Chapter 9
The ranch was in the middle of nowhere. The closest town was Windom, with Augusta Lake and the small municipality of Westbrook being just slightly farther. But even then, she saw nothing but farmland and trees for miles in every direction. It was the definition of isolated.
She both hated this area for its simplicity and sameness and liked the peace it brought. This place didn’t know war. It could be spared completely. And their veterinarian might be the only person knowledgeable about talismans, other than the visitors, who had never been here before. He supposedly lived a quiet, solitary life. He agreed to meet them only because of the strange animal in their possession. Curiosity trumped misanthropy, which was lucky for the travelers.
The pair’s utility-style transportation
