Brothers in Blood by Dusty Richards

all circumstances other than those I’ve been more mindful of the law. I try to obey it.”
    â€œIt damn sure took lots of guts to do it by yourself. I’ve always regretted I wasn’t there to back you.” Roamer shook his head as if in disgust.
    â€œThe Preskitt Valley foreman, Raphael, does, too. He tells me about it all the time.”
    â€œThat desk deputy wouldn’t let him go and help you. It wasn’t his fault,” Roamer said.
    â€œI know. He knows. Just how it turned out.”
    â€œThere isn’t a man I know in this county does more for law and order than you. That’s why you’re a US Deputy Marshal. They want you on their side.”
    After the meal, they gave the prisoners a blanket apiece so they didn’t freeze to death. The next morning, Jesus served everyone an oatmeal breakfast, then they mounted up and headed north for the crossing. Their horses were slow, so when they got about halfway, Chet sent Jesus to Hampt’s to get three fresh ones. He planned to leave those three weary animals at the breed camp, and maybe they’d find some forage and get rested.
    They made the exchange at the ford and Rump thanked him for the horses’ return. They pushed on to Hampt’s where May fed the posse and offered them a place to spend the night. Chet and Roamer decided they should push on to Preskitt Valley.
    They made it there about midnight and put the prisoners to sleep on the bunkhouse floor. With the horses put up, Chet breathed steam and headed for the dark house. It had been a long day.
    When he went inside, Marge had come downstairs and lit a lamp.
    â€œHow did it go?”
    â€œWe caught them. Been all night getting here.”
    â€œDidn’t they put up a fight?”
    â€œNo, they were starving, too. Horses worn out. They’ll be in jail tomorrow.”
    â€œI’m glad you weren’t hurt and are back with me.” She hugged him.
    â€œI smell like a horse and campfire.”
    â€œYou smell good to me anywhere, anytime, anyplace, Chet Byrnes.”
    They went off to bed.

C HAPTER 8
    In the morning, Jesus went with Roamer to deliver the prisoners and bring Hampt’s horses back to them. Cole helped the vaqueros . Chet took a bath, shaved, and sat in the living room reading the Miner newspaper editions that he’d missed.
    â€œWell, world traveler, what are your plans?” Marge asked.
    â€œI need to check with Sarge to be certain everything is fine in Gallup. That’s a very important part of this operation. Our sales over there will keep us expanding.”
    â€œAre you concerned about it?”
    â€œNot concerned, but the potential is there. They’re pleased we delivered on time and good well-fleshed cattle. But I worry people might try to underbid us. They say their experience with us has been what they expected, but it could be fragile.”
    â€œDo you need to go over there?”
    â€œMaybe later on.”
    â€œMaybe it will be less pressing on you in the future.”
    â€œAll I care about is you and the baby first. Family, ranches, and my people next.”
    â€œOh, I can’t complain. I miss my horses. I miss being more active, but I have you and the baby warms my heart.”
    After supper, they went to bed and he slept hard.
    Come dawn, he was up, ate breakfast and told his men they were riding for the Verde. Sarge should be there with his wife, plus he might have any news on the state of their contract with the Indian Bureau. It would make him more settled to know everything was all right.
    The day was sharp, but warming, like so many winter days did. They dropped off the mountain into the Verde Valley and it heated more. Midday at the ranch, Sarge and his wife, Susie, came out on the porch to greet them.
    Chet gave Jesus his horse’s reins, hugged his sister, and shook Sarge’s hand. “How did it go?”
    â€œNo problems.” Sarge led the way into the house.