Don't Tamper with Horses

Continuing...June sat in a rickety chair and motioned for Moss to take the other one. Denny crossed his legs under him as he sat beside them on the floor. "Nobody knows where Deveney came from," June said. "He rode in last spring with his gang of men and took over the town. Ever since, his gang comes through and takes whatever they want. They shoot anyone who gets in their way, or just draws their attention." June bit her lip and tipped her chin down.

"That's why everybody's hiding," Denny added from the floor. "Last time they came through they shot the blacksmith and the time before that they shot our dad. He was the sheriff and tried to stop them. He wasn't as lucky as you."

Moss frowned. His heart burned with anger at the fear in June's eyes and the sadness on Denny's face. He wished his bullet had been true that afternoon, instead of smashing into Riker's gun. He wanted to wipe out Deveney's whole gang and by doing so wipe away June and Denny's tears. Moss blinked, stunned by the sudden force of his feelings. "What if everybody fought together? All at once? How many people are in Far Nuff?"

June shook her head sadly. "Not enough, Edward. And none of us are fighters. Don't be fooled by Deveney's mercy in the saloon. He and his men are vicious. We're just not mean enough to fight him."

Moss rubbed his chin as he thought. "Why don't you leave then?"

Denny frowned. "We ain't running away!"

"Three families have tried," June said. "They promised to send back help. They've never been heard from again. Now you've drawn their attention." Tears filled June's eyes. "Please Edward, leave this town as fast as you can."

Grabbing his hat from his knee, Moss rose. "Don't reckon I got much chance of that, Miss June. My horse threw a shoe and I'm going to go take care of it."

Denny jumped to his feet. "I'm coming too!"

"Stay with your sister, Den," Moss said sternly. "There might be trouble"...to be continued.