Billy set down his mug. “Sheriff? Wonder what he has to say.”
Travis tore open the seal. “I’ll tell you in just a minute.” When he’d extracted the note, he read aloud.
Boyd,
Warning—Fergus Hornapple, one of the robbers who used to live at your place, escaped from prison. Killed a guard and is reported to be headed this way. No need to tell you to watch for him. Don’t go out alone!
Man delivering this is Sam Devlin. Told him you might have a place for him over the winter.
R.Mather, Sheriff
Vanessa had gasped when he’d read the first part of the note.
Billy leaped to his feet. “That makes me so gol-durned mad. Are we supposed to be doin’ the lawmen’s job now?”
Paco pulled Billy back to his chair. “Do not let this anger you, amigo. The sheriff is a good man and is right to warn us.”
Travis shoved the note into his pocket. “Paco’s right. I’m mighty grateful the sheriff notified us. We’ll take precautions and won’t be caught off guard.”
Now that he was unwrapped, Sam looked to be nineteen or twenty with a shock of red hair and a body as thin as a rail. He stared at the food on the table as if he hadn’t seen enough vittles lately.
Travis introduced the folks in the room.
Vanessa indicated the meal. “Sam, won’t you join us for dinner? Dorie, Jack, you two share a chair so Sam has a place to sit.” She rearranged the children’s plates then retrieved eating utensils for the newcomer’s use.
“Thank you, ma’am.” He wasted no time seating himself.
Travis sat and directed his gaze to Sam. “Tell me how you come to be looking for a job this late.”
Sam’s expression was downcast. “I was working on a ranch over by Billings and doing pretty well, or so I thought. Boss’ daughter took a fancy to me. She was a pretty thing but too spoiled for my taste. Her father saw her making eyes at me and confronted her when I wasn’t twenty feet away. She confided to him she planned to marry me. First thing I know, he told me to clear out my things and leave that part of the country.”
He stretched his hands at his side. “Honest, I didn’t do anything to encourage her and had even tried to avoid her.”
Travis considered Sam’s story. Could be true or could be a load of bull. With this new threat, though, he’d need a fourth man. “After we eat, you can move your gear into the bunkhouse and take care of your horse.”
Sam stood. “Beggin’ your pardon, Mr. Boyd. If you’re letting me stay, I’d better put him in the barn now.”
Paco scraped back his chair. “I will do this for you while you eat.”
Surprise crossed Sam’s face. “Appreciate the offer, but Hazard won’t let anyone but me handle him. I’ll hurry and be right back. My stomach’s beating against my backbone.”
When the new hand had left, Travis looked at his two cowboy friends. “So, what do you think?”
Billy pointed a forefinger at Travis. “You don’t know nothin’ ’bout that boy. He could be in cahoots with those robbers.”
Paco shook his head. “You cannot turn him away now that the snow has arrived. He could freeze and his death would be on your hands.”
Travis nodded. “You both know I’d never turn anyone away who needs a meal or a bed.” He held up a staying hand. “I know, Billy, you have to sleep in the same room with him. But I’ll be the one with him when we feed hay to the cattle.”
Vanessa refilled Travis’ cup. “Do you know the sheriff’s handwriting? If not, how do you know he actually sent the note?”
He passed her the paper. “Don’t but this looks genuine to me.”
She scanned the note. “How can we tell? And, how do you know Sam was being truthful. What if he’s the criminal? We could all be in danger.”
Travis smiled to reassure her. “I can tell you he wasn’t one of the men who lived here and were sentenced to prison. Don’t know why he’d concoct the story but we’ll keep our eyes open.”
Further comments were silenced by Sam’s return. “I put my gear on one of the beds that looked unused. That’s sure a nice bunkhouse.”
He reclaimed the seat he’d been given earlier. “Hope it’s all right I gave Hazard a handful of oats as well as hay.”
Travis picked up his cup and gestured with it. “We keep our horses in top shape.” He took a mouthful of coffee and swallowed. “Humans have plenty to eat, too. For the rest of today, we’ll stay around the place. Another day or two and we’ll have to take wagonloads of hay to the range.”
Paco rested his elbows on the table. “Travis, you will not leave Vanessa and the children here alone when there is a killer who may be coming this way?”
“Naw, I figure two of us men should be here.” He leaned forward. “We’ll trade off. Sam and I will partner and Billy and Paco team up.”
Billy sopped a biscuit in the last of his stew. “Sounds so good I might’ve thought of it.” He grinned before he popped the piece of bread into his mouth.
Travis returned the smile. “Does, does it? Then I guess I have your approval, you ornery old coot.”
Vanessa coughed and he figured she hid a laugh. “Now, Travis, I agree Billy may be an ornery coot, but he’s not that old.”
Paco burst out laughing.
Billy tried to look chagrined but couldn’t hide his laugh for long. “Aw, a man don’t hardly get no respect ’round here. Just wait ’til you want another cookin’ lesson. Vanessa.”
She tried to hide her humor without luck. “Sorry, Billy. I do want to learn more about cooking. And, I do respect you.”
Dorie climbed from her chair and went around the table. She hugged Billy’s neck. “I ’spect you, Billy.”
He returned her hug. “Thank you, Dorie. That’s the kind of talk I like to hear.”
Jack stood. “I respect you, too, Billy. Papa says you’re a real good cowboy and a passable cook. You’re nice to teach Mother.”
The consternation on Billy’s face sent Travis, Vanessa, and Paco into peals of laughter.
Billy pointed at Sam. “You see what I have to put up with on a daily basis. I work hard, and this guff is the thanks I get.”
Sam blinked as if unsure what to say but then smiled. “Appears to me they set a big store by you, Billy, or they wouldn’t take on so. Where I came from, no one joked or teased at meals, or much any other time. Seems real friendly here.”
Travis let Dorie climb onto his lap. “We’re a family, Sam. We look out for one another and take care of each other. Not a day goes by I’m not grateful for my family.”
Dorie tugged on his shirt. “That’s me, huh, Papa? You’re glad I’m here, aren’t you?”
He hugged his daughter but his eyes were on his wife. “You bet, and everyone in this room.”
Chapter Eight
Snow increased during the afternoon. After opening one of the shutters, she peered through the center of the window pane—the only part not frosted. Vanessa thought surely all robbers would be holed up somewhere warm. Why had this escaped villain headed their way?
She and Billy got preparations for supper underway but she couldn’t conquer the sense of dread shrouding her. Before Sam’s arrival, she had been confident she’d made the right choice when she came west and married Travis. Knowing her husband would do his best to protect her and the children didn’t put her at ease.
Jack shadowed her. “Mother, who is this man who might be coming?”
“I’m not sure who he is, but I guess he used to live here. Is that right, Billy?”
“Right as rain. Them robbers lived on this part of the ranch until the law caught up with ’em and sent ever last one to prison.”
Jack’s face shone with excitement. “Do you suppose they buried their treasure here?”
“No one knows. Most outlaws spend their money on liquor and—”
Vanessa nudged him, hard.
Billy cleared his throat. “On liquor and high livin’ and gamblin’. Like as not that bunch di
d the same.”
Jack dropped onto a kitchen chair. “That’s good, so maybe this mean man won’t come here after all.”
Vanessa smiled at her son, hoping her effort didn’t come off as a grimace. “That’s right, son, so stop worrying.”
“Papa won’t let us get hurt. He’ll protect us.”
What a hero her son had already made of Travis. She knew her husband would try, but she was too wise to put all her hopes on any man—even one as nice as Travis appeared to be.
“He will do his best to insure nothing bad ever happens to you. Now, please go check on your sister and see if she’s finished her nap.”
Satisfied his future was safe, Jack skipped toward the bedroom.
Billy shut the oven door. “Remember what you told Jack. Travis nor Paco nor me will let anythin’ happen to you or the children. You can take that to the bank.”
“Thank you, Billy, but I’m conscious of that fact. I don’t want any of us put in jeopardy. I’m well aware how chivalrous the three of you are. I’m also fond of each of you and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“Aint’ nothin’ goin’ to happen to nobody if we have anythin’ to say about it.”
She swept the kitchen more for something to do than because the floor was dirty. Keeping her hands busy with a simple task gave her a chance to think. She wondered if the cellar would be a safe place for the children if there were gunfire.
Billy’s voice interrupted her reverie. “You sweep any harder, won’t be anythin’ left of the broom or the floor.”
She caught herself and brushed the small amount of dirt into the dustpan and dumped the contents into the rubbish bin. “I suppose I was lost in thought.”
“Worryin’ ’bout what might never happen. Best you concentrate on learnin’ to cook and let others take care of bigger stuff.”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever learn to operate this range. Every time I think I can handle it, I discover I’m wrong. I don’t know how you do it.”
Billy laughed. “Secret is, this is the nicest cook stove I’ve ever had. After makin’ meals over a campfire or a potbellied stove, this is luxury. Young woman like yourself wasn’t meant to cook in the first place.”
Vanessa clasped her hands. “Oh, but I want to learn to do everything a ranch wife is supposed to do. Travis has been understanding and I want to do everything I can to reward his patience.”
“Now listen here, Vanessa. Travis is plum happy to have you as his wife and also have your young’uns. You’re the purtiest woman ever come to these parts. You can learn cookin’ but you can’t learn bein’ purty.”
“You make him sound shallow and I know that’s not true.”
“Not atall. That man is the best fella I ever knowed. Never loses his temper though Paco and I have given him cause a time or two. I figure hookin’ up with him is the smartest thing I ever done.” He sent her a probing glance. “Hope you feel the same way.”
“I confess I’ve never known a man like him—or you and Paco either, for that matter. In my past experience, men haven’t kept their word or valued the opinion of women and thought children should be seen and not heard. Actually, I’m not sure they even wanted to see them.”
“Wish I coulda pounded sense into those men. Someone should’ve.”
She pressed a fist against her chest. Tightness there forced her to change the subject. “Doesn’t matter now, Billy. At least Travis’ mother taught him manners.”
Billy reared back and his face wore a surprised expression. “Think so? You’ll have to ask him about that some time.”
Before she could question Billy further, Dorie and Jack came into the room.
Dorie ran up to her with tears on her cheeks. “I’m not a baby, am I?”
Jack acted disgusted. “She didn’t want to get up and then she wouldn’t get her shoes on unless I helped her.”
Vanessa clasped each child’s shoulder. “No fighting, do you hear? We’re a family and we help each other. Do you understand, Dorothea Worthington?”
Dorie folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t know who you’re talking to, Mother. My name is Dorie Boyd.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake.” Vanessa swatted her daughter’s rear.
Dorie let out a yowl but quieted when Vanessa gave her the stare every mother reserves for recalcitrant children.
“You two sit in the parlor by the fireplace where I can see you. Play quietly until supper’s ready. And, I’d better not hear any fussing.”
Billy leaned close and whispered, “I told that husband of yours he was in for a lot of grief when she’s old enough to have beaus come a courtin’.”
Vanessa shuddered. “I don’t even want to think of that time. I’m too busy trying to survive the here and now.”
***
Travis was elated when the snow stopped late the following day. He’d soon learn whether or not the note Sam brought was from the sheriff. “Paco and Billy, I’d like for you two to go into town tomorrow morning. Anyone who needs anything, make a list tonight and give it to one of them.”
Jack leaned against his father’s shoulder. “When can I go to town?”
Travis hugged his son’s shoulders. “I know staying here is hard when you’d like to go to the store, son, but we have to wait until we know that robber isn’t nearby. Besides, I need you to help me take care of the ranch.”
Jack perked up. “Yeah? I can do that. I’ll listen for the dogs and any suspicious noises.”
“Sam is new here so I’ll need your keen eyes.” He winked at the young cowboy.
Sam pretended relief at Jack’s help. “Sure glad to hear you’ll help, Jack. Being new, I won’t know what noises are unusual and what aren’t.”
Dorie tugged on Travis’ sleeve. “Papa, when can I go see my kitties?”
“Too late this evening, Dorie. I’ll take you tomorrow. Get your dolly and play with her.”
Dorie dragged her feet to the parlor where her doll waited. “I’ll bet you’d like to see the kitties too, wouldn’t you, Millie?”
The adults sat chatting until Vanessa sent the children to get ready for bed. Once the children were settled, Vanessa rejoined him on the couch. This was a time he enjoyed. Not that he didn’t like having the children near, but this was a special time for him and his wife.
Soon the three cowboys left for the bunkhouse.
Vanessa leaned her head against his shoulder. “How is Sam settling in?”
“Seems to know his way around animals. Billy said Sam is easygoing in the bunkhouse and doesn’t complain. That’s worth a lot.”
“I like him so I hope he’s who he says he is.”
“Yeah, me, too. Billy will talk to Sheriff Mather tomorrow while Paco visits his girl.” He stood and reached a hand to his wife.
Vanessa let him help her stand. “Having them wed and nearby will be nice. Poor Paco is pitifully eager for that day to arrive.” She put out the lamp by the couch.
As they went through to their bedroom, they made sure the door was locked and the lights were off except for the lantern they carried to light their way.
In their bedroom, Travis shut the door and pulled her into his arms. “Ah, my favorite time of day. I love our children, but time alone with you is precious.”
***
The following morning, Vanessa handed Billy her supply list. “I put down batting, but I don’t know how much to order. Tell Mrs. Cobb it’s for two chair cushions. And, if they don’t have red yarn, get bright blue or dark green.”
He frowned at her. “Did you mark that on the list?”
She snatched the paper from his hand and penciled in her choices before returning the inventory to him. She scanned the items. Batting, yarn in red but bright blue or dark green if there’s no red, staples.
“Mind you get lots of cans of peaches. I’m determined to learn to make cobbler.”
“I’m sure ’nuff in favor of that. If that’s all, no use keepin’ Paco standin’ around any longer
. He can’t hardly wait to see his saintly Marisol.”
She handed Billy the list. “You make sure you two are careful, Billy.”
“We aim to be. I prefer being on top of the ground, not under it.”
Vanessa cleaned the kitchen from breakfast before calling the children for their lessons.
Jack sat down with his books.
“Where’s your sister?”
“I thought she was with you. She hasn’t been in our room since before the men left for town.”
Searching the house didn’t take long. Panicked, Vanessa donned her coat and knitted cap. “Read your books and I’ll be back as soon as I find her.”
“Want me to help look?”
“Stay here so I’ll know where at least one of you is.” Where could Dorie be? Stowing away in the wagon wouldn’t be past her. She noted her daughter’s coat was gone but not her hat or scarf.
When she reached the barn, she called her husband’s name. She must have sounded as frantic as she felt because he hurried toward her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Dorie isn’t in the house. I didn’t see her go out, but her coat is gone.”
Sam came from the stall he’d been mucking out. “How can I help?”
Travis removed his hat and raked his hands through his hair. “For now, keep up what you’re doing. I may know where she is.” He strode toward the end of the barn.
Vanessa hurried to keep up with his long stride. “You think she’s playing with the kittens even after she promised she wouldn’t come here without you?”
He turned the corner after the last stall and found the mother cat with her kittens. Except for Blackie, who was held by Dorie.
When she saw her parents, Dorie’s eyes grew round as saucers. “I wanted to show Millie the kitties. She likes them.”
Travis scowled at the girl. “Did you promise me you wouldn’t come to the barn without me?”
“But you’re here.”
He raised his voice slightly. “Dorie, I’m very disappointed in you. You disobeyed and frightened your mother and me. You will go to the house this minute. As punishment, you can’t visit the kittens for an entire week.”
Montana Sky: Capture Her Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 6) Page 7
