Montana Rose by Sherry Derr-Wille

Author:Sherry Derr-Wille
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ranch1800shistoricalinheritancewesternromancefinding lovemurderbosswhore
Publisher: Melange Books

Chapter Nine

Every bone in Rose’s body ached. She’d been around men all her life, but never had she seen such violence. The sight of the rustler’s dead body made her sick to her stomach. Added to that, she was beginning to distrust Frank more and more.

On the train, she had accepted every word he said, even though she knew better than to believe any man who wanted to get into bed with her. If he wasn’t a marshal, just who was he and why had he come to the Rocking M? She’d made it clear she wasn’t opening her bed to anyone, so why didn’t he just ride away? Was it possible he was working with the rustlers, and if he was, how did he know it was her ranch that was targeted?

With no answers forthcoming, she dismounted her horse and headed toward the house. To her surprise, Frank followed her.

“I think we need to discuss what happened out there this afternoon,” he said, putting his hand on her arm.

“Don’t you think you should be helping Cam take the body to the barn? As far as I can tell, there’s not much to discuss. Those men were trying to steal the herd. Dave and Adam were holding them off when you and Cam rode in there. Cam admitted he shot the man in the shoulder, and Dave backed him up. Is there something else you think I should know about the situation?”

“No, it’s just—”

“It’s just want? I made it clear I wasn’t allowing any man in my bed. What we did on the train has nothing to do with the life I have here. Since you have nothing different to tell me, I suggest you see if there is anything Cam needs you to do. Better yet, why don’t you ride out with the men and see what you can do to help with the herd?”

“Suppose there is. I could have gone to town to get the sheriff, but Cam already sent his son.”

“Josh is capable of going for the sheriff. Besides, every adult on this ranch is automatically suspect. You should know that.”

“They couldn’t suspect you or me. All this started before either of us even arrived.”

“Maybe not, but it’s best if we all stay put.”

Rose opened the front door and stepped inside, locking the door behind her before Frank could follow. She was relieved to be safe behind the closed and locked door. After reading the wire Cam received earlier in the day, she began to wonder just who Frank O’Brien really was, and if she should send another wire from the railhead asking for assistance from the U.S. Marshals in Denver. If she did send for them, would they arrive in time to save not only her herd but also the lives of her men?

* * * *

Cam watched as Josh rode toward town. He hoped he hadn’t made a mistake by sending his son. If Sheriff Pollard was in on this, he might disregard anything the boy had to say.

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