Hooves pounded off to his right, and with his heart suddenly racing in excitement, Alonzo turned and squinted against the sun to make out the approaching horse. His hope that it was Ben faded, however, when he saw the familiar bulk on the back of the appaloosa everybody recognized.
Sheriff Cullen slowed as he neared. He was not a small man, barrel-chested and grizzled from his years in the territory. Hands the size of small hams held the reins loosely in front of him, and watery eyes frowned at Alonzo, even from that distance.
“You’re a long way from your presidio, Father.”
Alonzo didn’t slow. “Yes. You’re a long way from your town.”
Cullen angled his horse to block Alonzo’s path. “Care to tell me what you’re doing on a horse that don’t belong to you?”
“I found this horse wandering in
