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was mere hours in the grave. Right now Parker wasnt able to forgive either. Anger controlled everything about him, a seething fury at the injustice of his brothers death.
    You heard what the preacher said about pa. It might be true, but he has no right to speak about him that way. I cant believe God has a man like him as a preacher any more than I can believe the McCaws should run free. The boy shook with uncontrollable emotions.
    Parker couldnt talk any sense into him until he calmed down. Well talk after you take your ma home tomorrow.
    We arent spending the night here after what he just said.Im the man of the house now. If you wont deputize me, then Ill take out after them myself.
    Another death in the family would destroy your ma. I understand how you feel, but out of respect for her, please let me handle this.
    Maybe for today.
    Lets keep talking about this. Youve done a mans job since you were ten years old, and now you have a heavier burden.
    John stiffened. Im going back to the cemetery for a while. Tell Mama Ill be back to take her home.
    Parker watched him until he disappeared behind the church. An angry man often didnt have a lick of sense, especially one who wasnt full grown. Parker said his good-byes to Preacher Waller and his missus and then promised Leah hed check on her at church tomorrow. The business of Aiden McCaw in the towns jail needed his attention.
    On his way back to relieve Sage, he stopped at the general store and wired the proper authorities in Denver notification of Aiden McCaws presence in his jail and a request to send Morrows bounty. A US Marshal would arrive in a few days to deliver Sages money. The sooner Sage received her due, the sooner hed be rid of her. Something about the woman bothered him. Maybe it was the way she spoke her mind. Or maybe it was because she had the guts to bring in a hardened man like Aiden McCaw. She didnt appear to need a man for anything, and that was against nature. Or maybe it was the hawk and its piercing eyes. Hed heard many stories of how Sage Morrow searched the state for the men who had murdered her husband. How the part-Ute woman learned how to track and survive in the wild. Hed even heard she knew how to talk to animals and make a man do whatever she wanted. What was he supposed to believe? For certain he wanted her out of town.
    Parker opened the door to his office. Sage was already on her feet with her Colt drawn.
    Whoa, Im the marshal. Shoot me, and youll have a real problem.
    Her eyes darkened, and with sleep threatening to take over, she looked more than a bit menacing. Her hand slipped to her side. Aiden insists on the same thing.
    Parker glanced at the prisoner and cringed at the ear-piercing snore. Did he give you any problems?
    Said he needed the outhouse, but I told him he could use the chamber pot. That way, you could empty it.
    His favorite chore as a marshal. Thanks. Ah, I sent a wire for a US Marshal to take Aiden in and bring your money. He paused. She did look real tired. I appreciate your staying while I looked in on Leah and the boys.
    I was glad to do it. She tossed a look at Aiden, whose mouth was gaping open like a fish. Can we step outside?
    Parker led the way. His only desire was to placate the woman and get her out of his hair. Thank goodness she left the hawk on his desk. Outside, she rested her hat atop dark hair that hung straight to her waist and was tied with a piece of leather. He hadnt noticed how shiny black it was before.
    He said a few things I ought to pass on, she said. Often its hard to tell when a liars telling the truth, but he added your name to mine in his list of threats. He claimed he and his gang have plans for both of us. Does that make any sense to you?
    Parker listened, measuring every word. Because hes in my jail?
    I thought you might be able to explain his cocky attitude. With your brother killed and all, I thought you could add a little light to Aidens claims. I wondered if you and your brother had found