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 lets go. He bent down and pushed back the boards as quietly
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as he could. When she tried to help, she realized she didn t have half
the strength this man did, and could hardly budge one of them. He
easily bent several of them so she could crawl through. Kate tore the
hem of her dress trying to crawl out but it was barely visible.
Once outside he led her to two saddled pintos and hoisted her
into one of them causing her skirt to ride up to her knees. The whole
time she was shaking like a leaf in the wind at being discovered.
 Can you ride? he said looking at her trembling hands as she
took the reins.
 I ll sure as hell try. She answered with courage that surprised
herself.
Horse Runs Fast chuckled and leapt into his own saddle
without using the stirrups.  You follow me, no matter what you hear or
see. This Colonel has people everywhere, and we will be followed. You
stay with me. Do you understand?
 I do.
 Then let s go! he heeled his horse into an instant gallop
causing dust to fly and Kate did the same, nearly losing her grip.
They weren t even out of town when she heard the Colonel s
shouts and trailing gunfire. He must ve been on the way to get her, but
she dare not turn around and see him. As the horse thundered under
her she had a death grip on the reins and couldn t let go if she wanted
to. She kept her eyes fixed on the man in front of her, but knew that the
Colonel s men were probably already mounted and on their heels.
Tyler stood on the top of the ridge with binoculars. When he
saw the dust in the distance he turned and shouted to the others.
 Riders coming!
Everett crushed out his cigarette beneath his boot and strode
over to Red,  You ready?
 Yeah boss, the ridge is wired up. He gave him a toothless grin.
 I hope Tyler splits before I blow it to hell.
 You wait until my wife comes through first. He warned.
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Lietha Wards
 No problem boss. One wife, and one Indian.
Christ, I hope the man can count, he thought turning around to
see Jace and the rest of the men with their rifles aimed on the narrow
path between the ridges. He wasn t sure how many men the Colonel
had, but he was sure they wouldn t be expecting the tribe of fifteen
Comanche warriors off to the side of his men on horseback in full war
paint. It was impressive to say the least. Tyler had promised them
whatever what was left of the horses and loot after they took care of
Kate s captors. Horse Runs Fast volunteered to go into town and look
for Kate himself. He promised Everett that he could get her out without
bloodshed, but he must be ready because more than likely he would be
bringing an army of men on his heels. Everett mounted up and pulled
his rifle out of its leather sheath and balanced it on his forearm. It was
intense, the wait. However, if Horse Runs Fast was returning like hell
was on his heels. He had Kate.
Tyler lifted his binoculars again. The Colonel s men were pretty
close to them. This was going to be risky, he thought. He would have
to make sure he signalled at the exact time for Red to blow the ridge
and get his ass out of there. After a few more minutes he could see the
billowing skirts of Kate s gown and that let him know that Horse Runs
Fast was in the lead. Yet right behind them were at least twenty men
and in the far distance he could make out some fancy coach. He
smirked, the Colonel. Obviously because of his injuries, he couldn t
handle a horse so well. Everett had told them everything that Kate had
relayed about the man to him. He turned and let out a shrill whistle
which was answered by several whoops. He saw the warriors turn their
horses to circle around the ridge by another path.
Kate could hear the shouts of the men closing in on them and
still refused to turn around and look but remained fixed on the back of
the man in front of her. She was terrified. They were on a full out
gallop across rocky terrain now and not too far ahead were rocky cliffs
divided by a worn path. We will be caught, she thought with dread, and
this time the Colonel won t forgive her for running.
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The King s Lady
They raced through the narrow opening and that was about the
last thing she remembered before an earth shattering noise split her
ears. Everything seemed in slow motion after that and then the
thunderous noise of the cliffs shattering around them. Her horse
reared and unseated her. She landed with a painful grunt on the
ground and rolled over pushing herself up on her arms just to see the
men that were chasing them get blocked off by the rocks. Then she
heard the gunfire and shrill noises and the shouts of men beyond after
the noise of the falling rocks ceased.
 Katie!
Before she could turn and look she was hauled up off the
ground into strong arms.
 Everett! she sobbed
 Are you hurt?
She shook her head and clung to him. If she was, she certainly
didn t feel it as soon as he embraced her.
 Oh thank God! he said and his voice cracked.  Let s get you
out of here. He said keeping her close to him as he led her to another
horse.
 What s happening Everett. She asked still hearing the gunfire
and hollers of men on the other side of the landslide.
 Tyler s blood brother and his warriors are taking care of the
Colonel s men. He said through gritted teeth. He wanted to be
involved in it, but his wife was his priority.
  the Colonel? she couldn t stop the trembling that started.
 Will not be able to touch you again. He answered casting her
a glance.  I shouldn t have let you go to town without an escort.
 God Everett! she stopped and faced him,  Don t you blame
yourself. She didn t mistake the pain in his eyes.
He shook his head subtly.
 I mean it! she said,  None of this was your fault! No one
could have guessed that the man would come after me again, especially
after what you did to his last encampment.
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Lietha Wards
She was right, but it didn t ease his guilt,  Are you all right
honey?
 I am now. She said,  I knew you d come. Her eyes watered
up and he gathered her in his arms again.
 You re my life Katie. Of course I would come. I can t breathe
without you. He embraced her again and lowered his head on top of
hers.
Tyler managed to escape without getting caught in the blast and
Met up with Horse Runs Fast. No one was left alive, except for the
Colonel, who was bleeding from a bullet in his shoulder, as he was
forced to his knees in front of Jace. Jace stood staring at him with his
rifle slung over his shoulder and several Comanche warriors behind
him.
Slowly the Colonel raised his gaze to the tall man,  I take it that
you re the husband.
Jace shook his head, setting his cold eyes on him. He didn t
seem like much now that he was kneeling at his feet, but he could see
the cruelty in his eyes.  You d wish I was.
Then the Colonel s eyes darted to another man who was
approaching on horseback. He sat atop his black mustang with the
poise of a man who was unforgiving. He expected no less. The man [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]