Roman had never come out of his way to say much to Donovan unless it served a purpose, let alone a “good night.”
“I don’t need no reason to say good night do I?”
“Didn’t mean to offend.”
Roman sat in his chair. “The men are all… hooking up with the gals. Got some offers my way and needed to get out of the hall.” His brother put his hand on his head, ashamed. Was he seeking to be absolved?
“I almost went with one of them prostitutes, Donovan. What kind a man am I? Got this pretty and innocent thing waiting for me to come home and I gotta be tempted like Carrie Anne doesn’t mean anything?”
“You didn’t do nothin’ did you?” Donovan frowned. He was the wrong person to be confessing all this nonsense to.
Roman’s face was red in anguish. “No, but….”
“Then forget about it.” Ready to move along with something else, Donovan asked, “How do you think the women fared while we’ve been gone?”
“Do you really care?”
Donovan shrugged. “Just thought you did is all.”
Roman nodded. “I should think Aurora can take care of pretty much anybody. It’s why I left Carrie Anne with her instead of putting her up in town somewhere. Of course, Aurora wants to lend a hand next year so we’ll see what comes of that when it’s time.”
A fierce scowl came over Donovan. “A cattle drive is no place for a woman.”
Roman looked hopeless. “What am I to do about it? She’s the owner.”
“You can’t let her come with!”
“It ain’t my choice and I don’t see where it concerns you.”
“It doesn’t.”
Roman eyed him – acting like he knew all. “You been thinking about Aurora.”
“I don’t think about anybody.”
“Don’t I know it.”
Donovan wanted to inform his brother that he was all fine and well before he showed his remorseful face, but he didn’t. “You’ve said your goodnight, then.”
Roman was clearly annoyed when he left. Donovan tried to settle with the paper again, but had an ill-timed notion of worry over Aurora and her well being. He threw the newspaper against the wall and tossed to his side wondering what would give his mind some long overdue peace. Something Reverend John Palmer had said recently seemed to smack him clean in the gut. “The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Donovan fell asleep hoping for peace, but knowing he of all people, did not deserve it.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“I can’t wait to kill you – both.” Thatcher wriggled his tightly bound wrists in vain. He sat upright in a chair, waist tied to the back of it, ankles tied together in front.
“Do you know why you’re here?” Aurora asked him.
“I know you gals are crazy.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t think you’ll be killing any more of us,” Josie said to him as she tapped on his bandaged head.
“Any more of… what are you talking about?”
Josie tugged his bandage tighter and tighter, until he winced and cried out, “You can’t hold me forever.”
“No,” said Sophia, observing. “Just until the United States Marshal comes from Helena.”
Thatcher’s look of confusion softened until his head went slack. He’d passed out again. He had a patch of dried blood near his brow and Josie began to scrub it clean. It was amusing, the tenderness she used on him. Then Aurora had looked closer, and saw that Josie’s eyes were dark and menacing. Whores always had a place for their pimps in their heart, whether it was hate or love, or both. These men set themselves out as protectors, and if they got their girls while they were young, they most likely were the only male figures they ever had.
The sun was making its appearance, which meant that the sheriff would be doing the same. Before leaving the unconscious man, Aurora said, “Now we wait.”
Soon enough the sheriff stood on Aurora’s porch wielding the piece of vellum paper and reading it aloud. “Thatcher Poe has been kind enough to pay me a visit, won’t you come join us?” And Aurora knew it was signed with the initials A.Y.
“What on earth is this about? How’d you get this on Poe’s dresser? Where is he?” Corbin set a firm stance.
Aurora stepped aside. “Upstairs.” She crossed her arms as Josie and Beth joined ranks with her.
“What do you want with him?”
Josie smiled shrewdly. “Certainly not what he wants with us.”
“We aim to get justice for Lauren’s murder.”
“She hung herself,” he said straight out.
Aurora’s throat constricted “We never said she was hung.”
Corbin rubbed his palms onto the backside of his pants. No doubt those hands were to blame for Lauren’s death.
“Admit you killed Lauren, and have Thatcher promise to leave us alone.” Aurora stated her terms.
He laughed and moved close to her. “You really are as stupid as you look. Why would we do a thing like that?”
“Because I’ve reported all of this to a judge in Helena,” Beth announced casually.
He swung towards her. “So? Your word against mine…. You’re all nothing but whores. Besides, I doubt he takes kindly to kidnapping.”
“This particular judge is a friend. He, uh, likes whores.”
“No judge worth his salt would take your word over mine. ‘Sides, there are other judges in Montana.”
“You sound as though you’re talking sense to yourself, Corbin,” Josie taunted.
“Just bring Thatcher to me,” he sneered. “Maybe we can talk about this.”
“There isn’t anything to talk about. Sign an agreement with us, or you’ll be looking for another way of living,” Aurora insisted.
Corbin had finally had enough. He pulled out his pistol and aimed at Aurora’s heart. “All of this is your fault. Never had no problems with these women ‘til you showed up. Now you’re gonna pay.”
A loud click echoed in the porch area along with Beth’s voice, laced with disappointment. “Drop the gun.”
Aurora’s life was a split second from being taken away. “Doesn’t matter what ya’ll do to me. Either way, one shot and she’s dead.” He pinned Aurora with hatred. “You’ve been a thorn in my side since you arrived here.”
He never took his bitter eyes from her and that was his mistake. From behind, Josie pistol-whipped him and his gun went off, shooting a hole in the side of the house before he crumbled onto the planks beneath their feet.
When Corbin awoke he was privy to a most despising look from Thatcher Poe. Aurora eased herself from leaning against the dresser and sauntered over to them. They sat facing each other, bound and gagged. Nothing should be more humiliating than this, the two most powerful men in town overtaken by mere women. Their plan to set them at odds with each other just might work. At her nod, Beth took the kerchiefs from their mouths and Josie thrust a piece of paper in front of Corbin. “Sign this. It states that you are responsible for the hanging of Lauren Michaels.”
He spit blood-tinged saliva onto the floor. “There’s my answer.”
Beth put the kerchief back over his mouth. And they waited.
He kicked and squirmed in his chair, looking ready to talk.
“Remember when you poured laudanum down my throat and imprisoned me?” Aurora reminded him.
He glared hotly.
“It was no picnic for me either, being out of control of my own being. It’s a scary thing to be under another’s ruling hand.” She paced in front of him. “Would you like the handkerchief removed?”
He nodded and she removed it.
His jaw tightened. “Do you really think we’ll let you get away with this? You won’t be able to run fast enough or travel far enough.”
“We are giving you a chance. More than you gave to Lauren,” Aurora said. “You killed her for spite. Not one of us is going to sell our bodies again. You best
settle yourselves with that.”
Thatcher squirmed and Aurora loosened him.
His anger was directed at Josie. “You’re nothing. I made you who you are and you throw it in my face. Without me, you’d be dead by now.”
Aurora sighed and said to the girls, “They are not ready to make a deal with us. Let them think on it some more.”
Their gags were renewed, and they had nothing else to do but stare each other down with murder in their eyes. The men sat for hours while the woman stood guard over them for a change.
Chapter Thirty
“I want justice, Aurora. It’s not right to keep it from me.” Josie looked like a soldier ready for battle, her stance defiant and proud.
“Josie, we agreed we wouldn’t bring harm to them, just make them feel insecure about their immediate being. To turn them against each other if we can. We are to only keep them detained until Marshal LaSalle arrives. That and only that is what we are to do today.”
“And get them confessions,” Beth interjected.
“Of course,” Aurora said, eyes on Josie, waiting for compliance.
“Fine.”
All the years of pain and control under Thatcher’s hand and Josie could do nothing but hand him over to the law. Aurora understood the anger. Needing to feel comfort in their decision, she decided to check on the men. Lethargy had set upon Thatcher and Corbin, both weakened from hours without water or food. Thatcher looked at her with bloodshot eyes; she thought she saw regret in them. Good. She removed his gag and smiled prettily. She lent an ear to his lips while he spoke – his unused voice raspy.
“If you let us go, I’ll treat you like you deserve, like royalty. Please… untie me and give me a chance. Josie is not right in the head and I forgive you for getting tangled up in her ways.”
This more appealing side of Thatcher was a new one for her. Of course, he was on defense mode. She brought her nose to his and whispered, “You’re getting the least of what you deserve for what you’ve inflicted on these precious women.” At his look of surprise she continued, “God has a plan for them and it does not include you. Thanks for your forgiveness Thatcher Poe, but I don’t need it.”
Corbin began to mumble something behind the kerchief gag so Aurora went to him. She did not relish seeing either man weak and beaten down, but in her natural abilities, she had no idea how else to deliver them to the law. She only wanted everything to be over with and was unsure how much longer she could keep them there like prisoners. What she really needed was Marshal LaSalle. Where was he?
With her help, Corbin spit the rest of the gag from his dry mouth. “I’ll sign it,” he sneered in defeat.
Out of nowhere Josie flung Aurora away from him and had a whip firm within her grasp.
“Josie --” Aurora warned. “Let the law handle this.”
“No. He doesn’t deserve to live.”
Thatcher no longer cried out. He was just there, loathing emanating from him. Aurora was grateful it now appeared to be directed at Corbin.
Corbin said again, “I said I’d sign.”
Aurora walked to Josie with more calm than she felt and held out her hand for the whip. “It’s over, Josie.”
Josie ran from the room. Beth caught her in the hallway and held her. The sound of harsh sobbing reverberated into the stillness. Aurora wished it hadn’t gone this far. Both were men with no good in them. One a murderer, the other a man with cruel intentions, and both with no respect for women.
With Aurora perched over him like a parrot, Corbin signed his confession.
Aurora turned to Thatcher. She was relentless. “I expect that you will leave me and my house alone. You’ve nothing to gain by your attempts at getting these women back. It’s time you accept this.”
“I will ruin you!”
Corbin had had enough. “No. You won’t Thatcher. These wenches….” Beth took a threatening step towards him and he amended his words. “These… women have some connections with a judge in Helena. They got a marshal coming to take us there.”
Through clenched teeth Thatcher asked, “Is that true?”
“He should be here by nightfall,” Aurora said firmly.
A gulp came from Corbin and Thatcher closed his eyes – overpowered by the whores he’d spent his very life demeaning.
Chapter Thirty-One
The sights and sounds from the city drew the women to its core of entertainment. Talented musicians played in the theatre house two buildings away from the courthouse they were sitting in and Aurora had to hold the girls in check from the distraction. Today was a serious day for them and the courtroom overflowed, mostly with men who came to admire the now famous soiled doves from Pine City. There sat each of Aurora’s Girls, as they were now called, coiffed to the hilt in full attire, modest and rich-looking. The verdict was going to be read on one Thatcher Poe. The gloved hands holding little fans ever so daintily moments ago, increased in speed and nerves were tight. Josie squeezed Aurora’s hand. They waited. The judge’s deep voice boomed and he did not look at his beloved Beth, not a good sign. “Thatcher Poe, the jury’s verdict is not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder.”
“No!” Josie whispered.
Aurora’s gaze flew to the twelve men sitting proudly in their chairs and realized that no man would convict a saloon owner. It would have been a blow to the world of drinking and whoring should they go against one of their own. Thatcher slumped into the hard pew and what looked like relief flooded him. Pompously, he smiled at the row of his archenemies.
The judge continued, “However. In my mind I don’t doubt that you had a dirty hand in every torture of the mind played upon these poor women.”
Thatcher sat up, looking slightly panicked.
That’s better.
“I also know, on account of several witnesses….” The judge held up a document. “That you beat Josie Callahan with a whip.” He shook his head in disappointment. “I’ll also wager that you’ve endured the same affliction on countless others as well. Lucky for you, I am unable to rule without evidence of that.” He leaned forward, near menacing. “Now, as to where Miss Callahan is concerned….”
Aurora believed perhaps they would see true justice after all.
“You are to never set foot in Pine City again. I will have Marshal LaSalle escort you back, stay with you until you sell your holdings, then see you out of town!” He slammed the gavel down amidst the crowd’s display of disbelief. “And, if you so much as breathe in the direction of any one of these ladies present, you will hear from me.”
Thatcher rose and spittle sprayed from his red face. “Ladies? These are nothing but used up wenches. How dare you punish me for being a man?”
Undeterred, the judge folded his arms as a guard restrained Thatcher, getting him under control. “Another outburst will cost you prison time, Mr. Poe.”
Aurora held her smile beneath her glove. Despite Poe’s abhorrent behavior, the judge seemed to be having an all too well time of watching his rant. Blessedly, Thatcher decided to continue his uncontrollable spewing, which earned him some jail time. The judge rose, as did everyone else with him, and court was dismissed until the morrow where the future would be told of one Sheriff Corbin Bradbury.
Corbin was shaking as if he were cold, only Aurora knew it was the coward within him. Onlookers were silent this time around with this prisoner being accused of and signing a confession to killing a girl. The judge adjusted his spectacles upon the bridge of his nose and stared at Corbin for a long while.
“Wearing a badge makes this an all the more serious case young man.”
Sweat trickled down Corbin’s brow. It crested his eye and he blinked it away. Aurora thought a tear slid down with it. He shouldn’t have done what he did. He bent more to the will of an overzealous pimp than to his own integrity and she was hard pressed to feel sympathy for him. But Lord, please have mercy on him as only you can do.
“By this jury you are guilty of murder. Corbin Bradbury, I sentence you to hang.”
Although none of the girls had any special feelings for him, Sophia in her compassion, shed a tear for the man. He looked utterly defeated and began sniffling like a baby. A solemn group of one-time prostitutes filed out of the courthouse. The sound of a grown man bawling grated on Aurora every step she took.
Aurora, Josie, Sophia and Carrie Anne bid more than tearful good-byes to two of their own. They stayed an extra night to stand with Beth Nixon as she married the prosperous judge, who looked upon her with nothing short of admiration and love. Aurora choked up at the adoration he displayed for his bride; no judgment from her past had been visible whatsoever. And as for their talented Betsy, they watched her perform a number of ballads at the entertainment theatre nearby. Aurora was so proud of her, and when the audience reacted with cheering, she knew Betsy had found a new home to start over.
She looked throughout the crowd. It was a true audience and not a bunch of carnal men in a wild saloon. Observing Betsy’s fresh peers caused Aurora’s heart to ache with happiness. She turned to Sophia, Josie and her beloved Carrie Anne. What lie ahead for them? They were tied to one another by a ruthless tenacity to live in freedom and security. And for Aurora Young, she had a burning desire to complete the works the Lord had given her to do, and she would attempt it – the minute she returned home.
Chapter Thirty-Two
“It’s so good to be home.” Aurora twirled in her yard like a little schoolgirl, feeling extra victorious. She looked around the remaining company after leaving two behind in Montana. “Looks like we’re going to need some more helping hands around here,” she said to Josie.
Josie stopped the horse she’d been walking, intently quiet. It dawned on Aurora how she must have interpreted what she said. She raised her hand in quick surrender and followed up on her comment. “I didn’t mean I’d go spouting off in town about hiring soiled doves and all – yet, that is.” Lightheartedly, she defended herself.
The Heart of a Soiled Dove Page 16
