Bobbi Smith by Halfbreed Warrior Read Free Book Online

walked past them and on into the bunkhouse.
    “You’d better.”

Chapter Five
    Jack was up and out of the house early the following morning. He knew it was important he get over to the neighboring Walker ranch, the Bar W, as quickly as he could to let Pat Walker know what was going on. The pretty young widow had been trying to keep her ranch running since her husband’s death the year before. She had managed to hang on this long, but lately she’d been hit by the rustlers, too, and her finances were in a desperate state.
    As Jack rode up to the house, Pat came outside to greet him.
    “I’m hoping this is a purely social visit, Jack,” she called out, smiling in welcome. The Stocktons were good neighbors and good friends.
    “I’d like to tell you it is, but we need to talk,” Jack said as he dismounted and joined her on the porch.
    Pat immediately grew serious. “What did you find out?”
    “Nothing yet, but I’ve hired a man to look into the rustling. His name’s Hawk Morgan, and with any luck he’ll have some answers for us before too long.”
    “Good. I have no intention of letting them run me out of business—whoever they are.”
    “You’re the only one I’ve told so far about Morgan. I haven’t even told Wade yet.”
    Pat was surprised, for she knew how close he and his foreman were. She thought highly of the man, too. He’d been helping her a lot recently, and she appreciated it.
    “Why didn’t you tell Wade?” Pat asked. “You don’t suspect him of being involved, do you?”
    “No, I trust Wade. I just thought it best if I kept this quiet. The fewer people who know what Morgan’s up to, the better.”
    “You just let me know if there’s anything you need me to do,” Pat offered.
    “I will, and if I find out anything, I’ll send word to you right away.”
    “I appreciate it, Jack. How’s Randi?”
    “She’s just fine. She’s looking forward to the Stampede.”
    “So am I. Tell her I’ll see her in town. It’ll be good to relax and have some fun for a change.”
    “Yes, it will.”
    As Jack rode from the Walker ranch a short time later, he wondered how long Pat could keep the place going on her own. He’d offered to buy her out after her husband had died, but she’d been de termined to make a go of it. He just hoped she could hold on to the ranch. He knew how much it meant to her.
    Pat watched Jack ride away and knew she was lucky to have him for a neighbor. He was a smart, powerful man, and if anybody could figure out who was behind all the trouble, he would.
    Pat would always remember his kindness over the past year and a half. Jack, Randi, and Wade had checked in on her regularly to offer any help she needed. Her pride kept her from admitting how desperate her situation was becoming, but she was thankful for their friendship.
    Pat couldn’t wait for the trip to town for the Stampede. It wasn’t very often that she got to socialize. It had been almost two years since Al had died in the riding accident. Pat knew she had to move on with her life. She was trying, but it wasn’t easy.
    “What are we going to do about the breed?” Fred Carter asked Rob in disgust as they worked stock together in the north pasture.
    “There’s nothing we can do.” Rob had been expecting Fred to bring up the subject ever since they’d ridden out earlier that morning. “The boss hired him on. He works here just like we do.”
    “That don’t mean we have to like it.”
    “Nobody’s asking you to be friends with the man; just work with him when you have to.”
    “I don’t want nothing to do with Morgan.”
    “You don’t even know him.”
    “And I plan to keep it that way.”
    “Just don’t go causing any trouble. The boss has got enough going on right now, trying to catch the rustlers. He don’t need you stirring things up in the bunkhouse.”
    Fred ignored Rob. His hatred of Indians ran deep. Hawk Morgan had better keep his distance from him if he knew what was good for