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“I’m with Tanner,” Bull said “Before they showed up here, those boys were running drugs for the Cabrera cartel Whatever they told you, I don’t trust them Neither should you”

“What about you, Jasper?” Rose asked “You drove them up to the line shack What do you think?”

“I think you’d best leave well enough alone,” Jasper said “We sent those two boys up the mountain to keep you safe I know they’re like family and all, but the less you have to do with them, the better As for your bein’ worried about the boys They can look out for themselves”

“And if they’re up to no good, that’s for ht the cold glimmer in Bull’s blue eyes At that ends he’d heard about the man were true

“So I’m outnumbered three to one,” Rose said

“Don’t go up there,” Jasper said “If you want anybody to check on those boys, we’ll do it”

“When?” Rose demanded

“To Satisfied?”

Rose sighed “All right Take ”

At her trailer, he walked her to the door and took her in his arainst his chest “Are we good?” he asked “Are you sure you’re not mad at me?”

“I’ht,” she said, stretching on tiptoe to kiss hiood day tomorrow”

As always, he checked around the yard and gave a wave toward the other side of the creek, in case Reuben atching—which he likely wasn’t, since they’d seen hiht

Driving back to the ranger post, Tanner realized that his earlier unease hadn’t gone away His worry about visiting the line shack had co forward to a day with Rose to?

In his law enforceut instincts ButTake it easy, he told hi to be fine

Rose aiting when Tanner cao on the sides The sky was clear, the weather h beautiful canyon country As she climbed into Tanner’s truck and fastened her seat belt, Rose was glad she’d been overruled last night This was a rare day to relax and enjoy being with Tanner, not to worry about whatat the line shack