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The boys dug into the food and watched Cord.
But Pedro was staring at him. Cord looked up into his worried face.
"They want some kind of showdown with me. And they'll have it, at the right time…"
"Why?"
"Because I killed their Pa and they haven't forgotten it. I've been expecting it, but they sure took their time about it."
"They are a menace to the town." Pedro shook his head. "There are three of them, and only one of you."
"That's why I'll pick the time." Cord assured him.
"I would want to be with you at that time." Pedro insisted.
Maria frowned, "But Pedro…"
Pedro raised his hand to shush her, "Cord has made his home our home. He has helped us build a place of our own. I owe him, and his mother…"
"It's more like the other way around. You were here with my mother when she needed me, I think I owe you."
"You don't owe me anything."
"I see it differently."
Juan the oldest boy looked at Cord, "I can help too!"
"No…" Pedro shook his head. "Cord and I can handle it, son."
Juan looked disappointed. "But I want to help, Papa…"
"Si, and when you are older, you can. Until then you can be a ranch hand around here, since you can ride well."
"I can?" Pedro puffed up with pride. "But you taught me to shoot the rifle, Papa."
"Yes, but until you are much older the only thing you will shoot is animals to eat, understood?" Pedro frowned at his son. "And you must learn that you only shoot what you can eat."
"Yes Papa." Pedro shrugged.
Cord waited until Pedro and Juan had settled the matter before announcing his trip to town. "I think I'll go into town tomorrow, maybe talk to the Sheriff. I want no misunderstandings when it comes to a showdown. And it will come to one. Is Joel still Sheriff?"
"No, Doug Freeman."
"Doug Freeman huh? He's pretty fair, don't know him all that well though. Well, unlike last time, I don't intend to bear the brunt of blame for what happens. I won't go after them, but I won't allow them to pick their own time either."
"That would be a good idea, as the Sheriff has done nothing to stop them from harassing people when they go to town. He's not much different than Joel. He would blame you too, unless you talk to him."
"He's gotten better, but that's because he's do for re-election."
"Well, at least he'll be warned of the danger and that it will come to that."
"He's not a bad sort and if he knows what is going on, he'll take care of it." Pedro's voice sounded as though he wanted to be fair.
"Well, at least he'll get a warning from me, that's more than they will give him." Cord said.
Cord looked at Juan who seemed interested in their line of talk. But Cord knew Juan wanted to head him in another direction so he grinned at him. "You know Juan, since you are going to be helping around the ranch, I'll have to give you a small salary."
Juan's eyes rounded, "You will?"
