Fighting Back, the next installment of the McIntyre Adventures, will debut on July 3, just in time for the big Sesquicentennial celebration. As readers will recall, Gus and his friends are rushing back to Texas after receiving a telegram that indicated there was trouble at the Circle H Ranch.
From the mountain ranges of Colorado, the journey is not easy. The Raton Pass, especially, is rugged and unforgiving. The trail they follow leads upward into the clouds, where they find thin air, loose shale, deep drop-offs, and relentless wind. Danger lurks with every step nervous horses take. Blind switchbacks make every inch of the twisting, turning ascent life-threatening. The only thing worse than climbing to the Raton Pass is the descent on the southern side of the rocky saddle.
The Raton Pass is a death trap, waiting for its next victim.
Of course, the terrain is not the only nemesis of weary travelers. Outlaws, native hunting parties, and Mexican desperados often lay in wait of unsuspecting travelers. The McIntyre entourage is no exception. Here is an excerpt from Chapter 1:
They were surprised when three mounted desperados emerged from a copse of ragged trees and rock to block their path. Walt held up his hand to stop the procession.
“This looks like trouble,” Eduardo whispered.
“Yes. Let’s stay calm and see what they want,” Walt said.
All three wore ragged sombreros, white or blue cotton shirts, and decorative slacks. Each had a sarape draped across their shoulders and a pistol in hand.
“Buen dia (Good morning), gringos,” the leader of the trio shouted. A black mustache covered his mouth, but he had a look of mirth in his eyes. He was flanked by his two comrades, who stared menacingly at the Texans.
“What do you want and why are you blocking our path?” Eduardo asked in his native tongue.
“You are traveling to the Raton Pass, no?” the leader asked.
“Yes, what is it to you?”
“We are here to collect the toll,” the leader replied.
“My friends and I were not informed of any toll. Who are you? We kindly ask that you allow us to pass.”
“I am Juan de la Cruz. Because you are a countryman, the toll today is only five dollars a head. That will be thirty dollars, preferably in gold, my friend.”
“We are not friends,” Eduado replied. “I must confer with the others.”
Gus had been watching the exchange and did not like the sound of it. He and young Hank rode up to where the women sat their horses and listened with interest. He whispered, “Hank, you stay here with the girls. I will see what is going on.”
He looked at Naomi and added, “Be ready. I do not like this.”
She nodded that she understood and whispered to Hank and Jessie, “Follow me. We must spread out so we are not easy targets if these men start shooting.”
“Oh, no!” Jessie said.
“Stay calm,” Naomi advised. “Hank, you ride between us. If shooting starts, get behind one of those big rocks as fast as you can.”
Next, she guided her pony into the tall grass so she had a clear view of Gus, Walt, and Eduardo, who were discussing the request of the desperados. The tactic she learned from her days with the Caputa Indians was both defensive and offensive. If shooting started, she had a clear shot at the enemy.
(If you want to learn what happens next, Fighting Back is for sale in advance. Buy it today, and it will instantly appear on your electronic reading device on July 3. Just click the link below.)