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trainers in these parts.”
    Jeff stiffened. He couldn’t think of Lacey in that way, not anymore. “She’s also my best friend’s widow.”
    “So that’s what’s bothering you?”
    “No,” Jeff denied quickly. “What’s bothering me is that I wasn’t here when Trevor needed me. Now Lacey needs me.”
    “So that’s why you bought two of her horses. To help her out?” Brandon stared out toward the pasture. “So are you going to be partners?” He turned to Jeff. “Are you going into the horse-breeding business?”
    Jeff shrugged. “I’m not sure I can do more than clean stalls and feed the stock.”
    “Why not?” Brandon asked. “Years ago you were an exceptionally good horseman.” Brandon smiled. “As I remember, you even broke a few mounts that summer we worked together.”
    That seemed like another lifetime ago. “I haven’t been on a horse since I got back.”
    Brandon nodded and glanced down at the leg. “Seems to me if you can drive a vehicle, riding a horse shouldn’t be difficult for a Special Forces guy. How much of your leg had to be amputated?”
    His cousin had finally cut out the finesse, causing Jeff to tense before he forced himself to relax. “A few inches below the knee.”
    Brandon nodded. “I bet being in the military, you got the most hi-tech prosthesis.”
    He had. What the heck—he’d show Brandon. Jeff tugged his pant leg up, revealing his Justin short roper boot and the titanium limb that was connected to a plastic boot that covered his knee. “It’s hard gettingused to it. The hardest part is even after months, I still feel the loss, but it’s been less and less. They call it phantom pain.”
    “I can’t say I know how you feel, because I don’t. But look at it this way; you nearly lost your life on that last mission. Just think how your mom and dad would be suffering if you hadn’t made it back alive. All of us would be.” Brandon’s throat worked hard. “I never fought in a war, but I’ve known life-and-death situations. Far too many close calls over the years. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it’s around here. I’d like to get to know you again.” He broke out into a big grin. “I’ve never known a genuine hero.”
     
    Lacey was about at the end of her patience. When she got hold of Colin he was going to be grounded until the end of summer. If he lived that long.
    She pulled the truck off the road and up toward the cabin. The last thing she wanted to do was disturb Jeff, but there wasn’t any choice. Her son was missing and she had to find him.
    She parked next to the familiar truck and headed up the rise, hoping Colin was here. Had Jeff been right? Did her son need a firmer hand? This was all new to her. She’d never had to worry about Colin’s behavior before. She knew he’d been angry since his father’s death, but it had only gotten worse. As much as she hated to, she needed to ask for help.
    Lacey came around the side of the shack and found two men sitting on the edge of the porch. She recognized Brandon Randell right away. She hesitated to disturb them, but maybe the sheriff’s detective could help, too. They were engrossed in conversation as sheapproached the porch. She saw they were both concentrating on Jeff’s leg. She got closer and could see that it wasn’t his leg, but a metal prosthesis. She gasped.
    Both men turned toward her, and Jeff quickly pulled down his pant leg.
    Brandon stood. “Lacey.” He walked toward her and took her hand. “It’s good to see you again.”
    “Hi, Brandon.” She tried to gather her thoughts, but it was difficult. She glanced at Jeff, then started backing up. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. I should go.”
    Jeff got to his feet and started after her. “Lacey, wait.”
    She did as he asked, but couldn’t look at him. Oh, God, his leg. All this time she’d been harping on at him about not being around. What must he have gone through? She blinked at sudden tears.
    Jeff’s gaze narrowed.