Slipping into her clothes, she nodded. “I’ll be down in a bit.”
Kissing her check, he grabbed a shirt and left, closing the door behind him.
Walking into the study, buttoning the last button of his shirt, he sighed. “All right. What is so urgent you couldn’t wait a few more hours?” He slumped into a chair, crossing his ankles.
“Over a hundred head of cattle are missing,” Quinn hissed. “We think it happened during the party.”
Cursing, Colin stood. “Do Ewan and Ian know? Have you sent out any men?”
“Yes, and not yet. We thought we should decide how best to organize the men. Some will need to stay, but it will take quite a few to locate the herd and bring them back,” Blaine answered.
“Any tracks?”
Quinn nodded. “Yes, but we stopped the men from riding out. We can’t afford to send them on some wild goose chase.”
“Let me tell Sarah what’s going on and I’ll meet you outside.”
“I’ll get Chieftain ready,” Blaine volunteered, heading straight to the barn, Quinn not far behind.
Colin met Sarah standing outside the study. “You heard?”
“Yes. I know you must go.” She clasped her hands in front of her.
He took her hands in his, a look of regret on his face. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t say that. I’m a grown woman and can handle the problems of running a ranch.” She leaned up, placing a kiss on his cheek, then moved her lips to his mouth.
Taking her in his arms, he deepened the kiss, then pulled back, his large hands cupping her face. “I’ll be home as soon as I can.” Turning, he didn’t look back as he joined Blaine, Quinn, and the other men outside, vaulting up on Chieftain. “Show me the tracks.”
Lon and his men were well away by mid-morning the next day, closing in on their destination. It had been much easier than he imagined. Perhaps he’d been wrong in his decision to stay clear of rustling all these years.
“They should be waiting for us over the next rise, Lon. We may want to send a couple men ahead to make sure.” Deft tossed the cheroot he’d been smoking on the ground and looked toward the horizon. “It’s almost been too easy.”
“I was thinking the same.” Lon glanced over his shoulder as if he expected the ranchers to descend upon them at any moment, guns firing. “Let’s get the herd to the new owners before our luck changes.”
In less than an hour, Lon and Deft reined to a stop next to a group of five well-armed men. In addition to a pair of pistols in holsters around their waists, each had a rifle at the ready.
“You Coffman?” the oldest of the group asked.
Lon guessed him to be of average height, was as round as an oak barrel, with a sallow complexion and a large, bulbous nose.
Lon nodded. “You Smith?”
“That’s right. How many head you got for me?”
“Last we checked, a hundred thirty, but you should count them.”
“Oh, we will.” Smith turned to the man next to him. “Take the men and get started. Signal when you’re done so we can finish up and send these men on their way.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
“Deft, you go with them,” Lon ordered, not trusting any of his other men to keep a close watch on Smith’s people.
“You have any trouble getting them here?” Smith watched as the men rode toward the front of the herd.
“None. Didn’t expect any. ‘Cept it almost seemed too easy.”
Smith cocked his head at Lon, his brows knitting together. “No men were posted, keeping watch on the herd?”
Lon shook his head. “One of the ranchers was getting married. Didn’t leave a single person with the herd while they celebrated. Like I said, the job went almost too well. A man could get drawn into believing it would always be this simple.”
“Easier than robbing banks?” Smith asked, his hand moving to the butt of his gun.
Lon’s gaze narrowed on the man. “What do you mean?” he ground out, his face a mask as a hand inched toward the revolver on his hip.
“Don’t get me wrong. I don’t care how a man makes his living, as long as he deals fairly with me.” He leaned over and spat on the ground. “But don’t get to thinking I don’t check on who I’m doing business with. No one’s business stays private for long.”
Lon’s jaw tightened, but he held his tongue. Reining his horse to get a better look at the herd, he saw Deft raise a hand at the same time as Smith’s man.
“Appears we’re good on a number.”
“A hundred thirty head.” Smith reached into his pocket, pulling bills from a pouch. Counting out the agreed upon amount so Lon could watch, he handed the money over. “Pleasure doing business with you.”
Taking the money, Lon slid it in a pocket. “I’ll contact you if another opportunity comes along.”
“Make sure you do.”
Lon rode straight toward Deft and his other men. “Let’s get out of here.” He had no reason to suspect Smith would try to come after them, but he didn’t want to take the chance. The sooner they put distance between them, the better he’d feel.
“You mean we ain’t goin’ into Sacramento to celebrate, boss?” One of the older members of his gang rode up beside him, looking tired and haggard.
“Not this time. We need to get away while we’ve got plenty of daylight ahead of us. Besides, there’s still a chance those ranchers will try to track us and I don’t want to run into them.” Lon didn’t explain his actions to too many. Deft and this man were two of them.
“Guess I’ll just save my celebrating for Crocker.” Reining around, he rejoined the rest of the men, passing along the news.
“It’s a lot longer, but I’m thinking we ought to take the northeastern trail, Lon. If the ranchers come after us, they’ll probably be west of here.”
He sent Deft a wry grin. “You still got those badges we used after killing the sheriff and deputies from River City?”
“In my saddlebag.”
“Pass them out to the same men who rode with us to Oregon. We’ll take the western trail to Crocker and send the others on the eastern trail. No reason all of us should waste a couple extra days on the trail. Tell them I’m being careful by splitting into two groups. As always, we’ll split the take when we get to the cabin.”
Deft twisted in the saddle and reached into his saddlebag, pulling out a leather pouch.
“Here you are, Sheriff Walker.”
Pinning it to his shirt, Lon laughed at how easy it was to be a lawman of convenience.
Chapter Twenty
Colin, Blaine, Quinn, Brodie, Caleb, and a few cowhands rode out within an hour of learning about the missing cattle. Following the tracks from the herd, they traveled several hours before Caleb noticed someone following them and moved off the trail. Holding up, he waited until the rider got closer.
Muttering a curse, he moved back onto the trail.
“What the hell are you doing out here, Heather?” The set of his jaw and hard voice made it clear how he felt about her disobeying her Uncle Ewan’s orders not to ride out with the men.
Jutting her chin toward him, she started to ride past until he blocked her path. Letting out a disgusted breath, her face turning the deep pink hue Caleb had come to expect when she was angry, Heather glared at him.
“I have every right to be here. In fact, I have more right than you. I’m a MacLaren and they’re my cattle, too.”
“Is that what this is about? Your pride got hurt because I’m part of the search and you aren’t?” The thought she’d endangered herself by riding out alone angered him. That she’d done it out of spite caused his blood to boil.
“Of course not,” she spat out. “And I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“But you do have to explain yourself to us.”
Heather winced at the hard tone of Quinn’s voice. So engrossed in their argument, neither she nor Caleb had seen Quinn and Colin ride up.
“You were told not
to follow us for a good reason. They needed you to help at the ranch. What were you thinking?” A muscle in Quinn’s jaw quivered, betraying his deep frustration. “Well?”
She glanced at Caleb and Colin, then moved her gaze to her brother, her eyes sparking in indignation. “I’m old enough to make my own decisions. All three of you know I can ride, shoot, and handle myself as well as any man. I—”
“Stop right now,” Quinn roared. “Your abilities had nothing to do with the decision our uncles made and you know it. They needed you at the ranch. What if the rustlers return, threaten the family? Or worse, Coffman and his gang ride back to Conviction?” He took a breath, trying to control his rage. “Do you ever think of anyone but yourself, Heather?” Quinn turned toward Colin. “What do you want to do?”
Colin sent her a brutal stare, not shifting his gaze as he spoke “We can’t send her back now. Those clouds are threatening and it’ll be dark soon.”
“Fine. She’ll ride with Caleb.”
“What? No. You’re not going to saddle me with your family’s problem. Someone else can keep watch on her. I want nothing to do with a woman with a lousy attitude and overblown belief in herself.” Caleb didn’t wait for a response, reining his horse around to catch up with the rest of the men.
“I wouldn’t ride anywhere near you, Caleb Stewart—even if you were the last man on earth,” Heather shouted after him, her face turning the shade of a ripe tomato.
Quinn covered his mouth to control his laughter as Colin looked away so she wouldn’t see his grin.
“You’ll ride with Blaine, and don’t even consider arguing with me,” Colin added when she started to open her mouth. “There are reasons we pair up, but I don’t have time to explain it to you. Do you understand me?” As the oldest male MacLaren cousin, Colin’s orders were followed without question when their uncles weren’t around.
She nodded, irritation crossing her face at his condescending tone.
“We better join the others so we can cover as much ground as we can before the storm hits.” Quinn moved up beside Heather. “Do what you’re told without hesitation or I’ll treat you as I would any other brat.”
Colin hunkered down in the saddle, his duster doing little to protect him from the pounding storm. It had started without warning minutes before, giving them scant time to pull on their trail coats and look for shelter.
“Up ahead.” Blaine pointed to a rock outcropping. It would be a tight fit for everyone, but better than no shelter at all. He looked at Heather, who hadn’t left his side since joining them. At least she had the good sense to bring her own duster.
They’d always gotten along well. He respected how much she wanted to be her own person, although he didn’t condone her habit of ignoring direct orders from the uncles or Colin. She let her fierce independence and quick temper get the better of her most of the time. If she didn’t learn to control it, she’d eventually put herself, or others, in danger.
“You two go ahead and check it out. I’ll let the others know.” Colin reined Chieftain around, motioning the men toward the shelter. “Quinn, make sure we aren’t missing anyone, then have some of the men gather as much dry wood as they can.”
Somehow, they found enough to keep a fire going. They’d stripped the gear from their horses, placing the animals within sight outside the shelter. Bigger than what they’d thought, it held all of them and their gear. If the wind didn’t shift too much, they’d stay protected until the storm passed.
Slouching near the back wall next to Blaine, Heather dug into her saddlebag, pulling out some jerky and offering him a piece.
“Thanks.”
The others barely acknowledged her, feeling the tension between Colin, Quinn, and her. No one ignored her more than Caleb, which bothered her more than a little. Heather didn’t understand what about him set her off, but she refused to let herself dwell on it.
“It’s a shame these rustlers had to interrupt Colin and Sarah’s honeymoon.” Blaine washed down his jerky and hardtack, handing the canteen to Heather.
“Guess so.” She took a few sips before handing it back.
“She’s a good match for him, don’t you think?”
“Seems to be.”
“You want to tell me what, besides Quinn and Colin being angry with you, has you so riled lately?”
She didn’t answer at first, pursing her lips, furrowing her brows. Setting the rest of her jerky aside, she lowered her voice. “Do you think I’m disagreeable?”
Blaine couldn’t hold back his chuckle. “Aye, lass. I do think you can be contrary.”
Crossing her arms, Heather bit her lower lip, considering his words. “I don’t know why I’m not like the other women. All I want to do is work on the ranch. My skills are as good as any man—even you.”
“You see, that’s where you create problems. Listen to the men talk. Do you hear them talking about how good they are at their jobs? How they can shoot or ride better than anyone? Nae. Only braggarts do that.” Standing, Blaine smiled down on her. “We all know how good you are, Heather. You don’t need to keep reminding us.”
“We have riders coming toward us.” Quinn had been taking a turn as lookout. The storm had let up, giving him an expansive view from his perch atop a large boulder. The early evening sun had yet to disappear, providing good visibility.
“How many?” Colin asked, pushing up from where he’d been resting.
“Looks to be five, but there could be more.”
“All right. Let everyone know. Brodie, spread the men out so the strangers don’t get a full count of our numbers. Try to keep out of sight so they don’t see your faces.”
“What is it?” Blaine came to stand beside Colin, followed a few minutes later by Brodie and Caleb.
“Riders. Blaine, get Heather in a protected spot and stay with her. Warn her to keep her mouth shut. The rest of you take your weapons and find good places to keep watch as they approach. I’ll try to get them to move on.” Colin checked his gun, then slid it back into the holster.
A few minutes later, five riders came into view.
“Stop right there,” Quinn called from his position.
Colin watched as the men got closer, noting something familiar about the man in the lead.
“Gentleman, I’m Sheriff Walker and these are my deputies.” He took a good look at Colin. “Have we met?”
“I believe we have. We were on our way north to River City. You and your men were headed south, searching for bank robbers.” Colin moved closer, extending his hand. “I’m surprised you’re still out here and so far south.”
Coffman shook his hand before sliding from his horse. “I do remember you. Mind if we take a rest before moving on?”
Colin turned, extending his hand toward the fire. “Feel free to share the fire. We have some coffee left, but not much else.”
“Just a rest is all we need.” Coffman looked around, noting the number of horses didn’t match the number of people standing around the fire. He recognized one other man, but not the others. “Where you headed?”
“Back to our ranch. Been chasing rustlers.”
“Any luck?” Coffman asked, warming his hands by the fire.
“None. The rain washed out the trail. We’re heading back in the morning. You?”
“On our way home to River City. Never found a trace of those outlaws.” Coffman glanced at his men, nodding toward their horses. “Thank you for the use of your fire. We’ll be riding on.”
Colin kept his arms loose by his sides until the sheriff and his men were out of sight. Crossing his arms, he continued to watch, feeling a keen sense of unease. Something wasn’t right. He’d yet to meet a sheriff who traveled this far from their town chasing outlaws. They usually left that to the Rangers or federal marshals.
“What do you think?” Brodie’s eyes narrowed as the last rider disappeared, his hand resting on the butt of his gun.
“I don’t like it.” Colin’s expression clouded as doubt took hol
d. “We’ll keep two people on watch in three hour shifts. Plan to get out of here at first light.”
Those not on watch snuggled in their bedrolls, but few slept. Colin sat on the ground, his back resting against the wall of the rock shelter. He’d take the second shift on watch. Closing his eyes, it took seconds for his thoughts to turn to Sarah, wondering if she were in bed, or perhaps waiting by a window, watching for him to appear.
His chest tightened as images of her on their wedding night controlled his thoughts. Her beauty was so much more than he remembered. Gracing him with one of her brilliant smiles could stop his heart, making breathing almost painful. He still had a hard time believing they’d found each other and married. The odds had never been in their favor, yet they’d beaten them.
Leaving so soon after getting married had been one of the most difficult decisions he ever had to make. Thankfully, she’d understood, not pouting or putting pressure on him to stay as some women might. He’d chosen well, thanking God she’d also chosen him. Giving into sleep, he drifted off, a picture of Sarah in his thoughts.
“Sarah, come quick!” Geneen stood on the front porch, watching a group of riders approach.
“What is it?” Sarah dashed outside, still holding the damp kitchen towel in her hands. Looking in the direction Geneen stared, she let out a squeal, dropped the towel, and ran down the steps toward the riders.
Seeing her, Colin pushed Chieftain into a gallop. Coming to a stop, he swung to the ground, taking her in his arms and swinging her in a circle. “Ah, lass, I’ve missed you.”
“No more than I’ve missed you.”
Crushing his mouth to hers, he set her on the ground, tightening his grip.
“Colin…everyone is watching,” she whispered against his lips, pushing away.
“So? Let them.” But he dropped his arms, already missing the feel of her.
“I’ll take Chieftain for you, Colin.” Blaine held out his hand for the reins, nodding at Sarah.
“Welcome home.” Sarah could feel her face heat, knowing they’d all seen.
“Glad to be back.” He walked toward the barn, leaving them alone.
Colin's Quest Page 20
