“A wise decision.”
The two men rode to the hitching rail near the porch.
“Hello, Sheriff Haney. Won’t you come inside?”
The man wearing a badge got down and came to the porch. “This fellow is looking for a job as a ranch hand. I told him you might be hiring.”
The second man’s face lit up and he broke out with a wide grin. He climbed down from his horse and rushed to pump Bret’s hand. “Bret Craig, I’ll be hornswoggled. I thought you was on the way to California.”
Bret stared at him for a long time. Images rushed at him. His head swam and he thought he might throw up. A name sprang to his lips, “Moose? Your name is Moose.”
“It sure is.” The old cowboy gave him a funny look. “Hey partner, you’re a might peaked. What’s wrong?”
Bret swallowed the bile in his throat. He turned to Charlotte and patted his chest “I’m Bret Craig. I remember I was on the way to San Francisco when I fell.”
Charlotte wore an odd expression. “Th-that’s wonderful. I’m glad for you.” She glanced away as if she couldn’t stand to look at him. Addressing the sheriff, she said, “Please, we should go inside.”
Once they were in the kitchen, she gestured to the table. “Have a seat and I’ll serve coffee. Breakfast is about ready.”
Davie patted her shoulder. “Susie and I will take care of the coffee while you tell the sheriff about the spy and the prowler.”
She fried eggs to add to the stack of meat she had on a platter. While she did, she related the previous day’s events.
Frowning, the sheriff looked at her. “Would you recognize the man who spied on you?”
She shook her head. “He was in some trees. We couldn’t tell anything about his features.”
Sheriff Haney turned to Bret. “Would you recognize the prowler?”
“I didn’t see more than a shadow. After I fired my rifle I heard a horse gallop away. Must have had his horse tied up behind the barn.”
The sheriff gestured to Moose. “Mrs. Dunn, this man is looking for a job. I always figure a man who comes to the sheriff to ask who’s hiring is honest.”
Moose still stood and held his hat in both hands. “I’m Moses Tatum but folks call me Moose.”
Charlotte smiled at him. “You heard about our trouble. If you still want the job, you have it. You can put your gear in the bunkhouse but you’ll eat in here as part of the family.”
“Thank you, Miz Dunn, I sure appreciate the job. I’m loyal and a hard worker and don’t scare off easy.”
She gestured to him. “Obviously, you know Bret Craig. These are my children Davie, Susie, and Jimmy. Bret was badly injured when he fell from his horse. He has a gash on the back of his head and has had amnesia until you spoke to him. Now, sit down and let’s eat.”
Moose took a seat across from Bret. As soon as Charlotte said grace, Moose asked, “If that don’t beat all. I never knowed anyone what had amnesia.” Moose peered at him. “Does it hurt?”
Bret shook his head slowly. “Head’s still tender but healing. The cut on my noggin sure did hurt at first plus it gave me a terrible headache. I’m lots better now thanks to the excellent care I’ve received here.”
The sheriff drained his cup then pushed away his plate. “That cloud looked to be carrying rain. I’d better try to beat it to town so I don’t get soaked.” He rose and reached for his hat.
Charlotte stood. “You’re welcome to wait out the storm with us.”
“Thank you but my wife will be worried. She’s scared of storms. Living on the upper floor of the jail like we do, storms sure sound loud. Safe as can be there but those big stone blocks create an echo. Thunder sounds like Judgment Day.”
Charlotte walked with him to the door.
Davie asked Moose, “Want me to take care of your horse, sir?”
Moose sent Davie a wide smile. “Real nice of you to offer but maybe you’ll show me where I can put my horse and gear.”
Jimmy hopped out of his chair. “I’ll show you, too, Mr. Moose.”
Moose laughed. “No mister to my name, boys, I’m just plain Moose.”
Susie ran after them. “Wait for me, I want to come.”
Charlotte returned as Moose and the three children left. “I have to say this day is starting off better than yesterday.” She gave him a stiff smile.
“Having my memory back is a relief. I worried plenty about who and what I was. Good to know I’m not crazy or a criminal or a ne’er do well. I’m not sure what I thought I’d find in San Francisco.” He didn’t mention his memory of his sister and the myth of pirate gold. No use going into all that malarkey.
“Perhaps the thrill of planning an adventure attracted you.” She drained hot water from the range reservoir and poured it into the dishpan. When she’d shaved in soap, she added some of the dishes.
He mulled her words a few minutes. Funny, life had seemed fun at the time he was gaming and drinking with his friends. Now that memory rankled. Yet work at the company had bored him. He’d hated being cooped up in an office all day.
“Guess you’re right about planning an adventure. I hadn’t led an exciting life up until then.” He grinned. “Compared to being here, that is.”
She rolled her eyes. “Ours has been too exciting lately in my opinion. I’d prefer routine ranch life. I’m not sure we’ll have that, though. Not with someone plotting against us.”
Her words brought him back to her problems. “You believe this Winfield character is the culprit behind the rustling and shootings?” He rose and picked up
