Page 72 of All We Carry Home

“Everyone okay?” I asked.

“As far as I know. Why?” Eddie spun around, looking for a threat.

“Warren?” I called after him, running with him to the house.

He held up a hand, came to a stop. “Let me clear the house. You stay with Eddie.”

Fear jumped into my throat at the thought of him facing some unknown danger alone. I grabbed his arms and shook my head. “No, wait for the others.”

“Don’t worry.” He stepped closer and brushed my cheek with his thumb. His voice was confident and instantly calmed me down. “Stay here and check in on Phantom.”

I knew deep down he’d faced more dire odds and larger threats than this—but he wouldn’t be here, wouldn’t be the target of Victor and his allies, if it weren’t for me. If it weren’t for my potentially futile attempt to save this ranch.

I loosened my grip, and he slipped away, disappearing into the house. Lucky and Bennett checked all the other barns while I waited beside Phantom’s paddock. A few long, tense moments later, Annie and Warren walked out.

Another hour passed as we searched every inch of the property and came up with nothing out of place, no sign of damage or sabotage.

By the time the others returned to their regular tasks, I’d put Acorn and Autumn away but paced the barn aisle with my arms wrapped around my middle. I couldn’t fight down the nervousness and rising dread.

Who was in those cars? Why were they on my property? Were they the same ones who’d hit me on Main Street? What was I doing thinking I could fight Victor Merrick once he’d set his mind to something?

“Eva?”

I jumped at Warren’s voice behind me.

“I’m having second thoughts about all of this.” I motioned to the apartment and cabins beyond. “What if someone gets hurt?”

“Calm down.” He frowned, and his eyes searched my face. “Each of them knew what they were signing up for.”

“Peter and Annie didn’t.” I looked at Phantom’s paddock. “Phantom has probably improved enough to find another barn, a different trainer.”

“You’re giving up already?” he fired back, taking two steps closer to me and trapping me with his gaze. His tone shifted from consoling to challenging.

“Of course not.” I ground my teeth together. “I just want you, Annie, Peter, Phantom, and the rest of the Ghost Soldiers out of the crosshairs.”

“Too late for that.” He tipped a grin. “You think there’s any chance we’d leave you here to just fend for yourself? We’re too invested. Once these men get on a mission, they finish it.”

I knew it might be the same for Victor.

I rubbed my face, turning away from him and walking into the office. I sank into one of the wooden chairs. Warren followed me, pulling a chair across from me and sitting.

“I know this fear,” he said, his eyes clouding with intensity. “The burden and responsibility when lives are in your hands. We’re not following orders blindly here.”

They also didn’t have all the information. They didn’t know the sordid history of my family. I didn’t deserve their support and kindness.

“We’ve called in a few more Ghost Soldiers who need some work—Mason and Junior.”

Relief etched through the stone wall in my heart. More men might help to even the odds. It also meant more lives I was putting in harm’s way.

“It’ll be okay,” he said. “None of this diminishes the power of that sunrise. Or the need for you to keep up those morning rides.”

I closed my eyes and pictured the tapestry of orange, red, and yellow. It had been as beautiful as I’d remembered, in a world where so little lived up to the memory.

“What were the men in those cars doing at that gate?” I asked.

“I’m guessing they were scouting. We’ll set up better watch posts and reinforce all the gates with metal instead of wood.”

“Birkstrom isn’t set up to be a fortress.” Too much flat land, too many trees, too many exits and trails.