The man studied the ground, searching for signs the outlaws had indeed traveled this way. It was a difficult chore. The wanted men had masked their path well. There were faint marks that suggested the trail they had been following was tampered with, but he could not confirm his suspicion, and Davis wanted proof. The rough man already warned the tracker that mistakes would not be tolerated by striking him. Who knows what the results of another mistake would be. “They had to have gone this way,” the tracker informed Davis hesitantly.

“Than how come that boy didn’t see ‘em, Colby?” the ring leader demanded. He spit tobacco at the tracker’s feet.

“I... I don’t know,” Colby stuttered, fearful of Davis. “But I’m telling ya, I don’t see any signs saying they went otherwise.” He swung on his horse, determined to follow the same path he had originally found.

“You’d better be right,” Davis warned, signaling the group that it was time to ride on. They were losing day light, and Davis wanted to cover as much ground as possible.

Unexpected Betrayal

The young woman’s heart pounded fiercely, racing wildly with each breath she took. The execution of Callahan’s partner, McCarty, haunted her with each passing minute. The injustice created when another man was sent to pay for Callahan’s crimes also weighed heavy on her conscious. She never tried to help the innocent victims. Hell, she never tried to save herself from his abusive ways! But all that was going to end. No one else was going to suffer. No other girl would feel the sting of his hand for a business test. It was time to bring her employer down. Summoning her courage, Mabel headed to Callahan’s office, unaware of the suspicious eyes that followed her.

The undercover riders exchanged information with each other over supper. The men told of the meeting, and the army spy. Louise wasn’t too surprised to discover the rat was a woman. Callahan habitually used women to benefit his criminal career. Now they had to find a method of trapping Marcus.

After the boys finished discussing their business meeting, Lou revealed Mabel’s puzzling behavior. She told them about Mabel’s emotional state during breakfast, and how she brought up the Kid’s innocence. Louise also mentioned how Mabel refused to speak with her later that day.

“Could be another trap,” Jimmy noted, before taking another bite of steak. He realized, that all his dinners lately were really meetings so information could be passed.

“I don’t know,” Lou said, pushing her plate to the center of the table. “I think she really meant what she said about Kid’s escaping.” The woman’s eyes had reflected sincerity. She really was glad the Kid got away.

“I think it’s best we all stay clear of her,” Cody stated. “It’s our safest bet.”

Jimmy agreed. They were too far in the game to start taking foolish chances. Since Mabel’s intentions weren’t transparent, she was too dangerous to trust. Lou, however, was still drawn to the young woman. She needed to hear Mabel’s tale of murder.

“Excuse me,” Lou said, before heading for the door. Jimmy quickly followed, leaving Cody to dine alone. The young gunfighter knew exactly what was on her mind. ***

Nervously, the woman’s sweaty fingers entered the magic combination, only Marcus was suppose to know. But, thanks to Callahan’s strong liking for brandy and late night loving, Mabel had discovered the numbers. The egotistical jerk muttered them in his sleep!

After the safe’s lock released, Mabel reached inside and pulled out the valuable documents. She ran her fingers lightly across the papers that would bring Callahan’ downfall. The law would hang him for sure. “What he really deserves is to be shot down like the low life scum that he is,” she thought angrily. But, Callahan’s men would hunt the shooter down and kill him, whether Marcus was still alive or not. Some of the foolish men, idolized Marcus. He had everything they wanted. Money, power, and women were all items his cronies desired. Davis was the biggest sheep in the herd.

The door’s creaking interrupted Mabel’s thoughts. As the two figures entered, Mabel drew her little .41 Colt pistol, took aim, and fired the one and only shot her weapon allowed. She screamed as the familiar woman fell to the floor. Blood covering her dress.

On to Chapter Twelve