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“If your son remembers anything, anything at all about Burke Foster, have him give me a call.”

The old man nodded and walked us to the door. As we stepped out onto the porch, Art followed us out and glared at us. “I don’t know nothing about Burke Foster,” he repeated, his voice low and threatening.

I met his stare, not backing down. “We’ll be in touch, Art,” I said, and then turned to leave.

As Billy and I walked down the front path, I could feel Art’s eyes on us. I had a feeling he knew more than he was letting on. I made a mental note to keep an eye on him.

Back in the squad, Billy turned to me. “You think he knows something?”

I shrugged. “Maybe. But I think he’s scared.”

“Scared of us?”

“Nope. Scared of Burke Foster.”

Dry Run Roadhouse.

The weatherman who had a hate on for Montana said we were supposed to get more snow and Billy wanted to get back to the ranch and clean up the lane before it started snowing again.

“We won’t stay long. One pitcher and we’ll stay long enough to find out how Savanna is doing. Jack probably went to the hospital today.”

“You got a thing for her, boss?”

“What do you think?”

Billy smiled. “I saw the real deal and I know better.”

“Yeah, you do.”

Jack grinned when we sat down at the bar. “Heard you guys were busting your butts out there today.”

“Freezing our butts is more like it.”

“Bitch of a day,” said Billy.

“I was stuck in here and I didn’t notice.” Jack laughed and I gave him the stink-eye. In return, he gave me a pitcher of Miller on the house.

“Thanks, Jack. You go to the hospital today?”

He nodded. “We’re doing better. A lot better.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” I reached across the bar and gave Jack a fist bump.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

I did the barn chores while Billy plowed snow and kept an eye on the dogs. There wouldn’t be any bears coming around with the noise of the tractor, but you never know, and I couldn’t take any more chances with Max. He wasn’t as strong or as fast as Sarge now.

After Outlaw was set for the night, I whistled for the dogs, took them inside and fed them. While they were munching on their kibble, I started the woodstove in the front room. The house always felt warmer with the stove on as well as the furnace.

One glance at the calendar as I left the kitchen, and I knew my weather worries would soon be behind me.

Chapter Five

Friday, October 12th.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

First thing every morning, as soon as I opened my eyes, I checked my phone for a text or a message from Annie. Since she’d come up here when Max was injured and in crisis, my life had only one purpose—to make up for all the pain and hurt I’d caused her since the day we met.