between me and the house. I was terrified because there was very little cover. In one hand, I held the Winchester, in the other the box of ammunition. Luckily, there were a few small hills that hid me from view. When I reached the lip of the arroyo, I stumbled and slid down the embankment, landing on my back. When I hit the ground, both the Winchester and the ammunition flew from my hands. I lay there for a moment, dazed and confused.

When I regained my senses I wondered what was happening to Mr. Hawes and Ben. I wasn't convinced that the Kimbles wouldn't harm them. Then it occurred to me that I had better get the Winchester and make sure it was loaded—though for the life of me, I never figured I would use it. The largest living thing I had ever shot was a coyote that had been st...

Please subscribe to keep reading.