To Reap and to Sow by J. R. Roberts

She talked about a few different places like San Francisco or Sacramento. That’s why we need to catch up with her before she gets that far. And since I know where she’ll be, that won’t be a problem.”
    Although Joey looked optimistic at first, that quickly faded. “What about the fella she was with? He coulda killed us both.”
    â€œBut he didn’t. Not even close.” Mark spoke with plenty of steam behind his words, but wasn’t able to keep it up for long. In fact, by the time he took his next breath, that steam had evaporated. “We’ll have to keep an eye on him, that’s for certain. But he must not be a real killer; otherwise, we’d be dead.”
    â€œYeah,” Joey said meekly. “I suppose that’s true enough.”
    â€œAnd if I know Lynn, she’s got the man wrapped around her little finger. That’s what she does.”
    Joey nodded. “Sure as hell. I saw what she did to you.”
    â€œRight. Now all we need to do is get to that farm, find them two and then wait for a spot to make our move.”
    â€œWhat move are you gonna make?” Joey asked.
    Mark seemed to be looking at something far away. He didn’t even seem to hear the question for a few seconds. Finally, Joey’s words made it through to him and he shook his head slowly. “Don’t worry about what I’m gonna do. You just worry about backing me up.”
    Just when Joey was about to throw himself behind Mark’s plan, he stopped and cocked his head to one side like a dog that had just heard a strange whistle. “Wait a second. What’s in this for me?”
    That snapped Mark out of his faraway trance real quickly. “What do you mean by that?” he snapped.
    â€œJust what I said. That fellow almost gunned us both down with some damn fancy shooting. If he wanted us dead, we’d both be in hell right now. I went along with you because we’ve seen some times together, but I don’t wanna get killed just because you can’t shake yourself free of this damn woman.”
    As soon as those words were out of Joey’s mouth, Mark was lunging forward to grab hold of him by the throat. One hand was clamped around Joey’s collar, while the other hand dug straight into Joey’s windpipe.
    â€œI won’t hear you speak badly about Lynn, you hear?” Mark growled.
    Even though his face was turning red and it was hard for him to get a word out, Joey wheezed, “You said she was…no good. She ain’t…worth dyin’ over.”
    â€œThat’s my goddamn business,” Mark said as he leaned in and tightened his grip. Suddenly, the viciousness in his eyes dimmed and some of the sense returned. Mark loosened his grip on Joey’s throat, but kept hold of his collar. “That farmer does a good business. He’s got money stashed.”
    â€œHow do you know all that?”
    â€œBecause Lynn talked about him and how well he took care of his daughter. I don’t know how much he’s got squirreled away, but there’s something. So long as I get Lynn, you can have whatever else there is.”
    Joey’s eyes narrowed as he asked, “You swear?”
    Mark nodded.
    â€œWhatever money we find is mine? And you’re sure there’s money?”
    â€œThat’s what I said, ain’t it?” Mark announced. “Even if it’s a hundred dollars, it’s more than you got right now. All we need to do is bushwhack the man who’s with Lynn and the rest is easy pickings.” Putting an edge to his voice, Mark added, “You wanna make your living as a bad man, this is a good start. You wanna crawl away just because some asshole took a shot at you, then maybe you should be a damn farmer yourself. Or maybe you could just throw on a skirt and do some cooking?”
    Using both hands, Joey pushed Mark back. “I ain’t afraid of no man who don’t have the sand to