Chapter Seven
Adam took Shiloh into the house after Hoss, Joe and Hank assured him they would take care of the barn and what was in it. Hank sent Johnny into town for the sheriff, so everything that could be done at the moment was being done. Adam had time to concentrate on Shiloh, but it turned out not in the way he expected. She cried…at first. But her anguish soon turned into rage as she loaded her gun, put on her gun belt and tried to head for the door. The only obstacle in her way was Adam.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he said calmly. When he saw the fire in her eyes, he stiffened, knowing that she was going to try.
She lifted her gun, pointing it at his chest, holding it steady with both hands. “Don’t try to stop me. You know who did this. He’s not getting away with it.”
“Shiloh if you end up killing him, you go to jail. Is that what you want?”
She thought about going to jail in a fleeting moment. Where would it leave the ranch or her singing? “I don’t care. He’s not getting away with this.”
“You can’t prove he did it.”
“Enough talk. Get out of my way.”
“You’re not gonna shoot me,” said Adam, taking a step forward. He stopped in mid-step and flinched when she pointed the gun over his shoulder and fired. In a split-second, Joe and Hoss ran through the door, distracting her just enough for Adam to finish that step forward, ending with the barrel in his chest. Joe and Hoss were frozen by what they were witnessing.
“You’re not gonna shoot me,” said Adam calmly. “Put the gun down.”
She shrank back. “What am I doing? Oh, God, what am I doing?” she cried, backing up.
Adam followed her, taking the gun out of her hand and drawing her close. Looking sternly back to Hoss and Joe, he ordered, “Not a word of this to Pa.”
Hoss and Joe looked at each other, then nodded. Adam turned his attention back to Shiloh, guiding her to the kitchen and seating her at the table. Hoss and Joe motioned him back just outside the kitchen. “We’ve got the boys digging a hole for the carcasses, but it’s gonna take some time. You need to keep her away from the barn.”
Adam nodded. “When Roy gets here let him take a look around and then send him inside. I’ll keep her in the kitchen until he gets here.” Adam watched as Hoss and Joe disappeared out the front door, then went back to the kitchen with Shiloh. He pumped a glass of water and sat down next to her. “Drink this.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “Adam…I…I’m….” He covered her hand with his. “Why did you let me do that?”
“Because you needed to know what it’s like to feel rage with a gun in your hand…and choose to put it down.”
“I need to find him. I can’t let him get away with this.”
“You don’t need to do anything. You need to leave it to Roy.”
She jerked her head up, looking angrily at him. “Roy won’t do anything. There’s no proof that Sam did this.”
“You still have to give him a chance.” He picked up her hand, looking over his shoulder out the window. “If Roy doesn’t do anything, I’ll have a talk with Sam.”
Pulling her hand away, she glared at him. “I don’t need you to fight my battles. This has nothing to do with you.”
He answered her glare. “It has everything to do with me. I’m responsible for this ranch.” He took a breath and said in a calmer tone, “And I have no intention of letting Sam get anywhere near you.”
“Adam, how am I ever going to prove to you that I can take care of this ranch if you keep coming to my rescue?”
He turned her to face him. “I know you can take care of this ranch. But Sweetheart, you cannot take care of Sam King.”
Oh, I love this story! I cried my eyes out for Max. I love Annie and Hoss. The wedding was beautiful. Cat Fight!!! Perfect. My second read and I think I like it better this time. You also hit on a struggle that has been going on forever. Women’s rights. Things have changed in 150 years but things still aren’t equal.
You know, Max’s death was by far, the hardest part of these stories to write – perhaps because I’ve had to say goodbye to some of my own horses, and could not imagine having to live through what Shiloh did with Max. I glad you like this one. And you will see more about women’s rights in the future. After all, those women in Boston think they have some kind of hold on Isabella. Thanks again, Neano!
What can I say? You went through all the highlights. I’m just so glad you liked all those things that got written. I had never intended for this story to be so long, but as I write, things just keep coming up. I have to wonder if they’ll ever grow have kids…grow old…finally just be comfortable with the people they are.
Thank you so much, Marie.
I bet it’s that fired Hand, Sam King. That sneaky b@st@rd. He shot those animals! I hope he gets caught. He’s just a cruel person.
I’m so glad to know Shiloh is going to sing in Virginia City. Her ideas were perfect! Tom will want to generate buzz and excitement prior to the opening of the new season and having a pre-season kick-off will do just that! I love it!
OMG! First the cattle, now the horses! I know it’s that heartless animal, Sam King! Max! How could he do this to those poor defenseless animals! Adam and Hank did what was right by Max, he would have suffered greatly otherwise. My heart stopped when I realized the orange glow was the barn where the horses were. I hope they catch that b@st@rd! Nothing will do Shiloh more than to see his sorry butt hang for the misery he has caused her. 🙁
Adam is such a great guy. I wished Shiloh knew Adam is only wanting to help because he loves and cares about her, not because he doesn’t feel she can take care of the ranch herself, quite the contrary. She’s as bull headed as Adam. No wonder they are attracted to each other. LOL
I wonder what is on Shiloh’s mind? Could it be she’s falling in love with Adam? Hmmmmmm 🙂
Keeping herself busy with the music preparations will help keep her mind off everything that’s happened. I just hope she’s safe in town.
Thank goodness Adam got Tommy to confess. Now, to catch the other animal, Sam King. Oh, when Adam and he come face to face….and the plot thickens. 😀
Sam got what he deserved, but at the expense of Shiloh having to find out personally what it took to take a man’s life. 🙁
I cried when she lost the mare and her colt. :'( I just cried. How much more loss did Shiloh have to endure? Very well written. I cried.
The catfight…OMG! So funny! I could see it all in my head. I laughed so hard and that woman deserved it! She deserved to be ran out on a rail the way she was.
The wedding was beautiful! I loved the note Adam placed on the try for Shiloh, again, I cried like a baby. So beautiful.
I was so excited for Annie finally getting into medical school! How sweet she and Hoss became a couple. I would love to see her come back and she marry Hoss. How wonderful it would be to see Shiloh’s best friend become her sister-in-law.
How funny was Joe’s kiss to Shiloh. I loved Adam’s response. So Adam, so Joe. Loved it!
The ending was just perfect. It didn’t matter how they got from there to here, they were here. What a great way to end the story. I’m so excited to see what the next story involves.
Loved this story! Loving the series!
Gosh, you’re bringing back memories. Seems I started writing this story so long ago. I have a very rough outline, but most of things that happen, only happen at the moment they get written. Sometimes I surprise myself with what I read back. The barn fire and the horses were one of those things, and I could draw on my own love of my own horses, and how I would feel if faced with a barn fire while my horses were inside. They generally have the run of the place in good weather, but in winter, they are in the barn at night. As far as Shiloh goes, Will Stewart was a mistake. She had thought she would never get married, so thinking about Adam romantically has to be frightening for her, especially with his strong sense of taking care of those he loves. He’s a take charge kind of guy. She’s a take charge kind of girl. So either they’ll bash heads or they’ll find a way to work together or it will be long path to get to where they co-exist peacefully.
I added my final comments to the story above your reply. I really enjoyed the story immensely! I look forward to reading the other parts but I’ll save those as a treat for later when I’m done cleaning the house and doing laundry. I stayed up very late the past few nights trying to finish the first and second stories, but had to call it a night each time and finish the next day. I see my breaks and lunch is going to be busy reading because once I start a new story, I can’t put it down! LOL