Slocum and the Long Ride (17 page)

She agreed. “But now I can go get my children and start my life over.”

“Yes, my friends may not want to let them go.”

She laughed. “Before we go over there, will you spend a few days with me and we can check the ranch cattle?”

“I am in no rush.”

“I am selfish.”

“I understand. It has been trying.”

•   •   •

They spent the next two days on a honeymoon and then went after the children. In Tombstone slocum bought an
Epitaph
to read the headline story.

AREA RANCHER IN A GRAVE?

Investigations continued when three fresh graves were discovered on a ranch in the Mule Shoe Mountain district. Sherman Riddle and Jimmy Nolan his ranch hand are all suspected to be buried up there, with a third person unknown. Sheriff John Behan calls it an ongoing investigation and says his men are questioning everyone. If you have any information on their disappearance, contact the sheriff's office.

“I guess they did it right.” Slocum rolled up the paper and stuck it in his saddlebags.

“Where will you go next?” she asked.

“Oh, somewhere.”

“Don't you ever get tired of moving around?”

“I am still alive.”

“I know, but I'll be glad to be back to the ranch with my kids. I'll hire a couple of neighborhood boys to look after the cattle for me.”

“You have any money?”

She shook her head. “I can borrow some till I sell some cattle.”

He felt in his saddlebags and lifted out the heavy pouch of gold he'd taken off the prospector what seemed now so long ago. “Man that found this was killed by Apaches. He'd want you to have it. Enough in there to tide you over till you can make it.”

She frowned and pulled the drawstring open. “This is all gold.”

“No rocks either,” he said, teasing her.

“How can I repay this?”

“No repayment. It is for you and the kids.”

She began to cry.

He rode in close and hugged her shoulder. “Jena, the giver was killed by Apaches. He'd have wanted you and those kids to have a new start.”

•   •   •

In late afternoon they reached the outskirts of the Mormon community. When they got in sight of the Morales farm, she said, “Oh no, that is Harry riding a pony.”

He came out of the yard on his Shetland and waved at her. “Mom, Mom, look what they got me.”

“I see it, Harry. I see it. I hope you are ready to go home?”

“I think so.”

Alma was carrying Lena and came to meet them. Gordon got up from watching the boy ride the pony.

They had lots to talk about. Then the three females went inside, and Harry rode his pony around the yard.

“I got some information,” Gordon began. “Two strangers were in St. David this week asking if you were around here.”

“Thanks. I have one more mission. Will you be sure they get home all right?”

“I'll drive her wagon up there. She need anything?”

“No. She's fine. Her neighbor shot him, not the Apaches. But that's been handled. I'll see you again. You can tell her I had to leave.”

“I understand.”

•   •   •

He made the ride to her schoolhouse going across country. When he stopped and surveyed the country short of the whitewashed building, he hoped she had not left the school. There was no sign in the yucca-and-century-plant cover of anyone being around.

At the open door he dismounted, and hat off, he swept his hair back.

“Slocum, you're here,” she said and came hurrying from the front of the empty classroom.

They kissed, and he herded her inside. His back against the wall inside, they kissed some more.

“There were two men here asking me about you a few days ago. I said you were down in Mexico.”

He smiled down at her. “I heard about them. After this school session is over, you are going back to Kansas?”

“Yes, I think I can hold my head up there, and my father can use me.”

“You will find a real man. You are too much woman not to find a real one.”

She looked around, chewing on her lower lip. “I wish we had time and a place—”

“Thanks. You're a sweet woman. I am on my way out of here.” Her faint perfume in his nose, he rocked her in his arms and savored her glorious body.

“God be with you, big man. I will pray for you.”

They went outside, and he kissed her on the cheek. Then, before he stepped into the stirrup, from her pocket she took a new gray silk neckerchief and tied it around his neck. She waved good-bye as he rode off.

He rode long into the night. No woman to share his bedroll that evening. He studied the North Star and Big Dipper. There were times when it became inconvenient for him to remain in the same spot.
Damn shame
.

Watch for

SLOCUM AND THE THREE FUGITIVES

418th
novel in the exciting SLOCUM series from Jove

Coming in December!