Beyond the Verde River — S.J. Stewart

When Jake Lockridge's uncle is murdered by outlaws who are after his treasure, Jake vows to avenge the old man's death. But first he must retrieve the gold. On his way to the Mazatzal Mountains he rescues Ryan Decker who's been robbed and left to die by members of the same gang.

Jake then comes upon the beautiful Alicia Sandoval and her brother, both of whom are also in danger. All the while the outlaws and their leader Culebra, are on their trail. With some luck and good fortune, Jake hopes to find the gold without leading a posse of scavengers to the site, and leaving behind a trail of bones. It will take all of his strength and ingenuity to protect his new friends and outwit Culebra and his men...and ultimately secure the treasure of the Mazatzals.