Free Diamond in the Rough (Diamond J #2) by Lori L. Robinett Page A

hurt.”
    Frank said, “We’ve already been hurt. Those sons-a-bitches took my whole herd. They took my livelihood and I’m gonna be lucky if I don’t lose my farm.” The anger gave his voice a hard edge.
    Beau took a step forward and it was Aidan’s turn to put a steadying hand on his friend’s arm. Aidan spoke loud enough for all to hear. “Let’s all take a deep breath. We’re all feeling tense right now.”
    Beau gave a quick nod. “Frank. Dave. Be careful. Please.” He jerked his arm away from Aidan and strode to the truck. He yanked the door open, got in and slammed it with enough force to shake the vehicle.
    Aidan nodded to the two ranchers. “Y’all be careful now.” He got into the truck and turned to Beau. “Thanks, man. For stopping to get the cat.” His heart still thundered in his chest and adrenaline coursed through his veins.
    Beau gripped the steering wheel. “Anytime, buddy. But the next time you decide to run to the rescue of a friggin’ cat, think about your own safety, will ya?” His voice was sharp.
    It had been a stupid move. Aidan knew that. Hindsight was always 20/20. He still would have saved the cat, but he wouldn’t have taken his eyes off those dogs. He admitted, “I know. Not smart.” Wasn’t smart of Frank and Dave to wander the dark roads armed, either. Vigilante justice wasn’t the answer, though he’d been tempted a time or two himself.
    Beau sighed heavily. “Much as I hate to admit it, if it wasn’t for them two, those dogs would have ripped you to shreds. Then they would have had the cat for dessert.”
    Aidan barked a short laugh. “What about you?”
    Beau’s face split into a wide grin. “I would’ve made it to the truck while they were focused on you and the cat.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    Lana
     
    Lana Sheedy downshifted and applied the brakes, bringing the big semi to a rumbling halt. She waited as two punks in t-shirts and dirty jeans swung open the two gates. She eased the truck forward and glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure she’d cleared the gates. The truck shuddered as she put it in park and pulled the parking brake knob out. The gates clanged shut behind her, loud in the silence of the deep night. When she swung out of the truck, she was greeted by the two young men, muscled and dirty.
    “Howdy, ma’am,” the taller one said. His long, stringy hair hung over his face. He reminded her of a rat, with a pointy nose and dark, beady eyes.
    She nodded at him, then strode down the length of the trailer and rolled the gate up. The first group of cattle trotted out of the truck and down the chute into the processing area. After the last cow left the back section of the trailer, she swung up into the trailer and tramped through, careful not to slip in the fresh manure, then unlatched the gate to release the next group of cows. Like clockwork, they jostled each other and hurried to the chute. It only took minutes for the front section of the trailer to empty.
    The two little pricks watched from the back of the trailer as she reached in and yanked the aluminum ramp free and pulled it out. After the first cow ventured down the ramp, hooves clattering on the metal, the others followed quickly, some leaping the last few feet before hurrying down the chute. It was mostly a quiet process, with only an occasional mooing to punctuate the echoing sound of hooves on the metal floor. The two stockyard employees kept careful track of the animals as they exited the trailer, each holding a clicker to count the cattle as they entered the holding pen.
    Lana shook her head as the cattle spilled from the trailer. Poor animals had no idea what they were hurrying toward. When the last cow had clambered down from the upper section, she slid the ramp back into place with a grunt. She swung out of the trailer and reached up for the rope to pull the door down. She secured it, then turned and watched shorter kid shut the gate behind the last of the