Page 82 of The Outlaw and the Heir

"Rapture's going to need to know," he continued. "And we're going to need to get the men who’ll be fightin' on high alert. We need to make sure we don't get taken by surprise."

"No one leaves the ranch without at least three others with them, and always armed," I said, glancing at my sister. "Which means no more adventures."

"Thank you for clarifying that for me," she said and I could hear her rolling her eyes even though her face never changed. "But since we're apparently laying down demands like they're the law, I will be learning how to shoot."

Our father watched her for a moment, a single eyebrow rising ever so slightly. "Is this where I'm meant to pretend you haven't had Walter teaching you in secret for years?"

Elizabeth blinked, but that was the only indication that she was surprised at his knowledge. "Walter isn't the best shot. He's a patient teacher and enjoys it, but not the best. I need better. Actually, I need best."

I knew what was going to happen next, and my father's eyes slid over to me. He didn't have to change his expression significantly, and we both knew it. One of the lesser-known facts around the ranch was that we had yet to find someone who was as good a shot as I was. I wasn’t ashamed of that fact. I was quite proud of it, actually. I just didn't like to brag about my accomplishments, especially when shooting was basically a killer's skill, and despite having taken a few lives in self-defense, I didn't see much point in bragging about my ability to kill.

"I'll do what I can," I said with a sigh, ignoring the curious look Elizabeth shot me because she hadn't known how good a shot I was.

"Then, with that settled, I’ll get to work assembling the men and sending a message to Rapture," our father said, draining his drink and standing up. "Since we've been alerted, they might try to go for the town itself or even one of the other ranches. Ambrose, go deal with the men and make sure they're not getting skittish on us."

"But—"

"Samuel will be in whatever state he’s in whether you're there or not. After you've made sure we don't have a panic on our hands, you can go make sure your charge is fine. Otherwise, do your duty."

"Yes, sir."

"Good, Elizabeth?"

"Yes?"

"You seem intent on doing more than staying in this house."

"Definitely."

"Then ask Hipolita to help scrounge up clothes that will be better for working on the ranch and see if she can't do some alterations to them. Last I checked, she's the deftest hand with needlework that we have."

"There's the other man that came with Samuel weeks ago," I pointed out.

"His expertise lays elsewhere, and you were smart to put him to work like you did. Careful hands like that are wasted on hard labor," he said, setting his glass aside. "But Hipolita is the one who has the most practice with women's clothing. But we should have him size her up for boots. Those riding boots of hers are for a lady, not a worker."

"I'll tell him," Elizabeth said, and I figured she was leaping savagely on the chance to exert some control and autonomy, "after I get properly cleaned up and check on my children."

Joseph stirred. “And me?"

Our father looked at him for a moment. “You are where you need to be. This sort of thing isn't for you. What I will need is for you to prepare the ranch financially. If Le Garou really is in the area like we damn well know, then we need to be prepared. We're going to take hits to our trade routes soon if they aren't cleaned up, and we're going to need to order weapons, bullets and more medical equipment. Talk to the Doc once he's done with Samuel. I'm sure he has all the right connections for us to buy good, well-priced medical supplies."

It was ironic that my brother, who prided himself on his mental acuity and business acumen, was suddenly irritated by being reduced to a bookkeeper and merchant while the ranch was on high alert. Perhaps Samuel was rubbing off on me, but I couldn't help feeling smug at the sight of his frustration and helplessness. The man had spent his entire adult life doing whatever he could to insult and belittle not only me but what I did, and now those were being given importance over anything he’d done.

"That's all," our father said with a dismissive wave. The first to move was Joseph, who glowered fiercely at me as he stomped out. The intimidation factor was ruined by the blossoming bruise on his face and the fact that he hadn't put up the slightest fight. Elizabeth and I followed him, though his angry strides took him far ahead in seconds.

"Where's Bear?" she asked, looking around.

"He was off exploring when the bells went up, and I haven't seen him," I said with a shrug. "If he's not waiting on the porch for me, then I’d place good money that he's with Samuel or near the door waiting for him."

Elizabeth chuckled at that. “He's quite taken with Samuel, isn't he?"

"Bear? Yeah, I guess so. It was a little strange at first since he's normally around me."

"Well, they say dogs know things about people that we don't, and we should trust their judgment. Seems there might be something to that after all."

"I...yeah, I guess there might be. But...areyou okay? Don't give me that look," I added hastily at her scowl. "You've never been through something like that before, and it can...it can be a lot."

She narrowed her eyes. “Would you ask one of the men that? Or is it just because I'm a woman that you feel the need to ask?"

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