Page 99 of Legacy of Lies
“I can go with you,” Shelby offered.
“No!” both Eric and Garrison said.
She frowned. “Fine. Help me up, jerks. Let’s get out of here.”
Eric boosted her onto her horse.
“Hand me the saddle, Eric. I’m taking it back with me.”
“Why can’t you just ride on the saddle without the blanket?”
“It’ll rub Bob raw.”
“You’re worried about the damn horse?” he sputtered.
“Don’t listen to him, Bob.” She petted the neck of her horse as the animal jiggled the bit. “This is my baby, and I will not rub sores on him.”
Eric looked about ready to throw his hat into the woods. “Geezus. Then we’ll come back for the saddle. It’s over an hour to the ranch.”
Shelby’s glare could be classified as a lethal weapon. “Like hell we’re coming back for it. It’s was a gift from Dad. I’m taking it back with me.”
Eric looked to the night sky and shook his head as he handed her the saddle. She clutched the leather in a big, awkward bundle in front of her.
Garrison wanted to hang on to his son forever and never let him go. But no way would he expose his son to more violence. Plus, Zach needed medical attention.
“Yeah. Good luck with her.” Garrison tilted his head toward a pissed-off Shelby as he passed Zach up to Eric. “Take care of my boy, please.”
“Will do.”
“Love you, son.” Garrison swallowed another lump in his throat.
Zach sagged as Eric held him securely in his arms. His son, covered by the saddle pad, had nodded off.
Shelby waved. “Be careful, please.”
“Thank you, sis.”
Hopefully, his son’s ordeal was over.
But Sara was still in hell.
Swinging up into the saddle, Garrison faced in the direction of the compass arrow and followed the general direction of Zach’s footprints in the snow.
“I’ll be fine,” he murmured. “Can’t say the same about Hank, though.”
• • •
Hank paced in circles around Sara, his breathing harsh. The shape of his face danced and changed as he passed in front of the lantern, but his wide eyes never left her. With deft wrist movements, he flicked a knife in front of him.
Open.
Closed.
Open.
Closed.
Like the tick of a bomb timer, counting down the seconds.
