Chapter 17

It would hurt the operation to be short a man. Especially since there weren’t that many in the area. Mal supposed he or Lee could ride into town and try to find a young man who could keep his seat on a horse and help with the drive, but whoever they found at this point would probably be the very definition of green. A wet-behind-the-ears pup wouldn’t be better than nothing.

“I think if he were a real man, he’d honor his commitment to Lee. He was hired on for the drive.”

Cy paused at the door, outlined against the bright morning sunshine. Mal couldn’t see his face. “With the understanding he’d get a girl for himself in payment.”

“Lee would never agree to anything like that.”

“He did. And J.R. promised to share. Should have been a bit patient, Mal.” Cy managed to say his name like it was the vilest of curses. “You’d have gotten your turn at her.”