‘That’s why I keep the men working hard. So long as we are done by Saturday night, everyone gets Sunday off. The miners know the rules, so most of them bust their backs to see we fill those rail cars on time.’
‘The interviews won’t take but a few minutes for each man.’
Janks bobbed his head. ‘Then I’ll do my best to get them there on time. We’re battling through some rock that’s tough as railroad spikes right now. I’ve got a second team working a new shaft, but it takes time to reach a zone with enough color to show a respectable yield.’
Faro frowned his concern. ‘I can issue an order to stop all work for a half-day or so. That way, you’d have time to catch up. Would you prefer that?’
Janks, who chewed tobacco incessantly, nearly swallowed his chaw. ‘It wouldn’t make no difference. We would still have to fill the set number of rail cars.’ He shrugged. ‘Don’t like working nights to make the quota, but that’s what we would end up doing.’
‘Then I will expect you to have the men on this list at my room – that’s room number ten – at the appointed times. There are only six men and the interviews will take no longer than ten to fifteen minutes each. I’ll try and push them through quickly. Is that satisfactory?’
‘Yeah, that’s fine.’
‘OK.’ Faro ended that part of the request. ‘As soon as we are finished, I will make a list of my conclusions. Could you set up a meeting with Mr Gaskell at three this afternoon to go over our findings?’
‘Uh, I’ll give it a try, but Mr Gaskell don’t exactly take orders – he’s the one who gives them.’
‘I’m sure he will make himself available for us. We don’t wish to be a burden to your mining operation any longer than necessary.’
‘I’ll let Drummer know so he can set things up with the boss.’
Faro stuck out his hand. ‘It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Benjamin Janks.’
‘Likewise,’ Janks replied.
Once left alone, Munson grinned at Faro. ‘You might not be a real government official, but you sure enough got the mannerism down pat.’
Faro chuckled. ‘If you ever play cards with some of my family, you’ll understand one fact – the only thing we do better than bluff is to get results.’
Wendy arrived to discover Nessy playing with Lana’s oldest girl and Martin’s oldest boy. Wanetta was watching them rather than the nanny.
‘Hey, Mom!’ Wendy greeted her. ‘Where’s the hired help?’
Wanetta waved her over to where she was sitting on one of the porch chairs. As soon as Wendy sat down next to her, Wanetta spoke to her in a quiet voice. ‘Marie is having a heart-to-heart with Mikki.’
‘Yeah? About what?’
Wanetta sighed. ‘It’s such a drama around here lately, like one of those traveling theater shows. Cliff wants to court Mikki, but Mikki is hiding something from him. Cliff spoke to Reese and Reese spoke to Marie. Due to Marie’s gruesome history, she is talking to Mikki. I mean, who could have had a much worse life than Marie?’ She frowned after finishing and asked, ‘Now, dear daughter, what brings you out here in the middle of the week? Your birthday party is still two weeks away.’
‘More drama, I’m afraid.’ She told her about the man who had confronted Desiree.
Before they could enter the house and interrupt the meeting inside, Marie came out the door.
‘Hi, Wendy!’ she said, beaming her a bright smile. ‘What are you doing here?’
Wendy explained a second time. Marie’s complexion darkened and her mood changed from a warm greeting to an obvious internal fury. The expression caused Wendy to rise up out of her chair.
‘Heavens!’ she exclaimed. ‘Whatever did I say?’
‘Elmer Baddon!’ Marie bit the name off as if it was vile or dirty. ‘That’s the man she told me about, the one she ran away from.’
‘Excuse me,’ Wanetta interrupted. ‘But I’m completely in the dark here. Who’s Elmer and what’s this about running away?’
Marie took hold of both of the other women’s hands and led them around to the far side of the house. She stopped a good thirty feet from the structure so no one nearby or in the house would overhear what was being said. Then she heaved a deep sigh.
‘It took a lot of coaxing, and no little confessing my own life of shame and degradation, but Mikki finally told me why she had run away. If my eyes are red, it’s because we both did our share of crying.’
‘So give!’ Wendy showed impatience. ‘No telling when this guy might show up. If he has learned Mikki’s here, he could ride in at any minute.’
Marie explained what she’d been told. ‘Elmer took in Mikki when she was orphaned at ten years of age. He hired her out to anyone who needed a child tended or do cleaning, pull weeds, paint a fence . . . anything. Mikki finally ended up with a job overseeing a neighboring family with four children.’
‘She mentioned that family,’ Wanetta put in.
‘Yes, but she didn’t mention that Elmer has had his hands all over her since she turned twelve! That filthy animal has only been waiting until she turned sixteen so he could marry her. If she hadn’t lied to him about her age, he would be her husband!’
‘The dirty, stinking, maggot!’ Wanetta cried. ‘I wish Desiree would have shot him on the spot!’
‘She couldn’t have known what a walking bucket of filth this guy is,’ Wendy defended Desiree. ‘He told her they’d had a simple quarrel.’
‘No surprise the lowlife pervert would lie about his relationship,’ Wanetta said. ‘What are our options?’
‘He’s not taking her back!’ Wendy declared vehemently. ‘If I have to tell Jared about that child molester, I’ll darn well do it!’
‘It is tempting,’ Wanetta agreed. ‘Jared would give him what anyone who harms a child deserves.’
‘Wyatt’s here, isn’t he?’ Wendy asked. ‘We should get word to him.’
‘He’s off with your father for the day. The two of them went over to visit Troy.’
‘We ought to get Mikki’s input first,’ Marie said. ‘After all, she’s the one who has to make a decision. If she wants to remain free, we’ll see to it that she stays right here with us. If, however, she opts to speak to the walking dung-heap, perhaps talk things through. . . .’
‘You don’t talk to child molesters!’ Wendy avowed. ‘Those inhuman beasts deserve nothing more than a public hanging!’
Wanetta smiled. ‘Spoken exactly like your brother.’
‘Yes, Mother, because there is nothing worse than a man who takes advantage of a child – especially when that child is in his care!’
‘Mikki told me her story in confidence,’ Marie explained to the other two women. ‘I confided in you. That means you can’t repeat anything I’ve told you. Mikki doesn’t wish to be pitied or questioned about her past. I promised not to tell anyone what we had talked about, meaning I’m breaking my word talking to you both.’ Marie shook her head. ‘Of course, that was before some vermin showed up who wants to try and claim her.’
‘We will keep this between the three of us,’ Wanetta said. ‘If the man makes a nuisance of himself, we may have to involve one of the family.’
‘Jared,’ Wendy mouthed his name almost reverently.
Her mother shook her head. ‘Not yet. Wyatt will see no one takes the girl against her wishes . . . unless we have to deal with a court order.’
‘Whatever else happens,’ Marie said, ‘I don’t want that young lady to ever have to face Elmer again.’
‘Have Reese send Cliff back to the house,’ Wanetta told Marie. Then she looked at Wendy. ‘Your father and Wyatt will be home by dark. Until this is settled, I want a man here at all times.’
Chapter Seven
From behind his desk, Ward Gaskell welcomed the two mine inspectors with a grunt. He didn’t offer a handshake, but nodded at the two vacant chairs opposite of him.
‘My name is Faro, and this is my assistant, Mr Munson,’ Valeron introduced. ‘I am bound by duty of
my office to make certain recommendations concerning your mining operation.’
‘Speak your piece,’ Gaskell said, pausing to light an expensive-looking cigar. He sucked in air until the tip glowed, then purposely blew the smoke in the direction of Faro and Munson.
Faro ignored the contemptuous act and opened a notebook. Glancing at the page, he began with a few statistics.
‘Over a dozen deaths this past year – three of them assigned prisoners, working off non-violent offenses. At least two public floggings – which is illegal – and more than twenty contracted employees hospitalized at your private infirmary, including several children.’ He flipped the page. ‘A number of beatings, several women who claim they have been forced to work in your saloons. . . .’
‘I thought you were a safety inspector for the mine!’ Gaskell disrupted his string of claims.
Faro lifted his chin piously and finished his statement. ‘Plus, many of the contracted children are forced to work twelve- to fourteen-hour shifts.’
‘You can speak to Judge Sayles if you wish,’ the man dismissed the complaint. ‘Colorado has no labor laws regarding children.’
‘The “judge”, as you call him, was appointed by you,’ Munson interjected. ‘His only credentials are that he was a lawyer.’
Gaskell frowned. ‘You two are mighty nosy for simple mine inspectors.’
‘Humane treatment is understood within the Colorado judicial system, Mr Gaskell,’ Munson countered. ‘Slave labor in any form is not tolerated at either the state or federal level.’
Gaskell snorted his disdain. ‘All right, fellows. What is it going to cost me to be rid of you and any further state interference?’
‘Be careful of what you say,’ Faro warned. ‘It is a crime to attempt to bribe a state official.’
‘Bribe, donate, support . . .’ he shrugged. ‘It always comes down to money.’
‘After visiting your cemetery, I could not help but notice the name of Decker on several of the grave markers.’
‘Syrus Decker was a little too ambitious when it came to discipline, but he was shot and killed a short time back. I’ve a new man in charge who isn’t so enthusiastic.’
‘The mine needs more support beams in many areas, along with a second vent shaft to the center of your diggings. I also noticed many of your people are working with poor tools and using rags for gloves.’
‘I’ll look into that,’ Gaskell said. ‘But this is a private company. The state has no right to come in and dictate how I run my organization.’
‘On the contrary,’ Munson argued. ‘You are using state, city and county prisoners in your mines. Those men are under the state’s control and protection. If they are not being treated fairly, we will have them removed from your service.’
The man’s teeth clamped down on his cigar with barely controlled vigor, his color darkening as he reined in his anger. ‘Like I said, I’ll see about making more gloves and some better tools available.’
‘As for the children . . .’ Faro began.
Gaskell waved a hand to dismiss the complaint. ‘I’ll speak to the overseer and have him reduce their hours to no more than ten a day.’
‘What about schooling or education? When these contracts are up, the children and people need to be prepared to enter society and earn a living.’
‘I offer them a job right here with fair wages and housing,’ the company owner said. ‘Can’t say I’m not doing my part.’
‘You won’t mind if we send someone to supervise the improvements . . . say in a couple of weeks?’
‘As long as he pays for his keep. We run an open company here and operate the town like any other. Feel free to come back and spend as long as you like.’
‘Very good,’ Faro said. ‘We will be going now.’
Gaskell didn’t offer a goodbye or his hand. He simply blew another puff of smoke in their direction and returned to working on some papers on his desk.
Reese spoke to Cliff, giving him what little he could from what Marie had passed along. Even then, he made Cliff promise to keep every word of it private. He explained Mikki’s situation was dire due to the arrival of Elmer. As he feared, Cliff was furious.
‘You’re saying that guy mistreated her, that he hurt her!’ Cliff swore vehemently. ‘If he shows up, I’ll put a bullet in his fat gut!’
‘He claimed he would get a decree from a judge. We would first have to get that overturned. If we could prove he had been mistreating the child. . . .’
‘What proof?’ Cliff cried. ‘You said Mikki confided in Marie, but she isn’t going to want to stand in front of a judge and tell him every detail about how Elmer harmed her! Besides, it would be the word of a runaway against the man who has been her accepted guardian for the last few years.’
‘Let the family handle this, Cliff. You stand by Mikki, comfort and support her in whatever way you can, but let us handle Elmer. Martin knows enough about law to give us grounds to keep Mikki safe on the ranch. Then we will decide how to handle Elmer if he pushes this.’
Cliff was swayed by Reese’s logic. He swallowed his ire and gave a nod of consent. ‘All right, we’ll try it your way. But if this guy manages to convince a judge to grant him custody. . . .’
‘Trust me,’ Reese promised. ‘We’ll handle Mr Baddon.’
‘Damn, Reese,’ Cliff groaned. ‘How come I keep ending up involved with girls in trouble?’
‘Payback!’ Reese declared. ‘You’ve used girls all your life. It’s time they used you for a change.’
‘Thanks, cousin,’ Cliff said dryly. ‘It’s nice to know whose side you’re on!’
Jared was happy for the company when Shane arrived in Denver. As his room had two bunks, he paid for a second guest. After tossing Shane’s gear in the room, the two of them went to a restaurant they both liked from their previous trip to the big city. After they ordered their meals, Jared filled him in on all that was taking place. In return, Shane shared what he had learned from Desiree when he caught the stage for Cheyenne.
‘So some guy is claiming to be Mikki’s guardian and to-be-husband, with legal hold over her?’
‘I think there’s more to it than that, but Desiree didn’t know much. She was worried enough that she sent Wendy to the ranch to warn them about the guy. You know Desiree isn’t the kind of gal to spook easily.’
‘Brett should be back in Valeron by this time. I’m sure he can handle whatever is going on.’
‘I hope so,’ Shane said, still showing a worried mien. ‘But Brett’s hands are tied if this guy has the law on his side.’
‘Soon as we get this settled, we’ll have a talk with Reese or Cliff. They both know better than to try and dodge my questions. If there’s something going on that Brett can’t handle legally. . . .’
Shane didn’t push him to complete the threat. Instead, he turned to the lighter side of the story.
‘You wouldn’t believe Cliff. He’s like a run-over snake in the road, tied up in knots until he can’t think straight. He’s fallen under the gal’s spell, but she is keeping him at arm’s length.’
‘Good for Mikki. Cliff could stand to have his ego cut down a notch or two.’
Shane heaved a sigh. ‘Tell you one thing, I’m sorry we’re missing out on all of the fun and mystery at the ranch. I mean, if Cliff can’t win a gal’s favor. . . .’
‘Yeah, that’s something I’d like to see.’
The meal was served and the two began to eat. Shane gave an ‘um’ as he tasted the veal he had ordered. ‘Sure like to take this recipe home for Mom to try.’
‘Gwen is a darn good cook,’ Jared praised his aunt. ‘If you’re not satisfied, you had better start looking for some gal who cooks or bakes for a living.’
Shane laughed shortly and turned to business. ‘OK, so Wyatt is at the ranch, Brett went home and Faro won’t be any help if we get into trouble. Are we counting on Fielding and the local lawmen to deal with whatever comes up?’
‘There’s only so
much the law can do. According to Brett, these contracts are written without any buyout or exit clause. That’s what makes them more of an indenture than a contract – and that’s illegal.’
‘What can we do?’
‘Brett got the government involved back east and terminated all of the contracts of those people who just arrived in the country. We might only need to push the owner of Paradise to alter the contracts or something.’
‘And if he won’t?’ Shane wanted to know.
‘That’s what Fielding will have to decide.’
‘Come on, Jer, we’re not going to let this guy get away with running a slave camp.’
‘No, even prisoners serving time deserve a degree of humane treatment. That’s part of what we can use against the mine owner. As for the individuals under contracts, those pieces of paper should be deemed illegal, due to being a form of indenture. If need be, we can threaten to cancel every one of those.’ He grinned. ‘We take his prisoners and contracted laborers – what’s the guy got left?’
‘A bunch of furious gunmen?’
Jared chuckled. ‘If it comes to that, we’ve got Wyatt to join us, along with however many men Fielding can muster. I don’t see a mine owner wanting an actual war.’
‘You said Paradise is a big place. How many gunmen or toughs are up there, a couple dozen? Fifty or more?’
‘Faro will have a count,’ he replied. ‘And Munson is an experienced lawman, though new to these parts. I reckon they will provide us with the information we need.’
‘It’s great to have such confidence, Jer,’ Shane said. ‘Wish you could give me a bowl full of it – I’d lick the dish clean in two seconds flat!’
The three riders entered the massive Valeron yard – three large houses, a barn that covered a quarter-acre, corrals and sheds, along with several bunkhouses. The milk cows were visible in a nearby field, with draft horses, goats, chickens and a few pigs nearby. One man was busy at a forge, working on new horseshoes, while a couple of dogs barked to announce the arrival of strangers.
The trio stopped their rental horses at the largest of the three houses. Cliff walked out to meet him, along with Locke Valeron.
Valerons--Beyond the Law! Page 8
