Riding For The Brand: Sage Country Book Three by Dan Arnold Read Free Book Online

still want to be a part of this and support it somehow.”
    “You’re right, they will. Tom, I know of a woman up at North Fork who would love to cook and clean at the orphanage. I just don’t know how to get her hired. If I so much as open my mouth, the newspaper will have her run out of town on a rail.
    Tom grinned. “…Right behind you.”
    “We can get this thing staffed and running before the snow flies up there, but only if I’m not involved. If I have anything further to do with it, I’m afraid the commissioners will find a way to shut it down, indefinitely. We’ll need to make arrangements for everything before the meeting next week. The burden for that is going to fall on you.”
    “I’ll handle it. I’ll start talking to certain people and get some financial pledges all lined up. If the commissioners try to pull some delaying tactic, we’ll fund the start-up privately. That should embarrass the county into action.”
    “It’s a good plan, but don’t count on the commissioners being embarrassed into action. If they find out there are plans to fund the start-up without financial support from the county …It would probably make them happy.”
    “Don’t worry, John, I have a few aces up my sleeve.”
    “Yeah, I’ll bet you do at that.”
    “We’ll get it handled.”
    “There’s something else I need to ask of you, Tom.”
    “OK, what is it.”
    “I’m planning to leave town for a little while. Just a few days probably, but Lora hates to be alone, and well, I need to know they’ll be safe. Will you and Becky stay with her and the kids at night, while I’m gone?”
    “I’ll have to talk to Becky about it, John. I’ll bet she won’t mind not having to cook for a few days,” he grinned.
    “I hate to impose, but there’s nobody else I can count on. Besides, Becky is Lora’s best friend.”
    “I know it, and Becky really enjoys playing with those kids.”
    “You’ll have your own child soon. When is Becky due, November, right?”
    “Doc says probably the middle of November, only about ten more weeks.”
    “That will be cause for thanksgiving!” I slapped him on the back.
    “Where are you planning to go, John?”
    “I’ve wanted to see if I can learn what became of Jake and Sarah’s parents. I’ve been to the courthouse and found the property deed. It has pretty clear calls and landmark references. Jake tells me they lived right below Yellow Butte, so I guess I’ll start there. I may be able to locate a relative or someone who has a claim on them.”
    “John, you’re not planning to give them up are you? It seems to me those kids have grown mighty fond of you, and you of them. I’ve never heard you call Jacob ‘Jake’ before.”
    “No. I can’t even imagine giving them up, but it would be wrong to keep them from their rightful family. What if they have folks down there who are grieving over their loss?”
    He nodded his agreement.
    “Well, I’ll bet a little change of pace will be good for you. Getting out and seeing some new country, and not having the full weight of the Sheriff’s office riding you, is bound to feel good. I wish I could go with you.”
    “I wish you could too.”
    “I expect you and Dusty will do just fine. Don’t give another thought to what’s going on here. Just stretch your legs and clear your head. It’ll do you good to have a break from law enforcement.”

9.
     
    “John, promise me you’ll be careful out there.” Lora said.
    We were piled up in the bed. The kids were still asleep.
    “I guess I’m about the most careful man I know. Besides, I’m just going to be scouting around in search of some kin to Jake and Sarah.”
    “It seems like any time you ride off, I never know for sure if you will be coming back.”
    “Baby, I’ll always come back to you.”
    “Well, this time make sure you don’t come back all shot up.”
    “Now , that is sound advice.”
    “It isn’t advice, it’s an ultimatum.” She slapped me playfully on