The Gunslinger (Barnett Ranch) by Pamela Ladner

don’t know about him.  I can’t divulge anything, because I’m sworn to secrecy, but I assure you, those men who took your granddaughter, will be seeing hell very soon.” 
                  Ellen was pacing back and forth on the front porch, watching the street waiting for any sign of Virginia.  She was tired and worried sick.  The preacher comforted her some, but not much.  She knew Jax was good with his guns; one only had to watch the way he carried himself to know he was dangerous.  Still, it didn’t calm her nerves much, knowing that.  She hoped he was not also reckless. 
                  Ellen turned at the sound of her name being yelled down the street.  “Mrs. Ellen, Mrs. Ellen, you have a telegram, from Fort Laramie.  It’s from Reeves .”  “Are you sure, it’s from Reeves ?  What does it say?”  “It says; To Ellen Barnett , stop, Have turned back from drive, stop, worried about Virginia, stop, have a bad feeling, stop From Reeves Barnett , stop.”   
    Ellen took the telegram and reread it.  She ran as fast as she could to the telegraph station to send a reply.  To Reeves Barnett , stop, Virginia kidnapped, stop, have sent trusted man to fetch her, stop, come home soon, stop, Ellen Barnett , stop.
    “Mrs. Ellen, are you going to be ok?”  “I’ll be fine, just as soon, as Virginia gets home.”  Ellen walked back down the street and across to her restaurant.  She dismissed the Preacher, informing him she was going to lay down a while.  She was upset and needed time alone. 
    She told herself everything would be fine.  Reeves was coming home and if Jax didn’t bring her back, Reeves would.  She prayed to God, she was right.
     
    Reeves
    Reeves re read the telegram, sent by his grandmother.  His gut had never once failed him in situations, such as these.  Once again, the nagging feeling he kept getting had proven to be right.  His sister had been kidnapped, now what?  Who was this trusted man?  He would know soon enough.  Chugwater was just coming into his sight. 
    Reeves crested the hill, took one long look at the town and kicked his gelding into a run.  The gelding was more than eager to get there too.  He knew that town meant food and water. 
    He pulled the gelding to a stop in front of his grandmothers, home that doubled as a restaurant.  He jumped off his horse, wrapped the reins around the hitching post and walked inside.  There were no customers in the dining area, today.  She probably sent everyone home, until Virginia should return. 
    Reeves climbed the stairs and knocked on his grandmother’s bedroom door.  There was no answer, s o he tried the knob.  It turned, so he let himself in the room.  His grandmother lay sleeping on her bed.  Tears glimmered on her face.  She’d not even bothered to fix her hair in what looked like days. 
    He slammed the door shut, to wake her.  She sat up in surprise then crossed the floor to hug him. “ Reeves , you’re home.  I’m so glad to see you.  I’ve been so worried. ”  “What happened to Virginia, Granny?”  The old woman was distraught and couldn’t get the words out.  She hated saying them.  She couldn’t say them.  She didn’t know where to begin. 

Chapter Sixteen
     
                  Virginia awoke in Jax’s bedroll, with his arms wrapped securely around her.  She wore only his buttoned down shirt that hung to her knees, because she’d washed her clothes and hung them to dry.  She was cold and she clung closer to him.  She thought he was asleep but he pulled her tight and kissed her forehead without opening his eyes. 
                  She snuggled closer to him. “Jax,” she whispered.  “Hmm,” he opened his eyes and looked down into hers.  “What’s going to happen when we get home?”  “I’m going to take you home to Mrs. Ellen’s and everybody’s going to welcome you, home.”  “I mean, what’s going to happen