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  “I did it, I did everything,” Bart blurted out, locking his eyes on Myles. “I hid the drugs in the house, and tried to scare her away so I could get them. I work for Larry Gibbons, and I’ll give you any information I can on him. I know how to contact him, and I’ll tell you where we always meet.”

  Myles looked surprised before nodding to Terry who led Bart away. Then he tilted his head as his eyes rested on Boone.

  “What did you do to him?”

  “Nothing. We caught him, and he started singing like a songbird, saying he wanted protection, that he knew who ran things, and would give up names. He looks a little roughed up, I’m sure his boss had him worked over, you know, when he couldn’t recover the drugs.”

  “He’s covered in blood, fresh blood.” Myles pointed out.

  “Yeah, because he tried to attack Saffron by the alpaca pens, and one of them bit him. We saw it as we closed in on them.”

  Myles looked to Ethan, who remained quiet, and then back to Boone as he scowled. “If I find out you threatened him, coerced him, beat him, did anything at all to get him to talk, I’m coming after you.”

  “You’re way off-base here, Myles. I was convinced the real perpetrator was still out there, and would attempt to recover the drugs. I mean, how would he know they’re in your evidence locker, right? I figured if he didn’t see Rory around, he’d try again. Saffron and Ethan agreed with me, so Ethan and I came here tonight in case the guy did show up. We’ll all provide formal statements for you, that’s not a problem. As I see it, we provided a public service here tonight. I didn’t coerce Bart’s confession in any way. He’s undoubtedly scared about his boss getting a hold of him, and wants to cut a deal. I’m sure it’s not the first time you’ve encountered this.”

  He shrugged. “Considering you falsely accused Rory of crimes that Bart actually committed, I’m not certain why you’re now trying to antagonize me. I just showed up to protect Saffron and, now that this matter is resolved, I want my brother released. No hard feelings, I just want Rory exonerated.”

  When he held out his hand, Myles shook it. “Boone, I’m sure you did something to Bart, but all I want is the fentanyl off the streets, and the people responsible for it brought to justice. Saffron is safe, and I’m willing to turn a blind eye to everything else.” Relief as he’d never felt before surged through Boone. Myles sighed. “I owe Rory an apology, and he’ll get it. I’ll work all night if I have to in order to put this right. You can pick Rory up in the morning. I’ll let you know when.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  With a quick nod, Myles turned, and walked away from them. Boone released a deep breath, feeling as if he’d held it ever since getting that call from a panic-stricken Zandra, informing him Rory had been arrested. It was finally over. Rory would be released. He’d managed to help his little brother this time.

  Obviously having waited until Myles was out of earshot, Ethan grunted. “You got a little carried away there.” His tone was judgemental.

  “Yup.”

  “As in I was worried you’d kill him.”

  “Yup.”

  When Ethan stared at him harshly, Boone shrugged. “I knew when to stop. It felt good hitting him, by the way, but I knew he wouldn’t take another punch past that last one I gave him.”

  “And if he hadn’t had given in?”

  “I would’ve changed sides.” At Ethan’s disapproving look, he sighed. “Look, I did what I had to do. Rory needed me.”

  Ethan looked about to respond with more criticism, but then blew a breath out. “Need some ice for your hand?”

  “Yup.”

  Without another word, they made their way to the house, silently walking side by side. Boone looked to Ethan, examining his face, lit with the flashing lights from the parked cruisers. Ethan seemed tense still, and Boone knew Ethan’s disapproval with Boone’s actions ran much deeper than the few words he’d spoken. He credited Ethan for why he himself had never ended up in jail. He’d been such an angry young man, certainly as angry as his father, who’d seemingly miraculously never lost his temper badly enough to be arrested. It was Ethan who’d set Boone straight, cautioning him about his temper, first warning him his job was at stake if he didn’t contain it, and then, after the death of Boone’s parents, telling him he’d flat-out loose custody of his siblings if he gave in to his rage.

  They’d met, years back, in the trainee barracks at Depot Division, the RCMP Training Academy, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Both hailing from Alberta, the two became friends quickly, and Ethan’s strong moral fibre, and his thirst for justice, were instantly apparent. Ethan had always been there for him, first helping him through his anger issues, suggesting he channel his rage into workouts, then through the sudden death of Boone’s parents, and his battle to prove he could be a proper guardian to Rory and Zandra. He and Ethan had always had one another’s backs, and he couldn’t love Ethan more if Ethan had been his brother, too.

  Ethan caught his scrutinizing look, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly. He banged into Boone’s shoulder softly, acknowledging all was right between them. As always, he’d merely done his best to keep Boone in line. Boone grinned. He and his best friend were as solid as ever.

  Chapter 52

  After jotting down initial statements from Saffron, Boone, and Ethan, and informing them they would all need to attend the detachment in town to give formal statements, Myles left the house, shaking his head but not commenting when Boone applied an icepack to his hand.

  Saffron motioned to Boone’s hand. “Is it bad? What happened? Did you get hurt when you tackled Bart?”

  “Nope. He wasn’t forthcoming with information. I had to persuade him to comply.”

  She tried not to cringe outwardly. Boone had obviously beaten Bart, and she was glad she hadn’t witnessed it. Although Bart Yovenko had terrorized her for weeks, she still wouldn’t have wanted to see Boone hurting him. Considering Bart a nice young man after encountering him a few times, she’d been shocked when Myles had told her Bart was the real culprit, the man who’d hid drugs in the house, burned down her barn, attempted to break into her house, and killed her alpaca. Poor Arden! Saffron didn’t know Arden well, but couldn’t imagine what she’d go through soon, learning of her brother’s actions. The danger to Saffron was over, but more trouble was in store for some folks in town.

  “My hand will be fine,” Boone assured her. He then sighed deeply. “Now that Myles is gone, I’m so sorry Bart did that to you. Ethan and I came in partway through your statement to Myles. Did Bart hurt you in any way?”

  “No, he didn’t hurt me, just scared me. I mean, he grabbed me really hard, but I’m okay,”

  Boone’s jaw tightened, and he blew a sharp breath through his nostrils. “Had I known that, he would’ve got a few more shots.” Then, his features softened, and a look that she could only describe as remorse crept over his face. “I’m sorry, Saffron, I promised you that you’d be safe. That never should have happened to you.”

  “You warned me it could be dangerous,” she pointed out, eager to relieve his guilt. “I knew something bad could happen. But what did happen? How did he get in the house without you two seeing him? You told Myles that you and Ethan were patrolling the property, and were away from the house when Bart broke into it, but I know the others were here. Cole, the Carsons, Sawyer, Chase, what happened to them? They were supposed to be around the property, and you and Ethan were supposed to be right outside the house. How did Bart get past you?”

  “He paid some teenaged boys to run through your property to distract us. My guess is he saw us, noted our positions, and then made a few calls, probably to kids he’d been selling weed to, and offered them money. It worked. We ran after a kid, and left you unprotected. I’m so sorry I fell for that, and for what happened to you as a result.”

  “I fell for it, too,” Ethan interjected, “so don’t beat yourself up over it. Honestly, I’d never have thought Bart could be so crafty. I’ve always considered him a
n aimless pothead.”

  Saffron thought Boone still looked guilty. Keen to assure him she didn’t harbour any resentment, she patted his forearm. “Boone, you couldn’t have known he’d do that. I know you did your best, that all of you did. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you plan, that’s all. But I wasn’t hurt, and you did catch Bart. You helped Rory, and that’s what tonight was all about. I’m glad I took part in this, but I can’t tell you how sorry I am over everything that I did before. I tried to apologize to Rory, but he won’t see me. Can I be there tomorrow morning, when he’s released?”

  “Of course. I’ll call you when I know the exact time.”

  “Thank you. I want to be there to apologize to him, but what if he doesn’t want me to?”

  “You won’t know if you don’t try, will you?” When she bit her bottom lip, Boone shrugged. “I’m the last person who should be giving out relationship advice. The only thing I could suggest is to show him you’re sorry.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean men take action. If we want someone to know our intentions, we show them.”

  “Like punching someone?”

  “Yep. Believe me, I got my point across.”

  She imagined he had, but his actions didn’t give her any ideas about how to show Rory how sorry she was. “Okay, but how? How do I show him I’m sorry?”

  “Oh that’s for you to figure out, darlin’.” He stood, and handed her the icepack. “I’ll be going now so I can try to catch a few hours sleep, you should do the same. Goodnight.”

  She and Ethan bade him farewell, and he left. When she looked to Ethan, sitting at the table with her still, he held his hands up. “Don’t look at me. I’m only marginally better at relationships than Boone.”

  Thinking she’d be up the rest of the night at this rate, trying to think of something, she wished Zoë had come over, but wouldn’t call her friend at this late hour. Resigned to the fact she’d have to come up with something, and fast, she wracked her brain, hoping she’d conceive of something. She had to make things right with Rory, she just had to.

  Chapter 53

  Rory blew out a slow breath. The horrors of the past few days, the fear of life-long imprisonment, and the terrible realization so few believed in his innocence—it all seemed to leave on that breath. He was lightheaded. His stomach still held a tight burning knot, but even it was lessening by the second. He stared at Myles. Maybe he hadn’t heard the cop right, but a small smile held Myles’s lips.

  “It’s true, Rory, it’s all over.”

  While he’d silently questioned why Myles hadn’t cuffed him to bring him to the interrogation room, he never thought this was the reason. He could hardly believe what Myles had just related, that the real perpetrator of the crimes against Saffron had been caught. It had been Bart Yovenko who’d hidden the drugs in Saffron’s house, and then attempted to scare her off the property. Myles had outlined the events of the previous night, how Boone and Ethan had patrolled Saffron’s property, anticipating the man would attempt to recover the drugs again, unaware they were no longer in the house. Then he explained how, when they were away from the house itself, Bart had gotten in the house, realized the drugs weren’t there, and then had attacked Saffron. That part nearly killed Rory, and only Myles’s insistence Saffron hadn’t been harmed had prevented Rory from vomiting. He didn’t want anything to do with Saffron any longer, but the thought of her facing such a terrifying event alone, and coming so close to being hurt badly, sickened him.

  “I’m releasing you now,” Myles continued. “Boone and Zandra are waiting for you. Needless to say, you’re not being charged with anything, and, on behalf of the town of Bison Bluffs, and the RCMP, I apologize for the events of the past few days, for detaining you unnecessarily, and for any emotional, or financial, losses you may have incurred as a result.”

  Rory nodded numbly. He didn’t care about any of that. Sure, he was pissed he’d spent the time in lockup, but all he wanted was to leave. He wasn’t even that angry with Myles anymore, after thinking about it while detained. The cop really was just doing his job, and, when Rory looked at the events from Myles’s standpoint, he could easily see how Myles had been quick to believe Rory was the culprit. Saffron, however, was another matter. No matter how long he thought about it, Rory couldn’t understand her actions.

  Myles stood. “Come on, Rory, it’s time to go.”

  Rory got to his feet. As he rounded the table, Myles stuck his hand out, his face lined with what, to Rory, looked like regret.

  “I’ve given you the official apology I’m required to deliver. This one is from me. I am so sorry for what I put you through. I was quick to believe you were the perpetrator. Too quick. Yes, the pieces fit, but I should’ve given you the benefit of the doubt. I should have listened to others, and their opinions of you. I should have seen the man who’s standing before me, not just an ex-con. I hope you can forgive me.”

  Rory shook Myles’s hand. He was torn between wanting to tell Myles he was an asshole for jumping to conclusions, and telling the cop it was okay, he understood how he’d arrived at the conclusions he had. In the end, he said nothing.

  Myles then led Rory down a small hallway to the foyer of the building. He held the door open, and Rory stepped over the threshold with a small hitch in his breath. He was free. Zandra and Boone were standing a short distance away, and both rushed him when he exited. Zandra arrived first, sobbing as she threw her arms around his neck. As Rory hugged her tightly, Boone’s long arms wrapped around his shoulders. He held Zandra for some time, until she stopped crying, and Boone held him as long.

  Finally, Zandra wriggled out of his grip. Her worried eyes met his, and he cupped her wet cheeks. “It’s okay, sissy, I’m fine. Really, I am. I just want to go home.”

  She took his hand. Boone fell into place beside them, but before they could make a step, Myles was before them. He extended his hand to Boone now, as he released a weighty sigh.

  “We’ve already discussed it, but thank you, Boone, for not only catching Bart, but opening my eyes where Rory is concerned. I’ve apologized to him, but I owe all of you an apology.”

  Boone shook Myles’s hand, and even flashed him a quick grin. When Myles turned to Zandra, holding his hand out to her, she shot him a condemning look, tightened her hold on Rory’s hand, and sidestepped Myles to head for the door. Rory weaved around Myles to follow Zandra, and didn’t look back. He supposed Myles could be crushed by Zandra’s unwillingness to forgive him, but perhaps the cop deserved some punishment for the part he’d played.

  Boone held the front door open and, as Rory crossed that threshold, the last one between barred cells and total freedom, he sucked in a deep breath of the outside air. The day was hot, and he welcomed the rays of sunshine that fell on him as he cleared the building’s entrance. He was anxious to get home, to the only one he truly had, the one he shared with his siblings, the only people he could truly trust. Once there, he wanted to sit outside, on the porch, or in the backyard, anywhere he could breathe fresh air, and see no walls.

  “Rory?”

  He turned his head at the sound of Saffron’s voice, then regretted it. She didn’t deserve any of his attention, now or ever again. She stood a few feet away, and, despite how upset she looked, her eyes watery and red-rimmed, all he cared about was that she hadn’t been physically hurt by Bart last night. Her feelings were irrelevant.

  Facing forward again, he moved faster, pulling Zandra along, who paused when Saffron called him again. Zandra looked to him, as if questioning if he was sure he didn’t want to talk to Saffron. He’d never been surer of anything in his life. She glanced over her shoulder, to Saffron no doubt, and, on his other side, Boone did the same. Perhaps his siblings felt sympathy for Saffron, but Rory didn’t. Anxious to enjoy his freedom with those who loved him, and believed in him, he refused to waste any precious time on those who didn’t.

  Chapter 54

  Miserable, Saffron approached
the alpaca pens, a plastic container with beet slices in her hands. She’d just returned home from the RCMP detachment in town where she’d hoped Rory would accept her apology. He hadn’t. In apprehension, she’d waited outside the building, arriving well before the time Boone had told her to. Zandra and Boone had welcomed her before they went inside to get Rory. Some time later, they’d returned, with Rory. Her heart had almost burst with the joy of seeing him. He hadn’t spotted her, and so she’d called out to him. When he looked to her, she saw the hatred in his eyes. He’d turned his back to her and, though she’d called him again, he’d walked away. Both Boone and Zandra had looked back at her apologetically, but Rory hadn’t bothered to look at her at all.

  Rory was truly done with her, and she couldn’t blame him. She hadn’t been there for him when he’d most needed her. As a result, he’d spent time in a jail cell. The horror of that experience for him, after everything he’d been through, crushed her to the point she could barely breathe. She’d done that to him, her. Even loving him with all her heart, she’d managed to hurt him so severely he wanted nothing to do with her. Myles arrested him, not you. There’s no way you could’ve prevented Myles from arresting him. No, but had she proclaimed Rory’s innocence to Myles, at least Rory wouldn’t hate her now. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her, and she didn’t open her damn mouth to help him. What she’d done after, making herself a target by allowing Boone to use her as bait, wasn’t nearly enough to compensate for her betrayal. She was a horrible person, and didn’t deserve Rory, yet she wanted him back. She’d do anything to win him back, but had no idea what to do.

  After handing out beet slices to the eager alpacas, she petted them for several minutes, enjoying their warmth, and the cute noises they made. The visit helped some, but they didn’t comfort her as much as Rory had. Would he ever speak to her again? Look at her with anything other than contempt? Boone had told her to show Rory how sorry she was, but if Rory wouldn’t even talk to her, how was she supposed to do that? Closing her eyes, she ran her hand over Neenee’s outstretched head, concentrating on the act, thinking about how it had comforted Rory before she did. The feel of the alpaca’s soft fleece cut through the worst of her pain. Animal therapy did work. With a gasp, she dropped the container, scaring a few girls who jumped back from her. She had it, the perfect way to show Rory how sorry she was. She wrestled the container from Neenee who’d apparently decided it was a new toy, and then hurried to the house.