Jake found he didn't mind at all. Some things were worth the shattering. The dust cloud appeared on the horizon just after noon. Five riders moving with the steady purpose of men who knew exactly where they were going. Jake spotted them from the barn roof where he'd been replacing shingles.
The hammer suddenly heavy in his hand. Company, he called down to Rose, who was working with the horses in the corral. She shaded her eyes, following his gaze, then cursed under her breath. "How many? Five. " Jake climbed down quickly.
"Get your sisters. Everyone in the house. " Rose didn't argue, just vaulted the corral fence and ran. Jake watched the riders approach, calculating. They'd reached the ranch in maybe 10 minutes. He strapped on his gun belt, checked the colt, then grabbed his rifle from where it leaned against the barn wall.
The sisters emerged from various corners of the property. Margaret from the garden, Catherine from the chicken coop, both following Rose into the house. Jake positioned himself on the porch, rifle casual across his arms, but ready. The riders came into clear view as they approached the gate. Hard-faced men, trail dusty and armed.
The one in the lead was older, grizzled with cold eyes that swept the property like he was cataloging everything for later burning. They stopped just outside the fence. "Afternoon," the leader said, touching his hatbrim in a mockery of politeness. "Name's Garrett. We're looking for three women, sisters.
Heard they might have passed this way. " "Lots of folks passed through? " Jake replied evenly. "I don't keep track. " Garrett's smile was thin as a blade. These would be memorable. Thieves, you see, stole from Mr. Harrison Morrison himself.
Money, horses, even killed a man in their escape. That's so. Jake kept his voice neutral, though anger burned in his gut at the lies. Must be dangerous women. Indeed, they are.
Garrett's eyes moved past Jake to the house. Mind if we water our horses? Long ride from town. Pumps over there. Jake nodded toward the side of the barn.
Help yourselves. Two of the riders dismounted, but Jake noticed they kept their hands near their guns. The other three spread out slightly, trying to look casual, but clearly positioning themselves. Jake shifted his grip on the rifle, just enough to let them know he'd noticed. "You live here alone? " Garrett asked, still mounted.
"That's right. Big place for one man. I manage. Garrett's eyes narrowed. Funny thing, we stopped at the Perkins place about 5 miles back.
Old man Perkins said he saw three women riding this way during that storm a few nights ago. Jake shrugged. Perkins drinks, sees all kinds of things. Maybe. Garrett leaned forward in his saddle.