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“Somebody better catch that damned horse” Will’s jaas clenched He had to be in excruciating pain, but he was playing the tough guy, determined not to show it

“The horse will be fine” Beau used the water in Sky’s canteen to flush the wound “Right now all thatyou to the hospital”

Sky was still on the phone, speaking, then waiting and speaking again, his voice a low staccato

“Make sure they have antivenin,” Beau said “He’s going to need it”

Sky asked a few more questions, ended the call, and shook his head “A helicopter can be here in twentyin tomorrow”

Beau swore The antidote for rattlesnake venoiven intravenously within the first couple of hours Tomorrow could be too late For all he knew, Will could be dead by then “Try Aot to have some”

Sky frowned “WaitNatalie should have antivenin She keeps a supply for dogs”

“Call her,” Beau said

While Sky speed-dialed Natalie’s nu the bandana around Will’s thigh The whole leg had begun to swell Will purpled the air with curses as Beau retied the cloth “Bad?” he asked needlessly

“Hurts like bloody hell” Will spat in the direction of the dead reptile “And the ti to boss the roundup?”

“The lanced upward “The helicopter should be here soon Just be quiet and take it easy”

“I could use a shiskey”

“Not a good idea, brother”

Sky had ended the call “Natalie’s got antivenin It will be fastest if she drives to Lubbock; she should get there about the same time the copter lands”

An eternity seemed to pass before they heard the drone of the red and white Life Flight helicopter Refusing to stay quiet, Will had spent the interis Sky doubtless already knew Even in his dire condition, Will couldn’t let go of his duties