Chapter 1 [Rancho Montoya—Two Hours After Lopez's Departure]

Victoria sipped on her tea. She rubbed her forehead. Every muscle tensed. Strain jumbled her thoughts. She gazed toward the desert.

John, Sam and the Vaqueros had left for another search. They'd worked with Sebastian to focus on certain areas. Rather than circling about fruitlessly, they'd winnow away the potential hiding places where horses, cattle and hostages could be contained.

Those butchers won't care if she's hurt. She's little more than a prize to them! She shuddered at the thought of being in Sanchez's grasp. She didn't want to think about what Mercedes was going through. She shook her head. Her mouth found the cup's lip yet again before taking another sip.

"Victoria, why are you out here? The sun will burn you!" Sebastian lectured.

"I am fine, Papa." She didn't even turn toward him. "I hope John and the others will find something."

Indignation twisted her mouth into a frown.

"Patience. They will," he advised. Repentance stung at his ego. He did want to deal with Mercedes' father over the current situation. "I send Fernando to Monterrey."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. That tidbit goaded her to face him. "Papa, Don Ricardo and Donna Lupe are outside of Mexico City."

"But their son, Miguel, is a priest in Monterrey. He will come." He sighed. "A good intervention, eh?"

She narrowed her eyes. Realization exposed her father's purpose. "You mean as a peacemaker between you and his father! Papa!"

He rolled his eyes. "¡Hija Mia! Certainly, you would not think so little of me? Certain matters have to be handled carefully." His tone reflected the strain in trying to convince Mano and her over the previous day of his intentions.

She shook her head. "Even when the consequences stare you in the face, you still play your games, Papa!" She stormed off toward the hacienda. In her wake, Anger carried a pointed Spanish rant.

"Has the whole world gone mad?" Sebastian threw his hands up. He followed her hoping to reason with her once and for all….

[Manolito's Chamber]

Manolito ambled about the chamber. The bandages around his torso restricted his breathing. His movements irritated his side. Pain still jabbed at his forehead. Still Worry diminished all of that. He ignored the advice to stay in bed. Instead, he watched the servants' rotation on the door. He plotted on how to slip from the chamber to the corral.

Desperation prodded him to do his own search.

Three days! John searches! Sam and others look! I can't help? ¿Por que no? Mercedes needs me! I don't care what happens! I need to find her! He held his side. Finally, he sat down on the side of the bed.

Then the door to his prison opened. Victoria came in with a glass in her hand.

"Ah, Victoria! I saw you talking with Papa. Has there been news?" he inquired.

She frowned. "Nada about the search. I am sorry. Maria just squeezed the lemons for this lemonade." She set the glass on the table.

"Gracias." The tart and sweet contrasting liquid eased Thirst's arid hold on his mouth and throat. "Still you were quite angry with Papa out there," he observed. "¿Que pasa ahora?"

She sighed. "Papa can't stop manipulating." She glanced over her shoulder. Then she closed the door.

"And this surprises you, Victoria?" he retorted. Sarcasm colored his tone. "Now what is he up to?" Anger blazed in his eyes. "WHAT IS HE DOING NOW?"

She put her hands up. "Manolo, please! I am just as angry as you are. Do you think this is easy for me? I do not want John hurt by those Comancheros. Mercedes should not have to endure such indignities nor should you." She frowned. "Papa has sent for her brother."

"Miguel?" He stared at her. Then he grimaced. "Truly Papa has said this?"

"Si." She searched his face for a reason behind the outrage. "I do not enjoy pulling Father Miguel from his duties but…."

He coughed. "My Sister, his parents disowned him when he became a priest! And Papa thinks Miguel can help with Don Ricardo?" He looked toward the ceiling. "Will Papa never cease?"

"You know the answer to that as well as I," she affirmed. She rubbed her forehead. "As if Don Ricardo would not be outraged enough?"

"Once more, our father's jokes get of hand. He should be searching for Mercedes or reaching out to the other banditos for Sanchez's location. Instead, he plays more games! Does he not understand? He endangers our familia! John is your future! Mercedes is mine! I know you do not believe I can think like this but…."

She placed her hand on his shoulder. "Mano, I see your purpose. I know you two have cared for one another since we were children. We will get her back. John will come back unharmed. Then, we will all speak on these things. I am as worried as you. Surely, Don Ricardo will understand that you are not to blame. Señora Lopez will tell of your efforts I am sure. All we can do is have faith."

"Have faith." He sighed and looked to the ceiling. I have to have her back!

Prayers were about all they had at that point….