She Married a Cowboy Everyone Thought Would Die… But What He Did Next Changed Everything

Chapter 2

As Martha hauled her single battered carpet bag toward Hezekiah’s buckboard, a sharp voice cut through the dusty air. “Going somewhere, Martha?”

She froze. Standing near the livery, reeking of cheap gin and unwashed sweat, was Samuel Higgins, Arthur’s brother. His eyes were bloodshot, fixated on the small leather pouch strapped to Martha’s carpet bag. It contained Arthur’s only remaining possession — a silver pocket watch, which Samuel believed rightfully belonged to him.

“Leave me be, Samuel,” Martha said, her voice shaking despite her efforts to steady it.

“You owe me, you fat cow,” Samuel spat, taking a menacing step forward. “Arthur’s debts are your debts. Give me the bag.”

Before Samuel could close the distance, a massive shadow fell over Martha. Hezekiah stepped between them, his hand resting casually, but firmly, on the walnut grip of the Colt revolver holstered at his hip.

“The lady is an employee of the Broken Spur now,” Hezekiah said softly. The quietness of his voice made it far more terrifying than a shout. “You step within ten feet of my wagon, Higgins, and they’ll be digging a hole for you next to your brother.”

Samuel paled, his bravado evaporating under Hezekiah’s icy stare. He took a step back, spitting into the dirt. “You’ll regret taking her on, Caldwell. She’ll eat you out of house and home.”

Hezekiah didn’t bother to reply. He offered his hand to Martha. She looked at his rough, scarred palm, then up at his face. With a deep breath, she took it. He pulled her heavy frame up onto the wagon bench with surprising ease. As the horses pulled them away from Bozeman, Martha felt the cool breeze against her face. She was exhausted, terrified, and painfully hungry. But for the first time in months, she felt safe.

But as she looked back, she saw Samuel standing in the road, watching them leave. The twisted scowl on his face was a promise. This wasn’t over.