The Lawman's Betrayal Read Free

chin up, shot him a defiant look, walked out the gate and across the street. He laughed to himself. A small town of sorts had sprung up around the prison. The slim figure headed for the livery.
    “Well, I’d better get to work. Mrs. Brecker is on the move.”
    “Sure wish you could stay and have dinner, Wes. I’m in need of some masculine company. I’m a little tired of females.”
    Wes barked out a laugh. “Not many men would say that.”
    “Probably not, but if they could change places with me for a while, I’m sure they’d say different.” The warden grinned, rose to his feet, and stuck his hand out. “Send me a report when you find anything out, and I’ll make sure the governor gets it.”
    “Will do.” Wes shook the warden’s outstretched hand. He grabbed his hat from the chair, put it on, and tugged it down on his forehead. With a smile at the warden he left the room.
    Five minutes later, he found her—and found himself wondering why he was so fascinated with this woman, a convicted murderess. She definitely wasn’t the type of woman he normally gravitated to.
    As he rounded the corner of the livery, he saw her, a frown on her face, squared off with Nate Harper.
    “Look, lady,” Nate said, then spat a wad of tobacco. “I done told you. Fifty bucks for the horse. Take it or leave it.”
    “But—”
    “Nate Harper,” Wes broke in, “you know that nag ain’t worth fifty dollars. At the most, she’s worth twenty.”
    Nate frowned at him. “But I’m throwing in the saddle and saddle bags, Wes. They’re worth something.”
    “Come on, Nate, give her a break.”
    She glared at him. “I don’t need your help, Marshal.”
    He shrugged. “Whatever you say, ma’am. Go ahead—pay fifty for the animal. No skin off my back.”
    She hesitated, looking from him to Harper and back. “Mr. Harper?” She lifted her eyebrows at the liveryman, her full bottom lip quivering. She looked so pitiful that even Harper caved.
    A long sigh escaped Nate. “Oh, all right, but I tell you, it just ain’t fair. I caint abide a woman’s tears.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Harper.” She sent him a brilliant smile, all the while ignoring Wes. “I really appreciate it.” She opened the envelope the warden had given her and counted out the money.
    After she took out the twenty, Wes could see there was very little left. His admiration inched up a notch—she had grit.
    “Can you ride, Mrs. Brecker?” She turned those amazing green eyes to him, and Wes found himself drowning in a sea of green.
    “Yes, I can ride.” She patted the mare’s neck. “Mr. Harper, you said you had a rifle you’d sell me?”
    “Yes, ma’am.” He disappeared to the back of the livery. In a few moments, he returned with a rifle.
    “How much?” she asked.
    “Twenty-five dollars.”
    “How about twenty?” she countered.
    Nate cursed low under his breath. “All right. Twenty.”
    “Ammunition?”
    “You got to get that at the mercantile.”
    “All right.” She examined the rifle, and from her sure movements, Wes could tell she was familiar with the weapon. “Seems to be in good shape.” With a nod, she counted out the money and handed it to Harper.
    Jamming the gun in the scabbard, she turned to Wes. “Yes, Marshal, I can shoot, too.” She looped the handle of her bundle over the pommel and climbed into the saddle. With a wry smile, she smoothed her skirt down.
    “I don’t like to butt in, ma’am, where it ain’t no concern of mine, but I think you should wait for the next supply wagon. It’s a long way to Gila Bend. Lots of varmints out there, both four-legged and two-legged.”
    She locked gazes with him for a moment. She shook her head, tears misting in her eyes. With her sleeve, she wiped them away. “You’re right. It’s not any concern of yours. Although I hate to admit it, you’re probably right, Marshal. I appreciate your concern. That would be the smart thing to do, but you don’t understand. I can’t, I just