before they dragged Rebecca to jail.
Cole was deliberately taunting Daniel as the physician prodded the
injury with his instruments in search of the bullet.
"You're being awful brave, Daniel."
"Don't push me, Cole."
"It hurts, doesn't it, Daniel? " Grace asked.
"If I answer yes, are you going to coldcock me? " Daniel asked
dryly.
Every one laughed but Grace, who was clearly mortified. "You're never
going to let me live that one down, are you? " "No, " Daniel assured
her.
"I'm having the last laugh, " Grace boasted.
"How's that? " Daniel asked. His voice sounded calm, but his brow was
covered with beads of perspiration. He wanted to yell at the doctor to
hurry up and find the damned bullet, but he didn't say a word because
Grace was already anxious and upset.
"I never was going to marry Nigel."
"I know. I wouldn't have let you." Cole tugged on Jessica's blouse to
get her to look at him.
"I want to hear you tell me you love me. No more messing around,
Jessie. I mean it. This is your last chance or . . . " "Or what? "
He leaned down and whispered into her ear. She immediately turned
scarlet. "You wouldn't. . . not here in front of Grace and Daniel .
. . " "I'm a desperate man. If taking your clothes off is the only way
I can get you to cooperate, I'll do it."
"It sure would take my mind off this torture, " Daniel drawled out.
Grace covered her face and laughed. Jessica put her arms around Cole's
neck.
"I'm waiting, " Cole reminded her.
"I love you, Cole Clayborne. I love you." His expression turned
somber. "Forever, Jessica? " "Forever." The judge came striding into
his chambers with a full bottle of good whiskey. He poured drinks for
everyone and then sat down behind his desk.
"I'm still in shock, " Rafferty announced. "I can't believe that
Donald Curtis, a respected businessman in this town, a pillar of our
community, was the leader of the Blackwater gang. Whatever possessed
him to turn like that? " "Greed, " Daniel speculated.
"The thrill, " Cole suggested.
"Maybe Rebecca will be able to answer your questions about Donald. She
knew him well, " Jessica said.
"I know I shouldn't feel sorry for her, but I do, " Grace said.
"She loved him, and some women will do anything for the men they love,
even kill." The judge raised his glass and said, "Why don't one of you
marshals make the toast? " Daniel looked at Cole. "Are you keeping
your badge? " "Maybe. What about you? " "Maybe." Cole raised his
glass to Daniel. "To justice." Rosehill Ranch, Montana Territory Xma
Rose was sitting on the front porch enjoying the sunset.
It was her daily ritual and one she tried never to miss, for, in her
opinion, sunsets were one of God's special gifts to the world, and it