Page 7 of Wild Spirit Revival (Montana Becketts, Wild Spirit Ranch #1)

Elijah stepped forward, his posture taut as a drawn bowstring. “Brodie. Jubal. Tripp. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

The three men dismounted, handing their reins to the younger boys who worked for the Becketts. “Tripp has some cattle missing. You noticed any trouble?”

Elijah shifted uneasily. “We sure have. At least fifty of our cattle are missing. We were just about to ride out to find them.” He looked at Tripp. “How many?”

“Same as you. About fifty head.” Tripp’s gaze swept over the group, lingering on Molly for a moment before returning to Elijah.

“Any other ranchers affected?” Elijah asked.

“None who’ve come to me,” Brodie replied. “My guess is between you and Tripp, they’ve gotten all they can handle for now. They’re probably close to the Wyoming border by now.”

Tripp broke the silence, his voice tight. “Maybe not. Depends on the number of rustlers involved. I want to go after them.”

“I’m with you, Tripp. It would have to be me, Joshua, and Nathan. We need the others to stay here.”

“The three of you are good. I’ll bring two men, so we’ll have six.”

“Now, hold up a minute,” Brodie said. “I don’t want a killing spree.”

Nathan sent a disbelieving look at the sheriff. “Hard to prevent it when they’ve stolen our cattle.”

“You don’t need to come with us, Brodie.” Elijah shot a look at Tripp, who nodded. “Might be better if you didn’t.”

The sheriff nodded. “Don’t see how I can. Beaumont is up in Helena. His ma is sick. So it’s just Jubal and me.”

“We’ll do our best to keep the killing to a minimum,” Tripp said. “Maybe we’ll be able to drive the herd back this way without them knowing.”

Brodie sent him a dubious glance. “I’d pay money to see that.” He blew out a breath. “Bring back any bodies.”

“Will do,” Elijah answered. “What else is bothering you, Brodie?”

The sheriff sighed, removing his hat to wipe his brow. “There’s talk of a new gang moving into the territory from the Dakotas. They’ve been causing havoc up north. I’m afraid they might set their sights on Mystic.” Brodie looked around at the gathering and cleared his throat. “They aren’t our usual outlaws who rob banks or steal cattle. Instead, they swindle unsuspecting people of their savings or title to their homes. The swindlers destroy lives the same as a shot to the heart.”

Joshua rubbed his stubbled jaw. “Mystic would be a ripe target for those inscrutable thieves.”

Elijah’s expression darkened. “How’s that?”

“I’m not worried about you or Tripp,” Brodie said. “You’d never let someone take away what’s yours with a signature. They’re a loose gang, of sorts. Organized and ruthless when it comes to who they target. An older widow or widower who has money is their favorite.”

Jolene couldn’t contain herself any longer. “Those poor people. What can we do, Sheriff?”

“I’m alerting everyone in Mystic to be aware of the swindles going on in other territories. Pastor Ward has agreed to make an announcement during church this Sunday. Mayor Jurgen is having flyers made to post around town. Him being a widower, he’s determined nothing unsavory will happen in Mystic. Titus Bell is going to make sure the stage drivers know to warn riders of the danger. I’m open to any ideas you folks have.”

Molly thought a moment. “I don’t know any of the people who live outside of town. Well, besides the Becketts and Mr. Lassiter. If I’m given names and locations, I can take the buggy and warn them.”

“What a wonderful idea, Molly. We’ll take one of our wagons and ride out this week,” Jolene said.

“That isn’t going to happen,” Elijah said. “Grayson will never let you go in your condition.”

“But—”

“I’ll go with Molly,” Annalee offered. “I won’t need names or directions, as I know everyone for miles around Mystic.”

“I’d appreciate it, Annie,” Brodie said, his voice soft.

Molly watched as Annalee’s face grew red. She wondered if there might be something going on between the sheriff and Annalee.

Brodie tore his gaze from hers before clearing his throat. “All right. Jubal and I need to get back to town.” He looked at Tripp. “When are you riding out?”

“Within the hour, if Elijah will be ready.”

“We’ll ride back to your ranch with you, Tripp, and head out from there.”

“Don’t you want to wait for Grayson to return?” Jolene asked.

“He may not get back for a few more hours. We need to find our cattle before dark,” Elijah said.

As Elijah and Tripp began to outline their plan, a chill ran down Molly’s spine. She’d come to Wild Spirit Ranch seeking a story about the wild frontier. Instead, she found two families dealing with rustlers, and swindlers who could land in Mystic at any time.

Grayson arrived back at the ranch two hours after Elijah, Joshua, and Nathan rode with Tripp to Iron Angel Ranch. He’d been held up in Gumption when the owner of the bull he hoped to buy had tripped over a pitchfork. His wife patched him up, though it took almost an hour before negotiations resumed.

Molly had been invited to stay for supper with those left at the ranch. It was somewhat of a celebration, as Grayson and the Gumption rancher had come to an agreement for the bull to become part of Wild Spirit Ranch.

“We’ll fetch him later this week,” Grayson said. “Gumption may be a small town, but they know how to raise prime bulls.”

After supper, Molly helped the Beckett women clean the dishes before excusing herself for the ride back to Mystic.

“Nonsense,” Jolene said. “You’ll stay with us tonight.”

“I don’t want to intrude.”

“You won’t be. We have two empty guest rooms. You may pick which one you want.” Jolene hung a kitchen towel on a hook. “If I’m not mistaken, Elijah has an extra nightshirt you could wear.”

“Elijah?” The horror on Molly’s face had the women laughing.

“No? Then I suppose you’ll have to wear one of mine.” Jolene continued to chuckle.

Feeling her face flush, she allowed herself to be drawn into the joke. “I do believe one of your nightgowns would be best. Thank you.”

An hour later, Molly sat in one of the guest rooms, finishing an entry in her journal. Setting it aside, she grabbed a shawl. Jolene had already gone to bed, exhausted after such a long day.

Molly walked down the stairs, not yet sleepy enough to retire. She wanted to see the area around the barns, house, and corrals at night.

Stepping out onto the porch, she tightened the shawl around her. It continued to surprise her how chilly the nights could be when the days were almost too warm. The almost full moon allowed her to see a great deal.

Taking the steps to the ground, she strolled to the closest corral, watching as two colts played under the moonlight. They were so carefree, with nothing to intrude on their fun.

Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air, causing everyone to freeze. It came from the direction of the main house.

“Jolene!” Grayson’s face went pale as he bolted out of the barn and ran toward the house, Parker on his heels.

Molly hesitated for a split second before rushing after them. Pounding up the steps, she followed them upstairs, coming to a stop in the hall.

Another sharp cry pierced the air of the Beckett homestead, echoing through the rafters of the ranch house. Jolene, her face contorted in pain, clutched her swollen belly as she braced herself against the doorframe of the bedroom.

“It’s time,” she gasped, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and pain. “The baby’s coming!”

Grayson, ever the protective husband, was at her side in an instant, his strong arms supporting her trembling frame. His calm expression cracked, revealing a flicker of panic in his intense eyes.

“Now? But it’s too early,” he muttered, his voice tight with concern.

Annalee Beckett, always quick to take charge, sprang into action. “Lilian, fetch some warm water from downstairs. Molly, I need you to grab a stack of clean cotton from the wardrobe in the hall.”

As Lilian darted out of the room, her petite form disappearing down the staircase, Molly hesitated, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

“Have you helped with a birth before?” she asked Annalee.

“First time. Guess we don’t have much choice.”

Parker, the youngest Beckett sibling, hovered uncertainly near the door. “What should I do?” he asked, his impatience evident in his clipped tone.

Grayson, still supporting Jolene, shot his brother a stern look. “Stay calm and be ready to help if we need you.”

Jolene let out another pained groan, her fingers digging into Grayson’s arm. “I don’t care who does what,” she managed through gritted teeth. “Just get this baby out of me!”

The tension in the room was palpable as Lilian returned, carefully balancing a basin of steaming water. Molly followed close behind, her arms laden with soft cloths.

Annalee’s voice was steady and reassuring. “All right, let’s get Jolene comfortable on the bed. Grayson, help her lie down.”

As they maneuvered Jolene onto the bed, she locked eyes with her husband. “Grayson,” she whispered, a hint of fear creeping into her voice, “what if something goes wrong?”

His face softened. “Nothing’s going to go wrong, darlin’,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “You’re the strongest woman I know. This is just another adventure for us.”

Jolene managed a weak smile, drawing strength from his words and the love shining in his eyes. As another contraction seized her, she couldn’t help but wonder if this would be an adventure with a happy ending.