Heart of a Hero (H.O.C. #3)

Chapter 13

Sheriff Buddy Brand waited at the train depot for the signal. He, along with Corinne’s father, Arlen McAllister, Will, the former Sheriff of Erie, Colorado, and Tom Patterson, Mamie’s husband, anticipated the indication to move. Austin and his men were also scattered about, hiding for the protection of Ryne and David. They were ready to take out the gang of bandits and rescue the women, but orders were orders.

David’s part, along with Ryne’s, would prove the making or undoing of this particular situation, and there was just no way of knowing in which direction the criminals would turn. If all went well, David and Ryne would meet them at the edge of town, give an empty wagon to the ruffians, and in turn gain custody of the ladies.

“If all goes well.” Buddy said silently, not wanting anyone to hear his doubts. He knew as a lawman that one wrong move, one misconception, could turn the switch a completely different way. He’d seen good outcomes, where families were reunited and possessions returned; the other side of those situations had consequences that resulted in thieves skirting local law and innocents dying. Being a lawman had privilege and disadvantage, causing him to be a man who humbled himself in prayer before leaving his home every morning. His last thought was cut off by the signal: A sharp whistle and horses galloping down the street.

The outlaws walked out into the morning sunshine just as the train began to slow towards the depot, with Gator in the lead. Buddy’s first impression of the gang’s chief was that he strutted down the street like a peacock, grinning as he looked around. He had an air about him as though he owned the town instead of one just visiting or stopping for the night.

With the surplus of help, it was difficult to know who was going where and when. Buddy did as he was instructed at the signal and nod of his partners. It was time to get the ladies out of the hands of evil-doers and back to their families, where they rightfully belonged.

*****

River waited for the signal. This was where the sit-down met the saddle. He needed to help the ladies, but didn’t want to stare down the wrong end of anyone’s barrel today. He would do as Gator instructed, to a point, but he swore no harm and he meant his vow with his whole heart. He was still proverbially kicking himself for letting his guard down, resulting in Lottie’s beating. He couldn’t believe Gator would allow Monk and Trickster to do what they did to a pregnant woman. She didn’t know anything about the weapons. Worse yet, he had to lie straight to her husband’s face when he said she was alright. That hurt more than the initial offense of walking off for only a little while. With a deep breath, he helped the ladies get ready for departure.

“Okay, lovelies, no fighting me. I’m going to bind your hands again and put a sack over your heads, but only until we’re safe. Once we are out of harm’s way, you’ll have a little more freedom.” Corinne nodded, but Lottie continued to glare at the walls; her sadness palpable. She moved when commanded, but the spark that had been in her eyes only days before was lost.

“Now that we’re leaving, do you wanna tell us what this is all about? I have a sneaking suspicion that Gator is not holding us just to say he has captives. River Dancer, please just be honest with me. I know that deep in your being, you are a good man. I can feel it. Why are we being held? What does this have to do with our husbands?” Corinne pled with him quietly as they were lead out of their room and towards what felt like the outside.

“I promise you, Mrs. Wilkinson, as soon as we’re alone, I will tell you.” River whispered before lifting her and placing her on the wagon. “For now, I need you to lie down and be quiet for you safety. Gator’s getting a bit anxious. Trust me, when he’s like that, he is likely to do anything.” River’s breathing had become erratic in Corinne’s opinion. He was anxious, too.