Chapter Eleven

The curiosity about the two strangers almost made Daniella and Kat scream. They stood close together, peeking through the curtains, watching Max greet the men.

Kat said, "The one on the right is the prisoner, I'm guessing. The other one is doing the talking, like he's in charge."

"Does the prisoner look mean to you?"

"Hmmm, no, not particularly. Just a little solemn. Max is paying more attention to the other one, though."

Daniella observed the men. Both were good-looking, one somewhat handsome. The marshal looked confident, while the other waited with little expression.

Kat whispered, "Oh, they're coming to the house. Let's make sure Luella has the coffee ready. We can go ahead and put the plates of cookies and cheese and crackers on the table. It looks pretty, doesn't it?"

They waited by the kitchen table with their hands folded, watching the door. At last it opened, and Max stood back to allow the strangers to enter first. When he stepped in, he invited them to remove their outer garments and hang them on the coat rack. Dani nudged Kat when she saw which one was the marshal. He sported a shiny silver badge on his leather vest.

Max moved to the women. He turned to the men and said, "Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce my sister, Kat."

Both men nodded and said, "Glad to meet you, ma'am."

"And this is my fiancé, Miss Daniella Sommers."

Again, both nodded and murmured hellos.

"Why don't you introduce yourselves?" Max requested as he placed his arm around Daniella's waist.

The one with the badge said, "I'm escorting this gentleman to work for six months here. I believe he'll be a good hand. I have faith in him. Go ahead and tell the ladies your name."

The prisoner took a step forward, and said, "My name is Robert Jenkins."

Max asked, "Don't you have family around here somewhere, Jenkins?"

"Yes, sir, except I'm not sure exactly where. I'll find them, though." He stepped back.

The marshal nodded. "I'm United States Marshal Diego Montoya. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm sorry about interrupting your Christmas Eve. But we're sure glad to be here."

Daniella stiffened, blinked, and her heart almost stopped. She felt her knees give way, but before she could sink to the floor, Max caught her up and carried her to the living room. He placed her on the love seat, still holding her.

Kat rushed in with a cold cloth and knelt in front of her, placing it in her hand.

Max kept saying something. "Dani, Dani. Are you okay? Honey, what's wrong?"

She finally found her voice. "My…head is ringing. Voices, people calling me. Saying…something…calling…"

"Take deep breaths, sweetheart. It's all right. You'll figure it out in a while. Did something frighten you?"

"No. Yes. That man, the marshal…"

"What about him, Dani, darling?"

"His name…"

At that moment, the marshal came to the doorway. Quietly, he said, "Angel?"