Page 38 of Jonathan

Tearing his mouth from hers, he surged to his feet, drawing her up with him.

“Was that gunshots?”

“It seems that way.” His expression was grim as he dug out his phone. “It might be poachers or wild animals.” He pressed the icon. “Billy, what the hell was that?” he listened for a second, his expression hardening. “I’m on my way.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Someone tried to rob the place.” He was dragging her along to get to the horses. “I will see you back to the cabin.”

“I can go by myself…”

“Not a chance.” He hoisted her up on the back of her horse, before practically jumping into the saddle. “Lock the door and don’t let anyone in.”

Chapter 10

For several minutes, he stood there staring at the carnage and counted five of their prized cows, shot dead and piled on top of each other.

The entire ranch had been roused, and the men were milling around, dazed and waiting for him to instruct them. He had already contacted the main house and was reassured that everyone was accounted for.

Lifting his head, he lasered a look at his foreman. “What happened? Who did this?”

“We’re still trying to ascertain…”

“I noticed Sullivan nosing around the place, right after I came back from taking the meal to you.” Bull stepped forward; his wizened face grim. “He appeared shocked when I happened by. When I asked him what the hell he was doing, he brushed it off with that slick smile of his and said he could not sleep.”

“Where is he now?”

Before anyone could respond, there was a shout from the direction of one of the barns.

“Boss! It’s Jack! He was attacked. We found him stashed between two bales of hay. Head wound.”

“Call the damn sheriff and the paramedics!” Jon was already running towards the barn.

“Alread done.” Mel stopped for a minute to catch his breath. “He’s passed out cold.”

“What the hell’s going on?” Running towards the area, Jon crouched down to stare at his ranch hand. The wound was on his left temple and was oozing blood. “Grab me a cloth or something.”

Someone handed him a rag. Pressing it against the wound, he held it there.

“Has anyone done inventory? Was anything taken?” He broke off as the man slumped into the corner, moaned and opened his eyes.

“Boss.”

“Don’t try to move, the ambulance is on its way. What happened?”

“Sullivan.” He whispered hoarsely. “I surprised him when he was trying to douse the barn with kerosene oil. Before I could do anything, he cold cocked me. He has a rifle.”

“Where is he now?”

Jack shook his head and winced. “I don’t know.”

“Where the hell is that ambulance?”

“It’s here now, boss, and the sheriff and his deputy are coming up the driveway.”

“I am sorry, boss.”

Giving the man a grim smile, Jon assured him he had nothing to be sorry about. Rising, he stepped back to allow the paramedics to do their job and strode out to deal with the sheriff.

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