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    Riding to Sundown
    Riding to Sundown
    Riding to Sundown
    Ebook184 pages4 hours

    Riding to Sundown

    By Troy D. Smith

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    About this ebook

    Retired lawman, Luke Temple, has seen it all, and become a living legend along the way. Now, he must come out of retirement to face his greatest challenge.
    With his oldest friends by his side, he trails the vicious Thaw gang to an outlaw stronghold where he almost died forty years before.
    Will the mountainous fortress called Sundown be Luke Temple's redemption, or his final defeat?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherWestern Trail Blazer
    Release dateJan 3, 2011
    ISBN9781458056634
    Riding to Sundown
    Author

    Troy D. Smith

    Born in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, Mr. Smith has loved books even before he could read them. In 1995 his first short story was accepted by Louis L'Amour Western Magazine, and he has been published in magazines since then on a fairly regular basis. Author of numerous award winning short stories and novels, Troy is currently a Doctoral candidate in the History Department at the University of Illinois. He says, "I don't write about things that happen to people—I write about people that things happen to."

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      Book preview

      Riding to Sundown - Troy D. Smith

      Riding to Sundown

      by

      Troy D. Smith

      Smashwords Edition

      Riding to Sundown

      Presented by Western Trail Blazer

      Copyright © 2011 by Troy D. Smith

      Cover Art Copyright © 2011 by Laura Shinn

      Produced by Rebecca J. Vickery

      Design Consultation by Laura Shinn

      Dedication:

      For my Dad

      Smashwords License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

      This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with other people, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you are reading this ebook without purchasing it and it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

      Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Riding to Sundown is a work of fiction.

      Though some actual towns, cities, and locations may be mentioned, they are used in a fictitious manner and the events and occurrences were invented in the mind and imagination of the author. Similarities of characters or names used within to any

      person past, present, or future are coincidental.

      Other Titles by Troy D. Smith

      The Windigo

      The People in Yonder

      Brothers in Arms

      The Blackwell Claim

      Blackwell's Stand

      Riding to Sundown

      by

      Troy D. Smith

      Retired lawman, Luke Temple, has seen it all, and become a living legend along the way. Now, he must come out of retirement to face his greatest challenge.

      With his oldest friends by his side, he trails the vicious Thaw gang to an outlaw stronghold where he almost died forty years before.

      Will the mountainous fortress called Sundown be Luke Temple's redemption, or his final defeat?

      Chapter One

      The thin mountain air was still moist with dew. The only sound came from the flowing waters of the Colorado, which was already beginning to swell from the early spring thaw.

      The peace was broken by the passing of the four horsemen. They entered the river at the narrowest point between the two banks, loudly splashing foam and spray. The men rode hard, and had the look of men who lived hard as well. From the determined looks set on their faces—and from the many weapons they kept close at hand—an observer might conclude that they were either running from trouble or running toward it.

      After the horses clambered onto the opposite bank, the man in the lead motioned for the others to stop. They reined in their mounts.

      What is it, Lee? the youngest rider asked. He looked to be a couple of years shy of twenty.

      Lee Thaw shifted in his saddle. Despite his short stature, he was obviously a strong man. His weathered face told of years spent under an open sky. He bore a deep scar on his square jaw, which seemed unaccustomed to smiling.

      Look there, he said, pointing above the wooded ridge before them. A wisp of smoke was floating from over the horizon.

      I didn't think anybody lived on this mountain, said Lee's brother, Jack.

      Looks like you thought wrong.

      Hey, said the youth. Maybe it's Indians? Do you think?

      The fourth rider laughed. This is 1894, Jimmy-boy, don't you look at calendars? Ain't been no Indians up here in years.

      Oh. A smile spread across Jimmy's face. Whoever it is, let's have some fun with 'em, huh Lee? Let's have some fun.

      We ain't got time for that.

      The fourth man spoke again. Now Lee, you know as good as we do that posse gave up days ago. They're back in Wyoming by now.

      Stu's right, said Jimmy. We ain't in any rush.

      We still have to be in Broadwater in time to meet up with George and the boys.

      We don't have to be in that big of a rush, Lee, Jack said. George ain't gonna run off and leave us—we've got the money. And he ain't gonna worry about us double-crossin' him. We're his brothers, after all.

      Lee Thaw nodded slowly. All right. But we can't tarry.

      I knew you'd come around, Stu said. You never know, we might find somethin' interestin'.

      * * * * *

      Pale Flower carried the heavy water bucket in one hand. She'd spent thirty-four years in or near these mountains, and she had worked hard for all of them. The first years she had spent with her people, the Arapaho, living in hide-covered lodges which could be disassembled and removed as the village moved from one site to another. They had done so often, following the buffalo.

      For the last ten years she had lived in a cabin—it was sturdy and comfortable despite its crude appearance. She had spent those years with a man who had drifted from the south and knew the mountains as well as the Arapaho did. Much like the cabin, his rough exterior belied his gentle, comfortable nature. They were mostly alone now—the last of her people had long ago been moved to the reservation, and their only neighbor visited rarely—even though he and her husband had been friends for many years.

      Hearing horses, she looked up. Four strangers rode toward the cabin—they came to a stop before her.

      Well lookee here, said one of them, a boy. Hey, Lee, I thought you said there weren't any more Indians up here. He laughed. She sure don't look so wild to me. Does she you, Stu?

      Not a-tall, the other man said with a wicked grin. Somebody must of tamed her. Wonder if she does any tricks.

      What do you want? Pale Flower asked, unafraid.

      Whatever we can get, Stu replied. This produced a fit of laughter in Jimmy.

      Lee Thaw leaned forward in his saddle. What my partner here means, ma'am, is that we've been on the trail a long time, and any hospitality you showed would be appreciated.

      Stu laughed. Yeah. That's what I meant.

      I could sure use a cup of coffee, said Jack.

      She stared at them in silence. They sat on their horses, smiling and chuckling at one another. Pale Flower set her pail on the ground.

      There is coffee inside, she said. Wait here.

      Now hold on a minute, said Stu. I ain't sat down at a table in a real house in I don't know how long. What say we just come on in and make ourselves to home.

      Wait here, she repeated firmly.

      "Oh, a sassy Indian, he said as he dismounted. Well, I can sure—"

      Shut up, Stu, Lee interrupted. Ma'am, do you live here all alone?

      Jimmy giggled. Hey Lee! Maybe she's got her a buck hid away somewheres!

      Pale Flower looked at the boy with disdain. My husband will return soon.

      Husband! Stu gasped. How civilized. What else has them Indian agents learned you?

      Don't pay any attention to these boys, Lee apologized. They don't mean no harm. If you'd like to get us that coffee, we'd be obliged to set out here and wait for you.

      Pale Flower hesitated. Thank you, she said as she moved toward the cabin. She disappeared, and all eyes turned toward Lee.

      What did you go and do that for? Jimmy whined. You're spoiling everything.

      Next thing you know he'll be reading scripture at her, Stu said.

      Lee smiled coldly. Now boys, he said, we didn't want to stir up no racket, did we? No tellin' who else might be on this mountain, and you want to go draggin' some poor woman screamin' and hollerin' into her house.

      What I got in mind ain't for broad daylight, Stu said.

      Jimmy giggled again.

      On the other hand, Lee continued, now that she's gone in of her own mind, what's to stop us from joinin' her?

      Stu's smile grew broader, and Jimmy clapped his leader's back soundly. I knowed you wouldn't let us down, Lee! I just knowed it!

      * * * * *

      Pale Flower's husband entered the clearing and froze in his tracks—more from instinct than from conscious thought. Four, unfamiliar horses were tethered outside. Malachi Hale had made few friends in his life, and many enemies. He had lived to the age of sixty-six by being cautious. His blustery manner had fooled many people over the years, and few recognized the steel-quick mind he possessed.

      He climbed down off his mule and retrieved his rifle. He picked his way carefully toward the cabin, his every sense alert. As he drew nearer, he heard voices and laughter.

      Malachi was a heavy-set man. His legs were bowed from riding, and his hair and rough beard were snow-white. Despite his age and build he moved swiftly toward the cabin.

      Malachi put his back to the wall and knelt down by the window. His head was cocked to one side and his brow was furrowed in concentration, listening.

      Mighty fine coffee, ma'am, someone was saying. What else have you got in here? This was followed by crashing sounds and the noise of breaking furniture.

      Boys, another voice said, we might as well get started. My brother's waitin' for us in Broadwater, and George Thaw don't like to be kept waitin'.

      Malachi slowly rose, just enough to peer into the window.

      Two men sat at the table. They resembled one another—family, Malachi decided. Brothers, maybe. A third, younger than the rest, stood beside the iron stove grinning like an idiot. The fourth man was in front of the door. Pale Flower stood beside him, his hand cupped over her mouth and a knife at her throat.

      Hey, Stu, the young man said. She ain't so wild anymore, is she?

      The old man hurried to the front door. He paused, took a deep breath, and kicked the door in. The Thaw brothers jumped to their feet, upsetting the table. Instinct prompted them to drop their hands to the butts of their pistols. When they saw the Winchester that was pointed at them they reconsidered.

      Hold it right there, Malachi said sternly. The first one of you fellers that moves is gonna be wearin' a hole big enough to ride a horse through.

      He glared at each of them in turn, finally settling his gaze on Dennis Stuart. You! he barked. Put down that toothpick! Stu did not move. The old man jabbed the gun barrel toward him and growled, I mean now, son. Not d'rectly. Stu dropped the knife.

      You must not know who you're dealin' with, old man, said Jimmy Ledford.

      Don't smart off with me, boy, or I'll physically abuse you with this here gun.

      Still glowering at Jimmy, he motioned to Pale Flower. Come here.

      When the Arapaho woman was beside him, he spoke again. Now I want you yahoos to unbuckle them gunbelts—real slow—and drop 'em to the floor. You boys are gonna be havin' your next cup of coffee with the sheriff.

      A crooked smile appeared on Stu's face. Old man, he said, do you really think you can work the action on that wore-out, rifle gun good enough to get all four of us before one of us gets you?

      No, I don't think so. But I reckon I can sure get you quick enough if you start anything. Now shuck 'em.

      Their hands went slowly to their buckles, and Malachi motioned for the woman to go through the door. In the brief moment that Malachi's attention was diverted, Stu's hand dropped to his pistol. As he was clearing leather there was a boom—the old man's rifle cut him down.

      The other men drew their weapons.

      Malachi turned and faced the two Thaw brothers in the corner.

      That turn saved his life, and the bullet that Jimmy Ledford had intended for his heart instead struck his upper right arm with a wet smack. The old man winced as he squeezed the trigger a second time. The bullet broke Jack Thaw's wrist.

      Mount up, woman! he yelled as he stumbled forward.

      All three gunmen were firing now, and their shots echoed deafeningly in the tiny cabin.

      Half-turning, Malachi threw himself out the door—a bullet ripped the heel off his left boot. Malachi landed on his back in the dust, bringing his Winchester to bear on the open door. He fired wildly as Lee Thaw appeared.

      Thaw dropped to the floor beneath the blast. Another rifle slug struck the doorframe and sent splinters into Lee's face. Lee rolled back into the doorway, out of sight, shooting as he went. One of the shots caught Malachi in the thigh.

      As the old man struggled to stand, he fired several more shots into the house.

      Pale Flower climbed onto the horse of one of the outlaws—a fine-looking Appaloosa. Her husband took her arm and swung up behind her—there was not enough time to unhitch another, and he wanted to protect the woman's back—and fired his last rifle slug through the window.

      Let's go! he yelled, throwing down the rifle and drawing his old Navy Colt.

      As they galloped away Jimmy stepped up to the window and fired three shots at the horse and its riders.

      One of them struck home, sinking deep into Pale Flower's side. The horse disappeared into the woods.

      Come on! Lee Thaw yelled. They're headed for the river!

      Jack Thaw jumped into his saddle, cradling his injured hand, and cursing. Jimmy mounted Stu's gelding and said, Dern it, I paid for that Appaloosa outen my own pocket! It's the onliest horse I ever straight-out bought!

      You shot the man who sold it to you right afterwards, Jack reminded him, and took your money back.

      That don't matter, Jimmy yelled. I—

      Shut up, Lee called out, and follow me!

      Malachi and Pale Flower sped through the forest, but the weighted-down Appaloosa was not able to keep the distance between them and their hunters. The outlaws drew steadily closer. The pursued couple

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