“This isn’t proper, Isabella. You need to come home. Decent young women don’t move in with strange men.”

“I haven’t moved in with him.” He hadn’t asked. “I’ve just been visiting. We’ve been formulating the contract that you agreed to. Plus, he’s not a stranger, Uncle. You know his reputation, Benedict is a fine man.”

“Come home. If he wants to court you, let him do it the right way.”

Isabella paced across the floor of Bull’s cabin. She knew she had to go home sometime. She was just so afraid that if she walked away, he wouldn’t come after her.

“Renata’s parents called last night. They wanted to know if she’d been by.”

“What do you mean?” Isabella asked with concern.

“I’m not sure, they just hadn’t heard from her. Apparently, she didn’t come home last night.”

“Oh, my God.” Isabella stopped in her tracks. “I’ll try to call her.”

She was about to ring off when her uncle reiterated his position. “You need to come home, Isabella. You have responsibilities.”

My, how his tune had changed. “I’ll be in touch,” was all she said before she hung up to call Renata. When the call went straight to voicemail, Isabella grew more worried.

Knowing she needed to go home soon, Isabella resolved to talk to Bull about it. He’d left early again this morning, leaving her to putter around the house and follow up on the leads he’d given her. She ordered the banner he’d suggested and worked up the proposed details of the contract between them, that would give him a percentage of any sales generated by the contacts he made. Glancing at the clock, she rose to put a casserole in the oven for lunch, one she’d prepared earlier. When that chore was done, she tried Renata’s number again. As soon as the call again went to voice mail, Isabella shot off a text and an email, trying to reach her friend in any way she could think of.

Where are you? Call me ASAP, she typed, more worried than she’d like to admit.

To pass the time, Isabella flipped on the television, turning it to a local news program. Just listening to the show was enough, the voices of the reporters filled the silence. Working while the television droned on, she dusted the furniture and put a load of dishes in the dishwasher. Since coming to stay with Bull, Isabella felt more proficient at keeping house. “I’ve become a domestic goddess,” she quipped, grinning at the thought.

The noise coming from the TV was just that, until a familiar name jumped out at her.

Isabella whirled around just in time to see Benedict Carson Redford reaching into a van to save a baby from a carjacker. “Local cowboy, Bull Redford, proved himself to be a hero yesterday as he placed his own life on the line to save another.” 

Isabella sank into a chair, too weak to stand. “He didn’t even tell me,” she whispered.

…Outside, Bull was about ready to bash his head into the wall. “Don’t tell me this, Dax. I don’t want to hear it.”

“I’m sorry boss, the PRCA just sent out a health alert. There was a barrel-racing horse that tested positive for equine herpes virus in Decatur. Our stock was exposed. The vet confirmed it and we have to take precautions. Some of the horses are already showing signs of the disease. We’re gonna have to have them all checked and quarantine the ones that have it.”

“I thought our horses were vaccinated.”

“They were, but this is a new strain.”

“Shit. We’ll have to pull out of any events we have scheduled. No one’s going to want to get around our stock.” He pushed his hat back on his head and dry-scrubbed his face. “Make sure each animal has his own water bucket and hay net.”

“We’ll have to go buy more.”

Bull groaned, his cash was running damn short. “Put it on the credit card if you have to. Make sure you tell the men not to submerge the water hose in the buckets when they’re filling them and don’t share any tack, bits, or brushes between the horses.”

“Yes, sir, boss.”

“Take each horse’s temp and if any of them go over a hundred and one, call the vet.”

“Anything else, Bull?”

“Yea,” he sat down heavily, “clean and disinfect every trailer and anything the horses touched. You’ll have to notify the board about this. This is a damn serious matter.” He looked up at Dax. “We’ll lose some animals.” Bull was afraid they’d lose a heck of a lot more than that. “We might have to lay off some folks, Dax. Be ready.”

“Isn’t there anyone you could borrow money from? The bank? A friend? Your girlfriend?”

The suggestion infuriated Bull. “Fuck, no!” He stood up and shook his finger in Dax’s face. “And don’t you ever dare suggest that again! I would rather lose everything I have than ask Isabella for money!”

By the time lunch rolled around, he was just sick. Bull didn’t know if he’d be able to eat or not. He wracked his brain trying to figure out if there was any way in the world he could’ve prevented this. Bull couldn’t think of one, but he still felt like a fool. If he didn’t bring in revenue, he couldn’t make payroll. He’d also lose equipment if he couldn’t make his notes at the bank.

Even worse, Isabella would lose all respect for him. To see the light in her eye’s fade for him would be unbearable. 

With a heavy heart, he headed to the house. When he opened the door, a whirlwind of sweet-smelling woman launched herself into his arms. “I knew you were amazing! All you need is a cape to go with that cowboy hat and you’d be a superhero!”

His mind so full of troubles, it didn’t even register with him what she was referring to. “What are you talking about?”

“You saved that baby!” She hugged him again, kissing his neck and face. “You’re my hero! My cowboy hero! I’ve always dreamed of you coming to my rescue. I know if I ever needed you, you’d be right there!”

Her words just tore Bull’s heart out. He took her shoulders in his hands and pushed her back a little roughly. “Stop it. I’m nobody’s hero. I’m a hick cowboy with broken dreams. I can’t save you. Hell, I can’t save myself. This isn’t a fantasy, Isabella. This is reality.”

Isabella gazed at him, confused. “What’s wrong?”

“You don’t belong in my world, Isabella. And I don’t belong in yours.”

His blunt words stole her breath. “That’s not true. You are my world.”

“The sex is great, but that’s just a game we’re playing.”

Isabella began to cry. “No, that’s not true. You love me.”

He said nothing, just continued to stare at her.

“Benedict, please.”

He still said nothing. Bull was dying inside, trying to hide his feelings from her was taking a toll.

“Do you want me to go?” she asked in a small voice.

“Maybe that would be best.”

She dropped her head, all the strength leaving her limbs. “I’ll be gone before you return.”

Desperation and despair ate at his soul. He had to get out of here before she looked at him again. He couldn’t bear to see the tears in her eyes.

Turning his back on her, Bull walked into the kitchen. “I’ll just get a drink of water.”

“There’s food in the stove.”

He couldn’t eat. Hell, he couldn’t breathe.

Bull stood at the sink, not enough will left to even fill a glass of water to quench his thirst. He could see Isabella’s reflection in the window, she was standing behind him, her arms wrapped around her waist as if trying to stay warm. “Don’t look at me, Isabella. This is for the best.”

He watched her slowly walk away. Hell. Bull was just about to turn on the water when his phone buzzed. Afraid it might be Dax about the horses, he pulled his cell from his pocket and checked. “Shit.” Another text from Carol. Glancing at the message, he laid the phone down. He just couldn’t deal with her BS now.

“Benedict?”

Isabella’s voice whispered behind him.

“Could I say just one thing?”

“I wish you wouldn’t.”

Isabella steeled herself to his coldness. When her parents died, there were things she hadn’t had the chance to say. Now, she vowed to never lose the opportunity to tell those she loved how she felt. “I just wanted to say thank you. We might not be together in the future, but I’ll always love you. I want to wish you every happiness and I’ll think of you. Everyday.”

Bull sat the glass down and made for the door, his boots making the only noise in an otherwise silent house. His heart was breaking. “Take care, Isabella.”

Isabella watched him go. She felt numb. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She didn’t understand.

A buzzing noise behind Isabella drew her attention.

Bull had left his phone. Walking near it, she could see the caller was Carol. Fearing something might be wrong with Luke, she answered. “Hello?”

“What are you doing with Bull’s phone?”

Isabella didn’t answer.

“Never mind, I’m glad you answered. Did he tell you yet?”

“Tell me what.”

“Bull and I have been talking. Luke can’t stop going on and on about his daddy. I want my little boy to be happy and I want my husband back. We’ve decided to reconcile. Bull never wanted the divorce in the first place. He can’t wait for Luke to be with him full time. We’re going to be a family again.”

 

 

Isabella learned cabs didn’t service Leakey, Texas. She was reduced to seeking out Bull’s foreman to take her to the airport. He’d been very subdued, almost cold. She wanted to ask him why, but she didn’t have the heart. As they pulled away, Isabella desperately sought one last glimpse of the man she loved. Her efforts were rewarded when he stepped out of the barn – a big, powerful, beautiful man. Their eyes locked and Isabella held his gaze until she couldn’t, but she kept his form in sight until the distance was too great to make him out.

The return flight to Mexico was much different than the one she’d made to Texas. Gone was the joy, only sorrow remained. On the way to the airport, she tried to call Renata again. When there was no answer, she phoned Renata’s parents and found them frantic. There had been no word, the authorities had been contacted, but no information was forthcoming.

Once she landed, Isabella retrieved her car from storage and left for Terra Dura. As she drove, tears began to flow. She tried to understand Bull’s decision to take Carol back. She couldn’t believe he loved his ex-wife, but she could believe he loved Luke so much that he’d endure almost anything to be with him. Isabella just wished she’d been important enough to his happiness that he would’ve wanted to keep her.

When she drove up to the ranch, things looked odd.

There was no activity.

None.

She parked in the drive, but no one came to greet her.

She opened the door and no one came to take her bags.

“Pedro! Magdalena!”

Silence.

Isabella looked out toward the barn and saw no movements, no men at work.

Odd.

Seeking answers, Isabella hurried through the house, crying out when she collided with Don Luis.

“Uncle!”

She caught her heart, then gasped when she realized her only blood relative was pointing a gun at her. “What are you doing?”

Don Luis smiled and shrugged. “Ensuring you don’t leave. We seem to have a problem, Isabella.”

“Problem? I don’t understand.” A horrid thought struck her. “Is this about Renata?”

“In a way.” He moved the gun in a gesture for her to back up. “We have much to talk about. Renata, Magdalena, me, and everyone else’s survival here at the ranch depends on your cooperation.”

“What have you done?” Fear spiked through her body.

“I hate things have deteriorated to this point, but your actions have set something in motion that I can’t control.”

“You don’t mean this, you wouldn’t shoot me.” She glanced around for a phone.

“Don’t test me, Niece. I have everything to lose.”

“What is this about, Uncle? Is it money?”

“It’s always money, but this is more, I’m afraid.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I know you remember the name Rodrigo Esteban.”

Isabella’s blood ran cold. “My father’s picador.”

“You were right to have your suspicions. He murdered your parents.”

Anger flashed up in Isabella and amazement that Don Luis seemed so calm. “Were you in on the plot?”

Her uncle shrugged. “I didn’t want my brother to die, I thought his men would confront him, talk some sense into him. I did ensure Rodrigo and your mother went to the private club that night. I didn’t know they’d be killed, but by the time I found out, it was too late.”

“What were you doing while my father and mother were being murdered, Uncle?”

“I was at a party.” He kept the gun trained on her, but went to fill a shot glass with brandy. “You have to understand, if I’d gone to the police, Esteban would’ve revealed my role in the affair. I might’ve avoided prison, but my role here with you would not be what it is today.”

“Your role here is over.”

He smiled and shook a finger at her. “Tut, tut. Don’t be so sure.”

“Is Esteban making you do this? Did he do something to Renata and Magdalena?” When Don Luis didn’t answer, Isabella continued to try and reason with him. “Turn Esteban in now, I’ll vouch for you. Help me rescue Renata, Magdalena, and the others and I’ll give you whatever you want.”

“I can’t. He has made a deal with the cartel, if something happens to him, I die. Esteban has taken your friend and the servants hostage. He has demands.”

“Demands? What kind of demands?”

“Patience. Patience. This is a long story.”

Isabella wanted to scream. Her whole world was crumbling around her. First losing Benedict, and now this.

“I’m not sure I want to hear it,” she said wearily.

“You don’t have a choice. I think if you’re going to lay your life on the line for something, you should understand what’s going on.” He pointed to the couch. “Why don’t you sit down?”

“I’d rather stand, thank you.”

He waved a dismissive hand. “Esteban is in the cartel’s back pocket, he launders money for them and they owe him. He won’t be arrested. I, on the other hand, am being blackmailed. I’ve been doctoring my horses, giving them steroids. I’ve thrown races for money. But now, he wants more.”

“What, more money? More what?”

Footsteps coming from the hall caused Isabella to jerk around her. Rodrigo Esteban stood there, carrying his own gun. “This is simple revenge, my dear.”

Isabella stared at Esteban. He was older, but still recognizable, with his hooked nose and close-set eyes. Even as a child he’d made her skin crawl. “You killed my family!”

She stood and ran toward him, her fists raised to strike him, but her uncle stopped her, clasped her arm and pulled her back.

“Don’t be a fool!” Don Luis yelled at her.

“Your father was a fool, thinking he could change history and tradition. His move hurt us all, he destroyed my career, my dream.” Esteban smiled at her, an evil smile. “And now I find out you are following in his footsteps. You are La Diosa.”

“How did you know?”

“You stood up to my bull, Hurricane. Did you not know he belonged to me? I’m surprised you survived. The bulls I raise are given an intensive…and painful training program. They are taught to fight, to resist, and to prevail. Failure is rewarded with punishment.”

Esteban’s words made Isabella want to throw up. “What do you want?” she screamed at him. “I’ll give it to you if it’s in my power, just don’t hurt my friends!”

“Yes, you’re right. This is in your power. Only you can stop this.”

“How?”

“I want you to fight one of my bulls. If you survive, the hostages will be released.”

“My death will make you happy?” She tried to fathom the depth of his evil.

“Very. Your father tampered with the order of things, the way of our people, my personal goals. His actions had to be curtailed and so must yours, La Diosa. You will fight Desperado. I am having him brought here from the states. Until then, you will contact no one.”

Esteban instructed Don Luis to take Isabella to a windowless room in the basement and secure the door. As he was guiding her to the makeshift prison, she couldn’t resist asking more questions. “Where are Magdalena and Renata? The others?”

“Somewhere safe.”

“What if I survive? What then?”

Don Luis scoffed. “You will not survive, he will ensure that – one way or the other.”

Seeing her uncle seemed to be in a confessing mood, she took advantage. “Did my father really die without a will?”

“Of course not. I stole it. After my brother and his twit of a wife were out of the way, I couldn’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass me by.”

“What did it cost to keep Esteban at bay all of this time?”

“I am paying him, you fool. He was content with that, but you ruined it when you threatened to cut me off. And when he found out who you are? He couldn’t resist.”

Isabella wondered how he found out about her, then she remembered the night at Hardbodies and him living so close, she realized there were many ways.

When he opened the door of the room and shoved her in, Isabella couldn’t resist one final question. “Did you know I was La Diosa?”

“Of course, I kept hoping you’d be killed. Unfortunately, you seem to have nine lives like an alley cat. After you whored yourself to the Texan, I was afraid you’d marry him. When Esteban confronted me with your identity, I decided to help him. He’ll end up with the ranch either way, but if I cooperate, he will let me live here until I die.”

Isabella shook her head. “If you trust him, you’re a fool.”

Once he left her alone, Isabella slid to the floor and cried.

Today, she’d lost everything.

She needed a hero, but the only one she knew, wouldn’t be coming to her rescue.

 

 

If Bull were flexible, he would’ve kicked himself in the ass to Austin and back. He’d done what he thought was best, but breaking Isabella’s heart was unforgiveable. If he closed his eyes, he could still see the sadness on her face as she’d gazed at him that one last time.

His day hadn’t gone from bad to worse, he’d already hit rock bottom when he pushed Isabella out of his life.

As far as how the rest of it went, he spent the time canceling events and making apologies. By the time this fiasco was over, the reputation of Redford Stock Contractors would be mud. It might not have been his horse that started the problem, but he’d helped spread the virus and that was all anyone would remember.

After hanging up the phone, Bull rested his head in his hands and wished for a quart of Jack Daniels to drown his sorrows in.

“Boss?”

“I can’t handle any more bad news, Dax.”

“I think you’d better listen to this. Armando says…”

“I don’t really care what Armando says.”

Bull hoped Dax would just go away, if he didn’t acknowledge him further.

He was wrong.

“This is important, Bull. Armando says that Esteban has Isabella. He’s taken her and her family hostage and is forcing her to face Desperado in the ring.”

Bull heard him, then tried to make sense of what he heard. “What the fuck did you say?”

Dax tried to explain. “Esteban used to bullfight with Romero Miguel, Isabella’s father. Armando thinks he killed the matador or had him killed. He doesn’t know all the details, but Esteban and her uncle are working together. I’m sure there’s money involved, not to mention that big ranch but…”

Bull held up his hand. “Tell me about Isabella, where is she now?”

“At Terra Dura, she’ll face Desperado in two days. Armando doesn’t think he intends for her to survive.”

Bull jumped up and slammed his hat on his head.

“Where are you going, Boss?”

“Mexico.”

…Bull used the time it took to drive from Leakey to Kerrville to come up with a plan. He was shaking like a damn leaf. The idea of Isabella at the mercy of some madman made his blood run cold. He knew if he could get to Canyon, Josh, and some of the others, they could help him think. He’d have to get a plane ticket, but there was no way he could take a gun on the airplane. He’d need a gun. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” he bellowed, slamming his fist on the steering wheel.

When he skidded to a stop in the back drive of Tebow, Bull was out of his truck and halfway to the blacksmith shop before his engine stopped running. “Brady!” he bellowed. “I need help!”

Canyon was standing over his anvil with a hammer in his hand. Jacob was with him, holding a piece of rebar in the fire. “What’s wrong, Redford?”

“I need to go to Mexico, Isabella is in trouble.”

He immediately had their attention. All it took was laying out the facts and Jacob got busy. Canyon called Josh and Josh called Mateo. Aron brought them all together and came up with a plan. “Performing rescues in Mexico has become our forte. After the family rescued me from that female drug lord, we rescued Noah’s mother from a serial killer. Don’t worry, we’ve got this down to a science.” He smiled, but he wasn’t being disrespectful. Bull was grateful he had someone to help him think.

“All I need is some quick way to get my hands on a horse and a gun once I get there. I’m planning on handling this myself. Isabella used to have so much faith in me, she thought I could take on the world singlehandedly.” He gazed at his friends with desperation on his face. “I want to earn that pure, sweet trust again.”

“You can take our plane, Noah will fly you.” Aron pointed at Mateo. “Do you know anyone near…?” He looked at Bull. “What the name of this town, I don’t remember?”

“Aguascalientes.”

“Yea, near there?” Still speaking to Mateo, Aron pulled up a map on his computer. “See, here it is, almost due west of Tampico, smack dab in the middle of the country.”

Mateo was already on the job. “I think so, let me speak to Sophia. I believe she knows a gentleman in the neighboring village of Jesus Maria who could help us with weapons and mounts.” He left to do so and Bull felt guilty for getting angry when the young man had shown his respect to Isabella. Now, he was grateful for any help these people could give him.

“Jacob, get a hold of Saxon and Micah to see if they can get us any in-depth information on the area and the ranch,” Aron continued, making notes and checking schedules. “It’s been so long since I’ve been there, I don’t remember much.”

“Aron,” Bull interrupted him, “I’ve been to Terra Dura recently. I know the layout of the ranch.”

“Good, we can mark that off.” Aron did so.

Bull continued thinking aloud. “We also have a man on the inside, so to speak. He’s not there, but he works for Esteban here.”   

“Talk to him, pick his brain. Ask him how many men we’ll be facing and what they’ll be shooting” He checked his watch. “We’ll leave here at six in the morning.”

 

 

 “Isabella!”

The sound of Renata’s voice brought her to her feet. “Are you okay?”

Renata hugged her tight. “I’m not much worse for wear. Don Luis brought me to you. I was throwing such a fit, it was either that or shoot me.”

“How is Magdalena?”

“She’s scared, like we all are.” She sniffed, running her hand over Isabella’s hair. “I always knew your uncle was bat shit crazy, now he’s proved it.”

“Where were they keeping you?”

“In the barn, they have the men all tied up in the tack room with just one man standing guard. What are we going to do, Isabella? How are we going to get out of this?”

Isabella held her head up high. “I will face Desperado and I will tame him.” She had no choice. She had no options.

“I heard the men talking, they say Desperado is not like the other bulls you’ve faced.”

Isabella felt her courage falter. She couldn’t let Renata see how she felt. “I will persuade him to submit.” She took Renata’s hands. “Either way, Esteban will be appeased and all of you will be released.” She hoped. She prayed. Isabella didn’t think she would be allowed to survive, no matter the outcome of the bullfight.

Her fate, at this point, wasn’t of consequence. As long as Renata and her friends were allowed to escape, she could handle it. “Take care of Lola for me. And Bonita, I give you Bonita.”

“Hush, we’ll both walk away from this.” Holding Isabella’s hand, she asked the one question Isabella had dreaded. “What of Benedict? Surely, he’ll…”

“No. He doesn’t know about any of this. We…are no more.” An epiphany dawned in Isabella. As if calming angel’s wings settled over her heart, she saw the end from the beginning. A smile came to her lips. “This is for the best. I’m glad he doesn’t know. I’m glad we parted before…” A peace that passed understanding enveloped Isabella. If Bull knew nothing of her fate, he would be safe.

…A little over eight hundred miles away, a Lear jet winged its way from Kerrville to Aguascalientes. Bull sat at the window and watched the clouds go by, his mind on Isabella. All around him sat his friends – Canyon, Josh, Joseph, and his new friend, Mateo. Noah was at the controls, he’d become the designated pilot after the family had decided to acquire a plane. For the other rescue missions, they’d borrowed their friend, Kyle Chancellor’s, jet - that he just happened to be the Governor of the Lone Star state was a bonus. After having seen how many emergencies could arise in such a big family, the McCoys relented and spent a little of the money they had squirreled back. Bull had heard Jacob laugh and say Aron still had the first dime he’d ever made and was holding onto it so tight, his fingerprint was plainly visible in the silver.    

“Hey, Bull, everything’s going to be okay. We’ll get there in time and snatch Isabella away before she ever gets within spitting distance of Desperado.”

“Thanks, Josh. I appreciate you all for coming with me.”

“It is our privilege to do this for La Diosa,” Mateo said with near reverence. He’d been doubly impressed to learn of Isabella’s secret identity. “She is very brave. If it were just the bull she faced, I know she would prevail. The evil men, this is who she must not battle alone.”

Bull had no intention of her facing either of them alone. He could still remember Dax telling him that Esteban was known to torture his animals to make them mean. Hurricane had been bad enough, but Desperado…he was a different monster altogether. He shuddered at the thought of his beauty facing the beast.

Before he knew it, Noah was landing the Lear. When they were ready to debark, Mateo hailed a man waiting outside with a long gooseneck trailer and a double-cab truck. Tony Salazar turned the keys over to Mateo with the news that a tool box on the back was filled with pistols, rifles, and ammunition. All the weapons were equipped with silencers. Once Noah had the plane secured and Salazar left the scene with someone who’d followed him to the site, the six men from Texas headed to Terra Dura. “We should have plenty of time, the plane hauling Desperado didn’t arrive until late last night,” Bull said, checking his phone to see if Dax had sent any more details he’d ferreted from Armando.

“What did Kane find out on Esteban?” Joseph asked as they pulled away from the airport.

“I didn’t get to talk to him very long, but I passed on the info Armando had fed us. Basically, he verified what details he could, but the best thing to come out of all of this is the rescue of Doff’s widow and Armando’s sister. They were found locked in an upstairs bedroom, both being held prisoner. If Esteban tries to return to the US, he’ll be picked up at the border.”

“How about Armando? What will happen to him?” Canyon asked, knowing more about the situation than the rest.

Bull shrugged. “I guess I have a new employee. I owe him one, don’t you think?”

 

 

Isabella was dragged from her basement prison before dawn, while Renata had been returned to wait with the other hostages. Apparently. Esteban saw fit to allow her to prepare herself. She was permitted to bathe and dress in whatever clothes she deemed appropriate. Isabella felt like a vestal virgin being prepared for sacrifice to a demon god. Only…she wasn’t a virgin and Desperado was no god. He was an angry bull, taught only to attack and attack and attack. His inbred anger had served him well in the rodeo ring, giving the cowboys the epitome of a challenge. None had lasted the full eight seconds, but the real test was not the ride itself, but the task of escaping the deadly horns and hooves of the bull once they were of his back. Desperado was dead set on killing whatever got in his way.

Since this was no ordinary fight, Isabella did not choose to wear the costume of a matador. She laid aside the garments of La Diosa and chose to wear a plain white dress with a scoop neck, no sleeves and a full skirt. She would wear no hat and carry no sword. The cape she chose was her father’s, the full red sail of Romero Miguel. In her hair, she wore a white silk rose, one belonging to her mother. She wished she had something of Benedict’s to carry with her, some talisman to cling to when facing her greatest battle. Since she had no such charm, she carried in her heart the love she felt for him, the love that still lived even though it was unrequited.

“Are you ready, Isabella?”

Her uncle’s voice broke through her reverie. “Is it time?”

“Yes.”

“I daresay you won’t be wishing me luck.” She knew she was worth more dead to him than she ever had been worth alive.

“I think the odds are stacked against you to such an extent that my sentiment will have little bearing.”

Isabella nodded and followed him from her room. As she walked through the hacienda, it occurred to her that this did not feel like home any longer. Perhaps it was the presence of those who wished her ill, a taint that permeated the very walls. Benedict’s small cabin was where she longed to be, the joy she had known there far surpassed any serenity she’d felt here since the death of her parents. More so than surviving, Isabella wished her father and mother’s killer could be brought to justice. As she walked, the notion that none of them would be allowed to escape rose in her breast.

The peace she’d taken comfort from fled and a new phoenix of courage rose from the flames.

She could do this.

Somehow, someway she would survive.

And when she did, she’d see Rodrigo Esteban pay for his crimes.