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accepting his gratitude and turned his attention back to Josie. “Those six seemed to be determined to kill him.” He addressed her because she was right, Ryker shouldn’t be talking.
    “They were probably Butch’s men.” She glanced at her brother who gave a slight nod. At least he was obeying her and not speaking. It wasn’t often he would listen so she was certain it hurt to talk.  She continued to clean his shoulder while she talked. “Our father died last year.  My mother died ten years ago having Thomas.  They want our land—well not them, their boss Butch McAllister.  He’s ruthless and bought up most of the town.  There’s a railroad supposed to come through here in the next year and those that he hadn’t bought up he scared or killed them into it. No one will go against him. When you get property for nothing, it’s easy to make money selling it to the railroad.” Her eyes went over him. “Some men can’t have enough greed in their lives.”
    “Some men,” h e repeated in a tone that didn’t put him in that category.  She didn’t look convinced.  He doubted she had much experience to prove otherwise.
    “Are you passing through?”
    “Yes ma’am.”
    “We owe you a debt of gratitude.”   It was hard keeping the emotion out of her voice.  Her eyes lowered. They could have lost Ryker.
    “Not necessary.”
    “I insist.  My aunt Hattie is the best cook in southern California.  At least let us feed you.”
    Cogan considered this for a moment and his eyes roamed over her as she returned her attention to her brother.  His thoughts were hidden from his expression, but he knew his reasons for what he said next.  “I’m looking for work.”  She looked up at him again. 
    There was no way Josie could send this man on his way after what he’d done for them.  It was true they were wary of strangers, but they were also desperate for help. “You’re more than welcome to stay with us until you’re ready to leave. What do you do?”
    “Anything.”
    “Anything?”
    “Yes ma’am.  I’ m a jack of all trades.  I can Smith, plow, plant, and ranch.  Name it.”
    And gun sling , she thought to herself taking in the size and look of him which wasn’t a bad thing at this point. It was interesting that he didn’t add that to his list of talents. “Ryker will be laid up for a few days.  We have money to pay you to help out around here until he’s back on his feet.  In the meantime, there’s a spare room at the end of the hall.  I can offer you room and good meals until you decide either way.”
    “I appreciate that.”  His eyes studied her as she resumed cleaning her brother’s wound.
    Just then a noise outside drew his attention.  He moved quickly toward the window almost startling the young lady. 
    Josie stopped cleaning the wound and watched as Cogan pushed his duster back off his hip and placed his hand on the hilt of a polished black handled revolver.
    “What is it?”   She didn’t hear anything but obviously he did. He moved exceptionally quick and quiet for a big man.
    “One moment,” he said softly as he nudged the curtain aside with two fingers of his other hand. 
    Right then she knew she was correct in that this man was no stranger to killing.  He was calm, too calm.  Especially for someone who just killed five men. Yet she wasn’t afraid.  Inside, she felt some comfort.  It was the first time in over a year that she’d felt it.  If he was a threat to them, he would have let Ryker die. He was a handsome man—big—but handsome.  He had a nice straight nose, strong chin and square jaw. There was a day’s worth of stubble there.  It gave him a dangerous appearance.
    His eyes followed something below the window and her heart rate picked up wondering if Butch’s men came back. She finally heard what Cogan did, which was odd because she was closer to that side of the room. Then relief went through her as his eyes went to her and he shook his head