Page 95 of Burning Skies
I run to my SUV, but Trig’s faster. I can see the dust the wheels of his truck left behind on our gravel driveway. I dial Beau’s number as I speed to his cabin, but he doesn’t pick up. When his voicemail answers, I leave a frantic message.
“Beau, it’s me. Trig knows about us. He ran off with his shotgun to find you. I’m headed to the cabin now.”
As I drive, I can only pray that Trig’s not dumb enough to use that weapon.
34
HONEY
My heart poundsas I reach the Walker Ranch. Gravel shoots out the back of my tires as I take the turn to Beau’s cabin. When I get there, I spot my brother’s truck. He’s standing in front of it, aiming his shotgun at my boyfriend.
I throw my SUV into park, fling open the door, and run toward Beau.
“Stay out of the way, Honey,” Trig yells as I wrap my arms around my boyfriend.
“This is stupid! Go home, Trig.” I’m so grateful Beau’s still alive, tears spring to my eyes.
After Beau hugs me, he tells me to get behind him, but I shake my head. There’s no way I’m leaving him wide open for my brother to kill.
“Honey, please.”
“I’m not moving. Don’t try to make me,” I mutter into his chest.
He kisses the top of my head before he turns sideways to shield me. “Trig, I promise you, I have no ill intent here. I adore your sister. I want the best for her.”
“That’s bullshit. Stop lying to her.” Trig cocks his shotgun, and I squeeze Beau tighter.
“I’m not lying. Honey’s important to me. She’s why I told you I wanted peace between our families. I meant that sincerely.” He cups the back of my head. “You’re putting your sister in danger right now. That buckshot could go straight through me and hit her. Is that what you want?”
God, no.
From somewhere behind us, Rhett’s voice booms. “Trig McAllister, you’re trespassing.”
I’m so relieved he’s here, I could cry. I called Paige when I couldn’t reach Beau.
Rhett cocks a rifle. “If you’re gonna be an asshole, I suggest you go.” When my brother adjusts his aim, Rhett tries again. “Let me remind you that I’ve won three rifle competitions. I can shoot the whiskers off a gnat from a hundred yards. If you shoot my brother, I will end you right here.”
A second later, the sound of two more rifles cocking makes me hold my breath.
Rhett nods. “Hear that? Those are my ranch hands. If I miss, which I won’t, they’ll do the honors.”
Closing my eyes, I pray my hotheaded brother listens to reason.
Trig finally puts down his weapon. He shoots me a dirty look and spits a wad of chew on the ground. “Honey, are you really gonna abandon us for the Walkers? They’ve slashed our tires. They’ve salted our fields. They’ve vandalized our property. And that fucker you’re holding on to for dear life broke my nose.”
Beau snorts. “I wasn’t the one who slashed your tires, asshole. And we’ve never salted your fields or vandalized anything.”
Salting a field can ruin it for years. In our case, it was out of commission for almost two. But I can’t imagine Beau and hisbrothers would do something like that. I’ve always thought it was a former employee that Trig or my father pissed off.
I shake my head. “I know you’re not innocent, Trig. You’re drunk all the time. You antagonize everyone, even your friends. You’re not thinking straight right now. Go home.”
Trig opens the cab to his truck, pausing to look back at me. “When this goes south, Honey, don’t come crying to me. Because I promise it will.” Slamming the door, he starts the engine and speeds off.
And then I embarrass myself further by bursting into tears.
“Here’s some chamomile tea, Honey. This will help calm you down.” Paige’s kind eyes meet mine, and I try to smile, but I’m pretty sure it looks more like a grimace.
“Thank you.” I bring the hot cup to my face and breathe in the steaming liquid before I take a small sip. But it’s hard because I can’t stop shaking.
