Lockwood: Western Box Set (Books 1 - 3) by Schwab Ron

Author:Schwab, Ron
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Uplands Press
Published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

23

Reaper had been assigned the homestead at the northeast end of the valley for this night’s mission. It was located some thirty miles from Lockwood. There would be no need to fret about the law learning about their visit too quickly. The place was isolated, an island in the middle of prime grazing land. The area had been opened by the government for homesteading only a year earlier, but the county Stock Growers Association members expected a flood of homesteaders in the spring. They wanted to send a warning.

His association contact had informed him that they wanted no hangings unless there was evidence of rustling. “Just burn them out,” he had directed. If possible, the occupants were not to be physically harmed. Reaper had long ago learned there was no homesteader who would simply sit back and watch his home and farm buildings burned down. More than likely, someone would get hurt tonight.

As usual, there were eight Riders including himself to carry out the task. Tommy Bean had taken up residence in hell, and he had sent Joker to Lockwood for a several days’ scouting mission, where he would also meet up with their spy for an update. He hoped to learn more details of the law’s plans for resistance. And he wanted to know about the man who had shot Bean and fired at his retreating Justice Riders after their attack on the church.

He had a half dozen men in reserve, however, mostly gunslingers who had worked with him for at least three or four years. The men were interchangeable for a mission, and Reaper liked to hold men back, partially to protect their hideout, but also to preserve his resources in case an assault turned sour and serious losses were incurred.

It was a half hour before sundown when the black-hooded men rode into the farmstead’s yard. A man dressed in a coonskin cap with earflaps and a bulky coat was crossing the yard, carrying a bucket in each hand. When he saw the riders, he dropped the buckets, spilling the liquid contents, and raced for the little log cabin.

Reaper spoke to Danek, “Looks like the fella was coming back from milking. It appears he turned out the milk cow in the lot. I don’t see a calf. Anyway, there’s no sign of rustled cattle. I guess that’s to the man’s credit. Report said he has a wife. Not sure about kids.”

Danek said, “It’s damn cold out here. I wonder if we shouldn’t settle for the barn and chicken house. Leave these people a roof over their heads. Your Association folks should consider public reaction to what they’re doing. They seem to be willing to risk public opinion turning against them. Most folks will stay neutral, avoid a fight unless somebody goes too far.”

“Sometimes you sound like an old woman, Danek. Leave the house, and they’ll have a new barn up by spring. This one’s not much of a barn anyhow.”

Reaper dismounted from the pale horse, and the other men followed his signal.

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