Lawman from Nogales (9781101544747) by Ralph W. Cotton Read Free Book Online

over to the tonsorial.
    Beside the dun stood Bram Donovan’s roan gelding—a sturdy-looking desert barb that appeared too well cared for to belong to a man on the run.
    â€œI can’t thank you enough, Ranger Burrack,” Erin said, her arms folded across her bosom, a thin shawl around her shoulders even in the heat of the day. “I will never forget everything you’ve done for me and my poor brother, Bram.”
    Sam noted that she called him Ranger Burrack in spite of the fact that he had given her permission to call him by his first name.
    â€œAll I did was make arrangements with the barber,” he replied softly. “Thank Wild Roses for providing the box and the plot of ground.”
    â€œI—I could have paid,” she said in a lowered voice. “But in doing so I would have cut my ocean fare short.”
    â€œI understand,” Sam said. They had talked earlier and agreed that she would ride with him as far the nearest location where she could take a coach on to the Port of Tampico.
    â€œIt’s most considerate of you to help,” she said, “considering that Bram would have been riding with the Torres gang against you had he not met his end.”
    Sam didn’t reply; he only looked at her and gave a slight smile.
    â€œ ‘’Tis fate that has us all in its pocket,’ ” she said. “It’s an old Gaelic-Irish saying.”
    â€œI see,” Sam said. He heard just a faint trace of brogue in her voice, and it seemed only to come forward when she allowed it.
    â€œWill you be all right riding in that garb?” he asked, gesturing a nod toward her long gingham dress.
    She gave him a look, as if to ask what choice she had.
    â€œI have a pair of denims and an extra shirt in my saddlebags,” he offered. “Did your brother own a hat? You’ll need one while you ride—that is, if you’re comfortable wearing it.”
    â€œI have his hat, and I have his trail coat and gun belt as well,” she said. “They’re tucked under some hay up there.” She nodded toward the livery stable. “Bram would want me to get use of them.” She looked at Sam and added hesitantly, “May I . . . have his gun?”
    â€œCertainly,” Sam said. “I only picked it up out of habit. He reached behind him, took Bram’s Starr revolver from his belt and held it out for her.
    Erin accepted the big Starr in her small hands and looked at it, hefting the weight of it.
    â€œMy, it is heavy,” she said.
    â€œDo you know how to use it?” Sam asked.
    â€œNo, not very well,” she said. “Bram had me shoot it in case I ever needed to. But I never learned to aim and hit anything.” She paused, then added, “Perhaps you could show me while we are on the trail?”
    â€œYes, I’ll be happy to, first chance we get,” Sam said. “Now, let’s get some coffee beans while the barber gets your brother ready. As soon as we have him properly buried, we’ll need to get some riding in before nightfall.”
    â€œYes, that’s a good idea,” she said. A hand went to her midsection. Her eyes closed for a moment.
    Sam saw her swoon slightly as if on the verge of fainting.
    â€œErin, are you all right?” he asked, reaching for her forearm to steady her. As he did so, he took the heavy Starr revolver from her hand.
    â€œOh yes, I’m fine,” she said, seeming to catch herself and make an effort to stand straight. “I just felt weak for a moment, too much excitement, I suppose.”
    Sam looked at her closely.
    â€œHow long since you’ve eaten?” he asked, slipping the Starr behind his back and tucking it into his belt.
    â€œYesterday evening,” she said. “I’m fine, though. I’m a light eater.”
    â€œYes, well, I’m not,” he said. “Why don’t we eat something here before we pick up supplies?”
    â€œIf