesCarsonwalked
in,hisuniformalittlerumpled,likehisblond,brown-streakedhairunderhisStetson.
Hestopped,liftingbotheyebrows.
Booneyawned.“I’vegotagun,”hemurmured.
“Ihaven’tsaidanythingyet,”Hayesprotested.
Booneglaredathim.“ToprotectKeelywith,”headded.
“Oh.”
Hayesmarchedovertothebed,threwhishatonthecarpetedfloor,climbedinnexttoBooneandlay
backonthepillows.“God,I’mtired!I’vebeenupallnighthelpinginterrogateKeely’sfatherandhis
friend.”
“Makeyourselfcomfortable,”Boonedrawledsarcastically.
“Thanks,Iwill,”Hayesreplied.“ThisisthemostcomfortablebedI’veeverbeenin,”headded.He
reacheddown,scoopeduphishatandsetitoverhiseyes.“Icouldsleepforaweek!”
“Tellmewhatyou’redoingherefirst,”Boonesaid.
“Inordertosavehisskin,Keely’sfathermadeapleadeal.HegaveushisfriendJockonamurder
charge.ItseemsthatJockkilledawomaninArizona.Hewasthechiefsuspect,buttheycouldn’tget
theevidencetoconvicthim.Keely’sfatherhasawatchthatbelongedtothedeadwoman,andhecan
putJockthereatthetimeofthemurder.”Hesmiledunderthehat.
“Whataboutmyfather?”Keelywantedtoknow.
“Threetofive,onaccessorycharges.WetalkedtotheassistantD.A.lastnight,too.”
“Maybeitwillteachhimsomething,”Keelysaid,butshedidn’tsoundconvinced.
“Don’tlookformiracles,”Booneadvised.“Withlawbreakers,theyrarelyhappen.”
“Likeyouknow,”Hayesdrawledfromunderthehat.Hecrossedhislonglegs.
Therewasthesoundofanothercararriving.Acardoorslammed.Voicesmurmured.Anothersound
offootsteps,buttheseweresoftandquickandalmostundetectable.

Kilravenpoisedinthedoorway,staring.“Well,ifthatisn’tjustlikecountylawenforcement,”he
muttered.“Walkoutinthemiddleofaninterrogationandleavethehardworktothelocallaw!”
“Shutup,Kilraven,”Hayessaidpleasantly.“Ihaven’tsleptsincenightbeforelast.”
“LikeIhave!”Kilravenshotback.Hescowled.Heshrugged.“Hell,maybeyou’reright.Alittlerest
mightperkusallup.Hi,Keely,”hegreetedashesankdownontothefootofthebedandsprawled
acrossitatHayes’sbootedfeet.“Say,thisisareallysoftbed,”hemused,closinghisowneyes.
Therewereotherfootsteps.“Isn’tanybodycomingdownforbreakfast…?”
Winniestoodinthedoorway,absolutelydumbstruck.Therewerefourpeopleinthebed.Twoofthem
wereinuniform.
“I’mnotbringingtraysuphere,”sheannounced.“Anybodywhowantsbreakfasthastocome
downstairsandgetit.”Shegrinned.“There’senoughforcompany,too.”
“Arewecompany?”Hayesaskeddrowsily.
“Apparently,”Kilravenreplied.
“Isupposeweallhavetogetup,”Hayessighed.
“Itismybed,”Boonepointedout.“AndKeelyandIwereherefirst.”
Hayessatup.Hefrowned.“WhatareyoudoinginbedwithKeely?”
Heproducedtherevolverfromhispocket.
“Gun!”Kilravenexclaimed.
Boonejustshookhisheadandlaughed.

Theguestsstayedforbreakfastandthenwentontheirway.KilravenwasgivingWinnieanoddlook.
Shewassubduedwithhimnow.Itwasasifallthejoyandbubblyfunhadgoneoutofherforever.She
knewtherewasnochancethathe’devercareforherinanypermanentway,andshewasn’tthesort
fortemporaryliaisons.Itbrokeherheart.
KilraventriedtocatchhereyeasheandHayesheadedoutthefrontdoor,butshewouldn’tlookat
him.Shesaidgoodbyeinaperfectlynatural,pleasanttoneandwentbacktothetable.Kilravenwas
frowningwhenheleft.
“Don’tyouhaveameetingwithsomevisitingcattlementoday?”WinnieaskedBoone.
“Yes,foracoupleofhours.Theywanttoseeourartificialinseminationlabs.”
“Ihavetogettowork,”Winniesaidreluctantly.SheglancedatKeely.“Clark’salreadygoneupto
Dallasforameetingwithsomeinvestors,andMrs.Johnston’sgoneshopping.”
“Baileywillprotectme,”shetoldthem,reachingdowntopettheolddog.
“Youwon’tneedprotectingnow,”Boonesaidgently.“YourfatherandJockaresafelybehindbarsat
thedetentioncenterinSanAntonio.Theydon’tloseprisoners.”
“Sowehear,”Winniehadtoagree.“Makesureyoukeepthedoorslocked,”shecautionedKeely.
“OfcourseIwill,”shesaid,smiling.“Don’tworry.Isurvivedarattlesnakebite.”
“You’retoughallright,”Winniehadtoadmit.“I’llbebackassoonasIgetoffwork.Takecare.”
“You,too,”Keelysaidgently.
WinniebenttokissherandBoonebeforesheleftforherjob.Shemanagedtohideherheartbreak
fromthem.Shedidn’twanttospoiltheirjoyineachother.

Thehousewasveryquiet,withonlythetwooftheminit,bothstillintheirpajamas.Boonelookedat
Keelywithanexpressionshe’dneverseenonhisfacebefore.Hegotupslowly,pulledoutherchair,
swungherupintohisarmsandstartedforthestaircase.
“Timefordessert,”hewhispered,bendingtohermouth.

“Itwasbreakfast.Youdon’thavedessertwithbreakfast.”
“Yes,wedo.”
Hekissedherhungrily.Afterafewseconds,Keelyforgotherprotests,wrappedhergoodarmaround
hisneckandkissedhimbackwithenthusiasm.Helaughedsoftlyatherinnocenteagerness,and
proceededtoteachherthepropertechnique.Bythetimetheygotbacktohisroom,shewasreadyfor
promotiontothenextlevel.
Heputherdownlongenoughtocloseandlockthedoor.Hishighcheekboneswerefaintlyflushed
withtheforceofhisdesire.“It’sbeenyears,”hebitoff,hisdarkeyesblazingdownintohers.“Iwant
you.”
Shewasbreathless,frightened,exhilarated,allatonce.Butthoseoldscruplesweregrindingawayat
her.
“Iknow,”hesaidsoftly.“Youwanttowaitforaceremony.That’sweeksaway.”Hepulledhertohim,
pushedherhipsagainstthehardthrustofhisbody.“Don’tmakemewait,”hewhisperedhuskily.
“Boone…”Shewastorn,tortured.
Hereachedintohispocketandpulledoutthejewelrybox.Heopenedit.Insidewereanemerald
solitaireandanemeraldanddiamondstuddedyellowgoldsetofrings.“Everybodyinthishouse
knowsthatIintendtomarryyou.I’vehadthissetofringsforweeks,waitingforHayestogetenough
evidencetoputdamnedMistyandherfatheroutofbusiness!Apieceofpaperwithasealisn’tgoing
tomakethatmuchdifference.Withthisring,”hesaidtenderly,slidingtheemeraldsolitaireontoher
ringfinger,“Itheewed.Therestwillcomelater.Iloveyou,Keely,”headdedwithreverence.“I’ll
loveyouuntilIdie.Willyoumarryme?”
Shecouldbarelyseetheringorhimforthebluroftears.“Yes,”shewhispered.
Hebentanddrewhislipsoverhers,teasingthemapart,coaxingthemtoadmitthelong,slowthrustof
histongueintohermouth.
Shegaspedasachargeofpassionaspowerfulasalightningstrikeshookherslenderbody.The
shockwasinhereyeswhenshemethis.
“Webeginhere,now,Keely,”hesaidsolemnly.“Thefirstdayoftherestofourlives.Letmelove
you.”
Shewasalreadytoofargonetothinkofrefusinghim.Hishandswereunderthegown,making
nonsenseofherfearsaboutherscars.Sheclosedhereyes,moaningsoftly,ashisfingerssmoothed
expertlyoverthethrustofherbreasts,followedinshortorderbyhishungrymouth.
“Yes,”shewhisperedunsteadily.Andforlong,passionateminutes,shesaidnothingmore.
Hepausedjustlongenoughtoprotecther.“It’stoosoonforbabies,”hewhisperedagainstherdamp
breasts.“Wehavealotoflivingtodofirst.Then,whenwe’recomfortablewitheachother,they’ll
comenaturally.”
“Ilovechildren,”shesaidsoftly.
Hesmiled.“SodoI.”
Herarmprotestedwhenshereacheduptohim,butsheignoredthepain.Hepleasuredherforalong
time,untilshewasshiveringalloverwithdesire,pleadingforanendtotheanguish.Atthatmoment,
shefelthimlosecontrol.Shearchedupeagerlytomeettheharddownwardthrustofhisbodyand
tensed,cryingoutsoftly,asthebarrierprotesteditsinvasion.
Hehesitated,hiswholebodypulsing.“Ihurtyou,”hegroundout.
“Onlyalittle,”shewhispered,becausehelookedasifithurthim,too.“Don’tstop.”
“AsifIcould,”hemanagedtosay.Helaughedashemovedagain,andthenhegroanedanddrovefor
fulfillment,helplesstostophimself.

Shemovedwithhim,blindwithneed,pulsatingwithdelightthatgrewsharperandmorepleasurable
witheverysinglesecond.Shefelthiminanintimacythatshe’dneverdreamedpossible.Herlast
thoughtwasthattheculminationwasgoingtokillher.Thepleasurewassointensethat,attheend,she
criedoutinahigh-pitched,keeninglittletonethatshe’dneverheardtornfromherthroatinher
lifetime.
Theyclungtogetherintheaftermath.Hewasspent.Hecouldhardlybreathe.Underhim,Keelywas
holdingtight,bitingintohismuscleswithhershortnails,stillmovinghelplesslyagainsthimasthe
pleasureebbedandflowedinheruntriedbody.Shewasonlyjustlearningthatthepeakwasn’treally
thepeak.Shecouldfeeltheechoesofthatintense,shatteringclimaxhappenoverandover,justby
movingintherightway.
Heindulgedherforatime,butthenhisleanhandcaughtherhipandstilledher.“Nomore,”he
whispered.“You’reverynewtothis.Itwillbeuncomfortableifwedon’tstop.”
“Oh,”sheprotested.
Hekissedhertenderly.“Besides,”hewhispered,“we’retemptingfate.Thesethingsareonlygoodfor
oneuse.Theycanbreak.”
Hereyesopenedandlookedupintohis.Theywidened.“Theycan?”
She’dsoundedalmosthopeful.Hechuckled.“It’srare,whenthathappens.Wedon’tneedababyright
now,atthebeginningofourmarriage.”
“Areyousurewedon’t?”sheasked.
Hekissedheragain.“I’msure.Anditisn’tbecauseIdon’twantone,”heclarified.“Iwanttimeforus
totravelandlearnabouteachother.”
“Travel.”
Hechuckled.“Anywhereyouwanttogo.”
“Youmean,wecouldgotoWyomingandseeOldFaithful?”sheaskedexcitedly.
Heproppedupononeelbow.“Iwasthinkingofsomeplacemoreexotic.”
“Oh.LikeFlorida,”shenodded.
Hescowled.“Thepyramids.ChichénItzá.Sacsayhuamán.Zimbabwe.Thosesortsofplaces.”
“Youmean,gooverseas?”sheexclaimed.“Wecoulddothat?”
Hestudiedherrapt,prettylittleface,andhesmiledagain.“Yes.Wecoulddothat.”
“Wow.”
Hekissedheroncemoreandwithdrew,wincingwhenshewinced.“Itoldyou,”hemused.“Ittakes
timeandpracticetoavoidtheselittlepitfalls.”
“Isupposeso.”Shelookedathisbroadchest,wheredeepscarscutacrossit.Thereweremoreonhis
belly,andone,muchworse,onhisbroadthigh.Shereachedoutandtouchedthem,testingthehard
ridgeswithherfingertips,exploring.“Badgesofhonor,”shemurmuredaloud.
Hewaswatchingherwatchinghim,hisdarkeyeskeenandalert.Hesmiled.“I’vebeenself-conscious
abouttheseforyears.”
“Theyaren’tthatbad,”shereplied.
Hisowneyeswereonhershoulder,herscarsequallyasdeepashisandlesscaredfor.“Ifyouwantto
haveplasticsurgery,youcan,”hetoldher.“ButI’dloveyouifyouweremissinganarmoraleg.
NothingwilleverchangethewayIfeel.AndIdon’tmindyourscars.”
“Idon’tmindyours.”Shereachedoverandkissedhischest,wherethethickest,hardestridgeran
rightacrossit,diagonally.“I’msogladthatstupidwomanranfromyou,”shemurmured.
Helaughed.“SoamI,now.”
Shecuddledclosetohim,moresecureandlessembarrassed.Itseemedtobeanaturalthing,this

combiningofbodies.Itwascertainlyfulfilling.
Hewrappedherupinhisarms,carefulnottojarthesoreoneanymorethanhealreadyhad.He
closedhiseyes.He’dneverbeensohappyinallhislife.

He’dplannedtohaveabigwedding,buthisconsciencegotthebetterofhim,sothenextdayhedrove
Keelyovertotheprobatejudge’sofficeinJacobsvilleandmarriedher.
“Youreallyareaprude,youknow,”Keelyteasedhimwhentheywerebackonthestreetwearing
weddingbands,withthelicenseinKeely’shandbag.
Heshrugged.“Potcallingthekettleblack,”hereplied,smilingtenderly.
Shepressedcloseagainsthim,stillalittleweakandshakyfromthesnakebite,butsohappythatshe
feltlikebursting.“There’sonethingleftthatwehavetodo,”shesaidreluctantly.
“Yes.DoyouwanttocallCarly,orshallI?”
Shelinkedherfingersintohis.“I’llcallher.”

Theyhadthefuneralaweeklater,asmallmemorialserviceatthecemetery,whereEllaWelshwas
buriednexttoherparents.Itwasasadinterludeinahappywhirl,becauseWinniehadinsistedona
societywedding.BooneandKeelyreluctantlygavein.Winnie’senthusiasmwascontagious.
Sotheyweremarriedintheautumn,withthemapleswearinggloriousredandgoldcoats,and
chrysanthemumsforKeely’sbouquet.Shetosseditoutsidethechurchandwatchedwithamusementas
herbridesmaidsscrambledforit.Butitwasthebestman,HayesCarson,whocaughtthebouquet.He
grinnedwidelyandgaveacourtlybowwheneveryonestaredathim.AgloweringDr.BentleyRydel
hadalsoattendedthewedding,alongwithKeely’scoworkers,andCarly,whocriedbucketsandsaid
thatKeelywasthemostbeautifulbrideshe’deverseen.
BooneandKeelywentawayforamonth,touringSpainandAfricaandmuchofEurope.Theycame
homewearyoftravel,butwithbeautifulmemories.
“You’renotgoingtobehappygivingmorningteasforbridesandhostessingdinnerparties,are
you?”Booneaskedwhenthey’dfinishedsupperandweresittinginfrontofthefireplaceintheliving
room.
“I’mnotcutoutforit,”sherepliedworriedly.
Hegrinnedandpulledherclose.“Thendowhatyouplease.”
“I’dliketogobacktoworkforDr.Rydel,”shesaidslowly.“Iguessyouwouldn’tlikethat?”
Helookeddownintoherwide,softgreeneyes.“We’vealreadyagreedthatyouhaveskills,andthey
applytoanimals.Ithinkitwouldbeagoodidea.I’llhavedayswhenIhavetobeoutoftownon
business,andI’llhaveworkshopsandconferencestogoto.Youcancometosomeofthem,butyou
won’tlikebeingontheroadsomuch.WorkforRydel.”Hekissedher.“Justdon’tforgetwhereyou
liveandwholovesyou.”
Shegrinnedandkissedhimback.“Icouldneverforgetthat.”
Hestretchedandyawned.“Clark’sgotanewgirl,Winniesays,”hemurmuredafterapeacefulsilence.
“Aniceone,thistime.Sheworksinalibrary.”
Keelysmiled.“GoodforClark.HowaboutWinnie?”
Hehesitated.“Idon’tknow.She’schanged.She’sgoneallsilentlately.Probablymooningover
Kilraven.”Heshookhishead.“Thatbirdisn’tgoingtosettledowninsomesmalltown.He’sgotbig
citywrittenalloverhim.”
Keelypromisedherselfthatshe’dmaketimetotalktoherbestfriendandlethercryitallout.
“Sleepy?”heasked.

Shenuzzledagainsthisshoulder.“Notreally.Why?Didyouhavesomethinginmind?”sheteased.
“Infact,Idid.”Heleanedcloser,brushedhismouthoverhersinawhisperofcontact.“Yeastrolls.”
Unprepared,sheburstoutlaughing.“Yeastrolls?”
“Ihaven’thadadecentrollsincebeforewemarried,”hepointedout,“andyou’reallhealednow.
Besides,nobodymakesbreadlikeyoudo.”
“Well,ifthat’showyoufeel,I’dlovetobakeyousomeyeastrolls!”shereplied.Hereyesshimmered
withamusement.“ButI’dneedalittleencouragement,first.”
Hepursedhislips.“Whatsortofencouragement?”
“Beinventive,”shecoaxed.
Hegottohisfeet,swungherupintohisarms,andstartedforthestaircase.“Inventive,”heassuredher
withachuckle,“ismymiddlename.”
Shetuckedherfaceunderhischinandlistenedtotheheavy,hardbeatofhisheartandsmiledwith
anticipation.Shefeltasifshewerebeingreimbursedforallthelongyearsoflonelinessandsorrow
thatshe’dendured.Herscars,shedecided,didn’tmattersomuchafterall.Andthehappinessshe’d
foundwithBoonewaswortheveryone.

TableofContents

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

TableofContents

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
SSE1921HeartofStone(09-2008)
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen