Drina’s Choice

by Agnes Alexander

  Fanny gave him a shy grin and left the room.

  “My daughter never had to bake anything. We had maids and cooks. I didn’t want her to have to do anything except grow up, be a beautiful wife to a great man like Brit and for the two of them to give me a grandson.” Tears came into his eyes. “Now, I don’t know if that’ll ever happen.”

  Zane took a swallow of coffee. “Speaking of Brit, where is he today?”

  “He had some correspondence he had to handle at the office. I’m sure he won’t be gone long. He’s spent almost all his waking hours with his wife. I’ve never seen such devotion.”

  Zane didn’t feel he could keep his mouth shut much longer. “Barnabas, did he say anything about Adeline falling before she came into the dining room?”

  Both the doctor and Barnabas frowned.

  “What do you mean?” Kenneth asked.

  “I’m probably searching for an answer that isn’t there, but I was out at the Wilcox ranch the other day and Mrs. Wilcox mentioned a similar case that happened back in Georgia. I couldn’t help thinking about it.”

  The doctor looked interested. “What happened in that case?”

  “She said the man and his wife were in the barn and he slightly tapped is head. She said it didn’t even leave a bump or a bruised place, but the man fell into an eight day coma. Nobody could understand until they found out earlier he’d had a fight with a neighbor and his head had been hurt badly.”

  “I don’t think my daughter had a fight before she fell, Sheriff.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting she did, but maybe she had an earlier fall and didn’t tell anyone or she could bumped her head on something.”

  “She would’ve told Brit.” Barnabas’s voice took on a stubborn tone.

  “It was just a thought.” Zane started to stand, but the doctor got up first.

  “He may have something here, Barnabas. I didn’t spend much time checking the back of Adeline’s head because there was only a little wound. I should look closer, since there might be a clue there. I think I want to take another look.”

  “If you think it’ll help her, go ahead, Kenneth.”

  From his chair, Barnabas watched the doctor take his black bag off the table beside the bed. Zane busied himself by staring at the fire.

  It was then he saw the dark spot on the side of the mantle. He frowned. Had the fire popped out and burned a place in the marble? But marble didn’t burn, did it? Trying not to draw attention to what he was doing, he stood and sat his cup on the tray. He then moved to the fireplace and held out his hands as if he was warming them. He then rubbed his finger on the dark spot. He knew immediately it wasn’t a nick or burn. Looking closer he felt his heart jump. It looked like blood.

  “I don’t believe what I’m seeing.” Dr. O’Neil’s voice made him turn.

  “What is it?” Barnabas jumped up.

  Zane waited for the doctor to explain.

  “The gash on the back of Adeline’s head has opened up and there’s some dried blood under her hair.”

  * * * *

  “I can’t believe Aaron chose today to go into town.” Beulah plopped down in the chair beside Drina. “Why did you let him leave you alone?”

  “Oh, Beulah, don’t worry. He said he needed to get something special for the new portion of the house and he couldn’t trust Salty to get the right thing by himself.”

  “But you could’ve gone with them.”

  “It’s cold out there and I’m perfectly comfortable right here by the fire working on this dress.” Drina frowned. “I just wish I could get these tucks to lie flat. If my sister were here she’d know what to do.”

  “Aren’t you worried about Aaron going to town without you?”

  “No, I’m not, Beulah. Aaron and I have an understanding.” She held the bodice up again and frowned at it.

  “I’m sorry, Miz Drina, but I can’t help remembering the last time he went to town.”

  Drina shook her head, put her dress down and reached over and touched Beulah’s arm. “Please believe me when I say today is nothing like our wedding day.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I love Mr. Aaron. He’s almost like a son to me, but he has his faults. He’s only interested in keeping this ranch and he’ll stop at nothing to do that. I’ve come to feel close to you, and I don’t want to see him hurt you again.”

  “I trust him, Beulah. He’s not going to hurt me.”

  “Aaron knows how to turn on the charm and he’s always been popular with the ladies. He’s a good man deep down, but judging by his past behavior I’m not so sure you can completely trust him around other women.”

  “I think you’re wrong. Now, let’s not discuss it any longer.” She picked up her shirtwaist again.

  “I’ll drop the subject if you’ll give me a hint of why you trust him so much.”

  “Last night Aaron told me something he said he’d never told any woman except you.”

  “Me?” Beulah frowned. “What was that?”

  “He told me he loved me.”

  Beulah stared at her a moment before speaking. Finally a big grin spread across her lips and she whispered, “Now, I understand. You’re right, Miz Drina. You can trust him.”

  * * * *

  As Aaron came out of Ragsdale’s Emporium, Zane came by. “Howdy, Sheriff. Out looking for outlaws this morning?”

  “Always, Aaron. Always. I see you’re still on crutches. What in the world are you doing in town?”

  “Had to order some things for the new part of the house. Salty wasn’t sure how to do it, so I rode in with him this morning.”

  “Got a few minutes? I’d like to talk to you about something.”

  “Sure, but could we find a warmer place to do the talking. It’s mighty cold here on the street.”

  “I agree. Let’s go to the saloon.”

  “Sounds fine by me. Lead the way.”

  “Will Salty know where to find you?”

  Aaron chuckled. “Sure. Geneva Ragsdale hasn’t quit dusting around the window since I came out. She’ll be happy to spread the news that I’m going to The Swinging Door.”

  “I guess you do have a reputation about ending up there when you come to town.”

  “Don’t get the wrong idea, Zane. I might have a beer with you, but this early, I’d prefer coffee, and that’s all I want at the saloon.”

  “Coffee’s my pick this morning, too.” They started toward the saloon and Zane added, “The marriage must be better than folks are saying.”

  “Let them talk. Drina and I know how it is with us.”

  “And I think I can guess that’s good.”

  “It’s better than I thought it’d ever be.”

  “I’m happy for you, Aaron. Though I must say, I’m a little jealous.”

  “Your day’s coming, Sheriff. Love has a way of sneaking up on a man when he least expects it.” Aaron waited for Zane to pull open the heavy doors, then the bat doors of the saloon. He led the way to a table in the corner.

  “How about bringing us a pot of coffee, Hal? It’s mighty cold out there.”

  “Shore will, Aaron. Want anything in your coffee?”

  Aaron knew he meant a shot of whiskey, but he shook his head. “Black coffee is fine.”

  “Coming right up.”

  “I have to ask since you wanted to talk to me, why didn’t we go to your office?”

  “I thought I saw somebody come in here earlier and I want to check it out.”

  “Do you see them?”

  “Not yet.”

  Aaron frowned. “I think I’m confused.”

  Zane laughed. “Does sound strange, doesn’t it?”

  Hal brought the coffee and mugs. “If you fellows want anything else just let me know.”

  “I don’t think there’ll be anything more,” Aaron assured him.

  He looked puzzled, but walked away.

  Zane picked up his coffee. “I visited Adeline Vance earlier.”

  “Has there been any change?”


  “Doesn’t seem so, but her father and a doctor have arrived from San Francisco. I’ve been talking with them this morning.”

  “Can that doctor do anything for her?”

  “Probably not, but that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about. Remember the story Drina told of the fellow back in Georgia who bumped his head and was unconscious eight days before he died?”

  “I remember.”

  “Well, for some reason I told Chesterfield and the doctor about it. The doctor decided to check Adeline’s head a second time. Though he knew there was a slight bump, he found an older cut that had opened up and had some dried blood on it. Nobody had noticed it because her hair had hidden it. Now, I’m wondering if the woman had a fall before the one in the dining room.”

  Zane went on to explain how Brit had been devoted to his wife since her fall and how he had Barnabas Chesterfield thinking he was the perfect husband. “That gave me pause to wonder, Aaron. You and I both know Brit Vance doesn’t give a damn about his wife. He’s made it clear he’s only interested in the Chesterfield fortune.”

  “Are you saying you now suspect Adeline’s accident wasn’t an accident at all?”

  “Yes, I do. Especially since I found some dried blood on the fireplace mantle in her room. Also when I was going to the Vance house, I thought I saw Brit come in here. It looked suspicious, then Barnabas told me he’d gone to the office to handle some business.

  “But how can you prove any of your suspicions?”

  “I can’t, but if I find Brit is upstairs with one of the women he has a lot of questions to answer.”

  “Then what? Are you gonna let Chesterfield know his son-in-law didn’t go to the office today, but is spending the morning with a prostitute?”

  “I’m not sure what I’ll do, Aaron. I only know that if Brit hurt his wife I don’t want him to get away with it.”

  “Maybe you’ll get some answers quicker than you think.” Aaron pointed toward the stairs leading to the second floor bordello. “Look who’s on his way down.”

  “I was hoping I didn’t see him come in here, but this proves his concern for his wife’s health is his way to cover something up.”

  Brit looked stunned when he came to the bottom of the steps and saw Aaron and Zane watching him. Taking a deep breath, he headed toward them. “What are you two doing here this morning?”

  “Having coffee,” Aaron said and pointed at his mug. “Want to join us?”

  “Well, I guess I’d better get on—”

  Zane interrupted. “Sit down, Brit.” He turned toward the bar. “Bring him a cup of coffee, Hal, and give Aaron and me a refill.”

  Brit looked as if he wanted to argue, but he pulled out a chair and sat.

  Hal brought Brit a cup and sat a pot down on the table. “I decided to bring you the pot so you could serve yourself.”

  “Thanks, Hal.” Zane picked up the pot and filled all their cups. Putting it down, he said, “Tell me about Adeline’s fall.”

  Brit frowned. “I’ve already told you. We went into the dining room and she fell as we were getting ready to eat.”

  “I don’t mean that fall. I mean the one that happened before you came to the dining room.”

  Again Brit looked surprised. “There was no fall before we went downstairs.”

  “Then why was there blood on your fireplace mantle?”

  Brit didn’t just look startled, he looked scared. “What blood?”

  “You tell me.”

  “You’re talking crazy, Zane.” He looked at Aaron. “What kind of lies are you making up to tell him?”

  “This is between you and the sheriff. I’m just here for coffee.”

  Brit gave him an evil look. “You probably came in to visit one of the women and found out they weren’t working yet.”

  Aaron shook his head. “If they’re not working, why were you upstairs?”

  He looked flustered, but tried to cover. “I was checking to see if Lottie was back.”

  “Lottie’s not coming back.”

  “How do you know, Aaron? Do you have her stashed somewhere for your personal use?”

  “You’ve seen my wife. Why would I want a woman like Lottie?”

  Zane broke in. “He’s right, Vance. Not a woman here can measure up to Drina. Just like none of them measure up to Adeline. I don’t think you’ve ever appreciated what you had.”

  “Of course I appreciate Adeline. I’d do anything I could to make her well again.”

  “Why, Brit?” When he said nothing, Zane went on. “Is it because if Adeline dies you won’t be able to get your hands on Chesterfield’s money?”

  When Brit’s eye twitched, Zane knew he’d hit a nerve. He glanced at Aaron and knew his friend had seen it, too. He decided to press ahead. “You haven’t answered my question, Brit, but you can forget it. What I want to know is, did you knock your wife down and injure her head?”

  Brit jumped up, knocking his chair over. “I don’t have to stay here and listen to you two fools. I need to get back to my wife.”

  “I’ll be back to talk to Mr. Chesterfield. Maybe he can convince you to be honest with me.”

  Brit didn’t acknowledge the remark as he stomped out the door.

  Zane looked at Aaron. “Reckon I rattled him a little?”

  “Looks like you did.”

  “Now, it’s your turn.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “How do you know Lottie isn’t coming back?”

  Aaron chuckled. “Caught that, did you?”

  “I did.”

  “Between you and me, Lottie is headed to Flagstaff or some other bigger city.”

  “And, how do you know this?”

  “I sent Salty to take her to Fiddler’s Creek to catch a stage to wherever she wants to go.”

  “You did this knowing we were looking for her?”

  “She was convinced Brit was going to kill her, and I believed her.”

  Zane nodded. “What about the new girl that left here with her?”

  “She married Gus Turner yesterday.”

  “And do I assume they’re going to live on your ranch?”

  Aaron grinned. “You may assume that.”

  Zane shook his head. “Gus is a good man. I hope he knows what he’s doing marrying her.”

  “She hadn’t started working upstairs, Zane. Seems Brit wanted to make the men desire her for a while before he put her to work. Thought she’d bring in more money that way.”

  “What did Brit have to do with it?”

  “Lottie told us Brit owns this place.”

  Zane frowned and looked toward the barkeep. “I thought Hal owned it.”

  “I think there was an agreement to let people continue to think he did.”

  “Come here, Hal,” Zane called.

  He walked over. “What you need, sheriff?”

  “Have a seat. I have some questions for you.”

  * * * *

  Brit took a deep breath as he pushed Adeline’s door open and stepped inside. He was surprised to see Fanny was the only person in the room with his wife. “Where is everyone?” He demanded.

  Fanny jumped and whirled around. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “Well?”

  “Doctor O’Neil went to see Doctor Danson and—”

  Brit interrupted. “Why did he go see the doc?”

  “He wanted to find out what had caused the old cut on the back of Mrs. Vance’s head.”

  His heart sank. Zane must have known what he was talking about when he mentioned a fall before the dining room. How am I going to handle this?

  Fanny went on, “Mr. Chesterfield went to the railroad office to talk to you.”

  Oh Lord, what’ll he do when he sees I’m not there? And will he use his key? If so, he’ll see I didn’t start a fire in the stove. How can I explain that to him?

  He pulled himself together. “What are you doing in here, Fanny?”

  “I thought I’
d clean a little while you were all gone.”

  “Well, things look fine. Go on and let me have some private time with my wife.”

  “Yes, sir.” Fanny grabbed her dust rag and headed out the door.

  Brit put his hands on his head. He had to think of something and he had to think of it quick. Moving to Adeline’s dresser, he jerked open the top drawer where she kept her jewelry. He knew she had fortune tied up in it and if he had to get out of town quickly, it’d be enough for a new start. He grabbed a pillowcase and dumped everything he saw in it. He then opened the drawer where he knew she kept the cash her father sent her every week and dumped what he found in with the jewelry.

  Hearing someone coming down the hall, he stashed the pillowcase behind the dresser and moved to the side of Adeline’s bed. Looking at her with hate in his eyes, he waited to see who came through the door. If it was the doctor, he knew he could come up with an explanation of the injury, but if it was her father he didn’t know what he was going to do.

  Chapter 26

  The door opened, and Barnabas Chesterfield came into the room. His face was red and he was panting. He glanced at Brit and his face was livid. “How could you go to the saloon with my baby girl lying there?”

  Brit tried to think fast. “There was a problem, and when Hal saw me on the street, he asked me to come in and help him with it.”

  Barnabas frowned. “Who’s Hal?”

  “The bartender.” Brit couldn’t believe it. Barnabas was listening to him. He knew he had to make the story good. “There was some trouble with a man who had hidden in there and wouldn’t leave. We finally got him out and Hal and I talked a little after he was gone.”

  “Why did he call on you?” He took a linen napkin from his pocket and wiped his head.

  “I was the only one on the street at the time.”

  Barnabas dropped to one of the chairs in front of the fireplace. “I’m sorry I doubted you, Brit. It just threw me when I found the office door locked and saw you coming out of the saloon.”

  Brit took a breath of relief. His lie had worked. “I didn’t make it to the office. I felt I’d been away from my Adeline long enough. I decided to come back home and go to the office later. Was there something you needed to see me about?”

  He nodded, then explained about the cut the doctor had discovered on the back of Adeline’s head. When he finished, he said, “I thought you might know if she’d fallen earlier in the day.”