Jace hesitated for a moment, unsure how to react. He didn’t want to come across as too excited since it might seem disrespectful. “I’ll do my best to ensure that she remains safe and healthy,” he said, hoping it came across as respectful.
“So you’re okay with this arrangement?” Dr. Masterson asked Blade.
Blade let out a long breath before replying, “I guess I have to be.”
Dr. Masterson placed a hand on Blade’s shoulder. “Millie will be all right. We’ll take care of her.”
“Thank you,” Blade said with a small smile. “You think you can start checking on her tomorrow? I want to get an early start.”
“Of course,” Dr. Masterson agreed.
Blade thanked them again, and then he was on his way, leaving Jace and Dr. Masterson to discuss the situation further.
“Is there anything else I should know?” Jace asked. “I’ve read that certain things can trigger episodes when people suffer from warrior heart.”
“That’s true.” Dr. Masterson took a seat at his desk. “I think it is best if you know what happened to her. That way, you’ll understand her much better.”
Jace sat down across from Dr. Masterson, his stomach contracting. He had a feeling he wasn’t going to like what he heard next.
“Seven years ago, when Millie was eleven, a gang of bandits raided their ranch. Blade and Millie’s parents were brutally slaughtered, along with their younger sister and all the men and women who worked on the ranch. Millie was assaulted and then stabbed. Blade was shot three times. Both of them were left for dead, but somehow, despite their life-threatening injuries, they survived.”
Jace sucked in his breath. “That’s...” He didn’t have words.
“Horrible,” Dr. Masterson finished for him. “Nobody should have to go through such an ordeal, especially not children.”
“No wonder she is traumatized.”
Dr. Masterson nodded in agreement. “You think you can handle it?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure, but I really want to try.”
Chapter 7
Blade still didn’t feel happy about leaving Millie, but he trusted Dr. Masterson. He had been their doctor for years, and if it weren’t for him, Millie would have been dead. He was the one who treated them after the attack. The man knew everything there was to know about Millie and wouldn’t let any harm come to her. At least, not from a medical perspective, anyway.
Having made his decision to leave gave Blade a great sense of relief. One way or the other, it was all going to be over. He had no idea what came after, but he wanted to find out. Imagining a life where he was free of anger and the blood-curdling need for revenge seemed impossible, but other people lived their lives like that, so maybe he could too. It had been so long that Blade could barely remember how he felt before the attack.
The sheriff’s station wasn’t far from the doctor’s office, so Blade left Africa tied to the hitching post and made his way there on foot. It was a nice day, and he was trying to calm his nerves by taking in the sun and breeze. It didn’t work.For some reason, he was nervous about telling Wolfe that he was leaving. Blade didn’t usually get nervous, and he didn’t particularly enjoy the feeling. Maybe it was because Wolfe had just deputized him, and it felt a little like Blade was letting him down.
Instead of heading straight to Wolfe’s office, Blade made a detour, stopping at the bakery to pick up some pastries. Then he headed to the general store to stock up on ammunition. It was a good distraction, but eventually he found himself standing in front of Wolfe.
“Got you a pastry,” Blade said, placing it down on Wolfe’s desk.
Wolfe eyed him suspiciously. “Why? What did you do?”
Blade almost laughed. “Nothing. It’s more about what I’m going to do.”
“It must be bad if you’re buying me food as a peace offering.” Wolfe stood up but didn’t forget about his pastry. He took a bite before speaking again. “What is it then?”
“I can’t wait any longer. I’ve decided that I’m leaving in the morning.”
Wolfe took another bite of his pastry. His face didn’t give away anything. “Okay.”
“Just okay? Nothing else?”
“What else is there to say? Getting revenge is something you have to do. You’ll never be able to rest or move on with your life if you don’t, and there’s nothing more I can teach you. You’re as ready as you’ll ever be.”
Blade breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank you for understanding.”
