Raining Trouble by Randall Sawka

Author:Randall Sawka
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: bully tries to control the valley, gambling hall controlled by bully rancher, gunfight between large rancher and small ranch owners, horse trader doesnt take kindly to bullies, newcomers not welcome by old time rancher, old west ranching area, rancher dominating land doesnt like newcomers
Publisher: Books We Love Ltd.

Chapter Nine

Jed Cochran held his rifle close as he leaned against the door jam. He recognized Ron Ward from a good distance and walked out to greet him. The dried bloodstain stood out on Ward’s shirt. “Looks like you had some trouble.”

Ward climbed off his mount and removed the saddle. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

A tall, slim man followed the Kelly girl here and headed back towards the Scrum ranch. I trailed him for a bit but he doubled back on me and we had a disagreement. He’s winged too and is probably telling Scrum what happened as we speak.”

Cochran nodded. “Once Dunn is keeping an eye on the Kelly place. Donna Kelly's resting in our house.”

“I think we should have a word with her right away,” said Ward before he splashed water on his face from the trough.

Donna Kelly sat at the table across from Lynn Cochran. Ron and Jed sat in the two empty chairs.

Ron Ward leaned forward. “Donna, are you up to answering a few questions?”

“Yes.” Fatigue showed in Donna’s voice but her resolve was beyond question. “But, first, let me look after those wounds.”

“Fair enough.”

Donna washed and dressed the wounds. “Done. Now I think I’m ready to talk.”

“Good,” continued Ward. “Did your father lose many cattle over to rustlers over the last few years?”

“As a matter of fact he did. At first he thought they had just wandered off or into the trees. But the losses added up to ten percent of the herd.”

“Did any of them disappear during heavy rain storms?”

Donna Kelly’s eye grew wide. “Pa mentioned that a few times over the last few years. How did you know?”

“Scrum,” mumbled Cochran.

“That's right.” Ward replied. “He tried the same thing on Jed’s herd. We stopped him this time.”

The chair squeaked as Ward slid it back. He stood up and walked to the window. “What’s the Kelly brand?”

“Double T,” replied Donna.

“And yours is the L L?”

“That's right.”

“Sounds to me like Scrum's triple-box brand would hide those brands if he's careful.”

“Or if nobody looked closely for it,” added Lynn Cochran.

“It's time I went and had a closer look at Scrum's cattle. I'll catch a little shuteye and leave at sunset,” said Ward.

“Be careful, Ron.” Donna Kelly wore a concerned look. “There have been too many lives lost already.”

“I will.” Ron smiled at Donna.

Donna Kelly had let down her long red hair earlier in the day. She spoke with a grace that balanced well with her courage. Ron locked eyes briefly with the slim, attractive woman. Donna looked away shyly. Ron liked that.

As the sun fell below the undulating hills in the west Ron Ward ate a hearty meal and drank two cups of strong coffee. “Time to saddle up.”

“I expect Barry Scrum will have plenty of lookouts,” said Jed.

“The going will be slow, but I have all night.”

Ward rode toward the Scrum spread at a slow, steady pace. He stayed out of the moonlight as much as possible. On the edge of the Scrum spread he staked his horse in a small glade.

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