Page 28 of Wrangling Her Heart
“Positive,” Rex confirmed, his tone unyielding. “I have to seethe marshal, and then I’ll stop by to pick her up.”
“Do you need a saddle or anything?”
“Just a halter.”
“Thanks, Rex. I appreciate it.”
With a nod, Rex left the livery and strode purposefully toward the marshal’s office. He hitched up his belt, his brow furrowed in concern. He was sure that George was a confidence man, and Tillie was just a distraction in one of his many schemes.
Rex pushed open the door to the marshal’s office, the hinges creaking in protest. The familiar smell of leather, sweat, and gun oil greeted him as he scanned the room. Hoping to find Whit there, he was instead met with the stern gaze of Marshal Orrin Briggs.
“Briggs,” Rex said, tipping his hat in greeting. “I’m looking for Whit. Ain’t seen him around, have you?”
“Whit’s not available,” Briggs replied, leaning back in his chair. “Something I can help you with?”
“Reckon so,” Rex admitted, hesitating for a moment before continuing. “I saw Brodie Richards earlier. Did you know the Richards were back in town?”
“Did you see more than one?” Rex shrugged, and Briggs exhaled heavily, rubbing at his temples. “If I recall, the Richards served their time. They can come and go as they please.”
“They? Are there more in town?”
“Look, Rex, I know how much your family means to you. But sometimes it’s best to let things be. Forget about it for now.”
“Can’t do that, sir,” Rex insisted, his voice tense. “You know what Brodie’s capable of. What the family is capable of. I’ve got to protect my own.”
“Rex,” Briggs cautioned, his voice low and firm. “I’m telling you again. Forget about it. Forget you saw him.”
“What about Whit? Someone said they saw him take part in rustling cattle.”
“Whit’s a big boy, Rex. He doesn’t need you to come to his rescue. If it was him, he’s made his choices.”
“I don’t believe it.” Rex slammed his cowboy hat onto the wooden desk, sending papers scattering in all directions.
Briggs stepped up and grabbed the hat. Walking around the desk, he shoved it into Rex’s chest. “You need to forget everything you’ve seen or heard. Get out of town and get home to your family.”
“That’s it?” Frustration bubbled inside Rex. “That’s all you have to say?”
“That’s it. You can either leave, or I’ll put you in a cell until you cool down.”
Rex put his hat on and yanked the door open. “I can’t forget about this, Marshal.”
“You can, and you will.” The marshal closed the door behind him, leaving Rex alone on the wooden porch.
Sighing, he headed back to the livery to collect his horses and head home. Anger was still brewing inside him as he approached the ranch. Tillie and George were outside arguing, their eyes widening at the sight of the horse.
“Rex, what...?” Tillie began, her voice wavering with confusion, and he rode up next to her.
“George,” Rex interrupted, meeting the man’s glare. “This is your horse now. I want you to take twenty dollars of the money Brodie gave you in town this morning and pay me back. Then I want you to get off my ranch.”
“Rex, I...” George stammered, his face a mixture of shock andgratitude.
Rex leaned in closer, his eyes narrow and voice dropping to a low, menacing tone. “You don’t want to stay here, George,” he warned. “Trust me.”
George reached inside the pocket of his vest and pulled out several bills.
“George,” Tillie proclaimed. “Where did you get all that money?”
Tossing several bills on the ground, George took the reins of the horse. “I never liked it here, anyway,” he snarled, lifting himself on the horse. “I can’t believe you didn’t even get me a saddle.”
