Page 49 of Heart of Mystic Valley
The sheriff dismounted, his eyes sharp beneath the brim of his hat. “Joshua.” He nodded, his voice deliberate. “Got some news. Your family around?”
A knot formed in Joshua’s stomach. “Most of them. Everything all right?”
Nash Beaumont, still astride his horse, scanned the area. “Best gather everyone, Josh. Sheriff’s got some important information to share.” He slid to the ground, his gaze still watchful.
“I’ll call them out.” He walked toward the main house, calling out, his voice carrying across the yard. “Grayson! Cody! Everyone, come on out. Brodie’s here!”
As the Becketts emerged from various corners of the ranch, Joshua couldn’t help wondering if this visit had anything to do with Faith. Was she in trouble again?
Grayson, ever the protective oldest brother, was the first to reach them. “What’s this about, Brodie?”
Joshua studied the sheriff’s face, searching for any clue. Brodie’s expression remained impassive, but there was a tension in his broad shoulders.
“Let’s wait ’til everyone’s here,” Brodie replied, his voice low. “This concerns all of you.”
As the rest of the family gathered around, a heavy silence fell over the group. Joshua’s gaze flickered between his siblings, noting their worried expressions.
“All right, Brodie,” Cody said. “We’re all here. What’s got you riding out here near the end of the day?”
Brodie took a deep breath, his gaze meeting each of the Becketts’ in turn. “There’s been a development with the outlaws,” he began, his words measured. “And I’m afraid it might involve your ranch.”
Joshua’s breath caught in his throat. He glanced at Grayson, seeing his own fear reflected in his brother’s eyes.
Brodie’s voice was tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. “We’ve been tracking the outlaws for almost twenty-four hours now. They appear to be riding north toward Helena.” Resting his hands on his hips, he shook his head. “I’m afraid we’ve lost the trail.”
Joshua’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Surely, there must be some trail to follow.”
The sheriff’s piercing gaze reflected the weight of his responsibility. “That’s just it, Joshua. These men are like ghosts. The posse searched between Mystic and Bozeman, then combed through Gallatin Canyon. It’s as if they’ve vanished into thin air.”
Grayson stepped forward, his voice tight with concern. “Are you saying there’s nothing more to be done?”
Brodie’s jaw clenched. “I’m saying, we’re doing everything we can with what we’ve got. But the truth is, our resources arestretched thin. We can’t abandon the safety of Mystic to chase shadows across the territory.”
Annalee listened as Brodie spoke, and as always happened, she found herself drawn to his presence. To his strength and giving nature. She watched him intently, noting the way his broad shoulders tensed with each word, the furrow in his brow deepening as he explained the challenges they faced. Her heart ached to see him so burdened.
“Is there anything else we can do?” Annalee asked. “Maybe we could organize a search party, or—”
“It’s too dangerous,” Brodie cut her off, his tone gentler than before. “Your offer is generous, but I can’t risk civilian lives on a search this dangerous.”
Annalee’s cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head, hoping no one had noticed. But someone had. Joshua caught the exchange, a flicker of understanding passing across his face.
“So, what happens now?” Joshua pressed, trying to refocus the conversation.
“We keep our eyes and ears open. Double patrols around town and the surrounding ranches. And I’m asking all of you to stay vigilant. Report anything suspicious, no matter how small it might seem.”
As the family absorbed this news, Joshua noticed the subtle shifts in their demeanor. Cody’s jaw muscles twitched while Grayson’s hands flexed at his sides. Nathan’s gaze darted to the distant hills, as if expecting trouble to come riding over them at any moment.
But it was Annalee who held Joshua’s attention. She hadn’t taken her eyes off Brodie, her gaze a mix of admiration and worry. He watched as she took a small step closer to the sheriff, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re doing everything you can, Brodie. We all see that.”
Brodie’s eyes softened as they met Annalee’s, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. “I appreciate that, Annie. More than you know.”
The moment stretched between them, charged with unspoken emotions. Joshua glanced at his mother, wondering if she noticed the exchange. His mother’s knowing smile told him she had.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep Mystic safe,” Joshua declared. “You have our word on that, Brodie.”
“I know I can count on the Becketts. Always have.”
