Read Online The Wildest Heart by Terri Farley - Free Book Online

he were trying to calm her, too.
    â€œDon’t worry, you’re safe,” Quinn said.
    â€œWho cares about my safety?” she began.
    â€œYou’re always safe in the black,” Quinn went on, as he pointed. “The first flames burned along the fence line. So even if the wind shifts and the fire comes back this way, you’re okay. There’s nothing for it to burn in the black.”
    When Sam waved her hands, he stopped talking, eyebrows raised in surprise. “I’m not worried about getting hurt. The fire is going up the canyon.”
    Quinn shot a quick glance at his brother, but Jake’s expression reminded Sam of a closed door.
    â€œIt might burn that far, depending on the winds,” Quinn said, squinting toward the hills. “Luckily,there’s only cheatgrass between here and there. Really, it’s doin’ a good job of clearing things out. Lots of ranchers apply for permits and do a controlled burn so that they can plant. Mrs. Allen doesn’t have to go to all that trouble.”
    All at once, Jake and Quinn stiffened, shrugged, and went back to work as their dad approached.
    Luke Ely was taller than Dad. His pronounced cheekbones and long jaw made him look like a man who was used to giving orders and having them obeyed. Sam knew Jake’s dad had a great smile, but it was hard to picture it. As he came her way, he looked every inch a fire chief.
    â€œIt’d be a good idea to get those older horses out of here,” he said to Callie. “They suffer from smoke inhalation just like people.”
    â€œGot it,” Callie said, and her car keys were already in her hand as she left.
    â€œNow, what’s up with you?” he asked Sam.
    Jake’s dad sounded impatient, but faintly amused. Maybe.
    â€œQuinn and Jake were both telling me there’s no reason to fight the fire over there,” Sam said, pointing. “And, I understand about you having to stay here and protect homes and barns first, but since it’s all burned off—”
    â€œIt isn’t,” Luke interrupted. “It’s burnin’ spotty, because of moisture in the low places.”
    Sam swallowed hard as he indicated the placewhere she’d left the paint cans. She couldn’t see them from here, but she could imagine dampness from the passing storm. It probably wouldn’t be damp enough, Sam thought, as she heard more crackling.
    â€œThere’s plenty left to burn if it turns back this way,” Luke said. “That’s why I left Nate down there with what equipment I could spare, and that’s why we’re taking a stand here.”
    The sound of a distressed neigh made Sam turn away from Luke. She squinted back toward the ranch yard. She could make out Callie in the corral and see Ace trotting uneasily around it. She could see only one pinto. Callie must have already loaded the other, but now she was battling Judge. Tossing his black mane, the old gelding reared, huffed, and resisted the pull on the halter rope.
    â€œSamantha.” Luke’s voice jerked her attention back. “I need you to return to the house and stay there, if you’re not leaving with Callie.”
    â€œI’m not,” she said.
    Callie drove past, windows rolled up against the smoke, but Sam could see she was frowning.
    Sam didn’t wave. She drew a breath, trying to ask more, explain more, but her eyes were fixed on a tower of smoke mingling with the gray clouds. She couldn’t tell them apart. Smoke veiled the sun, turning it into a tan disk surrounded by a dull yellow ring. Everywhere the smoke wavered.
    Fire didn’t have a mind of its own. If it did, she’dthink the flames were trying to decide in which direction to charge next.
    â€œSam, you’re going to have to spit it out,” Luke snapped. “I’ve got duties here.”
    Sam’s fists curled so tightly, her fingernails bit into her palms.
    â€œIf the fire