The following morning, Jake was up and out the door early, making his way to the barn well before six o’clock. Tucker’s eyebrows shot up a bit as he walked in and found Jake already there cleaning Tamara’s stall. “Couldn’t sleep, boss?” Tucker asked, taking a sip of coffee from his mug.

“Slept pretty well. Just trying to clean up a bit before the vet gets here.”

“You found one?”

Jake rubbed the back of his neck and replied, “I talked Dr. Hart into coming back.”

“Wow, you must be much smoother than I thought,” Tucker said, with a sideways smile.

“Not really. I had to grovel. It was pathetic.”

“I think she’s done a good job. Give her a break.”

Jake looked up and replied, “I am.”

“Good deal. Since you have things under control here, I’ll head for the fence and get started. I left Todd and Shannon over in the pasture working the horses.”

“Yep. See you later.” Jake headed off toward Tamara’s stall.

“I’ve got the radio and my phone,” Tucker replied over his shoulder and walked away.

Jake nodded and went back to work spreading fresh straw while Tamara stood outside tied up waiting for the vet munching on a flake of hay. Jake was utterly lost in his work when Dr. Hart arrived and startled him. He jumped bumping his head on the stall door and simultaneously knocked over the pitchfork that fell on an empty metal bucket.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” she said.

“You just caught me off guard. Sudden noises sometimes give me a start,” Jake replied.

His heart was racing. To him, it sounded like a gunshot when the pitchfork hit the bucket. “Damn,” he muttered. It was always the smallest of incidents that could set off his anxiety. Give him a real crisis to deal with, and he was fearless but hit a bucket with a wooden object — that was a different story.

“What’s the matter? You look a bit flushed?” she asked moving closer.

He could see that she was concerned. No doubt he was blushing from embarrassment. Jake could feel the heat rising up his cheeks as he struggled to calm his nerves. It would be awkward to talk to himself right now, to use his voice to soothe his qualms. Instead, Jake brushed his fingers over the dog tags still hanging around his neck. He had never removed them — another reminder to stay strong. Then Jake focused on Dr. Hart. She looked stunning in the light of the morning, even with her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. He noticed her full lips were covered by a hint of lip gloss. Her lashes were full and as dark as her hair. They framed her gorgeous blue eyes and made them appear even brighter.

“I’m good.” Jake changed the subject. “Everything working alright in your kitchen now?”

“Yes. Fine. You did an excellent job. If ranching doesn’t work out, perhaps you can become a plumber.”

“I’ll think about it,” he said with a shy smile.

She laughed and turned toward Tamara for a moment, then looked back at him.

“I’ll get to work then. I have a pretty full schedule today.”

“Great. Thanks,” he replied.

What a shame that she couldn’t stay and visit a bit. Then again, it probably was best that the doctor was leaving. He had to remind himself once again that he had no business being attracted to anyone, much less acting on it. Jake walked over and helped her lift the mare’s leg. Then he smoothed Tamara’s coat keeping her a bit calmer than the last time.

Jake glanced down. It was hard not to notice that Dr. Hart’s shirt was open a button lower than usual. Had she done that on purpose? For him? For someone else? Or was it just a wardrobe malfunction that she was yet unaware of. It wasn’t as if he could see that much, just the slightest slope of her breasts above a lace-topped bra. He averted his eyes, not wanting to appear perverted if she noticed him looking down her blouse. It hadn’t been purposeful, but it would be hard to convince her of that, he was sure. She finished giving Tamara her shot and stood up to face him.

“She doesn’t appear any worse for wear, despite falling yesterday. I’m afraid that I have some bad news, though.”

“She won’t be able to race again will she?” Jake’s voice trailed off.

The doc shook her head. “No. She is going to heal, but if you race her, you’re risking further injury. I’d say a light gallop is going to be her safest pace from now on.”

Jake lowered his head and grimaced. He had suspected as much but had hoped he was wrong. He had prayed Tamara would miraculously heal, so her days of glory could continue. She had many admirers that came to Stampede Arena to watch their favorite pinto bolt around the barrels who would miss her too. Tamara would still have a good life. He would ride her about the ranch to keep her fit and social. Horses weren’t met to be left to die in their stalls or turned out to pasture and forgotten.

“Well, she’s had her day, I suppose,” he finally managed.

“I’m glad to see she means a lot to you, more than just a prize barrel racer. I can’t tell you how many owners would just put her down if they felt she was no longer useful.”

“And you would do that to her if I asked?” Jake questioned.

“No, I wouldn’t. First, I would try to give you other options. Then if you insisted, I would advise you to consult another vet. Of course, some would do as asked. Animals, sadly, aren’t afforded the same rights as humans.” She shook her head.

“Do you think they should have the same rights?”

“Yes, I do,” she said and rose to her feet.

Jake looked away. “I can’t say that I agree with that in all cases.” He patted the mare’s flank.

“You spend a lot of time with animals, don’t you?” she asked.

How do you know?” Jake scratched the side of his face.

“Because I see them.” Dr. Hart opened her arms and gestured around her. “Your horses, dairy cattle, and even the chickens. They are all healthy and seem content. You have no idea how many farms and ranches I go to where that’s not the case — even in the short time I’ve been here. Once, I had a gentleman who lost his entire heard of cattle just from neglecting them. By the time he realized how ill they had become, I couldn’t save them.”

“I thought you weren’t familiar with large animals?” Jake cocked his hat back.

“I didn’t say that! I said I wasn’t accustomed to treating large animals on a regular basis. Before coming here, my patients were mostly house pets. But occasionally I filled in for another vet when he was out of town — to take his emergency calls. He was a large animal vet.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Do you?” she asked.

“I believe I’m beginning to get the picture.” Jake flashed her the best boyish grin he could muster.

“Okay. I have to get going. I’ll be back tomorrow to check on your girl.”

“Thank you, Dr. Hart.”

“Please, call me Vanessa. You’ve been to my house and brought me flattened petit fours. Surely that means we are friends.”

“They weren’t flattened before you fell on them…Vanessa.”

They were both still laughing when Tucker’s voice cracked across the two-way radio.

“There’s been a terrible accident. Bring the emergency kit…and…bandages…towels. Something to stop the bleeding!”

“Who’s hurt?” Jake bellowed into the radio.

“It’s Randy…I’ve already called EMS, but they can’t get down this far. I told Todd and Shannon to head for the road…show them where to turn so they could at least get to the pasture. He’s bleeding real bad, man,” his voice crackled.

“I’m on my way!”

“I’ll go with you,” Vanessa whispered.

“It’s a man, not a horse.”

“And I’m the closest thing to a doctor you have right now,” she explained placing her hand on her hip.

“True enough. Come on. We’ll take the ATV.”

Vanessa followed him out but headed toward her camper. “I’ll get what I can from my mobile unit. I have some bandages and painkillers that can be used on a human, if necessary.”

“Meet me back here,” Jake yelled over his shoulder and took off running toward the house.

Moments later, Jake had a bag filled with towels, tissues, alcohol and such and Vanessa had a backpack slung over her shoulders. They ran to his ATV parked beside the barn. He strapped the bag to its rack before throwing his leg over the seat. Vanessa hesitated.

“Coming?” he coaxed.

“Yes, sorry. I haven’t ridden one of these things since I was a kid,” Vanessa said eyeing the machine.

“If you don’t want to go, we’ll make do until the paramedics arrive.”

“No! I’m coming with you,” she told him, climbing on behind.

Jake turned the key and replied, “Wrap your arms around my waist and hold on tight.” She did as she was told then leaned against him. Under different circumstances, he would have been acutely aware of her presence, but he was so worried about Randy he could only think about getting down to where they were stringing new fence. They spun away bouncing haphazardly across the rougher portions of the pasture until they reached the outskirts of his property.

“Thank God. He’s bleeding bad,” Tucker shrieked as they arrived. He was standing shirtless. Jake could see he had used it to try and stop the bleeding. Before the ATV rolled to a stop, Vanessa had jumped off and ran to help.

“What happened?” Jake asked as he gathered the bag and followed behind.

“He was cutting a new post. The chainsaw bounced back and caught his leg.”

Dropping to his knees, he pulled the towels from the bag. “God,” Jake muttered.

“What’s your name?” Vanessa asked him.

“Randy,” the teenager grunted.

“Okay, Randy. I’m going to take a peek. I need to assess the wound. Don’t worry.” Vanessa’s voice was reassuring as she placed her hand softly on his chest. Leaning down, she pulled back the shirt now sopped with his blood. Instantly, the blood spurted up onto her face. When Jake glanced at her, alarmed, she shook her head only slightly, letting him know it looked grim as she pressed the shirt back down on the wound.

“Okay, Jake, I need you to fold up some of those towels. We’ll use them for bandages. I’m going to use the sleeves of his shirt to make a tourniquet.”

“I understand,” Jake replied trying to stay focused. The blood, there was so much of it. Images flashed through his mind — wounds and blood, screaming. It was clear today was going to be a rough one on him too.

“Jake?” Vanessa’s voice sounded caring.

“Yes?”

“You’re still with me, right?” she asked.

He swallowed hard. “Yes. Yes. I’m here.”

“Alright then. Get a couple of towels ready.” She looked into Randy’s wide eyes and reassured him again. “You’re going to be fine. Just hang on for a few more moments, then I’ll help you with the pain.”

“Now!” she shouted to Jake. Jake pushed the heavy towels against Randy’s leg as she repositioned the shirt above the wound and began twisting it. She worked quickly, until she had tied the tourniquet up securely, and then sat up straight for a moment. Jake watched as she reached into her bag and retrieved a clean needle and a vial of something.

“Randy, I’m going to give you a shot now. It won’t knock you out because the doctors are going to need you alert when you get to the hospital. It’s just a local anesthetic that will ease the pain a bit and help to constrict the blood vessels around the injury.”

Randy nodded as beads of sweat poured down his brow. By the grimace on Randy’s face, Jake could see the poor kid was in tremendous pain. Finally, off in the distance, Jake could hear sirens.

“Thank goodness…The ambulance is almost here.” His words were more like a prayer than a statement.

“Can we do anything?” Tucker asked. He had been hovering nearby, pacing.

“Call his parents so they can meet him at the hospital. Do we have their number?” Jake asked.

“I do,” Shannon replied, breathless from running up the hill.

“Call them, Shannon,” Tucker told him. “Call them and hand me the phone.”

Shannon did as instructed, pulling a cell phone out of his pocket before handing it to Tucker. Jake stayed in place, holding the towels against the wound while Vanessa adjusted the pressure of the tourniquet. Jake listened as Tucker explained to Randy’s parents what had happened, but assured them he was receiving medical attention and that EMS was about to transport their son to the hospital. “They’ll most likely take him to Cedar Hill. It’s the closest emergency room.” Tucker explained. By the time he ended the phone call the ambulance had made it across the field, and its sirens were silent.

“We need to get him down the hill, Jake. Can we move him, Vanessa?” Tucker asked.

“Yes, you can move him. We just need to make sure the tourniquet is tightened, and do it quickly.” Vanessa ordered. With Tucker’s help, Jake carried Randy to the ATV. Vanessa hopped on the back and rode with them down the hill. The ambulance bumped along the pasture in the distance, led by Todd on another ATV. It seemed like it was taking forever to get there, but Jake knew they had to reduce their speed to keep from dislodging everything on board.

“How are you doing, Randy?” Vanessa asked.

“It’s better. Doesn’t hurt quite as much.”

“That’s good,” Vanessa told him, though her expression said something different.

Jake could see why. The injection she had given him might have taken off the edge, but he was not out of danger. His face was pale, pasty and his lips were a bit blue. He had lost a lot of blood. Thank God the ambulance was pulling to a halt. The driver came rushing over with a medical bag, followed seconds later by two others emerging from the back with a stretcher.

“What have we got here?” the driver asked.

Vanessa spoke up, giving him a quick rundown of what had happened and her wound assessment. She told him that she had given him a local anesthetic. After the EMS guys rewrapped Randy’s leg to help keep the pressure on, they started an IV. Five minutes later the driver said, “Alright, let’s get him in the back and get him to the hospital before the feeling returns in that leg.”

Randy looked up, licked his dry lips and whispered, “Will you be able to save it?” Jake could feel the fear in the young man’s voice.

“Not up to us, son. The doctors will have to take a look at you, but I’d say you stand a good chance of keeping it.” The driver gave Randy a thumbs up and walked back to the cab. Randy nodded feebly and lay his head on the white pillow. Seconds later, the ambulance was bumping back across the field behind Todd again.

Jake stood awhile peering across the pasture and watched until the ambulance was out of sight. The late morning sun was bright. Vanessa placed her hand above her eyes and watched too. Finally, Jake looked over at Tucker and said, “I think we’ll call it a day. I want you to keep the cattle in the side pasture and pick up where you left off here tomorrow. Send the others home.”

“Sounds good,” Tucker replied. “Come on, guys. Let’s head for the barn.”

Turning toward Vanessa Jake said, “I guess I best let you get out of here and on with your rounds. I’m sorry we kept you so long.” He took off his hat and mopped his sweaty brow with the sleeve of his denim shirt. “But I, for one, am very grateful you were here. I wouldn’t have had a clue what to do other than stop the bleeding.”

“I think some folks might get passed over today,” Vanessa said as she glanced down at her watch. “I’m going to have to go back home and get a shower before I go anywhere else.”

Jake looked at her, noting the blood splattered all down her shirt. There were spatters dried on her face and neck, as well.

“I don’t want to sound out of order, or anything, but you are welcome to take a shower up at the ranch house to save time. I have a clean shirt you can borrow if you like.”

She examined his face for a moment as if looking to see if there appeared to be any untoward intentions there. He really hadn’t had any when he offered, but he could see how it might be misconstrued.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind. It would save me the time of going all the way back across the county.”

“Then let’s get you on your way,” he replied.

Jake strapped his bag onto the ATV, and she put her backpack on before climbing on behind him. This time, without the sense of urgency, he was very much aware of her breasts pressed against his back as they made their way across the pasture toward his home. Jake found that he was a little nervous as they parked in front of the house and went inside. After all, he was a private guy who rarely had a guest inside other than the ranch hands.

“Shower’s down there in the guest room.” Jake pointed down the hall. “Let me find you a clean shirt. Then, I’ll give you some privacy,” Jake told her, before heading off to his room.

She stood looking a bit awkward in the hallway as he retreated into his bedroom at the end of it and fished through a bunch of clean unfolded shirts stacked on his bed. He had still been sleeping under the covers with them piled in the middle waiting for his maid to come back to work.

“Here you go,” he told her, returning with a tee shirt. “There are clean towels and anything else you might need in the closet just inside the door.”

“Thanks. I appreciate this.”

“I’ll leave you to it then. I’ll be in the front room.” Jake started to add “if you need anything” but decided it sounded like a line out of a poorly written porn movie. He didn’t want to give her the wrong idea or make her skittish. Instead, he left it at that.

“Thanks. I’m sure I’ll manage,” Vanessa told him.

He walked back down the hallway and stripped off his bloody shirt and slipped on his favorite tattered t-shirt with cut off sleeves. Then busied himself looking through a stack of bills that he had not yet opened. Glancing up at the clock and realizing it was almost eleven he felt a ball welling up in his stomach. He was going to have to get busy soon and leave for his meeting with Kessler. Otherwise, there would be hell to pay. He heard the faint squeak of the shower knob; a signal Vanessa was finishing up. Then he heard her shuffling about. His mind conjured up the image of what she might look like in there, naked, her smooth skin glistening with moisture. He shook off his X-rated thoughts when he heard the guest room door open and turned to watch as she emerged.

“Thank you,” she told him on her way down the hallway.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, with a warm grin.

“The shirt will be a huge hit with the other ranchers,” Jake noted. “I couldn’t resist.” The truth was that it was the least wrinkled, but he couldn’t deny that he liked the idea of her walking around with a shirt that read Renegade Ridge in blood red letters.

Vanessa looked down, pulled the shirt away from her and asked, “What or where is Renegade Ridge.”

“Didn’t you notice the ranch’s brand on the sign at the entrance to this place?” Jake asked.

Nodding, she replied, “Yes, but I thought it just meant this was the Double R Ranch.”

“Nope, Renegade Ridge,” Jake grinned and laid the mail back on the table. “I named it that since I was always told by my mother that we had Indian blood in us…on her father’s side.”

Jake watched as Vanessa’s eyes surveyed his body. It was the first time she had seen his tattoo. A large Indian chief in full headdress. She walked closer and ran her soft fingers over his bulging shoulder muscle and down the side of his left arm; touching his tattoo as if it had a texture.

“I like it…very unique. But I got a feeling there’s more to the renegade story than this.” Then she looked into his eyes, and said, “Your eyes are brown…maybe….”

All the sudden she stepped back as if she had been struck by something invisible and a look of panic passed over her beautiful face. “Uh…you…I don’t suppose you have a hair dryer, do you?” Eying his neatly cropped hair, Jake could tell she was assuming her request was ridiculous.

“I don’t. I can go borrow one from Tucker if you like. He keeps one in his bathroom down at the cabin for his girlfriend when she comes over.” Jake laughed.

“That’s okay. I need to get out to the mobile lab and get going,” Vanessa replied scrambling to grab her pack.

“Mobile lab. Right, I can’t believe you kept that hunk of junk when you bought the practice,” Jake teased.

“Had to, can’t afford a new one just yet,” Vanessa replied as she hustled toward the door.

“Of course. I understand that all too well.”

“I guess I’ll get on my way then. I need to see if I can’t earn a few bucks today. I’ll have to call and make apologies to a few people as it is.”

“Let me walk you out.”

As he showed her back to the front door and watched her walk to the old camper, he realized that he already missed her being there and wondered if she might feel the same. Especially, after the way she acted after touching his arm. He was really going to have to get a grip on himself. Nothing good could come of a relationship with her. After watching Vanessa drive down the gravel lane, he closed the door and went to grab a sandwich. His meeting with Kessler was only an hour away.

****

Jake picked up his hat. After placing it squarely on his head, he started for the door. Thunderclouds were building when he pulled under the wooden sign hanging above the ranch’s entrance branded with the words Renegade Ridge. Turning north, he headed toward the south part of town and past the house where Karen, his fiancé, once lived. Shaking his head he wondered why he had thought about her after so many years. Driving on, the thought came and when and it was replaced by a sinking feeling that whatever Kessler wanted, he wasn’t going to like — he never did. It had been a mistake to get himself tied up with the man, but it was too late to turn back now.

As he approached the low storefronts, he passed a young man pumping gas whose white Nike’s were pristine. His athletic shorts two sizes too large drooped down over his hips. A festoon of at least two gold chains hung around his neck. Further on, he noticed a woman with disheveled hair, wearing a baggy red dress and flip-flops grab a pack of cigarettes the cashier had slid under a barred window. When he pulled up to the Pink Kitten, he was met with pounding music coming from inside the club.

It was just before two when he walked in — right on time. Two girls with svelte bodies and full breasts were up on-stage dancing and spinning around poles. Jake couldn’t help but notice the only stitch of clothing they were wearing was a tiny swatch of pink sequined fabric half the size of the back of his hand. The one with dark hair blew him a kiss just before she bent over and shook her bare butt at him. Jake averted his eyes. He didn’t get his kicks watching women gyrate for money.

“I do love how you are always so prompt, Jake, for our little meetings,” a breathy voice said from nearby. Jake turned to see Kessler walking toward him, flanked by two large, angry looking men with arms bigger than their necks — his bulldogs. Kessler himself was a wormy little bastard with glasses and freckles. His gestures had a slight hint of femininity, Jake had noticed before. His looks were deceiving, though. Kessler was quick, and he was deadly. Cross him, and he was just as likely to slit your throat before you knew it as he was to sick his two henchmen on you.

“I never keep a girl waiting,” Jake said dryly.

“Girl, huh? I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that. Your lucky day. I’m in a good mood.”

“Yeah, lucky. That’s me.” Jake peered into his eyes unflinching.

Kessler stepped closer. “You got a payment for me?”

“Nope.”

Kessler shook his head and motioned for the two men to move forward. They grabbed Jake by either arm and held him. “What am I supposed to do with you, Jake? You were in a crunch, and I helped you out. Now, it’s time to pay up, and you can only trickle in a few dimes here and there. I need my money back, now!”

“I don’t have it,” Jake replied.

He struggled to free himself from the two human piles of excrement holding him, but their iron grips closed even harder. Jake was still shaking his head. Then, Kessler pulled out a small knife from his pocket and flicked it open. It wasn’t one that he could use to stab him to death, but it looked razor sharp. He could certainly do some serious damage with it slicing and dicing.

“I don’t think I can keep giving you a pass, Jake. I’ve reduced your bill for services rendered and applied the pathetic payments you have given me and your balance is still far too outstanding to just overlook. I guess I’ll have to take my pound of flesh instead.”

“Do what you have to do,” Jake replied, bracing himself for what would come next.

Kessler stepped forward and placed the shiny blade to his cheek. His laugh was chilling as he dragged it slowly downward. He felt the sting of the steel against his face, slicing into his skin. Warm blood oozed out an trickled to his neck — Jake waited for more.

The rank smell of Kessler’s breath, a mixture of alcohol and cigarettes, was nauseating when he stepped even closer and whispered, “That is just a tiny taste of what I will do to you if you don’t start paying up. I’m going to give you an assignment that needs to be completed this week. It will buy you another week beyond that to get me the payment you owe me. Miss the deadline and your debt becomes payable in full. I’ll take it in cash or flesh. Your pick.”

“That’s generous of you,” Jake said snidely, the taste of blood now seeping into his mouth as he bled more freely.

“Yes, it is generous of me,” Kessler replied curling up his lip and exposing his yellow teeth. “1762 Palmyra Lane. Agatha Selman. She, too, missed her last payment. You need to collect her payment or give her a very stern warning that will result in it being paid within the next forty-eight hours.”

“Fine,” Jake replied, not familiar with the woman’s name. He had no idea if he was dealing with a young mother or an old widow, but either way, he didn’t relish having to lean on a female. Still, what choice did he have?

“Let him go,” Kessler said to the two men.

Jake yanked away from them as they loosened their grip and blotted away the blood with the sleeve of his shirt. He heard Kessler taunting him as he left, but didn’t stop to reply. Instead, he made his way out to his truck and climbed inside. Glancing into the rearview mirror as he backed out, Jake could see that one side of his face was covered in blood, but he couldn’t make out how deep the cut was. He turned around and pulled onto the highway, headed toward Palmyra Street.

This was just another punishment for him. He knew that. Usually, the people Kessler sent him to strong arm were low lives and druggies. He didn’t have any remorse about having to knock them around a little or threaten them. The truth was that Kessler could just as easily send his two bulldogs, but he'd rather force Jake to do it just to be spiteful. Now, he was sending him to push around helpless women. Jake wanted to turn around, to go home and just deal with whatever came to him, but if he did, he wasn’t the only one that would suffer.

Pulling up to the house, he couldn’t help but notice that it was once a very nice place. It had apparently fallen into disrepair in recent years. The weed filled yard had not been mowed in months. Who knew what the reason might be? Taking a deep breath, he put the truck in park and reached for the small packet of Kleenex he kept in his console. Jake wiped away the blood on his face and neck. The thin cut had stopped bleeding. There was still a little blood on his shirt, but it would have just to stay.

He stepped out and knocked on the front door, surprised when it was opened by a teenage boy, maybe thirteen or fourteen. Jake muttered under his breath.

“Can I help you?” the boy asked, his gaze zeroing in on the bloody collar of Jake’s shirt and then back up at his face.

“I need to see your mother,” Jake told him.

“She’s in bed. Sick.”

Jake figured the boy was lying. He was very skilled when it came to gauging people’s reactions. It was part of his military training. The kid had looked away and dropped his voice an octave or so when he said the words. If that wasn’t enough of a giveaway, the slightest creak on the staircase behind him revealed that someone was attempting to slip close enough to hear but not be seen.

“What sort of woman sends her child to answer the door for loan sharks?” Jake called out past the boy.

The boy looked stricken and looked quickly back in the direction of the stairs. He was terrified. Jake hated that, but he hated that his mother had sent him instead.

“That’s just our dog,” the boy quickly explained.

“Right,” Jake replied, pushing his way through the door and past the boy toward the stairs. He stopped in his tracks as he got a good look at the woman standing there. She was maybe in her mid-thirties or early forties, but it was hard to tell due to her almost translucent coloring and drawn face. She wore a cap on her head to hide an absence of hair, but the lack of eyebrows gave away the fact that she had lost any she may have once had.

Jake stood looking at her while she peered back at him through vacant, tired eyes that reflected more resignation than fear. He said nothing, turning to walk back out the door. He wasn’t doing this, no matter what the cost.

Swallowing hard she asked, “Kessler sent you, didn’t he?”

“Yes,” Jake replied, as he watched her finish descending the stairs.

“To hurt me? To hurt my son?”

Jake shook his head. “To give you a chance to pay or a reminder of why you shouldn’t be late. You have forty-eight hours to make good.”

“You won’t hurt my boy?” Her eyes watered as she gripped the banister.

“I won’t hurt either of you. I didn’t know you were sick. I’m leaving.”

“What will happen to you?” she asked, catching Jake by surprise.

Jake shrugged and replied, “I don’t know.”

“If you hurt one of us, they will leave you and us alone for forty-eight hours?” she asked.

“Yes, but I’m not going to do that.” He peered into her eyes.

“I have a sling. I will wear it in case they come by to check. Tell them you broke my arm and that I said I’d get the money within the two days.”

“What?”

“Just do it.”

Jake nodded and closed the door behind him. He felt like throwing up as he put the truck in reverse and backed out, heading back to the ranch