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Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

You may be surprised to find me and the Randalls in the Harlequin Intrigue line. Normally my books are not filled with murder and mayhem. However, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to give one of my Randalls the chance to play a real hero. Jim Randall, Chad and Megan’s oldest boy, has been drifting since he completed college. When a call for help from a former flame arouses old memories, he finds he can’t abandon Patience Anderson. He plays the role of hero very well, but his emotions aren’t as easily directed. I hope you like his story.

The Randalls always pull together to bring about a happy ending. This remarkable family won’t have it any other way. There are, of course, some rough moments, but the Randalls face every test, fearlessly doing what has to be done. We can’t always choose our paths in life, but we can control our behavior.

It was interesting for me to accompany my characters through a different kind of story, one of danger and escape. I hope you enjoy the change, and I promise I will return to Rawhide and the Randalls once again this December.

Best wishes,

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Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

Beginning this October, Harlequin Intrigue has expanded its lineup to six books! Publishing two more titles each month enables us to bring you an extraordinary selection of breathtaking stories of romantic suspense filled with exciting editorial variety—and we encourage you to try all that we have to offer.

Stock up on catnip! Caroline Burnes brings back your favorite feline sleuth to beckon you into a new mystery in the popular series FEAR FAMILIAR. This four-legged detective sticks his whiskers into the mix to help clear a stunning stuntwoman’s name in Familiar Double. Up next is Dani Sinclair’s new HEARTSKEEP trilogy starting with The Firstborn—a darkly sensual gothic romance that revolves around a sinister suspense plot. To lighten things up, bestselling Harlequin American Romance author Judy Christenberry crosses her beloved BRIDES FOR BROTHERS series into Harlequin Intrigue with Randall Renegade—a riveting reunion romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Keeping Baby Safe by Debra Webb could either passionately reunite a duty-bound COLBY AGENCY operative and his onetime lover—or tear them apart forever. Don’t miss the continuation of this action-packed series. Then Amy J. Fetzer launches our BACHELORS AT LARGE promotion featuring fearless men in blue with Under His Protection. Finally, watch for Dr. Bodyguard by debut author Jessica Andersen. Will a hunky doctor help penetrate the emotional walls around a lady genius before a madman closes in?

Pick up all six for a complete reading experience you won’t forget!

Enjoy,

Denise O’Sullivan

Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

Randall Renegade
Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MILLS & BOON

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy is a native Texan.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS

Jim Randall—A man of honor who can’t say no to a voice from the past.

Patience Anderson—The fiercely protective mother has no one else to turn to.

Chad Randall—His beloved son wants to stand alone, but that’s not the Randall way.

Joseph Keats—His fanatical beliefs have already cost his wife her life. Will his son also pay the ultimate price?

Tommy Peters—A little boy who loves and trusts Patience, the only mother he’s ever known. Can he trust her to rescue him?

For Pat Bennett:

first a devoted fan, now a good friend.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter One

Jim Randall presented himself in the kitchen at dinnertime because it was expected. But he wasn’t staying. “Red, I’m heading into town. Don’t count me in for dinner.”

“You’re supposed to let me know earlier, boy. You got something special planned?” the older man asked.

“Not really, Red. I’m meeting a few friends. Sorry I didn’t know this morning.”

As he turned away, his father, Chad Randall, entered the big kitchen, and Jim had to explain himself all over again. And if he didn’t hurry out, his mom would be next. As much as he loved his family, twenty-five seemed a little old to be tied so tightly to the apron strings.

“Wait, boy,” Red said. “You got a phone message. Sounded real important.” Red handed him a piece of paper.

Jim scanned the message, and his heart jerked. He carefully folded it and said, “Thanks, Red.”

Red wasn’t finished. “The girl on the phone was crying.”

Damn! Why couldn’t the old man mind his own business? Jim felt badly immediately. Red was like a grandfather to him. He loved him. But he didn’t want anyone asking any questions about the call.

His father looked at him, but didn’t say anything. Jim knew that his father would lend help if it was needed, and he gave him a rocky smile as he hurried out of the kitchen.

He climbed into his truck and headed toward the county road that led into Rawhide, one of the small towns splattered across Wyoming. He’d been born there, knew most everyone who lived there, and he played there on Friday nights.

He stopped halfway to town, pulling over to the side of the road. He turned on the overhead light as he drew the piece of paper out of his pocket. Patience Anderson.

He ground his teeth as images flew before his eyes. He’d fallen for her hard. They’d both been at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. It had been his senior year, her sophomore. He’d wanted her badly. She’d refused to sleep with him unless they were at least engaged.

Jim hadn’t been ready to settle down. He wanted to sow his wild oats and make a name for himself first. It wasn’t easy being a Randall in the state of Wyoming. His family was well-known in the ranching and rodeo communities. So he’d said no to getting engaged so young. In actual fact, he’d said, “Hell, no!”

After two weeks without Patience, he’d realized he’d made a mistake. He missed her terribly. When he’d gone back home for a weekend, he went into town to see his friends and catch up on the news. The first thing his friends told him was that Patience was raising a baby. It wasn’t hers, really, but she was going to raise it.

Jim had torn out of the saloon and found a pay phone. He called Patience. Her voice was cool when she’d told him that yes, she was raising a baby.

“Who’s the real mother and father?” he’d demanded.

“None of your business,” she’d said.

“Fine!” and he’d hung up the phone.

He hadn’t seen or heard from her since. It had been three years, but she still owned his heart whether she knew it or not.

And now she had called him. She’d cried on the phone, asked him to call back. What was going on?

He started his truck and drove fast to Rawhide. He went to the same pay phone he’d used to call her before. He didn’t need to look at the paper. He still knew her number by heart. Not that he’d ever tell her that.

“Hello?” a wavery voice answered.

“Patience?” he asked. After all, Red had said she was crying.

“No, I’ll get her.”

He grew even more tense as he waited.

“Jim?”

“Yeah.”

He didn’t intend to make this call easy for her. He’d suffered a lot because she’d wanted nothing to do with him unless they were engaged.

“I need help. I didn’t know anyone else to call.”

“What kind of help?”

“My little boy has been kidnapped.”

“And you haven’t called the law?”

“I called them.”

“Then why are you asking me for help?”

“They won’t do anything.”

Jim was momentarily speechless. “Why not?” he finally asked.

“Because the man who kidnapped him is his father!” The tears were there in her voice.

“Sounds like you’d better listen to the law, Patience.”

“You don’t understand! He’s crazy!”

“No, I don’t understand. And I don’t know why you’re coming to me for help. You threw me out of your life years ago!”

“I threw you out of my life?” she screamed back at him.

“That’s right. Find someone else to fight your battles.”

He hung up the phone.

After an hour of sitting at a back table in the saloon having a beer with his friends, he asked, “What do you hear about Patience now?”

“Nothin’,” his friend Roy said. Roy worked at the feed store and knew almost all the gossip around.

“Nothing? Does she still have that kid?”

“Last I saw her she did.”

“Who’s she seeing now?”

Roy shrugged. “Maybe someone from Buffalo.”

“I see. Well, good. Glad she’s happy.”

Another half an hour and he made an excuse and headed for his truck. Of course Patience was seeing someone. She was a beautiful woman. So let her ask her new boyfriend for help.

AFTER A RESTLESS night, Jim rose and grabbed the phone in the bachelor pad, which was what the bunkhouse built for him and his cousins was called. It was early, but he figured Patience would be awake.

The same wavery voice answered.

“May I speak to Patience?”

“No. She’s gone.”

“Is this Mrs. Anderson?” Patience’s mother hadn’t sounded this old three years ago.

“Yes.”

“This is Jim Randall. When will Patience be back?”

“I don’t know. She went to find Tommy.”

“Is that her son? The one she said was taken?”

“Yes,” the woman said with a sob. “Patience has gone after Tommy and I’m so afraid the boy’s father will hurt them.”

“Mrs. Anderson, I’m coming over to see you. I’ll be there in about half an hour.” He hung up before the woman could say yes or no.

Jim knocked on his little brother’s door in the bachelor pad, then stuck his head in. “Drew, tell Dad I had some personal business to take care of. I’ll get back as soon as I can.”

“What time is it?” Drew asked, rubbing his eyes. He’d finished university last year and still wasn’t happy with the early mornings.

“Almost six. Tell Dad, okay?”

Drew closed his eyes and nodded at the same time. Jim didn’t hold out much hope that he’d remember.

When Jim reached the small brick home on one of the few back streets of Rawhide, he parked his truck and hurried to the front door. Knocking, he called, “Mrs. Anderson? It’s Jim Randall. Can you let me in?”

The door opened slowly. A woman he remembered as vibrant appeared pale and worn as she peered at him through the screen. Slowly she pushed it open and gestured for him to enter.

“Mrs. Anderson, I need to know what has happened to Patience. You said she’s gone after her little boy? Won’t that be dangerous?”

“Yes. I told her not to go. But she wouldn’t listen to me.”

“Where did she go?”

“Up in the mountains. The boy’s father has a camp up there. He…he just came to our house and grabbed the boy. And he cleaned out our pantry and left some worthless coins in place of the groceries.”

Jim frowned. “What do you mean, worthless coins?”

The woman hurried to a pine dresser. She picked up something and returned to Jim.

“These,” she said as she poured five small tin disks into his hand.

“Did you show them to the sheriff?” he asked.

“What’s the point? He already said he wouldn’t help us.”

“Why?”

“Because we never did anything legally about Tommy. Patience never formally adopted him. Legally, Joseph, his father, has custody.”

“Why do you think he’s dangerous?”

“Because he’s crazy. He wants Tommy to be a soldier!”

“And you told the sheriff this?”

“He told us he couldn’t do anything.”

Jim was as frustrated as Patience’s mother sounded. “I’ll go talk to the sheriff.”

“But what about Patience and Tommy?” She gave him a pleading look, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Awkwardly he patted her arm. “I’ll do what I can.” He turned and left.

A sharp wind was blowing and he settled his hat on his head and turned up his collar. It was late October and it wasn’t unusual to have northers blow through, some of them with snow.

He parked in front of the sheriff’s office. Jim knew Sheriff Metzger well. He’d had one or two minor run-ins with the law as a teenager, but he’d become a model citizen.

“Sheriff Metzger,” he said as he entered, sticking out his hand.

“Jim, how are you?”

“Fine. I have some questions, though.”

“Well, sure, son. Come on in and have a seat. How about some coffee?”

“Thanks. I’d like that.” Jim settled into the chair beside the sheriff’s desk. He glanced at the only other man in the office, an elderly deputy. “Hi, Dick. How’s it going?”

“Just fine, Jim. Tell your daddy hello for me.”

“Sure.”

The sheriff set down a mug of coffee beside Jim and circled the desk to take a seat. “Now, then, what’s bothering you?”

“It’s about Patience Anderson. She’s an old friend and—”

Sheriff Metzger held up a hand. “I told her I couldn’t help her,” he said.

“Sheriff, I talked to Patience briefly last night. But her mother says she left to go after the boy and I’m—”

“She left? Surely she hasn’t gone up to Kane’s camp! I told her she’d just have to wait. He’ll get tired of a little boy, I said. He won’t want to take care of him.”

“Who is this man?”

“You don’t know? Do you remember Faith, Patience’s older sister? She married a man named Joseph Kane. When Faith died—”

“Faith is dead?” Jim asked, shocked. He hadn’t heard anything about that. He would’ve called Patience if he’d known…

“I thought you said Patience was a friend.”

“She was. But apart from last night, I haven’t talked to her in three years. What happened to Faith?”

“She died in childbirth. That husband of hers didn’t want her to see a doctor. She bled to death. The baby was saved because Patience got there in time to get him to the doctor.”

“So she’s raising her sister’s baby?”

“Yeah,” the sheriff said, rubbing his chin. “I wish I could help her, but by law, Kane has rights to the boy.”

“So he’s living in the mountains? At a camp, not in a house?”

“Right. He’s camped out with his men.”

“His men?” Jim asked.

“He’s got himself a group of followers, ‘soldiers’ he calls them. But so far, they’ve kept to themselves. And we’re short-handed here. Otherwise, I’d go talk to the man. But I wouldn’t go alone, and it’d take us a couple of days to get there.”

“Is he violent?”

“Don’t know. But I don’t like being completely outnumbered. That’s why I told that little lady to give it some time. I can’t believe she went after him. Why, the weather alone could kill her. There’s a storm coming.”

“Can you give me directions? I need to make sure Patience is all right.”

“Well, I’ll give you the information I have.”

An hour later, after visiting Mrs. Anderson briefly to tell her he’d try to check up on Patience, he headed back to his family’s ranch. He had some preparing to do.

Megan, Jim’s mother, was sitting with Red at the big kitchen table, coffee cups in front of them, when he walked in.

“Where you been, boy?” Red immediately asked.

“I wanted to talk to Patience. She was the one who called me yesterday. I found out she may be in some trouble. Where’s Dad?”

“He went with your uncle Pete to deliver some bulls to Cheyenne. They were going to stay overnight and visit with some other customers.”

Jim didn’t need an explanation. His uncle Pete had run his business for a number of years, supplying animals for rodeos. But that meant he couldn’t discuss things with his dad. Well, he had been complaining about Red treating him like a child. Here was an opportunity to make his own decisions.

“Red, could you rustle me up some breakfast? I’m starving.” He knew he’d need food to eat before he set out. “And then I’m going after Patience.”

“Where is she?” his mother asked.

“Up in the mountains. By the way, did you hear about her sister Faith’s death?”

“Yes, of course. Your aunt Anna was terribly distressed about it. Especially since Faith’s life could’ve been saved.”

“Patience is raising her sister’s boy.”

“Of course she is. I’m sorry the two of you broke up. She’s a wonderful person.” Megan cast a look at him. Then she asked, “Why is Patience up in the mountains?”

“The boy’s father took him up there. Patience has gone after him.”

“Did she call the sheriff?”

“Yeah. But it seems that the man is within his rights. Patience doesn’t have legal guardianship of the boy.”

“Oh, no,” Megan said. “Poor Patience.”

“Yeah.”

“Who’s going with you?”

Jim was distracted by the plate of scrambled eggs and bacon Red set in front of him, along with a big glass of milk.

“Thanks, Red. Looks great.”

“Jim? Who are you taking with you?” his mother asked with more urgency.

“I’m going by myself. I’m just going to convince Patience there’s nothing she can do if the man wants his son.”

“But exactly where are you going?” Megan persisted.

“I’ve got directions from the sheriff. I know what I’m doing, Mom.”

“But there’s a storm brewing. I heard it could be bad.”

“That’s why I need to be on my way. I need to get out of the foothills before the storm comes. I’ll be all right.”

He’d been eating while she questioned him, and now he finished the milk and stood. “I’m changing clothes, grabbing some supplies, and then I’m on my way.” He leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek. “I’ll take the walkie-talkie with me. I’ll be in contact for a while, anyway.”

“Be careful, son.”

“I will, Mom. Oh, by the way, when the boy’s father took the kid, he left some of these worthless coins.” Jim handed her one. “I think it’s made of tin.”

“What does the ‘p’ stand for?” Megan asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine.” He kissed her again, and hurried to get his things together.

THE RIDE ON HORSEBACK up the mountain was taking much longer than he’d anticipated, but Patience was at least half a day ahead of him and he wanted to make up time. He’d found some signs of her earlier, but the new snow obliterated everything now.

He finally made camp underneath a rocky overhang, which provided shelter for him and his horse from the snow and wind. After building a small fire to heat some coffee and toast the sandwich Red had packed for him, he fed the horse and unfurled his bedroll.

It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep. But he found himself waking to nightmares in which he was unable to save Patience.

When a nightmare woke him for the third time, it was four-thirty, and he decided to give up sleeping.

He broke camp half an hour later. The sun still wasn’t up and he had to go slowly. Snow was still falling, but the farther he moved up the mountain, the less snow there was on the ground. That would continue to be true until he hit the tree line. According to the sheriff’s directions, the camp was near the tree line. So he’d know when he was getting closer by the amount of snow.

He was preparing to stop again for the night when he thought he heard something.

He reined in his horse and listened, but was met with silence. Then his horse nickered softly. “Easy, boy,” Jim whispered.

He still heard nothing but decided to go on a little farther. The sheriff had told him to turn north when he was close to the tree line. He’d also warned him to approach Kane and his men cautiously.

Jim had taken the warning seriously. He’d hidden a small pistol in one boot and a knife in the other. He also wore a gun and had a rifle on his saddle, but they might take any visible weapons.

He hoped not. He wanted to handle this situation peaceably. He only hoped Patience would cooperate. He’d always teased her that she didn’t live up to her name. She had a quick temper that matched the red streaks in her blond hair.

Jim brought himself up short. He didn’t need to think about Patience’s temper or her beautiful hair. He needed to focus on what was important.

Which he did.

And then he heard a woman scream.

Chapter Two

“I told you to stand at attention!” Joseph Kane yelled at the little boy crumpled in the snow, sobbing against Patience’s leg.

“Stop this!” Patience yelled. “He’s not even three yet.” Dear God, if she didn’t get her nephew out of here quickly, he’d die at his crazy father’s hand. How had her sister ever loved this man?

Faith had died because of him, and Patience wasn’t about to leave Tommy to the same fate. He was such a good little boy, so well behaved and loving. He was even already learning to read. And Kane had struck him because he couldn’t stand at attention for an hour at a time. It was outrageous!

“He’s too young to play soldier,” she told Joseph.

“Because you spoil him. He’s my son. He will do as I say!”

Tommy shivered against her and Patience knew it wasn’t from the cold. He was terrified. She crouched down and hugged him. She had no idea how she was going to get them out of here.

She knew Joseph Kane wasn’t ready to give up his child. By the time she’d arrived at the camp, however, Tommy had been abused both physically and mentally. Kane’s brutality was already changing Tommy’s open, loving nature. Oh, how she hated Kane.

But that wasn’t anything new. Her sister’s death had instilled in her a hatred for this man that had never gone away. Faith had been so gentle and kind. And that monster had taken advantage of her goodness.

“Go to your tent, Patience!” Kane commanded.

“Only if Tommy goes with me. He’s cold and tired. He needs to rest.”

“I am the general. You do not argue with me!”

She stood up with the little boy in her arms. “All right. I won’t.” She started to walk to the tent Kane had assigned her.

She certainly had no interest in arguing with Kane—or any of his men. When she’d arrived last night, she’d studied them, hoping to find an ally. But all of Kane’s followers were loyal to him. His three “lieutenants” were cruel, hard men, just like Joseph.

“Woman, put down that child!” he yelled.

“I’m going to our tent, just as you said, General.” She knew she should try to keep the sarcasm out of her voice, but it was impossible.

“Not with the boy!” She heard the heavy tread of feet behind her and quickened her pace.

“Hey, there!”

Everyone, including Patience, turned to look at the man who had called to the general. In the dusk she couldn’t make out his face. He and his horse were being led into camp by a pair of guards. Another guard followed with a rifle pointed at the man.

“Who are you?” Kane demanded.

“Jim Bradford.”

Patience froze. That was Jim Randall’s voice. He’d come after her! Fear swept through her. Kane would kill him.

“Why are you here, Mr. Bradford?” Kane asked.

“I was riding on the trail and I heard a lady scream,” Jim replied. “I thought she needed help.”

Patience, holding Tommy tightly to her, was waiting to see what would happen. Jim looked straight at her.

“Ma’am, do you need some help?”

Yes! Oh, yes, I do! She shook her head.

Jim actually reached up and tipped his hat to her. “My mistake, ma’am.”

“So you’ll be on your way,” Kane said coldly.

“Well, if I were in a hurry, I guess I would, but I’m not. I’ve decided I don’t much like society anymore… Hey, I sure could use a cup of coffee.” He stared pointedly at the coffeepot beside the fire.

Kane hesitated. “Okay. And you can stay here tonight if you want. But we’ll keep your weapons until you leave. You have a problem with that?”

“Nope. I didn’t catch your name.”

One of his lieutenants answered for Kane. “He’s the general of our troops. You address him as General.”

Patience knew how pretentious Jim would think the title. Counting Kane himself, the camp had fewer than twenty men. Not exactly a lot of troops.

“Well, thank you, General, for your hospitality,” Jim said. “I’d like to ask you some questions about where a man could winter up here and come out better than a chunk of ice.”

“We’ll talk after dinner,” Kane said slowly, watching the newcomer.

Patience took Kane’s momentary distraction with the stranger as an opportunity to slip into her small tent. Sinking down on the canvas floor, she kissed Tommy’s cheek. “You were very brave, sweetheart. Mommy is so proud of you.”

“I don’t like him,” Tommy whispered, sniffing.

Patience found a tissue to wipe the boy’s nose. “I know, sweetheart. But we may be able to get away and go back home to Grandma.”

“Grandma will miss me,” Tommy said.

“Oh, yes, she will.” Tommy was right. Since her older daughter’s death, only Tommy had brought smiles to her mother’s face. Patience had hated to leave her alone, but rescuing Tommy from the likes of Joseph Kane was of prime importance.

“I’m hungry, Mommy.”

Patience reached into her knapsack and pulled out a small candy bar. “That’s because you didn’t have any lunch. But supper will be in a little while.”

“Will he let us eat?”

“I hope so. If he doesn’t, I have more candy.”

“I want to stay in here,” Tommy declared. “I don’t mind eating candy.”

Patience chuckled. It was a relief to release some of her tension. “I can tell you don’t mind,” she said.

“Ma’am?”

Patience stilled as a man stuck his head through the tent opening. To her relief, it wasn’t Kane, but Roger, one of his less-vicious followers. “Yes?”

“The general requests your presence for dinner in his tent,” Roger stated.

“What about Tommy?”

“Uh, I’ll…I’ll bring him dinner here in the tent if you want.”

“That would be very nice, Roger. Will you stay and eat with him? And remain with him until I return?”

“Uh, I’ll do what I can, ma’am. He…he reminds me of my little brother.”

“Thank you, Roger. I appreciate your kindness. Will dinner include anyone else?”

“Yes, ma’am. The triplets,” he said, using the nickname for the lieutenants, “and our visitor.”

“All right, Roger. Thank you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, closing the tent flap as he left.

She closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about what was before her. Dinner with Jim. He’d come to save them, she was certain. It was the first ray of hope she’d felt since she’d set off to retrieve her son.

She was thrilled that Jim had come after her. He was still the good guy she remembered. Like everyone in his family, he did what was right, no matter the cost to him.

JIM LOOKED UP as Patience entered the large tent the general called home. He’d spent the past hour pretending to be a man who was fed up with society. He’d even hinted at having had trouble with the law.

That had pleased the general.

To his surprise, the general stood and extended his hand to Patience. She ignored the gesture and sat on the only vacant camp stool.

“Jim, this is Patience, another guest tonight.” He turned to her. “My dear, we mustn’t let our little differences give our guest the wrong idea.”

She heard the warning beneath the false words and remained silent.

Kane nodded to one of his lieutenants and the man slipped from the tent. His mission became clear as several of the soldiers brought in food. To Jim’s surprise, the main dish was steaks, cooked to perfection.

“You eat well, General. I didn’t expect such quality in a camp meal.”

“Steaks are the easy part. It’s the vegetables that are hard to come by. The steaks are generously donated by the ranchers in the area, though sometimes I pay.”

Jim remembered the coins in his jeans pocket. Were they what Kane considered payment? Now he knew where some of the Randalls’ missing cattle had gone.

“I’m hoping to find someplace cut off, but with a source of supplies not too far away,” Jim said, continuing his pretense of wanting a place to hide away.

The general leaned forward, his focus on Jim. “I understand. I wonder if you might consider joining us. I supply all my men’s needs. You might stay for the winter and see if you agree with our mission.”

“What is your mission, General?”

Kane gave a mournful sigh. “I fear citizens are misled by their Christian leaders. I believe the prize goes to the fittest. I intend to rule Wyoming.”

“That would be hard to do unless you dismantled the government, wouldn’t it?”

“Ah, my friend, you are quick. I don’t intend to dismantle it. I intend to rule it. I shall be elected governor.”

It was tempting to laugh at the man. As far as Jim could tell, Kane had formed an army only to wait on him. He didn’t look prepared to overthrow anyone, much less run for office.

Jim risked a glance at Patience to see what she thought of the general’s plan. Their gazes met and she immediately turned away. He watched her look at the general before she turned her attention to her food.

He suspected the vegetables were the ones stolen from her mother’s pantry. But Patience remained cool. In control. That was what the situation required, but the Patience he remembered hadn’t been good at holding back.

Obviously she’d matured.

“So what do you think?” the general asked. “Care to join our crusade?”

“I wouldn’t mind wintering with you, but I can’t promise more than that. It depends on what happens next spring. Some of the lawmen I’ve met can’t leave well enough alone.”

“It’s the power, my friend. It goes to their heads.”

Jim nodded in agreement, thinking all the time that power had already gone to the general’s head.

Suddenly Patience spoke. “Joseph, I want to take Tommy back to Rawhide.”

Kane glared at her. “Absolutely not. The boy must learn to be a soldier!” he snapped.

“But he can’t take much more.”

“Restrain yourself. I do what I want with you and my child!” The general’s voice was ragged now and his cheeks flushed.

“Whoa!” Jim said, feeling his way carefully. “I don’t hold with hurting women and children.”

The general looked at Jim coldly. “This is a family matter. Besides, she’s too easy on the boy.”

“Women are like that,” Jim said casually. “How old is the boy?”

Patience answered. “He’s three.”

Jim frowned. “That is a bit young. They don’t even try to teach kids to read until they’re five. Maybe you should send him back to town, General, until he’s a little older.”

He kept his tone bland, steadily eating his steak. But he waited tensely for the general’s response.

“I’ve thought of that,” Kane said after a moment. “But I want to keep him here. I will keep Patience here to care for him.”

“Against her will?” Jim blurted unthinkingly. But the general didn’t seem to notice the slip.

“Of course not. You’ll see. Patience, you may go home tomorrow.”

“Not without Tommy.”

“You see, Jim? She stays willingly.”

As much as he hated doing it, Jim nodded, as if he was satisfied.

One thing was clear. As Patience had said, the general was crazy, a madman, who had no business raising a child. If—no, when they got back to Rawhide, he would recommend Patience ask his cousin Nick to help her get legal guardianship of Tommy. The general couldn’t possibly convince a judge he should keep the child.

As soon as the meal was finished, Patience withdrew, rising without warning and leaving the tent, not waiting for the general’s consent. She’d never been one to submit to someone else’s control. Jim hoped the general could convince himself that she was being compliant. Otherwise, there was no telling what might happen to them all.

“PATIENCE,” SHE HEARD someone whisper just outside her tent.

Lying awake next to Tommy, she quickly sat up and whispered in return, “Yes?”

“I’m going to slit the tent here in the back. Don’t make any noise.”

She turned to face the back of the tent. She saw a blade pierce the material. Then a hand parted the edges and Jim’s face appeared.

“Oh, Jim! Thank you for coming.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t take you seriously when you called. I’m so sorry, Patience.”

She blinked hard, hoping to disperse the tears. She’d needed him so badly she couldn’t believe he was here. “Thank you.”

“What the hell is Kane thinking, bringing a child up here?”

“I keep hoping he’ll realize Tommy is too young to be a soldier. He’s very rough with him. I don’t know what to do.”

“Tommy doesn’t like him?”

“No!”

Jim shushed her, afraid they might be overheard.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “But the man is insane.”

“Yes, I can see that. Look, let’s play this out as long as we can, but if it goes bad, we’ll escape.”

“Do you think we can?”

“Sure. I’m going to get you out of here, one way or another, Patience, I promise you.”

“Jim, I… Be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

He grinned and her heart raced. She’d dreamed so long of his smile. It held everything she loved about him.

“I don’t, either,” Jim said cheerfully.

Then he extended his hand into the tent to stroke her cheek. “You take care of yourself and Tommy.”

“I will.”

Then he was gone.

Patience cupped her cheek, wanting the feel of his warm skin against hers to last. Could he do as he promised? Without getting hurt? She feared Kane would shoot him, or order him shot, if he discovered Jim had come to rescue her.

She did not want Jim Randall’s blood on her hands.

Chapter Three

“Mommy!”

Patience came awake with a jolt. She stared at the little boy. “What? What is it?” she whispered.

“The general didn’t come get me this morning. And they’re making a lot of noise.”

He was right. Patience could hear the sound of guns being fired. She was amazed they hadn’t woken her. “Stay here,” she said, and crawled the couple of feet to the tent opening and peeked out. Five men were lined up, their backs to their tent, firing at a target, a tin can, perched on a log about fifty yards away.

To her surprise, Jim was walking among the men, giving them tips on improving their aim. Kane was watching them, a satisfied look on his face. His lieutenants, who were always near him, didn’t look happy. Maybe they were jealous of Jim, she thought.

Then she saw Roger approaching her tent, carrying a tray.

“Miz Anderson, I have some breakfast here for you and the boy,” he said. “I have to clean up the breakfast things, and I’m afraid you won’t get anything if you don’t take this.”

She immediately pushed the tent flap wide. “Thank you, Roger. You’re very good to us.”

He grinned shyly. “Yes, ma’am. If you’ll give me your cups, I’ll bring you some water, too.”

She hurriedly handed him the tin cups she and Tommy had been given. “Thank you, Roger. Much appreciated.”

“No problem, ma’am.”

He returned in moments with the water, and Patience remained at the opening of the tent as Roger moved away, her gaze focused on Jim. He didn’t exhibit any of the pompous authority Kane employed. He moved among those learning to shoot as a friendly helper, and it was obvious he was earning the respect of the men in a way Kane could never do.

As if her thoughts had conjured him up, she heard Kane’s harsh voice. “Patience! You and the boy should be out of your tent. We have things to do.”

Patience’s gaze swung to where Kane was standing a few yards away. He’d caught her staring at Jim. Not good.

“We’re eating now,” she replied. “We’ll be out after we’ve dressed.”

She withdrew from sight. Could she keep Tommy hidden from his father for the day? The boy wouldn’t like being trapped in a tent all those hours. The storm had passed during the night, and he’d want out to run in the snow.

“Tommy, here’s some breakfast. Some eggs and meat.”

“I don’t like that. I want pancakes.”

Patience took her small son by the shoulders. “Listen, Thomas. We’re in danger. If we’re ever to get back home to Grandma, we need to be strong. To be strong we’ve got to eat. There’ll be time for pancakes when we’re safely back home.” She knew she sounded stern, but it was important the boy understand.

“Yes, ma’am,” Tommy said softly, his head down.

“Roger brought us some toasted bread, too,” she said encouragingly. “It’s probably cold by now, but it’ll still taste good.”

They sat together, trying to stay warm, and ate silently. She took a swallow of the water Roger brought them and then offered the cup to Tommy. He didn’t complain about not having milk to drink and dutifully took a few sips. Then they brushed their teeth with the water in the other cup and the toothbrush she’d brought from home.

“What do we do now?” Tommy asked.

“Well, I think you should get back under the covers. I have a new book for you to read. I have to go talk to Joseph, but you will be safer in here.”

“A new book?” Tommy asked with excitement.

Patience was glad Tommy focused on the book. “Listen, baby, when I tell you to do something, I need you to do it at once. I can explain later, but…the bad man could hurt you if you don’t do what I say.”

Tommy nodded mutely.

She leaned over and kissed him. “Okay. Here’s your book. Stay in here and read it until I come back.”

Patience pulled on jeans and a sweatshirt over her long underwear. Then she added a big coat, actually her father’s old sheepskin-lined leather coat, and gloves.

“I’ll see you in a little while, Tommy.”

When she emerged, the men were no longer target-shooting. Instead, the soldiers were donning all the outer clothes they had. She watched them, trying to figure out what was going on.

“Patience! Where’s the boy?” Kane yelled. He was standing outside his tent.

“He’s staying warm in the tent.”

“Dammit! Get him dressed. We’re taking a training hike.”

“He wouldn’t be able to keep up!” Patience was determined to keep her small nephew from going with the troops.

Jim stepped over to Kane and said something she couldn’t hear.

“Never mind,” Kane called after his consultation with Jim. “We’ll train him later.”

“Over my dead body,” Patience muttered. She watched as the general called his men together. It appeared they were leaving behind four soldiers to prepare lunch, Roger among them. But Jim and all three lieutenants were being included in the hike.

Patience breathed a sigh of relief. In spite of her hatred for Kane, she knew she’d be safe from the soldiers he’d left behind because his men feared him too much to hurt her. Which made her wonder not for the first time why any of them followed him.

When the men filed out of camp, she wandered over to the big campfire. Roger and the other three soldiers were trying to figure out what to cook for lunch.

“But we gotta chop more firewood, too,” one man said.

“I’ll be glad to help cook while two of you chop wood,” she offered.

“Oh, no, ma’am,” Roger protested. “The general wouldn’t like that.”

“I don’t think the general would care. And I’ll tell him I insisted on it.”

She organized the men and suggested they cook stew, which could be heated up whenever the men returned. After they chopped the meat and cut up what vegetables they had, Patience began mixing up the ingredients for biscuits.

“Ma’am, I can see you know how to cook,” Roger said. “Too bad the general doesn’t put you in charge of the meals.”

“It’s easy today, Roger. When we run out of vegetables, it won’t be so good,” she pointed out. “What does the general provide for your food when winter really takes hold?”

“I don’t know, ma’am. We’ve only been here a couple of months.”

Patience studied the man for a few minutes. “And do you agree with what the general wants to do?”

Roger looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Why have you formed an army?”

“The general said we could be hired to protect people and make lots of money.”

The three other soldiers nodded in agreement.

“I see. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll check on my boy.”

She hurried back to her tent. Tommy was asleep, with his book on top of him. The past few days had taken a lot out of him.

When she thought the stew must be done, she returned to the campfire, filled two bowls and took them, along with some hot biscuits, to her tent. She gently roused Tommy to eat his hot meal. Then she allowed him to leave the tent so he could get some exercise.

With the general not around, life in camp was almost pleasant. Roger even indulged in a snowball fight with Tommy, letting him try to hit him with his little snowballs.

When Patience heard the others returning, she insisted Tommy go back with her to their tent.

After a while Roger called from outside, “Miz Anderson? I told the general about all your help and he was pleased.”

“That was kind of you, Roger, but not necessary.” She preferred that neither she, nor Tommy, be mentioned to the general. To her surprise, she didn’t hear from the general the rest of the afternoon. She caught glimpses of him and Jim, but they seemed to be involved in either intense discussions or in training the troops. Judging by the grumbling of the men, she gathered they hadn’t been trained until now.

She wasn’t sure what Jim’s purpose was, but he seemed quite happy to order the men about and keep them moving. He made no attempt to contact her. Even though that was best, she couldn’t help being a little miffed.

How was he going to save them if he never spoke to her? Maybe she should’ve left this morning while they were out of the camp. She didn’t think Roger or the other three cooks would stop her.

When Roger informed her she was invited to the general’s tent for dinner, Patience asked him to feed Tommy again. She had no qualms about leaving Tommy with Roger.

The three lieutenants and Jim were again present for the meal. Good. She was anxious to see Jim again.

Kane greeted her with a big smile. “Good evening, Patience.”

She immediately became more cautious. “Good evening,” she muttered, not making eye contact with anyone.

“I understand I owe the delicious lunch to you,” Kane continued.

She frowned and quickly looked up, wondering if the man was being sarcastic. She shrugged. “It gave me something to do.” She paused, then decided now was as good a time as any. She would even placate him by using his title. “General, I need to return to Rawhide to care for my mother. I’ve been gone too long as it is.”

There was a change of demeanor in the general. “I’ve said you can leave whenever you wish. I’m not holding you.”

“But you know I can’t go without Tommy.”

“My son must remain here with me.” His words were cold.

She fell silent and no one spoke again till halfway through the dinner. The general looked at her and said, “This meal isn’t as good as our lunch. You make a much better cook than my men.”

“Thank you,” she muttered, not sure where he was going with this. She began to regret she’d made the stew. She would do well to keep to her tent tomorrow.

There was more silence.

When the meal was over, she rose to escape for the evening, but the general stopped her.

“Wait, my dear. I have made a decision.”

She braced herself for what he might say.

“I think we shall marry.”

She stared at him, completely taken aback.

“But, General,” one of the lieutenants began. The general silenced him with a hand motion. “If you are to remain here, anyway, because of the boy, you must accept my protection. After all, you are an attractive woman. The men might think you were here for their, uh, entertainment. Instead of just mine.”

Patience felt her cheeks flush, but she spoke clearly. “I am here for no one’s entertainment. I am here for my son.”

“Ah, but he’s my son. Not yours. However, with our marriage, I can give you more children.”

Patience stared at him. “No! Never!”

“Mind your manners, my dear. You have no choice. Either you leave my camp or you marry me. Tomorrow would be the perfect day, don’t you think, Jim?”

Patience looked at Jim for the first time. He hadn’t shaved since he’d come to camp. He didn’t look like her Jim. He met her gaze with a steady look. Then he said, “As good as any other day, if you intend to keep her in camp.”

“You heard her. She refuses to leave. And it will be a long winter without a woman.”

“Your men will feel the same urges, General,” Jim said, meeting Kane’s gaze. “If they see you enjoying such things, it will make their longing for female company more acute.”

“He’s right, General,” one of the lieutenants said. “Send her and the boy back to town. They’ll only cause problems.”

The general banged his hand on the makeshift table. “I am the man in charge! As such, I deserve special benefits.” He turned to Patience, still standing. “Tomorrow, my dear, we will marry. And tomorrow night, you will warm my bed.” He leered at her, and Patience couldn’t hold back a shudder.

“You may go now,” he said with a smile that made her ill.

JIM WATCHED HER leave the tent, his mind working furiously to come up with a plan to get them out of here safely.

One of the lieutenants said, “General, you’re making a mistake. The men will either leave or riot at your having a woman.”

Again the general slammed his hand on the table. “Silence! I have made a decision. The woman might try to escape. Put double guards on her tent.”

“But you said she could go,” Jim reminded him.

“Neither of them are going anywhere.”

“We could go into town, find some willing women,” one of the lieutenants suggested.

Jim could tell the man was thinking of his own enjoyment, as well as his leader’s.

“I will certainly let you go to town on occasion, but I need a woman close by. Patience chooses to remain with the boy. She will have to suffer the consequences. Plus, she’ll help with the cooking. Quite an ideal arrangement,” he said, smiling.

“Shall I do a guard rotation?” Jim had tried to work his way into the general’s favor by training the men today. It also served another purpose by tiring the men out so they’d sleep soundly.

“Not a bad idea,” Kane said. “Why don’t you take the midnight-to-four shift?”

“Fine.” That was perfect. He didn’t bother to listen as the general assigned two of his other men. The third he gave the night off. They would each be supervising four men, double the usual two.

But Jim knew he had no choice about their departure. It had to be tonight. The general roused him from his thoughts with a question about the schedule for tomorrow’s training.

The general loved the training they’d done that day. It made him feel powerful to have well-trained soldiers at his command. Of course, the men were not well-trained, Jim knew. In fact, they were rather weak and unskilled.

The general’s encouragement came in the form of screams and threats. The men would soon rebel at such treatment. In Jim’s opinion, this “army” had no chance to survive the winter. Inactivity or, worse, training at the general’s hand, would discourage them. Finally, lack of entertainment, women and good food would push them over the edge. He still wondered how the general had held them together for so long.

“Your men were willing workers today, General. I commend you for motivating them so well. Do they all hold your political views?”

The general laughed. “No! I’ve told them we will be hired by people needing protection and we’ll be highly paid. They think they’re going to get rich.”

“Do you pay them now?”

“Yes, with these.”

He tossed a coin to Jim. Jim realized it matched the four he had with him. Frowning, he said, “I’ve never seen this kind of coin before.”

“Of course you haven’t. I had them made. I’ve told the men they will be able to exchange their coins for gold in the spring.”

“What does the ‘30 p’ stand for?”

The general laughed again. “It stands for the thirty pieces of silver Judas received for betraying his God. I was betrayed when God took my wife. Until he rewards me, he owes me. I use those coins to buy anything I want.”

Steal, not buy, Jim thought.

“Unfortunately,” the general went on, “the store owners don’t seem to appreciate my coins. We have to spread our patronage around.”

Jim nodded. “Will you be able to feed your men all winter?”

“Yes. I’m using my savings. It’s not much, but enough to finance me for a year or two. By then, I will have gotten established.”

Inwardly Jim marveled at the man’s naive arrogance. He also doubted the “soldiers” intelligence for believing the man.

Jim brought the subject back to tomorrow’s training, wanting to give the impression he intended to be there. He kept all thought of the escape out of his head—for the moment.

When they ended their discussion, Jim asked the first man on guard to wake him at midnight. Then he unrolled his bedroll and lay down. Now he had the time to plan their escape. He had to consider all the details because of the boy. And because the general would kill him if he caught them. Maybe Patience, too. And if he didn’t kill the boy then, he would do so with his harsh treatment of him later.

With three lives at stake, he had to be prepared.

PATIENCE FOUND Roger still with Tommy when she got to the tent. “Thank you, Roger, for taking care of Tommy.”

“I enjoyed myself.” He paused and then asked, “Are you really going to take Tommy back home?”

“Why do you ask that?”

“That’s what everyone is saying.”

“I have to, Roger. Otherwise that madman will kill him. You do realize he’s crazy, don’t you?”

Roger looked uncertain.

“It’s all right. You don’t have to answer, but you should try to get away, Roger. You’ll end up in jail or dead if you keep following him.”

“But he killed the last man who tried to get away.”

“Either wait till he’s asleep and you have guard duty to run away, or do it when he next leaves camp. But do it.”

“You’re right. I will. I’ve been kind of drifting.” Roger shook her hand and left the tent. Patience watched him go, hoping she hadn’t made a mistake by being frank with him. But she hated the thought that gentle Roger could die at Kane’s hands.

She hoped she and Tommy wouldn’t die at his hands, either. But they probably would if she didn’t escape tonight. And Kane wanted her to marry him. She shuddered at the thought. Surely she could elude her guards tonight and get herself and Tommy away. Certainly Jim would realize they had to leave tonight. After all, he’d been present when she’d received her “proposal.”

In preparation, she repacked their things, leaving anything not necessary to their safety. She’d brought her father’s old coat because it was the warmest she owned. But also because it was big enough that she could button it up with Tommy inside.

She quietly worked while Tommy slept. But as the time drew closer to midnight, she despaired of Jim coming.

She crawled to the front of the tent and pushed back the flap only a couple of inches. The peaceful scene didn’t please her. Then, just as she was about to withdraw, four men approached the area of her tent. Four? Kane had doubled the guard? Where would they station themselves? What was she to do now?

She watched again as the new guards poured themselves cups of coffee before taking their places. Suddenly she realized that one of the new guards was Jim. That explained why he hadn’t contacted her. It would be safer for him to do so while he was playing guard.

She let the tent flap fall and reviewed her packing, wanting to be completely ready when he did come. Then she sat down, wrapping her arms around her knees and waited.

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