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Analysis Of The Book ' The ' Of Mice And Men '

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Jake slowed his stride and took a deep breath, easing the sharp burn below his ribcage. The bloodstain and the hole in his shirt reflected the bullet’s damage. It had nicked him good, but he figured he’d still fared better than Duvall. The outlaw required doctoring and he’d probably head to the nearest town. Jake needed to warn the sheriff, but first, his obligation went to the civilian who’d trod into a gunfight he knew nothing about. For that, Jake owed him the decency to make sure he wasn’t hurt. He grimaced at the delay and closed the distance between him and the boy.
“Much obliged. Damn outlaws ambushed me.”
His savior, much taller than Jake initially thought, slanted his chin upwards, his wide-brimmed hat cloaking his eyes.
Jake moved in closer. “Most people wouldn’t pick sides. I’m lucky you did.” He extended his hand. “Are you hurt?”
“No.” The wiry boy dodged his hand and scooted back, bumping his hat brim on the tree trunk. The hat slipped off center and dropped to the ground.
What the hell? He stared at a woman’s soft face. What was she doing out here? Out of duty, he’d hung back to check on the boy. Not that it mattered one way or another. “The name’s Jake Fontaine.”
She swallowed and reclaimed the hat, placing it on her head. “Kat . . . Katlin Collins.”
“You hit his leg. You need to work on your aim.” He turned toward the trail the gunmen had taken. Now that he’d thanked her, he could get on his way. What was he waiting for? His job was to find a murderer.

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