Brothers in Blood Read Online Free PDF

head of cattle to the various Navajo agency divisions. He hoped things went without a hitch. Sarge’s wife, Susie, would be glad when he returned to the Verde River Ranch.
    Another concern was the house Chet had to get built for them on the Windmill. And maybe the US Government would pay their past bills for the cattle delivered so far. The amount due staggered him, but his banker said the government would pay it.
    The three men walked the next two blocks discussing the night before when the two strange riders shadowed them.
    â€œYou really think Raines has got them to settle?” Cole asked.
    â€œThis morning, he came with an offer that we could have him for a thousand bucks. But they wouldn’t clear his record for that amount. So I told them hell no, that we’d fight them.”
    â€œIsn’t it unusual to meet on a holiday?”
    â€œI told Raines our lawyer from Santa Fe was on his way.”
    â€œYou think that changed their minds?”
    â€œYeah,” Jesus said. “When Chet told him that, he went white as a sheet.”
    â€œHe didn’t finish his breakfast, or even pay for it.” Chet chuckled at the thought of how the little lawyer had scuttled from the café.
    â€œSo what do you think will happen now?” Cole asked.
    â€œWe’ll see here shortly.”
    When they entered the courthouse, a deputy told them to follow him, then he relocked the back door. The building was semi-dark, no lights on anywhere as they made their way upstairs.
    Their guide knocked and the deputy from the day before, Diego, opened the door. Four men sat at the long table, one of them a white-mustached man seated at the head. Chet suspected he was the sheriff. The man to his right looked judicial, and the other man in a suit looked like an official, probably the prosecutor. Raines made the fourth one in the party.
    â€œPlease be seated,” Raines said.
    The sheriff cleared his throat and stood. “There may have been some misunderstandings. First, I found out you’re a Deputy US Marshal, sir?”
    â€œI am.”
    â€œI learned from a wire I got from US Marshal Sam Sloan in Santa Fe that we were incorrect in not allowing you access to our jail and helping you. For this, I apologize. It will not happen again. Are you satisfied?”
    â€œIf you intend to allow me access, then I will not complain anymore.”
    â€œWill you sign a form that your demands have been met?”
    â€œAs we proceed, I will take it under consideration.”
    â€œJudge Penso. Your turn to speak.” Sheriff Hernandez sat down.
    â€œAfter a review of this case, I have decided to set aside the conviction of JD Byrnes for horse stealing. He will be released today and his record cleared of all charges.”
    â€œGood. Thank you. Now, I want compensation for the lost horses, his saddle, and personal things.”
    They all looked shock-faced at each other.
    â€œI think five hundred dollars might cover his losses.”
    The sheriff made a face. “We are turning him loose today and he has no record. You still want five hundred dollars?”
    â€œHe wasn’t guilty in the first place.”
    The third man cut off any more talk. “The county will pay you in the morning. Deputy Diego, go get the prisoner and his things.”
    Raines handed Chet a court order that released and exonerated JD. Along with it was the paper Hernandez wanted signed. The third man gave him a note for five hundred dollars on the Socorro County account.
    â€œThe money will be paid in the morning at my office,” the man said.
    When JD walked in the room, Chet rose and hugged him. Boy, the lad felt lean in his arms.
    â€œThank God. Is it ever good to see you, Chet. You, too, Jesus and Cole.”
    â€œGood to see you.”
    He turned to the four men. “Get me a pen and ink. I’ll sign this letter for you.”
    Now that it was settled, he was eager to get moving. He had plenty to do.