The Killing Blow (20 page)

“Good news for them and plenty of other folks,” Clint said. “I like the sound of that.”

“And I will bring this to my people,” Crow said as he held Ordell's rifle reverently. “Seeing this weapon taken from its owner will be very good news to them.”

“The best news I've had for a while was knowing you were following through on our plan to trap Ordell,” Clint said. “For a moment, I thought you truly were going to attack me.”

“I was thinking about it,” Crow said.

Walking along the river toward them, Rain rushed over to Crow to give him a hug. “And that is all you'll do. I asked Clint if you were all right and he wouldn't tell me.”

Crow let his sister dote on him for a few seconds before pushing her away. “Ordell could have been watching and listening to every word. You knew that.”

“I know, but I still worried. I thought Ordell had seen me when I brought Clint's plan to you. I thought he'd seen me when I warned Clint that he was near so you two could start your fight. No matter how careful I was,” she said as a chill worked its way down her spine, “he still crept up on me and could have—”

“But he didn't,” Clint said. “You did a fine job.”

“I second that!” Howlett declared. “Hell, I wouldn't mind if you brought your sister along on a regular basis. She's one of the best scouts I've ever seen.”

“Right now, I just want to get out of these woods and go home,” Rain told him.

Clint couldn't agree more.

Watch for 
THE FRIENDS OF WILD BILL HICKOK
 
302
^nd
novel in the exciting GUNSMITH series
from Jove 
Coming in February!