Cathy Mcdavid - Last Chance Cowboy

After skimming the report, he opened his file and took out the map he used to mark the mustang’s territory. Spreading it open on the table, he pointed to the X ’s.

“These are the various places I’ve spotted the mustang in the last four months. You can see, he keeps to the same territory.”

“Which is near the ranch.”

“Within three miles, though he’s come as close as half a mile. I imagine he’s drawn to our horses.”

She murmured her agreement. “Where does he get his water?”

Gavin was glad her attention had ceased wandering. “There could be springs, but this is desert country. I’ve never seen any water in the mountains except after heavy rainfall, which, as you said earlier, has been less than average of late. I’m pretty certain he drinks at the golf course.” Gavin showed her the location of the country club on the map.

“You’re kidding!”

“They maintain a small reservoir on the back end to feed the ponds on the course and for water in case of a fire. The maintenance people have reported all kinds of wild animals drinking there. Javelina, bobcats, coyotes and even a few deer.”

Sage perked up. “Do you own any ATVs?”

“Two. Why?”

“We can use them to round up the horse.”

“No, we can’t. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the preserve. And even if they weren’t, they make too much noise. He’d hear us coming a mile away and take off.”

“How else are we going to capture him? We have to be able to herd him in the direction we want.”

“Like my grandfather and great-grandfather did. On horseback.”

She shook her head. “That won’t work. It’ll take too long.”

Her complete dismissal annoyed Gavin. “It’s that or on mountain bikes.”

“I hope you’re joking.”

“Look, Sage. I’m not the BLM. I don’t have helicopters at my disposal.”

“Do you know someone with a small plane?”

“Even if I did, I wouldn’t enlist their help.”

“I’ll contact my office. Maybe they can obtain permission from the state for us to use your ATVs.”

So much for her little speech about protecting and preserving America’s heritage.

“Forget it. The only way we’re going after this horse is the same way ranchers have for generations. With ropes and on horseback.”

Their gazes connected and held fast. Hers had cooled considerably but revealed little. Gavin was certain there was no mistaking what was going through his mind.

Sage broke the silence. “How exactly are you proposing we go about it?”

“Have you ever heard of a Judas horse?”

“Yes. But I’ve never seen that technique put to effective use.”

“There’s a box canyon in the south end of the preserve. Here.” Gavin tapped the map with his index finger. “We’ll construct a small pen at the base of the canyon and put a couple of our mares in there. Preferably ones in heat.”

“How will you construct the pen? Won’t you need to haul fencing in?”

“We’ll run a rope line. Use any natural materials in the area. We can pack in food and water for the mares, enough to last overnight. If all goes well, the next morning the mustang will be in the canyon with the mares. There’s only one way in and out.” He circled the narrow opening to the canyon.

“How many of us will there be?”

“Me, you, Ethan, Conner, he’s a local cowboy who helps us out part-time, and possibly my partner.” Gavin wished he could include his dad but the older man hadn’t ridden in years.

Sage returned to the map. “So, we could position two riders at the entrance of the canyon, preventing the mustang’s escape, and the other three could trap and rope him.”

“That’s the plan.”

“It might work,” she relented with a shrug.

“It will work.”

“You’re still counting heavily on luck.”

“He’ll come for the mares. I’m sure of it.”

Isa’s laughter reached them across the open area, once again diverting Sage’s attention.

Cassie jogged alongside Chico, urging the old horse into a slow trot that delighted his rider. It pleased Gavin to see his daughter taking her responsibility seriously.

Sage’s expression, however, immediately tensed.

She was, he decided, a worrywart where her daughter was concerned. He hoped that didn’t cause any problems for them. The risk of danger existed with any trip into the mountains. Greater when a wild and unpredictable animal was involved. The last thing they needed was for one of them to be overly preoccupied. That was how accidents happened.

“What time do we leave tomorrow?” she asked, facing him.

“Right after breakfast. I was thinking seven. It’ll be plenty light by then.”

“Do you need any help getting ready?”

There was a lot of work involved. Supplies and equipment to assemble and pack. “If you’re offering, I accept. But I have a four o’clock lesson and won’t be ready to start until after that. Maybe you and your daughter can stay for dinner.”

Gavin could use the help, it was true. But after Sage’s odd behavior today, he’d grown skeptical and really wanted a chance to observe her in action. He had too much riding on capturing the mustang to take chances with a loose cannon.

“I don’t want to impose,” she said.

“My dad always fixes enough for an army.”

Sage glanced at the girls again, her brow creasing with indecision. “I … guess so. Let me make a phone call.”

“My lesson doesn’t start for another twenty minutes.” He refolded the map and put it back in his file. “How ’bout I meet you in the stables after you make your call.”

“Fine.” Sage also collected her materials.

As they stood, a pickup truck rolled through the open area in front of the stables at a speed slightly faster than Gavin would have preferred. Rather than pull behind the stables and park in the area reserved for visitors, the driver came to a dust-billowing stop in front of the hitching rail.

If it were anyone else, Gavin would have a stern word with them. In this case, he simply ground his teeth.

Dan Rivera didn’t think rules— any rules, not just those at Powell Ranch—applied to him. It came from having a very elevated opinion of himself and his abilities. On the other hand, he was a good horse trainer and brought several new customers to the ranch. He was also an astute businessman and had helped Gavin immensely.

So, though it annoyed him, he let the speeding and parking violations slide.

Sage had taken out her cell phone and was punching in numbers. When she caught sight of Dan emerging from his truck, she stopped cold and swore under her breath.

“Do you know him?” Gavin asked.

“Unfortunately, yes.” Her hands shaking, she pocketed her cell without completing the call.

Dan headed in the direction of the parents at the fence, several of whom were his clients.

Sage’s eyes widened with fright as she tracked his every step. “I need to get my daughter.” She started out at a brisk walk.

“What’s wrong?” Gavin lengthened his strides to catch up.

“I’m sorry,” she stuttered. “We can’t stay for dinner after all.”

With that, she broke into a fast run.

SAGE’S HEART BEAT WITH such force she thought it might shatter. Her ex was on a collision course with Isa, and unless Sage sprouted wings, she wasn’t going to get there ahead of him.

Dammit! She didn’t want her daughter meeting her father for the first time in four years with no preparation.

Her fault. All her fault. She’d known Gavin had dealings with Dan. She should have at least anticipated the possibility of running into him at the ranch.

“Sage!” Gavin appeared alongside her just as Dan was approaching Isa.