I still haven’t taken a step in retreat, my body seemingly locked in place, and all I can manage to get out is, “Don’t—don’t come closer.” Even to my own ears, it doesn’t sound nearly enough like a threat.
The second man laughs again. “Aw, you’re not going to be like that, are you?” he calls as he draws nearer. “Wouldn’t be smart after the night I’ve had. Would it, Elliot?”
“No.” Elliot stumbles a bit. “Wouldn’t. But ‘member, Zeke said not to hurt her.”
Zeke. My blood runs cold as my conversation with the deputy takes on an entirely new tilt. As I realize he might not have only been trying to save me from myself. Surely, if he’d known…
People talk… I am trying to help you…Had he known they were going to come here? Warned both me and them as a result?
“Won’t need to hurt her as long as she does what she’s told,” says the second man. “You will, won’t you?”
Do something,I keep thinking.Do something.
But I can’t. I’m so afraid that I feel like I’m going to be sick, tunnel vision closing my world to nothing but the two figures before me. They can’t be more than a few paces away now, and I can hear every step they take toward me as they try to box me in, can see the way they’re thinking to reach for the gun still in my hand.
You have to do something,I think again, just before another calm, strong voice breaks through in my mind. The same one I’d wanted to hear before.You fight or flee. Don’t wait for someone to choose for you.
I take one step back and then another before I turn and sprint inside the stable, heading for Tess’s stall. Only, when I reach the center aisle, I quickly understand that even if I get to her, I won’t make it much farther.
“Told you she was quick,” I hear Elliot say to his companion as he comes up behind me where I’ve stopped dead. “That you, Jake? Thought you were going after the dandy.”
“He’ll keep until morning. Had someplace better to be.”
There are two more men standing silhouetted in the dimly lit front entrance that was to serve as my escape route, one of them apparently Mrs. Jensen’s son-in-law, who did indeed find his way back as Zeke said he would. The other one, much like Elliot’s companion, I only vaguely recognize from town.
“He just doesn’t want to break his neck riding in the dark.” The man next to Jake chuckles at his own jab, and then receives a prompt shove.
“I said he’ll keep,” Jake snaps. “Will probably get lost in the desert anyway.”
“Like how he wasprobablybluffing on that last hand? Should’ve seen the look on your face when he drew that ace.”
“If you don’t shut your fucking mouth,” Jake warns, abruptly pulling his gun on his companion. “I swear to God, I’ll shut it for you.”
The other man puts up his hands, his laugh turning nervous. “Come on, Jake, I didn’t mean anything by it. Was only having some fun.”
“No, you’re not, you fucking ass.” Jake rolls his eyes, but reholsters his pistol as his focus turns back in my direction. “But we’re about to.”
I raise my gun, holding it out in front of me with my arm locked up from shoulder to barrel, and point it right at Jake. “Iwillshoot you.”
“I’m not so sure you will,” Jake goads, not bothering to step out of the direct path of my gun as the others move into a circle around me. “Besides, wouldn’t do you much good if you did. You’re outnumbered.”
“I’m giving you a chance,” I insist. “Leave and I’ll let you live.”
Jake chuckles. They all do.
“She’s something,” Elliot’s friend says. “A bit mouthy for my taste.”
“She is,” Elliot agrees. “Bosses me about the horses.”
“Sounds like Jake’s mother-in-law,” prods the one next to Jake, apparently feeling safe enough to do so again. “How mad do you think she’s going to be when she finds out you roughed up her help?”
“Old hag needs to learn her place,” Jake complains. “Keeps nagging at me that I ought to be home with her useless daughter. And what for? Been days since she had my son and all she’s done is lie in bed.”
“They get mighty lazy once you marry ‘em,” agrees his friend. “That’s why a man has to find entertainment elsewhere.” He looks me up and down. “Elliot has the right idea. Keeping something to play with right at work. Appreciate you cutting us in.”
“I wasn’t supposed to say,” Elliot mumbles, looking worried. “Ain’t supposed to touch her. Zeke said—”
“I don’t give a damn what Zeke said,” Jake cuts in. “I’m owed something after tonight, but she’s going to be real nice and make it up to me. Aren’t you, darlin’?”