Colin's Quest (30 page)

“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 hold. “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.

“Did you find the cattle?” Sarah asked Colin.

“No. We lost the tracks in the storm. I sent men ahead several miles, but they saw nothing. I don’t understand how they could have gotten so far without us catching them.” Taking off his hat, Colin swiped an arm across his forehead.

“Uncle Ewan said they had at least a twelve hour start. He and Uncle Ian rode into Conviction to let Sheriff Yost know about the rustlers.” She watched as a look of disgust appeared on Colin’s face.

“Ach. The man will do nothing.” The mention of Yost reminded him of seeing Sheriff Walker. “We crossed paths with Sheriff Walker last night.”

“Sheriff Walker of River City?” Slipping her arm through his, they walked up the porch steps.

“He and his deputies rode into our camp last night. I already told you we first saw him on our way to find you. That means he’s been away for almost four months. I’ve never known a sheriff to travel that far tracking outlaws. And four months? It’s a long time to be gone.”

“True, especially given his health.”

“Health?” Colin turned toward her, his brows creasing.

“Well, you met him. He’s older, overweight, and Ma used to say he had a little drinking problem.” Sarah started toward the kitchen, stopping when Colin reached out and grabbed her arm.

“Are you certain you’re talking about Sheriff Joe Walker?”

“Of course. I’ve met him often enough at church and when he’d come out to the house. Why?” Sarah cocked her head, her eyes flashing confusion.

“The man we met is younger, tall, slender, and appears to be as healthy as a horse.”

Sarah watched as he took a few steps away, as if trying to reconcile the man he met to the one she described. Cursing, he turned back toward her.

“I’m sorry, Sarah, but I’ve got to ride into town and send telegrams to the deputy in River City and Reverend Olford.”

“There’s not a chance I’m letting you out of my sight. I’m going with you.” Untying her apron, she hurried into the kitchen, letting Geneen know where she’d be. “When Kyla returns, please let her know where I’ve gone.” Voices from the entry indicated her mother-in-law had just gotten home. “Sounds as if she’s already here.”

“You’re riding out so soon?”

“I have to, Ma. It’s important I get confirmation about the man we met on the trail. It won’t take long, but don’t hold supper for us. We’ll eat in town.”

“Who’s going with you?” Kyla asked.

“I am.” Sarah slipped her arm around Colin’s waist. “You don’t think I’d let him go without me, do you?”

“I suppose not.” Kyla chuckled, watching Colin lean down to place a kiss on Sarah’s neck.
“Well, you’d best get going if you want to get the message off today.”

“Do you want to wait for a response?” The clerk read over the messages, collecting the money Colin set on the counter.

“You can find us at the hotel restaurant.”

“Fair enough. I’ll get these right off.”

Taking Sarah’s hand, he walked down the boardwalk toward the sheriff’s office. Stepping inside, he didn’t wait for Yost to look up.

“I need to see your wanted posters.”

Yost set aside his pen, looking up at Colin, then standing when he saw Sarah. “I understand congratulations are due, Mrs. MacLaren.”

“Thank you, Sheriff.”

“Now, why do you want to see the posters?” Yost asked.

Colin explained their two encounters with the man claiming to be Walker. “I believe they’re outlaws and may have been part of the group who stole our cattle.”

“Well, guess it wouldn’t hurt to let you look through them.” Opening a drawer, he pulled out a stack of papers, tossing them on the desk. “Here you go.”

Colin quickly went through them, shaking his head as he reviewed each one. He’d almost given up when one of the last posters presented a perfect image of Sheriff Walker. The name underneath was Lonnie Coffman. Holding it up, he handed it to Yost.

“This is who we saw.”

Yost’s eyes widened. “You’re certain?”

“I am. We saw him twice. When they rode out, they headed in the direction of Crocker.”

“You’re not thinking of going after them, are you?”

“I’m here to let you know what we saw. It means they’re still around and could be a continued threat to Conviction. What you decide to do is up to you.” He took Sarah’s hand. “Come on. I owe you supper.”

Chapter Twenty-One

It took them several minutes to sit down at their table as several townsfolk stepped forward to congratulate them. Many had been at the wedding and chided him for disappearing with his bride so early. He laughed, taking Sarah by the elbow and escorting her to their table.

Ordering the night’s special, he held her hand, settling it on his thigh as they waited for their food. He could feel tremors passing through them.

“You’re shaking.” Lifting her hand, he placed a kiss on her knuckles.

“What will you do if you learn Coffman killed Sheriff Walker?” Her hand tightened in his, her brow creasing with worry. She saw his jaw clench and eyes narrow.

“Not much we
can
do. It’s up to the law to go after him.” He hadn’t told her of their plans to find Coffman and bring him to justice for the killing of his pa and Uncle Gillis. No one knew, except those who’d sat around the fire, deciding the fate of the outlaws. He didn’t intend to lie to her, telling himself this wasn’t a real lie. She simply didn’t know what the men had discussed.