Drina’s Choice

by Agnes Alexander

  “If she fell, she didn’t tell me, Barnabas.”

  “I wonder why she wouldn’t have said something.”

  “You know how sweet and kind Adeline was. She probably didn’t want me to worry.” He then realized he’d spoken of his wife in the past tense. He hoped Chesterfield hadn’t caught it.

  Barnabas must not have because he nodded and said, “You’re right. She always thinks of others before herself.”

  Brit wanted to tell him Adeline never thought of anyone before herself, but he only said, “Yes. She did.” He moved to the table where the whiskey sat. “You look like you need a drink, Barnabas. Let me pour you one.”

  “It’s a little early, but I could use a sip. I got a little upset when I couldn’t find you.” When Brit poured the drink and handed it to him, he said, “Thank you, son. Won’t you join me?”

  Brit poured himself a drink, took one of the chairs and looked at the fireplace mantle. He saw the spot of blood Zane mentioned and he bit his lip, wondering if anyone else had seen it. He figured it would be hard to see with all the streaks of gray in the marble. But if Zane saw it somebody else could, too. He’d have to make a point to clean if off the first chance he got. After the doctor retires to his room, I’ll insist Barnabas go to bed, too. I’ll say I need to spend some time alone with my wife. Her daddy will like that. He sure is easy to fool. If I’d been smart I’d have finagled the money away from him a long time ago. Then I wouldn’t have to put up with all this mess.

  * * * *

  The sheriff believed Brit Vance cheated when he won the saloon from the barkeep and told him so. That was the reason Hal decided to close the bar until evening and visit the Vance residence.

  Fanny opened the door. “Yes, sir?”

  “Where’s Brit?”

  “Upstairs with his wife. Shall I take you to him?”

  “Which room?”

  “The second on the right, but—”

  “I’ll find it.” Pulling a gun out of his coat, Hal went up the steps. Without knocking, he shoved open the door to Adeline’s bedroom.

  “What the—” Brit whirled around.

  “There you are, you no-good cheating scoundrel,” Hal yelled, and pointed the gun at Brit.

  Barnabas was flabbergasted. “Who is he, Brit? What does he want?”

  “I’m the man who your son-in-law cheated out of his saloon.”

  “What’s he talking about?”

  “Nothing, Barnabas.” Brit turned to Hal. “Let’s take this out of my wife’s bedroom.”

  “Why? You don’t give a damn about your wife.”

  “You’re wrong, young man. Brit has been a devoted husband. Why he’s—”

  “Look old man, I don’t know what kind of tales he’s told you, but he hates his wife. He’s told more than one person in town he can’t wait for you to die so she’ll inherit your money. After that, he plans to get rid of her.”

  “Shut up, Hal.”

  “Don’t tell me to shut up.” Hal turned to Barnabas. “Did he tell you that less than an hour ago he was upstairs at The Swinging Door enjoying the favors of Rosie?”

  Barnabas jumped out of his chair. “Is this true, Brit?”

  “Of course not. You know I’m a devoted husband. I—”

  “If he’s so devoted, why does the sheriff suspect him of hurting his wife?”

  “No!” Barnabas shouted. “You didn’t, did you?”

  “Don’t listen to him. He’s just sore because—”

  Hal waved the gun at Brit. “Has he told you he hired a man to kill Aaron Wilcox so his uncle would sell the Wilcox ranch to you?”

  “That’s a lie!” Brit said.

  Hal ignored him. “Or that he hired a man to kill the whore, Lottie, who found out about his evil deeds and was going to tell Wilcox?”

  “I’ll kill you, Hal Summers.”

  Hal laughed. “And where’s your gun?”

  “Are you telling the truth, Hal, or whoever you are?"

  “It’s the gospel truth. As a matter of fact, Wilcox and the Sheriff Mason are at the doctor’s office right now hoping to find out what happened to Mrs. Vance.”

  Barnabas lunged toward Brit. “You low-down good-for-nothing—”

  Brit’s fist met the man’s chin, and Barnabas crumpled to the floor.

  “What now, Vance? How do you plan to take the gun away from me?” Hal made a production of cocking the pistol.

  “Look, Hal. You don’t want to do this. You know I won the saloon fair and square, but if it means so much to you, I’ll give it back. There’s no need for bloodshed.”

  Hal shook his head. “No, Brit. I’ve decided …”

  Before Hal finished his sentence, Brit threw the whiskey glass and it slammed against Hal’s gun. The gun went off, but the bullet went wild. Brit charged into Hal and knocked the smaller man to the floor. Hal fought back and managed to land a hard blow on Brit’s jaw, but it wasn’t hard enough. Brit hit his opponent again. Blood shot from Hal’s nose, but he still kept trying to fight off the larger and stronger man. It didn’t work. Brit managed to get his hand on the gun. He gripped it and brought it down on Hal’s head. The barkeep fell to the side, unconscious.

  Getting to his feet, Brit knew he had no other choice. He had to get out of town as soon as possible. They were coming for him now. Rushing over to Barnabas, he took the man’s wallet. He knew Chesterfield always carried a wad of money. He was right. There were several hundred dollars in the fat wallet. Hurrying to the side of the room where he’d stashed the pillowcase, he grabbed it. As he started out, he paused beside Adeline’s bed.

  “You bitch,” he said between his teeth. “None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t fallen against the fireplace. As usual, it’s all your fault.” He grabbed a pillow from behind her head and put it over her face. “Die, you devil.”

  In a moment her shallow breathing stopped.

  Barnabas moaned and tried to stand. “What’s going on?”

  Brit walked over and looked down at the man. “Thought you might like to know I just helped your precious daughter die.”

  “No!” Barnabas shouted.

  Laughing, Brit slammed the gun into his father-in-law’s head. He hurried out the door making his getaway plan as he went. I’ll head for Flagstaff since they’ll think I’d go in the other direction. Since that road goes by the Wilcox ranch, I’ll grab Drina. That’ll teach that bastard to plot against me with the sheriff.

  * * * *

  Salty shook the reins over the team’s backs and the wagon bounced toward the Rocking Chair Ranch. “Well, from what you said, Boss, it looks like Brit Vance is going to get his comeuppance at last.”

  “It sure does, but it’s a shame it had to come to this.”

  “My ma always told me that if a man didn’t change his evil ways, his sins would one day catch up to him.”

  “Are you talking about Brit Vance or me, Salty?”

  Salty shook his head. “I ain’t got no reason to talk about you. I ain’t never seen a man change his ways as fast as you have.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know good and well two months ago you’d never buy the stuff you’ve got back there for your wife, or send me to town to buy material for any woman like you done when you couldn’t get out of bed. You demanded Miz Drina get everything on that list and you added to it today.”

  “I just picked up some things I thought she’d like. And while we’re discussing it, I couldn’t help overhearing when Geneva Ragsdale asked if you needed any sewing supplies when you were in there today.”

  “And you saw me get out of there, didn’t you?”

  Aaron chuckled. “I sure did. You walked right out on me. That’s how I got hung up with Zane. Of course, that worked out, too.”

  “I went to the feed store and I come back by the telegraph office.” He felt in his pocket. “You got a wire, by the way.”

  “Is it from MacMichael?”

  “It is.” He handed the paper t
o Aaron.

  Aaron read it and grinned. “MacMichael’s going to take the job of investigating what’s going on in Savannah. Everything’ll work out, Salty. Now, you know you can’t tell Drina. I want to do that.”

  “I know.”

  A few minutes of silence followed. Aaron broke it. “I was a fool to walk out on her on our wedding night, Salty.”

  “I agree.”

  “I don’t deserve her.”

  “I agree you didn’t at first, but I see the change in you.”

  “Believe it or not, she’s forgiven me.”

  “I figured she would when I saw how she took care of you when you was shot.”

  “She’s not very big, but she’s the most woman I’ve ever known.”

  Salty laughed. “If I was to guess, I’d say you’ve gone and fell in love with your wife.”

  “You’re right about that, Salty.”

  The wagon rolled under the Rocking Chair Ranch sign and both men got quiet. Aaron was thinking about giving Drina the gifts he’d bought her at Ragsdale’s Emporium. He hoped she’d like them. Especially the silver backed brush, comb, and mirror he’d picked up. He could imagine lying in bed and seeing her sit on the stool before the dressing table brushing her luscious hair with it. If she’d let him, he’d brush it at times, too.

  Salty pulled the wagon up in front of the house and jumped out. “I’ll help you get inside, then put the team away.”

  Aaron shook his head. “I’m looking forward to the time when I don’t have to have any help.”

  “It won’t be long, Boss.” Salty guided him up the steps.

  “Why don’t you get the packages out of the wagon and bring them inside while you’re here?”

  Salty nodded, returned to the wagon, grabbed the stack of brown paper wrapped items and came back up the steps. “You shore bought a lot.”

  Aaron only grinned and opened the door. “Drina,” he called.

  There was no answer.

  He glanced at Salty and frowned. “Beulah,” he tried again.

  No answer, but he heard a groan.

  Rushing into the sitting room he saw Beulah struggling to get off the floor. “What happened?”

  “Brit Vance…”

  Salty ran around Aaron and helped Beulah up.

  “Are you all right?” Salty asked.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Where’s Drina?” There was fright in Aaron’s voice.

  “Brit Vance came in here and took her.”

  “Where? When?”

  “I’m not sure. Miz Drina was fighting him for all she was worth. I tried to help, but he hit me in the head with his gun.”

  “Are you sure you’re going to be all right?” Salty asked.

  “I’m going to get my wife.” Aaron hurried toward the door as fast as he could on his crutches. “Come on, Salty. You’re going to have to help me saddle my horse.”

  “Boss, you can’t ride no horse.”

  “Oh, yes, I can.” He didn’t wait for Salty to say anything else, but went out the back door.

  Salty followed.

  “Wait,” Beulah grabbed a coat off the rack near the door. “I’m coming with you.”

  As they neared the barn, Aaron was sure he heard a female voice, though he couldn’t understand what she said. He frowned. Could Vance still be here? He moved a little faster.

  Aaron could hardly believe his eyes when they reached the open barn door. He expected to see Brit holding Drina against her will and he knew he’d have to fight to get her away from him. But he realized everything was under control when he saw Drina had the frightened man pinned against the side wall with a pitchfork at his chest.

  “I told you not to move,” she ordered as she held the tines against him. “I swore if ever another man tried to hurt me like my pa did, I’d die before I’d let him.”

  “I’m not moving. For God’s sake, let me go. I promise, I won’t hit you again.”

  “I’m not letting you go until one of the men returns from the range or Beulah wakes up and comes down here with a gun, or until my husband and Salty get back from town.”

  “You can’t make me stand here that long.”

  “Oh, can’t I?” She nicked his chest with a tine. “See how easy I could ram this through your chest.”

  “You won’t do that. You’re too much of a lady.”

  “Don’t think I won’t do it. You’re the cause of all of Aaron’s trouble. I ought to kill you for that reason alone.”

  “I swear I didn’t do anything to hurt him.”

  “How about Beulah? You hit that wonderful woman with your gun.” She glared at him. “If she dies, I’ll kill you, if Aaron doesn’t.”

  Aaron stepped forward. “Honey, I don’t think anybody has to die.”

  “Get your crazy wife off me, Aaron. She’s gonna slip and stab me yet.”

  “Oh, Aaron you’re back.” She dropped the pitchfork and ran to him. “He hit Beulah…oh, you’re here, Beulah. Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  Brit started for the door, but Aaron held out his crutch. “You’re not going anywhere.”

  “I’ve got to get out of here—”

  Salty walked up and stuck a gun in Brit’s side. “Hold it right there.”

  Aaron leaned on a stall door and put an arm around Drina. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine, but I’m glad you’re home.” She leaned against him and reached out for Beulah’s hand. “When he hit you, I was so frightened.”

  “I’m glad he didn’t run off with you.”

  “When I saw Beulah getting off the floor I’ve never been more scared in my life. I was afraid he’d hurt you.” Aaron pulled her closer to him and kissed the top of her head. “How in the world did you manage to overpower him?”

  “I hit him in his private area and he stumbled and fell. When I saw him on the ground I remembered how at times I could get the best of Pa when he fell down drunk. I decided I wasn’t going to become another man’s slave. I grabbed the pitchfork. It was all I could think to do.”

  “I’m glad you did. It scared the hell out of me when Beulah said he’d taken you.” He smiled at her.

  “Why would he do that, Aaron?” She encircled his waist with her still shaking arms.

  “The ranch was on his escape route. When he passed here, I assume he thought it’d be my ultimate hurt if he robbed me of the most precious person in my world.”

  She smiled, but before she could answer, Beulah said, “I hear a horse coming.”

  Salty moved to the door. “It looks like Zane. Beulah, how about signaling to let him know where we are?”

  In a matter of minutes, Zane reined his horse to a stop at the barn door. Dismounting, he walked in. “What’s going on here?”

  In one breath Beulah said, “Brit Vance hit me in the head and knocked me out for a little while then he tried to drag Drina out of the house, but somehow she managed to get the best of him and held him with a pitchfork until Aaron and Salty got home.”

  “Are you all right, Beulah?”

  “Yes. I’m fine.”

  “How about you, Drina? Did he hurt you?”

  “I’m fine, too, but I’m glad you’re here. You’re going to arrest him, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, I am.” He walked to his horse and took some strips of rawhide from his saddlebags. Coming back in the barn, he tied Brit’s hands.

  “I don’t understand why you’re arresting me.”

  “I’m arresting you for murdering your wife and a lot of other things I’ll add on later.”

  “I didn’t murder my wife. She fell and hit her head.”

  “I suppose she put a pillow over her face, too.”

  Brit glared at him. “I didn’t do that.”

  “Then why did you tell her father you did?”

  Brit got quiet.

  “Do you need any help getting him back to town, Zane?”

  “No, Salty, but I appreciate the offer.” Zane chuckl
ed. “I figure if Drina can handle him, I can, too.”

  Aaron smiled. “I just told Salty a little while ago that my wife is the most woman I’ve ever seen in such a small package.”

  * * * *

  Beulah insisted on cooking a big supper. “A little tap on the head can’t keep a good Indian woman down,” she explained and then went into the kitchen.

  She only came into the sitting room when Aaron called and asked her to. She acted pleased, if embarrassed when he gave her a gift of smelly bath soap she’d said she liked and a red and blue knitted shawl.

  “Why are you doing this?” She asked rubbing the shawl lovingly.

  “Though I don’t tell you very often, I want you to know you’re appreciated around here more than you think, Beulah.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “Thank you, Aaron. You know I’ll always be here to see after you and Miz Drina.”

  “We’re counting on that.”

  She gave him a quick smile and hurried out of the room.

  After eating, Aaron and Drina went to their bedroom. As she was getting ready for bed, Drina said, “It was sweet of you to give Beulah those gifts. She’s a special person, and I’ve come to think of her as a good friend.”

  “She cares about you, too, Drina.” He turned to the packages he’d brought upstairs. “Now, for your gifts.”

  “Oh, Aaron. You’re spoiling me.”

  “I want to spoil you.” He handed her the dress he’d picked out.

  “Oh, it’s lovely. Yellow is one of my favorite colors.”

  “I thought you could use one you don’t have to sew yourself.”

  She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  He smiled. “Now this is something I thought was pretty, and I hope you like it.” He handed her the brush and comb set.

  Opening it, Drina couldn’t help gasping. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

  “Do you really like it?”

  “I love it.” She put her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. “And I love you.”

  “I’m glad you do because I love you, too.”

  After they made love, Drina lay in Aaron’s arms. He whispered. “I hope to have another surprise for you soon, my love.”