Kansas Pete squinted against the sun to have a look. “Did you see who it was?”

“Nope.”

Big-Foot Harry leaned over his saddle horn. “Think it was one of them there rustlers?”

“Dunno,” Chase replied. “Take a look and see what you can find.”

“What about you and the missus?” Kansas Pete asked. “How you gonna get back?”

“Don’t worry about us. My wife is an expert at hoofin’ it.”

Kansas Pete gave Emily a doubtful look but shrugged in resignation. “Whatever you say, boss.” With that, the men galloped off.

Emily watched them go. “Aren’t you worried about them being shot at?”

“If anyone should be worried, it’s the one they’re after.” Chase slapped his dusty hat against his leg and settled it on his head. “Now you know why I don’t want you ridin’ by yourself.”

She slid him a sideways glance. “It seems that I get into the most trouble when I’m with you.”

Squinting up at the yellow-white sun, Chase shook his head. “Funny you should say that. I was just thinkin’ the same about you.”

* * *

By the time Emily and Chase had made it back to the house, it was midafternoon. A breeze had begun to sweep across the land, bending the grass and stirring up funnels of dust. The light wind also brought with it the smell of cattle.

Emily was hot and tired. Nevertheless, she managed to drum up enough energy to race Chase to the rain barrel. They reached it at the same time, laughing.

They were both dripping wet when Cookie found them. “Boss, boss,” he cried. “Come quick.”

Emily exchanged a worried look with Chase. It wasn’t like Cookie to show much in the way of emotion. He was usually so calm.

Chase handed Emily a dry towel and reached for his hat. “What’s the matter? What’s wrong?”

“Ginny’s missin’.”

Emily drew the towel away from her face and gasped. “What do you mean, missing?”

“We’ve looked everywhere for her. The barn, the stables. She’s gone!”

“Oh no…” A whirl of frightening thoughts flooded Emily’s head. First the gunman. Now this. Could there be a connection?

“She can’t be far,” Chase said. “We’ll find her.”

“Where’s her mother?” Emily asked. No sooner were the words out of her mouth than Peggy Sue rushed toward them. Glaring at Emily, she looked fit to be tied.

“I’m so sorry…” Emily began.

Peggy Sue cut her off. “It’s your fault that she’s gone!” she stormed.

Emily reared back. “My fault?”

“Had you not put all those crazy ideas into her head, she wouldn’t have—”

Chase stepped in front of his housekeeper, creating a protective barrier between the two women. “My wife is just as concerned for Ginny’s welfare as we all are,” he said, his voice thick with censure. “We’re wastin’ time. So think. When was the last time you saw her?”

“At b-breakfast,” Peggy Sue stammered, looking deflated. “I told her there would be no more lessons, and she burst into tears and ran to our room. I’ve never seen her so upset, and it’s all your wife’s fault!”