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They hitched their horses outside the jail, the mid-morning sun already heating the streets of Mystic. As they entered, Sheriff Brodie Gaines looked up from his desk, his eyes sharp and alert.

“Mornin’,” he greeted with a nod, his gaze lingering on Annalee. “What brings you to town?”

Elijah leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Have you heard anything, Brodie?”

The sheriff’s face grew grim. “The information Josh provided seems to be right. Word around town is a gang might be planning to hit the bank during the Fourth of July celebrations. Guess they figure with all the commotion, it’d be the perfect cover.”

“The celebration is just two days away,” Annalee said. “How can we stop them?”

“That’s what we need to figure out,” Brodie replied, his gaze sweeping between the Beckett siblings.

As they delved into plans and strategies, Elijah found his thoughts drifting once again to Molly. He wondered if she’d be at the celebrations, camera set up, oblivious to the danger lurking around her. The urge to protect her surged through him, surprising in its intensity.

“Eli?” Annalee’s voice cut through his thoughts. “You still with us?”

Straightening, he pushed thoughts of Molly aside. “Yeah, I’m here. Let’s figure this out.”

Brodie leaned back in his chair, his weathered hands resting on the desk. “I’ve taken some precautions. Deputized a handful of trustworthy townsfolk. Each one knows how to handle a gun and is willing to stop anyone who attempts to rob the bank. They’ll be keeping their eyes peeled during the celebrations.”

Elijah nodded, his jaw set. “Smart move. Who’d you pick?”

“Doyle Shaw, Casper Jennings, Josiah Jarvis, Farley Byrne, and Doctor Caleb Wainwright,” Brodie replied. “Folks who can handle themselves if things go south.”

“Doc Wainwright?” Elijah shook his head. “I never figured him for someone who’d fight.”

“He was an Army doctor, posted out here in Indian country before he got out. He’s seen his fair share of fighting,” Brodie said.

Annalee leaned forward, her eyes bright with determination. “What about me, Brodie? I’m as good a shot as any of them.”

Brodie’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “Annie, I know you’re capable, but—”

“But nothing,” she interrupted, her voice firm. “I won’t sit idly by while our town’s in danger.”

Elijah watched the exchange, a mixture of pride and concern for his sister warring within him. He knew Annalee was tough as nails, but the thought of her in harm’s way made his stomach churn.

“She’s right, Brodie,” Elijah found himself saying. “We need capable people we can trust for this.”

Brodie sighed, running a hand through his thick hair. “All right, Annalee. You’re in. But you stick close to me or Elijah, you hear?”

She beamed. “You got it… Sheriff.”

As the meeting wrapped up, Elijah’s thoughts once again drifted to Molly. He needed to see her, to make sure she was aware of the potential danger.

“I’ve got some business to attend to,” Elijah announced abruptly. “How about I meet you both at the Golden Griddle in a bit?”

“Fine with me,” she answered.

Brodie and Annalee exchanged a knowing look, but Elijah pretended not to notice as he strode out of the sheriff’s office.

His boots pounded on the boardwalk as he made his way toward the Mystic Hotel. Elijah barely noticed the intense heat, his mind focused solely on Molly.

As he entered the hotel lobby, the cool air was a welcome relief. The clerk behind the desk looked up, surprise evident on his face at the sight of the taciturn rancher.

“Mr. Beckett,” he greeted. “What can I do for you?”

Elijah cleared his throat, suddenly feeling out of place. “I’m here to see Miss O’Sullivan. Is she available?”

The clerk’s eyebrows rose, but he nodded. “I’ll send someone to fetch her. Please have a seat.”