Page 89 of Saddles

The memories pound within my mind, pushing to the front every time I close my eyes.

“Who?” Her words are gentle, but I can hear the tint of confusion.

“Them. The ones who, they um, just them.”

Please understand.

“Oh.” Her gasp is audible. “Can I bring Mason in? He’s just outside in the hall. Would that help?”

I nod.

Fuck, she can’t see me.

“Yea,” I squeak, focusing only on her sneakers disappearing.

I can’t quite make out the hushed exchange, but heavier steps grow closer.

“April? It’s me. There’s no one else in here but us.” Mason’s calm, deep tone only helps a tiny bit.

Ford told me I can trust him.

I can just reach the latch to let the wooden panel swing open.

“They came in. I don’t know if they saw me.” Fresh tears stream down, dripping from my chin. “I’m so scared.” My lower lip trembles as I tighten my hold on my legs.

His amber eyes soften and his jaw ticks. “I won’t let anything happen to you, you have my word.” He squats just at the edge ofthe door. “Tell me, what were they wearing? I’ll have Wade come up right now.” He pulls out his own phone and begins to dial.

Lori reaches out and rests her palm on his shoulder. “We’re both here, we won’t let anything happen.”

My head shakes violently. “I don’t remember. Just their faces. I saw them and ran in here.” I hold up the blank screen. “I called Ford, but his stupid battery on this thing died.”

Mason’s face pales. “Did you tell him you’re safe?”

“No.”

He tips his Stetson low enough it hides his face for a moment, then stands. “We’re gonna get you out of here. Let me take a quick look outside first.”

The knot in my stomach gets more painful when he leaves.

Lori signals me closer, then loops her arm through mine. “We’re here for you, you’re not alone in this, I promise.”

Mason reappears with his thumb dancing over his screen. “Coast is clear. Val said the two guys that came in just bought a case of beer then left.” He glances up, the lines next to his eyes deepen as he squints at us. “But we need to go. Wade is going to stop here to get the footage from Val later.”

He ushers us out, wrapping his arm around Lori, he walks between us to the truck.

It isn’t until he’s peeling out of the parking lot that I start to relax.

Yet Mason’s body language, and the urgency he’s driving with make it difficult.

When his phone rings, he doesn’t say hello.

“When?” Is his first word.

I can almost hear his teeth grit.

“How long?” His knuckles turn white on the steering wheel before he rapidly skids into the turn leading to the ranch. “That won’t fucking work, Wade. It has to be now. It’s life or death.”

Wait.

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