Micah frowned as Luke came into the marshal's office with a bemused expression. "What's wrong, Lucas boy? You look as if you don't know whether you're coming or going."

"I feel like it, Micah." His friend held up a letter. "Miss Bertie is coming for a visit."

The marshal took the letter and read it over. "Why, it sounds like she's doing fine. She opened a cafe in Santa Fe, she's got a nice little house and lots of friends…" He handed the letter back. "No reason for her not to visit, is there?"

"No." Luke pushed his hat back. "Mark will be thrilled. And I love Miss Bertie. It's just that she can be a little hard on the nerves."

Micah chuckled. "You don't think she's bounty hunting again, do you?"

"I hope not," said Luke fervently.

"Did I hear someone mention my favorite bounty hunter?"

Luke and Micah jumped at the strange voice, staring in dismay at the man lounging in the doorway with an insolent smile. It was Duke Jennings.