Read Online Ride for Rule Cordell by Cotton Smith - Free Book Online Page A

swung down, wrapped the reins and the lead rope around the hitching rack near the front porch and told him what had happened without directly answering Bartlett’s question. Hammer barked his greeting and Checker gave him the attention he wanted.
    The two young boys were setting the table and talking as if it were an ordinary day.
    “John, there ain’t no way I branded them beeves,” Emmettdeclared. “Hell, a greenhorn could see a smoke-over like that a mile away.” He shook his head. “Guess it don’t really matter. That she-devil’s got her cap set for my place—an’ that’s that.”
    “I know you didn’t steal her cattle, you old cougar. If you want, I could try to negotiate a sale,” Checker said, studying the rancher’s wrinkled face.
    “What? Are you tryin’ to insult me?”
    Checker pushed his hat back on his head. “No, Emmett. I’m trying to do whatever you want to do. It’s your place.”
    “Right. That’s what it is. My place. Me an’ my boys. We ain’t movin’.” He patted the rifle again. “My Almina’s buried hyar, by God. A.J. told me what ya said. That we should run. I cain’t do that, John.”
    Checker nodded. “Figured you’d say that.”
    “Come on in,” Emmett said. “Got supper near ready. Ain’t much, but it’s fillin’.” He motioned toward the packhorse. “What ar’ ya carryin’?”
    “Food. Bullets. Thought they might come in handy.”
    Emmett grinned. “We’ll give ’em what-fer. Rikor’s up on the barn roof an’ he can see if they start a-comin’—from anywhere.”
    Bartlett bit his lip and asked again, “When do you expect them, John?”
    Checker hitched his heavy gun belt and said there was no way to know for certain. They could come right away. They could wait until they had reinforcements. He thought the latter was most likely, guessing Jaudon’s men would be reluctant to face them this soon. Without a pause, he said there was a real possibility that Rangers or troops would join the effort. Or both. Lady Holt had that kind of pull with the governor, he thought.
    Emmett and Bartlett were stunned at the likelihood of Rangers being involved, or cavalry. Neither had thought of that.
    “My God, you don’t think Rangers would come at us, do you, John? Not really?” Bartlett asked. He rolled his shoulders to let the tension escape.
    “I wouldn’t put it past her, A.J. All she has to do is convince the governor that it’s the right thing to do,” Checker said, and added, “You know Citale.”
    The studious lawman stared at Checker without speaking. “That would mean we’d be shooting at…our friends.”
    “That’s what it would mean,” Checker said. “And they would be shooting back.”
    “They might refuse.”
    “Might. Then they would be fired. Like us.”
    “Damn!”
    “Yeah.”
    Emmett looked at both men. They were longtime friends. “Hey, I don’t expect you boys to do nothin’ like that. You’ve already done a bunch. We’d never made it through last night without you showin’ up.” His shoulders rose and fell. “That devil Englishwoman got the governor to take away your badges. That’s more’n anyone should have to pay. On my account. You boys ride back an’ patch things up. We’ll get along. Honest.”
    “Now you’re trying to insult us , Emmett,” Checker said, and placed a hand on the rancher’s shoulder. “We’re here—and we’re staying.”
    Emmett Gardner looked away for a moment. “Let’s eat, and then I’ll change places with Rikor, so he kin git some chow. He’ll be wantin’ to hear what’s up.”
    They walked inside and the two boys eagerly greeted the tall Ranger and he returned their enthusiasm.
    “Are they comin’ back?” Andrew asked.
    Checker studied the boy. He deserved more than a fairy tale. “Yes, Andrew. They’ll be comin’ back.”
    “Figured.” The boy looked down at his well-worn boots, then back into Checker’s face. “I can shoot.”
    Checker patted him on the