Born the half breed granddaughter of a Navajo chief, Shawna Fox was forced to live in both the white man’s world as well as the Indian’s. Raised on her white grandfather’s ranch, she learned the business of running a ranch. After the death of her grandfather, Shawna was thrown into the world of outlaws.

Joining up with her brothers, she became known as Buddie Fox, the smallest member of the Fox Hole Gang. Every job they did involved splitting up afterwards to lose any posse on their trail. While her brothers took the most direct route, Buddie’s sixth sense pulled her in every other direction.

From the time she was born, Shawna could wrap any man around her finger. But an abusive father and a failed marriage had left her scarred. Every man she met thought it was his duty to cure her of her fears. Cursed with the gift of second sight, Shawna was able to know what their intent was.

While she lingered in every man’s mind, very few ever caught her attention. Only a handful got close to her. But one captured her heart. These are the stories over those men.

Inspired by an English class, this author finished her first rough draft by the end of her senior year in high school. Introduced to the writings of Louis L’Amour in college, she altered her writing style. After years of reading too many novels with the same cast of characters, she decided to create a new leading role.

Using the main characters from her first draft with the change of names here and there, a new scenario soon emerged. As the story took shape, too many lives were intertwined to fit in one book. To keep from losing ideas, she put those thoughts down on paper. Over the years, these concepts then transformed into rough drafts themselves.

The Haven

Chapter 1

Mandy Fox stood on the porch of her establishment with her arms crossed. Trouble usually followed the charming, smooth talker that leaned against the railing. She watched the sensuous smile creep slowly across his lips and silently cursed him. Not even she could resist him. Which was the reason she was blocking his view of the new painting. No need giving him a bigger head than he already had.

"What do you want Billy?"

"You seen Buddie yet?"

"She’s not with you?"

"We ran into a little trouble the other day. Hank and me just got in a little while ago. I figured she’d head over this way when she came in."

"And you want me to let you know when she does, right? What if she doesn’t want to be found?"

"That’s not what I wanted," he said twisting the dusty hat in his hand.

"Well, that’s a first. Why are you here then?"

"Buddie’s had it rough lately. She hasn’t been herself the past couple months. This trouble we ran into-," he began, looking down at his scuffed boots.

"Is she injured," Mandy asked concerned about her cousin’s health.

"It’s nothing serious, but she will be worn out and sore. And I was hoping you could take care of her. I mean, she could use a little extra attention this time."

"Billy, you know how she feels about that."

"I know, but I was hoping you could find a way around that."

"You’re really concerned about her, aren’t you?"

"Hank doesn’t seem to think anything is wrong. But I know there is," he said finally looking up at her, worry etching lines across his handsome face.

"Do you want know what it is?"

"No. It’s her business. I just want someone to take care of her for a change."

"I’ll see what I can do. I just hope I don’t regret it."

"I’ll pay for any damages," he said grinning again.

"You’d better," she warned thinking about the nude painting she just had replaced after Buddie’s last tirade.

It was nearly dark before Buddie pulled up to the stable behind Mandy’s Lily House. Except for the employees, men were excluded from the place. Mandy once said that women deserved a saloon of their own. She served hard liquor, but many of her clients preferred coffee and tea. They could even take advantage of her other services, if they wanted.

The place was beginning to come alive when Buddie reached the front door. Mandy had told her she could use the back door, but she never did. Cousin or not, she didn’t want to feel like she was sneaking around. Right now, all she wanted was a hot bath and a soft bed.

Buddie winced when she opened the door. Although Billy was able to put her shoulder back in place, it still hurt to move it. Mandy was behind the mahogany bar when she walked into the room. Several of the ladies turned and looked at the bedraggled stranger and chose to ignore her. At least they figured she was a woman since she was past the front door.

Buddie walked over to the bar and leaned her rifle against it. Mandy served drinks to the women standing around her before turning her attention to her cousin. Dark smudges highlighted Buddie’s reddened eyes when she looked up. She was covered head to toe in an inch of dust and a few darker stains Mandy only hoped wasn’t blood, but knew they probably were.

"You look like you could use a stiff drink," Mandy commented good naturally.