Page 100 of Savage Rancher

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My life has changed. Fundamentally. Irrevocably. And my choices—my secrets, my lies, my independence—they don't just affect me. They affect the man I love. The men who protect me. The family we're building.

So no more secrets.

Just trust.

And love.

And Jake's arms around me, keeping me safe.

103

JAKE

It’s at 0112 when I hear the explosion.

The windows rattle, and the horses rile outside.

Then silence.

Emma stirs in my arms. As I soothe her back to sleep, I get a text. I pick up my phone from the bedside table.

Riot

It’s done.

Site was clear.

It’s clearer now.

I set my phone back and close my eyes.

104

EMMA

Some men buy you jewelry to show their affection. Some take you to a nice dinner.

My man? He blows up an old barn so some fucker can’t use it to hurt women.

God damn, I love Jake Callahan.

105

JAKE

The morning sun cuts through the bedroom window, painting Emma's sleeping face in gold. She's curled against my chest, her breathing deep and even, one hand resting over my heart.

I haven't slept.

Every time I close my eyes, I see her on that horse, headlights bearing down on her, Turner's crew closing in. I see the moment she could have been taken. Killed. Disappeared into the same cargo van she photographed.

Her photos? Incredible. I don’t know that she saw everything she captured, like the barcodes tattooed to the women, probably to inventory them. That means they’re in a system somewhere, and systems are hackable.

Somehow I’m going to make this mess go away. I have to. There’s no fucking way I can sit by while Emma is in their sights.

My hand tightens on her hip, and she stirs, murmuring something soft and unintelligible before settling back into sleep.

I need coffee. I need to plan. I need to?—

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