Chapter Thirty-Four Getting Close

“Little Dove you are in for a treat.  No one makes a better taco dinner than Carla.”  He walks up to Carla and gives her a quick peck on her left check.

Little Dove just smiles as she is not used to seeing public displays of affection among her people.  She thinks it is nice.

“Scott, Little Dove wants to tell you something.”

“Something good I hope.”  “Not exactly.”

Little Dove begins to tell Scott exactly what she told Carla.  While Carla continues to prepare the taco shells and the different fillings she will place inside of them.

When she finishes, Scott looks at Carla and says, “I have been suspecting something to happen for awhile now.  Not sure where it’s coming from but I think Little Dove is right.  If we are dealing with murdering marauders, I want everyone including Mike sleeping in the house.  We’ll talk about it together over dinner.”

Chapter Thirty-Three Trip Back East

Later that afternoon John Sr. sees Johnny heading into the barn.  “Johnny, your mother and sister are planning a trip back east.  They’ll be leaving tomorrow.  Wait another day before you do the hit.  I don’t want your mother wondering why you aren’t around so early in the morning when she is leaving.”

“Who’s going to cook for us?”  Said in the same manner his father did.   

“Your brother Matt will be cooking.  She has it all worked out with him.  He is taking them to the stage.”

“How long are they going to be gone?  I mean, she’s never done this before.”

“Some day you’ll learn that women can come up with the strangest ideas, son.”

Johnny turns and heads out to find Lester and tell him to instruct the boys they would be going out a day later.

Exciting News

Last week, I forwarded to my publisher the manuscript for my fourth book.  It is the sequel to Behind the Lies and titled, "Gateway to Terror."  Once they edit the mauscript and I check it out the book will go into production.  I anticipate it will be available the end of September or early October.

Chapter Thirty-Two Coming Together

While eating their breakfast in the encampment, White Cloud notices five riders coming towards them.  A little puzzled he realizes they are from his tribe but he only asked for four extra braves.

Approaching closer, he sees the fifth rider is his sister Little Dove.

“What brings you out here, sister?”

“Your message to father told me things were going to be happening.  I could not stand by without helping.”

“Helping, what do you expect to do?”

“Joan has given me an open invitation to come and spend some time with them.  I am going to take her up on it.”

“If something happens, I have you to worry about as well.”

“Dear brother with you out here I don’t have any worries,” as she rides off towards the ranch.

The eight braves just look at each other nodding their heads at the squaw riding off who acts like a man.

Chapter Thirty One Legal Papers

Joan hitches up the buckboard with two horses and moves them out to the front of the house.  Scott comes out to speak with her.  “Here’s the list of items you need to pick up at the general store.  This way it’s not too obvious that you’re looking for mail.”

“It’s supposed to be addressed to me so I don’t think anyone is going to get too curious.  They should assume I will be expecting it.  Anyway it’s good to be cautious.”

“Do you want me to go along with you?”

“No dad, I’ve always made these trips alone before.  What happened to Tyler seems to me very deliberate.  I don’t think anyone is out looking for me.”

“God, I hope not.  You take care; do you want to take a rife along with you?”

“I already have one tucked inside of the foot boards near my legs.”

“That’s my daughter, good thinking.”

            Joan waves as she moves the buckboard out of the yard.