A Wolf in the Fold

“That’s not likely. Gertrude always had a powerful hate for me and mine. Now, with her husband dead and her son laid up, she has cause to hate us that much more.” Hannah bit her lower lip. “There’s no telling what she’ll do to get back at us. I don’t mind admitting I’m worried. Mighty worried.”

“The Rangers will be here soon and then you will be safe,” I assured her. No one would dare tangle with the Texas Rangers. It just was not done.

“It can’t be soon enough to suit me,” Hannah said. “If I ask them to protect us, do you think they will see fit to guard us day and night?”

“I could not possibly predict,” I answered. Unwittingly, she had given me more reason to finish the job as quickly as possible. I decided to do it right after supper. I would catch them completely unawares. Unarmed and at ease, they would be easy pickings.

To that end, I endured half an hour of small talk while Daisy made the meal. She had to do it herself. Hannah was in no mood to cook, and her brothers could not be bothered to lend a hand. When the venison was done, Daisy went to the front door and hollered, “Come and get it!” Everyone came, including Sam and the two who were hidden in the woods.

I was hungry, but I did not feel much like eating. I picked at the meat and the beans and washed what little I ate down with piping-hot black coffee.

Hannah, too, barely touched her food. Slumped in her chair, her chin in her hand, she hardly spoke the whole meal. As I pushed my plate back, she stirred. “I trust that was satisfactory?”

“As delicious as can be,” I said.

“Now that you have partaken of our hospitality, what do you say to doing me a favor?”

“If it is within my power,” I said gallantly.

“I don’t dare show my face in town. Me nor my younguns. But I need someone to get word to me when the Rangers arrive.”

“I will ride out here the moment they ride in,” I pledged.

Daisy beamed at me. “Isn’t he wonderful, Ma? Always ready to lend a helping hand.”

“That’s what men of the cloth do, daughter,” Hannah said. “That, and they always turn the other cheek. It’s why they’re different from us ordinary folk.”

“I could never imagine the parson hurting a fly,” Daisy said.

How easy it is to fool people, I reflected. Most go through life with blinders on, only seeing what they want to see. There I was, a notorious Regulator, a killer many times over, and they could not see past my sheep’s collar and recognize the wolf in their fold.

I was congratulating myself on my cleverness when their mongrel commenced barking his fool head off. He was tied to a stake at the corner of the cabin, giving him a good view of the trail.

“Quiet, Samson!” Ty bellowed.

“It’s probably another stupid rabbit,” Carson complained.

“Don’t ever take anything for granted,” Hannah said. “One of you go have a look-see.”

Sam started to rise but froze along with the rest of his family when the dog’s barking was brought to an end by the blast of a rifle. The next instant the Butchers were scrambling for their hardware. Without thinking, young Sam and Carson went to rush out the door.

“Stop right there!” Hannah commanded. “What are you trying to do? Get yourselves killed?”

Mocking laughter wafted from the woods. “Can you hear me in there? This is Gertrude Tanner!”

So much for her giving me twenty-four hours. With an effort I swallowed my fury.

“Dear God!” Hannah Butcher breathed.

Again Gertrude laughed in sheer savage delight. “Are you ready to meet your Maker? Because you are all going to die!”

Chapter 13

Tyrel sprang to the door and wrenched it open, only to slam it shut again and fling himself against the wall as rifles thundered and half a dozen slugs thudded against the door and the jamb.

“You’re trapped!” Gertrude gloated. “My hands have your cabin surrounded! Try to make a break and we’ll shoot you to ribbons!”

“Ma?” Sam said anxiously. He was flat on the floor, as were several of the others. Daisy had sought cover by the stove.

Hannah sidled to a window, careful not to show herself. “Hush, boy, and let me think.”

I was crouched next to the table, but now I rose in a crouch and crossed to her side. She was warily peeking out. “See anything?”

“No, but I don’t doubt they’re out there. My worst fear has come to pass. Gertrude has us boxed in and can do as she pleases.” Hannah pressed her forehead to the wall and closed her eyes. “We’re goners. I should have left someone out there to stand guard.”

“Never give up hope,” I offered. Which was easy for me to say since I had a way out. “Perhaps if I talk to her I can persuade her to leave you be.”

Hope filled Hannah’s eyes. “Would you? She might listen to you, you being the parson and all.”

“It won’t hurt to try.” I moved past Jordy and Ty and opened the front door a crack. “Mrs. Tanner?” I bawled. “This is Reverend Storm! Tell your men not to shoot. I’m coming out.”

“By all means, do. I very much want to talk to you.”