Blessing (Widows Of Wildcat Ridge Book 2)

by Caroline Clemmons

  Buster had written out both telegrams at home and now only had to hand the paper to him. Mr. Bridges’ eyes widened when he read what she’d written for her wires, but he made no comment.

  “Mr. Bridges, I know you’re not a gossip, but it’s especially important that no one know what’s in those wires.”

  He puffed up in a huff. “Miss Odell, I’ll have you know that I never divulge the slightest hint about any wire I send.”

  “I didn’t intend to offend you. You can understand how others knowing what’s in those wires would create havoc.”

  “I can, but that’s no reason to doubt my integrity. I assure you I take the responsibility of this job seriously.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Bridges. I appreciate your discretion. I’m sure everyone in town does. I’ll see you in a day or two.” She paid him and left.

  She headed to Tweedie’s Mercantile and bought the spool of yellow thread for Marnie and enough peppermint sticks for everyone at the ranch.

  Mr. Tweedie totaled her purchases. “Guess you heard we have a new Marshal?”

  “No. What happened to Etta?”

  “She died. Turns out she was a wanted criminal herself and had a price on her head. Cordelia Wentz is marshal now.” Mr. Tweedie went on to describe how Etta’s death had come about the previous day.

  “I had no idea. Thank heavens Priscilla and Brax weren’t harmed. Makes our cattle rustling seem small time.” She explained to Mr. Tweedie about her men going after the rustlers soon. The store owner was as big a gossip as anyone she knew.

  While she was in town, she decided to visit Hester. The mayor was always kind and she’d been happily married. Perhaps Hester wouldn’t mind answering questions. Buster tied her horse in front of Hester’s house.

  Hester wore an apron and had flour on her cheek. “Buster, won’t you come in? I just put a pie in the oven to take to Bessie Muckelrath. Her back’s been bothering her. Do you mind if we go into the kitchen?”

  “Not at all. I hope I haven’t disturbed you by coming here.”

  Hester filled the kettle from the range’s hot water reservoir and put the container on the stove to boil. “I’ll make us some tea while we visit. Let me see… I believe there’s enough pound cake left for us.”

  Hester hurriedly set out tea things. She poured hot water into the teapot and soon joined Buster at the table.

  “Now, while the tea steeps, we can visit. Are you here about the horse sale?”

  Buster had grown even more nervous while she waited for the mayor to sit. What would Hester think of her asking such probing personal queries?

  “I believe everything is on schedule for the sale. I came to….” Buster was too embarrassed to finish her comment.

  Hester poured their tea. “Do you have a problem? Is something wrong, Bless… Buster?”

  “I hope you won’t mind but I came to ask you questions of a private nature. Confidentially. I wouldn’t want anyone else to know about our conversation.”

  Hester’s eyes widened and she leaned forward. “My goodness, you have me captivated.”

  “I wondered about… when a man and woman come together. I know the basics but I’ve never heard how I’m supposed to feel when I’m near a man I really like.”

  Hester leaned back as if she were assessing Buster. “Could this have anything to do with that handsome new cowboy on your ranch?”

  Staring at her slice of cake, Buster couldn’t meet the mayor’s gaze. “Maybe. His name is Thad King.”

  Hester smiled knowingly. “Umm Hmm, has he kissed you yet?”

  Buster knew it was her eyes that widened this time and she gasped. “How did you know?”

  “I may be middle-aged and plump, but I have an excellent memory. The first time my husband kissed me, I had tingles all over my body.” She fanned herself with her hand. “Whew, warmth shot through me and I thought I might melt into a puddle right there.”

  Buster expelled a large breath. “So, it’s all right I felt that way?”

  “Certainly, it’s normal. You shouldn’t be ashamed of a kiss, that is, if his intentions are honorable.” Hester leaned back and met Buster’s gaze. “Exactly how many times has this man kissed you?”

  “Our lips met once. Well, twice but it was the same time. Then once when I was upset, he put his arms around me and kissed my temple and forehead.”

  “I see. That doesn’t sound unacceptable as long as there’s no… um, fondling of your breasts or lower.”

  Buster gasped again and this time felt her face heat in a blush. “Oh, no, there was nothing like that.”

  “Then you shouldn’t worry about the meeting of your lips creating pleasant sensations. That’s only normal. Has he stated his intentions toward you?”

  “No. Other than when I hired him, the only time we’ve been alone is when we went to see the springs. I was going by myself but Dub insisted I have someone along and asked Thad to go. Thad kissed me after we got that wildcat buried and were ready to start home. Then once in the house, he and I were looking for a particular piece of paper and I started thinking about Papa dying. That’s when he held me while I cried on his chest.”

  “I see. Well, that doesn’t sound as if he’s trying to take advantage.”

  A sad expression crossed Hester’s face. “I wish I had someone to hold me when I start thinking about those I lost.” She straightened. “Well, that’s neither here nor there.”

  Buster ran a finger around the cake plate. “If… if I were to marry, would my husband demanding his husbandly rights be horrible to bear? I want children to carry on the ranch but I’m afraid. I’ve heard the horses scream and cows bawl when they breed.”

  Mouth agape, Hester set down her cup. “Lawsy, lawsy, Buster. When a man and woman love one another—or even if they just respect and have a fondness for each other—intimacy can be a beautiful thing.”

  She shook her finger at Buster. “But, don’t you go putting the cart before the horse, young lady. You don’t let a man take liberties unless you’re married to him.”

  Buster set down her tea cup with too loud a clatter. “Oh, I wouldn’t. I’m twenty-two now. Marnie put the notion in my head that I should marry so I don’t become more of a spinster than I already am. I’ve been worrying about it for several days.”

  Hester reached over to pat Buster’s hand. “You get those worries out of your pretty head right now, do you hear?”

  “Thank you, I will since you’ve reassured me. Marnie does mother me, but she isn’t forthcoming with details, just that it’s time to fall in love and marry.”

  “Lawsy, lawsy, love isn’t something you can reach out and grab because you’re a certain age. She’s right about it being time for you to find someone, though. I hope something comes right with this young man who kissed you.”

  Buster drained her cup and returned it to the saucer. “Thank you, Hester. I appreciate you discussing these things with me. I respect your opinion so I thought you were the one person I could ask.”

  “That’s sweet of you to say, Buster.”

  “I’ve sure been wondering and worrying. I’m not saying I want to get wed right now. But, I do want to know what I’d be getting into if I decide to marry.”

  “You think about it and stop worrying. Careful consideration is all that’s needed. When the right man comes along, you’ll know.”

  Buster stood and carried her dishes to the sink then walked to the door. She had a feeling Thad was the right one but she had no idea how he felt about her. “Bye for now, Hester. Thank you again for your counsel.”

  Hester followed her and hugged her then offered a wide smile. “Advice is always free here —and sometimes worth that price. You’re welcome anytime.”

  Relieved she’d done all she could, Buster headed for home.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Thad hoped the other ranch hands were able to get more sleep than he had. He hadn’t been able to stop planning and wondering about the skirmish to come. No doubt in his min
d the confrontation would be a dangerous battle.

  Buster gave them the news from town about the marshal.

  Dub issued their final instructions—rather reviewed them once more. “After I’ve spoken to Hansen, I’ll come back here and wait. If I tried to join you, I might be seen and tip our hand. I know he’s not been here the longest, but I’m putting Thad King in charge tonight.”

  Surprised, Thad expected protests but the others nodded.

  Thad turned to Dub. “I’ll ride easier knowing you’re here looking out for Buster and the other two women. They can shoot, but Hansen is slippery and he wants Buster as well as the ranch.”

  Dub nodded. “You’re right there. He’s already proved he’s not one to take no for an answer.”

  They saddled up, each man armed with rifle and revolver and plenty of ammunition. Marnie handed each one a food parcel she and Lucy had put together. No one commented on this ride, each apparently thoughtful about the coming conflict.

  Thad was certain the battle would be brutal. His goal was to capture Hansen and his men without any of the Rafter O men getting hurt. Recalling how badly injured Colin Ross had been when Thad had found his mentor and friend, he knew the men they faced would be unlikely to surrender peacefully when cornered.

  The night was dark with only a sliver of moon, pleasing Thad just fine. Keeping the five riders from being seen meant circling miles out of the way. They rode fast until they were close to their destination, then they slowed to a walk.

  They reached their vantage point and tied their horses to brush. Each man crept slowly into place. Thad indicated which man covered who. They expected Hansen and his other hands soon. Thad hoped Dub’s information was correct and there weren’t more men than expected.

  Thad crept to within a few feet of the two men on guard. Sam was to his right and Tony to his left. Mac and Eddie were behind in the space between them. They settled in to wait as long as necessary.

  As predicted, Silas Hansen and three of his men came loping up on lathered horses.

  Silas signaled to the two guards. “Got to move them out of here. Dadburn Rafter O bunch are coming.” He spoke around a cigar clamped in his mouth.

  Thad stood with his rifle pointed at Hansen. “The Rafter O bunch are already here, Hansen. Drop your weapons and raise your hands.”

  “The devil I will.” Hansen reached for his rifle.

  Thad shot the rancher in the shoulder and the man fell off his horse. At the same time, the two guards closest fired at the Rafter O men. Sam gasped and shot the man who’d fired at him, who was the one Tony had said was the meanest.

  Thad yelled, “We have you covered and we’re willing to shoot you where you are. Unless you’re ready to meet your maker, throw down your weapons and get your hands raised.”

  The man Sam had shot rolled and fired again at Sam. Tony shot the rustler but Sam had been injured a second time and dropped to his knees. He appeared to fight for his balance but sat on the ground with a plop.

  Thad never let his gaze wander from Hansen. “Sam, you going to be able to travel?”

  “Soon as I catch my breath and tie off these holes.”

  “You need help?”

  Sam’s voice wasn’t strong but sounded convincing. “Nope, just a few minutes.”

  “Mac, you have the rope ready?”

  “Right here.” He picked up the rustler’s gun. “The one Tony shot won’t need it. He’s a goner.”

  “Eddie, you keep your gun on the men with Hansen. Tony, help Mac collect all the guns. Tie these men’s hands behind them and string them together by the throat. Too bad we can’t make them walk to town.”

  The man beside Hansen yelled, “You can’t tie us by our throats. What if one of the horses bucks or something?”

  Thad laughed. “Then you’ll be as out of luck as the friend of mine you killed. Remember the Ross Ranch? Remember Colin Ross, the man you beat so badly? He died later from his injuries. Time to pay now for your sins.”

  They got the four robbers tied together on their horses and the dead man draped across his saddle. By this time, the moon had disappeared behind clouds and the night was dark.

  While they were binding the men, Hansen had used every curse word Thad had ever heard as well as a few new ones. “You’ll pay for this, all of you. No one treats Silas Hansen like this, do you hear?”

  Thad tired of listening to the man’s bluster. “Would you prefer we treat you the way you did Colin Ross? I’ll be happy to beat you the way you did him if you don’t shut up.”

  Silas glared at him but quit complaining.

  Thad announced, “Men, Dub told us to ride for Wildcat Ridge, so that’s what we should do. I know we’re all tired, but the longer we have these guys tied in the open, the more chance of something happening.”

  Tony shook his head. “Let’s ride. I hope the lot of them choke on the way.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  By the time they reached Wildcat Ridge, day was breaking on the horizon. Silas Hansen resumed his complaints the first hour of travel.

  Mick Barker, one of Hansen’s men, yelled, “Shut up or when we get to jail I’ll beat you to a pulp. I told you and Vic not to hit that old man. Now see where you’ve landed us.”

  Thad said, “Thank you, Mick. Now I know which of you is to blame for Colin Ross’ death.”

  When they reached the jail, Cordelia Wentz was waiting. “Buster sent word you’d be showing up with some guests. You have a unique way of tying up varmints.”

  “Varmints is the nicest word I can think of for this bunch.” Thad turned to Eddie. “Take Sam to Dr. Spense. I’ll meet you there later.” Since Eddie was new to the area, Thad told him how to find the doctor’s house.

  By this time, Sam was barely able to sit on his horse and leaned across the horse’s neck. The man was far too weak to protest.

  Thad, Mac, and Tony got the criminals inside the jail while Hansen yelled about the miscarriage of justice and demanded to be released.

  After she’d locked the four men in cells, Cordelia stood with one hip cocked and her hand on her revolver holster. “Now, let’s get all the charges listed for this bunch. Surprised to see Hansen.”

  “In addition to rustling Rafter O cattle, they stole horses from the Ross ranch and beat Colin Ross so badly he died a few weeks later. Mick Barker said Hansen and the dead man were the ones who did that.”

  Cordelia narrowed her eyes and met Thad’s gaze. “You can prove this, I guess?”

  “We can. Left the cattle where we found them until you can verify the brands are Rafter O. Might be others there as well.”

  “I’ll have to ride out there. One of you will need to go with me or give me good directions.”

  “I’ll go with you but there’s more. Buster found the bill of sale signed by Hansen for four horses stolen from Colin Ross that Hansen then sold to her father.”

  “I’m surprised William fell for that, but guess he didn’t have a reason to suspect Hansen.”

  “He did though. At the same time she found the bill of sale, she found her father’s personal journal. There’s an entry that said he was coming to town to wire Ross and see if the horses were legally sold. That was the day of the mine explosion, so he never sent the wire. This morning… I guess now it was yesterday morning, Buster sent the heirs a wire to let them know the horses had been found.”

  Marshal Wentz directed her attention to the body draped over his horse. “Looks like one of them didn’t make it. Leave him on his horse and one of you can take him to Alex Terry, the undertaker. First, let me look at the dead man’s face and see if he’s wanted.”

  Tony stepped forward. “Sí, he is wanted, Señora Wentz… er, Marshal. His name is Vic Oglesby and he was one bad man. At the saloon, he bragged about the people he had killed and beaten.” He shook his head. “The bartender made him leave but I didn’t go back to that saloon again.”

  “Smart man, Mr. Ortiz. All right, you go see about the injured man and drop Ogle
sby off at the undertaker’s place on the way.” She removed Oglesby’s saddlebags from behind his saddle. “I’ll keep these and go through them to see if I can find anything that tells me who to notify he’s dead.”

  Thad climbed back in the saddle. He led Oglesby’s horse with the dead man draped over the saddle. “I suppose we’d better leave the horse at the livery.”

  When they’d taken care of those chores they hurried to the doctor’s house, which was also his office.

  Tony and Mac waited on their horses while Thad went to get Sam. The injured ranch hand was limping toward the door with Eddie’s aid.

  Dr. Spense stood behind them. “That man needs to be in bed for a several weeks. He’s liable to pull loose the stitches I just made if he’s not still. Dadburned stubborn cuss thinks he can ride to the ranch.”

  Thad looked at the gray color of Sam’s face. “You have a buggy, doc?”

  “I do. Even better, I have a wagon for hauling injured people. Has a mattress in back. I’ll hitch up the horse right now. You get that man lying down and stationary.”

  Tony climbed down. “I can help you, Señor. I will bring this back to you today.”

  Thad and Eddie steered Sam to a bench on the front porch. Sam sagged as if he were barely conscious. When the wagon pulled around to the front, all four Rafter O Ranch men lifted him onto the bed.

  Dr. Spense stood watching with a scowl. “Careful, careful. He’s not a bag of potatoes.”

  When Sam was safely prone on the makeshift bed in the wagon, Dr. Spense gave Thad a bottle of laudanum, a jar of salve, and a list of instructions. “Make sure someone takes care of this man. Let me know if he needs me. I’ll be out to check on him in two days unless you send for me before then.”

  “Thank you, doc. Once we get him to the ranch, the women will take good care of him.”

  Tony tied Sam’s and his horse to the wagon’s back and they set off slowly for the ranch with Tony driving. Thad rode beside the vehicle in case Sam looked like the movement made him worse. What usually took half an hour took almost twice that.