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“Now, I knohat you’re thinking, girl,” Jasper said “But Bull wants to palaver It appears tohiet a move on”
With a grumble of acquiescence, Rose climbed back inside the caht At this point she had nothing to lose After all, Bull could only get so mad
Minutes later, she’d dressed, swept back her hair, and splashed her face in the creek That would have to do At least it would be good enough for facing Bull
Jasper opened the door of his pickup for Rose to cliun”
“I didn’t expect you to You h I’ to have ine roared as the heavy tires bounced over the ruts and hollows “Lord, girl, you can’t stay out here alone It isn’t safe”
“I’ve survived worse than this, Jasper” Much worse, Rose thought And if the cartel ever tracked her down
Her thoughts shifted as the heart of the Rimrock Ranch cas that provided a home for people she cared about, in spite of her differences with Bull Could she count on theht about Bull and his sons, about Bernice and Jasper and the hands who’d treated her with respect and kindness No, she couldn’t risk these precious people If the enemy came after her, she would face thee
Jasper pulled the truck up to the house Only the dogs rose froreet they heads The boys would be off to school by now, and Bernice was probably busy in the kitchen As for Bull
But that remained to be seen
Jasper accompanied her up the steps and across the porch but paused at the door “Aren’t you co her ally
He shook his head “Not this ti boss You’re on your own”
“At least wish me luck”
“You’re going to needher a push through the open doorway “You go for it, girl”
Chin up, Rose walked through the shadowed great roo room The table was set like a feast for royalty with platters of hae, fresh biscuits, fried potatoes, and Bernice’s airy scras from beyond the closed kitchen door told her Bernice was there, but Rose guessed that the woman had orders not to disturb her boss
Bull sat like a king at the head of the table, his face a study in stone “Sit down, Rose” His deep, gravelly voice revealed nothing “Have some breakfast”