A Marriage By Chance by Carolyn Davidson

Author:Carolyn Davidson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“There’s not a whole lot we can do, Hogan.” J.T.’s words were forceful, yet a note of frustration was apparent. “Until Micah gives us the go ahead, it’s in his hands. The trail is dead, and we’re going to have to stay put until the judge comes in at the end of the week and gets Corky up before him.”

“We’re just gonna let this bunch of outlaws hit and run and get away with it?” Hogan’s voice was rough, raw with anger, and J.T. shook his head in quick denial.

“Hell, no. We’re going to double the number of men keeping watch at night, and the rest of us will take turns doing double duty on the chores. We’ve got a ranch to run, and I’ll be damned if I’ll let a gang of rustlers put a halt to the operation.” He strode toward the barn, and Hogan was hard put to keep up.

“I want every man armed to the teeth, and be sure they’ve all got enough ammunition to do some good if they need it. Put the new man with Willie. I don’t know which of them will be watching the other more closely, but I’ve a notion Cleary is a force to behold if his back’s against the wall. Micah wouldn’t have given him the nod if he didn’t trust him.”

“All right, whatever you say goes, boss. I know Winters has hired on a couple of men that look more like gunfighters than ranch hands to me. I feel like we’re heading for a battle here before we know it.”

“That may be,” J.T. agreed. “But we’re going to be ready for it, one way or the other. I’ve put a couple of shotguns handy for Chloe and Tilly. They’re better off with them than a rifle, I figure. And I’m staying pretty close to the house. You’re in charge of the rest of the operation out there.” His hand waved toward the north, where the herd had been gathered into as small an area as they could manage.

“Keeping track of the horses will be up to me, and whoever isn’t needed on the range. Have the men take turns, and be sure they’re not asleep in that damn cabin the next time someone decides to cut the fence.”

Hogan shook his head. “You know as well as I do that Corky did that job for them. It’s just too bad that Tom…” He paused as if he rethought his words. “Hell, I don’t know what would have made a difference. We all thought the man was on the up-and-up. And I know damn well Chloe is beatin’ herself over the head, thinkin’ she was the one that hired him on.”

“I think she’s more worried about Pete,” J.T. said. “Not knowing where he is or what he’s up to is preying on her mind right now.”

“You think he’s put in with the rustlers?” Hogan’s lips were set firmly and his hands clenched at his sides, forming fists that twitched with the obvious urge to vent his fury.

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