Chapter 18 – Into The Shadows

You can't run away from trouble.
There ain't no place that far.

~Uncle Remus


It was 1:00AM in Wyoming. Moonlight spilled through the cathedral windows and skittered across the Rafter G living room in a silver line. Drake had waited until the cabin was silent before prowling out of his room to the kitchen. This was his first excursion from bed since the group's arrival late this afternoon. He slept through supper, thanks to the lingering effect of the sedative injection, but he took it as a blessing. He wouldn't have known what to say to Daisy.

After scarfing down a ham sandwich, he stealthily climbed the stairs with a full stomach and a dull headache. Daisy was the brightest star in his sky, but he feared things were ruined. She'd seen him at his worst. Weak. Vulnerable. Crying for his sister.

Everyone told him the pain of the past eased with time. He didn't believe them anymore. Time hadn't changed a thing. Finn, Gran, his beloved Tia… The dead were still dead, their smiling faces and laughter existing only in his fading memories, while other memories took on an ugly life of their own. It seemed so unfair.

Drake padded down the hall to look in on Jenny. Making sure she was safe and sound after lights out was a ritual he'd kept for years, a part of the promise he made fifteen years earlier. He reached for the doorknob and started, withdrawing his hand and stepping back as if he'd been burned. The floor creaked loudly in the shadowed space. He was at Daisy's room instead, drawn to her like a moth to the flame.

He stared at the door while heat flashed through his chest. Daisy had twined her way into his heart and every waking moment had been spent longing for her company. He missed that glittering fire in her eyes and the passionate indignation when she would tell him what for. Standing here in the darkness, with only inches of wood separating them, he could almost smell the strawberry scent of her hair.

Daisy was a gorgeous woman, strong and proud, wife material…and Monroe wanted her dead. Anger swept into the emotional storm and he inwardly cursed his misfortune. If Monroe knew Drake loved her, she'd become a higher priority. She could end up like Cynthia, tormented and abused as a pawn before she was killed. Over my dead body! Monroe willnae take another woman I love!

Icy fear swooped in when he realized the word he'd used to describe his feelings. Love. Love? When had that happened? Drake braced his hands on either door frame and pressed his forehead against the wood, releasing a long, weary breath. No sense denying it. He couldn't if he tried. He loved everything about her. The balm to his soul was on the other side of the door, but did she want him, or did she think him too damaged? She was probably pining for Enos with renewed fervor.

His fingers tightened around the wood. He was horrible with verbal expressions of emotion, but he could show her how he felt. He ached to hold her in his arms, kiss every inch of her flesh, and plunge into her until she cried out his name and forgot every man in existence, save him. If only he could find the strength to face her.

What was he going to do? One vulnerable prayer repeated, unhindered and raw.

Please doona leave me.


Daisy sat in the darkness of her room, huddled on an antique brass bed with her arms around her knees. Despite the whisper soft quilt and homey surroundings, she couldn't sleep. Enos was barely speaking to her, not that she could blame him.

She hadn't been very nice to Jenny or made her feel the least bit welcome. She still wasn't sure how to change that when her heart wasn't in it. Since they had words, Daisy made a point of avoiding Enos's new fling, which wasn't hard since Jenny had been busy mothering Drake.

Now that they were safely in Wyoming, at least she could breathe a little. A long hen session with Emily provided the motherly support Daisy so desperately needed, but very few answers about Drake's past. Enos's godmother had stuck to the MacFarland code, saying, "It's his story to tell."

She looked to the window where the wind chime hung from the curtain rod in the moonlight. It was time to let Enos go. Drake didn't even know she'd had a change of heart. Daisy was at her wits end. How was she supposed to get on his trust list when he was avoiding her? Perhaps throttling the man would help.

A floorboard creaked in the hall. Daisy leapt to attention, swinging her legs off the bed. She tiptoed to the door, the cool air causing her skin to pimple with goose-bumps. She pressed her cheek and palms flush against the cool surface. Drake was right there, on the other side of her door, she knew it as sure as she knew her own name.

Daisy closed her eyes and listened. She could hear him breathe, feel the air charge with his power. She splayed her hand against the wood, imagining his chest beneath her fingertips and following the dusting of hair as it trailed into a tantalizing line below the waistband of his jeans. Her own breaths were coming faster and harder. She had so many wants and needs she couldn't sort them all.

She wanted to hear the cadence of his voice, gaze into those forest green eyes and tell him he wasn't second best. Most of all she wanted Drake's trust, to tear down that last wall and wallow in the intimacy of two destined souls sharing their deepest, darkest secrets. At this moment, she'd settle for his skin caressing hers, his strong, hard body above her on the bed.

Time seemed to stop. Anticipation expanded, filling the air around her until she thought she could touch it. Blast his stubborn pride! No more waiting. They had to talk. Even if he didn't explain his secrets, she had to tell him how she felt. She grabbed the knob and opened the door, stepping out on the landing overlooking the living area.

The house occasionally creaked and popped as it released its residual heat into the night, shadows filled every nook and cranny, but Drake was gone. Had he even been there?

Dejected, she returned to her bed and settled in for a long, sleepless night.


Drake clicked his door shut and looked up just in time to catch the king size bag of Cheetos flying through the air. He looked at the pajama clad guests who'd made themselves at home in his room with a curious half-smile.

"Told you he wouldn't go inside." Jaxon snickered and propped himself on an elbow while he dug into a giant bag of Doritos.

"He's being an idiot." Jenny sat in the middle of Drake's bed with three spoons in one hand and a half-gallon of ice cream in the other. She wiggled the carton in an enticing manner. "We thought you could use a pig out session. Everything looks better after butter brickle and Cheetos."

It was an old tradition between the three of them, to gather when things got too heavy. The one hurting the worst got their favorite junk foods and set the ground rules. Drake glanced at the Cheetos bag. Extra crunchy. No doubt about it. He was the guest of honor.

"Doona get crumbs in m' bed." Drake popped opened the bag and flopped next to Jenny. "Any news from Travis?"

The twins locked gazes.

"Told you."

"Yep, denial."

"Pride?"

"Meh, embarrassment."

"And he says I'm clueless around women."

"Shut yer twin-speak." Drake snapped. "I doona want to talk about Daisy. My pig out party, my rules. So, about Travis…"

Jenny shrugged a shoulder and opened the ice cream, handing it to Drake. "He's been out of the office for two days. His secretary said it's personal business."

Drake swore, "Blimey hell! At a time like this? Numpty, tell me ye have other feelers out."

"Always." Jaxon grabbed a spoon. "He would've called if we were in immediate danger, but I'm looking into it. He still hasn't issued a warrant for Monroe."

"That doesn't surprise me." Jenny said, opening a bag of M & M's. "I don't trust Travis. I think we should cut ties."

"I agree. He's an arse." Drake shoveled in a bite of butter brickle and savored the sugary treat as it slid down his throat. He offered the container to Jaxon and said, "What are yer thoughts on the matter?"

Jaxon filled his spoon. "I think he's shifty, but his information has been solid."

"Aye, but only because he has a solid informant."

"Speaking of his informant…" Jaxon dragged the spoon slowly from his mouth and flipped it around his fingers. "I think Travis might be extracting him. Makes sense that he wouldn't issue the warrant with a man still on the inside."

"Possibly," Jenny replied as she reached back for the bowl of popcorn. "But If that's Travis's plan, why didn't he tell us?"

"Aye, and what's taking so bloody long?" Drake frowned and put his next question to Jaxon. "Have ye offered our assistance?"

"No, but I suppose I could." Jaxon replied. "As you know, our last meeting was pretty tense. Something is definitely going on in Monroe's circle. No one has seen Matt Duncan in weeks and there's talk on the grapevine about a meeting with the European Dons."

"I doona like the sound of that."

"Me either," Jenny chimed in.

"I'm trying to get more information." Jaxon stretched his legs and crossed his ankles. "My sources don't know if these mob bosses are coming to make Monroe on offer or if it's some other business. I could use your help on this one."

That familiar spark was in Jaxon's eyes. His brother lived to ferret out information. He was good at it and his repeated success had kept them alive on more than one occasion. He would only pass the buck for one of two reasons. The first would be to furtively contact sources his sister had no knowledge of, the other…

"Bloody fibber." Drake chuckled. "You're trying to keep me busy."

Jaxon tugged his ear in an unspoken message. Drake had made the wrong guess, but his brother went with it to keep Jenny in the dark. "You could always go back to staring at Daisy's door with a raging-"

"Fine. I'll make a few calls." Drake said, knowing there was serious trouble afoot.

Jenny nudged him with her elbow. "When you're done, I'd suggest you take the bull by the horns and talk to Daisy. We're going out on the trail in the morning so you're back on guard duty. She announced at dinner that she wasn't going to Whiskey Falls with the rest of us."

"Whiskey Falls? She dinna want to go?"

"Oh, she did. Right Jenny?" Jaxon grinned like an imp and tossed a handful of M & M's in his mouth.

"Well, yeah." Jenny's lashes flicked against her cheeks as she avoided Drake's eyes. "Until I sorta…um…mentioned that you weren't going."

"I'd thank ya no' to treat me like a snibbling wee bairn with a snotty nose and a bad temper."

Jaxon sniggered. "If the shoe fits."

Drake shot him a black look.

"You have been sick." Jenny said, drawing his attention. "Just take the day and rest. Do it for me, okay?"

"Och!" Drake harrumphed. "I've never been to Whiskey Falls! I was looking forward to riding Joe, too."

"No pouting at your pig out party." Jaxon took a handful of popcorn. "You could use the time alone with Daisy."

Drake was miffed. "Exactly what am I supposed to say?"

"I don't know. Be yourself. You know, arrogant, stubborn, condescending, or you could start by apologizing."

"Jaxon Sinclair!" Jenny slapped him and popcorn went flying.

"I'm sorry! Geez, it just slipped!"

"Not out of that cunning mind." Jenny grumbled.

"Apologize." Drake said, flatly. "Why? What for?"

"Thanks a lot, Numpty." The look Jenny gave Jaxon would've scalded the devil's hindquarters. Her eyes softened tremendously when she turned to Drake. "Daisy found you last night at camp before I did. You were already deep in a flashback and pushed her trying to get away. You probably thought she was-"

"The constable." Drake resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall. He knew Daisy had been nearby, but only because he was told after the fact. He suddenly felt sick. "Did I hurt the lass?"

"No, but she seems very worried about you." Jenny took his hand. It was so dainty and frail in his, but there was nothing frail about his sister. She was a survivor. She was always tender with him, but had the tenacity to be an unmovable force when necessary. He had a feeling this was one of those times.

"Daisy knows you weren't yourself, but it would help if she knew why. Tell her about that night, Drake. If I didn't think you could handle it, I'd never suggest it. I can't tell you to drop those defenses and let her in, but she deserves an explanation. Jaxon does have a point. Find your confidence and use it to your advantage. Be bold."

Bold. He could do bold.

"Aye, precious one. I know what to do."


The mountains were shrouded in the misty grey of dawn, creating a reverent hush across the river valley. It was that quiet moment, just before a glorious sunrise, when nature was about to exhale and paint the sky in celebration of possibilities that come with each new day. Outside the Rafter G barn, surrounded by the sweet smell of hay and memories of a first kiss, Enos thought those possibilities never looked brighter.

He attached his rifle scabbard to the saddle and watched Jenny tighten Abby's cinch, slowly sweeping his eyes over her petite figure. Her hair trailed down her back in a French braid and tiny wisps of curls brushed her flawless cheeks. Every move she made was poised and fluid, exuding the quiet confidence that first attracted him like a magnet.

The sound of an approaching horse caught his attention. Enos turned to see a grey appaloosa stop inside the gate and Dan jump to the ground. The besotted wrangler's presence hit him like a slug to the stomach.

"Cowgirl!"

Jenny spun around, her face glowing like the sun. "Dan!"

Painting on his happy-go-lucky grin, Enos stood frozen as Dan ran towards Jenny. He plucked her off the ground in a hug and spun her around, her delighted laughter filling the air.

Enos's knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists and jealousy boiled in his veins.

Dan was oblivious to Enos's stupor and gushed, "I missed ya' awful! Ain't a day gone by I didn't worry about ya'."

Jenny swung her legs lazily in the air. "Aw, Dan. I'm sorry I haven't called. It's so good to see you! I never thanked you for everything you did for us this spring."

"No thanks necessary. I'm always here for ya'." Dan put her feet back on the ground, but kept a firm hold of her waist.

Enos locked his knees to keep from tackling the man. It wasn't the act in itself, it was the way his blue eyes flickered over every inch of her face and darkened with something primal. It took all Enos had not to shove him away and yell "Mine!" like a kid on the playground.

Gus came up behind him and whispered, "Relax, son. He ain't comin' on th' ride."

Enos nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

"I wish I could go with ya', but I promised to help Emily today." Dan chucked Jenny playfully under the chin. "You look real good, Cowgirl. I swear ya' get prettier all th' time."

Jenny laughed and punched his shoulder. "And you need to shave. Gosh, we have so much to catch up on! How's your mom?"

"Still on that wife-and-kids kick, but I still have a month before th' big family barbeque."

Luke laughed and swung a leg over his horse. "I hate to break it to ya', but I think you're about eight months or so behind schedule."

"His mom won't accept that excuse." Jenny turned away to adjust her stirrup. "There are plenty of rancher's daughters around here. Got any prospects, Dan?"

"Maybe, I ain't decided if I'm gonna ask her yet." Dan shot Enos a back-off-I-saw-her-first look and Gus's grip was the only thing that held him in place.

Jenny didn't see any of it.

"Well it's about time you got over Two Timing Tina and started dating again." She turned to smile at Enos. "I highly recommend finding your soul mate. Give me a leg up, Deputy?"

"Yes ma'am." Enos took her waist and lifted her curvy little body in the saddle, love and pride swelling in his chest.

Jenny bent down and swept her finger in an arc along his face, whispering, "I love you."

All the insecurity melted away and he pulled her closer, kissing her softly. "I love you, too."

"Ya'll quit yappin' and mount up." Gus untied Pete and gathered his reins. "Emily's comin' to say goodbye and we're behind schedule. Barney? Ya' got th' extra ammo?"

"Yes sir." Barney swatted his trail bag. "Brought th' extra shotgun, too."

Enos returned to Tag and climbed aboard. "What does this bear look like? Is it a black bear? Or a grizzly?"

"Lord save th' children and fools." Gus hooked a thumb in his belt. "Boy, it's bear. It's big, it's furry, and it's got jaws big enough to snap your arm off. If ya' see it runnin' towards ya' with it's teeth bared, shoot it."

Enos flushed, "Yes sir."

Dan walked over to Jenny. "I'm real glad you're here, Cowgirl. Maybe we could take a ride later?"

She offered her hand. "Sure, Enos and I would love to. You can give us all the juicy details about this girl."

Enos inwardly preened.

Dan masked his disappointment and yanked off his glove to wrap his fingers around hers. "Hey now, I have to have a few secrets. Be safe out there."

"Safe is the MacFarland creed. See you soon."

Dan smiled and squeezed her hand, holding on longer than necessary before walking away. Enos caught the pained look on his face as he led Peanut into the barn. Angry as he was with the man, he still felt bad for him. He spent years being the other guy.


Everyone was on their horses by the time Emily arrived to see the group off. Gus never left unless she was waving from the porch. It was a tradition neither of them wanted to break. They'd created a wonderful life in this wild, unforgiving land.

Emily hugged him and said, "There are warm muffins in your trail bag. I expect ya' to share them with th' kids."

"Thanks, darlin'. You're th' best." Gus kissed her sweetly and pulled into the saddle. "Well be back in time for lunch."

"Augustus, ya' be real careful. Caroline called. She said th' bear was on th' Triple K last night. They lost a goat."

"A goat? It came that close to th' house?"

"Sure did. Made one heck of mess. Bob fired at him, but it was too dark and he missed." She looked over her shoulder. "Every one of ya' needs to keep an eye out. Ya'll know Gus can't hit the broadside of a barn, so take care of each other."

Gus scoffed, "I ain't that bad."

"We'll take care of him for ya'." Enos said, reaching out to join hands with Jenny.

"I have my Mossberg, Emily." Jenny said. "We'll be fine."

"I mean it, Gus." Emily reached up and put a hand on his arm. "I'd be lost without ya'."

Gus bent down to take her face in his hands. "It's gonna take more than a bear to keep me from comin' home to ya', Sunshine. Don't ever forget it."


Warmth spread through Enos as he watched the tender exchange between his godparents. He turned to smile at Jenny and could see their joined future, a life of love and laughter reflected in her eyes. As they rode out the side gate and up the hill together, he vowed to do whatever it took to make that life a reality. They were nearly to the trees at the top of the hill when Jaxon whistled to stop them.

Jaxon guided his horse next to Jenny and handed her a pair of binoculars. "Check the ridge." He pointed in the distance. "Ten o'clock, just below the tree line."

Enos turned to see a flash of light in the trees. He grabbed his rifle and peered into the scope. "I don't see nothin'."

"Me either." Jenny said.

Jaxon asked, "Gus, is there anything up there? Like a house or a road?"

"There's a trail. It runs along th' Triple K boundary. Bob has a couple of four wheelers and is probably using them to cover more ground searching for that bear."

Jenny's gaze met Enos's. "What do you see?"

He took a second look. "It looks clear to me. It's probably nothin', but I reckon we should radio Drake just to be safe."

"I'll take care of that right now." Jaxon pulled out the radio. "He'll keep a close eye on things."


High on the ridge across Lightning Creek, Matt hunkered behind a granite formation and watched the group ride into the trees. He turned to the guilty party and grabbed the man's scope, breaking it against the ground.

"Hey, that wasn't called for!" The man glared, his craggy features filled with bitter hatred and a ruthlessness that matched his own.

"I said no scopes, no binocular, no-"

The man hissed, "Then how was I supposed to see?"

Matt thumped him on the head. "Use your eyes! I suppose the damage is done. Well? Tell us what you saw!"

"The cop and the twins are on the ride. They'll be out of the way." His brow furrowed in contemplation. "I swear that girl looks familiar, but I can't place her. Man. What a little spitfire she must be."

Matt grinned darkly. "I like the little ones. They fight more. Who's left in the house?"

"The old lady, the Duke girl, Drake MacFarland and some cowpunch."

"You're sure?"

"Look, I've been here all night and I'm getting sick and tired of taking orders from a dumb kid!" The man spat on the ground and frowned. "I'd like to get on with it!"

"I couldn't agree more." Matt covered the man's mouth and buried his knife in his chest. "Nobody messes this up. We're doing things my way."

The others looked on in wide-eyed shock as the man went into spasms and choked on his own blood. Matt waited until the life faded from his eyes before withdrawing the knife. He cut a lock of the dead man's hair and tucked it in his pocket to add to his collection. Using the grass, he wiped the blood from his blade and turned to address Monroe's men.

Wade and Mack nodded their approval. The others followed suit. There was no room for weak links. If this failed, Monroe would kill them all.

"I'll make sure the body disappears." Wade offered.

"See that you do." Matt snarled. "We don't need the law coming down on us now."

They were a rough, but highly motivated lot. He'd need all the strength they could muster to go after their bait on Drake MacFarland's watch. Then again, why stop with the bait?

"Listen up, it'll take all of us to handle MacFarland, but we're going to make an adjustment. I have a plan." Matt opened his backpack and showed them the contents. "They have these in abundance in town. Just one will take down an 800 pound bear. As soon as the riders are out of hearing range, we're moving up the timetable. We'll make Monroe a very happy man."


Daisy woke to golden sunlight beaming through the windows and stretched like a cat. As blissful sleepiness waned, the painful memories of a long night in an empty bed returned in full force. She looked at the clock and groaned. She hadn't fallen asleep until dawn and now it was nearly 9:00AM.

"Shoot." Throwing back the covers, she sat up and squealed, yanking them back to her chin. "What are ya' doin' in here!? Don't ya' dare say your job!"

Drake was in a chair at the foot of her bed, his thick, long legs stretched in front of him and crossed at the ankles on her mattress.

"What would ye have me say then?" A slow, sexy half-smile graced his lips, sending an explosion of fire deep in her core.

"Get your boots off my bed!" She kicked his feet down and dug her fingers into the sheets. "I'd like you to get out of my room while I'm dressed in my…my…delicates."

"Delicates?" Drake threw back his head and snorted, his brogue turning thick. "Is that what ye call yer flannel jammies? I expected the smarmy wench with a wicked right hook and a deadly milk pail to sleep in a silky, wee-"

"I am not a wench, you stupid ox! Oh, I can't stand you!" She reached back and grabbed a pillow, hurling it through the air. "Get out!"

Drake caught the pillow and tossed it aside, taking to his feet. All the things Daisy wanted to say last night flew from her mind with the speed of light as she took a closer look at her visitor. The burgundy striped western shirt complimented his broad shoulders and the classic Wranglers were a very impressive fit. His overall appearance was the epitome of masculine strength and grace.

He moved closer and the bed dipped when he leaned on his hands. She shifted back against the headboard to keep from falling into him.

Drake reached up and brushed her hair from her eyes. "Get dressed and come downstairs, darlin' girl. I'll fix ye a cuppa. Stay away from the windows. Doona. Leave. The cabin."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just a safety precaution. Do as I tell ye now and get a wiggle on. We have things to discuss."

Before she could think of a witty retort, he turned on his heel and was out the door. She nearly swallowed her tongue. It should be a crime the way those Wranglers fit his enticing rear end.

By the time she dragged herself through her morning routine, her pulse had returned to a semi-normal beat. Daisy left her room and paused on the landing when she spotted the ladder in the living room. Dan sat on the arm of the couch while Emily paced the floor in front of him.

"You can't do this, Dan." Emily pleaded. "You're makin' a terrible mistake. Please slow down and think."

"I had all night to think." Dan kept his eyes on the floor, but the tension was evident in his shoulders. "She has a right to know. If I don't take this chance, I'll wonder for th' rest of my life."

Daisy cleared her throat and jogged down the stairs. "Morning, Emily. Hey, Dan. It's good to see ya'."

"Welcome back, Daisy." Dan's smile was as tense as the rest of him. "Miss Emily, I'm gonna put th' ladder back in th' barn."

Emily stretched out her arm and pointed a crooked finger. "Wait right there, mister! We ain't finished!"

Daisy's curiosity was peaked. "Is everything okay?"

Dan huffed, "Yes."

"No, it ain't!" Emily corrected. "Daisy, go on in th' kitchen and make yourself at home. There's pancake batter in th' fridge and water in th' kettle for tea. Dan's being a stubborn cuss and I don't think he'd appreciate ya' hearing what I'm about to say."

"Yes ma'am." Daisy was more than willing to comply and hurried away.

The kitchen was exactly as Daisy remembered. Lace curtains framed the window, a blue gingham tablecloth covered the harvest style table and wildflowers were arranged in a tall mason jar. She inhaled deeply, taking in the welcoming sent of blueberry pancakes and maple syrup.

Drake put a plate of pancakes on the table. "Sit. Eat."

"You made me breakfast?" Daisy stepped closer and braced her hands on the back of the chair.

"No, I made us breakfast. Are ya waiting for me to get ya a high chair?"

Daisy fought the smile tugging at her lips. This was an unexpected surprise. "Actually, I was wondering why ya' ain't wearing a bib. It's about time you got out of bed, lazy bones."

Drake retrieved the kettle and poured two cups of tea. "Lazy? I'm lazy?"

"Yep." Daisy raised her chin and folded her arms. Oh, how she'd missed this. Had it only been a day? "If you ask me, you're getting more like Maudine everyday."

Drake put the kettle back on the stove and his muscles rippled as he stalked around the table. He moved with sure-footed confidence as masculinity oozed from his pores. Standing before her, he gently raised her chin with his finger. The heat of his touch was instantaneous, like the spark of a match.

His green eyes dilated and settled on her lips, which he gently traced with a thumb. In a smooth, deep voice, his said, "Darlin' girl, should ye choose to get over your stubbornness, you'll learn that bed is the one place I'm never, ever, lazy."

Heaven help her, all Daisy wanted was to shove him down on the table and rip off his shirt, but they needed to talk. "Drake, I-"

"Shh, mo ghràdh." Drake moved closer, brushing her cheek with his lips.

She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes and drinking in the moment.

"I'm sorry if I frightened ye the other night," he said. "I dinnae mean to push ye away, but I was no' aware it was you. There are things I should tell ya, but I doona know how."

Daisy's heart skipped a beat. "There's something I need to tell you, too. It's about… you're not… I mean…"

Drake chuckled, a sexy rumble that vibrated beneath his shirt. He moved back to gaze at her, smiling with his eyes. "Blimey girl. I never thought I'd see ya without words."

"It ain't funny!"

"I dinnae say it was! I was just making an observation."

The glass pane in the back door broke with a loud crash and a projectile struck Drake in the neck. He jerked, from the pain and gasped for breath.

"Drake!" Daisy cried.

"Run to Emily!" He dropped to his knees and reached for his weapon.

Daisy tried to run, but an arm wrapped around her throat and the cold steel of a gun was pressed to her head.

A chilling voice said, "Don't move or she's dead, MacFarland!"

A smelly cloth was shoved over her mouth and Daisy held her breath. She feared if she lost consciousness she would never wake again. Emily screamed in the living room just as three more men wearing ski masks broke through the back door.

Oh God, oh God! What's happening?

Desperate for air, she inhaled deeply and her head began to swim. Terror ran through her. She could see Drake struggling to reach her through the Grey shadows creeping into her vision, but more masked men held him back.

Then one of the invaders raised his rifle and brought the butt down on Drake's head with a sickening crack. He crumpled to the floor in a boneless heap. Daisy tried to scream. The man with the rifle moved closer and stared at her, his murky brown eyes oddly familiar.

"Take a good look, Daisy," he said. "Look familiar? This is the last face you'll ever see."

Daisy heard Dan shout from the living room and the darkness consumed her.


"Let her go!" Dan aimed a rifle at the man holding Emily and tired to keep calm.

Wade put the gun to Emily's head. "Drop it, cowpoke! Now!"

Emily blanched before Dan's eyes and he swallowed anxiously. "It's gonna be okay, Emily. I ain't gonna leave ya' and I ain't gonna let him hurt ya'."

"What's the problem?" Matt yelled as he walked in. "Get her out of here! What the hell is taking so long?"

"Him." Wade snarled, jerking his chin at Dan. "He's the problem."

"Don't move!" Dan said, shifting his aim to Matt. "You ain't taking her anywhere!"

"I'm running this show." Matt put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Another man stepped out on the landing above them.

There was a loud bang and the blast knocked Dan into the table beneath the picture window. A crushing pressure in his chest made each breath a challenge and he fell to the floor as sticky warmth spread across his ribs.

"No! Not Dan! No!" Emily screamed and passed out.

"I'll take her. Help Mack get the others out of here." Matt took Emily from Wade and settled her over his shoulder. He looked to the gunman making his way down the stairs. "Richie, check the barn and the basement. Kill anyone you find and finish off the cowboy. Meet us at the rendezvous point."

"My pleasure."

Dan squeezed his eyes closed when he heard boot heels rap against the wood floors. They stopped beside his head. A fist grabbed his hair and yanked his head back.

Richie spoke with a feigned accent, "Don't ya' be runnin' off now, partner. I'm a gonna finish you off last."

He dropped Dan's head to the floor with a thump and stepped over him to open the front door. Time passed in wretchedly slow minutes. Dan had enough medical experience to know he was in dire straights. He was too weak to move and light was beginning to fade. When he saw Jenny's face, he wasn't sure if it was real or imagined. He was too grateful to care.

"I'm so sorry, Cowgirl." His voice sounded strange, raspy and weak. "I should've told ya' that night under th' stars. God, you'll never know how much I love you."

The lovely face blurred and an angry bearded one took its place. "Ain't that sweet. What is it they say in all them westerns? Make peace with yer maker? Any last words? Want a cigarette? Hell, I cain't remember."

"She'll make ya' pay. Jenny's gonna…" Dan coughed and blood dribbled down his chin. He labored for every breath and sweat ran from his pores "She'll hunt all of ya' down. Y-you'll regret…bein'…born."

"I'll worry about that tomorrow." Richie stood and raised his gun. "Either way, you won't be around."

Dan closed his eyes. "Oh Jenny. Baby, I'm so sorry."

He heard the man pull back the trigger, then a loud blast sent his world into darkness.