The night was filled with sounds of laughter and the tinny tunes of a piano accompanied by a guitar as Heath walked down the boardwalk and stopped just outside the swinging doors of the Golden Nugget saloon. Running his eyes over the crowd, he searched for any familiar faces before entering and taking a place at the end of the bar where he could watch the activity in the lively room.

Lifting his mug of beer, he took a sip of the cool brew and nodded when the bartender placed a bowl of peanuts by him. The western saloon was more than just a place to drink, it was a place of information, a gathering place where business deals were sealed with the shake of a hand, based on a reputation of a person, their word their bond.

The room was large and the sounds loud, the smoke from cigars and cigarettes lingered in the air and money was exchanging hands at the poker tables. No stranger to the game, Heath made the decision not to join in a game, electing instead to top off his wonderful day with a beer or two before retiring to his hotel room.

A smile lifted the corner of his mouth when he recalled his afternoon outing with Mackenzie, the feelings he felt in her presence filled him with a warmth and longing. He was under no false impression about who her stepfather was but it didn’t matter. Bringing her to her small home, he secured a promise of dinner the next night and reassured her again Jacob Daye would not be a reason to come between their budding friendship.

Cracking the shell of the peanuts and plopping the prize in his mouth, he mentally ran over the upcoming days and the steps he’d need to take to secure the deed to the ranch. The ranch would require a lot of work to get the house, barn and bunkhouses back into shape before he brought his aunt from Strawberry.

Running his finances in his mind, he was thankful he’d been saving for the ranch for the past year. His earned rewards sat in a bank gaining interest and the reward on Monday would ensure he could hire a work crew to help with the buildings, perhaps even erecting a brand new house, while paying for the ranch in cash.

Ordering another beer, he heard the whispered curse of the bartender followed by a groan and looked up with inquiring eyes. Harry Jones cursed and groaned at the entrance of the Craddock men into the saloon. The mixture of Craddocks and Barkleys was like oil and water, a match and kerosene.

Heath followed the bartender’s eyes and saw the men entering the saloon, stopping and making their way to a bunch of cowboys sitting and enjoying themselves at the tables in the middle of the room.

Dirk Craddock sneered and sauntered over to the table, actively seeking a fight with the dark haired Barkley son surrounded by his men. Joking and laughing with his crew as they unwound from a week of hard work on the ranch, Nick looked up at the approaching man and his hazel eyes turned cold.

Stopping in front of the table, Dirk’s brother Hank placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his older brother’s ear. Dirk pushed off his brother’s hand and leaned over on the table.

Nick waited for the words which would signify the start of the fight, knowing there was no way to avoid it. The man had been working up his anger since Audra turned down the marriage proposal from the older Craddock son. Bystanders had slipped away leaving the two competing ranch crews in the middle of the floor. Dirk had been drinking heavily and it showed in his face, his voice rang out into the saloon which turned quiet at the new arrivals.

“How’s your sister the tease and flirt, Nick?”

Duke grabbed the shoulder of his furious boss, pinning him in his seat and warned loudly, “Hank, you’d better get Dirk outta here!”

Pulling the table away, Dirk waited until the man he’d been looking for stood on his two feet and swung. Nick ducked down under the right hook and lunged into the bigger man, his rush propelling them both down onto the dirty floor. With the rush, all hell broke loose in the saloon and fists were flying.

Heath stood back against the bar and pushed any combatants who got too close to him away with a stiff arm. Not getting involved, just watching as the bodies went flying, the competition raged on and the blood flowed.

The men of the crews were busy with each other and Heath saw the ambush taking place. Nick was beating Dirk when suddenly he felt his arms grabbed and he was hauled upwards. The men in his crew too busy with their own struggles and unaware what was happening.

Fighting fair was one thing, this was another.

The two held the dark haired rancher by the arms while another placed two punches to his midsection. Nick’s wind was taken out of him and his knees buckled from the blows. Suddenly, he was released and falling to the floor. Struggling to his knees and gasping for air, he saw a blonde stranger taking on the three men of the Craddock crew.

Jumping into the foray, Heath grabbed the nearest man and yanked him away from the man they were holding, his punch breaking the man’s nose and throwing him across the room. The man delivering the blows and the leader of the ambush grabbed onto Heath around the stomach, propelling the blonde back against the bar. Heath brought his joined hands down across the neck of the man, stunning him and jerked him up by the hair and drove his knee into the man’s jaw.

Dodging the left hand of the third man, Heath heard a shouted warning and caught the right wrist, the deadly blade missing him by the width of a hair. Sapphire eyes flashed with fury and the breaking of the thick wrist could be heard followed by a scream. Kicking the unprotected jaw, Heath sent the knife wielding man into darkness and turned to meet the leader of the ambush, seeing stars when a fist turned his head.

Nick saw the knife and shouted a warning, his eyes watching the blonde in admiration of the moves in the man. Jumping up when the foreman of the Craddock’s sucker punched the blonde, Nick wrapped his arms around the man and they fell to the floor. Getting up to his knees, Nick’s leathered right hand pushed the foreman back to the floor and he was unconscious.

The sound of gunfire had men diving for the floor and Heath shook his head to clear the cobwebs, leaning up against the bar and grinning gratefully at the beer shoved in his hand by the bartender.

Sheriff Maden fired the gun, stopping the fight and yelled. “What the hell is going on here?”

A bunch of voices started talking and Fred shook his head. Heath walked over and picked up the unconscious Dirk, dragging him over and laying him at the lawman’s feet.

“Fred, this guy insulted that man’s sister.” informed Heath gesturing to Nick who was helping his men to their feet. “He threw the first punch.”

Nick heard the words and watched as Fred nodded in appreciation. Ordering the Craddock crew to get out of town, Fred and Billy took the unconscious Dirk with them as they left.

Nick walked over and held out his leathered hand, “Thanks for your help. Nick Barkley.”

“Heath Thomson .” informed the blonde seeing the surprise turn to anger in the hazel eyes before paying for his beer.

“BOUNTY HUNTER THOMSON?” shouted Nick. “THE MAN WHO CAUGHT MY RED GHOST?”

Heath’s eyebrow arched at the shouted accusation in the man’s tone and he crossed his arms across his chest, his voice strong and firm. “If I’m not mistaken, I do believe the Red Ghost is now mine, Mr. Barkley. Matter of fact, I don’t believe he was ever yours.”

Nick stared into the cool blue eyes and felt a familiar feeling rise inside at the blonde before him, aware the men in his crew were staring at them knowing how much Nick had yearned for the Red Ghost. Nick’s loud voice reached out into the darkness, filling each corner of the room.

“Matter of fact, I believe you are correct Mr. Thomson! Let’s have a drink!”

Clapping Heath on the back, Nick stood beside him at the bar and announced loudly drinks for everyone. Heath grimaced and rubbed his ear at the boisterous shout from the dark haired man before nodding in appreciation at the mug of beer placed before him by the bartender.

Nick took a drink of his beer and stated, “So, you’re a bounty hunter?”

Nodding, Heath replied, “Yep.”

“My family and I appreciate you bringing in Garrett. We weren’t so sure he’d ever be caught.”

“Like I told your brother thanks aren’t necessary.” drawled Heath taking another sip of his drink before setting it back on the bar. “It’s my job.”

Hazel inquisitive eyes studied the profile of the blonde, whose cool sapphire eyes used the mirror behind the bar to keep track on the happenings in the room. Nick felt a need to know more about this man on his left. His bits of knowledge gained over the past few days of this person were conflicting and contrasting.

The bounty hunter image did not fit with this youthful man beside him, the ability to take on three men in a bar fight did not fit either. The ability to catch a wild horse which evaded everyone who had sought after him filled Nick with a grudging admiration.

“Thomson, how did you catch my, uh, your stallion?” asked Nick curiously.

Shrugging, Heath smiled slightly, “I rode up and roped him.”

“RODE UP AND ROPED HIM?” shouted Nick in disbelief, his words turning several heads in the bar. “IT CAN’T HAVE BEEN THAT SIMPLE!”

Pushing his hat back, the sapphire eyes twinkled, “Why not, Barkley? It’s not that hard.”

Scowling, Nick shook his head. “You must’ve trapped him or something. NOBODY’S been able to get close enough to rope him.”

Irritated, Heath’s eyes turned frosty and his voice lowered, “Barkley, I don’t lie and I really don’t care if you believe me or not. I have the horse, you don’t!”

Nodding to the man who’d been introduced as Duke McCall, Heath turned and left the stunned rancher behind. The cold look in the blue eyes had startled Nick, it was unexpected and unnerving.

Duke bit back a smile at the shocked look on Nick’s face when the younger man growled at him. Nick turned to watch the retreating back, letting out a breath and turned back to the bar after the swinging doors flipped back into their position.

“Duke, that boy’s a puzzle.” admitted Nick.

Clapping his boss on the shoulder, Duke smiled, “Well, I hear you’ll have plenty of time to try to figure him out boss.”

“What do ya’ mean?”

“Rumor says he put a down payment on the Pierce ranch.” informed Duke.

Admiration flew into the hazel eyes and Nick whistled, “He sure picked one of the loneliest and wildest places around here. I wonder if he’s planning on raising cattle.”

The blonde bounty hunter filled their thoughts and both men looked forward to seeing the youngster in the future. Leaving the saloon, the crew followed their boss home in the warm summer night.

Rising early the next morning, Heath spent time with Charger in the corral using the same technique he had the day before. Talking and moving slowly to get the massive horse used to the nearness of him. By the end of the session, the red horse would reach forward with a tentative nose and sniff his master’s hand. Heath smiled as he was saddling Brownie, in time Charger would become an excellent horse and friend. He was intelligent, powerful and cunning. Great combinations which he liked in his animals.

The morning was slowly fading towards noon and the blonde was making his way out to the property which would be his in two days. The events of the prior evening left him shaking his head. His last words to Nick Barkley hadn’t been harsh but had definitely been said in anger. Sighing, he realized if he wanted to live in this area it’d be best to try not to make too many enemies. He had earned enough foes over the years past without actively seeking out new ones.

Arriving at the ranch, he took the small notebook out of his pocket and opened to the list he’d made. He decided today would be a good day to visit his new home and ensure he’d not left anything out which needed to be done. The time on the ranch went by quickly and his list was longer, short term and long term fixes written in the notebook before he turned the chestnut back to Stockton.

The day spent in solitude was broken at the sight of the surrey stopped on the side of the road. Two people were beside the surrey, the wheel laying on the side of the road. Approaching, Heath glanced around the area before riding up closer. The people in the surrey older, one black and the other white.

“Howdy, need some help?” drawled Heath leaning on his saddlehorn.

Victoria smiled as Silas unconsciously stepped in front of her. Placing a hand on his arm, she squeezed her thanks and nodded, “We have lost a wheel, Mr.”

“Thomson, ma’am.” replied Heath tipping his hat before climbing down.

“Heath Thomson?” asked Victoria watching the puzzled look in his eyes which turned to amusement at the name painted on the side of the surrey.

“Yes, ma’am.” stated Heath leaning down and examining the underside of the carriage.

“I’m Victoria Barkley and this is Silas Whiting.” introduced Victoria receiving a nod in response as he walked to the other side of the surrey and knelt to get a better look.

“Small world ain’t it, Mrs. Barkley.” drawled Heath after straightening and brushing off his clothes. “Since I’ve been here, you’re the third Barkley I’ve met. How many more are there?”

Laughing, Victoria replied, “Two. My daughter Audra and my son Eugene. Gene is away at college.”

Chuckling, Heath flashed a lop-sided grin and nodded. “Mr. Whiting, with your help we can get this wheel back on.”

“Certainly, sir.” agreed Silas stepping closer to the blonde and following his instructions. The afternoon was hot and both men were covered in sweat from the exertion. Taking off his hat and wiping his brow, Heath smiled into the dark eyes of the older man.

“Good work, Mr. Whiting.” smiled Heath. “How far to the ranch?”

“Ten miles, sir.” informed Silas.

Frowning and taking a drink from his canteen, Heath thought for a moment before looking at Silas and Victoria. “If ya’ don’t mind, I’ll make sure you get back to the ranch. I’m not sure this wheel will hold all the way and I wouldn’t want ya’ to be stranded out here with night coming.”

“That is certainly kind of you, Mr. Thomson.” smiled Victoria. “We’d love to have your company on the way to the ranch.”

Helping Victoria into the surrey, Heath watched Silas start the horses before mounting and riding alongside. After riding through the outer gate with the large overhead sign indicating the Barkley Ranch, Heath’d been surprised at how far away the main house was from the road. He took out his watch and frowned at the time. He’d have to leave and ride hard to make it back to Stockton in time for his dinner date with Mackenzie. Putting the timepiece away, his eyes widened at the sight of the house he saw looming in the distance. Following the surrey into the yard, he jumped down and reached up to help Victoria from the surrey as Nick approached from the barn.

“Thank you for your assistance again, Mr. Thomson. I would certainly appreciate if you would stay for dinner and allow us to repay you for your kindness.” suggested Victoria extending her hand to him and feeling a sense of familiarity when she looked into the youthful face.

Heath took her hand in his and smiled, “I’m afraid I already have dinner plans for tonight, Mrs. Barkley.”

“Mother.” greeted Nick placing a kiss on her cheek before turning to the blonde. “Thomson.”

“Barkley.” nodded Heath before gesturing to the surrey. “It broke down on the road.”

“Thanks for helping one of us Barkleys again.” grinned Nick holding out his hand. “How about a drink?”

Shaking the hand of the rancher, Heath flashed a quick grin before tipping his hat to Victoria, “Sorry ma’am, I’m gonna have ta ride like the devil’s on my tail to make it back in time.”

“Perhaps tomorrow night, Mr. Thomson?” asked Victoria, gray eyes hopeful. “Say six o’clock?”

Hesitating, Heath slowly nodded in agreement, “Six o’clock it is, ma’am. Good night.”

Nick put an arm around his mother’s waist while they watched the blonde gallop out of the yard and back towards Stockton.

“Such an interesting young man.” mumbled Victoria wrapping her arms around her son.

“Yes, he is Mother.” admitted Nick as they walked into the mansion, feeling excitement rise up in him at the upcoming dinner.

As Heath was on his way back to Stockton, a knock on the back door had Mackenzie smiling at the man’s voice on the other side. She quickly opened the plank of wood and ushered him in.

Jacob Daye, criminal since the tender age of 14, hugged his daughter and held her out at arm’s length. The hardened outlaw’s brown eyes scrutinized the beautiful girl he’d raised as his own with his wife and his heart filled with pride.

“Honey, you look terrific!” smiled Jacob, cupping her cheek in his palm. “Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine, Dad, it’s so good to see you!” whispered Mackenzie, her eyes filling with tears and she brushed them away. “Look at silly old me, crying like a little girl. Sit down and I’ll get us some coffee.”

Sitting at the table, Jacob grinned at the cookies she set before him, oatmeal raisin were his favorite. Waiting til she sat down with him, Jacob asked, “Mac, do you need any money?”

“No, dad. I’m working at the restaurant.” informed Mackenzie. “Thanks for asking though.”

Scowling Jacob shook his head, “I still wish you’d have stayed closer to me, Mac. I don’t like the thought of you living by yourself without someone to protect you.”

“Oh, dad! You’re going to get gray hair worrying so much!” teased Mackenzie causing her already gray haired father to chuckle. She watched as he devoured the cookies, the special treats she always made for him.

This man who was wanted for bank robbery, rustling and suspicion of murder put fear into the hearts of many. But not hers or her mother’s. They knew the man inside hidden deep beneath the many layers of roughness, gruffness and deadliness.

He’d worshipped his wife and loved his daughter. He had been on the outlaw path long before he had met the beautiful woman who’d stolen his heart and he felt was his soulmate. He was the only father she’d ever known and even with all the moving around they did, she wouldn’t have traded him for the world.

Jacob reached over and patted her hand bringing her thoughts back to the kitchen. “Mac, so tell me how do you like this town?”

A slight blush spread across her face and she smiled shyly, “I really like it, dad. The people are very nice and I’ve made some friends.”

Brown eyes lit up and Jacob leaned on the table, his voice curious and low, “You met someone didn’t you?”

Nodding, Mackenzie’s violet eyes sparkled like the stars in the night sky, “Yes, I did. His name is Heath Thomson.”

Jacob’s mouth gaped open and he stammered, “The bounty hunter!”

Surprised, Mackenzie stared in shock, “You know him?”

“Only by reputation, Mac. You didn’t tell him about me, did you?” asked Jacob groaning at the nod of her head. “Oh, honey. You shouldn’t have done that.”

“Dad, he doesn’t care who you are. He’s waiting for the reward from his last job and moving onto a ranch he bought on Monday. He told me he’s not going to be a bounty hunter anymore.” explained Mackenzie quickly.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Jacob felt every inch of his fifty four years of age and sighed, “Honey, how long have you known him?”

“A few days.” admitted Mackenzie shaking her head. “Inside I feel as if I have known him all my life. It’s amazing, dad.”

A knock on the door had Jacob jumping up and Mackenzie stopping him with a hand on his arm, glancing out the window. “Oh I forgot Heath was coming. Just stay here dad for a minute. Something’s wrong with him.”

The worry and concern in the violet eyes twisted Jacob’s heart and he nodded before she closed the door to the kitchen, leaving it ajar. Jacob unhooked the thong holding his pistol in place and listened carefully, standing back and seeing the man in the doorway perfectly.

“Heath, are you okay?’ exclaimed Mackenzie taking in the dusty weary man before her.

Taking off his hat, Heath smiled slightly before reaching up and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “Evening, Mackenzie. Sorry I’m looking so rough. Brownie threw a shoe back on the way into town and we had to walk a few miles.”

Smiling with relief, Mackenzie giggled, “Well, you do look like something the cat’s drug in.”

Laughing, Heath winked, “Boy howdy, I’ve been waiting all day to hear a compliment like that.”

“Oh you!” blushed Mackenzie, her violet eyes falling down from his, biting her lip. “I’m sorry Heath, I forgot we had a date tonight. I’ve been busy all day and time got away from me.”

Tilting his head slightly, Heath nodded, “I understand, Mackenzie. I’m feeling a little worse for wear. How about a ride tomorrow morning instead?”

“I’d love that very much, Heath.” smiled Mackenzie as his hand brushed against her cheek.

Leaning forward, Heath brushed his lips against hers before pulling back, drawling quietly. “Have wonderful dreams, Mackenzie. I’ll see you around eight tomorrow.”

Nodding, Mackenzie watched as he lead Brownie down the street and closed the door when she couldn’t see him any more. Sighing with relief, Jacob opened the kitchen door and frowned when she walked in.

“Honey, I didn’t mean to wreck your evening.” apologized the older man.

“It’s okay. I’ll see Heath tomorrow.” said Mackenzie, screeching in fear at the back door bursting open and Jacob turning quickly, stopping a grab for his gun at the steady pistol aimed at his heart.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Daye.” stated Heath quietly, watching the two sets of eyes widen in fear.

“Take it out with your left hand and drop it.” ordered the hunter watching carefully as his orders were followed.

“Mackenzie, you and your father move over there.” said Heath moving to the gun and kneeling to pick it up.

“Heath.” pleaded Mackenzie, tears rising in her eyes as she glanced between the two men, wishing the two males had never met.

Jacob sighed and shook his head, “How’d you know?”

“Next time make sure there’s not a light behind ya’. It casts a shadow.” informed Heath with a scowl. “I was afraid someone was here against your daughter’s wishes since she didn’t mention she had company. I didn’t know it was you til I came through the door.”

Sudden anger flared in the sapphire eyes at the father and daughter before him, he was at the crossroads and unsure of which direction to take.

“Darlin’, you’ve put me in a very bad position.” snapped Heath clenching his jaw against his temper, not letting his guard down for a moment.

“YOU WOULDN’T BE IN A BAD POSITION IF YOU HADN’T KICKED IN MY DOOR.” shot back Mackenzie responding to the anger in his voice which matched his flashing eyes.

“HELL, I THOUGHT YOU WERE IN TROUBLE! WHAT KIND OF MAN WOULD I BE IF I JUST LEFT?” snapped Heath in frustration.

“WHY DIDN’T YOU ASK ME? YOU COULD’VE MENTIONED THE SHADOW YOU SAW WHEN YOU SAID GOODBYE, HEATH!” said Mackenzie then releasing an audible sigh of regret. “You just had to ask.”

“Mackenzie, why didn’t you tell me he was in the area? Now I’m forced into a corner and I don’t like it!” growled the blonde, indecision flaring in the sapphire eyes, his sense of right and wrong warring within him, the realization of how this night’s decision could affect his future tightening his gut.

“He’s my dad, Heath.” said Mackenzie firmly, lifting her chin slightly. “I love him no matter what he’s done to others in the past. He’d never hurt me!”

“Mac didn’t know I was in the area, Thomson. It was a surprise cause I was worried about her being alone. I only wanted to see my little girl.” explained Jacob, arms folded across his chest, staring at the pistol not wavering in the strong hand.

“Last thing I heard was you were over Nevada way, Mr. Daye.” stated Heath smiling slightly at the flash of surprise in the hardened criminal’s eyes. “I’m very good at what I do.”

Jacob smirked, “So I’m unfortunate enough to witness first hand. I heard you brought in that backshooting Garrett. Nice work.”

Heath nodded, “Thanks.”

“Heath, what are you going to do?” asked Mackenzie, several minutes passed before a word was spoken.

“Tell me what you want me to do, Mackenzie. I’ll do whatever you want!” urged Heath quietly, staring into the surprised violet eyes.

Jacob looked at the exchange with interest in the room full of stillness as time stood still between the two younger people. The atmosphere in the room filled the kitchen with tension, the longing in their eyes touching him deep inside. It was the same look he knew was in his own eyes when he first met his wife.

Mackenzie’s automatic inclination was to protect her father, the man who raised her with nothing other than love. The man who held her hand for her first eighteen years of life and yet in front of her was another man who’d only held her hand for a few days, but the sparks between them flew higher than the lava of a volcano, the joined sense between them at their first touch startling them both.

The strong handsome face of the blonde across from her stole her breath away, her lips remembered the tenderness in his kiss, her heart knew the type of man he was, had shown himself to be in his actions and their talks.

“I can’t! I can’t ask you to do something that would go against your principles. I couldn’t live with myself if I asked you to compromise yourself. I understand if you never want to see me again. You do what you feel you have to. Just know I’m terribly sorry for putting you in a place where you must decide, Heath.” stammered Mackenzie between sobs of anguish, feeling her father pulling her into his arms, her heart breaking.

Concerned brown eyes met sapphire eyes which burned with pride, admiration and love. No man wants a woman who’d put others ahead of him or thought her needs were more important. No man wanted a woman who’d demand he knuckle under giving into what she wanted. He wanted a woman who’d walk beside him, hand in hand, fully understanding the person he was inside. Jacob watched in disbelief when the young hunter tilted his gun up, slowly holstered his pistol and laid his colt on the table before backing to the door.

“Mackenzie?” drawled Heath softly waiting til she looked over at him. “Since I put the down payment on the ranch, one could say I’m no longer a bounty hunter but a rancher. This is not a rancher’s job.”

“Oh, Heath.” burst out Mackenzie, rushing over into his arms. “I’m so sorry.”

Holding her close, Heath shook his head and stated in her ear before placing a kiss on her cheek, “Don’t apologize for having a loving father, Mackenzie or for loving him back. No matter who he is.”

Looking over, he stared into the brown eyes and stated, “Understand Mr. Daye, just being in your presence is against the law. I’ll come back at ten tomorrow. That should be enough time for you two to talk and such. When I arrive at ten, I won’t see you cause you should’ve already left. If you haven’t, all bets are off and I will take you in, Mr. Daye.”

Jacob’s brown eyes reflected his understanding and thanks, his voice low. “You won’t have to worry, Mr. Thomson. I give you my word, I’ll be gone long before ten o’clock. Mac, why don’t you see Heath out the front door, say goodbye properly and I’ll put another pot of coffee on?”

Stunned at the turn of the evening, Mackenzie lead the blonde to the front door and stepped out on the porch with him, closing the door behind them. Her insides jumped, nervous at the events which had occurred, wondering what the man before her would do, wanting to know what he thought of her, her doubts darkening the violet in her eyes.

Heath gazed into the confused violet eyes, his heart thundering loudly in his chest, knowing he was hers forever from the moment he looked into her eyes and saw her soul. Taking hold of her upper arms, he slowly pulled her closer to him, moving his left hand around her waist and lightly down her back as he held her close against him. His right fingertips gently caressed her cheek, his lips whispered her name with a quivering voice, full of emotion and huskiness.

Holding her chin in his hand, he brushed their mouths together, running his tongue lightly over her lips and his soft moan of desire was stifled by his searching kiss which released her unspoken questions and sent her senses reeling under the moonlight of the summer night. His hand moved to the back of her neck seeking to deepen his kiss, his body longing for her, the feel of her against him fueling his hunger.

Her arms tightened around him and she returned the kiss with a hungered passion that matched his, her desire as great and the flames as hot. Lost in the feel of each other’s shaking body and the moment of oneness which revealed the depths of their emotions for each other.

Regretfully breaking away, deep breaths calmed the fires inside and Heath sighed. “Til tomorrow, Mackenzie.”

“Tomorrow.” whispered Mackenzie stroking his cheek. “Thank you, Heath.”

Shaking his head and putting a finger on her lips, he whispered, “We’ll talk about it tomorrow. I’m going to the hotel and will forget everything I saw tonight. I’ll remember only us here on this porch.”

Tears sprang out of her eyes and Heath placed another lingering kiss on the trembling lips before walking down the street. Watching until she couldn’t see him anymore, Mackenzie entered the house and locked the door behind her.

Jacob hugged his daughter tightly, “He loves ya’, Mac. Everything I’ve ever heard about him seems true. He’s a good man. Make sure you take good care of him.”

“I will, daddy.” promised Mackenzie, her violet eyes sparkling, her limbs trembling from the passionate kisses.

Walking to the livery and leading Brownie, the fifteen year old wanted poster on Jacob Daye flashed through Heath’s mind. Bankrobbery, rustling and suspicion of murder. Did he trade in part of himself for the feelings he relished when Mackenzie was in his arms? Is that why he allowed her father the chance to spend the night with his daughter and not report him to the law, keeping him out of justice’s way? The man didn’t have any other charges against him that Heath knew of, only those printed fifteen years ago. He’d expected Mackenzie to plead for her father’s freedom, instead she had taken him by surprise and his admiration for her flowed when she wouldn’t make the decision out of concern for his principles.

Shaking his head, he mumbled, “I’m gonna drive myself crazy if I keep thinkin’ like a bounty hunter, Brownie. I’m a rancher, you’re a rancher’s horse. That’s all there is to it. No more chasing men for money. Ranchers don’t do that and I’m not going to either.”

The chestnut shook his head and whinnied, delighting in the feel of the grooming under the familiar hands. The curry comb worked it’s way over the coat of the chestnut as Heath replayed the scene in his mind, his lips feeling her kiss, his sigh loud in the quiet livery. Brownie stomped and snorted, demanding his master return to the stall where he stood physically to finish the grooming which stopped as the blonde’s thoughts flew a mile a minute. Heath smiled and patted the chestnut, reaching up to scratch behind his ears before giving him some oats.

Making sure the chestnut was set for the night, Heath walked out of the livery and climbed up to sit on the top rail of the corral. His voice softly whispered to the stallion. Walking slowly, Charger made his way to the familiar sound, the soothing tone moving his ears forward.

Heath sat still and spoke, curtailing his excitement at the nose which nuzzled his leg. Reaching forward slowly, he held out his hand for Charger to smell before reaching over and scratching the sensitive area behind the ears. Charger reveled in the strong touch of the fingers behind his ears, enjoying the new sensation for a minute before shaking his head and jumping away. Heath laughed softly at the dancing horse beneath the moonlight, the sight mesmerizing him for a moment.

Climbing down he headed down the street and entered the saloon, resuming his spot from the night before. Harry brought out a bowl of stew at his request. Heath leaned on the bar chasing his stew down with a beer. The room was as full as the night before, some of the faces familiar. His eyes stopped briefly on the man with the plastered wrist before moving on.

Bard Flaherty saw the blonde enter and his eyes fueled with anger. The cast on his arm and the broken bone throbbing beneath it was the remnant of their last meeting. Nudging the man on his left, he spoke and stood up with the man. Walking through the saloon as Nick Barkley and Duke McCall entered.

Both men unconsciously stiffened at the sight of the Craddock foreman, waiting and surprised when the men ignored them, striding past to enter the darkness of the night. Duke made his way to the poker table and grinning at the blonde who pushed the empty bowl away from him, Nick snorted, “Don’t tell me your date was with Harry here? Even I can do better than that!”

Heath choked on the beer he was drinking at the statement and coughed. Nick laughed and patted the gasping man on the back.

“Dammit Barkley! What are ya’ trying to do? Choke me?” growled Heath wiping his mouth, his eyes glittering with amusement. “Boy howdy, I sure hope your touch with the ladies is better than the luck ya’ have with horses!”

Winking, Nick saluted the hunter with his glass before turning the conversation to the ranch the blonde had purchased. “That’s some wild country up there.”

“Just how I like it.” admitted Heath quietly. “Far away from town and quiet. Perfect for gentling horses.”

Nodding, Nick agreed, “Yea, it’s that alright. You planning on running cattle?”

“Nope, just horses. With cattle you need a full crew of men. With horses you can get by with half as many men.” informed Heath, then smirking, “Course it’ll depend on how the ghosts of the haunted ranch treat me.”

Scowling, Nick shook his head, “That’s a bunch of horse dung! It was just some rumor old man Pierce started to keep visitors away. He was a hermit and didn’t like anybody. That’s all it is but you know how people are. Say one thing and by the time it gets through town, it’s grown by leaps and bounds. It’s just a rumor!”

Digesting the information, Heath winked, “Haunted or not, it still sounds perfect to me Barkley! Well, I got a bed at the hotel calling my name. Night!”

“I’ll walk up the street with you.” said Nick falling in step beside the blonde waving to Duke as they passed, the two men left the lighted saloon were swallowed up by the darkness.

“Hey, where you going?” asked Nick when the younger man walked by the hotel.

Not stopping, Heath replied, “I gotta go say goodnight to my Red Ghost. Course you’re welcome to come and take a close up look at him, Barkley. Now that he’s in a place where you can get near him!”

The chuckle of the blonde filled the night air and Nick rolled his eyes, grinning at the other man’s cockiness. Climbing up on Coco, he turned his mount towards home. Stopping at the sudden desire to see the Red Ghost, he turned and walked Coco down to the livery.

The sound of a distressed horse caught Nick’s ears and he ran to the corral. The sound of his running feet reached the ears of two men who were dodging the hooves of the massive stallion in the corral. Charger sought out the men, trying to get them with his teeth or hooves. Nick yelled out at the men, who took off running to the other side of the corral, climbing over and disappearing into the night before he could recognize them.

“THOMSON!” shouted Nick at the sight of the still man lying in the corral, the stallion standing over him, his eyes wide and nostrils flaring. “THOMSON!”

Fred heard the shouts of fear and ran to the livery from the boardwalk where he was patrolling the town. Stopping beside Nick, he stared into the corral.

“That horse’s gonna stomp him!” exclaimed Nick grabbing a rope from a nearby horse. Fred stopped Nick as he walked by with a hand on his arm.

“Nick, damned if it don’t look like the Red Ghost is protecting Heath. Look!” stated Fred, unable to take his eyes from the corral.

Taking a closer look, Nick shook his head in disbelief realizing the sheriff was right. The blonde lay about ten feet inside the corral with the red stallion standing over him. Charger kept his eyes on the two new humans and snorted a warning before lowering his head and nuzzling his master on the ground. The smell of blood made him nervous and he shied a couple feet away before coming back to nuzzle him again.

The smell of dirt and the taste of blood in his mouth greeted Heath before he rose to a painful level of consciousness. The feel of someone pushing against him caused a small groan to escape and he slowly opened his eyes. The sight of two hooves by his head woke him quickly and he steadied himself while he lay still on the ground. In a flash of time, he remembered the unexpected attack and the subsequent struggle which left him in the corral.

Talking softly, Heath clenched his teeth and slowly raised a hand to the velvety nose. He was waiting for the strong hooves to come down on him as he slowly climbed to his knees then his feet. Charger shook his head and smelled him before nuzzling the blonde in the back as he walked away, his steps faltering when the horse pushed him but he caught himself and stopped.

Nick and Fred watched, listening to the soft ramblings of the blonde before his hand reached up from the ground towards the stallion who calmly sniffed it. They held their breath as the obviously pained man struggled to his knees, then to his feet. Sighing with relief when the stallion didn’t startle when the blonde took his first steps away from the horse.

Nick grimaced at the shot of pain which spread across Heath’s face after the Red Ghost nuzzled him in the back and he had to stop himself from falling back to the ground. Stopping in his tracks, Heath slowly turned and reached up to scratch behind the horse’s ears. The small movement sending shockwaves of pain through his battered body and he clenched his jaws together.

Satisfied with the attention he received, Charger moved to the end of the corral and Heath walked out the gate which Fred opened. Leaning against the fence, Heath let out his breath and wiped his face with a shaky hand, his words coming out in between gasps.

“Nice...friendly...town.”

Smirking, Nick retorted, “You must’ve stolen another person’s horse or something.”

“Or...something.” gasped Heath, his legs giving out and Nick grabbed his arms helping him down to sit on the ground. Fred returned with a lantern and the men saw the damage on the blonde whose eyes were closed, one from swelling and bruising. Blood flowed down the side of his head, the left side containing the most damage, more than likely from the first blow. The injured man’s breathing slowly returned to normal and the other two smiled at the blue eye they could see under the now open lid.

“Barkley, you’re bad luck. Everytime I’m near ya’ something happens.” drawled Heath, his mouth lifted into a slight grin at the growl from the other man.

“I’m not the one who couldn’t say good night to his horse without running into someone’s fists.” snorted Nick with a wink.

Inhaling at a spasm of pain, Heath groaned, “Fists only I coulda won. Not with whatever hit me first. No chance after that.”

Anger flashed in the hazel eyes and he growled, “Not many men can win if the other guy’s using something other than fists. Com’n let’s go get you to the doctor.”

Fred and Nick pulled the shaky man to his feet and put his arms over their shoulders. Nick rolled his eyes and laughed at the moaned comment spoken in a pained voice.

“Dammit, next time I have to fill six days in a strange town, I’m gonna shoot myself and just stay at the doctor’s office from day one.”

Walking the injured man to the office of Dr. Merar’s was slow going. Stopping once when the nausea rising within him became too much, Heath felt the strong hands of the dark haired rancher supporting him after he was left trembling from the expulsion of his stomach contents.

“You okay?” asked Nick glancing at the pale face of the blonde.

Snorting, Heath snapped, “Barkley, are you blind or something?”

Fred laughed outright at the crimson which spread across Nick’s face at the response to his not so wise question.

“Yeah, I see what you mean. You do look like hell.” smirked Nick patting the back of the younger man before helping him to his feet.

“Gee thanks.” groaned Heath from his place between the two men. “Barkley, did you get a close-up look at the Red Ghost?”

Nick rolled his eyes and sighed, “You know, Thomson, you’re not a funny guy.”

The chuckle from the blonde turned into a groan of pain as the men climbed the stairs to the physician’s office. Dr. Merar answered the knock and led the men into an examining room.

“Sit him there on the table.” instructed the physician grabbing his tray of instruments and moving them closer. Nick and Fred helped the blonde onto the table and stood by, steadying the shaky man when he wobbled.

Howard started his examination by running his hands over the sides of his patient, eliciting a sharp inhalation at his probing. Taking note of the blonde’s pale face, blood stained hair and bruises on the left side as he spoke.

“What happened Fred?”

“Someone jumped him at the livery. We found him in the middle of the corral.” stated Fred, arms crossed over his chest.

“Any signs of unconsciousness or nausea?”

Nick nodded, “He was unconscious when we found him and threw up on the way here.

“HEY! I’M SITTING RIGHT HERE!” snapped Heath, holding his head when the heated words echoed in his head.

Raising an eyebrow at the blue orb looking at him, Howard smiled, “You are barely sitting there, young man. How many fingers?”

Staring, Heath frowned, “Ah, four?”

“Let’s get your shirt off.” sighed Howard reaching for the garment.

“Just stitch my head and give me some headache powders, doc.” growled Heath, pushing the physician’s hand away. “I know I’m concussed and bruised some ribs. Nothing that ain’t happened before.”

Nick and Fred hid their smiles at the look of anger which spread across the normally stoic physician’s face. Howard leaned forward and stared into the light blue eye, his voice low and demanding, “Exactly what medical school did you attend?”

Clenching his jaw against the pain, the young hunter replied, “I don’t need you to wrap my ribs, they’re not broken. I can tell, Dr. Merar.”

Howard frowned and sighed before straightening up, “Nick. Fred. Can you leave us alone for a moment?”

“Sure, doc.” replied both men leaving the room and closing the door behind them.

Waiting til the door closed, Howard stated firmly, “Mr. Thomson, you are correct, you have a concussion. Only a mild one thankfully. You are correct, your ribs are not broken and do not need to be wrapped.”

“Then stitch my head and I’ll leave.” said Heath in exasperation.

“However, I need to see if you have any internal bleeding, Mr. Thomson. The only way I can do this is by fully examining you.” replied Howard. “If I don’t do my job correctly, the cost would be your life. I, for one, do not want that on my conscience.”

The sincerity in the physician’s voice reached deep inside the blonde and he sighed. The man before him was only doing what he’d trained for but to the man on the table, it was just another time he’d have to answer questions. Questions that brought the past to the future. Questions he got sick of answering and replying to. Questions which only brought him pain emotionally now, the physical pain ending long ago.

Slowly opening his shirt, Heath looked into the physician’s caring brown eyes, his harsh words startling Howard. “I’m not answering any questions not related to today’s injuries, doc. You might have questions but I don’t want to hear them. Just get it over with.”

The puzzlement in the physician’s eyes was replaced with understanding at two jagged scars on the sides of the blonde which appeared to run towards the back. Looking briefly into the open sapphire eye, Howard stepped around the table and ran his eyes over the back of his patient. The scars were marks from a whip with some of the scars wrapping themselves around and ending partially on the front of the young man.

Stepping back to the front of the table, Howard helped Heath lay down on his back and ran his hands over the blonde’s bruised stomach, his questions answered quickly from the man whose arm was covering his eye. The pain the blonde felt came from the bruising on the left side of his head where the initial first strike had drawn first blood and stunned him making his efforts at defending himself, useless and futile.

Howard stopped his examination and stared at the birthmark on the man’s left side above his heart. The shape of a crescent moon burned into his brown eyes and he glanced toward his patient’s head, thankful Heath’s eye was still covered and he was unaware of his shock.

Helping Heath sit up and put his shirt back on, Howard cleared his throat, “Mr. Thomson, that’s a very interesting shaped birthmark.”

The mention of the mark caused the blonde to sneer, “My mama, god rest her soul, said that’s part of my daddy in me. Along with my eyes. Other than that, I’m a spitting image of my mother. Too bad, I couldn’t get all of her features.”

The frown on the physician’s face had Heath lowering his eyes, “Sorry, doc. It’s a sore subject with me.”

Patting the blonde’s shoulder, Howard smiled, “No need to apologize, Mr. Thomson. Now, I will stitch your head and we can finish up here.”

“Thanks, doc.” sighed Heath, stifling a yawn. “I’m kinda tired and just want to get to bed.”

The sure fingers of the physician finished the stitching and bandaging in record time. The queasiness of his patient mixed with a strong headache left the blonde thankful after it was completed. Nick re-entered the room after Howard opened the door and made his way to the table.

“Thomson, you don’t look any better.” smirked Nick, receiving a growl from the pale blonde.

“Mr. Thomson, someone needs to stay with you tonight because of your head injury.” stated Dr. Merar.

Open-mouthed, Heath stared at the town physician. “I don’t need a baby-sitter! I’m fine!”

Climbing down from the table to prove his point, Heath’s legs wouldn’t support his weight and Nick grabbed onto his arms keeping the man from hitting the floor. Howard rolled his eyes and smiled.

“We can see how fine you are, Mr. Thomson.”

Grinning, Nick sighed, “I’ll take him back to his hotel room and stay with him, doc. Okay?”

Shaking his head, Heath groaned, “Barkley, go on home to your ranch. I’ll stay at Fred’s jail.”

“Nope. Fred says all the cells are full. There was a fight at the saloon and he had to lock up a bunch of people.” informed Nick. “Thomson, you helped me yesterday and I’m betting that’s why you were attacked tonight. Com’n I’m sure the doc would like to get back to sleep himself.”

Nodding, Heath took a deep breath and growled. “Alright but I got a date at ten in the morning and I definitely won’t need a chaperone!”

Chuckling, Nick put the right arm of the blonde across his shoulders and lead him from the room with the town physician staring after them. As he readied himself for bed, Howard Merar wondered how the birthmark of the crescent moon, prominent on all Barkley males through the generations, ended up on the chest of a blonde bounty hunter.

....Continued