Prologue

Hannah POV

“Hannah, get up girl, the house is on fire”, I heard my father as he shook me to wake me up. My heart began pounding and fear kept me frozen in my bed. I just stared at him and couldn’t move. He grabbed me up in his tight hug, a hug that usually brought comfort and peace, but now it only brought fear. “Hannah, darlin’ you have to get up and get out of the house” he said again, this time his voice also held a hint of fear. The urgency I heard in his voice forced me to move and I scrambled out of bed and asked, “What about Edward?’

“I’ll get him and your mama. Go now” he said as he raced out of my room and down the short hallway to the room he shared with my momma. My baby brother, just two months old, spent most nights in the room because it was easier on momma. Momma just hadn’t been the same after she birthed him, she was much weaker and stayed in bed most days. I watched for just a moment as my papa disappeared into the room and then I turned and ran for the door. As I raced outside and headed for the creek, the usual silence of the night was disrupted by the roar of the fire behind me. Just as I made it to the tree by the creek, which was a short distance from the house, I turned around and watched the house, praying for my parents and baby brother to emerge from the blaze. 

“Papa! Mama! Hurry! It’s getting worse,” I screamed as the tears fell down my face. I fell to my knees and watched helplessly as the fire engulfed the entire house. Within moments, the roof caved in and I screamed until I had no voice left because I knew that, at fifteen, I was now alone in the world. 

Jamie POV 

I rode up to the ranch house with the advertisement in my hand, determined to get the position of ranch hand. I needed this job; it was the first step to righting a wrong and getting my life back. I climbed off my horse, Smoke, and tied him to the hitching post. I turned to look at the view and heard a voice behind me say, “It’s nice, I know. One of the reasons why I bought the place. What can I do for you?”

I turned to look at the owner of the voice, a short squatty man who was not much taller than most women. He was much as I imagined him to be, a man who took what he wanted and indulged from the work of others. He reeked of alcohol and women, if the marks on his neck were any indication. His eyes were squinted, whether from the sun or from trying to appear intimidating, I couldn’t tell. But I wasn’t intimidated, not in the least. Just looking at the man who ruined my life made the hair on my neck rise and my anger soared instantly. Trying to maintain my cool, I stretched out my hand in greeting and answered, “Jamie Smythe, I heard you needed a ranch hand.”

“Robert Beecham. Come in and let’s talk” he gripped my hand, once again trying to intimidate me. The man didn’t intimidate me. No, I had a purpose for being here and I would see it fulfilled. I followed him into the main sitting room of the house and took a seat where he indicated. As I briefly looked around, I was glad to see that not much had changed since I was last here. The furniture was new and placed differently, but the interior looked much the same. I glanced briefly toward the other end of the large space where the kitchen was located. Again, noting that not much had changed. In fact, I would bet it was the same table. A quick peek underneath and I would know for sure. Beecham had no idea I had been there before and I needed to keep it that way. I looked back at him and waited for him to begin.

“So, tell me, what kind of experience do you have? Why should I hire you? You look like you haven’t ever wet that c*ck between your legs. I need men, not boys,” he scoffed while looking me up and down.

“I’m old enough to know how to work on a ranch. My daddy had a ranch until he passed away a few years back. The ranch was lost and I was too young to do anything about it. I spent the last five years working for my uncle over in west Texas, but I promise you; I am not afraid of hard work and I am stronger than I look. I know cattle, horses, and can tend to crops if needed. I believe that my work ethic will show you all you need to know. I just really need this job. As for my c*ck, as you put it, what I do with it is my business”. I replied to his bullying comment with an edge of determination and just enough volume that I saw him flinch. Yes, he was a coward, just as I always thought. 

“So, you worked for your uncle in west Texas. Where about?” came the response. I could tell he was now curious about why I would show up here and not continue working for my uncle. So, I recounted the story my uncle and I had come up with and hoped it was enough to convince him.

“I love my uncle and he taught me a lot. But my cousin will inherit the land that my uncle owns and I want to gain more experience and save up money to reclaim the land that was my father's. Hopefully, along the way, I will also find a wife, we can settle down, have a few kids, and live happily ever after. Isn’t that what we all want, the folktale story ending?” I replied, exhibiting what would appear to be the confidence to make my dreams come true. What he didn’t know was that it wasn’t just confidence, I was driven to make it happen 

He seemed to think things over for a few minutes, the whole time sizing me up. “Well, okay then. I like your determination. You're hired. A trial basis only. Let me show you where the bunkhouse is at. I can introduce you and let you get settled in. You can get to work after the noon meal,” he said as he stood to his feet and stretched out his hand. I took his hand in mine and gripped it just a little tighter than I had with the first handshake and said, “Lead the way. 

As I followed him to the bunkhouse, I breathed out a sigh of relief. I had the job. Now to make him trust me and take back what he stole. This ranch was my father’s and I was going to take it back and get vengeance for both of my parents.