Free A Dream Unfolding by Karen Baney

  Caroline stooped down to pick up the basket of eggs.   Waving at Will, she turned towards the house.
    George Larson held out his hand in greeting.   “Caroline said you are looking for more horses.   I say that surprised me, given the number the Star C purchased just a few months ago.   How many are you looking for?”
    Will shook the offered hand then explained his situation and the planned move to the Arizona Territory.   He finished by saying, “Since Reuben inherited the ranch, he has been throwing around his authority.   I have just over ten days left before he wants me off the land.”
    George’s expression grew grim.   Having been close friends with Edward Colter for many years, he was no doubt troubled by Will’s news.
    Will continued, “I need an additional twenty horses for the drive.”   At least that is how many he would need if he could hire all of the necessary men.   The pressure of the clock pushed heavier on his mind, ramping up his anxiety.
    “I’m sorry, Will, but I don’t have that many,” George replied.   “Best I can do is five.   The others we have in training right now have been paid for by other ranchers.”
    Will’s shoulders slumped at the news.   Five was a quarter of what he needed.   Forlorn, Will asked, “Is there any chance we could work out something with the other ranchers?   If they don’t need the horses right away, might they be willing to wait?”
    George thought for a moment.   “Well, I might be able to get you one or two more if Wilson agrees to wait.   But, I can’t promise anything.   You know how much our horses are in demand, especially this time of year.”
    Growing hopeful that the old rancher, Wilson, could be persuaded to wait, Will asked, “Do you think you could let me know by Sunday?”
    “Sure.   I’ll talk with Wilson tomorrow.   Then we’ll let you know in church.”
    Will thanked George for his compromise before taking his leave.   Five to seven horses was not what he hoped for.   He would have to settle for lesser quality animals from the livery for the remaining number, if he could even secure that many.   And those horses would not be accustomed to the cattle, which could pose a risk for his men—not that he enough men yet.
    Pulling Jackson to a stop outside the corral, Will frowned.   Bates, the man he hired yesterday was just now saddling his horse.   He should have been out with the herd hours ago.
    “Bates,” he called the cowboy to him.   “Why aren’t you out with the herd?”
    The young man looked down, not meeting Will’s gaze.   “I was.   But…um...Mr. Reuben called me up to the house.”
    “For what?” Will growled, suspecting he would not like the cowboy’s answer.
    “Mr. Reuben…offered me a bigger lay if I hired on with him for the drive to market,” Bates replied before nudging his horse towards Reuben’s herd, not giving Will a chance to argue.
    Clenching his fist tightly, Will envisioned punching his brother in the face.   Reuben’s treachery knew no limits.   Stealing his cattle.   Hiring men out from under him with the promise of more money.   Kicking him out with only two weeks’ notice.   What next?   Would he set fire to Will’s new wagon and supplies?   Would he make him sleep in the barn for the next ten days?   Why did he insist on making this more difficult than it already was?
    Tying Jackson at the hitching post, Will stormed into the ranch house and directly into Reuben’s office.   He had to put a stop to this.   Now.
    Reuben jumped as Will flung the door open so hard it slammed against the wall.
    Not attempting to hide his irritation, Will demanded, “We need to talk.”
    “Certainly, brother,” Reuben said in a patronizing tone.   “Have a seat.”
    Will stood, arms crossed, behind the chair.   “What are you trying to prove, Reuben?”
    Eyes wide with feigned innocence, Reuben replied, “I have no idea what you are talking about, William.   Perhaps