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before, had just transformed instantaneously into the suspicious color of dark moss.
    She was weighing the words her brother had just said as sure as he felt the unease growing in his gut. Emotions crossed her pretty face. He put the last bite of pie into his mouth and its sweet flavor turned to straw.
    “What were you doing in our room, Sam?” she asked after a moment. “Nosing around for something interesting?”
    Sam chuckled and scraped his plate with the bottom of his fork, finishing the last crumb as she waited for an answer. “Could have been a woodpecker on the roof, I suppose. That’s the only thing I can think of.”
    “Woodpecker? That’s not likely. I haven’t seen a woodpecker around here—ever.”
    “There’s always a first.” He pushed his plate forward, satisfied. A moment before he’d felt she might actually be warming to him. Trusting him. Not so now. “I’m turning in.”
    “It’s not even eight.”
    He stood and placed his plate in the sink. “That’s true, but tomorrow we’ll want to start at sun-up and I’ve been on the trail for days. I’m looking forward to that nice soft bed. I suggest you two do the same.” She was watching him closely. “You have everything packed?”
    She stood. “We’ll be ready to ride when you are.”
    He fought the smile he felt within. A porcupine wasn’t as prickly as this one. No doubt she was trying to figure out what he was up to. Would the truth really be impossible to tell her? Would she believe him about her uncle and peacefully hand over what was rightfully his? He needed that claim. Seth was depending on him. If he had to wrestle a porcupine and ride the ugliest nag this side of Nevada to get it back, then so be it.
     
    ***
     
    The next morning, cold air nipped Cassie’s ears and cooled her sore face as she walked in from the barn. Sleeping had been difficult. No matter which way she laid, she hurt. She’d finally dozed off a little around dawn. She’d get through this day, and then tonight she’d get a real night’s sleep. All she had to do now was stay upright in the saddle.
    The horses were saddled and ready to ride. She needed to wake Josephine and get her fed and dressed. The morning frost crunched beneath her boots as she headed toward the back kitchen door. Anticipation swirled within her chest. What if they really did find a gold nugget? Hope blossomed in her heart, put a smile on her face and lightness in her step.
    She stopped for a moment in the yard. Drawing a long, measured breath, she looked at the town that had been her family’s home for the past three years. The old market, where Mrs. Gifford used to give her and Josephine black licorice, stood dark and quiet. Something tied to the balcony of the Paper Doll Saloon flapped in the breeze as if to say goodbye. What would become of this place?
    She hadn’t seen Sam yet but he was up and around somewhere. A man of few belongings, he could be ready to go in a heartbeat. When she’d gone out to feed her animals, she’d been surprised to find her horses already eating, fed by Sam when he’d fed his own.
    She hurried through the back door into the kitchen, which was warmly illuminated by a single lamp.
    “All set?”
    His deep voice crossed the room, making her turn toward the stove. He leaned against the warmer side, a cup between his palms. His expression was guarded but the rest of him looked inviting and clean, his hair damp and combed back from his freshly-shaven face.
    “Yes. Well, just about. I still have to wake Joey and help him dress. That will only take a moment.”
    “I had some coffee with me in my saddlebag. Want some?” he asked, holding out a second cup to her. He must have seen her coming through the window.
    Sam’s expression fell when she stepped into the lamplight and he actually got a look at her face. He set the cups down and closed the distance between them. She pulled back when he reached out to her cheek. His hand dropped to his side.
    His