by Ana Leigh
An awkward silence developed between Rico and Jennifer Burke. He was about to excuse himself when she said, “So, Mr. Fraser, did you bring back that soldier you were chasing after?”
“Yes, I did.”
“I can’t help but feel sorry for him. It seems to me that if he hated it here enough to desert, why not just let him go? What will they do to him now? A public flogging in front of the regiment, or send him to a federal prison for the rest of his life?”
“Actually, they’ve probably buried him by now, Miss Burke.”
Jennifer paled. “You mean you killed him?”
“No, he was dead when I found him. All I did was cut off the dozen Apache arrows in him.”
Her shock was evident and left her momentarily speechless. Then she said, “I suppose I owe you an apology, Mr. Fraser.”
“Not to me, Miss Burke. To the army, for jumping to conclusions on matters that don’t concern you and that you don’t understand.”
“How rude of you, Mr. Fraser.”
Rico’s patience snapped. “Fine talk, from a spoiled brat with a nasty tongue.”
Her rising anger returned the color to her cheeks. “Now who is jumping to conclusions? You know nothing about me, sir.”
“And I have no desire to know more.” He tipped his hat. “Good day, Miss Burke.”
Andrea returned as he walked away. “Your father said he still has some business in town and won’t be returning to the ranch until tomorrow.”
“And I’m sure that business is Maude Evans,” Jenny remarked, still seething over her conversation with Rico Fraser.
“I don’t understand why my brother doesn’t marry the woman, instead of pretending they’re just friends,” Andrea said.
“Marry a woman who runs a saloon? You know how much of a snob my father is—or should I say hypocrite? He sees nothing wrong with sneaking around and spending the night with her. But marry her? Heaven forbid. Yet the whole town knows what he’s up to.”
“He loved your mother very much, honey,” Andrea said, in defense of her brother.
“I’m sure he did, but my mother’s been dead for twenty years. And Mr. Evans died fifteen years ago. Since then, the two of them have been carrying on this relationship.”
Andrea smiled kindly. “A man has needs, honey.”
Amused, Jenny replied, “Apparently so does a woman.”
Andrea linked an arm through Jenny’s. “Well, do you want to remain in town or go home? Stumpy and Charlie are ready to leave.”
“So am I.” Jenny sighed. “This town is getting too small for my taste.”
Andrea gave her a perceptive look. “I gather you and Mr. Fraser crossed swords again.”
“Touché, Aunt Andrea. Haven’t you noticed I’m dripping blood?”
2
An insistent knocking awoke Rico. Drowsily, he staggered to the door and opened it, then stared in surprise at the caller.
“What in hell do you want?” Rico walked back to the bed, sat down, and cradled his head in his hands.
Colonel Hardy stepped in and closed the door, then lit the dim lamp.
“What time is it?” Rico mumbled.
“Six o’clock,” Hardy said.
“Dammit, Colonel, I told you I intended to sleep around the clock.”
“Rico, I need help.”
“You’ve got the wrong room. Bedford’s is next door.”
“Rico, have you met Frank Burke?”
Damn, did I have an outraged father to contend with now?
“Not actually. He’s the big gun who has that spread north of here on Gila Basin, right?”
“Yes and Burke’s ranch was hit at daybreak this morning,” Hardy said grimly.
“Apaches! I didn’t think they came this close to the fort.”
“Not Apaches. Four white men. Burke was in town, and his hands are on a cattle drive to the railroad in Albuquerque. The gang killed Charlie Wells and Stumpy Burton.” Hardy shook his head sadly. “Poor old Stumpy. Used to be one of the troopers here at the fort until he got shot in the hip and couldn’t ride anymore. Frank gave him a job when the army kicked him out. Stumpy made it into town and told us of the attack before he died.”
“What about Burke’s daughter and sister?”
“Snatched. If Burke wants to see the women alive again, he’ll have to pay, according to the ransom note.”
For an instant, the thought punched the breath out of Rico as a vision of Jennifer Burke filled his mind.
“I need you, Rico. You can follow a trail better than anyone I know. Captain Masters is preparing to take a patrol out in pursuit.”
Rico shook his head. “You don’t need me. Jake Bedford knows what he’s doing.”
“He does, but he’s not the scout you are. I want you with them.”
“Sorry, sir. I’ve made other plans.”
“I thought you’d be interested in knowing it was the Slatter gang that hit the ranch.”
Rico jerked his head up. “What?” He’d been pursuing that gang for years. “How can you be sure?”
“Before Stumpy died he recognized Ben Slatter from the wanted poster, and also heard one of the men call him by name. I know you’re trailing the gang, and with the help of the army this is an opportunity to see them captured, tried in a proper court, and hung for their crimes.”
Rico snorted derisively. “I knew a sheriff who believed the same as you. He died from a bullet in the back when Slatter’s gang escaped from his jail, waiting for that proper court to dole out that justice. Those bastards have left a bloody trail from California to here. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to pack up and get out of here.”
Hardy smiled with relief. “I knew I could count on you, Rico.”
“I’m not riding out with your patrol, Colonel. I travel alone. And if you intend for a proper court to bring Slatter to justice, you better hope your patrol finds them before I do.”
“Rico, this is personal to me, too. Burke’s a close friend. My wife and I are Jenny’s godparents.”
“Then you’d better face reality, Colonel. Those two women will be raped and killed before any damn patrol gets near them.” Rico went to the door and opened it. “Sorry, I don’t have time for any more talk.”
Rico quickly dressed. A knock on the door interrupted him as he packed his few belongings into his saddlebags. Rico recognized the caller at once.
Although he had never been introduced to Frank Burke, the rancher was a legend. Burke had moved from Wisconsin to the area twenty-five years earlier, before the fort had been erected, and had succeeded in building the biggest cattle ranch in the area while fighting off Apaches and drifters.
Now, the hard life showed in the gray at his temples and the lines chiseled by wind and sand on his face. But his steel gaze confirmed that he could still hold his own in any fight.
“You Rico Fraser?” the man asked.
“I am, Mr. Burke.”
“Then you know what I’m about to ask.”
“Afraid so, sir. You have my sympathy, but my answer is the same.”
“Tom Hardy claims you could track an ant in a sandstorm. Name your price, Fraser. I’ll give it to you if you bring my daughter and sister back.”
“I’ll tell you what I told Colonel Hardy, sir. I travel alone. And if it’s any consolation to you, I intend to kill that murdering bastard, Ben Slatter, when I catch up with him. But I’ll be frank, sir: all I can promise you is revenge—it’s too late to help your daughter or sister.”
Rico felt sorry for the man, but there was no sense in giving him false hope. The women were probably dead already.
Anguish softened the steel gray of Burke’s eyes. “You aren’t telling me anything I haven’t heard before. But I have to find that out for myself. Will you at least let me come with you?”
“I’m doing you a favor and saying no, Mr. Burke. Good-bye, sir.”
Rico finished packing up his few belongings. The gang wouldn’t be more than half a day ahead of him. T
his was the closest he had been on their trail in the past three years. This time he would finally catch up with them, and once he got his revenge, he would go back to Fraser Keep in California and join his cousins.
Rico was cleaning his rifle and pistol when another knock on the door interrupted him. “It’s unlocked,” he shouted, then stared with annoyance at the man who entered.
“I’m going to start selling tickets to this room. And the answer is no, Masters,” Rico declared before the captain could say a word. “I travel alone.”
“Use some common sense, Rico. You can’t take on that whole gang alone,” Don Masters said.
“I have a personal issue to settle with Ben Slatter, and I don’t intend to let army rules and regulations interfere.”
“For God’s sake, man, can’t you put aside your personal issues to save those women’s lives?”
Once again, the thought of Jennifer Burke at the mercilessness of Ben Slatter flashed through Rico’s mind. Frustrated, he shouted, “Save their lives! When will you people face reality? Those two women have been raped and killed by now! Do you think that gang would slow themselves down with prisoners?”
“Then why the ransom note?”
“They obviously need money, and know that Burke’s got some.”
Don pressed on with his argument. “But if they’re riding far enough until they feel it’s safe to stop, the women might still be alive.”
“All the more reason for me to ride alone. The dust a patrol raises is as good as blowing a bugle to announce its arrival.”
“But what if only two men go?” Don questioned. “I just had a talk with Colonel Hardy, and he gave me permission to accompany you out of uniform. One man can’t take out the entire gang before one of them would have a chance to kill the women. But two men could.”
Rico began loading his weapons. The whole damn situation was wearing on his nerves. He took a deep breath and tried to maintain his composure. “Captain Masters, I know that gang; I’ve been trailing them for three years. Didn’t Colonel Hardy tell you that?”
“He only told me you have a grievance against them.”
Rico jerked up his head. “Grievance? Yeah, I guess you might say that. They beat me bloody, and then tried to hang me.”
“I gave you credit for more intelligence, Rico. You’ve wasted three years of your life looking for revenge for that?”
Frustration had pushed Rico to the limit. He shoved back his chair and bolted to his feet. “Is raping and murdering my mother enough of a grievance?”
For a long moment the captain stared speechless at him. “Oh my God, Rico. I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“I’d appreciate if you’d keep it between us. Only my family knows my motive.”
“If that’s what you want, I’ll respect your wishes. But I think Colonel Hardy would be more sympathetic to your refusal to cooperate if he knew the truth.”
Rico’s face curved in a wry smile. “Or attempt to stop me.”
He looked thoughtfully at Masters. The captain was a good officer, and could prove to be helpful when he caught up with Slatter. But Masters was army, and his hands would be tied by army rules.
“Captain Masters, I’m sure you’d be a big help in any fight, but I have no intention of taking prisoners or returning to this fort.”
“What about the reward you’d be entitled to?”
“I’m not interested in the reward—I’ve told you my reason for hunting them down. What’s your motive, Masters? Those were civilians killed, not army. This is a case for the law to handle.”
“It’s as personal for me as it is for you. I’m in love with Andrea Burke. I intended to ask her to marry me.”
The poor bastard. “Believe me, Masters, I’m sorry for you, and it would be better for your sake if you don’t go. I’m certain those women are dead by now.”
“I won’t believe it until I see it for myself. You, of all people, should understand why I must do this. I’ll resign from the army if I have to, but I won’t stop looking for Andrea until I know for certain she’s not alive.” He opened the door to leave. “I’ll follow you if I have to.”
Rico knew if he were in Masters’s boots, he’d do the same thing.
“I’m traveling light and I’m not turning back for any reason, Masters. You go at your own risk. I’m not stopping for anything.”
“I don’t expect you to.”
“And if you’re wounded or lost, you’ll be on your own.”
“I understand.”
A short time later, Rico reined up in front of Colonel Hardy’s office. Don Masters was dressed in civilian clothes and the two men were engaged in conversation.
“Enjoyed doing business with you, Colonel Hardy,” Rico said.
“Good luck, Rico.” Hardy reached up and shook his hand. “And take care, son,” he said to Don. “Those men are merciless.”
“I will, sir.”
As Hardy watched the two men ride away, a worried Frank Burke came over and joined him.
“You think Fraser can pick up that trail?” Frank asked.
The colonel patted Burke on the shoulder. “If anyone can, Frank, Rico Fraser will.”
3
The sun blazed down on them relentlessly. Jenny’s throat was parched from thirst and perspiration pooled between her breasts. The rope that tied her hands was rubbing against her wrists, and she tried to no avail to ease the strain on her aching back. She wished she could walk; her legs were numb from gripping the horse to keep from falling off. Yet she feared that once they stopped, Lord only knew what these heartless killers would do to them. Her heart leapt to her throat when she thought about Charlie and Stumpy. She had seen them fall. Had they perished in the attack? She prayed they had survived.
And what of her and Andrea’s fate? Her hopes had risen when she’d overheard one of the men tell Slatter that an army patrol was pursuing them. She prayed it reached them before it was too late.
Slatter had forced her to write a ransom note, but there was no denying the lustful gleam in his eyes when he looked at her. If the gang truly intended to hold them for ransom, perhaps their lives would be spared. Or would these madmen ravage and then kill them? The thought of what might lie ahead was horrifying.
Jenny glanced ahead at her aunt, who looked as uncomfortable as she was. As if sensing her stare, her aunt turned her head and looked back at her. Even now, Andrea sent her a game smile. That always had been her aunt’s way; she bore aches and pains and any misfortunes with an optimistic spirit.
Jenny tried to smile back, but tears rolled down her cheeks. She wanted to scream aloud, but it would only result in another cuff on the cheek from the leader of these cutthroats.
She closed her eyes and prayed for deliverance.
Jenny suddenly hit the ground, and she lay in a stupor for several seconds before Slatter rode up to her and dismounted.
“What in hell are ya tryin’ to do?”
She tried not to cower under his black glare. “I guess I must have fallen asleep.”
He yanked her to her feet. “It’ll be a long sleep, sister, if ya try that trick again.”
“It wasn’t a trick. I dozed off and slipped off the horse. I’ve never been a good rider, and with my hands tied behind my back I’m even worse.”
The numbness was wearing off, and it felt like a thousand needles stabbing her legs and feet. She sank to her knees.
Slatter jerked her upright. “Quit stallin’ and get back on that horse.” He slapped her on the rear end when she attempted to mount the horse, and she cried out in pain.
“It’s gonna hurt a lot more before we’re through with ya. Right, boys?” he taunted with a malevolent laugh. Picking her up, he shoved her onto the saddle. “Maybe ya’d like me to kiss it to make it feel better?”
Her emerald eyes seethed with contempt. “Over my dead body.”
The men broke into laughter. “Need any help, boss? I’ll be glad to give ya a hand,” the one called Eddie yelled.
Slatter snorted. “The day ain’t dawned when I need a boy to help me with a man’s work. Let’s get movin’.”
“Jenny, are you okay?” Andrea called out.
“Shut your mouth, bitch,” Slatter shouted. “I told ya no talkin’ to each other.”
“May I please have a drink of water?” Jenny asked.
“You’ll get one when we stop.” Slatter gazed skyward. “The sun’ll soon set. I remember a water hole close by. We’ll take a chance and pull up there. The horses need the rest.”
“A pity you can’t manifest some of that sympathy for a human being, Mr. Slatter,” Jenny declared.
“What does that mean?” Slatter asked.
“It means you’re a merciless animal, sir. Not fit for the human race.”
“I’ll show ya how fit I am,” he roared. She screamed when he jerked her off the horse and dragged her across the ground, heedless of the rocks and rubble. Her skirt snagged on a fallen branch that ripped a hole in the skirt and gashed a bloody scrape to her knee.
“You’ve been askin’ for this, sister. Now you’re gonna get it.”
Eddie came over to them. “I’m next, boss?” he said, licking his lips when Slatter started to loosen his gun belt.
“You boys hold the bitch’s shoulders down,” Slatter ordered when Jenny tried to squirm away.
“Are you crazy? We ain’t got time for this!” Curly yelled. “There’s a goddamn posse on our tail.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Slatter straightened up and rebuckled his belt. “You ain’t gonna be so lucky next time, sister.”
Jenny managed to sit up to examine her leg. “My knee is bleeding badly. Will you free my hands so I can clean it?”
Slatter grabbed her by the back of the neck and forced her head down to her bended knee. “Lick it.” She tried to turn her head away, but his fingers were like a vise on her neck, pressing her mouth against the wound. She tried to clench her mouth shut, but it was impossible. Laughing, he rubbed her mouth back and forth across the torn flesh. “Don’t like the taste? Maybe that’ll teach ya to keep your mouth shut.” He released her and stomped away. “Put her back on the horse, boys, and let’s get movin’.”
