Breath of the Feathered Serpent Read online

  He looked down at the body. Death was never pretty. He wrinkled his nose and sighed heavily. The dead cowboy had been bound hand and foot, a thick gag tied across his mouth. He’d also had his heart cut out.

  “Hope the poor bastard was dead when that happened,” Adam said.

  Mecatl snorted. “If he’d been alive, we’d have heard him through that gag, and unless they had tied him to something, he’d have jerked and thrashed so much there would be cuts all over his chest. His wrists would also be raw and bleeding. No, he was dead. This was done to implicate Aztecs, or at least Aztec involvement.”

  “You seem quite knowledgeable,” Adam said.

  Mecatl shrugged. “My father is Aztec, my mother Apache. I learned a lot from both cultures.” He gazed dispassionately at the cadaver. “Do we report this?”

  “Nope. I’ve had enough personal contact with the local sheriff to know he’d be willing to hang us both for murder.” Adam rubbed at his chin. “Best thing is to see if we can bury him hereabouts. The proper authorities can be notified when the opportunity arises.”

  “You may look like a drifter, but you don’t sound or act like one.” Mecatl cocked his head. “In fact you seem so confident in taking the law into your own hands, I think you may have experience with it.”

  The guess was shrewd enough. Adam decided to take a risk. If his and Madison’s cover was blown, any hope of recovering the statue would be lost.

  He sat down and removed his boot. “You thinking of hanging around a while?” he asked.

  Mecatl jerked a shoulder. “I’m willing to do most things, nothing illegal though. You have work for me?”

  “Maybe.” Adam peeled back the inner sole of his boot and pressed his thumbnail into a small depression over the heel. A cover slid back and revealed a shallow compartment. Adam reached in and produced a paper-thin copper star.

  Mecatl gave a low whistle. “Never expected to meet a Federal Marshal.” He looked at Adam with new respect in his eyes. “I knew you were some kind of lawman.”

  “If you breathe a word of it, I’ll have you locked up and throw away the key. But if you’re willing to help, I can make sure you’re paid for your time. Do we have a deal?” Adam held out his hand.

  A smile spread over Mecatl’s face, transforming his naturally saturnine visage. “Never expected to be a kind of deputy either.” He grasped Adam’s hand firmly. “You have a deal, Adam. Now, what do you want me to do?”

  “Good man,” Adam said. “Now listen carefully.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  While Mecatl rode off towards Abe’s ranch, Adam rode back to the Lazy E. He passed the Aztec guards with a nod and tethered his horse by the corral. He resisted the temptation to go to the house. Instead, he wandered around a little, glad that he’d been seen in the twin’s company.

  There were only a few men around, and they nodded at him as he finally sat on the fence. A quick look in the stable confirmed Elijah and Ellen were still out. Their distinctive palominos weren’t back, but the big gray the stranger had ridden was in there.

  “Adam. Over here!”

  Adam glanced toward the house and saw Mortimer waving from the veranda. He leapt from the fence and went to join him. It seemed like the uncle had recovered from his earlier indisposition.

  “I’ve been thinking,” Mortimer said. “I could probably offer one of you boys a job here. I’d like to make that offer to you, Adam.”

  The offer took Adam by surprise. He hadn’t expected this. He tipped his hat at Mortimer. “Well, I’m mighty grateful to you, sir. We could sure do with some paid work, but what about my cousin? We normally work together.”

  “I don’t think I can pay for two men,” Mortimer said, with a shake of his head.

  “Well, how would it be if I thought about it and talked it over with Madison? I could give you my answer tomorrow or the day after. See if we can get him sorted here, too.” As fast as it flitted across Mortimer’s face, Adam didn’t miss the frown.

  “I guess I can wait a day or two, but no longer. You seem to be a good man. One I’d like to keep my eye on and who could watch what’s happening around this ranch.”

  He turned in his chair and waved at the man approaching them, the handsome stranger that Adam had seen earlier hugging Elijah. Adam gritted his teeth ready to force civility.

  “Mitch, my boy,” Mortimer shouted. “Come on over. Have you met Adam? Maybe you can persuade him to join the ranch. I’ll catch you later, Adam.”

  “Howdy, Adam, good to meet you. My cousin Elijah has spoken a lot about you.”

  Cousin? The revelation temporarily robbed Adam of his wits, and he stared at Mitch. His cheeks heated with embarrassment as Mitch threw back his head and guffawed.

  “Cousin,” Adam repeated. A weight lifted from his chest, and he laughed softly as Mitch winked.

  “Not seen the twins for a couple of years, and it’s even longer since I saw Uncle Mortimer. Would’ve been a kid last time I saw him.” Mitch held out his hand.

  Adam shook the proffered hand and raised a quizzical brow. “So he’s not your father?”

  “Hell, no. He’s my mother’s brother. I spent a little time with him back East when my parents died, but his lifestyle wasn’t to my taste. I contacted my grandparents and moved out West with them. They left me with a nice little ranch of my own when they died.” Mitch grinned. “Thought he’d be kinda outta sorts with me over that, but it’s almost as if he’s completely forgotten about it.”

  “What brought you here?” Adam asked.

  “I thought my cousins might need some help. I’ve been over the border in King Numa’s state. Had some horses to sell. I also heard how some of the Lazy E cattle are being taken over there and sold under another branding. No sense in staying there to investigate. Numa might take our horses and beef, but, unlike King Xipil, he hates us with a passion.” Mitch leaned close, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I haven’t mentioned anything to Uncle yet. Didn’t want to upset him with his health and all. I’ve told the twins. We’re going to try and investigate from this end.”

  “Could be dangerous,” Adam said. The thought that Elijah might be in danger sent a shiver of fear down Adam’s spine.

  “I guess. We’re not going to be blatant. Just a lot more observant. Hello, who’s this?”

  Adam followed Mitch’s gaze to see Mecatl ambling towards them, his horse by his side. The Aztec waved and then tethered his horse next to Adam’s.

  “Friend of mine,” Adam said. “His name’s Mecatl.”

  Adam wasn’t surprised that Mitch came with him as he joined Mecatl. “This is Mitch,” he said, jerking a thumb in the other man’s direction. “How’s my cousin doing?”

  “Mitch.” Mecatl greeted him with a nod and then turned to Adam. “He’d like it if you could join him at Abe’s ranch. Seems they’ve had visitors trying to persuade Abe to sell and move on.”

  “They all right?” Adam asked.

  Mecatl held up a hand and smiled. “I wouldn’t have left them otherwise. Madison has some things to discuss with you.” His smile widened. “I’m thinking I’m one of them.”

  “Ah, yep. Most like,” Adam said with a shrug.

  “Hey, mind if I come too. Maybe this is related to the cattle rustling. You can’t say for sure that it ain’t. I’ll leave a note for Elijah and Ellen. Back in a tick.”

  Mitch took off toward the house at a run, and Adam shook his head.

  “He doesn’t know you’re a marshal?” Mecatl asked.

  “Nope. No one around here knows that but you. Madison mad at me?” Adam tilted his head and looked at Mecatl, a smirk curling his lips. It wasn’t always possible to keep their true identities a secret from everyone, but Madison always gave Adam a hard time if he revealed them without his prior agreement.

  “Well, he didn’t look that mad,” Mecatl said. “But I could sure feel the storm brewing.”

  “Figures,” Adam said and sighed. “Guess I’ll just have to
face his wrath.”

  “You ready?” Mitch shouted as he ran from the house to the stables.

  Adam waved. “Well, let’s get going. I might as well get it over with.”

  Mecatl laughed, and Adam joined in. He liked Mecatl and got a good feeling about the man. Mitch too, if he was honest, although he didn’t intend to reveal that he was a marshal to him anytime soon. He mounted his horse as did Mecatl. When Mitch joined them, Adam led the way at a quick canter.

  Chapter Fifteen

  When Adam arrived at the Silver S ranch, the first thing he did was take care of his horse. He took Cinnamon to the stables, removed her saddle, and gave her a good rub down. Finally, he made sure she had food and water and then looked around. He smiled to see that Mitch and Mecatl had done the same for their mounts.

  He took a deep breath. Now to face Madison’s wrath. He headed toward the house. As they neared, Madison and Abe came out to meet them. One look at Madison’s eyes told Adam he was in a whole heap of trouble.

  “Which is your friend?” Mitch asked.

  Adam half turned to look at him and saw the glint of anticipation in Mitch’s eye.

  “The one on the right is Madison, the other is Abe, the owner of this ranch.”

  “That’s all I needed to know.” With a grin, Mitch picked up his pace and strode forward toward Abe. He held out his hand. “The name’s Mitch. I hear you’re in need of some help.” He took Abe’s hand and without releasing it glanced at Madison. “You’re Adam’s friend? I’m Mitch, good to meet you.”

  “Ah, you too,” Madison said.

  Adam fought to hide his smile, but Madison’s bemused look as Mitch and Abe stared into one another’s eyes seemed the perfect catharsis to the stress and tension of the day. All it took was a muffled snort from Mecatl to set him off. He roared with laughter as Mecatl joined in. Madison glowered at them, but when Mitch and Abe remained oblivious, Adam laughed even harder.

  Madison walked over to join them and glanced back to where Mitch and Abe still stood. “Mecatl, why don’t you usher those two into the house? Abe has a pot of stew on the range, and I don’t want it to be ruined just because his attention is somewhere else.”

  “Sure thing.” Mecatl went over to the men and wrapped his arms around Mitch and Abe’s shoulders. “Come on, you two.”

  As soon as the trio was in the house, Madison turned to Adam. “You sure that was a wise move?”

  “I didn’t feel I had too much choice,” Adam said. “Seeing a man with his heart cut out and not wanting to report it seemed mighty suspicious to him. If I hadn’t let him know we were marshals, he may have decided we were outlaws and reported the body to Sheriff Jackson. At least this way he knows who we are.”

  “Yeah, I guess so.” Madison sighed. “You know, for it being the smallest of the three ranches with mediocre grazing land, this little ranch sure has a lot of would-be buyers.”

  “Someone else has shown an interest?” Adam asked.

  “Yeah. Tall, slim dude, walks a little odd...”

  “Wearing a blue check shirt and riding a chestnut horse?” Adam cut in quickly. “Where did he say he was from?”

  “He didn’t. Where did you see him?” Madison asked.

  “He’s one of the two guys I think are responsible for killing the cowboy up in the mountains. I saw him come out of the Lazy E house when everyone else was gone.”

  “What about Mortimer?”

  “The twins had gone out with Mitch, and the uncle was in bed sleeping. I can’t see why he’d be involved. The ranch isn’t his. Elijah takes over soon, and he wasn’t there when I saw this man.” Adam rubbed his chin. So many questions, so little sense.

  “Given what we know, I’d say Carter’s our prime suspect. He needs big money to finance his lifestyle, his challenge to be mayor, and then governorship. That takes far more money than the Chief showed his ranch makes. Where’s his extra income generated?”

  “Maybe he’s our cattle rustler?” Adam said as he nodded slowly. “Could be, you know. After all, Mortimer will go back East once Elijah takes over the ranch. It’s their cattle that are being rustled. That’s probably why the ranch empties out so much. More men trying to keep an eye on the herds.”

  “Even if that is the case, we still don’t know where the statue is.” Madison looked around. “It must have been hidden before the double cross went down. But who hid it and where?”

  “I have an idea how to ruffle some feathers, maybe make our man take a little drastic action,” Adam said. “How’d you like to be part owner of a ranch?”

  “What? Are you mad?” Madison’s look was one of incredulity, but Adam pressed forward with his idea.

  “Nope. How about we offer to help Abe to get this place running again? If necessary tell him who we are. He’s not involved in this. He was out East when it all happened. I’m sure this ranch is the key. This is where the statue is. That’s why it’s so important.” Adam looked around in a slow circle. “I’ll bet every hut and shack have been searched. But if there are still buyers, then it’s still here. Somewhere. This way we get to search for ourselves and perhaps send our thief into a panic.”

  “If the thief fails Numa, given the man’s reputation...”

  “Numa won’t rest until the thief’s heart is cut out.” Adam smiled grimly. “Our thief needs that statue, their life depends on it.”

  “And Numa has said he will prove that Quetzalcoatl has abandoned Xipil. He’ll lose face if he doesn’t produce the statue, although it missing still creates a problem for Xipil and unrest in that region.” Madison nodded. “Makes sense. So we need to flush out our thief. Let’s see if Abe will agree to the sale or whether we need to show him our credentials. I hope it’s the former. The fewer people who know our real identities the better.”

  “I think we stand a good chance,” Adam said and smirked. “I think Abe’s mind will be a little preoccupied with the handsome Mitch.”

  This time when he laughed, Madison joined in. Adam slung an arm around Madison’s shoulder as they headed to the house.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Despite Madison’s fears, supper hadn’t been ruined. Abe and Mitch sat on a small love seat and only had eyes for each other. They were engrossed in quiet conversation.

  The house was far smaller than the Lazy E’s. The love seat was in front of the fire off to the left, and it was the only furniture in the room. It opened into a dining area that had an old table and six chairs. The kitchen was just off to the side of the dining room. With the fire and the range, the large, empty space was at least warm.

  “Ah, excuse me, Mitch. I think I need to get things sorted in the kitchen. Sorry, I only have what’s here. I didn’t bring furniture. But I bought pots, pans, and the like in town yesterday.” Abe’s smile was a little wry.

  “We’ve slept on the ground and eaten meat cooked over an open fire,” Adam said, quick to pick up on Abe’s embarrassment at the impoverished state of the house. “This is a luxury compared to what we’re used to.”

  “There are beds in the bedrooms,” Abe said. “And I did get bedding. Um, but the beds are double sized.”

  “I’ll sleep here, by the fire,” Mecatl said. “It’s warm and dry. All I could need.”

  “Adam and me have shared beds aplenty,” Madison said. “But if the old timer needs his comfort, I can sleep out here.”

  “Less of the sass, whippersnapper.” Adam grumbled. “I’ve slept on harder, colder ground than you’ll ever know.”

  Madison snorted and then laughed. The ploy worked. Abe gave a delighted laugh at their banter as he replaced Mecatl at the range. “If you could get plates and cutlery set, please, Mecatl. I’ll bring the pots over, and everyone can help themselves,” he said.

  Supper was a pleasant interlude. To go with the stew, Abe made cornbread and fried potatoes. There were even fried apples for dessert. Once the food was gone, they sat with their coffee. Adam, Madison, and Mecatl brought their chairs into the living room by the f
ire, and Abe sat with Mitch on the love seat.

  Adam took the opportunity to surreptitiously study the three other men. Mecatl remained detached, although he joined in whenever directly included. Abe was intelligent and articulate, and Mitch much the same.

  Adam patted his belly. “That was an excellent meal, Abe. Cooking seems more your skill than ranching.”

  Abe’s cheek flushed pink at the compliment, and he smiled at Adam. “Well, actually, I studied under a real French chef for a while back East. I love cooking.”

  “Abe, Madison and I have a proposition for you,” Adam said. “We can lay our hands on some ready cash if need be. This place needs some work to bring it up to scratch and make it a viable ranch. For a half share in it, Madison and I will fund the repairs.”

  “As a matter of fact, I was going to help Abe out,” Mitch said. “You boys are supposed to be poor drifters. Where can you legally get your hands on funds? I don’t want Abe mixed up in anything illegal.” Mitch’s face darkened, and he glowered between Adam and Madison.

  Adam glanced at his partner who gave a one-shouldered shrug in response. With a heavy sigh, Adam removed his boot, going through the same process as he had with Mecatl. When he produced his badge, he took a perverse delight in both the wide-eyed stare from Abe and the pinkened cheeks of Mitch.

  “We can’t go into too much detail,” Adam said. “For your own safety as much as anything else. The less you know, the safer you’ll be. We’ll expect you to remain silent about this.” He kept his voice low and menacing. He received a frantic nod from Abe and a slower, measured one from Mitch.

  “Who else knows?” Mitch asked.

  “Just you three,” Adam said indicating Mecatl. “I followed a couple of men from the Lazy E up into the mountains. A man was murdered up there, and I think they were responsible.” He purposely didn’t mention the gruesome manner of the cowboy’s death. Abe and Mitch didn’t need to know every detail.