Understanding dawned in both brothers' eyes simultaneously. The danger had expanded beyond me, potentially placing Harlow in the crosshairs as well. The transformation was remarkable—their protective instincts, initially wary of me as a potential threat, were recalibrating before my eyes to include me within their defensive perimeter.
"Well, Deputy," Ransom said after a moment, his voice carrying a dangerous edge, "looks like you brought more than just flowers to court our brother."
Knox stopped pacing abruptly and turned to face me, his expression hardening into something that reminded me of steel being forged. "This isn't just about you anymore," he said, gesturing between Harlow and me with a quick, decisive motion. "This is family business now."
The words hung in the evening air, weighted with meaning that went far beyond the immediate threat. In the span of a single sentence, Knox McKenzie had done what I'd thought impossible an hour ago—acknowledged me as someone worth protecting, someone connected to the McKenzie name through Harlow.
Harlow's warm hand found mine again, squeezing gently. "Told you they'd help," he whispered, his deep voice carrying such obvious pride that my throat tightened in response. The simple faith he had in his family, despite their earlier resistance to our relationship, made something inside me ache with both tenderness and envy.
I'd never known that kind of unconditional loyalty.
"You've been tracking this alone for months," Ransom said, settling back into the rocking chair but perching on its edge likea predator ready to spring. "That stops now. We know every inch of that land. Every trail, every hiding spot."
I nodded, unexpected emotion making it temporarily difficult to speak. This was what Harlow had tried to explain to me—the fierce, unwavering protection of the McKenzie clan once you were counted as one of their own. I'd witnessed it from the outside during my recovery at their farm, but experiencing it directed at me was something else entirely.
"We need a plan," Knox said, military training evident in his precise tone. "Something that draws them out without putting any of us at unnecessary risk."
"They're professionals," I cautioned, finding my voice. "And they're spooked already. They know I survived the accident, and they know I'm back on duty."
"But they don't know you've connected them to our land specifically," Ransom pointed out. "Or that you've shared that information."
"True," I acknowledged. "As far as they know, I'm working with incomplete information and limited backup."
Harlow shifted beside me, his weight causing the porch swing to creak gently. "Could use the game cameras," he suggested, his quiet suggestion drawing all our attention. "The ones we set up to track deer movements last season. They're still in the equipment shed."
Knox's eyebrows rose slightly, impressed. "Good thinking. We could position them at strategic points along the likely entry routes."
"I can do it," Harlow offered, his deep voice steady with confidence. "I know where to put them so they won't be spotted. They'll think they're just wildlife monitoring stations."
Pride swelled in my chest at how quickly Harlow had contributed a practical solution. While others mightunderestimate him, his brothers immediately recognized the value of his suggestion—and so did I.
"We'll need more than just cameras," I said, leaning forward. "We need to catch them in the act. That means a coordinated operation—eyes on the ground, communications, backup."
Ransom's mouth curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "You're talking about a stakeout."
"Essentially, yes," I confirmed. "But one that doesn't tip them off that we're watching. The northwest corner has that ridge overlooking the old logging road, right?"
I looked at Harlow for confirmation.
He nodded. "Good visibility from up there. Could see anyone coming or going without being spotted."
"That's where we set up," I said. "Small team, minimum equipment. If they follow their pattern, they'll come in after midnight, work until just before dawn."
Knox was already nodding, his tactical mind clearly running through scenarios. "We'll need to coordinate with the sheriff's department for the actual arrests. Can't have civilians making arrests, even on their own property."
"Sheriff Hardesty will want to be involved," I agreed. "But we need solid evidence before bringing in the department resources. Too many leaks otherwise."
"So we gather the evidence first," Ransom concluded. "Track their movements, document their activities, then bring in the cavalry once we know exactly when and where to catch them."
"Exactly," I said, impressed by how quickly the brothers had aligned with the approach. "I was thinking we could start surveillance tomorrow night. New moon, so maximum darkness. Perfect conditions for poachers, which makes it perfect for us to observe without being seen."
"I'll handle the cameras," Harlow said, his deep voice steady with purpose. "Can have them in place by noon tomorrow."
Knox moved to the railing, staring out at the darkening property with a calculating gaze. "We'll need to work out shifts. Three-person teams, I'm thinking. Always have at least one person awake and watching."
"I can access departmental resources without raising flags," I added. "Night vision equipment, radio communications."
"And I know a few spots where we can park vehicles without leaving obvious tracks," Ransom contributed. "Used to sneak out that way as a teenager."
