Cole McBride's Vengeance. Book 1: "Blood on the Dust" Chapter 2: The Path of Retribution

Introduction

Cole McBride tightened the straps on his saddle, his jaw set in a determined line as he prepared to embark on his journey.

The memory of the brutal attack on his family fueled his every move, igniting a fire of vengeance within him that burned brighter with each passing moment.

With a heavy heart and a steely resolve, he swung himself onto his horse and spurred it forward, leaving behind the charred remains of his home.

The Departure

As Cole rode out of town, the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the dusty trail.

His mind raced with thoughts of his loved ones, their faces etched into his memory with painful clarity.

He could still hear their laughter, feel their touch – and he swore to them, and to himself, that he would not rest until he had avenged their deaths.

"Kathleen," he whispered, the name of his beloved sister lingering on his lips like a prayer.

She had been the light of his life, his confidante, his closest friend – and now, she was gone, taken from him in a senseless act of violence.

But he refused to let her death be in vain.

He would hunt down those responsible, no matter the cost, no matter the danger – and he would make them pay for what they had done.

A Chance Encounter

As Cole rode deeper into the wilderness, his thoughts consumed by thoughts of revenge, he was suddenly brought back to the present by the sound of approaching hoofbeats.

He tensed, hand instinctively reaching for the revolver at his hip, ready to defend himself against whatever threat may come his way.

But as the rider came into view, Cole relaxed slightly, recognizing the familiar figure of an old friend.

"Jackson!" he called out, relief flooding through him as he spurred his horse forward to meet the newcomer.

"What brings you out this way?"

Jackson Hollis reined in his horse beside Cole, a concerned expression on his weathered face.

"I heard what happened, Cole," he said, his voice grave. "I'm so sorry about your family. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Cole shook his head, gratitude swelling within him.

"I appreciate the offer, Jackson, I really do," he replied, his voice rough with emotion.

"But this is something I have to do alone. I have to find those bastards and make them pay."

Jackson nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. "I won't stand in your way, Cole," he said, his tone solemn.

"But if you ever need anything – anything at all – you know where to find me."

With a nod of thanks, Cole watched as Jackson rode off into the distance, disappearing into the vast expanse of the wilderness.

He felt a pang of loneliness in his heart, but he knew that he could not afford to be distracted by sentimentality.

He had a mission to complete, a score to settle – and nothing and no one would stand in his way.

A Clue Uncovered

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape, Cole pressed on into the night, his determination unyielding.

With each passing mile, he pieced together clues to the whereabouts of the gang responsible for his family's murder, his instincts guiding him ever closer to his quarry.

Suddenly, a glint of metal caught his eye, drawing his attention to a small object half-buried in the dirt.

With a sense of urgency, he dismounted from his horse and knelt down to examine it, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized what he had found – a bullet casing, still warm to the touch.

"Looks like I'm on the right track," he muttered to himself, a grim smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

With renewed determination, he pocketed the casing and remounted his horse, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement.

The Road Ahead

As the night wore on, Cole rode ever deeper into the heart of the wilderness, his mind consumed by thoughts of revenge.

But amidst the darkness and despair, a flicker of hope burned bright within him – the hope that one day, justice would be served, and he would find peace at last.

With each passing mile, he grew stronger, more resolute in his purpose.

He knew that the road ahead would be long and perilous, filled with danger and uncertainty – but he also knew that he could not afford to falter.

For he was Cole McBride, and he would stop at nothing to avenge the ones he loved.

And as the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, casting its warm glow upon the rugged landscape, Cole pressed on into the unknown, his heart filled with determination and his eyes fixed firmly on the path of retribution that lay ahead.