Joshua wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the horizon as he thought of Faith.
“What if I’ve gone and ruined everything?” he muttered.
The soft thud of approaching hoofbeats caught his attention. He turned, squinting against the sun, to see two familiar figures approaching on horseback.
“Brodie,” he called out, climbing down from the roof. “Beaumont. What brings you two out this way?”
The sheriff dismounted, his eyes sharp beneath the brim of his hat. “Joshua.” He nodded, his voice deliberate. “Got some news. Your family around?”
A knot formed in Joshua’s stomach. “Most of them. Everything all right?”
Nash Beaumont, still astride his horse, scanned the area. “Best gather everyone, Josh. Sheriff’s got some important information to share.” He slid to the ground, his gaze still watchful.
“I’ll call them out.” He walked toward the main house, calling out, his voice carrying across the yard. “Grayson! Cody! Everyone, come on out. Brodie’s here!”
As the Becketts emerged from various corners of the ranch, Joshua couldn’t help wondering if this visit had anything to do with Faith. Was she in trouble again?
Grayson, ever the protective oldest brother, was the first to reach them. “What’s this about, Brodie?”
Joshua studied the sheriff’s face, searching for any clue. Brodie’s expression remained impassive, but there was a tension in his broad shoulders.
“Let’s wait ’til everyone’s here,” Brodie replied, his voice low. “This concerns all of you.”
As the rest of the family gathered around, a heavy silence fell over the group. Joshua’s gaze flickered between his siblings, noting their worried expressions.
“All right, Brodie,” Cody said. “We’re all here. What’s got you riding out here near the end of the day?”
Brodie took a deep breath, his gaze meeting each of the Becketts’ in turn. “There’s been a development with the outlaws,” he began, his words measured. “And I’m afraid it might involve your ranch.”
Joshua’s breath caught in his throat. He glanced at Grayson, seeing his own fear reflected in his brother’s eyes.
Brodie’s voice was tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. “We’ve been tracking the outlaws for almost twenty-four hours now. They appear to be riding north toward Helena.” Resting his hands on his hips, he shook his head. “I’m afraid we’ve lost the trail.”
Joshua’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Surely, there must be some trail to follow.”
The sheriff’s piercing gaze reflected the weight of his responsibility. “That’s just it, Joshua. These men are like ghosts. The posse searched between Mystic and Bozeman, then combed through Gallatin Canyon. It’s as if they’ve vanished into thin air.”
Grayson stepped forward, his voice tight with concern. “Are you saying there’s nothing more to be done?”
Brodie’s jaw clenched. “I’m saying, we’re doing everything we can with what we’ve got. But the truth is, our resources are stretched thin. We can’t abandon the safety of Mystic to chase shadows across the territory.”
Annalee listened as Brodie spoke, and as always happened, she found herself drawn to his presence.
To his strength and giving nature. She watched him intently, noting the way his broad shoulders tensed with each word, the furrow in his brow deepening as he explained the challenges they faced. Her heart ached to see him so burdened.
“Is there anything else we can do?” Annalee asked. “Maybe we could organize a search party, or—”
“It’s too dangerous,” Brodie cut her off, his tone gentler than before. “Your offer is generous, but I can’t risk civilian lives on a search this dangerous.”
Annalee’s cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head, hoping no one had noticed. But someone had. Joshua caught the exchange, a flicker of understanding passing across his face.
“So, what happens now?” Joshua pressed, trying to refocus the conversation.
“We keep our eyes and ears open. Double patrols around town and the surrounding ranches. And I’m asking all of you to stay vigilant. Report anything suspicious, no matter how small it might seem.”
As the family absorbed this news, Joshua noticed the subtle shifts in their demeanor. Cody’s jaw muscles twitched while Grayson’s hands flexed at his sides. Nathan’s gaze darted to the distant hills, as if expecting trouble to come riding over them at any moment.
But it was Annalee who held Joshua’s attention. She hadn’t taken her eyes off Brodie, her gaze a mix of admiration and worry. He watched as she took a small step closer to the sheriff, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re doing everything you can, Brodie. We all see that.”
Brodie’s eyes softened as they met Annalee’s, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. “I appreciate that, Annie. More than you know.”
The moment stretched between them, charged with unspoken emotions. Joshua glanced at his mother, wondering if she noticed the exchange. His mother’s knowing smile told him she had.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep Mystic safe,” Joshua declared. “You have our word on that, Brodie.”
“I know I can count on the Becketts. Always have.”
As Brodie and Nash prepared to mount their horses, Joshua stepped forward, his azure eyes glinting with resolve. “Mind if I ride along with you fellas?”
Brodie nodded, a hint of understanding in his expression. “Sure thing, Joshua. We’d welcome the company.”
Joshua turned to his family. “I’ll be back before sundown.”
Heading toward the barn to saddle Jupiter, he considered the best way to approach Faith about the confession he’d made.
“You ready, Josh?” Brodie’s voice echoed from outside.
“Coming,” he called back, leading Jupiter out into the yard.
As he swung into the saddle, Joshua couldn’t help but notice the knowing looks exchanged between his siblings. Nathan’s smirk, in particular, rankled him.
“Something amusing?” Joshua asked, his tone light despite the nervousness churning in his gut.
Nathan chuckled. “Just wondering if you’d pick up the latest edition of the Gazette while you’re in town.”
Not willing to be dragged into mentioning Faith, he shrugged. “Be happy to.”
As the three men rode away, his thoughts drifted to a certain woman with green eyes, blonde hair, and a stubborn character stronger than most men he knew.
“You seem distracted,” Brodie observed, breaking the silence. “Something bothering you?”
Joshua forced a smile. “Nothing important. Let’s pick up the pace.”
The three men urged their horses forward, the uncertainty of what lay ahead spurring them on.
When they entered Mystic, the late afternoon activity of the town enveloped them. The familiar sights and sounds filled Joshua’s senses as his gaze darted toward the newspaper office.
“I’ll be heading to the jail,” Brodie announced, reining in his horse. “Josh, if you have time, stop by before you leave town.”
“Will do.”
Parting ways, Joshua’s anticipation grew. He guided his horse down the street, his heart pounding when he spotted Faith through the front window of the Gazette office. As he dismounted, a commotion erupted from the Starlight Saloon across the street.
The doors burst open, and two men stumbled out, locked in a heated brawl. Joshua recognized one as Tom Hawkins, a rancher with a hot temper. The other was a stranger.
“You cheatin’ snake!” Tom swung wildly at the stranger.
Joshua hesitated, torn between intervening and continuing to the newspaper office. The decision was made for him when he caught sight of Faith stepping onto the boardwalk, drawn by the noise.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Faith’s expression was a mix of surprise and something causing Joshua’s heart to skip a beat.
The moment was shattered by a pained cry. The stranger had gained the upper hand, pinning Tom against the hitching post. A knife appeared in the stranger’s free hand.
Joshua’s blood ran cold. Who was this man, and what had started the fight? As he walked toward them, ready to intervene, he caught Faith’s attention once more. The determination in her gaze matched his own.
With the stranger’s back to him, Joshua’s hand inched toward his pistol. But before he could act, the scene before him changed in an instant. He stood rooted to the spot, his hand hovering near his holster as he watched the scene unfold before him.
Aggie Price, her graying hair pulled into a tight bun, had emerged from the Golden Griddle with surprising stealth.
In her hands, she wielded a heavy wooden rolling pin like a seasoned warrior.
Before the knife-wielding stranger could react, Aggie brought the improvised weapon down hard on his wrist.
The man yelped in pain, his grip on the knife loosening. Tom, seizing the opportunity, ducked and rolled away from his attacker.
“You meddlesome wench!” the stranger snarled, whirling to face Aggie.
Joshua’s gut twisted. “Aggie, get back!” He began drawing his six-shooter when he spotted Brodie rushing toward the widowed co-owner of the Golden Griddle.
“Aggie, step away,” Brodie called.
Ignoring the sheriff, she stood her ground, the rolling pin raised defensively. “I don’t take kindly to threats against my townspeople.”
The stranger’s eyes darted between Aggie, Brodie, and Joshua, clearly reassessing his situation. “This isn’t over,” he growled, backing away slowly.
Brodie advanced, his gun trained on the man. “I believe it is. You’ve got about ten seconds to get out of town before I arrest you.”
As the stranger retreated, disappearing down an alley, Joshua rushed to Aggie’s side. “Are you all right?”
She nodded, her breathing slightly uneven. “I’m fine. How’s Tom?”
Joshua’s gaze shifted to Brodie, who stood next to the stunned rancher. “The sheriff’s helping him.”
“Tom, you okay?” Joshua heard Brodie ask.
He rubbed a swelling jaw. “Thanks to Miss Aggie here.”
She smiled modestly. “I’ve found a rolling pin has many uses beyond baking.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Joshua couldn’t help chuckling. “Remind me never to get on your bad side, Aggie.” His expression sobered as he turned back to Faith, who stood a few feet behind him. “We should talk. I’ll walk you back to your office.”