Savage Rancher (Iron Ridge #1)

Chapter 1

JAKE

This is the part I like the most—not the violence, not the aftermath.

The waiting.

Because I've made a decision and I'm going to act. Because I know where the enemy is and how I'm going to take him out.

Pulling my black Stetson lower, I lean against the hood of Emma’s RAV4, cloaked by shadows, scanning the street. Iron Ridge has grown since I left eighteen years ago, but it’s still a small town. 2100, and most people are at home or here in the bar.

Tonight, I only care about two people: Emma Hayes and Eli Turner.

Emma is inside. I watched her park her car and go into the bar ten minutes ago—ten minutes before she’s supposed to meet Turner. He should be here any minute.

I glance at the entrance. The neon sign flickers Rusty Spur, buzzing like a dying insect.

Red light bleeds across the gravel lot in uneven pulses.

Part of me wonders what the hell I’m doing standing out here in the cold night—spring in Montana is no joke—when I should be in there with Emma.

I should throw her over my shoulder and take her to Blackthorn Ranch and keep her there.

The other, stronger part of me—the part that’s trained to complete the mission no matter what the cost—is locked in. Handling this situation is better for Emma in the long run.

Taking the gloves out of my pocket, I tug them on and flex my hands. And handle it I will.

Eli Turner is already dead. He just doesn't know it yet.