The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [47]
A mile from the ranch, they still hadn’t spoken. The only sound was the creak of his saddle and the steady rhythm of horse hooves. Birds sang rather mournfully, like a funeral dirge, or so John thought. Normally he enjoyed the birds and insects greeting the day. But not this morning. He had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach that refused to go away.
“I don’t like this anymore than you do.”
She continued to sob.
“Wish you wouldn’t do that.”
“I … can’t stop.”
“Bert, why did God put you in my life?”
She sucked in a breath. “How would I know?”
“Well, I’ve never met anyone who aggravated me like you do.”
“I’m sorry.” She loosened her grip from around him.
But he liked her holding on to him. “Best not let go. In the dark, you could fall and I’d never find you.”
“That might be a blessing.”
John didn’t think losing Bert could ever be for his own good.
In the east, the sun slid over the horizon in a thin arc of orange and yellow. Tonight it would dip down over the mountains. Always the same. Only man and his schemes changed. John wished he had a plan of sorts instead of the gut-wrenching notion that the terror from the McCaw gang five years ago had come calling again.
His first stop was at the Wide O, and he heard her gasp when they turned toward Oberlander’s ranch. “I want him to see you with me,” he said.
“Like I can’t be stealing cattle if I’m in jail?”
“I’m not putting you in jail. It’s house arrest.”
“Same thing.” She relaxed against him. “I understand, though. I really do.”
Her tiny body against his back continued to do strange things to him. Things he shouldn’t be thinking about. “I also want to see if any of his ranch hands can be deputized. If any of them are working with Leon, they’ll not want to volunteer.”
“Makes sense. John … I never led Evan to believe I was interested in him.”
“I believe you.”
“Thanks. That’s important to me.”
It’s important to me too.
At the Wide O, John left Bert sitting on his horse to show her he trusted her. Hopefully that wasn’t a mistake. He knocked on the door and waited until the Mexican man greeted him.
“I’d like to see Mr. Oberlander outside,” John said. “It won’t take long.”
A few moments later, Oberlander joined him and the two stepped onto the front porch. “What brings you out here so early in the morning?” He glanced up at Bert. “Trouble?”
“I’m trying to prevent any. Taking Bert into town where Marshal Culpepper can keep an eye on her. A lot of talk going on and I don’t want folks taking the law into their own hands.”
“Smart man.” He waved at Bert. “Mornin', Miss.”
“Good mornin’ to you, Mr. Oberlander.”
Wonderful. She knew when to use manners. “I have a favor to ask of you. Are you willing for any of your ranch hands to be deputized in the search for the missing cattle and rustlers?”
“Sounds like a good idea. I’ll walk down to the bunkhouse now and ask them.”
“Thanks. I know Bob is getting some men together, and I’ll have him stop here first later on this morning. We’re putting together a reward too. Won’t be a lot but it might cause a man to volunteer.”
“Appreciate it. I’ll kick in a few dollars.” The two shook hands, and John climbed back on his horse—a bit of a maneuver with Bert behind him.
“I’m telling you, John,” Oberlander said. “If the rustlers aren’t caught, I’m arming my ranch hands.”
What could John say? The Wide O had issued a challenge, and he could do nothing if Oberlander chose to protect his own property.
John and Bert rode into Rocky Falls with the hustle and bustle of morning bringing the town to life. Bob hadn’t gotten to the marshal’s office yet, so John decided to take Bert to breakfast like he’d told Mama. He wasn’t hungry, but if he didn’t get some food in his stomach, he’d be weak before the day was over. And for sure, it would be a long one.
“Where are we going?” Her first words since leaving the Wide O.
“Breakfast. Then we’ll find the marshal.”
She stiffened against him. “Nothing’s changed. I can’t tell you what