In the eerie red glow of the blaze, he could read the emblems on the doors. Coffee Springs Volunteer Fire Department on one truck. The other truck and the water tanker were from Eagle.

The vehicles drove through the hole in the fence the hands had made and pulled to a halt on the opposite side. Men in helmets and firefighting turnout gear streamed out. Two firemen went for the hose attached to the water tanker, while others grabbed shovels and axes.

A big man in a helmet, a tan coat with neon-yellow stripes, and high rubber boots headed toward the hands working the line, and Kade walked over to meet him.

“Chief Wayne Gifford, Eagle Fire Department.” Gifford was darkly tanned, had lots of working-man wrinkles on his face.

“Kade Logan. I own the ranch. Glad to have you here.”

Gifford dipped his chin in greeting, then turned to look around. “Nice work on the break. If the weather holds, we should be able to keep it manageable till the sun comes up. As soon as it’s light, they’re sending in a helo to do some water drops.”

That was good news. “Any idea what caused it?”

“Fire investigators will be here in the morning. They’ll be looking for accelerants, specific burn patterns, something that might suggest arson or whatever natural events could have caused it.”

“What else do you need us to do?”

“Just keep working on the break. The farther along the tree line you can make it, the better chance we have of stopping this thing before it really sinks its fangs into us.”

“Will do.”

“Give me your cell number, and I’ll keep you posted.” Gifford and Kade exchanged numbers, and the fire chief left to join his men.

Kade turned as Ellie walked up.

“They’ve got a helo coming in at first light,” he said. “I’m going to keep the men working until it gets here. In the meantime, I’m sending you back down the hill with Turtle.”

“You’re staying?”

He nodded. “I want to make sure Gifford’s got everything he needs.”

“I’ll stay with you.”

He just shook his head. “No use both of us staying up all night.” He didn’t tell her he wanted to talk to the arson investigators when they arrived.

“I’m staying, Kade. Turtle has work to do here, and I can move branches and dirt as well as any of the men.”

“I’ll feel better if you’re home and safe.”

“I’ll feel better if I’m here doing my part,” Ellie said stubbornly.

He shouldn’t feel amused, but he admired the way she stood up to him. Reluctantly, he agreed. “All right, fine. If you’re sure that’s what you want, let’s get back to work.”