Range War (9781101559215) by C. J. Cherryh Read Free Book Online

a pain in the ass,” Fargo said.
    â€œEven so, he is still blood of my blood, and I will not permit you to harm him more than you have.”
    â€œThat’s up to him.”
    â€œIt is in your best interests, too. My advice to you is to ride on.”
    â€œI promised your husband I’d go after the Hound.”
    â€œHe will not hold it against you if you change your mind,” Constanza said.
    â€œI’d hold it against me.”
    â€œWe can’t matter that much to you,” Constanza argued. “You hardly know us.”
    â€œI know Yoana,” Fargo said.
    â€œNo,” Constanza said. “I suspect there is more to it. Confide in me or not, it is your choice.” She bent and picked up a cup and filled it. “I am old, senor. I am patient.”
    â€œRefresh my memory about something,” Fargo said. “How soon after the cowboys showed up did the attacks begin?”
    â€œ Exactamente? ”
    â€œ Si. ”
    Constanza had to think about it. “It was three nights after we learned that the Americano vaqueros had come to Hermanos Valley, we first heard the howls.”
    â€œGracias.”
    â€œWhich is why we suspected they were behind it,” Constanza elaborated. “But now you say the Hound has killed their cattle and tried to attack one of them.” She sadly sighed. “I don’t know what to think anymore. Or could it be that they lied to you?”
    â€œThey seemed sincere.”
    â€œBut it could all be an act?” Constanza pressed him.
    â€œIt could,” Fargo conceded.
    â€œThen until you prove otherwise, I will continue to place the blame at their feet.”
    The wagon door opened and out came Alejandro. Shuffling tiredly over, he helped himself to coffee. “Flavio is finally sleeping peacefully,” he said to the old woman.
    â€œGood,” she said. “He needs rest more than anything.”
    â€œHis leg,” Alejandro said, and closed his eyes and winced. “He will be a cripple, won’t he?”
    â€œPerhaps not,” Constanza said.
    â€œBut you think he will?”
    â€œ Si. ”
    â€œI make this vow,” Alejandro solemnly declared. “From this day forth I will not rest until the Hound that did this to him is dead. I swear by all that’s holy.”
    â€œGod does not like for us to swear by Him,” Constanza said. “Pick something else to swear by.”
    â€œGod will do,” Alejandro said.
    Again the door opened. This time it was Delicia. Despite the clouds and the horror that permeated the very air, she was gorgeous. “ Buenos días. ”
    â€œDid you sleep well, sweet one?” Constanza asked.
    â€œHow could I, Grandmother, with all that was going on?”
    Delicia focused on Fargo. “And you, senor. What will you do this fine day?”
    â€œGo after the Hound,” Fargo said.
    â€œWith me at his side,” Alejandro informed her.
    â€œDidn’t you learn anything from what befell Flavio?” Delicia asked.
    â€œ Si ,” Alejandro responded. “I learned that thing must die, and the sooner, the better for us.”
    â€œSenor Fargo,” Delicia said. “Talk sense into him. Forbid him to accompany you.”
    â€œHe’s a grown man,” Fargo said.
    â€œBut not a wise one. You, though, have the benefit of having hunted before. Explain the dangers to him.”
    â€œI already know them,” Alejandro said.
    â€œYou will be maimed like Flavio. Or worse.”
    â€œPerhaps,” Alejandro told her. “But I will be able to hold my head high and not bent low in shame.”
    â€œThere is no shame for anyone here,” Constanza interrupted. “The men have done all they can. That they have not slain this Hound is through no fault of theirs.”
    â€œWith two of us after the thing,” Alejandro insisted, “maybe we will succeed.”
    Fargo didn’t want him to go but held