Page 17 of Wild Spirit Revival

Elijah stepped forward, his posture taut as a drawn bowstring. “Brodie. Jubal. Tripp. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

The three men dismounted, handing their reins to the younger boys who worked for the Becketts. “Tripp has some cattle missing. You noticed any trouble?”

Elijah shifted uneasily. “We sure have. At least fifty of our cattle are missing. We were just about to ride out to find them.” He looked at Tripp. “How many?”

“Same as you. About fifty head.” Tripp’s gaze swept over the group, lingering on Molly for a moment before returning to Elijah.

“Any other ranchers affected?” Elijah asked.

“None who’ve come to me,” Brodie replied. “My guess is between you and Tripp, they’ve gotten all they can handle for now. They’re probably close to the Wyoming border by now.”

Tripp broke the silence, his voice tight. “Maybe not. Depends on the number of rustlers involved. I want to go after them.”

“I’m with you, Tripp. It would have to be me, Joshua, and Nathan. We need the others to stay here.”

“The three of you are good. I’ll bring two men, so we’ll have six.”

“Now, hold up a minute,” Brodie said. “I don’t want a killing spree.”

Nathan sent a disbelieving look at the sheriff. “Hard to prevent it when they’ve stolen our cattle.”

“You don’t need to come with us, Brodie.” Elijah shot a look at Tripp, who nodded. “Might be better if you didn’t.”

The sheriff nodded. “Don’t see how I can. Beaumont is up in Helena. His ma is sick. So it’s just Jubal and me.”

“We’ll do our best to keep the killing to a minimum,” Tripp said. “Maybe we’ll be able to drive the herd back this way without them knowing.”

Brodie sent him a dubious glance. “I’d pay money to see that.” He blew out a breath. “Bring back any bodies.”

“Will do,” Elijah answered. “What else is bothering you, Brodie?”

The sheriff sighed, removing his hat to wipe his brow. “There’s talk of a new gang moving into the territory from the Dakotas. They’ve been causing havoc up north. I’m afraid they might set their sights on Mystic.” Brodie looked around at the gathering and cleared his throat. “They aren’t our usual outlaws who rob banks or steal cattle. Instead, they swindle unsuspecting people of their savings or title to their homes. The swindlers destroy lives the same as a shot to the heart.”

Joshua rubbed his stubbled jaw. “Mystic would be a ripe target for those inscrutable thieves.”

Elijah’s expression darkened. “How’s that?”

“I’m not worried about you or Tripp,” Brodie said. “You’d never let someone take away what’s yours with a signature. They’re a loose gang, of sorts. Organized and ruthless when it comes to who they target. An older widow or widower who has money is their favorite.”

Jolene couldn’t contain herself any longer. “Those poor people. What can we do, Sheriff?”

“I’m alerting everyone in Mystic to be aware of the swindles going on in other territories. Pastor Ward has agreed to make an announcement during church this Sunday. Mayor Jurgen is having flyers made to post around town. Him being a widower, he’s determined nothing unsavory will happen in Mystic. Titus Bell is going to make sure the stage drivers know to warn riders of the danger. I’m open to any ideas you folks have.”

Molly thought a moment. “I don’t know any of the people who live outside of town. Well, besides the Becketts and Mr. Lassiter. If I’m given names and locations, I can take the buggy and warn them.”

“What a wonderful idea, Molly. We’ll take one of our wagons and ride out this week,” Jolene said.

“That isn’t going to happen,” Elijah said. “Grayson will never let you go in your condition.”

“But—”

“I’ll go with Molly,” Annalee offered. “I won’t need names or directions, as I know everyone for miles around Mystic.”

“I’d appreciate it, Annie,” Brodie said, his voice soft.

Molly watched as Annalee’s face grew red. She wondered if there might be something going on between the sheriff and Annalee.

Brodie tore his gaze from hers before clearing his throat. “All right. Jubal and I need to get back to town.” He looked at Tripp. “When are you riding out?”

---