Dalton and Elyse, the burden was Austin's responsibility now, relaxed on deck.

"It's like waiting for the jury to reconvene after your final arguments, and you've given a big case to them." Elyse got up from her chair and began pacing.

"It sure is," Dalton replied, his thoughts elsewhere as he rubbed his bruised shoulder around where the stitches began. The bruise reminded him of who shot him and what would become of that person if he were to press charges. As far as he ...