Free Twisted Hills by Ralph Cotton Page B

now,” he said. “I can use a couple of men who aren’t afraid to take what they want from this life, and not afraid to cross the border to get it.”
    â€œYou know us,” Charlie said, implying friendship with a man he had only met twice before in his life and then merely in passing. “The border’s just a line in the sand to us.”
    â€œYeah, I know it is,” Segert said, letting Charlie’s implication stand. “I’m putting the two of you with Jon Ho here.” He gestured a nod toward Ho. “How does that sound to you, Ho?”
    Ho gave an ever so slight nod. The Hooke brothers stood staring at him.
    â€œHo here takes some getting used to, fellows,” Segert said as he leaned back and propped a well-shined boot on the desktop. “Any problem taking orders from a half-breed?”
    The Hookes shook their heads no
.
    â€œHo is not all that big, but he’s wiry, fast and deadly as a rattlesnake,” said Segert. “You have never seen a man fight like he does. Knife, gun, fists, you name it.” He paused, then raised his cigar in his scissored fingers for emphasis. “Do not cross him. He’ll kill you quicker than the plague. Right, Ho?” he said.
    â€œDamn right,” Ho said flatly. He stared coldly at the Hookes through black shiny eyes.
    Looking back at the Hookes, Segert said, “We’re getting ready to make a big run. So be ready to do some killing when the time comes. Meanwhile, if Ho tells you to jump, don’t even ask
how high
, just jump as high as you can and figure that’s what he meant.” As he spoke, he caught a glimpse of a peddler’s wagon roll into sight along the trail past his sprawling hacienda. “Any questions?” he asked the Hookes. Before they could respond, he said, “Good. Now go with Ho. He’ll take you around, help you meet some of our men
.
”
    â€œYes, sir,” the Hookes said as one.
    But as they started to turn and walk away, Segert stopped them.
    â€œBe advised, if I find out anything you or Kelso is telling is a lie, Ho here is going to kill all three of you,” he said matter-of-factly. He gave them a short, tight grin and a brush of his hand, dismissing them.

Chapter 7
    At a trail fork along the final stretch of miles to Agua Fría, Sam stopped beside the peddler’s wagon as Lilith reined the rig over to the side and sat staring ahead. Lilith appeared to be deciding something. Seeing the seriousness in her dark eyes, the Ranger sat quietly for a moment.
    â€œIs everything all right, ma’am?” he asked after her hesitant silence.
    â€œWe are in
Colinas Torcidas
—the Twisted Hills. I will be turning off here,” she said, still not facing him. “I live up this trail on the other side of the Agua Fría.” She nodded along the fork in the trail.
    â€œIf you’re afraid of Apaches, I can accompany you on home,” he offered. “I don’t have to be in Aqua Fria any particular time.”
    â€œNo, please go, Joe,” she said, still staring away from him. “You have been a great help to me, and I thank you for your kindness. But now you must go on to Agua Fría, and I must go home.”
    â€œIf that’s what you want,” Sam said, not about to impose himself. He had to admit, it would be easier showing up in Aqua Fria on his own—just a hill country drifter like any other gunman on the run.
    â€œYes, it is what I want,” she said. Then her demeanor seemed to soften and she turned his eyes to him. “I know the kind of men who go to Agua Fría these days. I know that you are an outlaw, perhaps a man wanted by the law—”
    â€œWhoa, Lilith,” Sam said, cutting her off. “You don’t know anything about me. As far as me going to Agua Fría is concerned, it’s a business matter, nothing else.” He had to be careful. He didn’t like her having a bad