Page 56 of Big Daddy Sheriff

Quinn grabbed Don’s rifle as he ran past.

“I’ll take that,” he said.

“What the heck?” Don protested. He then passed out, the alcohol having reached its full effect.

“Drop that gun!” Quinn yelled at the masked man who wasn’t on the ground, sputtering with a face full of water.

The guy seemed to consider bringing his gun to bear on the marshal, but that long rifle pointed in his direction clearly made him think twice. Plus, Theo was on the scene now with his own pistol out and ready for action.

But Quinn could see the guy wasn’t going to give up that easily. Based upon the enraged expression he wore—and the anger burning in his eyes—he still had some fight left in him.

Quinn could guess what he was thinking: Maybe he could overpower them and get out of there. At least that way he’d have a chance and wouldn’t have a murder charge hanging over his head. He was desperate. And Quinn had enough experience to know desperate men were dangerous.

The guy bowed up and stepped forward, as if ready to fight, but Quinn was ready, too.

With lightning speed, he tossed the rifle up, caught it mid-air by the barrel, and used it like a club, swinging the stock until it made contact with the hitman’s head.

The masked outlaw fell to the ground, groaning for a moment before he passed out cold.

The driver of the car tried to speed away, but the firemen were ready.

They aimed their hose at it and sent the blast of water through the open window. The driver couldn’t see a thing, lost control and slammed into a nearby light pole. The airbag deployed, hitting the masked man hard in the face.

He, too, passed out. Just like his friends.

And poor ol’ Don.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

It didn’t take long for things to settle down in Big Cedar.

With the news that Lana and her thugs were being held behind bars—and the hitmen were in county lockup, awaiting their own trial—life was peaceful. And amazing.

Better than amazing, Alyssa realized.

It was a dream come true.

Quinn took her up into the mountains so she could have a good view of land she was now calling home.

He was behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist, as they stood against the railing of the scenic overlook.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, marveling at all the rolling green mountains.

“You’re beautiful,” he said, kissing her neck.

She giggled.

“When are we going to go to Little Rock to get all my stuff?” she asked.

“When do you want to?”

“I have until the end of the month to be out of my rental.”

“Will it bother you to go back to that town?” Quinn asked.

She cast a glance over her shoulder. “Nothing bothers me with Daddy by my side.”

“Mmm. I like the sound of that.” He turned her in his arms and leaned down to kiss her.

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