Nova had lingered for a moment, before entering the room. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but she was nervous to know what story Brandon had given Jese about his visit. Instead, she'd been subjected to hearing Jese throwing about figures for the sale of her land.

Rage boiled inside her; equivalent to the blaze they'd fought that day. Fortunately, her acting had improved immensely over the last few days. She was determined that neither man would guess that she'd overheard a thing.

"Mr. McCabe!" Nova stepped into the room. She'd changed into a long silk dress. The soft tan color complimented her skin tone.

She had chosen the dress in hopes that she would catch her husband's attention. She could thump herself for it. He'd never been given her any reason to believe he cared - quite the opposite - yet she still sought to impress him.

The timing of this little tete a tete couldn't of been better. Somewhere through the day, she'd lost her head and believed herself to be capable of loving Jese Calhoun. In that moment of madness, her mistrust of the black eyed devil had been swept away. Even the letter he'd written to the mysterious Magda she'd chosen to forgive (without needing any explanations). He'd been cleared of all wrong doings.

She had thought he'd wanted her ranch to bring his wife to, but now she could see that all he wanted was to be in the power of selling it to the highest bidder. Taking the cash and running. With his brooding good looks, who knew how many innocent women had been victim to this. It was no wonder he needed to stay away from the Sheriff, she thought.

She'd believed that she had time to find a way out. But he was already asking around - putting out feelers for a buyer. She had to hurry.

And for that reason, she couldn't be more thankful to see Brandon. Nova hoped that his presence meant he'd found a way for her to make some quick money.

The three made awkward conversation for some time, trying to find a common ground. Until Jese, seeing the men arriving back from manning the ashes, excused himself.

"This bag is for you," Brandon told her. He wasted no time for small talk, which she was thankful for. She couldn't be sure how long Jese would be gone. Brandon held it out to her. "Put it out of his sight."

"What is it?"

"Your disguise, and enough money to buy a train fare."

"You'll need to tell me more."

"It's the answer to your predicament."

She waited expectantly.

"I've been tracking a gang of bandits," Brandon began. "They are carrying a large quantity of stolen jewels. I overheard a conversation, in the local tavern, that they plan to carry them out of Little River tomorrow, on the steamtrain. There is a huge reward for anyone who gets their hands on the jewels. If you help me then we could go fifty fifty. That is a thousand dollars each way."

Nova's mouth dropped open. "A thousand dollars?"

"All you have to do is get on board the right train and find your way to the front. You'll pass a message to the driver, who I have heard from a good source is colluding with the men for a commission."

"How will I get to the front?"

"I'm sure that a smile or two, and your saloon girl persona, will get you anywhere you want to go."

"Will I be safe?"

"Completely."

"Thank you, Brandon." Rushing forward she threw her arms about his waist, tears of relief on her cheeks.

"You know I would do anything for you."

She paused. "I heard your discussion with my husband. It sounded as though he was hoping to sell the ranch to you."

"I had that feeling too."

"I know you want to buy the land, but don't make any offers tonight. Please?"

"Nova!" Brandon laughed in shock. "Of course I love this ranch, but I'm also very fond of you. That you would think I would allow him to sell your inheritance from under your nose like that?"

A sob caught in her throat. "Thank you."

"And," Brandon said. "He definitely won't find a buyer with such an over inflated asking price."

"He might get desperate and lower the sum."

"Yes." Brandon contemplated that. "He might. Meet me at the train station tomorrow at noon. Wear your costume. I would tell you more but your husband is coming back, stash that dress before he finds it."

Nova had deposited it into a hidey hole when her husband entered the room. A suspicious expression crossed his face.

"Mr. Calhoun, I'm just wishing your wife good bye. Now that I know you are all safe I'm heading home."

Nova watched as Jese held the door open and walked Brandon out to his horse.

#

"There is something about that man that I don't like." Her husband closed the door behind him. "He is hiding something."

Yes he is! Her mind wandered to the upcoming day. One thousand dollars... "Aren't all men out here hiding something?"

Jese glanced at her. "Why do you say that?"

"It's nothing."

Jese continued to watch her... making her feel increasingly uncomfortable.

"I just think that if you doubt every man's motive in the neighbourhood, then you will not get a wink of sleep."

"That is true. Let us not trouble ourselves about any of them, and instead try to focus on other more important things." He walked closer and picked up a tiny lock of hair which had fallen free from her hairdo.

"Like what?" She squeaked.

"Like making this marriage work. It wouldn't be very hard for me to fall in love with a woman like you." His eyes seared her skin. "You are the most distracting woman I've ever met."

Nova summoned the strength to stop herself from snarling at him. Simpering would keep him off guard. "Yes we should," she said. Nearly choking on her words. "But tonight I must retire early. My lungs are exhausted and I can barely think straight."

"You are right." His hand fell with a thud. She saw the wistful smile on his face. "We are rushing things." He turned on his heel to walk to the study. "If you require anything just call to me. Sleep well."