Chapter 1
Ambush
Southern Arizona
Sam Cresswell and Cutter Stevens were trailing a gang of stage coach robbers, they didn't know it but the men had set up an ambush. The first indication was when the gang started shooting badly wounded the two rangers fell. The gang raced east their intention to raid the stages in Kansas.
"Cutter, they're heading east. I'm not going to make it, the kids."
"Your sister has them. I'm going to find those men, Sam, I'll bring them in if it's the last thing I do!"
He listened for an answer but none came."
He lapsed into semi-consciousness, when he came round he saw that someone had built a fire and was now preparing coffee, the man turned.
"I am Sergeant Hawk, Indian Police."
"You're Apache?"
"Half-Apache, my mother is white. She was a captive, I was a year-old when the soldiers came and took her. She lives near Dodge City now. I see her and my white family from time to time."
Hawk watched Cutter as he looked around.
"I am sorry I buried your friend."
"Wife, she was my wife, and my partner."
"I think you loved her very much," Hawk said, Cutter nodded. "You have children?"
"Two boys, Matthew and Dillon," Hawk smiled.
"Have you ever been to Dodge City?"
"Yes, that's where I met Samantha, though she preferred being called Sam. We named our boys after Matt Dillon. Do you know him?"
"He is my friend. We have been on many trails together."
Hawk helped Cutter up onto his horse.
"I will take you to the Doctor in Oracle."
"That's where we live, so her sister can look after our kids when we're out on the trail."
They travelled for four hours, the people looked up as Hawk and Cutter rode up to the Doctor's office; Hawk helped Cutter up into the office. Ranger Captain Tom Banks came in while Cutter was being treated. Hawk took Ranger Captain Banks to one side he explained what had happened.
"If you wish I will take your men to where it happened to bring her home?"
"No, neither Cutter nor Sam would wish that. Cutter will want to go after them."
"I will help him their tracks went east from the place. I hope they make the mistake of robbing stages near Dodge City."
"Matt Dillon's territory?" Hawk nodded, the Doctor entered.
"Captain, Cutter will be well again in a couple of weeks," Cutter hobbled into the front office,
"As soon as I'm fit I'm going after them. Their faces are etched into my brain; if I can I'll bring them back to hang. I'll need fugitive warrants and extradition papers."
Two weeks later Cutter and Sergeant Hawk started to trail the robbers east, leading a pack horse with enough supplies to get them as far as Dodge City if need be. Cutter and Hawk rode north to the site of the ambush, Hawk watched Cutter closely as he stood by Sam's grave, he knew Cutter was ready when he turned and mounted his horse. Hawk was surprised that the signs were still there.
"Cutter, it looks like they are heading towards Albuquerque."
Cutter nodded and they followed the signs east.