Blake swung his leg over the horse’s neck, slid off the saddle, and landed hard on his feet with Gillian’s lifeless body in his arms. “Bud, call the sheriff. Ken attacked Gillian.” That’s all he could say. If he said anymore, he’d get angrier and do something stupid. Gillian was all that was important right now. Bud would take care of Ken. Bud beat him to the door and opened it for him. He took Gillian inside. Bud went to the gun cabinet, unlocked it, and pulled out a rifle and bullets. “He’s not leaving this ranch until the sheriff arrives. If he tries, he won’t leave here alive.” Bud grabbed the phone, and Blake took the stairs up two at a time. Dee kept at his heels. “I made a warm bath for her.” “How’s Justin?” he asked over his shoulder and took Gillian into the bathroom. He laid her out on the floor and cupped her face in his trembling hands.
