Chapter 9 [Twenty Minutes Later]

Manolito led the traveling party into the compound. Satisfaction lightened his heart. The new rancho pleased his soon-to-be father-in-law. They agreed on the spot for the hacienda. The mustangs would soon have their new corral. The silver could be carted down to the smelting plant on Ricardo's way back to Mexico.

Only questions about Buck's situation hung over his head….

Where is he? Did John find him? He frowned. Purpose pushed him toward heading back out for his friend. Insult's sting had faded. Priority determined Safety would be served first.

"What's going on? Shouldn't people be on guard?" Blue looked around.

"It is most curious. Most unlike Big John." Manolito dismounted. He took Lucinda's reins in his hand. He helped Mercedes down to the ground. "Be careful."

John walked out. "Manolito! How did everything go at Patterson's?" He turned back into the house. "They're back! Come in. I want to hear all about it."

"The rancho is everything Manolito said it would be, John. We have made a good investment. I will go back into Tucson tomorrow. I need to find men and materials to start on the hacienda immediately!" Ricardo declared.

"Did you find Buck?" Mercedes asked.

"Oh yeah. We found him in Tucson. He came back with us," John assured him. "So you like the new ranch?"

"Oh yes!" Mercedes' eyes lit up. Enthusiasm sparkled in her face and smile. "Manolito has picked us an excellent rancho! I cannot wait for our dreams to begin!"

"It will be some work but the dream will come," Manolito clarified. "Patterson needed more men. We will bring a few more men. It will help."

"Four or five hands should do it," Blue agreed. "Pa, you should see the stuff up there!"

John composed himself. Once again, Jealousy panged in his heart. Still, he would not let that show in front of Manolito and the others. "Patterson had a good eye for that land. I'll be interested to see what you make of it, Manolito."

"We shall see, John." Manolito shrugged. "We will have to tell Miguel about it tomorrow. He will have much to say about the new church I am sure."

"He rode back this afternoon." John motioned toward the door. "You all should come in. He and Buck are waiting with Victoria." He headed back into the house.

"Gosh! He got really sad. What's going on?" Penny realized.

"Don't rightly know. I'm just glad Uncle Buck's all right!" Blue led her into the house. "Hey, Uncle Buck!"

Buck grinned. His eyes lit up. "Hey, Blue Boy. Sure glad you're back. Mano with you?"

"Yeah. We're all back! We had a real good day." Blue rushed over to Buck. He bear hugged the older man. "Most important you're okay!"

Buck could see Victoria nod reminding of her earlier points. "Hey! I'm too tough not to be! I just had something to work out." He returned the embrace. "I'm just sorry, Blue Boy. Shouldn't have said those things."

"Don't matter now. Just glad to see you." Blue smirked at Buck.

"Buck! Hey, Compadre! Are you all right?" Manolito grinned.

"Yeah. I ended up at Brown's in Tucson. John and Bart brought me back. We're okay. Hey, Mano, like I said to Blue Boy, I'm real sorry. Guess I had some stuff eating at me."

"We have those times. All of us. What Blue said goes for us as well. We are amigos. It is forgotten." Manolito held his hand out.

"Yeah! Thanks!" Buck shook hands with his friend. "Glad we got some good news. Miguel's got some that you'd best sit down for."

"Miguel? ¿Por qué estás aquí?" Ricardo considered his son. "I thought you would work on the new church today?"

Miguel nodded. "I did, Papa. We have materials and men to build the new building. I have an old building to hold the first services. I spoke to Señor Binns. He will help us with his newspaper. I would be in the stable now." He breathed in a deep lungful of air.

"But?" Mercedes pressed. She noticed the twitch in his eyebrow. She saw his eyes avert toward the table. She recognized the signs. "Miguel, what is it? What are you not telling us?"

"Miguel?" Ricardo looked Miguel in the eye. "Your sister asked a question."

"Si." Miguel squirmed. "It is Mama. She left the Hotel Carruthers this morning. She did not say where she was going. The vaqueros were with her."

Ricardo slapped the table. "WHAT? Why? She wanted another place to stay. I arranged the best room in Tucson." He hissed, "Unbelievable! Where would she go?"

"We think she will go to Papa's rancho, Don Ricardo," Victoria deduced. She brought water to the newcomers.

"We'd best hope that's where she went. Awful big desert to search otherwise," Buck noted.

"Papa, why would she do this? Manolito and I are not trying to upset her!" Mercedes trembled. Worry unsettled her.

Manolito hugged Mercedes' shoulders. "You heard Victoria. Your mother likes Papa's rancho. That is where we shall start our search. Papa will send word. He respects Don Ricardo."

"I had hoped to buy new dresses for Penny and you, Mercedes. I will make sure you have a suitable wedding." Victoria frowned. Lament and Disappointment ate at her.

"You will still do that, Victoria. Mercedes shall have her dress and veil," Ricardo vowed. "John, can we return to Rancho Montoya to speak with Don Sebastian?"

"We'll leave at first light. For now, let's eat and get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow," John urged.

Victoria set plates down in front of everyone. She brought steak and mashed potatoes to the table. "I am sure everyone is hungry."

Everyone tried to eat. Still Concern reduced appetites and conversation….