Young Roy Shuster served five years in the Yuma, Arizona, prison, and when he’s released on December 24, 1889, he revels in freedom at last. A local man, an ex-convict, takes him in and teaches him lovemaking.<br><br>But Ray can’t abide the prison’s proximity and moves on to Tombstone where, despite a growing interest in a rancher named Clay Bowman, he causes more trouble than good. Can Clay see past Roy’s youthful impulsiveness, even when it lands him in jail?

Riding High

“One dollar cash money, my horse and rig, my bedroll.”


Here I was lost so I made up a number. “I paid fifty dollars for horse and rig,” I lied, glancing at Clay who I knew was wondering did I steal the animal because convicts aren’t given a horse upon release.


The marshal recorded the value as well as descriptions of the men. “Red bearded one held the rifle on me,” I added. “The other two was rough looking, black mustache on one, the other plain, clean shaven. He rode a roan. I noticed that. The other two were on bays.”


Once the report was completed, the marshal issued a warning. “If you spot them, I don’t want you going after them.”


“Still, you come get me and I’ll arrest them.”


Next thing I knew, Clay put a hand on my shoulder. “Roy?” he inquired and I realized I had, in just a couple seconds, gone back to stand before the warden and say those words, yes, sir.


Chapter 6