Page 49 of North

An older man burst through the door, shotgun raised. “Get back!”

North’s SEAL training kicked in, and he noticed the experienced grip, military stance. The man knew how to handle weapons. North raised his hands slowly, ignoring the throb in his temple.

“Don’t move.” The man positioned himself between North and his girls. He wore a flannel shirt, a pair of jeans, and boots, and a look that said he was serious.

That’s what North got for trespassing in them thar hills.

“I’m not a threat,” he said. “I’m hurt. And looking for someone.”

“Stand up. Slowly.”

North complied, using the stall door for support. His muscles had stiffened during his few hours of sleep, and dried mud crackled on his clothes.

“Any weapons?”

“No, sir.”

“Who you lookin’ for?”

“A woman. Her name is Selah. She might be traveling with a man—dark hair⁠—”

“What do you want with them?”

So that was a yes. He studied Frank. “She’s…my girlfriend.”

“Sure she is. She seemed pretty friendly with that other fella.”

And so much for the chill as numbness spread through him. Then heat. Spark. Fire. “He’s dangerous.”

“This is not news to me, son. How do I know you’re not the same?”

North’s mouth opened. “What do you mean how do you know⁠—”

“Four years of Army Intelligence as well as combat in Vietnam. I have a sense about these things.” His mouth tightened. “And they were driving a stolen truck that belongs—belonged to a buddy of mine.”

Oh.

“Is she okay?”

Frank considered him for a moment and then sighed and lowered the shotgun. “That was the right question, son. What’s your name?”

“Nolan Gunderson. I go by North.”

“You’re former military.”

He nodded.

The man held out his hand. “Frank Hendrickson. You’re bleeding.”

“I am?” He touched his head. His hand came back a little moist. “I fell off my horse.”

That took a second, clearly, to sink in.

“But I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. You’re hypothermic and about to collapse.” Frank’s weathered face softened. “Miriam’s got coffee on. But we talk first. How’d you get this far?”

“Sir?”