Page 3 of Hard Bounty

The fight was over.

“Thank you! Thank you!” the woman cheered, approaching John.

He staggered to his feet, put his hand out to halt her progress, and, with his other, drew his gun. He swept it around at the men who lay on the floor. As much as he would love to have that woman physically show her appreciation and throw her arms around him in a tight hug, there were numerous reasons why that wasn’t a good idea. Chief among them was self-preservation. And protecting her. If they got distracted in a moment of affection, well, one of those guys might recover enough to attack once again.

“Will there be any more trouble out of you three?” he demanded.

The tackled one was still knocked out cold. There had been no reason to ask him.

But the leader, who still didn’t seem to have his wits about him, groaned and then manage to breathlessly say, “We have a right…to take…her in. She’s…wanted.”

“That doesn’t give you the right to abuse her,” John said sternly. “And I know you, Butch Morehead. You have a track record. You belong in prison, if you ask me. But I reckon you did your time. No papers out on you right now. Least none that I’m aware of.”

The bounty hunter groaned again, spit out a little blood, and shook his head as if trying to clear the cobwebs. “Damnit. I knew you seemed familiar. You’re…John Hardin.” He spit out the name like he’d done the blood, as if it tasted sour. He shook his head again. “There won’t…be any trouble. You have my word.”

John smiled. He was glad to hear it, but a man like Butch Morehead’s word wasn’t worth much. But he’d be out of there soon enough. The fracas and trouble between him and the three men was most likely over.

But something told him his real trouble was just beginning.

“Here,” John said, taking Butch’s gun from his waistband and unloading it, letting the cartridges fall to the floor with a metallic thud. “Give this back to him when we’re clear of here.” He tossed the weapon across the room. The barkeep caught it, nodded, and stuck it under the counter.

The process was repeated two more times as John relieved the other men of their pistols.

Once that was done, the woman tried to rush toward him again, seemingly eager to be close. She’d most likely change her tune in a moment, he thought.

“You okay?” he asked her.

“Yes, sir. Thank you!” she cried.

“Alright. Come with me.”

“But…I’m waiting on the stage.”

He reached in his pocket and pulled out his badge. He’d taken to not wearing it, especially in Indian Territory, where it just made him a target for all those outlaws who were hiding out in the Nations.

“No, Mary Dunn,” he said. “You’re under arrest. Deputy United States Marshal.”

Just as he’d suspected, her smile disappeared. The affection drained from her eyes. Suddenly, he could tell that she no longer wanted to hug him.

Chapter Three

“You can’t arrest me!” Mary cried.

Her heart was thumping so hard it felt as if it might explode right out of her chest. Conflicting emotions flooded her mind. On one hand, she’d been saved. There was little doubt those three bounty hunters wanted to do awful things to her! They might have taken her in and handed her over to authorities, but not before they had their perverse fun.

On the other hand, she’d been rescued but by a clearly tough and capable lawman who had actual authority! Talk about bad luck!

He also happened to be the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His mere presence had an intoxicating effect on her, and she was struggling to hold it at bay. She needed to keep a clear head and not be ruled by emotions if she wanted to get out of this situation. She’d never willingly let go of her freedom.

“Icanarrest you and I’m going to,” the lawman said. “We’re not going to argue about this, either.”

“But you want to take me to Judge Parker! He’ll hang me!”

The lawman shook his head. “He’s not going to hang you.”

“He’s the hanging judge! That’s what they call him. Haven’t you heard?”

“I’m well aware of the judge’s reputation, but what you’re accused of isn’t even a hanging offense. You’ll have your day in court. Come on. Let’s get on the road.”

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