Page 60 of Deadly Revenge

She pointed to a spot where the pasture and trees made a V. “It was almost like someone was out there, watching us.”

“I didn’t see the reflection, but I agree that someone may be out there.”

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Max had learned to never ignore the sixth sense that told him danger lurked nearby. “I felt someone was watching while you were in the arena, but I couldn’t identify a threat anywhere.” He held Ace’s reins with one hand and rested his other hand on his gun. “Come on, boy.”

“When did you—” She stared pointedly at his gun.

“My Glock? I went after it while you were working with Ace.”

“So I’m not imagining the goose bumps on my neck?”

“No. This ever happen before?”

“Not before this week. The barn has always been my safe place.”

Max knew the feeling. He felt the same way at his parents’ farm.

Once they were in the hallway, he pointed to a side aisle. “Can we untack there?”

She nodded and led Ace around the corner to another set of crossties. She slipped the bridle off and the halter on, then hooked the crossties. Max helped her unsaddle Ace.

“Do you really think someone is out there?” Jenna asked.

“Something’sout there—even your horse sensed it.”

“It could be a squirrel as far as he’s concerned.” She’d tried for lighthearted, but her voice trembled.

“Maybe, but there’s no sense in taking chances, especially since Sebastian’s been—”

An ATV blasted by the barn door, and Ace tried to rear. They both grabbed his halter.

“That was Kirk,” Jenna said. “He was probably the one in the woods.”

“I’ll check and see.”

“While you’re gone, I’m going to hose Ace down.”

Max caught the boy before he hopped off the four-wheeler. “Hey there!”

The boy looked around at him. “Yeah?”

“You Kirk?”

He nodded.

“You spooked a horse.”

Kirk shot an uneasy glance toward the barn. “I thought they were all up,” he said, his tone defensive.

“Were you in the woods in the last fifteen minutes?”

“Why you want to know?”

“Just curious, that’s all.” Max drew closer as the boy dismounted the ATV. He pulled his badge from his pocket and showed him.

The boy’s eyes saucered. “I ain’t done nothin’ wrong.”

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