Turning the GPS over, I opened the battery compartment and rotated the batteries. Please work, just for a moment.

The screen remained black.

Chapter 21

Bram handed the rifle to Wyatt and scrambled onto his horse as soon as the shooting started. Darby, nearest the door, had already taken off at a gallop. The rest of the riders followed. The horses stayed pretty much together as they raced up the hill.

They pulled up their horses at the top of the ridge. Everyone was silent. “I don’t suppose you checked to see if any of the horses or mules were missing?” Bram finally asked Wyatt.

Wyatt shook his head. “Just the few from when they broke out earlier. I should have thought of it.”

“I didn’t think of it either.” Bram frowned. “So we don’t know if the killer will be stalking any of us or will stay at Mule Shoe. I guess I don’t have to tell you all to be careful and ride fast.” He jerked his head at Liam and turned his horse east, pressing the dun into a trot.

The trail angled downward, then flattened before starting to climb. The path was clearly marked and in excellent condition, and they made good time. Bram checked his GPS often, watching for the point when they’d have to set off cross-country. Finally the trail angled north. “Liam, we need to continue straight.”

The young man didn’t answer, just turned his mount off the road and down the slope. At the bottom, the trees thinned. A brook with sulfur-laden steam rising from its surface—evidence of the geothermal activity—meandered through the small gulch.

“Liam, we need to bear more to the right—”

“You know, Bram, I’m perfectly capable of reading a GPS. I’m tired of you bossing me like I’m an idiot. Not anymore. No way.” Liam kicked his horse hard, sending the little mare into a gallop.

“Liam, slow down!” Bram urged his mount to go faster. “Slow down! We have a long ride! We don’t need to go that fast!”

Liam disappeared into the trees ahead.

“I’m gonna catch that little jerk and pound some sense—”

His horse pitched forward, sending him flying over her head. He hit the ground hard, knocking the wind out of him and sending shock waves of pain throughout his body. Sucking in tiny gulps of air, he lay still until he could breathe normally.

Once air was again flowing into his lungs, he took inventory of his injuries. His back hurt, arm throbbed, and shoulder pounded.

Slowly, carefully, he pushed to a seated position. His horse had already righted herself and was shaking off the dust. She took a few steps and sniffed a thatch of grass, appearing to be unhurt.