The posse that consisted of seven men rode out on their boss’s ferocious order after the sheriff hastily deputized them. Davis was the leader of the small band, and knew the importance of the mission. Failure would bring forth drastic consequences. In order to please Callahan, the three fugitives were to be hunted down and brought back. To assist his men, Callahan demanded wanted posters to be drawn up immediately. Five hundred dollars for each wanted man. He wanted them dead or alive. Preferably dead.

“I am very intrigued by this meeting you requested,” Callahan admitted to Cody. He leaned back in his chair, greedily eyeing Louise, who sat across the room with Mabel. Cody’s protector, Mr. Hickok, noticed and strongly disapproved. The man’s eyes made that perfectly clear to Marcus. “I’m assuming this is about business?” the con man inquired finally.

“Yes,” Cody replied as breakfast was brought to them. “But not mine, yours.” He drew the documents from his inside pocket.

“My business?” Callahan exclaimed, loving the charade he was playing.

“Let’s not play games,” Cody said abruptly. “I think we both have a pretty clear concept of where our business interests rest.”

“I believe so,” Callahan admitted with curiosity. His game becoming more intriguing with the exchanged words.

“However, I would never make such a foolish mistake,” Cody began as he tossed the papers across the table. “As to let a woman get hold of such incriminating evidence.”

Marcus picked up the documents and study them. An arrogant smile captured his lips. “You misunderstand Mabel’s actions,” he stated.

“You knew about her betrayal?” Cody questioned, using he’s theatrical background. Jimmy also pretended to be surprised. However, he remained silent.

“There was no betrayal, gentlemen,” Marcus confided. “She was assisting me in a investigation.”

“You were investigating me?” Cody questioned. “To test my business ethics?”

“You could say that,” Marcus answered. “They’ve impressed me. Your business ethics that is.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Exchanging a brief look with Jimmy, Cody demanded, “Can we get down to business now?”

“This is a business meeting,” Callahan acknowledged. One he had been longing for. Finally he had met a man with the same drive and ambition. Together, they could accomplish great things.

Litttle Secrets

Mabel and Louise sat quietly in the corner. They entertained themselves by examining the lace tablecloth. Neither one did more than pick at their food. Tense feelings hung over their table. Lou was surprised to discover tears in Mabel’s eyes.

“I was so worried about your friend,” she whispered softly. “I was so glad he got away.” The look on Lou’s face caused her to faintly smile. “He’s your beau?”

Lou shook her head. Mabel’s words had taken her by surprise. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lou insisted.

“He didn’t kill that man,” Mabel continued. “Marcus framed him.” She sipped her juice lightly, and stood up. “It must be nice having someone to love. And someone to love you back.” With that Mabel left the little restaurant, leaving a stunned Lou dining by herself.

Ghost Trail

“These tracks don’t make any sense, Davis!” one of the posse members exclaimed. “We’re never gonna find em’.” He examined the trail again, and shook his head in disgust.

“Keep trying,” Davis demanded. The man refused, so Davis drew his revolver. “Please?” He smiled wickedly at the tracker. The man complied.

The young man carefully maneuvered his way back to the town of Needle Rock. He was the only one that could. The others had revealed themselves, and Callahan’s men would be looking for them. It took a lot of persuasion to convince Ike to leave his wanted friends, but they were right. The others needed someone to pass information to. Besides, no one had seen him assist in the jail break. All he had to do was make it safely back.

Bad feelings

Rachel sat outside on the porch, trying to chase bad thoughts away. The longer the riders were away, the more she worried. That was something she always did when they went on another dangerous adventure. But last night she had a terrible dream that really frightened her.

“Hey,” Noah called as he approached the troubled housekeeper. He could tell she was more than a little worried about the others. “You’ve got the same bad feeling?”

“Yeah,” she admitted softly. “I’m really afraid for them.”

“Maybe I should go after ‘em?” Noah said hesitantly. He hated abandoning her, but he was being consumed by this terrible feeling. She was too.

“I’ll see you off,” Rachel said as she rose from the steps. Noah’s change of heart brought her some relief. In the past, the riders were always able to over come great odds as long as they were together. She just prayed history would repeat itself.

On to Chapter Ten