Jacob knew he should pop in and visit Josie real quick,

As she was no doubt worried sick.

But his clothes were stained with Brandy's blood,

His head a mess,

And Josie would be full of questions,

He just couldn't answer yet.

He didn't even have those answers himself,

Hell, he didn't know if Brandy would get well.

Or if they'd ever see their sister again.

He sent her off with that strange heathen.

A man who by all accounts should've been dead,

Jacob was having trouble wrapping that around his head.

But it was far from the only strange occurrence in this town,

Jacob pondered with a frown.

Ruechari could turn into a big cat?

He still didn't know what to think about that.

Of course it might just explain a bit,

Her special connections to animals and spirits.

Because Rue could also heal with just a touch,

About her, he had to learn much.

But now he had far more troubling matters on his mind.

His head pounded, and his way back to BG he did find.

He had ridden off and left Bruce far behind.

Not wanting to spend any more time in his unwelcome company,

Or today Jake 's kill count might rise to three.

Twilight had started to fall, when he slipped into BG,

Covering his bloody shirt with a saddle blanket,

Hoping not be seen.

His heart filled with fear and regret over Brandy.

Their fights now seemed to matter little at all.

Having an imperfect sister, was better than not having her at all.

He didn't have to approve of all the things Brandy had done

Or how much she had changed, what she'd become.

His job was to protect her and love her anyway.

And God knew Jake had failed miserably today.

He hoped he had another chance to set things straight.

Hoped it wasn't far too late.

His body weary, his mind too,

The stables came into view.

The ideal place it would seem,

To wash up and not be seen.

Hopefully Bella would be home for the night,

The stable would be all his tonight.

He drew a bucket of water from the well,

Cursed when he stumbled and the water fell.

His hands he had already cleaned a bit,

But his hands shook in spite of it.

Her blood he could still feel and see.

He didn't even know how'd he made it back to BG.

His memories hazy.

He drew another bucket of cool water from the well,

His face gritty and his above his eye had swelled.

Some of the dried blood upon his face was his own.

Just like he predicted, inside the stable he was alone.

Well except for God's four legged creatures alright,

Who began to neigh and bleat at the sight.

The sight of him stumbling in.

He walked closer to the goat pin.

All his goats were round and accounted for,

Crowding near their stall door.

He eyed Lady Imogen, Blaze, Knight, and Lady too

Looking at him in hope of treat or two.

He turned out his empty pockets and gave a laugh.

"I'm sorry I'm empty-handed and in desperate need of a bath. But give me a moment or two, I'll treat you all to some fresh hay and see what else I can do."

But Lady Imogen neighed indignantly.

She demanded his attention loudly.

"Ssshhh girl," Jacob pleaded, as he pet her snout feeling defeated.

The goats only bleated louder and Blaze began to pace his stall restlessly.

At this rate, they'd alert all of BG!

Jacob tried to pacify them all. Fresh hay for the goats. And for the horses oats. It unnerved Jake the way that Lady looked at him. Almost like she was a human.

Intelligence in her eyes, she ignored the oats entirely.

And nuzzled her head against him, like she knew just what he'd need.

Jacob ran a hand up and down her mane.

When Bella came.

More like burst the door,

Like the devil was on her heels.

She took one look at his blood stained shirt and squealed.

"Jacob? That's a lot of blood!" said Bella in rush.

"There's no need to fuss. It's not mine Bella. Well most of it anyway," was all Jake could bring himself to say.

Bella bit on her bottom lip, "That cut looks nasty. Perhaps doc should take a look at it."

Jacob shook his head, "I'll be fine," he said.

Jacob turned away from Lady and dipped his hands in the water. He wished it was hotter. He scrubbed at the blood trapped beneath his nails. He forgot about Bella until she was standing there.

Right beside him with a concerned look on her face.

"Are you sure you're alright Jake?"

He laughed without humor at all, then propped himself against the wall. He was so tired in all ways.

"This has been one hell of a day. Josie was kidnapped and could have died. Rue changed into a uh," Jacob rubbed his eyes, "Listen to me, I can hardly think straight. I traveled many miles today. All the way from Dead Pool. A hell of a standoff, I barely lived through. Denver and his crew out to save Bucks hide. As for me, I was along for the ride. To try and find Brandy that sister of mine. But I got there at the worst time..."

Bella drew in a deep breath. And Jacob knew what she had guessed.

"Jacob, I'm so sorry," she said.

"Brandy's not dead. At least I hope it's still true. She was shot by Reagan when he was aiming for me. That Colton fella promised me, he'd get Brandy the help she need. But good news is Buck and Petra are alive and Regan is dead. His few men who did survive, are running for their lives across the countryside. I'd dare to say, they won't make any more trouble after what happened today..."

Jacob sat down on a bale of hay. He wanted to put an end to this cursed day. Bella took a seat next to him.

"I'm sure you'll see Brandy again. She is strong. A survivor Jake. You just need to have a little faith."

Jacob laughed again, "Faith seems to be in short supply these days. It hasn't seemed to do me much good. But crying over it won't do me any good anyway. I still have Josie to raise. Two more brothers to find. And I can't help but feel I'm running out of time. And more graves is all I'm likely to find."

Bella placed a hand on his arm, "Well you always have friends and family here in BG. Things will sort themselves out you'll see. But Jake there's something I need to tell you about Josie."

Bella bit her lip hesitantly.

"Is Josie hurt or sick? Please tell me quick!"

"She's aboard Denver's ship. She went for a ride on Lady Imogen down by the riverside. I went to look for her, as lot has happened while you were away," Bella took a deep breath, "Jake this is hard to say, but I found her horse with a note. Josie was taken aboard the Liberty she wrote."

Jake scratched his head, "I don't see the problem," he said, "Except Denver's boy better keep his hands to himself or else."

"I was getting to the bad part Jake. You see, the Liberty has been taken. Stolen and sailed out of town."

Bella finished with a frown. Waited for Jake to process her word . But Jake wasn't sure what'd he'd just heard. His brain in a tired haze.

"What?" was all he could say...