by Joannie Kay
“You take a strap to him yet?” Tanner asked with a frown.
“Don’t think that will help, Tanner. I reckon he’s already been beaten so much that a spanking doesn’t phase him. I’ll figure it out.”
“If you need some help, let me know. You don’t want him turning the other boys.”
“Billy is setting a good example for Lee and Denver. I’m not worried about them turning to Sam. I just want to find a way to reach the boy and straighten him out.”
“You do good work with those kids, Walker,” Tanner said in a serious tone. “No one is going to fault you if you can’t fix one kid.”
“I’ll fault myself,” Walker said quietly. “We’re talking about a boy’s whole life here, Tanner. If I don’t help him, who will?”
“He ever tell you where he comes from, or his last name?”
“No, not yet.”
Tanner shook his head. “If I can help, you just let me know. Mrs. Ames, it’s nice to see you.” He smiled at Jessie.
“It’s nice to see you, too, Sheriff. Feel free to come out to the ranch and join us for supper some night real soon,” she invited.
“I’d like that,” Tanner stated honestly. “Mrs. Gibbons is a great cook.”
“She likes you, so come soon, okay?” Jessie repeated the invitation.
“I will,” Tanner replied, once he was sure that Walker approved the idea, and from the smile on his face, he did. He wouldn’t wait too long to take them up on the invitation, either.
Walker led Jessie down the street to the now empty building and they looked inside the large window. “What do you think, Jessie? Silas Anderson made and sold furniture, but I don’t know how much work you would have to do inside to make it suitable for a bank.”
“I think it is in an ideal location, Walker, and I’d like to speak to Miss Anderson. Do you know where she lives?”
“Sure.” He took her hand in his and led her to the spinster’s home, which he suspected was also for sale. The house was large, and filled with furniture that her father made by hand. He knocked on the door and they immediately heard someone call out ‘coming’.
The door opened and a very tall woman looked at Jessie and then at Walker. “Why, hello, Mr. Ames. It is nice to see you again. Please come inside.” She held the door open for them.
“Miss Anderson, I would like for you to meet my wife, Mrs. Jessie Ames. Jessie, this is Miss Anderson.”
“It is nice to meet you, Mrs. Ames. Please come into the parlor and have a seat and I shall fetch refreshments.”
“There is no need to trouble yourself, Miss Anderson,” Jessie protested.
“Nonsense, it is no trouble at all. I do not get many visitors, and when I do, I like to serve tea and cakes. Please make yourselves comfortable.”
Jessie took a seat beside Walker on a very nice sofa. “This house is lovely,” she whispered.
“Miss Anderson’s father built all of this furniture with his own two hands,” Walker whispered back. “He died a few months ago while in his shop.”
“That is sad.”
“He was nearly eighty years old,” Walker confided. “Jessie, how much money can you afford to pay for the building? I don’t want to agree to something and then learn you can’t afford it.”
“I’ll handle the business part of this, Walker. I’m capable of bargaining for a fair price.” She smiled at the handsome man.
Walker knew he should tell her that it wasn’t done that way in these parts, but then, Miss Anderson was a woman, too. Perhaps it would be best for Jessie to handle the purchase, if she was interested.
The spinster returned, carrying a tray with a lovely tea set, and a plate filled with sweet little cakes. Walker stood to help her and she said, “Let me, Mr. Ames. I don’t want to drop this tray.” She carefully placed it on the small table in front of the sofa, and poured tea for all of them. Once she’d served them, she took a seat across from them. “Now, how can I help you? I’m sure there is a reason for your visit?”
“We learned from the Sheriff that you are selling your father’s place of business, Miss Anderson, and I am interested in purchasing the building.”
“I see. You are going into business, Mrs. Ames?” the woman asked in surprise.
“Yes, I am. I am used to working, and Walker has agreed that I may do so,” Jessie said, taking a sip of her tea. It was surprisingly good. “This tea is excellent, Miss Anderson.”
“Thank you.” The other woman beamed with pleasure. “May I ask what business you wish to pursue, Mrs. Ames?”
“I am going to open a bank,” Jessie said calmly, and wasn’t a bit surprised when the woman’s eyes filled with shock.
“But, there is already a bank in town.”
“I know. I believe that Mr. Evanston needs some serious competition.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” The woman giggled. “Oh, how I wish I was going to be around town to see his reaction. It will serve him right to be bested by a woman.”
Walker was amazed at how quickly the two females came to terms. Jessie paid a fair price for the building, and Miss Anderson said she would have the papers drawn up and ready for her signature by the next day. In the meantime, she gave them the keys to the building and told them they could go inside and start planning the layout of the new bank.
Jessie made notes and asked Walker’s opinion on several matters, and he tried to be as helpful as possible. It was apparent to him that she honestly knew what she was doing when it came to planning how the bank would be arranged, and how long it would take for the vault to arrive. They stopped by the telegraph office and she had it ordered and a promised delivery in one week’s time. She asked if Walker would be willing to help Billy with the other work inside the bank, and gave him a smile when he agreed. As they were leaving the building, John Evanston approached them. Walker groaned inwardly. The day had gone so well and he just knew that his redhead was going to throw a fit if the man said one word to her.
“Well, now, I must say I am surprised to see you looking at this building, Ames. You are barely making a living on your ranch, and opening a new enterprise at this time is not a sound business proposition. I certainly won’t be loaning you any money to purchase this building.”
“I don’t believe that I asked you for any money, Evanston,” Walker said coldly. The man was a pompous jackass.
“Then how do you propose to purchase this place?” the man was clearly astounded.
“My husband isn’t purchasing this place, sir. I am,” Jessie said softly. She was aware of the man coming up behind John Evanston, and could see he was upset.
“Mr. Evanston, I wish you would reconsider. I’m good for the money, and you know it.”
Evanston frowned and turned around. “I already told you ‘no’, Barnes. Now stop bothering me. I don’t make loans without collateral.”
“My word ain’t good enough for you?” The proud man was insulted. “I’ve been in this town for six years now, and I never once lied to anyone! It’s only twenty-five dollars!”
“Business is business, Barnes. Now get lost.”
Jessie could see that John Evanston was enjoying his power over the man. It made her furious to see the other man humbled and crushed. “Mr. Barnes, I would be honored to have you as my first customer. I am not formally open for business yet, but your word and handshake will be enough to secure your loan.”
“Ma’am?” Ben Barnes looked at her in confusion.
“This is my wife, Ben. Jessie, Ben Barnes.” Walker was trying hard not to smile at the look on Evanston’s face. “She is opening a bank.”
“What? That is preposterous!” John Evanston sputtered. “You cannot possibly be serious! Why, it takes money to open a bank!”
“What is preposterous, Mr. Evanston, is the despicable way you treat people. I intend to give every person who comes into my bank the respect they are due.” She turned back to Ben and said, “Will twenty-five dollars be enough, Mr. Barnes?”
; “Yes, ma’am,” Ben answered, still confused. “I’m good for it, plus interest, in six months,” he said in a straightforward manner.
“Will you come and see me next week and sign papers?” she asked as she took the money from her handbag and handed it to him then and there. “In the meantime, your word and handshake are enough for me.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Ames. I won’t forget your kindness. You have no idea how much this money means to me and my family.” He offered her his hand, and she shook.
“Thank you for being my first customer, Mr. Barnes.” She was aware of Evanston’s shock and disapproval and it made her day. Once Ben Barnes walked away, she looked at Evanston and said quietly, “I don’t like you, Evanston. When I came into your bank a couple of weeks ago and asked to speak to you, you refused to see me… based on the way I was dressed. You didn’t hear me out; you were rude. It’s time the people of this town had a choice; and I’m counting on them to prefer doing business with my bank.” She looked at Walker and said, “I’m ready to go home now, Walker.”
“You can’t open a bank! It takes money!”
“Yes, it does,” Jessie smiled wickedly. “I’m going to enjoy watching you squirm as I slowly put you out of business! Just imagine yourself staked out over an anthill, Evanston!” she taunted the man.
“I won’t permit this!” He angrily reached out to grab her arm.
Walker reacted instantly, and John Evanston found himself flying through the air as Walker’s huge fist caught his jaw and sent him sprawling in the street. “You don’t touch my wife, Evanston. Hear me?” Walker’s deep voice was a deadly growl and the banker scooted backwards on his butt, putting as much distance as he could between himself and the big man. Once Walker was sure the man wasn’t going to get up, he used the key to unlock the building and marched Jessie back inside.
“Walker, what?” she asked as he marched her to the back room, the one that would be her office. “Walker?” He took a seat on the edge of a work counter and the next thing she knew, she was face down over his left thigh. “Walker, no! What did I do?” she asked as his hand found her bottom with a resounding crack. “Walker!”
He tossed up her skirts and spanked her again, his hand making a loud echo in the empty room. “I warned you about stirring up trouble with Evanston, Jessie. You promised you wouldn’t do that!” He spanked again.
“Owwwww! He’s a pompous jackass!” she declared, unaware she was using Walker’s own words to describe Evanston.
“Yes, he is.” Walker spanked her twice more and then reached underneath for the ribbon holding her drawers in place. He tugged, and within seconds Jessie’s pretty bottom was bare to his hand and to his eyes. She was beautiful, there was no denying it, and she needed a good spanking to remind her of her promise to behave. He brought his hand down on one cheek and then the other, surprised at how quickly her skin turned red.
“Owwww! Please don’t, Walker! I’m sorry I let him goad me! I will be more careful now,” she promised.
“What if I wasn’t here to stop him from hurting you, Jessie? What if I was at the ranch and he decided to punch your face? He’s a sadistic bastard,” Walker announced, spanking her sit spots.
“Then I would have knocked him on his butt myself,” she stated firmly. “Please, don’t spank me anymore, Walker. I’m sorry I went too far.” She was contrite. “I don’t want to spoil today… We were having a good time together!”
Chapter Eight
Walker gave Jessie one more sound swat and then released her. “Pull up your drawers, Jessie,” he said softly. “I probably ought to tan you proper, but I can understand how you feel about that jackass.” He grinned.
Jessie quickly fixed her clothing, embarrassed as could be that Walker spanked her in what was to be her new office. “I’m sorry I forgot myself.”
Walker surprised her by pulling her close and holding her, and then giving her a long kiss. “You’re human, and I shouldn’t expect you to be any different.” He grinned. “Let’s go home, Mrs. Ames,” he said, and the look in his dark eyes warmed her heart.
“Is my hat straight?” Jessie asked before they walked outside.
“It’s perfect,” Walker said with a straight face, although his eyes were full of laughter. He couldn’t resist teasing a bit. “I didn’t spank that end of you.”
Jessie gave him a dirty look, which only made him chuckle, and she ended up giggling, too. They stopped outside, and Walker locked the door again.
“Everything okay here?” Tanner asked, looking at Walker curiously. The banker had come to him to file a complaint, claiming that Walker was in a rage, but the humor in the man’s eyes didn’t give evidence to the claim.
“Sheriff, I demand you arrest Ames!” Evanston sputtered. “He struck me!”
“Walker was defending me, Tanner,” Jessie said with a smile for her husband. “Mr. Evanston grabbed me in anger when he learned I am opening a bank. Apparently he doesn’t like competition.” She was enjoying herself immensely.
“That true, Evanston? You put your hand on Mrs. Ames?” Tanner’s dark eyes gave the man to know what he thought of that. “If all Walker did was knock you flat on your butt, then you’re a lucky man. I would have shot you if she was mine.” Evanston sputtered angrily, and then stomped off. “I don’t like that jackass,” Tanner growled, and then he asked, “Are you really going to open another bank, Jessie?”
“Yes, I am. Walker is concerned that Evanston will try to hurt me… Is he a violent man?” She was positive she knew the answer, but if Tanner stated the obvious, then perhaps Walker wouldn’t worry so much.
“He’s the type who might hit a woman, but he knows you would tear him apart if he touched Jessie, Walker. And, I’ll keep an eye on him,” he promised.
“Thanks a lot, Tanner. That makes me feel a bit better,” Walker admitted. “I’m worried about bank robbers, too.”
“I’m not new at this job, friend,” Tanner grinned.
“I don’t mean to insult you, Tanner.” Walker flushed.
“If I had me a pretty wife, I would worry about her, too,” Tanner said, and then added, “Walker, I need some help. Could I deputize you to come with me and make an arrest? There are three of them, and I don’t want to go it alone without someone who has some common sense.”
“I don’t have my guns or a horse with me,” Walker said with a frown. “Jessie and I came to town in the buggy.”
“I’ll get you a horse and loan you a holster and gun, and a rifle,” Tanner said impatiently.
“Fine. Jessie, can you find your way home without me?” he asked worriedly.
“Yes, Walker,” she said with confidence. “I’ll be just fine.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later tonight then,” he promised, and leaned down to kiss her on the cheek. It felt so natural, and he was pleased when she smiled at him. She obviously wasn’t angry over the spanking.
“You be careful, Walker,” she said softly. “You too, Tanner,” she added, and then headed for the buggy. Walker followed her and saw her off, and then went with Tanner.
Jessie was in a good mood. Walker had kissed her again, and he knocked John Evanston on his butt before she could do so herself! She wasn’t used to anyone but Billy sticking up for her! Of course, he’d spanked her, too, but it was only because he was frightened for her. Was Walker falling in love with her? The idea was startling, but it made her smile… and she hoped it was true!
As soon as she arrived at the ranch, Jessie sensed something was very wrong. She jumped down from the buggy and hurried inside the house by way of the kitchen door. Mrs. Gibbons looked at her, and her blue eyes were full of worry and concern. “What’s wrong, Mrs. Gibbons?” she asked, and then noticed that she and Angie were tending a bruise on Lee’s cheek and a cut on Denver’s swollen and bloodied lip. “What happened?”
“Sam said he wasn’t taking no orders from no one, and he lit out,” Lee explained.
“He fought with Lee and Denver, and shoved me w
hen I tried to stop him,” Angie added, her blue eyes full of outrage.
“Where is Billy?” the redhead demanded.
“Jessie, he went after Sam,” Mrs. Gibbons fretted. “I tried to stop him, but he said he wasn’t about to let Walker down, and he took off. He took a gun with him, and Walker isn’t going to like that one little bit.”
Jessie took off running upstairs to her room, undoing buttons and unpinning her hat and hair as she went. In less than five minutes, she was wearing her pants, and her floppy hat, a gun belt strapped around her slender hips, and carrying a rifle. “I’m going after Billy and Sam. Tell Walker not to worry. If it gets too dark, we’ll make camp for the night and come in when it’s light.” She took off running for the barn, and quickly saddled a stallion and was off in the direction that Lee said they went. She was going to skin Sam for acting like such an idiot. And, if Billy was bruised or injured like Lee and Denver, she was going to tan Sam herself!
* * *
“Looks like you and Jessie are getting along just fine?” Tanner looked at Walker curiously as they rode out of town to the Gorman house. The three brothers were seen rustling a few steers, and Tanner had no choice but to arrest them. The big man beside him was a good deputy on those times Tanner needed help.
“Jessie surprises me at times,” Walker admitted with a grin. “At least I’m not afraid to turn my back on her these days,” he joked.
“I can’t believe she is actually going to open a bank; I remember Billy making a comment that she would, but I thought he was just being a kid and spouting off. He knows his sister well.”
“Jessie worked in a bank after their Ma died. She knows what she is doing, and she’s got the money to pull it off,” Walker said. “Of course, she’s doing it to teach Evanston a lesson. She loaned Ben Barnes money in front of Evanston, after he turned Ben down. You know as well as I do that Ben will pay Jessie back. Evanston was probably hoping he would default on his mortgage if he didn’t give him another loan, and Jessie foiled that plan. I think her bank will do well, as long as she doesn’t spend her time getting into it with Evanston.”
