Between Hell and Texas Read Online Free PDF Page B

have had lots to do, too.”
    They settled back on the wooden chairs, but were unable to take their eyes off each other. He finally cleared his throat. “I am going to have to find us a new place to ranch. These crazy people won’t quit. I can’t risk the others being killed or maimed. I need to—”
    â€œLet’s talk about it later.” Her finger closed his mouth.
    Slow like, he finally perceived her desires and reached over to take her onto his lap. But instead she took his hand and led him to the bedroom doorway and in sight of the bed. He closed his eyes. It all could wait.

Chapter 5
    Clouds gathered off the Gulf when he set out for home in late afternoon. He needed to get Susie’s supplies before Grossman closed the store. There were more barriers in his life. Kathren’s father could never stand selling out his home and moving to God-knew-where—and there was no way she could ever leave her mother behind. Being frank, she’d spelled it all out to him, but that didn’t dampen their lust for one another. The notion of not ever having her for his bride gnawed on his insides when he dismounted at the hitch rail in the twilight in front of the store.
    Grossman brought out two bulging pokes of the things Susie’d ordered. “I have it all in these two bags.”
    Chet raised his hat and scratched the top of his head, looking at all the items she’d ordered. “I should have brought a pack horse.”
    â€œAw, we can hang them on your saddlehorn.”
    â€œPoor Fudge may have a bucking fit and scatter it all over forty acres.”
    Grossman laughed, then shook his head. “We can take some of it out of them.”
    â€œLord, no. It would be what she needed the most.”
    With one poke hung on the left side, Grossman said, “Mind yourself. Three strangers showed up about noon today. I never saw them before, but they didn’t remind me of any workingmen.” He searched around to be certain they were alone before he went any further. Satisfied, he shook his head. “I’d say they were hired guns. No reason why they’d even stop off in Mayfield. Someone hired them, or they were looking for work.”
    â€œCatch a name?” Chet asked.
    â€œCecil Crown was the name of the one who acted in charge.”
    â€œCrown? Never heard of him.” The name by itself didn’t even dent his recall, but in no way did he dismiss the five-letter name—his enemies were determined. “Any others?”
    â€œOne of them was a cocky kid and the third guy stood around looking over it all—never said a word while they were in the store. Kinda fish-eyed looking.”
    â€œNo mention where they hailed from?”
    â€œNo.” He exhaled hard. “I just hate to think—”
    â€œSo do I. Keep an eye out. Anything about the horses they rode?”
    â€œBays. Rode hard. Sure enough nondescript.”
    Chet knew the type. Dressed plain, rode plain horses, but they came all armed and ready to kill for what some would consider a small amount, then be gone like smoke on the wind. They no doubt spelled out more trouble for him if they stayed around.
    â€œThey didn’t even get a drink at the saloon. Just bought a few staples and rode on. But I felt they knew where they were going.”
    The second poke hung on the right side, Chet thanked Grossman and then rode for home in a jog trot. The stars lit his way in a silver night. A coyote or two broke the silence except for the wind orchestra. Fudge took a few swallows of water at the creek crossing, and then jogged for home. The groceries hindered Chet’s legs, so he rode standing up most of the way. Coming up the silver Yellowhammer Creek bottoms, he could see a lamp that Susie must have hung out for him. He felt relieved about being this close to home, and settled himself in the saddle seat.
    â€œWhat’s happening in Mayfield?” Susie asked, stepping