Chapter 38
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Cheyenne
“Don’t move. Don’t come any closer.” I tried to be strong, but the words came out in a whisper.
Sam gave me a weird look. “What are you talking about? I’m not going to hurt you, Cheyenne. I love you. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
I shook my head, realizing he still didn’t understand what was happening.
“She’s not talking to you. Get your hands where I can see them.” The voice came from behind him, and Sam went rigid, slowly raising his hands into the air.
I lifted my hands. “You don’t have to do this.”
Thomas moved toward us, pistol in hand. “Oh, yes I do.” His eyes were crazy. “I lost everything because of you. Now you’re going to lose everything, too.”
“What’s going on?” Sam’s voice was steadier than mine. He turned slowly, facing Thomas.
“There’s no missing kid, is there?” I asked. “You called this in to get me here.”
Thomas nodded proudly. “That’s right. You always were a sucker for kids and animals. Knew you’d be ready for me at your place, but you wouldn’t be expecting me out here. All I had to do was get up high where I could watch the response and keep an eye out, make sure I followed the right team. It’s you and me now, and you’re going to suffer like I’ve suffered.”
Sam stepped toward Thomas. “I don’t think so.”
Thomas aimed his gun and pulled the trigger. The sound echoed through the canyons, and Sam sank to his knees, clutching his shoulder.
I ran to him, supporting his weight as he fell backward. Dark blood seeped through his shirt. His skin went white and his eyes widened in shock, but he was still breathing.
“We’ve got to get him help,” I cried.
Thomas shook his head. “He’s on his own. You’re coming with me.” He motioned to his horse. “Get on.”
“Think this through,” I urged, hoping to reason with him. “If he dies, it will be so much worse for you. There’s still time to make this right. We need to radio for help. There are supplies in my bag. I can give him medical attention in the meantime.”
“No.” Thomas’s voice was sharp. “I don’t care if he dies. I’ve already lost everything anyway. My wife, my kids, my livestock. Now I’m being framed for something I didn’t do.”
“Thomas, it doesn’t have to be this way.”
But his face was as hard as a stone. “We both know I’m not going to make it out of this alive. But before I go, I’m going to make sure you understand what it feels like to have everything taken from you, too. Now, come on. Get on my horse.”
My heart sank as I saw the truth in his eyes. There would be no reasoning with him. He didn’t care what happened to him in the end—all he cared about was hurting me.
I blinked back hot tears as I realized how stupid I’d been.
He’d set a trap. And I’d walked right into it.