Between Hell and Texas Read Online Free Page A

buried them.”
    â€œAny of them shot in the back or at close range?”
    â€œOne of them shot himself, they figured, ’cause he was left to die.”
    â€œI was riding my own land, checking on my own stock, and they chose that site to die on.”
    Trent made a hard face of disapproval, leaning forward with his hands clasping his knees. “I sure wished you’d came to me last night before they got everything stirred up.”
    Chet nodded he’d heard him. “I damn sure didn’t murder them, and anyone in this country except the Reynoldses will tell you that.”
    â€œDon’t make my job any easier. State of Texas tells me I have to investigate all shootings, right or wrong. It ain’t for me to decide.”
    â€œWho do you believe? Them or me?”
    â€œChet, we’ve talked about this feud between you and them for near onto two years. I have to try to stop it as the chief lawman in this county.”
    â€œGood. You go tell them Reynoldses to stop trying to kill me and my family and go mind their own business. We ain’t looking for trouble, but they can’t do like them boys did and expect us not to react. If you shoot at me or my kin, you better have a coffin ready.”
    Trent closed his eyes as if to escape the senseless business. “Chet, me and my few deputies can’t be everywhere. For God’s sake, let’s try to avoid these damn shootouts.”
    â€œWhen a man or a gang shoots at me on my own land, I’m going to protect me and my family.”
    Trent made a deep exhale. “This has gone on too damn long. I’d like to court your sister Susie, but the situation of me being sheriff won’t let me.”
    â€œYou’re welcome anytime you want to come. I won’t ever impose on your or her privacy.”
    â€œGentlemen,” Susie announced from the doorway. “Everyone else came in the back door to avoid interrupting you three, but the food will soon be cold.”
    Trent shook his head, as if weary of the matter. “Ma’am, we ain’t missing any of your sweet food. Susie, this is Billy Moore, one of my new deputies.”
    She made a short nod and smiled at him. “Nice to know you, sir.”
    â€œAll my pleasure, Miss Byrnes.”
    â€œCome now, you all can talk later.” She herded them inside the dining room with a nod at Chet.
    Moore was introduced around the table with everyone standing; then they bowed their heads for the prayer. That amened away, chairs scraped to take seats and not much was said. Tension hung in the dining room that made everyone talk softly to the ones beside them or not speak at all.
    Chet had no idea whether he would be required to testify to a justice of the peace or a grand jury, or the whole thing would be simply dismissed. One thing: the presence of the sheriff made things sobering, and even a cough drew sharp eyes from the others.
    â€œSheriff Trent is here because some men tried to shoot me yesterday. They failed and are on their way to their maker. He tells me that I may have to go in and testify in court. That is real serious business.”
    Everyone big and old nodded. But his words didn’t relieve any of the uncertainty written on the family members’ faces.
    â€œThis will work out,” he added to his explanation.
    â€œYou have a herd to take to Kansas next spring?” the sheriff asked, to make conversation.
    â€œNo, after last year, I don’t have much heart to do it,” Chet said.
    Trent’s quick agreement spoke for him, saying he understood that the last year’s losses of life were bad enough. Full conversation around the room never really opened up. Moore, the deputy, spoke some to May, and for the first time, Chet saw her open up a little. More than she had done in a long while. Good for her; she needed to perk up when a man spoke to her.
    The sheriff and his deputy left after supper, but not before the lawman warned