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***
The blacksmith dunked the horseshoe in the tub of cold water. A cloud of steam billowed upwards; metal hissed. "Yep," he said. "The Watters boys were in here yesterday looking to rent a carriage. Said they needed the biggest one I had and a couple horses to go with it. Had a five dollar gold piece to pay for it, too."
"You didn't ask them what they wanted it for?" Sam felt his rage building.
The blacksmith shrugged. "None of my business." He lifted the horseshoe out of the wat
er and began to examine it.
Sam turned to leave. He had only taken a few steps when the blacksmith's voice stopped him. "They did say they'd be bringing it back tomorrow night, if that's any help to you."
"Yeah, it is. Thanks."
Sam stalked out of the livery stable to where Fred and Emma were waiting. "Looks like we were right."
"The sheriff's getting a posse together to go looking," Fred announced.
"A posse? Hell, Fred, they aren't outlaws."
"Anybody who'd steal somebody else's young'uns is worse than any outlaw."
Since Fred put it that way, Sam had to agree.
"He's sending a wire to all the towns between here and Fort Worth, too," Fred went on. "Those varmints won't get those young-uns on that train if I have anything to say about it."
"Thanks, Fred."
"I spoke to Mildred at the hotel," Fred added. "The Howards checked out early this morning. Said they were leaving tomorrow morning. So where do you suppose they're holed up until the train comes."
Fear lay like a slab of stone in Sam's stomach. He scrubbed at his chin, trying to think. "They wouldn't board here in town because too many people know about what happened."
"What if they didn't go that way?" Fred put in. "It's a crapshoot, Sam. We don't have any idea which way they was going."
"My gut tells me that's what they're doing. I know these people. They'll do whatever it takes to get what they want. And they want those children. If they get the children back to Boston, I'll never see them again."
Emma rested her hand on Sam's arm. Her warmth eased his fear, but only a little. "Stop it, Sam," she said. "We'll find them."
Sam tried to smile, but he couldn't quite manage it. "Let's go. We don't have time to waste."
***
Within an hour, eight men, including Sheriff Holt and one of his deputies, had volunteered to help with the search and were gathered in front of the saloon. The sheriff's eyebrows lifted in surprise when he saw Emma marching down the street towards them carrying a package under her arm.
Sam's gaze followed the sheriff's, and his breath hitched in his throat. Emma's skirt was gone, replaced by a pair of denim pants which molded to every curve. For a moment, memories of the night before flooded his mind, memories of the smooth skin hidden beneath that rough fabric. He felt his own pants tighten, and forced his mind away from what he and Emma had shared. There would be plenty of time later to think about their relationship once his children were back home where they belonged.
The sheriff opened his mouth to say something, but before he had a chance, Sam spoke up. "Don't bother wasting your breath," he said with a wry grin. "I already tried to convince her to stay behind, and she won't hear of it. She can ride with me and Fred."
The sheriff nodded grimly, then turned his attention to the rest of the men who were waiting for instructions. Even though Sam was convinced the Howards had taken the children to Fort Worth, he couldn't afford to ignore any other possibilities. Within minutes, the group had divided up into pairs and were riding out of town, some to search the surrounding countryside, others south towards Austin.
"You ready?" Sam asked as Emma stuffed the package into one of the saddlebags.
She swung herself into the saddle, took the reins from Sam, and nodded. "Let's go."
Within minutes, they had left the town behind and were headed for the train station in Fort Worth. The Howards had a fair head start, but the fact that they were on horseback and the Howards were driving a buggy gave them an advantage. If only there was enough time ...
Around her, an unending sea of range grass and bluebonnets swayed in the warm spring breeze. Puffy white clouds dotted the sky, and a bird swooped down, disappearing in a stand of trees to her right. A bee buzzed nearby as it flitted from flower to flower.
At any other time, Emma would have enjoyed the ride, but now, all she could think of was that they weren't riding nearly fast enough to catch up with the children. And if they didn't overtake them ... She couldn't bear to think of that possibility.
