“Have you seen him somewhere?”
“No, but I made my brother promise me he’d let him live, and Simon always keeps his promises.”
“Do you know where he lives?”
“No, but Simon does.”
“Alright.”He nodded.“I’ll send your brother a telegram in the morning.”
“You will?”She hadn’t thought he’d take her seriously.Just assumed he’d say she was being ridiculous.
“Of course I will.”
“I could kiss you!”She quickly held up her hands.“But I won’t.It was just a turn of phrase.”
His smile deepened into laughter, and he shook his head.“Goodnight, Samantha.”
* * *
Samantha’s door was open when Trent approached the next morning.He tapped softly on the doorframe.
“Come.”Her voice echoed with the word.
Trent looked around the door into the room.She wasn’t there, so he walked through to her dressing room where he found her on her hands and knees, half inside the wardrobe.With a huff, she sat back on her heels and looked over her shoulder.
“I’m trying to decide what I should wear to confront Norman.”
He held out a hand and helped her to her feet.“About that?—”
“No.”She shook her head.“No.”The second time was more forceful, and she poked him in his chest.“You are not allowed to change your mind.”
“I haven’t changed my mind.I decided you need a few more days to practice your punches.When you’re finished with Norman, I want him black and blue.”
She nodded resolutely, even though he could see fear in her eyes.“I’m ready for my next lesson whenever you are.”She threw a playful punch into his stomach.
He doubled over with a groan, and she gasped.“Oh no!I didn’t mean to hurt you!”
Trent chuckled and winked.
“You,” she said with a huff, swatting his shoulder.
“I’m going to get Maggie up.Will you be joining us for breakfast?”
“And then we’ll practice my punches?”
He nodded.“After I get everyone started for the day.”
After getting Theo and Stanley working on the last part of the fence, he waved Brennan over.
“Samantha wants to confront her abuser.I’ve been teaching her to punch, but I want her to have the best form possible, and I assume you have far more experience than I do.Will you help us?”
“Are you sure you’re not looking for a chaperone?”
“Perhaps a bit of that, too.”
Brennan shrugged.“I’m here to do whatever you need, boss.”He held up a finger.“Except chaperone.”
Trent hurried up to Samantha's room, but Sandra said she’d gone outside.Perhaps she was already in the barn waiting for him.
