Chapter 8 [Tucson—9:30 or Thereabouts]

[Richardson's Horse Traders]

The ride across the desert went smoothly. The air remained cool. A bit of breeze wafted at the drive's backs. With only one stop at a watering hole for horses and wranglers alike, the horses reached their destined corral on Tucson's southeastern edge before the sun got too high in the eastern sky.

A burly man with salt and cinnamon hair watched through an open door. Emotion held no sway over his poker face. His eyes counted the horses as they trotted into his corral. His pencil scratched a few notes on the clipboard. He noticed Manolito dismount from Makadoo. "Good morning, Manolito! Are they yours?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, they are. Still, I would hope that you would purchase them, Richardson." Manolito held his hand out. "They are from my new rancho."

"New rancho?" Richardson raised an eyebrow while shaking hands. "You're not working for Big John anymore?"

Manolito shook his head. "No. I bought Jeff Patterson's old place. We just moved in. I immediately thought of you where these horses are concerned. I hope we could make a good deal."

Richardson nodded. "I'll need to look over each one of course."

"Of course! You understand I will have my foreman watch. Not that I do not trust you but…" Manolito accepted with a condition attached.

"Certainly. I…" Richardson stared. His eyes went wide. "Blue? You left your Pa's ranch?"

"Manolito needed a foreman. It was too good of an opportunity for me. How are you, Mr. Richardson?" Blue shook hands with him as well. "We're real close to High Chaparral."

"You're adjoining it if I recollect right." Richardson scratched his head. "These all wild mustangs?"

"They came with the land. Our brand is the only one on them," Manolito explained.

"Fair enough. Give me an hour. Blue, I got some coffee inside if you want some." Richardson motioned toward the office.

"Hey, Manolito, can you watch things while I get that coffee? Then I'll be right back out to watch them," Blue requested.

"Go on. It has been a hot ride." Manolito motioned with his head. He chuckled. "Blue has done well so far. He learns quickly." He whistled for Chad and Javier. "Stay with Blue. We do not wish banditos to steal a horse or bother Señor Richardson."

"Yeah. We've had rustlers riding through town lately." Richardson nodded. "You boys have a cup or something? I'll pour for you too."

"I am fine. No gracias," Javier declined.

Chad brought out a metal cup. "I'll take some. Thank you." He walked toward the office.

Blue watched Chad go into the office. "He's staying too?"

"My apologies. I did not mean to overstep. I thought that well it would be a good idea to have three watching instead of one." Manolito grinned. "We will be right back. I wish to see Padre Miguel."

"Oh yeah. The new priest! He sure gave a great Mass last week! You know him?" Richardson replied.

"Si. We have known each other since we were niños. He is my brother-in-law tambien." Manolito motioned Ricardo over. "This is his father, Don Ricardo Vega. Don Ricardo, this is Michael Richardson."

"Señor, it is good to meet you. I hope we can do business." Ricardo shook hands with Richardson.

"Well those horses seem real fine at first glance. I want to look at 'em. I was telling Manolito and Blue that I need an hour to give them a closer look. Then we'll talk price." Richardson nodded. "You're here at a great time. These mustangs will go real quick."

"They're real nice horses, Mr. Richardson. You can count on that," Blue chimed in. He watched as Chad came back out of the office with his coffee. "Well the sooner you start looking, the sooner you two can talk about a price."

Manolito nodded. "Si. We will return in an hour or so. Gracias, Blue." He patted Blue on the arm and nodded to him. Then he mounted Makadoo and led the others down the street.

"Well we'll get to it then." Richardson opened the corral and walked in.

Just hope he likes what he sees. Blue sipped on his coffee. Anticipation already was wearing on him.