“Will he make it?” Rowan asked.
The others strapped him in as Jackson turned to Rowan. “He’s lost a lot of blood, but if the bullet missed the major organs and if we can get him to surgery in the next hour, I’d say his chances are good.”
“I’ve notified the police.” This from Alden, who’d disappeared into the kitchen earlier. “They’ll meet you at the hospital.”
The EMTs carried Morrie from the house. Rowan made to follow, but Alden put a hand on his arm.
He stiffened. Turned.
Alden’s mouth had made a grim line. “When this is over, when Morrie is out of the woods, maybe we could talk. There are things I need to say.”
“I don’t think?—”
“Listen. I know we got off to a rough start a few days ago, but…I’m not the same man I was when you left.” Alden’s voice softened, almost…apologetic? “I know you have no reason to believe that, but it’s true. I…I carried a lot of anger back then. It was hard to live up to Sean Wallace.”
Rowan stared at him, his mouth opening, closing. Words left him. But Mack’s voice was in his head.
He told me he was sorry.
Alden met his eyes. “I can’t take back the past, but I’m not that man anymore. I’d like a fresh start.”
Before Rowan could respond, the sound of sirens filled the air. The ambulance pulling out. “I gotta go.”
He turned, but as he did, his gaze landed on the table by the door. On the business card that lay on the wooden top.
Ralph Rousseau, Rocky Mountain Land Development.
Rowan picked up the card. A handwritten message was scrawled on the back.
It’s time.
“Man’s been persistent, I’ll give him that,” Alden said, clearly seeing his actions.
Rowan turned to him. “How long has he been trying to buy your place?”
“Six months, maybe more. Started friendly enough, but lately…” Alden shook his head. “Yesterday he came by in person. Said I was being foolish, that accidents happen to people who don’t know when to take a good deal.”
“And you told him?”
“Same thing I’ve told him every time. This land isn’t for sale.” He met Rowan’s eyes. “It’s been in your family for three generations.”
Yes, yes, it had. “Have you had any problems? Cattle getting sick, equipment failing, fires?”
“You asked me that before. Some cattle went missing, but no trouble like the neighbors. But then, I’ve got good security.”
Rowan pocketed the business card and followed them out.
“Rowan.” Alden stepped out onto the porch beside him. “For what it’s worth, I’m proud of the man you’ve become.”
He just stared at the man. Then he nodded curtly and headed toward his truck. He had bigger problems than his stepfather’s belated attempt at redemption.
Saxon stood by his truck, holding his phone.
“I should go with him,” Rowan said, glancing at the retreating ambulance.
“No need. I’ll follow in my truck.” Saxon’s expression turned serious. “I’ll drop you back at the house. You should get back to Sierra and Huck. This could be a distraction while someone hits the ranch.”
And he just stilled. Wanted to bang his head on something. “You think?—”
