The Deserters by Luke Short

Author:Luke Short [Short, Luke]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Pete rode with the detachment as far as the business section of Banning and then he told Lieutenant Blanton that he would see him at the jail. Maule, handcuffed, his feet roped together under his horse's belly, had not spoken the whole way and he did not even look up as Pete left the detachment and headed up the side street leading past Mays's boarding house.

There would be no use describing the fight to Laurie, for it was nothing anyone would enjoy hearing. Lefty was dead. Beach had never made it free from his stirrups and his saddle horn had been driven into his chest when his horse went over, and he was dead. Roy, shot in the belly, was delirious and would not make it through the night. Lieutenant Blanton had instructions to post a heavy guard in the cell block of Sheriff Collier's jail. Tomorrow both detachments would ride back to Fort Lyman with their captive. Pete would have to be there.

When Pete walked into the boarding house, he went directly back down the corridor to the kitchen where the women were busy preparing dinner.

He stood in the doorway until Laurie saw him. With an exclamation of joy, she hurried to him. Aunt Martha heard her and looked around.

Laurie came into his open arms and Pete hugged her gently. Then, taking her by the elbow, he led her across the kitchen to Aunt Martha, who was frowning with disapproval.

"Aunt Martha, I would like to reintroduce myself. I'm First Lieutenant Peter Brisbin, Third United States Cavalry, My job here is done."

"And what was your job?" Aunt Martha asked.

“To capture Ben Maule and put him in jail. That was done this morning. He was a deserter, a killer and a thief."

"Well, I declare," Aunt Martha said softly.

Pete looked down at Laurie, who was watching him with a happy astonishment.

"I just wanted to get that out of the way. Aunt Martha, before I ask a question." He paused. "Do I have your permission to marry Laurie?"

He was watching Laurie as Aunt Martha said, "I didn't know you had asked her to marry you."

"I haven't, but I am. Now."

"In heaven's name, Lieutenant Brisbin, give her time to think about this."

To Laurie, Pete said, "I've been married before, Laurie. My wife died in childbirth. Does that make a difference to you?"

Laurie smiled and shook her head. “The first kiss is always supposed to be private, Pete, but this one won't be."

It wasn't.

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