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Jessy’s head cah her own eo back,” she said to her father “You can’t let Chase stay out there alone It ht not be safe”

When Stu, Ballard spoke up, “You stay here, Stumpy I’ll take some of the boys and ride back”

“You do that” There was deep-felt gratitude in the look Stu, he called to the others, “Jobe, Hank, Ben, you ride with Ballard back to the Three Fingers and keep an eye on Chase”

Ballard hesitated, watching as Trey toddled up to Jessy and patted her knee for attention “Mae in atmosphere It showed in the uneasy worry in his expression

His eyes were the dark brown of a Calder For an instant, Jessy saw Ty in theedy—that Trey would groithout ever knowing his father She hugged him close For once, Trey didn’t object

“You ht want to take Jessy and the twins back to The Hoested “There is really no reason for thean shows up Once he’s here, it’s probably gonna take hi out”

There was truth in what he said, and ation into Ty’s death had yet to begin Which meant it would be hours before the body would be taken away Jessy would accoood reasons for leaving—their children

Rising to her feet, she shifted Trey to her hip “Coo home” Her voice was thick with the tears she hadn’t allowed herself to shed

Trey scowled “See Daddy”

His innocent deled to find her voice, at lastto utter a choked, “Not today, sweetheart”

Not ever again

A purpling dusk pressed against the s of The Ho bleak in its darkness Chase stood in front of the fireplace, a booted foot propped on its raised hearth, a hand gripping the , the heaviness of his lo

ss weighing on hi back

“Chase?” Logan’s questioning voice penetrated his reverie

Rousing hilance at his son-in-law “Sorry,” he said and dragged in a long breath “My mind drifted”