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“He’s not here, ma’am. We saw a scorched line of weeds along your eastern fence line, and he went to investigate. It smells like smoke, so he’s a little worried.”
No. Why did he do that? Oh, please let him be safe. She prayed to who or whatever might be listening.
“There’s a fire, Hector. You need to get the men out of the canyon. The cattle, too, if you can save them.”
“We just passed the first turn, but I don’t see anything.”
“Please, Hector. Trust me. I can see the plume of smoke from the highway.”
“Okay, Ms. Newman. I’ll turn the guys around.”
“Thank you.” She breathed out a sigh of relief. “I’ll call the fire department to check on Bennett and get the blaze under control. Be safe.”
“You, too.”
The radio died and as soon as it did, Maggie threw the truck into drive and whipped around on the highway. The suppression system was up and running and she knew the plans as well as she knew the lay of her dad’s ranch. Her ranch. That, and so much more, was at stake if she couldn’t get to the fail-safe and cut off the fire before it made its way out of the canyon.
“C’mon, old guy,” she whispered to the truck, leaning forward on the steering wheel. “Get me back quick so I can help Bennett.”
Because there wasn’t a doubt in her mind what she wanted in life. It started and ended with the man whose fate was in her hands.
She made a quick call to Patrick who was more than willing to postpone the site visit with her until the land and everyone was safe. He told her to call if she needed anything.
When she tore down her driveway, Jackson was there to meet her, as was an enthusiastic Gander. The puppy paced by her feet, whining.
“I know, buddy. I want to help him, too.” She rubbed between his ears, but that only agitated him more. He had to sense the palpable alarm buzzing around him. To Jackson, she said, “What’s the news?”
“Guys in front found the flames. It’s in the canyon, looks contained. Fire crews are setting up and attacking on the east end now that our guys are out. I’m so sorry, Maggie.”
She shook the apology off but couldn’t bring up her bigger fear. Bennett—where was he?
“No. Don’t. I can’t believe the worst. Not yet.” She didn’t just mean about her land. “I’m just glad everyone’s okay. What about the cattle?” Gander tugged at her shoelaces, pulling them toward the north field. “C’mon, boy. We’ve got to handle this so we can get your dad back.” He whined but laid down at her feet.
“Cattle’re safe or will be once they’re on the other side of the suppression system. Fire teams say it’s gonna do its job on this entrance at least. You did good, Maggie.”
“Are they tripping it on the other side?” Doing a good job didn’t matter if the whole thing didn’t work.
“No can do. The fire’s engulfed the exit.”
Maggie’s throat clamped shut.
“But Bennett—” Her hands shook, and her teeth chattered despite the heat and still, warm air.
Jackson nodded, patting her shoulder.
“If I know anything about my brother, it’s that he could find his way out of a snowstorm with nothing but an ice cube and a ranching magazine. He’ll be okay.”
At the mention of my brother, Gander whined again and resumed his dogged pulling of Maggie’s laces.
“What do you think this is about?” she asked, rubbing behind his ears.
“I dunno. He’s always been a quirky dog. But this is new.”
When she moved her hand over his fur, it came back stained black.
“Oh my goodness,” she whispered.
“What’s wrong?”
