Montana Saga Chapter 12

Rya wakes up at 4:00am sharp like clockwork. despite letting

the farm hands know they'd be leaving early for the Yellowstone

Ranch. She sits on the edge of her mattress, bowing her head to

begin her day in quiet prayer.

Lord, protect me and my family, the Conrad's, and the Grant's always.

And Lord...As I struggle in my faith as times, Henry has not yet opened

her heart to You. His faith is broken, just as mine once was. Keep watch

over him. Keep him safe. Amen

Minutes later, dressed in a striking red three-quarter, tea-length red dress

with gold buttons and matching shoes and red beaded headband pulling back

her shoulder length dark brown hair, Rya steps into the kitchen. She sits

at the table with her grandparents.

Her grandfather Joseph slides a steaming mug of coffee in front of her.

How did you sleep, honey?

Sipping her coffee---a brew so dark and strong it could show up on a

drug test. Strong like herself.

"I slept pretty good."

"You be careful going to Darren's shop. I'm glad Henry gave you his armored SUV

to drive." Grandfather Joseph said

"I am too." Rya told her grandfather.

"What is the gift you had Darren make for him anyway?" Grandmother Catherine asked.

"A 24-karat gold belt buckle with his name on it." Rya smiled.

"You spoil us Rya. Whether friends or family

Rya looking out the window toward the barns..

"I feel bad for the farm hands today. They have to carry my weight out there,

but I just don't want to miss Roman's early graduation."

"Don't you worry about that. They're being well compensated for the extra

shift." her Grandfather Joseph said.

Rya finishes her coffee, gets up from the table, and hugs both her

grandparents, who hug her back. "I love you both."

Her grandparents look at her and smile.

Rya climbs into the driver's side of Henry's heavy blacked-out out

armored SUV. The engine roars to life. She pulls out her her parents

farm driveway, steering he massive vehicle straight toward Darren's shop

all the while keeping an eye out for her father Jere Harrington's men.