Free Rocky Mountain Sister by Alena Wireman Page B

spot after the ride out here. Makes my job much easier when I don’t have to do anything and then get served with the best cup of coffee in Forest Heights.”
    “Thank you Doctor Bailey, I am glad you feel better. Now we women need to get some dinner started or everyone is going to go hungry.” Anna smiled as she walked in the door. Rosa followed her into the house.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
     
    Nathan and Jessie came home with no news. The storm washed any evidence away that may have been there. After dinner, the men went outside to talk. Nothing could be done until Delaney could prove Ferguson was behind everything. The men decided to leave out first thing Monday morning and find the trail of the cattle being taken away. The thought wasn’t a happy one, everyone knew the storm washed the tracks away too.
    They decided to try and start looking for canyons or ravines the cattle could be hidden in. Jessie didn’t know the area very well. Nathan would have to ask a few of the other ranchers to join the search. They needed to get this over with quick. Jessie knew that he and Nathan wouldn’t be going on the cattle drive this year. Every extra day would be spent searching for the cattle.
    The days turned into a week. Every angle they took came up empty. Delaney had stayed for only two more days, he decided to go back into town. He wanted to wire his brother from Denver. He would send the wire from Forest Heights, but he didn’t want alert anyone in the area.
    Christian stayed for two weeks. He wasn’t much help to the ranch. He was a business man. He stayed around the house in case of trouble while all the men were gone. That was fine with both Cassandra and Nathan. They were sitting on the front porch when Thomas Delaney and his brother rode up.
    Thomas jumped off his horse before it even completely stopped. Running up on the porch, “Cassandra, you won’t believe it. Roster, the man who shot at Makenzie, turned himself in. He came in yesterday and confessed it all. He even told us where Ferguson was hiding out. He is in the ice house locked up tight.”
    Cassandra jumped up from her chair with so much excitement. “Oh, I wish Nathan were here. He and Jessie have been gone for three days now. He is going to so happy that he won’t have to worry about all that anymore.”
    “Yeah, but we don’t know where they are to even go find them.” Christian stood up and shook Delaney’s hand. He then walked over to Stan Delaney and shook his hand.
    “Just took a little scaring with the right words to get around.” Stan laughed. “These small towns spread news fast. I have had lots of experience with people.
    Anna came outside at the sound of everyone’s excitement. She was reading a book when the two men rode up. “Mr. Delaney, how are you?”
    “Mrs. Greenwood, just fine. I would like to introduce you to my brother Stan.” Thomas introduced them both. “Now, I really hate to ask, but do you think we could get a cup of that delicious coffee you make mam?”
    “Why of course dear, I think I may even have some chocolate cake left over.” Anna turned around and walked back into the house to make the coffee.
    “Christian, when do you think you will be heading back home? I am sure that Cassandra will be needed for some questioning before she can leave.” Stan asked him as he looked around the ranch. “I am not sure I would want to leave, quite peaceful here.”
    “Yes it is, but, remember, I have a beautiful young lady waiting for me back home. I certainly can’t leave her there while I am enjoying the peace and quiet.” Christian patted Stan on the back. “I have enjoyed the time here though, even with everything going on. I have a feeling I will be back.” Christian was thinking about Cassandra and Jessie. He was for certain something was happening between them.
    “Often thought of moving West myself at times. I just don’t think my wife would leave the comforts of the city.” Stan looked around the beautiful