Ambushed

By John J. Law

Consumed by greed, the leading citizens of Stockton, map out a daring plan to steal to the proceeds from the sale of a ranch and a cattle herd by a prominent local rancher, Jake Warren, who is moving his family to Wyoming.

When the hired gun fails to do the job as planned, the conspirators frame the man's son, the only survivor of the planned murders, as the good son, gone bad, over his love for a local girl.

Falsely accused of murdering his family, young Trevor Warren must become a man overnight to avenge his family and save himself from the hangman's noose or from being shot in the back to keep conspiracy a secret. He turns to the sheriff for help only to discover he isn't the man he thought he was. Leaving only a friend of his fathers to turn to for help.

Drawing on the skills his father taught him, Trevor sets out to avenge his father and clear his name but in the process discovers the true power of gold and how easily men can be bought with the promise of it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223020172

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Father, I don’t see why I can’t go to town to see Betsy one last time? 

You know as well I do, Trevor, those wagons would get loaded by themselves. We’re planning on being on the road bright and early tomorrow morning. If you go into town, you’ll get nothing done today or tomorrow with all your moping around, Jake Warren, Trevor’s father, stated flatly.

You’re moving us to Wyoming, Father. How is that fair to me? I’ve mostly only known this town as home, and I’ve got feelings for Betsy and who knows maybe we’ll get together in a year or two and settle down, maybe. But with us moving to Wyoming, I probably won’t get that chance now. It’s not fair. Trevor was getting more and more worked up.

Son, I told you if Betsy and her mother would have agreed, you could marry now and Betsy could come with us. But she said no, didn’t she? Father inquired knowing she had.

It’s complicated. She didn’t want to leave her mother all alone. Trevor defended her decision.

Then it will work out fine, if you help the family get to Wyoming and set the ranch up, before you come back for her. You said she agreed with that. Father consoled.

That’s two to three years from now, Father. What if she meets someone else? Trevor whined.

Then it wasn’t meant to be. Father stated, then added. Look I know it’s hard on you. But it is the best thing for the family and the family needs your help to get the new homestead working. Then if Betsy still want you and you still want her. Then I’ll give you my blessing and my money to comeback and either get her or move back here. It’ll be your choice. It is only two years after all. Father concluded.

But.... Trevor started object again, when Father cut him off.

No more buts, young man. The subject is closed. Now get to work. Father stated sharply.

Yes sir, Trevor grumbled but went back to work.

Jake Warren was up with the sun and riding for town, long before his wife and two sons awakened. He had much to do and little time to do it in. Warren was a local rancher, who had lived in Stockton Valley for going on ten years. As of late though he had come to realize the open range was vanishing faster rain on a hot tin roof in August. So he had made decision to move his family further west, a lot further west, to Wyoming’s Central Valley. Warren a former Calvary Officer, was a hard but fair man. He’d been made tough as nails by combat and military discipline. He was great father and husband, known for his ability to teach his sons tough lessons without their having to risk being in harm’s way. His oldest son, Trevor had won numerous awards for his shooting and had spent many an evening reading and learning by candle light, the lessons his father had learned the hard way through combat. Warren could not have been prouder of his oldest son, despite the rift that had grown between them over the move west. Trevor was dead set against the move, because it took him away from the young woman he believed was his true love, Betsy. 

Today was the day Warren was finalizing the sale of his cattle herd. Another—luckier—local rancher had gone into business with the town banker to buy it. Warren wasn’t happy with their offer but it was the best one he received and he understood it was more than fair considering the cattle were only half raised.

The ranch itself, had been sold a week ago, to a land speculator from back east, who was certain a railroad would be running through the Stockton Valley sometime in the next few years. Jake had managed to create a small fortune between his savings and the two sales. More than enough to start over in Wyoming.

Stockton itself was a town at the crossroads. The cattle and mining business had been good and so the town had flourished. Growing from a one horse watering hole to the thriving concern it was today with a couple dozen stores, three attorneys, two banks, four saloons and six hotel/boarding houses. Jake knew the boom town of Stockton could just as quickly become a ghost town, should the railroad change direction and by pass the town. 

People were already getting on with their work day, when Jake rode in and tied up at the café. He was an hour early for his meeting, because he was looking forward to relaxing over one last meal of biscuits and gravy cooked up by the finest cook in the territory, though he’d never mention that in front of his wife. His mouth watered at the very thought of the culinary delight.

Morning, Jake, Jeb Cobb was sitting by himself in the dining room and he waved Jake over to sit with him. Jeb owned a small ranch on the other side of town and the two usually helped each other drive their cattle the hundred and fifty miles to the railhead in Wichita. 

So today’s the day, huh? Jeb asked.  

Yep. Jake replied. He was thinking that it was odd to see Jeb eating a store-bought breakfast. In fact, it was a bit unusual that Jeb was in town at all. He couldn’t recall when he last saw Jeb in town for breakfast, but this wasn’t just any day, was it. Jeb hadn’t exactly been overly successful ranching and usually saved his money to buy another few head of cattle for next year. It certainly was odd, Warren thought, but he quickly forgot about it, figuring there was nothing to worry about. 

Warren sat down at the table with Jeb and expounded on his upcoming move with Jeb. I’ll collect my cattle money in about an hour and tomorrow, we’ll head for the Cheyenne Valley. Right now, the Mrs. and my boys are starting to finish loading the wagons. We’ll put the beds in come tomorrow morning and leave for Wyoming straight away. Warren shared.  

How many wagons are you taking?

We have two wagons. The big Conestoga style wagons. They ate each pulled by four horse teams. Even though we sold off most the big furniture and farm equipment, we still have a huge amount of stuff to pack up. Warren shared.

It sounds real nice, Jake, but are you truly certain the fellow who told you about Wyoming, during the war, weren’t just spinnin’ a yarn? Jeb asked. You know. Just something to pass the time. 

Jake shook his head as he tried to make sense of Jeb’s being here and subsequent conversation. Then it dawned on him, Jeb wanted go to Wyoming too. It was the only explanation for his sudden interest.  Jeb hadn’t mentioned Wyoming at all, not even once, during the last six months, while Warren had sought buyers and finalized the deals. Now suddenly he was in town to say good bye, share a breakfast. Yeah, he wanted go, Warren thought.

No, I don’t think so, Jeb. He was a cavalry officer who had been stationed out there after the war with Mexico. He said it was the greenest valley, with the richest soil, he’d ever seen. I figured that he’d be the one to know, if anyone would. After all, his family had owned a farm, back in Ohio, for three generations.  

Jeb nodded, but kept right on with the questions. So how much did you get for your herd? And how many head did you end up with after the hard winter we’ve had? Jeb asked, never thinking it might be none of his business.

They didn’t offer full value but they were reasonable. Jake replied as the cook’s wife, Ann walked up to see what they wanted. We’ll have a good grubstake.

That’s good, Jake. Jeb said. You got to be prepared.  

Morning, Jake. Morning, Jeb. The cook’s wife, Ann said as she stopped at their table. How’s everything out at your place?  

Everything’s just fine, Ann. Thank you for asking. Jeb said and Jake nodded a quick hello and responded. Caroline sends her best and of course, now that it’s time to leave, we’re a bit sad to be moving on but that can’t be helped. Cattle need open range to run and it’s getting hard to find open range around here.

I hope you find what you’re looking for Jake. It’s a mighty big move, Ann said. You be sure to tell her, I’m missing her already.

I certainly will, Ann. Jake replied. How’s Betsy taking things? Jake asked genuinely concerned about her. Trevor barely speaks to me. Jake shared with Ann.

I know it’s not my place, Jake. But I sure wish you’d reconsider letting Trevor stay. Ann asked.

"Ann starting a ranch from scratch is hard work and damn near impossible to do by one man alone. I’m going to need every ounce of strength, I can muster plus every bit of strength my sons have as well.

Now what can I get you fine folks this morning? Ann refocused and wiped away a tear with the edge of her apron. 

After Ann had headed to the kitchen for a double order of biscuits and gravy, Jeb asked. How’s Trevor handling the move? I saw Emma yesterday, crying her heart out. You know how they feel about each other. 

I know Trevor is sweet on her and they might have made a good couple but cattle ain’t the only things that needs room to grow. Jake said. Trevor hasn’t had any life experiences yet and for that matter, neither has Betsy. They’re just young kids, still wet behind the ears. I told Trevor, if he still feels the same way about Betsy, after he’s helped get the family get moved and settled in, then I wouldn’t stop him from heading back here for Betsy.

Jake paused in thought for a moment, Although, I’d be more than a bit surprised, if he comes back or if she’s still waiting. You know how it is with kids, everything just moves so fast. It’s going to take two years to get out there and get settled in and then another six months to come back. That’s a long time for a young man—or a young woman to wait for an unknown. Jeb started to say something but Jake cut him off by continuing on the subject.

Oh, I know, they’re old enough to get hitched. Jake continued. Heck, my wife was only sixteen when we wed. I might have considered letting Trevor stay or bringing Betsy along, but you know what? He never came and asked. Not once. I tell you, you can’t trust a young boy more than you can a horse that ain’t been broken.   

Both men laughed. Then a serious expression came over Jeb’s face. Listen, Jake. We’ve been driving our herds together for near eleven years and you know I’m not having much luck growing my herd and now that your range is no longer available to graze. What would you think of my coming out to Cheyenne and trying to better my fortunes there?

Jake smiled. Jeb you’ve been a good friend. A man I could count on to lend me a hand when times got tough. I’d be proud to have you as a friend and neighbor again. Jake said with a surprised smile. I tell you what. If you still feel the same after you sell the herd this summer, you sell the homestead and follow along after us. I’ll do some scouting around, see if I can’t get you an adjacent parcel to mine and I’ll buy it for you. You just pay me back when you get there. Jake seemed to have made Jeb’s day with that promise.

Jeb leaned in close and asked in a whisper. Did you really get that much money for the ranch and the herd?

Jake just nodded then stated, I hear the price of land out there is cheap and the railhead is right there in Cheyenne.  Or we could drive the herds to Omaha ourselves, and save a few dollars.

I’d just as soon save the time. Even a short drive is going to take close to a month. Jeb stated, then went back to slowly sipping his coffee.

CHAPTER TWO  

Hey Warren, I’m surprised you have the courage to show your face, today. Duncan Hobbs a local bully who Jake had, had several run ins with, hollered across the café as he stood up at his table and glared at Jake. It was some sort of intimidation trick he used to try and scare his opponents. Duncan Hobbs was a local who made a living bounty hunting, hiring out as an extra hand on the cattle drives, and, if you believed the stories some told, rustling cattle and stealing from travelers. Of course, since he was still walking around, those last two occupations had never been proven. 

There was no doubt, however, that he was a mean and vindictive man, who had it in for Jake Warren. In the ten years Jake Warren and his family had lived in Stockton, Hobbs had, at every opportunity, tried to stir up trouble. The gossip amongst most townsfolk was their feud was over an incident during the Civil War—or as some called