Page 1 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Chapter 1

THE COLT PRANCED back and forth, snorting loudly as Cullen Cade watched from a few feet away planning his approach. He took a step to minimize the space and, once things seemed calmer, Cull patted Mr. Big’s slick neck, then gradually smoothed his hand to the saddle. “That’s right, buddy. Just like that. We’ll take this nice and slow.”

He pulled himself up and the second he was settled into the polished leather, the colt snorted loudly, clawed at the air, then came down hard. “Whoa there, boy,” Cull whispered.

Mr. Big’s ears cocked before he turned several times, his tail swishing. He twisted left then right and expertly tossed Cull into the dirt. The horse whinnied and walked away as if nothing had happened.

With a silent curse, Cull stood, dusted himself off and dragged his Stetson off to slap it against his jeaned thigh. “That’s some stubborn sum’bitch,” he muttered. He’d been working with the colt for weeks now and hadn’t gotten anywhere.

“Don’t you mean that’s some birthday gift from Dad? He’s either trying to prove a point or kill you,” Zander Cade said from where he straddled the top rail around the arena.

“You know the saying, ‘What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger’.” Cull didn’t take his eyes off Mr. Big who stood close to the fence, shaking his head back and forth as if warning Cull not to come any closer. “I bet if I had more carrots you’d be just fine.” The horse sniffed, and Cull growled, “This fellow doesn’t like men. That’s the problem.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to attempt this as many times as it takes.” Cull eased forward slowly and climbed into the saddle again. Holding the reins tight as the colt pranced irately around the arena, Cull clenched his jaw, preparing himself for another dirt bath, but it didn’t happen. “I think he’s finally settling down.”

“Don’t let him fool you, bro,” Zander warned. “He’s got that look in his eye.”

“Yeah, what look is that?”

His brother’s laughter reached his ears. “Sort of reminds me of Kace when he gets pissed.”

“I heard that.” Kace strolled up to the fence. “That horse doesn’t like you much, Cull.”

“Nah, we just need to establish who’s boss.” Once he loosened his hold on the reins ever so slightly, the colt saw his chance and bucked wildly, kicking his back legs then his front and folded over like a performer taking a bow sending Cull sliding forward and onto the ground. He stood and held his side, feeling a twinge of pain in his ribs. At least they weren’t broken but they’d smart tomorrow.

“See, I told you,” Zander bellowed. “Want me to try? I’ve been told I have the smooth touch.”

Giving his brother an agitated eye, Cull sighed. “Just you watch and see. He’s going to make a fine horse one day.”

“You going to train him, are you?” Kace asked.

“Hell yeah, I am. I’ve never shied away from a challenge before. He just needs some time.”

“You either have more nine lives than a litter of kittens or rubber bones.” Kace snorted.

“Remember what Dad told us growing up?” Cull braced his elbows on the top of the fence.

“Yeah, that rowdy horses make good cowboys.”

“He’s right, you know. The first horse I trained was the devil, even broke a couple of my ribs, but he damn sure made me tougher.” Cull opened the gate and slipped out. “Will you take care of his saddle for me? I’ve got some place I need to be.”

“Sure, but are you seriously doing this bounty hunter job?” Zander and Kace followed Cull into the stables.

“Fugitive Recovery Agent, bro, and yes. I find it gratifying.”

“I call bullshit!” Zander spit into the dirt.

“Is it gratifying to be shot at by a two-hundred fifty-pound biker who’s wanted for the death of three people? Great entertainment, man,” Kace said.

“The money’s good and this is just a stepping stone. I’ll talk to you both later. Don’t try riding my horse.” He crossed the grass to his truck, feeling a dull ache in his ribs. Mr. Big put a hurting on his body. It didn’t help that two days ago he’d cornered a fugitive and the bastard thought it would be clever to try and run Cull over with his Harley. He’d be dead by now if it wasn’t for quick reflexes. Too bad the concrete parking lot hadn’t been a little more forgiving on his landing.

Pulling away from the Cade Ranch, he steered the wheel toward Cheyenne. He probably wouldn’t make it before nightfall but that was okay. As long as he got his man, handed him over to authorities and was in his bed by midnight, Cull didn’t care one bit what happened in between.

Pushing the speaker button on his phone in the holder on the dashboard, it was answered on the second ring. “Hey, Deke. I’m headed to Cheyenne now. Want to give me the lowdown on this case?” Detective Deke Johnson worked for the Laramie Sheriff’s Department and he and Cull had been good friends since they’d been in the police academy together. Cull worked with agencies all over Wyoming chasing down fugitives and because of his honed tracking skills, his record was spotless. When he was set on the trail of a criminal, chances were they’d face iron bars within thirty-six hours.

“You’ve got a real doozy on your hands this time, Cade,” Deke said.

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