The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

Author:Sarah M. Eden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: 2016-08-09T04:00:00+00:00

Cade sat astride Fintan at the edge of town, watching a stagecoach approach. He had his rifle resting across his legs. Today was the bank delivery. His badge was in full view, polished to a shine that ensured every ray of sunshine glinted off it. He meant to make certain that anyone watching would walk away knowing Savage Wells was well protected.

To that end, he’d temporarily deputized four others to stand guard throughout the town. Bill Nelson, who’d made cattle runs in these parts for years and had a steady hand on his weapon and a calm head on his shoulders, was stationed at a window above the mercantile. Cade had spoken with the man a number of times since coming to Savage Wells and had taken his measure straight off. Nelson said little, but didn’t miss a detail. He was a straight shooter in every sense of the phrase. Bringing him in for the deliveries would add a much needed layer of safety.

The stagecoach slowed as it reached the edge of town. The driver dipped his head in Cade’s direction. Cade answered with a dip of his own and turned Fintan to follow alongside the coach. Up beside the driver was a man with a dark brown hat pulled low over his eyes, a dust-covered kerchief about his neck, and a shotgun resting on his lap. The stage was guarded as well.

Cade kept pace as they made their way to the bank. He eyed the street and surrounding buildings. Nelson was at his post. Cade recognized the townspeople standing about. No one looked out of place.

Clark stood at an open window above the restaurant, just where Cade had asked him to be. Though the man was a bit too attached to his chicken, Clark had impressed Cade on other occasions with his logical mind and firmness of character. Add to that Clark’s reputation as the best hunter in all of Savage Wells and he was an easy choice to be temporarily deputized and placed as a lookout during the delivery.

Paisley would have been his best and first choice, but she was still as angry as a hornet the last time they’d spoken. Her grievances with him and her easily bruised pride would likely have prevented her from accepting.

The stage pulled up in front of the bank. Cade dismounted, his calculating gaze sweeping the street. He kept his weapon at the ready. The man riding next to the driver climbed down, a heavy box under one arm, his shotgun held in the other hand.

“You the new sheriff?” he asked, eyeing Cade’s badge.

“O’Brien.”

“I’m Stevenson,” the man answered.

“Have you been doing these deliveries long?” Cade watched the street as he spoke, keeping close to Stevenson as they walked the few steps toward the bank.

“Two years now,” he said. “I come up from Laramie.”

Cade nodded. That’s what he’d been told as well. Hearing a consistent story was always reassuring. He opened the door to the bank and stepped inside with the delivery. This was a crucial moment.

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