Page 43 of Wild Mustang Security Firm

Mac shook his head. “You know, at some point, she’s going to cost those bastards enough money, they decide to do something about her meddling.”

“Willa’s careful, Mac. You remember how she likes to push boundaries and rules.”

“I remember all too well. I sometimes wonder how I might have done things differently. I’m not sure I understood at first how important it was to her or how dangerous it became as the money got better. So many things I would have changed in retrospect, but we all learn from our mistakes, then move to correct them.”

John shot him a sideways glance, and Mac grinned. He knew John had heard the subtext in what he was saying but would respect Mac’s privacy… only so long as Mac’s men were sitting in the truck with them.

“I understand,” John said with a grin of his own. “If it comes to it, we might have to enlist Willa’s help in tracking Eastwick.”

“I think at some point, we’ll most definitely need Willa’s assistance, regardless of when we catch Eastwick.” Mac sobered a moment, trying to plan three moves ahead. “Think she’ll agree without a lot of fuss?”

“Willa? There’s always fuss with Willa, but I’ll get Mandy to ask her. Willa generally checks in with Mandy, even when she’s out and about.” John dropped his voice to keep the others from hearing. “Just so you know, Mandy never stopped hoping you’d come charging back into Willa’s life on your white steed.”

“What about you? Didn’t you want us to get back together?”

“Sure, I did. Unlike Mandy, I knew at some point, you’d pull your head out of your ass, come back here, and drop a loop over your wild mustang.”

Mac chuckled.

“Well, tell Mandy we may need Willa’s help. I’m not sure about the rest of it. The two of them were always thicker than thieves. And tell your beautiful wife thanks for the sandwiches and the beer last night.”

They proceeded to the Tortilla Flats stagecoach stop and were greeted by Gus, who looked at Mac with disdain. Before John could make introductions, the old cowboy looked at Mac.

“You here just for Eastwick?”

“Nope,” Mac said, realizing Gus most likely thought he should have knocked Mac’s and Willa’s heads together. “I’ll be here until I have what’s mine.”

Gus snorted. “It’s about damn time. She’s still messin’ with those rustlers. Last month, one of them took a shot at her.”

“Somebody took a shot at Willa?” John asked. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me.”

“Ain’t US Marshall business, except maybe one specific US Marshall’s, and it seems he finally figured that out for himself. You college boys ain’t always too bright.”

Mac just smiled and said, “That’s a fine group of horses, Gus, but I think you brought more than we’ll need.”

Gus shook his head. “Like I said, not all that bright, and for all I know, they don’t even know which end of the horse they need to be facing. That pinto on the end, you could strap a newborn baby to the saddle, and the kid would be fine. Roscoe here, the big buckskin, can be a bit more to handle, but if you need speed and endurance, he’s the one you want to be sittin’ on. He has a warp-speed gear if you need it.”

“I’ve always wanted to play Marshal Dillon. Guess I’ll be riding Roscoe. You guys get ready to ride and check in here withGus. He’ll assign you your mounts. Thanks for your assistance. If you talk to your boss, tell her I’d like to speak with her.” Mac handed him a business card. “She can reach me on my cell. And thanks for your assistance, especially so early in the morning.”

“You’ve been gone too long, Mac.” Gus laughed. “Six in the morning ain’t early for an old cowboy like me.” He turned to John. “Mandy wouldn’t have sent one of those breakfast burritos she makes for me, would she?”

“Now, Gus… has Mandy ever not looked after a friend?”

“She’s a good girl, your Mandy.”

“Most of the time,” John laughed.

Mac and John exchanged knowing smiles.

Mac walked over to the big buckskin gelding and untied him, then looped the lead rope around the horse’s neck and removed his halter before bridling him. He was impressed with how easily the big horse took the bit. Stowing the halter and lead in one of the saddlebags, he led him to the rear of the SUV and grabbed a rifle and scabbard, attaching the latter to the saddle and putting the rifle securely into it. He moved Roscoe away from the vehicle and mounted.

Turning, he watched as Gus helped the rest of his men get ready to ride. Most of them knew their way around a horse and were at least moderately experienced, but Mac had grown up a rancher’s son in Oklahoma. He couldn’t remember a time before he joined the Rangers when he hadn’t ridden every day. It was one of the few things he missed about not choosing a more settled life. Even within the US Marshal’s Service, he could have stayed in a field supervisor position like John. Being the head of the SOG meant he was never truly off the clock.

Mac retrieved his GPS unit and punched in the coordinates for the lone unaccounted-for campsite. He settled the unit in front of him behind the saddle horn and nudged Roscoe to move out. The other horses fell into line behind him.

“I just spoke to Thom,” John called. “We’ve had a couple of tips about people seeing Eastwick. Thom has them plotted.”

Mac reined in Roscoe. “Are they in the same area?”

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