Johansson’s leg wound healed and he stayed on as sheriff of MacIntyre, along with Mike Ventosa as his deputy. The banker Weatherby could see no reason to fire him, even though he defied him. Now that Tom MacIntyre was gone, his job was much less stressful. Johansson had the Federal Marshals issue a warrant for Jimmy Rocco’s arrest, but he disappeared in Sweetwater and was headed toward Mexico, with money given to him by the MacIntyre twins, or so they heard.
Mary and Kate MacIntyre, upon hearing of their father and brother’s deaths, disappeared with their servant, Jethro. The last anyone heard of them was a wire transfer of money to a bank in Baltimore. Weatherby would not elaborate on the details, but soon after, the ranch was being surveyed and sold off into smaller parcels. The herd and stock were sold and the ranch hands dispersed after being paid the hundred dollar bonus they were promised.
Percival Feathers robbed Blake of his award by the doctor for being the toughest man alive. Four of the five bullet wounds he suffered from that night did not do any serious damage. One of the bullets was lodged near his hip and caused him to walk with a limp using a sturdy cane. The doctor could not remove the bullet. He would carry it with him for the rest of his life. Percival hated using a cane, but Doc Baker assured him it would be temporary. While he recuperated, his disposition was grumpy and he snarled at every one who tried to help him … except for his beloved Michelle, who doted on him fiercely. He had yet to return to the lumberyard or saloon, but her dress shop business was booming. With that, and some extra money from Blake that he quietly deposited in their account, he could fully heal before having to work again. Percival made good on his promise of tossing Caleb in the water trough, but Caleb taught his horse Rosie a new trick. When he sloshed his way out of the water he whistled and Rosie spun her hind quarters into the Big Man, returning the favor. That was the last time he dunked Caleb.
Blake made his way down the stairs and out the front door. The air had a faint snap to it as autumn was approaching. The day was clear and bright, with a comfortable breeze. Blake tipped his hat and greeted people as he passed them on the street. He felt the best he had in a long time. Taking out his watch, he checked the time and quickened his pace. Walking up the steps of the church he opened the door and walked up the aisle. Everyone he knew in town was there. When he strolled by Avery he was picking his nose and Hap slapped him. Blake smiled and, as he passed Josh and his family, he handed him his hat. He stepped up onto the altar next to Caleb and turned to Chrissy who was holding a bouquet of flowers. Her eyes shined under her veil and she smiled sweetly. “I’m glad to see you could make it,” she said softly.
Father Grimm began their wedding ceremony.
Blake looked at her and winked, “A man died who was in a hurry once.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bryan Salisbury grew up in rural upstate New York. Yearning for a more adventurous life after high school, he joined the Navy, vowing never to return to the farm. Years later, after his Navy days, Bryan met his wife, Andrea. She had always dreamed of owning horses, and the craving for open spaces had been tugging at Bryan. He found himself returning to what he knew best … a life in the country. They worked hard together, along with their children, and their dream came to fruition.
The need to repair farm equipment inspired Bryan to take up blacksmithing, and he derived great joy from it. His skill eventually turned into a successful business (Forgeries Blacksmithing). Having always been an avid reader with a particular fondness for Westerns, Bryan decided to draw on his life experiences which became the basis for writing this book.
The Blacksmith Page 26
