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Reed shook his head, his lips curling in a bitter twist. “Put the gun down, Sheriff, and I’ll let him go.”

“Fair enough. I’m a reasonable man.” He dropped his arm, his finger still on the trigger, even though it was pointed at the ground.

Mona didn’t trust him. Something about the hard look in his eyes spelled danger.

Reed shoved Dusty forward and raised his hands. “I’m not armed. You have no reason to shoot.”

“You’re a black belt in karate. I’d consider that armed.” Lee glanced at Braxton. “Cuff him.”

The deputy moved forward with the cuffs out in front of him.

Desperation swelled in Mona. She couldn’t afford to lose both Dusty and Reed. That would leave only Jesse and Fernando to help her run the six-thousand-acre ranch. Hell, she might as well just help the rustlers load the cattle.

When Deputy Braxton came at Reed with the cuffs, Mona flung herself into Reed’s arms. “Oh, thank God you’re okay.” Then she turned to Parker Lee, whose jaw was twitching on one side. “I’ll be pressing charges against Dusty for attacking me, Catalina and Jesse.”

“You’ll have to do that at the station, after I book Mr. Bryson.”

“But you can’t arrest him. He was only protecting me and Jesse.”

“Just watch me.” She held on to Reed’s hand, refusing to let the deputy cuff it.

“Move aside or I’ll arrest you for obstruction of justice.”

“Parker Lee, you wouldn’t know justice if it hit you square in the face.” Mona’s lips pressed into a thin line.

The sheriff held out his own set of cuffs. “Braxton, if she doesn’t move, cuff her too.”

Reed grasped her shoulders, turning her toward him. He stared into her face, his hands sliding, warm and reassuring, down her arms. “It’s okay, baby. I can handle this.”

“But he hates me. I should never have involved you in my problems.”

“If I didn’t want to help, I wouldn’t be here.” His hands dropped to hers. “Now go home. I’ll be there as soon as I can post bail.” He set her aside and dug his hand into his pocket.

“Hold it right there.” The sheriff’s gun was up again and pointed at Reed’s chest.

Mona’s breath caught in her throat. Was Parker stupid enough to shoot the man with a dozen witnesses standing around?

Reed pulled his hand out of his pocket slowly and held up his truck keys, a tight smile tugging his lips. “Afraid I’ll pull my keys on you, Sheriff?”

The crowd of onlookers laughed.

A flush stole under Lee’s skin. “You won’t need your keys where you’re goin’.”

“Since the streets of Prairie Rock aren’t safe, I’d like Jesse to take my truck back to the Rancho Linda.”

“There’s nothing wrong with the streets of this town.” Sheriff Lee’s back stiffened.

Catalina snorted. “Sure as hell is, when the sheriff arrests the wrong man.”

Mona agreed with a nod.

Reed held out his wrists to the deputy. “I’m just glad to see the law making the town safe for its citizens. There’s nothing like doing what’s right and honest by the people who elect you. Is there?”

Braxton slammed the cuffs against Reed’s skin.

Though Reed’s face didn’t change, Mona winced for him. That had to hurt. But Reed wouldn’t give the sheriff or his deputy the satisfaction of knowing.

Her heart swelled for a man who’d been a stranger to her yesterday. From what she could see so far, he was decent, honest and stood up for what was right.