Page 62 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

“In about a half hour.” Daxton slid his hat back on. “I need to check in at the office first.”

Dirk nodded. “Everything okay, sheriff?”

Sheriff Clark sighed. “No, it’s not.”

“Well, if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

Daxton nodded. “Thanks, Dirk. Just saddle up your fastest horse for me, if you don’t mind. Add it to my bill and I’ll pay you at the end of the month.”

Dirk shook his head. “Not necessary. I’m happy to help. Whatever you need.”

Daxton clasped his friend’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thanks, Dirk. I truly appreciate it.”

“Happy to help.” He started to lead Daxton’s team away but stopped. “If you need anything else, just let me know.”

The sheriff nodded. “I appreciate that.”

In times like these, Daxton realized just how lucky he was to be a part of this community. He hurried toward the sheriff’s office, and someone was there, but he couldn’t see who. He flung the door open, and Colton stood abruptly from behind the desk and spun around, drawing his gun in one fluid motion.

“Don’t do that to me again, sheriff!” Colton let out a sigh of relief. “You should know better than to sneak up on a gunfighter like that. You almost got yourself shot.”

“Ex-gunfighter,” Daxton corrected. Colton had given up being a gunfighter when he moved to Whiskey River. Now, he was perfectly happy in his new life with his wife and children.

“Still.” Colton put away his weapon, pushing his long brown hair over his shoulder. “Old habits die hard.”

Daxton nodded, but didn’t smile. “Have you seen James yet today?”

Colton shook his head, a crease forming between his eyes. “No, why?”

Daxton looked out the window, checking the surroundings as he spoke. “Because I saw him in Laramie over the weekend.” Daxton looked Colton in the eye. “He identified my children to Austin Slater.”

“Hewhat?” Colton’s voice rose several octaves.

Daxton nodded. “They were looking for Josey.”

Colton was immediately on alert. “Isn’t she still at your place?”

Daxton shook his head, taking a step closer. “Don’t tell anyone, but she left in the middle of the night after I told her that Austin Slater was looking for her.” He shook his head in disbelief, mentally kicking himself again. “Hard tellin’ where she is now.” Daxton headed toward the door. “But if you see James, don’t let him go. I need to speak with him.”

Colton chuckled, arching an eyebrow. “So, he’s no longer employed here?”

Daxton shook his head. “I have a feeling he never really was.”

“What do you mean?” Colton’s eyes narrowed. “Why would he be working for The Slater Boys? And why are they looking for Josey?”

Daxton wondered how much to tell him, but he knew he could trust Colton. “What I tell you, you can’t breathe a word to anyone… ever.”

Colton lowered his voice. “You know I won’t. But the more I know, the more I can help.”

“I know.” Daxton let out a slow breath. “Josey was married to Logan Slater. He abused her and she ran. Evidently, it had been going on for a long time.”

Colton clenched his jaw and released it. “Where do you think she could have gone?”

Daxton shook his head. “I have no idea, but she was on foot.”

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. A few women screamed and the sound of horses’ hooves pounding along the dirt road filled the air.

Daxton opened the door and he and Colton stepped outside. Wyatt, the new saloon owner, had stepped out of the saloon next door. Riders were coming into town, and Austin was leading them. James was bringing up the rear.

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