Free Lee (The Landon Saga Book 6) by Tell Cotten

him.
    I heard another noise. This time it was behind me, and I started to spin around. But, before I could, strong hands grabbed me and threw me forward.
    With a surprised grimace, I landed in the middle of a table. It shattered, and my flailing arms knocked over a chair. The impact caused me to drop my Colt, and I heard it hit the floor.
    I was tangled up in the splintered table. I tried to stand, but then those same strong hands grabbed ahold of me again. I was spun around, and a hard fist greeted me in the face.
    I staggered backwards, and as I did I attempted a roundhouse swing. But, the huge form in front of me easily blocked my ineffective blow. He lashed out again, and I tasted blood as I went flying backwards.
    I landed in a heap and was knocked senseless. I gasped as I tried to recover, but then my attacker viciously kicked me in my midsection.
    I groaned and curled into a compulsory ball. The breath was knocked out of me, and I couldn’t move. 
    I saw a pair of boots standing in front of me. Seconds later, I felt a hard blow on the back of my head.
    Lights exploded. I managed to groan, and then darkness closed in around me as I passed out.

Chapter twenty-two 
     
     
    “Easy now. He’s waking up.”
    My head hurt, my back hurt, everything hurt. I groaned as I forced my eyes open.
    I blinked my eyes several times before things finally came into focus.
    I was still on the floor in the lobby, and several lanterns had been lit. April and Brian were knelt beside me, and Ross stood behind them.
    June stood over by the stairs in her nightgown, and her eyes were wide with fright.
    April looked concerned. She had a wet towel, and she was wiping blood from my head. I could already feel a huge knot on the back of my head, and it was painful.
    “What happened?” She asked.
    I swallowed and licked my lips.
    “A fight,” I managed. “I lost.”
    “I can see that,” she smiled.
    “What time is it?” I asked hoarsely.
    “’Bout an hour before daylight,” Brian explained. “April came down and found you. She woke me, and I sent her after Ross.”
    I frowned thoughtfully.
    “I’ve been down here a while then.”
    “What happened?” Ross spoke up.
    “I heard a noise over by the door,” I explained. “I came downstairs, and somebody jumped me from behind. I think he came from the office.”
    A worried look crossed Brian’s face. He stood, grabbed a lantern, and hurried into the office. He returned a few seconds later looking grim.
    “Did you recognize them?” He asked.
    I had my suspicions, but I didn’t want to say too much in front of Ross.
    “It was dark,” I said instead.
    “Well, whoever it was, they broke into our safe,” Brian muttered. “They took it all.”
    “All?”
    “Yes, all.”
    Several stunned seconds passed, and I groaned softly.
    I heard a muffled chuckle. I glanced up and saw Ross trying to hide a smile.
    “What’s so funny?” I glared at him.
    “I’m sorry, but I can’t help but think how ironic this situation is.”
    “How so?”
    “You two used to make a living by stealing from others, and now it’s happened to you. A switch of fortunes, so to speak.”
    A surge of anger passed through me, and I fought to control my emotions.
    “Ross,” I said.
    “Yes, Lee?”
    “You can leave now.”
    Ross stared at me, and he narrowed his eyes when he saw how serious I was.
    “Sure,” he said. “Soon as it gets daylight, I’ll ride out and look for tracks.”
    “I’ll go with you,” Brian offered.
    Ross nodded. He glanced at me once more, and then he left.
    “Let’s get you up,” April suggested.
    I nodded. April and Brian both offered a hand, and they helped pull me up.
    I was dizzy. I swayed a bit, but then April grabbed me.
    Even though I was in considerable pain, I couldn’t help but noticed how fresh and clean April smelled. I put my arm around her shoulder as we walked towards the stairs.
    “Let’s get you to your bed, and then I’ll bring you some