The words were delivered with a degree of humor, rather than an outright demand. July tipped his hat and displayed a good-natured grin.
‘Proud to do your bidding, Miss Valeron,’ he said, his eyes showing amusement of his own. ‘I’ll tie off my steed and park myself in a chair.’
Wendy returned to the table and quickly made up two plates. She didn’t manage her escape quick enough. Her father entered the room and shot her a curious glance.
‘What’re you up to, daughter?’
‘Um . . . just promoting a little goodwill between employer and employee,’ she replied flippantly. ‘Excuse me for not eating at the table with you this morning.’
Locke flicked his eyes to the man on the porch. He saw July was brushing the dust off of his clothes and smoothing out his freshly groomed hair at the same time.
‘I’d mention something about the status of being a Valeron and my desires for future suitor prospects,’ he grunted sourly, ‘but I’m sure it would be a waste of breath.’
Wendy lifted her chin as if to begin a lecture. ‘I remember you telling me once – “Winifred, there’s one thing I want you to always remember – regardless of wealth or social position, you are no better than anyone else – but you are darn well as good!’’’
‘I believe another quote comes to mind – how something a man says without thinking first can come back to bite him on the rump!’
She laughed and picked up the two plates. Locke, rather than disputing what she was up to, moved quickly over and opened the door for her.
Wendy balanced the two plates, having a cup of coffee pinned between her elbow and ribs. July immediately jumped up to take the cup and one plate of food.
‘Holy socks!’ he said. ‘I ain’t had pancakes since . . .’ He shrugged. ‘Well, it’s been a long time, I can tell you.’
‘I hope I put enough butter and syrup on for your taste.’
‘Miss Valeron, I don’t reckon you could do anything I would object to. This is a pleasure I might have dreamed of, but never really expected to come true.’
‘It’s just a meal,’ she replied.
‘But you’re the one doing the serving,’ he countered. ‘I always figured to have me some flapjacks one day.’
She smiled at his compliment and turned around to sit. July couldn’t very well hold her chair for her, but he did wait until she had sat down before he joined her. They both put their plates on their laps and began to eat.
‘Mildred really does know how to fix a meal!’ Wendy praised, after taking her first bite. ‘Have you met her? She’s the widow who cooks and cleans here at the house. I had no idea she was such a good cook.’
‘I’ve yet to speak to the woman, but eggs, bacon, and pancakes,’ July said, licking his lips. ‘I’d guess she’s gonna be one of my favorite people on the ranch.’
After a few bites, July spoke again. ‘I’d like to say how beholden to you me and my partner are again, Miss Valeron. You and your pa have saved a couple of souls from becoming wayward beggars. I don’t know how me and T L can ever thank you.’
‘Just do a good job here for Reb and Dodge.’
‘Speaking of the owners of this here ranch,’ July said between bites. ‘What’s the story about the third owner? Max said it is a woman who’s now married to one of your kin?’
‘My brother, Nash,’ Wendy informed him. Then she gave the short history of how her family had come to the aid of the young woman. She finished with, ‘Trina took over the nursing job I had intended to undertake for my brother. It was a simple choice for me, once I admitted I couldn’t stand the sight of blood.’
‘I admit, I’m not all that fond of blood either,’ July said. Then he observed, ‘As for your brother, Jared, there seems a strong bond between you two. I mean, more than just being related.’
‘Jerry has always been my favorite brother. He teases me mercilessly, but I’ve learned to give as good as I get. Nevertheless, growing up as we did with four older brothers, he was the one who always watched out for me and Scarlet – she’s my older sister. If you were to ask her, she’d tell you the same thing, Jer is the one who always kept a special eye on us. He isn’t the most kind or gentlemanly, or the best-looking of my brothers, but he’s the one who always saw to our safety and needs.’
‘You must be worried, what with him tracking a bunch of murdering rustlers.’
She gave a nod to his statement. ‘Yes, but I trust him to call for help if he needs it. Jerry is an exceptional hunter and tracker, but he knows his limitations. He has a quick-fire temper, but he always manages to control the impulse when it comes to a fight.’
‘Wish he’d have let me tag along with him and your cousin. Me and T L ain’t done much fighting, but we sure owe your family a debt.’
Wendy paused to study the man at her side. He was much more presentable, smooth-shaven, his hair neatly trimmed; a little dusty, with tired eyes from being up all night, but there was something about him she liked.
July ducked away from a return gaze as if embarrassed. He obviously lacked experience with young ladies, though he had not concealed his interest in her. She knew if they were to have a barn dance nearby, he would be first in line to swing her about on the straw-covered floor.
July waited a moment, but when Wendy didn’t say anything more, he said: ‘I didn’t get to talk to anyone but Max yesterday. Soon as your pa bought us the gear we needed and paid for us to get shaves and haircuts, he sent me and T L back so we could get to work. How is the wounded fellow doing?’
She blinked to remove her girlish reverie and returned to the present. Clearing her throat quietly, she summoned forth her mental faculties.
‘Father said the doctor was quite confident Dodge would recover. The major concern is infection. If he gets through the next few days, he should be back at the ranch in a couple weeks.’
‘I reckon it ain’t my business, but does that mean you’ll be leaving?’
The disheartened tone in his voice confirmed her suspicions . . . July was smitten. Somehow, that notion caused a sudden increase in her heart rate and the early morning sun felt much warmer.
‘July,’ she said carefully, ‘would you do something for me? It’s not a criticism or anything like that, just something I wish you would try and do.’
‘Anything at all, Miss Valeron.’
‘Well, Father is . . . um, let’s call it cognizant of a person’s countenance. Do you know that word?’
‘Which one – the cog-a-zant or the count-whatever?’
‘How about decorum?’
His face skewed to display puzzlement. ‘How about you say what it is in plain English? I ain’t gonna take offense.’
‘That’s the word – ain’t,’ Wendy explained, deciding there was no tactful way to present the request. ‘You see, my father is one who believes all children should learn proper speech and etiquette. It isn’t so much so they can rub shoulders with snobs or people who are better educated. It is for the comfort a person gets from knowing they are able to converse without fear of sounding or feeling inferior.’
For all her careful wording and tact, July simply laughed. ‘Oh! Is that all it is?’ He continued to smile. ‘Sister Thelma pounded those things in our heads all the time. “You don’t say don’t got none, young master July”,’ he mocked, using a high-pitched voice to imitate the nun. ‘’’And don’t use the word – ain’t! People will think you didn’t have any schooling at all!” ‘ He grinned. ‘I reckon I kind of slipped back to using the same language as T L does. You know how, if you’re around someone long enough, you tend to pick up their style of talking.’
‘Yes, I’ve noticed as much.’
He bobbed his head. ‘As Sister Thelma is my witness, Miss Valeron, I know how to speak more proper. I’ve listened to a speech or two and read a few books over the years. I’ll sure work on eliminating ain’t and other bad grammar words from my talking. Is there anything else I do that digs a spur into your flanks?’
&nb
sp; It was Wendy’s turn to laugh. ‘I wasn’t aware I had flanks – though I’ve been called a filly a time or two.’
July’s eyes sparkled. ‘I’ll bet it was always intended as a compliment.’
The door opened and Dutch stuck his head outside. ‘We’re clearing the table for Mildred,’ he said simply. ‘Figured you two might be finished by now.’
‘By all means!’ Wendy told him. ‘July needs to get some sleep, after being on night watch.’
‘Don’t usually have a night rider,’ Dutch admitted. ‘But, after the rustlers hit – well, it’s a precaution for the time being.’
‘No explanation is necessary,’ Wendy said, taking both her plate and the plate and cup from July. ‘I’ll help clear the table. Then I’ve got a mountain of record books to go over.’
‘I’m beholding to you for the meal, Miss Valeron,’ July said quickly. ‘Be sure to tell the cook it’s the best breakfast I ever et. Uh,’ he corrected quickly, ‘best meal I ever ate.’
Wendy smiled at him for the effort. ‘I will, and good day to you, Mr Colby.’
Locke was standing near Reb’s desk as Wendy entered the room. She had helped Dutch clear the table and was ready to start her second day’s work.
‘How is the bookkeeping going, my dear?’ was his opening volley.
Wendy could tell by his stance and the stern, but loving devotion in his eyes – this was going to be a special father-daughter chat.
‘Before you begin the lecture about man and woman and life, Daddy, you should remember that I’m no longer a child.’
He smiled at her taking him on without hesitation. She was the only one in the family – other than Wanetta – who never blinked or caved in to his dominance.
‘When it comes to courting, you’re a very young twenty-two, Wendy,’ he countered. ‘How many male suitors have you had – two? Three?’ He shook his head. ‘And were any of those serious?’
Rather than enter a debate, Wendy took her usual position – that of the aggressor. ‘There’s something about July that intrigues me, Daddy. He is so basic, so honest. There’s no pretense about him. He’s one of those rare what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of men.’
‘I’d say we have a lot of those on the ranch and in our fair town.’
‘Yes, but I’m related to most of them.’
He laughed. ‘I’m not going to discourage you, daughter. My intention is to remind you not to think of July as a homeless puppy. A hard luck story and little boy smile can be beguiling. But I want you to look deeper. Boyish charm can entice a girl, but it’s the man inside who will determine her happiness. You want a man who will stand by you through thick and thin, will work every day to make your dreams come true. He will be the father of your children, and you want a man for that job, not a footloose, immature boy.’ He sighed. ‘I am only concerned with you finding the right man, the one who will make you happy all the days of your life.’
Wendy remained patient until he presented his case. Rather than engage in verbal disputation, she walked up to him, rose up on her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Locke could not hide his pleasure at her show of affection. He gruffly cleared his throat, in an effort to maintain a strict visage.
‘You don’t have to worry about me, Daddy,’ Wendy whispered softly. ‘I am your daughter, and a Valeron. I’ll make the right choice.’
Her father chuckled. ‘Wasted my breath, didn’t I.’
It was a statement, so Wendy replied: ‘It shows me you love me. I don’t think that is ever wasting your breath.’
He didn’t blush, as that would not have been masculine, but the facial gesture reminded her of a somewhat uncertain man, one who had encountered a puzzle and had no idea how the pieces fit together.
‘I’ll leave you to your work, daughter. If you should need me, I’ll be staying close to the house today.’
‘OK, Daddy,’ she cooed. ‘Thanks for sharing your sage advice.’
He presented a dour expression. ‘And I’m sure you’ll ignore every word.’
‘Nonsense,’ she countered. ‘I’ll give it the same amount of consideration as everything else you have ever told me.’
He waved a hand and turned about, but she caught a glimpse of the smile that came to his face.
Chapter Four
It had begun to rain during the afternoon and continued until it grew dark. Being experienced and practical, Jared and Shane threw up a lean-to on the leeward side of a rocky butte. They were high enough up the side of the hill not to worry about a flash-flood, and they picketed their horses where they could eat the local vegetation. The rainfall continued throughout the night and into the next morning, so they took their time getting started. With little dry kindling, they consumed a cold meal of hard tack and beans, while waiting out the worst of the storm.
‘The cattle were headed toward the river,’ Jared outlined, after a time. ‘I suspect them vermin crossed ahead of this storm. There’s nothing west of here but mountains and a few small settlements.’
‘The rustlers appear to be heading out of Colorado,’ Shane suggested. ‘What if they continue into Utah or New Mexico?’
‘Fifty head of steers and committing murder,’ Jared recounted their crimes. ‘That’s not the action of a would-be rancher. Can’t start a herd with only steers, and they can’t ship them back east with a known brand. That Double-B is next to impossible to alter.’
Shane frowned. ‘You figure they are driving them to a meat-packing house of some kind?’
‘I’ll bet you a dime to your dollar they turn back towards Denver. Either there or Colorado Springs.’
‘Do you know of any slaughterhouses in those areas?’
Jared shook his head. ‘I didn’t spend much time in Denver, other than when we were helping Trina get her life and ranch back. But you know they get their meat from somewhere. Denver has miners, farmers, ranchers and all manner of businesses. With the railroad going through, they are pretty much the major hub for a hundred miles around.’
Shane grinned. ‘I’ve heard of the fancy parlors and the girls over on Market Street.’
‘Yep, you’ll find a lot of girls ready to fleece a man with money, and plenty of gambling joints to take anything he has left.’
‘I never asked you before – you ever visited those types of places?’
Jared grinned. ‘I’ve lost a few dollars at the gaming tables – that what you’re talking about?’
Shane snickered. ‘You know that’s not it. The women. I’m talking about buying a gal’s favors.’
Being six years older than Shane, Jared always considered his cousin like he would have a younger brother. He could have made up some stories – from things he had heard from others – but he didn’t.
‘I’ve bought a girl a drink or two and done a little dancing on occasion, Shane,’ he said. ‘But I never felt the urge to pay for a woman’s favors. To me, holding a girl tight and kissing her – maybe doing a lot more – it don’t mean a thing unless you have feelings for her.’
Shane chuckled. ‘This from a guy who’s the oldest bachelor in the family.’
‘I wouldn’t think less of you, if you wanted to visit one of those places,’ he told his cousin. ‘I’m just saying, it isn’t for me.’
Shane stared out at the continual drizzle. ‘Any man would be happy with a gal like Brett’s wife – she’s pretty as can be and has got a beautiful singing voice. Even so, I’d be satisfied with what Martin has – a good woman, as sweet and gentle as a lamb. Add two or three kids and who could ask for more?’
‘I’d take either of those, or Trina too,’ Jared agreed. ‘Shucks, I’d be equally happy to find me a girl like Marie, Reese’s wife.’
‘I don’t know . . . she belonged to an Indian,’ Shane said hesitantly. ‘I want to be . . . well, the first man to . . .’ He didn’t finish the statement.
Jared laughed out loud but not to mock him. ‘You have a right to expect that, Cuz. You’re about as pure
as the driven snow. I’ll bet you’ve never even kissed a girl.’
‘Have too!’ Shane defended himself.
‘Who?’ Jared shot back. ‘I’ve never heard of you actually courting a gal. Who could you have kissed?’
‘Um, well,’ Shane displayed his embarrassment. ‘Maria,’ he answered after a pause. ‘We kissed a few times.’
Jared could have made light of that, as Maria had been courted by several of the ranch hands. She and Veta did laundry and housekeeping – they were both looking for a husband.
‘Yeah, I remember when you and her were he-ing and she-ing. Maria would like to be a member of the Valeron family.’
Shane sighed. ‘She came across as a little too eager. I got the feeling she wanted my last name more than she wanted me.’
‘Trust me, Cuz,’ Jared told him. ‘When you find the right gal, she will plant a kiss on your lips that will make your knees weak.’
‘Ah, you’re joshing me,’ Shane said. ‘I can’t see something as simple as a kiss doing that.’
‘From the right gal, one you have a hankering for – it sure can. Like I said, I’ve been there before. It’s something you don’t soon forget.’
‘So, how do you know when to. . . ?’ he stumbled over the question. ‘I mean, you’ve never had a steady girl, a favorite. Not that I know of anyway.’
‘It was a long time back, when Reese and I were in Cheyenne. We had taken in a hundred head of steers to ship back east.’ He allowed the memory to unfold, experiencing the feeling once more. ‘We joined in at a party – some rancher Pa knew pretty well. The man had a daughter, but she was only sixteen.’ He sighed. ‘Well, the two of us did quite a bit of dancing, then sneaked out the back door for some fresh air.’
‘And she up and kissed you?’
He shook his head. ‘It wasn’t like that. I mean, I knew she was too young to know her true feelings about a man. Shucks, her father had been careful to keep her away from menfolk, wanting her to be fully grown before he allowed her to court. But the two of us . . .’ He heaved another sigh. ‘Man o’ mama! She really curled my socks.’
The Valerons--Retribution! Page 4
