“Ross has a point, Colonel. The rustlers’ faces are posted all over the state. They aren’t careful, take risks.” He drew on the cheroot, blowing out a stream of smoke. “You’ve done a good job keeping us off wanted posters. Even if they know our names, they’d never be able to recognize us. Seems to me we’re better off on our own, not partnering with a group of men we don’t know if we can trust.”
Dob stopped outside San Francisco Merchant Bank, doing his best not to draw attention as he studied the door, windows, and people walking in and out. He turned a hostile gaze toward Lew and Ross.
“I’ve agreed to the meeting and I won’t be going back on my word. Once we get the cattle, we’ll take the herd to the buyer, then start back to Kansas.”
Lew finished the last of the cheroot, dropping it onto the boardwalk and grinding it out with his boot. “What of Maddy?”
“If she’s here, that gal won’t be leaving.” Dob couldn’t hide the disgust he felt each time he heard his niece’s name.
Fletcher leaned forward in the saddle, kicking Domino into a gallop, keeping the mustangs in sight. He heard his cousins behind him. It wouldn’t be long before they caught up, spreading out to stop the horses from breaking toward an escape.
Camden shouted to the others. “They’re turning right, lads.” He reined his palomino, Duke, in the same direction, letting out a loud whoop as he gained ground on the mustangs.
“Toward the gully.” Bram pointed in the direction the horses ran, looking around to make certain the others saw him. He needn’t have worried. His younger brother, Thane, stayed on the herd’s right, Camden on their left, with Fletcher and Bram at the back, pushing the horses toward a narrow gorge with no escape.
They’d almost reached their goal when the lead horse, the herd’s stallion, stopped, the other horses skidding to a halt. Snorting, he pawed at the ground, silently ordering the mares to gather behind him. As if human, the mares did what he wanted, their wide eyes skittering over the riders and back to the stallion, unsure of their next move.
Fletcher motioned for his cousins to push the horses back into the gully, blocking any path from the improvised cage. As they rode closer, the stallion reared, lashing out with his front legs, staying alight far longer than Fletcher thought possible.
Before any of them knew his intentions, the stallion dropped to the ground and charged past the men. An instant later, the mares followed, rushing toward them with a wave of power and frightened determination.
Chapter Fourteen
Fletcher whirled Domino around, yelling over his shoulder. “I’ll get the stallion. Don’t let the mares get away.” He didn’t look back, kicking his horse and giving chase.
Leaning over the saddlehorn, Fletcher focused on the stallion, urging Domino into a run. The mustang ran back in the direction they’d come, stopping on top of a hill. Turning, he faced Fletcher, snorting in anger and warning. Rearing back, he snorted again, eyes wild. Coming down, he pawed at the ground before rearing once more.
“You are a beautiful animal.” Fletcher whispered the words to himself. Wrapping a hand around his rope, he checked the noose. He’d get one chance. If he missed, the stallion would run again. Fletcher would follow, but success would depend on Domino’s speed and endurance.
Clucking, he slowly moved his horse toward the stallion. Spooking him would make his work harder. Getting as close as he dared, Fletcher prepared the rope.
When the stallion dropped to the ground one more time, Fletcher made his move. Swinging the rope, he said a prayer, releasing it into the air. The entire sequence took seconds, but seemed longer. He blew out a relieved breath when it sailed over the horse’s head, slipping down his neck. Fletcher tightened it, giving the horse notice he’d been caught.
It took a few seconds before the stallion realized what had happened. Pinning his ears back, he squealed, a loud, high-pitched, ear-piercing scream, before he reared back. A moment later, he let loose with a deafening roar, an imposing sound indicating the stallion’s furor.
Fletcher’s muscles strained, sweat glistening on his face and neck. Never had he worked so hard to control a horse, but he’d never encountered such a wild, spectacular animal. Desire to take the stallion to Circle M, make him a central part of their breeding operation, solidified his determination to control the horse.
The stallion calmed, snorting before letting out a deep whinny. Rocking from one side to the other, he eyed Fletcher with unconcealed fury. One minute passed, then another. The lull was expected, a tactic Fletcher had seen many times when breaking horses. He refused to let down his guard as he waited for the stallion to make his move.
As expected and without warning, the stallion reared back again, this time with a force stronger than Fletcher anticipated. The rope almost slipped from his grasp before he tightened his hold.
Most times, he broke horses while standing on the ground. Today, he didn’t dare leave the saddle. Domino had performed well, and Fletcher had full confidence in his gelding’s ability to respond to his commands. This wild stallion was unlike any he and Domino had encountered.
The horse continued to rear and buck with such force, Fletcher’s confidence waned. If Bram and Camden were here, their ropes around the stallion, he had no doubt they’d have him controlled with little effort. He briefly thought of his cousins, hoping they’d kept the mares secured in the gully. Fletcher suspected they had or the horses would already be upon him, their senses guiding them to their impressive leader.
Groaning, his arm and back muscles burned at the stallion’s constant struggle to escape. He’d be sore for days after this fight. It would be worth it if he secured the horse for their ranch.
The matching of wills continued, Fletcher panting under the effort. He wondered how much longer he could hold out. His hands blistered more with each tug of the rope. If they weren’t already, they’d be bleeding before the contest ended.
Surprising him, the rope went slack, the stallion exhaling with a loud blow. Spirits improving, Fletcher allowed his muscles to relax. This was what he’d been waiting to hear. A blow typically indicated the final stages of a horse’s fight, and it couldn’t come soon enough. He reminded himself not to relax his grip. In a second, the stallion could rear back, starting the battle again.
The horse moved back and forth, his angry blows changing to snorts. After another moment, the stallion whinnied, then nickered.
Fletcher swallowed, talking to the stallion. “That’s the way, lad. Calm down and I’ll loosen the rope.” Pressing his legs into Domino’s side, the gelding moved forward. Fletcher didn’t allow him to go far before reining back, waiting to see if the stallion had given up.
Several more minutes passed, Fletcher watching for any sign the fight wasn’t over. After fifteen minutes, he rode closer, his gaze steady on the stallion’s eyes. He’d expected to see defiance. Instead, he saw defeat. It was the final indication Fletcher needed. The struggle was over.
Getting as close as he dared, Fletcher stroked Domino’s neck, still watching the stallion, his comments directed to both horses.
“It’s time for us to head home, laddies.” Making certain no more than ten feet of rope separated him from the stallion, Fletcher reined Domino around. “Time to find the others.”
Conviction
Maddy slipped into her white blouse, then stepped into the dark skirt which made up her uniform. Her hands shook, fingers uncooperative, as she worked to close the top. It seemed to take forever before she finished the chore, tucking it into the skirt.
It had been this way since she’d sent Fletcher away, refusing his suggestion they marry. Suggestion, she thought with a grim smile. He didn’t love her, didn’t want her or the baby. Still, he’d do what was right, marrying her to legitimize the child. It should’ve been enough, an answer to her prayers. Coming from Fletcher, it had been a slap in the face.
She didn’t know what else she expected. Before he left for Settlers Valley to help Blaine with his ranch,
Maddy allowed herself to believe he loved her as much as she loved him. Then she’d gotten his note. He felt no love at all. And why would he? He’d come to Buckie’s for fun, which was what he’d thanked her for in the brief message. She felt the blow with the same intensity today as she had months ago. Maddy wondered if the ache would ever go away.
A knock had her opening the bedroom door, seeing Suzette in the hallway.
“I’m walking over to the hotel. Would you care to come with me?”
Maddy’s eyes sparkled. “Can you wait a couple minutes? I’m almost ready.”
“Of course.” When Maddy opened the door farther, Suzette walked in, sitting on a chair by the window. “How are you feeling today?”
Picking up her stockings and shoes, Maddy sat on the edge of the bed. “Good, considering…” She left the remainder unsaid, knowing Suzette could fill in the rest. “I’m wondering when you think it would be best for me to move into the kitchen.” When Suzette’s brows furrowed, Maddy’s heart sank. “Did Mr. Donahue speak to you about me changing jobs when people begin to notice my condition?”
Grimacing, Suzette shook her head. It was always the same with Bay, doing all he could to undermine her job. The reason for his antics wasn’t lost on her. He wanted her gone, sooner rather than later. August hadn’t brought him in on the decision to hire Suzette, not mentioning his partners, the MacLarens and Bayard Donahue, until his last telegram.
She remembered how her heart had stopped when she saw his name on the telegram. They hadn’t seen each other since the worst night of her life. Even now, pain and humiliation ripped through her. Suzette still loved him, would always love Bay, but she’d ruined everything.
“Suzette?”
Blinking away the past, she turned to look at Maddy. “No, he didn’t mention it. Please, tell me what he said.”
She bit her lip, chest tightening. Suzette could go along with what he offered or fight it with August and Bay.
“He stopped by one day when you were still at the hotel. Mr. Donahue had figured out my condition and suggested when I reached the point where it was obvious that I move into the kitchen. He assured me he’d speak with you about it.”
Seeing the uncertainty in Maddy’s eyes, Suzette offered a humorless smile. “It’s a good idea. I don’t have any problem with you working in the kitchen, although I do hope Bay spoke to the chef about it.” She chuckled, thinking about the man’s temperament. “You know how he can be.” As she spoke, Suzette saw Maddy’s features relax. “Please don’t worry about it. Do you feel you’re ready to make the shift?”
Placing a hand on her stomach, Maddy considered a move into the sometimes chaotic kitchen where the chef had a habit of yelling when everything didn’t go as he expected. She worried how the added anxiety would impact her. As she idly rubbed her stomach, she knew working in the kitchen would be better than not having a job at all.
“Would making the change in a couple days give you enough time to speak with the chef?”
“Plenty of time. I don’t want you to worry about it, Maddy. My only request is if he yells at you, you’ll tell me. The man needs to have some limits to his outbursts, after all.” This time, the smile reached her eyes. “Are you ready?”
Standing, Maddy let out a relieved breath. “I am. Thank you, Suzette, for allowing me to make the change.”
She set a hand on the young woman’s shoulder. “It’s my pleasure to be able to keep you working with me. It would be quite lonely without you in the restaurant.”
Lew Quick leaned against the outside of a building, taking out a cheroot and lighting it. The day hadn’t gone as planned. When they knew no more about Maddy than when they rode into town, Dob’s temper had flared. He lashed out at everyone. Not unusual for the man he’d known for years.
Taking a draw on the slim cigar, Lew thought of Maddy. As always, guilt knifed through him. He knew what happened was one of the reasons she’d ridden out in the middle of the night, alone, with nothing but her tattered coat, some food, a small amount of money, and a gun.
Lew knew he should walk back to the hotel, meet the others for supper, but he needed time to himself. He didn’t like the way the gang had changed over the time since Byron’s death. Everyone had been stunned at Dob’s decision to kill his brother, a man he professed to admire. Lew had almost ridden out the same night, and given what happened later, he regretted his decision to stay.
Taking a last draw of the cheroot, he snuffed it out on the ground. Pushing away from the building, he started to leave when his gaze landed on two women stepping out of a house across the road. Lew almost turned away, stopping when one of the women laughed, holding the rail as she descended the front steps. When she glanced up, his throat tightened. Maddy. After all this time, they’d finally found her.
He tucked back against the building until certain they couldn’t see him, allowing his gaze to wander over her. When his eyes roamed over her stomach, his gut clenched. Maddy was pregnant.
“Sonofabitch,” he ground out in a low voice.
Watching them cross the road, he leaned away from his cover long enough to see them enter the Feather River Hotel. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he murmured several more curses.
“What the hell do I do now?” He spoke to no one, needing to get the words out as a way to voice his irritation. Lew knew he couldn’t tell Dob about seeing Maddy. The man wouldn’t care a wit about her pregnancy. He’d kill her either way, burying her far from town before riding away without an ounce of regret.
Lew wouldn’t allow Dob to hurt her, not after all the pain he’d already caused his niece. A bitter chuckle crossed his lips. The colonel didn’t care if someone was a relative, close friend, or a woman he professed to care about. He’d kill any of them with little thought and no remorse.
Making a quick decision, Lew walked back to the hotel, vowing to never tell Dob what he’d seen.
South of Circle M
Bram, Camden, and Thane sat around the opening of the gully, guarding it while chewing jerky and eating hardtack. A noise behind them had each turning.
“Seems the lad found the stallion.” Camden stood, the corners of his mouth sliding into a broad smile. Cupping his mouth with both hands, he shouted. “Do you need help, Fletch?”
As he drew closer, Fletcher nodded. “More rope,” he shouted back.
All three scrambled to grab the rope from their saddles before running toward him. Reining to a stop twenty yards from the entrance to the gully, Fletcher gripped the rope tighter, unwilling to let his guard down even a bit. The stallion could change his mind at any time.
The horse had picked up the scent of his herd half a mile back, becoming agitated, pulling at the rope. Fletcher needed to get more restraints around him soon before the herd began to fuss, rushing out of the gully to join him.
“What do you want us to do?” Bram checked the noose, his gaze locked on the magnificent stallion.
“I’m needing two more ropes around him, lad.” Fletcher winced at the pain from the blisters. “Cam and Bram, I’ll be needing your ropes around him. Thane, keep yours ready. I’m not thinking it’s needed, but…” He shrugged, having no idea how many ropes would keep the stallion under control. The instant the other two ropes slid over the stallion’s head and down his neck, he bucked, snorting.
“He’s a braw one, Fletch.” Cam held his rope, studying the incredible horse. “This stallion is what we’ll be needing to grow the horse breeding.”
“Aye. I’ve been thinking the same.” Fletcher glanced over his shoulder at the mares. “How did you keep them in the gully when the stallion escaped?”
Camden chuckled. “Thane drew his gun, fired in the air. Stopped the herd before they breached the gully’s entrance.”
“The lad is growing up fast.” Fletcher tugged on the rope, watching the stallion start to settle. He continued snorting, pawing at the ground, but no longer reared up or bucked. Quite a successful trip, assuming they could get the herd back to C
ircle M.
“We’ll be needing two lads on the stallion, the other two with the herd.” Camden’s muscles slackened when the stallion stilled.
“Aye. I plan to be staying with the stallion. The three of you decide who rides with me and who stays with the herd.”
Camden nodded at Fletcher, his mouth twisting as he thought about the trip home. “It’ll be a slow trip. If we leave at dawn, we should be getting the herd to Circle M before dark. We’ll be needing to keep the stallion separated and hobbled. If we don’t, he’ll be running within the first day.”
Bram moved next to them, having heard the exchange. “I’m agreeing with Cam. This stallion will be able to jump the corral fences. If he does, the mares will stampede to follow. Hobbling is the only way to control the horse until he’s broken.”
Sucking in a breath, Fletcher’s jaw clenched. He didn’t mind hobbling for short periods, but the stallion was so stubborn, he’d need to be hobbled all the time, except when one of them worked him.
“Aye. First, we have to be getting him and the herd to Circle M. We need to be concentrating on which trail. Cam’s right about leaving at sunup. If we don’t, we’ll not be making it to the ranch before dark. We don’t want to be out with these horses after sunset.”
Bram nodded. “And we’ll have to be keeping watch for the rustlers. If they see us, we’ll be too much of a temptation for them to ignore.”
Camden glanced at the stallion again. “We can’t be forgetting the dead U.S. Marshals. The rustlers aren’t opposed to killing. Driving a herd is the perfect time for them to shoot us and steal the horses.”
Moving the rope to his other hand, Fletcher studied the blisters. Slipping into gloves wouldn’t be possible until they healed, which meant holding onto the stallion’s rope all the way home.
He glanced between his cousins, not feeling the guilt he expected at the announcement he needed to make.
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