NewYorkTimesandUSATODAYbestsellingauthor
DIANAPALMERisbackwithathrillingnewstoryfeaturing
theKirkbrothersofWyoming

FormerborderagentDaltonKirkthoughthislifewasover—literally—whenagangofsmugglers
lefthimfordead.Defyingallodds,hesurviveshisordealandreturnstohisWyomingranchreadyto
dedicatehisfuturetoamorepeacefulhomeontherange.UntillovelyMerissaBakerknocksonhis
door.

Merissaiswellawareofherreputationasthelocaleccentric—sheknowsthingsbeforetheyhappen
—andshe’shadavisionthatDaltonisindanger.EventhoughherbeliefsclashwithDalton’scowboy
logic,she’sdeterminedtosavethehandsomeranchershe’ssecretlylovedforever.

Visions?It’sallridiculoustoDalton…untilthingsstarthappeningthatproveMerissaright.Andnow
Daltonisnottheonlytarget—soisMerissa.CanDaltonbeboldenoughtotrusttheunknown?Isthis
Wyomingmanreadytolove?

PraiseforthenovelsofNewYorkTimesandUSATODAY

bestsellingauthor

“Palmerdemonstrates,yetagain,whyshe’sthequeenofdesparadoquestsforjusticeandtruelove.”

—PublishersWeeklyonDangerous

“ThepopularPalmerhaspennedanotherwinningnovel,aperfectblendofromanceandsuspense.”

—BooklistonLawman

“Palmerknowshowtomakethesparksfly…heartwarming.”

—PublishersWeeklyonRenegade

“Sensualandsuspenseful.”

—BooklistonLawless

“DianaPalmerisamesmerizingstorytellerwhocapturestheessenceofwhataromanceshouldbe.”

—AffairedeCoeur

WyomingBold

DianaPalmer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ToEllenTapp,mychildhoodfriend,withlove

Contents

CHAPTERONE

WAS

ONE

oftheworstblizzardsinthehistoryoftheRanchoRealinCatelow,Wyoming.DaltonKirk

staredoutthewindowandgrimacedastheflakesseemedtogrowinsizebytheminute.Itwasthe
middleofDecember.Usuallyweatherlikethiscamelater.

HepulledouthiscellphoneandcalledDarbyHanes,hisforeman.“Darby,how’sitgoingout

there?”

“Cattleareprettydeepinit,”Darbyreplied,hisvoicebreakingupwithstatic,“butwe’reholding

ourownwithfeedsofar.Gettinghardtoreachthem,though.”

“Ihopethisdoesn’tlastlong,”hesaidheavily.
“Me,too,butweneedthesnowforthespringwatersupplysobadly,I’mnotcomplaining.”Darby

chuckled.

“Takecareoutthere.”
“Sure.Thanks,boss.”
Hehungup.HehatedthestormsbutDarbywasrightabouttheirdesperateneedforsnow.The

summerdroughthadmadeithardonranchersallovertheWestandMidwest.Hejusthopedthey’dbe
abletogetfeedtothecattle.Inanemergency,ofcourse,federalandstateagencieswouldhelpto
airliftbalesofhaytotheanimals.

HewentintothelivingroomandturnedontheHistorychannel.Mightaswelloccupyhimself

insteadofworryingsomuch,hethoughtamusedly.

***

AVIE

THE

HOUSEKEEPER

,frownedasshethoughtsheheardsomethingatthebackdoor.Shewas

clearingawaydishesinthekitchen,nervousbecausethestormseemedtobegettingworse.

Curious,though,shewentandpeeredthroughthewhitecurtainsandgaspedwhenshesawapale,

ovalfacewithwide,greeneyesstaringbackather.

“Merissa?”sheasked,shocked.
Sheopenedthedoor.There,inahooded,bloodredcape,almostcoveredwithsnow,stooda

neighbor.MerissaBakerlivedwithhermother,Clara,waybackinthewoodsinacottage.Theywere
whatlocalpeoplecalled“peculiar.”Claracouldtalkoutfireandtalkoffwarts.Sheknewallsortsof
herbalremediesforillnessandtheysaidshehadthe“secondsight”aswell,thatshecouldseethe
future.Herdaughterwasrumoredtohavethesameabilities,onlymagnified.Sherecalledthatwhen
Merissahadbeeninschool,herclassmateshadshunnedherandvictimizedhersobadlythather
motherpulledheroutofthelocalhighschoolbecauseofherongoingstomachproblems.Theschool
systemhadsentahomeschoolworkerwithherclassworkandoversawhercurriculum.Shehad
graduatedwithherclass,withgradesthatshamedmostofthem.

She’dtriedtoworklocally,butherreputationwasunsettlingtosomeoftheconservative

businesses,soshewenthomeandhelpedhermother,earningherlivingwithacombinationof
fortune-tellingandonlinewebsitedesign,atwhichshewasquitegood.Shehadanoldercomputer,
andacheapinternetconnectionatfirst,butasherbusinessgrew,she’dstartedmakingmoney.She’d
managedtoaffordbetterequipmentandhigherinternetspeed.Now,shewasverysuccessful.She
designedwebsitesforatleastonequitefamousauthorandseveralbusinesses.

“Comeinoutofthesnow,child!”Mavieexclaimed.“You’resoaked!”
“Thecarwouldn’tstart,”Merissasaidinhersoft,delicatevoice.ShewasalmostastallasMavie,

whowasjustabovefivefeetseveninches.Shehadthick,short,wavyplatinumhairandpalegreen
eyesthatwerehugeinherface.Shehadaroundedlittlechinandapretty,naturallypinkbow-shaped
mouth,andtinyears.Andasmilethatcouldhavemeltedstone.

“Whatareyoudoinghereinastorm?”
“IhavetoseeDaltonKirk,”shesaidsolemnly.“Andit’surgent.”
“Tank?”Mavieaskedblankly,usingtheyoungestKirkbrother ’saffectionatenickname.
“Yes.”
“CanIaskwhatit’sabout?”Mavieasked,confused,becauseshedidn’tthinkthefamilyhadany

businessdealingswithMerissa.

Merissasmiledgently.“I’mafraidnot.”
“Oh.Well,letmegogethim,then.”
“I’llwaithere.Idon’twanttodriponthecarpet,”theyoungwomansaidwithalaughthatsounded

likesilverbells.

Maviewentintothelivingroom.Therewas,fortunately,acommercial.Daltonhadturnedthe

soundoff.

“Damnthings,”hemuttered.“Oneminuteofprogramandfiveminutesofcommercials,dothey

reallythinkpeoplearegoingtositthereandwatchsomanyatonce?”hehuffed.Hefrownedat
Mavie’sexpression.“What’swrong?”

“YouknowtheBakers,don’tyou?Theyliveinthatcottagedowntheroad,inthecottonwood

thicket.”

“Yes.”
“Merissaishere.Shesaysshehastotalktoyou.”
“Okay.”Hegotup.“Bringherinhere.”
“Shewon’tcome.Shegotwetwalkinghere.”
“Shewalked?Inthis?”Hegesturedatthewindowwherehugeflakesofsnowwerefalling.“There’s

almostafootofsnowonthegroundalready!”

“Shesaidhercarwouldn’tstart.”
Hesighed.Heturnedoffthetelevisionandputdowntheremotecontrol.HefollowedMavieinto

thekitchen.

Hiseyestookintheslenderfigureofhisguest.Shewasverypretty.Herlipswereanaturalred.

Hereyeswerebigandsoftandgreen.Herfacewasratherpointed,andherroundedchinmadeher
seemvulnerable.Shewaswearingahoodedredcloakandit,andshe,weresoaked.

“Merissa,isn’tit?”heaskedgently.
Shenodded.Shewasself-consciousaroundmen.Afraidofthem,too,really.Shehopeditdidn’t

show.Daltonwasverybig,likealltheKirkboys.Hehadjet-blackhairanddarkeyesandalean,
angularface.Hewaswearingjeansandbootsandachambrayshirt.Hedidn’tlooklikeavery
wealthymanatall.

“WhatcanIdoforyou?”heasked.
SheglancedtowardMavie.
“Oh,I’lljustgodustthelivingroomforabit,”Maviesaidwithagrin.Sheleftthemalone,pulling

thedoorclosedbehindherasshewentintothehall.

“You’reinterribledanger,”Merissasaidwithoutpreamble.
Heblinked.“Excuseme?”

“I’msorry.Ijustblurtthesethingsout,Idon’tmeanto.”Shebitherlip.“Ihavevisions.Mymother

does,too.Theneurologistsaysit’sanaurafrommigraine,whichIalsohave,butifthat’sall,whydo
thevisionsalwayscometrue?”Shesighed.“Ihadavisionaboutyou.Ihadtotellyouaboutitright
awaysoyouwouldn’tbehurt.”

“Okay,I’mlistening.”Privatelyhethoughtsheneededagoodpsychologistmorethana

neurologist,buthewasn’tgoingtosaythat.Shewasveryyoung;barelytwenty-twoifheremembered
correctly.“Goahead.”

“YouwereattackedinArizonabyfourmen,justafewmonthsago,”shesaid.Hereyeswere

closed.Iftheyhadn’tbeen,she’dhaveseenDalton’ssuddenlystillpostureandtautfeatures.“Oneof
themenwithyouwaswearingapaisleyshirt...”

“Damn!”
Sheopenedhereyesandgrimacedasheglaredather.
“Howdidyouknowthat?”heasked,movingforwardsofastthatshebackeduptooquicklyand

stumbledintoachair,almostfalling.Shecaughtthetablejustintime.“Whotoldyou?”hedemanded,
althoughhestoppedgoingtowardher.

“Nobody...toldme.Isawit,”shetriedtoexplain.Heavens,hewasfast!She’dneverseenaman

movelikethat.

“Sawit,how?”
“Inmyhead.Itwasavision,”shetriedtoexplain.Hercheekswereflushed.Hethoughtshewas

crazy.“Please,letmefinish.Themaninthepaisleyshirt,hewaswearingasuitandyoutrustedhim.
Therewasanotherman,amanwithdarkskinwearingalotofgoldjewelry.Infact,hispistolhad
goldplatingandpearlsonit...”

“Ionlyevertoldmybrothersthat!”hesaidangrily.“Them,andmysupervisorand,later,theDOJ

guys!”

“Themaninthepaisleyshirt,”shecontinued.“Heisn’twhoyouthinkheis.Hehastiestoadrug

cartel.”Hereyesclosedagain.“He’smadesomesortofbargainwithamanhighupinpoliticsinthis
country.Idon’tknowwhat,Ican’tseeit.ButIdoknowthis.Theothermanisrunningforpublic
office,someveryhighofficewithmoneyandpoliticalsuperiorityinthebalance...”Sheswallowed
andopenedhereyes.“Hewantstohaveyoukilled.”

“Me?”heasked.“Whatfor?”
“Becauseofthemaninthepaisleyshirt,”sheexplained.“Hewaswiththatmanwhoshotyou,

who’snowsecond-in-commandtotheleaderofthedrugcartel.Butitisn’tknown.Thecartelputup
moneysohecouldrunforpublicoffice,highpublicoffice.Oncehe’selected,ifheis,he’llmake
surethedrugconvoysgetacrosstheborderwithnointerference.Idon’tknowhow.”Sheheldupa
handwhenhelookedasifhemightquestionthat.“They’regoingtotrytohaveyoukilledsothatyou
can’ttellonhim.”

“Hell,Iidentifiedtheshootertotheauthorities.Theyhavenotesonmydebriefing,”hescoffed.

“It’sallinthere,abouttheshooterwiththegold-platedweapon,thegoldjewelry,thelizard-skin
boots,thegoldtoothwithadiamondthatheworeforafronttooth—theworks.”Helaughedcurtly.
“It’stoolateforthemtosilenceme.”

“I’mjusttellingyouwhatIsaw,”shestammered.“Itisn’taboutthemanwiththegold-plated

weapon—it’saboutthemanwearingthepaisleyshirt.He’sworkingforthepolitician.He’salready
triedtohaveasheriffkilled,amanwhomighthaverecognizedhim.Thesheriffwasshot...”She
closedhereyesandsquinted,asifherheadhurt.Infact,itdid.“He’safraidofbothofyou.Ifyou
recognizehim,histiestothepoliticianwillbemadepublicandthepoliticianwillendupinprison.

Sowillhe.Itisn’tthefirsttimehe’skilledtoprotecthisboss.”

Tanksatdown.Thiswasintensestuff.Itbroughtbacknightmarishmemoriesfromtheshooting.

Theimpactofthebullets,thesmellofblood,thedark-skinnedman’sinsanelaughterwhilehefired
theautomaticpistol.Therereallyhadbeenanothermanthere,amaninapaisleyshirt,asshesaid,
wearingasuit...

“Whydidn’tIrememberthat?”hemumbledoutloud.Heputhishandtohiseyes.“Therewasaman

inapaisleyshirt.Heaskedforbackup.Hesaidadrugdealwasgoingdown,abigone.Idroveout
therewithhim.HesaidhewasfromtheDEA—”HebrokeoffandgapedatMerissa.

“Youhadn’trememberedthat,”shesaidslowly.
Henodded.Hisfacewasashen.Therewerebeadsofsweatjustabovehischiseledmouth.
Shekneltonthefloorbesidehischairandheldhisbighand,theonethatwasn’trubbinghiseyes.

“It’sallright,”shesaidinatoneofvoicethatsoundedlikeheimaginedanangelofmercywould
sound.“It’sallright.”

Hedidn’tlikebeingbabied.Hejerkedhishandaway,andthenwassorrywhenshestoodupand

backedaway,lookinghunted.

Shecouldn’timaginethememoriesshe’dkindledwithinhim.Hewastryingtodealwiththem,and

notverysuccessfully.“Peoplesayyou’reawitch,”heblurtedout.

Shedidn’ttakeoffence.Sheonlynodded.“Iknow.”
Hestaredather.Therewassomethingreallyother-worldlyabouther.Shewasalmostfragile,

despiteherheight;quiet,docile.Sheseemedsomuchatpeacewithherselfandtheworld.Theonly
turmoilwasinherbig,softgreeneyes,whichwerelookingathimwithamixofsympathyandfear.

“Whyareyouafraidofme?”heaskedsuddenly.
Sheshifted.“It’snothingpersonal.”
“Why?”
“You’revery...large,”shefaltered.Sheshivered.
Hecockedhishead,frowning.
Sheforcedasmile.“Ihavetogo,”shesaid.“IjustwantedyoutoknowwhatIsaw,sothatyou

couldkeepyoureyesopenandbealert.”

“Wehaveafortuneinvestedinsurveillanceequipmenthere,mostlybecauseofourprize-winning

bulls.”

Shenodded.“Itwon’tmatter.TheysentaprofessionalassassinafterthesheriffinTexas.Hehad

surveillanceequipment,too.OratleastIthinkhedid.”

Hedrewinalongbreath.Hestoodup,calmernow.“IknowsomepeopleinTexas.Where?”
Sheshifteduneasily.Hetoweredoverher.“SouthTexas.SomewheresouthofSanAntonio.Idon’t

knowanythingelse.Sorry.”

Thatshouldbeeasytotrackdown.Ifthere’dbeenashootingofalawenforcementofficial,it

wouldbepublicandhecouldsearchforitonline.Hewantedtodothat,ifonlytoproveherso-called
visionfalse.

“Thanksanyway.Forthewarning.”Hesmiledwithpuresarcasm.
“Youdon’tbelieveme.That’sallright.Just...watchwhereyou’regoing.Please.”Sheturnedand

pulledupherhood.

Herecalledthatshe’dwalkedhere.
“Justasec,”hesaid.Hewenttothehallcloset,pulledoutashepherd’scoatandthrewiton.“I’ll

driveyouhome,”hesaid,digginginhispocketforhiscarkeys.Thenherememberedthathe’dput
themonthehookbesidethebackdoor.Withagrimace,heretrievedthem.

“Youshouldn’tdothat,”shebeganuneasily.
“What?Driveyouhome?It’salmostablizzard.Youcan’tevenseewhereyou’regoinginthis!”he

said,wavinghishandtowardthewindow.

“Hangyourkeysthere,”shefaltered.Therewasastrange,opaquelooktohereyes.“Youshouldn’t

dothat.He’llfindthemthereandgetaccesstothehouse.”

“He,who?”heasked.
Shelookedupathimandblinked.
“Nevermind,”hemuttered.“Comeon.”

***

HEY

WERE

GOING

intothegaragewhenDarbyHanespulledupinoneoftheotherranchpickups.He

gotout,shakingsnowofftheshouldersofhiswooljacket.HeseemedsurprisedtoseeMerissa,but
hetippedhishattoherandsmiled.

“Hi,Merissa,”hesaid.
Shesmiledback.“Hello,Mr.Hanes.”
“Beenridingfence,”hesaid,sighing.“Icamebacktogetthechainsaw.We’vegotatreeacrossa

fence.”Heshookhishead.“Badweather,andmoreforecast.”

Merissawasstaringathimwithoutspeaking.Shemovedastepcloser.“Mr.Hanes,pleasedon’t

takethisthewrongway...but...”Shebitherlip.“Youneedtotakesomebodywithyouwhenyoucutthe
treedown.”

Hegaveherawide-eyedlook.“Excuseme?”
Sheshifted,asifshewasstaggeringunderaburden.“Please?”
“Oh,no,notoneofthosepremonitions?”Darbylaughed.“Nooffense,MissBaker,butyouneedto

getoutmore!”

Sheflushed,embarrassed.
Tanknarrowedhiseyesashestudiedherdrawnfeatures.HeturnedbacktoDarby.“Let’serronthe

sideofcaution.TakeTimwithyou.”

Darbysighedandshookhishead.“Wasteofmanpower,butifyousayso,I’lldoit,boss.”
“Isayso.”
Darbyjustnodded.Hisexpressionwaseloquent.Darbyhadadegreeinphysicsandwasa

pragmatist.Hedidn’tbelieveinthatsupernaturalstuff.Tankdidn’t,either,butMerissa’sworriedface
hauntedhim.HejustgrinnedatDarby,whothrewuphishandsandwenttofindTim.

Tankledthewaytohisbigblackranchdouble-cabbedpickuptruckandhelpedherupintothe

passengerseat.

Shelookedaroundwithfascinationwhenheclimbedinunderthewheel,andstartedtheengine.
“Whatisit?”heasked.
“Canitcookanddolaundry,too?”shewonderedaloud,hereyesonallthedisplaysandcontrols.“I

mean,itlooksasifitcandoeverythingelse.Evensatelliteradio...”

“It’sabigranchandwespendalotoftimefarawayfromthehouse.WehaveGPS,cellphones,

younameit.Thetrucksareloadedwithelectronicsonpurpose.Plusbig,expensiveV-8engines,”he
addedwithawickedglanceofdarkeyes.“Ifweweren’tgreenfanaticswhogeneratedourown
energy,we’dbesingledoutforourinexcusableuseofgasoline.”

“IdriveaV-8,too,”shesaidwithashysmile.“Ofcourse,mineistwentyyearsoldanditonly

startswhenitwantsto.Itdidn’ttoday.”

Heshookhishead.“MaybeDarbyisright.Youdospendtoomuchtimealone.Youshouldgeta

job.”

“Ihaveone,”shesaid.“Idowebdesign.ItmeansIcanworkathome.”
“Youwon’tmeetmanypeoplethatway.”
Herexpressionwentstiff.“Icandowithoutmostpeople.Andtheycancertainlydowithoutme.You

saidityourself.PeoplethinkI’mawitch.”Shesighed.“OldMr.Barnes’smilkcowwentdryandhe
blamedme.HesaiditwasbecauseIlivednearhim.‘Everybodyknowsthatwitchescausethose
things,’hesaid.”

“Threatenhimwithalawsuit.Thatwillshuthimup.”
Sheblinkedandturnedherheadtowardhim.“Excuseme?”
“Hatespeech,”heelaborated.
“Oh.Isee.”Shesighed.“I’mafraiditwouldonlymakethingsworse.Insteadofthatwitchwoman,

I’dbethatwitchwomanwhosueseverybody.”

Hechuckled.
Shedrewinabreathandshivered.Shecouldbarelyseethroughtheblindingsnowashedrove.

“I’llbetyouhaveproblemsinthissortofweather.Theysaytheoldtraildriversusedtostaywiththe
cattleherdsduringstormsandsingtothem,tocalmthem,sotheywerelesslikelytostampede.The
onesIreadaboutweresummerstorms,though,withlightning.”

Hewaspleasantlysurprised.“Thoseoldtraildriversdidbabythecattle.Infact,wehaveacouple

ofsingingcowboyswhodonightdutyforuswiththeherds.”

“AretheirnamesRoyandGene?”
Thattookhimaminute.Thenheburstoutlaughing.“No.TimandHarry,actually.”
Shegrinned.Herwholefacelitup.Shewasverypretty,hethought.
“Goodone,”hetoldherwithanod.
Theywerenearinghercabin.Itwasn’tmuchtolookat.Ithadbelongedtoahermitbeforethe

BakersboughtitaboutthetimeMerissawasborn.Hermother ’shusbandhadleftsuddenlywhenshe
wasten.Peoplewhisperedaboutthereason.Mostpeoplelocallythoughtitwashermother ’seerie
abilitiesthathadsenthimtothedivorcecourt.

Tankstoppedthetruck.
“Thanksfortheride,”shesaid,pullingupherhood.“Butyoudidn’thavetodothis.”
“Iknow.Thanksforthewarning.”Hehesitated.“Whatdidyousee,aboutDarby?”heasked,hating

himselfforthequestion.

Sheswallowed,hard.“Anaccident.Butifhetakessomeonewithhim,Ithinkitwillbeallright.”

Sheheldupahand.“Iknow,youdon’tbelieveinallthishoodoo.Idon’tknowwhyIwascursedwith
visions.IjusttellwhatIknow,whenIthinkitwillhelp.”Hersofteyesmethisdarkones.“You’ve
beenkindtousovertheyears,allofyou.Whenwecouldn’tgetoutbecauseofsnowdrifts,you’d
sendgroceries.Whenthecargotstuckonetime,youhadacowboydriveushomeandgetthecar
out.”Shesmiled.“You’reakindperson.Idon’twantanythingbadtohappentoyou.SomaybeI’m
crazy.Butpleasewatchyourbackanyway.”

Hesmiledgently.“Okay.”
Shesmiled,shyly,andclimbedoutofthetruck.Sheclosedthedoorbehindherandranforthe

porch.Herredcape,againstthefluffywhitesnow,remindedhimoftheheroineinamoviehe’dseen
aboutawerewolf.Theredwasstark,likeblood,inthatbackgroundofpurewhite.

Anolderwoman,withsilverhair,waswaiting.ShelookedpastMerissaandwavedalittle

awkwardly.Merissawaved,too.Theybothwentinsidequickly.

Tanksatwiththeengineidling,staringatthecloseddoorforaminutebeforeheputthetruckin

gearanddroveoff.

***

“W

HAT

THE

worldareyoulaughingabout?”Malloryaskedhisbrotherashecameintotheliving

roomlater.Malloryandhiswife,Morie,hadababyboyjustafewmonthsold—HarrisonBarlow
Kirk.Theywerejustnowabletosleepatnight,tothereliefofeveryoneinthehousehold.Ofcourse,
Cane,themiddlebrother,andhiswife,Bodie,wereexpecting.Soitwouldbeginalloveragaininthe
spring.Nobodyminded.Thebrotherswereallgooeyoverthebaby.

AhugeChristmastreesatinthecorner,withpresentsalreadypileduptothefirstsetoflimbs.It

wasanartificialtree.Moriewasallergictotheliveones.

Tankwaschuckling.“YouremembertheBakers?”
“Thestrangefolkinthecabin?”Mallorysaidwithagrin.“Merissaandhermother,Clara.Sure.”
“Merissacameovertowarnmeaboutanassassinationattempt.”
Mallorydidadoubletake.“Awhat?”
“Shesaysamaniscomingtokillme.”
“Wouldyouliketoexplainwhy?”
“ShesaiditwasrelatedtotheshootinginArizona,whenIwaswiththeborderpatrol,”he

explained,stilluneasyfromthememory.“OneoftheshootersthinksIcouldrecognizehis
companionandcausetroubleforapoliticianwhoplanstorunforfederaloffice.Drug-relatedstuff.”

“Howdidsheknow?”
Tankmadeaweirdsoundandwavedhishands.“Shehadavision!”
“Iwouldn’tlaughtoohardatthat,”Mallorysaidstrangely.“Shewarnedalocalwomanabout

drivingacrossabridge.Shesaidshehadavisionofitcollapsing.Thewomanwentoveritanywaya
daylaterandthebridgefelloutfromunderher.Shebarelysurvived.”

Tankfrowned.“Eerie.”
“Somepeoplehaveabilitiesthatotherpeopledon’tbelievein,”Malloryreplied.“Every

communityhassomebodywhocantalkoutfireortalkoffwarts,dowseforwater,evengetglimpses
ofthefuture.Itisn’tlogical...youcan’tproveitbyscientificmethod.ButI’veseenitinaction.You
mightrecallthatwehaveawellbecauseIhiredadowsertocomeouthereandfindwaterforus.”

“Awaterwitch.”Tankshivered.“Well,Idon’tbelieveinthatstuffandIneverwill.”
“IjusthopeMerissawaswrong.”Heclappedanaffectionatearmacrosshisbrother ’sshoulders.

“I’dhatetoloseyou.”

Tanklaughed.“Youwon’t.I’vesurvivedawarandahandgunattack.IguessmaybeI’m

indestructible.”

“Nobodyisthat.”
“Iwaslucky,then.”
Mallorylaughed.“Very.”

***

ALTON

SAT

DOWN

withhislaptop,havingrecalledMerissa’sstatementaboutasheriffinsouthTexas

beingshot.

Hesippedcoffeeandlaughedathimselfforevenbelievingsuchawildtale.Untilhelooked

throughrecentSanAntonionewsreportsanddiscoveredthatasheriffinJacobsCounty,southofSan

Antonio,hadbeenthevictimofarecentassassinationattemptbypersonsunknown,butbelievedtobe
involvedwithanotoriousdrugcartelacrosstheborderinMexico.

Tankcaughthisbreathandgapedatthescreen.SheriffHayesCarsonofJacobsCounty,Texas,had

beenwoundedbyawould-beassassininNovember,andlaterkidnapped,alongwithhisfiancée,by
membersofadrugcartelfromovertheborder.Thesheriffandhisfiancée,whowasalocal
newspaperpublisher,hadgivenabriefinterviewabouttheirordeal.Theleaderofthedrugcartel
himself,whomhisenemiescalledElLadŕon—thethief—waskilledbywhatwasdescribedashand
grenadestossedunderhisarmoredcarnearatowncalledCotillo,acrosstheborderinMexico.The
assassinhadn’tbeencaught.

Tankleanedbackinhischairwitharoughsigh.HewasdisturbedbywhatMerissahadtoldhim

abouthisownordeal,detailsthatonlyhisbrothersandmembersoflawenforcementhadeverknown.
Shecouldn’thavefoundoutinanyconventionalway.

Unless...well,shehadacomputer.Shedidwebsitedesign.
Hisbrainwasworkingovertime.Shehadenoughexpertisetobeabletobreakintoprotectedfiles.

Thathadtobeit.Somehow,she’dmanagedtoaccessthatinformationabouthimfromsome
governmentwebsite.

Thedifficultieswiththattheorydidn’tpenetratehisconfusedbrain.Hewasn’twillingtoconsider

theideathatayoungwomanwhobarelyknewhimhadsomesupernaturalaccesstohismind.
Everyonewithanysenseknewthatpsychicswereswindlerswhojusttoldpeoplewhattheywantedto
hearandmadealivingatit.Therewasnosuchthingasprecognitionoranyofthoseotherthings.

Hewasasmartman.Hehadadegree.HeknewthatitwasimpossibleforMerissatogetthat

informationexceptthroughphysical,andprobablyillegal,means.

Buthowdidsheknowthathe’dforgottendetailsofhisordeal,likethemaninthesuit,theDEA

agent,who’dledhimintotheambushandthendisappeared?

Heturnedoffthecomputerandgottohisfeet.Therehadtobealogical,rationalexplanationfor

allthis.Hejusthadtofindit.

He’dlefthiscarkeysinthetruck.Hethrewonhiscoatandtrudgedoutthroughthesnowtothe

garagetogetthem.Thesnowwasgettingreallydeep.Ifitdidn’tletup,theyweregoingtohaveto
implementsomeemergencyprocedurestogetfeedtothecattlestrandedinthefarpastures.

Wyominginsnowstormscouldbeadeadlyplace.Herememberedreadingaboutpeoplewhowere

strandedandfrozetodeathinverylittletime.HethoughtaboutMerissaandhermother,Clara,all
aloneinthatisolatedcabin.Hehopedtheyhadplentyoffirewoodandprovisions,justincase.He’d
havetosendDarbyover.

HefrownedashenoticedthatDarbywasn’tbackyet.Ithadbeenseveralhours.Hepulledouthis

cellphoneandcalledDarby’snumber.

ItwasTimwhoanswered.
“Oh,hi,boss,”Timsaid.“IstartedtocallyoubutIwantedtomakesurefirst.Darbygothitwitha

limbwhenwebroughtthetreedown.”

“What?”Daltonexploded.
“He’sgoingtobeokay,”Timsaidquickly.“Bruisedhimabitandbrokearib,sohe’llbeoutof

commissionforabit,butnothingtoobad.Hesaidifhe’dbeentherealone,he’dprobablybedead.
Treepinnedhim,yousee.Iwasabletogetitoff.ButifIhadn’tgonewithhim...Hesaysheoweshis
lifetothatlittleBakergirl.”

Daltonletoutthebreathhe’dbeenholding.“Yeah,”hemurmuredunsteadily.“Ibelievehejust

might.”

“SorryIdidn’tcallsooner,”Timadded,“butittookusawhiletogettotown,tothedoc.We’llhead

backinafewminutes.HavetogobythepharmacytopickupsomemedsforDarby.”

“Okay.Drivecarefully,”Tanksaid.
“Youbet,boss.”
Daltonhungupthecellphone.Hewasalmostwhite.Mallory,comingintotheroomwitha

steamingcupofcoffee,stoppedshort.

“What’swrong?”heasked.
“Ijustgotcuredofmyskepticalattitudeaboutpsychicphenomena,”Tanksaid,andlaughedshortly.

CHAPTERTWO

ALTON

COULDN

’

FIND

acellphonenumberforMerissa,orhewouldhavethankedherforthe

informationthatsavedDarby’slife.

Helookedupherbusinessontheinternet,though,andsentheranemail.Sherespondedalmost

immediately.

“GladDarbyisokay.Takecareofyourself,”shewroteback.

***

FTER

THAT

EXPERIENCE

,Tanktookheradvicealotmoretoheart.Andthefirstthinghedidwasto

placeacalltoJacobsville,Texas,totheofficeofSheriffHayesCarson.

“Thisisgoingtosoundstrange,”TanktoldHayes.“ButIthinkwehaveaconnection.”
“We’retalkingonthephone,soI’dcallthataconnection,”Hayessaiddryly.
“No,Imeanaboutthedrugcartel.”Tanktookadeepbreath.Hedidn’tlikespeakingofit.“Ihadan

experienceontheArizonabordernottoolongago.Iwaswiththeborderpatrol.Amanwho
identifiedhimselfasaDEAagenttookmeouttoasuspecteddrugdropandintoanambush.Iwas
prettymuchshottopieces.Irecovered,althoughit’stakingalongtime.”

Hayeswasimmediatelyinterested.“Nowthat’sreallyodd.We’relookingforarogueDEAagent

downhereinTexas.IarrestedadrugdealeracoupleofmonthsagoincompanywithaDEAagent
thatnobodycanfindinformationabout.Evenhisownguysdon’tknowwhohewas,butwethinkhe
maybelinkedtothecartelovertheborder.Severalofus,includingthelocalFBIandDEA,havebeen
tryingtochasehimdown.Nobodycanrememberwhathelookslike.Weevenhadourlocalpolice
chief’ssecretary,whohasaphotographicmemory,getapoliceartisttosketchhim.Buteventhen,
noneofuscouldrememberhavingseenhim.”

“Heblends.”
“I’llsayheblends,”Hayessaidthoughtfully.“Howdidyouconnectyourcasetomine?”
Tanklaughedself-consciously.“Now,see,thisisgoingtosoundreallystrange.Alocalpsychic

cameovertowarnmethatIwasbeingtargetedbyapoliticianwhohassomethingtodowiththedrug
cartelandamysteriousDEAagent.”

“Apsychic.Uh-huh.”
“Iknow,youthinkI’mnuts,but...”
“Actually,ourpolicechief’swifehasthesameability,”camethesurprisingreply.“She’ssaved

CashGrier ’slifeacoupleoftimesbecausesheknewthingssheshouldn’t.Shecallsitthe‘second
sight,’andsaysit’sfromherCelticancestry.”

TankwonderedifMerissa’sancestrywasCeltic.Helaughed.“Well,Ifeelallbetternow.”
“Iwishyoucouldflydownhereandtalktome,”Hayessaid.“We’vegotahugefileonElLadŕon’s

operation,andthemenwho’vetakenoverafterhisunexpecteddemise.”

“I’dliketodothat,”Tanksaid.“Butrightnowwe’reprettymuchsnowedin.AndwithChristmas

coming,it’sabadtime.Butwhentheweatherbreaks,I’llgiveyouacallandwe’llsetsomethingup.”

“Goodidea.Wecouldusethehelp.”
“You’rerecoveringokayfromyourkidnapping?”
“Yes,thanks.MyfiancéeandIhadaninterestingadventure.Iwouldn’twishitonmyworstenemy.”

Helaughed.“SheheldoneofourcaptorsatgunpointwithanAK-47,wasreallyconvincing.Andthen
sheconfessed,whenitwasallover,thatshedidn’tknowifitwasloadedorthesafetywason.Whata
girl!”

Tanklaughed.“Whataluckyman,tobemarryingawomanlikethat.”
“Yes,Iam.We’regettingmarriedtomorrow,infact.”Hayeschuckled.“Andgoingonour

honeymoontoPanamaCityforafewdays.NextweekisChristmas,sowehavetobebackbythen.
Youmarried?”

“NowomaninWyomingcrazyenoughtotakemeon,”Tanksaiddryly.“Bothmybrothersare

married.I’mjustwaitingtobesnappedupbysomekindpasserby.”

“Goodlucktoyou.”
“Thanks.Keepsafe.”
“Youdothesame.Nicetalkingtoyou.”
“Samehere.”
TankhungupandwentlookingforhisbrotherMallory.Hefoundhiminthelivingroom,by

followingtheexquisitesoundofascorefromapopularmovie.Mallory,likeTankhimself,wasa
giftedpianist.Mallory’swife,Morie,wasbetterthanbothofthem.

Mallorynoticedhisbrotherstandinginthedoorwayandstoppedplayingwithagrin.
Tankheldupahand.“I’mnotconcedingthatyou’rebetterthanme.Iwasjustthinking,however,

thatMorieputsusbothintheshade.”

“Indeedshedoes,”Malloryrepliedwithasmile.Hegotup.“Problems?”
“RememberItoldyouwhatMerissasaid,aboutasheriffinTexaswhosecasewasconnectedtothe

shootingIwasinvolvedin?”

Mallorynodded,waiting.
Tanksighed.Heperchedhimselfonthearmofthesofa.“Well,itturnsoutthatthereactuallyisa

sheriffinTexaswhowaskidnappedbyadrugcartel—maybethesamecartelthatshotmeup.”

“Sonofagun!”Malloryexclaimed.
“HisnameisSheriffHayesCarson.Therewasanassassinationattemptagainsthimbyoneofthe

druglordshearrested,justbeforeThanksgiving.HeandhisfiancéewerekidnappedbysomeofEl
Ladŕon’smenandheldacrosstheborderinMexico.Theyescaped.ButCarsonsayshehadarun-in
withoneofthedrugcartelhenchmenbeforethat.TherewasaDEAagentinasuitwhowasatthe
scene.Thelocalpolicechief’ssecretarysawtheguy,andhasaphotographicmemory,butevenwhen
thepoliceartistdrewhim,neitherCarsonnorthefedscouldrecallhim.”

“Curious,”Mallorymurmured.
“Yes.Iremembered,afterMerissacamehere,thatitwasaDEAagent,inasuit,wholedmeintothe

ambushontheborder.”

Malloryletoutalongbreath.“GoodGod.”
“Merissasaysthesameguysarecomingaftermebecausethey’reafraidofwhatI’llremember.

Thedamnedestthingis,Idon’trememberanythingthatwouldhelpconvictsomeone.Ionly
rememberthepainandthecertaintythatIwasgoingtodie,thereinthedust,coveredinblood,all
alone.”

Mallorygotupandlaidaheavy,affectionatehandonhisshoulder.“Thatdidn’thappen,though.A

concernedcitizensawyouandcalledthelaw.”

Henodded.“Ivaguelyrememberthat.Mostlyitwasavoice,tellingmethatI’dbeallright.Hada

Spanishaccent.Hesavedmylife.”Heclosedhiseyes.“Therewasanotherman,arguingwithhim,
tellinghimtodonothing.Itwastoolate—he’dalreadymadethecallbythen.Iremembertheother

man’svoice.Hewascussing.HehadaMassachusettsaccent.”Helaughed.“Soundedlikeoldhistory
tapesofPresidentJohnKennedy,actually.”

“Whatdidhelooklike?”
Tankfrowned.Heclosedhiseyesagain,tryingtoremember.“Ijustvaguelyremember.Hewas

wearingasuit.Hewastallandverypalewithredhair.”Hestarted.“Ineverthoughtofthat.”He
openedhiseyesandlookedatMallory.“IthinkhewasaDEAagent.”Hefrowned.“Butwhywouldhe
telltheothermannottogethelpformeifhewasafed?”

“Washethesameonewhotookyououtthere?”
Tankfrowned.“No.No,itcouldn’thavebeenhim.Thatguy,theDEAguy,haddarkhairanda

Southerndrawl.”

“Didyoudescribehimtothesheriff?”
Tankgotup.“No,butI’maboutto.”
Hepickeduphiscellphone,foundHayesCarson’snumberinthestoredfilesandautodialedthe

number.

ItonlytookthreeringsbeforeHayesanswered.“Carson.”
“It’sDaltonKirk,inWyoming.I’vejustrememberedamanwhocalledforhelpwhenIwasshot.

Therewasanothermanwithhimwhotriedtostophimfromcalling911.Theothermanwastall,with
redhairandaMassachusettsaccent.Doesthatsoundanythinglikethemanyouremember?”

Hayesactuallylaughed.“No.Ourguywastallandsandy-hairedandhadaslightSpanishaccent.”
“ASpanishguywithblondhair?”Tankchuckled.
“Well,peoplefromNorthernSpainareoftenblondandblue-eyed.Somehaveredhair.Andthey

saytheBasquepeopleofSpainsettledinScotlandandIreland.”

“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“NeitherdidI,butoneofourfederalagentsisahistorynut.HeknowsallaboutScotland.Hetold

me.”

“Thiswholethingisreallystrange.Themanwholedmeintotheambushwastallanddark-haired.

Themanwhowaswiththeguywhocalled911wasared-head.ButIrememberthembothwearingthe
samesuit.”Heshookhishead.“Maybethetraumaunseatedmymemory.”

“Ormaybethemanusesdisguises.”Hayeswasthinking,hard.“Listen,didyoueverseethatmovie

TheSaintthatstarredValKilmer?”

Tankfrowned.“Once,Ithink.”
“Well,theguywasarealchameleon.Hecouldchangehisappearanceatthedropofahat.Hecould

putonawig,changehisaccent,thewholedeal.”

“Youthinkourguymightbesomeonelikethat?”
“It’spossible.Peoplewhoworkinthecovertworldhavetolearntodisguisethemselvestoavoid

detection.Hemayhaveabackgroundinblackops.”

“IfIknewsomebodyinmilitaryintelligence,Imightbeabletofindoutsomethingaboutthat.”
“Wehaveaguyhere,RickMarquez.He’sapolicedetectiveinSanAntonio.Hisfather-in-lawis

headoftheCIA.Imightbeabletogethimtocheckitout.”

“Greatidea.Thanks.”
“Idon’tknowifhecanfindoutanything.EspeciallywiththeodddescriptionsI’llhavetogive

him.”

“Listen,”Tanksaidquietly,“it’sworthatry.Ifhe’severuseddisguisesinthepast,there’sachance

somebodywillrememberhim.”

“It’spossible,Isuppose.Butincovertwork,Idon’timagineusingdisguisesisexactlyarare

thing,”Hayessaid.Hehesitated.“There’sanotherinterestingconnection,inmycase.”

“What?”
“Myfiancée’sfather,herrealfather,isoneofthebiggestdrugcartelleadersonthecontinent.”
Therewasaverysignificantsilenceontheotherendoftheline.
“HehelpedusshutdownElLadŕon,”Hayesaddedquietly.“Andhesavedtheman’sfamilywho

helpedrescuemeandMinette.Forabadman,he’ssomethingofaclosetangel.TheycallhimEl
Jefe.”

“Asheriffwithanoutlawforafuturefather-in-law,”Tanksaid.“Well,it’sunique.”
“Soishe.Icanaskhimtodigintohissourcesandseeifhecancomeupwithanything,likea

buddingpoliticianwithdrugcartelties.”

“Thatwouldbeahelp.Thanks.”
“I’mjustasmuchinvolvedasyouare.Stayintouch.”
“I’lldothat.Andweshouldbothwatchourbacksinthemeantime.”
“Couldn’tagreemore.”

***

ANK

’

MOVE

wastodriveovertoMerissa’shousethroughtheblindingsnow.Whathewanted

totalktoheraboutwasn’tsomethinghewascomfortablediscussingoverthephone.Iftherewasan
assassinafterhim,hemightmonitorcalls.Anyoneinblackopswouldhavethattalent.

Whenhepulledupatthefrontdoorofthesmallcabin,Clara,Merissa’smother,waswaitingthere.

ShesmiledasTankgotoutofthetruckandcameupthesteps.

“Shesaidyou’dcome,”Clarasaidwithasheepishsmile.“She’slyingdownwithamigraine

headache,”sheaddedworriedly.“Shewokeupwithit,sothemedicineisn’tworkingverywell.”

“Medicinefromadoctor?”Tankaskedsoftly,andwithasmile.
Claraloweredhereyes.“Herbalmedicine.MygrandfatherwasaComancheshaman,”shesaid.
Hiseyebrowsarched.
“Iknow,I’mblondeandsoisMerissa,butit’struejustthesame.IhadalittleboyjustafterIhad

Merissa.Hedied—”shehesitated,stillupsetaboutitafteralltheyears“—whenhewasjustaweek
old.Buthehadblackhairanddarkbrowneyes.It’srecessivegeneswithMerissaandme,yousee.
Ourcoloring,Imean.”

Hemovedastepcloser.HenoticedthatClara,likeMerissa,immediatelybackedup,looking

uneasy.

Hestoppeddead,frowning.“Recessivegenes.”
Shenodded.Sheswallowed,relaxingwhenshesawthathewasn’tcomingcloser.
“Clara,Idon’treallyknowyouwellenoughtopry,”hebegansoftly,“butit’snoticeablethatyou

andMerissastartbackingawayfrommeifIcomeclose.”

Clarahesitated.Oddly,shetrustedTank,eventhoughshebarelyknewhim.“My...ex-husband...he

wasscarywhenhelosthistemper.”Shemanagedalaugh.“It’sanoldreflex.Sorry.”

“Nooffensetaken,”herepliedgently.
ShelookedbackupathimwithwidegreeneyesthesameshadeasMerissa’s.“Idivorcedhim,with

helpfromourlocalsheriff—theonebeforethisone.Hewassokind.Hegothelpforus,shelteredus
throughthedivorceandmadesuremyex-husbandleftnotonlythetown,butthestate.”Shemanaged
aweaksmile.Sheswallowed,notdealingwithitwell,evennow.“Wewerealwaysafraidofhim,
when...whenhegotmad.Hewasbig,likeyou.Tallandbig.”

Tanklookedintohereyes.“I’mateddybear,”hetoldherwithpursedlips.“Butifyoutellanybody

onmyranchthat,I’llsendanemailtoSantaClausandyou’llgetcoalinyourstocking.”

Clara,shocked,burstoutlaughing.“Okay.”Shesobered.“Merissasaysthemanwholedyouinto

theambushiscoming.”

Hisfacehardened.“When?”
“Itdoesn’tworklikethat,”shesaid.“It’swhyyoucan’tproveitscientifically,becauseexperiments

underscientificcontrolveryrarelywork.It’ssporadic.Iknowthings,butthey’reusuallynebulousin
mymindandIhavetointerpretwhatIsee.MerissaismuchmoregiftedthanIam.It’smadeherthe
subjectofmuchcruelty,I’mafraid.”

“Iheardaboutthat.MayIseeher?”
“She’snotwell...”
“MyolderbrotherMalloryissubjecttomigraineheadaches.Hehashigh-poweredmedicationsthat

canpreventthemifthey’retakenintime.Theoneshewakesupwith,though,don’tevenrespondto
meds.Hehastotrytosleepthemoff.”

“Merissa’sarebad,”shecommented.“Comeonin.I’msorryIkeptyououtheretalkinginthe

freezingcold!”

“I’mwearingaveryheavyjacket,”heassuredher,andsmiled.

***

ERISSA

WAS

NOT

inbed.Terriblesoundsofamealreturningwereheardinthebathroom.

“Oh,dear...”Clarabegan.
Tankwalkedrightintothebathroom,foundawashclothandwetitwhileMerissa,kneelingatthe

toilet,wasstillheaving.

“Youshouldn’t...beinhere!”sheprotestedweakly.
“Bull.You’resick.”Hewaiteduntilthelastofthespasmwasover,flushedthetoiletandbathedher

paleface.Hergreeneyeswereenormous.“Isitover,youthink?”

Sheswallowed,tastingbile.“Ithinkso.”
Hepulledoutmouthwashandpouredalittleinacup,smilingasshetookitandruefullywashed

hermouthout.Heturnedonthefaucettoflushitawaywhenshepusheditoutintothesink.

Hebathedherfaceagain,ashewouldachild’s,appreciatingherdelicate,elfinbeauty.Her

complexionwastrulypeachesandcream;exquisite,likethatprettybow-shapedmouth.“Youare
beautiful,youknowthat?”hemurmuredsoftly.

Shestaredathimblankly.
“Nevermind.”Heputthewashclothinherhand,swungherupinhisarmsandcarriedhertobed.

Hetuckedherin.“Justliestill.Ihaveafriendwho’sadoctor.DoyoumindifIcallhimtocomeout
here?”

“Doctorsdon’tmakehousecalls,”sheprotestedweakly.
“Oh,thisonedoes.”Hepulledouthiscellphone,punchedinanumber,waitedforaseconduntilit

wasanswered.“John.Hi.Tankhere.Haveyougotacoupleofminutestotakealookatayoung
womanwithamassivemigraineandnomeds?”

Hepaused,grinned.“Yes,she’sgorgeous,”hesaid,eyeingMerissa.
Therewasobviouslyaquestion.
“MerissaBaker,”Tankreplied.
Merissaclosedhereyes.Hewouldn’tcomenow.He’dknowitwasthewitchwoman,whom

everyoneintownavoided.

ButTankwaslaughing.“Yes,sheisaphenomenon.Icanattesttoherskills.Yes,Iknowyouwould.

We’llbeexpectingyou.Wantmetosendoneoftheboystodriveyouover?”Henodded.“No
problem.I’llcallTimrightnow.”Hehungup,phonedTimandgavehimdirectionstogettothe
doctor.

HeturnedbacktoMerissaandsatdownnexttoheronthebed.“HisnameisJohnHarrison.He’s

retired,buthe’soneofthebestphysiciansI’veeverknown,andhismedicallicenseiskeptcurrent.”

Merissaremovedthecomfortingcoldwetclothfromhereyesandwincedatthelight.Photophobia

wasoneofthesymptomsofthecondition.“Dr.Harrison?He’sfascinatedwithpsychicphenomena,”
shepointedout.“Theysayhewasfriendswithoneoftheresearcherswhousedtoworkinthe
parapsychologydepartmentofamajorcollegebackEastyearsago.”

“That’strue.Hethinksyou’refascinating.Hecan’twaittomeetyou,”hetoldher.
Shesighedandputtheclothbackoverhereyes.“That’sanewthing,allright.Mostpeoplenever

wanttomeetme.They’reafraidI’llcurdlethemilk.”

“You’renowitch,”Tankscoffed.“Youjusthaveagiftthat’soutsidetheareaofestablishedscience.

Inacoupleofhundredyears,scientistswillresearchitjustastheyresearchotherconditions.You
know,twohundredyearsormoreago,therewasnoantibiotic,anddoctorshadnoclueaboutexactly
howdiseaseprocessesworked.”

“We’vecomealongwayfromthat.”
Henodded.“Indeedwehave.Tummyfeelingbetter?”
“Abit,yes.Thanks.”
Clarawasstandinginthedoorway,lookingperplexed.“Theherbsalwaysworkedbefore,”she

commented.

Tanklookedup.“Canyoumakeheracupofstrongblackcoffee?”
Sheblinked.“Excuseme?”
“Oldhomeremedyforasthmaattacksandheadaches.Youknow,mostoftheover-the-counter

medicinesforheadachescontaincaffeine.”

Claralaughed.“I’velearnedsomething.Iknowherbs,butI’dneverthoughtaboutcoffeeasadrug.

I’llmakethecoffeerightnow.”

“Ilovecoffee,”Merissawhispered.“Icouldn’tfacebreakfastthismorning,soImissedmyfirst

cupoftheday.”

“We’llgetyoubetter.Don’tworry.”
Sheswallowed.Thepainwasintense.“Thisisreallyniceofyou.Thedoctor,Imean.”
“He’sagoodfriend.”
Shepeeredathimfromunderthewashcloth.“You’regoodwithsickpeople.”
Heshrugged.“Ithoughtaboutbeingadoctormyself,atonetime.ButIhaveahardtimestickingto

things.MaybeatouchofadultADD.”Hechuckled,alludingtoAttentionDeficitDisorder.

Shesmiled.“Well,thanks.”
Hesmiledbackandtuckedthewashclothoverhereyes.“Iimaginethelightisuncomfortable,even

withthecurtainsclosed.Malloryhastohaveadarkroomandnonoisewhenhegetsthese
headaches.”

Thereweresoundsinthekitchenandthedelicioussmellofbrewingcoffee.Acoupleofminutes

later,Clarawalkedincarryingtwocups.Shehandedonetoherdaughter,andtheothertoTank.His
containedjustcream,nosugar.

Hegapedather.“HowdidyouknowhowIdrinkmycoffee?”

Sheshruggedandsighed.
Helaughed.“Well,thanks.It’sjustright.”
Shesmiled.

***

DOCTOR

OHN

Harrison,wastall,withgrayhairandlightblueeyes.HesmiledasClaraescorted

himintothebedroom,whereTankwassittingbesideMerissaonthebed.

Tankgottohisfeetandthemenshookhands.
Johnopenedhisbag,gotouthisstethoscope,andsatdownbesidethepalewoman.
“Dr.Harrison,thankyousomuchforcoming,”Merissasaidinaweakvoice.
“Thisishowthingsusedtobedone,intheolddayswhenIgotoutofmedicalschool,”hesaid.“I

can’ttellyouhowmanyelderlypeoplewhocouldbarelywalkalmostcheeredwhenIshowedupat
theirdoors.NowthatI’mold,Iunderstand.It’shardonthejointstositforanhourortwowaitingto
seethedoctor.”

Helistenedtoherchest,checkedhervitalsignsandthenloopedthestethoscopearoundhisneck.

Hehadherdosomeverysimpleexercisesandhecheckedherpupils.

“Ihaven’thadastroke,”sheteased.
Hiseyebrowsshotup.“HowdidyouknowIthoughtthat?”
“Idon’tknow.”Sheflushed.“Thesethingsjustslipout.”Shesighed.“Mylifewouldbesomuch

easierifIwerenormal.”

Helaughedsoftly,pulledoutasmallbottleandunwrappedasyringe.Heattachedtheneedle,

inserteditintothebottle,pushedoutair,filledittoanotchandputthebottledown.

“Thismaystingabit.”Heusedanalcoholwipeonherarmbeforeheslidtheneedleingently.A

fewsecondslater,hewithdrewit.Shehadn’tevenflinched.

“Didn’tstingatall.Ifeelhorrible.”
“Doyougettheaura?”heasked.
“Yes.UsuallyIjustgoblindinoneeye,withstaticlikeyouseeonatelevisionscreenwhenthere’s

nochannelcomingup.Butthistimetherewerebrightlycoloredlights.”

Henodded.“Doyouhaveafamilyphysician?”
“WewenttoDr.Brady,buthemovedtoMontana,”shesaidsoftly.“Wegotoclinicsnow.”
“Youcanconsidermeyourfamilyphysician,ifyoulike,”heoffered.“AndIdomakehousecalls.”
“Thatwouldbesokindofyou,”shesaid,withheartfeltgratitude.“Yousee,wefrightenmost

people,MamaandI.”

“I’mnotfrightenedofyou.I’mintrigued.Thatinjectionwillmakeyousleep.Whenyouwakeup,

theheadacheshouldbegone.Butiftheheadacheworsensoryouhavenewsymptoms,youmustcall
me.”

“Iwill,”shepromised.
“AndIthinkyoushouldhaveaCTscan.Justtoruleoutanythingdangerous.”
“Ihatetests,”shegroaned.“ButI’vehadthemalready.Theneurologistdidn’tfindanythinglikea

tumorinthescans.Hesaidit’smigrainewithoutaspecificcause.”

“DoyoumindifIcontacthim?”heasked.“Iknowwe’veonlyjustmet...”
Shesmiled.“Idon’tmindatall.”Itwasverynicehavingadoctorwhodidn’tfeelthatsheandClara

were“peculiar.”“I’llwritehisnumberdownforyou.”Shedid,onapieceofpaper,andhandeditto
him.Heslippeditintohisjacketpocket.

Hepattedherontheshoulder.“Whenyou’rebetter,I’dliketotalktoyouaboutthisgiftofyours.

WhenIwasincollege,Ididseveralcoursesofanthropology.Istillauditcoursesontheinternet,to
keepupwithwhat’sgoingoninthefield.Everycommunitysincerecordedhistoryhashadpeople
withunusualgifts.”

“Really?”sheasked.
Henodded.“Asforpsychicgifts,thegovernmentoncehadanentireunitofwhatwerecalled

‘remoteviewers.’Theywereusedtospyonothercountries.Quitesuccessfullyattimes,”he
explained.

“I’dliketohearmoreaboutthat,”shesaid,becomingdrowsy.
“Allingoodtime.Ifyourheadacheisn’tbetterwhenyouwakeup,callme.”Hepulledouta

businesscardandputitonherbedsidetable.“Mycellphonenumberisonthere.Useit.Inever
answerthelandlinephoneifIcanhelpit.Onlyahandfulofpeopleknowtheother.”

“That’ssokindofyou.”
Heshrugged.“Ilovedmedicine.Istilldo.Ijusthateallthenitpickyrulesthathavereducedittored

tapewithpharmaceuticalsmixedin.”

“Thankyou.”
“Mypleasure.”
Helefttheroom,pausingtospeaktoClara.TanksmoothedbackMerissa’ssofthair.“I’lltalkto

youagain,whenyou’renotinsuchbadshape,”hesaidwithagentlesmile.“Ihopeyougetbettervery
soon.”

Shecaughthishand.“Thankyou.Foreverything.”
Hebentimpulsivelyandkissedherforehead.“You’reeasytotakecareof,”hesaidsoftly.
“Youcametoseeme.Whatabout?”shewondered.
“YouknewIwascoming.”
“Yes.Ifeltit.”
Hedrewinabreath.“ItalkedtothesheriffinTexas.Webothrememberamanwhoseemedtohave

morethanoneface...”

Shesatstraightupinbed.“That’sit!That’sit!”
Hethoughtshewashavingareactiontothemedicine.“Areyouallright?”heaskedworriedly,

coaxinghertoliebackdown.

“Ikeptseeingamansittingatadressingtable,tryingonwigs,”sheblurtedoutinarush.“Ididn’t

knowwhatitmeant.NowIdo.Themanwho’safteryou,that’shim!”

Hefeltcoldchillsdownhisbackbone.“Yourmothersaidyouthinkhe’scominghere.”
“Yes.Soon.”Sheheldhishand.“Youmustbevery,verycareful,”shesaid,herfacedrawn.

“Promiseme.”

Herconcernmadehimfeelwarminside,asifheweresittinginfrontofacozyfirewithacupof

hotchocolate.“Ipromise.”

Shesighedandclosedhereyes.“I’mverysleepy.”
“Restisthebestthingforyou.I’llcomebackanothertime.”
Shesmiled.“Thatwouldbe...verynice.”
Hegotup.Shewasalreadyasleep.
Amansittingatadressingtable,tryingonwigs.Atleastnow,thankstoher,hehadsomeideaof

whatmightbecominghisway.Hewouldhavetotakeprecautions,andsoon.Helookeddownatthe
sleepingwomanwithodd,possessivefeelings.Hewasn’tpsychic,butheknewthatshewasgoingto
playanimportantpartinhislife.

CHAPTERTHREE

ANK

PAUSED

talktoClaraandthedoctorwhenheleftMerissa’sroom.

“She’sasleep,”hetoldthem.
Clarasmiled.“I’msoglad.Thoseheadachesareterrible.Youthinktheremaybesomethingbad

causingthem,”shesaidtothedoctor,wholookedsurprisedatherintuition.Clarastaredathimwith
wide,softeyesthatseemedalmosttransparent.“It’snotatumor,”shesaidinasoftmonotone.
“There’snothing...”

Thedoctorlaughed.“Itamazesme,thatyoucanseethat.”
Claralookedself-conscious.“Itcomesandgoes.Ineverknowwhensomethingwillpopintomy

mind.Merissahasatruegift.Shecan,well,lookatsomethingandseewhat’sgoingtohappen.I
can’t.”

“It’saveryrareability,”thedoctortoldher.
“Itmakesusoutcasts,”Clarareplied.“Werarelyleavethehouse.Peoplestareandwhisper.Ihate

goingtothegrocerystore.OnewomanevenaskedmeifIkeptafamiliar.”

“GoodLord,”Tankmuttered.
“We’reprettymuchusedtoitbynow.”Claralaughed.“Andwedogetalotofpeoplewhoaskusto

readforthem.That’susuallyhit-and-missandItellthemthat,buttheycomeanyway.Sometimes
we’reabletoseesomethingthatsaveslives,orevenmarriages.It’sagoodfeeling.Italmostmakes
upforthenotoriety.”

“Youhandleitwell,”Tanksaid.
“Thanks.”
“Shesaidherneurologistdidtestsandgavemehisnumber,”hetoldClara.“I’llconferwithhim.

Butyou’reright.Sheshowednosignsofhavinganyimpairmentbeyondthemigraine.Youcallmeif
shedoesn’tgetbetter,”Dr.HarrisontoldClarafirmly.“Idon’tcareifit’stwointhemorning.”

“Ioweyouagreatdebtjustforwhatyou’vealreadydone,”Clarasaid.Shepulledoutherpurse.He

protestedbutshehandedhimalargebillanyway.

“Gasmoney,”shetoldhim.“Don’targue.”
Hejustshookhishead.“I’monretirement,youknow,”hesaid.
“Doesn’tmatter.Youcamehereasifwewerefamily,andretirementisn’tusuallyenoughtobuy

foodandmedicineatonce.”

Hesmiled.“Allrightthen.Thankyou,”hesaidformally.
Shesmiledback.

***

ANK

WANTED

STAY

.Hehatedleavingthatsweetblondewomaninthebedroom.He’dfelt

possessivewhilehewaslookingafterher.Itwasanew,andstrange,feeling.He’dhadbriefromances
overtheyears,buthe’dneverfoundawomanhecouldthinkofintermsofafuturetogether.Now,all
atonce,hismindwasbeingchanged.

Itdisturbedhim,thinkingaboutthechameleonfederalagentwhohadledhimintotheambushon

theborder.He’ddismissedMerissa’svisionatthebeginning,butafterspeakingtoSheriffHayes
CarsoninTexas,nowhewassureshewasright.

***

FEW

DAYS

later,thestormwasstillannoyingeveryone,butthereweresomechangesgoingonatthe

ranch.Allthemenhadstartedcarryingweapons,evenwhentheyweren’tridingfence.Andwhenever
Tankwentoutside,atleasttwomenwerenearby,watching—somethingthatMalloryhadordered.

Newsurveillanceequipmentwasinstalledbyalocalcompany.Itseemedtodisconcertthemanwho

setupthecamerasthatsomanyarmedmenwerewalkingaroundnearTank.

“Somethinggoingonthatyou’reworriedabout,mate?”thetechnicianaskedTank.“Imean,men

withgunseverywhere.You’reneveraloneforasecond,areyou?”

Tankshrugged.“Mybrothersareoverprotective.Probablynothing,buttheremaybeathreatof

somesort.”

“Andyouknowthisfromwhat,aninformer?”themanprobed.
Tankpursedhislips.“Apsychic.”
“Fairdinkum?”themandrawledinathickAustralianaccent.Heshookhishead.“Don’tputnofaith

inthemthings,mate,they’reallbogus.Nobodycanseethefuture.”

Tankdidn’targue.“Maybeyou’reright.Butweliketoerronthesideofcaution.”
“It’syourmoney,”themansaid,andwentbacktowork.
Hewasthroughquickly.“This’llsetyouright,mate,”theinstallertoldTankwithasmile.“Thisis

state-of-the-artstuff.Nobodywillbesneakinguponyounow.Noworries.”

“Thanks.Itdoesratherfeellikebeinginprison,however.”Tanksighed,lookingaroundatthe

state-of-the-artcameratowers.

“Wepayapriceforsafety,”theothermanreplied.“Withyourlifeatstake,thisseemsaprettyfair

dinkumone,youknow?”

Tanksmiled.“Iknow.”Itdidn’toccurtohimthentoaskhowthemanknewhislifewasontheline,

sincehehadn’telaboratedaboutthethreattoeitherthewomanatthecompany’sofficeorthis
installer.

“Well,thatshoulddoit,”themanreplied.“Oh,andIdidputasmallcamerainyouroffice,justto

squarethingsup.It’shidden,soyouwon’thavetoworryaboutsomebodyspottingit.”

“Where?”Tankasked,concerned.
Theothermanputahandonhisshoulderandgrinned.“Ifyoudon’tknowwhereitis,youcan’ttell

somebody,right?”

Helaughed.Hehadasimilarapplianceinhistruck,aLo-Jack,andwhereitwasinstallednobody

knew.“Igetit.”

“Goodman.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,youcancallus,right?”
“Right.Thanks.”
“Justdoingmyjob,”hereplied,andgrinnedagain.
WhyshouldTanksuddenlythinkofaplay,withoneofthecharacterscomplainingthatanother

character“smiledtoomuch”?

Curious,hewatchedthemanclimbintoanice,late-modelcaranddriveoff.Whywasn’theina

companytruck,likemosttechniciansdrove?

Sohecalledthesecuritycompanyandasked.
“Oh,that’sjustBen.”Thewomanintheofficelaughed,althoughshesoundedjustbriefly

disconcerted.“He’seccentric.Helikeswomen,yousee,andhethinksthey’relesslikelytobe
impressedbyaguyifhe’sinsomecompanyvehicle.”

“Isee.”

“Nottoworry,”shereturned.“I’veknownhimforyears.He’sjustcurious,toputitpolitely.Buthe

knowshisjob,andhe’sgoodatit.”

“I’llstopworrying.”
“We’rehappytohavethework,”sheaddedgratefully.“It’sbeenabitslow,lately,withtheeconomy

insuchabind.”

“Tellmeaboutit.”Tanksighed.“We’relookingfornewmarketsforourcattle.Everything’sslow.”
“Iguessyou’resellingoffstock.”
“Solditoffbeforewinter,”hecorrected.“Andagoodthingitwas.We’rehavingtotruckinfeed.

Thisstormisbad.”

“Iknow.Ihadtogetalifttoworkwithafriend.”Shelaughed.“Ifhehadn’tbeenabletodrivein

this,youwouldn’tbespeakingtomenow.”

“Goodthingyourguyscanworkinthismess,”Tanksaid.“Ididn’twanttowaitfortheweatherto

breaktogetthesysteminstalled.”

“Expectingsomesortoftrouble?”sheasked.“Notthatit’smybusiness.”
“No,nothingoutoftheordinary,”heprevaricated.“Butwehadathreataboutoneofourbulls.Best

tobesafe.”

“Oh.”Shehesitated.“Notworryingaboutsomesortofattackonpeoplethere,then?”
Helaugheddeliberately.“Whatintheworldwouldsomebodyattackusfor?”heasked.“Idid

jaywalklastweek,butIhardlythinkthesheriff’scomingbytoarrestme.”

Shelaughed,too.“Sillythought.Isupposeyourcattlearequiteexpensive.”
“Andthat’sanunderstatement,”hereplied.“Afriendofourswasvisitedbyrustlersafewweeks

ago.Hadoneofhisprizebullstaken.Notgoingtohappenhere.”

“Notwithourequipmentonthejob,Ipromiseyou,”shereplied.“Thanksagainforthebusiness.If

youknowanybodyelseinneedofsurveillanceequipment,we’dbegratefulforthework.”

“I’llpassthatalong.”
Hehungup.

***

STORM

DID

BREAK

.Snowwasstillpiledeverywhere,butthesuncameout.TankhadphonedClara

tomakesureMerissawasbetter.

“She’sbackatworkalready.”Claralaughed.“Wouldyouliketospeaktoher?”
“Yes,Iwould,thanks.”
Therewasabriefpause.“Hello?”
Tanklovedhervoice.Itwassoftandclear,likeaprayerinthewilderness.“Hello,”hereplied

softly.“Areyoubetter?”

“Much.Thanksagainforyourhelp.Thedoctorcalledinaprescriptionformeatthedrugstore,”

sheadded.“Hesaysitwillhelppreventtheheadaches,ifIcantolerateit.”Shelaughed.“I’mfunny
aboutmedicine.Ican’ttakealotofit.Iusedtotakefeverfewformigraine,andanotherherb,butthey
weren’tworking.”

“Modernmedicinetotherescue,”hemused.
“ModernmedicineisjustareworkingofancientNativeAmericanandindigenousfolkmedicine

wrappedupinpills,”shepointedout.

“Haveityourway.”Hesmiled,thenpaused.“Whenthesnowmeltsabit,howwouldyouliketogo

overtoCatelowandhavesupperatthatnewMediterraneaneateryeverybody’stalkingabout?”

Herintakeofbreathwasaudible.“I’dloveto,”shesaidwithflatteringquickness.
Hechuckledsoftly.“IlikeGreekfood,”hesaid.“Well,Idon’tlikeresinatedwine,butthat’s

anotherthing.”

“Whatisthat?”
“Thewine?”heasked.“It’sanacquiredtaste,awinewithresininit.It’squitebitter,butI’mtoldthat

manypeoplelikeit.”

“Soundsuncomfortable.”
“Tome,too.ButIlovethefood.”
“Ilikespinachsaladwithgoatcheese.”
“SodoI.”
Shelaughed.“Wehavethingsincommon.”
“We’llfindmore,Iimagine.I’llcallyouinadayortwoandwe’llsetadate.Okay?”
“Okay!”
“Callusifyouneedanything.”
“Iwill,butwe’refine.”
“Okay.Seeyou.”
“Seeyou.”
Hehungup,feelingveryproudofhimself.

***

FEW

MINUTES

later,hewalkedouttothebarn,whereCaneandMalloryweretalkingtoDarbyabout

arrangementsforanewbullthey’dpurchased.Theyturnedwhenhecamein,wearingahugegrin.

“Youwinthelotteryorsomething?”Canejoked.
“I’mtakingMerissaouttoeat,”Tankreplied.
Therewereseveralshockedexpressions.
Heglaredatthem.“Shewon’tturnmeintoatoadifshedoesn’tlikethefood,”hesaidsarcastically.
“Thatisn’twhatworriesus,”Canesaidquietly.
Mallorymovedforward.Heputahandonhisbrother ’sshoulder.“Look,itisn’tthatwedon’tlike

Merissa.Butweknowverylittleaboutherfamily.Therehavebeensomestories,somevery
unpleasantones,aboutherfather.”

Tankfrowned.“Whatstories?”
MalloryglancedatCaneandbackatTank.“Well,thathebeatoneofhishandsalmosttodeath,”he

said.

Tankwasshocked.“Hedoesn’tlivethereanymore.”
“Iknow,”Mallorysaid.“But...”
“ButyouthinkmaybeMerissa’slikethat?”Tanksaidthroughhisteeth.
Malloryremovedhishand.“I’mdoingthisbadly,”hegroaned.
Canemovedforward.“Nobodyknowswhereheis,”hesaid.“There’sawarrant,astanding

warrant,forhisarrestonassaultandbatterycharges.”

“Ifyougetinvolvedwithher,”Malloryseconded,“andhecomesback...”
Tankunderstood,finally,whattheyweresaying.Herelaxed.“You’reworriedaboutme.”
Theybothnodded.“Weheardallsortsofthingsconcerninghim.Hewaspossessiveabouthis

daughter.Shewasjusttenatthetime,andhewasviolenttowardanybodywhotriedtotalktoher.”

“Iwonderwhy?”Tankasked.

“Therewerealsorumorsaboutwhathedidtohermother,”Malloryaddedsolemnly.
“ToClara?”Tankwasshocked.“Butshe’sawoman!”
“Amanlikethatdoesn’tcare,”Canesaidcoldly.“Ourdoctortoldme,inconfidenceonce,thathe’d

treatedClaraforsomepotentiallyfatalinjuries.”HelookedatMallorywithaquestioninhiseyes.

“Tellhim,”Mallorysaid.
Canedrewabreath.“MerissawasbroughtinwithClara,withaconcussionandabrokenleg,”he

added.“Thedoctorsaidshetriedtosavehermother.”

Tankleanedbackagainstastonepillarwitharoughcurse.“Concussion!”
“Itcouldexplainsomeofherstrangeabilities,”Mallorysaidquietly.“There’snoscientific

explanationthatI’mawareof,buttherearemanythingswestilldon’tknowaboutbrainfunction.”

“Hehitaten-year-oldhardenoughtobreakherleg?”Tankwastalkingtohimself.
“Yes,”Malloryreplied.“It’sworryingthatnobodyknowswhereheis.”
“It’sbeenyears,”Tankpointedout.
“Soithas.Butit’ssomethingtoconsider.Likethatmanwhohelpedputyouintointensivecare...”
Tankhelduphishandsuddenly.“Let’snotgointothat,”hesaidwithalookthatwasn’tlostonhis

brothers.

“Okay.”
Hestoodup.“Iwanttohavealookatthattractorthat’sbeenactingup,”hetoldhisbrothers,

motioningthemtofollowhim.

TheynoddedtoDarbyHanes,whogrinned.Hewasfeelingbetterandbackatwork.
Tankstartedtheengineandleftitidling.
“Idon’tthinksurveillancecanpickthisup,”hetoldthetwoofthem,“overthenoise,andmyback’s

tothecamerasotheycan’treadlips.Listen,Idon’twanttomentionanythingaboutoursuspicions.
Something’snotquiterightaboutthecompanywehiredtoinstallthecameras.Ican’texplainit,”he
saidirritably.

“YoubeentalkingtoMerissa?”Caneteased.
“Ihave,butshedidn’tmentionit.No,Ijusthaveafeeling,”headdedheavily.
Mallorydidn’tlaugh.“Ihadthesamefeeling,”hesaidcurtly.“AndI’mnotpsychic.Theguycame

inacar,notaservicevehicle.HehadanAustralianaccent,butitwasputon.Ihadafriendinthe
servicewhowasfromAdelaide.Iknowthedifference.”

Tanklostcolorinhisface.“Theroguefederalagent,thechameleon.”
“It’spossible,”Canesaid,interrupting.
“Yes,butwhatdowedoaboutallthecameras?Andhemighthavebuggedthephones,aswell,”

Tanksaidwithgrowingunease.“Hehadaccesstothewholehouse,thankstomystupidity!Ishould
havementionedthatwehireacompanyfromoutoftown.”

“Youcouldn’thaveknown,”Mallorysaidgently.“Neitherofusthoughtaboutthepossibility,

either.Itseemedalogicalthingtodo.”

“Yes,itdid,”Caneagreed.
“Wemighthaveanothercompanycomeinandtweakthecameras,”Mallorysuggestedwith

twinklingeyes.

“Notabadidea,”Tanksaid.“Ihaveafriendwhocanputbugsinicecreamandyou’llneversee

them.HewasworkingasanindependentcontractorintheMiddleEastwhenIwasservingoverthere.
I’llgivehimacallonmycell.”

“Yourcellmaybebugged,”Mallorypointedout.
“I’llbuyathrowaway,”Canesaid.“Anduseit.We’dallbetterhavesome.I’llsendDarbyintotown

forthem.”

“Thisisridiculous,”Tankmuttered.“Wehirepeopletoprotectusfromthebadguys,andtheymay

turnouttobetheverypeoplewe’rewatchingfor.”

“Ouradvantage,”Canesaid,“isthattheywon’tknowwe’reontothem.”
“Wecouldalljustbeparanoid,”Mallorysuggested.
Theothertwolookedathimforaminute,laughedandshooktheirheads.“No.”
Heshrugged,andgrinned.
“Tellthewives,”Tankadded,“nottosayanythingaboutthisinthehouse.”
“Wewill.They’regoingonatwo-dayChristmasshoppingtriptoLosAngelesFriday,”Cane

pointedout.“Morie’stakingHarrisonwiththem.Shecan’tbeartoleavehimevenwithMaviefora
coupleofdays.”

“She’sagreatlittlemother,”Tanksaid.Hepursedhislips.“AndIhearyouandyournewfather-in-

lawhaveahuntingtripplannedfornextmonthupinMontana.”

“Heardthat,didyou?”Mallorychuckled.“Wedo.Nowthathe’sagrandfather,he’salotless

judgmentalandharsh.”

Tankdidn’twanttomentionhowmuchMalloryhadmellowed.Sohejustgrinned.
“I’llcallMerissabackandsetupourdateforSaturday,”Tankdecided.“Icanbefairlycertainthat

therestaurantwon’tbebugged.”

“Iwouldn’tmakethatbet,”Malloryreplied.“Especiallyifyoutoldherwhereyou’regoing.”
“Idid,”Tankgroaned.Thenhebrightenedandlaughed.“I’lldriveherovertoPowellinstead,and

we’lleatattheChineserestaurant.ButIwon’ttellheruntilwe’reontheway.”

“Creativethinking,”Canesaid.
“I’llhavemyfriendsweepthetruckbeforeIleave.”Hepaused.“Ifhe’sgotthetime,Imighthire

himonasatemporary.Nobodyhastoknowwhathereallydoesforaliving.”

“Doit,”Mallorysaid.“Bettersafethansorry.”

***

ANK

SENT

ARBY

Hanesintotownthatafternoonforthrowawayphones.Assoonashehadhis,andit

wasactivated,Tankplacedacall.

“Hello?”Itwasamalevoice,deepandquiet.
“It’sTank,”hereplied.“Howarethings?”
Therewasapause.“Notgood.Howareyou?”
“Fine,sofar.”Hehesitated.“Areyoufreeforacoupleofweeks?It’sajob,anditpayswell.”
Therewasarushofbreath.“HowthehelldidyouknowI’moutofwork?”camethereply.“Just

finishedonejobanddidn’tevenhaveanotherlinedup.Billsarepilingup,houseneedsrepairs...”He
waslyingthroughhisteeth,butTankwouldn’tknow.Hedidn’tspeakofhisprivatelifetooutsiders.
Hemaintainedthefictionthathewasastarvingmercenary,livingfromjobtojob.

Tankchuckled.“Great!Well,notaboutthebills,Imean.Butyou’rehired.”
“You’realifesaver!Whatdoyouneeddone?”
“I’vegotaroguefedafterme,”Tanksaid.“Ijusthiredasurveillancecompanytoputupcameras

andinstallbugs—butIhaveanastysuspicionthattheinstallerwillturnouttobetheroguefedwho’s
afterme.”

“Damn!Youdohavetheworstluck!”
“Tellmeaboutit.”Tanksighed.“Howsooncanyoucomeuphere?”

“Assoonasyouemailmeaticket”camethereply.“Ihaven’tunpackedfromthelastjob.Itwillbe

apleasure.”

“Youaren’tworkingforyour...foryouroldboss,Imean?”Hebithistongue.He’dalmostslipped

andsaid“yourfather,”buthedidn’tdaredothat.Rourkewouldn’tgetontheplane.Mostpeople
suspectedthatRourkewastheillegitimatesonofK.C.Kantor,theex-mercmillionaire.Nobodysaidit
toRourke’sface.Nobodydared.Besides,ifthemanwaslivingfromhandtomouth,itwasunlikely
thathehadarichfatherlookingoutforhim.

“No,thebossandIhadafallingout,”Rourkerepliedheavily.Itwasn’tquitethetruth,butitwas

closeenough.“Thingshavegonefrombadtoworse.AndTatwon’tspeaktomeatall.”Thelastwas
saidwithsubduedrage.Tatwasasocialitejournalistwho’dgonewithRourkeandGeneralMachado
toretakeMachado’scountryinSouthAmerica.RourkeandTat,hisnicknameforher,hadaverylong
history.Rourkehadknownhersinceshewasachild.Theyhadarockyfriendship.

“Putherneckhairsupagain,didyou?”Tankasked.
Rourkecursed.“She’sgoneinwiththetroops,overinNganwa,”hesaid,namingasmallcountry

involvedinanastyrevolution.“Itriedtostopher,butshewouldn’tlisten.It’sabloodbathoverthere.I
knowseasonedmercswhowon’tgoneartheplace!”

“Journalistsareusuallyprotected,”Tanksaidquietly.
“Suretheyare.Wanttohearhowmanyboughtitlastyearonassignment?”heasked

pessimistically.

“Sorrytohearshe’sindanger,”Tanksaidfinally.
“Herowndamnedfault.Stupidityhasaprice.Fortwobits,I’dgoinanddragherout...”He

hesitated.Swallowed.“Sendmetheticket.I’llberightup.”

“I’llemailitonmyalternateaccount,”Tanksaid.
“Goodman.”
“Thanks,Rourke,”hesaidquietly.
“Hey,whatarefriendsfor?”camethereply.

***

ERISSA

WAS

WEARING

asoftbeigedressthatclungtoherslenderfigure,outliningherpertbreasts

andtinywaistandflaringhips.Sheworeflatshoeswithit,andherblondhairwavedinsoftcurls
aroundherelfinface.SheworeasmallChristmastreepinonthedressandamatchingclipinher
hair.

ShesmiledshylyatTank,whostaredatherwithopenadmiration.“Ifit’stoodressy...”shebegan

self-consciously.

“Idon’tveryoftenseewomenindressesthesedays,”herepliedwithagentlesmile.“Ithinkyou

looklovely.”

Sheflushedandthenlaughed.“Thanks.”Sheindicatedhershoes.“Ican’twearhighheels.Isuppose

thislookspeculiar...”

“Itlooksfine.”Hedidn’tquestiontheoddremark.“Readytogo?”
“Yes.”Shepeeredintothelivingroom.“Seeyoulater,Mom.Lockthedoors,”sheaddedfirmly.
Claralaughedsoftly.“Iwill.Gotyourkey?”
“Yes.”
“Havefun.”
“Thanks.”

Tankstuckhisheadinthedoorandgrinned.“I’lltakegoodcareofher,”hepromised.
“Iknowyouwill,”Clarareplied.

***

OURKE

HAD

ARRIVED

thedaybefore.Hegottoworkatonceonthesecuritycameras,sweptthehouse

forbugs—andfoundseveral—andsweptthetruckjustbeforeTankgotinitforhisdate.

“We’regoingtoPowelltohavesupper,”hetoldher.“Sorry,butwe’vehadahitchinoursecurity.”
Merissawasverystill.“Itwashim.Themaninthesuit.”
Heglancedatherquickly.“Well...yes,wethinkso.”
“Howironic,”shesaidbreathlessly.Sheshookherhead.“He’sveryconfident.”
“Heis,butitwillbehisundoing,”hesaidcoldly.
Shedidn’tspeak.Herfacewasdrawn.
HestoppedthecarataredlightastheyapproachedPowell.“Whatdoyousee,Merissa?”heasked

verysoftly.

Sheswallowed.“Somethingbad.”
“Canyoubemorespecific?”
Sheglancedathim.“Idon’tknow.”Herfacecontorted.“It’sjustafeelingrightnow.Ican’t...Ican’t

seewhatitis.”

Hereachedacrosstheseatandcaughthersofthandinhis.“It’sallright.We’llhandleit.”
Shefeltajoltallthewaytoherfeetathistouch.Hishandwasbigandwarm,callusedfromwork.

Shelookeddownatitinthelightfromthestreetlamps.Itwasabeautifulhand,verymasculine,with
neatlytrimmedandcleanflatnails.

“Youhavebeautifulhands,”sheburstout.
Hechuckled.“Thanks.Yoursaren’tbad,either.”
Shegrinned.
Hefeltthesameelectricitythatshedid.Itwascomforting,tohavethatphysicalcontactwithanother

humanbeing.Tankhadimaginedhimselfinloveacoupleoftimes,butithadneverbeenthisintense.
Hewantedtoprotecther,takecareofher.Shewasastrong,capablewoman.Shecouldsupport
herself,anddid.Butshemadehimfeeltaller,stronger.

“Whatareyouthinking?”sheaskedsuddenly.
Hesqueezedherhandgently.“ThatthisisoneofthebestideasI’vehadinyears.”
Shelaughed.“Thanks.”
“You’recomfortabletobearound.”
“NotmanypeopleinCatelowwouldagreewiththat.”
“Theydon’tknowyou.Peopleareafraidoftheunknown,ofanythingthatisn’tscientific.”
“Well,thiscertainlyisn’tscientific,”sheagreed.“I’vespentmylifeseeingthingsthatterrifyme.”

Sheglancedathim.“Somanypeoplewanttoknowthefuture.ButiftheycouldseewhatIsee,they
wouldn’t.It’snevergoodtoknowwhatliesahead.”

“Ihavetoagree.”
“Imean,it’sonethingtohaveahandleontheweather,orwhatfashionswillbeinvoguethenext

year,orifyou’regoingtomeetsomeonewhowillchangeyourlife.Buttowanttoknowwhat’s
goingtohappentoyouinayear,twoyears...Youshouldneverwanttoknowthosethings.”

Herubbedhisthumbgentlyoverthebackofherhandashedrove.“Younevertalkaboutyour

father.”

Herhandjumped,asifithadbeenjoltedbyelectricity.
Helookedtowardher.“Sorry.Ididn’tmeantoupsetyou.”
Sheswallowed.“You’ve...heardthings.”
HepulledintotheparkinglotattheChineserestaurantandcutofftheengine.Heturnedtoher.

“Honestly,yes,Ihave.”Hesearchedhereyes,hugeinthatpaleface.“Youdon’thavetotalktome
abouthimifyoudon’twantto.Webarelyknoweachother.”

Shehesitated.“Hewas...brutal.”
“Was?”
Shebitherlip.“Wehaven’tseenhiminyears,”shesaid.“Wedon’tknowwhereheis.Butwe’re

alwaysafraidthathemightcomeback.”Sheclosedhereyesandshivered.“Hewasabigman.Hewas
sostrong...!”

“Hehurtyou.”
Shelookedupathimwithtragiceyes.“Me,andMama,”sheagreedheavily.“Iwassohappywhen

heleft.Shethreatenedhim.ShetoldhimwhatwouldhappenifhestayedinCatelow.Sheknew,you
see,anditwasn’tonlyapremonition.Hebeatuponeofourfarmhandsandalmostkilledhim.Mom
toldhimthatthemanwouldpresschargesandhewouldgotojail.It’stheonlyreasonheleft.”

“Isee.”
Shedrewinabreath,andshookherhead.“No,youdon’t.Ilivedinterrorallmylifethathewould

killmymother.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Once,Igotbrave,andtriedtostophim.”

“Withalmostfatalresults,”headded.
Hereyeswerehuge.“Youknow?”
“Catelowisaverysmalltown,Merissa,”hepointedout.“Yes.Iknow.”Hisexpressionhardened.

“IfI’dbeenherethen,he’dneverhavetouchedeitherofyou.”

Herfacelightened,andhereyeswidened.“Hewouldhavebeenafraidofyou.”
Hesearchedhereyes.“Areyou?Afraidofme?”
Sheswallowed.“Notsomuchanymore,”shesaid.“Alittle,maybe.”
Hisfacesoftened.“Alittle?”
Sheshiftedontheseat.“Notinthewayyoumean.You...confuseme.Youmakemeuncomfortable.

ButnotinanywayI’vefeltbefore....”

Whileshewastalking,heunfastenedhisseatbelt,andhers,andmovedcloser.“Uncomfortable?”

heasked,proppinghishandonthedoorbesideherear.

“A...little,”shestammered.Hewasveryclose.Shecouldsmellthespicycolognehewore,feelthe

heatfromhisbody.Hislipswereatherforehead.“Just...alittle,”sheamended.

Helaughedsoftly.“Justalittle?”
Shestruggledtokeepherbreathingsteady,butitwasalosingbattle.Oneofhishandscameupand

restedagainsthercheek.Histhumbworkedathersoftlips,partingthemverygently.

“Ilikemakingyou...uncomfortable,”hewhisperedashisheadbent.“Justalittle.”
Hischiseledmouthtracedherlips,teasingthemapartverytenderly,sothathedidn’tfrightenher.

Shewasverynervous.Herhandcameuptotouchhis,anditwasice-cold.Hedidn’tneedaprogram
toknowthatshewasn’tusedtohavingamanthisclose.Itmadehimfeelmoreprotectivethanever.

“Easy,now,”hewhispered,andhislipspartedherssothathecouldeasebetweenthem.“Easy...does

it.”

Hismouthmoveddownontohers.Itwasunfamiliar.Itwasdisconcerting.Butafteraminute,it

becamemorefamiliar,morecomfortable.Verysoon,herlipsrelaxed.Herbodyrelaxed.

Shelikedit.

Hedrewhercloser,butslowly,gently.Hewrappedherupagainsthimlikefragiletreasureand

workedonhermouthuntilhemadeherhungryforhim.

Shereachedup,aroundhisneck,andclungtohimquitesuddenlyasthehungerflashedinherlike

lightning.Shekissedhimbackwiththesameurgencythathekissedher.

Butverysoon,itbecameclearthathewasgoingtohavetostartundressingherorstopkissingher.

Ithadbeenaverylongdryspell.

Hedrewback,flatteredthathehadtouncoupleherhandsfromhisneckandeaseherawayfrom

him.

Hesmiledgentlyatherembarrassment.“Don’tworry.It’sallperfectlynatural.”
“It...is?”
“Yes.Itis.”Hebrushedbackherhair,lovingthefeelofit.“Weshouldgoinside.”
Sheswallowed.Shecouldstilltastehimonherlips.Hetastedofcoffeeandmint.Shesmiled

slowly.“Iguessso.”

Hechuckled.Hegotoutandhelpedherdown.Heheldherhandallthewayintotherestaurant.

CHAPTERFOUR

“W

DID

YOU

changeyourmindaboutwhereweate?”Merissaaskedwhentheywerehalfway

throughhugeplatesofchickenlomein,whichtheydiscoveredwasamutualfavorite.“Imean,I’m
notcomplaining,IloveChinesefood.Butwhy?”

“SamereasonIhiredamantosweepmytruckforbugs,”hesaidheavily.“ItseemsIhiredthebad

guytoputinasurveillancesystemforme.”

“Oh,mygosh!”sheexclaimed.
“I’musuallymorecareful,”hesaidwithasmile.“ButIhadnoideahewasthatclose.Yousee,your

premonitionwasrightonthemoney.Youreallydohaveagift.”

“Ihatehavingit,”shereplied.
“Thistime,itmightsavemylife,”hesaid.“I’mgrateful.”
Shegrimaced.“Iwassoafraid,turningupatyourdoorinasnowstorm.”Shelaughed.“ButIfeltI

hadtotellyou.”

“Ifyouhadn’t,I’dbeinaworldoftroublerightnow,”hepointedout.“IhadnoideathatIwaseven

atargetaftersolong.”

“Youwouldn’thavebeen,Ithink,exceptforthepoliticianrunningforfederaloffice,”shesaid.

“He’stryingtogetridofanyembarrassinglooseendsbeforethecampaignheatsup.Imaginewhat
hisadversariescoulddowithinformationlikehisfriendshipwithadrugcartel.”

“Yes.”
“Thismanyouhired,tolookforthebugsyouradversaryplaced,”shebegan.“There’sawoman.

She’sinverygreatdanger.”Shebitherlip.

“She’saphotojournalistcoveringawarinAfrica,”hesupplied,notevenuneasynowabouther

gifts.

Shenodded.“Anunexpectedthingwillsaveherlife,”shesaidslowly.“Anecklace,ofallthings.”
“She’llbeallright?”heasked,concerned.
“Shewon’tdie,”sheamended.
Thatsoundedominous.
Shedrewinabreath.“Someonetoldalie.It’swhatseparatesthem.Hebelievedit.”Shesippedhot

tea.“Itwassaidtoprotecther,butinsteaditdestroyedherhappiness.”Shelookedupathim.“She
loveshimsomuch,”shesaidheavily.“It’sashame.”

HewonderedifheshouldtellRourke.
“Don’t,”shesaid,asifshe’dreadthethought.“Don’tsayanythingtohim.Thingsareata

crossroadsrightnow.Ifheactstoosoon,shecoulddie.Everythingisconnected.Weliveinasilver
webofactivity,bindingallthatlivesontheearth.”Shelaughedagain.“Isoundlikeatreehugger.
Well,Iamatreehugger.Butwe’remuchmoreconnectedthanpeoplethink.”

“Abutterflyflapsitswingsandthere’satyphoon?”heteased.
“Somethinglikethat,yes.”
Heleanedbackinhischairandstudiedherwarmly.“You’reamazing,”hesaid.“I’veneverknown

anybodylikeyouinmywholelife.”

“Ihopethat’sacompliment.”
“Ittrulyis,”heconfessed.Hesmiled.“Andtonightisabeginning.Isn’tit?”

Shestartedtosaysomething.Hereyesgrewopaque.Shelostcolor.Hergreeneyeswereterrified

whentheymethis.“Wehavetogohome.Rightnow!Please!”

Hedidn’tbothertoaskwhatwaswrong.Itwasenoughthatsheknewsomethingwasurgent.Hegot

upandpaidthecheckandthenledherouttothetruck.

“Atmyhouseoryours?”heaskedashestartedit.
“Mine.Andplease,hurry!”shesaid.“Itmaybetoolatealready!”
Hedidn’tsparetheengine.
TheypulledupinfrontofMerissa’scabinandranontotheporch.Merissaworkedherkeyinthe

lock,fumbledandfinallyopenedit.

“Mom!”shecalledfrantically.“Mom!”
Thereweresoundsofmovement.Adooropened.Claracameoutintothehall,alittlefoggy,

laughing.

“HereIam.What’swrong?”sheaskedwhenshesawtheirworriedfaces.
“I...hadafeeling,”Merissasaid,hatingtoputitevenintowords,forfearitmightcometrue.
“Afeeling?”Claraaskedgently,andnowshewasfrowning,too.
Merissarelaxed.Shelaughed.“I’msorry.I’msosorry.”SheturnedtoTank.“Irushedyouhome

fornothing!”

“It’salwaysgoodtocheck,”Tankrepliedgently.“I’mbeginningtoputalotofconfidenceinyour

‘feelings.’”

Shesmiledathimwarmly.“Thanks.”
“Whatsortoffeeling?”Claraasked,becausesheknewthatMerissadidn’tgivewaytopanic.
“Idon’tknow.Somethingdangerous.Somethingplanned.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Soon.Verysoon.”

Sheopenedhereyes.“Idon’tknowwhat!”shegroaned.

Clarahuggedher.“Don’tworry,honey.We’llbeokay.”
“Justincase,”Tanksaidslowly,“I’mgoingtoputamanoverhere,tokeepaneyeontheplace.”
“Thatwouldbesokindofyou,”Clarabegan.
Merissafrowned.“DoIsmellsmoke?”
Theysplitup,goingfromroomtoroom.Allofasudden,thefiredetectorinthebackbedroom

wentofflikeanexplosion.

Tankranaheadofthewomen,rushedintotheroomandstoppeddead.Therewassmokecoming

fromanextensioncord.Besideit,asquirrelwassquirminginagony.

“Oh,dear,”Claramurmured.“Iforgottoclosetheflueinhere...Squirrelslovetocomeinthe

cabinandbuildnestsintheceiling.”Shegrimaced.“Ishedead?”

Tankpickedhimup.Thesquirrelwasshivering.“He’snotdead,buthe’sgoingtoneedsome

attention.Ihaveafriendwho’sawildliferehabilitator.I’llcallhimassoonasIgethome.Haveyou
gotashoeboxandanoldtowel?”

Clararushedtogetthemforhimsothathecouldtransporttheinjuredsquirrel.
“I’llunplugit.”
“Becareful,honey,”hetoldher.
Sheglancedathimandflushedprettily.Shelaughedandeasedtheplugoutofthewall.
Helovedthatblush.Helovedcallingherpetnames.Shewasthesweetestwomanhe’deverknown.
“Youthinkhe’llbeokay?”sheasked,gentlytouchingtheheadoftheinjuredsquirrel.
“Careful,hemaybite,”hesaid.
“Oh,theyneverbiteme.I’vepickedupallsortsofinjuredthings,evenasnake,once.Ihadtoputa

bandageonhisback.Weedeatergothim,”shesaidruefully.

“Youaren’tafraidofsnakes?”heasked,curious.
“I’mterrifiedofthem,”shesaid.“Buthewasbleedingandobviouslyinpain.SoIpickedhimup.

Hedidn’tseemtomind,evenwhenIstartedputtingantibioticointmentandabigBand-Aidonhim.I
hadtotakehimtoawildliferehabilitator,too.Iwonderifit’stheoneyouknow?”

Hechuckled.“Probably.Therearen’ttoomanyofthemaroundCatelow.”Hepaused.“Whatsortof

snakewashe?”

Sheblinked.“Idon’treallyknow.Hewasquitelarge.”
“Color?”
Shedescribedit.
Heburstoutlaughing.“Idon’tbelieveit.Ijustdon’tbelieveit.That’sarattlesnake,youcrazy

woman!They’redeadlypoisonous!”

“Arethey?Hewasverytolerant.Hedidn’tevenrattlewhenIputhimintheboxandtookhimtothe

rehabilitator.IguessthatexplainswhyhewasupsetwhenIwantedhimtoletthesnakego.Hedidn’t
tellme.”

Hewasamazed,anditshowed.“Trulygifted,”hemurmured.
“Animalslikeme,Isuppose,”shesaidshyly.“Ihavetoshoothebirdsawayfromthefeeders.One

stoodonmywristwhileIfilledupthetubefeeder.”

“Ilikeyou,too,”hesaidsoftly,searchingherpaleeyes.
Herlipspartedonaquickbreath.“Youdo?”
Hesmiled.
“Imean,you’renotafraidImightturnyouintoafrogorsomethinginatemper?”sheasked,not

quitefacetiously.

“Youdon’thaveacat.”
“Excuseme?”
“Everybodyknowsthatwitcheskeepcats,”hepointedout.“Lookitup.”
Sheburstoutlaughing.
“ShouldItellhimaboutthetwostraycatswefeedeverymorning?”Clarateasedasshecameback

withashoeboxandapieceoftowel.

“Shh!”Merissasaidquickly,puttingherfingertoherlips.
Theyalllaughed.
TankmadeholesinthetopoftheshoeboxwhileMerissaheldthesquirrel.
“You’regoingtobejustfine,don’tworry,”shetoldthelittleanimal.Itlookedupatherfromwide,

dilatedeyes.Itwasstillshivering.

“Ithinkit’sinshock,”Tanksaid.Hetookthesquirrelandputitgentlyintheboxwiththetoweland

closeditup.“I’llcallmybuddyrightaway.”

“You’llletusknow?”Merissaasked.
Hesmiled.“Ofcourse.”
“Ihopetheydon’teatthewiringintheattic,”Clarasaidnervously.“I’mgoingtoclosetheflue

rightnow!”

“Atleasthe’saboysquirrel.Wedon’thavetoworryaboutanybabiesinanestinsidethatthe

mothercouldn’tgetto,”Merissasaid.“Theysayifit’samothersquirrelandyoucloseheraccess,the
babieswillalldie.It’ssosad.”

“True.Butsoareelectricalfires.”Tankglancedatthewallwherethecordhadbeenpluggedin.

“Don’tusethatuntilIcangetoneofmymenoverheretocheckthewiring.”

“Okay,”Merissasaid.“Thanks.I’mterrifiedoffire.”

“Me,too,”Claraseconded.
“Notmuchdangerofthat,justfromablownextensioncord,especiallywhenyou’restanding

besideitwhenitblows.Butit’salwaysbesttobecautious.I’lltakeourfriendhomewithme.I’llcall
youtomorrow,”hetoldMerissa.

Shegrinned.“Okay.”
Hegrinnedback.“Goodnight.”
Theywentouttotheporchtoseehimoff.Hewavedashewentdownthedriveway,stillcovered

withtheremainsofthesnowstorm.

Theywentbackintothelivingroom.ThesmallChristmastreethey’dputupthatdaywasbeautiful

withitscoloredlights.Claradidn’thavethemsettoflashbecauseitgaveMerissaheadaches.Itwas
prettyjustthesame.ClaraputanarmaroundMerissa’sshoulders.“SonowIcanseewhichwaythe
windisblowing,andIdon’tevenneedtobepsychic.”Shelaughed.

Merissaleanedherheadagainsthermother ’s.“I’msohappy.Ineverexpectedtofindanyone

who’dlikemethewayIam.”

“IthoughtIhad,once,”Clarasaidquietly.“Imadeaterriblemistake.Andyoupaidmoreforit

eventhanIdid.”

Merissawasverystill.“Daltonknows.”
“What?”
“Heknows,aboutwhatDaddid.Hesaidifhe’dknownusbackthen,myfatherwouldhavegoneto

prisonforit.”

“Ilivedinterrorforsomanyyears,afraidthatBillwouldreturn,thathe’dfindus,thathe’dwantto

getevenwithmefordivorcinghim,”Claraconfessed.

“Doyouknowwhereheis?”Merissaaskedworriedly.
Clarashookherhead.“ThelastIheard,fromhiscousinwho’sstillintouchwithme,hewas

workingonthedocksinCalifornia.Ihopehestaysthere.”

“SodoI,”Merissareplied.“Oh,sodoI!”

***

ANK

DROVE

THE

squirreltotherehabilitator.Itwasnecessary,becauselawpreventedanyveterinarian

fromtreatingawildanimal.Thathadtobedonebyatrainedrehabilitator,andthereweresofewthat
manyinjuredanimalsdied.Therehabilitatorsweresooverworkedthatmanyjuststoppedanswering
theirphonesinself-defense,nothavingrealizedtheincrediblenumberofinjuredwildanimalsthey
weresigninguptotreat.Thelawwasinplacetoprotectanimalsandthepublic,butitseemedtoTank
thatitwasdesignedtoletwoundedwildlifedie.Likesomanyotherlittle-knownlaws,itsgood
intentionssometimeswereoutweighedbyitstragicconsequences.

“Atleastthisonewilllive,”TanktoldGregBarnes,hisfriend.
“Yeah,he’sjustshockedandburnedabit.”Gregchuckled.“Acoupleofdaysrestandsomegood

food,andhe’llbebackoutchewingupelectricalcordsagain.”Heputthesquirrelinacleancagewith
waterandfood.Nearbyweremanyothercages,containingaraccoonwithabandagedleg,awolf
withalegmissing,evenaravenwithabrokenwing.

“Whathappenedtoallofthese?”Tankasked.
“Kidswithguns”cametheirritatedreply.“Ateenagershottheravenforsport.Ihadwordswith

himandhisfather,andcourtactionispending.”

Tankshookhishead.“Andthewolf?”

“Atetwoofarancher ’scalves.Hewastrapped.HelostthelegandwouldhavediedifIhadn’t

foundhim.Peopleandwildanimalsjustdon’tmix.”

“Ranchershavetolive.”
Therehabilitatornodded.“Sotheydo.Nobodywinsinasituationlikethis.Therancherisbeing

finedfortrappingthewolf.It’sanendangeredspecies.Theranchersaidhiscalveswerealso
endangered,butitwon’thelphim.”HeglancedatTank.“Mostofthepeoplewhowritelaw
concerningwildanimalshaveneverseenone.”Hehadastrange,wickedlookonhisface.“You
know,Ihavethisrecurringdaydreamaboutputtingacoupleoftheselegislatorsinaroomwith
severalhungrywolves...”Hesighed.“Well,nevermind.ButIguaranteeitwouldchangeattitudes.The
survivorswouldprobablylegislateforchange.”Heputhishandtothewolf’smuzzlethroughthe
cageandstrokedit.Thewolfdidn’tseemtomind.“Notyou,oldfellow,”hesaidgently.“Thereare
sweetwolvesandmeanwolves.Sortoflikepeople.”HeglancedatTank.“Butinthewild,awolfis
goingtodowhatcomesnaturally,whetherit’skillandeatelkorcattle.Thetrickistomakesurethe
numbersaren’tsobigthatthehabitatcansupportthepackandtheydon’tresorttoraidingcattle
ranches.”

“Don’ttellme.TellCongress.”
“Wouldn’tIlovetotellCongresshowIfeelaboutwhatgoesonintherealworldouthere.Howdo

youtellawolfitcan’tcrossapropertyline?Oraraventhatifitgoestogroundhuntingarabbitit’s
likelytobeshotinlieuofatarget?”

“Atleastyou’retryingtohelp,”Tankpointedout.
Gregsmiled.“Tryingto.Yes.”Hewavedanarmaroundtheroomfullofcages.“Ihavetwomore

roomslikethis.”Hecockedhisheadandpursedhislips.“EverwonderwhyI’mnotmarried?”

Tankchuckled.“Notreally.Idon’tknowalotofwomenwho’dliketosharespacewithawolf.

Evenoneinacage.”

“Gotacougarintheotherroom.Aferretandacoupleofskunks.Allvictimsoftrapping.”He

shookhishead.“Theravenwasaspecialcase,Imostlydomammals.”

“Whobroughthimtoyou?”
Hegrimaced.“Theboy’smother.Hisdadthoughtitwasgreat,howhehittheravenonthefly.His

motherwashorrified.”

“Goodforher.Iliketotargetshoot,butIdon’tdoitwithanimals.Well,exceptdeer,inhunting

season,”heamended.“Ilovevenison.”

“Me,too,”Gregconfessed.“That’sratheradifferentcase.Notenoughforageforan

overpopulationofdeer,sowehunttheexcesstokeeptheherdshealthy.Can’texplainthatto
outsiders,either.We’rekillingBambi.”

“Bambicankillyouwiththosehooves,”Tankcommented.“They’relikerazorblades.”
“Indeedtheyare.Deerarepowerful,especiallythebucks,withthosebigracks.”
“Thinkthesquirrelwilllive?”
“Ifhedoesn’titwon’tbemyfault,”Gregsaid.Hesmiled.“Iloveanimals.”
“Maybesomedayyou’llfindawomanwhodoes,too.”
Heshrugged.“Ornot.”HeeyedTank.“YougotthissquirrelfromMerissaBaker,didn’tyou?”he

asked.

“Nocommentsaboutcurdlingmilk,”Tanksaiddefensively.
“Oh,Ididn’tmeanitlikethat,”Gregreplied.“She’sgotthiswaywithanimals,iswhatImeant,”he

said.“Broughtmeasnakeonedaythatshe’dbandaged.Shewasafraidthebandagewouldn’tstayon.”
Hewhistled.“BiggestdamnedtimberrattlerIeversaw,anditwaslyinginherarmslikeababy.

MinuteItouchedit,ittriedtostrikeatme.ButIbandageditandnurseditbacktohealthandturnedit
loose.”

“Shetoldmeaboutthat.”Tanklaughed.Heshookhishead.“Somegift.”
“Somegift.TherearepeopleamongtheCheyennetribeherewhohaveit.I’veseenthemgentle

wildhorseswithjustlighttouchesandtoneofvoice.Youknow,”headded,“maybethere’ssomething
tothistheorythateverythinghasasoul.”

Tankheldupbothhands.“Ihavetogo.”
“Justthinkingoutloud,isall.”Gregchuckled.“Anyway,yoursquirrelisgoingtobefine.Might

notbeabadideatotruckhimupnorthafewmilestoturnhimloose.Forthesakeofthewiringin
Merissa’shouse,thatis.”

“Iwasthinkingthesamething!”

***

ANK

WENT

BACK

HOME

.Hewasstilllaughingaboutthesnake.

“What’sfunny?”Malloryaskedwithagrin.
Tanksmiled.“MerissaoncetookasnaketoGregBarnesfortreatment.”
Malloryshookhishead.“I’llbetshehatessnakes,too.”
“Shedoes,butthatisn’twhatmakesthestorycurious.Itwasatimberrattler.”
Mallory’seyesgrewlarger.“Itdidn’tbiteher?”
“Gregsaidshebroughtitin,holdingitinherarms,anditjustlaidthere.Untilhetriedtoworkon

it,thatis,anditstruckathim.”Helaughedathisbrother ’sexpression.“Shehasawaywithanimals.”

“Atimberrattler.”Hesighed.“Well,that’soneforthebooks.”
Tanknoddedandsmiled.
Mallorywaswatchinghimwithinterest.“Thingsheatingup,arethey?”
Tankwassurprised.“Howwouldyouknowthat?”
“You’remybrother.Itisn’tlikeyoutotakeaninterestinawoman.Well,it’snotaneverydaything,

atleast.”Mallorywasalludingtohisownwife,Morie,inwhomTankhadbeenbrieflyinterested
beforeherealizedthatMallory’santagonismtoherwasconcealingagrowingpassion.

“IloveMorielikeasister,”Tanksaidquickly.“Justincaseyouwondered.”
Malloryclappedhimontheshoulder.“Iknowyoubetterthanthat.”
“Wehadaverynicesupper,”herecalledwithasmile.
“Ilikethefoodatthatplace,too,”Mallorybegan.
“WewenttoaChineseplaceinPowell,”Tankcorrected.
Mallory’seyebrowslifted.“Why?”
Heshrugged,andjerkedhisheadtowardthebasephoneonMallory’sdeskinacorneroftheliving

room.“Justwantedachange.”

“Isee.”AndMallorydidsee.Hewasawareofthebugs.
Justashesaidthat,Rourkestrolledin,onebrowneyetwinklingbesidetheonewiththeeyepatch.

Hisblondhairwasthickandcombed.Hewaswearingkhakis,ahabitfromSouthAfrica,wherehe
lived,andhelookedverysmug.

“Fourteenbugs,”hesaid.“Itweakedthemall.He’llbelistening,alternately,toballgamesfromSan

Francisco,policecallsfromCatelowandpingsfromtheInternationalSpaceStation.”Hegrinned.

Theylaughed.“Well,that’sarelief.Iwasafraidtosayanythingoutloud,”Tanktoldhim.“Infact,I

tookmygirltoarestaurantinPowellbecauseIwasafraidtheymighthavebuggedtheoneinCatelow

sinceImentioneditinfrontofthephone.”Hehesitated.“I’mprobablyparanoid.”

“You’renot,”Rourkecommented.“Theyprobablydidhavesomeonestandingbytoslipabug

underthetablewhereveryousat.Someoneworkingasatemporarywaiter.”

“You’regood,”Tankmused.
Rourkeshrugged.“Yearsofpractice.IusedtoworkforInterpol,alongtimeago.Butthepaywas

somewhatlessthanIearnwithsmallarmsindangerousplaces.”

“Hazardouswork,”Mallorycommented.
Rourkenodded.“Butit’swhatIdobest.”Hesighed.“There’sarevolutiongoingoninacountry

nearmine.NearKenya.Iwasonmywaytherewhenyoucalledforhelp.”HesmiledatTank’sguilty
expression.

TankknewaboutRourke’sfriend,Tat.HealmostmentionedwhatMerissahadtoldhimbuthe

paused.She’dwarnedhimtosaynothingoritmightcostthephotojournalistherlife.Hekepthis
silence.

“Sorryaboutthat,”Tanksaidgently.
Rourkeshruggedagain.“Nobigdeal.Icangolater.It’snotasifthewarwillbeoverinadayor

two.Sadcase.ThepresidentofthecountryisHarvard-educated,he’sbrilliantandhehasafeelfor
politics.Hisopponentcomesfromsomedustybackwatervillageandhecan’tevensignhisown
name.”Hisexpressionbecamegrim.“He’sorderedwomenandchildrenbutcheredfordaringtohelp
thegovernmentforces,inwaysIcan’teventellyouabout.It’sliketribalwarfarebackinthe1800s,
onlyworse.”HelookedatTank.“EvenhavingbeeninawarintheMiddleEast,youhavenoideahow
warfareisconductedinsuchplaces.I’vebeenshotatbyeight-year-oldswithAK-47s.”

“Childsoldiers.”Tank’sexpressionwaseloquent.“Peoplewhoemploythemshouldbetriedand

shot.”

“Theywillbe,whenthepresidentisbackinhisoffice.Andhe’llprevail.I’mcertainofit.Hehas

thebackingofmostoftheWesternnations.”Hissmilewassarcastic.“Hiscountryisalmostfloating
onoil,yousee.SomeofhisadvisorsarespecopspeoplefromacountryIwon’tname.”

Tanksighed.“Atleasthehashelp.”
“Alotofit.Butmeanwhile,wholevillagesarebeingburnedout,theirpopulationsdecimated.

Cropsaredestroyedbeforeharvest,sotherefugeepopulationgrowsdaily.Bordersareclosing
aroundthecountry,sotherearetentcampssetupeverywhere.It’sthemostheart-rendingthingI’ve
everseen.”

“Warisugly,”Tankagreed.“Thanksfortakingcareofthebugs,”headded,changingthesubject.

“IwasstartingtotwitcheverytimeIlookedatthephone.”

Rourkesmiled.“Iknowthatfeeling.”
Heturned.“I’vegottotalktoourelectrician.IwanthimtogoovertotheBakerhouseandfixan

electricalproblemthatthesquirrelcaused.”

“Isthesquirrelreturningwhenit’smended?”Rourkewondered.
“Nah.Greg’sgoingtoreleaseitafewmilesnorth.”
Rourkepursedhislips.“Doesasquirrelhavebuilt-inGPS?”
Tankburstoutlaughing.“Idon’tknow.MaybeIshouldlookthatupbeforehehastimetorelease

thevarmint.”

“Notabadidea,”Malloryadded.Hemadeaface.“IwishMorieandmysonwouldcomeback.I’m

lonely.”

“IimagineCaneis,too.”Tankchuckled.“He’llbemissingBodie,especiallysinceshe’spregnant.

Hepacesandpaces,worryingabouther.”

“Shoppingtrips.”Malloryshookhishead.“Idon’tknowwhytheycan’tshopinCatelow.”
“BigParisfashionboutiquesandfancybabyboutiquesonthegoinCatelow,arethere?”Rourke

askedwithablandexpression.

“Well,notsomuch,”Malloryrepliedwithtwinklingeyes.
“Goodpoint,”Tankreplied.HewasthinkingofParisfashionsandhowthey’dlookonMerissa,

withherneat,trimfigure.

“YouneedtobringMerissatodinnerwhentheygethome,”Mallorycommentedastheywandered

outofthehousetowardthebunkhouse.

Tank’sheartjumped.Hesmiled.“That’sagoodidea.”
Malloryjustlaughed.

***

ELECTRICIAN

WENT

totheBakerhome,butmidwaythere,hehitsomethingandhadtopulloffthe

road.Hegotouttoseewhathadstoppedhimandfound,ofallthings,aspikestrip,likepolicemen
usedtotrapfleeingcriminals,lyingacrosstheasphalt.Hepulledittothesideoftheroadandleftit,
thencalledDarbyHanes.

“Can’tyoujustchangethetire?”Darbyasked,surprised.
“I’vegotfourflats,”theelectrician,Ben,muttered.“Idon’tcarryfoursparetiresonthisthing.”
“GoodLord,what’dyouhit?”Darbyexclaimed.
“Aspikestrip,”Bensaiddisgustedly.“Ican’timaginewhythepoliceleftithereforpeopletorun

over!”

“Whatpolice?You’reoutinthecountry.AndIhaven’theardanythingaboutachase.”
“Iknow.”
“Callthewrecker.I’llberightthere.”
“Noneed,Darby.I’llgowiththetruckandwaitwhiletheygetthetiresonit.I’llphonetheBakers

andexplain.”

“Well,okay.Thatmightbebest.Whileyou’rethere,getthemtocheckthebattery.Replaceitifyou

needto.Truck’sbeenhardtostartlately.”

“Inoticed.I’lldothat.”
Bensighedandcalledforthetrucktobetowed.Asanafterthought,hetriedtophoneMerissaand

explainthedelay,butherphonedidn’tseemtobeworking.Nomatter,he’dphonefromthe
mechanic’sshoplater.Surelyitwouldn’ttakethatlongforthemechanictodothejob.

***

“T

HERE

,”

THE

ELECTRICIAN

saidwithasmile.“Alldone.”

Merissagrinned.Themanhadbeenthorough.He’dcheckedallthephonesandthewiring,and

replacedtheoutletwherethesquirrelhadbittentheextensioncordthroughandcausedtheshort.He’d
evencheckedoutMerissa’scomputer,justtobesafe.Sinceitwassoimportanttoherjob,headded,it
wouldn’thurttomakesureitwasingoodworkingorder.She’dagreed.

“That’ssokindofyou,’shetoldhim.“Thanksamillion.I’dbehappytopayyou...”
Hewavedpaymentaway.“It’sjustmyjob.I’mgladtohelp.”
Shewalkedhimouttotheporch.Hewasdrivingablacksedan,nothingfancy.Shewonderedwhy

hehadn’tcomeinaranchtruck,butperhapshehadsomewherepersonaltogoanddidn’twanttouse
theranch’sgasforit.Shewonderedwhythemangaveheranuneasyfeeling.Probably,shereasoned,

shewasgettingparanoid.Hewaspersonableandseemedverykind.Still...

“Well,thanksagain,”shesaid.
Heturnedandsmiled.Hewastallandslender,withbrownhairanddarkeyes,verydignified.He

didn’tlooklikearanchhandatall.“Mypleasure,”hesaid.Heclimbedintothecaranddroveaway.

“Whataveryniceman,”Merissasaidtohermother.
“Yes.TheKirkshavebeengoodtous.”Shehuggedherdaughter.“I’msogladthatwestillhave

eachother.IfBillhadn’tgoneawaywhenhedid...”

“Don’tthinkaboutit,”Merissasaid,huggingherclose.
Clarasighed.“Ican’thelpit.Youknow,SanFranciscoisn’tthatfaraway,andBillworksfora

shippingcompanyonthedocks,Meriwether ’s.Ifheknewwewerestillhere,ifheevertriedto
return...!”

“Hewon’tcomeback,”Merissasaidsoftly.“YoutoldhiscousinthatwewerelivinginBillings,

didn’tyou?”

“Yes.”Sherelaxed.“Yes,Idid.AndIknowhedoesn’thavecallerID,sohewouldn’tnoticethearea

codeorthenumber.I’msorry.It’sjustthatI’velivedinfearalltheseyearsthathe’dwantrevenge,
thathe’dtrytodosomethingawfultous.”

“Hewon’tcomeback,”Merissaassuredher.“Hewon’t.”
Claradrewbackandsmiled.“You’reright,ofcourse.”
“Ofcourse!Solet’sgohavesupper.”
“Thatisanexcellentidea,”Claraagreed,leadingthewayintothekitchen.

***

ATER

ANK

PHONED

THEM

.“I’msorryBendidn’tmakeitoverthere,”hesaid.“Hehadtogowiththe

truckandwaitwhiletheyreplacedthetires.Themechanicwasswamped,soittookalongtime.He
saidhetriedtocallyouandcouldn’tgetthrough.”

“Odd,”sheremarked.“Thephonedidn’tring.”
Thatwaspuzzling,butthesnowstormdidmakethepowerandphoneservicealittlesporadiclately.

“Well,anyway,he’llgettherefirstthinginthemorning.”

“Ben?”Merissaasked,stunned.“Who’sBen?”
“Ourelectrician,”hereplied.“Theonewhowascomingovertoreplaceyourwalloutlet.”
“But...theelectriciancame,”shefaltered.“Hecheckedouteverything,evenmycomputer,andredid

thewiring...”

“I’llberightover,”Tanksaidcurtly,andhungup.
Merissalookedatthephonewithapuzzledexpression.ShewonderedwhyTanksoundedsoupset.

Thensherememberedwhathe’dsaid.Hiselectricianhadn’tcome?Sowhowasthenicemanwho’d
fixedthewiring?

CHAPTERFIVE

ERISSA

MET

ANK

atthefrontdoor.Hegotoutoftheranchtruckwithanotherman,atall,blondman

withoneeyeandaneyepatch.“Buthealreadyfixedthewiring,”shebegan.

Tankputhisfingertohislips.Helookedattheothermanandnodded.Themanwithoneeye

grinnedatMerissaandwentpastherintothehouse.

“Don’tsayaword,”Tanktoldher.“ButcomewithusandshowRourkewhatthemanworkedon.”
Shewentpale.“Itwasthemanwho’safteryou,wasn’tit?Iknewtherewassomethingwrongabout

him.AndIdidn’tevenrealize...!”

Shewasheartsick.
Hedrewherintohisarmsandhuggedherclose.“It’sallright,”hesaidsoftly.“Don’tworryabout

it.We’llmakeeverythingright.Comeon,honey.”

Heheldherhandandledherbackintothehouse.ClarawasstandinginthehallwithRourke

already.

Merissaledthementhroughthehouse,pointingouteverywherehervisitorhadbeen.Ittookalong

time.Rourkeusedsomeoddinstrumenttopinpointeverysmall,unnoticeablechange.Heremoved
severalcomponents,evenonefromMerissa’sowncomputertower,aflashdriveshehadn’teven
noticed,hiddeninthebackofthecomputer,inaplacesheneverused.

FinallyRourkeloadedallthebugsintoasmallbagandcarriedthemouttothebedofthepickup

truck.

Hecamebackinsidegrinning.“Hewasefficient,”hemused.“Buttheworkwasjustalittlesloppy.I

supposehethoughtyourmanmightshowupsoonerthanheexpected,”hetoldTank.

“Agoodthinghedidn’t,”Tankreplied.“Theremighthavebeentrouble.”
“JustwhatIwasthinking,”Rourkeadded.HesmiledatMerissa.“Everythingisfine,”hetoldher

whenhesawherexpression.“Mostpeoplewouldn’thavesuspectedhimoffoulplay.Heseemstobe
quitegoodatdisguise.”

“Hewaspoliteandhehadnicemanners,”Merissasaidheavily,sittingdownatherdesk.“Ididn’t

evenrealize...”

“Holdit,”Rourkesaid.Hehadaninstrumentinhishandanditwasflashing.HemotionedMerissa

outofherchair.Hegotdownononeknee,lookedunderthedeskandextricatedasmalldevice.

“Hi,pal,”Rourkesaidintoit.“Sorryabouttheearache,mate.”Andhesmashedthedevicewithhis

shoe.Hechuckled.“Missedthatone.He’llhaveahellofanearache,Ihope.”

Merissagroundherteethtogether.Shewasn’tusedtoespionageofanykind,anditdisturbedher.

Themanhadrungalarmbellsinherhead,butshehadn’tfeltthatintuitivesomethingthattoldherthe
wholesituationwaswrong.Thatwasunusual.But,then,hergiftwassporadic,whichwaswhyitwas
sodifficultforscientiststoacceptthevalidityofsuchunusualabilities.

“Ishouldhaveseenit,though,”shepointedout.
“You’renotinfallible,”Tanksaidfondly,andwithasmile.“Idon’tmind.Itmakesyoumorelike

therestofus.Wemakemistakes,too.”

“Seenwhat?”Rourkeasked,frowning.
Tankhesitated.“Sheseesthings.Sheknowsthingsbeforetheyhappen,”hesaidreluctantly.
“Ah,yes.”Rourkewasn’tweirdedout.Hejustsmiled.“Ihavethisoldchapwhoworksforme,on

myplaceinSouthAfrica.Hehasagiftlikethat.Ilearnedlongagotolistenwhenhemadewarnings.”

Merissawasfascinated.“Youdon’tthinkIcurdlemilk,then?”
Heburstoutlaughing.“Notatall.I’mratherusedtopsychicphenomena.Africaisaplaceofthe

supernatural,youknow.We’resurroundedbyit.Manyofthenativepeoplestillclingtooldbeliefs
andancientways.They’rewiserthanweare.Wethinkweowntheworld.Theyknowwedon’t,that
thereareforcesfarmorepowerfulthanourmoderndevices.”

Shewasfascinated.“I’vealwayslovedreadingaboutAfrica.Therearewebcamsalloverthatyou

canplugintoandwatchwildlifeinrealtime.”

Henodded.
“It’sveryniceforpeoplewhocan’tgothere,”shesaid.Hereyestookonamerrygleam.“And

there’salwaysYouTube,”sheadded.“I’vebeentoallsortsofmysteriousplacesthroughtheeyesof
personalvideocameras.”

“Whywouldheplantbugshere?”Tankaskedsuddenly.
Rourkeglancedathim.“Becauseheknowsyouhaveaninterest...here.”
Tankfeltsicktohisstomach.HelookedatClaraandMerissa,recalledtheanguishthey’dbeen

throughatthehandsofMerissa’sbrutalfather.Nowhewasputtingthemindanger,justbybeing
closetothem.

Merissawalkeduptohimandlookedupintohiseyes.“Somethingshappenbecauseit’spartofa

plan,onewedon’tknowabout,can’tknowabout.Lifeisatest.Lifeislessons.Peoplecomeintoour
livesatcertaintimes,forcertainreasons.”

“Predestination,”Rourkemused,noddinghishead.
“Well,sortof,”shefaltered.“Imean,thefutureisn’tsetinstone.Ithinkitcanbechangedby

decisionswemake.ButIthinkthere’ssomeoverallplanforourlives.WecallitGod,”shesaid,
noddingtowardhermother.“Otherpeoplecallitfateorluckorchance.ButIdobelieveinit.”

“SodoI,”Tankreplied,andlookeddeeplyintohereyesforsolongthatsheflushedalittle.
“Didyousayanythinginherethatyouwouldhavemindedhimhearing?”Rourkeinterrupted,

lookingfromonewomantotheother.

“Nothingatall.”Claralaughed.“Justgeneralconversation.”
Merissanodded.Shedidn’twanttoremindClarathatthey’dbeentalkingaboutherfather.Butthat

wasn’twhattheshadowyeavesdropperwasinterestedin.HewantedtoknowaboutTank,abouthis
movements,wherehewas,whathewasdoing.HewasplanningtragedyforTank,notforMerissaand
Clara.Soshekepthersilence.

“We’dbettergo,”Rourkesaid.
Tanknodded.HetouchedMerissa’scheekwithhisfinger.“Don’tworry,everything’sbacktothe

wayitwas.”

“Hedidaprettygoodjobonthewiring,coincidentally,”Rourketoldthem.“Ifhehadn’taddedthe

bugsatthesametime,I’dcallitperfect.”

“Hewasn’texpectingasurveillanceexperttocheckhiswork,Iimagine,”Tanksaid,tongue-in-

cheek.“Oh,Greg’sgoingtomendyoursquirrelandtruckhimupnorthtoreleasehim,”headded.He
smiled.“Thelittleguy’sgoingtobefine.”

“Thankgoodness.”Shesighed.
Tankliftedhisforefinger.“Nosavingsnakes.”
Sheputupbothhands,palmout,andgrinned.“It’swinter.Nosnakestosave.”
“Goodpoint.”
HefollowedRourkedownthestepsandintothetruck.Hewavedastheydroveoff.

“Savingsnakes?”Rourkequeried.
Tankchuckled.“That’sastoryandahalf.Letmetellyouaboutit.”Hedid,allthewayhome.

Rourkealmostfelloutofthetrucklaughing.

***

ERISSA

WORRIED

ABOUT

theconversationsheandhermother ’dhad—theoneaboutherfather.She

knewthecriminalsweren’tgoingtobeconcernedwithher,butitdisturbedherthatthey’dmentioned
herfather ’semployer,andhislocation.

“Youdon’tsurelythinkthey’dcallhimforsomereason?”Merissawonderedaloud,having

explainedherfearstohermother.

“Sweetheart,whywouldthey?”Claraaskedreasonably.“Theydon’thaveanyquarrelwithus.”
“Theywiredourhouse...”
“TogetinformationaboutDalton,”Clarasaidsadly.“I’msorryaboutthat,butitdoesn’tputuson

thefiringline.They’rejustdesperateforanytidbitsonhismovements.Itdoesn’tconcernus.”

“Isupposeyou’reright,”Merissareplied.
“OfcourseIam.Wanttowatchthenewswithme?”sheasked.
Merissashookherhead.“IthinkI’llworkforawhile.”
Shesmiled.“Goodidea.Takeyourmindoffthings.”
“JustwhatIwasthinking.”
Shewentintohersmallofficeandsatdownatthedesk.

***

ANK

WAS

WATCHING

thenewswhenthedoorbellrang.Hewasaloneatthehouse.Thewiveshad

returnedhome,andthentheyhadallflowntoDenverforacattleshow.Ithadbeenplannedfora
while,butitwasagoodthing,underthecircumstances.Tankhadworriedabouthavingfamily
membersintheway,incasetherogueagentmadeamove.

Christmaswasafewdaysinthefuture,buthedidn’tmindbeingbyhimself.Rourkewasaround,

andsowereplentyofcowboys.Itwasn’tasifhewasalone.Nowthatthesnowfallhadstopped,there
wasawindowthatallowedthemoutoftown.Atleast,temporarily.

Mavieopenedthedoortotwogentlemenwearingdarksuits.Onewasslenderandolive-skinned

withlongblackhairinaponytail.Theotherwasblondwithdarkeyes.Bothwereunsmiling.

Sheraisedhereyebrowsandlookedwary.“Wehaven’tseenanyflyingsaucers.”
Theyburstoutlaughingatthe“meninblack”assumption.Shegrinned.“CanIhelpyou?”
“We’reheretoseeDaltonKirk.Ishein?”thedark-hairedoneaskedpolitely.
“Yes.Comeinoutofthecold.”
Dalton,hearingvoices,cameintothehall.Hefrowned.Werethesemoreofthebogusfed’s

accomplices?

“I’mJonBlackhawk,SeniorFBIagentfromSanAntonio,Texas,”thedark-hairedonesaidpolitely.

“This—”heindicatedhiscompanion“—isGaronGrier,he’sSACatmyoffice.”Theybothproduced
credentialsforhisinspection.Hehandedthemback.

“SAC?”Daltonasked,frowning.
“SeniorAgentinCharge,”Garonreplied.Hesmiled.Itlookedasifhedidn’tdoitoften.“Weheard

aboutyourvisitor.We’dliketotalktoyou.We’refriendsofSheriffHayesCarson,fromJacobs
County.He’sinvolvedinacasewe’reworking.”

“Comeinandhaveaseat,”Daltonsaid,leadingthemtothelivingroom.Heturnedoffthe

television.“Mavie,canyoubringcoffee,please?”

“Certainly.It’llberightup,”shesaidpolitely.
Thetwomensatdownonthesofa,facingDaltoninhiseasychair.“We’vedonesomechecking,”

Blackhawksaid.“Iknowthisisanunpleasantmemoryforyoutorevisit,butweneedtospeaktoyou
aboutwhathappenedwhenyouworkedfortheBorderPatrolinArizona.”

Daltontookabreathandmanagedafaintsmile.“NotasubjectIrevisitoften,”heagreed.“ButIcan

tellyouwhatIremember.”

“Please,”Grieradded.
“Therewasaman.I’dforgottenuntilafriendofmine—”hedidn’tnameMerissaorthe

circumstancesunderwhichsheknewabouttheman“—broughtitup.TherewasaDEAagentwho
cametomeaboutapossibleincursioninmyterritory.Hesaidashipmentofnarcoticswasbeing
broughtacrossbymeninparamilitaryuniformsandheneededassistancetostopthem.”Hiseyes
narrowedwithmemory.“Hewasinanunmarkedcar.Iwasinmypatrolvehicle.Ifollowedhimtothe
site.Itwasdark,buttherewasafullmoon,soIcouldseethemovement.Igotoutofmyvehicleand
whenIsawtheperpetrators,IrealizedthatIneededbackup.ButwhenIwenttocallitin,hestopped
me.Hesaidthathehadotheragentsinplace,Ijustneededtogoinwithhimtosupportthem.”

“Hesaidtherewereotheragentsthere?”
“Yes.Ihadnoreasontodistrusthim.HehadproperID.Ialwayscheck,”headded.“Checked,that

is.Anyway,Ipulledmyserviceweaponandwewentinsightofthesuspects.Hecalledoutfirstthat
wewerefederalagents,forthemtostanddownandputtheirarmsontheground.”

Heblinked.“Therest...isstillabithazy.Iwasshot,butnotbythesuspects.Theshotseemedto

comefrombehindme.Ithitmylung.Iwentdown.IrememberlookingupatthisflashyHispanic
man.Hehadagold-platedautomaticaimedatmeandhewassmiling.Hesaidthatitwasstupidto
tanglewithacartelthesizeofhis,andthatIwouldn’thavethechancetodoitagain.Irememberitfelt
likebeinghitbyafist,severaltimes.Ilostconsciousnessandcametointhehospital.”

“Howdidyougetthere?”
Tankmanagedasmile.Hefeltasiftherewasbileinhisthroat.Thememorywasstillsickening.

“Ofallthings,Ihonestlybelieveitwasoneofthemuleswhocalledanambulance.Heslippedback
whentheothermenweredrivingaway.Theotherman,Ivaguelyremember,wascursingbecause
he’dcalledforhelp.Theyargued.Ipassedoutbeforetheyleft.ItalkedtodispatchwhenIgotoutof
thehospital.The911operatorsaidtheHispanicmanactuallyapologizedandsaidthatifhecould
havestoppedit,hewouldhave.Hesaidthatheandhisfamilywouldprayforme.”Heshookhishead.
“Theymusthave,becausethedoctorssaidthey’dneverseenamaninmyconditionlivetotellabout
it.”

Blackhawkwinced.“Iknowaboutgunshotwounds.Mybrotherworkedforus,andfortheCIA.

Overtheyears,hewasshotatleasttwice,andonewoundwaslife-threatening.Itwasroughonthe
familyaswellasonhim.”

“Mybrothersalmostwentcrazy,”Tankrecalledquietly.Hiseyesfell.“SodidI.Ididn’tdealwithit

well.”Heshruggedandmanagedasmile.“I’mstillnotdealingwithitallthatwell.”Heshookhis
head.“Iwasinthehospitalforweeks.”

Grier ’sdarkeyeswereicy.“Thesepeoplethinkoftheiradversariesasinsects.Theydon’tmind

killinganyone—women,children,it’sallthesametothem.Theonlythingtheycareaboutisthe
money.”

Tanklaughedshortly.“Inoticed.Theguyhadagold-platedautomatic,forGod’ssake!”

“DidSheriffHayestellyouhowheandhisnewwifeescapedthekidnappers?”Blackhawkasked

withasmileinhisblackeyes.

“Hedidtellmesomethingsaboutit,butnotallthedetails,”Tankreplied.
Thetwovisitorsexchangedglances.“Oneofthekidnappersownedthehousewheretheywerekept.

Hehadanouthousewith,getthis,agold-plated,jewel-encrustedtoiletpaperholder.Sheusedittocut
throughtheirbonds.”

Tanklaughed.“Idon’tbelieveit!”
“Neitherdidthey.”Griershookhishead.“IthoughtI’dheardeverything.Iusedtoworkwithour

HostageRescueTeam,”headded.“Idoknowabouthostage-taking.Inmanycases,thevictimsare
deadinthefirsttwenty-fourhours.Hayesandhiswifewereverylucky.”

“Whichbringsustoyou,andthepurposeofourvisit,”Blackhawkadded,leaningforward.“Hayes

Carsonarrestedamajorplayerinthecartel,whichwasfoundedbythelate,greatdruglordthey
calledElLadŕon.Theguywascarryinggold-platedhardware.Thingis,HayesCarsonwasinthe
companyofasupposedDEAagent.Whenpeoplestartedaskingquestionsabouttheman,andstarted
diggingintohisidentity,thingspopped.AbogussecretarygotajobwithCarson’sofficeand
managedtogetherhandsonthecomputer—sheerasedevidenceoftheman’spresenceatthearrest.
Whentheyhiredanoutsideconsultanttotrytorecovertheevidencefromtheharddrive,hewas
killed.”

“Thissoundsbig,”Tanksaidquietly.
“Itisbig,”Grieradded.“Obviouslysomebodydoesn’twanttheagentidentified.Wewanttoknow

why.”

“Especiallysinceitseemshe’sbeenfeedinginformationtothemajordrugcartelsforseveral

years,asarogueDEAagent,”Blackhawkagreed.

“Ifyoucanrememberanything,youneedtotellus,”Griersaid.“Wehavereasontobelievethere

maybeaconnectionbetweentherogueagentandapoliticianwho’srunningforoffice.”

Tankstaredatthem,frowning.He’dheardallthis,buthedidhaveaquestion.“Whatdoesthathave

todowiththecartels?”

“Oneofthemseemstobefeedingmoneytohiscampaign,hopingforbetteraccessacrossthe

borderwithhiselection,”Blackhawksaidsolemnly.“It’sanuglybusiness.Andwealsohavereason
tobelievethattherogueagenthasabackgroundinassassination.”

“Thisjustgetsbetterandbetter,”Tanksaid,shakinghishead.
“Whatcanyoutellus?”Grierasked.
“Foronething,yourroguefedposedasasurveillancefirminstallerandbuggedmydamned

house,”Tanksaid.

Grierlookedaroundworriedly.
“Noworries”cameagood-naturedvoicefromthedoorway.“Ifriedthem.Thechap’sgood,buthe

leavesalotofnastyfootprints!”

Blackhawkglaredathim.“Rourke.Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”
“Working,”Rourkesaidwithagrin.“Youboysarealongwayfromhome.”
“YouknowRourke?”Tankaskedthemen.
“Yes,”theysaidinunison,andnotinahappytone.
“Now,now.”Rourkechuckled.“Idon’tsteponyourtoes.Atleast,notmuch.”Hesobered.“This

chapisquitegood.He’sefficientandhehasalltheaspectsofachameleon.Ifhehasabackgroundin
assassination,CyParkshasamanworkingforhimwhomightknowsomethingabouthim.”

“Carson.”

“Thesheriff?”Tankasked.
Blackhawkshookhishead.“NotthesameCarson.ThisoneisLakota.”Hemadeaface.“Wehavea

mutualcousin.”

“He’sNativeAmerican?”Tankasked.
Griernodded.“Damnedgoodathisjob.Hewasemployedbythegovernmentatonepoint.Buthe

didn’tfitcomfortablyinaconventionalunit,sotheytransferredhimtospecops.Heworkedwithus
ononejob.”Heshookhishead.“Scaryfellow.”

“Badattitude,”Blackhawkagreed.“Mostsnipersmissoccasionally.Thisguy—never.”
“We’lltalktohimwhenwegetbackhome,”Blackhawksaid.HecockedhisheadatRourke.“I

thoughtyouwereboggeddowninthatjobinSouthAfrica.”

“Imadeenemies,”Rourkesaidshortly,andhedidn’tsmile.“Ihatedamnedpoliticians.They’re

armingeight-year-oldkidsandsendingthemoutwithautomaticweapons,toodopeduptocarewhat
theyshoot.”

“Runforpublicofficeandputastoptoit,”Griersuggested.
Rourkemadeasounddeepinhisthroat.“Notinthatcountry.AllIwantforChristmasistoseethe

rebelleaderhungbyhisentrails.”

“Bloodthirsty,”Blackhawkmuttered.
“Notifyousawwhathedidtoavillagenearthecapital,”Rourkereplied.
“HowdoyouknowKirkhere?”Grieraskedhim.
“IwasonspecialassignmentbackinthedaywhenTankwasservinginIraq.”
“Tank?”
Tankgrinned.“Ikilledone.TheystuckmewiththenicknameandI’vehaditeversince.Icameout

ofthearmyandlandedajobwiththeborderpatrol.”Helookedathistwovisitors.“Ineverwantto
wearabadgeagain.”

“Well,thejobdoeshaveafewdrawbacks,”Blackhawksaidmildly,andsmiled.Heglancedat

Grier.“Ourwivesforgetwhatwelooklikefromtimetotime.”

“Youmarried?”GrieraskedTank.
“Notyet.”Tanklaughed.“Haven’treallythoughtaboutitmuch.”Hewasthinkingaboutitnow,but

hewasn’tgoingtosharethoseverypersonalthoughtswithhisguests.

“Canyoudescribethemanwholedyouintotheambushwiththedrugcartel?”Grierasked.
“Yes.Hewasatallblondmanwithblackhair,short,hadaBritishaccentandaTexasdrawlandred

hairandspokewithaMassachusettsaccent,”herattledoff,tongue-in-cheek.

Theyblinked.
“Samesuit,differentface,haircolor,complexionandaccent,”Tanktoldthem.“Theguywhocame

outheretoinstallthesurveillancecameraswasthesameheight,buteverythingelsewasdifferent.
He’sachameleon.”

“I’mbeginningtorealizethat,”Blackhawkreplied.“Thedescriptionswe’regettingofhimarejust

thesame.Hisheightseemstobetheonlyconstant.”

“No,”Rourkeinterrupted,shovinghishandsintothepocketsofhiskhakislacks.“There’sanother.

He’samasterofdisguise.Eveninafieldofspies,thattalentwouldstandoutenoughtobe
conspicuous.That’syourkey.That’swheretostartlooking.AndCarsonwouldbeyourbestbetto
findatrail.”

“Nottomentionthepoliticianwho’slininguptogotobedwiththedrugcartels,”Tankadded.

“Mightnotbeabadideatoputatailonhim.”

Blackhawkpursedhislips.“Notbadatall.”

“Whichiswhywe’vealreadydoneit,”Griersaid.
“Wayaheadofme,”Tanksaid.“SeewhyI’mnotinlawenforcementanymore?”
“Whatbothersmeiswhyhe’safterhim,”Rourkesaid,indicatingTank.“Hecan’treallyidentifythe

man.Ifhecould,thewould-beassassinwouldhavenoproblemjustkillinghimoutright.”He
hesitated.“Andifhewashereonyourplace,whynotjustshootyoudowninyourownfrontyard?”

Tankstaredathim.“Therewerewitnesseswhenhewashere.Wehadseveralcowboysworkingin

andaroundthehouse,andourmengoarmedinwinter.Wolves,”heexplained.

“It’sillegaltoshootawolf,”Blackhawkremindedhim.
“Yes,itis,butifarabidonegoesformythroat,I’mshootinghimandthechargesbedamned,”

Tankrepliedfirmly.

Bothmenchuckled.
“HebuggedthephonesattheBakers’home,too,”RourkeremindedTank.
“TheBakers?”Grierasked.
“She’sa...friendofmine,”Tanksaid.
“Withratherspecialskills,”Rourkesaid.
Tankgavehimanirritatedglance.
“Whatsortofskills?”Blackhawkasked.
Tankhesitated.
“Tellthem,”Rourkesaidfirmly.
Tanksighed.“She’spsychic.Idon’tmeanlikethosepeopleontelevisionwhochargemoneytotell

youthingsyouwanttohear.She’stherealthing.Shecameoverhereinablizzardtowarnmethata
manwasgoingtotrytokillmebecauseofsomethingIdidn’tremember.Shedescribedtheshooting,
everydetail.Shedidn’tevenknowmewhenithappened,andshesureashellwasn’tthere,”headded
firmly.Heshrugged.“Spookedme,Icantellyou.Shetoldourforeman,DarbyHanes,totake
someonewithhimwhenhewenttocutatreethathadfallenonthefenceline.Hedidn’twantto,butI
madehim.”Hepaused.“Treefellonhimandhebecamestuck.Hewouldhavediedifhehadn’ttaken
anotherhandalong.”

Blackhawkjustnodded.“WehavepeopleinourcommunityinOklahomawiththatgift.Science

won’tbelieveitexists.Butitdoes,”headdedquietly.“I’veseenitwork.Shemighthavesavedyour
life.”

“Andputherselfonthefiringline,”Grierinterrupted.“Ifhe’safteryouandheknowsabouther

gift,shemaybeindanger,aswell.”

“I’mtakingcareofthat,”Rourketoldthem.“Nobody’shurtingher.Ipromiseyou.”
Grier ’seyeswerenarrowed.“Istilldon’tunderstandwhyhe’safteryou,”hesaidthoughtfully.

“Sure,youmightbeabletodescribehisheight,remembersomethingaboutthewayhelookedor
walkedorstood.Buthe’sparanoidaboutgettingridofanyonewithanysortofmemoryabouthim.
HehadacomputerexpertkilledinTexasfortryingtorecoveranimageoffaharddriveinSheriff
Carson’soffice.He’sgonetogreatexpensetryingtobugyourhouse.”Hefrowned.“Itdoesn’tmake
sense.”

“Whatdidyourfriendsayagain,aboutthereason?”BlackhawkpromptedTank.
“ShesaidhewasaftermebecauseofsomethingIdidn’tremember.”
Grierglancedathiscompanion.“Perhapsahypnotist.”
Blackhawknodded.“Iwasthinkingthesamething.”
Tankfrowned.“Excuseme?”
“We’vedoneitoutofdesperationatimeortwoinmurdercases.Sometimesyouseethingsbut

don’trememberthem.Likealicenseplatenumberoranidentifyingmark.Littlethingssolvebig
cases,”Blackhawksaid.

Griernodded.“Wouldyoubewillingtodoit,ifwecouldgetsomeoneuphere?”
“Certainly,”Tankagreed.“ButI’dalreadypromisedSheriffCarsonI’dflydowntheretotalkto

himinperson.”

“Wecouldsetitupathisoffice,”Grierreplied.“Infact,IknowahypnotistinSanAntoniowho’s

workedwithusbeforeoncases.”

“LetmewaituntilmybrothersgetbackfromthatconferenceinDenver,”Tankasked.“Ican’tleave

theranchwithnooneinchargehere.”Whathereallymeantwasthathecouldn’tleaveMerissa.The
stalkerhadbeeninherhouse.Godknewwhathemightdoifshewasalone,withoutTank’s
protection.MalloryandCanewouldmakesurenothinghappenedtoher,orClara,inhisabsence.

“Notaproblem,”Griersaid.“ThinkyoucanmakeitbeforeChristmas?”
“Yes.I’llmakemyarrangementsandgetintouchwithyouwhenI’mcoming,”Tanktoldthem.
“That’sadeal.”
Theyfinishedthecoffee,complimentedMavieonitsstrongperfection,shookhandswithTankand

left.

***

“I

SOMETHING

GOING

onthatIshouldn’tknowabout?”Maviewantedtoknow.

Tankshrugged.“Alot,probably,butwedon’tkeepsecretsfromyou,”headdedwithasmile.

“Theywantmetoseeahypnotist.TheythinkImightremembersomethingaboutthemanwhoshot
me.”

Mavieshivered.“Thatmightnotbeagoodthing,boss.Youremembertoomuchasitis.”
“Iwasthinkingthesamething.”Hesmiled.“I’mgoingtogetsomepaperworkgoingintheoffice.”
“I’llcleanupthekitchen,thenImaygowatchtelevisionbeforeit’stimetomakesupper.”
“Youandyoursoapoperas.”Herolledhiseyes.
“Gettinghardertofindonetowatch,they’recancellingsomanyofthem.”Shesighed.“Imissthe

olddaysandtheoldsoaps.”Sheshookherhead.“Thesenewonesareheavyonintimatestuffand
spareonrelationships.”

“Sortoflikethemovies.”Hestudiedher.“Youknow,Hollywoodproducersneverseemtonotice

whatkeepsdrawingpeoplebacktomovieslikeTheSoundofMusicandTheDaytheEarthStoodStill
andBen-Hur.It’sbecausetheywerepowerfulstoriesaboutpeople,andyoucouldtakeyourchildren
toseethem.Exceptforcartoonmovies,whatsortoffilmscanyoutakechildrentoseethesedays?”

“IlovedStarWars.”Maviesighed.
“Yes,welltherearerumorsthatthey’regoingtomakethenewonesmoreadult-friendly.”
Mavieglowered.“Icanseewherethat’sheaded,ifit’snotjustrumors.IguessStarWarswilljust

beforgrown-upsnow.”

Tanklaughed.“Theywillneverdothat.Imaginehavingtogiveuponallthatmerchandisingfor

kids.”

“Well,Ihopeyou’reright.”Shethrewupherhandsandwentbacktothekitchen,mutteringabout

theworldingeneralandmodernmoviesinparticular.

CHAPTERSIX

“Y

’

GOING

EXAS

!”Malloryexclaimedwhenhegothome.

Tanknodded.“Ineedtotalktothesheriffdownthereandcomparenotes.Maybewebothsaw

somethingthatwedon’trememberanddiscussingitwillpopitout.”

“It’sdangerous,”Canesaidquietly.“Foryoutogoalone.”
“I’mnottakingRourkewithme,”hetoldhisbrothers.“Incaseyouwondered.He’sneededhere,to

keepaneyeonyouandtheBakers.”

“But,Tank...”Mallorybegantoprotest.
“Nottoworry,”Rourkeinterruptedashecameintotheroom.“Sorry,didn’tmeantointrude,but

I’vegotitcovered.Hewon’tbegoingalone.”

“You’renotcomingwithme,”Tanksaidshortly.
“No.ButIhavesomeonewho’llbeattheairportwhenyougetthere.”
“Who?”Tankasked.
“Nobodyyouknow.Nobodyyou’llrecognize.Andnobodywillrecognizehim,either.Buthe’llbe

watching.Ifyougetintoanytroubleatall,you’llbesafe.”

“Thanks,Rourke,”Mallorysaid.“Iwasconcerned.”
“Yeah,me,too,”Canereplied.
“I’magrownman,”Tankprotested.
“Yes,butyou’reourbrother,too,”Mallorysaid,“andweworry.”
Hegrinnedatthem.“Niceofyou.”
“We’dmissthepianoplaying,”Canesaidwithatwinkleinhiseyes.“Evenifitisprettysad

comparedtoMallory’s.”

Mallorygrinned.“Truerwordswereneverspoken.”
Tankthrewanapkinathim.

***

BOOKED

flightonlineandthenhedroveovertoMerissa’shousetoseeher.

“I’mgoingtoTexas,”hesaidwhiletheydrankcoffeeinherkitchenatthelittlewhitetable.Clara,

discreetly,leftthemalone.

“ToseeSheriffCarson.”Shenodded.
Helaughedwryly.“Nothinggetsbyyou.”
“Notmuch,anyway.”Shesippedcoffee.
“Doyouseeanything?”heasked.
Shesearchedhiseyes.Thelookwaslongandintentandsheblushedandlaughed.“No.Imean,I

don’tseeanythingbad.”

Hereachedacrossthetableandtookherhandinhis.“Youknow,”hesaid,“Icouldreallyget

addictedtothatpinkblush.Itmakesmefeeldangerous.”

Shelaughed.“You’renotdangerous.Well,maybealittle.”
Hesmoothedhisthumboverhersoftpalm.Hisexpressionhardenedsomewhat.“Youalreadyknow

aboutthewayIwasshot.”

“Yes.”

Heturnedherhandoverandlookedatitinsteadofher.“Therearescars.Someofthemarepretty

bad.Ineverwearcutoffs,eveninsummer.Orgobare-chested.”

“Youthinkthescarswouldmattertome?”sheaskedsoftly.Shesmiled.“Sillyman.”
Hiseyesjumpeduptohers.“Areyousure?Orareyoujustguessing?”
ShestartedtospeakwhenClaracametothedoorcarryingherpurse.“Ihavetoruntothestore.I’m

outofwalnuts!”

Tankstaredather.
Shegrimaced.“Well,it’swinterandwefeedbirds.Wefeedlotsofbirds,”sheexplained.“There’s

thisgorgeouswoodpecker—”

“Yes,hedrillsonthewalloutsideeverymorninguntilweputwalnuthalvesonthefence.”
Tankblinked.“Walnuts?”
Claralaughed.“Webuywalnutsinbulk.Thewoodpeckerlovesthem.Therearetwopairsofthem.

Andofcoursewehavethelittlebirdsthatstayyear-round.”Shesighed.“ButI’moutofwalnutsand
he’soutsidemybedroomwindowrightnow.Can’tyouhearthat?”

Theylistened.Therewasalouddrummingsound,likewoodbeinghitwithanailoverandover

again.

“It’shim,”Claraexplained.“Hewon’tstopuntilhegetsfed,andI’venothingtofeedhim.SoIhave

toruntothemarket.”

“Becareful,”Merissasaid.
“I’malwayscareful.Iwon’tbetenminutes.”Shewavedandranoutthedoor.
“Don’trun,there’sice!”Merissacalledafterher.
“Okay!”Claracalledback.Therewasthesoundofacardooropeningandclosing,andthenan

enginethateventuallyfiredup.

Merissawincedasthecarmadeitoutoftheyard.“Ihadamechaniccheckitoutforme,”shesaid

heavily.“Itstartsonlywhenitwantsto.”

“I’llhavemymechaniccomeoverandseeaboutit.”
“Oh,no,please.You’vedonesomuchforusalready...!”
Hesmoothedoverherhand.“Ihavetotakecareofmybestgirl,”hesaidsoftly.Hetuggedonher

hand.“Comehere,”hesaidsoftly.

Thatdeepnoteinhisvoicemeltedher.Shegotupfromherchairandlethimpullhergentlydown

ontohislap.

“Youneedtoseewhatyou’regettinginto,”hesaidquietly.Heunbuttonedhisshirtandpulledit

awayfromhismuscular,hair-coveredchest.

Shewassofascinatedwiththisviewofhimthatshedidn’tnoticethescars.
Thatraptstaremadehimlaugh.He’dbeenuneasyaboutshowingherwhatthebulletshaddone,but

shedidn’tseemtofindhimunpleasant.Infact,herstarewasflattering.

Hedrewherhandtothemusclesunderthethick,softhair.“Here.”Hedrewherfingersoverthe

thickscarswherethebulletshadgonein.Twohadhithiminthelungandcollapsedit.Anotherhad
passedunderhisribcage.Twohadhithislegs,inthethighs,andithadtakenseveralsurgeriesto
removesplinteredboneandrepairmuscle.

“I’venevertouchedamanlikethis,”shefaltered.
Hesmiled.“Ilikethat.”
“Youdo?Really?”sheaskedsoftly.“Iwasafraid...Well,youknow,somemodernmenthinkit’s

reallystupidthatwomendon’tpassthemselvesaroundlikedrinksatabar.”

“I’mnotoneofthem.I’mprettyold-fashionedmyself.”

Shetracedaroundoneofthescarsandwinced.“Thismusthavebeenhorriblypainful,Dalton,”she

said.

Helikedthewayhisgivennamesoundedonherlips.Shewassoftandwarmandsweet.Helooked

athermouthandachedtocatchitunderhis.Thewayshewastouchinghimwasveryarousing.

Hebentandtookherlipssoftlyunderhis.“Youtastelikeblackcoffee,”hewhispered,chuckling.
Shesmiledunderhislips.“Sodoyou.”
Hedrewherheaddownagainsthisshoulderandlookedlonganddeepintohereyesuntilshe

flushedattheintensity.Hedidn’tsmile.Neitherdidshe.

Helookedathermouth,prettyandslightlyredfromthepressureofhislips.“It’sbeenalongtime

sinceIfeltsomuchhungerforawoman’stouch,”hewhispered.“Averylongtime.”

Hismouthpresseddownonhers,gentlypartingherlips,movingunderthemwithaslow,steady

pressurethatgrewharderandhungrierbythesecond.

Heliftedhercloser,feelinghersofthandtanglinginthethickhaironhischestwhilethekiss

becamesopassionatethatshemoaned.

HishandfoundthehemofherT-shirtandmovedunderit,uptothefrillylittlebrathatcoveredher.

Heunfasteneditandfoundthefirm,hard-tippedfleshwithhisfingers.

Shegasped,butshedidn’tprotest.
“Trustme,”hewhisperedathermouth.“Butnot...toofar.”
Hepulledupthehemandbeforesherealizedwhathemeanttodo,hismouthopenedonherbreast,

takingallofitinside,workingthenipplehardwithhistonguewhilehesuckledher.

Shecriedout,asoundthatpenetratedhisspinningbrainasiffromadistance.Shetastedlikethe

sweetestsugaronearth.Hisfreehandwentdownherback,intothewaistbandofherjeansand
around,overthesoftfleshonherhip,aroundtothefront,toherbelly.

“Dal...ton?”shewhimpered.
“DearGod,”hegroaned.
Hestoodup,carryingherdownthehalltoherbedroom.Hekickedthedoorshutbehindhim.
“Mamawillbehome...soon,”shechokedoutinavoicethatshealmostdidn’trecognize.
“I’llhearher,”helied.
Heslidherdownonthebedandstrippedhertothewaist,throwingoffhisownshirtatthesame

time.

Hesmoothedhisbodydownoverhers,shiftingherlegssothathecouldsinkdownbetweenthem,

whilehishair-roughenedchestburiedhersoftbreastsunderit.

Hishandwentunderherhips,liftingherintothesuddenhardthrustofhisbody.“Beautiful,”he

whispered,lookingatherbreastsashemovedroughlyagainstherhips.“Sobeautiful!”

Hewascausingsensationswithinherthatshe’dneverknown.Thepleasurewasshocking.Itlifted

herbodyinanarchasshestruggledtogetevencloser.Shehadn’tthewilltoprotestwhathewas
doingtoher.Shelovedtheweightofhim,thefeelofhimsointimatelyclose.

“Itfeels...sosweet,”shegaspedashefedonherbreasts.
“Imaginehowitwouldfeelinsideyou,”hewhisperedathermouth.“Hard,anddeep...”
Shecriedout.Hesmotheredthesoundunderhisdevouringlipswhilehishipsmovedinsistentlyon

hers.Shecouldfeelhimgrowingevenmorepotentbythesecond.

“Merissa,”hegroaned.“It’sbeensolong...!”
Heunzippedherjeans.Hewaspullingthemdownwhenthesoundofacarpullingupoutfrontwith

itsroaringengineshockedthemintostillness.

“No,”hegroanedagain,shivering.

Sheheldhimtightly,kissinghisneck.“It’sallright,”shewhispered.“It’sallright.”
“That’swhat...youthink.”
Hemanagedtorolloffthebedandwentintoherbathroom.
Shegotdressedquickly,openedthedoorandwentintothekitchen.Shepeeredintothewindow,

seeingherdisheveledreflection.Well,itmightlookasifthey’dbeenkissing,buthermother
wouldn’tsuspectanythingmore.Shehoped.Shedabbedwateronherfaceandwipeditwithapaper
towel.

Thefrontdooropened.
“I’mback,”Claracalled.
“I’minhere,”Merissacalled.Shesmiledathermother.“Dalton’sinthebathroom,”shewhispered.
“Ah.”Claraputthewalnutsonthecounter.“Thecar ’smakingfunnynoises,”shesaidsadly.“I

don’tknowwhattodo.”

“Ido,”Daltonsaidfromthedoorway.Hedidn’tlookdisheveledatall.Hishairwascombedandhe

wassmiling.“I’msendingoneofmymechanicsovertomorrowtohavealookatit.Butthistime,
he’llcomewithDarbyHanes.Soifanybodyelseshowsupandclaimstobesentbyus,youcallthe
ranchhousefirst.Okay?”

“Okay.Dalton,youreallyshouldn’t,”Clarabeganworriedly.“Imean,you’vedonesomuch

already...”

“Wetakecareoffamily,”hetoldher.AndhelookedatMerissainawaythatmadehercheeksgo

red.

Clarastartedtospeakbutdidn’t.
Daltonjustchuckled.“I’mgoingtobeapest,”hetoldher.“Sorry.Butyourdaughterislikeflowers

toabee.Can’tstayaway,”hesaid,andhisvoicedroppedanoctaveashelookedather.

“Idon’tmind,”Merissasaid,herownvoicefullofsoftmeaning.
Daltonwinkedather.Hecheckedhiswatch.“Ihavetogo,”hesaid.“Ineedtopacktogetreadyfor

theTexastrip.”

“You’regoingtoTexas?”Claraasked.
“Yes.I’mgoingtotalktoSheriffCarsonandacoupleoffedsaboutmyrun-inwiththedrug

cartel.”

“Notalone?”Claracontinued,concerned.
Tankchuckledagain.“Rourke’sgotabuddywho’sgoingtocovermeliketarpaper,”hetoldher.

“I’llbefine.”

“Inthatcase,Iwon’tworry.”Shesmiled.“Haveasafetrip.”Sheliftedherheadandgroaned.“He’s

stillatit!”

TheyheardthetappingonthewoodoutsideClara’sbedroomwindow.
“Thewoodpecker.”Claralaughed.“I’dbettergofeedhimbeforehebreaksintothehouse.”
Shetookapackageofwalnuthalves,openeditandwalkedtowardthebackofthehouse.
Whentheyheardthebackdoorslam,TankpulledMerissacloseandkissedherwithanew

tenderness.Hedrewback,smoothinghisbighandoverherblondhair.

“We’regoingtobeverygoodtogether,”hewhispered.
Sheflushed.“Listen,I’mvery...ImeanI...Ican’t...”
Hehuggedhertight.“Iwon’taskyouto.That’sapromise.Ihavesomethingmorepermanentin

mind.”

“Permanent?”sheaskedathischest.
Hesmiledanddrewback.“We’lltalkaboutitwhenIgetbackfromTexas.Okay?”

Shebrightened.“Okay.”
Helaughedandshookhishead.“IwishIcouldtakeyouwithme.Listen,youwatchwhereyougo.

Beawareofyoursurroundings.Rourkewillbewatching,buthecan’tbeeverywhere.”Hiseyes
pinnedher.“Iwantyousafe.”

“Iwillbe,”shepromisedhim.“Youbecareful,too,”sheadded.Shebitherlowerlip.“Airplanes

arescary.”

“I’vebeenridingaroundinairplaneshalfmylife.”Helaughed.“It’ssaferthandriving.Really.”
“Okay.Haveagoodtrip.”
“Iwill.”
Hekissedheragain,hungrily,lethergoandwentoutwithoutlookingback.
Merissawasstillstaringafterhimwhenhermothercamebackintothekitchen.
Sheputacomfortingarmaroundherdaughter.“He’stheone.”
“Yes,”Merissasaid,huggingherback.“He’stheone.”

***

ANK

WAS

DISCONCERTED

byhispowerfulreactiontoMerissa,and,especially,herstohim.Shereally

washungryforhim;thatwasevident.Heshouldprobablytakeastepbackbeforerushinginheadfirst,
butcautionwasthelastthingonhismind.

ThenherememberedVanessa.She’dcometoworkforthebrothers,babiedthem,pettedthem.Tank

hadgoneoverboardforher.Andthentheyfoundoutthatshewasathief,awomanwithno
particularlyfinefeelingsatall.He’dtrustedherandhe’dbeen,likehisbrothers,betrayedbyher.

ButMerissawasdifferent.Peoplelocallyknewher.Shemighthaveastrangereputation,people

mighteventhinkshehadsupernaturalleanings,butshewasrespected.Shewasn’tthesortofperson
who’dbetrayhim.Ofcourseshewasn’t.

Hehadtostopthinkingthatway.He’dlearnedthehardwaythatwomencouldn’tbetrusted.Before

Vanessa,therehadbeenanotherheartbreak.Hewasasuckerforasweetsmile;thatwastheproblem.
Butthistimewasdifferent.Verydifferent.

“Youlookpensive,”Mallorysaidwhenhecameinthedoor.
Tankmadeaface.“I’mgettinginovermyhead,”hesaid.
Mallorysmiled.“Happenstoallofus.Andthenyougetababyandyougoallcrazyandbuy

closetsfullofbabyclothesandfurnitureandbigplastictoys...!”

“Oh,stopit,I’mnotevenmarriedyet.”Tankchuckled.
“Shethinksyou’rehot,”Caneremarkedasheenteredtheroom.“MaviesaysMerissalooksatyou

likeshecouldeatyouwithaspoon.”

Tankactuallyflushed.“Shedid?Shedoes?”
Theylaughed.
“It’snicetoseeyouwithsomebodyweapproveof,”Mallorycommented.
“Peoplecallherawitch,”Tankremindedhim.
“She’suniquelytalented,”hereplied.“Therearesomeunusualpeopleintheworld.Wegotlucky

andfoundoneinourneighbor.Well,twoofthem,Merissaandhermother,”Malloryadded.“You
know,”hesaidthoughtfully,“wemighthavelostDarbyifMerissahadn’thadthatpremonition.”

Tanknodded.“Thatwasprettyshocking.Untilthen,Ineverreallybelievedinanyofthatpsychic

stuff.”

“NeitherdidI,honestly,”Mallorysaid.“Butsheknewaboutyourattacker,too.Youmightbedead

aswellifshehadn’tinterfered.”Heshookhishead.“She’squiteawoman.”

“Notbad-looking,either,”Caneadded,laughing.HeheldupbothhandswhenTankglaredathim.

“Hey,I’mhappilymarriedandabouttobecomeafather.”

Tanklaughed.“Sorry.”
TherehadbeenabitofarivalrybetweenCaneandTankoverBolinda,Cane’swife,beforethey

weremarried.Ithadbeenarockyrelationship,andatonetimeTankhadevenflirtedwithher.But
onceheknewhowCanefelt,hebackedoff.

“Ilikeher,”Caneadded,smilinggently.
“Whenyougetback,Moriewantstohaveheroverfordinneronenight,afterChristmas,”Mallory

said.“Itwouldbeniceforthewivestomeether.”

“Iagree,”Tanksaid.Hesighed.“Well,I’dbettergetpacked.Ihateleaving.AndMerissawas

nervousaboutmyflying.Iusuallyenjoyit,butnowitmakesmeconcerned.”

“Drivingtakeslonger,”Canepointedout.
“Soitdoes.”
“Hejustdoesn’tlikebeingoutofcontrol,”CanetoldMallory.“He’dflytheplaneifthey’dlet

him.”

“Icandriveatank,”Tankprotested.“IfIcandothat,I’dbeabletopilotaplane.I’djustneedafew

lessons.”Hegrinned.

Theyshooktheirheadsandwalkedoff.

***

WONDERED

WHO

Rourkehadwatchinghimattheairport.Hewaitedontheconcoursegatetoboard.

Themanwouldprobablybeontheplanewithhim.Butmostofthepassengersseemedtobefamilies.
Therewereacoupleofbusinessmeninfancysuits.Oneofthemwascarryingalaptopinacase.

HedrewTank’seyes.Thatmanwastall,streamlinedbutmuscular.Hewalkedwithapeculiargait.

Funny,tonoticethewayamanmoved,butTankhadworkedwithaspecialforcesgroupinIraqthat
wasassignedtoamissionnearhisunit’scommandpost.He’dseenthatwalkbefore.Itwascommon
amongmenwhohuntedmen.Itwashardtoputintowords,butherecognizeditwhenhesawit.

Themancarriedhimselfperfectlyerect,noslumpingthere.Hehadjet-blackhairthatheworeina

ponytaildownhisback.Itwasasblackasaraven’swing.Hewasn’tbad-looking.Womenseemedto
findhiminteresting.Hesmiledatone,asophisticatedwomanbythelookofher,andsheseemed
absolutelymesmerizedbyhim.

HenoticedTank’scovertscrutinyandglancedathimfromblackeyesunderheavydarkeyebrows.

Hehadaleanface,deep-seteyesandachiseledmouth.Helookeddangerous.Odd,forabusinessman.

Tankliftedhiseyebrows,refusingtobeintimidated.Themanpursedhislipsandactuallygrinned

beforeheturnedhisattentionbacktothewomanwhowasapproachinghimwithabigsmile.

Eveninhisbestbachelordays,Tankhadneverbeenabletoattractwomenlikethat.Well,some

menjusthadthegift.

HethoughtaboutMerissaandsmiledtohimself.Hewasn’tgoingtobeinterestedinattracting

womenagain,hedecided.Hehadhisown.Hisown.Thatmadehimfeelwarminside,safe,protected.
Ithadhappenedsosuddenlythathehadn’thadtimetothinkabouttheimpactitwasgoingtomakeon
hislife.

Merissawasinnocent,apersonoffaithwithhighideals.Shewasn’tawomanforcasual

relationships.Buthelikedthat.Hewasn’tarounder.Hewasfeelinghisage,althoughhewasonly

thirty-two.HewasgrowingusedtotheideaofhavingMerissaaround.Maybeachild.Alittleboy
who’dlooklikehim,oralittlegirlwho’dlooklikeher.Herecalledtheveryhotandheavyintimacy
they’dsharedonherbed,andhowhe’dalmostdiedfromtheagonyofhavingtowalkawayfromher.
Yes,theyweregoingtobeexplosivetogetherinbed.Andhelikedher.Thatwasanimportantpartof
marriage.

Marriage!There.He’dactuallysaidthewordinhismind,thewordhe’davoidedforyears.Butit

didn’tseemtoholdthequietterroritoncehad.SettlingdownseemedasnaturalaskissingMerissa’s
softmouth.Heactuallylookedforwardtoit.

HewishedhecouldhavetakenhertoTexaswithhim.Butshehadherwork,andshe’dtoldhimshe

wasbehind.Therewouldbeplentyoftimefortripslateron.

Theywereboardingbusinessclassnow.Hewentontothegangway,smilingattheflightattendant

whowaswaitingdowntherampatthedooroftheplane.Shecheckedhisticketandindicatedhisseat
assignment.

Hehadn’tplannedtogobusinessclass,buthisbrothershadinsisted.Hedidn’tflyanywhere

enoughtomakeitexorbitantthisonce.Inthespringhe’dbeonplanesalot,goingtoseminars,
visitingotherranches,visitingcongressmentolobbyforbetterlawsforthecattleindustry.He’dbe
workingonbrochuresfortheirownspringsalesandplanningthebigtwice-a-yearcattlesaleonthe
ranch.Hewasgoingtobebusy.Sothistripwouldbesomethinglikeaworkingvacationforhim.
He’dtalktothesheriff,buthealsohadplanstovisitaranchinJacobsvilletocheckoutsomeSanta
Gertrudiscattletoaddtothebrothers’breedingstock.Theyhadaverysmallseedherdofthenative
Texasstrain.Hewantedtopursueit.Agoodbullwouldn’tbeabadideaatall.Newbloodeverytwo
yearskepttheirbreedingherdsviable.

Ashetookhisseat,henotedthattheponytailedbusinessmantookaseatacrossfromhim.The

flightattendantmadeabeelineforhimandofferedhimanythinghewanted.Shewasalsogrinning
fromeartoear,likethewomanwho’dflirtedwithhimintheairport.

Tankjustshookhishead.Themanhadarealgift.

***

WASN

’

longflight.Atleast,itdidn’tseemlongtoDalton.Hereadacoupleofmagazinearticles,

dozedforanhourorsoandlistenedtotheflightattendanttellingthebusinessmanacrossfromDalton
aboutherwholelife.Hesmiledtohimself.Theguyreallyhadsomething.Theflightattendantwas
verypretty.

Whentheylanded,Daltonheftedhiscarry-onfromtheoverheadcompartmentandgotinlineto

baby-stepoutthedoor.Nomatterhoworganizedthecrewwas,itwasstillafree-for-alltryingtoget
offaplane.

Asheapproachedtheexit,henotedtheflightattendantslippingapieceofpapertothebusinessman.

Hechuckledtohimself.

***

DRIVER

WAS

waitingforhimattheentrancetotheconcourse,holdingupasignwith“DaltonKirk”

onit.

Heraisedaneyebrow.Hisbrothers,nodoubt.Hewonderedwhytheythoughtheneededalimoto

gettohishotel.SanAntoniowasn’tthatlargeacity,butapparentlyitwaslargeenoughtohousea
limousineserviceortwo.

Butashestartedtowardthemanholdingupthesign,thebusinessmansuddenlybumpedagainst

him.

“Sorry,”hesaidloudly.Butunderhisbreath,hesaid,“Don’tgoneartheguywiththesign,it’sa

trap.”

“Myfault,”Tankreplied.
Hekeptwalking,notevenlookingtowardthemanwiththesign.Oncetheywereoutsidethe

airport,thebusinessmandrewhimtooneside.

“Rourkesentme,”hetoldTank.Hisfacewasverysomber.“Hedidn’tsayanythingaboutadriver

waitingforyouhere.”

“Ithoughtmybrothersdiditforasurprise,”Tankreplied,lookingaround.
“Ifthey’ddonethat,I’dknowaboutit,”theothermanreplied.“Ileftmycarinovernightparking.

I’lldriveyoudowntoJacobsville.Bossisexpectingyou.You’regoingtostaywithhim.”

“Boss?”
“CyParks,”themanreplied.“Heownsoneofthebiggest...”
“...SantaGertrudiscattleranchesinsouthTexas,”Tankfinishedforhim.“Infact,hewasonmylist

ofpeopletosee.Iwanttotalktohimaboutanewbull.”Hehesitated.“ButIpromisedtocheckinwith
thelocalFBIoffice...”

“Later,”themanreplied,lookingaroundthemwithnarrowedeyes.“Iftheysentsomeonetothe

plane,they’llbewatching.Let’sgo.”

Forthefirsttime,Tanknoticedabulgeundertheman’sjacket.
“Youpacking?”heaskedastheymovedquicklytowardtheparkinglots.
“Yes.”Hedidn’tsayanythingelse.

***

ACOBSVILLE

WAS

JUST

afewminutesdrivedowntheroad,throughsomebeautifulcountry.“Itmustbe

reallyprettyhereinthespring,”Tankremarkedashelookedacrosstheflathorizonwithsmall
grovesoftreesandthe“grasshoppers,”oroilpumpers,dottingthelandscape.

“Onelandscape’sprettymuchlikeanother,”hiscompanionreplied.HeglancedatTank.“You

shouldhavequestionedwhoIwas,youknow,”hesaid.“Ifthatrogueagentisonthejob,he’llknow
Rourkeisworkingforyouandthathesaidhe’dhavesomebodyattheairport.”

Tankwasverystill.Hiseyesnarrowedashelookedhardatthemandrivingthecar.
Therewasapatientsigh.“Iamtherealdeal,”hereplied.“I’mjustsayingthatyoushouldn’thave

assumedIwas.”

Tankchuckled.“Okay.Pointtaken.”
Heturnedoffthemainroaddownalongranchroadbetweentwowhite-fencedpastureswithtwo

levelsofelectrifiedwireinbetween.Thereweresleek,red-coatedcattleeatingatseveralpoints
wherehayhadbeenprovided.

“Nicecattle,”Tankremarked.
“Bossonlystocksthebest”wasthereply.“Wehadtoputoutsurveillancecamerashereaswell

becausesomebodywalkedoffwithoneofhisprizebullsinthemiddleofthenight.”

“Didtheycatchtheperp?”
ThetallmanpursedhislipsandglancedatTank.“Icaughthim.”
“Withthebull?”
“Fortunately.RustlingstillcarriesaheavypenaltyhereinTexas,andwehadproof.He’llbe

servingtimefortheindefinitefuture.”

“You’reatracker,”Tankmurmuredwithnarrowedeyes,andnoddedwhentheothermanglancedat

himwithsurprisebrieflyvisible.“IservedinIraq,”heexplained.“Therewasaspecopsteam
assignedtomyunit.Funny,thethingsyourememberinacombatzone,butIrememberhowoneof
thoseguyswalked.It’sagaityoudon’tseeinmanypeople.”

“CashGrier,thelocalpolicechief,hasit,aswell,”themanagreed.
“Grier.”Hefrowned.“Wasn’theagovernmentassassin?”
“Yes,hewas,”themanreplied.HisblackeyeswerefullofsecretsastheymetTank’s.
Tankcockedhishead.“AmIseeingasimilarityaboutwhichIshouldn’tspeak?”heasked.
“Absolutely.”
Hepulledupatthestepsoftheranchhouse.Itwassprawlingandhadpavedflagstonesleadingto

thefrontporch.Thereweremesquitetreesaroundthecompound,ahugebarnoutback,fenced
pastureandagarage.Therewerestablesoutnearthebarn.

Thetallmangotoutofthecar.Tankfollowedhimtothefrontporch,whereamanwithsilvering

blackhairandgreeneyeswaswaiting.

“CyParks,”heintroducedhimself,holdingoutahand.
“TankKirk.”Theyshookhands.
“Tank?”Parksasked,amused.
Tankshrugged.“IkilledoneinIraq.Thenamestuck.”
“Comeonin.Lisamadeacakeandcoffee.Wecantalkbeforethekidsgetbackfromafriend’s

Christmasparty,”headdedwithmuffledlaughter.“Oncethey’rehome,itgetshardertohavea
conversation.”

“I’vegotanewnephewbackhome.”Tanklaughed.“We’reuptotheeavesinbigplasticbabytoys.”
“We’vemovedontothenextlevelofthose,”Parkssaid,indicatingscatteredgamesandspinning

toysandlittlepedalcars.“Goodthingit’sabighouse.”

“You’retellingme!”LisaParkslaughed.Shecameouttogreetthem.Shehadgreeneyes,likeher

husband,butblondhairandsheworeglasses.Shewasaprettywoman,stillslenderaftertwochildren.
“Comeinandhavecoffeeandcake.”Sheglancedatthetallman.“Iknow.Youhatecake,youdon’t
drinkcoffee...you’dratherbedraggedbehindamulethansitaroundtalkingtopeopleallday.”

Themangaveheranenigmaticlook.
“Howaboutcheckingoutthattruckwenoticedearlier?”Parksaskedtheman.“Takeoneofthe

boyswithyou.Justincase.”

Themangloweredathim.“Iinventedstealth.”
“Iknowthat.Humorme.”
Theothermansighed.“You’retheboss.”
“Oh,andGriercalled,”Parksaddeddarkly.“Itseemsyou’veupsethissecretary.Again.”
“Notmyfault,”themansaidwiththefirststrongemotionhe’dshownsinceTankhadmethim.His

eyesflashed.“Shestartsitandthenrunstoherbosstotattlewhenshecan’ttaketheheat.”

“Thisisnotmyproblem,”Parksreplied.“TakeitupwithGrier.”
“Tellhim—”heindicatedTank“—nottobesotrusting.HeneverevenaskedmeforID.”
“Whatgoodwouldthatdo?”Parksmuttered.“Younevercarryany.Whichremindsme,Ialsohada

callfromasheriff’sdeputywhostoppedyouforspeedingyesterday...”

“Tellyouaboutitlater,”thetallmansaid.“I’llcheckonthetruck.”HeheldupahandwhenParks

startedtospeak.“I’lltakeoneoftheboyswithme,”hesaidwithirritation.

Hewalkedoutoftheroom.

“Sorryaboutthat,”Parkssaidwhenhe’dgone.Heshookhishead.“He’sheadoftheclasswhenit

comestoriskyoperations,buthe’sapaineveryotherway.”

“Whoishe?”Tankasked.
“Carson.”
“Isherelatedtoyoursheriff,HayesCarson?”Tankpressed.
“Well,see,wedon’tknowifCarsonishisfirstnameorhislastname,”Parksreplied.“Infact,if

youhackintogovernmentmainframes,youdiscoverthathedoesn’tevenexist.”

Tankblinked.
“It’salongstory.Rightnow,let’sjusteatcake.Mywife—”hesmiledather“—makesthebest

poundcakeinsouthTexas.”

“Flatterer,”sheteasedassheputthecakeonthetableandpassedoutplatesandforksandaknife.

“Well,don’tstandonceremony,digin.I’lljustgetthecoffee!”

CHAPTERSEVEN

ANK

LIKED

Parksandhiswife.Theyweresurprisinglydown-to-earthpeople,despiteParks’s

unconventionalbackground.He,alongwithlocaldoctorMicahSteeleandcounterterrorismteacher
EbScott,hadformedasmallunitofmercenarieswhowentallovertheworldaspartoftheirjobs.
Theyweretaught,inturn,byagroupoflegendaryfighters,nowretired,whomtheystillkeptintouch
with.

EbScott’sschooldrewpupilsfromallovertheearth.Hetaughtallsortsofsubjects,including

small-armsinstruction,defensivedriving,hostagerescueanddemolition.Therewererumors,
unsubstantiatedofcourse,thattheoccasionalgovernmentagentbenefitedfromScott’sinstruction.

“Isthereanythingyouguyshaven’tdone?”TankaskedParkswhentheywerestrollingthroughthe

barntolookatsomeofhisprizeyearlings.

Parksshrugged.“Wenevertookoveracountry.”Hechuckled.“Butoneofourlocals,Grange,did.

HeusedtoworkforJasonPendleton,buthe’sgothisownplacenow.Hisfather-in-lawmanagesitfor
himwhilehe’soccupyingtheMilitaryChiefofStaffpositioninBarrera,overinSouthAmerica.”

“IunderstandthepresidentofBarrerahasfamilylocally,too,”Tankremarked.
Henodded.“HissonisRickMarquez.Rick’salieutenantofdetectiveswithSanAntonioP.D.now,

andhismotherstillrunsBarbara’sCaféintown.Goodfood.Almostasgoodaswhatmywifecooks.”

Tanknodded.“Thatwasgoodcake.”
“She’sawonder.”Heglancedathiscompanion.“Youmarried?”
Tankshookhishead.Hesmiledsecretly.“ButIhaveprospects.”
Parkschuckled.“Goodforyou.”
“Iappreciatethehospitality,”Tankadded.“Itravelalotfortheranch.Yougetsickofhotels,no

matterhowgoodtheyare.”

“Tellmeaboutit.”
Tanksighed.“Ijusthopeyoursheriffhassomeideasabouthowwecantrackdownthisguybefore

heoffsoneofus,”hesaidquietly.

Cynodded.“You’reworriedaboutyourfamily.”
Tankagreed.“Andnotjustmyfamily—mygirl,”headdedsoftly,referringtoMerissa.“She’sthe

onewhowarnedme.Thisrogueagentbuggedherphones,aswellastheranch.Rourke’sgothiseye
onallofthem,butit’sstillunsettling.”

Cyclappedhimontheshoulder.“Iknowhowitfeels,believeme.Butwe’vegotplentyofpeople

tryingtoferretouthisidentity.Hecan’thideforever.”

“Ihopeyou’reright,”Tanksaid.

***

ANK

ENJOYED

’

twolittleboys.Theyweresmallerversionsoftheirfather,bothwithdarkhair

andgreeneyes.TheywantedtoknowallaboutTank’sranchandwhatsortofcattleheran.Hegota
kickoutoflisteningtothemholdforthonthesubjectofgenetics.Obviouslytheywerealready
headedinthedirectionofbecomingrancherswhentheygrewup.

TankcalledMerissaearlythenextmorning.
“Anythinggoingonthatshouldworryme?”heaskedhergently.

Shelaughedbreathlessly.Shehadn’texpectedhimtocall,andshewasallaflutteratthesoundof

hisvoice.“Notmuch,”shesaid.“Yourmancameandfixedthecarforus.Thankyousomuch.”

“You’rewelcome.You’resurehewasourman?”headdedworriedly.
“Oh,yes.Rourkecamewithhim,”sheadded.“He’saveryinterestingperson.”
Tankgroundhisteethtogether.“He’smyfriend,buthe’samerc,”hebegan.
“Youaren’t...jealous?”sheaskedshyly.
“Jealous?”heburstout.“OfcourseI’mjealous!You’remygirl!”
Therewasasoftgasp.Hecouldalmosthearherheartbeating.“Oh,thatsounds...verynice.”
Hegrinnedfromeartoear.“Doesit?”
“IlikeRourkealot.Butnotinthatway,”shesaidprimly.
Hechuckled.“Thatsoundsverynice,too,”herepeatedherwords.
Shelaughed.
“Ilovetohearthewayyoulaugh,”hesaidsoftly.“Imissyou.”
Therewasanindrawnbreath.“Imissyou,too.Youaren’tgoingtobetherealongtime,areyou?”
“No,justtoday.I’mgoingtotalktothesherifflater...”Hepausedasacarpulledupoutfront.He

peeredthroughthecurtains.Itwasasquadcar.Hegrinned.“Speakofthedevil.”Helaughed.“It’sthe
sheriff.Ihavetogo.Youtakecareofyourself.I’llseeyousoon.”

“Yes.Youdothesame.Bye.”
“Bye.”
Hehungupandwentoutside.CyParksjoinedhimontheporch.
AtallblondmaninauniformgotoutoftheJacobsCountySheriff’sDepartmentvehicleandcame

towardthem.

“TankDalton?”themanaskedwithasmileashestudiedCy’scompanion.
Tankgrinned.“SheriffCarson?”
“Hayes.”Heshookhands.“Ifit’snottooearlyforyou,IthoughtI’daskifyoucouldcomeoverto

myofficeforachat.”

“Goahead,”Cytoldhim.“Ifyouneedarideback,I’llsendoneoftheboys.”
“Noneed.”Hayesgrinned.“I’llbringhimback.”
“Thanks.”
“Noproblem.”

***

ANK

CLIMBED

INTO

thepatrolcarwithHayesandtheydrovetothesheriff’soffice.

“How’syourarm?”Tankaskedhim.
Hayesgrimaced.“Stillpainful.I’mdoingphysicaltherapyandhopingI’llregainatleastpartialuse

ofit,butthingsareunsettledrightnow.”Heshookhishead.“I’vebeenshotbefore,butIneverhad
consequenceslikethese.”

“Iknowwhatyoumean,”Tankrepliedquietly.“Ihadinjuriesthatrequiredmultiplesurgeries.It

wasafewmonthsago,butIstillgetjumpyifthere’sacarbackfire.”

“Lawenforcementisnotajobfortheweakofheart.”
“Itotallyagree,”Tanksaid.“That’swhyImarketcattlenow.”
Hayeslaughed.Heledthewayinsidethebuildingtohisoffice,andofferedTankaseat.“Ilikemy

coffeestrong.”

“Me,too.”

“Goodthing,that’stheonlywayyou’llgetitaroundhere.”Heproducedtwocupsofcoffeeandput

Tank’sinfrontofhim.“There’screamandsugar...”

“Idon’twanteither.”
“Samehere.”
Tankleanedbackinthechair.“Didyouevercatchthewould-beassassinwhoshotyou?”heasked.
“Notyet,”Hayessaidwithevidentirritation.“We’veputpressureoneverybodyweknow.Ieven

hadmyfather-in-lawaskaround.”Heleanedforwardwithagrin.“That’showyouindicateyou’re
reallydesperate—youinvolveadruglordinyourinvestigation.Butmywife’sfatherhasagood
heart.He’sjustinanillegalbusiness.”Heshookhishead.“Hedoesn’tseemtorunoutofapplications
forjobsonhishorseranchinJacobsville.Butjustbetweenyouandme,Ithinkalotoftheapplicants
areundercovernarcs.”Hechuckled.

“Thatwouldn’tbeasurprise.”
Hayessippedhiscoffee.“Weidentifiedtheshellcasing,”hesaid.“Unfortunatelythebullet’sstillin

me.Thesurgeonrefusedtoremoveit.Hesaiditwouldcomplicatemyrecoveryifhewentindigging
arounddelicatetissue.”

“I’mstillwearingoneofmine,too,”Tankreplied.“IrememberreadingaboutDocHollidayof

O.K.Corralfame—theysaidwhentheyexaminedhisbody,hewascarryingseveralouncesof
lead...bulletsthatdoctorshadjustleftinhim.”

“Inthosedays,thelate1800s,itwouldhavebeenlethaltryingtoremovethem,”Hayesagreed.He

putdownthecoffeecup.“I’mstilltryingtounderstandwhythisman,whoeverheis,targetedyouand
me.Neitherofuscanactuallydescribehim.Wedon’tknowwhoheis,orwhoheworksfor.”He
frowned.“Myofficecomputerwasdestroyed,andwhenIhadoneofEbScott’scomputertechstryto
recovertheharddrive,hewaskilled.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Whatisthisguytryingsohardtocover
up?”

Tankshookhishead.“Ihavenoidea.Buthe’sgoodatwhathedoes.Ihadafriendofmine,Rourke,

comeupandcheckmyplaceforbugs.ItturnsoutthatthesurveillancecompanyIhiredwasbogus.
Theirconsultant,whowassupposedtoplantsurveillanceequipment,buggedeverything,too.”

Hayesshookhishead.“Ican’trememberacaselikethis,notinmywholelife.”
“Iwasn’tinlawenforcementthatlong,butneithercanI,”Tanksaid.“Therehasn’tbeenanother

attemptonyourlife?”

Hayesshookhishead.“Well,that’snotquitetrue,”headdedwithashortlaugh.“ItseemsEl

Ladŕon,beforehisuntimelydeath,hiredanewassassintocomeafterme.”

“And...?”
Hayes’seyestwinkled.“Hehiredaguywhoworkedformyfather-in-lawbriefly.He’sgonebackto

Houston,buthestillkeepsintouch,justincasetheassassinwantstotakemeout.”

“Theydidn’tknowwhohewas?”Tankexclaimed.
“Nope.”
“Itwasn’tMr.Parks’semployee,theotherCarson?”
“No.Nowthere’saninterestingcase,”Hayesmused.“HeactuallyblewupElLadŕonwithacouple

ofhandgrenadesdowninMexico.TheMexicangovernmentdidtakeabriefinterestinthecase,but
wehaveaDEAagentwho’srelatedtotheformerpresident.Hemadeacoupleofcallsforusandthey
droppedtheinquiry.”

Tankjustshookhishead.“Thisisoneoddcase.”
“Indeeditis.”
“IunderstandthatCarsondoesn’tcarryIDandcan’tbefoundinadatabaseanywhere,”Tank

replied.

“He’sanenigma.Iowehimmylife.Sodoesmywife.”Hayesshookhishead,too.“Hehassome

uniqueskills.Infact,hejustwentonourhoneymoonwithusbeforehewenttoshepherdyoudown
here.Inaseparateroom,”headdedwithachuckle.“He’sthickwithCashGrier,whichleadstoan
assumptionIprobablyshouldn’tmake.”

“Thatheworks,orworked,forthegovernmentincovertassassination,”Tanksaid,noddingat

Hayes’ssurprise.“IhappenedtomentiontohimthatInoticedhisgait.It’soneIsawinspecops
peopleinIraq.Menwhohuntmenwalkthatway.”

Hayesnodded.“Iknow.IfyoueverseeCashGrierwalk,it’sanexperience.He’sstillskilledwitha

sniperkit.Infact,acoupleofyearsback,hetookoutakidnapperwhowasholdingaDEAagent’s
childhostage.Diditfromanastonishingdistance,inthedark.Amazing.”

“Hiswifewasamoviestar,wasn’tshe?”
Henodded.“Theyhavealittlegirl,sohe’snotsomuchintodangerousoccupationsashewas.

TheyhaveTippy’syoungerbrotherlivingwiththemalso.He’sjustfourteen.HeandCashgofishing
togetherandtheygameonline.They’rebestfriends.”

“Niceforhim.Forbothofthem.”
“Yes.”
“Yousaidsheseesthings,”hebegan.
“Shehaspremonitions,”Hayestoldhim.“They’reuncanny.SavedCash’slifeatimeortwo.”
“My...friend,”hesaidhesitantly,“seesthefuture,too.Butshe’snevercertainexactlywhatshesees.

Sometimesit’sclouded.Liketheguywho’sstalkingme.Shesawhimsittinginfrontofamirror
tryingonwigs.Weconcludedthathe’sgoodatdisguise.”

“Thatremindsme.IhadRickMarquezaskhisfather-in-lawifhecouldcheckintothatforus.”
“Hisfather-in-law?”
Hayesnodded.Hegrinned.“RunstheCIA.”
Tankwhistled.
“Anyway,hefoundawholelistofundercoveragentsfromseveralagencieswhohaveareputation

fortheiruseofdisguises.SoI’mafraidit’sgoingtotakealongtimetonarrowitdowntoevena
handful.”

“Anotherdeadend,”Tankagreed.Hesighed.“Icouldstandinthecenteroftownandwaitforhim

tocomeshootme.”

“Fromwhatwe’vebeenabletoputtogether,heavoidscrowdswhenhe’splanningahit.”
“Whichwouldexplainwhyhedidn’tjustshootmeinthefrontyardofmyownranchwhenhe

cameouttoputinthesurveillancedevices,”Tanktoldhim.“Hedidseemdisconcertedthatwehadso
manyarmedmenjuststandingaround.”

“Goodthing,”Hayessaid.“Idon’tthinkhe’dhavemindedkillingyouface-to-face.”
“NordoI.Butifithadn’tbeenforMerissa,Iwouldn’thavebeenexpectingit.”Heshookhishead.

“Shedidn’tevenknowme.Shecamewalkinguptothebackdoor,inablizzardbecausehercar
wouldn’tstart,totellmeIhadtobecareful.ShesaiditwasbecauseofsomethingIdidn’tremember.”

Hayesfrowned.“Wasshemorespecificthanthat?”
“Notreally.Itcomesandgoeswithher.ShesaidthatIknewsomethingthatIwasn’tawareof

knowing,anditposedarisktotheman.”

“Nebulous.”
“Yes.Butevenso,itprobablysavedmylife.”
“Whatdoyourememberabouttheman,thesupposedDEAagent,wholedyouintotheambushin

Arizona?”Hayesasked.

Tanksighed.“Irememberthatheworeasuit.It’sstillsortofhazy.Hewasmediumheight,nothing

remarkableabouthisfeatures.Hewasthesortofguyyouwouldn’tevennoticeonthestreet.”

Hayeswasremembering.“Yes.TheguyIrememberwasprettymuchthesame.Buthehada

markedTexasdrawl.”

“Ithinkitwasthesameguy,afterIwasshot,whowasgivingadrugmulehellforcalling911for

me—hehadredhairandaMassachusettsaccent.Buthewasdressedthesame.”Heshookhishead.“I
thoughtIwashallucinating.”

“Niceofthemuletocallforhelp.”
“Yes.Unexpected.Idon’tevenknowwhohewas.Iowehimmylife.Ihopetheydidn’tkillhimfor

it.”

“Youneverknow.I’veheardofwholevillageswipedoutjustforrevengeagainstonemanwho

livedinit.”

“SohaveI.”
“MywifeandIsavedonemanfromElLadŕon,”Hayesrecalled.Helaughed.“MywifeheldanAK-

47onhimandneverknewifitwasevenloaded—butshebluffswell.Anyway,hedidn’twanttohold
ushostage,buthisbossesknewhisfamilyandthreatenedtokillthemifhesteppedoutofline.
Carson,whoworksforCyParks,gothisfamilyoutofMexico.”

“Sohedoeshaveatleastonesoftspot?”
“Notsureaboutthat,”Hayessaid.“Hedoesn’tseemtocareaboutmuch.Although,hedoeshave

somethingofareputationwithwomen.”

“Deserved.”Tankchuckled.“Isawhiminactionattheairport.Hedrawsthemlikefliestohoney.”
“Drawsthem,yes.Buthe’snotasentimentalman.”
“Iwouldn’thavethoughtso,either.”
“Howaboutyourbrothers?”Hayesasked.“Thismustbehardonthem,too.”
“Theyworry.MyolderbrotherMalloryhasanewson.”
Hayessmiled.“Ilikekids.Mywifehasalittlebrotherandsisterwholivewithus.Theylightupthe

place.We’rehopingtohaveoneofourown.”

“YousaidsomethingaboutCashGrier ’ssecretaryhavingaphotographicmemory,andthatshe

sawtherogueagent,”Tanksaid.“Anyhelpthere?”

Hayesshookhisheadwithalongsigh.“Shehadapoliceartistdrawthemansheremembered.But

thenosewasdifferent,thehairlinewasdifferent...”Hegrimaced.“Theonlythingfamiliarwasthe
ears.”

“Nowearsareaprettygoodidentifier,”Tankreplied.“Youdon’tusuallytrytodisguisethose,even

ifyouusemakeuporwigs.”

“That’strue.”Hayesagreed.“MaybeweshouldissueaBOLOforapairofears.”
“It’snotsofar-fetched,”Tankassuredhim.“I’dreallyliketohavealookatthatsketch.”
“That’soneofthereasonsIaskedyoutocomedownhere.Justasec.”Hayespickedupthephone

andcalledCashGrier.Afterabriefconversation,hehungup.“He’sgotafewfreeminutes.Let’sgo
overtohisofficeandhavealookatthatsketch.”

Tanksmiled.“Nowyou’retalking.”

***

ASH

’

SECRETARY

ARLIE

Blair,hadwavydarkhairandgreeneyesandapertsmile.Shegreeted

Tankasifhe’dbeenherneighborallherlife.Shepulledthesketchoutofanearbyfilingcabinetand
handedittohim.

“That’sthebesttheartistcoulddo,”sheexplained.“It’snotperfect.Ithinkthenosewasalittle

longerandthinner,andthechinhadmoreofasquarelook.”

“Howabouttheears?”Tankasked.
Sheblinked.“Theears?”Shelookedatthesketchandslowlynodded.“Yes,hecertainlygotthose

right.Irememberbecausehehadsortofanotchinone,asifhe’dbeencutandithadhealedbutlefta
scar.”

Tank’sjawwasclenched.“Yes,”hesaid.“Iremembernow.Itwashisleftear.Andheworean

earringinit,asmallgoldcirclet.”

“Yes!”sheagreed.
“Iremembertheearringmyself,”Hayessaid.Hefrowned.“Odd,I’dforgottenthat.”Hescratched

hishead.“Itwasovershadowedbytheshirthewaswearing.Itwaspaisley,Ithink.”

“Iremembertheshirt,too.”Tanklaughed.“Itmustbeafavoritepieceofclothing,ifhewasstill

wearingitwhenyousawhim.”

Carliewasfrowning.“Itwasgoldpaisley,”sherecalled,closinghereyessothatshecouldfocus

better.“Withbeigeandbrownpatterns.”

“Yes,”Tankagreed.Thememorycamebackalongwiththepain.Hewaslookingattheshirtwhen

thebulletshit.

“Well,I’vegotafavoriteshirt,”Carlieremarked.“Iwearitatleasttwiceaweek.Ofcourse,it’snot

paisley.It’sablackT-shirtwithagreenalienfaceanditsays,They’reComing!underit.”She
grinned.

“Shelikestowearitifwegetvisitsfromfeds,”CashGrierremarkedashejoinedthem,glowering

athissecretary.“She’sunconventional.”

“ButIcantype,IhaveapleasantphonepersonalityandIcanfindanythingyoulose,Chief.”She

grinnedevenmorebroadly.

Heshookhishead.“Yes,andyoucanspell.It’sjustthatmouth...”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Tankasked.
Carlielookedpasthimandherfacetookonasarcasticexpression.“Well,lookwhatwalkedinthe

door.Ineedtostartafireoutback.Gotanysparehandgrenadesonyou?”sheadded.

ThenewcomerwasCarson,Tank’sshadowontheplane.
HegaveCarlieagloweringstare.“Somethingwrongwithmatches?”heasked.“Ordon’tyou

knowhowtousethem?”headdedwithablandsmile.

“IcanuseaGlock,”sheretorted.“Wannasee?”
“ShecannotuseaGlock,”CashGrierinterjected.“Thelasttimeshetried,onthefiringrange,she

hittwowindshieldsandatire,andthecarsweren’tevenparkedontherange.”

“Itwasahorribleaccident,”Carliedefendedherself.
“Yes,itwas.Youpickedupagun.”
“Yourcoffeewillhavesalttomorrowmorninginplaceofsugar,”CarlieassuredCash.
“IfIfireyou,yourfatherwillmakemethesubjectofhisnexttwosermons,”Cashsaidgrimly.

“ButI’llriskit.”

“Sermons?”Carsonasked,frowning.
“HerfatherisaMethodistminister,”Cashexplained.
Carson’sexpressionwasindescribable.HenarrowedhiseyesashelookedatCarlie,whoavoided

himandwentbacktothedrawingonherdesk.

“Don’tworry,religionisn’tcontagious,”shetoldCarsonwithoutquitelookingathim.
“Thankgoodness,”Carsondrawled.HelookedatTank.“Didyourecognizethefaceinthe

drawing?”

“Notsomuch,”Tankreplied.“Butwe’veallagreedthattheearsaretheonethingweallremember

abouthim.”HeturnedtoHayes.“Youshouldtalktothosetwofeds,JonBlackhawkandGaron
Grier...”HefrownedandlookedatCash.“Grier?”

“Mybrother,”Cashsaid.“He’salwaysbeenFBI.Iworkedwith,shallwesay,lessstructured

governmentagencies.”

“Covert,”Carsonsaidwithamockcough.
“Lookwho’stalkingaboutcovert,”Cashsaidpointedly.
“Takesonetoknowone,”Carsonshotrightback.Buthegrinned.SodidCash.
“I’vealreadytalkedtoBlackhawkandCash’sbrother,”HayestoldTank.“Whichremindsme,they

wantedmetotellyouthattheycan’tsetupthathypnotisttheywantedyoutosee.Hehadafamily
emergencyandisoutoftown.Maybeanothertime.”

“Anothertime,”Tankagreed,secretlyrelieved.
“Itturnsoutthathe—”CashindicatedCarson“—workedwithanassociateofminefromBrooklyn,

NewYork.”

“Shouldweaskwhatsortofwork?”Hayesmused.
“Itwouldbesafernotto,”Cashtoldhim.
Tankshookhishead.“I’veneverbeeninaplacewheresomanypeoplewereex-feds.”
“Orex-mercs,”Cashadded.“We’vecorneredthemarketonthem.”
“It’sagoodplacetoretire,orthat’swhatCyParksalwayssays.”Hayeschuckled.
“He’sanicefellow,”Tankremarked.“Iwasperfectlyhappytostayinahotel,butheinsisted.”
“Heknowsyou’reinthemarketforanewbull,”Cashsaidwithabiggrin.
“Well,Iam,actually,”Tankhadtoagree.
HewentbacktoCarlie’sdeskandtookanotherlookattheman.“Hereallyisachameleon,”he

remarked.“Butwhyishesoworriedaboutwhatwemightremember?Icouldn’tpickhimoutonthe
street.Well,maybethatscarredearwouldgivehimaway,butthere’snothingelsereallymemorable
abouthim.”

“Maybeit’ssomethingthatdoesn’treadilyshow,”Carsonremarked,joininghim.“Ormaybehe’s

justparanoid.”

Hayesshookhishead.“Hekilledacomputertechwhotriedtorestorehisimageonmycomputer.”
Carson’sblackeyesnarrowed.“Yes.Hewasafriendofmine,”hesaidtautly.“Sweetkid.Never

hurtafly.Kneweverythingaboutcomputers.”Hisfacesetinhardlines.“I’dliketomeetthemanwho
poppedacaponhim.”

“Hefeedspeopletocrocodiles,”Cashsaidinamockwhisper,jerkinghisheadtowardCarson.
Carsonglaredathim.“Itwashungry.Pooroldthinghadn’tbeenfedindays.”
“Soitwasanactofcharity.Isee,”Hayesmused.
Carsonshrugged.Hisexpressionwenteventauter.“ThemantorturedRourke’sfriend,afemale

photojournalistcoveringtheassaultonBarrera.She’llcarrythescarsfortherestofherlife.”

“Idon’tdoubtthatRourkehelpedyoufeedthecroc,”Cashreplied.
Carson’sblackeyesmethis.“Sometimesyoudowhatfeelsright,evenifit’snotquitelegal.”
“Well,itwasn’tinmyjurisdiction,soI’mnotconcerned,”Cashtoldhim.Hewaggedafingerat

him.“Butyoufeedanybodytoacrocodileinmytown,you’relookingatlifebehindbars.”

“Noproblem,”Carsonsaid.“Ilikewhiskey.”

“Life...behind...bars.Whiskey.”Tankburstoutlaughing.Itwasaplayonwordsthatalmostgotby

him.

Carsonactuallygrinned.
“Anditwouldbeniceifyoustoppedwearingthatdamnedknifeinpublic,”Cashtoldtheyounger

man,indicatingthehugeBowieknifestrappedtohiship.“Itmakespeoplenervous.”

“Makeshernervous,youmean,”Carsonreplied,jerkinghisheadtowardCarlie.
“Idon’tlikeknives,”shemutteredunderherbreath.
“Menwithgunswalkaroundinhereallthetime,youdon’tmindthem,”Carsonretorted.
“I’veneverseenagunshotwound.Ihaveseentheresultofaknifefight.”Shegavehimalong

look.“Ihadnightmares...”

Hefrowned.“Whenwasthis?”
Sheavertedhereyes.“Myfatherwasattackedafewmonthsagobyamanwithaknife.Wedon’t

knowwhy.Hewaslucky,becauseitwentinjustatthewaistanddidn’tevennickavitalorgan.”

“Whowouldattackaminister?”Hayesasked,shocked.
“Wedon’tknow,”Carlierepliedsadly.“Justsomecrazyguy,wethink.Sometimes,Ithinkthe

wholeworld’sgonemad.”

“Itdoesseemso,fromtimetotime,”Tankhadtoagree.“Didtheycatchtheman?”
“Notyet,”Cashansweredforher.“Butwe’restilllooking.”
“Idon’tlikeknives,”Carliereiterated,glaringupatCarson.“Especiallythatsort.”Sheindicated

theBowie.“It’sscary.”

“I’llstartwearingasuitsoIcanconcealitfromyou,”Carsonpromiseddryly.
“Whywouldyoucarrysomethingthatbig?”Hayeswondered.
“Snakes,”Carsonsaid,deadpan.
“Goodluckgoingafterasidewinderwithaknife,”Tanktoldhim.“You’dgetbittenbeforeyou

couldreachhimwithit.”

“Notifitwasthrown,”Carsonreturned.Helookedsoconfidentthattheothersjustshruggedand

letthesubjectgo.

“Doyourememberanythingelseabouttheman?”TankaskedCarlieashestudiedthesketch.

“Anythingyoudidn’ttellthepoliceartist?”

Shewasthinking,hard.“I’mnotsure.That’sbasicallywhathelookedlike,”sheadded,noddingat

theportrait.“Hewasveryfriendly.Personable.Irememberhetalkedtomeaboutsharks.”

“Sharks?”Tankprobed.
“Hesaidthattheyweremisunderstood,thatpeoplejustassumedtheyweredangerous.Butthatthey

reallyweren’t.Itwasjustwhentheywerehungry,theykilled.”

“Whatanoddthingtosay,”Hayesremarked.
“Ithoughtso,too,”Carlieagreed.“HesaidthathelikedtoswimwiththemintheCaribbean,inthe

Bahamas.”

“Nowthatmightbeinteresting,”Hayessaid.
Shelaughedsoftly.“I’dforgotten,untiljustnow.”SheglaredatCarson.“Heremindsmeofa

shark.That’swhyIthoughtofit.”

Carson’seyebrowsarched.“Ashark?Me?”
“Darkandlitheandstealthyanddangerous,”shereturned.“Attackswhenyouleastexpectit,from

cover.”

“Anaptdescription.Notofyou,”TanktoldCarsonwithagrin.“Butitwouldfittheperpetrator.”

Hisexpressionbecamegrim.“Heledmeintoanambushthatalmostcostmemylife.Andhediditso

easily,withsuchfinesse,thatIneversuspectedathing.She’srightabouthispersonality,”headded,
alludingtoCarlie.“Heputmeateasetheminutehewalkedintomyoffice.Heseemedjustlikeoneof
theguys.”

“Igotthatimpression,too,”Hayessaid.“Heputhimselfrightinthemiddleofadrugbust.”He

frowned.“SomethingelseIremember,Ihadtwoarmeddeputieswithme.Theycameupunexpectedly
whentheyheardthecallgooutovertheradioaboutatrafficstopinvolvingnarcotics.”Helookedat
Tank.“Hewasshockedtoseethem.Thatwasjustbeforetheotherfedsshowedup.”

“Hemighthavebeenplanningthesamethingforyouthathedidforme,”Tanksuggested.
“Yes,buttherewasnoreasonforhimtowantmedead.”Hayestriedtomakesenseofit.“Hewasin

onthearrest.HewenttomyofficewithmeandwaitedwhileIfiledthereportonmycomputer,along
withaphotomydeputytookatthesceneofthearrestandoneofallofuswiththedrughaulandthe
confiscatedgold-platedweapons.Iwasn’ttheonlylawenforcementofficeratthebust.”

“Idon’tthinkhemeanttokillyou.Notthen,anyway,”Carsoninterjectedwithnarrowedeyes.He

perchedhimselfontheedgeofCarlie’sdesk,toherobviousdislike.“Ithinkitwassomethingthat
happenedafterbothshootouts.Somethingconnected,butapartfromthem.”

“Hewasobviouslyinwiththedrugcartel,”Hayesreplied.Henoddedslowly.“Hewastryingto

protecthispeoplefromarrest.Hefailedinmycase,butnotinyours,”hetoldTank.

“Yes,buthehasnoreasontocomeaftermenow,”Tanksaidslowly.“Ihaven’tevenspokenabout

thecasesinceIgavemylastreport,justbeforeIresignedfromthejob.”

CashGrierleanedagainstthewall,armscrossed,deepinthought.“Attemptedassassination,”he

said,noddingtowardHayes.“Kidnapping,fornoapparentreason.”HeglancedatTank.“Armed
assault,followedmuchlaterbystalkingandsurveillance.He’saftersomethingthathappenedasa
resultofbothshootings.Maybenottheshootingsthemselvesatall.”

“What?”Hayesasked.
Cashshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Butthereisafeverishpoliticalracegoingonrightnowfora

congressionalseatvacatedbytheunexpecteddeathofourseniorTexasU.S.senator.There’saspecial
electioncoming,althoughsomeonewillbeappointedtofillouttherestofhisterm,whichendsthis
year.Therearerumorsthattheleadingcandidatehastiestothecartelovertheborder,andthatatleast
onerivalcandidatehasbeenblackmailedtoquittherace.”

“Ihadheardaboutthat,”Tanksaid.“Youthinktheremaybeaconnection?”
“Therejustmaybe,”Hayessaid.“Especiallyifthemanweremembercouldbepartofthedrug

cartel.”

“Weknowheis,”Cashreplied.“Theproblemwouldbeprovinghisconnection.Ifhe’sclosetothe

candidate,thatmightbeenoughincentiveforhimtogetridofanywitnesses.Also,hewasarogue
DEAagent,amole.I’msurehewaspassingsensitiveinformationtohiscronies.”

“Maybesomebodyfoundhimout,”Tankguessed.
“Yes,”Cashreplied.“Butwhoheis—thatmightbetheheartoftheproblem.Ifwefindouthis

identity,anditcanlinkhimtothecartelandthecandidatefortheSenate...”

“Thatwouldbeamotiveformurder,”Hayesagreed.“Averygoodone.”

CHAPTEREIGHT

“I

HAVE

strangefeelingthatallthisissomehowconnectedtothatspecialelectionintheSenate

race,”Cashsaidwithnarrowedeyes.

“SodoI,”Carliepipedin.
Carsongaveheramockinglook.“Nowyou’repsychic?”hedrawled.
Shesmiledblithely.“IfIwas,you’dbewearingthehiltofthatbigknifeinyourmouth,”shesaid

sweetly.

Heliftedaneyebrowandgaveheralookthatmadeherblush.Herantagonismhithimontheraw

andheretaliated.“Sorry,”hesaid.“Butifthat’sflirting,itwon’twork.Ilikemywomen—”hegave
heracoolstare“—prettier,andmorephysicallyperfect.”

Carlie’sfacefelllikearock,althoughshedidn’tlowerhergaze.Shegavehimabelligerentstare.
“Thatwasuncalledfor,”CashGriersaidcoldlytoCarson.“Apologize.Rightnow.”
Carsonseemedtorealizethathe’dsteppedoveraline.“Sorry,”hetoldCarliewithafacelike

stone.“He’sright.Itwasuncalledfor.”

Carlieavertedhereyes.Shewaspainfullyawareofherlackofattractions.Hersenseofmorality

wouldn’tletherplayaroundwithmen,andshehadlessthanvisibleassets,physically.Shewasmore
sensitiveaboutherbodythanmostwomen,forreasonsshewasn’tsharinginapublicvenue.It
shouldn’thavebotheredherthatMr.Womanizertheredidn’tlikeher.Sheshouldbegratefulnottobe
atarget.Still,itstungtohaveherdeficienciespointedoutinpublic.Especiallyinfrontofmen.She
mumbledsomethingandexcusedherselftogomakecoffee.

“Dammit!”CashsnappedatCarsonwithblazingdarkeyes.Tanksawimmediatelythedangerinthe

manthatwascarefullyconcealedmostofthetimebehindapleasantpersonality.Theangerseemed
oddlyoutofproportiontowhatCarsonhadsaid.“Whatthehellwereyouthinking?”hedemanded.

Carsonshiftedrestlessly.“Wasn’tthinking,”hesaidthroughclenchedteeth.Itwasarebukehe

wouldn’thavetakenfromanyotherman.ButherespectedGrier.

“Obviously,”Cashrepliedtersely.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Therearealotofthingsyoudon’tknow.

Snipeatheragainandyou’lldealwithme.Understood?”

Carsonjerkedhisheadupanddown,once.
“Whenisthespecialelection?”Tankasked,tobreakthetension.
“Inthespring,”Hayesremarked.
“Thatdoesgiveusalittletimetoinvestigate,”Cashsaid,apparentlyoverhisanger.“Butnotalot.”
“I’dwiretapeverydamnedTexasDEAagent’sphone,”Carsoninterjectedwithcoldeyes.
“Greatidea,”Cashsaid.“Yougofindusajudgetosignthewarrant.”
Carsonsighed.“Okay.Igetthepoint.”
“Besidesthat,wedon’tknowifhe’sstillwiththeagencyinsomesatelliteofficesomewhere,”

Hayesadded.“There’sagoodturnoverineveryagencythesedaysbecauseoffunding.Maybehe
evenquittheagencyonceherealizedwehadaphotoofhimonourcomputer.”

“Therehastobesomewaywecantrapthischameleon,”Tanksaidcurtly.“Listen,weknowhe’s

targetingme,eventhoughwedon’tknowwhy.Weknowhe’stargetingyou,too.”HeindicatedHayes.
“Butyouhavepowerfulconnections.Maybehe’snotwillingtotanglewithyournewfather-in-law.
ButI’monmyown.Idon’thaveanetworkbehindme.”

“Youdonow,”Cashsaid.
“Indeed,”Hayesagreed.
“Thanks,”Tanksaid,smiling.
“You’realsoforgettingthatthelateElLadŕon’smenhiredyourfather-in-law’stemporary

employeetokillyou,”CarsontoldHayes.“Ifthey’replottinganything,he’llbethefirsttoknow.”

“Assumingtheyhaven’trumbledhim,”Cashtoldhim.“Neverunderestimateanorganizednetwork

ofcriminals.”

“Goodadvice,”Hayesseconded.
“Butthepointis,regardlessofbywhom,”Tankinterjected,“I’mbeingactivelytargeted.Rourke’s

gotmyback.Butitwouldn’thurttobringinalittlehelp.DoweknowsomebodyintheFBIorEb
Scott’sgroupwhohassomefreetimeandwouldliketohireonasacowboyinWyoming?”

Therewereamusedglancesbetweentheothermen.
“Icanrideahorse,”Carsonsaidsurprisingly.
“You’dneedtotalktoCyParksaboutthat,”Hayesremarked.
“LikeMr.Parkswouldmisshim,”Carliesaidunderherbreath,andshedidn’tlookatCarsonwhen

shespoke.“Coffee’sup,”sheaddedasshesatdownatherdesk.

“Whydon’tyougo?”Carsonshotather,embarrassedbyhisformeroutburstandangrythatshe’d

madehimlooklikeanidiotinfrontoftheothermen.“Youseemtoknowhowtodoeverything.Can
yourideahorse?”headdedsarcastically.

Sheglaredathim.“Yes,Ican,”shesaid.“AndusealassoandevenshootagunifIhaveto.”
“Nomoretalkofshootingguns,please,”Cashgroaned.“Firstyouhavetolearnhow,especially

afterthelastfiascoatthefiringrange.”

Sheglaredathim,too.“Icouldlearnifsomebodywouldteachme!”
“Don’tlookatme,”Carsondrawledwithpurevenom.“I’mnotteachingyouanything.”
“Mr.Carson...orwhateveryourlastnameactuallyis...Iwasnotspeakingtoyou,”shesaidicily.
“Youcouldn’tpronouncemylastname,”hereturned,drippingevenmorevenom.“It’sLakota.”
Sheflushedandavertedhereyes.
Hesawthat,frowning.Whyshouldhisheritageprovokesuchareaction?
“Lakota?”Tankaskedsoftly.
Carsonnodded.“IgrewuponareservationinKyle,SouthDakota,”hesaid.
“Nowonderyou’resogoodattracking,”Hayesremarked.
Carsonglaredathim.
Hayesheldupbothhands.“I’mnotstereotyping.Imean,growingupinrelativelyruralplaces,like

Jacobsville,orruralSouthDakota,peoplelearntousetheirsensesmore,andmostruralmenhunt
andtrack.”

“Isee.”Carsonrelaxedalittle.
“Touchy,”CashGrierremarkedwithnarrowedeyes.
“Youdon’tknowme,”Carsonrepliedquietly.“Oryou’dunderstandwhy.”HeturnedtoTank.“You

canhiremeonforafewweeks.I’lldosomechecking,makesomeinquiries.Inyourpartof
Wyoming,Iwon’tevenraiseeyebrowsmuch.Therearecommunitieswithnativepeoplealloverthe
place.”

“Notsomanyasyoumightthink,”Tankbegan.
Carsonsmiled.“That’sbecauseyoudon’tknowwheretheyare.Ido.IhaveCheyennecousins.”
“Inthatcase,I’dlovetogiveyouyourveryownhorseandanewrope.”Tankchuckled.
“Anewone?Gee,thanks,”Carsonsaidsarcastically.

“Youcanstretchitbetweenatreeandtherearbumperofatruckandit’llworkreallynicely,”Tank

assuredhim.

Allthemenlaughed.
“I’lltalktoMr.Parksaboutittonight,”CarsonassuredTank.“ButIdon’tthinkhe’llmind.Hehas

plentyofotheremployeestolookafterthings.Andit’sChristmasinthreedays.Hecancallita
holidayvacation.”

“I’dbettergetbackthere,it’slate,”Tanksaid,glancingathiswatch.
“I’lldriveyou,”Hayessaid.
“We’lltalkagain,”Cashsaid,shakinghands.TheywishedeachotheraMerryChristmas.Cash

smiledandwentbackintohisoffice.TankandHayessaidtheirgoodbyestoCarlieandwalkedout.

Thatleftanembarrassed,heartsickCarlieatherdeskalonewitharavenouswolf.
Carsonstoodoverthedesklookingdownhisstraightnoseather.“Welldone,”hesaidcoldly.“I

feltlikeaslabofmeatonagrill.”

Shelookedupathimwithoutherusualtartness.Hereyesshowedthewound.“Don’tyouhave

somethingearthshakingtodoelsewhere?”sheaskedinasubduedtoneandpulledoutafilefromher
lowerdrawer.Ithumiliatedherthatherhandswereshaking.

Hesawthatandfeltevensmaller.Hehatedher.Itwassoodd;hedidn’tusuallydislikewomen,even

plainones.Butsheantagonizedhim.Sheconfusedhim,unsettledhim.Hedidn’tlikehavinghiscalm
shattered.Besidesthat,shelookedalittlelikeJessie...

Hisfaceclosedup.Hisblackeyesnarrowed,stabbingather.
“Doyoumind?”shegritted.“Ihaveworktodo.”
“Youcouldalwayscallthechiefouttoprotectyou,”hedrawled.
Shelookedupathimwithquietpride.“Icandefendmyself,thanks.”
Hehadsharpeyes.Hewasusedtodealingwithhazardoussituations,withdangerouspeople.He

sawmorethanmostpeopledid.Hiseyesstrayedtohershoulder,wheretheT-shirtwasalittletight,
justoverthefleshypartofherarm.Odd,thewaytheshirtfit.Therewasawrinkle,asiftheflesh
underneathwasn’tquitesmooth...

Sheputherhandoverhershoulderdefensively.“Wastheresomethingelseyouwanted?”sheasked

harshly.

Hiseyebrowsarched.“No.There’snothingherethatIwant,oreverwill.”Heevensmiled.He

turnedandwalkedoutthedoor.

Carlieshivered.She’dseenwherehiseyeswere.Sherubbedthescarself-consciously.She’dreally

havetogobacktobutton-upshirts.OrmakesureherT-shirtsandsweaterswerebigenoughnotto
drawattentiontocertainthings.

Sheturnedonthecomputerandfocusedonthetaskathand.

***

ANK

WAS

hiswaybacktoWyomingthenextmorning.Hedidn’tlikebeingawayfromtheranch.

Morespecifically,hedidn’tlikebeingawayfromMerissa.He’dmissedherlikecrazy.Hecouldn’t
waittogethome,toseeher,totouchher,tokissher...

Acrosstheaisle,Carsonhadyetanotheradmirer,ablondeflightattendantwithasmilesobigthatit

seemedtogofromeartoear.Hereallydidknowhowtolurewomen.Butitwasashamehe’dbeenso
crueltoCashGrier ’slittlesecretary.Shemightnotbepretty,butshehadalivewirepersonalityanda
goodsenseofhumor,andsheseemedtobeapersonoffaith;thatalonewasrareinthisjadedworld.

HewonderedwhyCarsonwassoantagonistictowardher.Sohelikedprettywomen.Thatwasno
excusetomakecruelcommentsaboutawomanwhowasn’t.

Carsonwasanoddduck.Heneverseemedtofitinanywhere.Hewasamaverickwhohated

authority.ButithadamusedTanktoseehowmuchherespectedCashGrier.Onewordfromthe
policechiefandCarsonhadshutupimmediately.

Themenhadsomethingincommon,probablyacovertbackgroundthatgavethemapointof

referenceaswellasamutualrespect.IthadoccurredtoTankthatCarsondidn’tseemtomindleaving
Texasforawhile,either.HewonderedifithadanythingtodowithCash’ssecretary.

***

OURKE

MET

THEM

attheairport.Hisblondeyebrowsmetabovetheblackeyepatchoveroneeye,and

thebrowneyetwinkled.

“Whatthehellareyoudoinguphere?”heaskedCarsonasheshookhandswithTank.
“Hunting.”Carsongrinned.
Rourkechuckled.“Welcome,then.Icouldusethehelp.”
“He’smylatesthire,”Tanksaidmeaningfully.“Ihavealottotellyou.”
“Let’sgobacktotheranch.Ihaveafewthingstotellyou,too,”Rourkesaid,andthatwasn’ta

pleasanttoneinhisvoice.

***

“W

HAT

’

?”T

ANK

askedwhentheywereinthedouble-cabbedranchpickuponthewaytotheranch.

“It’sMerissaBaker,”Rourkesaid.
“Whatthehell...!”Tankburstout.“Isshehurt?Issheallright?”
“No,”Rourkesaid.
“Thenwhat...!”
RourkepulledthetruckoverintoaconveniencestoreparkinglotandturnedtoTank.“Somethings

havehappenedsinceyou’vebeenaway.Clara’sex-husbandshowedupattheircabin.Heclaimsthat
it’shisandhehasthepaperstoproveit.”

“Doeshe?”Tankaskedcoldly.
“It’suptohertoproveheisn’ttheowner,”Rourkesaid.“Andsomehowawholefileofher

importantpaperswentmissing.”

“Ithoughthe’dbeengoneforyears,”Tanksaid.“Whywouldhecomebacknow?”
“That’saverygoodquestion”wasthereply.“Idon’tknow.Hemovedintothehousewiththem.

Clara’sterrifiedofhim.Merissaistryingtostayoutofhisway.Iwentovertocheckonherandhe
literallyblockedthedoorandrefusedtoletmespeaktoher.”

“Headthatway,”Tankinstructed.HisexpressionandtoneofvoicewasharderthanRourkehad

everheardfromTank.

“Nowthat’samazing,”Rourkesaidashepulledbackontothehighway.“Youknow,thatwas

exactlywhatIwasgoingtoadvise.”

“Youpacking?”Tankaskedhim.
“Always,”Rourkereplied.
“SoamI,”Carsonsaidfromthecrampedbackseat.
“Bowieknivesdon’tcount,”Rourkejibed.
“Theydoifyouknowhowtouseone,”Carsonsaidhaughtily.

Thetwomeninfrontlaughed,buttherewasnorealamusement.Tankwasworried.Heknewwhat

themanhaddonetothewomeninhisfamily,anditdisturbedhimthattheywereathismercy.Well,
thatwassomethinghewasabouttofix.Rightnow.

***

TRUCK

PULLED

upatthefrontofthehouseandthethreemengotout.Astheyapproachedthe

house,atall,powerfullybuiltmanwiththinningblackhairandameanexpressioncameouttomeet
them.

“IcametoseeMerissa,”Tanksaidpleasantly.
“I’mafraidshe’snotavailable,”themansaidwithanarrogantlook.
Tankwentrightuptohim.“Youdon’tknowme,”hetoldthemanwithacoldsmile.“Mynameis

DaltonKirk.MybrothersandIowntheRanchoReal.Wehaveawholedamnedteamofcorporate
attorneyswithalittletimeontheirhands.IfIdon’tgetinthathouse,rightnow,I’llhavemyprivate
investigatordosomedigging.Yousayyouowntheplace,right?Proveit!”

Themanwaslessaggressivenow.Infact,heshiftedhisbelligerentpostureandlosthisarrogance.

“Hey,noproblem,youcanseeherifyouwantto.Noneedtogocallingattorneys,forGod’ssake.
Merissa,comeouthere!”

ThetoneofhisvoicemadeTankfurious.Heheldinhisrageandwaited,nottoopatiently,untila

subdued,worriedMerissacameoutontotheporch.Shelookedragged.Hereyeshaddarkcircles
underthemandshewasobviouslydistressed.

“Comehere,honey,”Tanksaidsoftlyandheldouthisarm.
Sherantohim,sobbing,tobeenclosedhungrilyinhisembrace.
“It’sallright,”hewhispered.“It’sgoingtobeallright.”
Sheclungcloser.
“Whatthehellisthatallabout?”themanontheporchgrowled.“Ihaven’thurtyou!”
“MakehimletMamacomeouthere,”shewhisperedurgentlyinTank’sear,sothattheman

couldn’toverhearher.“Please,Dalton!”

Tanksmoothedherhairandkissedherforehead.“Don’tworry.”Helethergo.“Iwanttotalkto

Clara,”hesaidoutloud.

Nowthemanreallylookedunsettled.“She’sindisposed.”
“Rourke,”Tanksaid,noddingtowardhim.
Rourkepulledbackhiswooljacketanddisclosedaholstered.45automatic.Atthesametime,

Carsonmovedtohisrightandpushedbackhisownjacket,showingthebigBowieknife.

“Areyou...threateningme?”themanstammered.
“IwanttoseeClara,”Tanktoldhim.“Whetherornotit’sathreatdependsonwhetherornotshe

comesouthere.”Hepulledouthiscellphone.“Oursheriff,CodyBanks,isagoodfriendofmine.I
havehisnumberonspeeddial.”

Nowthemanwasreallyunsettled.Heswallowed.“Shehadafall,”hesaidquickly.“Shehasafew

bruises.Itain’tmyfault!”

“Clara!”Tankcalledshortly.
Thedooropened.LittleClara,nervousandshivering,cameintoview.Therewerebruisesonher

face.

“Comeheretome,”Tanksaidsoftly.“It’sallright,”headdedwhenshelookedwithevidentfearat

herex-husband.“Comeon.Heisn’tgoingtotouchyou!”Heglaredatthemanashesaidit,andhis

expressionwasdangerous.

Clararandownthesteps,almoststumbling.Tankputhisarmaroundher.“Youokay?”heasked

softly.

Shesobbed.“Iamnow,thanks.”
Hehuggedherandthenlethergo.Hepushedthespeeddialonthephone.“Cody?”heaskedwhen

hisfriendanswered.“We’vegotalittlesituationhere,andIneedsomehelp.”

“Hey,there’snoneedforthat!”themanontheporchyelled.“Noneedatall!”
Rourkewalkedupontheporch.HestoodbesidethemanandlookeddownatClara.“Didhestrike

you,Mrs.Baker?Pleasedon’tbeafraidtoanswerme.Hewillnottouchyouagain.Youhavemy
wordonit.”

Claradrewinashatteredbreath.“Yes.HebeatmeupbecauseIaskedhimtoleave,”shesaidina

defeatedtone.

“That’sadamnedlie!”themanyelled.“Shefell!Youtellhimyoufell,Clara,oryou’llregretit!”
“Terroristicthreatsandacts,”Rourkesaidquietly.“Assaultandbattery.My,my,youaregoingto

beintrouble.”

“LikehellIam,”themansaidnervouslyandtriedtomakearunforit.Rourkehadhimonthefloor

inaheartbeat,andcuffed.

“Youcarryhandcuffsaroundwithyou?”Carsonaskedinashockedtone.
“Hey,youneverknowwhentheymightcomeinhandy,”Rourketoldhim.“No,actually,Ibought

themaweekago,withother...intentionsinmind.”

“Youletmego!Iwanttogo!”themangroaned.“Itwasn’tevenmyideatocomebackhere,butI’ve

gotanoutstandingwarrantinSanDiegoandhethreatenedtogotomyparoleofficer!”

“He,who?”Rourkeasked,jerkinghimtohisfeet.
Themanhesitated.Heactuallylookedafraid.
TankjoinedRourkeontheporch.“Who?”
“Don’tknowhisname,”Bakersaidmiserably.“Heworeasuit.Saidhewasafedandhecouldlock

meupfortenyears.Hesaidtocomehereandsaythehousewasmine.Don’tknowwhy.Hepaidfor
theplaneticket.Listen,Idon’twantnomoretrouble!Ijustwanttogohome!”

“Notjustyet,”Tanktoldhimacidly.“Firstthere’salittlematterofassaultandbatteryandsome

missingpaperwork.”

“Damnedpaperwork’sunderthemattressinthesparebedroom,”hegrumbled.“AndI’msorryIhit

her,butshetoldmetogetout.”Hisfaceflamed.“Ain’tnowomanalivetalkingtomelikethatonmy
ownplace!”

“It’snotyourplace,”Merissasaidwithcoldpride.Shewasshakingbuthervoicewasalmost

steady.“It’sours.Anditwillsuitusbothverywellifweneverhavetoseeyouagain.”

“Youwon’t,”Tankassuredher.Helookedatthemanwithicyeyes.“He’sgoingtojailforalong,

longtime.”

“He’llgetmealawyer,”Bakertoldhim.“He’llpayforit.He’llsaythosewomenlied.”
“YouwanttotakealookatClara’sfaceandrunthatlinebymeagain?”Tankdemanded.
“Well,Iain’tgoingtojail!”
Hebrokeawayfromthemenandtookoffoutthebackofthecabin.
“Carson,you’requickerthanIam,”Rourkebegan.
JustasCarsonstartedtothesideofthecabin,therewasaloudreport.
Tanksworeonce,violently.“StaywithClaraandMerissa,”hetoldRourke.HeandCarsonran

aroundtothebackofthecabin.Justdownthetrailtherewasacrumpledbody.

Carsonwentdownononeknee.Hefeltforapulseheknewhewouldn’tfindandgottohisfeet

again.“Bettercallthecoroner,”hetoldTank,anddeliberatelystoodinfrontofhim.“Judgingfrom
thesizeoftheexitwound,itwasahighcaliberrifle.Getoutofhere,quick!”headded.“Go!Heisn’t
afterme!”

Tankwentaroundthesideofthehouseandupontotheporch.“We’dbettergetinside,”hesaid.
“Bill?”Claraaskedworriedly.
“Dead,”Tanksaidbluntly.“I’msorry.”
Claraweptquietly.“I’msorryhe’sdead,butonlybecausehewasoncemyhusband.Hewasthe

mostcruelhumanbeingI’veeverknown.”

“Icanunderstandwhy,”Tanksaid,lookingatherravaged,bruisedface.“I’msorryIwasn’there.”

HeputanarmaroundMerissa,whowasshaking,andheldherclose.HepulledClaratohisotherside.
“It’sgoingtobeallright,”hesaidsoftly.“Nobody’shurtingmygirlsonmywatch.”

Theybothsobbed.Hejustheldthemcloser.

***

SHERIFF

CAME

first,followedbyEMTs,andadeputystoodwatchovertheremainsuntilthe

coronerwasabletogetthere.

SheriffCodyBankswasfuriouswhenhesawClara’sface.“Anymanwhowoulddothattoa

womanshouldbeshot,”hemutteredfuriously.

“That’swhyIphonedyou,”Tanksaid.“Imeanttohavehimarrestedforit.Butheran,and

someonetookhimout.Thesamesomeone,”headdedheavily,“thatIthinkisafterme.”

“Youwanttorunthatbymeagain?”Codyasked.
Tanknodded.“Youcancometosupper.We’lltellyoueverythingweknow.”Heindicatedhistwo

malecompanions.“There’salotgoingon.”

“Iwouldn’tmindsupper,”Codyrepliedwithagrin.“I’msotiredofburnteggsandhalf-cooked

bacon.”

“You’renotmarried?”Rourkeasked.
Codyshookhisheadsadly.“Youknowthatnewstrainoffluthat’sgoingaround,thedeadlyone?

Shewasadoctor.ShewastreatingapatientinahospitaldowninBoulder.Shedied.”

“I’msorry,”Rourkesaidsoftly.
“Me,too,”Codyreplied.“Itwasoverayearago,butittakessomegettingusedto.We’donlybeen

marriedtwoyears.”

TanklookedatMerissaandimaginedhowhewouldhavefeltinCody’sposition.Itwasdevastating.
“WhataboutClaraandMerissa?”heaskedtheroomatlarge.“Aretheygoingtobesafehere?”
“Youwantagutreply,no,”Rourkesaidabruptly.“Ifhe’sbrazenenoughtokilloneofhisown

accomplices,he’llkillanybody.HebroughtClara’shusbandbackhereforsomereasonthatwedon’t
know.Butitmeanshe’stargetedthem.Maybeheknewtheman’spastandhopedhe’dkillthem.”He
shookhishead.“Whateverthereason,they’reinasmuchdangerasyouare.”

“Theycancomeandliveattheranch,”Tanksaid.“We’vegotthreesparebedrooms.It’sahuge

place.”

“It’ssuchanimposition,”Claraprotested.
“Yes,”Merissaaddedworriedly.
Tankjustsmiled.“Lotsofroomandgoodcompany.YoucanplaywithMallory’sbaby,too,”he

added.

ClaraandMerissajustmelted.“Theirlittleboy?”Merissaasked,andhereyeslitup.“Ilove

babies.”

Tanklookedabsolutelysmitten.Hesighedandsmiledtohimself.
“Babies!”Carson’sfacewasharderthanstone.Heturnedonhisheelandwalkedaway.Itwassuch

anoddreactionthatTankandRourkeexchangedcuriouslooks.

“Well,ifyouwantmyvote,”Codyadded,“Ithinkit’sagoodideatogetthewomenoutofhere.

Thisplaceistooisolatedforcomfort.”

“Idon’tknow,”Merissasaidafteraminute.“Imean,we’vebeenhereallthistimealoneandhe

hasn’ttriedanything.He’sbuggedthephones,buthedidn’ttrytohurtus.”

“That’strue,”Clarasaid.Shesighed.“Ijustdon’tunderstandwhathewantsfromus.”
“Totorturehim,ofcourse,”Rourkesaid,jerkinghisheadtowardTank.“Tomakehimnervous,

unsettlehim,keephimoffhisguard.Maybekeephimfromrememberingsomethingtheenemy
doesn’twantremembered.”

“Enemy.”Codychuckled.“Warterm.”
Rourkeshrugged.“I’vespentmylifefightingsmallwarsallovertheworld,inandoutofthe

military.Forceofhabit.”

“Thenifhe’sjusttryingtounsettleus,itwon’tmatterifwestayhere,”Merissasaidsoftly.She

lookedupatTankworriedly.“I’msorry,it’sagenerousoffer,reallyitis.ButI’muneasyaround
otherpeople.Ijustdon’t...socializeallthatmuch.AndifI’mupset,Ican’twork.”

Tankwasdisappointed.Andworried.“You’dhavearoomalltoyourself.”
Shenodded.“Yes,butyouhaveabigfamily.They’reverynice,”sheadded,holdingupahand.

“ButI’masolitaryperson.”Shelookedveryworried.“I’modd,youknow.Idon’tfitinwithother
people.”

“Youfitinwithme,”hepointedoutandhesmiled.
Shesmiledback.“Ofcourse.But...”
“Don’tforceher,”Clarasaidsoftly.“We’vebothhadtoomuchofthatinourlives,bothphysical

andverbal.”

“Okay,”Tanksaidatonce.“Iwon’t.”HelookedatMerissawithaspeakingexpression.“ButI’m

goingtoworry.”

Merissasmiled.“We’llbeokay.”
“Yes,theywill,”Carsonsaidquietly,returningtotheporch.“I’mmovinginhere.”
“What?”threevoicessaidinunison.
Carsonglaredatthetwomen.“Rourkecan’tstayhereandwatchyou,too,”hetoldTank.“Besides,

howdoyouthinktherogueagentknewaboutherhusband?”HeindicatedClara.

“Hebuggedthephones,”Tanksaid.“Butwefoundallthebugs,right?”heaskedRourke,who’d

donethesweep.

“WeweretalkingaboutBillbeforeyoufoundthem,”Claraconfessedsadly.“Includingwherehe

worked.I’msorry.Itwasmyfault.”

Tankputanarmaroundher.“Nothingisyourfault,”hesaidgently.“Themanwasananimal.The

worldisbetteroffwithouthim.I’mjustsorryaboutthewayitwentdown.”

“Me,too,”Clarasaid.“Shotdownlikeananimal...andjustbeforeChristmas.”Hereyestearedup.
“Itwillbeallright,Mama,”Merissasaid,huggingherclose.“Weallhavetofacewhathedid.He

wasviolentandhehurtus.Hehurtotherpeople,too.Hisendwaslikehislife,amirrorofthedamage
hedid.”Sheclosedhereyes.“I’msorry,too.Whateverelsehewas,hewasstillmyfather.Butatleast
wedon’thavetoliveinfearofhimanymore.”

“It’sjust,thewayhedied,”Clarasaid.Shewipedhereyes.“Hehadagirlfriend,didn’the?Should

wetrytofindher?”

TankandCodyBanksexchangedmeaningfullooks.Theremightbecluestotheman’sidentityin

BillBlake’scircleoffriendsinCalifornia.“That’snotabadidea,”Tanksaid.

Codynodded.
“IhaveafriendwholivesinSanDiego,”Rourkesaid.“I’llgethimonit.Ifyouhaveacontact

thereinthesheriff’sdepartment,”hetoldCody,“thatwouldhelp.Hisfriendsandacquaintancesmight
beabletopointustocluesabouttherogueagent’sidentity.”

“Iagree,”Codysaid.“Goodthinking.I’llgetonit.”
Avanpulledupinthedrivewayandamaninjeansandasweatshirtgotout,alongwithayounger

manwhostayedinthevan.Thecoronerwastall,withthinninghairandasadface.

“Thecoroner,”Codyintroduced.“MackHollis.”
“Hello,”hegreetedthem.“Iunderstandtherewasadeath?”
Codynodded.“Mymanisstandingoverthebody.I’llshowyouwhereitis.”
Thetwomenwentaroundthehouse.Themaninthevanclimbedoutandfollowedcloselybehind.
Clara’sfacewasverypale.“Idon’twanttobeoutherewhentheybringhimaround...”
“He’llbeinabodybag,”Tanksaidgently.“Youwon’thavetoseehim.Butwecangoinsideif

you’drather.”

“I’drather,”Clarasaidgently.
CarsonfollowedTankandthetwowomenintothehouse.Thewomenlookedathimwithcuriosity

andalittleuneasiness.

“I’llbeamodelhouseguest,”Carsontoldthempolitely.“I’llbeoutsidemostofthetime,

observing,settingupaperimeter.I’llonlyneedaroomtosleepinatnight.”

Merissawasnervous.Itshowed.
Carsonactuallysmiled.“Ihaven’teverhurtawoman.”
Merissarelaxedalittleandmanagedasmileinreturn.“Okay.”
“Youcanhavetheguestbedroom,”Clarasaidgently.“It’ssortofcluttered...”
“Leaveitthatway.Idon’tmindclutter.Nowifyou’llexcuseme,I’llgettowork.”Henoddedto

TankandRourkeandwentbackoutside.

“Well,”RourketoldTank,whowasirritated,“he’sgotapoint.You’rethedangermagnetright

now.Ifyoustayhere,youputtheminevenmoredanger.”

“Iknowthat,”Tankgritted.“Thatdoesn’tmeanIlikeit.”
Merissawentrightuptohim.“We’dfeelsaferwithamanhere,especiallyafterwhatjust

happened,”shesaid.“It’sokay.”

Herelaxed.Hesmoothedhisbighandoverherhair.“Iworry.”
Shesmiled.Hereyesweresoftwithaffection.“Ilikethat.”
Hechuckled.

***

ODY

CAME

BACK

intothecabinafewminuteslater.Thewomenhadmadecoffee,andRourkeand

Tankweresharingapotwiththem.

“Coffee?”Merissaaskedthesheriff.
“Sorry,notime,”hereplied.“We’vegothimloadedupandourinvestigatorisouttheredoingthe

walkaroundwithacrimescenetechnician.Itwilltakealittletimetocomplete,buttheywon’tbother

you,”hetoldthewomen.“Theinvestigatorwillneedtospeakwithyou.AndI’llneedareport.IfI
giveyoutheforms,canyoufillthemoutandhavethemdroppedbymyoffice?”

“Certainly,”Clarasaidforbothofthem.Shetearedupagain.“Hewasabadman.Butwhenwefirst

married,hewassogentleandkind...”Sheshookherhead.“Ineverunderstoodwhatchangedhim.”

“Lifehappens,”Codysaidquietly.“Iamsorryforyourloss.”
“Thankyou,”Merissasaid.
CodylookedatTank.“Whattimeissupper?”
Tankchuckled.“Sixsharp.Youdon’thavetodress.We’reinformal.”
Codygrinned.“Okay.Seeyouthen.”
TankandRourkestayeduntiltheinvestigatorwasfinishedandthewomenhadgiventheir

informationtohim.Thecrimescenetechnicianspackedupandleftwithhim,withtraceevidence,
photographicevidenceandmeasurementsintact.

“I’llgethome,”Tanksaid.“Ihatetoleaveyou,bothofyou,here.”Hesighed.“ButCarson’sright.I

don’twanttomakeyouatarget.It’smehe’safter.”

Merissahuggedhim.“Thanksforcaring.”
“Sillywoman,”heteased.Hebentandkissedhergently,infrontofthemall.“Ihavetotakecareof

mygirl.”

Shebeamed.“Don’tgooutalone.”
Hegrinned.“Never.”HeglancedatRourke.“Hewouldn’tletme.”
“Deadright,”Rourkereplied.“Anddon’tbeafraidofCarson,”headdedgently.“He’snotwhathe

seems.He’sagoodman.He’lltakecareofyou.”

“He’svery...”Clarasearchedforwords.
“Yes.”Rourkelaughed.“He’sveryeverything.Buthe’llneverletyoudown.”
“Okay,”Merissasaid.
“I’llcallyoulater,”TanktoldMerissa.HekissedheragainandheandRourkeleftthecabin.
Onthewayhome,hestoppedbyalocaljewelrystore.Christmaswasalmostonthem,andhemeant

togethersomethingveryspecialindeed.Shelikedrubies.Hesmiledashepickedoutasetofrings.

CHAPTERNINE

ERISSA

FOUND

ARSON

hardgoingasahouseguest.Heneversaidaword.Henoddedashepassed

themwhenhegotupinthemorning,buthewasconstantlyoutandaboutontheproperty.Hechecked
outalltherooms.Therewasanattic,too,butMerissaassuredhimthatitwasonlyacrawlspaceanda
ladderwouldberequiredtoaccessit.Theydidn’tevenhavealadder.

Theseconddayhewasthere,Merissagotupthenervetoaskhimifhewantedcoffeewhenhe

startedoutthedoor.

Hepaused,glancedatherwaryexpressionandretracedhissteps.Hewasmuchtallerthanshewas,

aboutDalton’sheight.Buthewasmuchmoresomberanduptight.

“It’sokayifyoudon’t,”shesaidquickly.“Ijustwantedtooffer.Imean,youdon’teatmealswithus

or...Wewouldn’tmind,youknow,there’salwaysextrafood...”

Helikedhershyness.Itwasunusual.Well,CashGrier ’sviciouslittlesecretarywasshywhenshe

wasn’tverballyassaultinghim.Hehatedthememoryofher.Hehatedhavinghurther...

Merissaswallowed,becausehelookedsuddenlyangry.Shehadaterrorofangrymen,learnedata

veryearlyagefromherfather.

Carsonsawitandforciblyrelaxedhisexpression.“Iappreciatetheofferoffood,butIhavemeals

attheKirkranch,sothatIcankeepDaltonup-to-date.”Hesmiled.“Hereallyhasacaseonyou.”

Shesmiledback,andherwholefacelitup.“Isortofhaveacaseonhim,too,”sheconfessed.

“He’s...veryspecial.”

“Hefeelsthesameaboutyou.”Hehesitated.“Iwouldlikecoffee.”
Shebeamed.“Ijustmadeafreshpot.It’sratherstrong,”shesaidhesitantly.
“Ilikecoffeethatneedstobecutwithaknife,”hetoldher.
Shewasamazedatthedifferenceitmadewhenhesmiled.Hewasanoddsortofman,reclusiveand

introverted.Butshesensedtragedyabouthim.Greattragedy.

Hereyesbecamethatoddopaqueshadethatindicatedshewasseeingthingsfarawayandbackin

time.Shepouredhiscoffeeandputitinfrontofhim.Shesatdownwithherown.Herexpressionwas
troubled.

Hewasquick.Heknewaboutherspecialgifts.“Youknowthingsaboutme,”hesaidquietly.
“Yes,”sheconfessed.
“Andnotgleanedfromanyconventionalsource.”
“That’salsotrue.”Shelookedathimwithtruecompassion.“I’msosorry,forwhathappenedto

you.”

Hisfacehardenedforamomentandthensuddenlyrelaxed.Hestaredintotheblackcoffee.“I’ve

neverspokenofit,”herepliedquietly.“Myparentsarebothdead,andIhadnosiblings.Ihavea
cousinortwospreadaroundintheLakotaandNorthernCheyennereservations.Nobodyclose.Not
anymore.”

“Losingthechildwastheworstofit,”shesaidinasoftmonotone,hereyesfaraway.“Sheliedto

you.”Herfacetautened.“Butitwasn’tyourfault,”shesaidsuddenly,staringrightintohisshocked
eyes.“Hewasdrinking...”

Hedrewinasharpbreath.
“Youdidn’tknow,”shesaid,nodding.“Youshouldcheckthepolicereport.Itwaswhyhewrecked

thecar.Hedidn’tmeantokillher,orhimself.”

“Ichasedthem,”hegritted.
“Ofcourseyoudid.Youwereyoungandinlove,andshe’dhurtyou.It’snotagoodthing,butit’sa

humanthing.Itwasamistake.Butyou’restillpunishingyourselfforit.Whatsortoflifeisthat?”she
askedgently.

Hebithislowerlip,almosthardenoughtodrawblood.
“Iknow.Youdon’tspeakofsuchmatterstoanyone.ButI’m...notlikeotherpeople,”shefaltered.

Sheswallowed.“Iknowthings.Iseethings.I’moutside,lookingin.Idon’tbelongtothisworld,
exceptinadisassociatedfashion.I’manoutcast.Likeyou,”sheaddedwithasadsmile.

Helookedatherwithhistrueface,theoneheneverletshow.Itwasvulnerableandstillandsad.

“Hercousintoldmethechildwasmine.Shewassevenmonthspregnant,butshedidn’twantme.She
wantedhim.Hebeather,abusedher...treatedherlikedirt.Itdidn’tmatter.Shewouldn’tleavehim.I
couldn’tmakeherseesense.Hecametoherhouseandsawme,andorderedherintothecar.He
jerkedherin,withnoconsiderationforhercondition,andspedoff.Ithought...hewasgoingtohurt
her.Shehadmychildinsideher.Ichasedthem,tryingtosaveher.”Hiseyesclosed.“Hehitthesideof
thebridge.Itwasmadeofwoodandthecarwentthroughit.Theydroppedintotheriver,farbelow.
Theyfoundthebodiesdownstreamthenextday.”

“I’msosorry,”shetoldhim,andmeantit.“Itdestroyedyourlife.”
“Yes,”hesaidtautly.“Idecidedthatvarietywasbetterthancommitment.”Helookedworld-weary.

“Butit’snot.Attheendoftheday,I’mstillalone.”

“We’reallalone,insideourselves,”shesaid,hervoicequietandsoft.“I’velivedthatway,too.

Well,notwiththevarietything.”Shelaughed.“MymotherandIarepeopleoffaith.Wedon’twalkin
stepwiththemodernworld.”

Hecockedhisheadandstudiedher.Innocence.Itwasasclearasday.ItremindedhimofCarlie’s

face,asguilelessasachild’s.Herememberedwhathe’dsaidtoCarlieanditshamedhimallover
again.

Merissafrowned.“Therewasanattack,”shesaidinamonotone.“Withaknife.Shetriedtosave

him...”

“She?Who?”
“Sheworksforamaninauniform,”shesaid.Sheblinked.“I’msorry,Ican’tseeanymorethan

that.Buttherearesecrets,deadlysecrets.Shedoesn’tevenknowsomeofthem.Herfather...”She
clearedherthroat.“Itwentaway.”

Heknewwhoshewasseeing.Carlie.HerememberedtheoddfitofherT-shirtattheshoulderand

herfearofhisknife.Herememberedwhatshe’dtoldthemaboutherfatherbeingattackedwitha
knife.Maybeshe’dgotteninfrontofhim,beencut.Andhe’dsaidhelikedhiswomenprettierand
morephysicallyperfect!Healmostgroaned.

“Youhave...aremarkablegift,”hemanagedafteraminute.
“Agiftandacurse,”shereplied.“IhatemostofthethingsIsee.It’swhatsavedDalton,though,”

shetoldhim.“Itoldhimthathewasunderthreatbecauseofsomethinghedidn’tremember.Hehad
noidea.”

Henodded.“Hisassailantwouldprobablyhavekilledhimifyouhadn’tgivenhimthewarning.”

Hehesitated.“Whatdoyousee,inmyfuture,ifyoudon’tmindmyasking?”

Shestudiedhimforalongtime.Hereyestookontheopaquelookoncemore.“Yourpastwillmar

yourfuture,”shesaidquietly.“Itmakesawall,betweenyouandsomethingyouwant.Something
you’reafraidtowant.”

Hefrowned.“Doyouknowwhatitis,exactly?”
Shedrewinabreath.“Sorry.Itdoesn’tworkthatway.It’slikeIcanseethepatternofthings,butnot

thesubstance.Sortoflikeseeingtheskeleton,withnofleshonit.”

Hesmiled.“Well,IguessI’dbetterlieaboutmypastwhenwhateveritispresentsitself,”hesaid

withatwistofhislips.

“Lyingisneveragoodidea,”shepointedout.“Evenwhenit’spainful,thetruthisthebestpath.”
“Perhaps,”hesaid.Hefinishedhiscoffeeandgottohisfeet.“Thankyou,”hesaidsolemnly.
“Forwhat?”sheasked.
Hesmiled.“Forbeingagoodlistener.”
Shesmiledback.“ImightaddthatIneverspeakofpersonalmatterstopeoplewhoaren’tinvolved

withthem.Iwon’ttellanyonewhatIknowaboutyou.”Shepursedherlips.“Noteventhecrocodile
thing,overseas.”

“Thatwasn’treallyme.ItwasRourke.Ijustassisted.”
“WhydidRourkefeedamantoacrocodile?”sheaskedcuriously.
Hisfacewenttaut.“Themaninquestiontorturedayoungwoman—apersonalfriendofRourke’s

who’saphotojournalist.Heusedaknifeonher.She’llcarrythescarsforever,unlessshedecidesto
haveplasticsurgery.Rightnow,shewon’ttalkaboutit.Shecallsthembadgesofcourage.”

“Whatabraveyoungwoman,”Merissasaid.
“Verybrave.Rourke’sknownhersinceshewasachild.Hehateshermostofthetime,Godknows

why.Buthewentberserkwhenshewaskidnapped.”

“Yes.Isawher,”shereplied.“ItoldRourkewhatIsaw.”
Heraisedbotheyebrows.
Shejustsmiled.
Heshookhishead.Hegottheidea.Shedidn’ttalkaboutherreadings.
“I’llgetbacktowork.Singoutifyouneedme,”hesaid.
“Iwill.Thanks,”sheaddedgently.“Fortakingcareofus.”
“I’mjustworkingtheperimeter.”Helaughed.“Idon’tthinkyou’rereallyinanydanger,eitherof

you.Ithinkhe’sjustpullingDalton’sstrings,makinghimdance.”Hiseyeswentcold.“He’sapieceof
work,thisguy,whoeverheis.”

“Iwishweknewwhyhe’stargetingDalton,”Merissasaidworriedly.
“Noidea?”heaskedher.
Sheshookherhead.“Ican’tseethingsthatclosely.Inthiscase,IwishIcould!”
Henodded.Helefthertoherthoughts.

***

ATER

THE

day,Merissahadaphonecall.“Toughluck.Aboutyourfather,Imean,”avoicewitha

thickCockneyaccidentsaid.

“Whoisthis?”shedemanded,butsheknew.Itwasobvious.“Whydidyousendhimhere?”she

added.

“Ifyourboyfriendhadstayedaway,yourfathermighthavesolvedaproblemforme.”
“Whatproblem?”Shewaslookingoutthewindow,wishingCarsonwouldcomein.
“Idon’twantyoutellingDaltonanythingelse.Idon’twantyouwarninghim,WitchWoman,”he

addedinacold,mercilessvoice.

“Youcan’tstopmeunlessyoukillme,”shesaidangrily.

“Idon’thavetothreatenyou.There’salwaysmommy.”
Herheartstopped.Clarahaddrivenintotowntoshop.“Whathaveyoudonetoher?”she

exclaimed,terrified.

“Relax.She’ssafe.Atleast,fortoday.”Hepaused.“IwantyoutostopreadingKirk’sfuture.You

tellhimanythingelse,aboutme,aboutthepast,andyourmotherwillpayforit,doyouunderstand
me?”

Sheswallowedhard.“Yes.”
“I’llknow.YourboyRourkemayhaveremovedallthebugs,butIhaveacouplehewon’tfind.”
“There’ssomeoneelse,”shetoldhiminthemonotonesheemployedwhenshewasreading

someone,whenshetouchedsomenebulousforcethatsuppliedherwithintelligencethatcamefrom
Godknewwhere.“Someonewhoknowsallaboutyou.Youthinkhe’sdead,buthe’snot,he’s...”She
shutupquickly.“EvenifyoukillDalton,theothermanwilltell.Menarelookingforhimrightnow.”

“Whichmen?Where?”hedemanded.
Sheblinked.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.Hervoicewasrackedwithpain.“It’snotlikereadingabook

orwatchingamovie.Ijustgetfeelings,impressions.”Shehesitated.“Youshouldgoawayrightnow,
whilethere’stime,”shesaidhuskily.“Icanseeyourfuture.Ifyouwereafriend,andIwasreading
foryou,Iwouldn’teventellyou,it’ssohorrible...”

“That’sjustpathetic,”hespat.“YouthinkIbelieveallthathoodoo?It’sjustmadeupthings!”
“Ifyoutrulybelievethat,thenwhydoyouwantmetostoptellingDaltonthings?”sheasked

reasonably.

Therewasapause.Carsonwalkedinandshegesturedatthephonefrantically,hopinghe’d

understand.

Hewasquick.Hewentintoheroffice.
“Idon’tbelieveit,”themanonthephonesaidangrily.
“NeitherdoesDalton,”sheassuredhim.
“Sure.ButyouwarnedhimIwasafterhim,”hereplied.“Youknew.”
“Yes,Iknew,butIdon’tknowwhyandneitherdoesDalton!Whatdoyouwant?”
Therewasapause,asifshe’dsurprisedhimwiththesincerityinhertone.
“Well?”shepersisted.“You’retargetingamanforsomethingthathedoesn’tevenknow,”shesaid

angrily.“It’stheothermanyou’dbetterworryabout.Heknowsyou...”

Thistimetherewasanintakeofbreath.“Well,I’llbedamned,”hesaidtohimself.“Iknowwho

you’retalkingabout.Thanks,kid.I’lltakecareofthatlittleproblemrightaway!”

Hehungup.
Merissastaredatthephonewithhorror.She’dsenthimouttokillamanbytellinghimabouthis

future.Shedidn’tknowwhothemanwas,shecouldn’twarnhim.Whoeveritwas,hewasgoingtodie
becauseofher!

Carsoncamein,hesitating.
Shelookedathimwithhorrorasshehungupthephone.
“I’vegotatraceonthecall,”hetoldher.“Whatdidhesay?”
“ItoldhimthathehadanothermantoworryaboutinsteadofDalton,amanwhoknewhimand

wouldtellwhatheknew.Idon’tknowwhoitis,buthe’lldiebecauseofme!”shemoaned.“I’vekilled
him!”

Carsonmovedcloser.“Youhaven’t,”heassuredher.Hisblackeyesnarrowed.“Didhethreaten

you?”

“Hethreatenedmymother,”shesaidmiserably.“HesaysifItellDaltonanythingelsehe’llknowit.

HesaysRourkedidn’tfindallthebugs...”

Heheldupahandandmotionedheroutside.
“Yes,Rourkedid,”hesaiddeliberately.“Themanliedtoyou.Hecan’thearwhat’sgoingonin

here.It’sperfectlysafetotalk.”

“You’resure?”shereplied,playingalong.
“Positive.Comehereaminute,Iwantyoutolookatsomething.”
Shefollowedhimofftheporchandoutintotheyard.
“I’llgetRourkeoverheretodoanothersweep,”Carsonassuredher.
“Butwhatabouttheman...?”
“We’lltrytofindhim,”Carsonsaid.“I’llmakesomephonecalls.It’snotyourfault.Youwere

tryingtosaveyourmother.”

Shelookedworld-weary.“I’msotiredofallthis,”shesaid.“Williteverend?”
“Yes,itwill.Ipromiseyou,itwill.”
Shesmiledsadly.Shewasn’tconvinced.

***

LARA

CAME

HOME

andMerissaspoketoherintheyard,tellingherwhathadhappenedinherabsence.

“MaybeweshouldmoveinwiththeKirks,”Clarasaidworriedly.
“It’sChristmasdayaftertomorrow,”Merissasaidsoftly.“Idon’twanttoimposeontheirfamily

thatway.We’regoingtobeallright,”Merissapromised.“Iknowit’sscary,butItrustCarson.He’sa
goodman.”

“He’saveryoddman.”Claralaughed.“Butifyoutrusthim,Iwill,too.”Shehuggedtheyounger

woman.“Mypoorbaby.It’sbeensuchatraumaticfewweeks.Weshouldlookforwardtospring.I
mean,wealwaysgetgoodtimesafterbadones.Don’twe?”

Merissanodded.Shesighed.“Ihopeso.”
“Wewon’tsayanythinginthehousethatconcernsDaltonorspiesorbugsoranythingelse,”Clara

assuredher.Shewassomberthen.“PeopleintownaretalkingaboutBill’sdeath,”shesaid.“We’re
goingtobethesubjectofgossipagain.Andwhatdowedoabouthisfuneral,sweetie?”sheadded.

“Willitbeuptoustoburyhim,ordoeshisgirlfriendwanttotakecareofthearrangements?

CouldweaskSheriffBankstocallher?”

“Ithinkwemight,”Clarareplied.“Thatterribleman,tosendhimbackhereandsubjectustothe

horroralloveragain.”Sheclosedhereyes.“HekilledBill.”

“Imayhavehelpedhimkillsomeoneelse,”Merissasaidwithanguish,andexplained.
“PerhapsifItriedtohelpyouwithareadingofmyown,”Clarapondered.
“Wouldyou?”Merissaasked.“You’rebetteratsomethingsthanIam.Itmighthelp.Whateveryou

findout,wecouldtellDalton.”Sheshookherhead.“I’mafraidthesheriffthinkswewearpointyhats
anddancenakedaroundbonfiresinthedeepwoods.”

“He’saniceman,”Clararesponded.“He’sjustverynormal.Theparanormalhasnoplaceinhis

life.”

“That’slikemostpeople.”
“Oh,IranintoDr.Harrison,”Clarasaid.“Heaskedaboutyourheadaches.”
“They’rebetter,”Merissareplied.“Idowishthey’dgoaway,though,”shegrumbledastheywent

intothekitchen.“Ijustgotarefillonmyprescriptionmedicineyesterdayandstuckitinmybedside
table.Idon’tknowwhatI’ddowithoutthosecapsules.”

“Atleastyouhavesomethingthatworksnow.Carsonsaidhe’sdrivingovertoseeDalton.”She

pursedherlips.“Mightyouliketogowithhim?”sheteased.

Merissa’sfacelitup.“MightI?I’llgetmycoat!”
Shewenttothefrontdoor.“Carson,canIgo,too?”shecalled.
Hethrewupahandandmotionedhertothecarhewasdriving.
“I’lljustbeaminute!”
Shegrabbedhercoat,kissedhermotherandranouttothecar.Carsonopenedthedoorforher,

smilingathersurprise.

“Mymotherhadexcellentmanners,”heexplainedastheydrovetotheKirkranch.“Shetaughtme

courtesy.”

“It’sveryniceinaman,”shesaid.
“Workswonderswithwomen,”hequipped.
Shestaredathimquietly.“Womenwillbeyourdownfall,”shesaid.“Sorry.Ididn’tmeantopipeup

likethat.”Sheflushed.

“Nooffensetaken,”hereplied.Heglancedather.“Whatdoyoumean,though?”
“Yourpastwillaffectyourfuture,”sherepeatedwhatshe’dtoldhimonce.
“YoumeanI’mgoingtomeetsomeinnocentlittlethingwho’llthinkI’marakeandavoidme

becauseofit?”Helaughed.

Itwasn’treallyfunny,whatshe’dseeninhervision.Butitwasperhapsbetternottotellhimallof

it.“Somethinglikethat,I’mafraid,”shesaidinstead.However,itwasgoingtobemuchmoreserious
thanheeverrealized.Hedidn’tseemtothinkofhiswildlifestyleasaproblem.Itwouldbecomehis
worstone.

***

HEY

DROVE

attheKirkranchandDaltonturnedfromaconversationhewashavingwithoneof

hismen.WhenMerissagotoutofthecar,hewassmilingfromeartoearashecametomeether.

“Whatanicesurprise!”heexclaimed,andhuggedher.“Iwascomingovertoseeyoulater,”he

teased.“Savedmeatrip.”

Shesmiled.“Ihavealittleproblem.”
HelookedimmediatelyatCarson.
“Hey,”Carsonsaidindignantly,“Idon’tpoach.”
Tanklookedembarrassed.“Sorry.”
Carsonjustchuckled.“IneedtotalktoRourke.”
“He’sinthehouse.Goahead.”
Henoddedandleftthemalone.
“It’snothinglikethat,”Merissatoldhimsoftly.“Carsonis...notwhatheseems.Theotherman

calledme,theonewho’sstalkingyou.”

“Whatdidhesay?”Daltonaskedatonce,concerned.
“HesaidthatifItellyouanythingelseabouthim,he’llknow,andmymotherwillpayforit.”She

groundherteethtogether.“ThenIslippedupandtoldhimtherewassomeoneelse,someonehe
thoughtwasdead,whoknowsmuchmorethanyoudoandwhowasabouttotellpeople.”Hereyes
tearedup.“He’llkilltheman,andIdon’tevenknowwhoitisorhowtowarnhim.Carsonsaidhe’d
makesomephonecalls.”ShelookedupatTank.“Idon’twantsomeoneinnocenttodiebecauseof
me.”

Hedrewhercloseandhuggedher.“We’llfindoutwhoitisandwarnhim.Don’ttakeitsotoheart.

Youmightevenbewrong,foronce,”heteased.

“Idon’tthinkso.”
Heliftedhishead.“Youworrytoomuch.”
Shegrimaced.“Notsomuchanymore,Iworeoutmynervesonyou,thinkingaboutthatman

killingyou.”

Hetouchedhermouthwiththetipsofhisfingers.“I’mhardtokill.Honest.”
Shemanagedasmile.
“Comeoninside.”
“Ican’tstaylong,”shesaidworriedly.“Mama’sbyherself.I’mafraidforher...”
Evenasshespoke,Carsoncamedownthestepsandwenttowardhiscar.“I’mgoingbackoverto

theBakers.CanyoubringMerissahome?”heaskedTank.

Tankgrinned.“Ofcourse.”
“Thanks.Seeyou.”
Hedroveoffwithawave.

***

ANK

TOOK

ERISSA

intothehouse.Thewholefamilywasinthelivingroom,playingwithMallory

andMorie’slittleboyonthecarpet.EvenBolinda,visiblypregnant,wassittingonthefloorbeside
herhusband,Cane.Theylookedabsolutelyfascinated.

Therewasahuge,brilliantlydecoratedChristmastreeinthecorneroftheroom,withgaily

wrappedpresentspileduptothesecondlimbaroundit.Thetreewasartificial,Tankhadtoldher,
becauseMoriehadallergiesthatkeptthemfromhavingalivetree.

“Thetreeisbeautiful,”shewhispered.
Hechuckled.“MorieputsthemuponThanksgivingeve,”hetoldher.“AndtheystayupuntilNew

Year ’sDay.”

“We’realwayslatewithours.ButweusuallytakethemdownthedayafterChristmas.”
“Icouldcomeandhelpyoutakeitdown,”heofferedwithasmile.“Icanreachthetoptogetthe

staroffwithoutaladder.”

Shelaughedsoftly.“Wedon’thaveastar.Butthatwouldbenice.”
Hegrinnedfromeartoear.Theothers,hearingvoices,lookedoveratthem.
MerissaglancedupatTankworriedly.
“It’sallright,”hesaidsoftly,puttinganarmaroundher.Hewalkedherclosertothesofa.
Fourpeopleandababylookedather.
SheflushedandmovedclosertoTank.
Hisarmtightened.
“Haveaseatandanugly,nonbiodegradablebutfunctionalhighlycoloredplasticbabytoy,andjoin

inthefun,”Malloryinvitedwithagrin,handingherarattle.

Itbroketheice.Merissaburstoutlaughingasshetookthetoyfromhim.
“Sitdown,”Morieinvitedwithasmile.“Wedon’tbite,honest.”
“Andnobody’sgoingtomakesarcasticremarks,”Bolindaaddedgently.
Merissasatdown,Tankdroppingtothecouchbesideher.“Youwerealwayskindtomeinschool,

whenalotofpeopleweren’t,”shesaidtoBolinda.“Ihadtodropoutandbehomeschooledeventually
becauseIcouldn’ttakeitanymore.”

Bolindareachedupandpattedherarm.“Differentisnotbad.Youhavearealgift.We’reall

gratefulthatyouwereabletowarnTankintimetosavehislife.”

“Amentothat,”Malloryagreed,andCanenodded.“We’resortofusedtohim.EvenifIcanplay

thepianobetterthanhecan,”headdeddryly.

“Challenge.Challenge!”Canepipedin.
“Yeah.Youthinkyou’rebetterthanme,youcanproveit,”Mallorysaidhaughtily.
TankflexedhisfingersandgrinnedatMerissa,whowaslaughing.“Okay.”
Hewenttothepiano.“Requests?”hecalledout.
“AnythingexceptRachThree,”Mallorysaidsourly,alludingtothealmostimpossible-to-play

Rachmaninoff3compositionbythegreatRussiancomposer.

“Jealous,”TanktoldMerissainastagewhisper.“Icanplayitandhecan’t.”
“IcouldplayitifIwantedto,”Mallorymuttered.
“Ilove‘SendintheClowns,’”Merissasaidsoftly.
Tank’seyebrowslifted.
“DidIsaysomethingwrong?”sheaskedworriedly.
“It’shisfavorite,”Canesaidgentlyandlaughed.
“Oh!”SheflushedasshemetTank’ssoft,searchingeyes.
“Similartastesinmusic,”heteased.“Notabadthingatall.Okay.Heregoes.”
Hebegantoplay.Merissaclosedhereyestodrinkinthesweetbeautyofthesong.Itwastimeless,

ageless,haunting.HermotherhadarecordingofitsungbyJudyCollins,inheritedfromMerissa’s
grandmother,whohadloveditdearly.Merissahadfalleninlovewiththerecordinglongago.Even
withoutthewords,themelodywasexquisite.

Tankfinished.Merissawipedhereyes.Hegrinned.
“Okay,”heinvitedMallory,whowasholdinghissonandgrinning.“Yourturn.”
MallorykissedthelittleboyandhandedhimovertoabeamingMorie.“Onmyway.”
TankgotupandsatbesideMerissaonthesofa.Malloryflexedhisownfingers,gaveTankasmug

grinandlaunchedintohisownfavorite,thethemefromAugustRush.

Merissasatentrancedwhileheplayed.Whenhefinished,sheclapped.
“Sorry,”shetoldTank.
Heonlylaughed.“Noneed.Hereallyisbetterthanme.Ijustliketopullhischainoccasionally.

Bravo,Mallory,”headded,andheclapped,too.“Iyieldtoamaestro.”

Mallorymadehimamockbow.Thenhewentbacktoplayingwiththebaby.
“Coffee?”Morieasked,surrenderingthebabytoMalloryagainasshegottoherfeet.
“Thatwouldbeverynice,”Merissasaid.
“Comewithme,”Morieinvited,smiling.
MerissasmiledatTankandwenttojointheotherwomaninthekitchen.
“Youcanbeinchargeofmugs.”Morielaughed.“They’reinthecupboard,there.”
Merissawenttogetthem.Theywerethickwhitemugs.Shelookedatthemwithsurprise.TheKirk

ranchwasmassive.Sheexpectedbonechina,attheleast.

Moriesawherexpressionandgrinned.“Wedon’tusethegoodchinaexceptatChristmasdinner,”

sheconfessed.“Nobodylikeshandwashingeverysinglepieceofit,yousee.Those—”sheindicated
themugs“—goverynicelyintothedishwasherandnevercrack.”

“Youaren’twhatIexpected,”Merissaconfessedshyly.“Imean,IknewBolindafromwhenIwas

veryyoung,andshewasalwayskind.Butpeoplesayyou’refromaverypowerfulranchingfamilyin
Texas.Ithought...”

Morieputanarmaroundhershouldersimpulsivelyandhuggedher.“We’rejustpeople,”she

pointedout.“Mydad’sjustasmuchathomeinadentedpickupwithtornseatsasheisinaJaguar.He
andmymotherraisedmybrotherandmenottobesnobs,”sheaddedwithachuckle.

“Ididn’tmeanitlikethat,”Merissasaidsoftly,andsmiled.
“Iknow.”Morieslicedpoundcakeandputitonaplatter.SheglancedatMerissa.“Weallknow

whathappenedoveratyourplace.I’msosorry.JustbeforeChristmas,too.”

“Istilldon’tunderstandwhythemanwoulddosomethingsohorrible.Hesentmyfatherto

terrorizeus.”Sheclosedhereyesandshivereddelicately.“Youhavenoideawhathedidtous,tomy
motherandme,beforeDaltoncameandtheotherscameandrescuedus.Hesaidhewasgoingtokill
me....”

Moriehuggedhercloseandrockedher.“It’sallright.He’llneverhurtyouagain.”
Sheshivered.“Themanshothimdead,rightinourbackyard.”Shepulledawayandwipedather

eyeswithapapertowelMoriepassedtoher.“Whykillhim?”

“Apparentlyhe’dservedhispurpose,”theolderwomansaidquietly.“Orsomepurposethatonlyhe

knew.Peoplelikethataren’tquitesane,Ithink.”

Merissanodded.“He’sdangerous.ThemostdangerouspersonI’veeverheardof.Hesaidhe’dbe

listening,andifItoldDaltonanythingelseabouthimhe’dkillMama.”

Moriegrimaced.“Ifithelps,thesethingsdofinallygetresolved.Onewayoranother.”Hereyes

weresad.“YouheardaboutJoeBascomb,didn’tyou?”

“Everybodydid,”theotherwomansaid.“Itwassobraveofyou,goingouttofindMalloryafter

Bascombhadkidnappedhimandlefthimtodie.Hecouldhavekilledyou.”

“Iknewthat,”Moriesaid.“ButIwouldhavehadnolifewithoutMallory.”
Itwassaidinamatter-of-factway.Merissasawtheloveintheotherwoman’seyesforherhusband

assheglancedthroughthedoorwayofthekitchenpastthediningroomintothelivingroombeyond,
whereMallorywassprawledonthecarpetwiththeirson.

ShelookedbackatMerissa.“Youwouldhavedonethesame,ifithadbeenTank,”shesaid

perceptively.

“Ofcourse,”Merissasaidwithoutapause.Shedrewinabreath.“He’smywholeworldnow.Ican’t

imaginelifewithouthiminit.”

Moriesmiled.“Youwon’thaveto,fromwhatI’veseen,”shetoldher.“Youwatch,he’llcome

throughthatdooranyminute.Hecan’tstandtobeawayfromyou.He’sbeenmooningaroundhere
alldaytryingtofindanexcusetogoandseeaboutyou...See?”shewhispered.

Tankappearedinthedoorway,handsinhisjeanpockets,eyebrowsraised.“Areweevergoingto

getcoffee,youthink?”hemused.

Thewomenlaughed.
“We’reputtingitonthetraynow,withcake,”Moriesaid.“Wanttocarryitinforus?”
Hegrinned.“Mypleasure.”HeglancedatMerissawithalookinhiseyesthatmadeherjustmelt.
HeputthetraydownonthecoffeetableanddrewMerissatohissideonthesofa.
“Ilikemineblack,”hetoldher.Hesmiled.
Shelaughed.“Ilikeminewithcreamandsugar.”
“Itdoesn’tmatter.Youlike‘SendintheClowns,’”heteased.“We’llfindotherthingsincommon,

too.”

“Yes.”Sheleanedovertopourthecoffeeforhim.

***

TOO

SOON

,shehadtoleave.Tankdroveherbacktoherhome,buthestoppedalittlewayfromthe

cabin,putthetruckoutofgearandremovedtheirseatbelts.Whileshewaswonderingwhy,hepulled
heracrosshislapandkissedherwithastarvingpassion.

Shereactedtoitatonce,herarmsaroundhisneck,herbodystrainingtogetasclosetohimasshe

possiblycould.

Hishandwentunderherblouse,searchingforsoftfleshtoexplore.Hismouthteasedaroundher

lipsuntilherousedher.Thekisswasdeeper,slower,hungrierthananythey’dsharedbefore.He
groaned.

“I’msorry,”shewhispered,feelinghisanguish.
“Weshouldgetmarried,”heblurtedout.

CHAPTERTEN

ERISSA

DREW

BACK

fromhimwithafaintgasp.“What?”shestammered.

Hegroundhisteethtogether.Shelookedsoshockedthathewasembarrassed,andsuddenlyhis

confidenceaboutherfeelingsforhimtookanosedive.Thesetofringsinhispocketwasburninga
holeinthematerialofhiscoatnow.“Ididn’tmeantosaythat,”helied.“I’msorry.Igotinovermy
headalittletooquickly.”

“It’s...allright,”shesaid,movingawayfromhim,backtoherownseat.Shefastenedherseatbelt

forsomethingtodo.“Noharm.”Shetriedtosmile.Foraninstantshe’dthoughthemeantit,andher
heartsailedupintothesky.Nowhewasbusybacktracking.

“I’mreallysorry...”
“Oh,youdon’thavetoapologize,”sheassuredhimurgently.“Iknowmensometimessaythings

theydon’tmeanwhenthey,well,youknow.”Sheflushed.Heseemedreallyregretfulaboutwhathe’d
said.Sheonlywantedtoeasetheembarrassment.“I’mnotreadytogetmarried,anyway,”shelied.
“Soit’sfine.Really.”

Hedidn’tlookreassured.Infact,helookedpuzzledandthenalmostoffended.Heputhisownseat

beltbackon,putthetruckingearanddroveuptoherporch.

Hecutofftheengine.“I’llwalkyouinside,”hesaidquietly.“IwanttomakesureCarson’shere.”
“Okay.”
Theymovedintothehouseinsilence,nottouching,notspeaking.Merissawasconcerned.Hemust

beterriblyembarrassedtohaveblurtedoutsuchacompromisingproposal.Hehadbeenvagueabout
thefuture,buthe’dneversaidanythingaboutmarriage.Shewascrazyabouthim,andheseemedto
havefeelingsforher.Butitwasonethingtofeelpassionforsomeone,quiteanothertoconsider
spendingtherestofyourlifewithher.ShewantedTanktobesure.Andshewantedaproposalthat
camewhenhewasn’toutofhismindwithdesire.

Soshedidn’tsayanythingabouttheirformerconversation.
“I’mhome,”Merissacalled.
Claracameoutofthekitchen.“SoIsee.Hello,Dalton,”shegreetedwithasmile.
Henodded,buthedidn’tsmile.“Ijustwantedtomakesureeverythingwasokay,”hetoldthe

women.“I’llcheckbacktomorrow.Haveagoodnight.”

HeleftwithoutevenlookingatMerissa.
“Whathappened?”Claraaskedworriedly.
Merissadrewinabreath.“I’mnotsure.AndIcan’ttalkaboutitrightnow,”sheaddedgently.“I’m

sorry.”

Clarahuggedher.“HaveanicecupofhotchocolatewhileIpeelpotatoesforsupper.Carson’s

outsideworkingonsomeprojectofhis.Hewon’ttellmewhatitis.”

“Ishenearthehouse?”Merissaasked,curious.
“Notreally,”hermothersaid.“Hewasgoingtostartputtingupsurveillancedevicesatthe

boundariesoftheproperty.Why?”

“Ijustwondered.”Shehadanuneasyfeeling,butshedidn’twanttoputitintowords.Shedrewina

longbreathandrubbedhertemple.

“Notanotherheadache?”hermotheraskedworriedly.

“No,”shesaid.“Well,notyet,anyway.”
“Youdoknowwhereyouleftyourprescriptionmedicine?”
“Ofcourse,”Merissasaid,andsmiledwanly.“It’sinmybedsidetable,whereIalwayskeepit.”She

cockedherhead.“YouthinkI’llgetone,don’tyou?”

Hermotherwasnoncommittal.“YoulookworriedandDaltonlooked,Idon’tknow,upset.”
Merissaavertedhereyes.“Wehadalittle...misunderstanding.”
Clarapattedhershoulderaffectionately.“It’searlydaysyet,”shesaidgently.“Youdon’treally

knoweachother.Timewilltakecareofthat.”

Merissashrugged.“Ihopeso.”
“Thingsareusuallyalittlerockyatfirst.Buthe’sveryfondofyou.Hedoesn’tmakeanysecretof

it.”

Merissanodded.Sheglancedathermother.Clarahadmadeheracupofhotchocolate.Sheputitin

frontofheratthetable.Shepouredpotatoesintoabigbowl,gotaknifeandsatdowntopeelthem.

“Ittakestimeforpeopletogrowtogetherandtrustoneanother,”shetoldMerissa.“He’sbeen

aloneforalongtime.”

“He’sveryrich,”Merissasaidthroughherteeth.
“Andyouthinkhe’llconsideryouagolddigger—isthatapropermodernword?”Claralaughed.

“You’retheleastmercenarypersonI’veeverknown.”

“Still,it’saverydifferentlifestylethanours.”
“He’sarancher.Helovesanimals.Helovestheland.He’slikeus.Soarehisbrothersandtheir

wives.”

Merissamadeaface.Shesippedthehotchocolateandsighedwithpurecontentment.“Nobody

makesthislikeyoudo.”

“Thankyou,dear.”Shewasquiet.
“You’rethinkingaboutmyfather,aren’tyou?”sheasked.
Claranodded.“Ilovedhimonce,”shesaid.“Itwasahorriblewaytodie,ahorriblethingtodo,to

bringhimbackhereandsacrificehim.”Sheliftedhereyestoherdaughter ’s.“Hewasevil.Butevena
dogshouldn’tdielikethat.”

“Iknow.”Merissastaredintothehotchocolate.“Thatmanshoulddielikethat.Theonewhosent

myfatherbackhere,who’stryingtokillDalton.”

Clara’sknifewasstill.“Youshouldneverwishsuchthingsonanyone,”shesaidinhersoftvoice.
“Iknow,”Merissareplied.“It’sunnecessary.I’veseenhisdeath.It’s...morehorriblethanyoucould

evenimagine.”Sheshivered.

“Let’stalkaboutsomethingmorepleasant.”
“IhearthatsomefabulouslywealthymanisputtingtogetheramannedmissiontoMarsandhe

wantsvolunteers,”Merissasaidwithagrin.“AllIneedisaspacesuit...”

“Youcan’tgo.”
“Whynot?”
Claralaughed.“Youhaveaverynicefutureaheadofyou,righthereinWyoming.Andno,Iwon’t

tellyouwhatitis.”

Merissagrimaced.“Well,itdoesn’tcontainDalton,I’msureofthat.Healmostleftatrailoffire

behindhimgettingoutofthedriveway.”

Claradidn’tsayaword.Shejustsmiled.

***

WAS

ALMOST

inevitable;themigraine.ItcameonanhourortwoafterMerissa’soddconversation

withTank.

Shewassittinginthelivingroomwithhermother,watchingthenews,whenshebegantofeelthe

effects.

Sherubbedhertemplewithobviouspain.Itwaslikeaknifeinherrighteye.Whensheopenedit

again,herfieldofvisioninthateyelookedlikethestaticonatelevisionstationthatwastemporarily
offtheair.

“Oh,dear,”shesaid,feelingnausearise.
“You’dbettertakesomethingwhileyoustillcan,”Clarasaidworriedly.
“I’lldoitrightnow.”
Shewentquicklytoherroom,pickedupthebottlethatcontainedthecapsulesthatshetookforher

headaches.Sheshouldhavenoticedthattheyweren’tinthedrawerwhereshe’dputthem.Theywere
sittingonthetableunderthelamp.Butshewashurtingtoobadlytopayattention.

Sheshookonecapsuleoutintoherhandandpoppeditintohermouth,swallowingsomewaterto

getitdown.Theprescriptionwasfortwo,butshehopedshe’dtakenitearlyenoughtopreventthe
headachefromdeveloping.

Whileshesippedwaterfromtheplasticbottleonthesametableasthepills,sheglancedatthe

windowcuriously.Theblindswereaskew.Shestraightenedthembeforeshemovedbacktothebed
andsliddownontoit.Clarabroughtherawetwashclothandputitoverhereyes.“Justliestill,
honey,”shetoldtheyoungerwoman.“Itwillpasssoon.CanIgetyouanything?”

“No,I’ll...befine.Ijusttookonecapsule.Maybeitwillbeenough.Turnoffthelightandclosethe

curtains,willyou?”shewhispered.

“Atonce.”
Shedid,andtiptoedout,closingthedoorbehindher.

***

PHONE

RANG

attheKirkranch.Mallorypickeditup.“Hello?”

TherewasahystericalbarrageofwordsfromClara.Ashelistened,Mallory’sfacegrewquickly

somber.

“Yes,I’lltellhim.IsCarsonwithyou?”
Helistenedandnodded.“DidyoucalltheEMTs?Okay.Fine.Yes,we’llberightthere.Trynotto

worry.”

“What’sup?”theothersasked,almostinunison.
“Merissa’sinthehospital.Apparentlyshetookacapsuleforamigraineheadacheandhadaviolent

reactiontoit.We’regoingtopickClarauponthewaytothehospital.”

Beforehecouldevengetthewordsout,Tankwasheadedoutthebackdoor.
MallorycalledDarbyonhiscellphone.“Youdrivehim,Idon’tcarewhathesays,”hetoldthe

foremanafterhe’dgivenhimthebarebonesoftheconversation.“He’llkillhimselftryingtoget
therealone.Don’tworryaboutClara,we’llpickherupandtakehertothehospitalwithus.”There
wasapause.“ShesaidCarsonwassettingupsomesortofdevicesoutontheproperty.Shehasn’tseen
himinawhile.We’llworryaboutthatlater.DriveTanktothehospital.Hurry!”

Hehungupandlookedathisfamily.“He’llheadhimoffanddrivehimtotown,”heassuredthem.
“Weshouldgo,too,”Canereplied.
“Yes.Youstayherewiththebaby,”MallorytoldMorie,“andyoushouldstay,too,”headded,

smilingatBolinda.“Iknow,butit’sreallybadoutsideandyou’redelicate.Moriecan’tleavethebaby
andsheneedssomeonewithher,”helied.

Moriegrinned.“Yes,shedoes.”
“Okay,then,butgiveMerissamylove,”Bodieagreedfinally.
CanegaveMalloryagratefullook.
“Mine,too,”Morietoldherhusband.
Henodded,kissedhergentlyandleftCanetosayabrief,affectionategoodbyetohisownwife.

ThentheydroveovertopickupClaraandrushedtothehospital.

***

ANK

WAS

PACING

thewaitingroom.

“Howisshe?”MalloryaskedasheandClaraandCanemovedtoTank’sside.
“Bad,”Tanksaidunsteadily.“Theywon’ttellmeanythingbecauseI’mnotarelative,”headded

angrily.

“It’sallright,”Clarasaid.She’dbeencrying,butsuddenlyshewasmorepositive.“I’llfindout

what’sgoingon.”

“YousentthosecapsulesshewastakingwiththeEMTs,didn’tyou?”Malloryasked.
Shenodded.“Yes,Idid.ThefirstthingIthoughtwasthatitwasanallergicreaction.Sheonlytook

one,somaybeitisn’ttoobad.Imadesuretheytookthebottlealongwithher.I’llseeifIcanfindout
anything.”Shewenttotheemergencyroomdesk.

“Theyweredoingtests,theytoldme,”Tanksaidtohisbrothers.“Tests!Theywon’tletmesee

her,”hegroaned.

“Takeiteasy,”Canesaidgently.“Justbreathe.We’llknowsomethingsoon.Okay?”
Tankcalmeddown.Henodded.
Malloryputhishandonhisbrother ’sshoulder.“Firstruleofmedicineis‘donoharm,’”he

remindedhim.“Iftheytreatherinthedarktheycouldkillher.Ifyouweren’tsoupset,you’dknow
that.”

Tanklookedupathimwiththefearinhiseyesthatshewouldn’trecover,thattheywouldn’tbein

time...

Thedoctor,asmall,dark-hairedwomaninalabcoatwithamusicalaccentcametowherethey

werestandinginthewaitingroom,witharelievedClaraatherside.“It’sallright.Weknowhowto
treathernow,”shesaid,smiling.“Theinterestingthingisthat,afterweranthetoxicologyscreenon
thecapsulesandabloodsample,wecouldn’tunderstandhowshewouldingestsuchasubstanceina
headacheremedy.Therewasnotraceofitonhermouth,herclothing...”

“Whatwasit?”Tankasked.
“Icouldgiveyouthetechnicalname,butyouprobablyknowitasMalathion.It’sused...”
“Asapesticide,”Tanksaidforher.“Yes,weuseitontheranch.It’sconsideredoneofthesafer

methods...”

“Thecapsulesweretamperedwith,”sheinterruptedgently.“SomeonesubstitutedtheMalathionfor

theprescriptionmedicine.Itwasaveryprofessionalsortofjob,althoughtherewasnotenoughinthe
onecapsulehermothersaidsheingestedtokillher,buttherewasenoughtomakeherverysick.All
theremainingcapsulesinthebottleweresimilarlyreplacedwiththepesticide,withaverypureform
ofit.I’vetelephonedtheauthorities.Itismyprofessionalopinionthatshewasdeliberatelypoisoned.”

“GoodGod!”Tankburstout,agonized.Hisfacetautened.“Willshelive?”

“Ithinkso,”shesaidcautiously.“We’llkeepheroncardiovascularsupport,administerantidotes,

keephersedated.Youneedtocontactlawenforcement,aswell,”sheadded.“Thiswasanugly
business.Forsomeonetodosuchathingtoayoungwoman...it’smonstrous.”

“Yes,itis,”Tankagreed.“CanIseeher?”heasked.“Please?”
“Andme?”Clarapleaded.
Thedoctorwaskind,butfirm.“Iwouldlovetobeabletodothat,butwemustworktosaveher

life.Ifshehadingestedmore,ortherehadbeenalongdelayingettinghertothehospital,shewould
certainlybedead.”

“Whencanweseeher?”Tankpersisted.
“Comebackinafewhours.We’llsee,”shepromised.“Meanwhile,trynottoworry.Ithinkthe

prognosiswillbegood,sinceshewasseensoquickly.”

“Okay,then.”Hemanagedasmile.“Thanks.”
Shesmiledback.“We’lltakegoodcareofher.”

***

ANK

DIDN

’

WANT

toleave.Hewantedtositwithher,comforther,holdontoher.Whenhethought

ofthedeliberatepoisoning,theunderhanded,low-downmannerofit,hewantedtokillthemanwho
hadhimtargeted.

“Wehavetofindthisperp,”TanktoldhisbrothersonthewaytoClara’shouse.“Wehavetofind

himnow,beforehekillsher!Whyher?”headdedinanguish.“Whynotjustkillme?”

“Heseemstobeintotorture,”Canesaidquietly.“He’splayingwithyou.Ifhe’dputenough

Malathioninthosecapsules,she’dbedeadalready.Hejustwantedtomakehersick,toscareyou.”

“Well,itworked,”Tanksaidthroughhisteeth.
Theydidn’tcomment.Mallory,whowasdriving,pulledupatthecabin.Allthreegotout,along

withClara,whowassittinginthecrampedsecondseat.

“Codyisn’thereyet,”Mallorynoted,lookingaround,referringtothesheriff.“Icalledhimbefore

weleftthehospital.”

“Canweseeherroom?”Tankasked.
“Ofcourse...”
“No,”Mallorysaid,stoppinghim.“It’sacrimescenenow.LetCody’sinvestigatorgettowork.”
“Crimescene,”Tanksaidnumbly.
“Attemptedmurder,”Malloryrepliedtersely.“Ifwecancatchhimnow,he’llgoawayforavery

longtime.Wejusthavetoproveitwashim.”

Carsoncamefromaroundthesideofthehouse.“I’vegotcamerasontopofcameras...”He

stopped,staringuncomprehendingattheothers.“What’shappened?”

“Youdidn’theartheambulance?”Tankasked,astonished.
Carsonscowled.“Whatambulance?No,I’vebeenalloverthepropertyputtingupsensors...”He

stoppedandstaredatthem.“Oh,myGod.Merissa?”

“She’llbeallright,thedoctorthinks,”Tanksaidworriedly.ButhelookedatClaraandshewas

noddingandsmiling.Herelaxedalittle.

“Iwasonlygoneforthirtyminutes,”Carsongroaned.“Ididn’trealizeitwouldtakesolong.God,

I’msorry!”hetoldClara.

“It’sallright,”shesaid.“She’sgoingtobefine.”
“Thesheriff’sonhisway,”TanktoldCarson.“Withhisinvestigator.Don’ttouchanything.”

Carson’seyesnarrowed.“I’llgoalongwiththeinvestigatorifthere’satrail.Icantrackanant.”He

movedclosertoTank.“Youcanslugme,ifyoulike.”

“Youweretryingtoprotectthem,”Tanksaidheavily.“Imighthavedonethesamething.Atleast

shedidn’tdie.”

“Whathappenedtoher?”Carsonasked,stillgrim.
“Shetookwhatshethoughtwasaprescriptionmedicineforaheadache,”Clarasaid,“butsomeone

hadsubstitutedMalathionforthedruginthecapsules.It’samiracleitdidn’tkillher.Sheonlytook
onecapsule,thankGod.”

“Idon’tthinkthatwashispurposeatall,”Malloryrepeated.“Idon’tthinkhemeanttokillher.He’s

toyingwithTank.”

Carson’seyesnarrowed.“Iknewaguylikethatonce,whoworkedinspecops,”hesaid,frowning

curiously.“Ebknewhim.Hecamealongforaspecialjoboverseas.Hewasanindependentcontractor
forthegovernment,likeus.Hisspecialtywascovertassassination,butnotwithmilitaryhardware.He
wasanexpertatdisguisingpoisonsasmedicine.Hewasassignedtotakeoutamilitarystrategist,but
hediditoveraperiodofdays,usingdifferenteverydaypoisonstotormentthemanbeforehegave
himthefinaldose.Noneofuslikedthewayheworked.Heenjoyedkilling.”

Thebrotherslookedateachotherwithsuddeninspiration.“Whatdidhelooklike?”Tankasked.
“Insignificantsortofman,”hereplied.“Mediumheight,nasaldrawl.Theonlythingabouthimthat

stoodoutwashishair.Itwasaflamingorangecolor.”

“Icanseehowthatwouldhelphimcamouflagehimself,”Canesaidfacetiously.
“Ialwaysthoughthedidittodrawattentionawayfromhisface,”Carsonreplied.“Hishairwas

concealedwhenhewentoutatnightanyway,notmuchriskofanyoneseeingit.Hedidwetworkwith
knives,aswell.Hebraggedaboutonejob,butwhenhesawthereactionhewasgettingfromus,he
clammedup.”Hisfacehardened.“Anybodywhoenjoyskillingneedshelp.Ididitforideological
reasons,tohelpsaveinnocents.Hediditforfun.”

“Thisman,”Tanksaidslowly.“Didhehaveanickononeear?”
Carsonblinked.“Awhat?”
“Didhehaveacutononeear,ascar?”
“Idon’tremember.Ican’tsayInoticed.”Hesmiledfaintly.“Iwastoooccupiedwiththesightof

thatflamingmopofhair.”

Tank’scellphonerang.Itwasthehospital.Infact,itwasthedoctorherself,whomhe’dgivenhis

phonenumber.

“Sheisawake,”shetoldhim,“andfeelingsomewhatbetternow.”
“I’monmyway,”Tankreplied.
“Go,”Mallorysaidwhenhehesitated,becausethey’dcomeinoneranchvehicle.“Here.”Hetossed

himthekeys.“We’llgetDarbytotakeusbacktotheranch.”

“Okay.Thanks!”Heranforthetruck.
“Don’tspeed!”Canecalledafterhim.“Onetragedyadayisenough!”
“I’llkeepitunderahundred!”Tankcalledback.
Canegroaned.He’dbeeninaterriblewreckbeforeheandBolindahadbeenmarried.Hetook

speedveryseriously.

“Ifeelbadthatthishappenedonmywatch,”Carsonsaid.“Iwascareless.Iwon’tbeagain.”
“Weallslipfromtimetotime,”Malloryassuredhim.
TwovehiclesapproachedthecabinasTankdroverapidlyawaywithawave.ItwasSheriffBanks

andhisinvestigator.

Theygreetedthemen,askedquestionsofClaraandstartedinvestigatingMerissa’sroom.Itsoon

becameapparentthatherwindowwasunlockedandsomeonehadcomethroughitquiterecently.
Therewasmoisturefrommeltedsnowonthesill,andapartialfootprintoutsidethewindow,among
theleaves.Amoldwastakenoftheprint.

Whentheinvestigatorhadcollectedwhatevidencehecouldfind,andanotherofficerhadbeensent

tothehospitaltoretrievethebottleofcapsulesandenterthemintothechainofevidence,Carsonand
theinvestigatorstartedbacktrackingthefainttrailthroughthewoods.

MalloryandCanereturnedtotheranchtoupdatethewivesonwhatwashappening.

***

THE

HOSPITAL

,TanksatbesideMerissaintheintensivecareunit,holdingherhand.

“Scaredmetodeath,baby,”hesaidsoftly.
Shemanagedawansmile.“Ifeelawful.”
“You’regoingtobeallright,”hesaidfirmly.“Nobody’scomingnearyou,ortouchingyouagain,

nomatterwhatIhavetodotokeepyousafe.”

“Sosick,”shegroaned.
“I’msurethey’regivingyousomethingtomakethatbetter.”
“Yes.Theysaidso.How’sMama?”sheaskedsuddenly.“Shewassoscared!”
“She’sfine,”hereplied.“Shecameinwithustotalktothedoctor.”
“Doyouknowwhathappenedtome?”sheasked.
Heturnedherhandoverandtracedthepalm.“Someonedoctoredthecapsulesyouweregivenfor

migraineheadaches,”hesaidgrimly.“Wedon’tknowhowyet,butwe’reprettysurewhodidit.”

Shedrewinashakybreathandfoughtdownthenausea.“Wow.Ionlytookonecapsule,”she

whispered.“IrememberMamaaskedmewhentheambulancecame.Iwentoutlikealightprettysoon
afterthat.”

Hishandtightenedonhers.“ThankGodyoudidn’ttakemore.”
“Whatdidheputinit?”
“Malathion,”hemuttered.“It’sdangerous.Verydangerous.Wehavetouseprecautionswhenwe

putitoutontheranch.Oncewehadaguycoveredwithit.Wehadtohavehimdecontaminatedandwe
hadtocalltheEMTs.Thatwasanaccident.Whathappenedtoyouwasn’t.Thesheriff’sinvestigator
willprobablywanttotalktoyou,too.”

“I’lltellhimanythingIcan.”ShelookedupatTank.“Irememberthattheblindsinmyroomwere

sortofcrooked.Ididn’tthinkanythingaboutit...IjuststraightenedthembeforeIlaydown.Myhead
wasthrobbing.Oh,andthepillsweren’tinmydrawer.Whydidn’tIsaysomething?Ineverleave
themsittingout...andtherewasanoddodortothem,butIthoughtitwastheheadachemakingme
smellthings.”

“Yourheadwashurting.”Hesmiledgently.“Yougaveusarealscare.”
Shesmiled.“Sorry.”
Hisexpressionbecamegrim.“Wehavetogetthisguy,beforehedoessomethingworse.”
“Itotallyagree.UnfortunatelyIwon’tbeabletohelpyourunhimdownandhog-tiehim,”she

teased.“Thewaymydoctortalks,I’mgoingtobehereforseveraldays.”

“You’llbesafehere.”
“Yes.”Shesighed.“Buttomorrow’sChristmasEve,”shemoaned.“Mamawillbeallalone.”
“Don’tworryaboutClara,”headdedbeforeshecouldspeak.“We’vegotpeoplewatchingher.”

“Okay.”
“Carsonofferedtoletmepunchhim,”hethentoldher.“Hefeltbadthathewasoutofsightand

soundwhenithappened.”

“Hewastryingtokeepussafe,”shesaid.“Don’tbemadathim.”
Hefrowned.“Don’ttellmehe’sworkingthatmagiconyou,too?”
“Excuseme?”
Heavertedhiseyes.Hehadn’tthoughtofCarsonasarival.Now,rememberingtheman’swaywith

women,hewasstunned.MerissahadbeenalmosthisuntilCarsoncamebackwithhim.Now,shewas
backingaway.BecauseofCarson?

Heglancedather.“YouandCarson,you’vebeentalking,haven’tyou?”
Shenodded.“Heisn’twhatheseems,”shesaidsoftly.Shesmiled.“He’shadaveryhardlife.”
“Hetoldyouaboutit?”
“Yes.Heisn’tthesortofmanwhotellsanybodyprivatethings,Ithink.Buthetoldmealot.Ifelt

reallybadforhim.”

“Isee.”
“Sodon’tblamehim,”shesaidsoftly.“Iknowhefeelsterrible,likeheletmedown.Butitcould

havehappenedanytime.Thismanseemstoknowverywellhowtogettopeople,”sheaddedquietly.
“He’slikeasnake.Hecangetinanywhere,withoutbeingnoticed.”

“We’llfindhim.”
Sheturnedherheadonthepillow.“Youhavetobeverycareful,”shesaid.“Ifyouhavemedicines

thatyoutake,checkthem.”

“I’mwayaheadofyouthere,”heassuredher.“Butthere’snowayanyonecouldgetintomyhouse

withoutbeingnoticed.”

“Don’tassumethat,”shesaid.“It’swhatweassumed,too.AndhereIam.”
Hegrimaced.“Youcouldhavedied.”
“Yes.Buthemiscalculated,”shesaid.“Thatwillhurthisconfidence.Itwillmakehimpauseand

rethinkhismethods.Itwillgiveyouanopportunitytofindoutwhoheis.”Shesqueezedhishand.
“Dalton,he’sdonethisbefore.Notexactlylikethis,buthe’skilledsomeone.Someoneimportant.
That’syourkey.That’swhatyouhavetolookfor...”Sheswallowed,hard.Sheletgoofhishand.
“Sorry.I’mso...sleepy.”

“It’sallright.Yourest.I’llbebacktoseeyoutomorrow.”
Shenodded.“Thanks.”
Hesmiled,whenhe’dneverfeltlesslikesmiling.“Hey,whatarefriendsfor?”heaskedhersoftly.
Sheopenedhereyesandlookedathim.Somethingflashedthere,somethingodd.Butsheonly

smiledbackandsaid,“That’sright.”Thensheclosedhereyesagain.

***

LEFT

HER

.Hismindwasworkingovertime.HewantedtothrowCarsonthroughawall.Theman

wasthedevilhimself.HerememberedCarsoncharmingthebeautifulflightattendant,allsmoothtalk
andsmiles.Ithadn’tmatteredaboutthatwoman,whowasastranger.ButthiswasMerissa.And
Merissawashis.

Ifonlyhehadn’tbotcheditwhenhe’dblurtedoutthatproposal.He’devenhadtheringsinhis

pocket.Hewasgoingtopressthemintoherhandandaskherrightthen.Thatwasn’treallyhowhe’d
meanttodoit.Hewantedtodothewholecourtshipthing.Sendherflowers,buyherpresents;takeher

onmoonlightrides.Buthe’dlostitwhenhehadhersowarmandsoftinhisarms.

Shelovedkissinghim,hecouldtellthat.Butshewasbackingawayandjustwhenhewantedtoget

closer,muchcloser.

SowasitCarsonpullingthemapart?Washearival?Andifhewas,howcouldDalton,whowasno

rounder,competewithhim?Thethoughttormentedhim.

***

“W

HAT

YOU

knowaboutCarson?”heaskedRourkelater,whentheyweregoingovernewsafety

precautionsfortheranch.

Rourkeliftedbotheyebrows.“Notalot.Why?”
“HetoldMerissathings.”
“Oh?”Rourke’sonebrowneyewastwinkling.“Whatsortofthings?”
“Hell,Idon’tknow,”hemuttered.Heranahandthroughhisthickhair.“He’sonesmoothoperator.

Heturnsonthecharmandwomenfallathisfeet.”

“Well,yes,theydo.Buthe’saone-nighter,ifthathelps.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Tankasked.
“Imean,hedoesn’tdatethesamewomantwice.Hehasnostayingpower.Infact,ifyouwantmy

honestopinion,”headded,“hehateswomen.”

Tankgavehimadisbelievinglook.
“No,I’mnotjoking,”Rourkecontinued.Hefinishedconnectingtwowiresonamonitor.“Heeven

saidsomethingaboutitonce,totheeffectthatwomenarenodamnedgood.Hesaidthey’llcrawltoa
manwhotreatsthemlikedirt,butturntheirbacksononewho’ddieforthem.”

“Thereverseofthatisoftentrue,”Tankcommented.
“Iknow.”
“I’veseenhiminaction,too,”Rourkeadded.“Ican’tsayIwasn’tabitenvious.Neverhadthatsort

ofluckwiththeladies.”

“Andthat’snotwhatI’veheardaboutyou,”Tankmused.
Rourkeshrugged.“I’mlikeCarson.Ilikevariety.”
Tankpursedhislips.“IbelieveyouhelpedCarsonfeedamantoacrocodileoverawoman...?”
Rourke’sfacehardenedlikesteel.Heavertedhiseyeanddidn’tsayanotherword.
“Sorry,”Tanksaid.
Rourkedidn’tlookathim.“TherearethingsIneverdiscuss.Tat’soneofthem.”Heturnedhis

head,andhisonegoodeyewasblazing.“K.C.Kantor ’sanother.”

Tankheldupbothhands.“Ididn’tsayaword.”
Rourkeshrugged.“Sorry.”Hetunedthedevicehewasworkingon.“Iusedtohaveahigherboiling

point.”

“Weallhaveweaknesses.”Tankleanedback.“Mine’slyinginahospitalbed,mooningoveryour

damnedwomanizingcomrade.”

Rourke’seyebrowsalmostblendedintotheblondhairathisforehead.“She’swhat?”

CHAPTERELEVEN

ANK

FELT

EMBARRASSED

.Heshiftedhisposture.“Hetellsherthings.”

Hechuckledsoftly.“She’sthatsortofwoman.Itdoesn’tmeanshe’sgoteyesforhim,”hepointed

out.

“Well,Ithink...”
Hiscellphonerang.Hepulleditoffhisbeltandansweredit.“Kirk.”
“CanyoubringRourkeandmeetmeintheparkinglotoftheCustomKitchen?”Carsonasked.
“Whatinhellfor?Areyouhungry?”Tankaskedsarcastically.
“I’lltellyouwhenyougethere.”Hehungup.
Tankrelayedthemessage.
“He’sfoundsomethingandheisn’twillingtotalkatthehouse,”Rourkesaidgrimly.
“Surelyhedidn’tleaveClaraatthehousebyherself?”Tankaskedworriedly.
“Icanalmostassureyouthathe’sgotherwithhim.Hemaybeawomanizer,butthereisn’t

anybodybetteratthejobthanheis.”

“Hewasn’ttherewhenMerissawasalmostpoisoned,”Tankpointedoutcoldly.
“NoneofuswouldhaveexpectedtheSOBtowalkintothehouseandpoisonhermeds,”Rourke

retorted.Hestoppedandfrowned.“Yousaidhelefttracks?”

“Yes.”
Rourkecockedhishead.“Now,isn’tthatinteresting?He’ssneakyenoughtopoisonprescription

medssothatthey’reundetectable,andyetheleavesfootprints?”

“Weneedanswers.”Tankmovedaheadofhimtoanearbyranchpickup.
“Ithinkwe’reabouttogetthem,too,”Rourkepredicted.

***

LARA

WAS

WITH

ARSON

.Hesentherinside,withagentlesmile,tohavecoffeewhilehetalkedover

somethingswithhiscolleagues.

Tankwassomberandcold.Carsoneitherdidn’tnoticeordidn’tcare.Hewasintentonwhatheand

thesheriff’sinvestigatorhaduncovered.

“Thetracksledtothehighwayaboutamilebehindthehouse,”Carsontoldthem,leaningcasually

backagainstthebedofthetruckwithhisarmscrossed.“Theyvanished.Weassumeacaroranother
vehiclewasparkedthere.Wefoundapartialtiretrackinthesnowonthesideoftheroad.Wecouldn’t
trackanyfartheronfoot,butthesheriff’sdepartmenthasdogs.TheymarkedthespotwithGPSand
they’rebringingoutbloodhoundsinthemorning.”Hesighed.“Butifyouwantmytakeonit,they’ll
trackhimtoadesertedhouseoraparkinglot,andanotherdeadend.”Hisblackeyesnarrowed.“He’s
justplayinggames.That’sall.”

“Games.Healmostkilledawoman!”Tankexploded.
“Tohim,it’sjustagame,”Carsonrepliedcalmly.“Catandmouse.He’splayingyou.”
Tanklookedmenacing.
Carson’sfacesoftenedjustalittle.“Iknowwhatshemeanstoyou,”hesaidquietly.“I’mnot

downplayinghowseriousitcouldhavebeen,ifshe’dtakenmorethanoneofthoseMalathion-laced
capsules.I’mtellingyouhowhefeelsaboutit.”

“Howdoyouknowsomuch?”Tankasked.
“Menworkinpatterns,”hesaidsurprisingly.“Iwasamathwhizincollege,”headded.“Topofmy

class,infact.Ihaveaphotographicmemory,whichcameinhandywhenImajoredinhistoryasan
undergraduate.History,asyoumayknow,ismostlycaselaw.IhadinmindbeinganotherF.Lee
Bailey,”hemused.“ButIdroppedoutoflawschooljustbeforegraduation,dueto...personalmatters.”
Hestraightened.“WhatI’msayingisthatpeoplehavehabitsthatmakethempredicable,like
equations.Thismanshowsafewtraitsthatmayhelpustrackhimdown.”

“Suchas?”Tankasked,mellowing.
“He’samasterofdisguise.Weknowthatalready.He’ssingle-minded,methodical,careful,andhe

knowshowtotamperwithpharmaceuticalswithoutbeingcaught.”Heshookhishead.“Sohowisit
thatthiscareful,methodicalmanleavesatrailakindergartenchildcouldfollow?”

RourkeandTankexchangedglances.“Wewerejustdiscussingthat,”Rourkeconfessed.
“He’skeepingyouoffyourguard,unbalanced,byplacingMerissaandClaraindanger,”Carson

continued.

“So?”Tankasked.
“He’safraidthatyou’regoingtoremembersomethingthatwillhurthim,pointhimouttothe

authorities.He’dliketokillyou,buthecan’tgetcloseenough.Sohe’skeepingyoufocusedonthe
womeninsteadofthepast.”

“Hemayhaveapoint,”Rourkesaid.
“There’sanotherthing,”Carsoncontinued.“RememberwhatIsaidaboutthemanIworkedwith

whowasanexpertatcovertpoisonings?”

“Ido,”Tanksaid.
“Youmethimonce,too,Ibelieve,”CarsontoldRourke.“Thered-hairedfellowwhowasalways

talkingaboutsharks.”

“Sharks!”Tankstraightened.
“What?”Carsonasked,diverted.
“Sharks.”Hepaced,touchinghisforehead.“Sharks.Whycan’tIremember?Someonewastalking

aboutamanwhomentionedsharks...”

“Carlie,”Carsonsaidquietly.“InCashGrier ’soffice.”
“Yes!”Tankturned.“Remember,shesaidtherogueagentcameintoCash’sofficeandhewas

talkingaboutsharksandhowmisunderstoodtheywere.Shesaidhetoldherhelikedtoswimwith
themintheBahamas!”

“Sharks.Disguise.Poisons.TheBahamas.”Carson’seyesnarrowed.“Ineedtomakeacoupleof

phonecalls.”

“Whydidyouwantustomeetyouhere?”Rourkeaskedastheothermanpulledouthiscellphone.
“Themanwe’relookingforknewthatMerissakeptherheadachepillsinherbedsidetable,andthat

shewasstartingtogetaheadache.How?”

Themenlookedatoneanother.
“Imissedabug.Wemissedabug,”CarsontoldRourke.
“Impossible!”Rourkesaidangrily.“Irantheroomsfourtimes,justtomakesure!”
“Youwereoutofsightyesterday,”Tanksaid,“whenMerissatookthemedicine.”
“Onlyforthirtyminutes.”
“Aboutthattime,IwasdrivingMerissahome.WherewasClara?”
“Idon’tknow,butwecanask,”Rourkesaid,leadingthewayintotherestaurant.“Ifshewasoutof

thehouseatall,thatgavehimtheopportunitytosneakinanotherbug.”

“Howaboutthecapsules?”Tankasked.“Thatwouldhavetakentime.Thedoctorsaiditwasan

almostperfectjoboftampering.”

“Heknowsshehasheadaches.Allhelackedwastheopportunitytoplacethecapsules.”
“Whynotwhenhewasbuggingtheplace?”Tankwondered.
“Iimaginehemakesitupashegoes,”Rourkerepliedquietly.“Heplans,butheplansassituations

develop.Hemighthavelearnedaboutherheadachesforthefirsttimeafterheplacedthebugs.The
tamperingcouldhavetakenplaceoveraperiodofdays.”

“Yes.”Rourkepaused.“AndhemighthavecountedonMerissa’sfathertotakeheroutforhim,

alongwithhermother.”HeglancedatTank’shardface.“Themanisunbalanced.Brilliant,but
unbalanced.”

Clarasawthemcomeinandmotionedthemtotheboothwhereshewassitting.Shesmiled.“We

couldeatwhilewe’rehere,”shesuggested.“Then,ifIcouldimposeonyoutodrivemebythe
hospital...?”

Tanksaidasheslidintothebooth,“I’llgo,too.”
“Clara,”Rourkebeganafterthey’dorderedbarbecueplates,“whenCarsonwasoutplacinghis

surveillanceunits,didyouleavethehouseatall?”

Sheblinked.“Why,yes,justtorunbythedrycleanersandleaveacomforter.Iwasn’tgonefive

minutes.Why?”

TankandRourkeexchangedglances.Tanknodded.
“Don’tsayanythinginthehousethatyou’dmindbeingoverheard,”Rourketoldher.“Youmustbe

extraordinarilyclever.I’mnotgoingtoremovethebughe’sjustplaced.Lethimthinkwe’retoodim
torealizeit’seventhere.”

“Bug?Idon’tunderstand,”shebegan.
Tankexplainedhowtheythoughtthebugwasplaced,andhowtheintruderknewwhereMerissa

keptherheadachemedicine.

“Oh,goodness,”Clarasaidheavily.“Iopenedmybigmouth.JustlikeIdid,tellingthemwhereBill

was,andIgothimkilled,”sheaddedsadly.“Thenthere’sthatotherman.TheoneMerissatoldus
about,thatshesawinhermind,amanwhoknewaboutthisintruderandwasgoingtotellonhim...”

“Youcan’tsavetheworld,”Rourkesaidheavily.Hegaveherawearysmile.“Iknow.I’vebeen

trying.”

Shesmiledweakly.“Iseeyourpoint.It’sveryhard,though,toknowsomethingandnotbeableto

warnanyone.”

“Inthatcase,”Tanktoldher,“youhavetoconsiderthatsomethingsjusthappenthewaythey’re

meantto.Wecan’tseeveryfardowntheroad.Godcan.”

“Okay.”
Carsoncamebackin.HeslidintotheboothbesideClara.“I’veputsomethingsinmotion,”hesaid.

“There’sbeenadevelopmentbackhome.”

“What?”Tankasked.
“ItseemsthatCashGriermanagedtotrackdownthemanwhoattackedCarlie’sfatherwithaknife.

HeturnedupinthemorgueinSanAntonio.Hewaspoisoned.”

“Goodgrief!”Tankexclaimed.“Merissatoldhimthattherewasamanwhoknewhimandwas

thinkingaboutgoingtotheauthorities.Hesaidheknewwhoitwasandhe’dtakecareofhim.”He
groaned.“It’sgoingtohitherhard.”

Rourke’soneeyenarrowed.“Don’ttellher.”
“Themanhadarapsheetsevenpageslong,”Carsonadded.“Oneofhisarrestswasforrape.He’s

nolosstotheworld.”

“Didhetalktotheauthorities?”Tankasked.“Doyouknow?”
“Hemadeaphonecallbeforehedied.ItwastoapoliceofficerinSanAntonio.They’retryingto

contacttheofficertoseeifaconversationeventookplace.Onemoreminordetail.”

“Yes?”Tankasked.
“Themanwastakingaprescriptionmedicationforallergies.Thecapsulesweretamperedwith.

Liketotakeaguessatwhatsortofpoisonwasinthem?”Carsonmused.

“Don’ttellme,”Rourkesaid.“Malathion.”
“Exactly.Hehadaccesstoitontheranch,didn’the?”CarsonaskedTank.
“Hewasinandoutofthebarnwherewekeepit,butit’sinalockedshedroom,”Tankreplied.
“Youkeepyourkeyshangingjustinsidethebackdoorinthehouse,”Rourkerecalled.“Doesone

ofthemfitthatstoreroom?”

Tank’seyesclosed.“Shewarnedmeaboutthosekeysthefirstdayshecametothehouse,”hesaid.

“Shesaid,‘he’llfindthemthere.’”

“She’sveryperceptive,”Clararemarkedgently.
“IwishI’dlistened!”Tankgroaned.
“He’dhavefoundanotherway,”Carsonsaid.“Anythingcanbeusedtopoisonsomeone,even

commonhouseholditems.”

“Likehandgrenades?”Rourkesaid,tongue-in-cheek.“IbelieveElLadŕon’sconvoywastreatedto

afewofthose...?”

“TheconvoyofElLadŕonwasaccidentallyblownupbyafewequallyaccidentallytossedhand

grenades.”Helookedperfectlyinnocent.

“Niceaim,”Rourkesaid,grinning.
Carsongrinnedback.“Igetinsomepracticefromtimetotime.”
Tankstartedtoaskaquestionwhenthejukebox,aholdoverfromthepast,startedup.Thesoundsof

rockmusicfilledtherestaurant.

“Trytalkingoverthat,”Carsongroaned.
ThesongwasanoldhardrocktunebyJoanJett,called“ILoveRock’n’Roll.”Ithadahard,heavy

beatandithadbeenafavoriteoftheKirks’motherwhenshewasstillalive.Itbroughtbackmemories
forTank.Hesmiledashelistened.Andthen,quitesuddenly,hefrowned.

“What’swrong?”Claraasked.
Hecaughthisbreath.“Thatsong,”hesaid.
“Yes,it’sloud,”Carsonmuttered.
“No!Themanwhowas,orwhowaspretendingtobe,aDEAagentwhenIwasambushed,”hesaid,

feelingalloveragaintheimpactofthebullets.“Iheardthatsong.”

“Themindplaystricksindangeroussituations,”Rourkebegan.
“Itwasthatsong.Butitwasn’tsung.Itwas...Idon’tknow...likewindchimes,”hefalteredashetried

torecallit.

“Windchimes?”Carsonmused.
Rourkefrowned.“My...employer,”hesaid,hesitatingbeforehegavetherelationship,andnotthe

realoneatthat,“hasaveryexpensiveSwisswatchthathecustomizedwithatunehewasfondof.It
playstheopeningbarsofBeethoven’sNinthSymphony.”Heliftedhishead.“Itsoundslikewind
chimes.Orchapelchimesthatusedtocomeoutofthesteeplesatchurches.”

Tanksatverystill.Heclosedhiseyes,trying,tryingtoremembertheman.“It’snouse,”he

groaned.“WhenIpicturehim,allIcanseeisthatdamnedgaudypaisleyshirthewaswearing.”He

openedhiseyes.“ButIknowIheardchimes.Itcouldhavebeenawatch.I’mnotsurehewaswearing
it.Judgingbyhissuit,hecouldn’thaveaffordedanexpensiveSwisswatchwithcustomizedmusic,”
headded.“Hissuitwasstrictlyofftherack.”

Carsonpulledouthiscellphoneandopenedaninternetbrowser.
“What?”Tankasked.
“It’salongshot,”hesaid.“ButI’mcuriousaboutthattune.Itringsabellsomewhereinthebackof

mymind.”

Hetappedinasearchstringandwaited.Thenhethumbedthroughtheresults,whichseemedtogo

onforever.Finallyhepaused,tappedthescreenandhisfacegrewevenmoregrim.

“Severalmonthsago,”hesaid,lookingup,“aboutthetimeHayesCarsonmadehisbustandyou

gotambushed,adistrictattorneywasmurderedinSanAntonio.”

“And?”Tankasked.
“Theythinkitwasatheftbecauseofwhatwasstolen.Hiswifewaswealthy.Hewaswearingavery

expensiveSwisswatch.Theysaidithadamusicalalarm,butnotwhatthetunewas.Itwasnever
found.”

Tank’sdarkeyestwinkled.“Abreak.Maybe.”
Carsonnodded.Hewasstillpullingupwebsites.Hefrowned.“There’saphotographofthe

prosecutorwhowaskilled.Iwantyoutolookatthis.”HehandedhisiPhonetoTank,whotookitand
hisfacepaled.

“What?”RourkeaskedwhenhesawTank’sexpression.
“Thedamnedshirt.Thedamnedpaisleyshirt.”Hedrewinalongbreath.“Thatlooksliketheshirt

theso-calledfederalagentwaswearing.”

“Canyoufindoutiftheshirtwentmissing?”RourkeaskedCarson.
“Letmefindoutforyou.IknowahomicidedetectivewithSanAntonioP.D.,”Rourkesaid.He

pulledouthisownphoneandputinacalltoLieutenantofDetectivesRickMarquez.

***

“R

OURKE

,”R

ICK

ARQUEZ

statedwhenheheardtheSouthAfricanaccent.

“That’sme.Howarethings?”
“Busy,”Rickreplied,chuckling.“MywifeandIareexpectinganydaynow.”
“Congrats,”Rourkereplied.
“Thanks.We’reprettyexcited.Bigchangescoming.”
“You’retellingme.Listen,I’mworkingforablokeuphereinWyoming.Tank,excuseme,Dalton

Kirk...”

“HayesCarsontoldmeaboutthat,”Rickinterrupted.“Anyluckcatchingtheculprit?”
“That’swherewe’rehopingyoucouldgiveusahand,unofficially,”Rourkereplied.“ASan

Antoniodistrictattorneywasmurderedsomemonthsago,andsomethingswerestolenfromhim,
yes?”

“Yes,”Ricksaid.“Hewasagoodguy.Hardworkingandhonestandrelentless.Heleftbehindawife

andtwosmallchildren.Damnedbadluck.Hewaswalkingthroughthecarparkafterhourswhen
somebodyjumpedhim,shothimtodeathandrobbedhim.”

“You’venevercaughttheperp,yes?”
“That’sright.Why?”
“Iunderstandthatawatchwasoneofthestolenitems...specificallyanexpensiveSwisswatch.”

“Idon’trememberexactly,butIthinkso.”
Tankaskedforthephoneandheldittohisear.“DaltonKirkhere.LieutenantMarquez.Wasyour

murdervictimalsowearingapaisleyshirtatthetime,andwasitmissing?”

“Letmethink.Oh,Iremembernow.Itwasoneofthemorepuzzlingaspectsofthecrime.Of

course,criminalscomeinallcolorsandmentalpersuasions.Theman’sshirtwasremovedby
whoeverkilledhim.Lefthissuitcoat,whichwasveryexpensive,lyingontheground.Hiswalletwas
taken,thewatchandtheshirt.”

“Washeshotinthechest?”
“No.Inthehead.Therewassomeblood,notalot,onhissuitcoat.Althoughtherewasquiteabiton

thepillarbehindhim...”

“Theshirt,wasitidentifiedbyanyone?”
“HiswifesaiditwasacouturepaisleyshirtshehadafamousParisdesignhousecreateforhim...

Whatisit?”RickaskedwhenTankdrewinhisbreath.

“Themanwhoshotmewaswearingashirtlikethat.SheriffHayesCarsonrememberstheagent

whowaswithhimathisdrugbustalsowearingone.Idon’tknowifhesawtheman’swatch,butyou
mightaskhim.”

“Thisisgoinginastrangedirection,”Ricksaid.
“Tellmeaboutit!Itlookslikewemayhaveyourprosecutor ’smurdereruphereinWyoming

tryingtokillme,”Tanksaid.“Ididn’tknowwhy.ButIthinkitmighthavesomethingtodowithyour
unsolvedmurderdownthereinTexas.”

“Ithinkyoumayberight.Tellmeeverythingyourememberabouttheman,”Ricksaid.“Wehave

onewitnesswhosawthekillerrunningaway.Hepassedrightbythewindowofherbakeshop.We
pulledinalltheusualsuspectsanddidalineupbutshecouldn’tidentifyanybody.Infact,the
descriptionshegaveuswas,frankly,rightuptherewiththeoneswegetfrompeopleon
hallucinogenicdrugs.”

“Howso?”Tankasked.
“Shesaidhehadflamingorangehairandthathewascarryingablow-upchildren’sswimming

pooltoy.”

“Todrawattentionawayfromhisface,”Tanksaid,rememberingsomethinghe’dheardCarson

say.“Ortomakethewitnesssoundfoolishwhengivingadescriptionofhim.Probablyhegrabbeda
child’stoyfromsomeone’syardwhenhefledthescene.”

“Possibly,yes.”
“TellhimaboutthemanwhostabbedCarlieBlair ’sfather.Thatperpwaspoisoned,”Carson

prompted.

“Yes.”HetoldMarquezaboutthat,butMarquezalreadyknew.Hejusthadn’tconnectedthetwo

cases.Theremightnotbeaconnection,headded,buthe’dcheckitoutanyway.

“Itmightbenothing,butIhaveafeelingtherearesomeconnectionshere.I’llgetpeoplelooking

intoit.GivemebacktoRourke.Nicetomeetyou,bytheway.”Marquezchuckled.

“Samehere.”HehandedthephonebacktoRourke.
Rourkelistenedforaminute.“Yes.That’sright.Hetriedtopoisonayoungwoman,afriendof

Dalton’s,andhe’srepeatedlyputherinthelineoffire.He’sbuggedtheKirkhomeandherhome.We
thoughthewasanutter,butnowI’mbeginningtorealizethathehasalotmoreatstakethanwe
realized.ApparentlyhewasafraidDaltonmightrememberwhathejusthas,toconnecthimwiththat
murder.SameforHayesCarson.ItalsoexplainswhyhewantedthecomputerwipedatHayes’soffice.
Hedidn’twantanybodytoseethatshirthehadon,possiblythewatchaswell,andmakea

connection.”

“Whichleadsustostillanotherquestion,ifhe’ssomerandomkiller,whyishesoconcernedthat

hemightbelinkedwithaparticularmurder?”Rickasked.

“Hemadeitseemlikearobbery,didn’the?”Rourkesaidthoughtfully.“Maybehedidn’twantit

connectedwithacaseyourprosecutormighthavebeenworkingon.”

“Damn!Gooddetectiveworkthere,Rourke,”Marquezsaid.“Whydon’tyougiveupfeeding

peopletocrocodilesandcometoworkforme?Youcanhavefreecoffeeandyourownparking
spot.”

“Sorry,”Rourkereplied.“Feedingcrocsisabitmorelucrativeatthemoment.Here’smycell

number.I’llbewiththeKirks,soifyouneedtoreachDalton,thisisthebestway.Theirphonesmight
notbesafe.We’llhavetorecheckeverything.”

“Goodidea.”
Rourkegavehimthenumberthentheyexchangedafewmorewordsandhungup.

***

“W

ELL

!”T

ANK

SAID

HEAVILY

.“Allthis,overamurderinTexas!”

“Itwouldseemtoconnect,”Rourkereplied.Heshookhishead.“Butitdoesn’tmakealotofsense.

He’sgonetoanincredibleamountoftroubletocoverhistracks,butsincethen,he’smadehimselfa
targetwithattemptedmurderhere.”

“HemightbeinonthehittheyplannedforHayesCarson,”Tanksaidsolemnly.
“Iwouldn’thaveagreedeventwodaysago,”Carsoninterrupted.“ButIbelieveyou’reonto

something.”

“Iknowheis,”Clara,whohadbeensittingquietly,listening,said.“ThatwaswhatMerissasaw.She

saidthatyouwerebeingtargetedbecauseofsomethingyoudidn’tevenremember.Itmakessense
now.”

“Itcertainlydoes.”Tankglancedattheothermen.“Wehavetobemorecarefulthanever.Wecan’t

assumethathehasn’tplacedmoredevicesaroundtheranch.Wehavepeoplecominginallthetime,
fromUSDAinspectors,tocowboys,tosuppliers,evenmenwhodrivethecattletrucksandare
sometimestemporaryhires.It’sabigranch.Takesalotofpeopletokeepitoperating.Wedorun
backgroundchecksonthepeoplewhocomemostoften,butwedon’textendittotemporarieswho
workadayortwo.”

“Icanrunacheckoneveryonewhocomesthroughthegatewithfacialrecognitionsoftware,”

Carsonsaidquietly.“Itwilltaketime,butanyonewhoisn’taregularwillstickoutlikearedflag.”

“Goodidea.I’llmakesureeveryoneknowstokeepconversationgeneralandawayfromanything

concerningtheintruder,”Tanktoldthem.HelookedatClara.“Thatgoesdoubleforyou,andfor
Merissa,whenshegetshome.”

Claranodded.“We’llbeverycarefulthistime.”
“I’llgetyouascrambler,”Carsonsaidwithasmile.“It’snotanobviousblock,likejamming.It

willjustgiveyoualittleprivacybyconfusingthetransmittersforanyoneeavesdropping.”

“Thanks,”Clarasaidsoftly.
Thewaitressdeliveredtraysoffood,mostlyturkeyanddressingplatesinhonorofChristmas,and

theyfellsilentwhiletheyate.

***

FTER

FINISHING

thediner,andsayinggoodbyetothetwomen,TanktookClarawithhimtothe

hospital.

RourkeclimbedintothecarwithCarson.Hegavetheothermananoddlook.
“What?”Carsonasked.
Heshrugged.“Justcuriousaboutsomething.”
Theothermanraisedaneyebrowbeforeheturnedhisattentionbacktotheroad.
“You’vechanged,”Rourkeremarked.
“Explain.”
“AllthetimeI’veknownyou,therewasnothingyouhatedmorethanwomen.Now,suddenly,

you’reDonJuan.”

Carsonlookedoutthewindshieldintently.“Varietyisthespiceoflife.”
“Thatwasn’tyou,evenayearago.”
Carsonlaughedcoldly.“Itwas.Ihavemoods.SometimesIthinkaboutthings,andwomengoright

downonthescalelikearockfalling.IwasMr.Conservativeforawhile.ThenIhada...personal
tragedy,”hesaid,glossingoverthetragicdeathofhiswife.“Afterward,Isawwomeninadifferent
way.Well,mostofthetime.Hell,theywanttoplayaroundlikemen,notchthebedpostatnight,laugh
atcommitment—whyshouldn’tIavailmyselfoftheopportunitiesthatpresentthemselves?”he
mused.“I’mnomonk.”

“NeitheramI,”Rourkereplied.Hesmiled.“ButI’mnotinyourleague.”Heshookhishead.

“Damn,you’vegotskills.”

Carsonchuckled.“Igatherprettybouquets.Somehavelongstems,somehaveshortones.Butthe

morebeautifultheyare,themoreIenjoythem.Forawhile.”

“Womenwhoaren’tbeautifulcanhaveothertraitsjustasworthy,”Rourkepointedout.
“Notmything.Idon’tlikeplainwomenwithancientattitudes.”
Rourkeglancedathim.Thathadbeensaidwithpurevenom.“Knownafewofthose,havewe?”
“One.”CarsonthoughtbacktoCarlieandwhathe’dsaidtoher.Heclosedhismind.“Life’stoo

shortnottoappreciatebeautywhenitdrapesitselfoveryourarmandpurrslikeakitten.”

Rourkesmiled.“Yeah.Iguessyouhaveapoint.”Helookedoutthewindow.Hisfacewashardas

nails.“Varietyislessabrasivethantryingtocopewithjustonewoman.”

“Itotallyagree,”Carsonsaid.
Rourkeglancedathim.“You’reputtingDalton’sbackup.Didyounotice?”
Carsonpursedhislips.“Jealousy,”hesaidwithaflashofwhiteteeth.“Andheshouldbejealous.If

Iwerealittlelessscrupulous,I’dtakeherrightoutfromunderhim.She’s...special.”

“Veryspecial.”Rourkehesitated.“DoyouknowaboutTank?”
Carsonglancedathim.“He’sarichrancher.”
“HeservedinIraqwithaforwardunit,”Rourkesaid.“Hewadedinwhenatankpinneddownhis

unit,andblewitup.That’swherehegotthename.”

“Impressive.”
“Hecamehomewithhardlyascratch.Hewasatalooseend.Hisbrotherswereparlayingtheranch

intoanempire,butDaltonwantedmoreexcitement.Helikedtheideaofafederaljob,withthosenice
benefits.Oneoftheofficersheknewpulledafewstringsandgothimajobasaborderpatrolagent.”
Hisexpressionbecamesomber.“Oneday,aDEAagentcameintohisofficeandaskedforimmediate
assistancewithadrugbustgoingdown.Daltonhadnoreasonnottobelievetheman.Hewentwith
him,walkedintoanambushandwasalmostshottopiecesintheattackthatensued.Hewasinthe
hospitalforweeks,undergoingsurgeryaftersurgery.”

“GoodGod!”Carsonsaidheavily.
“He’swalkingagain,andhedoesn’thaveanyobviousmarksonhim.ButIcantellyouthatitleft

scarshe’llneverlose,physicalaswellasmental.Hehadtoleavethejob,obviously.Malloryand
Canehadboughtthisranchseveralyearsearlierandthetwoofthemhadsweatedbloodtogrowit
whileTankwasinIraq,andlater,workingforthefeds.They’vemadesomeamazingimprovements
here,turnedtheplaceintoatotallygreenoperation.It’sskyrocketedinworthsincetheytookitover.”
Heshookhishead.“Mallory’sgotarealknackforinvestments.TankdoesthemarketingandCane
showsthecattle.They’reamazinglysuccessful.”

Carsonwasquiet.HewasthinkingaboutDalton’sinjuriesandespeciallyabouttheonesthat

wouldn’tshow.Thatwouldmakeithardforhim,withawoman.

“Heneverspokeofhowbaditwas,”Carsonsaid.
“That’slikehim.Hedoesn’tadvertisehisproblems.”
CarsonwasremindedofCarlie’sshoulder,wherehe’dseentheoddfitofthefabric.Hewondered

ifshe,too,hadscarsthatdidn’tshow.

Rourkedrewinalongbreath.“God,I’mtired.IjusthopeMarquezcancomeupwithsomeanswers

thatwillhelpussolvethiscasebeforeanyoneelseishurtordies.”

Carson’slipsmadeathinline.“Thatmakestwoofus.”

***

ANK

HAD

STOPPED

bythegiftshopatthehospitalwhileClarawentintoseeherdaughter.Merissa

wasjustoutofintensivecare,intoaroom.Tankmadehispurchasesandthenmadehiswayuptothe
floorwhereherroomwas.

Heheldhishandbehindhimasheenteredafteralighttap.
“Comein,”Merissasaidinaweak,buthappytone.Hereyeslitupatthesightofhim.Shesmiled.
“Hi,kid,”hegreetedsoftly.“How’sitgoing?”
Kid?Thensheremembered.He’dsaid,“Whatarefriendsfor?”
Herfacefell.
Hesawthat,andhisheartsank.Hemovedclosertothebed.“Howareyoufeeling?”heasked

gently.

“Better,thanks,”shesaidhuskily.“Sick.Tired.Scared,”sheadded,glancingatClara.
Clarapressedherhand.“I’mfine.Ihaveplentyofprotection.”
“Okay,”Merissasaid,relaxingalittle.ShelookedpasthermotheratTank.“Something’scomeup.

Hasn’tit?”

Heraisedbotheyebrows.
“Sorry,”shesaidshyly.“Can’thelpit.”
“Iwasn’tcriticizing.Butyes,somethinghascomeup.Ijustcan’ttellyouaboutit.”Hewas

probablybeingparanoid,buthedidn’teventrustthehospitalroomnottobebugged.Hemustbe
spendingtoomuchtimealone,hefigured.

“Okay,”shesaid.Shewasquick.Hedidn’twanttotalkinhere.Maybehethoughttheroomwas

bugged.Itwasn’tbeyondimagination.Afterall,thatmanhadmanagedtogetintoherbedroomatthe
cabinandtamperwithherheadachepills.

“Broughtyousomething,”hesaid.
“Youdid?”Herfacebrightenedwhenshesmiled.“Isitsomethingnicetoeat?Somethingbesides

gelatinandsoup?Maybe?”

“It’saT-bonesteakinaplainwrapper,”hewhisperedinaconspiratorialtone.
“Wicked!”Shelaughed.
Herfacelitupwhenshewashappy.Shewasbeautiful.Hehadtoshakehimselftostopfrom

blurtingitout.

Hedrewhishandfrombehindhisback.“It’sprobablycorny...”
Shetookthesmallceramicsculpturefromhishands.Itwasahawk.No.Itwastwohawks,one

male,onefemale,sittingtogetheronalimb.Thepiecewascarvedfromwoodandhand-painted.It
wasbeautiful.

Tearsstunghereyes.“I’lltreasureitforever,”shechokedout.Shelookedupathim.“Thanks!”
Hesmiled.He’dbeenuncertain,butthatsmilemadehiswholeday.“I’mgladyoulikeit.Merry

Christmas.”

“Ididn’tgetyouanything,”shesaidmiserably.
“Oh,that’snotaChristmaspresent,”hereplied.“Justanimpulsething.”
“Okay,then,Ifeelbetter.Thankyouagain.DidtheysaywhenIcouldgohome?”sheaskedClara.
Clarasighed.“Nobodytellsmemuch.ButIcangoask,ifyoulike.”
“Wouldyou?”
Clarasmiled.“Ofcourse.Berightback.”
ShelefttheroomandTankdroppedintothechairbesideMerissa’sbed.Hetookhersmallhandin

hisandheldittightly.

Whenshemethissearchinggaze,everythingsincetheirlastmeetingwentrightoutofherhead,

andshethoughtherheartwouldbeathertodeath.

CHAPTERTWELVE

ANK

LOOKED

INTO

hereyeswithachinglonging.HewantedtotellherhowjealoushewasofCarson,

howhewishedhecouldtakebackthethingshe’dsaid,thathedidn’twantherforafriend.Hewanted
herfortherestofhislife.

Buthowcouldhedothat,nowthathe’druinedeverything?
“You’retroubled,”shesaidsoftly.“Canyoutalkaboutit?”
Hislipsmadeathinline.Heshrugged.“IwishIcould,”hesaid.
Herfingersclosedaroundhis.“Somethingtodowiththatman,”sheguessed.
Hejustnodded.Heturnedherhandoverandwinced.Therewasabigbruiseonthebackofit.
“Itjustlooksbad,that’sall,”shesaid.“Theycouldn’thitaveinatfirstsotheyhadtoputtheneedle

there,forthedrip,”sheadded.Shesmiled,indicatingherotherarm,whereadripwasstillrunning
intoaneedleinthefoldofherelbow.“Theygotitrightthismorning.”

“I’msosorry,”hesaidheavily.“Weallare.”
“There’snoneedforthat,”shesaidgently.“Thiscriminalisverygood.Hestartedwhenhewas

barelyinhisteens.Someonetrainedhim,someoneveryexpertinespionage.”Hereyeswerealmost
opaque.“Someoneinatropicalplace.Palmtrees.Cruiseships.”Sheflushed.

“Keepgoing,”hesaid,encouragingher.“Helikessharks...”
Sheblinked.“Yes.Helikessharks.Heactsthesame.Noemotion,noregret,justapredatorwho

takesadvantageofopportunities.”

Hewantedtoaskherifshe’dseenawatchinhervisions,buthewasparanoidaboutbeing

overheard.Justincasethemanhadmanagedtobugherroom,andwhywouldn’the;itwasstupidto
sayanythingthatmightbeoverheard.Sharksexcluded,hemused.Ifthemanwaslistening,that
informationwouldn’tsethimoff.Afterall,hewasawarethatpeopleknewhe’dmentionedsharks
once.

“Youlooktired,”shecommented.
Hemanagedasmileashelookedather.“Ihaven’tbeensleepingwell.”
“Icanimagine,”shereplied.“Allthisworryaboutwhathe’sgoingtodonext...”
“No!”Hisfingersclosedaroundhers.Heshruggedanddidn’tmeethereyes.“Iwasworried...we

wereallworried...aboutyou.”

“Oh.”
Shesoundedsurprised.Hemethersearchingeyes.“Mybrotherscametothehospitalwithmewhen

youwereadmitted.Theirwiveswantedtocome,too,butIdidn’tthinkitwaswisetotrytobring
Harrisondownhere,oraverypregnantBolinda.”

Shesmiled.“Howveryniceofthem!”
“Theylikeyou,”hereplied.
Sheflushedalittleandlaughed.“Theydon’tthinkI’llcurdlethemilk?”
Heshookhishead.“We’remoderninsomeofourattitudes.Nopitchforksandtorches.Stufflike

that.”

Shedidlaughthen.
Hedrewinabreath.“Atleastyouhavealittlemorecolortoday.”
“I’mfeelingmuchbetter.Idon’tknowwhatthey’vebeenpumpingintome,butitreallyhas

helped.”

“Anyvisitors?Besidesus,Imean.”
“JustCarson.”Hereyessoftened.“Hecameandsatwithmeforafewminutes.”
Hisfacegrewcold.Heletgoofherhand.“IjustsawCarson.Hedidn’tmentionhe’dseenyou.”
“Hefeltguiltybecauseheleftusaloneinthehouse,”shereplied,“andgavethemananopeningto

tamperwithmymeds.”

“Whatdidyoutellhim?”
“Thatitwasn’thisfault,ofcourse,”shereplied.“Iknowyoudon’tlikehim,”sheadded

perceptively.“Buthe’snotwhatyouthink.He’sagoodperson.”

HealmostbithistonguetryingnottotellhersomeofthethingsheknewthatCarsonhaddone.
“How’sMamadoing?”sheaskedtodiverthim.“Sheseemsokay,butshewasveryworried.And

she’sstillgettingoverDadbeingshot.”

Helosthisjealousyallatonce.“She’sdoingverywell.Thatwasanaccidentoffate.Yourfather

wasacruel,vindictiveman.Wemakeourpathinlife,thenwewalkit.Hisendedasviolentlyashe
lived.”

Shesighed.“Isupposeso.It’sstillhard.”Shelookedup.“Areyourparentsstillalive?”
Heshookhishead.“Ourmother,diedsomeyearsago.Sodidourfather.It’sbeenjustthethreeof

usforalongtime.”Hesmiledsadly.“Youknow,there’snobodyintheworldwhofeelsthesame
prideforyouthataparentdoes,ortheunconditionalloveyouget.Aparentwillexcusethingsthatthe
worldwon’t.Isupposewe’repoorerforthelackofthem.”

“Ialwayshopedforafatherwho’dbelovingandkind,”sherepliedsadly.“Minewasneither.I

learnedtostayoutofhiswayalmostassoonasIcouldwalk.Mamatookalotofblowsthatwere
meantforme.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Mychildhoodwasanightmare.”

Hesmoothedhisfingersoverhersofthand.“I’msorryforthat.”
“Me,too.”
Shewasn’tresistingsohelinkedhisfingersintohers.Itgavehimathrill,likeparachutingfroma

greatheight.“Anyothervisitors?”heasked.

Shesmiled.“Notreally.Justthesheriff’sdeputy.Heaskedmealotofquestionsforareport.”
“IguessCodysenthim,”hesaid.
“Iguess.”
Heglancedatthehall.Hospitalworkersweremovingtraysoffsomesortofmobilerollingcart.

Hegrimaced.“Isupposeit’ssuppertimeandIhavetoleave,”hesaidreluctantly.

“Theyreallyhaveverynicefoodhere,”shesaid.“Well,exceptforthegelatin.”Shewhispered

loudly,“Can’tyoupleasesmugglemeinasteak?”

“Iheardthat,”oneofthevolunteerscalledthroughthedoorwithachuckle.
“Sorry.Couldn’thelpit,”Merissareplied.
Thewomancameinwithacoveredtrayandplaceditonthehospitaltablethatloopedoverthebed.

“You’lllikethis.Itisn’tsteak.Butit’sgood.”Sheliftedthecover.

“Roastbeef!”Merissaexclaimed.“Andcarrots!Ilovecarrots!”
“Herfirstsolidfood,Igather?”Tankaskedthewoman.
Shelaughed.“Howeverdidyouguess?Onlysomeoneonaliquiddietwouldgoallgoogly-eyed

overcarrots.”Sherolledhereyes.“Andthere’sthis,too.”Sheputfruitjuice,milkandasmall
servingofvanillaicecreamonthetray.

“I’vediedandgonetoheaven,”Merissawhispered.
“Notquite,butyoucameclose,Ihear.”Thewomanchuckledagain.“Nowyoueateverybite,

okay?”

“Okay,”Merissapromised.
Tanksmiledather.Odd,hethought,thewayhervoicesounded.Itwasfamiliar.Hewishedhecould

placeit.Healmostaskedifthey’dmet,butitwouldappearasapickupline,andhewasn’tdoingthat
infrontofMerissa.

Thewomanwentout.Merissaenthusedoverthefood.Butwhenshetastedtheroastbeef,shemade

aface.

“Howverystrange,”shemurmured.
“What?”
“I’mjustparanoid,Iguess,butittastesalittlefunny.Itsmellslikesomeonegothappywiththe

garlic.Iguessit’sjustmytastebuds,”sheadded,andstartedtoforkitintohermouth.

“No.”Tanktooktheforkwiththemeatonit.Hesniffedit.Hefrowned.Heknewthatsmellalltoo

well.He’dworked,verycarefully,withacommercialgradeofMalathion.Firstthecapsules,now
this...!

“You’renoteatingthat.”HeopenedhiscellphoneandcalledCodyBanks.
“Hi,Tank.How’rethings?”hereplied.
“DidyousendadeputytothehospitaltoquestionMerissatoday?”heasked.
Theothermanlaughed.“Well,notyet,”hesaid.“Imean,she’sbarelyoutofICU...”
ThatwaswhenTankrememberedthevoiceonthephone.He’dcalledthesurveillancecompanyand

talkedtoawomanaboutinstallingthesecuritycameras.Thatwasthevoice.Thewomanwhobrought
inMerissa’stray.Shewouldn’tbeworkinginahospitalifshewasanaccomplicefortheassassin
whowasafterTank,andthatwaswhoshesoundedlike.

“Tank?”Codyaskedwhentherewasalongpause.
“You’llthinkI’mcrazy.Butcanyousendyourinvestigatoroverhererightnow?”
“Why?”
“Don’thangup.Ithinktheassassinhasanaccompliceworkinghere,andpartofMerissa’smeal

thatthewomanjustdeliveredmayhavesomethinginit.Somethingdangerous.Itsmellslike
commercialMalathion.Wealreadyknowthatwaswhatwasputinthecapsulesheingested.”

CodyknewTank.Hewasn’tanalarmist.Hiswordwasgoodenoughforthesheriff.“I’llnotonly

sendhim,I’llcomewithhim.Don’tletthemtakethattrayawayuntilIgetthere.”

“Iwon’t.”
Hehungup.Merissawaslistening,andshelookedmorenervousthanever.
“Codydidn’tsendadeputyoverheretoseeyou,”hesaid.“Tellmeeverythingyouremember

abouttheman.”

Shefrowned.“Hewasmediumheight,wearingauniform,”shesaid.“Hewaswearingabibcap.He

seemedverynice.Heaskedaboutmymother,andremarkedabouthowluckyIwastostillbealive.
Hesaidthemanprobablyhadn’tmeanttokillmeatthatpointintime,orhewouldhaveputabigger
doseofpoisoninthecapsules.Hesaidthatperhapshewaswaitingforjusttherightmomenttoerase
me,whenitwouldhavethemostimpact.”ShelookedatTank.“That’sastrangethingtosay,isn’tit?”

Tankwasreallyworriednow.Hewantedtogooutintothehallandfindthatdamnedwoman,tie

herup,makehertalk.Hewantedtheman,therogueagent.Hepulledouthisphoneagainandcalled
Rourke.

“You’dbettercomedownhere.Makesuremybrothersareinthehousewiththeirwivesandthat

Carsoniswiththem.”

“I’lldoitrightnow,”Rourkesaidwithoutasingleargument.

“Rourke?”Merissaquestioned.
Hesmiled.“Heoncefedamantoacrocodile,”hemused.“I’mhopinghehasn’tlosthistouch,”he

added,justincasethatpaisley-shirt-wearingsnakewaslistening.

“Dalton!”sheexclaimed.“Shame!”
Hecurledherfingerscloserintohis.“Onsecondthought,maybesomethingmorecreativethana

crocodile.”

Shewassolemn.“Heburns.”
“Yes,heburnstokillme...”
Sheshookherhead.“No,Dalton,”shesaidsoftly.“Heburns.Alive.”Sheshivered.“Isawit.I

couldn’tseehisfeatures,butIknowitwashiminthevision.Heburns.Hescreams...”

Henippedherthumbgentlywithhisfingers.“Don’tdwellonthingslikethat,”hesaidsoftly.
“That’swhatIsee.That’sthekindofthingIsee,allthetime.Death.Violence.Pain.”Shedrewina

longbreath.“Allmylife.IhadafriendwhenIwasingrammarschool.Iknewshewasgoingtodie,
andhow.Itriedtowarnher.ShethoughtIwasjoking.Itoldhernottogoswimminginthelakethat
day,thatamandrivingaboat,drinking,wouldrunoverher.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Shejustlaughed.
Theywentswimming.Amanwasdrivingaspeedboattoofast,drinking.Hedidn’tseeher.Heran
rightoverherandthepropellerscaughther.”Herfacewastragic.“Afterthat,Ididn’twanttohave
anyfriends.”Shelookedupathim.“Peoplesaythisisagift.It’snotagift,it’sacurse.Nobodyinhis
rightmindwouldwanttoseethefutureifheknewwhatwaslyinginwaitforhim.”

“IsupposeI’veneverthoughtofitlikethat.”
“I’dlovetobejustnormal,”shesaidsadly.“Youknow,havearegularjob,doregularthings,get

married,havekids...liveahappylife.”

“Whycan’tyou?”heaskedsoftly.
“Mychildrenwouldsufferbecauseofme,”shereplied.“They’dpaythepriceformy...gift.”
“Youshouldn’tdecidenottohavechildrenonsuchabasis,”hesaidquietly.“Merissa,weallhave

thingsinourlivesthatmakeusstandout.Itisn’tnecessarilyabadthing.Yourchildrenmighthave
similargifts.Itisn’tacurse.Itreallyisagift.Iwouldn’tbesittingheretodayifyoudidn’thaveit.”

Sheknewthat.Shebegantorelax.Shesmiled.“IsupposeI’mlettingitallgettome.”Shelookedat

hertray.“I’msohungry,”shemoaned.

“I’llhavethembringyousomethingelse,butCody’sinvestigator ’shavingalookatthat,”he

added,indicatingthetray.

Thewomanwho’dbroughtthetraycamein,smiling,tocollectit.Shestoppeddeadwhenshe

noticedthatMerissahadn’ttouchedit.

“Well,youhaven’teatenathing,”sheexclaimed.“Nowthatwon’tdo.Youhavetoeatthatright

now,”shebegan.“Allofit.”Shemovedtothebed.“Comeon,MissBaker,don’tbedifficult.Here,
I’llfeedittoyou...”

“Likehellyouwill!”Tankexploded.
HegottohisfeetjustasCodyBankswalkedinthedoor.“Grabher,”hetoldCody,indicatingthe

woman.“She’stheassassin’saccomplice!”

“I’m...what...Who...You’recrazy!”thewomanexclaimed,red-faced.“I’mleaving!”
“Youarenot,”Tanksaid,andcoveredthedoorway.“Cody,there’ssomethingwrongwiththefood

onthattray.Itneedstobetested.Irecognizethiswoman’svoice.Sheworkedfortheso-called
surveillanceexpertwhobuggedmyhouse.”

Thewomangapedathim.Butshedidn’treallyprotestwhenCodycuffedherandtoldhis

investigatortocallforadeputytopickherup.

“You’llsitrightthere,”hetoldthewoman,indicatingachairnearthewindow.
“You’llneverproveathing,”thewomanscoffed.
“Thinkso?”Tankasked,andhiseyeswereice-cold.

***

HEY

RAN

toxicologyscreenonthemeal.TheroastbeefwaslacedwithMalathion,enoughtokill

anyonewhoingestedit.Farfromthenormalgradethatwasusedontheranchasaninsecticide,this
wasacommercialgradeofthepurechemical,whichwasgreatlydilutedwheninuse.Tankwas
willingtobetthatwhentheycomparedtheMalathioninthisfood,andthatinMerissa’scapsules,it
wouldbeamatchfortheproductunderlockandkeyontheKirkranch.

“GoodGod,he’sinsane,”Tankexclaimedwhenthedoctorgavethemtheresultsofthetestsshe’d

ordered.

Thedoctorwasgrim.“Ihaveneverhadsuchacaseinallmycareer,”sheconfessed.“Whatdowe

do,Sheriff?”

Codydrewinabreath.“Foronething,weputsomeonewithMerissaaroundtheclock.”
“Icandothat,”Rourkesaid.He’djoinedthemearlier.“Ihaveanothermanwatchingtheranch.

Bothofushavebackgroundsin,shallwesay,deadlyendeavors.”Hesmiled.

Codygavehimawarylook.
“I’vedonenothingillegalinthiscountry,”Rourkereassuredhim.
Codypursedhislips.“Allright.YourmanCarsoncansuretrack,”headded.
“Hecandoalotofthings,”Rourkesaid.“Trackingisoneofthem.He’llkeepthefamilysafe.”
“Clarahastomoveinwithus,”Tankadded.“Iwon’thaveheratthecabinalone.”
“I’lltakecareofthat,”Rourkeassuredhim.“I’dbettergetMerissa’scomputerandbringitalongas

well.Wouldn’twantouranonymousfriendmessingwithit.”

“Goodidea,”Tanksaid.“Andnobodysaysanythingaboutwhatwe’replanninginMerissa’sroom.

Chancesareprettygoodthatit’sbugged,sinceweknowamanpretendingtobeyourdeputy,”hetold
Cody,“cametointerviewher.”

“He’sindeadearnestthistime,”Rourkesaidquietly.“Hewantstokillher.”
“It’salinkinthechain,”Tanksaid.“He’sputtingpressureonme.Ifshedied,I’dneverspenda

secondthinkingaboutthepast,whenImethim.Whathedoesn’tknowisthatwe’vealreadymadethe
connectionhe’ssoafraidof.”

“Whatconnection?”Codyasked.
“It’sbetterifyoudon’tknowrightnow,”Tanktoldhim.Heclappedtheothermanontheshoulder.

“Itdoesn’tconcernthisbusiness,anyway.Atleast,notatthemoment.Rightnow,ouronlyconcern
hastobekeepingMerissaalive.”

“Carsonwillstayatthehospitaluntilshe’sreleased,”Rourkesaid.
“Thankgoodness,”Codyreplied,oblivioustoTank’soffendedandangryexpression.“Idon’thave

thebudgettodothat.”

“Hedoes,”Rourkesaid,jerkingathumbatTank.
“Myinvestigatorwillinterviewherwhilehe’shere.Thisguyisanutcase,”Codysaidcurtly.
“Youcanbetmoneyonthat,”Rourkereplied.
“Whydoeshewanttokillsuchakindyoungwoman?”Codyasked.“Ijustdon’tgetit.”
“Sheseesthings,”Tankreplied.“He’safraidshe’llhelpmeremembersomethinghedoesn’twant

togetout.I’lltellyoutheminuteIcan,”hepromised.“It’sverycomplex.”

“SomethingtodowiththatcaseinTexasmaybe?”Codyaskeddryly.
“Maybe.”
“Uh-huh.”
“It’sevendarkerthanthat,”Rourkeadded.“Thisisapieceofapuzzle.Adeadlyone.”
“Therearedozensofpoisonsthathavenotaste,orcolor,”Codypuzzled.“Whydidn’theuseone

ofthose?”

“He’scocky,”Tanksaidcoldly.“Arrogant.Hethinkswe’reallfools.Probablyhethoughtitwould

beamusingtokillherwithasubstanceweuseontheranch,inlesserdoses,everydayduringthe
growingseason.”

“Boy.”Rourkechuckled.“Hashegotasurprisecoming!”
“Indeedhedoes,”Tankadded.HelookedatCody.“Nochanceyoucouldsuspendthatwomanyou

arrestedonsuspicionofmurderoveralakeorsomethingbyherthumbstomakehertalk?”heteased.

Heshookhishead.“Sorry.Wrongcentury.”
“Itwasjustathought.”HeglancedatRourke.“Thinkshemightsellhimoutfortherightprice?”
Rourkeshookhisheadgrimly.“Ithinkshewon’tbealivethistimetomorrow.”
“Hey,Irunatightjail,”Codyprotested.“He’dnevergetinpastmyguys.Notinamillionyears!”
RourkeandTankdidn’tanswer.Theyknewenoughalreadytobecertainthatiftheirkillerwanted

herdead,shewouldbe.

***

URE

ENOUGH

LATER

thatverydayRourkephonedTank,whowasstillatthehospital,withthenews.

“ThewomanwhotriedtopoisonMerissahadasuddencoronary,rightinherholdingcell,”he

remarked.

“Howconvenient,”Tanksaid.Hewasn’toverflowingwithsympathy.Merissacouldhavebeen

lyingdeadinherbed,thankstothatwitch.

“Isn’tit?”Rourkeagreed.
“Didshehaveanyvisitors,doyouknow?”
“Therewasanoldmanwithacanewhosaidhewasherattorneyandaskedtoseeher.Hewasvery

convincing.Thejailerlethimuseaninterrogationroomtotalktoher.Theoldmancameout,
hobblingonthecane,thankedthejailerwarmly,talkedabouttheweatherandleft.Theyfoundthe
womanslumpedoverinherchair.EMTsresponded,butallattemptsatresuscitationfailed.DOAatthe
hospital.Hedoesn’tlikelooseendsapparently.”

“Sotheregoesourcase,”Tanksaidangrily.
“Somethinglikethat.”Rourkedrewinanaudiblebreath.“Malathion.GoodGod,man,thereare

thousandsofpoisonsthatareundetectablebytasteorsmell.WhyuseMalathion?”

“Terrortactics,”Tankreplied,hisvoiceveryquiet.“Somethingforimpact.Weknowhecanbe

stealthywhenhewantsto.Eitherhe’sdeliberatelybaitingus,orhe’sgettingsloppy.Ifhegetssloppy
enough,wecanhanghimouttodry.”

“Lovelythought,andIjustseasonedabrand-newrope,”Rourkesaidwithaliltinhisaccent.
Tanklaughed,butwithoutanyrealhumor.“Well,we’llseewhathappens.ButIdon’tlikehaving

Carsonherewithher,”headdedinvoluntarily.

“You’rebarkingupthewrongtree,mate,”Rourkereplied.“Helikeslooseassociations.Your

lovelyMerissaisaforeversortofperson.Notatallhistype.”

“Ihopeyou’reright.”

Rourkechuckled.“You’llsee.I’llgonow.I’vegotthingsbuttoneduptighthereattheranch.No

worries.”

“Allright.I’lltakeyourwordforitthatmyfamilyissafe.”
“Awordtothewise,”Rourkeadded.“Don’ttasteanythingyou’veleftunattended.Tellher,too.

Carsonwillbewatching,butitneverhurtstoemphasizecertainthings.Hewascarelesswithone
poison.Hemightnotbewithanother,especiallynowthathisplanshavebeenthwarted.”Hehesitated.
“I’veseenmenreactunderthoseconditions.Aperfectlynormalman,goingbyasetofmentalplans,
cangoberserkwhensomethingunplannedhappens.Inthiscase,itcouldbefataltoalotofpeople.
Watchout.”

“Goodadvice,andI’lltakeit.Thanks.”Hepaused.“You’vebeenalifesaver,Rourke.”
“You’rewelcome,”theothermansaidashehungupthephone.

***

ERISSA

WAS

SOLEMN

.Carsonwaspensive.NeitherofthemspokewhenTankwentbackintothe

hospitalroom.Hescowled.

Carsonsighed.“Hethinkswe’vebeenhavingaquickaffairwhilethenurses’backswereturned,”

hemused,“somewherebetweenthechecking-your-vitalsanddoctorrounds.”HesmiledatTank,who
wasreallygloweringnow.“Justforfuturereference,Ineverconductaffairswithwomenoffaith,”he
pointedout,indicatingMerissa.“Theyjustaren’tintogroupsex,forsomereasonIcan’tfathom.”

Tankcouldn’thelpit.Heburstoutlaughing.SodidMerissa,althoughsheflushedalittleatthe

explicitremark.

“Nooffensemeant,ifyou’reintoit,ofcourse,”hetoldTankdryly.
“Notme.”Tanksatdownintheonlyvacantchairandleanedback.HemetMerissa’seyesevenly.

“I’maone-womanman.”

Shestaredathimwithwide,softeyes.Shewonderedatthewordsandtheexpressiononhisface.It

couldbejustamalething,jealousofanotherman.Ontheotherhand,hewaslookingatherwithpure
delight.Couldhereallyhavemeantthatheonlywantedfriendshipfromher?Hadhesaiditbecause
hewasn’tsureofher?

“Ifeeldecidedlylikeathirdwheel,”Carsonremarkedwhiletheystaredateachother.Hegotup.

“I’mgoingdownthehallforcoffee.CanIbringyoubackacup?”heaskedTank.

“Yes,please,creamonly.”Tankslidahandintohispocketandpresentedhimwithatwenty-dollar

bill.“Don’targue,”headded.“Thinkofitasanexpenseaccount.”

“Inthatcase,I’llsplurgeandgetachocolatebartogowithit.”Carsonchuckled.
“Ilikeminewithcreamandsugar,”Merissatoldhim.
Carsongaveherapatientlook.“ThenurseswouldcarrymeintoabackroomanddoGodknows

whattomeifIgaveyoucaffeine.”

“Oh,youcanpaintaroseonthat,”acutelittleredheadednursesaidasshecameintotheroomand

shotCarsonavoluptuousglance.“Reallyterriblethings.Unimaginablethings.”Shegavehimamock
growl.

“Howmanycupsofcoffeewouldyoulike,then?”heaskedMerissawithabiggrin.
Tanklaughed.Sodidthenurse.Carsonshotherawinkandasmileashewentoutthedoor.
Thenursewhistledandwavedherhandasiffanningherself.“IfIweren’thappilymarriedanda

mother...”shemused,lookingafterCarson.

“Hedoeshavethateffectonwomen,”Tankjoked.

“Mostwomen,”Merissacorrected.ShelookedatTankinawaythatconveyedshewasn’toneof

them.

Amazinglyhisfacechanged.Herelaxed.Helooked...happy.Content.Heletthenursedoherjob,

thenwhensheleft,hemovedclosetothebedandleanedoverMerissa.

“Ilied.”
“Excuseme?”sheasked.
Hebenthisheadandbrushedhismouthtenderlyoverhers.“Idon’twantyouforafriend.”
“Anenemythen?”sheteased,butshewasbreathingasifshe’dbeenrunning.
Henibbledherupperlip.“Wecantalkaboutitwhenyou’reoutofthehospitalandallthisinsanity

ends.”

Shetouchedhischeekwithcoldfingertipsandsmiledwhilehismouthmovedagainsthersvery

softly.“Okay.”

Hechuckled,becausethatdidn’tsoundlikearefusal.
Shesighedasshelookedupathishard,gorgeousface.“Youaresoincrediblyhandsome,”she

murmuredhuskily.

Heactuallyflushed.“Who?Me?”
“You.”Shesmiled.“It’snotonlythewayyoulook.It’sthewayyouare.”
“Youdon’treallyknowmeyet,”hepointedout.
“Iknowyoudowntoyourbones,”shesaidinanold,wisetone.“You’dlaydownyourlifefor

yourbrothers,fortheirwives,forpeoplewhoareclosetoyou.Intimeofdanger,youneverrun.
You’rehonestandloyalandyoudon’tevendrink.Orsmoke.”Sheshookherhead.“Youronlyreal
flaw,andit’sasmallone,isthattemper.”

Hemadeafaceather.“Itonlypeeksoutfromtimetotimeinextremecircumstances.”
“LikewhenyouthinkCarson’stryingtocharmme.”Shelaughedsoftly.
Hesighed.Itwasimpossibletodenyit.“Yeah.”
Shetouchedhischiseledmouth.“He’sveryattractive.Heseemslikearocksometimes,buthehasa

softcenter.Hedoesn’twanttogetseriousaboutanyoneeveragain,butthere’sayoungwoman
somewherewho’sdrivinghimupthewall.”

“She’llhavetogetinline,”heteased,relievedtohearthatCarsonwasn’tmooningoverhisgirl.
“It’snotlikethat,”shereplied.“She’sveryreligious.Shewon’tlikesomeofthethingsshefinds

outabouthim.”ShesearchedoverTank’sface.“Ithinkitwillshockhim.Heisn’tusedtowomenwho
don’tthinkofintimacyasanitchyouscratchwheneveryoufeeltheneed.”

“You’rethatsortofwoman,”hesaidsoftly.
“Yes,”shereplied.“I’mnotjudgmental.Idon’twanttomaketheworldoverintomyownimageof

howthingsshouldbe.”

“Iknowwhatyoumean.Buttherewillalwaysbepeopleoffaith,andwomenwhodon’tfollowthe

crowdoverthecliffof...groupsex,”headdedjokingly.

Shelaughed.
“Andwhat’ssofunnyaboutgroupsex?”Carsonaskedhaughtilyasherejoinedthem.“Honestto

God,youpeople!”Hehesitatedforeffect.“Haven’tyoueverseenananacondamatingballonthose
NationalGeographicspecials?”

Theyburstoutlaughing.
HehandedTankacupofcoffeeandlookedregretfullyatMerissaashedroppedintoachaironthe

othersideofthebed.“Sorry,buttheyreallywouldthrowmeoutonmyearifIbroughtyouacup.”

“Iknow.It’sokay,”shesaid,smilingathim.

Tanksatdowninhisownchair,buthiseyesneverleftMerissa.
“Heardanythingfromthesheriff?”Carsonasked.
Tankshookhishead.“No,buthe’llletusknowifhefindsanything.Shameaboutthatwoman,”he

addeddarkly.“Iexpectwithalittleincentive,shemighthavegivensomethingaway.”

“Ornot,”Carsonadded.“Menlikethatdon’tchoosepartnersfortheirloosetongues.”Hecrossed

hislong,muscularlegs.“However,alittlebackgroundcheckmightturnupsomething.”

“Iwasthinkingthesamething.”TanksmiledatCarson,becauseheknewwhatthemanwasdoing.

Hesuspectedtherewasabuginthehospitalroom.Hewasuppingtheante,givingtheshadowy
assassinsomethingmoretoworryabout.

“Unlessshewasworkingforthegovernmentindeepcover,sheisn’tinvisible.Someonewillhave

knownher.YourfriendthesheriffwillrunherthroughtheNCICdatabaseandseewhatshows.I’m
bettingshe’sgotarapsheet.Nottoolong,maybe.Butthere’llbesomethingthere.”

“Enough,Ihope,”Tankaddeddeliberately,“togiveourshadowyfriendalotofworries.Iwish

himasmanyashe’sgivenmelately.”

“IexpectwhenhehearswhattheTexasauthoritiesareresearching,he’llneedtochangehis

underwear,”Carsonsaiddeliberately,andstaredatTank,towarnhimnottospeak.

“Youthinkso?”wasallTankasked.Hesippedcoffee.“Thisisn’tbad,forcoffeeoutofamachine.”
“Philistine,”Carsonscoffed.“Thisisreal,honest-to-goodnesscoffeefromarealcoffeemaker.”
“Howdidyougetthat?”Tankasked,surprised.
Carsonleanedtowardhim.“There’sthisreallyprettynurse.Ijustsmiledandmentionedhowmuch

Ihatedcoffeeoutofthosedamnedmachines.”Hehelduphiscupandgrinnedfromeartoear.

Tankcouldn’tresistlaughing,too.Merissajustshookherhead.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

ANK

HAD

gobacktotheranchtoshowerandshaveandcheckinwithCodyBanks.Hedidn’twant

totalktothesheriffinMerissa’shospitalroom,incase,ashesuspected,theroomwasbugged.

Heleanedoverherandkissedhertenderly.“Idon’tcareifhebringsyouasteakandabouquetof

flowers,he’soff-limits.Gotit?”heteased,noddingtowardCarson.

Shegrinnedback.“Gotit.”
Hechuckled.HekissedheragainandglancedatCarson.“Yougotit,too?”
“Absolutely,”Carsonmused.“She’ssafewithme.”
“I’llbebackinthemorning,firstthing,towishyouaMerryChristmas,”hetoldher.“Haveagood

night.”

“You,too,”sherepliedhuskily.
Heleft,butreluctantly.
Carsonfollowedhimjustoutsidetheroom.
“WhydidyousaythataboutTexas?”TankaskedCarson.“It’safairbetheheardyou.”
“He’spullingourchains,I’mpullinghischain,”Carsonrepliedcoldly.“He’shadaplangowrong.

Nowheknowswe’relookinginanotherdirectionforsomethingabouthim.Hisgirlfriendisdead.
He’sgottobefeelingthepressure.Ifhemakesamistake,we’llgethim.”

Tankrelaxedalittle.“Youknow,you’resortofdiabolical.”
Carsonassumedasurprisedexpression.“Who,me?Ihavewings.Youcan’tseethem,butthey’re

there.”

“Angelic,youain’t,”Tanksaid.
Carsonmadeaface.“Iknow.Butasfarasshe’sconcerned—”hejerkedhisheadtowardthe

hospitalbedinsidetheroom“—Iam.You’reoneluckyman.”

Tankflushed.“Iknowit.”
“I’llkeephersafe.Nobody’sgettingpastmethistime,”headded.
“Ifyouneedhelp,call.”
Carsonnodded.“TellRourkewhatIsaidintheroom.He’lltakeitfromthere.”
“I’mtellingCody,too.”
“Themorethemerrier.”Hesmiledenigmatically.“Isn’titfun,puttingaburrunderthesaddleofa

murdererlikethisguy?”

“Youknow,itactuallyis.Ijusthopewecancatchhimbeforehecomesafterheragain,”hevoiced

hisfear.“Hemeanthertodiethistime.Andtherearepoisonswecouldn’tdetect.”

“Iamnowyournewfoodtaster,”Carsonsaid.“I’dprefertoteststeaks,butI’lldogelatinina

pinch.She’llbefine.”

“Watchyourownback,too,”Tanksaid.
“Always.”

***

CALLED

ODY

andmethiminagrocerystoreparkinglot.

“Idon’teventrustmyowndamnedphoneanymore,”Tanksaid.“Ithinkeverything’sbugged.”
“Itmightbe.Nocausetoapologizeforbeingcareful.What’sup?”

“CarsonmentionedinthehospitalroomthatwewerelookingtowardTexasforanswersinthis

case.Hisideaisthattheman’splantokillMerissaflubbed,sothat’sputhimoffhisstride.Now,he
knowswesuspectaTexasconnection,althoughhecan’tknowjusthowmuchwe’vealreadyfound
out.That’sgoingtopanichim.”

Codynodded.“Notabadstrategy,solongaseveryone’sproperlyguarded.Itcouldgodownhard,

ifheloseshimselfinrevenge.”

“Iknow,”Tanksaidheavily.“Idon’twantherhurt.Idon’twantanybodyhurt.”
“NeitherdoI.”Codywaspensive.“WhatifitturnshisattentionbacktoTexasandheleavestown,

though?Itdoeslessenourhopesofcapturinghim.”

“ItalsolessensMerissaBaker ’schancesofmeetingasuddenandterribledeath,”Tankadded

grimly.

Codyrelented.“Yes.Itdoes.MyideawouldbetoalerttheauthoritiesinTexasandmentionthisto

them.”

“That’saverygoodidea.I’lldoitassoonasIgethome.”
“IfIcanhelp,inanyway...”
“You’realreadyhelping,asalawmanandafriend,”Tanksaid,clappingtheothermanonthe

shoulder.“Thanks.”

“Hey,you’remybuddy,”heteased.
“AndI’myours.YoucanhaveanythingontheplaceexceptDiamondBob.”
DiamondBobwasthefamousherdsirewhohadhisownair-conditioned,heatedbarn.
“Aww,darn,”Codysaid,snappinghisfingers.“AndIdoloveagoodsteak...”
“Youbiteyourtongue,”Tankretorted.
“Justkidding.”Codylaughed.“Drivesafely.”
“Ialwaysdo.Seeyoulater.”

***

ANK

CALLED

AYES

CarsoninTexasandtoldhimwhatwasgoingon.Hayesapproved.

“Itjustmightdothetrick,”hetoldTank.“Ifthisisthesameguywhotriedtohavebothofushit,

andwhoputyourwomanfriendinthehospital,panickinghiminthisdirectionwouldbemostlyfatal
forhim.Weknowwhattolookforthistime.”

“Ijusthopewecancatchhim,”Tanksaidheavily.“Itwearsonthenerves,especiallywhena

woman’sinvolved.”

“Iknowthatfeeling.Ifwecandoanythingonourend,letmeknow.I’llfillRickMarquezinon

what’shappening.Hetoldmeaboutthedirectionthecaseistakingandtheconnections.He’sstill
chasingdownleadsontheprosecutor ’smurder,nowthatyou’vegivenhimanewangletolookat.He
saidhelovesthechancetosolvethatcase.Heknewtheguyfromwhenhewasapublicdefender.
Damnedshame.”

“Yes.Toomanypeoplehavebeenhurtalready.Thanksforthehelp.”
“Ihaven’tdonemuch,butyou’rewelcome.Keepusintheloop.”
“I’lldothat.”

***

HEY

’

PUT

manysafetyprecautionsintoeffectastheycould.Clarastillinsistedonstayingatthe

cabin,andtheycouldn’tmoveher.ButTankdidhaveacowboystayinthesparebedroom,withagun,

justincase.

Merissagotbetterveryquickly.SheandTankhadanicemealtogetherinthehospitalfor

Christmas,completewithturkeyanddressingandcranberrysauce.Clarajoinedthemforit.Twodays
later,thedoctoragreedtoreleaseher,andTankandCarsondroveherhome.

SheandClarahadatearfulreunion.“Oh,it’ssogoodtobehome!”Merissaalmostweptasshe

huggedhermother.

“Sogoodtohaveyouhere,mydarling,”Claraenthused.
“IwishIhadn’tmessedupChristmasforus,”Merissasaidmiserably.
“We’llhavealateone.Ihaven’teventakenthetreedown.”Claralaughed.
“IguessIcangohomenow?”thecowboy,Rance,asked.
“No!”severalvoicesechoed.
Ranceputupbothhandsandlaughed.“Noproblem!Ilikeithere.She—”hepointedatClara“—

cancook!”

“SocanMerissa,”Tanksaidwithasmile.“She’sinaclassofherown.”
“I’llprovethattoyouinadayortwo,whenIgetstronger,”shepromisedhim.
Hegrinnedandbenttokissherwarmly.“Don’tgetoffyourguard.Wehavetotalk.”
Shenodded,hereyesfullofwonder.“Assoonasyoulike.”
“Justafewlooseendstotieupfirst,”hesaid.HemotionedtoCarsontogowithhim.“I’llseeyou

firstthinginthemorning.Ifyouneedme...”

“I’llcall,”shepromised.
Hestaredatherwithsuchpassionthatsheblushed.Hewalkedback,scoopedherupgentlyand

kissedher.“Seeyouinthemorning.”

Shelaughed.“Okay!”
Onethinghewascertainofashewalkedoutthedoor.Thatwomanwashis.Andsheknewit.

***

PHONED

OURKE

assoonashefinishedtellingthefamilyabouthowthingsstoodatthecabinnow

thatMerissawasbackhome.

“IwasgoingtocallMarquezmyself,butwe’vehadalotgoingon,withMerissabeingreleased

fromthehospital.IdidtellHayesCarson,butMarquezshouldbebriefedoneverything,too.Since
youknowhim,”heasked,“doyouthinkyoucouldgivehimacallforme?”

Rourkechuckled.“I’llcallhimrightnow,”headded.
“Let’shopethere’ssomegoodnews.”
“Let’shope.”

***

OURKE

CALLED

BACK

afewhourslater,fromneartheBakerhouse.Thecowboywho’dbeen

watchingClarahadreturnedtotheranch.Rourkehadreleasedhim,andhewasanxioustogetbackto
hisregularchores,despiteClara’swonderfulcooking.CarsonwasworkingaroundtheKirkranch,
keepinganeyeonthefamily.

“Sorryittooksolong.Marquezwasincourt,”Rourkesaid.
“Ifiguredhewasn’tavailableorI’dhaveheardfromyousooner.AreClaraandMerissaokay?”
“They’refine.TheywerehavinglunchjustbeforeIlefttocheckthesurveillanceunitsCarsonput

up.IfIgetbackintime,I’llgethomemadechickensalad.”Helaughed.“Okay,here’swhatMarquez

wasabletofindout...”

“Isthatlinesecure?”
“Isitever,”Rourkesaidgrimly.“I’mhalfwayupatreetalkingonathrowawayphone.Yoursisa

prepaid.Nowayhe’sgotaccesstothese.Andjustincasehedoes,I’mrunningascrambleronthe
line.”

“Devious.”
“Iworkincovertops,”Rourkeremindedhim.“ThisiswhatMarqueztoldme.Thatwatchwas

madebyaSwissmanufacturer.It’sacustomone-of-a-kindwatch.Itwasabirthdaypresenttothe
assistantD.A.fromhisverywealthywife.”

“Sotheguycouldn’tfenceit,”Tankguessed.
“Verygood.Itcouldhavebeendisassembled,jewelsremoved,goldmelteddown,butthewatch

wasunique.Myguess,andMarquez’s,isthatthekillerlikedtheprestigeofwearingawatchthatwas
worthmorethanthepriceofanewcustomJaguarXK.Samethingfortheshirt,whichwascouture,
hand-paintedandcostamint.Sohelikestheshirtandthewatchandstartswearingthem.It’sstupid,
butbrilliantpeopledostupidthings.HewearsthemtoHayesCarson’sdrugbustandisphotographed
wearingthem.Later,hewearsthemtoyourambushandyousawhimwearingthem.Somebody,
probablyhisemployer,goesnutswhenherealizeshismanhasbeenadvertisingakillingthatcould
putthembothintheslammerforlifeandthere’saphotographtoproveit.Sotherepentantemployee
goesafterHayes,triestohavehimkilled,buthiresthewrongmanandthegunmanmisses.Thusthe
kidnapping,whichwouldcertainlyhaveledtoHayes’smurderexceptforsomegreatescapeworkby
Hayes’sfiancée,whomhejustmarried.”

“ThephotographwouldhavebeenonthecomputerthatwasinHayes’sofficethatwaserasedbya

cohortofthewould-bekiller,”Tankfinishedforhim.

“Mostlikelythewomanaccomplicewastheonewhoworkedfortheso-calledsurveillancetech

whobuggedthehousesuphere,”Rourkeguessed.“Thenwhentheyrealizedthephotographcouldbe
recovered,theytookthecomputerandkilledthetechiewhowastryingtodotherecovery.”

“Sloppy,messyjoballaround,”Tankmuttered.
“Isn’tit,though?”Rourkemused.“Tocontinue,thenherealizesthatyougotagreatlookathim

andyou’reanotherlooseendhecan’taffordtoignore.Ourguyisapro.He’sgreatatdisguises,
knowshispoisons...knowshiswayaroundtheunderworld.ButI’veworkedwithsomeguyslikethat
whowereskilledatcovertopsbutlousyatstrategyandtactics.Maybeinthepasthe’shadsomeone
elsetellinghimwhattodoandhowtodoit,andhewasgreatatit.Now,maybehe’sonhisownand
findingthathe’snotcoveringallhisbaseslikeheusedto.Ormaybehehasadrughabitandit’s
gettingoutofcontrol,sohe’ssloppyallofasudden.”

“Hedidn’ttrytohitthetwofederalagentsorCashGrier ’ssecretary,”Tankpointedout.
“Theymayhavebeenfurtherdownthelist.Takeoutthebiggestriskfirst—HayesCarsonandhis

computer.Thenyou,becauseyoucouldactuallyconnecthimwithCharroMendezandleadyouback
tohisbossifyoutalkedtotherightpeople.”

“Lotofmaybesthere,”Tankpointedout.
“True.”
“WhatelsedidMarqueztellyou?”
“They’vetentativelytracedourwould-beassassintoasleazypoliticianwithpurportedtiestoa

drugcartel.He’sastatesenator.Buthe’srunningforahighpoliticaloffice.TheelderlyseniorU.S.
senatorfromTexashasdiedsuddenlyofwhattheyassumedwerenaturalcauses.That’sbeing
reinvestigatedaswespeak.There’salsoaseriousrivalfortheunexpiredtermwhojustlanded

himselfinthehospitalwithanundiagnosedillness.”

“Didtheylookforpoisoninhisbloodstream?”Tankdrawled.
“Theyhadn’t,butthankstoMarquez,they’regoingto.”
“Youthinkthere’satietothispolitician?”Tankasked.
“Now,there’sthereallyinterestingthing.Amongthecasestheprosecutorwasinvestigatingwas

oneinvolvingthissleazypolitician.Bribery,misuseoffunds,drugdistributionconnections,thatsort
ofthing.”

“Didhehaveevidence?”
“Ithinkhemighthave.Butthedatainhiscomputerwasdestroyed.AndImeandestroyed.Thehard

drivewasshattered.Allthepaperworkonthecasedisappeared.Seemstheprosecutorhadhireda
temptosubforhissicksecretaryjustbeforehewaskilledandalltherecordswentmissing.”

“Therewouldhavebeenpolicereports,investigator ’snotes,”Tankbegan.
“I’mcomingtothat.Allvanished.It’sjustthewordofthepoliceofficersanddetectives.Knowwhat

that’sworthincourtwithoutapapertrail?”

“Damn!”
“Marquez’slanguagewasmuchmorecolorful,”hesaid.“Anyway,there’snothingthatcanconnect

thepoliticiantoanyofthis.Except...”

“Except?”
“Itseemshehasanenforcerwithexpensivetastes.Theenforcer,amannamedRichardMartin,was

seenwearingapaisleyshirtjustliketheonetheprosecutor ’swifegavehim.”

“Don’ttellme—hewasalsowearingawatchthatplaysJoanJett.”
“Bingo.”
“Nowwhat’sthebadnews?”
“Sameasbefore.Nopapertrail.Nobodywhosawhimcouldidentifyhimexceptmaybeyouand

HayesCarsonandthefeds.He’dhavetobenutstogoafterthefeds,bytheway.Ormaybehethought
aboutimportingsomeoverseastalentforthose.Oh,andCashGrier ’scutelittlesecretarywiththe
photographicmemory—shesawhim.They’restilltryingtotieinherfather ’sattemptedmurderwith
thepoisonedwould-beassassin.”

“Somebodyhadbetterbewatchingherback,justincase,”Tanksaidgrimly.
“IknowthingsaboutherfatherthatIcan’ttellyou,”Rourkesaid.
“Theminister?”Tankasked.
“Hewasn’talwaysaminister.Leaveitatthat.Besides,sheworksforCashGrier.Iknowcareer

criminalswho’dthinkthreetimesbeforetheyevenconsideredtanglingwithhim.Hemaybeasmall-
townpolicechiefnow,butthoseoldskillsaren’trusty.Healsohasanetworkof,shallwesay,off-the-
radarfriendsandassociates.Someofthemarereputedlywantedbyanumberofworldgovernments.”

“Veryinteresting.”
“Isn’tit,though?”Rourke’svoicebecameserious.“Marquezsaidthatthesleazypolitician’s

enforcerhasareputationforextremeviolence,especiallyintightcorners.Wecan’tletourguards
downforamoment.”

“ClaraandMerissahavetocomeovertothehouseandstaywithus,”Tanksaidfirmly.
“Itoldthemthat.Merissawaswillingatfirst.Now,she’snot.Shethinksthey’llbeallrightatthe

cabin.ClarasaysifMerissawantstostay,sowillshe.”

“Don’tevenletthemarguewithyouaboutit.Pickthemupandcarrythemouttothecarifyouhave

to.”

“It’satruck,butItakeyourmeaning.”

“GetMerissa’scomputerandanysentimentalitemsyoucancarry,aswell.Justincasehehasany

ideasaboutmakingabadsituationworse.”

“I’lldoitrightnow.”
“Watchyourself.”
“Ialwaysdo.Takeyourownadvice.Talktoyoulater.”Hecuttheconnection.

***

ANK

TOOK

HIS

brothersintothekitchen,turnedonthemixerinspiteofMavie’sexasperation,shooed

heroutoftheroomandtoldthemwhathadhappened.

“Thingsaregettingverydangerous,”Caneremarked.
“Yes,theyare,”Malloryagreed.“Carsonsetuphissystemtodofacialrecognition,andwe

pinpointedamantodaywithacriminalrecordwhoranwhenwetriedtoquestionhim.”

Tankfeltthedanger.“Iwouldn’thaveputyoutwointhemiddleofthis,orthewives,oryourson,”

hetoldMallory,“foranything.”

“It’sworththedangerifwecankeepyoualive,”Canesaidtightly.
“It’sMerissaI’mmostworriedabout,”Tankconfessed.
“She’ssafefornow,though,”Mallorytoldhim.“Rourkewon’tletanythinghappentoherorher

mother.”

“That’snotall.”Tankshovedhishandsintohisjeanpockets.“Something’sgotmeworried.”
“What?”
“Thetrailheleftinthesnow,theonethatledtothehighway.”
“Oldhunter ’strickistodoublebackonatrail,”Mallorymentioned.
“Ifhewaslayingafalsetraildeliberately,he’dmakesurewesawit.Sowheredoyouthinkhe’s

beenhiding?”

Mallory’sfacewashardasrock.“Inthecabinitself.”
Tankfelthisbreathcatchinhisthroat.“MerissaandClara!”heexclaimed,fearinhisexpression.

***

OPENED

HIS

cellphoneandcalledRourke.Thephonerangandrang.ButRourkedidn’tanswer.

“Something’swrong,”Tanksaid.“I’mgoingoverthere.”
“Soarewe,”CaneandMallorysaidtogether.
“No,”Tankrepliedemphatically.“Youstayhere.I’llcallallthecowboystostandaroundthehouse

withloadedweapons.Carson’sgoingwithme.”

“Becareful,”Mallorysaidtautly.
“You’retheonlylittlebrotherwe’vegot,”Caneaddedandtriedtosmile.
“I’llbefine.”
Tankstartedoutthedoor.HehadDarbyHanesonthelinebeforehereachedit,slingingoutorders

asheheadedtohistruck.

“Carson!”hecalledtothedark-hairedmanontheporch.
Carsonlookedupfromhislaptop.
“Let’sgo.Rightnow!”
Carsonputthelaptopdownandrantothetruck.“Whatisit?”
“Youcaneavesdrop.”HephonedCodyBanks.“I’velostcommunicationwithmymanwho’s

guardingMerissaandClara.Howsooncanyougettherewithacoupleofdeputies?”

“I’llmeetyouatthefrontporch,”Codysaid,andhungup.
“Wethinkhelaidadeliberatetrailawayfromwherehewas,”Tanksaidthroughhisteeth.“He’sin

thedamnedcabin!Probablyintheattic.Weneverevencheckedit!”

Carsongroaned.“Whatadamnedlackofforesight!”
“Ijustpraywe’reintime,”Tanksaid,andstooddownontheaccelerator.

***

HEN

THEY

GOT

tothecabin,thesheriff’scar,astatepolicecar,anambulanceandafiretruckwere

sittingontheroadthatledtoit,sirensandlightsjustdyingdown.

“Whathappened?”Tankasked,tryingtofightdownterrorashejoinedCodyBanksathissquad

car.

“He’sgotthewomen,”Codysaidinahuntedtone.“Hewon’tnegotiate.Hesayshe’sthroughtrying

todoitcovertly.Nowhe’sjustgoingtokillthem.”

“Theyaren’tdead?”Tankasked.
“Notyet,”Codyreplied.
Tankletoutthebreathhe’dbeenholding.“Thenwhatdowedo?”
“Idon’thaveahostagenegotiator,”Codytoldthem.“ThepolicedepartmentinCatelowhasone,

buthe’sbackEastonalongChristmasholidaywithhisfolks.Thestatepolicesentusamanwhodid
itforHoustonP.D.afewyearsback.”Heindicatedtheman,whonodded.“Rightnowwe’rewaiting
fortheutilitycompanies.”

“Utilitycompanies?”Tankburstout.“Whatinhellfor?”
“Weturnoffeverythingwecanturnoff,”thestatetroopersaidgently.“Thenwenegotiatefor

power,water,electricity...”

“He’llkillthembeforeyougetthatfar.”Tankdrewinaraggedbreath.“It’smehewants.I’lltrade

withthem.”

“Youwillnot,”Codysaidfirmly.“Thenwe’llhavethreevictimsinsteadoftwo.”
Whiletheyweretalking,Carsonwasstrippingoffhisjacket.Hetosseditintothefrontseatofthe

ranchpickup.

“Andwhatwouldyoubedoingthen?”Codyasked.
“WhatI’vemadealivingatforthepastseveralyears,”Carsonsaid.“Who’sgotasniperkitIcan

borrow?”heaskedgrimly.

Themenstaredathim.
Hestuckhishandsonhiships.“Arewegoingtostandhereandmakejudgmentsorletmesavethe

women?”heaskedcurtly.

“Sorry,”Codysaid.“Wasn’tthinking.Frank,”hecalledtooneofhisdeputies,“breakoutthatnew

riflewiththescope.”

“New.Damnedthingsnevershootrightuntilthey’reused,”Carsonmuttered.
“It’swhatwe’vegot,”Codytoldhim.
“You’llnevergetcloseenough.”Tanktriedtoreasonwithhim.Hewassickwithfear.“He’llsee

youcoming.”

Carsonliftedaneyebrow.“Remindmetotellyouastoryortwowhenthisisallover.”Heglanced

towardthedeputy,whowascarryingaheavymetalgunbox.Hesatitontheloweredtailgateofthe
ranchpickupandopenedit.

“Sweet,”Carsonsaidashefingeredthelightwoodofthestock.

“Ya,isn’tit?”thedeputyaskedwithasigh.“I’vejustuseditontargets,butit’saccuratetoahair.”
“Shootstrue?”
“Youbet.”
Carsontookitoutoftheboxwithafaintreverenceandlookeddownthescopetowardthehouse.

“Niceoptics,”hesaid.Heconcentrated.Hecouldseemovementatoneofthewindows.Itfluttered,
andawoman’sfrightenedfacelookedout.ItwasClara.Shewastalkingtosomeonebehindher,
scaredandcrying.

Carson’sjawset.“HesentClaratolookoutthewindow,toseewhat’sgoingonouthere.”Hetook

therifleandslungthestrapoverhisshoulder.“Ineedadiversion,”hetoldCodyBanks.“I’mnot
goingtotellyouwhereI’llbe.Butwhenyouhearashot,moveinquick.”

“Don’tmiss,”Codysaidfirmly.
“Itwouldbethefirsttime,”Carsonrepliedsolemnly.“ButIwon’t.”
Heturnedandwentofftowardtheendofthedriveway.
“He’sgoinginthewrongdirection,”thedeputymuttered.
“Thinkso?”Tankasked.HeknewCarson.HeturnedbacktoCody.“Ifthoseutilitytrucksshowed

uprightnow,itwouldbeagreathelp.”

Codypressedthemikeonhisradio.“I’llseeifIcanhurrythemup.Dispatch,”hebegan,talking

intotheunit,“IneedanETAonthepowercompany.”

“Thisisdispatch,Sheriff.He’stwominutesaway.”
“Tellhimtoturnonhisyellowlightsandcomeinfast,”Codysaid.
“Sir?”
“Justdoit,okay?”
Therewasasmileinthevoicethatanswered.“Okay.”
Codyturnedtohisdeputy.“There’sasuddenemergencyyouhavetohandle.Turnonthelightsand

sirensfullblastandmakeabigproductionofturningaroundinthedriveway.Goclosertothehouse
whenyoudoit,butnottooclose.”

Thedeputynodded.“Yes,sir!”
Hejumpedintohiscar,turnedonthelightsandsirensandwentcareeningalittlewaytowardthe

housebeforehecutthewheelsharplyandtoreoffdowntheroad.

“There,”Codysaid.“Maybethatwillgivehimtimetogetinplace.Andhere’sanotherdiversion.”
Thepowertruckpulledupnexttothesquadcar.“Ihadsomereallystrangedirections...”thedriver

began.

“Notimetotalk,I’mafraid,”thesherifftoldhimwithawearysmile.“Wehaveahostagesituation.

Weneedyoutocutpowertothecabin,asquicklyasyoucan.”

“I’llgetrightonit.”Heturnedofftheengine,gotout,pulledonhistoolbeltandclimbedintothe

cherrypicker.Heliftedhimselfuptotheconnections.Afewtwistsandturnswithhistoolsandthe
cabinwentdark.

“Nicework,”Codysaidwhenhecamedownagain.
“Nowwhat?”themanasked.
“Canyoustaywithusforafewminutes?”
“Unlesswegetanurgentcallaboutsomething,”thelinemanagreed.
“Thanks.”
Codyturnedtothestatetrooper.“I’lltrytogethimtoanswerthephone,ifit’sstillworking.”Some

phoneswouldn’tworkwithoutpower.

Thetroopernodded.

CodydialedClara’snumberandwaited.Thephonerangonce,twice,threetimes.Itrangagain.And

again.JustwhenCodywasabouttogiveup,therewasaclick.

“Yeah.Whatdoyouwant?”amanwithanAustralianaccentasked.
“Yourhostages,”Codysaid.
Therewasacoldlaugh.“Noway,mate.Messedupallmeplans,theydid.Nowtheyhavetopayfor

it.”

Codyhandedthephonetothestatetrooper.
“Canyouletmeverifythatbothwomenarestillalive?”thetrooperaskedinagentletone.
“You’lljusthavetotakemywordforit,”themanreplied.
“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Forstarters,turnthepowerbackon.”
“Can’tdothat,I’mafraid.Notyet,anyway.Talktome.Whatdoyouwant?”
“You’llfindout,verysoon.”
Hehungup.Thetrooperrelayedthemessage.
Tankgroaned.HeshouldhavemarriedMerissaweeksago.Heshouldhavecartedherofftoa

ministerthenighttheyhadChinesefood.Whyhadhehesitated?Heknewhowhefelt.Heknewhow
shefelt.Nowitmightneverhappen.Thatmurdererinthecabinwasgoingtokillher,killhermother,
anditwasallhisfault.

Atelephonetruckcamedowntheroad,followedbyacountywatertruck.Theypulledintothe

driveway.

“Whatdoyouwantustodo?”theyaskedCodyBanks.
“Wait.”Heturnedtohisdeputy,whowasjustdrivingup.“Revthatthingup,hitthelightsand

sirens,hard,andheadtowardtown!”

“Yes,sir!”
Thedeputywentthroughthesameroutinehe’dusedearlier,andcutoutontothehighway.Justashe

vanishedintothedistance,ashotrangout.

***

EART

HIS

mouth,hammering,TankdisobeyedadirectorderfromCodyBanksandrantowardthe

cabinjustasfastashislegswouldcarryhim.Who’dfiredtheshot?Carsonhadsaidtocomerunning
iftheyheardone,butwhatifitwasthemaninthecabinfiringandtheycostthewomentheirlivesby
runninginonhim?

Hecouldn’tstop.HealreadywasimaginingseeingMerissalyingdeadonthefloor,bloodinher

mouth.He’dneverliveifshedidn’t.Hecouldn’tgothroughtheprocessoflosingher,notagain,not
whenshe’dalmostdiedofpoisonjustdaysago.

Hischestwasburstingashefollowedtheothermenupontheporch.Codyreachedforthedoor

handleandtherewasanexplosion.

Theconcussionfromtheexplosionknockedthemenbackwardontotheground.Tank,flatonhis

back,breathless,sawthefireballgoupintotheair,likeanorangeballoonthatjustkeptgrowing.The
soundoftheexplosionfollowedsecondslater.

“Getthemoutofthere!”Tankyelled.
Thefiremenwerealreadyontheway.Theypulledthetankerupnexttothesteps,jumpedoutand

startedstretchinghoses.

Tanktriedtogoontotheporch,butCodytackledhimandbroughthimdownagain.

“No!”Tankraged.“God,no!Ihave...toget...inthere!”hepleadedwithhisfriend.
Codywouldn’tletgo.“Ifyougointhere,you’lldiewithher.”
“Idon’t...care!”Tankchokedout.“Ican’tlivewithouther!Iwon’t!”
Codygroundhisteethtogether.He’dneverheardsomuchrawemotioninaman’svoice.Hewas

dyingforhisfriend.Buthewouldn’tletgo,either.

Thewaterjettedintothecabin,thepressureofitbreakingtherestoftheglassthattheexplosion

hadn’t.

Tankwatchedinhorrorasaflaminghumanbodycamedivingoutthedoor,screaming.Itwastoo

tall,toobig,tobeawoman.

Theman,becauseithadtobethekiller,wentrunningtowardthedriveway.Afiremaninfullgear

tackledhimandbroughthimdownwhileanotherfiremanaimedafireextinguisherathim.His
clothingwasburnedhalfoff;hisbodyunderitwasblackalready.Thefoamcoveredhim.Stillhe
screamedandscreamed.Butveryquicklyhelaystill,shiveredanddied.

MerissaandClara.Hadtheyalreadyburnedtodeath?Tanklookedintothecabinwithdeadeyes.

Hislifehadburnedupinthere.Whatwouldhedonow?Hehadnolifeleft.HisMerissawasgone.
Gone,likethecabinthatwasslowlybeingconsumedinthebrightyellowflames,inthethickblack
smokethatroseupintothesky.

Hesanktohiskneesandjustsatthere,watchingthestructureburn.
Heclosedhiseyesandsaidasilentprayerfortheirsouls.Hefeltawetnessinhiseyes,rollingonto

hischeeks.

“Merissa!”hegroaned.Hisvoiceechoedtheanguishinhisheart.
Somewhere,inthebackofhismind,hecouldhearMerissa’ssweet,clearvoicecallinghisname.It

wouldhaunthimforever.

“Dalton!”
Hesmiled.Itwaslikeanangelsinging.
“Dalton!”
Howodd,itseemedsoreal.
“Tank!Dammit!”
Tank.Dammit?
Hegottohisfeetandturnedaround.There,blackwithsootbutstillverymuchalivewasMerissa,

inCarson’sarms.Clarawasstandingtooneside,grimy,too,butsmiling.

“Oh,dearGod,”Tankwhispered,anditwaslikeaprayer.Hewenttoher,tookhergentlyfrom

Carson’sarmsandkissedher.Andkissedher.Andkissedher!

“Ithoughtyou’ddiedinthere!”hewhisperedasherainedkissesonherfaceandhair.Shesmelled

likesmoke,andtohimitwasthesweetestperfumeonearth.Shewasaliveandbreathingandcursing
him.Helovedit.

“Wethoughtweweregoingtodie,”shesaidwearily.“He’dalreadyopenedthevalveononeofthe

gascanisters.”Shecoughed.“Thefumeswerechokingus.Wedidn’tknowwhyhedidthat,although
weknewhehadthemwiredtosomesortoftimer.Hewaslookingoutthewindowwhenthesirens
startedup.He’djustcutoffsomecordfromarollwehad.Hewasgoingtotieustothechairs.The
gaswasmakingusdizzy,andweknewwhatheplanned.ImotionedtoMama,andwecoveredour
mouthsandrantothebackdoor.Wefiguredweweregoingtodieanywayandbeingshotwaseasier
thanburningup.”

“Mypoor,bravegirl,”hegroaned.“Comeon.”Hepickedherupandcarriedhertothe

paramedics,whoweregivingClaraoxygen.She’dinhaledmoreofthegasthanMerissahad,because

theshooterhadmadeherstandatthewindowtowatchthelawenforcementpeople.

“Betternow?”Tankaskedwhenshe’dhadafewwhiffsofoxygenandtheEMTshadexaminedher

andhermother.

“Yes,”shewhispered.“Thanks,”shetoldtheEMTswithasmile.
“Whathappenedwhenyougottothedoor?”Tankasked.
“Well,Imanagedtounlockit.Hewasyellingatustostoporhe’djustshootus.Wepanicked.I

threwopenthedoor.Carsonwasjustafewyardsaway.Hethrewuptherifleandfiredonce.Theman
behindusinthehousecriedout.Iheardhimfalloverachairorsomething,Ididn’tstoptolook.
Carsonyelledforustorunandhe’dcoverus.Wedid,weranlikemadtowardhim.Ithinktheman’s
pistolwentoff,becausetherewasasecondshotbehindus.Justsecondslater,whenwewerebarely
awayfromtheporch,thehouseblewup.”Shedrewinashakybreath.Daltonfoldedherclose.

“Sorry.”Shelaughed.“I’mstillshaky.”
“You’realive,honey,that’sallthatmatterstome.Goon...”
“Rourkehadgonetochecksomethingout.Wewereeatingchickensaladinthekitchenwhenwe

heardbumpingonthebackporch.IthoughtitwasRourkesowedidn’treallypayattention.Wewent
towatchthenewsontelevision.Justalittlelater,themancameintothelivingroomwithapistoland
toldustogointothekitchenandnotmakeamoveorhe’dshootusdead.”

Sheshivered.Heheldhercloser.
“Therewerepropanetanksjustinsidethebackdoor.He’dsetthemupwithsomesortoffuses.He

madeussitatthetablewhileheopenedthevalveononeofthem.Hesaidhe’dkillMamafirstifI
triedanything.”Hereyesclosed.“Wewerescaredtodeath.Hewasfurious,cursing,ragingbecause
hecouldn’tkillyouandthatsheriffinTexas.Andhe’djustfoundoutthatthedeathofamanhehired
tokillawomaninTexaswasbeinginvestigated.Hesaidhe’dpoisonedthemanbecausehebotched
thejob.Hesaidtherewasanotherkilling,onethathappenedbeforeallthat,butwe’dneverhavetime
tolearnaboutthatone,becausehewasgoingtokillusandthenmakesurehistrackswerecovered.
Hesaidhisbossthoughthewasaddicted,buthewasn’t,hecouldquitanytimeheliked.Hewasyelling
andwavinghisarmsaround....”Sheshookherhead.“Ithoughthe’dlosthismind.”

“Itsoundslikeit,”herepliedgrimly.Hesmoothedoverhersofthair.
“Hesaidhewasgoingtoblowusupandleaveinthecommotionthatfollowed.Hesaidyou’d

neverhaveanothermoment’speaceandhe’dneverbediscovered.HewasgoingtoTexasafterward
tofinishupthebusinessdownthere.Hesaidhe’dfoundsomeonereliabletokillthewomaninTexas
whosawhim.Nomorelooseends,hesaid.”Sheleanedagainsthim.“IwassohappytoseeCarson.
ButIwasevenhappiertoseeyou.”

“Ithoughtyouweregone,”hewhisperedhuskily.“Whenthehousewentup.”
Shesmiledandkissedhim.Sheburiedhersoftfaceinhisthroat.“Wewerejustgoingouttheback

doorwhenoneofthepropanetankswentoff.Idon’tknowwhatcausedit,butitmusthavesetthe
othersoff.”ShelookedatCarson,whowasstillholdingtherifleandlisteningtotheirconversation.
“Thankyouformylife.”

“You’requitewelcome,”hesaid,andsmiledback.
Tankaddedhisthanks.ButhewastoobusykissingMerissatosaymuchmore.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

“I

DON

’

UNDERSTAND

aboutthepropanetanks,”Tanksaidalittlelater,whilethewomenwerebeing

treatedforthegasinhalationatthelocalemergencyroom.HeandCodyBankshadsuperficialburns,
butthosehadalreadybeendealtwith.

“FromwhatMerissasaid,he’dsetthemontimers,”Carsonexplained.“Thefirstonedetonatedand

triggeredtheothers.”

“Yes,buthowdidthefirstonedetonate?”heasked.“Isawashowonceaboutpropanetanks

exploding.Theyshotabulletintoone.Itjustwentstraightthrough.Noexplosion.”

Carson’sfacewasgrim.“It’sthevaporyouhavetoworryabout,whenthegasisreleasedand

concentratedinaroom.Ifit’sthickenoughtohamperbreathing,anysparkwillmakeitexplode,even
turningonalightswitch.”

“Isthatwhatyouthinkhappened?”
“Merissasaidhe’dopenedthevalveononeofthetanks,thattheywerehavingtroublebreathing.

He’dsetthetimertogooffandwasprobablycountingonthefumestocausetheexplosion,tocover
hisexitandkillthewomen.Iassumeheplannedtotiethemupfirst,buthedidn’tforeseesomeone
gettingcloseenoughtoshoothimbeforehecouldfollowthrough.Nicediversion,bytheway.”

“ThankCody,itwashisidea.”
“Anyway,Icouldn’tgetaclearshotfromthepositionIwasin,soImovedclosertothecabin.All

atoncethebackdooropenedandthewomentriedtocomeout.Thewould-beassassinwasafterthem.
Iaimedpastthem,hithimintheshoulder,andmotionedtothemtorun.Hewasstunnedlongenough
forustogetclearofthecabin.IsmelledgasbeforeIevengotasfarastheporch.Thewomenwere
coughingfromcontactwithit.Hefiredafterus,justbeforetheexplosion.”

“Youthinktheshotignitedthegas?”
“Yes,”Carsonreplied.“Whenheshotatus,thesparkfromhispistolmusthaveignitedthegas.”

Carsonshookhishead.“Heburnedtodeath.Evenforanevilman,that’sahellofawaytodie.”

“Merissasaidthat’showhe’dgo,”Tankrepliedheavily.“Sheknew.”
“Youtakecareofher,”Carsonsaidfirmly.“Ifyoudon’t,I’lltakeherawayfromyouandmarry

hermyself.”Hegrinned.

Tankchuckled.Heclappedhimontheshoulder.“Thanksforsavingmylife.”
“Ididn’t,”hereplied,puzzled.
“Yousavedher.Withouther,Iwouldn’thavehadalife.”
“Gotit,”Carsontoldhim,withanunderstandinglook.“You’rewelcome.”
CodyBanksjoinedtheminthewaitingroom.“Well,we’vegotadeadbodyandnowaytoidentify

it,”hesaidheavily.“Coroner ’sworkingonhimdownintheautopsyroom,butthereisn’tmuchleftto
goon,unlesshisDNAisinadatabasesomewhere.”

“Didhehaveanythingonhimlikeacellphone?”
“Hedid.It’sprettymuchtoast.We’llsendittothestatecrimelabandhopeforamiracle.Just

betweenus,Idoubtwe’llgetlucky.”

“WeneedtocallSheriffHayesCarsoninTexas,”Tanksaidgrimly.“TheshootertoldMerissathat

he’dhiredsomeonereliabletotakeoutsomewomanwho’dseenhimandhadaphotographic
memory.”

Carson’seyesnarrowed.“Icanonlythinkofonewomanwhofitsthatdescription.You’dbetter

makethatcallfast.”

“Iwill,”Tanksaid.
“Themanwasacertifiedlunatic,”Codysaidangrily.
“Whatabouthiswatch?”
Codyblinked.“Whatwatch?”
“Theonehewaswearing...”
Codywasshakinghishead.“Hedidn’thaveawatchonhiswrist,”hereplied.“Norawallet.Go

figure.”

“Hemusthavestayedsomeplacewhilehewashuntingme,”Tanksaidcurtly.
“Wethoughthemighthavebeenstayingintheatticofthecabin,”Carsonadded.
Codysighed.“Well,we’llgiveitalook,butthefiredidcatastrophicdamagetomostofit.”
Tankwinced.“Merissa’scomputerwasinthere.Allherwork.”
“No,itwasn’t,”Rourkesaid,joiningthem.Hewasgrinning.“Forgottenalready?Imovedouther

computerandmostoftheirlittlepersonalkeepsakesearlierintheday,andwasgoingtobringthem
tostayatyourranch.”

“Greatforesight.”Tankchuckled.
“Iamknownfarandwideformyforesight,whichisexceededonlybymystrikinggoodlooks,”

Rourkepointedout.

Carsonrolledhiseyes.
“We’llneedtocontacttheRedCross,”Codysaid.
“Why?”Tankasked.
“Thewomenaregoingtobetemporarilyhomeless...”
“Theyhaveahome,”Tanksaid,smiling.“Wehavethreesparebedrooms.”
“Isthataninvitation?”Rourkeasked,big-eyed.“BecauseI’vebeensharingaroominthe

bunkhousewithhim,andhesnores,”hegrumbled,glaringatCarson.

“Idonotsnore!”theothermansaidindignantly.
“Thenyou’reusingachainsawatnightandyoudon’tremember,”Rourkecountered.
“Itwasn’taninvitation,”Tanktoldhim.“Youhavetogohomenow.Thiscaseisclosed.The

would-beassassinisnolongeraproblem.AlthoughI’mverygrateful,tobothofyou,andyour
checkswillreflecthowgrateful.”

“Ididn’tdothisforpay,”Rourkepointedout.“Sodon’tinsultme.”
“Samehere,”Carsonadded.Hesmiled,too.“Evenfamousattorneysdoprobonocasesfromtime

totime.”

“Somelawyer,”Rourkemuttered.“Doyoursummationswithasniperkit,doyou?”
Carsonraisedbotheyebrows.
“IfyouevergettiredofworkingforCyParks,youcancomeandworkforme,”TanktoldCarson.

“I’llevenbuildyouahouseofyourown.”

“Tempting,”Carsonsaid.“ButCyParkswouldgrieveforme.”
“HedidanIrishjigwhenyousaidyouwerecominguphere,”Rourkemused,“andhe’snoteven

Irish.”

“Lies,”Carsonsaideasily.
“IonlyliewhenI’maskedto,”Rourkesaidhaughtily.
MerissaandClaracamethroughadoor,alongwithDr.Harrison,whowasgrinningashetalkedto

Clara.

“Longtime,nosee,”Tanksaidandshookhishand.
“Whatanextraordinarycoincidence,”thedoctorsaid.“Ibroughtayoungmaninwithmewho

neededstitchingupafterafight,andranintothesetwo.”

“Heknowstheresidentonduty,”Clarasaid.
“Ishould,Itaughthimeverythingheknows.”Hegrinned.Thesmilefaded.“Iwassorrytohear

aboutyourcabin.Ifyouneedaplacetostay...”

“Veryniceofyou,butthewiveshavetheguestbedroomsallreadyforthemattheranch,”Tank

said.“Andwe’dbettergo.It’sbeenalongdayforallofus.”

“I’dliketophoneyoulater,ifImay,”thedoctortoldClara.“Toseehowyou’redoing.”
“Thatwouldbeverykindofyou,”shereplied.“Thanks.”
“Itwouldbemypleasure.”Henoddedtotheothers,smiledatthewomenandwalkedontothedesk.
“Readytogo?”Tankasked.
Merissanodded.“I’msotired.Webothare.”
“It’sbeenanordeal,”Tankreplied.“Butwithahappyending.Comeon.Youcanridewithme.”
“You’resurewewon’tbeimposing?”Merissaaskedworriedly.
“Howcanyouimpose?”Tankaskedwithasmile.“You’refamily,aren’tyou?”
Shelookedupathimwithherheartinhereyes.“Oh,yes.Definitelyfamily.”
Hedrewherunderhisarmandsmiled.

***

WOMEN

SETTLED

inaseasilyasifthey’dbeenbornattheKirkranch.Merissa,whohadahard

timeinteractingwithmostpeople,fitrightinwithMorieandBolinda.

“It’slikeI’veknownthemallmylife,”shetoldTankwhentheywerealoneinhistruck,driving

backtothecabintocheckoutwhatwasleftoftheirpersonalpossessionsafterthefiredepartmentand
thecrimesceneinvestigatorshaddonetheirjobs.

Clarahadthoughtaboutjoiningthem,butsheknewMerissawantedalittletimealonewithTank,so

shepretendedtobetootired.Merissahadjustgrinnedather,becausesheknewbetter.

“Itoldyouitwouldn’tbeanordeal.”Tankchuckled.Hehadherhandinhis.Hedidn’twanttolet

go.He’dcomesoclosetolosingher,twicenow.

“Yourfamilyisverynice.”
“Soisyours.”
“Thanks.”
Hepulledupjustalittledistancefromthefrontporch.Thekitchenwasmostlyscatteredtimber

now.Halfthecabinwasalmostintact,buttherewasagoodbitoffiredamage.

“Twodeathsinsoshortatime,”Merissasaidsoftly.“Myfatherandnowthishorribleman.”She

shookherhead.

“ButyouandClaraarealive,”hepointedout.
Shesmiledupathim.“Soweare.”
Hegotoutandhelpedherfromthevehicle.Theywalkedupontotheporchandaroundtotheback

ofthehouse.Thegroundwaswetfromthefirehoses.Therewerepiecesofsharpmetallyingaround,
andshatteredglass.

“Careful,”hetoldher.“Don’tsteponanythingsharp.”
“Iwon’t...!”
Heswungherupinhisarms,laughing.“I’llmakesureofit.”Hestaredintohereyeswithsoft

hunger.“Istillcan’tbelieveyou’reherewithme,allinonepiece.I’veneverbeensoafraidinmy
wholelife.”

Shelinkedherarmsaroundhisneck.“Youaskedmetomarryyou.”Sheflushed.“Ithoughtitwas

justbecauseyouwantedto,well,youknow.AndthenyoulookedembarrassedandIsaidIdidn’twant
togetmarried...”

Shestoppedbecausehewaskissingher.Hediditverycarefully,verytenderly,becauseshewas

stillfragilefromherbrusheswithdeath.“Iwanttogetmarried,”hewhispered,“morethanIcaneven
tellyou.Iwanteditthen,butIgotflusteredandmesseditup.”

Shesmoothedherhandoverhishardcheek.“Ilied.Iwanttomarryyouverymuch,”she

whispered.

Hecarefullyputheronherfeet.
“Here.”Heputaboxinherhand,ajeweler ’sbox.
Sheopenedit.Therewasamatchingweddingset,rubiesanddiamonds.Shecaughtherbreath.
“IhadthatinmypocketthedayIblurtedoutthatweneededtogetmarried.Ruinedthewhole

thing.”

“No,youdidn’t.”Shetookouttheengagementring.“Willyouputiton,please?”
Hesmiledashesliditontoherringfinger.“Willyoumarryme?”
“Ofcourse,”shebreathed,beamingupathimwithtearsthreatening.
Hislipsnibbledsoftlyathers.“Howsoon?”hemurmured.
“Yesterday.”
Hesmiledagainsthermouth.“Daybeforeyesterday.”
“Lastweek.”
“Lastmonth.”
“Last...year.”
Thekissgrewlongeranddeeperandharder,andshemoaned.Thatwaswhenhestopped,because

hecouldfeelhowweakshestillwas.

Heliftedhisheadandclearedhisthroat.“Wecangetmarried.Butwe’llwaituntilyou’refeeling

betterbeforewedointimatethings.”

Shelaughedshyly.“Okay.Imean,Iwanttodointimatethings.ButI’mstillalittlerocky.”
“Iknow.It’sallright.”Hesearchedhereyes.“Iwantyou.That’spartofit,foraman.Butthereason

IwanttomarryyouisbecauseI’minlovewithyou.”

“Youare?”
“Oh,yes.”Hebrushedhismouthoverhers.“WhenIsawthatexplosionandthoughtyouwereinthe

house...”Hedrewhercloseandhuggedher,hard.“Theworldwentdark.IthoughtIwashearing
voiceswhenyoucalledmyname.”

“Icussed.”
Helaughed.“Yes,youdid.Iwasthinkingofwaysandmeanstogettoyou,evenifitmeantfinding

mywayacrossthatdarklineintodeath.”Heliftedhisheadandsoberedashelookedintohereyes.“I
havenolifewithoutyou.Ihavenofuture.Noworld.Nohome.Youareeverythingintheworldtome.
AndIwillloveyouuntilIdie.Evenlonger.”

Tearsstunghereyes.“Iwillloveyouthatway,too.Forever.”
Hekissedthetearsfromhereyes.“Forever.”

***

HEY

WERE

MARRIED

attheranch,bytheministerofthelocalMethodistchurch.Merissawasstill

fragile,butsheworeabeautifulcouturegownwithsilkembroideryoverwhitesatin,withBrussels
laceandafingertipveil.Shecarriedabouquetofpoinsettia,becauseeventhoughChristmaswas
over,itwasstillsortofaChristmaswedding,andtheystoodinthesameroomwiththeenormous,
beautifulChristmastreeblazingwithlight.

RourkeandCarsonhadbeenpersuadedtostayfortheceremony,afterwhichtheywereenrouteto

Texas.

Theassassinwasdead,buttherewasafainttrailleadingbacktoHayesCarsonandevenCarlie.

ThedeathofthedistrictattorneyinSanAntoniowasthekey.Butifthedeadassassinhadalready
hiredsomeonetotakecareofCarlieandherphotographicmemory,timewasoftheessence.Itwent
withoutsayingthathecouldhardlycalloffthehitnowthathewasdead.

Carsondidn’tsaymuch,butTanknoticedthathebristledwhenanyonementionedthefactthat

Carliecouldbeonthehitlist.Foramanwhohatedher,hedidseemconflicted.

***

“D

YOU

CALL

HayesCarson?”adrowsyMerissaaskedonthefirstnightoftheirhoneymoonin

MontegoBay,Jamaica.

Tankdrewhercloser,smiling.“Ididindeed.HeandthefedsandRickMarquezareworkingon

leads.”

Hedrewthesheetawayfromhersmall,perfectbreastsandbenttodrawhislipsoverthem.
“IhopetheycansavethewomaninTexas,”shesaidinashiverywhisper,archingherback.
“Me,too,”hewhisperedback.
Shepressedcloseagainsthiswarm,muscularbarechest.Thethickhaironittickled.Itfelt

wonderful,justthesame.Sheloopedherarmsaroundhisneck.“AndIwasscaredtodothis,”she
added,fascinated.

“Inoticed.”
Ithadbeenalittledifficultatfirst.Merissa,naturallyshyevenwithherclothingon,hadtobe

coaxedoutofitwithaniceglassofwineandadarkroom.Hesmoothedhishandsoverhersoftbody
withthesamesensuousdelicacyheusedwhenplayingthepiano,teasingherintorelaxing,accepting,
participatinginafeastofthesensesthatfarsurpassedanythinghe’deverknowninhislife.

Atlast,whenshewassobbinganddigginghernailsintohislongback,hearcheddownagainsther

hipsandquicklyovercamethesmallbarrierthatwasbarelynoticeableexceptforatinyflashofpain.

Hismovements,urgentandhardanddeep,liftedheroffthebedinashiveringecstasyof

satisfactioneventhefirsttime.

“Yousaidthatitusuallytookalittletimeforpeopletogetusedtoeachotherlikethisandenjoyit,

especiallyforwomen,”sheremindedhimashelaidherbackonthepillows.

“Well,yes,”hesaid,grinning.“ButIneglectedtomentionthatIwasspeakingaboutmenwhoare

farlessskillfulandpatientthanIam.”Hechuckled.

“Skillful.Patient.”Shegasped.“Sometimesalittletoopatient...!”
“Oh,amI?”Hepusheddown,hard.“Better?”
“More!”shegasped.
“Likethis?”Hecaughtherthighandpulledheruptohim,rivetedherbodytohisandtookherina

blind,pulsingfeverthatdrownedthembothinhot,sweetrelieffromatensionthathadalmostbeen
pain.

Shecriedout,shudderingandshudderingasthepleasurewentbeyondanythingshe’deven

dreamed.

“Yes,”hegroanedatherthroat.“Oh,God,baby,neverlikethis...never!”
“I...know!”
Theypausedjustforafewseconds.Butthefeverwasburningtoohigh,toobright,andtheyno

soonerstoppedthantheystartedalloveragain.

“Ishouldn’tdothis,”hegroaned.“You’restillweak...”
“Weak?I’llshowyou...weak!”Shewrappedherlegsaroundhishipsandarchedupathim,hereyes

wide-open,watchinghimastheendlesspleasurewrappedherupinfireandfury.Hedimmedinher
visionasthefinalexplosioncame,sorawandsensualthatherteethsankintohisshoulderashe
shiveredaboveherinonelastexquisitemovement.

***

DREW

HER

againsthim.Moonlightstreamedinthroughthesheercurtainsontheirbalconywindow

overlookingMontegoBay.

“Ishouldhavemarriedyouthenightyoucametothebackdoorandsaidsomeonewastryingto

killme,”hesaid.“Thinkofallthewastedtime!”

“That’sokay,”shemurmuredwithacontentedsigh.“We’llmakeupforit.”
Hesmoothedbackherdamphair.“Tellmeaboutthefuture.”
Shesmiled.“Longandsweet.”
“Honest?”
“Honest.”
Hesighed.“Iwasprettysureofthat.Butit’snicetohaveitconfirmed.”
Shebrushedherhandoverhishair-roughenedchest.“It’sniceofyoutohavethecabinrebuiltfor

Mama.Nowthatit’ssafeforhertolivethere,thatis.”

“Itwastheleastwecoulddo.Shelovestheplace.”
“Ido,too.”
“Youcan’tgolivewithher,”hepointedout.“I’dbelonely.”
“I’donlygoifyouwentwithme,”sheagreed.
Hiseyeswerebrieflytroubled.“Merissa,thereisn’tgoingtobeanyoneelsecomingafterme,or

youorClara?”

“No,”shesaid.Shewasstill.“ButthatyoungwomaninTexas...Therewasalreadyanattempt.She

doesn’tevenknow...!”

“It’sallright,”hepromised.“I’llphoneHayesCarsonfirstthinginthemorningandtellhim.”
“He’llthinkI’mnuts.”
“Notatall.He’saniceguy.I’lltakeyoutoTexastomeethimandhiswifeoneday.”
“Thatwouldbenice.”
“Aslongaswegotogether,”hetoldher,veryseriously.“I’mneverleavingyouagain.”
“Youcanbetmoneyonthat,”sheagreed.“Iwon’tletyou.”
Hepulledthecoversupwithasigh.“Howaboutatourofthehistoricplacestomorrow?”
“Oh,yes,andIwanttotrygingerbeer.I’vebeenreadingaboutit.”
“Youcanhaveawholekegifyoulike.”Hedrewhercloserandlookedintohereyesinthe

moonlight.“Infact,youcanhaveanythingyoulike.Anythingatall.”

Shereachedupandpulledhismouthdowntohers.“Ijustwantyou.”

Hekissedherback,tenderly.“You’dhavetochasemeawaywithatank,”hemused.“Andeventhen

I’dcomeback.”

Shenuzzledhercheekagainsthis.“Lifeissweet,”shewhispered.
Hesighed.“Yes,mydarling.Lifeissweet.”

***

ACK

EXAS

,afuriouspoliticianwashavingaclosed-doormeetingwithashadycharacterofhis

acquaintance.

“HowthehelldidhelethimselfgetkilledbysomelocalyokelinMontana?”MattHelmraged.
“Beatsme,boss,buthewasburnedalive.”
“Didheleaveatrailthatleadstome?”thepoliticiandemandedangrily.
“Notthatwecanfind.Igotoneofmybrother ’sfriendswho’sadetectivetocheckitoutforme.He

sayseverything’scool.”

“Well,atleasthegotridofthelooseends.Hiscolleague,thatstupidwomanwhogotherself

arrestedatthehospital,isdead.Thecomputerimagesofhimwearingthedamnedwatchareerased,
wehavethecomputer...”Hestoppedandshookhishead.“DamnedshamethatmanhesentafterCash
Grier ’ssecretarymissed!”

“Theythinkhewasjustsomereligiouslunaticafterherfather,”themansoothed.“Noworries

there.Martinsaidhehiredanothermantodoit,someonereliable.”

“Canwetrusthim,youthink?”heaskedsarcastically.
“Maybe.Wedon’tknowwhohehired.Hewashookedonmethanditwasfryinghisbrain,”hesaid

irritably.“Hegotnutsneartheend,tookcrazychances.Hewasdelusional.Heneverusedtomake
mistakeslikethat.”

“Peoplewhousedrugsarecrazy,”thepoliticianagreed.“That’swhywejustsupplythem.”
“Damnedright.”
“YougouptoWyomingyourselfandmakesurethetrail’sclean,”Helmtoldhishenchman.“And

seeifyoucanfindthatdamnedwatch.Ifyoudo,destroyit.”

“Gosh,boss,it’sworthaking’sransom...!”
“It’sworthlifeinprisonforbothofus!Gotthat?”hedemandedfuriously.
“Okay,okay.IfIcanlocateit,I’llbreakitintosmallpiecesandburyitsomewhere.”
“Hemusthavehadpiecesofclothingwithhim,atleast,”Helmcontinued.“Inasuitcase,inhiscar

maybe.Youfindit!”

“I’lldomybest,boss.Butmycontactssaytheyneverfoundevenawallet,andhiscellphonewas

toodamagedtogetanyinformation.”

“Ijustwantthisoffmymind,”Helmtoldhim.“Thegovernor ’sgoingtoappointasuccessortothe

latelamentedSenatorTodd.Ihopeit’sgoingtobeme,butevenifitisn’t,I’vegotpowerandmoney
behindmeinthespecialelectionthisspring.Idon’twantanychancediscoveriesmessingupmy
future.YoutellCharroMendezthesamething.He’dbetterbewatchingmyback,ifhewantsany
specialfavorsforhiscartelwhenIgetinoffice.”

“I’lltellhim,boss.”
“Ican’tbeseenwithhimagain.”Heranahandthroughhishairnervously.“Whatamess!Whata

damnedmess!Ican’tbelieveRickMartinmessedthingsupthisbadly.Hewasthebestinthebusiness
—infiltratedtheDEA,fedusinformationtokeepourdrugshipmentssafe,tookouttheopposition.
Andherehe’salmostruinedeverythingbecausehecouldn’tkeepawayfromdrugs!”

“Atleastnobody’slikelytoconnectthewatchwithusnow,”thehenchmansaidcomfortingly.“The

photo’sgone.Evenifthatgirlcanrememberit,hertestimony’sworthnothing.Theycan’tprovea
thing.”

“Eveniftheycould,wecouldswearthatMartinactedonhisown,”Helmsaid,nodding.“You’re

right.Ourhandsareclean.It’sgoingtobefine.”Heturned.“ButyougetuptoWyomingandtieup
thelooseends.”

“Whataboutthegirl?”
Helmhesitated.SheworkedforCashGrier.HeknewGrier.Itwasdangeroustoprovoketheman.

Butthey’dcamouflagedtheirattemptonCarlie’slifeoncebeforebyhavingtheirassassinseemingly
targetherministerfather.

“Herfatherseemstodrawlunatics,doesn’the?”Helmsaid,staringattheotherman.“Imean,it

happenedonce...andwearen’tinvolved.Hell,wedon’tevenknowwhoMartinhired,right?”

“That’strue,boss.Nowaytoconnectustoit.Ifhepaidaguytokillher,lethimearnhismoney,I

say.”

“SodoI.Fewercomplications.Findthatwatchandthatshirt.”
“Youcancountonme,boss.”
Helmdidn’treply.ThatwaswhatRickMartinhadtoldhimjustbeforehewenttoWyomingtotake

outDaltonKirk.Thathadn’tendedwell.Infact,hisstupidityafterthemurderofthedistrictattorney
diggingintoHelm’sbusinesshadbeenthefirstsignofabreakdown.Imaginestealingadeadman’s
watchandclothesandthenactuallywearingthemtoadrugbustwherehewasphotographed?The
utterstupidityoftheactamazedhim.

AndthentoalertKirkabouthispresenceandgethimselfkilled...Wherewasthatwatch?Hehadto

hopethathisnewenforcercouldfindit.Hehadabrilliantfutureahead,repletewithwealthand
power.Hewasn’tlosingitbecauseofadamnedwatch!

***

ASH

RIER

CAME

outofhisofficewearingathoughtfulexpression.HeglancedatCarlie.“Gotthat

letterreadyformetomail?”

“Yes,sir.Allitneedsisasignature.”Shehandedhimaneatlytypedletter,ondepartmentletterhead,

withanaddressed,stampedenvelope.

Hereadoverit.
“Ifyou’relookingforspellingmistakes,youwon’tfindasingleone,andIdonotusespell-

checker,”shesaidwithasmuggrin.

Helaughed.“I’lltakeyourwordforit.Nicework.”
“Thanks,boss.”
Hesignedit,foldeditandputitintheenvelope.
“Oh,youhadacallfromthatrancherinWyoming.DaltonKirk?”
Hefrowned.“Didhesaywhathewanted?”
“Somethingaboutthatmanwhowaskilled.Hesaidhiswifehadapremonition.Hewouldn’ttellme

whatitwas.Buthewantedyoutocallhim.”

“I’lldoitwhenIgetbackfromlunch.”
“Yes,sir.”
Shewatchedhimgooutthedoorbeforeshepulledoutasandwichandasoftdrinkfromherlunch

box.Itwasherhabittoeatatherdesk.Thechiefnevercomplained.Heprobablyknewshecouldn’t

affordtoeatout,exceptonceinagreatwhile.

ShewonderedwhattheKirkman’swifehadtoldhim?Shehopeditwasn’tanythingbad.Justlately,

therehadbeenquiteafewunpleasanthappeningsaroundJacobsville,Texas,includingthatwildman’s
attackonherfather.Sheshivered,rememberinghowthathadended.

Thephonerang.Shepickeditup,wipingawaypeanutbutteronherlipsbeforesheanswered,

“ChiefGrier ’soffice.”

Therewasabriefpause.“Tellyourfatherhe’snext.”
Beforeshecouldsayaword,thecallerhungup.Carliestaredatthereceiverwithherheartracing.

Itwasnotgoingtobeagoodday.

*****

IfyoulovedDalton’sstory,don’tmissanothersmart,sexyWesterntaleinWYOMINGTOUGH,where

sparksflybetweentheoldestKirkbrother,Mallory,andhisnewranchhand.Turnthepage—and

checkyourlocalbooksellerande-tailer—forahintoftheexplosiveromancebetweenMalloryKirk

andMorieBrannt....

CHAPTERONE

DITH

ANIELLE

ORENA

Branntwasnotimpressedwithhernewboss.Theheadhonchoofthe

RanchoReal,orRoyalRanchinSpanish,nearCatelow,Wyoming,wasbiganddomineeringandhad
aformidablebadattitudethathesharedwithallhishiredhands.

Morie,asshewasknowntoherfriends,hadahardtimeholdingbackherfierytemperwhen

MalloryDawsonKirkraisedhisvoice.Hewasimpatientandhot-temperedandopinionated.Justlike
Morie’sfather,who’dopposedherdecisiontobecomeaworkingcowgirl.Herdadopposed
everything.She’djusttoldhimshewasgoingtofindajob,packedherbagsandleft.Shewastwenty-
three.Hecouldn’treallystopherlegally.Hermother,Shelby,hadtriedgentlereason.Herbrother,
Cort,hadtried,too,withevenlessluck.Shelovedherfamily,butshewastiredofbeingchasedfor
whoshewasrelatedtoinsteadofwhoshewasinside.Beingastrangeronsomebodyelse’sproperty
wasanenchantingproposition.EvenwithMallory’stemper,shewashappybeingacceptedforapoor,
strugglingfemaleonherownintheharshworld.Besidesthat,shewantedtolearnranchworkand
herfatherrefusedtolethersomuchasliftaropeonhisranch.Hedidn’twanthernearhiscattle.

“Andanotherthing,”Mallorysaidharshly,turningtoMoriewithacoldglare,“there’saplaceto

hangkeyswhenyou’rethroughwiththem.Younevertakeakeyoutofthestableandleaveitinyour
pocket.Isthatclear?”

Morie,who’dactuallytransportedthekeytothemaintackroomoffthepropertyinherpocketata

timeitwasdesperatelyneeded,flushed.“Sorry,sir,”shesaidstiffly.“Won’thappenagain.”

“Itwon’tifyouexpecttokeepworkinghere,”heassuredher.
“Myfault,”theforeman,oldDarbyHanes,chimedin,smiling.“Iforgottotellher.”
Malloryconsideredthatandnoddedfinally.“That’swhatIalwayslikedmostaboutyou,Darb,

you’rehonest.”HeturnedtoMorie.“AnexampleI’llexpectyoutofollow,asournewesthire,bythe
way.”

Herfacereddened.“Sir,I’venevertakenanythingthatdidn’tbelongtome.”
Helookedathercheapclothes,theraggedhemofherjeans,herwornboots.Buthedidn’tjudge.

Hejustnodded.

Hehadthickblackhair,partedononesideandalittleshaggyaroundtheears.Hehadbigearsand

abignose,deep-setbrowneyesunderajuttingbrow,thickeyebrowsandamouthsosensuousthat
Moriehadn’tbeenabletotakehereyesoffitatfirst.Thatmouthmadeupforhislackofconventional
goodlooks.Hehadbig,well-manicuredhandsandavoicelikedeepvelvet,aswellasbigfeet,inold,
rugged,dirt-cakedboots.Hewastheboss,andnobodyeverforgotit,buthegotdowninthemudand
bloodwithhismenandworkedasifhewasjustanemployeehimself.

Infact,allthreeKirkbrotherswerelikethat.Mallorywastheoldest,atthirty-six.Thesecond

brother,Cane—acoincidenceifthereeverwasone,consideringMorie’smother ’smaidenname,
evenifherswasspelledwithaK—wasthirty-four,aveteranoftheSecondGulfWar,andhewas
missinganarmfrombeinginthefrontlinesincombat.Hewasconfrontingadrinkingproblemand
undergoingtherapy,whichhisbrothersweretryingtoaddress.

Theyoungestbrother,atthirty-one,wasDalton.Hewasaformerborderagentwiththedepartment

ofimmigration,andhisnicknamewas,forsomeoddreason,Tank.He’dbeenconfrontedbyagang
ofnarco-smugglersontheArizonaborder,allalone.Hewasshottopiecesandhospitalizedfor

weeks,duringwhichmostofthephysicianshadgivenhimupfordeadbecauseoftheextentofhis
injuries.Heconfoundedthemallbyliving.Nevertheless,hequitthejobandcamehometothefamily
ranchinWyoming.Heneverspokeoftheexperience.ButonceMoriehadseenhimreacttothe
backfireofanoldranchtruckbydivingtotheground.She’dlaughed,butoldDarbyHaneshad
silencedherandtoldheraboutDalton’spastasaborderagent.She’dneverlaughedathisodd
behaviorsagain.ShesupposedthatbothheandCanehadmentalandemotionalscars,aswellas
physicalones,fromtheirpastexperiences.She’dneverbeenshotat,orhadanythinghappentoher.
She’dbeenasshelteredasahothouseorchid,bothbyherparentsandherbrother.Thiswasherfirst
tasteofreallife.Shewasn’tcertainyetifshewasgoingtolikeit.

She’dlivedonherfather ’senormousranchallherlife.Shecouldrideanything—herfatherhad

taughtherhimself.Butshewasn’taccustomedtothebackbreakingworkthatdailyranchchores
required,becauseshehadn’tbeenpermittedtodothemathome,andshe’dbeenslowherfirstcouple
ofdays.

DarbyHaneshadtakenherinhandandshownherhowtomanagethebigbalesofhaythatthe

brothersstillpackedintothebarn—refusingthemoremodernrolledbalesasbeinginefficientand
wasteful—sothatshedidn’thurtherselfwhensheliftedthem.He’dtaughtherhowtoshoehorses,
eventhoughtheranchhadafarrier,andhowtodoctorsickcalves.Inlessthantwoweeks,she’d
learnedthingsthatnothinginhercollegeeducationhadaddressed.

“You’veneverdonethisworkbefore,”Darbyaccused,buthewassmiling.
Shegrimaced.“No.ButIneededajob,badly,”shesaid,anditwasalmostthetruth.“You’vebeen

great,Mr.Hanes.Ioweyoualotfornotgivingmeaway.ForteachingmewhatIneededtoknow
here.”Andwhatagoodthingitwas,shethoughtprivately,thatherfatherdidn’tknow.He’dhave
skinnedHanesaliveforlettinghisshelteredlittlegirlshoeahorse.

Hewavedahanddismissively.“Notaproblem.Youmakesureyouwearthosegloves,”headded,

noddingtowardherbackpocket.“Youhavebeautifulhands.Likemywifeusedto,”headdedwitha
farawaylookinhiseyesandafaintsmile.“SheplayedthepianoinarestaurantwhenImether.We
wentontwodatesandgotmarried.Neverhadkids.Shepassedtwoyearsago,fromcancer.”He
stoppedforaminuteandtookalongbreath.“Stillmissher,”headdedstiffly.

“I’msorry,”shesaid.
“I’llseeheragain,”hereplied.“Won’tbetoomanyyears,either.It’spartofthecycle,yousee.Life

anddeath.Weallgothroughit.Nobodyescapes.”

Thatwastrue.Howoddtobeinaphilosophicaldiscussiononaranch.
Heliftedaneyebrow.“Youthinkranchhandsarehigh-schooldropouts,doyou?”hemused.“I

haveadegreefromMIT.Iwastheirmostpromisingstudentintheoreticalphysics,butmywifehada
lungconditionandtheywantedhertocomewesttoadrierclimate.Herdadhadaranch....”He
stopped,chuckling.“Sorry.Itendtorunon.Anyway,Iworkedontheranchandpreferredittoalab.
Aftershedied,Icameheretowork.SohereIam.ButI’mnottheonlydegreedgeekaroundhere.We
havethreepart-timerswhoaregoingtocollegeonscholarshipstheKirkbrotherssetupforthem.”

“Whatanicebunchofguys!”sheexclaimed.
“Theyreallyare.Allofthemseemtoughasnails,andtheymostlyare,butthey’llhelpanyonein

need.”Heshifted.“Paidmywife’shospitalbillaftertheinsurancelapsed.Asmallfortune,andthey
didn’tevenblink.”

Herthroatgottight.Whatagenerousthingtodo.Herfamilyhaddonethesameforpeople,butshe

didn’tdarementionthat.“Thatwasgoodofthem,”shesaidwithgenuinefeeling.

“Yes.I’llworkhereuntilIdie,ifthey’llkeepme.They’regreatpeople.”

Theyheardanoiseandturnedaround.Thebosswasstandingbehindthem.
“Thanksforthetestimonial,butIbelievetherearecattlewaitingtobedippedinthesouth

pasture....”Mallorycommentedwithpursedlipsandtwinklingdarkeyes.

Darbychuckled.“Yes,thereare.Sorry,boss,Iwasjustlaudingyoutotheyounglady.Shewas

surprisedtofindoutthatIstudiedphilosophy.”

“Nottomentiontheoreticalphysics,”thebossaddeddryly.
“Yes,well,Iwon’tmentionyourdegreeinbiochemistryifyoulike,”Darbysaidoutrageously.
Malloryquirkedaneyebrow.“Thanks.”
DarbywinkedatMorieandleftthemalone.
Mallorytoweredovertheslightbrunette.“Yournameisunusual.Morie...?”
Shelaughed.“MyfullnameisEdithDanielleMorenaBrannt,”shereplied.“MymotherknewI’dbe

abrunette,becausebothmyparentsare,sotheyaddedmorena,whichmeansbrunetteinSpanish.I
had,uh,Spanishgreat-grandparents,”shestuttered,havingalmostgivenawaythefactthattheywere
titledSpanishroyalty.Thatwouldneverdo.Shewantedtobeperceivedasapoor,buthonest,cowgirl.
Herlastnamewasn’tuncommoninSouthTexas,andMallorywasn’tlikelytoconnectitwithKing
Brannt,whowasatruecattlebaron.

Hecockedhishead.“Morie,”hesaid.“Nice.”
“I’mreallysorry,aboutthekey,”shesaid.
Heshrugged.“Ididthesamethinglastmonth,butI’mtheboss,”headdedfirmly.“Idon’tmake

mistakes.Yourememberthat.”

Shegavehimanopensmile.“Yes,sir.”
Hestudiedhercuriously.Shewassmallandnicelyrounded,withblackhairthatwasobviously

longandpulledintoabunatopherhead.Shewasn’tbeautiful,butshewaspleasanttolookat,with
thosebigbrowneyesandthatprettymouthandperfectskin.Shedidn’tseemthesorttodophysical
laboronaranch.

“Sir?”sheasked,uncomfortablefromthescrutiny.
“Sorry.Iwasjustthinkingthatyoudon’tlookliketheusualsortwehireforranchhands.”
“Idohaveacollegedegree,”shedefendedherself.
“Youdo?Whatwasyourmajor?”
“History,”shesaid,andlookeddefensive.“Yes,it’sdates.Yes,it’saboutthepast.Yes,someofit

canbeboring.ButIloveit.”

Helookedatherthoughtfully.“YoushouldtalktoCane.Hisdegreeisinanthropology.Pityit

wasn’tpaleontology,becausewe’reclosetoFossilLake.That’spartoftheGreenRiverFormation,
andthereareallsortsoffossilsthere.Canelovedtodig.”Hisfacehardened.“Hewon’ttalkabout
goingbacktoit.”

“Becauseofhisarm?”sheaskedbluntly.“Thatwouldn’tstophim.Hecoulddoadministrativework

onadig.”Sheflushed.“Iminoredinanthropology,”sheconfessed.

Heburstoutlaughing.“Nowonderyoulikeranchwork.Didyougoondigs?”Heknew,assome

peopledidn’t,thatarchaeologywasoneoffoursubfieldsofanthropology.

“Idid.Drovemymothermad.MyclotheswerealwaysfullofmudandIlookedlikeastreetchild

mostofthetime.”Shedidn’tdaretellhimthatshe’dcometodinnerinherdigclothingwhena
famousvisitingpoliticianfromEuropewasatthetable,alongwithsomemembersofaroyalfamily.
Herfatherhadbeeneloquent.“ThereweresomeincidentswhenIcamehomemuddy,”sheaddedwith
achuckle.

“Icanimagine.”Hesighed.“Canehasn’tadjustedtothephysicalchanges.He’sstoppedgoingto

therapyandhewon’tjoininanyfamilyoutings.Hestaysinhisroomplayingonlinevideogames.”
Hestopped.“GoodLord,Ican’tbelieveI’mtellingyouthesethings.”

“I’masquietasaclam,”shepointedout.“InevertellanythingIknow.”
“You’reagoodlistener.Mostpeoplearen’t.”
Shesmiled.“Youare.”
Hechuckled.“I’mtheboss.Ihavetolistentopeople.”
“Goodpoint.”
“I’lljustfinishgettingthosebalesofhaystacked,”shesaid.Shestoppedandglancedupathim.

“Youknow,mostranchersthesedaysusethebigbales....”

“Stoprightthere,”hesaidcurtly.“Idon’tlikealotoftheso-calledimprovements.Irunthisranch

thewaymydaddid,andhisdadbeforehim.Werotatecrops,andcattle,avoidunnecessary
supplements,andmaintainorganiccropsandgrassstrains.Andwedon’tallowoilextraction
anywhereonthisranch.LotsoffrackingfarthersouthinWyomingtoextractoilfromshaledeposits,
butwewon’tselllandforthat,orleaseit.”

Sheknewtheywereenvironmentallysensitive.Thefamilyhadbeenfeaturedinasmall

northwesterncattlemen’snewspaperthatshe’dseenlyingonatableinthebunkhouse.

“What’sfracking?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Theyinjectliquidsathighspeedintoshalerocktofractureitandallowaccesstooilandgas

deposits.Itcancontaminatethewatertableifitisn’tdoneright,andsomepeoplesayitcauses
earthquakes.”Hisdarkeyeswereserious.“I’mnottakinganychanceswithourwater.It’sprecious.”

“Yes,sir,”shereplied.
Heshrugged.“Nooffense.I’vehadthelecturesonthejoysofusinggeneticallymodifiedcropsand

cloning.”Heleaneddown.“Overmydeadbody.”

Shelaughedinspiteofherself.Herelfinfaceradiatedjoy.Herdarkeyestwinkledwithit.He

lookedatherforalongmoment,smilingquizzically.Shewaspretty.Notonlypretty,shehadasense
ofhumor.Shewasunlikehiscurrentgirlfriend,asuaveEasternsophisticatenamedGellyBruner,
whosefamilyhadmovedtoWyomingafewyearspreviouslyandboughtasmallranchnearthe
Kirks.They’dmetatacocktailpartyinDenver,whereherfatherwasaspeakerataconference
Malloryhadattended.HeandGellywentaroundtogether,buthehadnorealinterestinapassionate
relationship.Notatthemomentanyway.He’dhadabadexperienceinthepastthathadsouredhimon
relationships.HeknewinstinctivelythatGellywouldonlybearoundaslongashehadmoneyto
spendonher.Hehadnoillusionsabouthislackofgoodlooks.Hegotwomenbecausehewasrich.
Period.

“Deepthoughts,sir?”sheteased.
Helaughedcurtly.“Toodeeptoshare.Gettowork,kid.Ifyouneedanything,Darby’snearby.”
“Yes,sir,”shereplied,andwonderedforamomentifshewassomehowinthemilitary.Itseemed

righttogivehimthatformofaddress.She’dheardcowboysuseitwithherfathersinceshewasa
child.Somemenradiatedauthorityandresolve.Herfatherwasone.Sowasthisman.

“Nowyou’redoingthedeep-thinkingthing,”hechallenged.
Shelaughed.“Juststraythoughts.Nothinginteresting.”
Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“Whatwasyourfavoriteperiod?Inhistory,”headded.
“Oh!Well,actually,itwastheTudorperiod.”
Boththick,darkeyebrowswentup.“Really.AndwhichTudorwasyourfavorite?”
“Mary.”
Hiseyebrowsleveredupafraction.“BloodyMary?”

Sheglaredathim.“AlltheTudormonarchsburnedpeople.Isitlessoffensivetoburnjustafew

ratherthanafewhundred?Elizabethburnedpeople,andsodidherfatherandherbrother.Theywere
alltarredwiththesamebrush,butElizabethlivedlongerandhadbetterPRthantherestofher
family.”

Heburstoutlaughing.
“Well,it’strue,”shepersisted.“Shewaselevatedtomysticstatusbyhersupporters.”
“Indeedshewas.”Hegrimaced.“Ihatedhistory.”
“Shame.”
Helaughedagain.“Isupposeso.I’llhavetoreadupontheTudorssothatwecanhavediscussions

abouttheirvirtuesandflaws.”

“I’denjoythat.Ilikedebate.”
“SodoI,aslongasIwin.”
Shegavehimawickedgrinandturnedbacktoherwork.
Thebunkhousewasquietatnight.Shehadasmallroomofherown,whichwasmaintainedfor

femalehires.Itwasroughandsparselyaccommodated,butshelovedit.She’dbroughtheriPad
along,andshesurfedtheinternetontheranch’swirelessnetworkandwatchedfilmsandtelevision
showsonit.Shealsoreadalot.Shehadn’tbeenjokingaboutherpassionforhistory.Shestill
indulgedit,outofcollege,byseekingouttranscriptsofSpanishmanuscriptsthatpertainedtoMary
Tudorandherfive-yearreigninEngland.Shefoundthewritingsinallsortsofoddplaces.Itwas
fascinatingtohertowalkaroundvirtuallibrariesandsamplethehistorythathadbeenpainstakingly
translatedintodigitalimages.Whatadedicatedgrouplibrariansmustbe,shemarveled,toofferso
muchknowledgetothepublicatsuchacostoftimeandskill.Andwhatincrediblescholarshipthat
gavesomeonetheskillstoreadLatinandGreekandtranslateitintomodernEnglish,forthebenefit
ofhistorianswhocouldn’treadtheancientlanguages.

Shemarveledatthetechthatwassonewandsopowerful.Shefellasleepimaginingwhatthefuture

ofelectronicsmighthold.Itwasentrancing.

***

UST

DAWN

,hercellphonerang.Sheanswereditinasleepytone.

“Sleepyhead”cameasoft,teasingvoice.
Sherolledoverontoherbackandsmiled.“Hi,Mom.How’sitgoingathome?”
“Imissyou,”Shelbysaidwithasigh.“Yourfatherissobad-temperedthateventheoldhandsare

hidingfromhim.Hewantstoknowwhereyouare.”

“Don’tyoudaretellhim,”Moriereplied.
Shesighedagain.“Iwon’t.Buthe’sthreateningtohireaprivatedetectivetosniffyouout.”She

laughed.“Hecan’tbelievehislittlegirlwentofftoworkforwages.”

“He’sjustmadthathehasn’tgotmetoadvisehimonhisbreedingprogramandworkoutthekinks

inhisspreadsheets.”Shelaughed.“I’llcomehomesoonenough.”

“Intimefortheproductionsale,Ihope,”Shelbyadded.Theeventwasthreeweeksdowntheroad,

butKingBrannthadalreadymadearrangementsforagalaeventontheranchduringtheshowingof
hisprizeSantaGertrudiscattleonSkylance,thefamilyranchnearSanAntonio.Itwouldbeapartyof
epicproportions,withaguestlistthatincludedfamousentertainers,sportsfigures,politiciansand
evenroyalty,andhe’dwanthiswholefamilythere.EspeciallyMorie,whowasessentialtothe
hostessing.ItwouldbetoomuchforShelbyalone.

“I’llcomebackevenifit’sjustforthenight,”Moriepromised.“TellDad,sohedoesn’tself-

destruct.”Shelaughed.

“I’lltellhim.You’relikehim,youknow,”sheadded.
“Cort’salotmorelikehim.Whatatemper!”
“Cortwillcalmrightdownwhenhefinallyfindsawomanwhocanputupwithhim.”
“Well,Dadfoundyou,”Morienoted.“Sothere’shopeforCort.”
“Youthinkso?Hewon’tevengoondatesanymoreafterthatentertainmentreptriedtoseducehim

inamovietheater.Hewasshockedtothebackteethwhenshesaidshe’ddoneitinallsortsoffancy
theatersbackhome.”Shelaughed.“Yourbrotherdoesn’tliveintherealworld.Hethinkswomenare
delicatetreasuresthatneednourishingandprotecting.”Shepausedforamoment,thencontinued.“He
reallyneedstostopwatchingoldmovies.”

“HavehimwatchsomeoldBetteDavismovies,”Morieadvised.“She’sthemostmodernactressI

eversaw,forallthatherheydaywasinthe1940s!”

“Ilovedthosemovies,”Shelbysaid.
“Me,too.”Moriehesitated.“IlikeGrandma’soldmovies.”
MariaKanehadbeenafamousmoviestar,butsheandShelbyhadneverbeencloseandtheirshad

beenaturbulentandsadrelationship.ItwasstillapainfultopicforShelby.

“Ilikethem,too,”Shelbysaid,surprisingly.“Ineverreallyknewmymother.Iwasfarmedoutto

housekeepersatfirstandthentomyaunt.Mymothernevergrewup,”sheadded,remembering
somethingMaria’slasthusband,Brad,hadsaidduringthefuneralpreparationsinHollywood.

Morieheardthatsadnoteinhermother ’svoiceandchangedthesubject.“Imissyourbakedfish.”
Shelbylaughed.“Whatathingtosay.”
“Well,nobodymakesitlikeyoudo,Mom.Andthey’renotkeenonfisharoundhere,sowedon’t

haveitmuch.Idreamofcodfillets,gentlybakedwithfreshherbsandfreshbutter...Darn,Ihaveto
stopdroolingonmypillow!”

“Whenyoucomehome,I’llmakeyousome.Youreallyneedtolearntomakethemyourself.Ifyou

domoveoutandliveapartfromus,youhavetobeabletocook.”

“Icanalwaysorderout.”
“Yes,butfreshfoodissomuchnicer.”
“Yourscertainlyis.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Gottogo,Mom.We’redippingcattletoday.Nasty

business.”

“Youshouldknow.Youwerealwaysinthethickofithereduringthespring.”
“Imissyou.”
“Imissyou,too,sweetheart.”
“Loveyou.”
“Loveyou,too.Bye.”
Shehungup,thengotoutofbedanddressed.Hermotherwasoneinamillion,beautifuland

talented,butequallyabletowhipupexoticmealsorhostessadinnerpartyforroyalty.Morieadmired
hertremendously.

Sheadmiredherdad,too,butshewasheartilysickofmenwhotookheroutonlywithoneendin

mind—amarriagethatwouldsecuretheirfinancialfutures.Itwassurprisinghowmanyofthemsaw
herasatickettoindependentwealth.Thelastonehadbeendisconcertinglyfrankabouthowhisfather
advisedhimtomarryanheiress,andthatMoriewasatleastmorepleasanttolookatthansomeofthe
otherrichmen’sdaughtershe’descorted.

Shewascursinghiminthreelanguageswhenherfathercamein,listenedtoheraccusationsand

promptlyescortedtheyoungmanofftheproperty.

Moriehadbeencrushed.She’dreallylikedtheyoungman,anaccountantnamedBartHarrison,

who’dcometotowntoauditalocalbusinessforhisfirm.Ithadn’toccurredtoheratfirstthathe’d
searchedheroutdeliberatelyatalocalfiesta.He’dknownwhoshewasandwhoherfamilywas,and
he’dpursuedhercoldly,butwithexquisitemanners,madeherfeelbeautiful,madeherhungryforthe
smallattentionshegavewithsuchflair.

She’dbeenveryattractedtohim.Butwhenhestartedtalkingaboutmoney,shebackedawayand

ran.ShewantedsomethingmorethantobethedaughterofoneoftherichestTexasranchers.She
wantedamanwholovedherforwhoshereallywas.

Now,helpingtoworkcattlethroughthesmelliest,nastiestpoolofdipthatshe’deverexperienced

inherlife,shewonderedifshe’dgonemadtocomehere.Mayhadarrived.Calvingwasinfull
swing,andsowasthedippingprocessnecessarytokeepcattlepest-free.

“Itsmellslikesomeofthatfancyperfume,don’tit?”RedDavisaskedwithachuckle.Hewasinhis

latethirties,withredhairandfreckles,blueeyesandamischievouspersonality.He’dworkedranches
mostofhislife,butheneverstayedinoneplacetoolong.Morievaguelyrememberedhearingher
fathersaythatRedhadworkedforaformermercenarynamedCordRomeroupnearHouston.

Shegavehimaspeakinglook.“I’llnevergetthesmelloutofmyclothes,”shewailed.
“Why,sureyoucan,”thelean,redheadedcowboyassuredher,grinningintheshadeofhiswide-

brimmedstrawhat.“Here’swhatyoudo,MissMorie.Yougooutinthewoodslateatnightandwait
tillyouseeaskunk.Thenyougojumpathim.That’swhenhe’llstartstampinghisfrontpawstowarn
youbeforeheturnsaroundandliftshistail....”

“Red!”shegroaned.
“Wait,wait,listen,”hesaidearnestly.“Afterhespraysyouandyouhavetoburyyourclothesand

batheintomatojuice,you’llforgetallabouthowthisolddipping-poolsmells.See?Itwouldsolve
yourproblem!”

“I’llshowyouaproblem,”shethreatened.
Helaughed.“Youhavetohaveasenseofhumortoworkaroundcattle,”hetoldher.
“Itotallyagree,butthereisnothingatallfunnyaboutapondfullof...Aaahhhhh!”
Asshespoke,acalfbumpedintoherandknockedherover.Shelandedonherbreastsinthepool

ofdip,gettingitinhermouthandhereyesandherhair.Shegottoherkneesandbroughtherhands
downonthesurfaceoftheliquidinaneloquentdisplayoffuriousanger.Whichonlymadethe
situationworse,andgaveRedtheopportunitytodisplayhissenseofhumortoitstruedepth.

“Willyoustoplaughing?”shewailed.
“GoodGod,arewedippingpeoplenow?”Mallorywantedtoknow.
Moriedidn’tthinkaboutwhatshewasdoing;shewastoomad.Shehittheliquidwithherhandand

sentasprayofitrightatMallory.Itlandedonhisspotlesswhiteshirtandsplatteredupintohisface.

Shesatfrozenassherealizedwhatshe’djustdone.She’dthrownpestdiponherboss.He’dfireher

forsure.Shewasnowhistory.She’dhavetogohomeindisgrace...!

Mallorywipedhisfacewithahandkerchiefandgaveheralong,speakinglook.“Nowthat’swhyI

neverwearwhiteshirtsaroundthisplace,”hecommentedwithadrylookatRed,whowasstill
doubledoverlaughing.“GodknowswhatMaviewillsaywhenshehastodealwiththis,andit’syour
fault,”headded,pointinghisfingeratMorie.“Youcanexplainittoherwhileyouduckplates,bowls,
knivesorwhateverelseshecangettohandtothrowatyou!”

Maviewasthehousekeeperandshehadaredtemper.Everybodywasterrifiedofher.
“Youaren’tgoingtofireme?”Morieaskedwithunusualtimidity.

Hepursedhissensuouslipsandhisdarkeyestwinkled.“Notalotofmodernpeoplewanttorun

cattlethroughfoul-smellingpest-controlsubstances,”hemused.“It’seasiertotakeabaththantofind
somebodytoreplaceyou.”

Sheswallowedhard.Theawful-smellingstuffwasinhernostrils.Shewipedatitwiththe

handkerchief.“AtleastIwon’tattractmosquitoesnow.”Shesighed.

“Wanttobet?”Redasked.“Theylovethisstuff!Ifyourubitonyourarms,they’llattackyouin

droves....Whereareyougoing,boss?”

Malloryjustchuckledashewalkedaway.Hedidn’tevenanswerRed.
Morieletoutasighofreliefasshewipedharderatherface.SheshookherheadandgaveReda

ruefulwince.“Well,thatwasasurprise,”shemurmureddryly.“ThoughtIwasgoingtobeanex-
employeeforsure.”

“Naw,”Redreplied.“Thebossisagoodsport.Canegotintoitwithhimonetimeoverawoman

whokeptcallingandharassinghim.Bossputherthrough,justforfun.Canetossedhimheadfirstinto
oneofthewateringtroughs.”

Shelaughedwithsurprise.“Goodgrief!”
“Shockedtheboss.ItwasthefirsttimeCanedidanythingreallyphysicalsincehegotoutofthe

military.Hethinkshavingonearmslowshimdown,limitshim.Buthe’salreadyadjustingtoit.The
bossain’tnolightweight,”headded.“Canepickedhimupoveroneshoulderandthrewhim.”

“Wow.”
Hesobered.“Youknow,they’veallgotproblemsofonesortoranother.Butthey’redecent,honest,

hardworkingmen.We’ddoanythingforthem.Theytakecareofus,andthey’renotjudgmental.”Red
grimacedatsomebadmemory.“Iftheywere,I’dsurebeoutonmyear.”

“Slippedup,didyou?”Shegavehimaquizzicallook.“You,uh,didn’tthrowpesticideonthe

boss?”

Heshookhishead.“Somethingmuchworse,I’mafraid.AllIgotwasalittlejailtimeandalecture

fromtheboss.”Hesmiled.“ClosestcallI’vehadinrecentyears.”

“Mostpeoplemessuponceinawhile,”shesaidkindly.
“That’strue.Theonlythingthatwillgetyoufiredhereisstealing,”headded.“Idon’tknowwhy

it’ssuchanissuewiththeboss,butheletaguygolastyearfortakinganexpensivedrillthatdidn’t
belongtohim.Hesaidhewouldn’tabideathiefontheplace.Cane,now,almostjumpedtheguy.”He
shookhishead.“Odd,oddpeopleinsomerespects.”

“Isupposethere’ssomethingthathappenedtotheminthepast,”sheconjectured.
“Couldbe.”Hemadeaface.“Thatgirl,Gelly,thatthebossgoesaroundwithhasashiftylook,”he

addedinaloweredtone.“Therewassometalkaboutherwhensheandherdadfirstmovedhere,
abouthowtheygottheoldBarnespropertythey’relivingon.”Hegrimaced.“She’salooker,I’llgive
herthat,butIthinkthebossisoutofhisnogginforlettingherhangaround.Funnythingaboutthat
drillgoingmissing,”headdedwithnarrowed,thoughtfuleyes.“Shedidn’tlikethecowboybecause
hemouthedofftoher.Shewasinthebunkhousejustbeforethebossfoundthemissingdrillinthe
guy’ssatchel,andthecowboycussedabluestreakaboutbeinginnocent.Itdidn’tdoanygood.Hewas
letgoonthespot.”

Shefeltcoldchillsdownherspine.She’donlyseentheboss’scurrentloveinterestonce,andithad

beenquiteenoughtoconvinceherthatthewomanwasputtingonairsandpretendingasophistication
shedidn’treallyhave.Mostmenweren’tuponcurrentfashionsinhighsocialcircles,butMoriewas,
andsheknewatfirstglancethatGellyBrunerwaswearinglastyear ’scolorsandfads.Moriehad
beentoFashionWeekandsubscribed,athome,toseveralmagazinesfeaturingthebestincouture,

bothinEnglishandFrench.Herwardrobereflectedthenewerinnovations.Hermother,Shelby,had
beenatopmodelinheryoungerdays,andsheknewmanyfamousdesignerswhowerehappyto
outfitherdaughter.

Shedidn’tdarementionherfashionsensehere,ofcourse.Itwouldtakeawayheronechanceto

livelikeanormal,youngsinglewoman.

“Youwenttocollegerecently,didn’tyou?”Redasked.Hegrinnedathersurprise.“There’sno

secretsonaranch.It’slikeabigfamily...weknoweverything.”

“Yes,Idid,”sheagreed,nottakingoffense.
“Youliveinthemcoeddorms,withmenandwomenlivingtogether?”heasked,andseemed

interestedinheranswer.

“No,Ididn’t,”shesaidcurtly.“Myparentsraisedmeverystrictly.IguessIhaveoldattitudes

becauseofit,butIwasn’tlivinginadormwithsinglemen.”Sheshrugged.“Ilivedoffcampuswitha
girlfriend.”

Heraisedbotheyebrows.“Well,aren’tyouadinosaur!”heexclaimed,butwithtwinklingeyesand

obviousapproval.

“That’sright—Ishouldliveinazoo.”Shemadeawryface.“Idon’tfitinwithmodernsociety.

That’swhyI’mouthere,”sheadded.

Henodded.“That’swhymostofusareouthere.We’reinsulatedfromwhatpeoplecall

civilization.”Heleaneddown.“Iloveithere.”

“SodoI,Red,”sheagreed.
Heglancedatthecattleandgrimaced.“We’dbettergetthisfinished,”hesaid,lookingupatthesky.

“They’repredictingrainagain.Ontopofallthatsnowmelt,we’llbeluckyifwedon’tgetsomemore
badfloodingthisyear.”

“Ormoresnow,”shesaid,tongue-in-cheek.Wyomingweatherwasunpredictable;she’dalready

learnedthat.Someofthelocalranchershadbeenforcedtoliveintownwhenthesnowpiledupso
thattheycouldn’tevengettothecattle.Governmentagencieshadcomeintoairliftfoodtostarving
animals.

Nowthesnowmeltwasaproblem.Butsoweremosquitoesintheunnaturallywarmweather.People

didn’tthinkmosquitoeslivedinplaceslikeWyomingandMontana,buttheythrivedeverywhere,it
seemed.Alongwithotherpeststhatcoulddamagethehealthofcattle.

“Youcomefromdownsouthofhere,don’tyou?”Redasked.“Where?”
Shepursedherlips.“Oneoftheotherstates,”shesaid.“I’mnottellingwhichone.”
“Texas.”
Hereyebrowsshotup.Helaughed.“Bosshadacopyofyourdriver ’slicenseforthefiles.Ijust

happenedtonoticeitwhenIhackedintohispersonnelfiles.”

“Red!”
“Hey,atleastIstoppedhackingCIAfiles,”heprotested.“Anddarn,Iwasenjoyingthatuntilthey

caughtme.”

Shewasshocked.
Heshrugged.“Mostmenhaveahobbyofsomesort.Atleasttheydidn’tkeepmelockedupfor

long.Evenofferedmeajobintheircybercrimeunit.”Helaughed.“Imaytakethemuponitoneday.
Butfornow,I’mhappybeingaranchhand.”

“Youarefullofsurprises,”sheexclaimed.
“Youain’tseennothingyet,”heteased.“Let’sgetbacktowork.”

BesuretocheckoutthesecondvolumeinDianaPalmer’sWYOMINGMENminiseries,WYOMING

FIERCE.CanrancherCaneKirk’swoundedbodyandsoulbehealed?BodieMaysisn’tsure,butshe’s

suregoingtotry.TurnthepagetogetaglimpseofWYOMINGFIERCE,availableatyourlocal

bookstoreande-tailer.

CHAPTERONE

OLINDA

AYS

WAS

havingahardtimeconcentratingonherbiologytextbook.Shehadn’tsleptwell,

worryingabouthergrandfather.Hewasonlyinhisearlysixties,buthewasdisabledandhaving
difficultiespayinghisutilitybills.

She’dcomehomefortheweekendfromhercollegeinMontana.Thetripwasexpensive,

consideringthegasittooktogetherbackandforthinherbeat-upbutserviceableoldtruck.Thank
Godshehadapart-timejobworkingforaconveniencestorewhilecollegewasinsession,orshe’d
neverhaveevenbeenabletoaffordtocomehomeandseeabouthergrandfather.

ItwasearlyDecember.NottoolongbeforeChristmas,andshewashavingfinalexamsthenext

week.Reallycoldweatherwouldcomesoon.ButBolinda’sstepfatherwasmakingthreatsagain,
aboutturninghergrandfatheroutofthehousethathadoncebeenBolinda’smother ’s.Herdeathhad
lefttheoldmanatthemercyofthatfortune-huntingfoolwhohadhisfingersineveryevilpiein
Catelow,Wyoming.Bolindashivered,thinkinghowimpossibleitwasgoingtobeforher,tryingto
payoffherusedtextbooksthatshe’dchargedonhercreditcard.Nowshewasgoingtohavetotryto
payforhergrandfather ’sutilitybill,aswell.Gaswassoexpensive,shethoughtmiserably.Thepoor
oldmanalreadyhadtochoosebetweengroceriesandbloodpressuremeds.She’dthoughtabout
askingherneighbors,theKirks,forhelp.ButtheonlyoneofthemsheknewwellwasCane,andhe
resentedher.Alot.Itwouldbediceyaskinghimformoney.Ifsheevendared.

Notthathedidn’towehersomethingforallthetimesshe’dsavedpeoplefromhiminthelittle

townofCatelow,Wyoming,nottoofarfromJacksonHole.Canehadlostanarmoverseasinthe
MiddleEastafterthelastbigconflictbutwhilehewasstillintheservice.He’dcomehomeembittered
andicycold,hatingeveryone.He’dstarteddrinking,refusedphysicaltherapy,refusedcounselingand
thengonehogwild.

Everycoupleofweeks,hetreedthelocalbar.TheotherKirkbrothers,MalloryandDalton,always

paidthebillsandtheyknewtheownerofthetavern,whowaskindenoughnottohaveCanearrested.
ButtheonlypersonwhocoulddoanythingwithCanewasBolinda,orBodieasherfriendscalledher.
EvenMorie,MalloryKirk’snewwife,couldn’tdealwithadrunkenCane.Hewasintimidating.

NotsomuchtoBolinda.Sheunderstoodhim,asfewotherpeopledid.Amazing,consideringthat

shewasonlytwenty-twoandhewasthirty-four.Thatwasonebigagedifference.Itneverseemedto
matter.Canetalkedtoherasifshewerehisage,oftenaboutthingsthatshehadnobusinessknowing.
Heseemedtoconsiderheroneoftheguys.

Shedidn’tlooklikeaguy.Shewasn’tlargelyendowedinthebradepartment,ofcourse.Her

breastsweresmallandpert,butnothinglikethewomeninthoseguymagazines.Sheknewthat,
becauseCanehaddatedacenterfoldmodelonceandtoldBodieallabouther.Anotherembarrassing
conversationwhenhewasdrunkthatheprobablydidn’tevenremember.

Sheshookherheadandtriedagaintoconcentrateonherbiologytextbook.Shesighed,runninga

handthroughhershort,wavyblackhair.Herodd,palebrowneyeswererivetedtothedrawingsof
internalhumananatomy,butshejustcouldn’tseemtomakeherbrainwork.Therewasgoingtobea
finalnextweek,alongwithanorallab,andshedidn’twanttobethestudenttryingtohideunderthe
tablewhentheprofessorstartedaskingquestions.

Sheshiftedonthecarpetedfloor,onherstomach,andtriedagaintoconcentrate.Musicstarted

playing.Strange.Thatsoundedlikethemusicalringofhercellphone,thethemefromtheStarTrek
movie...

“Hey,Bodie,it’sforyou!”hergrandfathercalledfromthenextroom,whereshe’dlefthercell

phoneinhercoatpocket.

Shemutteredsomethingandgottoherfeet.“Whoisit,Granddaddy?”
“Idon’tknow,sugar.”HehandedBodie’scellphonetoher.
“Thanks,”shewhispered.“Hello?”shesaidintothephone.
“Uh,MissMays?”cameahesitantvoiceovertheline.
Sherecognizedwhowascallingimmediately.Shegroundherteethtogether.“Iwon’tcome!”she

said.“I’mstudyingforabiologytest.I’vegotalab,toboot...!”

“Aw,please?”thevoicecameagain.“They’rethreateningtocallthepolice.Ithinkthey’lldoitthis

time.Thenewspaperswouldhaveafieldday...”

Therewasapregnantpause.Herlipsmadeathinline.“Oh,damn!”shemuttered.
“Darbysayshe’llcomegetyou.Infact,”thecowboyaddedhopefully,“he’ssittingrightoutside

yourhouserightnow.”

Bodiestompedtothewindowandlookedouttheblinds.TherewasabigblackKirkranchtruck

parkedinthedriveway,withthelightsonandtheenginerunning.

“Please?”thecowboyaskedagain.
“Allright.”Shehungupinthemiddleofhis“Thankyou!”
Shegrabbedherjacketandherpurseandslippedintoherboots.“Ihavetogooutforanhour.I

won’tbetoolong,”shetoldhergrandfather.

RafeMays,usedtothedrill,pursedhislips.“Youshouldgetcombatpay,”hepointedout.
Bodierolledhereyesandwalkedoutthedoor.“IhopeIwon’tbelong,”shesaidbeforeshepulled

itshut.

***

GOT

INTO

thetruck.DarbyHanes,theKirks’longtimeforeman,gaveherawistfulsmile.

“Iknow.I’msorry.Butyou’retheonlypersonwhocandoanythingwithhim.He’stearingupthe

bar.They’regettingtiredoftheweeklyroutine.”Hepulledoutintotheroad,aftermakingsureshe
hadherseatbelton.“HehadadatelastnightupinJacksonHole.Endedbadly,I’mguessing,fromall
thecussinghedidwhenhegothome.”

Shedidn’treply.ShehatedknowingaboutCaneKirk’sgirlfriends.Heseemedtohavealotof

them,evenwithhisdisability.Notthatitmadeanydifferencetoher.CanewouldstillbeCaneno
matterwhat.Shelovedhim.She’dlovedhimsinceshegraduatedfromhighschool,whenhe
presentedherwithabouquetofpinkroses,herfavorite,andabottleofveryexpensivefloral
perfume.He’devenkissedher.Onthecheek,ofcourse,likeatreasuredchildmorethanlikeanadult.
HergrandfatherhadworkedfortheRanchoRealuntilhishealthfailedandhehadtoquit.Thathad
beenwhileCanewasstillinthemilitary,afterthesecondGulfWar,beforetheterribleroadsidebomb
hadrobbedhimofmostofhisleftarm,andalmostofhislife.

ShesupposedCanewasfondofher.Itwasn’tuntillastyearthateveryonehaddiscoveredher

almostmagicalabilitytocalmhimwhenhewentondrinkingsprees.Sincethen,whenhewenton
benders,Bodiewasrecruitedtofetchhimhome.Therehadbeenabriefperiodoftimewhenhe’d
gonetotherapy,beenmeasuredforaprosthesisandseemedtobeadjustingnicelytohisnewlife.

Andthenithadallgonesouth,forreasonsnobodyknew.Hisbarcrawlshadbecomelegendary.

Theexpensewasterrible,becausehisbrothers,MalloryandDalton,hadtopickuptheexpense.Cane
gotamonthlycheckfromthearmy,butnobodycouldenticehimtoapplyfordisability.Hewentto
showcattle,withacowboywhohandledthebigbullsforhim,andhewastheideamanfortheKirk
ranch.HewasgoodatPR,workedtoliaisonwiththenationalcattlemen’slobby,keptupwithcurrent
legislationthataffectedthecattleindustryandgenerallywasthespokesmanfortheKirkranch.

Whenhewassober.
Latelyhewasn’t.Notalot.
“Anyideawhathappened?”Bodieaskedcuriously,becauseDarbywouldknow.Heknew

everythingthatwentonaroundtheRanchoReal,or“royalranch”inSpanish,namedbytheoriginal
owner,atitledgentlemanfromValladolid,northwestofMadrid,Spain,whostarteditwaybackinthe
late1800s.

Darbyglancedatherandgrimaced.Itwasdarkandverycold,evenwiththeheaterrunningandthe

oldbutserviceablecoatBodiewaswearing.

“Ihaveanidea,”heconfessed.“ButifCaneeverfoundoutItoldyou,I’dbestandinginthe

unemploymentline.”

Shesighedandfiddledwiththefannypacksheworeinlieuofcarryingaroundacumbersome

purse.“Shemusthavesaidsomethingabouthisarm.”

Henoddedfaintly.“Thatwouldbemyguess.He’sreallysensitiveaboutit.Funny,”headded

solemnly,“Ithoughthewasgettingbetter.”

“Ifhe’dgetbackintherapy,mentalandphysical,he’dimprove,”shereplied.
“Sure,buthewon’teventalkaboutit.He’ssinkingintohimself,”headdedquietly.
“Theregoesthattheoreticalphysicsmindworkingovertimeagain,”sheteased,becausemost

peopledidn’tknowaboutDarby’sdegreeinthatfield.

Heshrugged.“Hey,Ijustmanagecattle.”
“I’llbetyousitaroundinyourroomatnightimaginingtheroutetoanewandpowerfulunified

fieldtheory.”Shechuckled.

“OnlyonThursdays,”hesaid,laughingoutloud.“Atleastmychosenfieldofstudydoesn’tleave

mecoveredinmudandusingshovelsandtrowelsinholesaroundthecountry.”

“Don’tknockanthropology,”shesaidfirmly.“We’llfindthemissinglinkoneday,andyoucansay

youknewmebeforeIwasfamous,likethatguyinEgyptwho’salwaysindocumentariesabout
pharaohs’tombs.”Sheliftedherroundedchin.“Nothingwrongwithhonestwork.”

Hemadeaface.“Diggingupbones.”
“Bonescantellyoualot,”shereplied.
“Sotheysay.Hereitis,”headded,noddingtowardthelittleout-of-the-waybarthatCane

frequented.Outfrontwasastopsignthatlocaldrunksoftenusedfortargetpracticewhentheywent
drivingaroundinfour-wheel-drivevehicleslateatnight.Nowitsaid“S...p.”Thetwomiddleletters
werenolongerrecognizable.

“Theyneedtoreplacethat,”shepointedout.
“Whatfor?Everybodyknowsitmeansstop,”hesaid.“Whywastegoodmetalandpaint?They’d

justshootitupagain.Notmuchinthewayofentertainmentthisfaroutinthecountry.”

“Gotapoint,Iguess.”Shesighed.
Heparkedinfrontofthebar.Therewereonlytwovehiclesoutthere.Probablythoseofemployees.

EverybodywithanysensewouldhaveleftwhenCanestartedcursingandthrowingthings.Atleast,
thatwasthepattern.

“I’llkeeptheenginerunning.Incasesomebodycalledthesheriffthistime,”hemused.

“Caneandthesheriffarebestfriends,”sheremindedhim.
“Thatwon’tstopCodyBanksfromlockinghimupifsomeonefilesacomplaintforassaultand

battery,”hestated.“Thelawisthelaw,friendshipnotwithstanding.”

“Iguess.Maybeitwouldknocksomesenseintohim.”
Heshookhishead.“That’sbeentried.Malloryevenlethimstewinacellfortwodays.Finally

bailedhimout,andhewentbackanddiditagainthatsameweekend.Ourblacksheepthereisoutof
control.”

“I’llseewhatIcandotoreinhimin,”shepromised.
Shegotoutofthetruck,ranahandthroughhershortblackhairandgrimaced.Herbrowneyes

weresomberasshehesitatedontheporchforjustaminute,andthen,finally,openedthedoor.

Themesswasbad.Tablesknockedover.Chairseverywhere.Onewasupsidedownbehindthebar

inapileofglass,andtheplacesmelledlikewhiskey.Thiswasgoingtobeanexpensivemess,too.

“Cane?”shecalled.
AthinmaninaHawaiianshirtpeeredoverthebar.“Bodie?ThankGod!”
“Whereishe?”sheasked.
Hepointedtothebathroom.
Shewenttowardit.ShewasalmosttherewhenitslammedopenandCanewalkedout.Hislong-

sleevedbeigeWesternshirtwiththefancyembroiderywasstainedwithblood.Probablyhisown,she
thought,notingthecakedbloodaroundhisnose,whichwasbruised,andhissquarejaw.Hissensual
mouthhadacutjustatthecorner,wherebloodwasalsovisible.Histhick,short,slightlywavyblack
hairwasmussed.Hisblackeyeswerebloodshot.Eveninthatcondition,hewassoattractivethathe
madeherheartpound.Hewastallandbroad-shouldered,withlongpowerfullegsencasedintight
jeans;hisbigfeetinbootsthatstillhadthemirrorpolishonthemdespitehisexploits.Hewasthirty-
fourtohertwenty-two,butrightnow,heseemedmuchyounger.

Heglaredather.“Whydotheyalwaysbringyou?”hedemanded.
Sheshrugged.“Myunusualabilitytosubduechargingtigers?”shesuggested.
Heblinked.Thenhechuckled.
Shewentforwardandtookhisbighandinhers.Theknuckleswerebruisedandswollenand

smearedwithblood.Shecouldn’ttellifitwashisorsomebodyelse’s.“Mallory’sgoingtobemad.”

“Malloryisn’thome,”hesaidinaloudwhisper.Heevengrinned.“HeandMoriewenttoLouisiana

toseeabull.Theywon’tbebackuntiltomorrow.”

“Tankwon’tbehappy,either,”sheadded,usingthenicknamethatfamilyusedforDalton,the

youngestbrother.

Heshrugged.“Tankwillbeknee-deepinthoseoldTomMixsilentcowboymovieshelikes.It’s

Saturdaynight.Hemakespopcorn,takesthephoneoffthehook,lockshimselfinandsaturates
himselfwithblack-and-whitecinema.”

“That’swhatyoushouldbedoing,insteadofwreckingbars!”shemuttered.
Hesighed.“Aman’sgottohavesomerecreation,kid,”hesaiddefensively.
“Notthissort,”shesaidfirmly.“Comeon.PoorSidwillhavetocleanupthismess.”
Sidcamearoundthebar.Hewashuge,anddangerous-looking,buthekeptafewstepsawayfrom

Cane.“Whycan’tyoudothisathome,Cane?”hegroaned,lookingaround.

“Becausewe’vegotdelicateobjetsd’artinglasscabinets,”Canerepliedreasonably.“Mallory

wouldkillme.”

Sidglaredathim.“WhenMr.Holstenseesthebillforreplacingallthis—”hewavedhishand“—

youmaybegettingavisit...”

Canepulledouthiswalletandpressedawadofhundredsintothebartender ’shand.“Ifthat’snot

enough,youletmeknow.”

Sidgrimaced.“Itwillbeenough,butit’stheprincipleofthething!Whycan’tyougouptoJackson

Holeandwreckbars?”

Caneblinked.“ItwouldtaketoolongtogetBodieupthere.I’dbearrested.”
“Youshouldbe!”
Cane’sblackeyesnarrowedandhetookastepforward.
Sidbackedup.
“Oh,comeon,”Bodiegrumbled.ShetuggedonCane’shand.“I’mgoingtofailbiologybecauseof

you.Iwasstudyingforexams!”

“Biology?You’remajoringinanthropology,”heargued.
“Yes,butIstillhavetopasstheminimumrequiredcoursesofstudy,andthat’soneofthem!I

couldn’tputitoffanylongersoIhadtotakeitthissemester!”

“Oh.”
“Seeyou,Sid.Hopenotsoon,”sheaddedwithalaugh.
Hemanagedasmile.“Thanks,Bodie.Especiallyfor...”HegesturedtowardCane.“Youknow.”
“Oh,yes,Idoknow.”Shenodded.
ShepulledCaneoutthedoorandontotheporch.“Where’syourcoat?”sheasked.
Heblinkedasthecoldairhithim.“Inthetruck,Ithink.Idon’tneedit.’S’notcold,”hesaid,his

voicebeginningtoslur.

“It’sbelowfreezingouthere!”
Hegaveherawoozylookandgrinned.“I’mhot-blooded.”
Sheavertedhereyes.“Comeon.Darby’swaiting.I’lldriveyourtruckouttotheranch.Where’sthe

key?”

“Rightfrontpocket.”
Sheglaredathim.“Goingtogetitforme?”
“No.”
Herbowlipsmadeathinline.“Cane!”
“Gofish,”heteased.
SheglancedaroundhimatDarby.
“No,”hesaid,puttinghishandoverhispocket.“Notgivingittohim.”
“Cane!”
“Not!”herepeated.
“Oh,allright!”
Shepushedhishandasideanddugintohispocketforthekeys,hatingthedeep,sensualsoundthat

cameoutofhisthroatasherfingersclosedaroundthem.Shewasflushingandhopedhecouldn’tsee.
Thecontactwasalmostintimate,especiallywhenhesuddenlysteppedclosersothathersmall,pert
breastsflattenedagainsthisbroadchest.

“Nice,”hewhispered,hislipsbrushingthethickwavesofhershorthair.“Smellspretty.Feels

good,too,”headded,hisonegoodhandpushingherchestagainsthissothathecouldfeelthesudden
hardeningofhernipples.

Shegasped.
“Yes,youlikethat,don’tyou?”hewhispered.“Iwishmyshirtwasoff,andIcouldfeelyourbare

breastsagainstmychest....”

Shegraspedthekeysandjerkedawayfromhim,herfaceblazing.“Youshutup!”shesaidunder

herbreath.

Hemadeaface.“‘Howdareyou!’”hemimickedinahigh-pitchedtone.“HowVictorianyou

sound.”Helaughedshortly.“Iknowallaboutyoucollegegirls.Youallsleeparoundandyouwant
taxpayerstomakesureyougetbirthcontrolsoyoucandoit.”

Shedidn’treply.Lotsofpeoplethoughtthesamething.Shewasn’tgettingintoanotherfightwith

him,whichwaswhathewanted.Hewasgoadingher.Odd,he’dneverdoneitinsuchasensualway
before.Itwasaffectingher,andshedidn’tlikeit.

“Goon,getin,”shemuttered,almostforcinghimintothetruckbesideDarby.
“Andfastenyourseatbelt!”sheadded.
Hegaveheranotherwoozysmile.“No.Youdoit.”
Sheletoutacusswordandthenflushedandapologized.
“Noneedtosaysorryforthat,”Darbymuttered,glaringatCane.“Ifeelthesameway.”
Caneglaredathim.“Notridingwithyou!”
HegotoutofthetruckinspiteofBodie’sprotests,andwhenDarbygotouttotrytoforcehimin,

heraisedhisfistandgotintoafightingstance.Itremindedbothofthemthathehadablackbeltinan
Asianmartialartdiscipline.

“Oh,allright,youcanrideinyourowntruckandI’lldrive!”Bodieraged.
Hegrinned,havinggottenhisway.Hewentlikealambtohisowntruck,waitedforBodietoflick

theremoteandlethimin.Heevenfastenedhisseatbelt.

Shestartedthetruck,wavingDarbytogoahead.
“You’remoretroublethancattle!”shetoldCane.
Hesmiledather.“Youthinkso?Whydon’tyouslideoverherenexttome?”headdedwitharaised

eyebrow.“Wecandiscusscattle.”

“I’mdriving.”
“Oh.”Heblinked.“Okay,I’llslideovernexttoyou...”Hestartedtounfastenhisseatbelt.
“YoudothatandI’mcallingCodyBanks!”shetoldhim,diggingoutherprepaidcellphoneand

showingittohim.“Youwearaseatbeltwhenthetruckisinmotion.It’sthelaw!”

“Thelaw.”Hescoffed.
“Yes,well,youunfastenthatbeltandI’mcallinghim,justthesame.”
Hemadeafacebuthestoppedfiddlingwiththebelt.Hestaredather,hisfacehard,hisblackeyes

snapping.Actuallysheonlyhadaboutfiveminutesofphonetimeleftonthedevice,andshedidn’t
wanttowasteitcallingthesheriffwhenshemightneeditforemergencies.Canecouldaffordahigh-
techcellphoneandaplantogowithit.Bodiewasluckytohaveevenacheapone.

“Whathappenedthistime?”sheasked,notsureshereallywantedananswer.Butatleastitwould

keephimtalking.

Hisjawtautened.
“Comeon,”shecoaxed.“Youcantellme.YouknowIwon’trepeatit.”
“MostofwhatItellyou,youwouldn’tdarerepeat,”hemuttered,avertinghiseyes.
“Yes.”
Shewaited,notpushing,notprodding,notevencoaxing.
Heseemedtosoberalittle.“Ihadonthedamnedprosthesis.Looksreal,right?Atleast,untilyou

getcloseup.”Helookedoutthewindowatthepassingdarksilhouettesofbaretreesandpasture.“I
tookheruptomyroom.It’sbeenalongtime.Iwashungry.”FortunatelyforBodie,hecouldn’tsee
thebriefanguishthatskirtedacrossherface.“Istartedtotakeoffmyshirtandwhenshesawthe
strapsthatheldtheprosthesisinplace,shestoppedmedead.Shesaiditwasnothingpersonal,shejust

couldn’tdoitwithamanwhowascrippledlikethat.Shehadtohaveawholeman.”

“Oh,Cane,”shesaidsoftly.“I’msorry.”
“Sorry.Yes.Shewassorry,too.Itookoffthedamnedprosthesisandthrewitatthewall.ThenI

flewhome.”Helaidhisheadbackagainsttheheadrest.“Icouldn’tthinkaboutanythingelse.Thelook
onherface,whenshesawthatthing...hauntedmeallday.Bysundown,Icouldn’tstanditanymore.I
hadtogetthatmemoryoutofmymind.Hadto!”

Shebitherlowerlip.Whatcouldshesay?Ofallthethingstohappen.Shehatedknowingthathe

hadwomen.Thatwasn’tevenherbusiness.Butforawomantotreathimthatway,afterallhe’dbeen
through,asifhewaslessthanamanbecausehelostpartofhisarmfightinginaconflictsanctioned
byhiscountry.Itwasunthinkable.

“Ican’tlivelikethis!”heburstout.“Ican’tgothroughtherestofmylifebeinghalfaman,being

pitied...!”

Shestoppedthetruck.“Youstopthat!”shesaidharshly.“You’renothalfaman!You’reahero!You

ranrightoverthedamnedIED,knowingitwouldblowup,tosavethemedicsinthejeepbehindyou!
Youknewyourvehiclehadbetterarmor,youknewthebombwouldexplodewhenthecolumnwent
past.Youmadeasacrifice,savedGodknowshowmanylivesbysavingthosemedics.Andsome
stupidwomanmakesaremarkoutofignorance,andyouthrowawaythatheroism,thatactofgutsy
courage,likeausedtissue.Well,Iwon’tletyoudoit!Iwon’t!”

Hegapedatherthroughadrunkenhaze.Heshookhishead.
Shestartedthetruckgoingforwardagain.Herfacefelthot.
“Howdoyouknowthat,aboutme?”
“Tanktoldme,”shesaidgently.“ThelasttimeIhadtogogetyoufromabar.Hesaiditwastragic,

notonlywhathappenedtoyou,butthatyouwantedtoforgetsomethingthatwonyouasilverstar.”

“Oh.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“Whydoyoudatewomenlikethatinthefirstplace?”
“Mostofthewomenaroundherearemarriedorugly.”
Sheglaredathim.“Thanks,fromtheuglybrigade,Imean.”
“Ididn’tmeanyou,”hesaideasily.Hepursedhislipsandstudiedher.“You’renotugly,butyour

breastsaretoosmall.”

Thetruckalmostranofftheroad.“Cane!”sheexclaimed.
“Don’tworryaboutit,alotofmenlikesmallbreasts.Ijustlikenicebigones.Andasoft,sweet

bellytosinkagainstwhenIgetinsideallthatdelicate,wet...”

“Cane!”sheexclaimedagain,flushing.
“Oh,comeon,youknowaboutthat,”hesaid,leaninghisheadback.“Nothingsocushyasawoman

liftingtoyouoncoolsheets,feelingyouthrustintoher,swellingandswellinguntilyouburstandshe
criesoutwiththepleasure.”

“Igetsexeducationinschool!”
“Well,yougetthebasics,buttheydon’ttellyouhowgooditfeels,dothey?Orthatmencomein

differentsizesandshapes.I’mwell-endowedmyself.Nottoobig,butIcan...”

“Willyoupleasestop?”sheraged.
Heglancedather.“Gettingaroused,arewe?”Hechuckledinadeep,soft,sensualtone.“You’renot

reallymytype,kid,andyou’retooyoung,butIcouldmakeyougetofflikeamachinegunfiring.”

Sheswallowed,steppingonthegas.
“ButIdon’tthinkyourgrandfatherwouldeverforgiveme.That’sprobablywhyyougotocollege

outofstate,sohewon’tknowwhatyou’reupto.Howmanylovershaveyouhad?”

“Can’twetalkabouttheweather?”sheasked,tryingnottosounddesperate.Shewasaroused,

unbelievablyaroused.Hewouldn’tknowit,butshewasstillavirgin.Despitethat,theimagerywas
givingherrealproblems.

Hestretchedandgrimaced.“Sure.It’scold.”
“Thankyou.”
“Doyoulikethemantogetontop,ordoyouliketogetontop?Icangodeeperthatway,”hesaid

aseasilyasifhewasdiscussingtheweather.

Shegroaned.
“Realdeep,infact,”hemurmured,gettingdrowsy.“Irememberthisonewoman,shewassmall

andIwasafraidI’dhurther.Butshegotontopandpumpedmelikeashotgun,screamingthewhole
time.Wewentallnightlong.”Hegrinned.“Shelikedtotrynewpositions.Soonetime...”

“Idon’twanttohearaboutyoursexualacrobatics,Cane!”Hervoicewashigh-pitchedand

desperate.

Herolledhisheadagainsttheheadrestsothathecouldseeherface.“Jealous?”
“Iamnotjealous!”
Hesmiled.Butthesmilefaded.“You’dhavetogetontop,”hesaidcoldly.“Idon’thavetwoarms

toproponanymore.Idon’tevenknowifIcoulddoitnow.Iwantedtofindout.IwantedtoseeifI
couldstillbeaman....”

“Cane,therearemenallovertheworldwhohavelostarmsandlegsandwhocanstillhavesex,”

shepointedout,tryingtorestrainherembarrassment.“Peoplefindaway!”

Hedrewinalongbreath.“Iwon’thavethenervetotryagain,”hesaidinahauntedtone.“Shesaid

Iwasacripple.”Hiseyesclosed.“Acripple.Shewantedawholeman....”

Shepulledupatthefrontofthehouseandblewthehorn.ShealmostjumpedoutwhenTankcame

ontothefrontporch.

ISBN:9781472054494

WYOMINGBOLD

FirstPublishedinGreatBritainin2013
Harlequin(UK)Limited
EtonHouse,18-24ParadiseRoad,Richmond,SurreyTW91SR

Allrightsreserved,includingtherightofreproductioninwholeorinpartinanyform.Thetextofthispublicationoranypartthereofmay
notbereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,including
without limitation xerography, photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written
permissionofthepublisher.

This ebook is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise
circulated, without the prior consent of the publisher, in any form or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar
conditionincludingthisconditionbeingimposedonthesubsequentpurchaser.

Allcharactersinthisworkhavenoexistenceoutsidetheimaginationoftheauthorandhavenorelationwhatsoevertoanyonebearingthe
samenameornames.Theyarenotevendistantlyinspiredbyanyindividualknownorunknowntotheauthor,andallincidentsarepure
invention.

ThiseditionispublishedbyarrangementwithHarlequinEnterprisesIIB.V./S.à.r.l.

®andTMaretrademarksownedandusedbythetrademarkownerand/oritslicensee.Trademarksmarkedwith®areregisteredwith
theUnitedKingdomPatentOfficeand/ortheOfficeforHarmonisationintheInternalMarketandinothercountries.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Document Outline

Back Cover Text
Praise
Title Page
Dedication
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Wyoming Tough Excerpt
Wyoming Fierce Excerpt
Copyright

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