They were in the kitchen, surrounded by evil men. Coming from outside, Millie could hear screaming and the sound of pistols being fired. Her pa had told her that if something like that ever happened, she should run and hide, but the men had blocked all the doors before she could get away.
“What do we do, boss?” the man holding Millie asked as he turned to her uncle.
Her uncle Austin smiled, an evil glint in his eyes. “Have fun.”
The men surrounding Millie broke out in laughter, howling and cheering.
“No, please!” her mother cried.
One of the men slapped her mother, sending her toppling to the ground before he proceeded to climb on top of her. Millie watched in horror, unable to say or do anything.
From outside, there were more gunshots, followed by screams, and then another group of bandits stormed into the house.
“Looks like we got here just in time,” one of them said as he rushed through the kitchen and into the living room, where some of the men were busy with their housekeeper, Mrs. Hawthorne.
Millie needed to get away. She needed to get to town and tell Sheriff Wolfe to come help her family. She was too small to do much harm to the man holding her, but she had to try. Summoning all her courage and strength, she leaned down and sank her teeth into the man’s arm. Her plan worked, but only for a moment. His grip on her faltered, and she used the opportunity to slip out of his arms. She had made it halfway to the kitchen door before a hand grabbed her from behind by her hair.
“Not so fast, little one,” the man said. “That hurt, and now you’re gonna pay.”
Chapter 3
“I’m proud of you,” Wolfe said, turning to Blade.
“Why? What did I do?” Blade asked, tilting his head to the side as he walked over to where the sheriff stood. Dr. Masterson and his apprentice had just left, and it was time for Blade to go home and check on Millie.
“The way you caught those bandits today showed me just how capable you are. You could have easily brought them in without me.”
Blade shrugged. “Maybe.”
Wolfe shook his head. “Don’t sell yourself short. What you’re doing for your sister and for this town is nothing short of heroic.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Blade replied with a chuckle. “But thanks.”
Wolfe took a step forward and placed a hand on Blade’s shoulder. “I’m serious. I sleep much better at night knowing that when I retire, you’ll be here to keep the people of Silver City safe.”
“I’ll always help if I can, but you know that at some point I’ll be leaving.”
“I do,” Wolfe agreed. “I’ve always known that, but I also know that you will return, and when you do, you’ll be able to concentrate on making a good life for yourself.”
Blade wasn’t so sure about his future, but he appreciated Wolfe’s confidence in him. One thing that Blade knew without a doubt was that Austin Cassidy would die before he did.
“We’ll have to see about that.” Blade took a step back and turned toward the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Hold on just a second. I’ve got something I want to give to you.”
Wondering what it could be, Blade followed Wolfe into his office and watched as the sheriff rummaged around in his desk drawer.
“Here it is,” he stated, sounding pleased.
Blade took a step closer and peered over the desk. “What is it?”
“A badge.” Wolfe had a huge smile on his face as he walked around the desk and handed it to Blade.
Blade didn’t return the smile. He was way too confused. He turned the badge over in his hand a couple of times. “Why are you giving it to me?”
“I want you to be my deputy.”
Blade couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He knew he helped Wolfe a lot and that the man trusted him, but he never expected this. “Are you serious? I’m not even eighteen yet.”
