You're going to drop this defense. You're going to plead guilty, accept your punishment, and maybe I'll speak on your behalf at sentencing, recommend leniency. Let go of me. Lena tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. Not until you understand.
You can't win this. I have money, lawyers, connections. What do you have? A mountain farmer and his brats? Reed's laugh was cruel.
They can't protect you. No one can. I said let go. Lena shoved him hard, surprising him enough that he stumbled back. His expression darkened dangerously.
You little Is there a problem here? Both of them whirled. Jonas stood 20 ft away, rifle in hand, pointed directly at Reed. His face was calm, but his eyes were deadly. Mr.
Hale. Reed straightened his jacket trying to recover his composure. I was just having a conversation with Miss Crowell. Looked more like assault to me. A misunderstanding.
I came to offer assistance and she became emotional. You're lying, Jonas said flatly. And you're on my property without invitation, putting your hands on my future wife. That gives me the legal right to shoot you for trespassing and assault. You want to test whether I'm bluffing?
Reed went pale. You wouldn't dare. Try me. Jonas didn't move, didn't blink. You've got 10 seconds to mount that horse.
After that, I start shooting. For a moment, Reed stood frozen. Then survival instinct won over pride. He backed toward his horse, never taking his eyes off Jonas. This isn't over, he hissed.
You can't watch her every minute. Eventually, she'll be alone again. And when she is Jonas fired a shot into the ground near Reed's feet. The man yelped and scrambled onto his horse. Next one won't be a warning, Jonas said calmly.
Reed spurred his horse and fled, dust rising in his wake. The moment he was out of sight, Jonas lowered the rifle and rushed to Lena. Are you hurt? Did he I'm fine. Shaken, but fine.