The high afternoon sun found Mari and Ty saddled and Ty giving last minute instructions to Cinco. Mrs. Runnunger's confession and the reality of her betrayal had set the ranch on edge. Two more of the ranch hands left for greener pastures up north-away from scheming murders-and the men who remained were exhausted from taking turns keeping a night watch against any new threats-from within and without.

Mari couldn't get into town fast enough. During the trek, she ...