“You know him?” “Know the stories.” “Then you know what happens if this isn’t finished.” Coulter surveyed the ranch again. Barn. Windmill. Fences. Chute. Road. Then he looked up at...
“What are you listening for?” twelve-year-old Mary had once asked. “Tomorrow,” he had replied. She had thought he was teasing. Now she wasn’t so sure. Before dawn, Isaac left oats,...
“What stories?” “Fletcher stories.” Susan looked directly into his pale eyes. “You knew I was coming?” “In a town this size, strangers become news before they become acquainted.” He descended...
Someone photographed Clare wrapping wire around a cottonwood while one beaver floated nearby. The picture appeared online with the caption: BEAVER SWAMP RANCH NOW HIRING. At Crawford’s Feed & Tack,...
Lenora stopped. “And every time you showed fear, somebody added another rope.” Another step. “People think fear means you need holding harder.” Nightshade did not retreat. Lenora’s voice dropped. “I’ve...
For the first time, anger showed behind those gray eyes. “I have been told I’m worthless since I was thirteen.” Jed said nothing. “My aunt said I ate too much....
“You always this encouraging?” “No.” She drank her coffee. “The scared ones can be helped. Injuries worry me more. The chestnut’s hoof needs at least ten days before I tell...
“And if I object?” Jed spoke before the sheriff could. “Object from over there.” A muscle moved in Poole’s cheek. Then he looked at Netty. The calm mask slipped. Not...
The next morning she folded the blankets. The morning after that she swept the floor. By the end of the week, she had dragged a sack of beans from the...
She hated the unknown man waiting somewhere above her. But hatred generated heat, and heat kept people alive. So Clara picked up her bag and climbed. Twice she fell. Once...
Abigail’s voice cracked despite her efforts. “But before you do, understand that there is a man in St. Louis who intends to sell my labor to pay a debt my...
“Are you now?” Clara considered lying. “No.” Something changed behind his eyes. “That,” he said quietly, “might be more dangerous.” He walked out. Clara stood motionless beside the medication tray...
“At this exact moment?” “Yes.” “You.” He seemed surprised by the answer. “Most people wouldn’t admit that.” “Most people aren’t five hours into a twelve-hour shift and covered in pit...
“Did you just give me attitude?” His eyebrow moved again. She laughed so loudly she covered her mouth. “Oh, you are definitely in there.” Giovanni’s eyes warmed. No one had...
“What?” Sadi’s heart hammered. She almost apologized. Almost backed away. Instead she pointed. “The black thread.” Carmine’s voice hardened. “What about it?” “It’s wrong.” Cole gave an incredulous laugh. “Excuse...
“You’re the linguist?” Patrick asked. “Tessa.” “Matteo said waitress.” “I’m both.” Patrick nodded toward a sideboard. “Black jacket there. White shirt. Guests think you’re temporary staff from the caterer.” Tessa...
Genevieve knew exactly what Arthur expected her to do. Ask for police protection. Leave Mateo. Enter a system Arthur believed he controlled. So she did the one thing Arthur clearly...
They met with Leo behind closed doors. Whenever Nora entered a hallway, conversations stopped. She did not ask questions. Rule one had been clear. Still, she noticed things. Dominic’s gunshot...
“Who?” “The girl who remembers.” Mr. Hayes forced a smile. “Mr. Moretti, shall I have the penthouse prepared?” Lorenzo glanced at his watch. “No.” The manager looked confused. “No?” “I...
“What?” “My name.” She looked even more frightened. Employees did not call Maximilian Russo by his first name. He put one arm around her waist. “Inside.” “I can walk.” “You...