One set going in.
One set going out.
I followed them along the fence.
Across the edge of the pasture.
Toward the house.
Toward Sadie’s room.
The tracks stopped beneath her window.
I stared at them.
For a long moment.
The cold air burned in my lungs.
He had been here.
Close enough to see her light.
Close enough to watch her window.
Close enough to think he could come onto this ranch whenever he wanted.
My hand tightened around the flashlight.
A truck engine started somewhere beyond the trees.
Far enough away that I couldn’t see it.
Close enough that I knew.
Gerald.
I ran toward the road.
Too late.
Red taillights disappeared around the bend.
Gone.
Again.
I stood there in the dark.
Breathing hard.
Fighting the urge to tear apart every tree between here and town until I found him.
Then I looked back at the house.
At Sadie’s window.
And I made myself a promise.
