Free Rekindled by Tamera Alexander Page A

whispered. Then he leaned forward, wincing at the soreness in his back and legs. “But first, I need to ask you to do something for me.”
    Isaiah’s eyes lit, conveying his answer.
    “What’s the closest town with a telegraph?”
    Isaiah didn’t answer immediately. His broad forehead sunk low. “Why?”
    “Because I need to send a wire to a man at the Willow Springs Bank.” Larson took a deep breath and tried to ignore the pain. “It’s urgent that I get word to him. I could lose everything I have in this life, everything I own. My ranch, my land.”
    Isaiah stood abruptly. “I’m afraid that’s impossible.” He turned away, grabbed the bowl on the table, and stalked back to the cupboard. He kept his back turned. “It’s been snowing for days now, heavy and wet. It’ll be at least a month before the passes are clear enough to travel. And that’s only if we get fair weather.” He threw a hasty glance to the window. “That’s doubtful at this point.”
    Sensing his chance slipping away, Larson sought another angle, ashamed that Kathryn hadn’t been his first reason for sending a telegram. “But this way I could get word to my wife that I’m alive. I’m sure she’s beside herself with worry and—”
    Isaiah turned. The keen perception in his eyes withered the excuse on Larson’s tongue, while at the same time laying bare Larson’s true motives.
    Larson glanced away briefly, embarrassed, yet refusing to accept that every day of the last ten years spent building that ranch was going to end up counting for nothing. “Listen, I’ll reimburse you for any expenses you might—”
    Isaiah slammed the bowl down and turned back. “It’s not about the money, Jennings!” He didn’t speak for a moment, and Larson grew even more uncomfortable beneath his stare. “Have you not learned that yet, after all you’ve been through? Not everything in life can be measured in dollars and cents.”
    Larson lay back, stunned. Isaiah’s dark eyes were black with fury, along with another emotion he couldn’t define.
    Isaiah’s lip trembled, almost imperceptibly. A small frown crossed his forehead. “I’m sorry, but you don’t know what you’re asking. I’ll tend your wounds. I’ll help you gain your strength so you can walk and return to your life again. Everything Abby and I have is at your disposal.”
    The fear etched in Isaiah’s rugged face hit Larson like a physical blow.
    Isaiah walked to the door, shoulders weighted, head bowed, then turned back to face him. “Even if I could make it across those passes, which I’m sure I couldn’t, this thing you ask comes at too high a price. It would cost more than riches. Last time I went back to that town, it nearly cost me my life.”

CHAPTER SIX
    K ATHRYN REINED IN THE chestnut sorrel mare as she crested the top of the ridge. She reached down and rubbed the horse’s sleek coat. Chestnut had been a gift from Larson five years earlier and was a faithful mount. Kathryn looked east to the miles of snow-dusted prairie stretching as far as she could see, gentle waves of land swelling and dipping as it raced to greet the sunrise. Divine brushstrokes of pastels swept the horizon and reflected off the snow, proclaiming the Master’s touch.
    A sense of peace moved over her, displacing her apprehension and fear in a way she’d be hard-pressed to explain to Matthew Taylor, who rode beside her. Her breath puffed white in the numbing March dawn. She pulled her scarf up over her nose and mouth for added warmth.
    Matthew turned back. “Mrs. Jennings, we need to keep these cattle movin’ if we’re to make Jefferson’s ranch by noon. We can’t afford to leave the rest of the herd with just two men much longer than that.”
    She nodded, recalling his protests at her coming along at all. “You and Mr. Dunham go on ahead. I’ll catch up with you.”
    Matthew Taylor gave her a look that said he wasn’t keen on leaving her. She returned it with one of confidence.
    He