A Short Ride to Hell by Paul Green & 9780719824029

Author:Paul Green & 9780719824029 [Green, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780719824029
Publisher: Robert Hale Fiction
Published: 2023-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Callaghan and his companions rode wearily through the desert towards San Elizario. Pike’s men had ridden hard to reach Maxwell in the first place, and this second journey was taking its toll on both the riders and their horses. The burly sergeant removed his hat and mopped the sweat from his balding pate with a large handkerchief.

‘I’m none too sure about this plan of yours, Sheriff. It seems to me them darned Apaches could catch us up in open country if we keep goin’ at this pace.’

‘Can’t we go any faster?’ demanded Gorman.

‘Sure, if you want the horses to die underneath us we can,’ replied Pike with obvious sarcasm.

‘Do you have any ideas?’ asked Callaghan.

The sergeant unfolded a crumpled map from a pocket in his tunic and pointed to it. ‘There’s a low-lyin’ range about five miles up ahead. A narrow track runs through it and them Apaches will pass that way. It seems to me our best chance is to hide out there and attack when they arrive.’

‘It seems I was a little hasty, Sergeant. It sounds like your plan has a good chance of success,’ conceded Gorman.

‘Well, it won’t be as easy as shootin’ fish in a barrel, our enemy bein’ pretty smart, but I reckon we’ll win.’

‘I hope your men will bear in mind that Aldo has a hostage,’ commented Callaghan.

‘Until recently, the girl was riding with a group of bandits led by her brother, was she not?’ asked Gorman.

‘Against her will,’ Callaghan reminded the detective. ‘She also risked her own neck to save innocent people. The least we can do is try to avoid shooting her.’

‘We can’t afford to be sentimental,’ insisted Gorman. ‘Tate must be apprehended at all costs, so I suggest you stop mooning over the Salinas girl and remember where your duty lies!’

The detective had been riding on Callaghan’s left and Pike on his right. The sheriff swung around in one smooth motion, his fist smashing into Gorman’s jaw. The blow sent the other man tumbling from his horse and he lay sprawling in the hot sand.

The detective slowly staggered to his feet and his dazed expression soon switched to one of anger. He reached for his gun only to find that Callaghan’s was already out of its holster and pointing at him.

‘I’ve just about had enough of you and your smart mouth, Gorman. If you ever decide to go for that holster again, I’ll be happy to fire at you.’

Gorman made a show of dusting himself off and wiped away the trickle of blood that ran from the corner of his mouth. ‘You struck an officer of the law, Callaghan. What did you expect me to do?’ His tone was defiant yet tinged with fear.

‘I’m an officer of the law too,’ Callaghan reminded him. ‘Show me a little respect and I’ll extend you the same courtesy.’

‘Tate will be your prisoner,’ Pike added as the detective climbed back on to his horse, ‘but until we fight off the Apaches and he’s recaptured, this here is a military operation and that puts me in charge.

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