Garrick's expression hardened as Sihaya told her story again. When she finished, he stood there quiet for a long moment, studying us both. "Holt's been getting bolder lately," he said at last. "Word is, he's planning something big. One last score before he rides south and lives like a king."
"What kind of score?" I asked. "No one knows for sure," Garrick said. "But there's talk of a caravan passing through next week. Families heading west to California, hauling everything they own." Sihaya and I exchanged a glance.
A caravan full of families. That was exactly the kind of target Varick Holt preyed on. Vulnerable people carrying everything with no real way to defend themselves. "We have to warn them," Sihaya said. "We stop him," I corrected.
Garrick looked between us, then gave a slow nod. "Then you'd better come inside," he said. "Let's sit down and figure out how the hell we're going to do it." Inside Garrick's house, the four of us gathered around a heavy wooden table while Merrell set out coffee and fresh bread. Maps were spread across the surface, marked with the main routes heading west.
"The Ash Trail caravan will pass through the canyon in 6 days," Garrick said, pointing to a narrow stretch on the map. "47 wagons, maybe 200 souls. Mostly families carrying everything they've got." "A perfect target for Varick Holt," I muttered. "That pass is ideal for an ambush," Sihaya added, studying the terrain.
"One way in, one way out. High walls on both sides. If Holt places his men right, that caravan won't stand a chance," Sihaya said. Garrick Vane gave a slow nod. "That's exactly what worries me.
But here's the problem. The pass is the only way through those mountains. Every other trail's too rough for loaded wagons. We can't reroute them." "Then we make damn sure Holt isn't there waiting," I said.
Merrell Voss, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "How many men does he have?" "Last I heard, around 25." Garrick replied. "All killers. Not odds any sane man would take on."
I glanced at Sihaya. The fire in her dark eyes told me she was thinking the same thing I was. Sensible odds had never stopped either of us from doing what was right. "What if we turn some of Holt's own men against him?" Sihaya said suddenly. Garrick raised an eyebrow.
"And how exactly would you pull that off?" "My brother told me things before he died." She said. "Holt rules through fear. But he also pays well. If we can convince a few of his men they'd earn more by betraying him than staying loyal."
It was dangerous. Real dangerous. But it made sense. Outlaws weren't known for loyalty when there was better money on the table. "That means getting close to his operation." I said.
"Close enough to talk to his men without getting shot on sight." "I know where his main camp is." Sihaya said quietly. "And I know someone who can help us." All eyes turned to her. "There's a man named Rook Vatcher." She continued.