Phoenix Maplewood Cattle

It was more likely that the rattlesnakes wouldn’t attach one of their own, but Reno kept that comment to himself.

Reno’s stiff countenance gave way to one of surprise. He hadn’t expected that Colt would have run into so many of their crew out there. They were from the western deserts and the cowboy had journeyed east when things had gone sour. He’d thought the others would go further west until they found new tumbleweeds to chase and new folk to rob.

Where they at? Y’all stickin together?

Colt seemed to have an idea of what had happened. He made a cryptic comment that rubbed Reno the wrong way. The cowboy snorted softly, searching the red eyes of the other man from the corners of his gaze.

Ah shit. We got in it bad with the Tristan gang. There was a big fight. Lost a few. The rest of us scattered, including Lloyd. Figured that was the end of it, the gang. Ain’t seen no Tristans round these parts, though. Where ya been to get yer ear so close to the ground? A scrutinizing stare narrowed Reno’s eyes.