A FRESH START 18

bill stood there watching the approaching riders. he was getting pretty put out with things. he came here looking for solitude and peace and quiiet and all he has had was a steady stream of folks comming through his yard. the two riders rode up in front of his barn. bill stood there with his rifle under one arm. he took in the two mens appearence with a casual eye" you fellas look like you come a far peice. what can i do for you?" " we are looking for braxton starr. we were told he came this way with john slaughter." the weary man said. the two horses were guaunt and drawen. bill s bad attitude was weakening." they just left here a bit ago. i believe they are headed to willcox. your welcome to water your horses if need be." bill pointed to the trail the buggy had take with starr following. " we will try to catch them, theres been a killing in san simon. they need the law quick." the rider stated and kicked his give out horse into a trott in the direction bill pointed. for the next few days bill got his wish. solitude. no one came by. the tension left his body and his soul relaxed. the kearneys were being peaceful and the law hadnt been back. the issue over the hand bill was almost forgotten. bill was out on the range and had a maverick tied down and was heating a running iron when he saw braxton starr rideing his way. starr rode up to the fire and sat there quietly while bill burned his mark on the tied down animal. when done bill looked up and said " howdy mr. starr . get down and rest your saddle." starr smilled and stepped down off the good clevland bay. he dropped the bridle reins and stepped over to bill extending his hand. bill took it and shook it. " " i had about given up on finding you until i saw that little bit of smoke. icame to let you know slaughter has contacted that bank and had those hand bills pulled in. the killing in san simone was brought about by the damned hand bill. they killed a bar tender who they took to be you. i tracked them back into new mexico but had to give it up. i just thought you out to know." braxton explained while bill scrubbed his boot toe at the edge of the fire. " i thank you for that. i guess i need to start wearing my pistol huh?" bill asked. " i would. and not go into places where a ambusch could be if i get word on those two ill come let you know. slaughter is fit to be tied. i think he would have gone to that bank and laid them low. viola had to talk a hard line to keep him here." braxton grinned. " keep a sharp eye out. ime headed back to home at paradise. he turned and picked up his bridle rein and mounted his horse. " come up the mountain and see us some time" he waved a quick wave and rode back the way he had come. bill watched him a while then untied the animal at his feet and turned it loose. he kicked out the fire and put his cooled running iron back on his saddle. all the time thinking about what braxton had told him. his pucker string was pulled down snug again.