Trees canopied the darkened sky and hid the moon, making the path harder to follow. The cool wind howled around Mercedes, blowing leaves and dust in her face. With one hand she gripped the reins. With the other she pulled the hooded, black cloak tighter around her head. The cool night’s breeze slipped through the man’s clothing she wore.Where is William?She’d feigned sleep until she heard him leave the house. Instead of following him immediately, she waited a few minutes, then left. She scrambled out of bed and ran to the stable to dress in the servant’s clothes Hyrum had le

Brandon Kennedy stalked across the office floor, his hands bunched into fists at his side. He kicked his chair from under the desk and it toppled and landed on the floor. Yanking off his overcoat, he cursed. He tossed it toward the coat rack, missed the mark, and it slid to the ground. Kennedy exploded with another set of curses as he marched over, picked it up and latched it on a hook.William leaned back in his chair, holding back the grin that threatened to sneak across his mouth. He was dying to know what had his partner in a dither. When the grin threatened to make its debut, William quickly rubbed his hand over his mouth, trying to wipe off his smirk. Now was not the time to gloat. “What ails you, Kennedy?”

When William entered the dining area the next morning, Gabe waited for him, just as they’d planned. William’s breakfast of eggs and fruit were on a plate, ready for him.“Top of the morning, Gabe,” William greeted.His friend chuckled and shook his head. “I envy you. I don’t think I will ever find a special woman to share my life with.”William sat and picked up his fork. “Don’t say such things. You are a strapping young man.

The door to the office opened, banging against the wall with a resounding crack. William jumped in his chair and spun toward the noise. Gabe rushed in, his face flushed as he wheezed to catch his breath. He glanced toward Brandon’s empty desk before hurrying over to William’s side.“Gabe, what ails you this afternoon? You look like you have been running for miles.”His friend placed his hand over his chest, nodding with a smile. “It seems I have.” He chuckled. “But when I received the letter, I couldn’t wait to show you.” Gabe handed forth a folded piece o

Mercedes blew on her cold hands. Her nerves jittered out of control, making her body shake from more than just the cool night breeze. She slowed her horse, leading him at the back of the jail. Voices from the soldiers out front of the building echoed through the night.She reassured herself everything would turn out perfect. She had nothing to fear. William would make certain of that. After dismounting, she tiptoed to the back window and peeked inside. Henry Wilkes sat in a chair, leaning his elbow on the table as he twirled a stick between his fingers. It appeared as if he were the only person inside.Forcin