by Etta Foster
There was a matronly woman who looked to be in her mid-fifties, her face covered in wrinkles. She always seemed to have a smile on her face, nodding along enthusiastically to the words of the squat woman sitting next to her. Her features reminded Coralee of a frog, and she found herself biting the inside of her cheek to keep herself from smiling. She berated herself silently for being so rude, lifting the cup of tea to her lips and finding the taste quite pleasant.
“Did you hear about Mrs. Leary's latest fiasco? I hear that she and her husband got drunk from moonshine and acted quite indecently in the middle of their yard. It wouldn't have been a problem, I'm sure, had it not been in the middle of the day. Any poor soul who had been riding by at the time had themselves an unwanted eyeful,” the frog-faced woman said, eliciting a chorus of giggles from the other women present.
“I heard from Jedediah that Virgil Gleason approached him again for a land deal. He was telling my husband Sherman about it when he was over for supper last week. I’m worried that Jedediah may be the next victim in Virgil's never-ending quest to stuff his own pockets,” Wanda said, clicking her teeth in sympathy. “I really wish that someone would do something about that man.”
“Even the law seems to be afraid of him,” chimed in a blonde woman in a satin dress from the far side of the table. “You should have seen how pale the sheriff got when I asked him if anything was going to be done about Virgil.”
“It’s hard to deal with a man who doesn't play by the rules,” Viola chimed in, shaking her head disapprovingly. “I just wish that someone would do something. Did I tell you girls that he snuck onto our property and poisoned my son Gavin's favorite horse?”
There was a collective gasp of astonishment from the other ladies, and a flood of questions soon followed. Some were directed at Coralee, and she did her best to answer without giving out too much information. While this seemed like a polite enough social gathering, the thing about gossip was that the topic could fall on anyone or anything. The last thing she wanted was for the women to be talking about her later.
A few hours into their chat, Viola made excuses for the two of them, stating they needed to make their way to the general store. At first, Coralee thought they were simply going to meet up with Gavin and Harland. However, when Viola requested that the shopkeeper bring out the item she had ordered, Coralee was flabbergasted. The shopkeeper had a conspiratorial smile as he temporarily disappeared into the back of the shop, returning a few minutes later with a beautiful red dress in hand. Despite her protests, she soon found herself standing in front of a full-length mirror, gazing at herself in the garment that seemed to hug her every curve perfectly.
Coralee could feel her breath catch in her throat, and not in a good way. How could she accept such an obviously expensive gift when they still didn’t even know her real name? She did her best to stammer out some words. “Viola, I couldn’t accept this! I don’t deserve a gift this extravagant, and surely it cost a fortune!”
“Now, I won’t be hearing any talk like that. You have been a phenomenal help while you’ve been here. This dress is simply a way to express my gratitude. You’ve caused such a wonderful change in Gavin, and as his mother I can’t ignore that.”
“You’re making a mountain out of a molehill. I’ve only done what any other good-hearted person would do in the same circumstances,” Coralee protested, looking away. “Besides, I’ve done bad things in my life. Really bad things.”
“You seem to have something weighing on your heart real heavy-like,” Viola said, resting her hand on Coralee’s shoulder. “Is there anything that you want to confide in me?”
Coralee looked away but didn’t reply, biting her bottom lip. What could she say that wouldn’t just add to the mountain of lies she was already being crushed by? “I’m afraid that I would have to talk to Gavin about it first, and I fear I don’t have the courage to talk to him yet. For now, please mention nothing of this to him.”
“Very well, Jessica. I'll not say a word to him,” Viola promised solemnly.
***
When they returned to the ranch, Coralee decided to go for a walk alone. The gift of the dress had been the straw that broke the camel's back; there was no way that she could continue lying to Gavin and his family. She would have to come clean, or her conscience would tear her apart.
This path doesn't look familiar. Did I take a wrong turn while I was walking? She glanced toward the pathway, smiling as she saw a few men on horseback slowly approaching in the distance. That smile quickly faded when she caught sight of who was sitting behind the reins. When they moved in close, the man's leering eyes and crooked smile revealed him instantly.
“Well, if it isn't the sweet little songbird who was on Gavin's arm earlier,” he said with a chuckle, climbing down from his horse in front of her. She moved to step past him, but his arm shot out and caught her wrist. She tried to tug it free but to no avail, seeing the glint in his eye and feeling a shudder of revulsion pass through her body. “No need to rush off now, pretty lady. We just want a word with you.”
Chapter 27
“How many more do you think we have left to brand?” Harland had a weary smile on his face as he looked over at Gavin, who was currently in the middle of pressing the hot brand against the flesh of yet another cow. They had decided that it was time to renew the brands on their herd, especially with them having so many recent births throughout the last year. “It feels like we've been out here for hours now.”
“With any luck, maybe fifty,” Gavin replied wearily, cracking a weak smile. “I'm hoping it’s only thirty.”
They had been out in the hot sun for the better part of four hours, if Gavin's timepiece could be believed. The cows were not enthusiastic about having a searing hot ring of metal pressed into their flanks, and he and Harland had been forced to tie the back leg of each cow to a sandbag to keep them from kicking. The repeated bleating of pain from the burly creatures caused Gavin to wince despite himself. This had always been one of his least favorite parts of the job.
“Harland, can I confide something in you?” Gavin asked suddenly, turning toward his longtime friend. The troubled expression that he wore spoke volumes, and Harland immediately knew that whatever his friend wanted to discuss was crucially important. “It’s about Jessica.”
“I figured that this was going to come up eventually,” Harland said, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “I think I know the nature of what you want to talk about, too.”
“I feel like she’s hiding something from me. I can't escape the feeling that she isn't exactly who she claims to be. Whether I’m just being crazy, I can't really tell. I feel like we might have something special, but I can't commit to someone who seems to be keeping so much from me. Even when I feel like she’s about to let me in, there remains this odd wall between us,” Gavin said, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.
“Do you want my honest opinion? Or do you just want me to say what you want to hear?” Harland replied, the two men chuckling from the long-standing joke between them.
“The truth, and nothing but the truth, Harland,” Gavin smirked, untying the leg of the cow in front of him and watching as the creature trotted off back toward where a group of its fellow bovines were grazing. “I don't think I can handle any more lies right now.”
“I honestly think that you’re letting Claudia's presence here ruin what you and Jessica have going on. You’re so preoccupied with your fears that Jessica is going to do you wrong just like Claudia did that you’re only focusing on your negative suspicions,” Harland said, temporarily walking away so that he could lead the next cow for branding toward where they'd set up the branding fire.
“Is that really all it is? I feel like there’s something that she’s keeping from me, and I think it has to do with her life back in Boston. Every time I try to bring it up to her though, she changes the subject on me,” he said, pressing the brand's metal into the tongues of the wood fire to heat it once more. The smell of burnt h
air and flesh filled the air, causing the two men to cough gently. Gavin waved a hand in front of his face to try and ward off the smell. He would need to find some time to talk to Jessica alone.
A bloodcurdling scream echoed across the fields suddenly, causing Gavin to lose his grip on the brand and drop it completely into the fire. He didn't even pause to retrieve it, his eyes blazing as he rose from his seat. That was Jessica screaming, and I don't think it's because she's riding a horse again.
Coralee screamed again, doing her best to tug herself away from Virgil's grasp. He had quickly been joined by more men on horseback when she hadn't been looking, and those same men were now helping him to torment her. She was being held in place by two men, her legs kicking out to try and lash at the men who now held her off the ground. The guffaws of Virgil and his men echoed around the clearing, the squat man turning just in time to see Gavin.
“Let her go, Virgil,” he shouted, stepping forward with a snarl. Harland had promised him that he would go grab some of the other guys, but for now, Gavin was outnumbered. He wasn't without defense, of course.
In the holster on his side was his trusty six-shooter, the gold-plated gun that had been passed down through the men in his family since his great-grandfather had supposedly used it in a duel against Billy the Kid. Whether that was a true story or something his grandfather had made up, the gun still provided him a sense of security. “I'm not going to ask you men twice. You’re all on my property, and I am not against defending my property.” He hoped that Jessica didn't take that the wrong way.
“Oh, Gavin. I was wondering how long it would take you to come running,” Virgil said with a laugh, turning to look at him with a crooked grin. “We were just trying to have a bit of fun, that's all. We haven't done anything untoward to Miss Jessica, now have we, boys?” he said, the other men leering and laughing as they pointed in Gavin's direction. “Besides, part of this land will soon be mine.”
“What did you just say? Did you finally take leave of your senses, Gleason? I would never agree to sell even one acre of my land to you,” Gavin snorted, stepping forward as Virgil pushed Jessica toward him. Gavin caught her right before she would have fallen over.
“Well then, I suppose it’s a good thing that your brother is a far more amicable man than you are,” Virgil said smugly, his eyes glittering like a shark that smelled blood. “He was kind enough to agree to sell his portion of the land to me.”
Coralee’s eyes widened at Virgil's confession, glancing up at Gavin. His mouth was open with shock, the betrayal in his eyes coming across loud and clear. She swallowed as Virgil stepped closer to Gavin, smirking. “I think you should apologize to me. You shouldn't be talking to the soon-to-be owner of this land with that tone. If I want to come and take a gander at the place, I am surely within my rights as a future buyer. Besides, I don't think you have nearly enough manpower to make me leave.”
Coralee felt an icy shudder travel down her spine as she watched Virgil place his pointer finger on Gavin's chest. “You got a real pretty girl there, Gavin, but I hear there's been some trouble in your paradise. She would make me a fine wife when I come to own this ranch. If you ever get tired of him, you know where to find me,” Virgil said, mockingly blowing a kiss in Coralee's direction. She could feel the burning blush that spread across her face from the shame he was causing her, the man speaking about her as if she was just a piece of property that could be passed from one man to another.
“Of course, this wouldn't be the first time that you couldn't keep a woman satisfied, is it, Gavin? Your brother had to step up to the plate for Claudia because you couldn't get the job done. I wonder how long this poor little honey will suffer with you,” Virgil said, his words met by many mocking laughs from the men with him.
Coralee could see the rage on Gavin's face, and her eyes fell to where his hand seemed to be slowly inching toward the gun at his waist. “You care to run that by me again, Virgil? I've got no problem with knocking what's left of your teeth out of your mouth,” Gavin said, cracking his knuckles one by one as he gazed down at Virgil. Coralee could see the muscles in Gavin's shoulders tensing up, like he was preparing to throw a punch. She could see Arnold Stabler and the two other men who were with him slowly inching forward. Would they be so low-down to take Gavin on four against one?
The sound of additional horses in the distance caught her attention, relief flooding through her as she caught sight of Harland leading six other men on horseback, pistols in hand. Harland wore a grim expression as he rode in front of Gavin, his presence forcing Virgil to take a good couple of steps back. He scowled at the sight of the many pistols before him, looking over at his boys. Coralee hoped they would just go away, and after a few minutes, Virgil seemed to think twice about his odds.
“Alright, fellas, it looks like our friend Gavin here can't take a bit of harmless fun. Let's do as he says for now and be on our way. We’ll have to come check out my newest acquisition once the land rights are in more favorable hands,” Virgil said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
He turned and strode over to his horse, allowing Arnold to assist him up onto the sturdy beast. He tipped his hat mockingly in Gavin and Coralee's direction before turning his horse and snapping the reins.
The beast immediately sprang forward, letting out a whinny that echoed through the clearing. Arnold cast one last glance at Gavin before he and his men followed, leaving the ranch hands and Coralee behind.
She could feel her whole body trembling, and despite her best efforts, she couldn't stop. She did her best to breathe deeply and focused her gaze on Gavin to try and center herself. He was standing over her now, his hands resting on her shoulders lightly. “Are you okay, Jessica?”
She gazed up at him, her head slowly moving to rest on his chest. “I'm so glad that you came when you did.”
“Let's get you back home,” Gavin replied softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and leading her back in the direction of the ranch. The mocking words Virgil had spoken hung over the two of them, fanning the flames of doubt that had been kindling within them until now. Coralee was especially shaken, horrifying what-if scenarios playing out in her mind. It might not be safe to be here. Virgil might be even worse than Lucas, and he isn't nearly as hesitant about showing his dark side.
When they returned to the house, Gavin helped Coralee sit down at the kitchen table. Viola walked in shortly afterward, demanding to know what had happened. Gavin and Harland began to recount the events while Coralee remained quiet, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. Viola clicked her tongue sympathetically as she cast a glance in Coralee's direction, moving to stand beside her and resting her hand on her shoulder. “Why don't you come with me. We'll freshen up, and then I'll make you a nice cup of tea to help calm your nerves.”
When they were away from the eyes of the men, Coralee couldn't stop the tears from flowing down her face. The terrible way that Virgil had been looking at her and the mocking comments his men had said made her feel like little more than a piece of meat. Virgil had even groped her, and no one had lifted a finger to stop him. Who knew what else they might have tried if Gavin had not arrived when he did? “I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't saved me.”
“Hush now, dear. No need to focus on that. You’re safe now. That is what matters,” Viola said gently, pouring a cup of tea. “Let's just try to think of happier things, shall we?”
Chapter 28
Gavin was in a very bad mood today. The revelation Virgil had proclaimed yesterday caused a massive uproar in his mind, though he had kept it from his parents. He didn't think his father would be able to take the betrayal of his eldest son a second time, and there was a part of Gavin that wanted to hear Jude's side of the story before he passed judgement.
Even if he is a backstabber, he’s still family. I don't have to respect what he did, but the love for family will always remain. That doesn't just go away.
Still, Gavin was concerned. He had been suspicious that J
ude would be approached by Virgil at some point when he returned, he just hadn't thought Jude would actually be receptive to anything Virgil proposed.
Claudia did say she wanted them to start a new life in Boston. He must be trying to come up with the money to accomplish that and he figured selling the ranch would be the easiest way to do that.
He sat astride Apollo, his favorite horse finally having recovered enough to be ridden. That had helped to improve his mood, if only slightly. His trusty steed let out a gentle huff beneath him, as if sensing his agitation. He reached down and patted his side gently, speaking softly. “It's alright, boy. We'll get through this together. I just hate to think that Virgil Gleason and his boys won't be happy until they've spurred me to violence. If I give into them, then they win. If I don't, then they’ll try going after the people and property that mean the most to me.”
Apollo huffed again, whinnying in obvious displeasure. Gavin nodded absently to himself, stroking a hand over his beard in contemplation. Something needed to be done before Virgil decided to escalate things on his terms. He'd tried sabotaging horses and abusing the people Gavin cared about, so there wasn't much that Gavin believed the avaricious cattle rancher wouldn't do to get his hands on the Woodworth property.
