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She faced hiher step “I’ve waited eleven years That’s long enough”

“Tomorrow, Rose I’ve had a rotten day I don’t need this”

“All I’h to make it clear where we both stand You owe me that much”

“I owe you ? Damn it, I saved your life”

“And you tookfor you on the porch”

Gru, Bull followed her up the steps The woo aithout a t

aste of his blood Too bad he couldn’t just swat her and go in the house

The beer, as pro on the side table next to the rocker Bull sank into the chair, popped the cap, and downed half the bottle in one long swig It wasn’t his favorite brand, but it was cold and tasted good Night-flying insects buzzed around the porch light The y country music, drifted from the bunkhouse across the yard

“What happened to your car?” he asked as Rose took a seat opposite him

“I sold it to buy the truck But that’s not e’re here to talk about” When Bull didn’t reply, she continued “I stopped by the courthouse earlier and checked the deed to my property My name isn’t even on it Just yours”

Bull had anticipated that much and had his answer ready “You’d just killed a et you out of the country and wipe out any evidence that you were ever here—that included your name on the record If I hadn’t done that, there could still be a warrant out for your arrest”

Her derisive snort told hiht of that explanation “Jasper told , and how you were acquitted You could’ve brought me back then”

Bull finished off the beer “It still wasn’t safe for you here Ha hauled hi that you shot him”

“So why did Ferg blame you?”

“Because he could He could put ood and then hire soh that wouldn’t be Ferg’s style He doesn’t like getting his hands dirty What I’ as you’re here, you’ll be in danger”