And he realized, with a sinking heart, that his love might be the thing that destroyed her. They returned to the main canyon two days later, exhausted and grim. The news they brought, of the tracks, the proximity of the soldiers, spread through the camp like a fever. But before they could even dismount, a shout went up from the sentries at the narrow entrance. There was a scuffle, the sound of a struggle, and then a man was dragged into the clearing.
He was not a soldier. He was a scout, dressed in buckskins and a faded cavalry hat. He was mixed race, his skin the color of polished bronze, his hair long and greasy. His hands were tied behind his back, and his face was bruised from a fresh beating. Luke swung down from his horse.
He froze. He knew this man. It was Miguel, a tracker Luke had ridden with for three years, a man who drank too much whiskey and talked too much when he did. Miguel looked up, spitting blood into the dust. His eyes locked on Luke.
Well, hell, Miguel croaked, a bloody grin spreading across his face. I heard you were dead, Carver. Jubal said the Apache took you. I figured your scalp was drying on a lodgepole by now. The women crowded around.
Nalin stepped forward, her face thunderous. You know this man? She asked Luke. Luke nodded slowly. His stomach churned.
Yes, his name is Miguel. He scouts for the third cavalry. He did, Miguel corrected. I'm freelance now. Just passing through, looking for opportunities.
Ayanna stepped forward. She looked from Luke to Miguel. He is a spy, she said. No, no, darling, Miguel laughed, though it sounded nervous. Just a traveler.
But seeing old Carver here, that is a surprise. Miguel looked at Luke, his eyes narrowing. You look cozy, Carver. Working for the squaws now? That is a long way to fall for the hero of Arroyo Seco.
The name of the place hung in the air like smoke. Arroyo Seco. Ayanna went rigid. The color drained from her face. What did you say?
She whispered. Miguel looked at her, then back at Luke. He sensed the tension, and like a coyote sensing a wounded rabbit, he pounced. You did not tell them, Miguel asked Luke, his voice mocking. He turned to the women.