Page 67 of At Love’s Command

Matt reined in his mount, turning the gelding in a circle to ease his sudden halt. “Hold your fire,” he called. “I’ve got a kid with me. John Spafford.”

“Johnny?” One of the men lowered his rifle, exposing his youthful face as he gazed up the hill.

“It’s me, Nick. Don’t shoot.” John’s horse pulled up alongside Matt’s. Luke flanked the kid on the far side. “These fellas are here to help, Mr. Burkett. They know Dr. Jo.”

Thaddeus Burkett yanked his rifle from his shoulder but kept it gripped and ready in front of him as he marched forward. Matt dismounted to meet him on equal footing.

“Keep your hands where I can see ’em,” Burkett ordered, pointing his rifle barrel at Matt’s midsection.

Matt showed his palms. “I’m unarmed.”

Burkett advanced until he stood barely three feet away, his glower fierce. He took Matt’s measure, his gaze widening as he noticed his vest. “You a cavalryman?”

“Was, until a couple years ago. Served thirteen years with the 7th.”

Burkett’s eyes widened. “One of Custer’s men?”

Matt shook his head. “Joined up after Little Bighorn.” He tipped his head in Preach’s direction. “This is my corporal, Luke Davenport. I’m Matt Hanger. I’ve got two more men on their way via the road. We wanted to make sure we didn’t miss you.”

Burkett straightened a bit at hearing Matt’s name. He recognized it but wasn’t overly impressed. Matt wouldn’t expect him to be. Newspaper articles sensationalized the Horsemen. A soldier who had seen battle judged a man on his deeds, not the rumors surrounding him.

When he finished raking Matt with his gaze, Burkett turned his critical eye to the animal he’d ridden in on. Matt could feel the judgment. Any cavalry officer worth his salt would have a better horse beneath him.

Burkett’s weathered face showed his distaste. “Livery nags?”

Matt nodded. “Yep. Best we could manage after Taggart relieved us of our mounts.”

Burkett turned his face and spat on the ground. “I got no use for cavalrymen who’d forfeit their horses to outlaw scum to save their hides.”

Matt held his ground. “It wasn’t our hides we were saving.” He waited until Burkett’s gaze met his, his green eyes a shade darker than Josie’s. “Your daughter’s life meant more to me than keeping my horse.”

Thaddeus exploded. He lunged at Matt, thankfully swinging his fist and not his rifle butt. Matt blocked the punch with his forearm but took no offensive action.

“My Jo was under your protection, and you let that monster take her?” Burkett accused as one of his men moved to pull him away. “What kind of soldier are you?”

Matt understood his anger, his fear, and cast no blame. How could he, when he pummeled himself with the same indictments?

“The kind who will give his life to get her back.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-NINE

Preach dismounted and stood at Matt’s side, fists clenched, stance wide, ready to even the odds should things escalate, but Burkett deflated before their eyes. He shrugged away from the man who’d grabbed him and handed over his rifle. Probably to remove the temptation of shooting the man who’d failed to keep his daughter from harm. Then he blew out a breath and rubbed a hand over his face.

“Tell me everything. From the beginning.”

“You’d best not be plying these men for information without me, Thaddeus Burkett.” A small woman, slightly plump, wove around horses and men as if they were no more an impediment than stones were to a free-flowing stream.

Skirts twitching, she marched up to Burkett and planted herself at his side. Her brown eyes sparked as she jammed a hand onto one hip. Suddenly, Matt knew exactly where Josie had gotten her spunk and sass.

“I love those children like they were my own. I will not be excluded. Especially when—” Her voice cracked, but she swallowed and lifted her chin. “Especially when it’s my fault our Jo is in this mess. If I hadn’t sent that letter . . .”

“Hush, now, Darla. It ain’t your fault.” Burkett yanked his hat from his head and beat it against his leg a couple times, his face softening. “I should have just paid that stupid ransom the first time. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me.”

She shook her head as he crammed his hat back on and turned away to start pacing. “You did what you thought was right, Thaddeus.”

He spun around, his face tight with self-recrimination. “Well, my thinking was wrong, wasn’t it? And Jo’s paying the price.”