Page 51 of Kian

“Off Gatlin Road. There are some private drive signs at the end of it. It’s about a quarter mile to the cabin.”

“I’ll be there around ten Monday morning. Will that work for you?”

“Yes, that works for me. I can’t wait to get home.”

“I’m sure. We’re all looking forward to seeing you.”

“Did Sheila leave?”

“No, she said she wanted to see you.”

“Damn. Well, I don’t want to see her.”

“You might not have a choice, man. Just see her and then tell her to leave.”

“That’s what I’ll have to do. I’m no longer in love with her.”

“Is something going on between you and Gretchen?”

“I’m falling for her, Killian.”

“Are you sure it’s not just because she saved your life?”

“I’m positive.”

“Alright then. Get Sheila to leave and see where things go with Gretchen.”

“I will. Please tell Mom and Dad I love them and I’ll be home soon.”

“Will do. Are you alone now?”

“Not unless you count Lobo.” Kian grinned.

“You’re never really alone when a dog is with you.”

“That’s for sure. I’m going to look around for the cartridge now. It has to be somewhere close to where they shot me.”

“Yeah, passing through your body would have slowed it down.”

“It was in the fleshy part under my collarbone, next to my vest.”

“Is it getting better now?”

“Oh yeah, both the head and arm wounds are healing well. I stopped wearing bandages a while ago. I’m going to go now. It’s a little chilly without a hat even though it’s warmer.”

“Okay. See you soon, take care.”

“Thanks, you too.”

Kian hung up and looked around, then drove the ATV up the hill to the area he knew he had been shot. Glancing at the trees, he could pinpoint which one he was standing behind when he saw the men. He made his way through the snow toward it and stopped, surveying a small incline in front of him. This was definitely the spot; he could see those men ahead of him before they turned to face him. The first shot went through his arm and he stumbled back in pain, then the second grazed his temple, when they shot again, he moved just in time, and if he hadn’t fallen, he would have died right then and there.

Finding any bullet would be difficult since nothing had stopped its momentum, but the first bullet going through his arm had likely slowed it down.

Turning, Kian walked deeper into the woods behind the tree line, checking every tree for holes as he passed by them. Just as he was about to turn back, he noticed a tree with pieces of bark hanging off and headed toward it.

Kian ran his hand over the bark and felt the hole in the tree; the split bark almost hiding it. He reached into his pocket and swore as he realized he didn’t have a pocketknife anymore. He didn’t want to try to dig it out with his hands and put his fingerprints on it, possibly covering any on it.

A deep sigh escaped from him as he realized he would have to make the trek back to the cabin to retrieve a knife. He hoped that Gretchen, who was surprisingly resourceful in this remote area, would have what he needed. He whistled for Lobo, but there was no response. Kian stopped and scanned his surroundings,calling out for him.

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