Broken Canyon

By "Mark Paul" Sebar

Mix together two feuding ranch estates, a ghostly secret and lost gold. Throw in a personal family dispute, and Wyler Scott, for Broken Canyon. On an invitation from a scared relative, the sheriff finds himself caught up in a nasty broil, over cattle and sheep. Befriended by Apache's, who are loathed by the local law, Wyler takes the rap from crooked deputies. It's a frame up, to get him out of the way. The Bodell's want him dead. The drug trafficker's want him dead. A ghostly curse threatens the Scott family, and a hired hitman pursues the sheriff, on a family visit he will never forget. It’s Wyler Scott at his best. Lots of action when he visits these problems in North Eastern Arizona. The West will never be the same!

• Language: English
• Publisher: "Mark Paul" Sebar
• Release date: Oct 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781930246416

"Mark Paul" Sebar

My most important love is story telling of fictional tales, far away places, memorable characters, great beginnings and surprise endings. I can author work across many genres comfortably. If I can connect with you my reader, then I did my job and we are hopefully, both happy.II don't try to author woke, politically correct content, but rather entertainment value work. I like to think of my stories as having a 'Movie in your mind' and if I connect with a reader that way, I have done my job.From my "Sheriff Wyler Scott" franchise to the "CalHouse" Technological terror tales of the 21st century, to a diabolical Veep at Weasle Mortgage and Loa in "$$$Amount Due$$$" to a dying man kidnapped in place of a woman by grey aliens on a disc in "Captura" ... I like my readers to be able to visit all types of places. Even in time, take "Skyway Arizona" where a 747 makes an emergency landing in the year 1885. Or a future detective "Turbadia" a detective from hell for the bad guys who seems unstoppable, to a religious scifi confrontation in the future "Thunder Dead" God versus the Devil and grey alien.It is that imagination, the travels with the characters, the places they have been, a hopeless situation turned around, this is what is important, an escape from the real world for several hours to go on those adventures and meet new characters.That is my world and I hope it 'Rocks your mind' for several hours. Humbly yours, American Author, Poet, Filmwriter and Songwriter, "Mark Paul" Sebar.

Book preview

Wyler Scott Series #4

Broken Canyon

By

Mark Paul Sebar

Copyright 1995 All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

A mixture of Trouble

Mix together two feuding ranch estates, a ghostly secret and lost gold. Throw in a personal family dispute, and Wyler Scott, for Broken Canyon. On an invitation from a scared relative, the sheriff finds himself caught up in a nasty broil, over cattle and sheep. Befriended by Apache's, who are loathed by the local law, Wyler takes the rap from crooked deputies. It's a frame up, to get him out of the way. The Bodell's want him dead. The drug trafficker's want him dead. A ghostly curse threatens the Scott family, and a hired hitman pursues the sheriff, on a family visit he will never forget. It’s Wyler Scott at his best. Lots of action when he visits these problems in North Eastern Arizona. The West will never be the same!

Broken Canyon

Sheriff Wyler Scott Novel #4

First Edition Printing 2011

Copyright © 1995 All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress, United States of America

ISBN 978-1-930246-41-6 TXu000838198

http://www.sebar.com/pub

Please support the author, many thousands of hours went into this story.

Table of Contents

Chapter 01

Chapter 02

Chapter 03

Chapter 04

Chapter 05

Chapter 06

Chapter 07

Chapter 08

Chapter 09

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Sneak Future Preview

Other Novels

Broken Canyon Links of Interest

Chapter 1

Page Arizona

Sky Parks was a beautiful woman, in her early thirties. She was also a town sheriff in Page Arizona. Her word was commanding, her skill at Jujitsu, the best. Local folk heeded her warnings, respected her presence. For a long time there were subdued feelings of anger and hatred at the Bodell Ranch, and she was always cognizant of the fact there would one day be a problem with those folks. They were an evil family, bent on controlling the cattle industry, in northeastern Arizona. She had a seminar to attend in Tokyo. Her first deputy, Clyde Swenson, carried her bags to her car. He helped her put them in her trunk. Ma’am, he tipped his hat. If you don't mind my asking, how long ya gonna be?

Two weeks. I expect a call from you every night at this number. She handed him a note. I want to know what's happening around here when I am gone. This is an important seminar, and I don't want to miss it. Oh, Clyde.

Yes ma’am.

Make sure too keep an eye on the Bodell's, I wanna know any problems that arise. There has been some trouble with Jesse Bodell and his friends.

I'll be sure to call you if there's any trouble happenin'. He watched her get in the old Ford Galaxie. The car was a restored 69 model, gloss white in color. One could see she was a clean person, by how she maintained her set of wheels. The paint shined, as she drove away from him.

Sky glanced in the rear view mirror. She had a feeling for the moment, but it passed, as she headed south towards Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, to catch her flight.

Coahchella Valley, California

The desert was blistering hot, but it had come down to a murder investigation. Wyler wasn't the man to mess with, he was someone, you just left alone. If you didn't, you were flirting with death, a fast and just death. The sheriff's instincts told him what was happening. They were arguing inside the Cathedral City apartment, hurling insults. A fight was emerging from the hatred between the woman and her husband. Mohany looked to Wyler for approval, the sheriff nodded. The Cahuilla deputy announced their presence.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department, we have a search warrant.

Bang, bang, bang, all shots went through the wooden door. So much for that, Wyler remarked. Bubba, you get your vest on. I don't want you getting shot on me a second time.

The big black deputy straightened his Resistol hat. Give me a little more credit than that, boss.

Wyler pointed at the locked handle. Then he squeezed off a round from his Stainless steel Dan Wesson 44 magnum, which took the handle clear off. I have a question for you Wyler Scott, Bubba asked. Why a 44 magnum? Why a Dan Wesson revolver?

Because I hit what I aim at…and then some. As for the brand, they're one of the most accurate revolvers on the market. Besides, with my Pistol Packs, I can change barrel sizes. He pushed the door with his foot. Two more shots went through the wooden door.

Mohany came back from around the side of the apartment. Sheriff, I got a look at him. He's got a snub 357, the lady's in the bathroom tied up.

Wyler swung the 44 magnum to the wall. He stood back, squeezing off three rounds. A moment later, there was a thud, and then a scream. Bubba kicked the door in as a shot rang past his head at the ceiling. Wyler entered behind him, putting another round in the dying suspect. The dying man glanced up at Wyler. I curse you to hell. Your relatives will pay with their lives for this, then he collapsed. Mohany entered the bathroom, quickly freeing the woman from her ropes, as more deputies filed into the apartment.

Bubba turned to Wyler. You shouldn't take that seriously, Sheriff. I heard curses all the time in East L.A., from the opposing brothers, and I'm here talking about it.

Damned well came close to a bullet in the head, too, Wyler scolded.

Mohany carried her from the bathroom. I got the girl, he smiled. They all gave him a dirty look. Well, don't all of you thank me at once, he commented, gently setting her on the couch. In moments, the paramedics were on the scene.

Wyler exited the premises. He stood on the balcony of the apartment complex, taking a deep breath of the smoggy summer air. To the east, a thunderhead crackled. It was monsoon weather out there, scorching hot in some parts of the desert, and sticky in others. He fixed his Stetson atop his head, taking a report that was handed to him, by another deputy.

I'm due for a vacation purdy soon, he told himself.

Remember the last time you took one, Mohany grinned, Almost got me killed.

Everyone almost got killed, Wyler replied. You still heading to Japan for that conference?

Yeah, Mohany told him. I stayed there on tour of duty during my days in Nam. I have a few old haunts over there that need revisiting, besides, it's a month long deal.

I'd probably go myself if I had the time, but the way things are going here, I don't. Sushi and me have never agreed.

Mohany laughed a moment. Sushi, huh.

You have fun over there, I'm sure you'll be bringing me a lot of paraphernalia, when you get back. Wyler took his hat off wiping his forehead. I need to get one those hats with ventilation holes in the sides, it's a hundred degrees wherever you go in Southern California.

Yeah, but this is the home of my ancestor's, the Cahuilla Indian's. Look at those beautiful mountains, Mohany pointed at the High San Jacintos, rising above the smog of Palm Springs. It's different up there.

Wyler checked his cylinders, emptying the spent rounds. He refilled the revolver, holstering it. That was a real adventure then. I almost didn't get to you.

Glad you did, sheriff. It's been a very rewarding career. I've had a lot of time to think lately.

Wyler thought he was going to say the worst. "Don't even think of quitting on me. I need you in this department. That Pu'ul ESP of yours, been keeping my neck out of some hot spots."

No, not that. I got laid the other night by this chick from Cucamonga. She's a fine woman, got it all. I've had a few thoughts about tying the knot, but she is just in passing I suspect. Wanted to know if you’re interested in becoming a best man when my time comes?

Whoa…that came out of left field. Sounds like Mohany Rodriguez is ready to settle down. A couple of pesky flies attacked Wyler's head, as he constantly brushed them away.

I'm not getting any younger, sheriff. I want a family, a son to teach what I have learned, as my father taught me. A wife to share my lonely time with. I need to get my life going, before it's gone.

Wyler smiled. C’mon, I'll buy you an ice cold Sharp's. It's too damned hot out here.

Wyler and Mohany walked down to the sheriff's truck, as Bubba came running up behind them. Wyler looked at him. Join us for a non-alcoholic beer.

Thanks sheriff, it's almost that time of day. Bubba hopped in the passenger seat, Mohany got in back, and they all drove away. The paperwork these poor men would face was becoming overwhelming. Wyler knew he would have to streamline the workload, and pencil pushing at some point in the near future. Nevertheless, for now it was a matter of getting out of the blistering heat.

Northern Arizona

Big Mesa was a Tonto Apache Indian. He was actually a man of average height, who wore a chop top hairdo. Never once in his life did he ever smoke cigarettes, or use drugs. He almost never touched liquor, and knew nothing of gambling. His bank account was gained through honest hard work, using his hands and pouring sweat. The draw of dusk brought him to Angela Powers doorstep. Her family had accepted Big Mesa, realizing his solid values as a person. His older brother, Juh Mesa, was a different story. If ever there was a contrast, Juh was it. He'd tried drugs, smoked cigarettes and committed a murder at 13. However, the claim was that the murder was self-defense. Even though the proof was there, Juh got the short end of the stick, spending time in jail. He was a hardened man, heading toward ruination. While the two lived together on the Navajo Reservation, they rarely talked, but there was a strong love between them, that when things got bad, they were there as family.

Big Mesa waited on the porch of the old home, while Angela approached him. I have this spot near Monument Valley, that's just breathtaking, he smiled.

What kind of spot? her old man questioned.

Dad, don't jump on him. I'm a lot safer with his relatives and him, then with troublemakers like Jesse.

Jesse's no troublemaker, he's a good kid, comes from a rich family. I suppose there ain't much I can do too change your mind? he told them. Big Mesa, you take care of my daughter. If anything happens to her, you're responsible.

You know I will sir. She's my life. His words were sincere, and Mister Powers knew that to be true.

Big, removed the braid from her golden blond hair. Then the two of them walked over to his Jeep. He opened the door for her to get in. I love you, he told her.

I know. I love you too, she replied. They both drove off in the Jeep, leaving dust behind them.

Monument Valley was just as pretty as it had been in many a western photo or movie. Their Jeep sat at the edge of a cliff, a beautiful sunset, and clouds in the distant western sky, aglow in red and orange hues.

This truly is beautiful, Angela remarked. Your ancestors were lucky to live in Arizona. I can see why they live here.

Most of them were Apache's, from Tonto. But now, Juh and I live with our Aunt…she's a Navajo. He turned around, reaching into the back of the Jeep. Big handed her a gift, prodding her to unwrap it. Go ahead, I got this for you.

Delicately, she undid the red ribbon. Then she meticulously unwrapped the gift. You didn't have to—

I wanted you to have this.

How beautiful. What is it?

Big wiped his sweating brow. Then he reached across and kissed her on the lips. It was a passionate kiss, each rubbing tongues, exchanging drool. "A Kachina doll. My Aunt made this one for us. I have a question to ask you."

She put the doll on the dash. What question is that?

Will you marry me? He spotted resistance in her eyes; he read it like a book. Give it time and thought. I have been waiting for the right time to make this proposal.

She caught her breath, bluntly staring into the sunset. Yes Big Mesa, I will marry you. When do you want to do this?

I want to let our folks know. We can plan this anytime, how about this Saturday?

Okay. I have always wanted to get married in Vegas. How about a Vegas wedding, she smiled, realizing the commitment she was making? But it was a step forward, a beginning in her life. She grabbed his cell phone, dialing her home number. Dad, I'm going to marry Big Mesa this Saturday.

You can't do that, he threatened. You're—

It's going to happen and that's, that. She hung up on him.

No, I'll just stop this right here and now. Her father dialed the Bodell's Ranch. Let me talk to Jesse.

A moment passed, while he waited on the line. Jesse was a good looking kid. He was also a troublemaker, with an eye for Angela, and a hatred for all people who weren't white, especially Native American's. This is Jesse.

My daughter's with Big Mesa at the edge of Monument. The two of them are planning to get married on Saturday. Now, normally I would let her go, but not with Big Mesa. I'd advise you to stop her, and change her mind before she makes this terrible mistake. Do what I would have done when I was your age. The words that Mister Powers spurted were from prejudiced anger.

No problem Mister Powers, I'll take care of this personally. Your little girl's safe with me. He hung up the phone, grabbed a forty-five, and popped a clip in it. Jesse picked up the cordless phone, calling his friends. He's at it again. Sam, get Josh and Rod. I'm going to scalp an Injun and get a new girlfriend in one night. He holstered the forty-five, pulled out a large, sharp, blade. The evil steel glimmered under the living room lights. He grabbed his keys, heading out the door.

Wyler pulled up in his old Chevy Blazer, which had a slight case of pre-ignition sputters; he had been having car problems lately. In front of his Mobil home, sat a gloss black, Porsche 911 Carrera 4. There was a pink ribbon wrapped around it. He saw that Ileen's car was gone, and his door was ajar. The sheriff knew something was going on. He pulled his big Dan Wesson 357 Super Magnum from his new shoulder holster. The barrel was 8 inches long, with two heat-dissipating slots on each side. Thumbing the hammer back, he kicked the door open, with his foot. A cute blond in a bathing suit was on his couch. She jumped up, yelling surprise! And was she ever surprised to see the gun blaring down at her nose.

He holstered the weapon. By God lady, could have given a man a heart problem.

She approached him. This is to let you know that you have won a new Porsche in the Publisher's Bookworm Sweepstakes. She handed him the keys and pink slip.

He was speechless. Where's—?

The other lady wanted me to tell you, she's on her way. Then she wrapped her arms around Wyler, pressing her lips against his. I'm your second prize, she told him.

He gently pushed her away, glancing at her cleavage in the swimsuit. She had a nice bust, that matched the rest of her gorgeous figure. Thank you for coming, he showed her to the door, but I have some things to attend to, and this is a bad time. I'll call you a taxi. He helped her out onto the porch, and then closed the door behind him. She seemed bewildered, but accepted his privacy. Wyler glanced at the Porsche keys in his hand. He moved the shade, to look