Brave Sonora by Steven Law

Author:Steven Law
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2014-06-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Sereno led the way, his horse galloping through the dusty streets, down the cobblestone thoroughfare, and into the countryside toward the hacienda. Enrique felt dizzy from his wound, but he leaned forward, keeping his eyes on Sereno, and held on to the reins, with the boy clinging tightly behind him. Occasionally Enrique would peer back, hoping to see that Pang had made it through. Before long, that was exactly what he saw, but not just Pang, there was also that gringo close to the Chinaman’s tail. Since the man helped them there was certainly no fear of who he might be, but there was definitely a rising curiosity.

After they all reached the courtyard in front of the main house at the hacienda, they were greeted by Constanza, Jose, and Guadalupe, and Emanuela came running from the school yard.

Emanuela was quick to help Amado down from Sereno’s horse. She embraced him with joyful cries and kissed his forehead. She then ran to Javier, who jumped down from Enrique’s horse and quickly to her embrace.

Enrique, weak from blood loss, closed his eyes and leaned forward in his saddle.

Emanuela looked at him with concern, and when she saw the blood she called out to the guards. “He is hurt! Please help him down!”

Constanza came running, as did Jose, and after the guards had helped him off the horse Constanza shouted her orders. “Take him to his room, and get our doctor . . . quickly!” Constanza turned to Emanuela, who held both boys close to her. “Emanuela, you take the boys to your place and care for them.”

Emanuela nodded, but looked on with great concern for Enrique.

By then time Pang and Sereno had both dismounted they were taking Enrique into the house, but Sereno turned his attention to the man who had ridden in behind Pang, and was now dismounting near a hitching rail. As the man walked closer, his face became clearer under the shadow of a hat brim, and he smiled at them.

Pang followed Sereno’s gaze and shaded his own eyes with his hand. “Sheriff?”

Dutton nodded at Sereno, then reached for Pang’s hand and smirked. “I ain’t no damned sheriff anymore.”

Pang smiled and grabbed Dutton’s hand with both of his and held it firmly. “You got my telegram!”

“Beats the Pony Express any day.”

Pang’s face drew solemn and he pointed behind him. “Enrique, he has been hurt.”

The three of them jogged quickly toward the guards as they carried Enrique. The Criollo had put each one of his arms around their necks and hobbled along as they carried him into the main house. Everyone followed them, down the halls through the main casa and to Enrique’s room, where they lay him in his bed.

“Get his shirt off of him,” Constanza said to Guadalupe. She turned to Jose and the guards. “Get some hot water and some clean towels.” She clapped her hands together. “Rápidamente!”

As Guadalupe removed Enrique’s bloody shirt, Dutton came forward and stood over him.

Enrique’s eyes were half-closed, but he found a slight smile.

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