Whispering Pines

by Scarlett Dunn

  Morgan nodded.

  Granny understood what Morgan had to do. “I’ll be fine, Morgan. Go. I’ll pray for you.”

  He kissed her cheek before he ran for the stairs to stuff his saddlebags with clothing, another pistol, and extra cartridges. Suddenly, he came to a halt. Why would Frank ride all the way to Purgatory Canyon? It would take days to get there. Frank didn’t have much of a head start if he was near the farm during the night. Morgan was sure he would catch up to him in a matter of hours since he would be riding alone. Frank had to know that Rose would slow him down. Morgan guessed Frank wasn’t really going to Purgatory Canyon. He just wanted him to follow in that direction so he could be ambushed. There were many places along the way where Frank could accomplish his goal. Understanding Frank’s plans that didn’t alter Morgan’s decision. If it saved Rose’s life, he would gladly sacrifice his own. Morgan turned to leave, but he spotted Rose’s Bible on the bedside table. He opened his saddlebag and placed it inside.

  When Morgan came downstairs, Granny had already bundled some food for him, and filled two canteens. She handed them to him and said, “Bring her home, son.”

  Morgan was touched by her confidence in him. “Granny, I’m sorry about Stevie.” He gave her a hug before he grabbed his rifle and headed out the door.

  Joseph and Murphy saw Morgan riding away and they ran to the house to ask Granny where he was going.

  “Purgatory Canyon. Frank left a message for him. Told him to come alone or Rose dies.”

  “I better go tell the sheriff what is going on,” Murph said. “I know Morgan wouldn’t want us to take a chance with Rose’s life, but we all know this is a trap.”

  Before Murph walked out the door, he turned to Granny. “Granny, is it Stevie we need to bury?”

  Granny nodded. “We’ll bury him next to Preacher at the farm.” Granny thought that would be the proper place for Stevie.

  “Whenever you are ready, just say the word,” Murph said.

  “I’ll be ready as soon as you get back. We can’t wait on Morgan and Rose, not with the heat.”

  She spoke with such certainty that Morgan and Rose would return that he wasn’t about to mention all the reasons it might not happen.

  Murph and Joseph left the house together, and Murph asked him to send men to the farm to start digging the grave for Stevie. “We’ll take Granny as soon as I get back from town.”

  * * *

  Frank tied Rose’s hands to the pommel once she was in the saddle. He threw the reins to Corbin for him to lead the animal.

  “What’s your plan, Frank?” Corbin asked.

  “We’re heading to Purgatory Canyon, but that’s not where we are going. Tomorrow morning you are going to take Rose and ride to New Mexico Territory. I’m going to wait for Morgan. Once I take care of him, I’ll catch up with you, and we’ll meet up with the boys in Las Vegas. If Morgan gets me before I get him, then you can do what you want with her.”

  * * *

  “Purgatory Canyon makes no sense,” Jack said when Murph told him the events of that morning. “Morgan will catch up to them in one day.”

  “I didn’t think about that,” Murph said. “But Frank said to come alone, or he would kill Rose. I don’t think Frank would hesitate to keep that promise.”

  “Yeah. All the same, I’m going that way. I’ll try to stay out of sight. But you can bet Morgan is riding into a trap.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Murph said.

  “I appreciate it, Murph, but you’d best stay at the ranch. You might be needed there in case there’s more trouble.”

  As much as Murph hated staying behind, he knew Jack was right. “I don’t like this one bit.”

  “Me neither. I’m sorry for Granny losing Stevie, but I’m happy it wasn’t Rose.” Jack couldn’t imagine how Morgan could deal with such a loss.

  When Murph arrived back at the ranch, Joseph had hitched the team to the buckboard and it was in front of the house. Joseph was sitting with Granny on the porch waiting for him.

  Murph told them Jack was going to follow Morgan. “He doesn’t think Frank is going to Purgatory Canyon. He thinks Morgan will be waylaid on the trail.”

  “I hope he’s wrong,” Granny said.

  Joseph jumped up, nodded to Granny, and headed toward the stable.

  Granny looked at Murph and said, “I guess it’s time.”

  Murph helped her into the buckboard and they rode in silence to the farm to bury Stevie.

  * * *

  Knowing Morgan would gain on them, Frank had only allowed one brief stop during the day. He was going to have to stop soon because the horses couldn’t keep going at the pace he was setting.

  Corbin was tired, and he was fed up with Frank’s breakneck tempo, particularly since Corbin was leading the horse Rose was riding. His arm was beginning to ache from having to ride with it stretched out behind him. “Frank, we need to stop and let these horses rest. Besides, I’m getting hungry, and I know your sister needs to eat.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Frank pointed to the trail ahead. “There’s a creek ahead where we can fill our canteens. There’s also a turnoff where you can pick up the trail to Las Vegas. We’ll stop there, and at dawn, you and Rose head in that direction, and I’ll keep going west. I’ll probably catch up to you before you get to Las Vegas.”

  “Why is your sister going with me?” Corbin asked.

  “I don’t want her slowing me down. I know the place where I’m going to wait, and I’ll have to ride fast.”

  Corbin didn’t mind taking Rose with him, and he darn sure wouldn’t ride like the devil was on their tails. Once they were far enough away from Frank, he might untie her and let her go. If he did decide to release her, he’d better have someplace to go, because if Frank showed up in Las Vegas and he wasn’t there with Rose, he’d be looking over his shoulder for a long time.

  * * *

  Morgan made good time, and tried not to think about being shot out of the saddle at any moment. His size made him an easy target, but he couldn’t let that worry him. By the time darkness surrounded him, he had to stop for a few hours to allow his horse a rest. He pulled out the bundle of food Granny had packed. He couldn’t say he was hungry, but he would eat. He’d need his strength to deal with Frank. He pulled out some biscuits and cooked bacon. He wanted coffee, but he didn’t think it prudent to build a fire. He wasn’t going to make it easy for Frank.

  * * *

  Jack had left Whispering Pines soon after Murph left his office. He couldn’t sit back and do nothing, not while his best friend was in danger. There was no doubt in his mind Morgan knew he was riding into an ambush. Frank was holding all the cards, but Jack hoped to come up with an idea to make the odds a bit more even.

  Hearing a sound behind him, Jack rode into the brush on the side of the trail and waited. He didn’t know who would be out on the trail in the dark. He dismounted and held his horse’s muzzle. He listened, but didn’t hear anything.

  “Do you see someone?” a voice in the darkness asked.

  Jack nearly jumped out of his skin. Thankfully, he recognized the voice. “Joseph, what in the heck are you doing out here?”

  “Came to help you,” Joseph said.

  “I thought I heard a horse and rode in here,” Jack said.

  “I was following you and saw you ride in here.”

  Jack didn’t even know Joseph was following him. “I guess we might as well let the horses rest for a couple of hours. Do you think we are far behind Morgan?”

  “Not far,” Joseph said.

  * * *

  Before dawn Frank told Corbin and Rose to get in the saddle. Rose’s wrists were bleeding from the rope, so Corbin wrapped a bandana around each wrist to prevent further injury. “I’m sorry I have to do this, but we won’t be with Frank much longer,” he whispered.

  Rose could hardly believe she’d heard him correctly. His words gave her hope that if he let her go, she could help Morgan before Frankie killed him. She’d paid c
areful attention, and she knew she could find her way back if she stayed on the trail.

  They rode for almost two more hours before Frank came to a halt. He pointed south, and said, “Corbin, the trail is less than a mile in that direction. Do as I say and get to Las Vegas. The boys will have money when you get there.” Frank figured that would be incentive to make sure Corbin stayed the course.

  Before Corbin led Rose away, Frank had one parting comment. “You better have her with you when I get there. Don’t force me to come looking for you because I promise you, it won’t go well for you.”

  “Frankie, I beg you, don’t hurt Morgan.” She could barely speak above a whisper from her raw emotions.

  Frank curled his lip in disgust as he looked at her. “What are you willing to do to keep me from killing him?”

  “What do you want? Kill me instead if you are so determined to hurt one of us.”

  “Rose, I can’t kill you right now. You’re going to make me some money.” Frank turned his attention on Corbin. “Now get out of here.”

  Corbin couldn’t get away from Frank fast enough. He could tell by the look in Frank’s eyes that he would indeed track him down if he didn’t go to Las Vegas with Rose. Soon he was questioning his own plan to release her. What was the worst that could happen? He’d take Rose to Las Vegas, and either Frank showed up or he didn’t. He wouldn’t have long to wait since Frank thought LeMasters was just a few hours behind them. Corbin had seen how Frank went after LeMasters time and time again. If Frank didn’t kill Morgan today, there was no doubt in his mind that Frank wouldn’t stop unless Morgan killed him. Corbin didn’t know what had started this bad blood between Frank and LeMasters, but whatever the reason, Frank had allowed his hatred to consume him.

  * * *

  Frank found the most advantageous spot where he could wait for Morgan. Once he positioned his rifle on a rock, he decided he’d have time to finally count his money. Maybe it would be enough to buy a huge spread in Mexico. Who knows, he might put some of it in a bank in Las Vegas. He laughed at the thought. If he wasn’t still angry with himself for letting Walt take one saddlebag, he’d be even happier right now. Walt had obviously been caught or shot, and all of that money probably went back to the bank. Frank didn’t think Walt double-crossed him. Walt was smart enough to know that he’d track him to the ends of the earth if he’d pulled a fast one.

  He pulled his blanket and saddlebags from his horse. Hovering over his booty, he sat down and rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Once he opened the first flap on one side of the saddlebag, he pulled it wide, but he couldn’t believe what he saw. Nothing but a bunch of wadded up paper was inside. “What the . . .” He opened the other flap and again pulled out more paper. No money! He couldn’t believe it. Had Reuben double-crossed him? He replayed the robbery in his mind. Reuben was the only one in the safe, and the saddlebags were empty when they gave them to him. After Reuben tossed the saddlebags to Frank and Walt, he’d closed the safe. Frank left the bank first, thinking Walt was right behind him. But he wasn’t. He’d reached the trees when he heard the shot. When Walt finally reached the trees he’d said Reuben pulled a gun and he shot him. Had Walt figured out what Reuben had done before he rode away? It was possible Walt went back to the bank to see if he could get into the safe. Was that why Walt had never shown up at the Conner place? Frank figured Walt was dead.

  He threw the saddlebags aside and started pacing. That double-crossing little weasel. If Walt hadn’t shot Reuben, Frank would have ridden back to Denver and put a bullet between his lying eyes. Stevie had told him Reuben was smart. Well, Frank didn’t think he was smart if he thought he could get away with double-crossing him.

  Frank stopped pacing. Thank goodness he’d had enough sense to take the rest of Stevie’s money. He pulled the bank bag from his blanket and opened it to count what was left. He stuck his hand inside and pulled out a handful of newspapers. He turned the bag upside down and shook it until all the contents emptied on the blanket. Nothing but newspapers. Frank was furious, cussing and stomping around in a circle like a caged animal. What had Stevie done with the rest of the money? Well, you got yours, little brother. Just like that little weasel friend of yours. You both got what you deserved. And in a little while, Morgan LeMasters will get what he deserves.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Morgan was exhausted, and it was difficult to stay alert in the saddle. He’d only slept one hour before he got back on the trail. His mind drifted back to the last night he’d spent with Rose, and he was lost in the memory of that perfect evening. He rounded a bend and was moving fast when out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of something shiny. Pistol? It was too late. He barely had time to lean forward when a shot rang out as he passed by, and a bullet grazed his head. Dazed, he wasn’t quick enough to keep the second bullet from slamming into his back.

  * * *

  Frank was smiling as he shoved his rifle into the boot and jumped in the saddle. He’d finally done what he set out to do. He’d killed Morgan LeMasters. It took less time than he expected, and it wasn’t even a challenge. Kicking his horse into a gallop, he rode south. He would catch up with Corbin and Rose before midnight. He could hardly wait to tell Rose she was now a widow.

  * * *

  Jack and Joseph heard the gunshots. They rode into the trees to avoid being seen, keeping the trail in sight. Joseph reached over and touched Jack’s arm, and they stopped and listened. They heard a horse snort.

  “Morgan’s horse,” Joseph whispered, slipping out of his saddle.

  Jack followed Joseph’s lead and dismounted. They tied their horses to a bush and crept quietly through the trees. Spotting Morgan’s horse on the side of the trail, Jack pulled his revolver as they ran toward him. When they got closer, they saw Morgan slumped over the horse’s neck.

  Jack reached Morgan first, and placed his finger on his neck. He nodded at Joseph that Morgan was still alive. Together they lifted him from the horse and placed him on the ground. “A bullet grazed his head, but it’s not serious.” Jack ripped Morgan’s blood-soaked shirt down the back to see the wound. Thankfully, the bullet had missed his spine. “Let’s get him off the trail.”

  Joseph quickly set up camp and rolled out Morgan’s bedroll. After they carried Morgan to the blanket, Joseph started a small fire to heat some water from his canteen.

  Jack wiped the blood away from Morgan’s back and examined the wound. Once he stopped the bleeding, he said, “We need to get the bullet out.”

  Joseph placed his knife over the fire, and as he waited for it to sterilize he unsaddled the horses.

  Jack pulled a bottle of whiskey from his saddlebag, along with the medicine pouch Joseph had placed on his wound when he was shot. He remembered Granny said Joseph told her he should keep it because he would need it again. Jack held it up for Joseph to see. “How did you know I would need this again?”

  Joseph shrugged. “It is good to keep.”

  Morgan woke when Jack was digging out the bullet in his back. “Are you ever going to find the darn thing?”

  “How were you so stupid to let yourself get shot?” Jack asked.

  “Good question.” Morgan groaned when Jack pushed against the bullet. “I thought you were trying to get it out.”

  “It’s not smart to criticize the man with the knife.” Jack wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. “The darned thing is being stubborn. You need some whiskey?”

  “Not yet.” Morgan wanted to stay alert. When he was bandaged, he was going after Rose.

  “Don’t move, I think I’ve finally got it,” Jack said. He expelled a loud sigh when he pulled the bullet out.

  “Get me bandaged so we can get out of here. They are not that far ahead of us,” Morgan said.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” Jack said. “I’ve got to sew this up, and you need to stay put for at least a day.”

  “I don’t have a day. Every minute Rose is with him is more dangerous for her.”
<
br />   Joseph walked over and looked at the hole in Morgan’s back. “He is right. I’ll go.” He picked up the spirit pouch and mumbled some words. After he handed the pouch to Jack, he walked away to get his horse.

  Before Joseph rode away, Jack said, “At least take a pistol with you.”

  “No need. I have help.” Just then, two Sioux braves rode through the brush. They were carrying rifles, along with their bows and arrows.

  Jack nearly drew his pistol, but Morgan said, “Don’t.” Morgan knew Joseph stayed in contact with the members of his tribe who refused to go on reservations. He figured they were aware he was Joseph’s friend.

  “You mean those two braves were behind us the whole time?” Jack asked Joseph.

  “Yes.” Joseph looked at Morgan. “We bring Rose here.”

  Morgan tried to get up, but Jack held him down. “Morgan, you’ve lost a lot of blood, you’d only slow them down.”

  Deep down, Morgan realized he was in no condition to ride, but he had to get to Rose. “I have to go.”

  Joseph slid off his horse and kneeled before Morgan. He placed his hand on Morgan’s shoulder. “We bring Rose back. Stay.”

  Morgan stared into his friend’s eyes, and he saw his determination. There wasn’t a man he trusted more than Joseph. If Joseph had asked these two braves to help, he thought they could get the job done. Unlike Joseph, the braves were men in their prime, and they had a fearsome countenance. “Don’t let them see you, Joseph, and don’t kill Frank unless it’s necessary. I don’t want the soldiers getting wind of this.” Morgan saw the braves exchange a look as though they understood what he was saying. If they didn’t, Joseph would tell them. Morgan looked at the two braves as he spoke. “Joseph, let them know their families will be fed all winter for their bravery.”

  Joseph nodded his agreement, and translated Morgan’s words to the braves. Both men acknowledged Morgan’s promise with a nod.

  “We’ll wait for you until morning. If you are not back we’ll head in that direction.” Before Joseph mounted his horse, Morgan added, “Joseph, make sure Rose sees you first, or these fierce-looking braves might scare her to death.”