The Jackal's Mistress

Weybridge quickly thinks through strategies and decides Sally must take Jubilee to the top of the mill for protection. He sends Joseph to get the carbine rifle from the mill, and he and Libby load the Colts. When Joseph returns, Weybridge gives him two Colts and instructions: He is to take one gun to Sally, who is to stay with Jubilee and fire on any man who finds them. Joseph is to shoot anyone who comes to his cottage, while Weybridge shoots the rest with the carbine from the farmhouse window. Libby will have two Colts as well. Weybridge knows that not knowing how many men are coming for him, not having any moonlight, and the approaching storm all hurt their odds. However, they have weapons and the element of surprise.

Through the open window, Weybridge hears a horse whinny, his only forewarning. Two men sneak into the back of Libby’s house. She and Weybridge fire at them and kill them, but neither is Morgan. Weybridge drops the carbine to use a Colt. Seconds later, two men storm the front door and grab Libby. Weybridge cannot fire; she is too close to them.