Chapter 7

Jared strode over to where Hunter was sitting. He watched the men as they sat around waiting. He leaned in close.

"Ray saw a few men not too far away. We may have trouble on our hands." He whispered.

"Exactly how many?"

"Four."

"Four against thirty. And you are worried why?"

"Still. I want it checked out. That Pinkerton better not double cross us. Handle it."

Hunter nodded as Jared stood and walked away. Hunter watched him walk over into the make-shift horse corral. He felt hands fall across his shoulders and felt her breath on his neck.

"Issy, he's right there. Sides I got to check the area."

"I don't give a fuck. There is no need to worry about that and you know it."

"He will kill us both if he finds out."

"You better make it quick then."

Hunter laughed as she pulled him away.

Buck and Noah watched the camp. They watched how easily Hunter seemed to fit in, especially with the girl. They made their way back over to Jimmy and Cody.

"What do we know?" Buck asked.

"Jared McKay heads this outfit. He really doesn't seem to care about a thing except for his girl, Isabell. That's her down there. He caters to her every need. I'd say there is about thirty men riding under him including Hunter. His half-brother rides with him also, named Ray." Cody said. "I heard from a friend of a friend, that Hunter was approached by the Pinkertons to go into the gang, but then they lost all contact. And that's all I know."

"I think Hunter is just pulled in so deep that he isn't sure how to get out." Noah stated.

"Something else, I noticed." Jimmy said quietly. "Hunter is running with that Isabell."

"What? How?"

"I been spying the last few days. Trust me, I know."

"Well, that's a huge ass problem right there."

"I'd be safe to say, that she is the missing piece. She is why he hasn't left."

"Jared will kill him if he finds out." Cody answered.

"I just might kill him first." Jimmy stated flatly.

Teaspoon and Tate sat in the wagon right outside of Billy's parent's farm. Tate looked to Teaspoon.

"Now you want me to do what?"

"Go on over there and strike up a conversation. Make friends with the boy then find out what the hell happened. Got it."

"You do know who you are talking to right? Me, make friends?" Tate laughed.

"I believe in you, son. You got this."

Tate climbed down from the wagon just as Billy's father was making his way around the house.

"Can I help you?"

"I was wondering if I could talk to Billy, um, sir. Just for a few." Tate tried to answer as politely as he could.

"Sure, let me grab him for you."

The man turned to walk around back to the barn. Tate swung around quickly to glance at Teaspoon who gave him a thumbs up. Billy walked into the yard. He came to a sudden halt.

"I ain't talking to you, Tate. This is between Annie and me."

"I just thought, uh, you could use a friend? Help?"

"I know what you are up to. Git on."

"Now wait a fucking minute, I'm trying to help you here."

"Go on, Tate. I ain't messing around with the likes of you."

"The fuck you mean by that?" Tate roared.

"Tate!" Teaspoon called out.

Tate swung around to see him shaking his head and giving him a thumbs down. Tate glared back at him. He turned back around as Billy shoved him hard back toward the wagon. He stumbled back but quickly gained his footing. He pushed Billy back.

"Tate!" Teaspoon yelled as the two fell in the dirt.

Billy's dad ran outside and started yelling for them to break it up, but he couldn't seem to grab a hold on either one. Tate managed to pin Billy to the dirt. He went to swing when he felt a hard whack to his back. He groaned out and rolled off Billy onto the dirt. Billy's father got his arm and pulled him up. Tate rolled around in pain. He opened his eyes to see Teaspoon standing over him with his cane ready to swing again. He put his hands up.

"Wagon." Was all Teaspoon said.

Tate crawled away then stood to walk. He held his back as he went. Teaspoon turned back to Billy and his father. He put on a smile.

"Sorry about that. The boy has a temper."

"I can see that. He and his temper can stay off my land and away from Billy!"

Billy and his father walked away. Teaspoon turned to make his way carefully back to the wagon. He sat beside a still groaning Tate.

"Wasn't my fault…" Tate began.

"Sure, it wasn't. Good thing is, I got me a better idea."