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    "Trail Dust": 1, #1
    "Trail Dust": 1, #1
    "Trail Dust": 1, #1
    Ebook271 pages3 hours

    "Trail Dust": 1, #1

    By John Miller

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    About this ebook

    Joshua Brandt cuts ties in Tennessee and goes in search of his brother in the Wyoming Territory. Along the way he finds old friends and new enemies. A Texas judge lets him forge an unlikely team of U.S. Marshals. He leads them against train robbers, land-grabbers, and finds some unexpected ways to bring law, order, and justice to the West. The marshals make their way toward Wyoming and the biggest challenge yet in a town where Joshua will learn the truth about his missing brother and face down men who think nothing can stop their grab for gold and power.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJohn Miller
    Release dateAug 26, 2015
    ISBN9781516328505
    "Trail Dust": 1, #1

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    • 5/5
      You should get the audiobook for this one and the sequel. Amazing! A fun listen on trips or around the house.

    Book preview

    "Trail Dust" - John Miller

    PART ONE

    Joshua Brandt worked on some fence line on the south end of the farm on a late May afternoon. He cut a log with a coping saw and paused for a drink. He poured some water out of his bag onto his face to cool off. Two gun shots rang out across the valley. The sound took forever to fade away. He dropped the water bag.

    God, no!

    He vaulted onto his horse and took off across the field toward the main house. In the distance four men headed in the opposite direction. He wanted to chase the men down but he was unarmed. The front door of the house stood ominously open.

    An eternity seemed to pass before the horse made it to the house. At the front porch he jumped from the saddle before the horse even stopped and pounded to the doorway. He slowed when he saw the blood leaking out onto the threshold and came to a halt, crashing down onto his knees. Tears rolled down his face. His father lay on his back in a pool of blood. Joshua could see the bullet hole in his forehead. His mother lay on her side facing him, body twisted, shot the same way. He stared into her lifeless eyes. He could still see those eyes in his nightmares.

    Twenty-five pounds of red-tinted dog shoved against his leg. Rufus growled and Joshua’s mind let go of the memory. The few brindle spots on the small dog’s coat looked like the cloud of dust rising over the ridge below the farmhouse.

    What is it, boy? Rufus barked and pointed his nose down the fence line. Joshua looked and saw a buckboard wagon. A lone man guided the horse up the dirt road toward the house. Joshua patted Rufus on the head. That’s okay, boy. It’s just Mr. Greene.

    Joshua Brandt leaned against a fence post on his family’s Gatlinburg, Tennessee farm. He watched the fog slink across the field as the sun began to burn it off. The farm had been in the family since his grandparents first settled the area around 1802. The town of Gatlinburg grew around the farm. The people of Gatlinburg depended on the farm’s milk, other dairy products, and its crops. Joshua had been born on the farm and worked it as soon as he could walk. He remembered getting up before first light to help his father and working the farm until sundown. During the Civil War, the farm posed no threat so the Union Army had spared it. Whoever stopped by, North or South, could get whatever food they needed. Joshua had fought for the North because he believed all men were equal and should not be slaves. He had kept that a secret from the community.

    The war had been over for ten years now. It was time to sell the family farm and go look for his brother. Mac had left soon after the war had ended and moved out west to the Wyoming territory. Neither Joshua nor his brother had fathered any children, so no one was left to carry on the family tradition. The still-unsolved murders of his parents had hit him hard, and he wanted to leave the farm in hopes the haunting memories would fade.

    Rufus whimpered. Joshua leaned back away from the fence. The wagon stopped about ten feet away from where he stood.

    An older gentleman climbed down from the wagon and approached. Morning, Joshua. Rufus.

    Good morning, Mr. Greene.

    The man leaned down, rubbed Rufus on the head, and turned back to Joshua. Are you sure you want to do this, son?

    Joshua looked at Greene without emotion. I don’t want to sell this place, but I can’t stay here no more. Too many memories and nobody to pass the farm on to.

    What about your brother Mac?

    No one has heard from him since he left. No letters. Not sure he is even still alive.

    I can give you some more time to think it over. Make sure this is what you want to do.

    I thank you Mr. Greene, but my mind is made up. I want to leave.

    Greene shook his head. From his jacket pocket he pulled out a thick envelope. Here you go, son, five thousand dollars for the land, the main house, barn, cows, and the horses. I will give you time to count it.

    No need for that, Mr. Greene. I have known you all my life. You’re one man I know I can trust.

    Greene smiled back at him. Well, do you have the deed?

    Joshua reached into his jacket pocket and handed the deed to Greene. It’s signed, said Joshua as Greene tucked it in his pocket without looking at it. Don’t you want to check the signature?

    No, son. You’re like family. I know once your mind is made up there is no changing it. Greene stuck out his hand and Joshua took it. Be careful out west, son. Any idea where you will be heading to first?

    I’m going to Texas to try and find an old friend from the army.

    Greene nodded and released the young man’s hand. Just so you know, son, the Morgan brothers know about all this money you will be carrying. They may try to take it from you.

    Joshua nodded. Yeah, I figured they would come around. I think they will follow me awhile before they make their move.

    Do you want the sheriff to lock them up for a few days to give you a head start?

    No, Mr. Greene, I think I can handle them. Besides, I have Rufus with me.

    Greene grinned and looked down at the dog. Yes, you do.

    Joshua watched the older gentleman resume his seat on the wagon. Greene tipped his hat and took hold of the reins. Ha! the horses turned and went down the dirt road until the wagon was out of sight.

    You ready to go, Rufus? The dog yapped and followed Joshua into the barn.

    He picked up a blanket and threw it over his horse’s back. Chestnut was a big tan horse. He had four black socks without a speck of white on him. As a kid Joshua had gathered chestnuts just the color of the horse’s coat so the name seemed natural. He placed the saddle on the horse’s back and snugged up the girth. He stroked the horse’s neck on his way around to tie off his bedroll. Odds and ends he might need, including a supply of beef jerky, went into a bag on top of the bedroll.

    Joshua picked up his gun belt from a workbench across the barn. One by one he loaded cartridges into the leather loops. He swung the belt around his waist and clasped the buckle. His loaded pistol slid easily into the holster.

    On the bench lay a large knife and a small pistol. Joshua slid the knife in his left boot. The pistol found a home in his right boot.

    His brown leather duster hung on a peg above the workbench. The fit was perfect as his arms slid into the sleeves. The coat settled across his shoulders. His mother had made him the coat shortly before her death. It still looked brand new, since he hadn’t worn it much. From another peg he removed a tan cowboy hat and wrapped a brown bandana around his neck.

    Well, how do I look? he asked Rufus with a grin. The dog yapped approval and wagged his whole body, not just his tail. The last item on the bench was a Henry rifle. Joshua picked it up, cocked it, and slowly let the hammer down. Over to Chestnut he went, and slid the rifle into the boot. Joshua sighed, turned, and took a last look around the barn, storing away the memories of his childhood. He put one foot into the stirrup, swung himself onto Chestnut’s back, took hold of the reins, and clicked his tongue.

    Come on, boy. Out of the barn they rode, with Rufus right behind him. He never looked back.

    PART TWO

    Joshua headed due north in the afternoon. He had already left Pigeon Forge behind him. In the morning he would head west. During his stopover in Sevierville, he planned to say farewell to some old friends he’d grown up with. The Ramsey family had moved to Sevierville when he was fourteen. They had lost touch over the years.

    Joshua stopped, climbed off his horse, and walked a few feet along the bank of a stream to get a drink of water. Kneeling down, he cupped his hands into the water and took a long, cool drink. Chestnut and Rufus also refreshed themselves downstream. Joshua smiled at the two of them. Just as he leaned down to take another drink, he heard a twig snap behind him. Joshua slowly reached down with his right hand for his pistol.

    You’re not that fast, Joshua. I’ve already got my gun on you.

    Joshua moved his hand carefully away from his gun, turned, and rose to face a beefy man with a pistol pointed at him. Hello Billy, I have been expecting you. Where’s Sammy hiding?

    He be back at the house. It’s just me.

    Are you here to shoot me and rob me?

    Billy put the gun away in his holster. Nothing like that. Joshua, I know you’re faster than me with a gun so I had to cover you. I did hear you sold the family farm and you have a lot of money on you right now.

    Joshua stared at Billy, not sure what to do. Yes, I sold the farm. I’m heading out west to look for Mac.

    Billy stepped closer to him and smirked. How is that scoundrel brother of yours, anyway?

    I couldn’t tell you. Haven’t heard from him since the war.

    Shame. Always did like Mac.

    Joshua’s hand crept toward his pistol, all the while keeping his eyes on Billy. So what’s this all about, Billy? I don’t think you trailed me this far just to say goodbye.

    No, but there is a reason I followed you. I wanted to make sure you were alone so we could talk. I need your help, Joshua. Ma is sick. We’re behind on our payments to the bank. I was wondering if I could get a loan from you?

    Joshua squinted at Billy. Did you say a loan?

    I don’t know how much you got for your family farm. It was a nice spread and I was hoping you could see fit to help us out.

    How much money are you talking about?

    Two hundred dollars would get us caught back up with the bank, and with summer coming, we can get back ahead with the crops when we sell them in town.

    Joshua thought this over. He had grown up with the Morgan brothers. They had played together as kids out by the old oak tree, at the end of the Brandt farm. Joshua reached into his jacket, pulled out the envelope, counted out two hundred dollars, and put the rest back into his pocket. Taking a few steps toward Billy, he handed him the money. Billy accepted the money, a small tear welling up in his eye. The Morgans used to be a proud family. They’d fallen on hard times since their pa passed away. Thank you, Joshua. I won’t forget this, and I will pay you back when you return.

    I may not be coming back, but you can do me a favor now.

    Anything, Joshua. Just name it.

    Every now and then, can you go by the grave site of my ma and pa and keep the weeds away for me?

    Billy took off his hat. I can do that for you. I always did like your ma. She made me and Sammy clothes when we were young’uns.

    Joshua smiled at Billy. My Ma always thought highly of you and Sammy.

    I can’t imagine losing your ma. I just hope mine gets better.

    Joshua reached back into his jacket pocket, counted out another hundred dollars, and handed it to Billy. For your Ma. Get her some medicine. Make sure she gets better, and give her a kiss on the cheek from me.

    Billy put out his hand. Joshua took it, and they both stood there a moment.

    Thank you.

    Just take care of your ma.

    Billy let go of his hand, turned, walked back into the tree line, and was gone. Joshua looked back to Chestnut and Rufus with a smile on his face. He climbed onto the horse, made a click sound, and rode away with Rufus following.

    Near dark he reached the edge of Sevierville, rode down the right side of the main street, and had a look around. Chestnut decided it was time to show off for some reason and started to strut. Now Chestnut, stop that. The horse whinnied and Rufus barked.

    Joshua spotted a young boy who stood on the porch of a hotel. Hey, boy!

    Yes, mister?

    Joshua leaned down as the boy approached him from the porch. Can you tell me where I can find Silas Ramsey?

    Sure, mister. He owns the store down at the other end of town.

    Are the stables close by?

    Yep. He owns the livery too. It’s behind his store.

    Joshua reached in his pocket, pulled out a coin, and flipped it into the air.

    The young boy caught it and stared at the nickel in his hand. Gee, thanks, mister. He scurried off down the street.

    Joshua clicked and Chestnut started down the street. He took in the buildings and shops, happy Sevierville had survived the war. The last building on the right had a sign on top of the front porch that read, Ramsey’s Country Store. he smiled and climbed off Chestnut. He tied the reins to a hitching rail in front of the store. You stay here, he told Rufus. The dog yapped and sat down next to the horse.

    Joshua walked through the front door and saw a man with his back to him in a corner of the shop. A young blonde woman swept the floor on the other side, also facing away. He tiptoed over and stopped about ten feet away. You missed a spot, he said.

    She turned to him. I beg your pardon?

    His grin widened. I said you missed a spot.

    Joshua, oh my God, is it you? she exclaimed after staring at him a moment longer.

    Yes, it’s me all right.

    Papa, look. It’s Joshua!

    The man turned. Joshua Brandt?

    The young woman closed the gap and threw her arms around Joshua. The man crossed the room with a big grin on his face and stuck out his hand. The woman let go when the man reached him. He grabbed the old man and hugged him hard. Glad to see you, Mr. Ramsey.

    My boy, no, it’s good to see you. How long has it been now?

    Too long, Mr. Ramsey. Too long. Have you been keeping Sarah out of trouble?

    This girl is going to put me in an early grave.

    Sarah playfully slapped at her father’s shoulder. Not me, papa.

    Well, are you staying for a few days, now? Mr. Ramsey asked. Be glad to have you stay a spell. I know mother will be glad to see you. Speaking, of that, how are your folks?

    Joshua bowed his head. They both passed about two years ago.

    Was it sickness?

    They were murdered.

    My God!

    Did they catch the killers? Sarah whispered.

    Not yet. Joshua’s face turned to stone. No one has any idea who did it, or why.

    I’m so sorry to hear that, son. Is Mac with you?

    No, he is the reason I’m heading west. I’m going to Texas, then on to the Wyoming territory to look for him. Mac doesn’t know about our parents. Between us, maybe we can figure out what happened and get them some justice. I sold the farm to Mr. Greene.

    Mr. Ramsey and Sarah stood there stunned. Finally Sarah spoke. You sold the farm? Why would you do that?

    Too many memories. With no help, I can’t leave it and go looking for Mac, then come back to it. Selling seemed best.

    Well, you had to do what’s best for you, son, said Ramsey.

    A boy downtown said you run the stables. Can I put my horse and dog up for the night? I will pay for them.

    Nonsense. You take the animals out back and put them up for the night. And we have a spare room all ready for you.

    Joshua smiled. I appreciate the offer, but I will sleep out in the stables. My folks died in the house. I mostly slept out in the barn with the animals after that.

    Ramsey clasped him on the shoulder. If that’s what you want to do, then by all means I won’t stop you.

    Joshua glanced at Sarah and smiled. Want to show me to the stables?

    I would love to, Joshua Brandt. He extended his arm. She took it as they walked out of the store. Joshua could see Ramsey’s baffled look but he wasn’t sure what it meant.

    Outside, Joshua took hold of Chestnut’s reins and told Rufus to follow.

    Beautiful horse, Sarah said. Have you had him long?

    We foaled him on the farm. Very smart horse.

    What about the dog?

    Rufus? I found him in the barn one day when he was just a pup. The horses had him pinned in the corner. I decided to keep him.

    Well, he is one lucky dog to be with you.

    The couple reached the stables. Joshua led Chestnut to an empty stall. He unfastened the girth, took off the saddle, set it on the railing, and removed the blanket. He turned and met Sarah’s intense gaze. Is there something wrong?

    No. She came to stand right in front of him, leaned in, and kissed him.

    He returned the kiss. They embraced. He broke the kiss and shook his head.

    What, you forgot how I kissed you?

    No, not at all. Just been a long time. I think we were fourteen when we first kissed.

    I’m impressed you remembered.

    How could I forget? Your ma caught us behind the barn.

    Sarah giggled. She tanned my hide for it but good. I have no regrets. It was worth it.

    A smile spread over his face. Yes it was. He piled three forkfuls of hay in Chestnut’s stall. Can Rufus come in the house so I can feed him?

    I’m sure it will be ok.

    I thank you, as Rufus does.

    Why don’t you stay here awhile with us?

    I wish I could, but I want to find Mac.

    The smile turned to a frown. I understand.

    Shall we go inside? Joshua stuck out his arm, which she took.

    The couple walked arm-in-arm down the street. Sure you can’t stay for a day or two?

    I’m leaving in the morning.

    The two arrived at the Ramsey house without saying another word. Sarah opened the door and walked in first. Mama, we have a visitor.

    A gray-haired woman came around the corner from the kitchen. Did you say we had company? Sarah stepped to one side. Joshua cleared the front door and removed his hat. The gray-haired woman looked confused and stood there staring.

    Remember me, Mrs. Ramsey?

    The woman’s confusion gave way to joy and she ran across the floor with her arms wide open. Joshua Brandt! Oh, it’s good to see you.

    He picked her up in a bear hug, trying not to squeeze too tight. After a full minute of hugging went by, he set the old woman down.

    She took a step back, reached up, and put her hands on his shoulders. Look how you have grown. You have to be at least six feet tall, if not taller. Mom’s cooking, I bet. How is your mother?

    Mother!

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