I don’t bother to glance in his direction and grab the horn of my saddle, put my foot in the stirrup, and push off with my other leg to get my ass on the horse. It’s better to stare down at the asshole than to be on the same level. Taking the reins I try to keep Ten steady when he shifts in place, itching to get moving.

“Firstly, Hemwig wasn’t pointing the damn thing at my head. Secondly? The old fart uses rock salt. Besides, it’s none of your damn business how I handle shit in my own damn town, Marvin. Why are you even here?” Shit. I shouldn’t have asked that. “Never mind. Not my business and I couldn’t care less. Stay out of the way I do my job or I’ll lock you up again. Only this time I’ll throw away the damn key.”

I give Ten some freedom of reins and he takes full advantage and pretty much starts galloping as soon as he can. Curling my tongue, I give a sharp whistle and Wrench follows us down the road. About twenty minutes later we arrive at the Iron Hot Blood ranch.

Swinging my leg off my horse, I jump to the ground and lift my chin in greeting when I notice Rourke, the president of the Iron Hot Blood motorcycle club. I grew up with him, along with all the other members of this MC.

He’s talking to Luke who is leaving today and I give him a wave too. Luke is moving to Figor’s ranch. They’re basically an MC like the one I grew up in, but they breed massive dogs as well. With them connected to our parents, some of them came to barbecues every now and then, and that’s when Luke fell hard for Figor’s daughter.

They’ve been fighting their attraction for a while now, especially with them living far away and different lives, but I guess Luke finally decided there’s only one thing he needs in his future…and that’s Mabel.

“Don’t be a stranger,” I quip in Luke’s direction and he shoots me a grin in return.

I should stay at my own place, but the apartment above the sheriff’s office doesn’t give me much space to harbor my horse. Hence the reason why I still have a room here and bounce around whatever suits me. Most times I crash at the apartment, other times I need a complete break and rather stay at the ranch where it feels homey with my family.

Though, work has been crazy the past few weeks. We need at least another deputy, and an undersheriff since the last one retired. It’s why I’ve been pulling double shifts and am tired as hell all day, every freaking day.

“Nice ride?” Rourke questions.

Wrench plunks down in the pasture and Rourke falls in step beside me as I guide Ten into the stables.

Ignoring his question, I decide to throw him one in return, because as the president of an MC he would be aware of another MC president in town. “Did you know Marvin is back?”

Rourke releases a deep sigh. “Yeah, that’s why I was waiting for you. I’m guessing you already ran into the fucker, eh?”

“Oh, yeah,” I grumble and grab the halter to remove Ten’s bridle.

Rourke is leaning against one of the stable’s support beams. “Did Marvin mention why he’s here?”

“Nope.” I loosen the cinch and remove the saddle.

“Let me guess, the fucker put his foot in his mouth again before he got a chance to tell you.”

“Yep,” I quip and let my hand glide down Ten’s leg to take his hoof and start to pick it clean.

“They still haven’t caught the serial killer.”

I move to the other leg. “I know, Rourke. I get updates because the serial killer left two dead bodies in this town before he moved on to the next town. Well, one is still questionable since she was killed six years ago.”

“The killer might be circling back here,” Rourke states.

I let go of Ten’s hoof to place my forearms on his back and stare at Rourke. “Are you shitting me?”

“Sadly, no. I don’t have all the details. Marvin mentioned he wanted eyes on you at all times and that he’d explain once he got here.”

Chuckling, I get to work on picking Ten’s hind legs when I sincerely tell Rourke, “Thanks for not following that asshole’s orders. You know I can damn well take care of myself.”

I place Ten’s hoof back on the ground and let my hand travel over his ass when I walk behind him.

“Like I said, I was waiting for you to get back.” Rourke shoves away from the support beam. “I know the guy is a pain in the ass to you, but every damn time his actions are founded by a protective streak. We’re talking about a serial killer here, Kathleen, it’s not petty crime.”

Anger flares up inside me. Why the hell is Rourke taking Marvin’s side? I’ve been fighting for what feels like all my life for my own place in a man’s world to get the career I have now. I deserve to be the damn sheriff without being questioned if my having a vagina would complicate shit.

We wouldn’t be talking right now if I had a cock between my legs. Dammit. I work hard and stay sharp by always adding more certificates. My father knows I pursue a variety to build knowledge and skills, it’s valuable to specialize in more than one area. I don’t get why one guy walks into town and suddenly everyone questions my abilities.

I’m glad I’m done with Ten and ignore Rourke as I lead my horse into the stall.

Rourke sighs as if he’s the one with all the issues. “Just hear him out, Kat. The man is only doing his job.”