Page 105 of Mountain Refuge

His heart dropped to his feet as he pushed past the line of girls.

There wasn’t a place on Taya’s face that wasn’t covered in either bruises or blood. He dropped to his knees. “Oh, baby.” He took the gun from her hand and gathered her into his arms. “Let’s get you out of here.” Placing one arm behind her and another under her knees, he lifted her into his arms, kissing her temple. “An ambulance is coming.”

“Mason is in the barn.”

“I saw him. Is he the one who did this?”

“No. He ordered one of his men to do it.” She nestled her head into the crook of his shoulder. “That one.” She pointed to one of the men lying outside the building.

“Then, I’m glad Larson shot him.”

“Man, she doesn’t look good.” Larson frowned. “Ambulance just arrived. Have them take her before Rogers.”

“He isn’t dead?” She lifted her head.

“No, ma’am. You the one who used the pitchfork?” Larson’s mouth twitched.

“Guilty.” She tried to smile, then groaned. “I wanted him to suffer.”

“I’m sure you’re getting your wish.”

Ryan carried her past a stretcher that held Mason, minus the pitchfork. “Want to say anything to him before he’s wheeled away? It’s probably your last chance.”

“Yes, but I want to be standing when I do.”

He slowly placed her on her feet and stood close enough to catch her if she started to fall.

“You failed, Mason.” She lifted her chin. “If you survive your wounds, you’ll spend the rest of your life behind bars. Do you know what they do to child molesters in prison? Of course, you do. You once fought for the good side. I’d wish you luck, but you deserve everything you get.”

“Come on, sweetheart.” Ryan put an arm around her waist. “Let’s get you checked out.” He glanced into the pale face of evil, then turned away. The man didn’t warrant his attention. Once outside, he reluctantly handed Taya over to the paramedics, then glanced around for the girls. They huddled near the front porch. Catching sight of Tracy sitting on the top step, tears streaming down her face, he headed her way.

“Is she going to die?” She swiped her arm across her eyes.

“I don’t think so, but she’ll need us to take care of her for a while.”

“I’ll do anything. She’s saved me twice, Ryan.” She raised red eyes to his. “I can never repay her for that.”

“Oh, sweetie.” He sat next to her and took her hands in his. “She won’t expect you to. Taya saved you because she loves you. She saved these other girls because she fights on the side of justice. Your aunt is a pretty special woman.”

Tracy gave him a shaky smile. “You going to make your fake marriage official?”

He chuckled. “If she’ll have me. So, what was up with the shoes?”

“They’re the only weapons we had. Taya told us to fight with all we had.” She leaned against him. “I want to be like her when I grow up.”

“You’re already more like her than you know.”

Epilogue

Three days later, Taya limped up the steps to Ryan’s cabin, his arm around her waist supporting her. Bruises, contusions, a concussion, and two broken ribs had kept her in a hospital bed for three days too long. All she wanted was to be home. Home being this cabin on top of Misty Mountain.

Ryan helped her to the sofa. “Can I bring you anything?”

“I can make sandwiches.” Tracy rushed to the kitchen.

“No, I’m fine, really.” She held out a hand to him. “Sit with me.”

“Nothing I’d rather do.” He sat and gently pulled her to his side. “Your face is a nice array of chartreuse and eggplant.”