Sins Of The Present by Buckskin

Thanks to Cat, Rob, and Sandy for the beta

Word Count: 29,150

Deadly bullets screamed past their heads, threatening to take them out of their saddles as they tried to outrun the posse. It was a stupid decision to rob the bank, but then, there wasn’t much common sense among them. They’d been lucky so far and managed to keep a step ahead of the law, but how much longer would their luck hold out? Their behavior became more reckless, and it was only a matter of time before their foolhardy deeds would land them behind bars or worse, should an innocent bystander suffer because of their foolish deeds. It seemed that a date with the gallows was calling.

But on this late September evening, their luck abandoned them, and a bullet found its target in the back of one fleeing desperados. He fell from the saddle and tried to run, a pitifully short scramble before a coil of rope fell around him, tightened, and he found himself struggling to untangle the line, tossed with ease from a deputized posse member who foiled his escape attempt. His fellow collaborators made their way to freedom in the growing dark and melted away into the night.

Sheriff Dan Thornton of Merced cuffed the young miscreant and threw him onto his saddle with a threat to not try anything stupid… that was if he had a lick of sense. But Thornton highly doubted the boy’s ability to understand the extent of his troubles.

The ride back to town was much too long, and Thornton was forced to gag his prisoner before he silenced him with a punch to the jaw. The constant whining grated on his patience, and he was in no mood to put up with the nerve-wracking noise any longer. He scowled, thinking of the missed opportunity that would result in another search tomorrow. He and his men would start in the morning and follow the trail left by the four escapees. It was all they could do for now.

Heat from the day faded, losing its grip as the sun began its descent. Green River citizens went about their business, and no one paid much attention to the lanky stranger on the large bay gelding as he rode into town. Except for Sheriff Val Crawford. He watched the man rein the horse to the hitch rail in front of the saloon, then dismount and look around. With a flick of his wrist, the stranger sent the reins in a casual flip around the rail, mounted the steps onto the boardwalk to pass through the batwing doors, and disappeared within.

A wagon rumbled down the street, and Val called out to the driver. “Hey, Frank, wait up a minute!” The senior Lancer hand pulled the team to a stop and waited for Crawford to step into the street.

A wide smile split Frank’s dark face in greeting. “What can I do for ya, Sheriff?”

Val offered no return smile and kept his eyes riveted on the saloon entrance. “Johnny at the ranch, Frank?”

“Yeah, him an’ Scott were fixing the roof on the barn all day. They worked like dogs in this heat!” Frank said with a shake of his head. “Ya want me to give him a message, Sheriff?”

“Yeah,” Val murmured absently. “Tell ‘im someone wants ta see him in town. Tell him ta come ta the saloon.”

“Trouble, Sheriff?” Frank immediately thought to be there for backup. Not that Johnny needed backup, but he would like to witness whatever would happen and keep Murdoch from jumping down his younger son’s throat. Mr. Lancer was tired of the trouble that followed the ex-gunfighter son and often had words regarding the confrontations. On occasion, Frank had been able to defuse a potentially volatile situation. He didn’t keep much from Murdoch Lancer, but loyalty had grown between him and Johnny, and Frank knew the relationship between Johnny and his father was sometimes… strained at best.

“I’m gonna make sure there ain’t trouble. Just tell Johnny ta come inta town. Thanks, Frank.”

“Sure thing, Sheriff!” Frank watched as Sheriff Crawford stepped onto the boardwalk and pushed through the swinging doors.

Frank pulled the team to a dusty halt in front of the barn and hopped out, then quickly scanned the area, ensuring the boss was nowhere in sight. They’d been through it before, and Frank didn’t want to see his amigo deal with the wrath of his father again.

Johnny climbed down the ladder, shirt on but unbuttoned and wet with sweat. Hair plastered to his head dripped sweat around his face and stuck to his neck and forehead, looking much like he’d just hauled himself out of a river.

Passing by Frank, Johnny made his way to the horse trough and submerged his head. Standing, he shook like a dog and ran his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame the unruly, thick mass.

“Hey, Frank! How’s things in town?” Johnny asked as he rubbed the water from his eyes.

Again, looking for Murdoch, Frank responded in a hushed tone. “Johnny, Sheriff Crawford said ta get inta town. He said ta go to the saloon.”

Johnny’s belly flipped over, and he bowed his head. “He say who it is?” assuming it was someone looking for Madrid.

“No, but he’s gonna make sure there’s no trouble.”

“Thanks, Frank. Tell Scott I got somethin’ ta do. Put it off as long as ya can, though.” Johnny left undetected for the back stairs of the hacienda and his room.

Val Crawford entered the saloon and took a quick look around. There in the back, sitting in a dark corner, sat the young man, alone at a table nursing a beer. Making his way through the bar, Val silently walked to where the young man sat. Out of sight, behind and off to the side, Val murmured in his low, gravelly, no-nonsense tones. “Don’t need your kind in my town. Ya get on your horse an’ get outta here!”

A silence followed. Then, “Well, Sheriff, you’re just gonna hafta wait’ll I’m finished with this here beer, an’ then, if I feel like leavin’, I’ll leave. But if I don’t, then I guess we’re gonna have a problem.”

The trip into the house to retrieve clean clothes was successful. Johnny made it to his room, quickly washed and changed, then took the outside stairs and avoided any confrontations. Damn! He hated when this happened. He and Murdoch had been on good terms with each other lately, but ‘someone wanting to see Johnny’ was never good, and his belly rolled and churned as he thought the ‘good terms’ were only temporary and would be coming to an end.

Barranca was saddled and waiting as Frank stepped forward and handed him the reins when he reached the barn.

“Johnny, you be careful, hear?”

There was no mistaking the worry in Frank’s eyes, and Johnny felt the guilt grow. Because of him, Frank was put in this position and possibly would bear the brunt of Murdoch’s temper. But there was no other way around it. He had to go into town. He wouldn’t risk putting his family or any ranch hands in danger, allowing a potential adversary close to the people he cared about and loved. “I will, amigo. Thanks. Give it half an hour before ya tell Scott, alright?”

“Will do, Johnny.” Frank watched as Johnny rode away, then saddled Remmie to be ready when Scott would follow his brother after discovering Johnny left the ranch… and why.

The trip into town didn’t take long. Barranca wanted to run and made short work of the miles, but Johnny pulled him to a walk on the outskirts of Green River. He sat casually in the saddle but alert, and without appearing to do so, looked around, checking second-story windows for any sign he would be facing more men than the one he would soon meet in the dusty street. But there weren’t any that he could see.

Johnny reined Barranca to the hitchrail outside the saloon and dismounted. He stepped onto the boardwalk and peered into the smoky room. There, in the back, seated in the corner, sat a man slumped in the chair, his long legs stretched under the table. A lightweight jacket covered broad shoulders, and a dusty black hat was pulled down low, exposing a thatch of thick, black hair. A spark went off in Johnny’s mind. No, it ain’t…

He pushed his way through the batwings and skirted around the perimeter of the room, stopping only when he stood behind the stranger’s chair.

“Real slow, put your hands on the table,” Johnny growled.

The man made no effort to follow the order directed at him. “Make me.”

The low, casual reply brought a twitch to Johnny’s lips, and he flipped the hat off to land in the young man’s lap, then quickly reached down, pulled the revolver from the man’s holster, and threw it on the table as peals of laughter tumbled between his lips.

“Rio! How ya doin’, kid? What brings you ta Green River?” Johnny asked with a smile from ear to ear. Just then, Val made his way between the tables, took a chair, and the three men settled down to talk.

Johnny laughed, flooded with relief it was not what he’d thought when he left Lancer. “You know about this, Val?”

“Nope. First I knew about it was when I seen him ride inta town. Told Frank ta tell ya someone’s here ta see ya.”

Rio Reyes threw a friendly punch at Val’s arm.

“Rio, you smart-aleck kid! You ain’t never gonna change!” Val laughed as he returned a mock punch to Rio’s strong jaw.

Johnny suddenly sat forward in the chair. “Rio, everything alright? There’s no trouble, is there?”

“Nope, no trouble. Just thought I’d come up here an’ visit old friends. That alright with you, Sheriff?” Rio grinned, turning to Val with black eyes shining bright in the glow of the lanterns.

Johnny audibly sighed and sat back and got Henry’s attention for a beer.

“More’n alright, kid! Boy, I told ya Johnny’s gonna be glad ta see you! He’s been workin’ like a dog at the ranch. Maybe ol’ Murdoch’ll give him some time off so’s we can celebrate!” Val cast a hopeful eye in Johnny’s direction.

“Celebrate? Celebrate what?” Rio puzzled, with a frown creasing his brow.

“What’d ya mean ‘celebrate what’? Everythin’, an’ nothin’!” Val laughed. Damn! Sure was good ta see Rio again! “Hey, how’s your folks? They doin’ alright?”

Rio grinned. “Yeah, Val, they’re fine!” He felt a shiver of… hell, what was it he felt? He missed his parents, the mother and father he’d been without for a few years but was recently reunited, thanks to Johnny and Val. He missed them now and would be returning to them. What the hell— was he homesick? And now, back with his amigos, Rio felt the pull drawing him into their brotherhood. Too bad they couldn’t be together all the time.

The bartender brought Johnny’s beer and placed it on the table. “Scott gonna be here, Johnny?” he asked in anticipation of another favorite customer.

“Yeah, should be here any minute. Thanks, Henry!”

“Sure, Johnny!” and Henry left the table.

Rio looked at his amigos. “So, who’s Scott?” he questioned.

Johnny took a drink and licked the foam off his lip as a grin stretched across his face. “Scott’s my brother. Remember I told ya I had a brother when we left Nogales?”

Rio nodded as warmth flooded through him at the sight of Johnny’s eyes. They sparkled brightly as he talked about Scott. Huh, Johnny Madrid finally found what he was lookin’ for, a family, even if he didn’t know it. He always knew Johnny needed someone to love and be loved in return. The hardened gunhawk found what he’d been searching for all his life. And that thought made Rio Reyes happy.

“I expect ta see him come bargin’ in here any minute. He, ah, he kinda takes his role as ‘big brother’ a little too seriously!” Johnny laughed as Val joined him.

And Rio thought it was about time Johnny had someone to watch over him.

“I’m anxious to meet him, Johnny.”

Johnny smiled, then caught movement at the door and saw Scott as he quickly scanned the interior of the saloon. The pinched look on his face spoke of concern. Johnny felt the guilt begin to spread for causing the worry his family endured when they heard ‘someone came to town looking for Johnny’, but he didn’t know how to make it stop. He could only hope they would understand.

“Well, ya don’t hafta wait anymore; he’s here.” Johnny raised an arm and waved Boston to their table.

Scott made it to the door without hearing any words of excitement over a gunfight. Perhaps Johnny was able to talk his way out of this one. Then he saw the arm in the salmon-colored shirt go up to signal him over, and the smile on his brother’s face told him everything was alright. Scott let out the breath he held in anticipation of bad news, and relief flooded his body at the sight of Johnny’s smile. Thank God!

Johnny kicked out a chair with his foot and favored his brother with a grin. “Have a seat, Boston!”

Scott sat with a sigh that escaped his pursed lips, not knowing if he should be annoyed with Johnny or happy there was no trouble.

Rio watched the questionable exchange, finding the reaction between them interesting.

Scott looked around the table. “It’s good to know there was no trouble, Johnny. You had me worried.”

Now it was Johnny’s turn to sigh. “Well, Boston, we been through this before, but no need ta worry this time.” He met Scott’s eyes; his infectious smile did the job it was meant to do, and Scott returned the gesture.

Scott looked down at the beer that magically appeared, then up at Henry. “Thank you, Henry,” he said softly.

“Scott, I want ya ta meet a friend of mine… ours. We go back a few years. This’s Rio Reyes. Rio, my brother Scott Lancer.”

The two men studied each other’s faces and, finding no reason to be wary, smiled, and shook hands.

Val’s impatient statement broke into the introductions. “Now all the pleasantries are done, let’s have a drink!”

Scott satisfied himself with the beer, then turned to the newcomer. “So, Rio, how did you meet these two? I know there had to be trouble involved!” He grinned, thinking it was a brawl with jail time to go with it.

Rio looked down at his beer glass, then back at the friendly, blue-gray eyes. “Yeah, you could say there was trouble. They kept me from gettin’ myself killed tryin’ ta fight the Rurales and stop them from stealin’ our people. Without Johnny an’ Val, I’d be dead.”

The words were soft, from the heart, and Scott knew these were private thoughts, not meant for just anyone to hear. The anticipated tale of a mischievous encounter was overshadowed by the harsh, cruel reality of a brutal situation, a situation he knew something about all too well. He fought his own war over that identical issue.

Scott, immediately humbled, offered his apology. “I’m sorry, Rio, I didn’t mean to dredge up any unpleasant memories for you.”

“No need to apologize, Scott. Everyone has somethin’ in their life they’d rather forget… if they can. Can’t let it eat at cha. It’ll kill ya if ya let it.”

Scott listened, amazed as he heard the words spoken so often by his brother. Can’t let it eat at cha; it’ll kill ya if ya let it. Lessons learned from a life of heartache…

Johnny and Val shared a brief grin. Rio learned much from them, and they were proud of the man he’d become.

Scott cleared his throat, downed the last of his beer, then looked to Johnny. “Well, little brother, I’m going home. What do you want me to tell Murdoch?”

“Tell him not ta worry, everything’s fine, an’ we’ll be back in a couple hours… in time ta go ta work in the mornin’!” Johnny laughed.

Scott stood and shook Rio’s hand when Val spoke up.

“Ah, Scott, this was my fault. I saw Rio come inta town an’ told Frank ta tell Johnny ta come ta the saloon. Didn’t mean ta cause anyone ta worry.”

“It turned out alright… this time. But I’ll let you explain it to Murdoch!” Scott said with an evil smile, then made his way between the tables and out the door.

Johnny smirked, knowing his father would, indeed, have something to say about how Val handled the situation. But he intended to be there and help ease any tensions. He knew it was hard on his family when these issues arose.

Rio began to have second thoughts about coming to town, and his gaze went from one amigo to the other. “Maybe I shouldn’ta come up here…”

“It’s alright, Rio. Don’t worry about it. Murdoch’ll be fine once Val explains it all to him!” Johnny broke into a laugh. “Besides, when I got home from the trip ta see ya, he was wonderin’ if he’d ever get ta meet ya. An’ that’s the truth.”

Rio was humbled. “Well, if he’s anything like your brother, I’d like ta meet him, too.”

“Oh, he ain’t nothin’ like Boston!”

Val couldn’t restrain himself and howled with laughter.

“Let’s finish up these beers an’ get back ta the ranch,” Johnny said as he tossed the last of the drink down his throat. “Mornin’ comes awful early around here.”

Rio stood, as did Val. “I guess I’ll get me a room…” was as far as he got before Johnny broke in.

“You’re comin’ out ta the ranch with me. Val, c’mon out for supper tamorrow.” Johnny stood and headed to the door. “T’resa would have my head if I didn’t invite ya for dinner.”

“T’resa, who’s T’resa?”

“She’s my sister, an’ she’s off-limits! She’s just a kid.”

“Sister!” Rio wasn’t sure he heard right. It seemed that Johnny acquired a whole family in a short amount of time.

“Well, she’s my father’s ward, an’… don’t get no ideas about her!” Johnny laughed.

“Pretty, huh?”

“Oh, she’s pretty alright… an’ too young!”

Rio smiled, but it didn’t stop there. It grew into a laugh as he thought Johnny was the one that was taking the ‘big brother thing’ seriously.

Mounting their horses, Rio followed Johnny north out of town.

Johnny pulled Barranca to a stop on the hill. “Well, Rio, there it is. Home.”

Rio Reyes was stunned. Johnny found himself a piece of Heaven! And he couldn’t have been happier for him. Johnny Madrid, alone for nearly all his life, finally had a place to belong and a family to love and to love him back.

“Madre de Dios, Johnny! Are you serious? This is yours?” Rio couldn’t tear his eyes away from the scene below. Although dusk was rapidly fading into dark, the hacienda seemed to glow in the shadows of the valley. Honey-colored light spilled from the windows, tinting everything it touched in a warm and welcoming light.

“A third of it’s mine,” Johnny replied. He’d reminded himself of that every time he came to this spot on the hill overlooking the estancia and all that surrounded it.

“An’ this was waitin’ for ya, all those years…”

The whisper was not meant for Johnny to hear, but he did. “Yeah, she lied ta me. An’ ta think I came here ready ta blow the ol’ man’s brains out,” Johnny sighed. “Well, c’mon, Rio. I want ya ta meet my father.” Nudging their horses, they rode down the hill into the yard.

Jelly hurried to take the horses. “Sure glad ta see ya home, boy. Ya gave us a worry,” he grumbled, as he searched for a new hurt but found none; then he cast a suspicious eye at Rio.

Johnny shrugged. “Everything’s fine, Jelly. This’s a friend, no need ta worry.” Smiling at Rio, he explained. “Rio, this is Jelly. He ah… works for us. An’ bosses us, an’ complains about us. Jelly, this’s Rio Reyes. Me an’ Val knew him from our time on the border.”

Jelly immediately softened the gruff attitude. “Then, I guess you’re a friend of mine, too!” He put out a hand and shook with Rio.

“Nice ta meet ya, Jelly. Hey,” and he nodded toward Johnny. “He still rowdy?” Rio asked, sensing an ally.

“Ya got no idea… no idea! Hey, Johnny, Murdoch’s waitin’ for ya.” Taking charge of the horses, Jelly left for the barn.

“Well, c’mon an’ meet the rest of my family!” Johnny said with a laugh.

As they walked to the hacienda, Rio was amazed. The grand house, the patio covered in flagstones and decorated with fine furniture and potted plants were things seen only in his dreams. And now, his amigo found his place to belong. Rio felt happiness surge inside him. If anyone deserved this fortune, it was Johnny Madrid.

Oh, amigo, I can only hope your former life is over, an’ you’ll never again be dragged away from your home an’ family. Rio sighed and couldn’t call back the smile before Johnny saw the twitch.

“What’s so funny?” Johnny asked as he opened the door and guided Rio into the comfortable home.

“Nothin’s funny, Johnny. I’m just happy for ya, is all. Really happy for ya, amigo.” And the smile grew into a full grin.

Johnny smiled, shrugged, and looked away, then met Rio with a grin of his own. “Yeah, so’m I. Thanks,” and he led the way into the great room.

Voices in the foyer alerted Murdoch he was no longer alone. Looking up from the ledgers, he was relieved to see Johnny, and although Scott had informed him there’d been no danger, he was still happy to see his younger son home and safe. Scott informed him that a friend, Rio Reyes, would be coming to the ranch.

Murdoch stood, crossing the distance between them in a few long strides. Anxious to meet Johnny’s friend, Murdoch extended his hand.

“Murdoch, this’ Rio Reyes. Rio, my father, Murdoch Lancer.” Johnny watched them getting ‘a read’ on the other. He knew Murdoch was secretly wondering if there would be trouble, and Rio wondered if this man really did toss his wife and son out the door.

“Mr. Lancer, I’m pleased to meet ya,” Rio’s tone, although soft, was firm and sure. Not one of uncertainty, like many who’d met the mountain of a man that was Murdoch Lancer for the first time.

“And I am pleased to meet you, Rio. I don’t often get a chance to meet Johnny’s friends. I’m glad you’re here and hope we can find some time to talk!”

Johnny broke into the conversation, knowing he had to explain to his father. “Didn’t mean ta worry ya, Murdoch. I didn’t know it was Rio until I got ta town.”

Murdoch nodded. Dread had washed over him like a cold, drenching rain when he was informed that Johnny had suddenly left for town but, after Scott returned home with the news of a friend instead of foe, Murdoch relaxed and now was anxiously awaiting, and looking forward to talking with Johnny’s friend. And, he knew it was because of Val that there had been a misunderstanding.

“It’s alright, Johnny. I know it wasn’t your fault. But I will speak to Val. Have you eaten? Maria is still here. I’ll have her set the table for you.”

Johnny spoke quickly. “Don’t make any more extra work for her. We’ll eat in the kitchen. Thanks.” Johnny turned to Rio, “C’mon, amigo, you’re in for some of the best food in California!” Johnny laughed, then led Rio Reyes to the back of the house.

Maria served thick slices of chocolate cake and poured more coffee as Johnny and Rio sat waiting for the treat, both stuffed but unwilling to turn down the delectable dessert.

Rio looked up into her smiling face as the plate was placed before him. “Gracias, Señora. Do you feed him like this all the time?” he asked as he motioned to Johnny across the table.

“Sí, but that one does not like the green beans or peas, the greens that are so good for him! I think perhaps I won’t make any of this,” motioning to the cake, “until he will eat what is good for him!”

Rio burst into laughter, earning himself a glare from his amigo.

It was quiet in the hacienda, then it occurred to Johnny someone was missing. “Maria, where’s…” and the question was interrupted when the back kitchen door opened and Teresa O’Brien rushed in, telling Maria about Esperanza and Ernesto Torres’ beautiful new baby, born only yesterday.

“Oh, Maria, she’s the most precious…” then she stopped the chatter when she noticed the two at the table. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t know we had a guest!”

“T’resa, this’s Rio Reyes, a friend of mine an’ Val’s. He’ll be stayin’ with us for a while.”

Rio hastily stood, the manners not unnoticed by Maria, and she turned to hide the smile that grew across her face.

Teresa smiled. “Hello, Rio, it’s nice to make your acquaintance! I hope you will enjoy your stay here at Lancer.”

“Señorita Teresa, it’s very nice to meet you, too,” Rio stumbled through the greeting as his eyes sparkled.

“Oh, yeah, Maria, I invited Val for dinner tomorrow,” Johnny butted in, wanting to break the stare between the two younger people. “Querida, would you see to it a guest room is ready?”

“Johnny, I can stay in the bunkhouse…,” but Rio’s remark was cut off.

“You’re stayin’ in the house with us.” Johnny’s declaration spoke of no further debate.

“Yes, of course, Johnny. It will be ready soon, Señor Reyes,” Teresa replied sweetly.

“Rio. Call me Rio,” he said, without taking his eyes away from her face.

“Siddown an’ eat your cake before I get it,” Johnny said with a smirk. Then he turned to Teresa as if to nudge her on her way. “Thanks, T’resa.”

Teresa blushed, realizing Johnny caught her staring.

Both Maria and Johnny sighed, thinking the same thoughts. Hafta keep my eyes on both of them…

When the cake was finished, the two men left the table and, after thanking Maria for the meal, joined Murdoch and Scott for the customary drink on the patio. Rio found the tequila excellent, but he wasn’t surprised. The Lancer Ranch appeared prosperous enough to afford the best of most everything. Looking out over the pastures to the mountains beyond, he smiled, then nudged Johnny’s ribs.

“I’m really happy for you, Johnny. An’ I’m glad ya got ‘out’. Don’t think ya woulda lasted much longer the way you were makin’ enemies.”

Johnny smirked, then took a drink. “Yeah, I know. Hey, do me a favor an’ don’t say anything in front of Murdoch, huh? He gets a little touchy about my past. Scott, too.” Johnny leaned elbows on the adobe wall then laced his fingers. “Ya know, I was gonna kill him when I got here. It makes me sick inside ta know I was lied to. “But, well,” Johnny sighed the words, “I’m just glad ta know the truth, ya know?” Then he smiled with an idea. “Ya wanna ride out with me tamorrow? Murdoch’s got me checkin’ out the north pasture; it’s a favorite place, an’ I’d like for ya ta see it.”

Rio grinned that wide, open-mouthed smile that made him look like a kid of fourteen. His black eyes danced as he eagerly anticipated the time he and Johnny would spend together. “Yeah, Johnny, that’d be good. I’d like ta see the ranch.”

Murdoch came to stand beside them and, in a gentle tone, made a suggestion. “Johnny, why don’t you take Rio with you tomorrow? Show him some of the ranch.”

“Yeah, we were just talkin’ about that. Thanks, Murdoch. Hey, what’d ya have Boston doin’?” Johnny asked, thinking Scott could be with them and get to know Rio.

“I’m sending Scott over to Aaron Mason’s to discuss terms to our business venture,” Murdoch hesitated when his son’s smile disappeared. “Look, Johnny, I know you’re opposed to the idea, but…”

“No, Murdoch, I ain’t opposed to it. I just don’t… ah, forget it.” The words were soft in the night air, not argumentative, but careful and wary. Johnny sighed, knowing both Murdoch and Scott would question why the idea of a co-owned well troubled him as it did. What could he tell them that they’d understand? However, Scott might have a clue about it.

Johnny wasn’t ready to divulge the unease he felt, and his reasons for that unease wouldn’t satisfy their curiosity; he didn’t want to argue and try to explain his reasoning. Hell, he couldn’t explain it to himself… yet. No, not tonight. Tonight, he wanted time with Rio Reyes; the amigo thought lost not long ago.

Their time together along the border towns fighting range wars and the Rurales forged a solid and unbreakable bond. Though their history with Rio was not long, it was strong. They were known as Los Campeones, the Champions, winning the wars and far more victorious than not. Until the coward, Arturo de la Cruz, ordered their deaths. Rio Reyes was shot in the back, and Johnny was hit in the chest from ambush. Val was able to get Johnny to safety but could not get to Rio’s body. It wasn’t until days later, when Johnny woke, that Val told him Rio was dead.

Six months ago, Val received a message from de la Cruz to come to Mexico alone. Val was the last threat to de la Cruz’s empire, and he used Rio’s mother and father to lure Val to his death. Val had to go. The Reyes’ had lost too much when their only son, their only child, was killed; they didn’t need any more grief in their lives. Val was forced to resign from his job as Green River’s sheriff and head out to Mexico, alone and knowing there was every possibility he would not return. He left without telling Johnny, but Johnny found out and, with a scalding temper, went after Val to Nogales. It was his fight, too.

Without his knowledge, de la Cruz signed his own death warrant.

Once there, and the brief but volatile confrontation with Val settled, Johnny and Val were able to settle their differences and, in doing so, they found Rio very much alive and successfully sent Arturo de la Cruz straight to Hell.

Rio’s death had weighed heavy on Johnny and Val. He was like the kid brother, and they were protective of him and felt they had failed him after the battle that left them filled with grief for their amigo. But that grief was replaced with happiness so profound that neither believed it to be true when they saw him for the first time, alive and well. The men respected him and successfully rescued many of their people from the ugly fate of slavery and prostitution. And after Rio divulged his mission, they were proud and amazed with the sharp mind and the leadership he possessed of those under his ‘command’.

But, tonight, Rio was here, at Lancer, and Johnny wasn’t going to waste any time thinking on the past.

“What d’ya doin’ now, amigo? I mean, ya workin’ for anyone?” Johnny asked as he turned to face Rio.

“Nothin’ steady. Been helpin’ Fernando Santos a little. That broken leg is givin’ him fits. Probably because he didn’t stay off of it an’ it didn’t heal right. He was embarrassed when you an’ Val came through an’ he had ta tell ya he got kicked by a cow,” Rio chuckled, then he sobered, not wanting to belittle the man. He was an honest, hard-working rancher with a string of bad luck. “That boy of his, Lucas, ha, he couldn’t stop talkin’ about the way you settled that horse ya borrowed! He’s been throwin’ questions at me, thinkin’ that I know how ta tame a horse the way you did! Sure made an impression on the kid!”

“I wish there’d a been time ta show him a few things, but, well, Val an’ me had ta get back. Woulda liked ta have more time with your folks, too. When I left here, I didn’t tell Murdoch, an’ he wasn’t too happy about it until he found out the particulars, but after I got back, he did say that he wanted ta meet ya. Guess it bothers him that there’s a lot about Johnny Madrid he doesn’t know. Some of it, I don’t want him knowin’.” Johnny sighed. “I know it ain’t easy for them, havin’ me in the family, but it’s workin’ out now.”

“Well, I’ll tell ya what, amigo, if ever this don’t work out, ya got a place with us! My folks didn’t want ta say goodbye when you two left us.”

There was truth in the shine of the black eyes as Johnny weighed Rio’s words, and without warning, it became difficult to speak. Johnny contemplated his hands before raising his eyes to Rio’s face once again.

“Ya know, for a long time, you an’ your folks an’ Val were the only family I had. I never told ya, but I was always a little jealous of the way she’d fuss over you.”

Rio would have witnessed the blush coloring Johnny’s face had it not been so dark. He chuckled, then shook his head. “How do ya like that? Johnny Madrid jealous of me!” Rio’s eyes sparkled in the moon’s light.

Owning up to the fact, Johnny nodded. “It’s true.”

The quiet admission shocked Rio, and immediately his thoughts were drawn back to a conversation with his mother after Johnny and Val left Nogales six months ago.

“Then maybe I shouldn’t tell you what my mother said when you two left us…”

Johnny huffed. “That’s easy. She probably never wants to see us again!” And he grinned.

Rio’s face turned serious, the kind of serious used when stating something profound, straight from the heart, and Johnny speculated that maybe he didn’t want to know what Señora Reyes told her son.

“No, she didn’t say that. She said that her heart broke watching two of her sons ride away. Johnny, my folks have always thought of you an’ Val as family.”

Johnny could only stare in shock. The struggle to keep his composure nearly overwhelmed him, and Johnny Madrid Lancer fought against the tightness in his throat. Had he heard correctly? Rio wasn’t joking; those black eyes spelled it out, and the set of his strong jaw challenged Johnny to deny the statement.

Why was he, Johnny, questioning this incredible honor, this declaration of love and family? He didn’t keep Rio safe, and in fact, he thought he was responsible for Rio’s death. How could the Reyes’ want him in their family? That notion was beyond any comprehension. Johnny drew in a deep breath, held it, then slowly let it go. He swirled the tequila in the glass and watched the liquid fire sparkle in the moonlight.

“I wondered if they blamed us when they thought you were dead… We didn’t go back there ta tell them ourselves; they deserved ta know what happened that day, an’ I felt that I let them down, ya know?” He turned back to watch Rio’s face, to read the truth that was there to see.

“They knew, amigo. They, like everyone else, thought you died, too, that day. They grieved for us all; they grieved for their sons, Johnny.”

Bill Crowley was scared. He and the gang had planned to rob that bank for a long time, and things blew up in their faces. Luke Skinner was caught as they made their getaway, and it wouldn’t take much to loosen Luke’s tongue, prompting him to sing like the proverbial canary. Then it would all be over, and Bill had no desire to spend the next few years in prison if he was lucky. He and his younger brother, Tom, along with Cale Pennell and Luke Skinner, were wanted by the law for several robberies in the Merced area and needed a place to lay low until things blew over. But now, with Luke in custody, their plans changed. They would have to leave California and, hopefully, break Skinner out of jail before he talked, divulging all he knew about his partners or risk having a posse hunt them down.

Then, as if smacked between the eyes, an idea ignited like a flash in his brain. Mason! Lonnie Mason rode with them on this robbery attempt. The young man was the son of a prominent rancher in the San Joaquin Valley, bored with the disciplined life of herding cattle and digging post holes and in need of some excitement to break the monotony. The kid bragged about the size of his father’s ranch; if it was as large as Lonnie claimed it to be, there had to be a place to hole up on that ranch for a while to stay out of sight.

“We need ta lay low, an’ I know just what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna pay Lonnie a visit. He don’t know it yet, but he’s our way outta here!” Bill Crowley smiled, then reined his horse toward the southwest and the Mason Ranch.

“Lonnie! When you get those chores done, come on in the house, I need to talk to you!” Aaron Mason called out to the barn.

Damn! What’s that old goat want now? Lonnie sighed. He stopped what he was doing. “Alright, Pa!” He treats me worse’ than a hired hand! Wish I had a brother instead of two sisters! At least I’d be able to talk to a brother. Jennifer and Abby won’t understand any of this! Although he was close to his siblings, he would have welcomed a little brother. Lonnie threw the pitchfork into the pile of straw and headed to the house, mumbling to himself under his breath. His Pa didn’t tolerate backtalk. His Pa didn’t tolerate much at all.

“You wipe those feet, Lonnie Mason, or you’ll be washing this kitchen floor!” Jennifer Mason chastised before the back door had a chance to slam shut.

“Well there, little sister, and just how’re you gonna make me wipe my feet?” he teased but scooted out of her way when she grabbed for the broom.

“That’s big talk for an unarmed man!” Jennifer giggled as Lonnie passed on the way to their father’s study.

“Yeah, Pa?” he asked as he steeled himself and went through the door. He hated this room. The tall bookcases behind the desk were filled with volumes he’d seen all his life but had never so much as touched a one. Books of cattle and horses lined the shelves. Literary works, classics, his pa called them, lined others, and none of them held any interest for Lonnie. Just why the hell would anyone want to waste his time reading about all that nonsense? Except for maybe a silly girl…

“Lon, we’re having a visitor after lunch.” Aaron pierced his son’s face with an eagle-like stare, expecting his son to push back, so he quickly continued, not giving him the chance. “Scott Lancer will be here to discuss a partnership in digging a well between our ranches. I want you to be here. One o’clock sharp! You’ll be taking over this ranch one day, and the more you experience now, the easier it will be when that day comes. No arguments and don’t be late! You can go now and finish your chores.”

Immediately Lonnie’s defenses went up. “We don’t need the Lancers, Pa! We can dig that well ourselves! I don’t want to be beholden to those people!” The less he had to do with that family, the better he would be! “Scott Lancer’s just like his old man, isn’t happy unless he was throwing his weight around, and the younger brother, that good for nothing gunhawk, he’s going to get some innocent person killed! He’s trying to fit in with civilized folks, and I’m sick to death of the people here in the valley singing his praises! He’s a killer! A cold-blooded killer!” And now, Lonnie was expected to sit down and hammer out a partnership with a family he despised!

Aaron Mason glared at the young man standing in front of the desk— the desk he hoped Lon would one day occupy. It was painfully obvious Lon had much growing to do before he would be wise enough to run the ranch Aaron spent a lifetime building.

Holding the glare, Aaron motioned for his son to sit. When the boy settled, the father studied his angry son’s face and could only wonder where these emotions came from. He was deeply troubled at Lonnie’s attitude. The boy seemed anxious, agitated of late, and the father in Aaron fretted about those friends his son was spending entirely too much time with at the Angel’s Nest in Green River. They were new around the area, and Sheriff Crawford couldn’t find anything on them. But Aaron knew he needed to intercede before things got out of hand. They were shiftless, and it would be only a matter of time before they would drag Lonnie into trouble. He knew it would happen. Besides, the boy was too young to be in a saloon, much less hanging around riffraff. Lonnie snuck into the house last night, thinking he’d gotten away with it. Aaron had to find out what was going on before things got out of hand.

Taking a calming breath, Aaron began the talk that he hoped would not end in another argument. He forced his voice steady; he needed to get through to his son.

“Lon, do you like ranching?”

The match lit the fuse, and Lonnie exploded. “What’s that got to do with anything? Sometimes I just don’t understand you, Pa! Not everyone’s as good as you think they are!”

“Lonnie! You will watch that temper! Now listen to what I have to say, and you listen well… When you take over the running of this ranch, you will have to form an alliance of sorts with the neighbors; you have to get along because, at some time, you will need help. I am not saying that you have Sunday dinner with them every week, but you rely on each other. Murdoch Lancer and I have seen rough times, but we always knew that we were there for the other in case help was needed, and as long as the Bar M is still functioning, we’re going to work with Lancer, and this joint well will happen!”

“Well, I don’t have to like it! The Lancers are always looking down their noses at me! Like I’m not good enough for them! Ha! Me not good enough for them! Old Man Lancer couldn’t even raise his own sons! That high and mighty Scott treats everyone like they’re beneath him, and that halfbreed Madrid, talk about scum! That old man taking up with that Mexican whore and whelped that…”

“ENOUGH! You will never talk like that again… ever! Don’t you even think it! Don’t you ever talk about the things you know nothing about! Now, you will be here this afternoon when Scott Lancer arrives, and you will hold a civil tongue in your head, and never again will you speak a disparaging word against the Lancers! Any of them. Is that understood?”

The silence was deafening. “IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?” Aaron bellowed.

Lonnie lifted cold eyes to his father. “I hear you.”

“That’s not what I asked, Lon. Do. You. Understand?”

“Yeah, I understand.” And without waiting to be excused, Lonnie Mason left his father’s study, nearly knocking over his little sister, Abby, on his way back to the barn.

He was seething. Hell, he would wallow with the pigs before he’d agree to work with…

“Hey, Lonnie, what’s got you so riled?” Bill Crowley whispered.

Lonnie whirled around, startled at the voice in the back of the barn. “What are you doing here? Get out of here before someone sees you!”

“Now simmer down, there, Lon. We gotta talk. We need a place ta lay low ‘til we can break Skinner outta jail. There a place here on the ranch we can stay?”

Lonnie’s head was beginning to ache. Too much was happening, and his mad was not letting him think things through. “Huh? Look, I got a lot on my mind…”

“Hey, Lon, we need some help, an’ you were with us when we tried ta rob that bank, so you gotta help us out!”

“Yeah, I know. Behind the barn, up in the hills, is an old mine shaft, only a couple of miles away. Wait for me there. I have to be here with my Pa to meet with one of the Lancer sons. He’s coming here to talk over some business. The bastard’s probably thinking of calling on my sister, too!” Lonnie’s temper flared.

Lancer? Rich rancher’s son? Sister? Hmmm, possibilities… Crowley held back his grin.

“Sure, Lon. Sure. We’ll wait for ya.” And after getting more explicit directions to the mine, Bill Crowley left the same way he’d come. It was time to make some plans.

“Well, what d’ya think?” The pride was there in his voice as he leaned his forearms across the saddle horn and looked out over the beauty before them.

“Johnny, this is no less than you deserve, amigo! I’m just sorry you had to live so long without it! But I’m glad you’re here now. This is really somethin’!” Rio drank in the scene before him as relief flooded through his veins, knowing that, once here, Johnny would never leave. Not by choice anyway.

“Yeah, Rio, I gotta tell ya that I had it all wrong. It wasn’t Murdoch’s fault, any of it. An’ I don’t know why my mother lied about it. I just can’t figure it out. But, well, I guess I’ll never know the how’s an’ why’s of what she did. All I know is I’m here now an’ don’t intend on goin’ anywhere.”

Rio smiled as he saw the blanket of contentment surround Johnny, covering him in warm and secure comfort. The wild and reckless pistolero was tucked away, and in his place was Johnny Lancer, confident rancher. However, Rio suspected Madrid lurked in the background and would always be there, no matter how prominent Lancer was. That’s what Madrid did, protect, and Lancer would always have that advantage, the safeguard of Madrid. Always.

Throughout the day, Rio continued to observe Johnny; he was the same Johnny, but different. Madrid was definitely there, but with another facet, another angle to the already complex man Madrid had always been, and it was fascinating. The differences between Lancer and Madrid were so opposite, yet strangely alike. They were sure and confident, but where Madrid always had a wild side and went with his gut, Lancer leaned more to reason. Rio hoped those similarities would forever protect both of them. Lancer and Madrid were both strong, brave, honorable, and full of fun, yet both needed family and love, and neither felt worthy of that honor. So, Rio watched and tried to put the complex puzzle of the man together, fitting each extraordinary piece in its rightful place.

“C’mon, Rio, there’s lots ta see. We’re only halfway ta the north pasture, an’ if we don’t get goin’, we’ll be campin’ out tonight!” Johnny reined Barranca up the trail, and Rio followed with a heart filled with happiness and relief for his amigo and a huge smile that went ear to ear.

“We got a new plan! We’re gonna stay here for a while. Lonnie jus’ told me his ol’ man’s got a business meetin’ taday an’ that’s good for us!” Crowley waited for them to figure out what he was saying. But there was silence. He shook his head. Stupid, he thought. “That means money! Here’s what we’re gonna do. Listen up!”

He outlined what was to happen. Crowley hadn’t much time to plan everything but explained what he’d figured out so far. “You two need ta find that mine Lonnie told me about. Go now but get back here quick as ya can! Things’re gonna start hap’ning pretty fast! Get movin’!”

Both Cale and Tom stood with frowns creasing their foreheads, not sure they heard right.

Bill always remembered his pa counting to ten when he was aggravated… now he knew why his pa did that. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and knock their heads together. Taking a deep, clearing breath, Bill closed his eyes, then spat, “Move out!” He watched them get their horses and head out up the mountain, then shook his head. “Idiots!” Bill Crowley growled.

“I wish I knew why Johnny is apprehensive about this joint well.” Murdoch was puzzled. The ranch ledger was lying open on his desk as he worked the numbers to confirm it was the thing to do. The well site was the perfect spot to benefit both ranches in areas with no natural water source. Although located on the Bar M property, Lancer would pay the major portion of materials and labor. The good far outweighed the negatives for both Bar M and Lancer.

“Sometimes, I just don’t understand him,” Murdoch said with a shake of his head. “The joint well makes so much sense!” The more he tried to make heads or tails of the situation, the more confused he became.

Scott knew he had to step in and tell what he’d suspected for a while and now knew to be true. “I don’t think that it’s the Bar M that Johnny’s having a problem with, Murdoch. I think it’s Lonnie.”

“Lonnie?! What’s Lonnie got to do with it? He’s a likable young man! Has something happened between the two of them? Because if it has, it will be straightened out immediately!” Murdoch did not like where this conversation was heading. A clash of characters between two headstrong young men had the potential to ruin everything and, perhaps… well, Murdoch didn’t want to go ‘there’ yet.

Scott took a deep breath, then exhaled through his nose. “Yes, I suppose Lonnie is a nice enough fellow… to your face.”

That statement got Murdoch’s attention. “Would you care to explain that, Scott? I want to know what’s going on, son.” It wasn’t spoken as a command, but Scott knew it was exactly that.

“Well, on a few occasions, both Johnny and I have overheard him speaking of Lancer and particularly, ahem, you in a, let’s just say, a derogatory light. And we both have had a few run-ins of our own with him. He seems to think that, being educated, I think of him as beneath me. But Johnny has taken much worse from him, and, to be honest with you, Murdoch, I’m very proud of my little brother’s threshold of patience. Let’s just leave it at that. I promised Johnny I wouldn’t say anything about it.

“But think about this, Murdoch: What will happen when Lonnie takes over the Bar M? If he can’t get past this notion that we think of him as inferior or get past his opinions of Johnny, there will be trouble. And, the more I think about it, Johnny has good reason to be apprehensive about this partnership with the Bar M.”

“Is there any more that I should know, Scott? It’s important to get things out in the open before there’s any trouble. Aaron Mason has been a good friend and neighbor of Lancer for years, and I won’t sacrifice that because of some misguided young man who’s not thinking clearly!”

It would have come out sooner or later, and Scott had no choice but to inform Murdoch of the things that had transpired. Murdoch deserved to know it all. Scott only hoped that his father wouldn’t assume Johnny had any part in aggravating the situation. Not that Murdoch would accuse Johnny of encouraging that kind of behavior, but their father did tend to think Johnny played a larger part in issues when things came up, that perhaps he was partly to blame, leaving Scott to come to his brother’s defense. Well, Scott would set the Lancer patriarch straight if he implied anything of the sort.

The explanations went better than Scott had hoped. Murdoch listened and even agreed that Johnny was in no way wrong in handling the verbal assaults heaped on him by the presumptuous and ill-informed Lonnie Mason. He would talk with Aaron and work out a solution acceptable to both parties. Scott was to meet with Aaron and Lonnie this afternoon and, between them, iron out an agreement beneficial to both the Bar M and Lancer and, hopefully, there wouldn’t be an issue for Scott on Lonnie’s home ground.

With much relief, Murdoch counted Rio’s visit a blessing, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He knew that Johnny wasn’t about to forget the partnership with the Bar M, but having the distraction of Rio might make things easier for Johnny until the particulars were decided and precautions taken against any future action from Lonnie should he continue his objections with anything having to do with Lancer. And Murdoch was confident in Scott’s abilities to wrangle an agreement with the Masons.

Given his background, it had taken them a while to trust Johnny’s skill of reading people. Living the life of Johnny Madrid, Murdoch had expected his son’s cynicism to rule his thoughts, opinions and govern much of his life. But Johnny proved them all wrong. His son was capable of determining whether a man was on the level or would shoot you once your back was turned. And, it hadn’t taken them long to learn they could rely on that talent, honed to a razor’s edge by years struggling to survive, many of those years as a very young boy. Learning to identify the ‘look’ was critical for one in Johnny’s position, and it had often kept him alive.

Murdoch often wondered what it had cost Johnny to become so accomplished at reading others and coming to the right conclusion. How much blood had his son shed in the process? And he shuddered when he thought over the possibilities.

Shaking those troubling thoughts from his mind, Murdoch turned his energies on the more productive path of running the ranch. While Scott went to the Bar M, Murdoch needed to see their attorney, Mr. Randall, to discuss legalities.

“Scott! I’m leaving for town!” Murdoch called out, hoping to catch his older son before he left.

Scott came from the kitchen munching a cookie, still warm from the oven. Murdoch eyed it with envy. Shortbread, his favorite! Scott smiled and held out his hand, offering his father two of the special treats. Murdoch smiled and accepted the offering.

“I just wanted to say keep an eye on Lonnie. I’m curious now how he feels about all of this. We need to know and be able to head off any trouble.”

Scott shrugged. “I’ll do my best. See you when you get back.”

“Thank you, son. Oh, I don’t expect Johnny and Rio back too much before supper, so don’t worry if they’re a little late. Val will be here tonight, too.”

Scott rolled his eyes, thinking of the nonsense when the three got together, and inwardly found himself thankful his brother had Val and Rio in his life. Knowing that someone had been there for Johnny, a sort of chosen family, helped Scott deal with the wild and sometimes desperate past of Johnny Madrid. In all honesty, Scott was looking forward to the meal, knowing it would be a long and rowdy evening. With a smirk, he wondered if Murdoch would retire early.

Pulling their horses to a stop, Johnny and Rio dismounted and let the animals graze. Taking canteens from the saddles, they settled at the base of an old oak tree to rest.

“Yup, Johnny, I can see why this’s a favorite place for ya. Don’t think I’ve ever seen anywhere as pretty!” Rio leaned back and took in the beauty that surrounded them. Majestic mountains stood guard, looking much like sentinels demanding peace. There was green everywhere; lush, knee-high grass and streams bubbled into a lake that reflected brilliant blue back to the crystal sky. The air was fresh and cool as he filled his lungs and held it a moment before letting it slip between his lips.

Johnny couldn’t hold back the smile as he watched his amigo as he sat entranced by the beauty that was Lancer.

“Yeah, I come here sometimes when I need ta get away. Sometimes it… it’s taken a while ta come ta grips with everything that’s happened. Growin’ up believin’ one thing, then findin’ out what ya believed all that time was wrong, well, it took a while ta get straight in my head. Murdoch’s a good man, an’ I know he didn’t toss us out like Mama said.”

Johnny paused, then took another gulp of water from the canteen, and Rio waited, knowing more was coming. He tried to put himself into Johnny’s boots and imagine the mixed, confused notions that Johnny experienced.

“Ha,” Johnny chuckled as he thought back on the new customs, traditions his family called them. “Ya ever heard about a Yule Log, Rio?”

Narrowing his eyes, Rio shook his head at the question. What the hell’s a Yule Log? He wondered but had a feeling he was about to find out.

“Yeah, me neither. There’s all these crazy things the gringos do at Christmas, an’… a Yule Log is one of them. T’resa says it brings good luck, but ya gotta save chunks of it and ashes for the next year. Strange, huh?”

Rio stared, not knowing if Johnny was serious or not.

“Ain’t kiddin’ ya. There was a lotta things that had my head spinnin’ that first year. I came close ta just leavin’ for a few days and get away from the whole thing. The hacienda was decorated from top ta bottom an’ everything in between. Never seen anything like it. Hell, me an’ Scott moved furniture around till I was worn out while T’resa decided where she wanted ta put the damn tree. Then, on New Year’s, ya gotta make a resolution…”

“What the hell’s a resolution?”

“It’s a promise ya make ta yourself. I guess it’s ta make ya wanna do better next year. Murdoch told me it was somethin’ ta strive for. Still can’t make heads or tails out of it. Why not just do better without havin’ ta make yourself wait till New Year’s? But there was other stuff. Ha, can’t tell ya how many times Murdoch chewed my ass for not being on time for supper! Never knew it was so important. I just figured he’d be happy that I got my work done for the day. It’s been a lot of adjustments for all of us, I guess.”

Rio observed as Johnny leaned his head back against the tree to watch the clouds swirl and billow as they seemed to bubble and grow before their eyes.

Johnny sighed, then stood. “It was hard learnin’ all of it. C’mon, I need ta check out the line shack, then follow the fence line home.”

Mounting the rested horses, Johnny and Rio went about the chores and enjoyed the day in each other’s company. They had to be back at the hacienda to have dinner with Val.

It wasn’t much further to the Bar M, and Scott began to wonder how he would fare. Aaron Mason was a good man, and he was certain there wouldn’t be any issues with him. But as his thoughts wandered to Lonnie, a feeling of doubt shadowed through his mind. Scott wasn’t a man to jump to conclusions, nor was he prone to imagine things that weren’t there, but he was more and more in agreement with his brother that Lonnie Mason was going to be trouble.

At one minute to one in the afternoon, Scott tied Remmie to the hitchrail in front of the white two-story clapboard house and climbed onto the porch. He noticed the porch swing looked as if it had been dusted off and new pillows huddled on each end as if waiting to serve an occupant… or two. He was aware that Jennifer Mason tended to fawn over him when they were together even though he had no interest in the girl, but he would not be rude.

He knocked briefly on the door and waited. Soon, it swung open, and Jennifer Mason greeted him with a smile that would melt sunshine.

“Mr. Lancer, it’s so nice to see you today! Please come in. Pa’s waiting for you in his study! This way, please!” And she blushed when Scott smiled at her.

“Thank you. Miss Mason!”

“Oh, please, call me Jennifer!” she said as her smile grew.

“Only if you will call me Scott.”

A smirk interrupted the conversation as Abby, Jennifer’s little sister, voiced her observation. “Jen, are you flirting with Mr. Lancer? You said you…”

Having much experience with Johnny offering embarrassing remarks, Scott concluded that younger siblings were put on earth to annoy and embarrass their elders, and Abby played the role well.

“Abby! You go… somewhere and… do… something!” And now Jennifer blushed bright red.

Scott laughed. “Ahh, yes, younger siblings! I know all about that!” He followed Jennifer through the house and into the study, where Aaron sat looking over a map of his property. He looked up as Scott entered and held out his hand.

“Scott, it’s good to see you! How’s your father and brother?”

“They are well, thank you,” Scott replied as he took papers from the pouch he carried.

“Hey, let’s get down to business. Jen, call your brother in here!” Aaron settled again in his chair and began to talk, then stopped. “Ah, Jen, can you bring us some coffee?”

“Right away, Pa!”

Aaron snorted. “That girl’s been fussin’ all morning since she found out you were coming!”

Now it was Scott’s turn to blush. He cleared his throat to start the conversation of wells and water, steering it away from the topic of lovesick teenaged girls.

“Let me show what I’ve been thinking, Scott. Maybe we can get this talked over and get the major part done today. “ Aaron looked to the door. “Now, where is that boy? I told him to be here. Pardon me, Scott,” Aaron went through the house to the back kitchen door.

“I called him Pa, but he didn’t answer,” Jennifer sighed.

“Lonnie! House… now!” Mason bellowed across the backyard. Mumbling under his breath on his way to the study, he again sat and joined Scott looking at the map.

“Sorry, Scott. Sometimes that boy…” the frustrated voice faded away. The disappointment was plain to see as the father pursed his lips and sighed.

The clock on Mason’s desk ticked off the seconds, and Scott could see the tension mounting as Aaron waited, not so patiently, for his son. The ruddy complexion took on a slightly darker hue, and a vein in the man’s neck began to pulse.

Slamming doors was not foreign to Scott’s ears since coming to Lancer; the battles between Johnny and Murdoch resulted, more often than not, with Johnny storming out of the house, flinging the door shut behind him with more force than necessary. But the explosion echoing from the back door in Mason’s house put Johnny’s slams to shame. It jolted both Scott and Aaron, and it was only that Scott was a guest that Aaron held his temper.

Lonnie entered the room and threw himself into a chair, not bothering to join the two around the desk. Sitting off to the side, Lonnie Mason kept his sight on his hands in his lap, then gazed out the window and made it painfully obvious he had no interest in joining in the conversation.

Aaron glared at his son, the son that had been taught better manners, the son that knew better than to wear his sidearm into the house. “Do I have to treat you like a child, Lon? There was no call to slam the door! And you know how I feel about wearing that gun in here!” Aaron ground out.

“He’s wearing a gun!” Lonnie pointed out, then, “I got work to do, Pa.”

“Yes, you do, and today, it is with us! You will do as I tell you! And I’m telling you that your place is in here helping with these decisions! Now act like the man you keep telling me you are.” Aaron sighed in disgust. “I’m sorry, Scott.”

“No need to apologize, Mr. Mason. We can still look at the maps and come up with a plan, I’m sure.” Scott turned his attention to the papers spread out, covering Mason’s workstation. “Now, we’ve been studying these charts, and Murdoch, Johnny, and I agree on where the well site should be. We could meet out there, look things over, perhaps get a better idea of what’s what than looking at a map. Tell me what you think, Lonnie; we need your opinion on this as well,” Scott turned to the sullen young man and tried his best to involve him in any ruling and plans for the location of the well.

“What the hell do you need my opinion for? You and your high and mighty father and that… halfbreed…”

“LONNIE! You apologize, now! I’ll not have you talking that way about the Lancers! Apologize!”

Scott did his best to draw Lonnie into the plan and his best to ignore the insults heaped on his family. But he was fought at every turn. Aaron looked ready to pounce on his son. A little overdue with that, Mr. Mason, Scott thought but did not put it to voice. He wondered why he was fighting so hard to bring young Lon to the table, to make him feel a part of the negotiations. It was becoming painfully obvious that wasn’t going to happen.

And finally, Scott had enough. He’d bent over backward in the last several months trying to get along with Lon Mason, but at this moment, he wasn’t about to sit and listen as the boy threw a temper tantrum and slandered his family. Scott decided the talk with Aaron Mason regarding the well was now canceled.

“Mr. Mason, I think it best that I leave. Lancer is still willing to join a partnership with the Bar M, but it appears there is something that requires your immediate attention.” Scott sent Aaron a sympathetic glance and collected the papers bearing Lancer’s proposal. “We can talk later when… the situation permits.” Scott stood, picked up his hat, and turned to the door but suddenly stopped when Jennifer, white as a sheet, walked into the study— behind her was a man with a bandana tied across his face and his pistol held to her temple.

Scott’s hand dropped to his hip.

“You, drop your gun… now!”

Scott had no choice but to unbuckle his gun belt and let it fall to the floor.

Lonnie was on his feet in a second. “Let her go! She’s done nothing to you! Leave her be!”

Bill Crowley smiled behind the bandana. The kid’s playin’ it safe… actin’ like he don’t know us… “Shuddup, an’ siddown!” He glanced around, taking in the neatly-appointed room. “Nice place ya got here, Mr. Mason! Yeah, real nice…”

“What do you want? Just let my daughter go, please!” Mason had gone from embarrassed red to terrified white that matched his daughter’s shaken appearance.

Crowley laughed. “What’d we want? We want money! An’ we’re just gonna take the little lady with us till you get us what we want! Ten thousand dollars, Mr. Mason! Ya got four days ta get it. If ya don’t come up with the money in four days, forget about seeing your little girl ever again.”

The sneer felt like vinegar washing into an open wound. Aaron Mason had never been as scared as he was at that moment.

Lonnie was stunned. “Let her go! Don’t take her… Hey,” and Lonnie turned a hostile glance at Scott. “Take him! He’s the son of the richest rancher in the San Joaquin! It’s him that you need, not Jen!”

“Lonnie, shut up!” Aaron pleaded, fearing not only for his daughter’s life but now that of Scott Lancer.

“Let the girl go. I’ll go with you, but let the girl stay here.” Scott’s voice was strong and controlled, and he held the glare issued from the intruder.

Crowley thought and made up his mind quickly. He motioned to Aaron and Lonnie. “You two, siddown in them chairs.” Bill called out over his shoulder, “Cale! Come in here!” And soon, another masked man came from the back of the house. “Get some rope ta tie these two an’ be quick about it!”

Cale left the room, ran through the house, and out across the porch to Scott’s horse. He yanked the rope free, then made his way back the way he’d come. Once again in the study, he tied the Mason men securely to their chairs, back to back, and, with one last finishing touch, gagged them both.

“Alright, you just take it easy and don’t make no noise! You’ll be hearing from us!”

Jennifer whimpered, realizing this nightmare was coming true; she was going with the two strangers, away from home. Away from the safety of her father. And she started to cry.

“Quiet down, girlie, or I’ll gag you, too!” He turned to Scott and snarled, “One word outta you, Blondie, an’ yer gonna wish ya were dead. Get movin’!”

Bill Crowley and Cale Pennell hustled Jennifer and Scott through the house to the kitchen’s back door, then out behind the barn where Tom waited with the horses. But Tom wasn’t alone. There, sitting on a horse, tied and gagged, was Abby Mason. Jennifer tried to scream, tell them to let Abby go, but a gag was thrust into her mouth and secured. She was then assisted onto the horse behind her sister, and with her dress fanning out over the animal’s rump, they left at a gallop into the hills behind the barn.

Murdoch turned his head toward the front door as it opened. He smiled as Johnny and Rio entered, laughing at something Murdoch was sure he didn’t want to know.

“Hello, boys! I didn’t expect you back so early!” He stood to greet the two as they strode into the room and sagged onto the furniture.

“Hey, Murdoch! Yeah, we got done sooner’n I thought we would an’ decided ta have supper with ya tanight.”

Rio’s smile broke across his face as he looked at the Lancer patriarch. “You have a beautiful ranch, Mr. Lancer! But how’d ya ever get this slacker ta pull his own weight around here?”

Murdoch couldn’t help but laugh, knowing it was said in jest. “Well, I’ll tell you that it did take a little… persuasion to get him out of bed and moving some mornings, but eventually, he caught on. Ha, missing a few breakfasts did much to straighten him out!”

“Hey! I wasn’t that bad!” Johnny defended as the other two enjoyed a laugh at his expense. “Where’s Scott?” he asked as he looked around for his brother.

“He’s not home from Mason’s yet. I expected him earlier, to be honest.”

“What’d ya mean, ‘not home yet’? How long does it take to talk over a few details, Murdoch?”

“Oh, maybe they got tired of talking and went out to view the site. I’m sure he’ll be along shortly.”

“Good, cuz we’re hungry!” Johnny grinned. “Well, let’s go get cleaned up, Rio. Maria don’t take too kindly ta us smellin’ like dirty saddle blankets sittin’ at her table!” Then he stopped and turned again to his father. “When did he leave for Mason’s?”

The knock at the front door prevented the answer. Johnny pulled the portal open to reveal Val Crawford standing with a grin.

“On time an’ ready ta eat, amigos!” He walked into the hacienda. “Evenin’, Mr. Lancer!”

“Val, it’s nice to see you! Come in and have a drink while these two get cleaned up.”

“We’re waitin’ on Scott. He shoulda been here by now. Murdoch, when did Scott leave?” Johnny asked again. Apprehension was taking hold, and that old nudge pushed its way to the surface.

Murdoch met his son’s eyes. “He left right after lunch to be on time for the one o’clock meeting.”

That was all it took. Johnny’s sixth sense kicked in. Not waiting for further talk or explanations, Johnny was out the door. “C’mon, Rio!”

“Johnny, wait! There’s probably a good reason he’s late! Son!” Murdoch called to Johnny’s back.

“I’ll go with ‘im, Mr. Lancer! Between me an’ Rio, we’ll watch ‘im!”

Suddenly, Murdoch was standing alone in the great room. One moment, he was having a pleasant conversation with Johnny, Rio, and Val, laughing and enjoying the company, the next moment changed everything, and he felt a sense of dread leach into his heart to push away the comfort of a father’s joy with his son. Sighing, Murdoch made his way out to the patio. “Jelly!”

A minute later, Jelly answered. “Yeah, Boss?”

“Jelly, saddle my horse for me!” and without waiting for a reply, Murdoch Lancer was in the house retrieving his gun belt, jacket, and hat. By the time he was ready, his horse was waiting. He mounted and left in the direction of the Bar M Ranch.

“Johnny! Slow down!” Val bellowed, trying to catch up. But, Barranca did not slow. Damn! He’s gonna kill hisself! Val could do nothing but nudge Amigo, and the gelding took off after Barranca.

The Bar M was quiet. Johnny had overheard Murdoch and Scott talking earlier in the day and knew that most of Mason’s hands were rounding up strays in the mountains to the east. The few left to work the ranch were spread thin, and it appeared that only a couple of them were actually at the ranch this evening.

Johnny, Val, and Rio thundered into the yard, leaving their horses snorting and puffing as the men pounded up the stairs and knocked on the door hard enough to rattle the glass in the windows. They waited… and waited, then heard a crash from inside. Not waiting for an invitation, Johnny drew his Colt, then threw the door open to check out the interior.

Muffled voices came from inside, and the three men continued through the house.

What had he done? Lonnie Mason cursed himself after Crowley left with his sister. He couldn’t believe that Bill had kidnapped Jennifer! How could he take my sister? But Lonnie knew there wasn’t anything he could do about it. Bill Crowley and the rest would turn him in if they were caught. He had to make it look as if someone else was at fault. Shove the blame on anyone, someone that people would believe could have done this crime. And he knew exactly who would take the blame.

He struggled against the ropes and kept his thoughts to himself. What was he going to do? He had to get Jen back before they hurt her. Panic began to take control, and Lonnie knew he couldn’t let that happen without saying something he’d regret. But relief washed over him when he heard horses charge up to the house. Yelling through the gags in their mouths, they tried to get the attention of those riding up and entering the house. Aaron kicked a chair and sent it crashing to the floor.

They followed the noise to the back room. Aaron Mason’s study door was closed, and Val kicked it open as Johnny and Rio covered him and rushed into the dark interior. There, in the dim light of deepening dusk, sat two men, bound to their seats.

Val quickly lit a lamp as Johnny and Rio tended Mason and his son. Lonnie shot fiery glares at them but was ignored.

“Val! They kidnapped Jennifer! You have to find her! Please, Val!” Mason gasped.

“What happened here, Mr. Mason?” Val asked but was interrupted when Johnny demanded to know what had happened to Scott.

“Where’s Scott?” His eyes scoured the room and came to rest on his brother’s rig and Colt lying on the floor and knew Scott was in serious trouble.

“Johnny, they took him, along with Jennifer!” Mason panted out. “They left about two hours ago! Sounded like they went north, behind the barn!”

“Who?” Soft but deadly, Johnny’s question declared war on those so foolish as to abduct his brother. Madrid would see this through. He would get Scott and the girl and bring them home, and God help those responsible…

The sound of a horse riding up broke through their conversation, and a few short minutes later, Murdoch Lancer charged into the house, his eyes wide and worried as he scanned the room.

“What’s happened? Where’s Scott?”

“Gone. He and Jennifer were kidnapped and are being held for ransom! I think they took Abby, too! She hasn’t been around for a while! We have to get after them!” Aaron pleaded, desperate to do something.

“Now, just hold on there, Mr. Mason! We’ll take care of this!”

“Do we know who took them?” Murdoch asked.

Lonnie saw his chance and foolishly voiced the accusation. Standing so quickly, he knocked the chair to the floor. “Probably one of his outlaw friends!” and he jutted out his chin in Johnny’s direction. Then he turned to Rio. “Don’t matter it’s his own brother or half brother! Wouldn’t matter to a half-breed!”

The worry was bad enough, but Madrid exploded into the room at Lonnie’s unfounded accusation and was across the study in less than a heartbeat. He grabbed Lonnie by the front of the shirt and slammed him into the wall with enough force to make him see stars erupt in his head and rattle the picture that hung on its wire hanger.

With his fists clutched in Lonnie’s shirt, Johnny lifted the young man off his feet as rage coursed through his body.

“JOHNNY!” Murdoch shouted as he went after his son. Val joined in, and between them, pulled Johnny away from the angry young Mason.

“Lemme go!” Madrid’s mad boiled over.

“Not’ll you settle down! Now, take it easy! We’ll get ta the bottom of this; just take it easy, amigo!” Val’s tone, brooking no dispute, began to seep into Johnny’s brain. Then, as if a shade was opened, Madrid appeared controlled with frighteningly icy calm, and he bent to pick up Scott’s Colt from the floor.

Sheriff Crawford turned to young Mason. “An’ you get holda that mouth, or I’ll arrest ya for slander!”

“It ain’t slander!” and he turned his panicked thoughts on Rio. “You in on this, too?”

Rio let a feral grin slide across his mouth, and he took a threatening step forward. He didn’t like where this was leading, and if Val couldn’t stop it, Rio would.

To Murdoch, the younger man mirrored the aura shrouding Johnny, and he watched as Rio set the rules to this game. “No, but I can tell ya one thing; ya better hope nothin’ happens ta Johnny or Scott, or you’ll have me ta answer too, an’ that ain’t a threat. It’s a promise…” Rio’s glare shredded what confidence the young Mason thought he possessed; his heart hammered in his chest, and he fought to breathe.

The black stare was enough to make Lonnie take a step back and hope to God that nothing would happen. Madrid alone was bad enough to have around, and now here was a stranger that looked mean enough to rip his throat clean out of his body.

And Johnny, Rio, and Val smelled the fear that oozed from the kid’s trembling hide.

Johnny’s eyes turned glacial, and he locked them on Lonnie. “I see you still have your gun…” The accusation held damning implications. He held Lonnie with the riveting stare and did not relent until he watched the physical tremor crawl down the kid’s back.

Murdoch moved toward Lonnie; the hard glint in his eyes warned of his waning temper. “I’ll not have you talking about my son that way! Do you understand me?”

Lonnie began to turn away, and with that insolent gesture, Johnny pulled his arm from Val’s grip and headed to the door.

“Johnny? Where ya goin’?” Val asked, but he already knew the answer.

“Ta get Scott.”

Madrid did not wait for a response, and Val knew he had to get control over Johnny… if he could. “Wait, Johnny, ya ain’t deputized!”

“Don’t matter.” It was done, said, and not open for debate. Then Johnny was out of the house and mounted Barranca before anyone could stop him. The pounding hooves jolted them all into motion.

“I’ll go with him, Val, an’ keep him outta trouble. Someone’s gotta watch his back!” Rio said, and with a brief smile flashed in Murdoch’s direction, he reassured the senior Lancer: “I’ll keep him safe, Mr. Lancer!”

“Hey, Rio! You ain’t deputized either!” Val’s irritated response rang loud in the room.

“Don’t matter!” Then, with a cocky grin, Rio was gone, but not before he shot Lonnie one more withering look, cold enough to freeze Lonnie to the floor, then the long strides carried him quickly out the door and to his horse. Vaulting into the saddle, Rio took off in pursuit of Madrid.

Murdoch Lancer shook his head, then went livid— livid, and appalled. He turned to Lonnie; the harsh glare demanded answers. But Val stepped in to ward off any words that could potentially prove detrimental in getting to the bottom of this crime.

“Alright, ‘spose you two just tell me what happened here, an’,” with that, he stared at Lonnie, “I want the truth!” He turned to Aaron and waited.

“Scott came here to talk over the agreement to the joint well between the Bar M and Lancer.” A snort from Lonnie drew their attention. Now it was Aaron to glare at his son, and his heart sank to his feet as he came to a devastating conclusion thinking there was more to his son’s attitude than he thought. But, pushing that notion aside, for the moment, he continued.

“We hadn’t gotten very far in our discussion when Lonnie…” Aaron hesitated, clearly ashamed of the event that transpired, but pushed on. “Lonnie began to get out of line. He said things…” Aaron turned to Murdoch with pleading eyes. “Murdoch, I am truly sorry! I don’t know why Lon has gotten so… hateful!” Mason cast a blistering stare at his son.

“Mr. Mason, we need ta hurry. Can ya just tell me what happened?” Val interrupted.

“I’ll tell you what I know. Lonnie became aggressive, and Scott was going to leave. As he went to the door, Jennifer came in looking like she’d seen a ghost! I’ve never seen her so scared! There was a man behind her with his gun held to her head. He was masked, so I didn’t get a good look at his face. Please, I think they took Abby, too!”

Val turned to Lonnie. “You recognize ‘im?” The question demanded an answer, and Val’s hard eyes held hard and fast, not letting the young Mason’s attention slide away.

“No! Why would I recognize an outlaw that kidnapped Jen? Look, Sheriff, you have to get after my sisters!”

“We will! Now just settle down an’ lemme do my job!” Val turned to Murdoch and brushed aside the apprehensions he saw in the patriarch’s eyes.

One son, innocent, kidnapped, taken against his will by unknown masked men, and the other son, recalcitrant, wild and would not hold back in going after his brother. Nothing or no one would stop him. Murdoch Lancer, wrapped in the bonds of misery, could only hope for the best and rely on Johnny’s uncanny abilities to bring his brother home, to bring them both home, alive and well.

“Well, we ain’t gonna find nothin’ out there tonight. Hafta come back in the mornin’… Where’re all your hands, Mr. Mason? Don’t want ‘em tramplin’ any tracks left out there,” Val asked.

Mason took a clearing breath. “Most are in the hills southeast of here, rounding up cattle that strayed through a broken fence.” At this, Aaron shot Lon another stern glance. Then he continued. “There’s only old Brady and McTavish twins here, and I think the twins were down at the stream clearing it out today. Brady wouldn’t have heard anything; he’s nearly deaf.”

“Alright,” Val said, then turned to Lonnie. “You got anything ta add, boy?”

Lonnie jumped like he’d been stuck with a red hot poker. “Add? Why would I have anything to add?”

Dunno, why would ya? Val thought. “We’re gonna hafta wait’ll daylight an’ I can get a posse rounded up.

“Daylight? Those men have my sisters! We can’t wait until daylight!” Lonnie disputed loudly.

Val held his temper remarkably well… until now. “I’ve had about enough outta you, kid! You siddown and shuddup now, or you’re goin’ ta jail for obstructin’ justice!” He then looked to Aaron. “Sorry, Mr. Mason.”

Aaron Mason, distraught with the thought his daughters were now in the hands of kidnappers, at best, was now left with his son causing trouble that had the potential to disrupt the rescue attempt. “Lon! We do what Sheriff Crawford tells us to do!”

“So, there’s a different set of rules for his son to go looking for his brother,” and Lonnie motioned to Murdoch. “But I can’t look for my sisters? They left here without being deputized! That half-breed and his Indian friend have special rights that I don’t?” Lonnie didn’t bother to disguise the fire in his eyes. He glared at Val and Murdoch, the challenge clear.

“You don’t be worryin’ about that! Those two know what they’re doin’, I’ll vouch for ‘em! You just do what you’re told, an’ I’m tellin’ ya, for the last time ta settle down an’ let the law handle this!” Val was done… or so he thought.

“Law! That’s a laugh! Madrid has broken more laws than you know, Sheriff!” And with that, Lonnie overstepped the bounds.

A duet of “Lancer!” cut the air like a knife as both Murdoch and Val corrected the mouthy, ill-informed young Mason.

“You’re under arrest, kid!” Val bellowed.

Lonnie stood, shocked as his rage took over, shoving any shred of sense out the window. “Arrest? Why didn’t you arrest those two half-breeds?”

And as Aaron stepped forward, his eyes held profound disgust. He drew back his arm and backhanded his son across his sneering face. Then he turned sorrow-filled eyes to Murdoch. “I’m sorry, Murdoch, truly sorry,” and slowly walked out the door.

Temporarily stunned by the blow, Lonnie realized what was to happen. “Pa? Pa, wait a minute! You’re not going to let them take me in… are you? I didn’t do anything, Pa!” Lonnie waited, but there was no answer. “What are you arresting me for?”

“I told ya before! Slander!” Val shouted.

Lonnie frantically looked at Murdoch. “Mr. Lancer, please! I got to find my sisters! You can’t let him arrest me!”

“You’ll get no sympathy from me, young man! Maybe sitting in jail overnight will help you to remember that you can’t say just anything that comes to mind about someone without proof.” With that, Murdoch was out the door.

“Move it, kid, it’s a long way back ta town! An’ ya better be quiet, I ain’t in no mood ta be list’nin’ ta your lip!”

Aaron Mason stood, looking out the window as Val marched Lonnie outside.

“Pa… Do something!” Lonnie begged.

Aaron sighed. “Maybe this is what it will take to make you learn, boy. Teach you what I can’t.” Then Mason walked up the stairs to his room.

“C’mon, kid!” Val shoved Lonnie out the door.

“Scott, I’m scared!” Jennifer whispered as she held Abby and let the girl cry in the security of her arms. The cave was damp and cold as they sat huddled together, sharing their warmth.

Abby trembled with cold fear and squeezed her eyes shut; if she couldn’t see where she was and the three men that had taken them captive, she could almost pretend she was home, playing a game in the barn. The overalls and old shirt she wore did nothing to protect her from the chill of the night, and she shivered next to Jennifer.

“I know, Jennifer, but we need to be patient. Patient and brave. Do you think you can do that?” Scott’s quiet baritone voice cloaked her in soft comfort and bolstered her strength.

“I’ll try,” Jennifer whispered.

Scott gently nudged Abby with his elbow. “What about you, Abby? Do you think you can be brave and help to get us out of here?” The question was asked as an equal, not adult to child, and Abby looked into Scott’s face. She blinked away her tears, then turned to her older sister.

“What are we gonna do?”

Scott shrugged, then sighed. “Well, I’m not quite sure yet, but we’ll think of something.” His smile did much to settle both Mason girls. “We need to stay calm and not panic, alright?” And, although he remained calm, Scott was not convinced he had gotten through to them, and though he had doubts, he did his best to keep them in a positive frame of mind.

“Scott, do you think anyone is looking for us?” Jennifer asked.

The chuckle seemed out of place considering their circumstances, but Scott couldn’t hold it back. “Oh, Jennifer, I can guarantee someone is looking for us. Don’t worry about that!”

And that someone wasted no time in his search. Johnny knew Rio would be coming after him, and he pulled back on the reins. It was nearly impossible to trail at night, but he had to get out of Mason’s house before he lost control and taught young Lon a thing or two regarding others… especially Madrid. Although the thrashing Lonnie deserved would have been detrimental to Johnny’s place in the valley, he didn’t care for his own sake. But he did care about what it could do to his father. He wouldn’t risk it, so he left.

The expected hoofbeats sounded behind him, and Johnny turned Barranca to the side of the road. The horse’s ears swiveled in nervous anxiety, and he pranced in a circle. Then, horse and rider waited. Within seconds, Rio pulled Cisco alongside the palomino, and the horses stood tolerating the other, not yet friends.

“Ya alright, amigo?” Rio asked, knowing Johnny was not only ready to rip young Mason’s head from his shoulders but also worried about his missing brother.

“I will be when I find Scott…”

“When we find Scott. I’m with ya all the way on this, Johnny.”

“Thanks, Rio. I appreciate it. Val’s got his hands tied, bein’ the law, but I… we can do things the law can’t, an’ Madrid’s takin’ over, so I’ll understand if ya don’t wanna— if you’d rather not go with me.”

Rio knew things might be law-abiding if Madrid called the shots, but he couldn’t help the smirk that escaped. “Lead out, Señor Madrid!” He accepted Madrid’s leadership in the past and would do it again… without question.

“Well, we can’t do much till daylight, but I gotta tell ya the thought of waitin’ that long ain’t settin’ too good.”

Rio Reyes felt Johnny’s anxiety, and it was not familiar. Johnny Madrid never voiced concerns. He was sure of what had to be done when it had to be done. But things had changed for Madrid; he had a family now. And Rio stepped up to help his amigo.

“How ‘bout this, Johnny? Let’s get back ta the ranch an’ get some supplies an’ a few hours rest, then get an early start. We can be back here before dawn an’ find them tracks. That way, we can avoid runnin’ into Val an’ your father, too. I got a feelin’ they’re gonna try an’ talk us outta goin’ alone.” Rio knew he had to keep Johnny busy and not give him any more time than necessary to think about his brother.

Johnny knew Rio was right. He knew it was the only reasonable thing they could do to get his brother and the two Mason girls back. He was grateful for Rio’s clarity, and though Johnny didn’t want to go back to Lancer, there was no other choice for a successful outcome. He shrugged as he sat in his saddle, then nodded his head in the dark. ‘Yeah,” was all he said.

The ride to Lancer was long and agonizingly slow. By the time the Lancer arch came into view, Johnny Lancer was ready to say ‘Ta hell with this’ and go after his brother. But Johnny Madrid wanted not only to find Scott, he wanted the men that took him, and he wanted to make them pay. He knew they needed to be careful and not charge headlong into a situation that could get Scott and the Mason girls hurt… or killed.

Little did Murdoch Lancer know his younger son and amigo were already three hours gone from the ranch. After returning home last night from the Bar M, he wanted to let Johnny know he supported him and tell him Lonnie was out of line; to say he knew Johnny had been wronged, and indeed, slandered. Val was right to take young Mason to jail. If it were up to Murdoch, Lonnie would be spending more than a night behind bars as a ‘guest’ of the county.

When Johnny came down to breakfast, Murdoch would inform him of the conversation he had with Aaron after Lonnie’s departure with Val. Johnny needed to hear what Aaron Mason said. The rancher’s words touched Murdoch’s heart, and he recalled them as he sat with his coffee cup in hand.

“Murdoch, I can’t apologize enough! I don’t know why Lonnie feels that way! He’s got no reason that I know of to have these… opinions! I’m… I’m so sorry, Murdoch!”

“Aaron, I think you should know the things that have been going on. I wasn’t aware of anything until Scott told me earlier this morning. It seems as though Lonnie has been causing… issues for a while. Both Scott and Johnny have heard your son say things about Lancer and me in particular, and he’s accused Scott of thinking Lonnie as beneath him. Scott wouldn’t tell me of the issues between Lon and Johnny but said he was proud of Johnny’s ‘threshold of patience’, I believe is the term he used. Apparently, there have been many incidents between the two of them. I’m sorry, Aaron, I didn’t want to tell you like this. But things aren’t working out to tell you any other way. However, I was planning on talking with you about it very soon. As I said, I only found out about it this morning.”

Aaron Mason was shocked at Murdoch’s recounting of the things that happened. He had no clue… or none that he paid any attention to, thinking Lonnie was just blowing off steam of the typical immature young man… more like an irrational boyish temper. Now that he heard of the incidents regarding the Lancers, he knew it was more than an irrational boyish temper.

“Murdoch, I don’t know what to say, only that I’m sorry.” The brown eyes of Aaron Mason were filled with the grief of a father knowing that he failed his son.

“We’ve been friends a long time, Aaron. Neighbors that have come to rely on the other when times are rough. But, I have to tell you something that Scott divulged this morning got me to thinking about our partnership, and as long as we are being honest with each other, I think you should know.”

Aaron wasn’t sure where this was going, but he listened. He needed to know.

“This morning, Scott laid it out for me, Aaron, and I don’t want you to take offense when I tell you, but you need to know all of it, the entire problem. I voiced my concern about Johnny’s reluctance to form this partnership of the joint well. Scott said to consider what could happen when Lonnie would take over the Bar M. If he still harbors these feelings about Lancer, that we think of him as inferior or if he can’t get over his feelings regarding Johnny’s past as Madrid, where will that leave us? I will not jeopardize the partnership if we don’t get to the bottom of this problem. And a problem it is… and will continue to be.”

Aaron sighed and dropped his chin to his chest, then suddenly straightened. He met Murdoch’s eyes and was filled with new resolve. “We’ll get it fixed, Murdoch, I promise you, we’ll get it fixed, and nothing is going to stand in the way. Oh, and Murdoch? Thank you for telling me what’s been going on. No one wants to hear things like this about their son, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable. Nothing is going to come between the Bar M and Lancer, nothing!”

Murdoch could only hope that Aaron could get through to his son and resolve Lonnie’s insecurities against Scott, Lancer, and Johnny.

Murdoch knew he was wasting time. Johnny wasn’t going to wait… for anything. In his heart, Murdoch knew Johnny and Rio were already gone. They wouldn’t wait for the posse; they were already gone to look for Scott… and left without getting deputized.

The mattress was hard and lumpy; a cold breeze came in through the window, and he had to take a piss. Sheriff Crawford ignored him for a time but finally came to take him for a visit out back. Lonnie Mason grumbled all the way there and didn’t stop until Val threatened to shut him up.

“Hey! You can’t threaten me! You’re wearing a badge!” Lonnie protested at the sheriff’s warning.

“Lemme tell ya somethin’, kid. This badge comes off just as easy as it went on, so don’t think that wearing this tin star on my chest is gonna make any difference!” Val slammed the cell door and turned the key. “You behave an’ I just might letcha outta here taday!” Val smirked and walked out into the outer office.

Lonnie’s temper soared, and he drew in a huge breath. “You should have Madrid in here, not me! I know he’s behind this!” Lonnie heard a crash and a slam, and he backed into the corner as Sheriff Val Crawford came through the door with fire in his eyes and a sneer across his face that enhanced those flames. The cell keys were in his hand, Lonnie noticed his Colt wasn’t strapped to his leg, and… the sheriff’s star was missing from his shirt.

Val stormed to the cell, unlocked the door, and let it pound against the cell bars when he threw it open, producing a savage iron clang. He took great delight in the terror in the Mason kid’s eyes, but Val didn’t let it show.

“What… what are you going to do… Sheriff?” Lonnie felt ice water wash over him. The Sheriff’s gone crazy!

And Val Crawford was a little crazy at that moment and intended on letting young Lonnie Mason deal with the consequences of his actions. That and Val really wanted to throw a scare into the idiot.

Val grabbed the kid by the front of his shirt and pushed him into steel bars with more force than was necessary. He watched as Lonnie’s eyes widened with fear and just hoped the stupid kid would not piss his pants… Nope, just had ‘im out back for that.

“That’s two counts of slander, Mason! If Johnny don’t press charges for the first one, I’m pressin’ charges for this, an’ don’t think I won’t! Just what’re you tryin’ ta prove with that kind of talk? That man has done more good than you’ll ever know about! I don’t know where you’re gettin’ your information from, but all I can say is ya better smarten up, cuz if Johnny Lancer don’t knock some sense into that thick head, I will!” Val shoved the kid against the bars again. “One more word outta ya, an’ you’re gonna be in here for two weeks an’ if ya think I’m kiddin’, open that yap an’ find out just how wrong ya are!”

Val leveled his best sheriff’s glare into Lonnie’s eyes and watched with great satisfaction as the fear crawled down the boy’s spine. Then he let an evil grin cross over his face when Lonnie didn’t answer. “Good that we understand each other.” With that, Val snorted in disgust and backed out of the cell. He locked the door, but before he left, he turned, his emotions now under control, and said, “Johnny Lancer ain’t done nothin’ wrong here, but you keep up the way ya are, an’ I just might turn a blind eye if he decides to do somethin’ about your mouth. Got that?”

The nod was enough for Val; he froze the kid with a glacial stare for the second time, just for the satisfaction of it, slammed the door shut with another loud clang, and walked into the office, leaving Lonnie Mason to his thoughts.

In the cell, Lonnie was thinking. He thought he’d better not waste any more time on how the Lancers treated him and start thinking about Bill and the others who had taken his sisters. The girls had better be alright…

Although still troubled over his brother’s disappearance, Rio could see that Johnny had simmered down. The wild, scathing specter present in the company of Lonnie Mason no longer shrouded Madrid; he’d successfully pushed it away, but his determination to find his brother was fierce, enough to see as it weighted across his shoulders. Rio had witnessed a similar situation before and knew Johnny would show no mercy.

“Amigo, what’s with that Mason kid? Why’s he hatin’ so hard?”

“Hell, I dunno. He’s got it in for Murdoch an’ Scott, too. Both Scott an’ me caught him bad-mouthin’ the ol’ man. Seems that the kid thinks Murdoch’s callin’ the shots in the valley. Can’t figure why he feels that way, but he does. In Lonnie’s eyes, Scott‘s always thinkin’ he’s better an’ is treatin’ the kid like he’s stupid. But hey, that ain’t too far of a stretch! An’ me, well, he’s read too many dime novels ta know what’s true an’ what isn’t. Madrid, ta him, is a back shootin’ pistolero that’ll murder anyone for no reason.”

Rio shrugged. He knew what it cost Johnny every time some idiot would drag Madrid into an unprovoked confrontation, and Johnny would pay with another dead man, or boy, on his conscience. When would it stop? He did not doubt Lonnie Mason would cause Lancer, Johnny in particular, trouble given the opportunity. But Rio knew all he could do was help Val to watch Johnny’s back. “Has he been this way to you ever since ya came home?”

“He was always a moody kid since I been here, but it’s gotten worse over the last year or so. He’s lookin’ for trouble but afraid he might find it. That’s why he mouths off when there’s other people around. I guess he wants ta see how far he can get folks riled up, an’ maybe there’ll be enough on his side ta take me down. Beats the hell outta me an’ I get tired of thinkin’ on it. Maybe I should go have a little talk with him an’ show him the error of his ways!” Johnny grinned.

“Just watch your back around him, amigo. I know a rat when I see one.”

“Yeah, speakin’ of rats, let’s get after that trail!”

Sheriff Val Crawford and his posse of nine men arrived at the Bar M just after sunup. Aaron Mason hurried out to the porch when he heard them ride up, hoping that Val brought Lonnie back with him. But his hopes fell when he failed to see his son with the mounted men.

“Sheriff,” he greeted. “I was going to come into town this morning and get Lon out of jail.”

“I got Richie Hazelton watchin’ the jail. I told him ta let Lonnie out at noon. I’d ‘preciate ya goin’ in ta get him, an’ bring him back ta the ranch. I don’t want him out lookin’ for the girls, understand, Mr. Mason? Nothin’ personal, but I got enough trouble without addin’ a hot-head ta the mix.”

“Noon. I’ll get him at noon, Sheriff, and make sure he stays here. Thank you,” Aaron said and wondered if he could keep the boy home.

“No need ta thank me, Mr. Mason. Tell him he’s under arrest if I find him anywhere other’n this ranch. Just gettin’ that boy under control’s the only thanks I need. Now, where’re them tracks?”

“Well, well, how’d ya like your accommodations for the night?” Bill Crowley laughed as he kicked Scott’s boot to wake him, not that he was sleeping. “Can’t have ya complainin’ about the room service!”

“Do you treat all your… guests this way?” Scott replied sarcastically.

“Oh, only the ones we really care about! Alright ladies, on your feet!”

Jennifer cast a panic-filled stare at Scott, but he nodded, telling her she should go with the man. She reached for Abby’s arm; the young girl stood, and with a trembling lip, followed her sister.

Bill Crowley turned a snide smile at Scott. “You ah, you just behave an’ don’t do nothin’ stupid. No need ta carve the word ‘hero’ on your tombstone!” Bill nudged Jennifer, and the trio disappeared out of the cave and left the reluctant Cale and Tom to watch Scott Lancer.

Scott returned their stares, rebuffing their attempts to make him squirm, and he smirked at their failed attempts to make him uncomfortable. “You boys ought to know that there is a search party closing in on you right now. And, more than that, my brother is looking for me, and trust me when I say that you really don’t want to make him upset. You see, he has a most vile temper when he’s aggravated, and, well, he’s been known to get a little… let’s just say… crazy when he’s upset. I just thought you should know what you’re up against. Besides that, he has a friend with him, and together they fought along the border in range wars and won those wars. And the sheriff will be after you, too, and if you know our sheriff, you know he’s not a man you want chasing you. He has a vile temper as well. So, you might want to rethink your plans.”

Scott settled back, a smirk fixed on his face, and enjoyed the second thoughts that began to slink around the captors’ minds and push aside their ‘great plan’.

He couldn’t hold back the chuckle as he watched their faces when they thought of not only a posse but an enraged and crazy brother that happened to be a professional border fighter. In truth, Scott would normally be against dragging the mention of his brother into the problem at hand, using Johnny’s reputation as leverage to plant the seed of doubt in their captor’s minds, but Scott wasn’t alone. He had Jennifer and Abby to think of now, and he knew that under these circumstances, Johnny would have no objections. Not this time.

Cale and Tom tried to bluff their worry that they would be up against a professional gunman, two professional border fighters. And the one just happened to be a gunfighter; however, the false bravado began to crack. Scott smirked again, knowing his words had the desired effect.

Crowley returned with the girls, then motioned for Scott to get to his feet, and with another warning to not try anything stupid, took him outside.

The ride home from Green River was long and tense. Worry set its hooks deep into Lonnie after finding out his sisters hadn’t returned home. What the hell is Bill thinking? I have to get to him before anything bad happens…

The betrayal of his father sat heavily on his heart. Young Lon felt his father should have kept him out of jail. Well, he’s going to have to see that I am not going to stand by and let anything happen to my sisters. Whatever I have to do to see them safely home is what I’ll do… He’s not going to tell me no…

Aaron Mason knew he needed to say something. Somehow get through to Lonnie and make him understand. But, at this point, he knew anything he said would fall on deaf ears. Deaf by choice…

The ranch gate came into view, and soon, they were at the barn letting the horses drink.

“Lon, I want to talk to you in my study, now.” Aaron didn’t wait for an answer; instead, he turned his back and walked to the house.

Lonnie seethed. Nothing his father could say would change his mind, but he would put on a show of listening, then he would leave in search of Jen and Abby.

Bill Crowley didn’t know if he was still on Mason’s property or not. But he knew he had to move their hostages. He didn’t want Lon sniffing around to ruin what should be a profitable deal. Holding the offspring of two wealthy ranchers would provide enough money to keep Bill and the rest living in style for quite a while. Then Bill smiled. If Lon did show up, he would send him and Cale to break Skinner out of jail. With any luck at all, Luke hadn’t said anything to the authorities about his partners. But they had to get him out of jail, and soon…

It took the rest of the afternoon to find, but there it was. The old run-down place looked to be good enough to shelter them until they received the ransom money. There was a hole in the roof, but that shouldn’t pose any problem. The place had been abandoned for a good long time. A small overgrown path confirmed no one resided there unless some critter moved in, but that would be no problem. Now, Bill headed back to the cave, hoping he’d beat Lonnie, just in case the boy grew a spine in the short time they separated. The kid was sure to spoil this opportunity, and Crowley wasn’t about to let that happen.

The trip back to the temporary hideout did not take long. He met Cale and Tom at the mouth of the cave and spelled out the new plans. Bill expected questions and some resistance, and he wasn’t wrong. Cale exploded after Bill detailed what was to happen.

“An’ how’re we gonna break Luke outta jail?” he fumed.

“Shuddup, ya idiot! Ya want them ta hear?” Bill motioned to the cave where, he knew, Scott Lancer would be trying to pick up any useful information. “Jus’ shuddup an’ I’ll tell ya how ta do it since ya ain’t got sense enough ta figure anything out yourself!” He shook his head and took a deep breath. One, two, three, four… “No doubt Lonnie’ll be here soon. You an’ him ride over ta Merced; wait’ll dark, then start a fire at the other end of town from the jail. When it gets going an’ everyone’s there tryin’ ta put it out, go for Skinner. Lonnie’ll help cuz he wants them sisters back. You tell him he ain’t gettin’ his sisters til ya get Skinner outta jail! Think ya can do that without gettin’ yourselves caught?”

Bill wasn’t entirely sure they could do it, but he had to risk it. He wasn’t going to pass up the chance to make this kind of money and would put everything on the line to get it. “Keep outta sight an’ wait for Lonnie down by the creek, then get over ta Merced. When ya get Luke, come back ta the creek. We’ll be watchin’ for ya an’ take ya to the hideout. Then we wait for the money. They got two days ta come up with ten thousand dollars, an’ when we get it, we’re outta here!” It was the best he could do.

Johnny and Rio covered much ground. They’d fought together often enough to know the other’s thoughts and how they would handle the situation, so no time was wasted in discussing tactics. They picked up the trail and followed it as far as they could before it was brushed out. Studying the surrounding terrain, both men came to the same conclusion. They were getting close, Johnny could feel it, but he wouldn’t jeopardize his brother’s life or those of the Mason girls by getting sloppy. Johnny Madrid was never sloppy. And Rio Reyes had learned from the best.

“Val’s not gonna be too far behind us,” Johnny murmured, “an’ if he catches up ta us, we’ll hafta do things his way. I figure that’ll take more time. Time we don’t have. What’d ya say to a little ‘border justice’, amigo?” Johnny grinned, knowing that Rio would be all for the idea.

Rio didn’t say anything at first, but the grin that split his face told Johnny everything he wanted to know. Then he chuckled and said, “Well, can’t have him catchin’ up ta us, now can we?!”

“Let’s go.” Madrid and Reyes moved out. Johnny smiled to himself. Border justice’ll get the job done, legal or not…

“I’m ordering you not to leave this ranch! Sheriff Crawford will arrest you if he catches you gone!” Mason’s temper was shredding. He was worried for his daughters, and now the worry doubled, knowing his son was getting further onto a path that would bring nothing but trouble and possibly worse.

The door sounded with a resounding slam that echoed through the quiet house. Aaron Mason sat at his desk, staring at the vacant chair. Then as if stuck with a hot poker, he bolted after his son. Aaron made it as far as the back door when he heard the thunder of hooves down the road. Lonnie defied his orders and left. Aaron, clutched in the cold fingers of failure, prayed he would still have a son when this was over. Or had he lost Lonnie already?

Spurring his horse into a gallop, Mason attempted to follow his headstrong, obstinate boy and, hopefully, keep him out of any more trouble. But he had his doubts… Maybe it would be a good thing if Lonnie spent a little time in the sheriff’s jail. He turned his horse around, hoping to catch up with the posse instead.

Scott wondered why they weren’t blindfolded. He carefully watched the trail, noting landmarks and directions. They traveled through unknown territory, and he wondered if this was part of the Bar M or if they had already crossed its boundary line. He cast surreptitious glances toward Jennifer and Abby, offering them smiles of reassurance. Then he would scan the ridgelines in hopes of spotting his brother. But he knew it would be for naught. Johnny was out there, of that Scott was sure, but if Johnny didn’t want to be seen, it wouldn’t happen. Then Scott huffed to himself, thinking these men wouldn’t see it coming. No, they’d never know what hit them…

Cale Pennell tensed; he pulled his pistol from the holster to be ready for trouble. Someone was coming up the trail. His heart hammered against his ribs as he stayed behind rocks and brush and waited. Damn! He hated this; Luke’s in custody, probably already spilled his guts to the law, an’ now Crowley wants me’ an’ Lonnie ta bust him outta jail!

Hoofbeats grew louder, and he leveled his pistol at the man riding through the trees. It was then he recognized Lonnie Mason. Pennell reined his mount onto the trail then repeated the orders from Crowley.

“C’mon, Lon, we gotta bust Luke outta jail!”

Lonnie lost any reasonable thought he had as fire burst through his brain. “The hell we will! I’m going to bring my sisters back home! You had no right ta take them!” His hand went to his gun. “I’m taking my sisters!”

“Lonnie, we’ll get your kin when we get Luke outta jail! Think about it, Lon, if Luke talks, the law’s gonna know you were part of this whole thing. Ya wanna go ta jail?”

The words broke through the haze that clouded Mason’s thinking. He stared at his partner and shook himself free of his rage. “Alright, but when we get Luke back, I’m taking my family home.”

Pennell doubted that would happen. Bill was dead set on using the girls and Lancer for ransom, but he would let Lonnie Mason think what he wanted. Right now, they needed to get to Merced. Would they get there in time? Or would Luke Skinner have already talked to the law?

The cave was empty, but Madrid knew Scott and the others had been there. A recent fire left warm ashes, and the remnants of a meal were scattered in the dirt. Over to the side, Johnny could see where three people spent the night, and he knew it was his brother and the Mason girls. Leaving the cave, he and Rio scouted around and picked up the trail of four horses going northeast, further into the mountains. Madrid and Reyes followed, not more than a few hours behind.

Rio watched closely as the afternoon progressed. He knew Johnny was battling the demons of not knowing if his brother was safe or where he was. Madrid was present in full force, but Rio could see the Lancer in him coming to the surface. He was no less dangerous, no less committed to the undertaking he set out to do, but now, there was a definite distinction. Now, it was personal, not a task; it had nothing to do with his former profession. It was family, and Rio knew that Lancer was as capable as Madrid. But could he keep the emotion under control because it was about family? The two neighbor girls would have brought out Madrid’s talents, but it was blood that made the difference now.

Rio would do anything to help. It was Johnny and Val that risked their lives six months ago to come to the aid of his folks. Yes, Rio knew about blood issues and would do whatever it took to lend his support and talents to find Scott and the Mason girls.

So they kept going, closing the gap, and soon, Rio would help bring Scott home. For Johnny. For his amigo. For family.

Lonnie Mason was seething inside. His sisters were innocent, taken from their home at gunpoint by his friends… Why did he let himself get involved with Crowley and the rest? Lonnie knew they were no good, but that was the attraction. They were wild and rowdy; something young Lon was never allowed to be. His father would always pull on the reins, telling Lon he had a responsibility to his family, the valley as an upstanding citizen, and to always act the part. And he wondered what his father would think if he ever found out that he, Lon, and his friends attempted to rob that bank, and it was Lon’s friends that took the girls and Scott Lancer to hold for ransom. Lonnie wondered if there was any way out of this mess he’d gotten himself into and not give himself away.

And now, he was on his way to break one of his ‘friends’ out of jail. They had to do this quickly. They had two days left to get Skinner out of jail and get back for the money to be delivered. He just wanted out of the trouble. He wanted Crowley and his gang out of his life, and as long as he was wishing, it wouldn’t bother him if the Lancer brothers didn’t… What are you thinking? You’ve never wished anyone dead before!

But those thoughts kept coming. If it weren’t for the Lancers, Lonnie would be much better off. If they’re gone, Pa won’t be throwing them in my face all time! ‘Why aren’t you more like the Lancers? They’re respectful and go out of their way to help everyone in this valley! The folks here like them,’ and on and on! Hell, it’s their fault none of the girls in the valley will see me! That Teresa even rejected me! Lonnie unfairly linked all of his problems to Scott and Johnny. Well, he wasn’t as educated as Scott, but he wasn’t stupid, and he was just as good-looking, and he was as exciting as Johnny; who cares that he wasn’t as fast with a gun? And he sure as hell helped others in the valley.

Didn’t he bring that mangy dog, Petey, home to Clyde Simpson? And you can’t forget that he toted Mrs. Clary’s packages from the store to her carriage once. Returning the dog to his owners was a good deed, as was loading Mrs. Clary’s wagon. But somewhere deep in recesses of his selective brain, he knew those were the deeds expected from even the lowliest of humans, just the decent thing to do.

Then, his temper flared. So what, he wasn’t the one that rescued the parson out of his burning house or was seriously wounded protecting the payroll on that stage? And Lonnie knew in his heart he would not fill the place of either Lancer son; he just wouldn’t admit it to anyone. And, he sulked and blamed those who were not at fault. He wallowed in his self-pity and refused to take responsibility.

And here he was, on his way to break Skinner out of jail in a town where they attempted to rob the bank. At least that was exciting.

“So, how are we going to do this, Cale? Did Bill tell you anything I should know?” Lonnie pressed as they sat on the ridge, looking down at Merced.

Cale Pennell rubbed a gloved hand across the stubble on his jaw, scoping out the town below.

“Yeah, we wait’ll dark, then go ta the other end of town from the jail an’ start a fire. Then, when the blaze gets goin’ an’ everyone is tryin’ ta put it out, we go get Skinner. Should be simple enough.”

Lonnie could feel his heart begin to pound. If he was honest with himself, he was scared. Lonnie was sinking deeper by the minute, and it was about to get much worse.

The Mason girls were barely hanging on. Scott could tell they were bravely trying to control their fright and hold back the tears. Abby held onto Jennifer, and Jennifer did her best to console her sister and tell her this trouble would soon be over. Their father would do all he could to see to their safety. Then, Jennifer would look to Scott for confirmation.

Scott knew Johnny was looking for them; of that, he was certain, and he did his best to keep the Mason girls’ spirits up and even coaxed a few smiles. But Scott also knew the girls were scared; no, they were terrified, and the fact that Tom Crowley leered at Jennifer as if she were on display every time he came close did nothing to help her frame of mind.

“Scott, he scares me! The look in his eyes… it frightens me!”

The quiver in the soft voice nearly broke Scott’s heart. “Jennifer, I promise he’s not going to hurt you. I promise! Look, try and not worry. They’ll be coming for us; I know my brother is out there searching, and he doesn’t give up. You’ll see. We’ll all be home very soon.”

Abby sniffed. “Jen, do you think that Lonnie will be looking for us?”

“I don’t know, Abby, I don’t know…”

“Hey, you three shuddup over there an’ get on them horses. We rested long enough!”

Scott stood, then helped the girls to the horses and settled them on their mount. Then he stopped. “Abby, how would you like to help us get out of here?” He couldn’t hold back the grin when her eyes widened.

“What do I have to do, Mr. Lancer?” she whispered gamely.

“First, call me Scott. I need to borrow your bandana. I’m going to drop it along the trail. It will give Johnny a clue as to where we are.”

Without hesitation, Abby discreetly slipped him the cloth, and he tucked it in his pocket. “Thank you, Abby. Johnny will return it when he finds us.” With a reassuring grin, Scott mounted up, and they moved out. He knew Johnny was out there looking for them, it would happen soon, and Scott would be ready to assist his brother in their rescue. A smirk tugged the corner of his mouth. These fools have no idea what they’re in for…

Keys rattled in the lock, and Luke Skinner woke with a jolt. He made it through the first interrogation without telling the sheriff anything, but he knew his time was running out. He was scared, and he hoped Bill and the rest would break him out of jail. They should have tried two days ago!

The gruff voice washed over him like a rasp.

“Alright, you, get up! NOW! Mind yer manners, an’ I might letcha have breakfast!”

Deputy Andrew Taggert motioned Skinner out of the cell to the back door for the morning outhouse visit. Once the chore was completed, he settled the prisoner back in his cell and made him wait for the meal. He didn’t take kindly to anyone that tried to rob their bank. And the fact he wasn’t able to get any information as to where the others had gone couldn’t have prickled him more than had he fallen into a cactus patch.

Breakfast was cold, the coffee bitter, but Luke ate it, knowing it would be a while before he got the next meal. Then he sat and fidgeted as Taggert stared, watching his every move.

“Ain’tcha got anyone else ta bother, Deputy? Quit starin’!”

But Taggert ignored the remark. Instead, he got to his feet and approached the wall of iron bars that kept him on one side and the stupid kid on the other.

“Ya gonna tell me what I wanna know? Or ya gonna let them others get away and let you rot in here?”

Luke Skinner wasn’t much smarter than a box of rocks, but he was loyal. “I got nothin’ ta say.” Then he turned his back on Taggert to face the wall. Damn! What’s takin’ Crowley so long?

“Yer gonna be whistlin’ a different tune when we ship ya off ta prison, so ya might wanna tell us whatcha know.” He leveled a cold glare at the back of the boy’s head. He suspected the kid was waiting for his friends to break him out of jail, but that wasn’t going to happen. Taggert and the sheriff had already discussed moving the boy to another location.

Aaron Mason had no other choice than to notify the sheriff of Lonnie’s defiance when he left the ranch. Inside, his heart was breaking; it shattered into tiny fragments as the seriousness of the situation played out in his mind. He had done his best with Lon; he tried to show him right from wrong, be a good person, and grow with honor and dignity. But the boy defied him, disregarded his attempts to guide him, and now quite frankly, embarrassed him. His allegations against the Lancer family, Aaron knew, were unfounded. And now, the boy had disobeyed the sheriff’s orders. And it was time Lonnie took responsibility for the things he’d done.

Aaron Mason picked up the posse’s tracks, fully intending on turning his son over to the law; he only hoped it would do some good. Unfortunately, his son had pushed too far, and this time Aaron would not protect him, not anymore. It was about time Lonnie learned to stand on his own two feet and became a man.

It soon became obvious that he wouldn’t catch the posse, not today. They left hours ago, and Aaron was no longer a young man, but he kept going; he pushed himself, wanting to do what was right, wanting what was best for his son. But he knew that would be more than he was able to give. It was up to Lonnie, and only he could do what was right.

Murdoch paced, his head pounded, and his temper shredded into loose fragments choking off reasonable thoughts. Scott was kidnapped, along with the Mason girls, and held for ransom. Would they come out of this alive, survive the threat that had the distinct possibility to see them killed? They were innocent! And the thought of using them for money made the Lancer patriarch seethe.

And, Johnny, where was he? Murdoch couldn’t help but worry, but there was one thing in his favor. And that was Sheriff Crawford’s faith in Madrid… and Rio Reyes. It seemed that Val was satisfied to have them looking apart from the posse. That fact, stunning in itself, spoke volumes. Val’s faith did much to bolster Murdoch’s frame of mind, but was it enough to see his sons home, safe and unharmed? Only time would tell. Murdoch huffed. Time— was it his friend or his enemy?

“Sheriff Crawford, lookee here! Russell found some tracks!” Jake Preston shouted, waving his hand wildly above his head, then had to grab the saddle horn to keep his seat as his horse danced in nervous circles at the commotion made by his rider.

Val shook his head, wondering just how stupid the young man could be. Nothin’ like announcin’ ta the world where we are. S’prised the idiot didn’t fire his gun. Val watched as Russell Weston read the signs, then stood.

“Val, these tracks lead up inta the mountains. Ain’t nothing up that way unless they circle ‘round, maybe ta throw us off. Far’s ah know, we’re still on the Bar M, but if’n these tracks wander as much as ah think they do, hard tellin’ where the hell they go.” Weston shrugged his broad shoulders under his rawhide jacket. “Jest wanted ya ta know that we could be out here a long time.”

What in hell am I doing? Lonnie had backed himself into a corner, and he couldn’t see a way out. His rebellion was going to cost him more than he had to give. His sisters were in jeopardy, and he was running from the law. So, where had he gone wrong? What started as innocent fun now reduced him to criminal status. Why don’t things work out for me? Everyone is always comparing me to the damn Lancer brothers! Well, I’m just as good as they are! But the cold, hard truth was, no one was comparing Lonnie Mason to the Lancers. No one, except Lonnie Mason; all he had to do was admit it to himself.

Once this ordeal was over, he promised himself he was done with Crowley and the rest. Just get through tonight…

Lonnie and Cale Pennell skirted Merced; they hoped to carry out their plan as Bill instructed, but things hadn’t been going so smoothly of late. Just get Skinner out of jail and get back to the mountains. How hard could that be? With any luck at all, this whole mess would be over, and he would be free of his troubles. Free of his troubles… until the next time.

He’d made up his mind. Johnny knew what he was going to do when they found Scott and the Mason girls. And he was positive his family wouldn’t approve. Hell, he would have a hard enough time convincing Rio, but it was his choice to make. Johnny would not hesitate to act if it came down to risking three innocent people. He would do anything in his power to save his brother, anything that would ensure Scott and the girls would come out of this safely.

Rio watched the subtle change as it settled over Johnny’s face and knew his amigo had come to a conclusion. There were only a few options open to Johnny, and any one of them could end drastically. Well, they’d been in tight situations before and probably would be again. Rio knew Madrid had already paid his dues, battled impossible odds, and suffered more physical and mental pain than any person should have in three lifetimes. But this was different. This involved Johnny’s family, and no one on the face of the earth would dissuade him from going after his brother. Madrid had always done his job to the best of his ability, but now it was personal. And that thought scared the hell out of Rio. Could Johnny keep control of the emotions regarding Scott? He’d seen a furious Madrid many times; now it was a raging feral Johnny Madrid Lancer on the loose. If the men that had taken Scott and the Mason girls had any sense at all, they would abandon their demand for ransom and get out of the country as fast as they could. But Rio knew they wouldn’t, and the situation would end in bloodshed.

“We wait’ll dark, then light the fire at the end of town. When the fire takes hold, we go get Skinner. Easy as fallin’ off yer horse, Lonnie-boy,” and Cale grinned.

But there was no more time for talking. The light was fading, and the two needed to get moving, so they started down the ridge toward town, keeping to the back roads and out of sight. They slipped through the growing shadows and escaped detection. So far, so good. But Lonnie wondered if they would successfully get Skinner, then get away safely. Lonnie wasn’t so sure of that.

Things had not gone his way lately, and it wasn’t his fault. All he tried to do was break the monotony of ranch work and found companions who, as it turned out, were outlaws. In trying to get from under the shadows of the Lancers, he’d offended the young ladies in the valley, alienated many friends and neighbors, and embarrassed his father. How had it gone so wrong?

If folks would stop throwing Scott Lancer and his halfbreed brother in my face, I’d be fine! Just fine!

“We’re here, Lon, stop yer daydreamin’ an’ do yer part! I cain’t do this by myself! Now listen up! Ain’t time fer me ta be repeatin’ this plan! Let’s git in the barn an’ check things out.” They tied the horses behind the stable, then entered the dimly lit interior, hoping to find no one there.

Just as they came in through the back, old Hoby Vance exited out the front. He’d put up with his grumbling belly for the last two hours, and the thought that roasted chicken was on the menu at the diner had teased and taunted him all afternoon. He would satisfy the hunger pangs before the chicken ran out, and he would have to be content with his own cooking. Vowing that wouldn’t happen, Vance hurried from the livery.

“Hey, Lonnie, we just got lucky! Here, you get up in that hayloft! Looks like they just stacked them bales, the loft’s full, an’ if that gets ta burnin’, they’ll have a helluva time puttin’ this blaze out! I’m gonna start over there on the back wall— there’s hay piled outside right up against the buildin’ an’ once it all starts ta blazin’, it’ll give us the cover we need ta bust Luke outta jail. Get goin’!”

What the hell am I doing? I’m getting in deeper by the minute! But Cale said Bill wouldn’t let the girls go until we brought Skinner back. How did this get so out of hand? This can’t be happening!

Cale lit the fire on the back wall, then ran to the outside and started flames to eat up the straw on the outside while Lonnie quickly crawled across the stacked bales in the loft. Digging down in the hay bales, he lit several fires, and soon the inferno grew, rapidly consuming the hay, and Lon knew he had to make a swift exit or be burned alive. He scrambled down the ladder as he desperately hung on to the rickety frame and hoped it wouldn’t break, then Lonnie made his way to the straw-covered floor and hustled out the back door to safety.

Safety! Ha! They’re going to be shooting at us any minute!

He ran to Cale’s side, then mounted up to ride to the other end of town and get into position at the back of the jail. They would have Skinner out before anyone would know. They kept to the outskirts of town and sneaked from shadow to shadow like a growing disease searching for a new place to spread its toxins.

The church bells began the signal as the fire was detected, alerting the townspeople of trouble. Immediately, chores were abandoned, and folks ran to the livery, forming a line, passing water-filled buckets to those in front to throw on the burning building. In just minutes, flames shot out the loft door and reached high into the sky as thick, black smoke billowed into the air and filled the streets in a heavy, choking cloud.

Cale and Lonnie watched as the town emptied, and they made their way to the back of the jail. Cautiously they looked through the cell window only to find the jail empty of prisoners.

“Where’s Skinner? We have to find him!” Lonnie felt the panic explode inside him. Skinner was gone, and he’d probably talked, telling the law what they wanted to know!

“C’mon, Lon, we gotta get outta here!” Cale spurred his horse out of the alley and turned to the trail that would take them to Bill Crowley. Crowley wasn’t gonna like this one little bit, nope, not one bit! Skinner more’n likely spilled his guts…

But just as they disappeared into the hills, shots rang out. They’d been discovered and now, abandoning all caution, ran for their lives.

Regretting his decision to assemble a posse, Val Crawford was ready to send them back to Green River, except for Russell Weston. Weston was a good man to have on your side. He didn’t have much time to make selective choices regarding the rest, but he knew Weston was a huge asset, although getting on in years.

Val had no regrets about letting Johnny and Rio go without the legal oath, making them deputies. He had confidence in their ability to get the job done quickly with the best outcome. And ol’ Russell fit in well.

He gave serious thought to splitting up and sending the rest on a wild goose chase. Ha, the Widow Hargis was just complaining about the gang of desperado squirrels that kept getting into her storeroom. Val could send them out to help the Widow, which would keep them from getting in Val’s way…

“Hey, Val,” Weston growled, returning from a scouting trip up ahead, “them tracks are going ta the northeast. Ain’t nothin’ up that way ‘cept ol’ Harley Brewster’s cabin that’s fixin’ ta fall down.”

“Guess that’s where we..”

“Val!”

Crawford saw Aaron Mason ride through the trees.

“Val! Lonnie’s gone! He rode out after he got home! Wouldn’t listen to me. Val, I’m sorry…” Aaron sat with worry in his eyes, begging Val for… what?

Mason looked broken; his son disobeyed him. Lonnie had been warned. He’d been given a fair chance to straighten out, and he didn’t take it.

Aaron faced Val; he knew the sheriff had a job to do, and he would not stand in the way. “Val, do what you have to. I can’t seem to pound any sense into that thick skull. Maybe some time in jail will do him some good. I don’t know where he went, but I wanted to let you know he left. I’ll be going back now and wait for word on my girls. Any leads yet?”

“Russell just picked up the trail again. Don’t think it’s too far now.” Val’s sympathy for Mason was making this harder than it should be, but he pushed those thoughts aside. “I know what it took ta come out here an’ tell me, Aaron. Thanks. I’ll do everything I can for ‘im.” Little bastard don’t know what he’s doin’ ta his ol’ man! He don’t deserve the good Aaron’s been tryin’ ta show ‘im!

“Thank you, Val. It means a lot to me…” Aaron dismounted then leaned against a boulder. “Think I’ll just rest here a while…” The words were distant, lost. He closed his eyes and bowed his head.

Val nodded, then called to his men and rode up the mountain, leaving Aaron Mason alone with his troubled soul and splintered heart.

Scott Lancer let the bandana fall from his fingers; it fluttered to the ground, lodged between brush and rocks. Would Johnny see it? Scott could only hope. It was all he could do without alerting their captors. The story would be much different if he were alone, but Scott had to protect Jennifer and Abby, and even though there were only Bill Crowley and his brother, Tom, Scott would not chance putting the Mason girls in danger with them. He wouldn’t, couldn’t let any harm come to them; he had to protect them as best he could.

Their ride into the mountains came to a halt in a small valley surrounded by pines. A rundown shack perched off to the side; broken windows and front door hanging on one hinge declared it long forgotten— and a perfect spot to wait for the ransom money. Scott carefully scanned the trees for signs his brother was near but knew there would be nothing to indicate Johnny was around. Where are you, brother?

Bill checked the cabin; it was the same as he left it two days ago. Signaling Tom to dismount, the Crowleys watched Scott, ensuring he wouldn’t cause any trouble. Holding his pistol on the two girls was assurance the young Lancer wouldn’t try anything stupid. As the girls slid off their horse, Bill stood close, close enough to lay a hand on Jennifer’s shoulder and guide her into the rundown shelter.

“Get your hands off of me!” Jennifer spat and shrugged out of his grasp. She leveled him with a cold glare that made Bill chuckle, impressed with her spunk.

“Keep away from my sister!” Abby shouted as she came to stand in front of Jen and tried her best to appear threatening, ready to defend her family.

“Abby, it’s alright, he won’t do it again, isn’t that right?” Jennifer sneered at Bill.

“Oh, yeah, that’s right, I plan on keepin’ my hands ta myself!” Then Bill laughed outright. “Alright, in the cabin!”

The three stairs onto the porch were rotted out, making entering hazardous. Tom jumped the stairs, then turned and pulled Jennifer and Abby to the landing and into the structure. Scott navigated the obstacle without help, although his hands were still tied. Bill shoved him through the door and to a corner on the floor.

“You three behave, an’ no one’ll get hurt. Just sit there an’ shuddup.” Bill watched his prisoners settle on the dirty plank floor, then turned to Tom. “You go back an’ watch for the others.”

Tom nodded, then stepped off the porch and mounted his horse. In seconds he was gone from sight.

Bill watched his brother ride away, then closed the door the best he could, stepped to a rickety table and chair, and settled in to wait.

No one spoke. How long had they been sitting there now? Scott didn’t know, but he’d taken stock of what the cabin had to offer, and that was… nothing. There was nowhere to hide and nothing to aid in an escape attempt. He looked over at the girls. Jennifer was leaning, head back against the wall, and Abby was lying with her head on Jennifer’s lap. Jen rolled her head on the wall to face Scott; she needed to talk. Needed to know what was happening and why.

“Scott?” she whispered. “What on earth is wrong with my brother? He’s said horrible things about both you and Johnny. Things that aren’t true! I don’t know why he feels he has to do that!”

Scott sighed and shrugged. “Oh, he’s young and insecure. He’s said a few things to our faces, especially Johnny, and I’ll tell you what I told my father. Johnny has shown remarkable restraint; I was amazed at his threshold of patience. Lonnie has been quite unfair regarding the Lancer family, and I cannot find a legitimate reason for him to be that upset.”

Jen was quiet. Then flashes of conversations with Lon pushed their way into her head, and she knew the answer. “Scott, it’s stupid and embarrassing, but I know why my brother feels like he does about you and Johnny, and it’s so ridiculous! Lonnie heard the girls in town talking about how they love to go to the dances with Johnny, and when Lonnie asked them to go with him, they turned him down flat and told him he’s no Johnny Lancer! He talked to SallyAnne Hennessey, and she commented on you, Scott, how she thought you were the most polite man she ever met, that no one had your manners and education. He’s jealous of you and Johnny! I can’t believe that he’s acted so childishly! Scott, Lonnie was so mad when the girls turned him down, but if he’d just grow up and act his age! Instead, he blamed you and your brother for all the trouble that he caused himself!” She sighed in disgust and looked at Abby, hoping the girl was asleep; she didn’t need to hear their conversation. The younger Mason girl worshipped Lonnie and would not understand Jennifer’s treasonous talk against their brother.

Scott was not surprised at Jennifer’s comments. Lonnie Mason was out of control and was on his way to self-destruct if he wasn’t careful. Lonnie had said untruths in the company of those at the saloon, and any that took his side bolstered his fragile ego, giving him false security and seeming to back him when in truth, they were there for the show; to see how far it would go before Lon was knocked on his ass for acting like a fool. How far would this stupid kid go before getting himself into trouble he couldn’t get out of? And they were willing to sit back and watch it happen.

Knowing what he did of Lonnie Mason, Scott knew it wouldn’t end well for the young man. And Scott fervently hoped the kid wasn’t going to be stupid enough to try and call out Johnny Madrid, leaving his brother to take the blame that shouldn’t be his to bear.

“What’s it like, havin’ a brother, Johnny?” Rio watched his amigo over the fire. Things had changed for Johnny, and Rio was glad, thankful Madrid was out of the game, away from range wars and gunfights where he’d risked his life so many times. Time and luck would run out, and Rio had fully expected to hear the word that Madrid’s luck had finally come to an end. Johnny was the closest that Rio had for a brother, well, Val counted as well, and he considered himself lucky to have them, blood or not.

Across the fire, Johnny smiled as he swirled the coffee in his cup. He toyed with the bandana they found on the trail, knowing they were close behind Scott and the girls. “Ohhh, it’s good… mosta the time. Sometimes Scott takes the big brother thing a little too seriously, but I gotta tell ya, I couldn’ta picked a better man if I had to. Didn’t take long before we got ta be close. Surprised us both. It’s a funny thing, havin’ a brother. Wouldn’t think twice about takin’ a bullet for him…”

Rio grinned. “Ya mean like the bullet ya took for me?”

Johnny looked up, not expecting the remark. Then he chuckled. “Yeah, amigo, just like that!”

Pennell and Lonnie headed for the creek. They rode the horses hard, not giving them any concern. The gunfire behind them faded away, and they lost their pursuers in the late dusk for the second time but held no illusions they could do it again. They would be at the creek in a few hours, then meet Bill wherever it was he held the three prisoners.

Lonnie wondered about his sisters. How would he turn this around to blame Madrid, make him the suspect? Suspect, hell! He would try and cast the guilt on Madrid. Surely the bastard was guilty of something! But even in the warped imaginings of his mind, for a fleeting moment, Lonnie had to admit Johnny hadn’t done anything to take any blame. In a flash of reality, Lonnie knew he was wrong in his hate for the Lancers, but all the times that his father compared him to Scott and Johnny, he’d built a wall of protection around himself, a wall that kept the Lancers on one side and himself on the other. But now, things were different; he was involved with an attempted bank robbery, exposed his family and Scott Lancer to danger, and was faced with the consequences of his own mistakes. Pa will get me out of this. He always has.

But Lonnie knew he was walking a fine line with his father. How would his reckless behavior affect their relationship? And how would Lonnie conform to be the man his father wanted him to be? Well, he would think about that later. His mind scrambled around in circles. He worried over his sisters and their safety; he had to be certain they were unharmed. Then there was the worry that Skinner had probably talked and told the Merced sheriff who was in the gang.

Dawn began to greet the land in a hazy, coppery glow. It would rain soon and make travel in the mountains hazardous. But getting back to Bill and the girls was paramount. Today they would meet and make their plans for the money exchange tomorrow. They were close to completing what they’d set out to do. And that made Lonnie scared.

Tom stepped out of the brush, pistol drawn and ready to fire, then slid it back into the holster when he recognized Cale and Lon. “’ Bout time you got here! Where’s Skinner?”

“Wasn’t there. Let’s move out!” Cale Pennell brushed aside the talk. They had to get going. The sooner this was done, the better. Lonnie was showing hesitation, and Cale was willing to bet his share of the ransom that the kid wouldn’t do his part. Pennell wanted this over; then he’d part ways with Lonnie Mason, for good. The kid was going to get them caught, convicted, and probably hung.

As Tom Crowley led them to the cabin, Bill Crowley, vexed with waiting, approached Jennifer Mason. The wicked light in his eyes was unmistakable, and the young woman cringed as he walked closer.

Scott knew he’d have to act quickly to avoid an attack on Jennifer, but he didn’t know what he could do with hands and feet tied. So, all that was left was to try and reason with the outlaw.

“You’d better think about what you’re doing. You hurt that girl in any way, and I’ll see to it that you’ll hang. I give you my word if I have to go after you myself that I’ll hang you from the nearest tree. Law or no law!”

Crowley sneered. “An’ just how’re ya gonna do that, Lancer? Ya ain’t gonna be able ta do nothin’, not after I get done with ya!” Bill reached out, grabbed Jennifer’s arm, and roughly yanked her to her feet. She screamed as Crowley drew back his arm and cuffed her across the cheek. Abby screamed, pushing herself in the corner as Scott launched off the floor, and the three collided, then fell in a tangled heap.

Johnny and Rio crested the ridge to peer into the small valley. Dismounting, they secured their horses and came down the hillside, keeping to the cover of the trees and rocks. Three horses lounged in the early morning damp off to the side of a ramshackle cabin. There was no smoke coming from the chimney, giving credence that whoever was there had not been there for very long. Then they heard the screams.

Together Johnny and Rio, with guns drawn, raced through the scrub to the cabin and vaulted onto the porch; Johnny kicked the broken door open, tearing it off its one hinge, and charged into the cramped interior.

Jennifer screamed again; Bill went for his pistol but stopped as he looked down twin barrels pointed at his head. With Colt in one hand and knife in the other, Rio cut through Scott’s bindings, then freed Jennifer and Abby, as Johnny covered Crowley, his Colt aimed at the man on the floor. His mad boiled over as he hauled the outlaw off the floor and slammed him into the plank wall.

Crowley sneered, desperately wanting to put doubt, if not fear, into the two newcomer’s minds. “My men are on the way, an’ if ya got any brains at all, you’ll ride outta here an’ leave us ta our business!”

But Bill Crowley was not prepared for the glacial ice that severed his soul in two as it shot like bullets from his attacker’s eyes. The cold blue quickly penetrated his body until his blood ran cold in his veins.

“Shuddup, pendejo, before I…”

“Johnny! Don’t forget the ladies!” Rio knew he had to snap Johnny out of the grip of anger that held him secure.

No one would attempt to harm his brother or put innocent women in jeopardy. No one! It was for their sakes, and theirs alone, that Madrid clamped an iron will on his emotions, then, he untangled his fingers from the front of Crowley’s shirt, but not before he slammed Bill into the wall one more time.

But Johnny wasn’t finished. “ You’re lucky they’re here,” he growled into Bill’s face, “cuz that’s the only reason I didn’t slit your throat!” And Johnny inwardly grinned as Crowley suddenly paled. “No one takes my brother an’ gets away with it.” Johnny let his words penetrate through the idiot’s dense skull.

Brother? And now Crowley wondered how this was going to end. Would Tom and the others get here in time to even out the score? He could only hope.

The girls hugged tightly; Jennifer whispered to Abby that it would be alright, and they were safe.

Scott winced as he rubbed his shoulder where he hit the floor with Crowley landing on top. “You sure have a way of making an entrance, little brother! Thanks!” Scott nodded to Rio.

Johnny covered Crowley as Rio tied the man’s arms behind him, then shoved him to the floor and secured his feet, assuring the outlaw was not going anywhere.

“Oh, Johnny, thank you!” Then Jennifer started to cry, the shock began to wear off, and the young woman realized just how close she’d come to danger.

Johnny turned to Bill; the icy glare in his eyes was enough to convince the prisoner he wanted answers for the pending questions. “Where’s the rest of your men?”

Bill shrugged. “Dunno.”

“Oh, but you do know where they are, Crowley! And they’re coming here, isn’t that right?” Scott volunteered the information Bill thought so guarded.

“They’re in the hills around this cabin. They letcha in, but ya ain’t gettin’ out!” The man laughed, an effort to hide his fear.

The rain began to fall, giving Bill some relief that tracks would be washed away. They could still get out of this with no holes in their hides if they played their cards right.

“Let’s get the ladies to safety, Johnny, then we can deal with the others,” Scott said as he went to the door. He stepped off the porch, then reached up to take Abby and lift her to the ground. Rio followed and stood guard, watching the surrounding area for the rest of the gang.

With strong hands around her trim waist, Johnny lifted Jennifer off the porch and settled her to the ground.

Alerted by the screams, Tom, Lonnie, and Pennell raced to the cabin. Then, to Lonnie’s horror, he watched as his sisters were paraded out of the shack, and Madrid reached for Jennifer, his sister with a growing bruise on her face! He went cold, his worry gone the second he witnessed that halfbreed touch Jennifer, assuming Madrid hit her. Any manner of sense he might have had fled and left him seething in red-raged temper.

“Madrid, you get your hands off my sister, you stinking halfbreed!” And Lonnie drew his gun and fired.

Jennifer screamed as Johnny whirled and fired his Colt, the same time Rio fired his as he watched his amigo shot from behind. Johnny’s leg was knocked from under him, and he fell to the ground; the bullet passed through the flesh of the thigh and left a clean wound, but it bled badly.

Lonnie lay still in the grass, his young life cut short from ill-fated decisions, bad company, and two bullet holes in his chest.

Jennifer sobbed as Scott tried to comfort her; he held on tightly, not allowing her to see her brother as his life drained out onto the wet ground. He was able to grab Abby before the girl could run to her brother’s side. The rain continued to fall as a chill settled around them.

Tom and Pennell witnessed the stupid kid ruin their plans. They kicked their horses into a run to leave Bill Crowley bound in the cabin. They would come back for him… if they could.

“That was close! Them shots are just ahead of us! Let’s go!” Val shouted above the din of the rain. The posse charged ahead, and in minutes surrounded the tiny cabin. The first thing Val noticed was Johnny looking pale, sitting on the porch as Jennifer Mason bent over his leg, sniffing and wiping her eyes. Scott was holding a sobbing Abby Mason. Val looked out across the expanse of tall grass as Rio spread a blanket on the ground; in his heart, Val knew it was to cover a body, and he had a good idea of whose body it was. He watched as Rio walked through the rain headed back to the porch.

They didn’t wait for the rain to stop. With Rio’s help, he and Scott got them ready to leave; they would take the girls back home and get Johnny settled so Dr. Jenkins could stitch up his leg. Val would wait to get their statements; it would be hard too on the girls to do it now. After making sure Johnny was alright, he would leave and continue the chase after the other two outlaws, leaving two men to guard Bill Crowley. Val could only hope the two idiots wouldn’t mess this up. Even with Crowley tied, he had his doubts. He would put them on squirrel duty at the Widows upon returning to Green River.

Johnny sat on the chair in the great room, leg propped on the ottoman to ease the throbbing, as he tried to figure out his next move. It was clear to him that Rio had been practicing since they’d had their last chess game. The two compared their competitions to range wars. Who would win… who would lose. They were competitive and close in their abilities, and their games lasted hours into the evening.

Scott sat in rapt fascination as he watched the battles rage out on the board and mentally took notes for his next challenge with his brother.

Teresa stayed close as she watched Johnny like a hawk, making sure he had everything he needed, and she kept her eye open for pain, knowing her brother would not admit it if he were uncomfortable. Chilled from the pelting rain and weary from blood loss, she knew he wasn’t at his best. She stayed close to watch Rio as well. She wondered why her heart pounded when he was near, and she found it hard to breathe. However, there was mending to be done, and she turned her attention to her task. But she wasn’t fooling anyone.

Murdoch watched from his chair by the fire and enjoyed the strategies, the patience, and peaceful camaraderie of the three young men. He would lay claim to Rio in a heartbeat. The young men were so very different, yet all courageous, honest, and, well, Murdoch could go on… and on, and he was filled with a father’s pride that had been denied him for so long.

Rio couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. The fact Johnny was obeying Sam’s orders and staying off his leg was due to the fact that Rio was there and kept him occupied.

Murdoch’s eyes went to the young man that was Johnny’s friend. The boy was taller than Johnny by at least three inches and looked to be of Indian and Mexican blood. Though muscular, he was broad-shouldered and slender, with strong facial features and clear, alert brown eyes and thick black hair. And Murdoch was glad when Johnny told him how Rio’s parents looked out for him in his days along the border. Murdoch was certain there was much to thank them for in caring for his lost son.

He thought back to earlier in the day as he came out to the patio where Johnny and Rio sat in the shade of the orange tree. Murdoch didn’t want to listen, but he was stopped cold when he heard the desperation in his son’s voice. “I… I saw you… fall! I thought you were dead…”

Rio closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “An’ I could see when you took that bullet, amigo, I watched you hit the ground an’ then there was nothin’. Next thing I knew was when I woke an’ the people from the village told me Val took your body an’ headed north ta the border.”

Murdoch heard the words spoken in anguish, the words of two men thinking they had watched his brother die. He had to fight back the tears; he tried so hard but failed to imagine their lives, their bond in those violent days, and he left them alone to purge their grief in the other’s company.

And now he watched them in their play, or maybe this wasn’t play, but they were laughing, being young men and easy in their company. And Murdoch Lancer knew he was proud of them, all three sons.

The knock on the door interrupted his reverie; he waved Teresa back to her chair as he grasped the massive handle and swung it open, only to stand face to face with Aaron Mason.

For a split second, defensive flashes sparked in Murdoch’s brain, but in the next, he felt the grief of the broken man. A man who had just lost his son and Murdoch flinched at the agony he saw in the tormented face.

“Aaron, please, come in!” Murdoch motioned Mason into the comfort of the warm great room. Sensing the man needed the fortification the alcohol would bring, he asked, “Would you care for a drink?”. The grieving father hung back as if unsure of his reason for being there. Then, he blinked and gathered his thoughts.

“Yes, Murdoch, thank you,” Aaron answered quietly. “Is Johnny here, Murdoch? I’d like to talk to him if he’s up for it.”

“Yes, yes, of course, they’re playing chess over by the fire,” Murdoch said as he handed Aaron his drink. Aaron took the glass with a shaking hand, raised it halfway to his mouth as if unsure of whether he wanted the drink or not. Then he placed it beside the decanter and walked into the room where Johnny was sitting, leg propped on the ottoman with Scott and the young, dark-haired man that was in his house just four nights ago.

Johnny heard the voice, quiet in its mourning, and his belly flipped. He killed the man’s son in self-defense, but it did nothing to lessen his guilt. And he knew he’d have to face this man and tell him he was sorry.

“I wanted to stop by and tell you that Lonnie was implicated in the bank robbery in Merced. It seems the robber that was caught was persuaded to talk and divulged the names of the others in the… gang.” The thought his son was involved in a gang sickened him, and the word was poison on his tongue. “If Lonnie had just turned himself in, maybe… maybe he could have come out of this with a light sentence, but he had to push it, had to get himself deeper into trouble.”

Aaron slowly walked to Johnny’s side, and the younger man struggled to rise, ignoring the father, brother, and amigo’s protests that he remain seated.

“Johnny, please don’t get up! I…” Aaron began, but it did no good.

“I like ta face a man when I talk ta him, Mr. Mason. Ain’t gonna be lookin’ up at him.” Although the words were soft, they held a tone of decisiveness about them. A stubborn resolve that could not be missed.

Johnny shrugged off the hands there to help as he stood, and keeping the weight off his wounded leg, he met Mason’s eyes head-on.

“Johnny, I want you to know how sorry I am this happened. I didn’t know why Lonnie acted the way he did until Jennifer told me some things. I can’t believe he…” and the man drew in a long, shaky breath. “I’m just so sorry you were hurt… and Scott, I’m sorry you were taken hostage, but I can’t thank you enough for watching out for my girls.”

“Mr. Mason, I didn’t do much, but you are welcome. Just so you know, things didn’t get out of hand until just before Johnny and Rio arrived, and I’m glad they got there when they did, but the girls were safe.” If the words were of comfort, Scott couldn’t say. It was hard to find ease in the sorrowful eyes.

Mason could only nod. “Thank you.”

Johnny watched the battle in the broken man unfold. “Mr. Mason, you got nothin’ ta be sorry for. Once a boy gets ta be a certain age, there’s things he hasta figure out for himself, and sometimes it just doesn’t go the way ya think it should. I’ve seen it a hundred times; it come close ta happenin’ ta me, an’ I can tell ya that it’s up ta that person ta do somethin’ about it. There was nothin’ you coulda done. It was up ta Lonnie, no one else.” Johnny drew a deep breath. “But, I’m sorry it turned out like it did. I didn’t wanna…”

“I know, son, I know. It seemed as if Lonnie had been asking for trouble for a long time. I just wish I could have kept him out of it, but, Johnny, the things he said to you that night at the house! I was shocked and… ashamed.” Aaron turned to Rio. “I’m sorry you were dragged into this, Mr. …”

“Name’s Rio Reyes, Mr. Mason, an’ none of this is your fault, the way I see it.”

“Thank you, son. I appreciate those words.”

Rio extended his hand, and Aaron took it, clasping it in a tight but trembling grip. The young man’s hand was strong and warm, and at that moment, Aaron realized that he had never shaken hands with his son. And now, he’d never know what it was like, but he hoped Lonnie had had a strong grip like this young man.

Scott watched, proud of his brother and Rio. Although provoked during this ordeal, the two young men understood Aaron Mason’s position.

“How’re the girls doin’, Mr. Mason?” Johnny asked, remembering the pitiful wailing of the Mason girls, particularly Abby, when she watched her brother fall into the damp grass as he rode toward them.

“Jennifer is holding together, barely, but Abby… well, Abby’s taking it pretty hard. She was close with her brother, but we’ve kept the details from her. No sense in making it any worse than it was. She’s going to have to work through it.”

“Don’t know what it would be, but if I can help at all, let me know.” Johnny knew nothing but time would dull the pain in the little girl’s heart, that it would never heal. Nothing would take away that hurt. He knew; he lived with it every day, and damn! It still hurt, and in his heart, he ached for the girl.

“Aaron, please sit and talk with us,” Murdoch invited, his voice soft in understanding.

“Thank you, but no, Murdoch. I need to get home to the girls. They’re waiting for me. I just wanted to see how Johnny was doing and extend my thanks to you all.” He turned to Rio. “It was very nice to have met you, Rio. I hope we’ll have a chance to become better acquainted.” Aaron Mason smiled sadly. Then turned to leave.

“Aaron, if you need anything, just ask. We’ll be happy to help in whatever way we can.” Murdoch said the words, but they sounded shallow to his ears; what else was there to say?

Aaron nodded, then bowed his head. “Thank you, Murdoch.” He took a tentative step out the door, then turned to face his friend, his neighbor. “I failed him, Murdoch; I failed my son…” a choking sob halted further conversation. Turning tear-filled eyes away, Aaron mounted his horse and rode toward home.

Murdoch watched his friend ride until he crossed under the adobe Lancer arch and made a solemn promise to visit with Aaron very soon. He would give the grieving father time to sort through the agony; then, they would talk. But Murdoch knew Aaron was wrong about one thing: Aaron didn’t fail his son. Lonnie failed himself.

Murdoch closed the door softly behind him, his heart aching for his friend, and thought it could be himself grieving after one or both of his sons during the ordeal. But he was the lucky one. His sons still lived, although a bit battered.

No sounds were coming from the great room; the three young men settled into silence after Scott and Rio assisted Johnny into the chair, carefully resting the wounded leg on the ottoman. They appeared lost in thought as Johnny and Rio drank tequila, and Scott indulged in a brandy. Murdoch would join them in a drink. After bidding Aaron goodbye, he could use the fortification; he poured himself a Taliskers and rejoined the four young people around the fire.

For a while, no one spoke, having been shaken by Mason’s suffering. It would take time for the Mason family to come to terms with the loss of their son and brother.

Johnny leaned his head back against the soft cushioned chair and sighed. “Seen a hundred of them kids lookin’ for somethin’ they were never gonna have, an’ was impossible for them ta find. Some never learned an’ ended up dyin’ face down in the dust.” He closed his eyes, trying to block out their faces as the shock registered; the last thing they saw was Johnny Madrid. And Johnny Madrid would take them all with him to his grave.

Rio recognized the signs and knew there was nothing anyone could do to bring Johnny out of this and not have him feel the guilt. It seemed as though it would take some time for Mr. Mason and Johnny to deal with the events caused by one mixed-up, irresponsible boy. And there was nothing anyone could do. That was always the hard part for Rio. It was going to take time for the new nightmares to go away… if they ever did. How many times had he and Val heard the anger, then regret and self-loathing, in those horrific dreams as the heartbreak of knowing he’d taken the life of some stupid kid looking for a reputation ripped his soul to shreds? Rio and Val heard them all, and they secretly grieved along with their amigo as Johnny fought to keep the incidents from happening.

Rio knew without a doubt Johnny would fight this, too, just as he had many times before; lock it away in that secret place with all the others and hope they wouldn’t rally, unite and march their way out of Hell to take Johnny Madrid down and drag him to Hell when they returned.

Madrid fought so hard to keep the demons where they belonged, but the nightmares kept them alive as they haunted Johnny and refused to let go.

But now there were four, four counting Val and the ol’ man to help Madrid fight. And Rio had the feeling they could count Murdoch in the battle for Johnny Madrid Lancer’s soul.

Johnny sighed again, then opened his eyes and tucked away what he could of his guilt. He was in for a battle, he knew, but Scott, Murdoch, and Val were there for him, and for the moment, so was Rio. In time, some of that guilt would become manageable, but it would never go away; maybe the raw, open, festering wound in his soul would dull… to a point. But for now, he’d accept the closeness of family and friends.

“What’dya say, Boston? Think ya can beat me?” And Johnny focused on the chessboard in front of them.

Rio chuckled. “Take your chances, Scott. He’s on a tear!”

And Murdoch could only smile.

~end~
July 2021
Edited Sept. 2021

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT
Thank you for reading! The authors listed on this site spend many hours writing stories for your enjoyment, and their only reward is the feedback you leave. So please take a moment to leave a comment. Even the simplest ‘I liked this!” can make all the difference to an author and encourage them to keep writing and posting their stories here. You can comment in the ‘reply’ box below or email Buckskin directly.

30 thoughts on “Sins Of The Present by Buckskin”

shouldagotadog says:

31st Jan 2022 at 5:02 am

Excellent. Well done with plot and characters.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  1st Feb 2022 at 1:52 pm
  
  Thank you so much for your comments! They are very much appreciated.
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Pauline Redding says:

1st Feb 2022 at 1:55 am

Great sequel. Thank you and I hope there will be more

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  1st Feb 2022 at 8:30 pm
  
  Hi, Pauline You are welcome! I’m glad you liked the sequel. As of this moment, I haven’t planned for another ‘Rio’ story, but you never know when inspiration will hit! Thanks you for reading and offering the feedback. I appreciate it very much!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Sherry Dancy says:

1st Feb 2022 at 10:20 am

I couldn’t put my iPad down once I started “Sins Of The Present.” The secondary characters came to life because of your excellent descriptions. You also created an engrossing storyline. Thank you for posting such an interesting story. Love your work.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  1st Feb 2022 at 8:38 pm
  
  Hey there, Sherry! It makes me happy when someone tells me they couldn’t put my story down! After staring at it for so long, it loses it’s excitement, so I have to rely on the readers to let me know if it’s any good or not. Thank you for reading my Lancer World! It’s much appreciated!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
Chris P says:

3rd Feb 2022 at 1:06 am

I just adore Rio; you’ve created such a vibrant and likable character. It was cool to see Johnny’s transition from Madrid to Lancer (and back and forth again) through Rio’s eyes. I loved how both Scott and Murdoch accepted the importance of Rio in Johnny’s life. This line: just said it beautifully. Another fabulous story!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  3rd Feb 2022 at 2:11 pm
  
  Hey, Chris! I’m glad you liked the character of Rio. He seemed to fit in with Johnny and Val. It would be hard for Murdoch, especially, to have someone from Johnny’s volatile past come and risk the possibility of Johnny returning to his tumbleweed ways, but after a while, Murdoch came to know and like young Rio.
  
  Thanks for your continued support of my Lancer World! I appreciate your thoughts and encouragement!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Chris P says:

3rd Feb 2022 at 2:58 am

Oops, somehow the line didn’t come through: “Knowing that someone had been there for Johnny, a sort of chosen family, helped Scott deal with the wild and sometimes desperate past of Johnny Madrid.”

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  3rd Feb 2022 at 2:17 pm
  
  Hi, Chris! Rio and his parents were there for both Johnny and Val, and they were lucky to have them. Lucho and Isabella had dealt with the loss of their only child and still were there to help Johnny and Val. Johnny was, indeed, lucky to have them in his life and Scott realized how huge that was.
  
  Thanks again!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Caterina says:

4th Feb 2022 at 1:19 pm

Thank you for this special story.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. buckskin says:
  
  26th Jan 2024 at 10:17 am
  
  Thank you, Caterina. I am happy you liked this story.
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
moo11ey says:

4th Feb 2022 at 4:10 pm

It was good to see Rio, a character that fits so well with the backstory you have created for Johnny.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  5th Feb 2022 at 11:33 pm
  
  I’m happy you like the Rio character. Thanks so much for reading and leaving feedback!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Tanya says:

6th Feb 2022 at 1:00 pm

Enjoyed both stories in this series. Well done.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  7th Feb 2022 at 11:33 am
  
  Hi, Tanya
  
  Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed this series, and thank you for letting me know! I appreciate it very much!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Tina says:

6th Feb 2022 at 7:44 pm

I loved both these stories, they were so well-written.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  7th Feb 2022 at 11:34 am
  
  Thank you, Tina, very much! Always appreciate the feedback!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Helen says:

9th Feb 2022 at 7:05 pm

Another great story thanks. Sequel please – future of Rio and Teresa ?

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  11th Feb 2022 at 2:44 pm
  
  Hey there, Helen! Glad you like the series, and thank you for reading and commenting. No sequel… as of yet. If there is, and that’s a big ‘if’, the chance of Rio and Teresa getting together for more than a casual romance won’t happen. She’s too young and he’s too wild!
  
  Thanks for for reading and sending feedback!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
zoeytbear says:

15th Feb 2022 at 1:17 am

Terrific sequel! I hope there will be more.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  15th Feb 2022 at 4:33 pm
  
  Hey there! Thank you for the feedback and I’m very glad you liked this sequel. At this point, there isn’t anything in the works for a sequel, but that could change if inspiration strikes! Thank you again!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Debra says:

20th Apr 2022 at 10:52 pm

As usual, your story was “unputdownable”. The character of Rio really makes for an interesting dynamic and fits in so well with the Lancers. Thank you for sharing this great series with us.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  21st Apr 2022 at 3:15 pm
  
  ‘Unputdownable’? I love that! You’re talking my language now! Yeah, I kind of like Rio, too! He seemed to fit in with Johnny and Val quite well and I can clearly visualize all the adventures, and trouble, they got themselves into! Thank you for letting me know that you liked this series!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Carolyn says:

20th Aug 2022 at 12:09 am

Really enjoyed this series just as I do most of your works. So thankful that you’re willing and able to keep us Lancer fanfiction fans entertained.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. dianajml says:
  
  20th Aug 2022 at 5:15 pm
  
  I’m so happy you liked this series, Carolyn! The character of Rio fit with Johnny and Val as they traveled through the Southwest. It began as Rio’s story but with the visit to Lancer, he helped Johnny and returned the favor. Thank you for reading and offering feedback. I appreciate it!
  
  Diana
  Buckskin
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Carol Pilallis says:

25th Jan 2024 at 5:04 am

I think by now I have read all of your works posted here on the website, so this is a great two series story to end on for my journey into “The World of Lancer According to Buckskin.”

The Rio character made me look at Johnny differently in this way: by serving as Rio’s big brother, it would help him better understand Scott’s role in being his big brother. Thanks for all the amazing stories, for I have enjoyed reading them all with past as well as newly created characters – adding drama, suspense, comedy, and more in-depth character analysis as to the dynamics of the inner workings of the Lancer family. It has truly been a pleasure to read such well-written stories of the beloved western show I have come to know, cherish, and love recently!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
buckskin says:

26th Jan 2024 at 10:26 am

Hi, Carol – Each author sees things in a different light – varying views of how they picture the Lancer family and its dynamics. You have just delved into my Lancer World, and I appreciate your comments. The characters on Lancer are deep and unique, all having many facets, and that fact alone makes them an excellent source for entertaining fan fiction stories.
Thank you for your continued support of ‘The World of Lancer According to Buckskin’! Thank you for that term as well!

Diana
Buckskin

LikeLike

Reply
Elin Jackson says:

5th Nov 2024 at 3:46 pm

This is a wonderful series and I’ll be reading it again. Love Rio, hope he shows up in some more stories. Pre-Lancer or later, wouldn’t matter I’d read them.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
buckskin says:

5th Nov 2024 at 10:44 pm

Hi, Elin – Thank you, I’m happy you liked this series. The character of Rio kinda tugged at my heart. Like Johnny, born of two worlds, was an outcast, then fought for the underdog. He learned from Johnny and Val, fought beside them, and became their brother. If inspiration strikes, I wouldn’t mind writing another story with Rio. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Diana

Buckskin

LikeLike

Reply

Share this:

30 thoughts on “Sins Of The Present by Buckskin”

Leave a comment Cancel reply