Rider's Renegade: Pistol Ridge Series, #5

By Cyndi Raye

A sassy news reporter - A hero not sure where he belongs - Can two opposite souls find happiness together in Pistol Ridge?

Zadie Rayne ruined her chances of ever working in her father's newspaper office, even though the male reporters refuse to give her a chance. She is determined to make a name for herself with or without anyone's help.

When she finds a newspaper ad for a job as a reporter in Pistol Ridge, Zadie relocates to the mountain town far away from her city upbringing. Can she settle in a small town long enough to make a difference?

Wayland Thorpe, also known as Rider, doesn't know where he wants to settle down. Or, if he even wants to. Even though many of his comrades from the war are now in Pistol Ridge and newly in love, Rider isn't sure it is what he wants out of life. Until he meets the new reporter for the Pistol Press.

When the two embark on an adventure that leads to a kidnapping, will the two be caught up in danger or will the folks in Pistol Ridge once again save the day?
 

This is Wayland Thorpe's story - better known as Rider

 

Pistol Ridge Series:

Peg Leg's Princess

Blaze's Beauty

Judge's Jewel

Creed's Confidant

Rider's Renegade

Pistol Ridge Scrooge

Raven's Rebel

Preacher's Pearl

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cyndi Raye
• Release date: Apr 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223695035

Cyndi Raye

Cyndi Raye writes mostly historical western romance except when she comes up with an idea for a contemporary romance, then she writes both. She loves the old West and the feel of small town togetherness, which is found in all of her series. Creating worlds where everyone is considered family, if not by blood, but from friendships, heartaches and sometimes mistakes made right again is what she loves to read. So, it was important to create such a world for her own readers to indulge in. Cyndi lives in Eastern PA and loves to travel and enjoy life with her hubby of 40+ years. She has 3 grown children and loves to spend time with her grands whenever possible. Don't forget to sign up for the mailing list to get a free copy of the exclusive short read: Miss Addie, the Beginning. The story behind the Brides of Wichita Falls. (This will not be sold, exclusive for reader's only).

Book preview

Rider’s Renegade

Book 5

by

Cyndi Raye

Copyright © 2019 Cyndi Raye All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book. This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.

Book Cover Artist

by

Virginia Mckevitt

Dedicated to Harold Turner

Debbie’s beloved brother

May you RIP.

Get 2 FREE Books!

Would you like to read the first two books about the origins of Pistol Ridge and be notified when there are sales or contests going on? Join my mailing list exclusively for Cyndi Raye readers and get your FREE books. Just follow the link below:

Get The Origins of Pistol Ridge

Pistol Ridge is a small remote mining town near Nevada City, Montana Territory, where a dirty sheriff had held the town hostage by ordering his thugs to steal a percentage of their earnings to keep law and order. But, the women, holding a secret society, went looking for a hero. They found him and cleaned up the town with the help of seven men who fought in the war to help their former commander. Now, seven men are looking for somewhere to hang their hats. Will Pistol Ridge be the place to find reprieve for their weary souls?

This is Wayland Thorpe’s story - also known as Rider

Chapter 1

Rider stared.

Was she for real?

With those bold eyes staring him down and thick reddish hair flowing freely over her shoulders, she was a refreshing sight to see. She wore a crisp white blouse with ruffles at the hem and collar. A long skirt flowed to her ankles where a pair of patent brown pointy-toed boots stuck out. She wore a thick matching belt around her waist. She stared at him expectantly. Then she shivered when she realized how cool it was this time of year. Without a jacket or shawl it was pretty clear she was a long way from home.

Which was most likely back east. She looked like a city girl out of her element.

He had a hard time taking his eyes off her. She was bewitching. Most women wore their hair pinned back. Not this hellion. She stood in front of him with a small satchel in one hand and a carpet bag on the ground beside her. He just knew she was full of fire. Another reason not to stop and answer any questions.

Ma’am? He tipped his hat and continued to walk past her from where she stood trying to block the board walk. He was faster than she was. He had known exactly what she was going to do when she stepped from the stage coach, so he kept going.

Sir? I’m afraid I may need your help. She was fully capable of helping herself. When he looked into her eyes a moment ago he saw a strength in them she was fully aware of.

He stopped.

Turned.

A smile lingered on her face and it was so radiant he couldn’t help but stare again. She knew he was bewitched by her. It angered him and intrigued him all at the same time. If you are looking for a place to stay, Miss Sue’s Boarding House is just a few steps that way. He pointed past the sheriff’s office, where the boarding house sat right next door.

She gave him a wide smile. I’ll get to that, but, first, can you tell me which way to the newspaper office? The Pistol Press.

You’ve got quite a walk. The newspaper is up that way, past the church. See the steeple rising above the other buildings? You’ll want to go that way.

She appeared to be thinking, staring at the church’s pointy roof as she pursed her mouth. Which was quite kissable if he were a man who noticed those things. Rider was not one of those men who noticed every pretty lady who came to town on the Tumbleweed Stage. For some unknown reason, this lady caught his attention from the start.

She coughed. It was so soft only someone standing next to her was able to hear it. Meaning, him. Well, I suppose I can make it that far with my things.

She was hinting to him that she wanted help carrying her luggage. What did he look like? He tipped his hat and continued on his way. She wasn’t going to get him to be her servant. No, sir, she was not!

Tiny steps clicked behind. A grunt. Then, another sharp intake of breath when he heard the carpetbag hit the board walk. He slowed down.

Her footsteps slowed.

He sped up.

So did hers.

What was she trying to do? He turned quickly to find her stop abruptly. She was dragging her carpetbag along behind her while holding the other small case in her arms. As if the small case was so much more important.

What do you have in there that you can’t pick up your carpetbag?

She gave him a shifty grin. It’s my life’s work.

In a bag?

She nodded and passed by, the carpetbag hitting him in the foot. Excuse me, sir. I didn’t mean to knock into you but this is quite heavy.

Frustrated beyond belief, Rider leaned over and picked up the bag with one low swoop. It was so heavy there was no way she’d be able to continue to carry it. What do you have in here? It feels like a sack of coal.

She looked over at him and laughed, the sound ringing through the air. A few others close by turned and gave her a smile. She waved. Hello.

She certainly was not shy. Walking alongside of Rider, she began a conversation in which he did not want to participate. She already got her way, using him to carry her luggage. What more did she want out of him? He’d set the carpetbag outside the newspaper office and get away as fast as his legs would carry him.

Well, it isn’t easy to move from a big city in the heart of Philadelphia all the way to a tiny town west of the Mississippi in one trip. I thought of paying to have a trunk sent, but something told me I would not need all the reminders of home. I’d rather start over and so I brought along only what I would need.

She seemed satisfied at her explanation, but Rider was not. Maybe you should’ve stayed in Philadelphia so you can be closer to your things. Why did he say that? It was not nice at all. He just couldn’t figure out why she was irritating him. He’d usually avoid annoying women at all cost.

This one was not a lady to be ignored.

She slowed down while he lifted her carpetbag higher in the air. Then, as bold as ever, she slid her arm through his and hung onto his elbow with a smile. It took Rider by surprise.

I know you did not mean those words. I’m terribly sorry if I seem to annoy you.

How in the world did you know? His words were said with a bit of sarcasm, but she didn’t flinch.

I am a newspaper reporter. I’m sure you’ve heard of me. Zadie Rayne? My name has been blasted all over the Philadelphia Press. The front page, actually.

Sorry, never heard of you.

She didn’t seem one bit offended. Then, she leaned closer as if she were confiding in him. Well, you will. I’ve got quite the reputation for making a name for myself.

You’ve got a reputation already for being the number one annoying woman ever to grace the streets of Pistol Ridge! Rider groaned at his thoughts.

Is it too heavy for you? I can ask the nice young man right over there to help instead. She pointed to one of the men leaning against a wagon. When Rider looked up, he saw Raven standing there with his arms crossed, an amused expression on his face.

It made Rider groan again. It’s not too heavy, he mumbled. Besides, that man leaning against the wagon is not right in the head. I’d stay far away from him if you can. Now why did he say that? Was he trying to dissuade her from speaking with Raven? If his comrade would