Gable looked around and spotted a two-track in the woods that led out to the field we hunted in. “Come on, we’re out of here.”

I pushed myself to my knees as they slammed the doors. The tires spun as they hauled ass around the side of the cabin.

The headlights of the newcomer stopped right in front of me, and I closed my eyes to avoid being blinded.

“Lincoln, that you? What the hell happened? You get robbed?” It was Commodore’s voice. His footsteps crunched in the gravel as he came toward me. “Jesus fucking Christ. You got your ass kicked.”

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was his hand. I took it, and he pulled me to my feet.

Commodore looked over my shoulder in the direction Gable and Rango had gone. “Who was it? We’ll bury them.”

“I don’t know, sir.”

“Now, that’s a damn lie and we both know it.” My grandfather’s brows dipped into an angry V. “This is about that Gable girl, isn’t it?”

I said nothing, but Commodore didn’t need me to tell him anything. He had it all figured out himself, just like he usually did.

“You can cover for that brother of hers all you want, but I’ll still have him court-martialed for it.”

As soon as he said court-martialed, my entire body tensed. Any retaliation by Commodore would only succeed in making Whitney hate me more, and I couldn’t let it happen. I straightened my shoulders and looked at my grandfather through the slit of my swollen left eye, since I couldn’t open the right one.

“Sir, I respectfully request that you let me handle this myself.”

My grandfather studied my busted face. “Give me one good reason.”

I was silent for several moments while I thought of anything I could say that would persuade him. Finally, I went with the truth.

“I brought this on myself. I’m going to fix it myself too.”

Commodore’s eyes narrowed, and I could tell he wanted to argue. “Those Gable women are nothing but trouble. We know that. Don’t repeat your mistakes. You’re better off without her, boy.” He jerked his chin toward the cabin. “Go inside and clean yourself up. Get some peas from the freezer for the swelling. I don’t want to explain to your mother why you’re going to have two black eyes tomorrow, so you’d better stay here until you heal up.”

“Yes, sir.”

Commodore took a deep breath and released it slowly. “If you change your mind, I’ve got the sheriff on speed dial. He’ll have Asa Gable in cuffs before he makes it back to his aunt’s house.”

“Not necessary, sir.”

He shook his head. “Come on. I need a drink. Your mother’s wailing is driving me out of my goddamned mind.”

I followed my grandfather into the cabin. Even though I was battered and bruised, body and pride, I still wasn’t giving up. I would find a way to get to Whitney.