Author: tuantr

“Who is Victor Halbert?” Her father had gone white. Two weeks later, Clara was told she would marry a rancher in Colorado. She had thought…

“For what?” “For a front door that wants to die.” The shopkeeper coughed into his hand. “Out back.” His name was Amos Mercer. He helped…

“What happens after you drink?” “My belly burns. Then my head gets heavy.” “Do your brothers feel it too?” “Cole says his hands tingle. Jesse…

“And what happens when they find you?” “I ask why they shot a horse and left a baby to die.” “With your revolver?” “With whatever…

“You run your ranch by a clock?” Clara asked. “I run the machines by one. The people tend to follow.” He released her hand and…

“What?” “It looks small.” “Most cages do from the outside.” She watched him split a log. He was perhaps forty-two, though hardship had carved older…

“Momma,” Emma whispered, “is this heaven?” Grace pressed her lips together. “No, baby. It’s just a ranch.” I telephoned Dr. Helen Morris at the Silver…

“Who was responsible for supper?” she asked. No one answered. Roo lifted the spoon halfway. Nora nodded as though he had accepted an important position….

“He said new shoes always hurt until you taught them obedience.” Caleb looked at the shoe again. His jaw shifted. “Shoes are not horses. They…