Free The Outlaw Bride by Sandra Chastain Page B

here when his stomach was full.
    Josie poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the other side of the table. “Are you well?”
    He nodded and took another bite of his biscuit.
    “And your people?”
    Bear Claw grunted.
    Finally, when her patience was stretched to a fine thread, he put down his cup and let out a loud burp. “Good.”
    “Do you have news?”
    “Missing white man ride in wagons with Men of White God.”
    “You found Ben Callahan?” Josie exclaimed. “How do you know this, Bear Claw?”
    “Followed man’s tracks. Wagon stopped. Tracks gone. Man in wagon.”
    “You’re sure it’s the right man?”
    He grunted and stood. “Right man. Hurt, but he lives.”
    Josie watched her mother’s old friend leave and ran to the bedroom to inform Callahan.
    But that plan was taken out of her hands as Sheriff Spencer appeared in the courtyard with a man driving a wagon, cushioned and padded with blankets.
    “I’ve come for my prisoner,” he told Josie as he marched through the house toward Callahan’s bedroom, the driver of the wagon behind him. His stride said he expected a fight over his announcement.
    “He isn’t ready to be moved yet.”
    “Doesn’t matter,” Will interrupted. “I can’t leave Callahan out here. The ranchers are getting restless. I don’t know what they might try, so until I get to thebottom of it, I’m taking him to jail. That’s the only way he’ll be safe.”
    Josie swallowed her retort. She knew he was right. “I won’t try to stop you, Will,” she said. “I’ll send some medication with you if you’ll treat his wounds and change his dressings.”
    Will looked at her in disbelief. “You will?”
    “I’d appreciate it if you’d get him some regular clothes.”
    Will reached her bedroom, caught sight of Callahan in the nightshirt, and burst out laughing. “I think regular clothes might be a good idea. I’ll send for some when I get him locked up.”
    “Now, just a minute,” Callahan protested. “I’m not going to jail. You can’t prove I’ve done anything except get shot. I’ve got to find my brother. Josie, you’re my attorney, do something!”
    “I’m afraid I can’t do much until the trial. But without a witness or the money, they can’t prove you’re guilty.”
    He stared at her, his gaze filled with disappointment. “It isn’t me I’m worried about. If I go to jail, Ben could die.”
    Josie saw the anguish in his eyes, and she knew she couldn’t keep the truth from him. “Your brother has already been found,” she said. “I was on my way to tell you.”
    “Found?” Will said sharply. “Where?”
    “Bear Claw tracked him to the wagon trail north of here. He must have crossed paths with a missionary train that came by about a week ago.”
    “Then he’s still alive,” Callahan said, relief obvious in his voice.
    Will frowned. “I’ll send a telegram to the officials along the way and have them take him into custody. Then, as soon as I calm the ranchers, I’ll go after him and the money.”
    “I’m going with you,” Callahan said, poising himself for action. “I don’t care what you say. There’s something wrong or Ben would have come back.”
    Will pulled Callahan’s arms behind him and tied his wrists together, then motioned for his deputy to help. Together, they carried him to the wagon, with Josie following.
    “Maybe Ben just wanted it all,” Josie speculated.
    “You don’t know my brother,” Callahan said.
    Josie didn’t argue. She watched as they placed the agitated Callahan in the wagon. He’d seemed to calm down once he was tied up. But Josie had seen Callahan play possum before, and she thought he might be up to something. Then she saw perspiration bead up on his forehead and knew his body wasn’t ready, even if his spirit was.
    “Be careful with him, Will,” she said.
    “I intend to,” Will answered, and laid his rifle across his saddle horn.
    As the wagon rolled out of the courtyard and down the