Sam drew her to him when she was done.  He held her tenderly with his cheek resting on against her head.  His hand idly stroked her back.<br/><br/>“Irene . . . honey I’m sorry for all you’ve unfairly been put through.  The natural thing for investigating a murder is to consider those closest to the victim as they most frequently have the motive.  But for folks to incriminate you with false testimony . . . that’s unconscionable.  They each can go to prison if it can be proved in court.  Honey I want you to write down the names of those you believe did that to you.  Oh baby . . . I don’t know how to rework this case without bringing it all back for you . . . god, but I hate that part of it.”<br/><br/>With his body leaned back away from her some, his hands cupped her face tenderly.  Sam  kissed her softly . . . repeatedly.<br/><br/>“Darlin’ . . . we’re not riding out to get the bastards until we know who they are and where they are and who they’re with.  To do otherwise would be foolhardy and I have had that experience, and god love me, I’m not intending to relive that one . . . not especially now that I’ve got you in my life Irene . . . no not now.  We’ll get him . . . them . . . I promise you . . . as god is my witness.  But darlin’ girl . . . it will be on our terms and with our advantage.”<br/><br/>He kissed her again and then whispered in her ear.<br/><br/>“I love you Irene and I don’t give a fuck about what anyone might think of that.  Now let’s get that fucking drawing done and see who has your ranch and how they got it.  Then we’ll go up to your room.  The ride was nothing more than an excuse to get out of town with you.”<br/><br/>