When the Thunder Rolls

 

Chance City Series Book Five

 

 

Robin Deeter

 

 

Bookapy User License

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please go to Bookapy.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Other books by Robin Deeter

 

 

Chance City Beginnings

(Prequels to Chance City Series)

 

Part One

Part Two

 

Chance City Series

 

Mail Order Mystery

Mail Order Mystery Audio Book

Mail Order Mystery Print Book

On the Fence

Crossroads

Gray Justice

When the Thunder Rolls

And the Lightning Strikes

A Very Decker Christmas

 

 

The Paha Sapa Saga

 

Sacrifice and Reward

Sacrifice and Reward Audio Book

Sacrifice and Reward Print Book

Winter Moon

The Bear, Part One

The Bear, Part Two

The Phantom Horse Bridge Series

 

Phantom Origins Book 0

Phantom Heat

 

 

Wolf Junction Series

 

Silver Bell Shifter

 

 

Dedication

 

 

This book is dedicated to all my wonderful readers who have given me unconditional love and support. Without you, I’d be nothing but an odd woman with a creative door in her head writing for herself. You have allowed me to dream, to spread my wings, and continue this incredible journey. I can’t thank you enough for coming along for the ride and I look forward to sharing many more adventures with you all!

 

Chapter One

 

 

 

Jin’s heartbeat thundered in her ears. She used the steady rhythm to clear her mind and concentrate on the task at hand: survival. As she raised her fists again, sweat trickled down her temple to mix in with the blood on her scraped cheek. She didn’t wipe away the stinging, salty moisture, instead channeling the pain into purpose.

The contact of the solid flesh of one of her three companions’ broad backs against hers gave Jin comfort and reminded her that the stakes were sky-high. She didn’t look to see which of them was on her right, or who was on her left. Her dark eyes darted back and forth between several foes who stalked them, assessing them to see who would come at them first. Or would several of them attack at once?

She’d been in some tight spots before, but not like this. No, this was so tight that it seemed as though they were all being squeezed in a powerful vice and escape was impossible.

A couple of the men came forward, the hard, angry expressions on their faces telling her that they meant business. That they weren’t playing around anymore. They were dead serious and deadly.

Thinking about the three men with her, men who meant the world to her, Jin dug down to the bottom of her soul, bringing up every last drop of strength and resolve. Would it be enough? Did she have enough cunning, creativity, and strength to help them escape this nightmare?

As the circle of opponents closed in on the foursome, she shifted on the balls of her feet and thought, hell yeah, I do. A vicious smile curved her pretty mouth as she whirled into action and went on the offensive…

 

 

Three Weeks Earlier…

 

“Well, that’s the look of a troubled girl, if I ever saw it.”

Jin Cho looked up into the kindly face of Morton Riggins. She smiled as he pulled out a chair at her table in Lawton’s Restaurant and sat down. The older man with thick, white hair and blue eyes set a stack of books and tablets on the table in front of him.

“Why the long face, Sunshine?” Mort chucked Jin under the chin the same way he had for the last ten years.

Mort owned not only the Chance City Clarion, but most of the block around it. He was a grandfatherly figure, not only to the Cho children, but many of the inhabitants in town. He’d become friendly with the Cho family when Mi-Cha, Jin’s mother, had started doing Mort’s laundry a decade ago.

Jin knew it was useless to pretend that all was well. Mort would see right through the lie. She sighed and played with the handle of her teacup. “I don’t know how to choose between them.”

Mort didn’t need to ask what she meant. He knew that Jin had been courted by the Lone Wolf twins for the past couple of months.

“Still can’t pick, huh?”

“No. They are both charming, fun, kind, smart, and so handsome,” Jin said miserably.

Mort felt badly for her. “You know that you’d be the envy of a lot of women in town if they knew you were seeing them. You’ve got the Thunder Twins wrapped around that pretty little finger of yours.”

Jin chuckled. “I know and it’s fun, but it can’t go on forever.”

Mort took an ever-present pencil from behind his right ear and tapped it on the table. “What’s your mother say?”

Jin snorted. “My mother is a very wise woman most of the time, but she is no help with this. She is equally charmed by them, which irritates Father.”

Mort laughed. “Jealous, is he?”

“Yes.” Jin’s eyes twinkled. “He pretends to not approve of them, but I know he likes them.”

“Hmm. Well, you’re a marriage-minded young woman. Which one of those boys is ready to settle down and have a family?” Mort asked.

Jin blinked a couple of times. “I do not know. We haven’t talked about that.”

Mort gave Jin a knowing look. “That’s because you like seeing them both and you’ll miss whichever one you don’t choose.”

Jin nodded. “You’re right. And I don’t want to hurt either of them, but that’s what will happen.”

“I’m afraid that you’re not going to be able to avoid that. But they’re big boys and they knew what they were getting themselves into when this started. You all did.”

Jin got his point. All three of them had understood the risks when they’d agreed that she would see both Daniel and Sly Lone Wolf. She accepted her responsibility in the situation, and she would do the right thing by choosing soon. It was an important decision; one she would make carefully so that she didn’t regret it.

Which twin would make the better husband? Maybe Mort was right, and she needed to look at the situation in a more practical light.

“Yes, I know. Both can support a family. They are successful, intelligent, and good with children.” She sent Mort a mournful glance. “This doesn’t help. They would both make good husbands.”

Mort fiddled thoughtfully with his pencil. “True, they would.” He leaned a little closer to her, lowering his voice. “Something else you might want to consider is whether either of them has been seeing anyone else. You know their reputations. Do you think that they can be faithful to just one woman?”

A jolt of shock ran through Jin. They hadn’t set forth those specific rules and she didn’t know if she was the only woman they were seeing. Jealousy wound through her heart at the idea of the twins spending time with someone else. She had no reason to be jealous, though, since they’d never made an exclusive arrangement.

“I shouldn’t have assumed that they wouldn’t see other women.”

Mort said, “Most people just assume that’ll be the case, but this isn’t a normal courtship. And those boys don’t always do things the way most folks do.”

Jin’s delighted grin made him laugh.

“That’s what makes them so fun! I never know what they’re going to do. Sly is quiet, but impulsive in his own way. Daniel is loud and reckless.”

Mort shook his head. “You really are smitten with both of them. You can’t mention one without talking about the other.”

Jin giggled and covered her face with her hands, making Mort chuckle.

“You got a lot to think about, but in the meantime, I need you to help me.”

Dropping her hands, Jin asked, “Do you have more for me?” Her dark eyes shone with excitement.

Mort’s wide grin was an affirmative response. “I just wrote this one up last night.”

He sorted through his pile of notebooks and books until he found what he wanted. Jin practically snatched the thin sheaf of typewritten pages from his hand.

“I’ve been waiting for another story,” she said. “I’ll read this to Sly tonight.”

“So, it’s his turn, hmm?” Mort asked. “I hope you enjoy it.”

The previous year, Mort had semi-retired, turning over much of the newspaper operation to his sons. He’d always wanted to write his memoirs, but there had never been time while he’d been running the publication.

Mort had left Chance City when he’d been young and had travelled all over the world. He’d seen and experienced many interesting things. So many people around town had told him that he should write a book about his travels, that he’d begun thinking that it would be a good idea. While not ancient, Mort wasn’t getting any younger and, knowing that his sons could keep the Clarion afloat, he’d finally decided to stop dallying and get it done.

For years, he’d sat in Lawton’s to write and ruminate on stories. Unlike many writers, he needed the hustle and bustle of people to concentrate, a habit he’d picked up during his traveling days. He never minded being interrupted by people who wanted to visit a little. It seemed to refresh his brain, enabling him to write better.

The Cho kids had grown up hearing his stories and Jin always became excited when Mort had another one for her to read.

“Yes. They like your stories very much,” she said.

“Glad to hear it. No work today?” he asked.

Her dimples flashed as she smiled. “No. It’s Saturday. No school.”

Mort frowned. “I don’t like this secret job of yours.”

“I can take care of myself,” she said.

They spoke about her position as an undercover bodyguard for Hector Ruiz’s younger sister, Susanna. Hector had hired her because Susanna was a very pretty, trusting girl and he’d had to run off some boys who’d been overly friendly with her.

Hector’s job as Mayor Carly Stratton’s head of security sometimes required long hours and he was worried that one or more of these boys would try something either during school or on the way home. Susanna’s older brother, Diego, worked and couldn’t walk her home like he used to when he’d still been in school.

Hector also had his youngest sister, Pilar to think about. With the twelve-year-old girl’s somewhat weaker constitution, she’d be no help to Susanna if someone attacked either of them. He’d voiced his concern to his friend, Walt Gaines, who’d recommended Jin for the job.

“I know you can physically, but you have to keep so much hidden from everyone. It’s not good for you,” Mort said. “You need to find a different job. Let Hector get someone else to do it.”

Jin said, “It is only until the end of the school year. Then I will graduate from school. I didn’t plan to do it forever.”

“And the Lone Wolf boys are willing to keep things with you hush-hush until then?” Mort asked.

Jin nodded. “Yes. They never come to the school, and we go to Woodward to do things together. No one knows me there. Or we do things at our homes. School ends in May, so it won’t be long.”

Mort shook his head. “If it’s about the money, you know I’ll loan you whatever you need to tide you over.”

Jin gave him the kind of look that froze many a man’s veins with fear. “You will do no such thing. You are very kind, Mort, but we will not hear of it. Besides, the money isn’t the only reason I want to keep going. I like school and I want to learn all I can while I have the chance.”

“I’ll send you to college,” Mort said.

Jin’s voice was quiet, but urgent. “I don’t know enough to go, and they wouldn’t let me in even if I did. I’m a Korean woman. Thank you for being so thoughtful, but I couldn’t accept such an offer.”

It frustrated Mort that she was right. More women were starting to be admitted to higher educational institutions, but a Korean woman wasn’t likely to be accepted unless she had money and connections. Jin had neither of those. Mort had money, but he didn’t know any university officials who would help him out.

He rubbed his chin in irritation. “Alright, alright.”

Jin smiled and stood up. “You are such a sweet man and I love you. Thank you for the story. I’ll get it back to you tomorrow.”

Mort grunted his assent as she kissed his cheek. “That’s fine. Have fun with your Indian tonight.”

“I will.”

 

 

 

As much as Sly Lone Wolf liked Mort’s stories, he enjoyed hearing Jin’s soft, melodious voice and watching her beautiful, expressive face as she read to him infinitely more. They sat in one of the empty bunkhouses on the Lone Wolf horse ranch. Jin had come to dinner, which she often did. Afterwards, she and Sly had taken a walk around the property before going to the bunkhouse.

During the winter, there wasn’t as much work to do, so a few of the ranch hands found jobs elsewhere during the slower season, which meant that two of the Lone Wolf bunkhouses were deserted until the spring. Sly and Daniel took advantage of the free space, often spending evenings with Jin there.

Sly and Jin sat on an old loveseat, her feet resting on his lap as she leaned her back against the other arm. Her ebony hair gleamed in the lantern light and her exotic, midnight eyes moved back and forth as they followed the lines of words across the page. Sly’s gaze was glued to her, unable to look away from her delicate, almost ethereal features.

When he and Daniel had met Jin, the intense attraction he’d felt for her had taken him utterly by surprise. He’d just reached the point where he could let go of his guilt and grief over the death of Catherine Branson, his former lover, when Jin had ridden into his life.

The slim, youthful Jin had bowled the twins over with her alluring combination of exquisite beauty, quick, playful wit, and outrageous flirting. Thinking that she was only a schoolgirl, they’d both resisted her even though they’d been strongly attracted to her. However, once they’d found out that she was of courting age, they’d agreed to share Jin until she made a choice between them or one of the twins bowed out.

So far, though, neither man was willing to give her up. Sly and Daniel’s bond was powerful and giving, allowing them to share her affections without rancor or jealousy. They took turns seeing her and never infringed on the other man’s time with her.

Other men might have resorted to petty behavior to thwart their competition, but the twins had talked about the situation extensively and had agreed that they wanted Jin to make her choice based on what was truly in her heart and not because they made each other look bad in her eyes.

Jin let out an unhappy noise, startling Sly out of his reverie.

“What’s wrong?”

She shuffled the story pages and groaned. “Mort didn’t give me the whole story! Now we won’t know how it ends until tomorrow.”

Sly hadn’t been listening to the actual content of the story, so he searched for the appropriate generic response that wouldn’t clue her in to the fact that he’d been too caught up in her to pay attention properly.

“Well, you better give him hell about it,” he said. I think that’s safe.

“I will. We were busy talking so that’s probably why he didn’t notice that he didn’t give it all to me,” she said.

Sly had to work not to smile at her dejected expression as she laid the story on her lap. Jin was an intoxicating mixture of maturity, responsibility, and alluring sensuality sprinkled with a healthy dose of child-like wonder. She adored Mort’s stories, not only because they were fascinating and so well-written, but because they told about faraway, exciting places and people.

“Must have been an important conversation to keep you from noticing that you didn’t have it all,” Sly teased.

She smiled and ground her bare heel into his thigh. “Be nice.”

Sly laughed and tickled her sensitive arch. She giggled and yanked her feet away before spinning around and laying her head in his lap.

“Actually, it was an important conversation. It was about the future. My future and who is going to be in it,” she said.

A spear of surprise jabbed Sly’s stomach as he grasped her implication. Had she decided between him and Daniel? Anticipation wrestled with dread inside his heart as she took his hand in both of hers.

“Oh?”

Jin nodded, playing with his strong, work-roughened hand. “Yes. I feel terrible. I’m so sorry.”

She gripped his hand hard as tears suddenly flooded her eyes and Sly’s heart plummeted into his stomach. She’d made her choice and it wasn’t him. That was the only thing that explained her statement and behavior. The torment in her eyes hurt him, making him want to ease her pain.

Closing his hand around hers, Sly said, “Jin, it’s okay. Don’t be sad and don’t worry about me. Daniel’s a lucky guy and I wish you both well.”

Jin’s forehead puckered. “What? Why are you saying that?”

“Because you’ve chosen Daniel.”

Jin practically jumped off the love seat, making frustrated hand gestures. “But I haven’t! I can’t. Why do you both have to be so wonderful? Can’t one of you do something to make me mad? Don’t you have a fault I can’t live with?

“You are both so handsome, with all your muscles and long, beautiful hair! You with those dark, mysterious eyes and Daniel’s eyes that remind me of a robin’s egg! How is a woman supposed to choose?”

Relief and amusement made Sly burst into laughter. “I’m messy, I fight, and I drink too much sometimes. Are those big enough faults?”

“Obviously not!” Jin came back to him, sitting on his lap. “How long will you share me with Daniel?”

Sly had been asking himself that very question lately. “I don’t know. I don’t want to do it forever, though. I’d like to move forward at some point, but I’m trying not to rush you.”

Jin ran a hand over the back of his neck, sliding her fingers into his hair and Sly’s blood instantly heated. He didn’t understand the almost insane physical pull she had on him. He’d desired and loved Catherine more than he’d loved any other woman, but Jin’s effect on him was so intense that it was almost scary.

Looking into her slightly up-tilted eyes, all Sly could think about was kissing her incredibly soft lips and feeling her petite yet powerful body against his. The urge was too strong to resist, and he quickly pulled her to him.

The fire in his obsidian eyes made Jin forget what she’d been about to say. Her gaze traveled over his strong, chiseled features before settling on his supple, sensual mouth. Her breathing quickened as his lips brushed against hers. If he kissed her, she’d lose her nerve and back off from having the serious conversation with him.

“Sly, do you want to marry me?” she whispered against his mouth.

The movement of her lips over his fogged his mind with desire and her words didn’t fully register. She’d asked him something, but he wasn’t sure what. Thinking it best to go with a positive response, he said, “Yeah,” before he kissed her.

He delved his tongue into her mouth, groaning when she responded in kind. As she wound her arms around his neck, her question came back to him, and he actively heard it in his mind. Did she really just ask me to marry her?

Sly abruptly ended the kiss, pulling back from her while his heart hammered against his ribs from desire and shock.

“What did you just ask me?”

His alarmed expression amused her. “Do you want to marry me?”

“Are you proposing? Did you pick me?”

The strong hope in his eyes touched her deeply and she realized how poorly timed and phrased her question had been.

“No. I’m trying to choose, but I haven’t yet. What I meant to ask is how serious you are about me,” she said. “I’m sorry to be so confusing.”

Sly scowled. “Good. Because the man is supposed to propose.”

Jin giggled and his face relaxed into a smile. “I’m sorry. Answer the question.”

Cupping her cheek, Sly said, “Jin, I haven’t felt like this about a woman since Catherine died, which makes me happy and scares me. If you were to choose me, I can definitely see things heading towards marriage. I’m not trying to influence you, though. I’m just letting you know how I feel.”

Jin’s heart filled with happiness. “I’m glad to hear that. I am serious about both of you, but I needed to know if you were about me.”

Sly weighed his next words carefully. He wanted to tell her his true feelings, but he didn’t want to sway her unfairly in his direction. “Jin, you came into my life out of the blue and turned it upside down in a lot of ways. Very good ways. I’ve told you about Catherine and how hard this past year was for me. I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but then you rode up on your horse and that changed. You make me happy, and I care about you a great deal. So, yes, I’m very serious about you.”

Jin couldn’t express how happy his statements made her, so she closed the gap between them and pressed her lips to his. Fire immediately ignited between them. Sly tightened his arms around her and gave himself up to the heady desire she brought out in him.

Their embrace turned urgent, and it was all Sly could do to resist the temptation to undress her. He ached for her, and it didn’t help that she responded so eagerly to his kisses and caresses. With great effort, he ended the kiss and held her against his chest.

“I’m sorry to get so carried away, Jin. I can’t help it, though. There’s just something about you that drives me crazy.”

She felt his strong, rapid heartbeat under her palm, evidence of his ardor. “I’m not complaining. I feel the same thing, Sly.”

Do you feel that kind of passion with Daniel? Sly squelched the sudden jealousy in his heart and put the question out of his mind. Instead, he focused on the woman in his arms.

“I won’t lie. I want you so much, but I won’t cross that line.”

Jin nodded in understanding. “I know. I want you, too, but I just can’t.”

He didn’t want to let her go, but it was best he did before his resolve crumbled. Easing her off his lap, he stood up and stretched.

“It’s getting late,” Jin said. “I should go.”

Their gazes locked and neither one of them moved for several moments.

“Yeah,” Sly said. “That’s probably a good idea.”

His eyes belied his words. He wanted her to stay, and she was sorely tempted to step back into his embrace. However, reason intruded, and she turned away, picking up her coat from a chair. He took it from her and held it for her while she put it on.

Hand-in-hand they walked to the barn to retrieve her horse. They didn’t talk about it, but something had shifted in their relationship. She mounted and looked down at him for several moments, taking in his male beauty. What she saw reflected in his eyes made her breath catch in her chest.

Sly took her hand, turned it over, and kissed her palm. He smiled when she shivered.

“Be careful going home,” he said.

Jin nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat. “I will. Tuesday?”

This was one of their designated days to see each other.

“Tuesday,” he confirmed.

“I’ll see you then.”

Sly watched her trot away and, as she faded into the darkness, he faced the fact that his heart went with her. The feeling swelled inside his chest, making it hard to breathe for a minute. Even as joy surged through him, Sly felt trepidation.

Just because he’d fallen in love with Jin didn’t guarantee a happy ending for him. His hope for that outcome warred with guilt over the fact that Daniel would be hurt if Jin chose him. The last thing he wanted was for his brother to be caused anguish.

Maybe they’d all been fools to think that they could handle the situation. However, there was no going back, so they had to deal with whatever came. Sly took a deep breath of the crisp, early November air to calm his turbulent emotions and went inside.

 

Chapter Two

 

 

 

Daniel stood just inside the door of the newly opened Ray’s Bakery, watching Jin as she sat at one of the five little tables near the back of the establishment. She was unaware of his scrutiny, most likely because she was caught up in the book she was reading. His stomach tightened with sensual hunger when she licked sugar from her fingers.

Then she caught sight of him, and her eyes reflected happy surprise. His heart did a little flip as she smiled at him. Her adorable dimples appeared, and he had the urge to kiss them like he had in the past. He returned her smile and strode over to the table.

“Is this seat taken, madam?”

Jin’s heart throbbed harder in her breast as she met his vibrant blue gaze and smiled even wider. “No. You may sit with me.”

Daniel lowered his long, lean frame into the chair opposite her. “So, my sweetheart is having a sweet treat, huh?”

Jin blushed at his charming question and gave him a playful look. “Yes. Are you following me?”

He grinned. “No. I just stopped in to pick up a couple of coffee cakes for Cotton. He’s trading them for something else. He told me what, but I forgot.”

“Your uncle is funny.”

Daniel nodded. “Yeah. He always has been. I hope he never changes.”

“Somehow, I don’t think he will,” Jin said.

“Me, neither. So, are we still on for tonight?” he asked, longing to take her hand. He jerked when he felt her foot slide up his pant leg. “Stop that.”

Jin didn’t listen to him. She rarely did, and he liked her impish disobedience.

“What’s the matter? Is the big, bad wolf afraid of little ole me?”

Reaching under the table, he snagged her ankle. “Not one bit. You should be careful because the big, bad wolf would like to gobble you up.”

Her pulse became erratic as he ran a hand under her skirt and over her calf. She pulled it away when the door opened, and some other customers entered. Daniel smiled and stood up, knowing it wouldn’t be good for them to be seen together for long.

He kept his back toward the rest of the room and gave her a wink. “Enjoy your book.”

Jin gave him a polite smile. “I will. Thank you.”

Suppressing a grin, Daniel walked over to the counter and greeted Nora Ellis, co-owner of the bakery. Jin watched him as he laughed at something Nora said. The smile enhanced his handsomeness.

While Sly more closely resembled his half-Comanche father, David, Daniel took more after Bonnie. His skin was a lighter shade of bronze, and his features were slightly more refined. Even so, his Comanche heritage was evident. With his long, lustrous black hair and darker skin, his blue eyes were startling because it seemed like he should have dark eyes like Sly. That arresting gaze had charmed many a woman and Daniel knew how to use all his positive attributes to seduce a lady.

Her heartbeat jumped a little when he flashed a secretive smile her way before heading out the door. She looked forward to the evening with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Being with Daniel would be fun and exciting as always, but the conversation that would follow their outing would be just as nerve-wracking as the one she’d had with Sly.

She finished her snack and headed home to help her mother with the evening meal.

 

 

When Jin answered the door that evening, she almost melted at the sight of Daniel in a gray suit, white shirt and black tie. He’d pulled his hair into a long braid that hung down his back. The suit showcased his broad shoulders and wide chest. His cobalt eyes roved over her, appreciation reflected in them.

“Hello,” he said. “You look beautiful.”

The deep violet dress molded to her slim curves, the long-sleeved bodice accentuating that despite her small stature, she was indeed a woman. She’d styled her hair in a high chignon that emphasized her exquisite beauty.

“Thank you,” she said. “You look very handsome. Come in.”

As he passed her, Daniel caught the light floral scent of her perfume. It tantalized his senses, intensifying his craving for her. He quickly reined it in when he saw her father, Han, come into the parlor.

“Hello, Daniel,” he said, smiling. “It is good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you, too. How are you?” Daniel asked respectfully. It was amazing how intimidating Han could be even though he was only three-quarters of Daniel’s size.

“Fine, fine. Where are you going?” Han asked.

Jin narrowed her eyes at her father and collected her light wrap and reticule. “Father, do not start that. I am a grown woman.”

“And I am your father. It is my right to know where you are going,” Han said.

Daniel didn’t want them to fight, so he said, “We’re going to Woodward for dinner. I’ll have her home at a reasonable time.”

Han smiled approvingly. “Very good. Thank you.”

“Goodnight, Father,” Jin said pointedly.

Han kissed her cheek. “Goodnight.” He held out a hand to Daniel. “It is good to see you. You must come for dinner one night.”

Daniel shook his hand, hiding the pain Han’s purposely excruciating handshake caused. “I’d like that. Thank you.” He looked at Jin. “Ready?”

Giving Han a parting disapproving glance, Jin said, “Yes.”

Han bid them goodbye, and they took their leave.

 

 

As they drove along, Jin said, “I’m sorry about Father.”

Daniel took her hand. “It’s all right. He’s just looking out for you.”

She smiled at him, and he was mesmerized by her beauty. For a few moments, he forgot to watch where they were on the road. Fortunately, the buggy horse he’d chosen didn’t need a lot of guidance.

Awareness crackled between them as their eyes locked. Finally, Daniel tore his gaze away from hers and focused on the horse again. His attraction to Jin was stronger than anything he’d ever felt for a woman before. From the first moment he’d laid eyes on her, he’d been entranced, and it had intensified since then.

It didn’t take them long to reach Woodward, which bustled with activity. The city had rapidly grown over the last couple of years, exceeding the size of Chance City. Couples strolled along, and all manner of buggies and wagons moved through the streets. Daniel drove to a livery that wasn’t too far from the restaurant where he was taking Jin.

As they walked from the livery, Daniel noticed the appreciative glances Jin received from the men they passed. He felt a prick of jealousy, but he couldn’t blame them for looking. Jin was so alluring that she drew men’s eyes no matter where she went.

Montgomery’s served fine cuisine of several nationalities and was known for their excellent service. It was one of Daniel’s favorite places to eat. Once they were seated, Daniel ordered a nice red wine, and they perused the menu.

Jin surreptitiously watched Daniel over the top of her menu, thinking that he was a man of many sides. He might talk a lot, but he was also a good listener. In his tailored suit, he looked refined and cultured, a far cry from the man who often wore only a breechcloth and worked training horses most of the day.

The first time she’d seen him dressed like that, Jin had almost swooned. She’d never seen so much of a man before and she’d approved of the wild, virile appearance Daniel had made.

Daniel caught Jin looking at him. When she gave him a flirtatious smile, his blood ran hotter. What was it about her that drove him so wild and how the hell was he going to keep from seducing her? His need for her grew every day and he wasn’t sure that he was going to be able to resist the carnal temptation.

The smoldering look Daniel sent her made Jin breathe a little faster. He was incredibly handsome, and it amused her because she knew that he knew it.

The arrival of their waiter broke the sensually charged moment. They gave their order to him, and Daniel poured their first glass of wine.

Jin took a sip, appreciating its slightly sweet flavor. “That is very good.”

Daniel agreed, then asked, “How was school today?

Jin liked that Daniel was always interested in her day. He was easy to talk to and his sharp sense of humor entertained her. Daniel paid close attention, commenting on subjects and asking questions. She never felt as though he was ignoring her.

When the meal ended, they walked along the street, looking in shop windows and just enjoying being together. Jin made Daniel laugh with her amusing observations about the people they passed along the way as they made their way to the stable.

Once they were a short distance from Woodward, Daniel reached over and scooted her over close to him. She chuckled and settled against his side. The heat of his hard body seeped into hers, creating a yearning inside. Looking into his eyes, she saw the same longing in them.

Daniel made sure that no other buggies were approaching them from either direction before cupping the back of her head and bringing their lips into contact. He coaxed her lips apart and the soft little moan she made against his mouth almost snapped his restraint. He wanted to pull the buggy over, drag her off into the woods, and take her right there. Reason and respect intruded, and he gentled the kiss.

When it ended, Daniel held her against him while his heartbeat slowed. “I’ve never wanted a woman more than I do you, Jin.”

Jin’s cheeks grew warm as she laid her head on his chest. “I want you, too.”

Drawing back from her, Daniel tipped her chin up so their eyes met. What about Sly? Do you want him like that, too? He skirted around asking that question, not truly wanting to know the answer. Instead, he brushed his lips over hers and then was startled when she pulled away suddenly. “What’s wrong?”

Her brow puckered. “I’ve been thinking about this situation with the three of us.”

The worry that entered her eyes concerned him. Oh, boy. Here it comes.

“Daniel, have you thought about marriage?” She saw a devilish light enter his eyes and gave him a light jab in the ribs. “With me, I mean. Are you serious about me?”

His smile faded, and his expression turned intense. “Yes.”

She shook her head a little. “Why?”

Indecision gripped Daniel. Should he tell her or keep it to himself for a while longer? A force outside his body gave his heart a nudge, but he resisted the urge to let the words roll off his tongue. “Because what I feel for you is very strong and you make me think about things I never have before.”

Jin knew how to read between the lines, and she heard what he wasn’t saying. No, no, no! This had to end, but she didn’t know how to. She should’ve never gotten involved with them, yet she hadn’t been able to stay away from them any more than they’d been able to resist her.

He said, “I’m not going anywhere.”

“You are no better than he is! This is not fair, and I am a stupid, stupid woman!”

Daniel recoiled a little from her outburst even as it amused him. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re too nice and good and virile and smart and so is he! How has any woman ever chosen between you?” Jin demanded.

Daniel laughed. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m obviously the better choice. Why would any woman want him when they could have me?”

She giggled because she knew he was kidding. “What makes you the better choice?”

“Well, for one thing, what I do is much more exciting. Racing and training horses is a lot more fun than digging around in the dirt all day. Plus, I’m taller and have blue eyes.” He winked one at her and she giggled again.

“You are so conceited. Sly makes things grow and without those things, your horses wouldn’t eat. And Sly has very nice eyes.”

Daniel’s brows drew together. “We were talking about my eyes and those are the only ones I want you thinking about when you’re with me.” Her laugh made Daniel grin, but he said, “All kidding aside, I’m very serious about you, Jin. Now, I better get you home before Han comes looking for you.”

Jin snuggled against him almost the whole way home, trying not to think about the fact that she was just as torn as before.

As they rode along under the stars, Daniel was as lost in his own thoughts as Jin was hers. He certainly didn’t want Sly to get hurt, but he couldn’t help being selfish about wanting Jin for himself. He’d never had serious thoughts about settling down before, but he’d never met anyone like Jin before, either.

Daniel had even imagined what their children might look like and that wasn’t something he’d ever wondered before. For the moment, though, he would content himself with enjoying the remarkable woman who sat by his side. Smiling up at the moon, he thanked the Great Spirit for granting him the patience he’d been praying for. He would much rather wait for her to make her decision than try to push her into making one before she was truly ready. He’d meant what he’d said to her. He wasn’t going anywhere.

 

 

No sooner had Jin stepped inside the door to their apartment than she was grabbed from behind by strong arms.

She laughed. “Stop it or I will hurt you.”

“We’ll see about that,” responded her twin brother, Fong. “I see that you were out with one of your beaus. Which one?”

Jin turned around when he released her, looking up at him. “Daniel, not that it’s any of your business.”

Fong’s dark eyes twinkled. “You need to make a decision. You should listen to me. I am smarter than you, after all.”

Jin gave him a lightning-fast jab to the chest. “Be quiet. Are you going out?”

Fong laughed and nodded. “Yes. I have some things to do.”

“Like what?” she asked.

He hit her arm and danced away. “None of your business. Two can play at that game.”

Jin took the bait, and a sparring match began.

“Stop! Not here!”

They stopped their antics upon hearing their mother, Mi-Cha’s voice.

“Sorry, Mother,” Fong said in Korean. “It was her fault.”

Jin gasped. “It was not! You started it.”

“I do not care who started it! You behave as though you are small children. How was your outing with Daniel?” Mi-Cha asked.

Jin said, “We had a very nice time.”

Mi-Cha smiled at Jin. “I think it is time for my beautiful daughter to make her choice about which one of those men she is going to marry.”

Fong laughed. “That’s what I just said, Mother. It doesn’t matter to me which one you marry. I will have a rich sister either way.”

“I will not marry anyone for money,” Jin said, frowning.

Mi-Cha said, “There is no shame in that, but I understand why you would feel that way. Your father and I have never had much money, but we have been happy even so.”

“And we have learned a lot from watching the two of you. I have to go. Have a nice night.” Fong kissed his mother and sister goodbye and headed out.

“Come sit with me, daughter.” Mi-Cha patted the spot next to her on the sofa.

Jin’s expression turned concerned as she complied. “Is everything all right?”

Mi-Cha took her hand. “I know that you are equally drawn to Daniel and Sly, but you must come to a decision. It is not right for any of you for this to continue. If you do not choose, you may lose them both.”

Jin said, “I do not think that either of them are going to give up.”

Mi-Cha squeezed her hand. “Eventually, they will. I do not want to see you get hurt. Please think about this.”

Jin gave her a tight smile. That’s all I do think about. “You are right. I will give it serious consideration.”

“Good,” Mi-Cha said.

Jin grinned. “I think you are as taken with them as I am. I am surprised that you and Father approve since they are not Korean.”

Mi-Cha sighed. “We would have preferred for you to marry one of your own people, but there are not many unmarried men in our community. And we cannot help liking the Lone Wolf men. They are respectful of our customs, and they know how it feels to be discriminated against. So even though you are from different cultures, you have much in common. Yes, we approve of them.”

Jin said, “I am glad. I have been worried that you would reject them.”

“There is no need to worry.”

Jin embraced Mi-Cha. “Thank you. I must finish my homework for tomorrow.”

Pride in her daughter filled her as she watched Jin leave the room. Jin had grown into a fine young woman, and she wanted her to be happy. She prayed that the situation would have a positive outcome.

 

Chapter Three

 

 

 

Another bullet whizzed by, barely missing Fong’s head as he leaped over the wooden fence that blocked off a side alley. Frustrated shouts rang out behind him as his pursuers tried to climb the fence in vain. They didn’t have his unique skill of scaling seemingly impossible obstacles using almost nothing except centrifugal force and muscles of iron.

He ran the rest of the way down the alley and sped around the corner of a building, only to come face-to-face with one of the men chasing him. The sight of a gun barrel pointing at his head stopped him cold.

“Hello, Fong. What’s the rush?” the man asked.

“Barnes, I don’t have the money. I’m working on getting it,” Fong said. “I just need a little more time.”

Barnes tilted his head a little. “Your time’s run out, son.”

Fong stood straight when Barnes cocked his revolver. If this was his time to go, he would face it without fear. He stared defiantly at Barnes.

“Go ahead. I’m ready.”

A smile spread over Barnes’ face. “You think I’m gonna kill you?”

Fong was perplexed. “Aren’t you?”

“No, no. You’re worth more to me alive, Fong. You’re gonna make me a killing. I’ll let you work it off,” Barnes replied.

Fong turned skeptical. “Doing what?”

“I’m gonna put my gun away, but don’t try anything funny,” Barnes said. “Agreed?”

“Okay.”

Barnes holstered his gun. “You’re gonna earn back that money by fighting for me a few nights a week. I’ve seen the way you fight and I’m betting that there’s not a man around here who can hold his own with you.”

“How long do I have to do this?” Fong asked.

“Until I say you’re done,” Barnes said.

“And if I don’t?”

Barnes chuckled. “Ming is a pretty little thing. It’d be a shame if something happened to her.”

Fury made Fong’s blood boil. “You leave my little sister alone. She’s just a kid.”

“I know. I won’t touch her as long as you behave yourself and do your job. Do we have a deal?”

Fong’s anger burned brighter as he felt Barnes’ noose close tighter around him. His stupidity sickened him. There was no other way out of the conundrum into which he’d gotten himself than to do as Barnes wanted. He wouldn’t bring trouble to his family.

“We have a deal.”

“Glad to hear it. Meet me at the Chowhound at eight on Friday night and I’ll take you to the fight,” Barnes said.

Fong nodded. “All right.”

“You better show up, Fong, or bad things are gonna happen,” Barnes told him.

“I’ll be there.”

After studying Fong’s expression for a moment, Barnes felt confident that Fong would hold up his end of the bargain. “Good enough. Go on.”

Fong tensed as a group of four men ran up from behind Barnes. His heartbeat accelerated when a couple of them pointed guns at him, but he didn’t run. Instead, he ignored them and met Barnes’ gaze.

Amusement lit Barnes’ eyes. “Put your guns down, boys. Fong and I have an understanding. No need for guns. Right, Fong?”

Fong glanced at the henchmen before returning his gaze to Barnes. “Yeah. That’s right.”

“See? Go on, Fong. See you Friday night.”

Fong nodded curtly and walked away. He fully expected Barnes to shoot him in the back, but the farther away he got without any gunshots ringing out, the more confident he grew that Barnes wasn’t playing a trick on him. He didn’t turn around to see what they were doing because he didn’t want to appear afraid. Perception was half of any fight.

Once he’d gotten a couple of blocks away, Fong started breathing easier, but his immediate relief was short-lived. He was out of danger for the moment, but if he didn’t comply with Barnes’ wishes, his family would suffer.

He’d fight for Barnes, but he wouldn’t do it indefinitely. Barnes would try to milk it for all it was worth, but Fong wasn’t going to allow it for long. As he walked home, a plan began forming in his mind and by the time he arrived home, he felt better. Barnes might have his back up against a wall, but not for long.

 

 

When Daniel arrived home that night, Sly was sitting out on the big front porch that ran the length of the house.

“You waiting up for me?” Daniel asked.

Sly smiled. “Nope. Just enjoying the clear night.” He loved looking at the stars, watching the changing positions of the constellations in the night sky.

Loosening his tie, Daniel came up onto the porch and sat in a rocking chair close to Sly. He pulled it off, sat it on his lap, and undid a couple of his shirt buttons. “Did Jin talk to you about marriage?”

“Yep.”

It was an odd for thing for two men to be able to amicably discuss their relationship with the same woman. However, the twins had an unusual capacity for doing such things.

Daniel sighed. “You in love with her?”

“Yeah. You?” Sly held out the beer he’d been drinking to Daniel.

Daniel took it and downed a healthy swig. “Sure am.”

Sly raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never been in love before. Are you sure you are?”

“Well, I want to be with her all the time, can’t stop thinking about her, want her like crazy, and I’d ask her to marry me tomorrow if you weren’t in the picture.” Daniel handed the beer back.

Sly nodded. “Yep. That’s being in love all right. Same here.”

Daniel met his gaze. “I’m not giving up.”

“Me, neither. Still her choice, still the same rules,” Sly said.

“Right. Well, I’m gonna go get out of these clothes and go to bed. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

Sly leaned his head back on the chair and watched a shooting star cross the heavens. Was it a good or bad omen? And for who? Only time would tell.

 

 

“Come in,” Walt Gaines said when someone knocked on the inner door of his law office the following morning. He kept taking notes from the thick law book in front of him on his desk.

His office door opened and closed. “Mr. Gaines?”

The defense attorney looked up with a smile and warmth in his hazel eyes. “Fong! How are ya, lad?”

“I’m fine.”

Walt noted that Fong’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s good to see ya, but I can see that yer not fine. Have a seat.”

As Fong sat, Walt perused him. It had been a while since he’d seen him. He was as handsome as Jin was beautiful, and, like his twin, Fong used his good looks and charm to full advantage.

He wore his long, coal-black hair pulled back into a ponytail secured by a leather thong. His black trousers were somewhat loose, but his white shirt pulled taut over his powerful torso and arms when he moved. His skin tone was a couple of shades darker than Jin’s, but their smiles were the same.

“Now, tell me what’s wrong,” Walt said.

Fong said, “I need a lawyer and you’re the best. I’d come to you even if we weren’t friends.”

Walt chuckled. “Quit the blarney and just talk to me.”

Fong’s smile wasn’t forced this time. “I mean it.” He quickly sobered. “I’m in trouble, Mr. Gaines. Big trouble.”

Concern entered Walt’s eyes. “All right. Ya know I’ll help. Start at the beginnin’.”

 

 

Friday night at the Chowhound was as rowdy as ever. Sandy Hopper, the owner, and one of her girls, Mandy, flirted and teased as they served their thirsty patrons. The piano started up and Sandy craned her neck to see over the shoulder of the man in front of her. He moved over, and she smiled when she saw Wheels Ellis at the instrument.

Wheels divided his patronage between her establishment and Big Benny’s, another popular saloon in town. Of course, since getting married, he didn’t go out as much, but judging by how happy he seemed these days, he didn’t mind a bit.

Putting her thumb and forefinger in her mouth, she let out a shrill whistle that cut through the noise. Ollie, Wheels’ Capuchin monkey, leaped off the top of the upright piano and streaked across the barroom. He jumped up onto the bar and ran down it to her.

“There’s my boy!” she said as he jumped into her arms.

Ollie kissed her and grunted, his amber eyes moving over her face. He reached up and played with her short, brown hair, making her laugh.

“I must look dirty to you. You always wanna look for bugs,” she said.

Half turning upside down, he stretched towards the beer barrel sitting near the bar.

“Oh, no. You’re not gonna get me in trouble, young man. No beer for you unless your daddy says it’s okay.”

He let out a disgusted grunt just as another voice rose. A very unpleasant one that made Sandy wince.

“Aw, for Pete’s sake! Someone shut Gainsey up! He sounds like a cow in heat!” she yelled.

Walt, who stood by the piano, stopped singing and shouted, “I take exception to that, Sandy! I’m in fine voice tonight. Aren’t I, Wheels?”

Wheels laughed, his dark eyes shining. “If you say so. I’m having trouble remembering the melody with you singing along.”

“Humph. I thought ya were my friend,” Walt said, eyeing his empty beer mug. “Perhaps more of this will help me sing better.”

Wheels gave him a dubious look. “I don’t think so. Seems like you’ve had enough.”

Smoothing a hand down over his rumpled white shirt, Walt gave him a wink. “I’m sober as a judge, lad. Not to worry.”

He walked away from the piano and sat down at a nearby table from which he could watch the door. Walt wasn’t the only one lying in wait. Several men were positioned around the barroom. One of his other friends, Hector Ruiz, sat at the bar, talking with Sandy, but Walt knew that he was also keeping a watchful eye out.

Detective Cy Decker sat at a table in the far corner of the bar, playing poker with some other men. Walt’s wife, Ellie, was positioned outside with Deputy Hunter Stetson. They were all waiting for Barnes and Fong to show up so that they could follow them to wherever the fight was being held.

Barnes’ fighting ring had been the cause of several deaths lately, but no one would talk to the law in town and there was no evidence of anything at Barnes’ property. Therefore, they hadn’t had enough evidence to arrest him. Sheriff Rob Anderson and his staff hadn’t given up, however.

Walt looked at his pocket watch and saw that it was quarter past eight. Fong had told him that he was supposed to meet Barnes at the Chowhound at eight. He put it away and told himself to be patient. His gaze briefly met Hector’s before moving away again.

Wheels struck up a lively number and coaxed everyone else to sing along. Many voices rose, and Walt sang along to fit in since he’d been singing earlier. He didn’t want anyone to notice anything off about him.

A couple of songs later, Fong and Barnes still hadn’t shown up and Walt became more than concerned. Even if Barnes hadn’t shown up, Fong would have. Something was wrong and apparently Walt wasn’t the only one who thought so.

Cy walked over and sat down at Walt’s table. “So, how’s the worst defense attorney I know?”

Walt smiled at his quip. “Just fine. How’re those babies?”

Cy’s grin said it all. “Beautiful. I can’t believe they’re three months old already.”

“The time goes fast,” Walt said.

“I don’t think they’re coming,” Cy said in a lower voice.

Walt shook his head. “Me, neither. I’ll go round to see Fong in the mornin’ and find out what’s goin’ on.”

Cy nodded. “We’ll wait a little longer, but I don’t think they’re gonna show.”

“Me, neither.” Walt concealed his concern behind a smile. “Is Johnny still hoggin’ the twins?”

“Every chance he gets. He’s so funny with them, though. We’re not allowed to take them in his woodshop because he’s afraid of them getting hurt,” Cy said. “I did it without thinking the one day when I wanted to ask him something and he had a conniption fit. But quietly so he didn’t wake Anna.”

The image of Johnny quietly taking Cy to task made Walt laugh. “He’s a lot more assertive than he used to be.”

Cy nodded. “Yeah. He’s growing up. He’s making enough money now that he can start building a house.”

“Oh? Did he buy land?”

Cy laughed. “No. He’s adding onto his bunkhouse.”

“Addin’ onto it?”

“Yeah. When he said that he was going to start building a house and looking around for land, Leigh lit into him,” Cy said. “Told him that he wasn’t allowed to leave the ranch and what was she going to do without him—that kind of thing. She told him to build it on the ranch. He asked where and she said right where he was. He took her at her word and started drawing up plans.”

Walt chuckled. “It should be interestin’ to see it once it’s done.” He resisted the urge to look at his watch again and sighed. “They’re not comin’.”

“I know. Let me know what Fong says,” Cy said, rising.

“Aye, I will. Sorry this was for nothin’.”

“That’s the way it goes sometimes. I’ll talk to you in the morning,” Cy said. “I’ll let the other two know. See ya.”

Walt nodded and rubbed his chin a little as he worried over Fong. After a few minutes, he bid a few people goodnight and went to meet Ellie outside. He found her waiting around back where their horses were tied.

He kissed her in greeting before saying, “I don’t like this, Ellie.”

“Same here,” Ellie agreed, mounting. “Try not to worry too much, though. Fong just might have gotten cold feet or something.”

As they turned their horses for home, Walt said, “I have the sinkin’ feelin’ that it’s ‘or something’.”

Ellie sighed. “I wish I could disagree with you, but…”

“I understand. I’ll go see Fong right away in the mornin’, but there’s nothin’ else to be done tonight. Let’s go home, love,” Walt said.

They put their horses into a brisk trot and rode away from the Chowhound. Both hoped that they were wrong, and that Fong was safe and sound.

 

Chapter Four

 

 

 

Fong was not all right. He woke up disoriented and with an excruciating headache. Slowly, he opened his eyes and blinked a few times to clear his slightly fuzzy sight. Had he drank too much last night? He knew what a hangover felt like and this was not it.

Raising his head, he saw that he lay on a pile of straw, some of which stuck to his cheek. He brushed it off and pushed into a sitting position. His head throbbed harder, and he closed his eyes against the pain. He took some deep breaths and waited for it to ease.

When it did, he opened his eyes and looked around. It was blessedly dim, but the place in which he found himself was not blessed. Alarm spread through him. Tentatively, he reached out, closing his hand around one of the bars of the cage he sat in.

What the hell happened? Why am I here? Where is here? Fong wracked his brain and finally the memory came back to him. Barnes had intercepted him on the way to the Chowhound and while he’d held a gun on him, someone had hit him from behind. He remembered intense pain and then nothing.

The cage wasn’t tall enough for him to stand up in, so he crawled over to the cage door and rattled it experimentally. It was securely locked. He wasn’t going anywhere.

Fong scooted over to one side of the cage and leaned his back against the bars. He couldn’t tell if it was early morning or twilight. He didn’t carry a watch, so he had no idea what time it was. There was no sense in panicking. This was probably just one of Barnes’ scare tactics. He hoped.

Stretching out on the straw, Fong closed his eyes. His head still ached, so he figured that resting was the best thing he could do at that moment. It would be foolish to waste energy by yelling or carrying on. So, he settled down and let himself drift into slumber.

 

 

“He did not come home last night,” Han said. “That happens a lot, so we did not think much of it.”

Walt sighed. “I’m sorry to worry ya, but he’s gotten himself into some trouble.”

They sat on low cushions in the sitting area of the large, open room in the Cho residence. On the other side of the room was the kitchen and eating area. A doorway off to the left led back to their sleeping rooms.

Walt felt badly for the Cho’s and sought a way to ease their worry. However, there really was none. “Has he ever mentioned a man named Barnes?”

Han’s angry expression said that he had. “I warned him to stay away from him.”

“I’m afraid he didn’t listen to you. Fong came to me a few days ago. He owes Barnes money for gambling debts and hasn’t been able to pay them.”

Mi-Cha clasped her hands together, fear in her eyes. “Barnes is a very bad man. He will not wait long for his money. Do you think he has done something to Fong?”

“I hope not. Let’s not panic. Let me know if ya hear from Fong, or come see me if ya need anything, no matter what time of day or night,” Walt said.

“Thank you, Walt,” Han said. “You are too good to us.”

Walt smiled. “I could never be too good to the people who saved my life. I’ll be in touch.”

His heart went out to his friends because he’d gone through the same thing when his ward, Toby Perkins, had been abducted at the end of the summer. Thankfully, with some help from Sly Lone Wolf and some of Walt’s shady friends, Toby had been returned to his family—along with a young Mormon wife, Faith.

As he descended the apartment house stairs, Walt thought that maybe it was time to contact his “shadow people” as Ellie called them. A crafty smile curved his mouth as he made his way to his law office.

 

 

When Sly arrived at the Cho residence that night, Jin’s family explained the situation about Fong to him. As he listened, he also grew concerned. He’d heard from Cy and Brock that Barnes was a dangerous character and he sincerely hoped that Fong was just off on a bender.

However, that kind of behavior was out of character for Fong, so Sly thought the chance of that was slim. He and Jin were supposed to have gone out that night, but under the circumstances Sly didn’t feel that would’ve been appropriate. Instead, they went for a walk in the brisk night air.

“I’m going to find him, Sly,” she said as they passed the post office. “I don’t care what I have to do, I’ll find him.”

Sly took her hand and squeezed it. “Leave it up to the sheriff’s department. They know what they’re doing.”

Jin stopped walking as they turned down a small alley and met his gaze. “What would you do if it was Daniel? Would you just sit by?”

She had him there. “No, but I’m experienced in searching for people. You’re not.”

“Then help me find him. More people searching can’t hurt.”

Although Sly had been deputized on several occasions, he’d always been asked to assist. He’d never inserted himself into an investigation. Neither his cousin, Cy, nor Sheriff Rob Anderson had asked for his help on this case. Of course, Fong hadn’t yet been missing for twenty-four hours, so it was possible that he would turn up.

Jin was just as close with Fong as Sly was to Daniel. He would move heaven and hell to find his brother, so he understood Jin’s need to do the same for Fong. The pleading in her dark eyes got to him, but Sly wasn’t going to jump into anything just yet.

“I’ll tell you what. If Fong doesn’t come home by tomorrow night, I’ll ask to be deputized and I’ll go look for him.”

Jin’s features took on the determined look he knew so well now. “I’m going with you.”

Sly put his hands on her shoulders. “Jin, you can’t.”

Her chin rose. “Either I go with you, or I’ll go myself. I’ll follow Barnes to wherever he has Fong. You know how strong our bond is. I know in my soul that something has happened to him. With or without your help, I’m going to find him.”

Sly shook his head and smiled. “You are so stubborn.”

“So you keep telling me.”

Knowing that Jin meant what she said, Sly decided that at least if she was with him, he could keep her safe. He almost laughed aloud at that thought. Jin was lethal and didn’t really need his protection, but there was still safety in numbers.

“All right. We’ll search together if he doesn’t come home by tomorrow night.”

Jin hugged him. “Thank you.”

Sly returned her embrace. “You’re welcome.”

They held hands as they went the back way to her apartment building. Sly saw her inside and went on his way even though he would’ve much rather stayed with her. Along the way home, he prayed for Fong’s safe return.

 

 

“I’m going with you.”

It was the second time that night that Sly had heard that statement. This time it came from his brother as they sat in their parlor. Daniel lounged in his favorite wingback chair, one long leg hanging over an arm. Sly smiled to himself. His twin had sat that way since they’d been kids, much to their mother’s dismay.

“All right, but let’s hope that it doesn’t come to that. I hope Fong comes home and that he’s just been on a bender or something,” Sly said.

Daniel nodded. “Me, too. I can’t blame Jin for feeling the way she does. I’d do the same if you went missing.”

“Same here.” Sly sighed. “I hope he comes home. I don’t want to try to butt in on police business.”

“Yeah. Might be a good idea to have Rob make it clear to Jin and her folks not to interfere with their investigation right away. If too many people start looking it’ll tip Barnes off, and if he has Fong, he might do something drastic.”

Sly smiled. “Which is why I stopped at Cy’s on the way home to alert him about Jin’s intentions to look for Fong.”

Daniel returned his grin. “Good job. So, what do you want to do tonight?”

Sly said, “Actually, I have some paperwork to do.”

“Can’t you do that tomorrow?” Daniel asked with a grimace. “I’m bored. Come to town with me.”

Sly shook his head. “Not tonight. I really need to get this done.”

“Suit yourself,” Daniel said, rising. “I’ll go see if I can get in on a good card game. Maybe Wheels will be at Benny’s with Ollie. He beat me last week. I need to redeem myself.” He patted Sly’s shoulder on the way by him. “Besides, all of my work is done.”

Sly made a face at him. “Get out of here.”

Daniel chuckled as he went to the foyer and put on his buckskin coat. An energetic man by nature, he preferred to be on the move. Sitting around reading or doing paperwork was something he dreaded, which was one reason he’d gotten in so much trouble in school.

The horseman also hated going places alone. It wasn’t that Daniel was afraid, he was just so social that he even preferred traveling with a companion as opposed to riding or driving by himself. As he saddled his horse, Daniel decided to stop in to see if Johnny or Cotton wanted to go with him to Benny’s.

 

 

“Sorry, Daniel,” Johnny said as he sanded boards. “I’d love to go, but I gotta get this dining room table done for Mrs. Dormer by this weekend and I’m behind as it is.”

Cotton finished sawing a board and straightened up. “And I’m helping him.”

Daniel looked around Johnny’s orderly woodshop. There were projects everywhere, but they were organized, as were all the tools that lined the walls. Each wall had a window to let in as much light as possible during the day. Now that it was nighttime, several large lanterns hung around the area in which they worked.

“I can help you if you want,” Daniel said. “I’d be happy to lend a hand.”

Johnny pushed his disorderly mop of blond hair off his forehead. “Uh, that’s okay. We’re doing fine.”

Daniel lifted an eyebrow. “You just said you were behind. Why don’t you want my help?”

Johnny said, “Well, you see, I mean, it’s—”

“What Johnny is trying to say is that you stink at woodworking,” Cotton said.

Daniel’s brows drew down. “I’m not as good at it as you guys, but I can do simple stuff. I can cut boards.”

Cotton shook his head, his dark eyes twinkling. “I always have to go back and straighten out your cuts. And your sanding? Forget it. You don’t have the patience required for this kind of work. It’s just not in your nature. There’s nothing wrong with that. Your talents lie elsewhere.”

Johnny laughed at Daniel’s annoyed expression. “You know it’s true, Daniel. You can’t sit still to save your life and, unless it involves a horse or a woman, stuff doesn’t hold your attention long.”

Daniel laughed. “You’re right. All right. I know when I’m not wanted. I’ll see you fellas later.”

“You better stop in to see Leigh and Cy,” Johnny said. “And Daphne, too.”

Daniel said, “I saw Daphne earlier today and I think my other cousins are in bed. The house was dark when I rode up the lane.”

“Perhaps they’ve started working on the next little Decker,” Cotton said.

“Maybe,” Daniel responded.

Johnny gave him a speculative look. “Still no decision?”

Daniel knew that he was talking about Jin. “No. Not yet.”

Johnny blew wood dust off the board he’d started sanding. “How long are you fellas gonna wait?”

“As long as it takes,” Daniel said.

“I can’t believe you ain’t been with a woman in all this time,” Johnny remarked.

Cotton chuckled. “When a man meets the right woman, he learns what true patience is. Waiting for the right time is well worth any…discomfort. The rewards will be much sweeter.”

Johnny brushed his hands off and reached for a hammer. “That’s what I’ve always thought. Besides, I’m not gonna disrespect a woman by taking something that isn’t mine. Once we’re married, it’ll be a different story, though. She better look out when that time comes.”

The other two men hooted with laughter and Johnny joined them, his blue eyes gleaming.

“You’re one to talk, Cotton. You have plenty of women on the go,” Daniel said.

Cotton nodded. “Enough, but the only virgin I’ve ever been with was my wife and I’ve never slept with a married woman. I know people think that I don’t have any scruples regarding that, but they’re wrong. Can you say the same thing, nephew?”

“I can,” Daniel said.

Johnny and Cotton looked at each other in surprise.

“You two aren’t the only ones with some scruples,” Daniel said.

He grinned at them and left the woodshop. Laughing to himself, he mounted his horse and trotted off down the lane.

Chapter Five

 

 

 

Sly had purposely positioned his bed so that the morning sun shone on him, waking him naturally each morning. So, when the first rays of light roused Sly the next morning, he yawned and stretched with a smile, greeting the day eagerly.

He laid quietly for a few moments, just listening to the birdsong, horses neighing, and the lowing of their milk cows. After lifting a prayer of thanks to the Creator for a new day and a plea for Fong’s safety, Sly rose and dressed in traditional Comanche garb since he wasn’t going to town.

Like his father and Daniel, he much preferred the soft, loose clothing to white man’s garments. Like most Indians, Sly was rather vain about his hair and, as he looked in the mirror, he decided to put it in twin braids that morning. He grinned as he thought about the way Jin teased him and Daniel about their preoccupation with their hair.

They’d explained to her how important it was in their culture to both men and women. There was power in the hair and how a person styled their hair could tell a lot about what mood they might be in. He braided his hair with practiced ease and then went to wake Daniel. No doubt his brother was still sleeping. Much like Cotton, he was a typical night owl.

“Daniel, it is time to get up,” he said in Comanche as he rapped on Daniel’s door. There was no response, so he knocked again. “Get up, lazy.” Still nothing.

Usually by now, Daniel would have hollered at him to go away. Opening Daniel’s door, Sly discovered that the room was empty, something that hadn’t happened since they’d started seeing Jin. The only time Daniel didn’t come home was when he’d stayed with one of Sandy’s girls overnight.

Disappointment weighed down his heart. He’d known that Daniel hadn’t slept with a woman since they’d begun courting. Had he finally gotten tired of waiting for Jin? Somehow that didn’t ring true after Daniel had just admitted that he loved Jin.

Stepping into Daniel’s room, he thought once again how different they were in some ways. Sly was messy and disorganized. His clothes were usually strewn about here and there and horticulture and agricultural books were stacked around his room. There were usually a couple of books in his bed, too. He sometimes woke up when he rolled on one.

Daniel, on the other hand, tended to be organized and particular about keeping his room clean. He slept on a traditional sleeping pallet, but he always folded up his blankets in the morning and draped them over the saddle rack he’d put in the far corner of his room. His blankets hadn’t been touched. His twin definitely hadn’t come home last night.

Sly left Daniel’s room and went downstairs to start breakfast. He and Bonnie took turns cooking the meal and it was his day. He hummed tunelessly as he got a fire going in the cook stove and started gathering the ingredients for omelets. Sly was a highly skilled farmer, a good cook, and danced well, but he wasn’t a good singer. Therefore, he kept his voice low so as not to wake his parents yet.

Daniel would have been singing up the stairs at them, however. He could sing any sort of song, Comanche or otherwise and he liked to sing their parents awake if they weren’t up yet. But he couldn’t cook and couldn’t grow plants to save his life.

It wasn’t long until Bonnie came into the kitchen. Sly kissed her cheek and kept working on breakfast.

“Did you sleep well, Ma?”

“Yes,” Bonnie said, pouring coffee into a cup. “Did you?”

“Yeah.”

Bonnie watched her son competently mix up eggs and milk for the omelets. Sometimes it was hard to believe that her boys were all grown up. Looking around the kitchen, she remembered the fun she’d had showing the Lone Wolfs their house the first time they’d come to look at it.

It had been the first time she’d met David and she’d been smitten right away with the handsome Indian with the charismatic smile and sparkling black eyes. Although he and Cotton were now fairly matched in their personalities, back then, Cotton had been cold and aloof. His wife and children’s deaths had left him angry and bitter. The fact that the military had been forcing the local Comanches onto a reservation hadn’t helped his disposition, either.

Sly poured the egg mixture into a frying pan and Bonnie smiled. Cotton had started changing once the twins had come along, though. The little boys had drawn Cotton out of his private hell, helping him see that he still had a life to enjoy. Cy had come along close to the same time, being born only a couple of months after Daniel and Sly. Then little Daphne had arrived two years later, and Cotton had gladly taken on the role of doting uncle.

“You’re doing it again.”

Bonnie’s attention was snapped back to the present. “What?”

Sly laughed. “You were remembering when we were little, weren’t you?”

“I can’t help it. The time went too fast. We’d always hoped to have more children, but it wasn’t meant to be,” she said.

“I think you had your hands full with us. The Great Spirit knew that you couldn’t handle any more than me and Daniel,” Sly remarked.

Bonnie tweaked one of his braids as she passed him on her way to the pantry. “That’s true. My Thunder Twins. If only people knew where that name came from.”

“Please don’t enlighten them,” Sly said. “We won’t seem so fierce if you do.”

Laughing as she came back to the counter with a loaf of bread she’d bought the day before at Ray’s Bakery, Bonnie said, “Yes, being called the Thunder Twins because you fight and cause trouble is certainly more impressive than being called that because that’s what you two sounded like when you ran and played upstairs. Your Uncle Eddie had gotten you boys new boots for Christmas and you and Daniel ran all over the house in them just to hear the noise they made.”

“We still have those boots, too. I miss Uncle Eddie and Aunt Anna,” Sly said.

Bonnie sighed. “Me, too. They and your father and I were so close. Cotton, too, later on. I miss your grandparents. I loved living here with them and you boys.”

“You miss watching Grandfather harass Pa, you mean,” Sly said. “Speaking of which, is he up yet?”

“Yes. He’s in the den. There was something he wanted to do before breakfast.” Bonnie waved a hand dismissively. “Something to do with investments and things I don’t understand.”

Sly shouted in Comanche. “Father! Breakfast is ready. Come eat!”

Bonnie giggled because it was always amusing to hear Sly yell when he was so soft spoken much of the time. She finished making toast as Sly put an omelet on a plate. David came into the kitchen.

“It is about time you got food on the table,” he said, giving Sly a playful cuff upside the head.

Sly gave him one in return and a short, lighthearted sparring match took place before Bonnie made them sit down to eat.

She poked David on the hand with her fork. “You should set a better example than that.”

David shrugged and grinned. “Why should I bother now? The damage is already done.”

Sly laughed while Bonnie poked David again. This was how meals went in their household. They constantly heckled each other as they ate. Rarely did they talk business unless it was something pressing. Mealtimes were reserved for fun. They were a small oasis in what were sometimes stressful times.

His parents asked about Daniel and Sly informed them that he hadn’t come home the night before. They knew what that usually meant as well as he did.

David sighed. “I’m sure he’ll be along soon.”

Sly and Bonnie agreed, but their silent worry showed on all their faces.

 

 

“Daniel. Daniel!”

Daniel groaned and rolled over onto his stomach. “Leave me alone, Sly.”

“Daniel, wake up!”

The urgent tone of the male voice got through to Daniel and he raised his head. He was baffled to find that he laid on a bed of straw and that it was chilly.

“Wake up, Daniel.”

Daniel looked quickly to his right and woke up instantly. Fong peered at him from behind the bars of a cage. Looking around, Daniel saw that he was also in a cage. “Am I dreaming?”

Fong gave him a wry smile. “No, you’re awake. I wish we were in a nightmare that we could wake up from.”

Daniel sat up and his head swam. “Where are we?”

“I don’t know. Barnes grabbed me the other night. They knocked me out when they waylaid me before I got to the Chowhound and brought me here.”

The foul taste in Daniel’s mouth made him nauseous. He sat still fighting down bile.

“How did you get here?” Fong asked.

“I don’t know. I went to Benny’s to play cards. I played a couple of games and after that it gets fuzzy.”

He groaned as another wave of nausea rolled over him. “I feel hung over, but I only had a couple of beers and a shot.” Daniel went back over his time at Benny’s the night before. “I remember drinking the shot, but not much after that.”

“They drugged you.”

Daniel shoved his long hair away from his face. “What do they want?”

“Well, in my case, Barnes wants me to fight for him. He said he’d let me pay him back for my gambling debts by winning fights for him. I’m guessing that’s why you’re here, too.”

“Me? Why would he want me?” Daniel asked. “I don’t owe him any money. I’ve never even laid eyes on the man.”

Fong made a sarcastic noise. “Barnes doesn’t care about that. All he cares about is money and this fighting ring is making him a fortune. He needs good fighters to keep it going and I guess he’ll get them however he can.”

Burning anger replaced the nausea in Daniel’s stomach. “So, we’re just like fighting dogs to him. I won’t fight.”

“That’s what I told Barnes last night when he came to feed me and let me go to the outhouse. He said that he’d just shoot me dead if I didn’t cooperate.”

“So, you’re gonna fight?”

“I don’t have a choice if I want to live and figure out a way to escape,” Fong said. “Barnes won’t hesitate to kill, Daniel. He’s done it before. He’ll also go after Ming if I don’t fight.”

Daniel thought about Fong and Jin’s thirteen-year-old sister. Unlike Jin, Ming was shy and had no interest in fighting. She was much more concerned with learning homemaking skills and was already an expert in several crafts. The thought of something happening to her made Daniel furious.

“Barnes made a big mistake by kidnapping us. My cousin is a detective and he’ll track us down and kill Barnes. Not to mention Sly and Jin. He’s not gonna get away with this,” he said.

“I don’t know about that,” Fong said. “I’m sure that Barnes took all of that into account before he nabbed us. I’m sure that we’re somewhere no one can find us.”

“He might be smart, but not as smart as the people who’ll be coming after us, Fong. So, don’t lose hope,” Daniel said. “In the meantime, we’ll do whatever we can to get out of here.”

Fong sighed. “Or whatever it takes just to stay alive.”

“That, too.” Daniel looked up through the cage bars above him to the thin rays of sunshine coming through the boards near the roof of the barn. Great Creator, send us some power so that we can get the hell out of here.

 

 

Det. Cy Decker arrived home that evening, eager to see his wife and children. He loved his job, but he loved his family more and hated leaving them every day. As he mounted the porch of their new house, he heard little Anna crying. He could tell the difference in her and CJ’s voices.

He entered the foyer and hung up his hat and light coat. He found Leigh in the parlor pacing back and forth as she tried to comfort Anna. The familiar rush of love he felt whenever he saw his wife flowed through him. Leigh’s honey-brown hair was a little disheveled, but he always found her beautiful no matter what.

Her luminous green eyes filled with relief when she saw him. “I’m so glad to see you.”

The worry in her voice caused a tingle of fear to run through Cy. “What’s wrong?” He put an arm around Leigh.

“She’s burning up with fever and she won’t nurse. She just started with it a couple of hours ago.”

Cy put his hand on Anna’s forehead and was alarmed by how hot she felt. “We gotta get that fever down.”

“I know. I gave her a cool bath, but it didn’t seem to help,” Leigh said.

“Where is everyone?”

“Off in town.”

“Okay. I’ll make her a weak ginger tea,” Cy said and kissed Leigh’s cheek.

“Ginger tea? I thought that was for upset stomachs,” she said.

“It is, but it’s also good for fighting fevers. Willow bark might be too strong for her,” Cy replied. “Cotton’s early training as a medicine man comes in handy sometimes. I’ll have it ready soon.”

“Sometimes being married to an Indian comes in handy, too,” Leigh quipped as he left the room.

Cy laughed as he walked out to the kitchen. He’d just put the kettle on to boil when someone rapped on the kitchen door. Opening it, he found Sly standing on the other side of the threshold.

“A’ho, cousin,” he said, smiling.

“A’ho. I need to talk to you,” Sly said.

Cy didn’t like Sly’s worried tone of voice or the tension in his shoulders. When it rains it pours, he thought as he stepped back from the doorway. “Come in.”

Sly entered the kitchen. The handsome oak paneling and large windows made for a light, sunny room. Colorful green-and-white floral curtains added cheer to the space.

“Doesn’t sound like she’s happy,” he remarked upon hearing Anna cry.

“She’s not. She’s got a fever and an upset stomach.”

Leigh came into the kitchen and Anna’s cries filled the room. Their Collie, Queenie, trailed behind Leigh. The dog was extremely attached to the twins, and she slept in the nursery at night. Anna’s squalling upset her, and she occasionally whined. From upstairs came Anna’s brother, CJ’s voice.

Leigh said, “He might be hungry. I can’t believe that he slept through all of Anna’s noise. I hope he’s not starting with this.”

Sly reached for Anna. “I’ll take her for you.”

Leigh sent him a grateful look as she gave Anna to him and then went upstairs to the nursery. Little CJ lay in his crib, waving his arms and legs around as he let out a lusty squeal.

“All right, little man,” Leigh crooned as she picked him up.

She was immensely relieved to find him cool to the touch. He made sucking noises as he looked at Leigh. After shutting the nursery door, she sat in the rocking chair that Johnny had made for her.

Johnny and Cotton had made almost all the nursery furniture. As soon as he’d found out that she was expecting, Johnny had started on the crib, rocking chair, and a changing table.

CJ began suckling as soon as Leigh offered her breast to him. “I’m so glad that you’re hungry,” she said, stroking his soft, dark hair.

CJ made contented little noises as he ate. Leigh hadn’t conceived with her first husband and her doctors had said that she was barren. So, when she’d married Cy, she’d never expected to become pregnant.

“You and Anna are my little miracles. I didn’t think I’d have any babies, but God answered my prayers and here you are.”

CJ let out a little grunt as though responding to her.

“You look like your pa,” she told him. “Especially when you frown. Your Uncle Brock’s right about that.” Leigh sighed. “I sure hope that your sister just has a little stomach bug. I’m probably worrying too much, but I can’t help it. You’re so precious to me and I just want to protect you both from everything.”

A soft knock sounded on the nursery door. “It’s just me, honey,” Cy said before entering. “How’s CJ?”

“Fine,” she replied as he crouched by the rocking chair.

Cy loved watching the twins nurse. It was a beautiful thing to witness the woman he loved giving nourishment to the children they’d created together.

“I’ll say he’s fine.” Cy grinned. “Look at him go.”

“He’s not gonna be happy with me. I need to switch.”

Leigh had an abundance of milk, and it was always a relief when she nursed.

“I’m like one of those Holstein girls out in the barn,” she remarked once she’d resituated CJ. “It’s a wonder that I don’t drag the ground.”

Cy laughed at her bawdy humor. It was one of the things he loved most about his outspoken wife. “I don’t think there’s any danger of that happening. Everything feels in the right place to me.”

He kissed Leigh tenderly, but the passion that always flowed between them ran just under the surface.

That was a preview of When the Thunder Rolls: The Chance City Series Book Five. To read the rest purchase the book.

Add «When the Thunder Rolls: The Chance City Series Book Five» to Cart