Wanted: The Half Breed Read online

  "Why?" Lee sneered. "I'm having fun!" It looked like he'd broken the dog's right leg.

  "Lee! What are you doing? Stop it!" Roni shouted as she ran toward them to try to help. Jim didn't seem too badly hurt, but Tiger looked as if he might be seriously injured.

  "Get out of here, Roni!" Lee turned on her.

  Roni refused to be intimidated by the likes of him. She kept going, determined to help Tiger. Jim's dog always waited faithfully for him outside of school, and it didn't surprise her to find that he had tried to defend his master from Lee's attack. She knew how mean Lee could be.

  Lee looked furious when she didn't leave. He grabbed her by the arm just as she'd almost reached the mutt. "That dog doesn't need any help."

  "Yes, he does!" she insisted.

  "Let her go!" Jim demanded, getting to his feet.

  Walker had been getting ready to mount up when he heard a girl shout and wondered what was going on behind the schoolhouse. Stacy had just joined him, so together they went to see what had happened. They'd just come around the corner of the building when Lee grabbed Roni. Walker watched her struggle for only a moment before speaking up.

  "You heard him. Let her go," Walker ordered as he watched Roni put up a good fight. He found himself impressed by her daring.

  Lee looked surprised to see Walker and Stacy standing there. Roni was still trying to get away from him, but it was obvious he wasn't about to let her go. He glared at Walker with a look of hatred.

  "You think you can make me since you're such a brave warrior?" he taunted in a nasty tone.

  "That's right." Walker faced off with him, ready for whatever might come next.

  "This is my fight, Walker," Jim spoke up, coming to stand at his side.

  "Walker, don't do anything! Wait—I'll get Miss Lowe!" Stacy called, looking amazed by the change in her brother. Walker knew she had never seen him like this before.

  Lee didn't seem to care if Stacy went for the teacher. He was completely focused on finishing what he'd started with Jim and his mutt.

  "Here," he laughed. "You want her? She's all yours." He shoved Roni toward the two boys as hard as possible.

  Roni was caught by surprise at her sudden release. She fell heavily to the ground as Lee turned to kick the dog again.

  It was then that Walker made his move.

  With perfect accuracy, he drew the hunting knife he kept hidden on him and threw it.

  The deadly-looking blade pierced the ground right in Lee's path and stopped him cold.

  "If you want a fight, pick on someone your own size," he challenged.

  "Why you—!" Lee quickly grabbed up the knife and turned on him, weapon in hand.

  "What is the meaning of this?" Miss Lowe asked. She looked horrified by the sight of Lee holding the knife so threateningly as she came hurrying around to the back of the school with Stacy.

  "It wasn't my fault, ma'am. I was just defending myself!" Lee quickly told her. Accomplished liar that he was, he quickly wove a tale that she'd believe. "Jim and me were just horsing around, and then the half-breed, here, just showed up and threw his knife at me!" He handed the knife over to her.

  The schoolmarm took the weapon from him. She paid no attention to Jim as she glared at Walker, her shock and disapproval over his actions obvious in the look on her face. She had made it clear that she didn't want the half-breed boy enrolled in her school for just this reason.

  "You're nothing but a dangerous animal," she said to Walker. "I know now that I can't allow you to stay in school with the other children. Tell your father that you are no longer to attend classes here."

  "Lee's lying, Miss Lowe! That's not what happened!" Stacy put in, defending her brother. "Tell her, Jim—Tell her, Roni—"

  "Miss Lowe, it's not like Lee said—" Jim began.

  "Miss Lowe," Roni quickly added. "Walker was trying to help me."

  The schoolmarm silenced them both with her sternest, most censorious look. "Walker used his knife as a weapon. He could have killed someone," she said.

  "This is your knife, isn't it?" Miss Lowe demanded of Walker.

  "Yes," Walker answered.

  "Leave the school grounds and do not come back."

  She turned and walked away, keeping the weapon as proof of what he'd done.

  Lee was smirking as he moved off. He'd certainly come out the victor in their confrontation.

  Roni, Jim and Stacy looked shocked by the schoolmarm’s decision, but Walker wasn't.

  "Walker," Stacy spoke up. "What are we going to do?"

  He looked down at his little sister. "Right now, we're going to take care of the dog."

  They all quickly gathered round as Jim and Roni carefully pulled Tiger from where he was hiding in the brush, cowering in pain.

  "How is he?" Jim asked Roni.

  "He looks bad," Roni answered, examining Tiger as best she could. "His leg is broken and I think maybe some of his ribs. We'd better take him over to my father. He'll be able to help him."

  Jim carefully lifted his injured dog into his arms and stood up.

  Roni looked up at Walker as she and Jim started toward her father's office.

  "Walker—"

  Walker was standing with Stacy at his side, watching them, and he met Roni's gaze across the distance.

  "Thank you," Roni told him. "There's no telling what Lee might have done if you hadn't shown up when you did."

  "Yeah, Walker," Jim said. "Thanks for your help. I'm just sorry Miss Lowe didn't believe us."

  "So am I," he said tersely, unsure what he would face when he returned to the ranch and told his father of the teacher's orders.

  He and Stacy turned away to go back to their horses and make the ride out to the Dollar.

  It was much later that night when Paul returned from his trip to town to speak to the schoolmarm. He wasn't in the best of moods as he entered the house to find Walker and Stacy still waiting up for him.

  "Why aren't you in bed?" he demanded.

  "I let them stay up," Elizabeth defended them.

  "What did Miss Lowe say, Father?" Walker asked as he came to stand before Paul.

  Paul pulled Walker's knife out of his belt where he'd been carrying it. He handed it back to his son. "I tried to convince her to let you return to the classroom, but her mind's made up."

  Walker was not surprised by her decision as he stared down at the knife he held in his hand. "I see."

  "What are we going to do?" Elizabeth asked in a worried tone. "Walker's been having a hard enough time trying to fit in, and now this—"

  "Well, I think I've got that worked out already. Dan Geitgey stopped me while I was in town, and he told me how much he appreciated the way you helped Jim out today."

  "He did, Papa. Walker was real brave, standing up to Lee that way," Stacy put in.

  "So I understand." Paul's stern mood eased and he smiled down at his daughter. He looked at Walker. "It seems you've made yourself a good friend in Jim, and, fine student that he is, he's volunteered to tutor you here after school."

  "Jim is real smart," Stacy told Walker earnestly, sounding much happier now that things were going to turn out all right. "He'll teach you good—maybe even better than Miss Lowe!"

  Walker nodded, almost relieved that he didn't have to return to the schoolhouse. "I do have one question, Father."

  "Yes, Walker?"

  "How is the dog?"

  "According to Dan, Dr. Reynolds bandaged Tiger up and he should be all right."

  Finally, Walker smiled.

  Chapter One

  Eight Years Later

  Roni stood before the full-length mirror in her bedroom, critically studying her own reflection. She had arranged her dark hair up in a sophisticated style, and she was wearing the new blue gown her mother had made for just this occasion. The bodice was modestly cut, and the fitted waistline enhanced her slender figure. It wasn't often she got to dress up this way, and she was excited. Social events like the dance were rare in Two Guns, and she
could hardly wait for the social to begin. She was going to get to see Walker again.

  Roni's heartbeat quickened at the thought of him. They had had a secret rendezvous out by the creek near the Dollar the week before, and the memory of their stolen kisses still had the power to thrill her. She was eagerly looking forward to being in his arms, dancing with him tonight. She knew her parents didn't really approve of Walker, but she didn't care. She just wanted to be with him.

  Satisfied that she looked her best, Roni had just turned away from the mirror when her mother walked into the room to check on her.

  "Are you about ready?" Helen Reynolds asked, smiling at the sight of her daughter looking so ladylike.

  "Well, I think so. What do you think?" Roni asked as she faced her mother.

  "I think you look absolutely beautiful," she told her. "My little girl has grown into a lovely young woman."

  "Really?"

  "Really," she assured her. "Now, let's get downstairs. Your father's ready to go, and you know how much he dislikes being kept waiting."

  "But we're worth the wait, don't you think?"

  "Yes, we are," her mother agreed.

  They were both laughing as they left Roni's bedroom. They started down the steps just as her father came out of the parlor.

  Victor Reynolds smiled at their laughter. "You two sound like you're already having fun."

  "We are." Roni went to kiss him on the cheek.

  "I am one lucky man," he said, offering each an arm as he escorted them from the house. "I'm showing up at the dance with the two best-looking ladies in town."

  "Victor, you are such a charmer," Helen told him. "I just hope there are no medical emergencies tonight. I don't want you to get called away."

  They were all smiling as they made their way to the town hall where the dance was being held.

  "What is he doing here?" elderly town gossip Matilda Wentworth muttered to her friend, Amanda Rawlings, when she spotted Walker Stevenson arriving at the dance.

  "I don't know, but keep your voice down. This is supposed to be a fun evening," Amanda censored her.

  "Well, it would be more fun if that—that half-breed wasn't here," Matilda hissed. "What was Paul thinking when he brought him to live on the Dollar?"

  Amanda glanced over at her companion. Matilda was known for being opinionated, and over the years she'd made no secret of the fact that she had no use for the Stevenson boy. "He's Paul's son, and he's grown into a fine young man, considering—"

  "Exactly—'considering.' Considering he spent ten years living like an animal in the Comanche village!" Matilda pointed out haughtily.

  Amanda fell silent. She knew there was no use in trying to change her friend's mind about this.

  Matilda went on. "The rest of the folks around here just go along with including him because Paul's so rich. I'll just bet if his father didn't have the best ranch in the area, there wouldn't be so many people eager to put up with the bastard." Matilda had always made a point of knowing everyone else's business in town, and she had become very good at it over the years.

  "Matilda!" Amanda was truly shocked by her language. "Hush! Dr. Reynolds is coming with his wife and daughter!"

  "Why, Roni, you look nice tonight." Matilda Wentworth said, eying Roni with critical interest.

  "Thank you, Mrs. Wentworth," Roni replied respectfully. She knew that was high praise coming from the older woman, who rarely had a kind word to say about anyone.

  "Good evening, ladies." Helen joined them.

  "Are you ready to have a wonderful evening?" Matilda asked.

  "Oh, yes," Roni answered looking around excitedly to see one of her girlfriends across the room. "Mother, there's Sherry—"

  "Run along and have fun, dear."

  Victor and Helen moved away from the gossipy old ladies and set about enjoying themselves, too.

  Roni was on her way to visit with her friend, but she never made it. Ted Lawson, one of the rowdier hands from a neighboring ranch, cornered her and wasted no time getting her out onto the dance floor.

  Walker was standing off to the side of the room with Jim when he saw Roni arrive with her parents. She looked so stunning, he couldn't take his eyes off her. He thought about the time they'd shared up by the creek and knew he had to dance with her as soon as he could.

  "What are you looking at?" Jim noticed how Walker had gone quiet all of a sudden.

  "Roni."

  Jim glanced in the direction Walker was looking just as Ted started dancing with Roni. "Now I understand your reaction," he chuckled. "She is one fine-looking woman. Too bad Ted got to her first. He's a lucky man."

  "He's lucky, all right" Walker agreed, "but I'm not so sure about Roni."

  They both watched and grew a little concerned for her safety as Ted bounced rambunctiously about the floor with her.

  "You thinking about cutting in?" Jim asked. "If you don't, I will. I'd hate to see her end up at her fathers office tonight getting patched up because of Ted."

  "You're right. I'd better get her away from him."

  Walker made his way through the maze of dancers. Ted was moving wildly about the room, so it wasn't easy to catch up with them, but Walker finally managed to cut in. Ted wasn't happy about the interruption, but Walker didn't care. He just wanted Roni.

  "Mind if I finish up this dance?" Walker asked Roni.

  "Thank you," she told him in a low voice, grateful for his bold move as she went into his arms. "I don't know how much longer I could have lasted with Ted."

  "Glad to help."

  Roni followed his lead in the spirited dance and found herself caught up in the moment.

  "I never knew you were such a good dancer," Roni said, smiling up at him.

  "I'm not," he told her with a wry smile. "Ted just makes me look good."

  She laughed at his quip, and then they both fell silent to enjoy these moments together.

  When the music stopped a short time later, they moved almost reluctantly apart.

  "If you need rescuing again, just let me know," he said.

  "You do have a way of showing up when I need help the most," she told him.

  At the side of the dance floor, Helen Reynolds noticed that Matilda Wentworth was watching Roni intently, her expression one of complete disapproval. She wondered what was putting such a sour look on the old gossip's face.

  "What was Roni thinking dancing with the likes of him?" Helen heard Matilda ask Amanda.

  "Roni is not your daughter, so it doesn't matter what—"

  "What doesn't matter?" Helen asked, joining the ladies.

  Amanda cast Matilda a warning look, but it didn't stop her from putting her two cents' worth in.

  "Did you see who cut in on your daughter while she was dancing with Ted Lawson?"

  "Actually, no, I didn't." Helen looked out across the dance floor, but saw only Roni talking with her girlfriends across the room.

  "It was that—that half-breed—" Matilda informed her.

  "I see. If you ladies will excuse me." Helen moved stiffly away from them, knowing once Matilda got started there was no stopping her.

  As she left she saw Matilda shoot Amanda a smug, superior look and then turn her attention back to watching the dancers.

  Helen sought out her husband and took him aside to speak with him. She told him what she'd learned about Walker and Roni.

  "It was only one dance," he tried to reassure his wife.

  "I know you're right, but it's not like they're children anymore," she countered, worried.

  "I'll keep an eye on things," he promised.

  Roni enjoyed herself as the night went on. She danced with Walker again and with Jim and several of the other young men, but even as she danced with the others, the memory of how wonderful it had felt to be in Walker's arms stayed with her. When the time for the Ladies' Choice dance drew near, she knew what she was going to do. She found Walker in the back of the room, standing near the refreshment table with Jim and several of the ranch han
ds from the Dollar.

  "It's almost time for the Ladies' Choice," Roni told him. "Are you ready?"

  "If he's not, I am," Jim put in, sounding more than willing to accommodate her.

  "She's mine," Walker declared. He stepped up and took her by the hand just as the dance was announced. He wasn't about to let the chance to dance with Roni again pass him by.

  Victor had known that the Ladies' Choice was coming up, and he'd deliberately gone looking for his daughter. He'd been keeping an eye on her for most of the evening and had grown troubled when he'd seen her dance with Walker a second time. Victor had just about reached her when he heard Walker claim her as his own and lead her out onto the floor.

  The thought of the half-breed even having such thoughts about his daughter disturbed Victor. True, Walker was the son of a rich rancher, and he had managed to adapt to living a civilized life, but there could never be any denying he was part Comanche. It took all of Victor's self-control not to make a scene. He stood back, silently wondering what to do about his daughter's errant behavior. He thought they had raised her right. She should have known better than to dance with Walker so many times and risk ruining her reputation.

  "Are you having a good time tonight?" Walker asked Roni.

  "As long as I'm dancing with you," she said, thrilled to be in his arms again.

  He smiled at her compliment. "You know, we could go outside for a while—"

  "Let's," Roni agreed breathlessly.

  Walker skillfully maneuvered them near the side door and quickly led her from the building, holding her hand.

  They moved away from the hall off into the shadows of the night, stopping in a quiet space near a small grove of trees.

  Walker looked around and once he'd made certain they were really alone, he told her, "There's something I've been wanting to do all evening . . ."

  "What?" she asked breathlessly, gazing up at him in the moonlight. He was so handsome—so tall and broad-shouldered. Her heartbeat quickened at the thought that he might kiss her.

  "This," Walker said as he bent to her and kissed her.