“Diego and I visited the house when Mr. Corrigan was still alive. I know the general design even though I was not in all the rooms.” She drew the outline and filled in several rooms.
After deliberating, she drew another set of rooms. “There is a second floor. That’s where they’re keeping Mac.”
Mama watched her. “That must be a large home.”
Yolanda nodded. “The hacienda is well-built and spacious. When Mr. Corrigan’s wife was alive it was very grand. After she died he lost hope but still he would not sell to Lawson.”
She drew a rectangle around the diagram she had made. “There is a high wall around it intended as protection against Apache, Comanche, and Comancheros.”
Judith asked, “Do you know how many men are guarding the ranch house?”
“Carlos will know. He is one of them. I will find out when he comes again. I hope he comes this evening.”
Mama clasped her hands. “I pray he will come and be sympathetic to Josiah’s cause. Does he come alone?”
“He comes to the boardinghouse alone but I think others come with him to the Los Perdidos cantina. He leaves drinking early to come and see Diego. They have been best friends since they were small boys.”
“Do they all ride back to the ranch together?”
“I think so but I don’t know. Carlos knows I love Mac and he tells me how Mac survives. I worry so about him.” Yolanda broke into sobs.
Judith hugged the other girl. “I’m sorry to cause you so much distress. Please forgive me but we must learn the answers to these questions in order to help him.”
“I know, I know. This has been so terrible. I will tell you when Carlos comes again.”
She dried her eyes on the hem of her full skirt. “I must compose myself and go to the kitchen.”
Peyton rapped then came into the room. “I beg your pardon, ladies. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
Yolanda rushed past him. “I must go.”
Peyton held his hands in front of him. “Sorry I interrupted. I shouldn’t have barged in.”
Judith pointed to the chair. “She was leaving but she promised she will tell us when Carlos comes to see her brother again.”
“I hope he’ll throw in with us.”
“We have a map of the house. Yolanda said it was once very grand.” Judith showed him the diagram.
He examined the drawing. “There’s nothing more we can do until we make contact with this friend of hers. Each of us needs sleep.” He stood in front of Mama. “Are you afraid to stay here alone tonight?”
“I am not entirely alone.” Mama smiled and turned back the covers to display the handle of her revolver. “Besides, I am heavily drugged to calm me—how could I possibly worry? You two go to your room.”
Judith kissed Mama’s cheek. “Good night. I will see you early in the morning.”
***
The two of them were in their room when, a half hour later, a light knock sounded on their door. Peyton opened it and Yolanda, her brother, and a second young man stepped in.
Yolanda spoke very low. “You know my brother, Diego. This is Carlos Ortega.”
Peyton shook hands with the young men. “Thank you for coming. Carlos, we hope you will help us rescue Mac, my wife’s brother. We’re both Pinkerton agents who intend to restore law and order to Los Perdidos. First, we must get Mac to safety.”
“I understand, Señor. It will not be easy. Six guards are on duty at all times. I am a cowboy, but at least four of the guards are pistoleros… gunmen.”
Judith asked, “Is Mac still alive and conscious?”
Carlos shook his head. “He drifts in and out. I fear he won’t last much longer. Secretly I have given him water.”
Peyton met the young man’s gaze. “That’s brave of you. I’m sure you would be shot for doing so if caught.”
“Depends on who caught me. If it was one of the gunmen, I would be. The other guard is a cowboy like me who is afraid to openly defy Lawson. Those who tried disappeared or were shot.”
“Who will be guarding tomorrow night?”
“My friend and I will be but so will the worst of the gunmen. His name is Oslo. He’s huge and blond and likes to throw around his weight. He thinks he is unbeatable. I would like to see him learn that isn’t true.”
“If you and your friend will help us, my men and I can take care of the gunmen. Counting myself we have four men.”
Judith tapped him on the shoulder. “And one woman who is an excellent shot.”
Peyton sent her a stern look. “You will remain here to nurse your mama and to treat your brother when we return with him.”
She opened her mouth but Carlos’s halted her.
“Señora, please… you don’t know these men.”
He raised a hand toward her as if pleading. “They sometimes bring women to the ranch. They are devils who treat women worse than garbage. To explain why I don’t bring a woman, I tell them I am in love with Yolanda.”
Carlos shook his head. “Don’t worry, Mac knows this is not the case. Please, I beg you to remain here. Your men cannot help your brother if they must also guard you.”
Peyton put his arm around her. “I know you’re concerned for your brother, Red, but you know Carlos spoke the truth. If they were to capture you, they would use you against your brother and it would be the end for him and for you.”
She crossed her arms. “All right, you’ve made your point. I don’t like it but I’ll stay here with Mama.”
Peyton caressed her back as he spoke. “Carlos, who are the marshal’s deputies?”
“There is
