Chapter 1 [High Chaparral Ranch—Two Days After the Comancheros' Departure]
Dawn streaked the desert sky with reds and pinks on that morning. A cool breeze wafted through the saguaro. Larks warbled to the transition.
An evening ended…a new day begun with its issues….
Big John stood just in front of the hacienda. His eyes surveyed the early morning landscape. He noted a few horses still in the corral. He made out Joe's profile by the entrance in the fence. From the lanterns' glow in the bunkhouse window, he knew Sam was already getting the boys set for another day's work on the range.
Another day…a day like the rest…and yet a day like no other…
He frowned. His eyes drifted over the fence and deep into the Sonoran Desert. As if birds in flight, they would've soared on the night air, over the mountains and toward Don Sebastian's lands. There he anticipated the latest bunch of banditos lurked. From Sam's and Buck's accounts, he'd heard of the latest loss of horses.
Don Sebastian, of course, denied that said Comancheros were a threat. Much as with his agreement with Chaparral, his 'live and let live' pact with such men made things easier for him. As he'd said in the past to John, he was willing to lose a cow here and there to keep the peace.
Manolito provoked similar aggravation in him. He'd volunteered to speak with his father about the situation. Still, despite his orders to Buck to keep Manolito on task, Manolito had other ideas. He has to be thinking of women and that right now? He huffed. His mouth twisted into a frown. I can't believe his father encourages him! Of all the….
Coffee's delicate scent stopped his inner ranting in its tracks.
"Is everything all right, John?" Victoria walked up to him. Her dark eyes could read him of course. She knew the raids in Sonora and there weighed heavily on him. She held up a steaming cup of coffee for his consideration.
"You know my mind, Victoria." He accepted the cup from her. Despite the situation, his expression softened slightly. A smile creased his mouth. "Thank you."
"De nada. Manolito will convince my father. Surely…" she supposed hoping for the best.
He patted her on the arm. He knew Don Sebastian wouldn't turn on the Comancheros easily. To raise that point however would only put her between a rock and a hard place. "From what Buck said, the Comancheros tried to abduct a young woman and her chaperone. They were guests on his estate."
"I know, John." She frowned. So many times, she'd seen her father's pride impede his keen business acumen and common sense. "Fortunately, Manolito was there."
"Fortunately, he happened upon them in time." He shook his head. Then he gazed upon Luna still shining brightly in the early morning sky. "Let's hope our Romeo has his eye on what's really important."
"I'm sure he does," she defended. She knew her brother's wild and carefree nature. Still she recalled Loss' scars seared into Manolito's psyche. She recalled his tears and withdrawals away from their father and her. Trouble suddenly became a noticeable part of his life in her estimation. His heart lost bit after bit following their mother's death. On the rare times he'd reach out, the women cared enough…Pilar and Maria for instance. Both had feelings but Tragedy pushed them away from Manolito. "This problem concerns us all, John."
"Yes, we do," he conceded. He hugged her tightly. Once again, he felt himself caving due to those dark eyes and gentle smile. "I'd like some more coffee."
"I believe that can be arranged," she concurred. "We also have breakfast ready"
He took her hand in his. "Lead on." He allowed her to lead him into the house.
Priorities and wishes aside, there was much to consider indeed…..