Chapter 19

Evan comes over to say all’s ready. Dewey and me fire more shots, then run to mount up.

“Keep low as you can,” I call as we take off, riding away so the barn covers us at first. Once the lawmen find no return fire, they’ll figure us gone and fetch their horses to give chase. I figure a five minute lead at best.

I’ve done hard riding many a time, but never like this, because nobody’s ever cornered us in such a way. Even as we flee, I find myself not believing what’s happened. Four men gone, Wade among them.

* * * *

After riding for hours, we stop at some hills, and I ride up to see if we’re being followed. I wish I had Wade’s binoculars, but they’re back at Noble’s because his horse chose not to run with his brethren. Evan comes riding up beside me.

“Can’t count ‘em out,” I tell him.

Dewey then rides up. “I’m thinking west ain’t a good idea. North is better.”