by Nancy Howard
She pauses and shakes her head, and laughs out loud, “nah, that ain't true at all. Actually only two, that sergeant and Duke Wymer.”
“What about this Cutter Hargrove? Didn't you shoot him, too?”
“No, Gavin killed him. He walked up in front of him and put a bullet right between his eyes and blew his brains out. And just in the nick of time, too, he was on top of me readying to rape me at knife point. That Cutter—he was a mean cuss for sure.”
John shakes his head hearing this, and grins wryly. Thinking how dangerous Logan's life has been as a bounty hunter, even when she and Sloan were together.
“I ain't a bad person, cause I'm a bounty hunter, John.”
“I know that, Logan, I've known it since I first saw you in town yesterday. And I want you to know, that Catherine and I don't give two hoots and damn about your past. What you've done or where you've been. It's right here, right now, that's important. What we're given you here girl is a chance at a fresh start. Take advantage of it, to become that respected girl you said you want to be.”
Logan pauses before she answers him, listening to him intently. A man who is honest, tough, and proud. A man Logan already respects and is connecting to.
“I will, I promise,” She says.
“I already know that, “he looks at her, with a grin. “Let's get back to the house.” They had just rode under the main entrance and in just a few minutes they were home.
Logan is thinking about what John said to her, as they neared the ranch house. He told her that he and Catherine didn't care at all about her past, and that this job is a chance at a fresh start for her. He told her she could stay here at the ranch as long as she wants. That he and Catherine would like that. Logan also told him she didn't want to be a bounty hunter anymore. She thinks he wanted to hear her say that.
Logan also realizes that this conversation she just had with John was father/daughter. Heart to heart. Real. They are connecting to each other already. As she and the Sandersons get to know each other, something they both seem to want to do. Logan never had the chance to talk Cal Kincaid like this. It wasn't possible. He wasn't a father, he didn't know how to be one. But John does know how to be a father. It's just sad that he didn't have the chance to be one for as long as he wanted, too, because of Jennifer's early death.
Logan wonders where all of this will lead for her? After all she only met the Sanderson's the day before. And now they seem to be wrapping their arms around her, so to speak, already pulling her into the Sanderson mold. Somehow Logan feels they are already trying to make her a part of their family. If that is what they are doing and it’s what they want, then Logan knows she won't resist them because it's what she desires, too.
As she rode alongside John, she thinks to herself, she will do her best to fill the void left in their hearts and lives, with the loss of Jennifer. She knows that she could never replace her, and John is aware of that, too. Yet Logan is also aware of the instant affect that she is having on them, and they are having on her.
13
That morning Gavin gets up and leaves the hotel, then goes to the livery after a bite of breakfast to get his horse. He was told by the hotel clerk the night before that Logan was seen leaving town with John and Catherine Sanderson the day before. He asked for directions to Sanderson's Hill Ranch before he left the hotel, and was told it was a three-quarter hour ride to the west of town. That he couldn't miss it, if he stayed on the main road.
Gavin found the ranch, and looking up he sees a big square sign on tall wooden posts that clearly mark the entrance. One would have to be blind to miss it. The sign has the words Sanderson's Hill Ranch on it. He stopped for just a second still looking up at the sign, then looks all around. He is nowhere near any type of structure, so he knows this is a big ranch.
He begins his ride down the road in front of him, that he figures will take him to the ranch house and outbuildings. After about ten minutes he comes to a rise, stopping again at the top. From there the hill in front of him sloped away gradually leading down to a small valley where he could see the barns, stables, corrals, and a bunkhouse to his left. Directly in front of him he also sees a large ranch house, that sat up above all the buildings on an adjacent hill. He figures that Sanderson was probably a very important man in these parts, though he still wonders why had Logan came here with them.
Gavin rides up to the front of the ranch house and dismounts his horse Joe, and ties him to the hitching post in front of it.
“Can I help you, Mr. Sloan?” Gavin hears a man's voice. The voice is a familiar one to him and belongs to Jay Canter. Both men recognizing each other, after being members of the sheriff's posse the day before.
“Jay,” Gavin says. “Maybe you can, I'm looking for a friend of mine. I was told she came here yesterday. Her name is Logan.”
“Oh, the girl you road into town with yesterday?”
“Yeah, that's her.”
“I don't know anything about it, but I'll go inside and ask. Wait right here.”
Just a few minutes later, Catherine emerged out the front door with Jay behind her.
“You must be Gavin Sloan,” she inquires.
“Yes mam, I am. I came here to see if my friend Logan Kincaid is around. I was told, that she's here with you and Mr. Sanderson.”
“Yes, she is, she came home with us yesterday. She's not here at the moment, she and John made a journey out to the north side of our ranch this morning. They won't be back for a little while, so if you'd like to wait, you're welcome too.”
“Sure, mam, I'd like to do that. Can you tell me why she came here?”
“Yes, John has hired her and I think he wants to hire you, too, to help stop the rustling of our cattle. That's why they went out to the mesa this morning, our cows are being stolen out there. Logan accepted John's offer, and is staying here in the house with us,” Catherine explained.
Now Jay Canter has been standing here the whole time, listening to what was being said. And he immediately began to question in his mind, why Sanderson needed to hire bounty hunters to provide security for the ranch. He wondered, wasn't that his job as ranch foreman and wasn't what he's doing adequate enough? This news upsets him, taking him completely by surprise. He is usually the one who hires people for the ranches needs. He thinks to himself, that he will discuss the matter with John, as soon as he and this Logan Kincaid return to the ranch.
But what Canter is also keeping to himself, is that Henry Baker has offered him the job of ranch foreman on his ranch, the Running 'B'. The job pays twice as much this one, and Baker told Jay that he would have complete control over the entire operation. Something John has never let Jay do, even though he has asked for it. Then there is Brittany, Henry's daughter who Jay is engaged, too, and is due to marry in August. That, he thinks, would be another reason to take Henry up on his offer. An offer he has not accepted yet.
He used to like his job here at Sanderson's Hill, but not so much now. He's equally disappointed, when he hears of John hiring Logan, and wanting to hire Gavin. They're bounty hunters for God's sake. But he doesn't just up and leave, not just yet. Instead of getting mad and leaving, he begins talking to Gavin. Jay doesn't want to let on that he is thinking of taking Henry's job.
“Come on, Gavin, you can hang out down by the corral while you're waitin' for John and your friend to get back. You can get a look at the operation, that way if you decide if you want to work here then you'll have a feel for the place.”
Gavin accepts Jay's offer, but is even more confused as to why Logan took a job here. Since she'd already committed to helping him hunt down Hogg and his gang.
“GAVIN!” LOGAN EXCLAIMS, cheerfully as she rides up behind him where he's standing next to the corral. Gavin turns around and sees her, John is right behind her. They both stop their horses right next to him and dismount.
“Sloan.” John says as he walks up to Gavin, extending his hand out in friendship and the two men shake hands
“I heard you took
a job from him.” Gavin says, looking directly at Logan and getting straight to the point. Wasting no time questioning her about her decision to work for Sanderson.
“Yeah, I did, it pays a fifty and month, plus room and board”
“What about huntin' down Hogg and his gang with me. I thought we was gonna do that together, Logan,” Gavin says. With a tone of disappointment in his voice.
“We still are. They're in the area Gavin, so let them come to us. You been chasin' em all over the country, for what, now, five months. And ya ain't caught up to em, yet. They'll show there ugly hides around here sooner or later, and that is when we will take em. At least, that's what I think we should do. In the meantime we can help Mr. Sanderson here take care of the cattle rustlers he's havin' trouble with, and have a steady job at the same time.”
“So what about it Sloan, would you like the job, or not?”
“I'm not sure,” Gavin says. Looking at John.
Jay Canter is over by the corral, and is listening to all of this go on.
Logan looks at Gavin and rolls her eyes, at the same time shaking her head, looking away, and saying in an admonishing tone, “Gavin!”
“Well yesterday he told us he didn't like bounty hunters. And now he hires you, and wants to hire me, too. I don't know Logan, I'm not sure it's for me. And you're already working for him.”
“I am, Gavin, and I'm gonna stay,” she says. Letting him know she's satisfied with her decision to take John's job. “And he needs you, too.”
“Look, Sloan, I don't like what you do for a living. And I sure as hell don't know why she does it, because it is dangerous as hell for her and she admitted that to me earlier. Telling me she wants to quit. But if anybody can stop whoever is taking my cattle, it's the both of you. You're professionals. Now, again, do you want the work, or not?” John said. Looking Gavin straight in the eye.
Gavin thought about it for a few seconds and looked at Logan, who was looking at him and still shaking her head yes with her eyes widened in approval. She was standing slightly behind John and on his left. He couldn’t see her facial gestures at Gavin, though he is keenly aware that she's doing all she can to persuade him. After a few seconds, Gavin finally looks at John, and agrees to work for him. Though he's still not totally convinced in his mind about working for hire like this. He has Hogg on his mind.
He really wasn't sure he wanted the job, but one thing he does know is that he wants to be with Logan. He wants to stay close to her. He wants to be where she is, because he loves her.
All he knows is that when he rode into her camp the other night, he didn't want the two of them to go in different directions anymore. And she wants to be here at Sanderson's Hill Ranch, helping John get rid of the rustlers. So if working here keeps him close to Logan, then that is what he'll do.
Logan is glad Gavin accepted the job, she wants him here with her. And like Gavin, this isn't just about hunting Bailey Hogg and his gang. For months on end now she has wanted to settle someplace, and when they came to Folsom together this job offer made sense for her. She thinks it makes good sense for him, too, though she would never tell him what to do. She does want him near her. She's glad he's decided to stay on and work for John. She loves Gavin, she always has.
John says, “good, you can take your gear to the bunkhouse. Jay will show you where to bunk.”
Just then George came up and took John's big bay horse called Trooper, and Warrior to the stable. John goes with him.
Gavin has left his horse Joe in front of the house, and he and Logan begin to walk toward it.
He is quiet as they walk.
“You okay?” She asks him.
He shakes his head, then asks, “why?”
“You're really quiet, and you're never quiet. And you seem really down.”
Gavin pauses looking down at the ground, shaking his head.
“Ah, Logan, it's just seeing what those animals did to those poor folks. It was just awful. It's enough to make anybody hurt about, everything. I swear, it's beginning to wear on me. I've seen their brutality so many times now.” He stops before he finishes his sentence, then begins again, “and to top it all off they're still out there, still on the loose. They can and will kill again. I've been unable to catch them, and hell no one else has either.”
He pauses again, then says, in a determined voice, “I want to catch them, and kill them all so bad Logan.”
“I guess, it sounds like it's becoming personal with you,” she says. Looking at him.
“You guessed right. We had to bury little kids, no more than five years old. I saw grown, strong men crying like babies, because they had to do that. If and when I do catch up to Bailey Hogg and his gang, I'm gonna torture the sonofabitches before I kill them. I'll make it so bad for them, they'll be begging me to kill them. So help me God!”
Then they're quiet the last few yards to the ranch house, stopping, and turning to face each other. They’re right in front of the house.
“Listen, Gavin, I wanted to tell you a few minutes ago when you were thinking about taking this job. I know you thought that I wasn't going to help you get Hogg, but you're wrong about that. I made a commitment to you to help you do that, and I intend to keep it. I would never forgive myself if you went after them alone and they killed you, because I decided not to help you. Okay?”
“Yeah, I know, I didn't mean to think that. But yesterday he said he had no use for us, so I really didn't know what to think.”
“I know,” she says. Looking into his eyes.
“I just want to be where you are, Logan.” He says, taking her in his arms and pulling her up close to him, and looking deep into her eyes again.
“And, all I want is you here, with me, too,” She says. “You know the real reason I decided to chase Hogg with you, is that I don't want you to get yourself killed.” I love you too much, Gavin, I always have.
“I love you too, Logan, and I been thinkin' the same stuff. That's the reason I took this job, I just want to be near you. I don't want to let you out of my sight ever again. I want to be where you are, and I don't want you getting killed, either.”
“I know that.” She says, looking at him, with a soft smile, that he finds irresistible.
“You know, you're all I thought about while I was out there chasin' those hell bastards all over creation. I said to myself many times that if I found you, I wasn't gonna let us go in different directions. Not anymore girl.”
“I wanted us to stay together, too, but last year you wanted to go to Texas and I didn't. I missed you. I was so happy to see you the other night when you rode into my camp. I wanted to jump on you right then, and would have but I was just too tired.
Gavin pulls her up closer to him, and they kiss each other, something they've done to each other many times before. But not like this, long and deep, their tongues probing each others mouths. A kiss that was soft and caring, not rough and hurried like they'd done so many times before.
After a few seconds they part, and lean into each other, foreheads touching. Gavin says, “up until now, I been a real fool. When the most beautiful girl in the world, was right under my nose.”
She looks into his eyes and smiles as they separate, with outstretched arms, hands touching last. She pulls away walking toward the door.
“Where ya goin,” he asks her?
“Inside. I'm tired, I been ridin' all day. Besides I'm staying here in the house with the Sandersons. It wouldn't be a good idea for me to stay in the bunkhouse, now would it, Gavin.”
“No.” He says looking at her, as they just stand there and smile, looking back at each other for a few seconds, not wanting to let go of what the other sees.
Little did Logan and Gavin know, but this was all seen by Catherine, as she watched them from the parlor. Neither of them aware she was watching. Catherine smiled as she witnessed something beautiful beginning to unfold before her eyes. Love. Love that is budding between the beautiful young woman who is staying in their home, and the hand
some young man that the girl longs for.
Tears of joy form in Catherine's eyes as she watches Logan and Gavin. Watching them makes her think about her Jennifer, and how this could have been her out there with her beau. Finding love, like Logan is doing with Gavin. As she wipes a tear away that has made its way down her cheek. It makes her think that while Jenny is gone forever. Logan is here. She hasn't been here long, just a few hours really, but Catherine knows she has her here with her. And while she does, she will do everything she can to make Logan happy. If that's what Logan wants, too.
She feels that Logan may be looking for something more in her life. She sensed it when she first got here yesterday. And hopes that John had the chance to discuss it with her, as they rode out onto the ranch today. Now she has something wonderful to tell John about what she saw. As she watches Logan and Gavin embrace and kiss each other, several times. Catherine is sure they love each other.
As Logan enters the house she closes the front door softly behind her and leans against it. She smiles to herself. She wants to shout out. She is happy. For this one day in her life, she is happy. She has just been told by her Gavin, that he loves her. She want to reciprocate that love, because she doesn't want to lose Gavin, ever again.
Logan ascends the stairs with a new found confidence that she's never had come over her before. She can't explain it right now, but it's a good feeling. One of optimism, that she wants to not end. It's not just about her and Gavin. It's here, it's this place. This ranch. It's John and Catherine. It's all of those things and it all feels right, already. Like it's a perfect fit for her, she has sensed it since she walked through the door yesterday. John told her today that they were giving her an opportunity here. Logan heard him loud and clear. He told her that he and Catherine want her here, and they want her to stay here with them, as long as she so desires.