Page 67 of In Honor’s Defense

Grimes’s indignation cooled a bit, and a new spark of curiosity flared. “This got somethin’ to do with them maps you were lookin’ at in the land office?”

“It might.”

His mental wheels churning, Grimes turned to ponder the horizon. “You know, it is rather curious that my missing beeves showed up less than forty-eight hours after Harbinger got their hands on my acreage.”

“Especially when I rode the perimeter of Baxter’s property a few days before, and there wasn’t so much as a hoofprint in that canyon.”

Grimes pivoted to face Luke once again. “You think Harbinger tried to encourage me and Baxter to sell our land by stirrin’ up trouble?”

Luke shrugged. “It’s possible.”

“And when trouble failed, they moved on to bribery. Which I fell for hook, line, and sinker.” The rancher kicked the rocking chair, skidding it sideways a few feet. “I ain’t nothin’ but a pawn in their game. Moving me around the board like I don’t have a will of my own. And Baxter . . .” He stopped his fuming and swallowed long and slow. “You really think they killed him?”

Luke hesitated. He had no evidence. Only theories. But having Grimes as an ally could be an asset moving forward. “I can’t prove anything. Yet. But if they are responsible for bringing in those rustlers, then they’re not above hiring killers to do their dirty work.” He rubbed his side where the doctor had just pulled seven stitches from a wound that nearly ended his life. “That crew had no compunction about stabbing me and leaving me for dead.”

“If that’s the case, that woman of yours ain’t safe as long as she refuses to sell.”

That was the second time today someone spoke of Damaris as if she already belonged to Luke. Were folks jumping to conclusions because he’d been staying at her place, or was the Lord trying to tell him something?

Either way, Grimes was right. Damaris wasn’t safe. Neither was Nate.

“I think that’s why your stock suddenly showed up on Baxter land.”

“They’re still tryin’ to play chess with the lives of real people.” A sour look crossed Grimes’s features. He leaned over the railing and spat. “It sticks in my craw. Lettin’ some rich bigwig dictate the destiny of the workin’ man.”

“Damaris talked to a lawyer. Ronald Mullins. He was quick to work out a preemptive deal with the judge. The judge agreed to drop all charges against Nate if he leaves the area, sells the land, and never returns. Mullins said it was to guarantee your safety,” Luke said with a nod toward Grimes, “but I’m pretty sure it’s just a manipulation to force a sale.”

“Mullins has got to be in Harbinger’s pocket.” Grimes spat again. “He’s the one who persuaded me into givin’ up them eighty acres to the east in exchange for his two hundred and forty to the west. He prob’ly bribed the judge, too.”

“Which is why I’m hoping to play a little chess of my own.”

The rancher’s brows lifted. “Oh? Whatcha got in mind?”

“They think they’ve got Damaris cornered. Either sell the land or watch her nephew be carted off to prison on a felony rustling charge. With as vocal as you’ve been about catching the rustlers and making them pay, no one expects any mercy from your quarter.”

Grimes scowled. “You’re askin’ me not to press charges, aren’t you?”

“I don’t expect you to let Nate off without paying for the wrongs he did you. I’ll bring him over every day after school, and you can put him to work until you decide he’s made restitution for his vandalism.”

The rancher’s scowl didn’t lift as he stared out into the growing shadows.

“I’ll continue looking into the rustling.” It wouldn’t hurt to add some extra incentive to the pot. “I’ve got a score to settle with them too, after all. And I’ll supervise any work you ask Nate to do. I’ll see that it’s done right. You have my word.”

Grimes tilted his head toward Luke, revealing a half smirk. “That kid’s gotten under your skin, hasn’t he?”

“He reminds me of myself at that age. Angry with a wild streak in need of guidance.”

“Had me one of them streaks myself.” Grimes looked back out across the yard. “The barn could use a new coat of paint. And I got half a garden that needs to be replanted.”

Luke’s stomach clenched. “That mean we have a deal?”

Grimes pushed away from the railing and held out his hand. “Yes, Horseman. We have a deal.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

The moment Nathaniel stepped out of the jail cell the following morning, Damaris enveloped him in a smothering hug designed to pour love and gratitude directly from her heart into his. For once, worries about how he might react offered no hindrance. Nor did she give a single thought to the three rugged men bearing witness to the display. When Nathaniel embraced her in return, pressing his cheek against hers and leaning into her instead of pulling away, tears squeezed between her closed lashes.