Page 120 of Saddles

I managed to go two whole days without thinking about them.

But the rotten memories work their way back up, like putrid odors from a bloated corpse.

“What do you think the odds are that they pulled those same tactics on you, showed up at Val’s, and now are using fu—” He glances at Lori. “—freaking toys to kill our cows?” Mason’s fist balls, and then his amber eyes meet mine. “They need to pay for all the cruelty they have caused.” His voice is nearly a whisper.

Lori nods, then stands when Jack cries from the back room.

My fingers wrap around Ford’s on my leg.

The demons keep coming back to torment me.

He lifts my hand, bringing it to his lips, and turns to me. “I’ll keep you safe.” Leaning over, he presses a tender kiss against my temple.

It’s like he knows that this is stressing me out.

Tilting my head, I let it rest on his shoulder. Picking at the warm roll I nibble on small pieces, no longer hungry for anything else.

I just want to go home and hide, wrapped in his arms.

Knowing that those monsters could be close enough to see me with their drones sends an icy chill down my spine.

Mason watches us, then clears his throat. “Ford, I made arrangements for the cabin to be covered. You won’t need to go back out. I need you here, especially now.”

“Poor kids gonna be stuck out there all winter?” Ford’s teeth grit. “I already feel bad they’re having to do my job, but for months?”

Mason’s palm raises and waves idly. “Nah, I’m sending Tommy out. His girlfriend ran off with his brother. He needs a place to cool off for a while and jumped at the chance at a bonus. I’ll have Sawyer and Scotty spell him occasionally, but he can finish out there until March.”

A massive weight lifts from me.

I had no idea how heavy that looming deadline was becoming. I know I’d have gone with him, without a moment of hesitation.

But not knowing if I’d even be able to had me worrying.

Ford just nods. “A’ight. I’ll line him out on what to expect.”

Mason looks up as Lori appears next to him toting a bleary eyed baby with crease marks pressed into his cheeks from a heavy nap.

His lips thin as his gaze flicks to Dixon, then to Ford. “Besides, if things go south, I want people I can trust nearby.”

Chapter 39

Ford

“You didn’t push her too hard, did you?” I take the reins from Sawyer and lead Pepper into the barn.

“Heck no. Me and Scotty took turns trotting her, and we camped out twice to make sure she had a chance to rest. The trail’s pretty packed down, and without her tack on, I think she did okay.” Sawyer lifts my saddle from the back of the snowmachine and follows me, pausing to put it on one of the trees while I walk her down the aisle to her stall.

Pepper’s ears pin when I get to the door, and she tries to tug her lead out of my grip.

“Easy now. I know all your tricks.” Before I slip her halter off, I run my fingers down her flanks to check her condition under her thicker winter coat.

She feels plump, and is sure acting sassy.

I’m glad to have her home, even if she is a pissy cuss most of the time.

The gate latches as April squeals, running to stand on the lower rail and reach her palm out to the mare.

“I missed you, pretty girl.” April’s eyes fall closed against Pepper’s nose, and they stand together as if they’re both in a trance.

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