A Cowboy of Legend by Linda Broday

Author:Linda Broday
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2021-02-08T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-two

Back on Rusk Street with noon approaching, Deacon collected Izzy’s red wagon and belongings, surprised but glad they were still there. He and Grace had turned toward the saloon when he saw a boy running into an old shack. “Did you see that?”

“Yes. Do you think it’s Izzy?” Grace squinted. “I can’t tell.”

“I don’t know, but we’ll find out.” They reached the leaning building with its rotting boards and Deacon was afraid to hope. “Izzy, is that you? Come out, son.”

“You don’t have to be afraid,” Grace called. “We won’t hurt you.”

A shadowed face appeared at the opening. Two scared eyes came into focus. “It’s me, Simon.”

The poor kid’s voice shook. It must seem like the end of the world to him. Who knew the last time he’d slept or eaten? Deacon reached into the sack of things from the general store for some jerky. “Here, Simon. You look hungry.”

The boy snatched the food and fell back into the shadows of the old dilapidated building.

“What happened to the money I gave you?” Deacon asked. “It was enough to buy you a little food.”

“A big kid slugged me and stole it. I’m sorry, Mr. Brannock.”

“It’s okay. Some things happen beyond our control.” Deacon pressed against the side. “I can protect you, give you a place to stay where no one will find you.” He’d seen so many like Simon and Izzy over the years. If he could help just one, he’d feel less of a failure.

Grace leaned forward. “Take him up on that offer, Simon. You’re all alone out here.”

“They’s some men tryin’ to get me.” Simon’s voice was low and frightened.

“They’re going to find you a home, son. They mean no harm.” Deacon hoped to quell the terror in the boy’s eyes.

“No, these are bad, bad mean ones. They took my friend, and I hid.”

That didn’t sound like Reverend Moore.

“Come out and let’s talk.” Deacon moved back a little, and Grace followed to ease the pressure. “You can trust me.”

“Promise to keep me safe?” Simon’s whisper barely reached Deacon.

“I do. I’ll make sure no one finds you.”

Silence ensued. Deacon listened to the boy chomping on the jerky. If worst came to worst, they could grab him and force him to come along, but that would be the last option. Trying to force their will on Simon wouldn’t sit well, even though it might be for his own good.

Simon’s face appeared in the slight opening. He chewed. “Okay. I’ll try your place, Mr. Brannock. But I ain’t saying I’ll stay long. Walls make me jittery. Cain’t run.”

Grace gave a low cry and covered her mouth. Tears filled her eyes.

“I know, Simon,” Deacon said softly. “But it’s best for now. No one will get you.”

A heavy sigh sounded. “I guess.”

He and Grace helped Simon from his narrow hiding place and hurried him to the Three Deuces, where the nervous boy glanced around. They seated him at the kitchen table, and Harry gave him a glass of cold milk.

Aunt Martha had taken the purchases and disappeared into the kitchen.

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