The road into town was not much more than a worn foot path. It was a new town that only a few years before was only a stagecoach stop. The dusty road was being traveled by a man who had robbed the bank a few counties away. He knew there would not be anyone following him. The sheriff in that town had no jurisdiction this far.
That was where he was mistaken. There was a bounty hunter on his trail. This person was the survivor of the outlaw. Her home was attacked and were shown no mercy. He had killed her husband and young daughter. She had been shot and left for dead. Her body fought death and she found herself alive and her family dead laying around her.
The first person to find the slain family was a man she had known almost all her life. He was the sheriff in town and had always been kind to her and the family.
He found life still in her body. Cutting away the shirt he could see where the bullet had torn through her shoulder. It was a clean wound but she had lost a lot of blood. He had a medical kit in his saddle bag.
Cleaning the wound he dressed it to keep out infection. Using a few stitches to close the opening. He knew that she would always carry the mark on her shoulder. All this time she was unconscious. That was the only good thing because she would have been in great pain if she were awake.
The blood had soaked all of her clothes. He drew a bucket of water from the well. Heated it on the cook stove and started washing her clean.
She was looking more alive after her bath. He wrapped her in a blanket and placed her into the carriage. The two horses pulled it easily back to town. Where she could get the attention to help her recover from her ordeal. He sent a few men back to bury her family. That was all that anyone could do for them. They were in God's hands As for the man that had done the killing. He would find justice on this earth.
Six months later...............
Her strength had pulled her through and gave her a resolve to find those responsible and give them justice. The man whose trail she was following had gotten careless. The last bank he had robbed gave a description and placed a $10,000 reward for him dead or alive.
That kind of reward attracts lots of attention. The attention of a rancher who was struggling to survive a long dry summer. His herd was starving from no grass to graze. The bank was calling for his ranch to satisfy the money owed for his mortgage. He was this as a desperate way to save all that he owned.
The horse she was riding threw a shoe. She was alone on the trail. Checking his front hoof she saw the damage made when the iron shoe pulled free. The horse could not go further.
Night was close so she stopped for the night. Pulled the saddle off she tied the horse to a tree and set about finding wood for a fire. Setting the camp fire and lighting it gave a warmth that made her comfortable.
She could hear a small stream nearby. Knowing that her horse needed water she used a canvas bag to bring water to him and for cooking.
The water looked cool and refreshing after the long day on the trail. She unfastened her shirt and pulled off her boots and pants. The clothes were tho clothes of her husband. She wore them to feel close to him. Even though he was gone.
She was still an attractive woman. The frontier was hard on women. Making them old before their time. Her hair was pulled up and tucked under her hat. She removed the hat and shook her hair free. She had long brown hair that came down to her shoulders. Both breast were full and round. The left shoulder was where she had been shot. The wound had healed but the hole it left could still be seen. Her skin was pale when compared to her arms and hands. The shape of her hips flowing down toward her legs gave the message that she was still a attractive woman.
She walked into the water feeling the mud of the bank soothing to her feet. The water was cool and refreshing as it took away the dirt and sweat of the day. Using a little soap she dipped her head into the water and washed the hair clean.
She laid back onto the water. Floating weightless. It was little pleasures like this that kept her sane.
Looking Up into the sky the clouds seemed to form shapes. She could pick out a house with mountains all around it. That brought back memories of how her husband would pick her up and carry her in his arms. He was so strong that she felt as a butterfly floating on the wind when around him.
The memory of a sweet kiss from him brought a smile to her lips. His fragrance, she remembered the way he smelled at the end of the day. His sweat of laboring on the ranch was a special perfume to her nose.
The sheriff in town was a man she had known growing up. He always had a attraction to her but never got up the courage to act on his feelings. The choice between the man she choose as a husband and the sheriff was easy in her mind.
Her husband was love at first sight. His touch and kiss were powerful and made her weak in the knees. His firm soft hands could send her into a wild ride. Like floating down a mountain stream. Seeming to fall through the air with his touch. Using his hands to explore her most intimate parts was what she needed the most. He was her best friend. Being separate from his was hard on her.
Feeling refreshed she came to the bank of the stream and washed the pants and shirt. Wringing the water from them she carried them back to near the camp fire to dry.
She was giving water to her horse when she heard the sound of someone traveling up the path. Moving to the saddle she pulled the rifle free from the scabbard. Stepping to the edge of the clearing to be out of sight. She waited for whoever it was to come into view.
He was coming along the path and looking for a place to set camp for the night. The water flowing in the stream caught his ear. Knowing his horse needed a drink he pulled off the path toward the sound of water. As he came round the curve he saw the camp fire burning and the horse standing and holding it's front hoof off the ground.
Pulling the mount to a stop. He looked over toward the tree at the edge of the clearing. That was when he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was standing and pointing the rifle straight at him. The sound of silence was broken by a metallic click as she pulled the hammer back to full cock. That sound caused him to freeze.
She called to him "Mister if you know what is best. You will just move along."
He said, "I mean no harm. The trail as been long and dusty. My horse is in need of water and so am I. I can see that your horse has lost a shoe. If you will allow me I will share my food with you and may be able o help your horse."
She knew that her horse could not go further without attention to his shoe. She had always been a good judge of men. Something about this man made her feel at ease. The way he spoke and sat on his horse made his presence comforting. That first impression made her next words even surprise herself.
She said, "Mister my horse is in a bad way and the truth is my supplies ran out yesterday. If you would help me and my horse I would be grateful to share my fire with you."
He watched her eyes go from fear to trust as she spoke to him.
"Miss you have nothing to fear from me. I will do you no harm. The trail does not offer many comforts but if you are willing to share your fire I will do all I can to help you."
She responded by lowering the rifle and relieving the hammer from full cock to safety.
She said "I have washed the only clothes that I have. While they dry I will hope you are not offended by my naked body."
He dismounted his horse. Walking past where she was standing. Leading the horse to the stream for water. He could see that this woman had a strength that he admired.
Refreshing himself and his horse at the stream he returned to the campfire. Opening the saddlebag. He pulled a bag of beans, side of beef and a little coffee out. These he placed near the fire.
Moving to the other saddle bag, he pulled out his farrowing tools.
Removing the saddle and tying out his horse. He went to work on her horse's bad shoe. She moved quickly around the fire preparing the food he had offered. There is something about a woman's touch that can transform food into a wonderful meal.
He watched her as he worked the shoe back onto the hoof. Her silhouette was that of a angel. Moving quietly around the fire. He could see the shape of her breast and outline of her hips. He enjoyed the view that she was allowing him to have. It was part of her gift to him for helping the horse back to health for the journey still ahead of her.
The clothes had dried but she was comfortable with him and was not in a hurry to redress. Walking over to where he was finishing the shoe. She touched the horse and talked to him in a low voice.
She said,"Mister, what brings you out on this dusty trail?"
That was when he told her about the ranch and how it was about to be foreclosed on by the bank. He had a wanted poster with him. Showing it he said, "The reward for this man will pay off all my debt to the bank and allow me to start over free and clear."
She looked at the wanted poster. The picture cause her to gasp. It was the same man that had killed those she loved and had shot her as well. The image was burned into her mind. She had no doubt that they were one in the same.
She said, "The man you are after is one evil man. He is the one that shot and killed my husband and daughter. Shot me also, as she touched the scare on her shoulder. Thought he had killed me too, and left me for dead."
He could see the anger in her face as she spoke. She turned, walking back to the fire. The food smelling so good after the long day. She suddenly felt so lonely.
He put away his tools and went to the stream to wash his hands. She followed as he bent down to clean himself.Moving to his side she reached down to loosen the buttons of his shirt. Removing it revealed a strong man with broad shoulders. Lifting up on the balls of her feet she reached around his neck searching for a kiss.
The warmth of his body touching her gave her something that she had been missing. He pulled off his boots and pants. The soothing feeling of he mud on his feet. Made the touch of her hands feel so good.
She held his hands and backed into the water. Pulling him along with her , the water lifted their weight. Letting them float without effort.
She held him close and wrapped her legs around him. He could feel the touch of softness that is that of a woman. He kissed her gently probing with his tongue. The taste was sweet as she held him close. She lifted up offering one breast and then the other. He pulled each into a rose blush that seemed to reach out to him for more attention.
He gathered himself to his feet and carried her back o the campfire. The evening was near and the air beginning to chill. Laying out his blanket near the fire. He lay her to catch warmth from it.
He was taking the time to explore her body. Her stomach was soft and warm. The navel moved as she breathed, which was getting faster as the tension grew. That was when he came to the scare on her shoulder. He touched it with soft hands. It was still tender and he kissed it gently. Knowing that it was a link to her past. Just touching it brought back memories that were good and bad.
The good times were the time that her husband and daughter had together. The bad times were the pain and torture of being torn away from all that she loved. She pulled him up to her face and said.
"Please help me to get away from the pain I am living with. If for only a few minutes."
He held tight , kissed and they found comfort in the contact with each other for the night.
The new light of day found the two still in a tight embrace. She did not want to let go of the strength she had found. He did not want to let go of a woman that he had been looking for all his life. One that was strong and able to be a gentle woman with a man she loved.
He knew that she was on a one track mission to bring justice or death to the one who had caused so much pain to herself and those she loved. His journey was only finical.Looking for the wealth to save the ranch and all that he held dear.
It seemed natural that they would join together to catch and subdue this evil man running loose. The law could not touch him but these two bounty hunter could do that and more....
Her horse still had a tender foot and could not take a rider. He offered her the seat behind him. Which she gladly took.
She was riding with her arms around his hips. The movement of the horse was like that of doing a slow dance together. he horse and rider moved as one. Leading the mount that was recovering from the shoe injury. Another day and the hoof would be healed and she could retake her mount.
They followed the trail along a path that was leading to a new town. The town had only been a stage coach stop a few years earlier. Now it was alive with new people looking for gold and new wealth.
As they came to the crest of the hill. Before them lay the town. The bank near the middle and they could see a lone rider not far ahead of them making his way into own. He was a man wearing a wide brim hat pulled low over his face.
When she saw the rider the hair on her neck stood upright. She knew in her soul that it was the same man she had encountered less than a year before at her ranch. The pit of her stomach dropped. The anger rose as she wanted to find her justice.
They were coming along behind him. Not noticed by the dark man on the horse. He pulled up to a stop at the bank. Tied his horse to the rail and walked inside.
There were only a few people in the bank. It was the middle of the day and most were out doing the necessary things of life. He walked up to the bank teller. Drew his revolver, pointing it to the head of the lady working the counter. He asked for all the money. She froze in fear. Looking down the barrel of the gun. She could see the cold eyes of a man who knew no mercy.
She came to life when he pulled the hammer back to full cock. Holding his finger on the trigger she knew that death was only a finger pull away.
Gathering up the cash she had and pushing it across the counter. He took it with a sneer. He had no regard for the life of this woman.
That was when the two reached the bank steps. She had her rifle he had his revolver. She was not to be restrained. Boldly walking through the wooden and glass doors into the bank. She had her weapon cocked and ready. As she walked into the bank the evil man turned. She shot without hesitation. Hitting him in the shoulder of his gun hand. He dropped onto the floor, his weapon sliding across the hard wood floor. He looked up into the eyes of the one who had shot him.
Something about her face registered with him. In a instant of memory he recalled killing this woman and her family not more than a year before. He thought her already dead.
Looking up he said, "I thought you were dead. I know that I killed you and your family. Thought you were no longer a threat to me."
She said, "I came back from death to see you in your grave."
With that she shot him once in the heart and once in the head. Her mission now finished. Justice had been swift and sure.
Her new partner stood behind her letting her release the anger she had carried all this time.
They gathered up the body and tied it to his horse for the journey back to collect the bounty that was offered for his dead body.
The reward paid off his debt with money to bring her ranch back to life. From the ashes of destruction new life was found as the two remained joined together the remainder of their life. The two ranches merged as had the two, looking for strength from the other. Her ranch had fresh spring water. His had wide open grazing in the mountains. It was a match that brought the two into one.
Joe
That was where he was mistaken. There was a bounty hunter on his trail. This person was the survivor of the outlaw. Her home was attacked and were shown no mercy. He had killed her husband and young daughter. She had been shot and left for dead. Her body fought death and she found herself alive and her family dead laying around her.
The first person to find the slain family was a man she had known almost all her life. He was the sheriff in town and had always been kind to her and the family.
He found life still in her body. Cutting away the shirt he could see where the bullet had torn through her shoulder. It was a clean wound but she had lost a lot of blood. He had a medical kit in his saddle bag.
Cleaning the wound he dressed it to keep out infection. Using a few stitches to close the opening. He knew that she would always carry the mark on her shoulder. All this time she was unconscious. That was the only good thing because she would have been in great pain if she were awake.
The blood had soaked all of her clothes. He drew a bucket of water from the well. Heated it on the cook stove and started washing her clean.
She was looking more alive after her bath. He wrapped her in a blanket and placed her into the carriage. The two horses pulled it easily back to town. Where she could get the attention to help her recover from her ordeal. He sent a few men back to bury her family. That was all that anyone could do for them. They were in God's hands As for the man that had done the killing. He would find justice on this earth.
Six months later...............
Her strength had pulled her through and gave her a resolve to find those responsible and give them justice. The man whose trail she was following had gotten careless. The last bank he had robbed gave a description and placed a $10,000 reward for him dead or alive.
That kind of reward attracts lots of attention. The attention of a rancher who was struggling to survive a long dry summer. His herd was starving from no grass to graze. The bank was calling for his ranch to satisfy the money owed for his mortgage. He was this as a desperate way to save all that he owned.
The horse she was riding threw a shoe. She was alone on the trail. Checking his front hoof she saw the damage made when the iron shoe pulled free. The horse could not go further.
Night was close so she stopped for the night. Pulled the saddle off she tied the horse to a tree and set about finding wood for a fire. Setting the camp fire and lighting it gave a warmth that made her comfortable.
She could hear a small stream nearby. Knowing that her horse needed water she used a canvas bag to bring water to him and for cooking.
The water looked cool and refreshing after the long day on the trail. She unfastened her shirt and pulled off her boots and pants. The clothes were tho clothes of her husband. She wore them to feel close to him. Even though he was gone.
She was still an attractive woman. The frontier was hard on women. Making them old before their time. Her hair was pulled up and tucked under her hat. She removed the hat and shook her hair free. She had long brown hair that came down to her shoulders. Both breast were full and round. The left shoulder was where she had been shot. The wound had healed but the hole it left could still be seen. Her skin was pale when compared to her arms and hands. The shape of her hips flowing down toward her legs gave the message that she was still a attractive woman.
She walked into the water feeling the mud of the bank soothing to her feet. The water was cool and refreshing as it took away the dirt and sweat of the day. Using a little soap she dipped her head into the water and washed the hair clean.
She laid back onto the water. Floating weightless. It was little pleasures like this that kept her sane.
Looking Up into the sky the clouds seemed to form shapes. She could pick out a house with mountains all around it. That brought back memories of how her husband would pick her up and carry her in his arms. He was so strong that she felt as a butterfly floating on the wind when around him.
The memory of a sweet kiss from him brought a smile to her lips. His fragrance, she remembered the way he smelled at the end of the day. His sweat of laboring on the ranch was a special perfume to her nose.
The sheriff in town was a man she had known growing up. He always had a attraction to her but never got up the courage to act on his feelings. The choice between the man she choose as a husband and the sheriff was easy in her mind.
Her husband was love at first sight. His touch and kiss were powerful and made her weak in the knees. His firm soft hands could send her into a wild ride. Like floating down a mountain stream. Seeming to fall through the air with his touch. Using his hands to explore her most intimate parts was what she needed the most. He was her best friend. Being separate from his was hard on her.
Feeling refreshed she came to the bank of the stream and washed the pants and shirt. Wringing the water from them she carried them back to near the camp fire to dry.
She was giving water to her horse when she heard the sound of someone traveling up the path. Moving to the saddle she pulled the rifle free from the scabbard. Stepping to the edge of the clearing to be out of sight. She waited for whoever it was to come into view.
He was coming along the path and looking for a place to set camp for the night. The water flowing in the stream caught his ear. Knowing his horse needed a drink he pulled off the path toward the sound of water. As he came round the curve he saw the camp fire burning and the horse standing and holding it's front hoof off the ground.
Pulling the mount to a stop. He looked over toward the tree at the edge of the clearing. That was when he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was standing and pointing the rifle straight at him. The sound of silence was broken by a metallic click as she pulled the hammer back to full cock. That sound caused him to freeze.
She called to him "Mister if you know what is best. You will just move along."
He said, "I mean no harm. The trail as been long and dusty. My horse is in need of water and so am I. I can see that your horse has lost a shoe. If you will allow me I will share my food with you and may be able o help your horse."
She knew that her horse could not go further without attention to his shoe. She had always been a good judge of men. Something about this man made her feel at ease. The way he spoke and sat on his horse made his presence comforting. That first impression made her next words even surprise herself.
She said, "Mister my horse is in a bad way and the truth is my supplies ran out yesterday. If you would help me and my horse I would be grateful to share my fire with you."
He watched her eyes go from fear to trust as she spoke to him.
"Miss you have nothing to fear from me. I will do you no harm. The trail does not offer many comforts but if you are willing to share your fire I will do all I can to help you."
She responded by lowering the rifle and relieving the hammer from full cock to safety.
She said "I have washed the only clothes that I have. While they dry I will hope you are not offended by my naked body."
He dismounted his horse. Walking past where she was standing. Leading the horse to the stream for water. He could see that this woman had a strength that he admired.
Refreshing himself and his horse at the stream he returned to the campfire. Opening the saddlebag. He pulled a bag of beans, side of beef and a little coffee out. These he placed near the fire.
Moving to the other saddle bag, he pulled out his farrowing tools.
Removing the saddle and tying out his horse. He went to work on her horse's bad shoe. She moved quickly around the fire preparing the food he had offered. There is something about a woman's touch that can transform food into a wonderful meal.
He watched her as he worked the shoe back onto the hoof. Her silhouette was that of a angel. Moving quietly around the fire. He could see the shape of her breast and outline of her hips. He enjoyed the view that she was allowing him to have. It was part of her gift to him for helping the horse back to health for the journey still ahead of her.
The clothes had dried but she was comfortable with him and was not in a hurry to redress. Walking over to where he was finishing the shoe. She touched the horse and talked to him in a low voice.
She said,"Mister, what brings you out on this dusty trail?"
That was when he told her about the ranch and how it was about to be foreclosed on by the bank. He had a wanted poster with him. Showing it he said, "The reward for this man will pay off all my debt to the bank and allow me to start over free and clear."
She looked at the wanted poster. The picture cause her to gasp. It was the same man that had killed those she loved and had shot her as well. The image was burned into her mind. She had no doubt that they were one in the same.
She said, "The man you are after is one evil man. He is the one that shot and killed my husband and daughter. Shot me also, as she touched the scare on her shoulder. Thought he had killed me too, and left me for dead."
He could see the anger in her face as she spoke. She turned, walking back to the fire. The food smelling so good after the long day. She suddenly felt so lonely.
He put away his tools and went to the stream to wash his hands. She followed as he bent down to clean himself.Moving to his side she reached down to loosen the buttons of his shirt. Removing it revealed a strong man with broad shoulders. Lifting up on the balls of her feet she reached around his neck searching for a kiss.
The warmth of his body touching her gave her something that she had been missing. He pulled off his boots and pants. The soothing feeling of he mud on his feet. Made the touch of her hands feel so good.
She held his hands and backed into the water. Pulling him along with her , the water lifted their weight. Letting them float without effort.
She held him close and wrapped her legs around him. He could feel the touch of softness that is that of a woman. He kissed her gently probing with his tongue. The taste was sweet as she held him close. She lifted up offering one breast and then the other. He pulled each into a rose blush that seemed to reach out to him for more attention.
He gathered himself to his feet and carried her back o the campfire. The evening was near and the air beginning to chill. Laying out his blanket near the fire. He lay her to catch warmth from it.
He was taking the time to explore her body. Her stomach was soft and warm. The navel moved as she breathed, which was getting faster as the tension grew. That was when he came to the scare on her shoulder. He touched it with soft hands. It was still tender and he kissed it gently. Knowing that it was a link to her past. Just touching it brought back memories that were good and bad.
The good times were the time that her husband and daughter had together. The bad times were the pain and torture of being torn away from all that she loved. She pulled him up to her face and said.
"Please help me to get away from the pain I am living with. If for only a few minutes."
He held tight , kissed and they found comfort in the contact with each other for the night.
The new light of day found the two still in a tight embrace. She did not want to let go of the strength she had found. He did not want to let go of a woman that he had been looking for all his life. One that was strong and able to be a gentle woman with a man she loved.
He knew that she was on a one track mission to bring justice or death to the one who had caused so much pain to herself and those she loved. His journey was only finical.Looking for the wealth to save the ranch and all that he held dear.
It seemed natural that they would join together to catch and subdue this evil man running loose. The law could not touch him but these two bounty hunter could do that and more....
Her horse still had a tender foot and could not take a rider. He offered her the seat behind him. Which she gladly took.
She was riding with her arms around his hips. The movement of the horse was like that of doing a slow dance together. he horse and rider moved as one. Leading the mount that was recovering from the shoe injury. Another day and the hoof would be healed and she could retake her mount.
They followed the trail along a path that was leading to a new town. The town had only been a stage coach stop a few years earlier. Now it was alive with new people looking for gold and new wealth.
As they came to the crest of the hill. Before them lay the town. The bank near the middle and they could see a lone rider not far ahead of them making his way into own. He was a man wearing a wide brim hat pulled low over his face.
When she saw the rider the hair on her neck stood upright. She knew in her soul that it was the same man she had encountered less than a year before at her ranch. The pit of her stomach dropped. The anger rose as she wanted to find her justice.
They were coming along behind him. Not noticed by the dark man on the horse. He pulled up to a stop at the bank. Tied his horse to the rail and walked inside.
There were only a few people in the bank. It was the middle of the day and most were out doing the necessary things of life. He walked up to the bank teller. Drew his revolver, pointing it to the head of the lady working the counter. He asked for all the money. She froze in fear. Looking down the barrel of the gun. She could see the cold eyes of a man who knew no mercy.
She came to life when he pulled the hammer back to full cock. Holding his finger on the trigger she knew that death was only a finger pull away.
Gathering up the cash she had and pushing it across the counter. He took it with a sneer. He had no regard for the life of this woman.
That was when the two reached the bank steps. She had her rifle he had his revolver. She was not to be restrained. Boldly walking through the wooden and glass doors into the bank. She had her weapon cocked and ready. As she walked into the bank the evil man turned. She shot without hesitation. Hitting him in the shoulder of his gun hand. He dropped onto the floor, his weapon sliding across the hard wood floor. He looked up into the eyes of the one who had shot him.
Something about her face registered with him. In a instant of memory he recalled killing this woman and her family not more than a year before. He thought her already dead.
Looking up he said, "I thought you were dead. I know that I killed you and your family. Thought you were no longer a threat to me."
She said, "I came back from death to see you in your grave."
With that she shot him once in the heart and once in the head. Her mission now finished. Justice had been swift and sure.
Her new partner stood behind her letting her release the anger she had carried all this time.
They gathered up the body and tied it to his horse for the journey back to collect the bounty that was offered for his dead body.
The reward paid off his debt with money to bring her ranch back to life. From the ashes of destruction new life was found as the two remained joined together the remainder of their life. The two ranches merged as had the two, looking for strength from the other. Her ranch had fresh spring water. His had wide open grazing in the mountains. It was a match that brought the two into one.
Joe
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