by Bobbi Smith
“I know. The first time is never easy. It just takes practice.”
“How old were you when your father let you try?”
“I think I was six or seven.”
“Then you’ve got a few years’ head start on me.”
“Just a few.”
They were laughing.
“You know, judging by how far off target you were, you might do better with a shotgun,” Emmie teased.
Millie laughed, too. “I’m not afraid to try.”
“Let’s keep working on the handgun for now. We’ll worry about the other later.”
They continued practicing for the better part of an hour as Millie worked on her aim.
“I think it’s safe to say that I’m not going to be the fastest gun on the Rocking R—or the straightest shooter.”
“That’s all right. You didn’t come out west to make a name for yourself as a fast gun,” Emmie reassured her with a grin.
“Are there many women like that?”
“A few.”
“I feel sorry for them.” Millie couldn’t imagine living her life with a gun constantly by her side.
“Some girls don’t have anyone to take care of them, so they have to take care of themselves.”
“Well, thank heaven for Josh. If it weren’t for him, that would be you.”
Emmie was a little startled by her friend’s observation. “Well, my father made sure I’d be able to take care of myself if I needed to, and now you know how to handle a gun safely, too.”
“Though I doubt I could hit anything. Let’s just hope we never get in a situation where we have to find out.”
They started back to the house, unaware that Steve had been watching them from the stable.
Steve’s gaze was hot on Millie. He had every intention of getting close to her as soon as he could. He hadn’t seen a girl as pretty as she was in a long time. Why, just watching her walk by with Emmie left him wanting her real bad.
Ned rode slowly into the small town of Sundown and reined in before the saloon. It was quiet that afternoon, and Ned wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. One way or the other, he knew he would find out soon. He dismounted and tied up his horse, then headed inside for a drink.
“What’ll it be?” the barkeep asked the unshaven, mangy-looking stranger who’d just walked in.
“Whiskey.”
The barkeep was quick to oblige, setting the glass on the bar before the newcomer and filling it with a healthy dose of the potent liquor.
“New around here, aren’t you?”
“That’s right.” Ned’s answer was terse.
“Planning to stay awhile?”
“You never know. Is Sheriff Dawson still running things in town?”
“He sure is.”
Ned nodded, glad that things were finally starting to go his way again.
“Why? You know him?” the barkeep asked.
“Yep, we go back a real long way. Where’s his office?”
“Down the street a bit on the right.”
“Thanks.” Ned shoved some stolen money across the bar to pay for his drink, then downed the rest of the whiskey. He needed to talk to his old friend right away. He needed his help. “I’ll be back.”
“I ain’t going anywhere,” the barkeep said.
Ned had no difficulty locating the sheriff’s office and walked right in to find his longtime friend seated at the desk.
“Well, well, well, look who’s hard at work,” Ned mocked good-naturedly.
“Ned?” Rich Dawson couldn’t believe his eyes. He stared up at Ned in shock. The last he’d heard, Tom had been killed by a bounty hunter and Ned had been sent to the penitentiary “How…?”
“Don’t ask,” Ned told him. “It’s better you don’t know.”
The two men shook hands.
“I won’t. It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to be here, believe me.”
“I’ll bet it is.”
“You have no idea.”
“What do you need? What can I do for you?” Rich knew Ned must have escaped from prison, and he wasn’t surprised to see the stark change in Ned’s expression.
“You’re right. I do need your help.”
“I owe you.” Rich had a secret in his past that he kept hidden from everyone. Some years back he’d ridden on the wrong side of the law with Ned and his brother. Since they’d parted ways, the brothers had never let on about his involvement in their days of bank robbing. Now that he was sheriff of this nice, crooked little town, Rich could help Ned out. “What can I do?”
“You got someplace quiet we can talk?” Ned looked around, wanting to make sure they could talk without anyone overhearing.
“Let’s go back by the cells.”
Rich led the way, then turned to face Ned. “All right. What do you have planned?”
“Revenge,” he snarled, the fierceness of his barely controlled emotions finally showing.
“Who are you wanting to get even with? Someone at the penitentiary?”
“Oh, no. This is far more personal than that.” There was a haunted, hate-filled look in his eyes as he went on. “I want Josh Grady.”
“The bounty hunter?” Rich asked in surprise.
“That’s right. That bastard killed Tom, and I want him dead. Have you heard anything about him lately? Has anyone seen him around? Has he brought anyone else in?”
“No. I haven’t heard a thing for quite a while. Now that you mention it, it does seem strange that there hasn’t been any talk about him. I wonder if he gave up bounty hunting?”
“If he’s settled in one place, it will make it that much easier to track him down.” Ned smiled viciously.
“What’s your plan? What do you want me to do?”
Ned leaned closer, knowing he was going to enjoy the results of his plan. “I want Josh Grady to know what it feels like to be hunted.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I want you to put out wanted posters on him. ‘Josh Grady—Wanted: Dead or Alive.’ I want every other bounty hunter to go after him. I want them tracking him. I want them hunting him. I want him to know what it feels like to be a wanted man—before he dies.”
Rich smiled coldly at his friend. “How big a reward do you want to put on his head?”
“They were offering five hundred dollars on me. It’s worth that much to see him dead.”
“You got the money?” Rich knew the situation could get real ugly if a hired killer brought Josh Grady in and there was no reward money.
“Me and my brother had some cash stashed away in a safe place. When the time comes, I’ll have the reward. Don’t you worry.”
“Good,” Rich said, satisfied they could pull this off. “I can get the posters ready for you right away.”
“How long do you think it will take to hunt him down?”
“Could be weeks or it could take months. It just depends on what Grady’s been doing lately.”
“Find out.”
“I’ll do my best for you,” Rich assured him. “And you make certain you keep real quiet around here.”
“Don’t worry. They won’t be taking me in again.” Ned knew he’d have to bide his time, and he also knew he had to watch his step. He didn’t want the law to find out where he was. He was a free man again, and he intended to stay that way.
Chapter Thirteen
Miss Harriet wasn’t too pleased as she came down to breakfast. The days seemed endless, and she couldn’t wait to return to Philadelphia. When they’d first arrived, she had hoped Millie would quickly weary of ranch life and elect to return home early, but that hadn’t happened. If anything, Millie seemed to be growing even more enamored with the ranch. Miss Harriet understood that Emmie needed her friend’s companionship right now, so she tried not to dwell too much on having to spend another miserable day in the heat and dust. She found Kate hard at work fixing breakfast as she entered the kitchen.
“Good morning, Miss Harriet,” Ka
te greeted her. “How are you this fine morning?”
“I suppose I’m as well as can be expected,” the chaperone admitted.
“Being here is different from big-city living, that’s for sure.”
“Yes, it certainly is. I’m still astonished at the way Emmie and Millie have been acting since we’ve been here.”
“What do you mean?” Kate didn’t see anything unusual in the way they’d been behaving.
“Why both of them wearing pants…and Emmie trying to teach Millie how to shoot…”
“Emmie’s just being practical by wearing pants,” Kate said, trying to explain Western customs.
“You’re wearing a skirt,” the chaperone pointed out.
“Yes, but I’m not running the ranch. Emmie is, and as far as the shooting lessons go…well, Hank always wanted his girl to be able to take care of herself, so Emmie is just teaching her friend the same as her father taught her. They don’t call this the Wild West for nothing.”
“Emmie has told me some frightening tales, not to mention what I heard from Sarah about her reason for leaving all those years ago. I’m glad things have been quiet since we’ve been here.”
“Let’s hope it stays that way. How soon will you and Millie be going back?”
“She planned to stay at least a month. It will depend on how Emmie’s doing.”
“Our Emmie is one strong girl, but I can’t help being thankful Hank took Josh on as a partner when he did. He’s a fine man.”
“But what about his past? Isn’t all that talk about his being a gunman and a bounty hunter a little frightening?”
“This is a big country—and it’s a hard country. A man’s got to be able to defend himself. You never know what kind of trouble you might run into.”
“Who’s looking for trouble?” Emmie asked, smiling as she and Millie entered the kitchen together. “You, Miss Harriet?”
“Every day,” the chaperone answered.
They all laughed.
“Miss Harriet was just telling me how concerned she is about Millie learning to handle a gun,” Kate offered.
Millie understood her chaperone’s feelings and hastened to reassure her. “Don’t worry, Miss Harriet. I have no intention of carrying a gun with me.”
“Good,” the elderly woman said, sounding relieved.
“And Kate…” Millie looked at Kate. “There is a very good reason why I won’t be carrying one.”
“What’s that?” Kate asked.
“I’m such a bad shot, Emmie says if I ever did need a gun, it would have to be a shotgun.”
Again they laughed.
Miss Harriet enjoyed the lightheartedness, but she knew she would never be comfortable with the idea of a woman needing a gun. She was missing Philadelphia very much and couldn’t wait to return.
After breakfast, Emmie went out to the stable to check on what the hands were doing that morning. She found Josh deep in conversation with Burley She hadn’t spent much time with her new partner since the ride they’d taken the other day, and he looked so serious, she feared something was wrong.
“I’m going to ride up there and take a look around,” Josh was saying.
“I’ll ride with you, and I’ll get some of the boys.”
“All right.”
“What’s wrong?” she asked as she joined them.
“The rustlers might be moving in on us again,” Josh explained.
“Well, if you’re riding out, I’m going with you.”
Josh knew it could be dangerous. “There might be trouble.”
Emmie looked up at him and met his gaze straight-on. “Those are my cattle, too.”
He saw her determination in her gaze and knew there was no talking her out of joining them. The last thing Josh wanted was Emmie along to distract him. He needed to concentrate on looking for the rustlers.
He told her, “We’re leaving now.”
“I’ll be right back,” she said.
“I told you we were leaving. Where are you going?” he demanded.
Emmie turned on him. “I’m going to get my gun.”
With that, she hurried away.
Burley didn’t say anything until she was far enough off not to hear him. Then he went over to stand beside Josh, smiling broadly. “You got yourself one headstrong partner there. She’s a wild one, just like her pa.”
“I know.” Josh was not smiling as he swung up into the saddle. He couldn’t help worrying about what might happen if they actually did get in a shootout.
“Give Emmie a chance,” Burley encouraged as he mounted his own horse to accompany Josh. “She’s a hard worker, and she does care about this place.”
“I know. I’ve been watching her.”
“I know you have,” Burley said, trying not to smile.
Josh fixed him with a hard look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“She’s easy on the eyes, boss, real easy. That’s what I mean. She’s grown into one fine-looking young lady, don’t you think?”
“I hadn’t noticed,” Josh said uncomfortably.
“Then you must be losing your eyesight. You been in the sun too long?” Burley taunted him.
“Emmie’s my partner. Just ask her. She’ll tell you.”
“And a fine partner she is, too.” Burley chuckled. Looking toward the other hands, he yelled, “Let’s go, boys—and one of you saddle a horse for Emmie.”
The ranch hands did as they were told, and they were mounted up and waiting with Josh and Burley when Emmie came running back, wearing her holster. She quickly mounted her horse and was ready to ride.
Josh glanced at Steve, who was staying behind. “Keep an eye on things for me.”
“How long do you think you’ll be gone?” Steve asked.
“There’s no telling. It all depends on what we find,” Josh told him. “Hopefully we’ll be back before nightfall.”
“Good luck.”
Josh nodded and then wheeled his horse around to lead the way in search of the rustlers.
Millie had been up at the house when Emmie had come rushing back in to get her gun and holster. Emmie had told her what was happening, and Millie hadn’t bothered to try to discourage her from going. She knew Emmie far too well to even try. She’d been watching from the window as her friend had ridden off with Josh and the ranch hands.
Millie had spent some time reading and talking with Miss Harriet and Kate. As the day aged and there was still no sign of Emmie returning, Millie decided to go down to the stable for a while just to get out of the house. She was bored and needed to do something. Miss Harriet had gone up to her room for a nap, and Kate was busy with her house hold duties.
Steve was angry as he worked in the stable. He didn’t like it that Josh had left him behind. He wanted to ride with the others to track down the rustlers. He was good with a gun and could follow a trail as well as any of the other men.
His mood was dark as he continued his work in the stable, but it definitely improved when he caught sight of Millie coming out of the house. He watched her as she stood on the porch for a moment just looking around; she was the finest-looking woman he’d seen in a long time. Emmie was pretty, too, but he had always had a hankering for blondes, and this one was gorgeous.
Steve’s gaze was fixed upon Millie as she left the porch and headed his way. Moments before he’d been cursing Josh for leaving him behind, but now he was real glad the boss hadn’t ordered him to ride out with the other hands. He was thrilled that he was finally going to get the chance to be alone with this little beauty. It had been months since he’d had a woman, and Millie suited him just fine.
Millie saw Steve as he came out of the stable, and she smiled at him. “Have you seen any sign of Emmie and Josh returning yet?”
“No. I don’t think we’ll see them till close to dark.” He went over to speak with her.
“Are you working hard?” she asked, just trying to make conversation as she looked past him into the stable. It was dark and shady i
n there, and definitely looked a bit cooler than the treeless ranch yard.
“I was until I saw you coming. Now I’ve got an excuse to stop for a while,” he said with a smile.
“I don’t want to get you in trouble,” she told him.
“You won’t. I’m just about done.” Steve moved closer to her. “How are you enjoying your visit?”
“I think it’s fascinating out here.”
“Are you missing Philadelphia much?”
“There are moments—like when Emmie told me about that rattlesnake Josh shot.” She couldn’t suppress the shudder that went through her.
“You don’t want to get bit by one of them, that’s for sure.”
“You’re right. I don’t! Other than that, I have been enjoying myself. I’d always read about Texas, and Emmie told me a lot of stories, but until you actually get to see it, you never really understand what it’s like.”
Steve’s mind was racing. He had to get Millie inside the stable. “It’s hot out here in the sun. Why don’t you come on in the stable where it’s shady?”
“All right.”
Steve led the way back into the building, trying hard to contain his eagerness. Millie was obviously ready and willing to be with him, and he couldn’t wait.
“So, what have you been working on?” Millie asked. In her innocence, she was oblivious to his lecherous thoughts. She was always interested in learning something new, and thought he might be able to teach her more about ranch work.
Once they were in the stable, though, ranch work was the last thing on Steve’s mind. He knew they were out of sight of the two other women up at the main house, so he could do what ever he wanted to do with Millie. He grinned at the blond beauty as his gaze went over her. “Well, I’ve been working on trying to find a way to get to talk to you alone.”
“Oh…Why?” His words caught her off guard, and she suddenly felt a little awkward in his company.
“Because,” he began, closing the distance between them, “I think you are a real special lady.”
“Thank you,” she said a bit breathlessly as she instinctively took a step back.
“And I am awful glad you came out here with Emmie for a visit. Otherwise, I would never have gotten the chance to meet you.”
