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years. He just hoped Morgan could fit in and do his job without drawing too much attention to himself.
    While Jack managed to put his concerns about Morgan aside for the time being, he could not as easily dismiss the memory of seeing Randi standing beside a half-naked stranger. Her explanation of how the scene had come about had been logical, but that didn’t make it right.
    Randi could have ended up in a lot of trouble today. She was almost a full-grown woman. She was a Stockton. She had a reputation to uphold. He was going to have to have a long, serious talk with her when they got back home.
    Hawk was impressed when he got his first look at the Lazy S’s main house. The large two-story home had a porch on three sides. There were numerous outbuildings and corrals. All were a testimony to Jack Stockton’s success as a rancher.
    “Beautiful place you have here,” he complimented the rancher.
    “Thanks. It’s taken years of hard work and sacrifice, but it’s been worth it. My goal is to make the Lazy S the biggest, best spread around.”
    “You’re well on your way.”
    “We’re getting there,” Jack replied. “Morgan, you come with me up to the house. I want to take a look at that letter you said you had from Spiller.” Jack was careful not to say “sheriff.” He looked at his foreman and added, “Wade, you let me know when Rob shows up with Angel, all right?”
    “Sure thing, boss.” Wade left them, riding off toward the stable to go back to work. He wondered if the boss was seriously thinking about hiring on the half-breed. He hoped he didn’t. He didn’t want any trouble in the bunkhouse.
    Jack, Randi, and Hawk reined in before the main house and dismounted.
    “Randi.”
    She recognized the seriousness of her father’s tone and looked his way respectfully. “Yes, Pa?”
    “You stay here at the house. Don’t go running off. As soon as I’m finished with Morgan, I want to talk to you.”
    It was an order, not an invitation.
    She nodded.
    “Let’s go inside,” Jack directed Hawk, and he led the way.

Chapter Three
    “I appreciate your help with Angel today,” Randi told Hawk as he held the door for her to enter the house ahead of him.
    “I’m just sorry she was injured,” he said, taking off his Stetson as he went inside.
    “Me, too.”
    “Let’s go into my office,” Jack said, interrupting their conversation.
    Hawk followed the rancher into his office. Jack shut the door firmly behind them.
    Randi stood there in the hall only a moment longer, staring at the closed door; then she went on to the kitchen to let the housekeeper know they were back.
    “Let’s see that letter,” Jack directed.
    Hawk handed him the envelope he’d retrieved from his saddlebags before they’d come inside.
    “Have a seat while I take a look at this.” Jack settled in at his desk.
    Hawk sat down in the chair facing the desk and waited in silence while Jack read Sheriff Spiller’s letter.
    “So Spiller thinks you’re good enough to catch these bastards.” Jack looked up at Hawk when he’d finished reading. His expression was hard as he looked him over. “Are you?”
    “Yeah, I’m good enough,” Hawk answered, looking him straight in the eye.
    Jack respected Spiller’s opinion, and it was obvious Morgan was confident of his own abilities. “All right, since Harry recommends you so highly, I’ll take a chance on you. You’re hired. I want these rustlers stopped. They’ve been hitting the Lazy S regularly for the past six months now, and I’ve had enough. Do whatever you have to do to find them—and stop them.”
    “What do you know about them?”
    “Not much. The rustlers have been working mainly off the south range. I’m almost beginning to think someone on the ranch is involved in it, but I can’t prove anything—and that’s the problem. That’s where you come in.”
    “Is there anyone in particular you suspect might be involved?”
    “No.”
    “All right. Then I’m just another