After Ellie saw her father leave the bedroom, she checked to make sure Clint was in one piece. Then she excused herself and joined her father in the large front room. “Keep your mouth shut about this,” Hank demanded. “The whole damn town don’t need to know our affairs.” “I will as long as you don’t hurt him while I’m gone,” she replied. “He may be a prisoner, but he should have his things and some fresh clothes.” “Just so long as your man don’t step out of line.” She stopped and spun around on her heel so she could storm back to where Hank was sitting. Once Ellie was at the table, she placed her hands on her hips and said, “If you hurt him, you’ll never see me again.” It was the only real threat she could think of, but it seemed to do the trick. Hank scowled, but nodded his agreement. Ellie knew him well enough to take that as gospel. “So you’re going to get his things?” Hank asked. “That’s right.” “When will you be back?” Snapping her head toward the door, she strutted out of the cottage and told him, “Whenever I feel like coming back.”
