“Just Make It Quick” She Whispered. Three Mountain Men Drew Her Into Silent Lodge, Kept Her Warm

Chapter 2

She opened her eyes. Gideon was already standing.

The voice outside called out twice more before going quiet. Gideon crossed the room in four steps and stopped with his back against the front door. He did not reach for the rifle hanging by the hearth. He just stood there, one hand flat against the wood, listening.

Tate hadn’t moved from his spot beside her; his eyes were on Gideon. Elias picked up a lamp from the shelf and turned it down low, so that the room fell into shadow and the firelight did the talking.

After a minute, Gideon spoke through the door — calm, unhurried, loud enough to carry.

“The woman inside is injured. She can’t travel in this weather. Come back when the storm breaks.”

A pause. Then the voice outside: “She’s a runaway. She stole money from Mr. Crane and fled before the wedding. We’re authorized to bring her back.”

“You’re authorized to freeze to death on my porch,” Gideon said. “I told you when she can travel. That’s all I’m telling you.”

Another pause. Longer this time. Willa had pushed herself upright against the wall, her ankle a raw ache, her breathing held even.

“She’ll be returned to Mr. Crane alive and unharmed,” the voice said. “He’s a reasonable man. There’ll be payment for your trouble.”