The Alamosa Trail Page 18

  “That’s fine with me,” Dingus said. “I’ve always had a hankerin’ to see California anyway.”

  “Good choice,” Jim said.

  “Come on, boys. Let’s get out of here,” Dingus said.

  Lester started to pick up his gun.

  “Leave your guns here,” Jim ordered.

  By now, Gene and Barry had led their horses over to them. Gene nodded toward Shardeen’s body. “Take your trash with you,” he said.

  Nodding in assent, Lester and Arnie picked Shardeen up and threw him belly down across his horse. Then the outlaws mounted and rode away, disappearing into the darkness.

  “I think maybe I’ll follow along behind those fellas for a while, just to make certain they don’t change their minds,” Frank said.

  “Good idea,” Jim said.

  “Barry, Gene, why don’t you two come with Brenda and me?” Marilou said. “We’ll show you the bunkhouse where you can stay.”

  Smiling, the cowboys followed the two young girls off into the dark. Now only Jim and Katie remained.

  “I owe you so much,” Katie said when they were alone.

  “You don’t owe me anything,” Jim replied.

  “Yes, I do,” Katie insisted. “But what I owe you can’t be paid with money.”

  Katie ringed Jim’s neck with her arms, then kissed him hard on the lips.

  “But if you are willing to negotiate, I think I can find some way to say thanks.”

  “I’m more than willing to negotiate,” Jim said huskily, eagerly returning her kiss.