Undercover Justice

By Carolyn McBride

Residents of a small dusty town are held fast in the grip of a controlling, cruel egomaniac. Those who try to leave are hunted down and killed. When a stranger comes seeking medical help, enforcers begin dying one by one. Only one person knows why, and that person may be the town’s only hope. This is a tale of secrets, hope and the bravery it takes to stand up to cruelty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carolyn McBride
• Release date: Mar 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463185650

Carolyn McBride

Carolyn lives deep in the woods of Northern Ontario, Canada. She is addicted to black coffee, gummy bears and good chocolate. She writes murder mysteries set in the forest she calls home, peppered with secrets. Every now and then she'll write a Western just for fun.

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Undercover Justice

By Carolyn McBride

Copyright Carolyn McBride 2020

Acknowledgments

This story would be far less without the skills and talents of others. Any errors that remain are solely mine. Many thanks to Lara and Susan for their eagle-eyes, comments and suggestions. The story is far better because of you both. A thousand thanks to Katia for the cover. I love it!

Undercover Justice is dedicated to Betty. I might not have stuck with this writing thing for as long as I have without your love, encouragement and poking. Thank you isn’t enough, but, thank you.

Chapter One

The wind swirled the dust up and off the street as a horse plodded into town, the rider on the chestnut’s back slumped in the saddle. The horse made its way down the street ignoring the few people that it passed. It had been some time since it had been brushed and cared for. Sweat had dried on its flanks and mixed with the dust, giving the poor beast an air of neglect. Finally, it turned toward a weathered building and stopped at the trough of water in front. The rider could hold on no longer and slid from the saddle, falling in an ungraceful heap onto the dirt. A little boy who had been crouching in the shade of the trough bolted into the building. He emerged a moment later clutching the skirt of a thin, dark-haired woman.

All right, Cassius, no need to pull so hard, I’m coming...oh, I see, The woman hurried to the collapsed rider before turning back to the boy. Cassius, go get Uncle Emmett, quick! 

As the little boy ran to the general store, she felt for a pulse. It was weak and thready, but it was there. 

Lita! Emmett called out as he ran to her side.

Looks like another exhausted cowboy. Can you take him inside?

It’s a good thing you’re my family, Lita, Emmett grunted a little as he lifted the rider. Go get the door.

Cassius already had the main door to the medical clinic open, so Lita rushed ahead to open the door of a private room upstairs.

Emmett shouldered his way in a few moments later and laid the rider on the bed before turning. Need anything else, Sis?

I think I’ll be okay now. If I need you again, I’ll send Cassius. Thank you, Emmett, Lita said as she laid a hand on one of his arms.

Her brother shot her a grin. Anything for you. Never know when I might need a doctor, after all. I’ll head back to the store. His eyes twinkled and a smile shone out from the depths of his dark beard.

Can you turn the sign on your way out?

Sure thing. I’ll see you later, Emmett nodded and left the room, pulling the door closed behind him.

Lita turned back toward the bed, startled to find two green eyes gazing back at her.

Where am I? the stranger rasped.

Your horse brought you into town. You’re in the medical clinic of Kennecot. I’m Dr. Knight…

No Doc! The rider struggled to sit up.

It’s okay, I promise, I’m a real doctor! Lita tried to hold her patient down, wondering if she should have asked Emmett to stay. I just want to find out why you collapsed.

The cowboy didn’t have