After the Fall by Darrel Sparkman

Author:Darrel Sparkman [Sparkman, Darrel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oghma Creative Media

4

The Sanchez ranch lay in a narrow valley next to the Big Springs basin. The land here was not quite as rough, with the forest broken by small glades and clearings full of grass. In the distance, Trent could see cattle grazing on a plateau, and on another were horses. All of the animals had guards. Someone was very smart. Cattle represented food. Horses represented transportation. Anyone controlling a herd of cattle, or the horses for that matter, could have about anything they wanted. Provided they could hold it. Coming out on a wider trail that led to the main house, a low bungalow with a red-tiled roof and wraparound porch, they hitched up their packs and started toward it.

“Hold it.”

The voice had come from the side, next to a gigantic outcropping of limestone, and Trent silently cursed himself for not being more careful. From the way Katie acted, he thought they might be more welcome at her friend’s ranch.

The man who rode around the rock was lean and dark. Both hands handled his rifle as he guided his horse with his knees. His wide-brimmed hat sat on the back on his head, revealing shiny black hair. Smoke from a small, black cigarillo made his eyes squint at them, but Trent doubted he missed anything. This man looked to be all tough whang-leather and sharp spurs. There was no doubt about the M-4 carbine pointed at them.

“You have business here?” The voice was soft and musical, with no trace of an accent.

Katie spoke up, flustered. “You must be new here. I’m a friend of Consuelo’s.”

Motioning them forward with his off hand, the rifle didn’t waver. His voice was polite and calm. Despite himself, Trent was impressed. “That we shall see. Today is not a good day for visitors.”

“What about our weapons? We’ll not be giving them up.” Trent’s voice was firm.

The man just shrugged and motioned them on. He had no doubt this man could take them both if trouble was offered.

“Have you had trouble?”

“Each day has its own.” The brusque reply was both philosophical and grim as the man followed them toward the house.

As they neared the long porch that circled the house, a woman came busting through the door. Long black hair framed black snapping eyes, and the low cut dress revealed her dusky complexion. Short and voluptuous, her dress trimmed in jewelry, she looked more like an Indian princess than a Mexican landowner.

“Katie.” The woman exclaimed as she hugged the tall blond girl. “Welcome back. We were so worried.”

“How’s it going, Connie?”

Consuelo’s dancing eyes sobered a moment as she held her friend at arm’s length. “It goes. How do you like my new foreman?”

“He seems very capable.” Katie smirked at her. “And very handsome, too.”

Trent was watching the retreating man on the horse, and was thinking of joining him, when Connie turned his way. “And who is your very handsome man?”

Katie pulled him by the arm as they moved toward chairs on the porch. “Connie, this is John Trent.

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