Unbroke Horses by D. B. Jackson

Author:D. B. Jackson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Goldminds Publishing, LLC

TWENTY-SEVEN

Patrick Arbuckle and J.D. Elder looked at one another from across Dunn's old desk in the sheriff's office, their expressions drawn and their faces tired.

“J.D., we got a telegram back from the marshal this morning. He says it may be a week or two before he can get anyone up here to take Raymond Smith back to stand trial.” Patrick Arbuckle stood and leaned against the doorframe.

Elder rose and walked unevenly to the window. He put a hand against the sash for balance and looked down the street as though he were expecting someone.

“Two weeks is a stretch,” he said, and he paused a long time. “Where do you suppose Sandoval is right about now?”

Elder turned to face Patrick.

“Sandoval? I'd like to think he's a long way from here.”

“Is that what you think?”

Patrick shook his head. “No, it ain't.”

Elder waited. Patrick thought for a moment.

“You know he didn't have a horse,” Patrick said. “A man afoot's got a lot working against him in this country. It bothers me some we never found a sign of him anywhere.”

“It bothers me too. You know, there was no love lost between Sandoval and Raymond. I watched them two together, and I don't think Sandoval would throw water on Raymond if he was on fire. But, you know something else? I think Ike had a hold on Sandoval that might make Sandoval do things he ordinarily wouldn't.”

“What are you saying?” Patrick asked.

“I'm saying I think Sandoval will be back for Raymond out of pure respect for Ike. Anyway, we got to expect it. If Sandoval looked to put distance between him and this place, he would have picked up a horse first thing. And we know he didn't do that—at least we don't think he did.”

“I don't know, J.D. Sure seems he would have made a move by now if that were the case. You sure you ain't just a little spooked not knowing where he is?”

Elder looked at Patrick over a weak smile. “Could be,” he said. “Could be.”

“On the other hand,” Patrick said, “you could be right. No reason not to be expecting it, I suppose.”

“Can you keep three guards on Smith for the next couple of weeks?”

“I think so. Nobody's resting too easy the way it is with him in there and the other one out there somewhere,” Patrick said, nodding first toward the cell and then broadly toward the mountains.

“Let's take a walk,” Elder said. “We're going to need a plan.”

Elder and Patrick walked out the back, past the cell, and into the alley behind the jail.

“You can put one man out here. He can cover the back door and both sides of the alley from right over there.” Elder pointed to a doorway beneath a stairwell that offered some protection and reasonably good visibility up and down the alley.

“One man can cover the front door from the street and the other can stay inside and keep an eye on Raymond,” Elder added.

“That should do. Might as well get started,” Patrick said.

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