I open my mouth to holler her name, but close it just as quick. Those brothers could still lurking about. Then again, they left the saddle and pistol and coins right where they dropped them. Which means they were hurt bad and needed to see the doc quick. If I were a gambling kind of girl, and I most certainly am not, I’d wager they’ll return to loot the camp in the light of day, just as soon as they’re tended to.

So I take a deep breath and shout it with my whole lungs until I hear it echo back through the rugged hills: “Peony!”

I don’t expect her to come running down the hill like a dog, but . . . I don’t know what I expect.

After calling her name a few more times, I resume the trudge uphill. With luck, she’ll find her way to a good family. One that will pamper her with brushing and treats. One that understands how sometimes even an ornery horse can be the best horse in the world.

When I top the rise, Peony is right there, ears and tail twitching with irritation that I took so long. I drop the saddle and throw my arms around her neck. Her head tosses, as if she’s not sure what all the fuss is about.

I check her over from head to tail, even pull up her hooves and check the frogs of her feet. One shoe might be a bit loose, but other than that she seems perfectly sound. Still I linger, finger-combing her mane, rubbing my hands down her neck, planting kisses on her nose.

She snuffles at my coat, looking for a treat. Poor girl is probably starving, so I set about figuring how to saddle her up again and getting us out of this place. I consider using the length of lead-rope I rescued to rig a temporary fix. But without a blanket to pad it, the rub would give her a sore. I’ll have to ride bareback, the saddle in my lap.

I use a log to mount up. Holding the huge saddle makes my weight awkward and sloppy, but Peony doesn’t fight it. It’s her way of saying she’s as happy to see me as I am to see her.

When we find our way back to the road, I pause.

I look toward Dalton with half a mind to ride right over and tell the sheriff about those brothers. No, that’s a broken notion. I can’t afford one more delay. Besides, Emmett said they know everyone for miles. Who would take the word of a stranger over theirs?