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way she would have pictured Jonah’s mount—coal-black in color, irascible in disposition and as independent as a polecat.
    “I thought you weren’t coming,” she commented when she reached the open road.
    “I’m not. Just checking to see if this is another of your spectacular exits to milk my sympathy,” he said as he eased his mount up beside her. “Did you pack trail rations?”
    “No, I’ll chew on my fingernails if I get hungry,” she said smartly.
    “No canteen of water?”
    “I’ll suck on a pebble if I get thirsty,” she assured him aloofly.
    “Are you armed?” Jonah asked as she urged her mount into an easy canter.
    “Yes, I can shoot off my mouth with lightning speed,” she insisted. “Now go away. I’m sure thatsoft mattress at the hotel is calling to you. You’ve made it abundantly clear that you don’t like me and don’t believe me.”
    Maddie was inordinately pleased and enormously relieved that he continued to ride beside her rather than reversing direction. She felt as if the heavy yoke of responsibility and desperation that had been bearing down on her shoulders had eased slightly.
    Two miles later she glanced at Jonah and asked, “What made you change your mind?”
    “I’m still trying to figure that out,” he said sourly.
    She smiled in the darkness as a sense of comfort and satisfaction stole over her, easing her nervous apprehension somewhat. Jonah hadn’t turned his back on her, after all. Despite his surly disposition, he had a good heart.
    “Don’t get cocky,” he warned darkly. “I’m not here because I’m starting to like you or because I believe your story. I’m only here to see that you complete the first leg of your journey without mishap.”
    “So…” she said, biting back a pleased grin “…you are going no farther than Fort Griffin?”
    “That’s right. After that you’re on your own. I’m only doing this for the money. So don’t think you can gallop off without paying for my escort service.”
    “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
    Maddie frowned, bemused, when she realized her manner of speech had become as condensed as his. She would have preferred that something else about him might rub off on her. Such as his impressive fighting and survivalist skills. Fortunately, she was no slouch when it came to riding. Her father had taught both of his daughters to be accomplished equestrians.
    The thought of her father melted the smile from her lips and caused the empty ache to expand in her chest. Six months ago Maddie hadn’t been overwhelmed with responsibility and hadn’t had a care in the world, except for dodging marriage proposals that didn’t interest her.
    Now her father was gone, cattle rustlers were depleting ranch profits and Christina had been snatched up while she’d been taking an afternoon ride on her favorite mount. The world had caved in on Maddie, testing her spirit, her emotions and her strength of character. She was almost afraid to ask herself what else could possibly go wrong, for fear that it would sound like a defiant challenge and more tormenting blows she’d be dealt would send her reeling.
    The prospect that her life might get even worse before it got better was a depressing thought that caused Maddie to slump in the saddle. In addition, the dull throb in her skull tempted her to close her eyes and catch a catnap. Willfully, she thrust back her shoulders and tilted her chin. She was not stopping to rest until she’d placed several miles between herself and those scoundrels.
    A few miles later Maddie felt her eyelids drooping and her rigid posture sagging. She was exhausted, and the adrenaline high that had sustained her the past two days was fizzling out. Despite her firm resolve, her chin bobbed against her chest and she fell asleep in the saddle.
    Jonah grabbed Maddie’s arm the split second before she cartwheeled to the ground. Although this headstrong female annoyed him to no end, he reluctantly admired her