You Can’t Kill a Cowboy (The Texas Riders Western #10) (A Western Frontier Fiction): The Texas Riders, #10

By Joseph Powell

They took everything he held dear… now he's taking it back.

Rancher Frank Collins lives a quiet life in Charbury, Texas.

He prefers to keep to himself and mind his own business along with his animals.

But… then John Moon shows up.

And… everything changes.

The Moon Gang is known across the country for their evil ways.

When they rob a bank, they don't leave anyone alive.

But John Moon is tired of running.

He wants to settle down, and he thinks Charbury is the perfect place to do it.

If anyone tries to stop him, he'll make sure they pay.

But he hasn't met Frank Collins yet.

Maggie Stewart has been hunting John Moon for a year, ever since he took her sister.

She's close to finding him, but he's always one step ahead.

When she meets Frank Collins, she wants nothing to do with him.

But soon she has no choice.

If she wants to stop John and get her sister back, she'll need Frank's help to do it.

Can Frank stop John Moon before he kills again, or will he lose his own life in the process?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joseph Powell
• Release date: Feb 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393171263

Joseph Powell

Joseph Powell is the author of Last Stand at Rock Springs.  He is a classic western writer and his stories always happened at the real place with a fictional eye. He lives in Kansas City with his wife and two children.

Book preview

prologue

* * *

1872, Clear Water, Texas

Maggie Stewart sat at the dining table in her family’s home, tapping her foot impatiently against the aged hardwood floor, waiting for her younger sister Katherine to return so they could begin eating. After which, Maggie vowed to take Katherine into their bedroom, tie her up so she couldn’t run, and give her a piece of her mind.

Katherine was only nineteen, but for the last few weeks, she’d been acting all of twelve. She’d been late to every meal and forgotten her chores, leaving Maggie and their elder brother, Tom, to pick up the slack.

Their farmhouse was small but cozy, and the land they lived on was similar. They did not have the acreage many of their neighbors had, but what they did have, they kept well.

She had never known her parents to miss a payment or a harvest, but it was only because they all worked together. Katherine’s absences of late were hurting them all, and she had given them no reason for it. Well, no reason any of them found believable, anyway.

Yesterday’s excuse had been the worst of all. The bakery opened late, and I just couldn’t leave without getting some bread.

When Maggie and her mother had pointed out that they always made their own bread, Katherine had shrugged and said, I thought something different would be nice.

When they asked her where the bread was, Katherine had looked flustered. Her eyes darted around the room, and she blushed a deep red. Well, I got so hungry waiting for it that I... I ate it all on my way home. I’m sorry.

If that was the sort of excuse Katherine gave tonight, Maggie would not wait until after their supper to lecture her. She would have Tom hold her down and talk some sense into Katherine, even if it meant she had to talk till she was blue in the face.

Tom’s stomach grumbled. Can’t we start eating without her? He moved one calloused hand swiftly across his forehead, wiping light brown hair from his eyes. He was twenty-five, a year older than Maggie, and had a ruddy complexion from days in the sun.

I’m with Tom, said Maggie. I’m starved. There’s no reason we should wait just because Katherine is the most inconsiderate, pompous—

Their father gave her a warning look, and she quickly swallowed the rest of that thought.

She’ll be along in her own time. Katherine’s always had that wild way about her, said their father. He looked like an older version of Tom, and Maggie and Katherine both looked like younger versions of their mother.

All three women had dark hair and pale skin, even with spending so much time in the sun. Both girls turned quite a few heads whenever they went into town, and even their mother, with twenty or so years on them, got a look or two.

Tom’s stomach grumbled again. He let out a frustrated sigh. Five more minutes, then I’m taking the roast and swallowing it whole.

You’ll choke, their mother said.

Tom shook his head. I’m too hungry to care right now.

Their mother smiled and their father rose from the table and moved to the window at the front of the house. They watched him look out then turn slowly around and come back to the table.

All right, five more minutes, their father said. Then we eat. He looked at Tom. "But we’ll carve the roast. If you swallow it whole, there won’t be enough for the rest of us."

The front door opened and closed just then, and Katherine came running in. Her hair was a tangled mess as if she’d spent the day running through the woods, and her eyes were glowing. Her complexion was creamy, and her cheeks were a vibrant red that would have made a strawberry jealous.

It’s about time, Tom said and picked up his fork.

But Katherine did not move toward the table. Mom, Dad, she said, taking a deep breath and looking at all of them. I have news.

Her small feet were nearly dancing in place, and she was breathing fast. Maggie’s own figure was a bit fuller, but she did not envy her sister. Maggie had always liked her looks and was grateful for what God had given her.

Well? Tom said, anxious to get on with things. Either tell us or sit down.

Katherine’s smile widened that much more. I’m engaged to be married.

Of all the things she could have said, that was perhaps the least expected. For a moment, Maggie thought she was joking, but when the smile did not leave her sister’s lips, she knew it was no joke.

Engaged? To who? asked their mother.

Here, Katherine hesitated. Well, I know you’ve all been wondering where I’ve been going lately. See, I met someone in town a few weeks ago, and things just sort of went from there.

Their father narrowed his eyes at her. Who?

Katherine swallowed and looked at Maggie as if asking for help, but she was on her own. He’s a good man. You have to know that.

Now Maggie was suspicious too. Katherine was stalling.

Maggie, tell us his name, said their father in a tone that left no room for interpretation.

Katherine swallowed and went to the door. She opened it. Okay, John, come in.

A moment later, Maggie’s mouth dropped open as the most wanted outlaw in all of Texas walked into their house. Everyone fell silent, even their father.

John Moon was tall with dark, longish hair and brown eyes that looked as though they were always ready for a fight. A dark, bushy beard covered half his face, and a shiny pistol hung off each side of his belt, adding to the effect. He looked... dangerous.

You can’t believe what you’ve read in the papers, Katherine said quickly. He’s really a very good man. eH’s been nothing but kind to me since we met.

Katherine took John’s hand and led him forward. He stepped toward their father with his hand outstretched. Mr. Stewart, it’s a pleasure to meet you, he said.

Only he didn’t look like it was a pleasure at all. He looked like he wanted to pound their father into the ground. Tom, too. As if coming down here was their idea, like they were the ones inconveniencing him.

Their father stared at John Moon’s hand as if it were covered in all the blood of the men and women he’d killed.

Maggie blinked several times. Their mother made a small, gasping sound, and then all hell broke loose.

Their father pushed John’s hand away and rose from his seat. He looked at Katherine. Have you lost your mind?

Katherine stepped back from him, tears filling her eyes. If you’d only give him a chance—

But her words were quickly cut off by their father, whose angry face was growing redder by the second. Katherine, whatever this man has said to you is a lie. You can’t trust him. He pulled Katherine’s arm, drawing her toward him.

John pulled Katherine’s other arm, drawing her back the other way. The only reason I’m gonna let that remark go is because you’re Katherine’s father, said John through gritted teeth.

You can’t marry him, said their father. I forbid it.

Their mother was in tears. Maggie moved to her side; Tom moved to their father’s. Mister, I’d get out of here right now if I were you, said Tom. The law’s looking for you everywhere, and I’ll be happy to make sure they find you. If you leave now though, I’ll forget I saw your face.

John stared hard at Tom. His fingers tapped the edges of his gun. He looked at Katherine. I’ll see you later, he said and kissed her.

Their mother gasped, and their father quickly pushed John off of Katherine. John pushed their father back and he went stumbling. John was maybe twenty-eight and had a young man’s strength; their father was no match for him physically. Tom, however, was more than a match.

Tom lunged forward and knocked John against the wall. Both men let out a grunt, and Katherine screamed. She jumped on Tom’s back and clawed at him until he let John go. John drew both his pistols and pointed one at Tom and one at their father.

Katherine’s eyes widened. John, don’t. They’re sorry; they’re just upset. I’ll talk to them. You just go now.

He allowed her to touch his arm, pushing the guns down as she led him toward the door. She gave him a kiss then pushed him outside.

How could you? she said, turning to Tom.

"Me?" he said and shook his head.

Their father stepped closer to her, speaking in a dark tone. Katherine, you’re never to see that man again, do you understand me?

If you’d only listen—

Katherine, hush. Go to your room. And be grateful if I ever let you out of there again, he said.

Katherine ran to the room she and Maggie shared and shut the door. They could hear her sobs from the other side of the house. Maggie’s appetite was gone, and so was the lecture she’d been forming in her head. All she wanted now was to forget this day had ever happened.

* * *

John Moon got back to the camp he and his gang had made just outside of Clear Water. Rudy and Dennis looked up as his horse approached. They elbowed each other and gave him a look as he dropped off his horse and tied it off.

Didn’t go too well, did it? asked Rudy. He was bigger than anyone else in John’s gang, tall and wide and ugly. Dennis was small and smarmy looking. He gave plenty of people the shivers just from a single glance.

We told you that harlot’s father was never gonna give his okay. What did you expect? asked Dennis.

John spun around and drew his gun, firing three shots right between him and Rudy, making them jump.

What the hell is that for? asked Rudy.

When I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it, said John. There were only four other men with them right now; the others had gone ahead to Softgorge when John decided to hang around Clear Water for a while. He’d meet up with the others later.

Rudy sighed. At least we can go now. I’m getting tired of this place. There’s nothing to do here. Clear Water doesn’t even have any whorehouses. Rudy rolled up his bed and started packing his saddle.

John shook his head. Not yet. I’m not leaving without Katherine.

Rudy and Dennis exchanged a look. The others knew better than to get involved. They sat quietly by, pretending not to listen.

Her father’s never gonna give you her hand, said Rudy.

I know that, said John. That’s why we’re going back and I’m taking it.

John knew the others didn’t understand, but he’d wanted Katherine the moment he’d seen her. She was his, and he would never let her go without a fight.

You want us all to go with you? asked Archie, the youngest of their gang.

No, just Dennis and Rudy. The rest of you break camp and get us ready, because we’re leaving here tonight.

* * *

Katherine had finally cried herself to sleep, and Maggie’s eyes had fallen shut shortly thereafter. But her eyes opened swiftly at the sound of whispered voices. She sat up in bed, propping herself up on her elbows, and looked around in the dark.

Katherine? she said. Is that you?

The whispers quickly stopped, and Maggie reached over to light a candle. She gasped when she saw John Moon sitting on the edge of Katherine’s bed with her in his arms.

There were two other men in the room with him, and their eyes darkened when they looked at Maggie. She pulled the covers up to cover herself as Katherine rose from her bed, got a bag, and began throwing some clothes and things into it as quickly as possible.

It’s okay, Maggie. John’s leaving tonight, and I’m going with him. We’re getting married, Katherine said without looking at her.

Maggie forgot about her covers and rose from her bed, grabbing a hold of her sister. You can’t do this, she said, pleading with her.

You can’t stop me.

Maggie grabbed Katherine’s bag and flipped it upside down so all the clothes fell out.

John looked at the two men at the side of the room. Fellas, he said and tipped his head toward her. They stepped forward immediately. The bigger one grabbed her wrists, and the smarmy-looking fella covered her mouth with his hand as she tried to scream. They forced her back onto her bed and held her down.

The big one straddled her, smiling the whole time.

Katherine paused. They won’t hurt her, will they?

Of course not, said John. Now come on, we’ve gotta hurry.

Maggie struggled against the men holding her, but she was too weak. The bigger one reached out and touched her chest, fondling her through her nightclothes.

Katherine saw, and her face went pale. "John," she said.

John sighed. Rudy, let up, would you? Dennis, make sure he behaves.

Rudy stopped touching her, but Maggie’s heart continued to beat out of her chest.

Come on, said John, pushing Katherine toward the window.

Katherine hesitated. Maggie, I’m sorry. I’ll make this up to you next time I see you, I promise.

John looked at her. There won’t be a next time, this is it.

Wh-What do you mean? Katherine asked.

Your family knows who I am. They’ll come looking for you. We can’t come back here. You can’t see them again.

She shook her head and stepped away from him. I didn’t agree to that. You said we could come back when things settled down and they got used to the idea.

I lied. Now come on.

But Katherine was continuing to back away from him. He grabbed her wrist and pulled it hard. She stumbled forward.

The little guy still had his hand over Maggie’s mouth, and she bit it.

Ouch! he said and let her go.

Maggie screamed as loud as she could. Mom, Dad, heeellpp! A second later, Dennis’ hand flew out and hit her jaw, hard.

Footsteps sounded from outside their bedroom and the door opened. Their father stepped into the room dressed in his nightclothes. His face went white when he saw John and his men.

I’m getting the sheriff, he said and turned around. John pulled his gun and shot him in the back. His nightshirt soaked with blood and he fell to the floor, gasping for breath and trying to crawl away.

No! screamed Katherine. She was fighting against John now as he tried to force her out the window. Dennis ran forward and put a second bullet into the back of their father’s head.

Rudy ripped open Maggie’s nightdress, exposing her, and she screamed louder this time. He hit her hard, and her head began to ache as he put his lips to her breasts. Her heart tremored as she tried to get away from him with no luck.

Tom came spilling into the room, almost tripping over their father. He had his Colt Navy with him and aimed it at Rudy’s head, but Dennis hit him from behind as he fired and the bullet missed. Rudy let go of Maggie and turned around, drawing his own pistol as he fired two rounds into Tom’s chest. The life ran quickly out of him.

Their mother was standing outside the door, her whole body shaking as she looked in on the scene. John spotted her. Get her, he said. She turned and ran down the hall and Dennis went after her. A second later, two shots sounded.

Please, Katherine said, sobbing now as John handed her off to Rudy and Dennis, who got her outside. Maggie was alone with John. She started to rise from the bed, but he told her to stay where she was. I’ll kill you for what you’ve done, Maggie said.

John cocked his head to the side. Not if I kill you first. He fired one round into Maggie’s chest. She felt the bullet enter her, slicing through her skin as blood spilled out of her, choking in her throat. He fired one more shot into her stomach, and the world turned black.

The last thought she had was of John Moon and how good it would feel to put a bullet into him one day, if she ever got the chance.

* * *

chapter  0 1 ✪

* * *

Charbury, Texas,

One year later...

Frank Collins set his shovel aside and wiped the sweat from his brow. It had taken him the better part of the morning to fix up the broken boards in the fence that surrounded his ranch land, and he was ready for a break.

It was a clear blue sky on a warm spring day. The grass around him was still a yellow-green, but another month or so and it would be the deeper shade he preferred.

A couple of cows wandered over and mooed at him. Had he still been a boy instead of a man nearing thirty, he would probably have mooed back. Instead, he sat down in the shade of a large oak tree, leaning back against its thick trunk.

The tree towered over his six-foot-five-inch frame, even when he was standing. When he was sitting, he felt the way he imagined a mouse must when it stood next to a person.

He swept brown hair from his eyes and brought the canteen to his lips. Sweet tea ran down his throat and quenched his thirst.

His farmhouse stood in the distance. It needed a fresh coat of white paint, and the steps to his wraparound porch needed repairing. He’d built it himself several years ago and was proud of the job he’d done, despite the minor fixes he had yet to tend to. Those would be dealt with later this week.

There were five main rooms: a kitchen, living area, bedroom, washroom, and a spare bedroom just in case he ever had company. The room had never been used. Frank was okay with that; he preferred it that way.

He’d seen enough things in his lifetime to know that even good people could be bad under the right circumstances, and it was better just to stay out of their way and not get involved. The less you made yourself known to people, the less trouble you ran into.

That’s why he’d bought land outside of town and not closer to it. Charbury was still within walking distance when he chose to make the journey, but other than him and a handful of neighbors, no one had any reason to come out this way.

His closest neighbor was Sheriff David Grant. Frank could see the ranch house from where he sat and saw two men out on the porch talking. One of them got on his horse and started over. As he drew closer, Frank saw it was Deputy Rowan Keller. He brought his horse to a stop on the other side of the fence, and Frank rose to meet him.

The deputy was only a couple of inches shorter than Frank, with dark brown hair highlighted gold and brown eyes that made the girls in town go wild, though Frank didn’t see what the big deal was. He was a good man and Frank liked him better than most men, he supposed.

Morning, Deputy, said Frank. I’d shake your hand, but mine are covered in dirt right now and I’d hate to make a mess of you.

Rowan waved him off. It’s fine. We’ve shaken hands enough times for me to count one of those and not be offended. He paused a moment and carefully selected his next words. I need to ask you about something.

Frank arched an eyebrow. All right, ask away.

Rowan’s face tightened. Have you heard anything about this rich guy, John Starr, who’s buying up land between here and Blackgate?

Frank nodded. Yeah, I’ve heard about him. Bought some land a few miles east of my property. What of it?

The sheriff and I were just talking, and no one’s actually seen the man. We wondered if maybe you’d gotten a look at him, seeing as how you’re home and out on your land more than the sheriff is.

Frank shook his head. Sorry. I haven’t seen so much as his shadow.

Rowan frowned. His horse began to dance, anxious to get a move on. Rowan quieted it down. The name John Starr mean anything to you?

The same two cows that had greeted Frank earlier came over now, investigating the scene. Frank gave one a pat on its muzzle and it mooed at him again. I never heard the name John Starr until everybody in Charbury started talking about him.

Rowan’s face fell slightly. All right, well, if you hear anything, let me or the sheriff know, will ya?

Why the interest? Frank was actually curious. As far as he could tell, all John Starr had done was flaunt his money and buy up some land. Who cared?

Mr. Starr sent some men into town yesterday looking for construction workers. Sounds like he means to build something big on the land he’s buying.

A house?

Rowan shrugged. With the amount of land he’s bought, he could probably build ten houses. Maybe even a whole city.

Frank’s interest was waning. He had to get to town and pick up some sugar before he could make more tea, and he didn’t care much about what strangers did so long as they didn’t bother him. Well, if I hear anything, I’ll let you know.

Rowan was smart enough to take the hint. He thanked Frank for his time then turned and left him to himself, which was just how Frank preferred it.

* * *

Frank grabbed a handful of .36 caliber bullets and another handful of .42s and loaded them up in his pockets. He made sure his LeMat revolver and Colt Army model were both ready to fire, then he strapped them to his belt and headed for town.

It wasn’t that Rowan’s questions about the mysterious John Starr had worried him; it was only that you never knew who or what you might encounter from one road to the next. There were wild animals out there just as well as wild men. Frank never traveled without his guns. It was safer that way.

The town of Charbury wasn’t particularly big. Everyone here knew everyone else. It had seen its share of troubles, though most of that had changed when Sheriff