Anthony gestured toward the remains of Vanburgh’s men scattered along the street, the bullet-ridden boards, and the overturned crates.
“Vanburgh tried to blow up the ridge,” he explained. “Had his men planted with explosives and rifles. I stopped him. Shot him myself.” He let the weight of the statement hang.
Trask’s eyes flicked with acknowledgment. “I suppose that explains the bodies in the street,” he said quietly, his gaze sweeping over the Shoshone warriors who had provided cover and precise fire. “And the ridge...the ridge’s safe?”
“Safe,” Anthony replied, nodding. “For now. The remaining men may still be scattered in the hills, but the ridge itself is intact. The powder and Vanburgh’s plans...gone. Burned, blown, or buried in the dirt.”
“Sounds like you saved more than just property, Hawk,” he said. “You saved lives. What about Muldoon?”
Anthony motioned back toward the cell. “He’s corrupt,” Anthony said. “He’s Vanburgh’s man. He’ll lie, cheat, and use the law to cover his tracks if given the chance. But he’s caged for now. I need him held until proper authority can arrive. Denver, maybe. The judge there knows about the deeds and that I am the legal owner of Eagle Rock. Any attempt to interfere...well, Muldoon might swing, but that ends here.”
Trask’s eyebrows lifted. “You say Muldoon might swing?”
“He’s a corrupt man,” Anthony said. “He’ll do whatever he can to protect his interests. If he’s not held, he’ll try to interfere with justice. He’ll pretend to uphold the law, but anyone with sense can see the truth.”
Trask’s lips pressed into a thin line, then he nodded slowly. “I understand. Don’t worry, Hawk. I’ll hold him. Muldoon’s staying in a cell. Until the trial. Until the law takes its course.”
Anthony allowed himself a brief nod. “Good. I don’t like leaving him loose. The town’s still fragile after Vanburgh, and Muldoon is the kind of man who will take advantage.”
Trask’s gaze swept the street, landing briefly on the Shoshone warriors and Abigail. “And the men? Any of Vanburgh’s remnants left?”
“I don’t know,” Anthony said. “I can’t say for certain if any escaped. Could be a few hiding out, waiting for the next move.”
Trask’s face was calm, but his eyes gleamed with experience.
“Then let the law take care of it,” the sheriff said. “We’ve got bounty hunters out—skilled men—working hard. They’ll find them. And anyone trying to stir trouble will find the wrong side of justice waiting.”
Anthony exhaled slowly, relief mingling with fatigue. “I hope you’re right.”
“I am,” Trask said, giving him a firm nod. “But there’s more to do here before we can rest. I’ll make sure your friends are safe, and Muldoon stays under lock until further notice. We’ll sort out the rest. Law is patient, Hawk, even if men aren’t.”
Anthony allowed himself a grim smile. “Good. I’m counting on patience, then.”
Trask looked over the street again. “And the town?”
“They’re shaken,” Anthony said, glancing down the street. “Afraid. But alive. And they’ll understand soon enough. Muldoon can’t protect Vanburgh anymore. That empire is gone.”
Trask nodded again, a sharp, precise movement. “Then I’ll take Muldoon, secure him properly, and make sure there’s a record of what’s happened. No one will be able to deny it. The law will find Vanburgh’s men, and any who resist will answer for it.”
Anthony let the tension drain slowly from his shoulders. For the first time in a few days, he allowed himself to breathe. He knew the battle was only one of many, but for now, the tide had turned.
Trask gave a final glance around the street, acknowledging the Shoshone and Abigail, then nodded toward Anthony.
“You did good, Hawk,” he said. “But the real work starts now. You’ll need patience, allies, and a steady hand. Don’t let your anger dictate the rest of your life.”
“Anger? No. Vigilance. I’ve got enough of that for all of us.”
Trask gave a faint, approving smile. “Then go on. Rest, regroup. The law will handle the rest, and Silver Cross will see the sun rise again without fear.”
Anthony watched as Trask walked toward the jail, preparing to take Muldoon away properly. The crowd murmured behindhim. Some eyes were still wary, some hopeful, and Anthony felt the weight of the day settle into his bones.
There would be time for reckoning later. For now, the immediate danger was over.
He turned to Red Hawk, Black Wolf, and Abigail, who had been quietly watching from the street. “We’ve still got work to do,” he said, his voice firm but quieter now. “But the valley is safe.”
***
After the dust had settled, Anthony led Abigail a few paces away from the main street. He hardly noticed the heat of the sun anymore. He let out a long breath, shoulders sagging slightly.
