“Sobel’s crew is always finding cows without a rider nearby and driving them away.”
“What will it take for that man to realize I’m not giving in and leave us alone?”
The cowboy’s laugh lacked amusement. “The man intends to have his own way by hook or by crook.”
Zach spent the day riding from one cowboy to another, encouraging them.
Morgan returned. “I saw dust to the north. Guessing it’s more cows being turned aside. That man just won’t quit.”
“Let’s bring them back.” Zach and Morgan rode that direction. As they approached, two unfamiliar cowboys gallopedaway. It didn’t take more than a pinch of brains to know they rode for Sobel.
They turned the cows back with no problems. The animals knew where the water could be found.
By dark, they returned to the others. Zach joined them around the campfire for the evening meal. Normally, only two cowboys would take night duty, but Morgan said he’d been leaving at least four guarding the herd.
“That means the men are going short on shut-eye,” Zach said. “I’ll take a shift tonight.”
Morning broughtSobel and four of his men riding into camp. He didn’t bother with a greeting.
“Good morning. What can I do for you?” Zach stood, a tin cup of coffee in hand. He didn’t offer the man any.
Sobel’s smile was cold. “Boy, what are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be home playing nursemaid?”
Zach managed a dismissive shrug, though angry words raced as far as his mouth. “I’m here taking care of my business.”
“And who’s minding your business back home? Your addled Pa? Your wild sister?” He chuckled without amusement. “Oh yes. You brought in a sweet young thing. Can’t be much older than that sister of yours. But I bet she’s good for certain things.”
The man had the most evil laugh.
Morgan’s hand on Zach’s arm stopped him from striking Sobel.
Sobel reined about. “Boys, we got work to do.” They rode east to where the bulk of his herd scattered across the dry grass. Sobel and one of the men turned aside.
Zach saw their intent. Some Bar T cows grazed up the distant hill.
“Saddle my horse.”
In minutes, a cowboy led his horse to him, and with Morgan at his side, they rode to intercept the pair. Seeing Zach and Morgan racing toward them, the two spurred their horses to a gallop. They yipped and yelled, spooking the cows in every direction.
Zach was certain he heard their laughter as the pair rode away.
He and Morgan gathered the cows, a job that took all morning. They returned from camp to learn that five separate times, a bunch of cows had been scattered.
Day after day, Zach helped gather stampeded cows. At least the main herd hadn’t been affected, but Zach was downright tired of it. Sobel was always visible somewhere in the distance as if he wanted Zach to be sure he understood who was instigating this. As if anyone else would.
And then he didn’t notice Sobel.
“When was the last time you saw him?” he asked Morgan.
“Not since yesterday evening. Maybe he’s given up.”
“I’m going home.” He reined around and made his way that direction.
Sobel’s absence bothered Zach more than his presence had.
Chapter Nine
The days fell into a rhythm. Zach stayed away. Doing what he must. Amelia cooked meals and tended the house. Doing what she’d come to do. Evenings, after Pa and Poppy had retired for the night, were long and lonely.
