Shadows of the Mountain #1 Mustang River Ranch by Bev Pettersen

Author:Bev Pettersen [Pettersen, Bev]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Westerhall
Published: 2017-09-03T14:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Kate’s horse stumbled. She automatically tightened the reins, helping Oreo regain his footing. Jack was setting a scorching pace. Obviously he wanted to leave a clear trail, but also hoped to stay out of sight of their pursuers. She was hot and thirsty, and her arm ached from leading Slider, but the discomfort helped her focus on their escape.

And not the murder she’d witnessed on the knoll. Not Kessler’s blank eyes, the gaping wound in his throat or the way blood had spilled over his shirt.

She gave a choke of disbelief. Kessler had been the man she’d distrusted most, not friendly Logan. And she’d certainly never imagined either agent capable of slitting the other’s throat. Courtney must be shattered. Those two men had been on her detail for years, and Logan had been her riding companion.

Courtney’s abduction must have been planned for a while. Once Logan discovered her passion for wild horses, he would have known he’d be the logical agent to accompany her. But such ruthlessness was outside Kate’s experience. She’d dealt with incompetence, braggarts and fools. Had helped fishermen, hunters and hikers who were simply the victims of poor decisions or bad luck. But people who abducted for money—and were willing to slaughter anyone who stepped in their way—that was hard to absorb.

She tightened her sweaty grip on Slider’s lead line and urged Oreo for more speed. There was no doubt they were being followed. Six shod horses left a lot of tracks. How much time would Monty need? A fit man could walk down a horse or mule, but Monty knew the terrain. And if they were able to give him enough of a head start, she had no doubt he could deliver the girls to safety.

She took a peek over her shoulder, trying not to imagine the feel of a bullet as it ripped into her back. But no deadly silhouettes appeared on the hill. Besides, they wouldn’t shoot her. Not yet. Those men had made no secret that Courtney was the one of value. All other riders and horses were disposable.

Kate followed Jack into another cluster of trees and breathed a little easier, grateful for the shelter and aware they’d just provided Monty with another twenty minutes.

Jack slowed his horse, trotting in a half circle. The three horses he was leading turned with minimal fuss, accustomed to being ponied. “How are you doing?” he asked, his gaze intent as he stepped down from the saddle. “Is Slider pulling your arm off?”

“He’s figuring it out,” she said. “He’s going to be a better ranch horse after all this. So will Courtney’s paint.”

“And you deserve a raise after this.” Jack smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes and she wondered if he still wished she’d gone with Monty. But he would never have been able to make such good time leading all six horses. And if Oreo or Slider had broken away and galloped back to camp, Logan would have been instantly suspicious.

“Can you dismount and hold the horses?” Jack asked.

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