Jake planted his feet apart, raised his clenched fists, and glared up at Zach, who was just a bit taller. Jake’s normally dusky face was suffused with his rage, turning an ugly shade of red.
“I warned you, Tremaine, to stay out of my domestic affairs. I got home last night to find the place dark and empty, Mary Ann gone. I’m not putting up with this.” Jake literally spat the words at Zach.
Zach wanted to hit Jake rather than explain, but he held off. He didn’t want to strike the first blow, and he noted Jake had several of his cronies with him while Zach was alone.
“I wasn’t even in town yesterday,” Zach protested. “I was in Benson sending dispatches back to my paper, gone all day, as any number of people can vouch. However, I also warned you—not to mistreat my sister. She was beaten so
