by Linda Broday
“Get on my horse. We’ll ride double.” Logan kept a firm grip on his friend to prevent him from collapsing beside old Rooster. He boosted Wade up behind the saddle then mounted. Bullets peppered the ground as the horse leapt into a gallop and soon left the town of Hard Luck in their dust.
“My Rooster,” Wade bellowed. “I can’t leave him like this. He’s all I got.”
They rode for about a mile before cutting down into a ravine out of sight. Best Logan could tell, no one followed. He dismounted and Wade slid from the back, dropping in the dirt, clutching his foot.
“Let me see.” Logan squatted beside his friend. He wanted to yell and say I told you so, but now wasn’t the time. He pulled off Wade’s boot. The bullet had only grazed the top of his foot. “You’re lucky.”
“I don’t know how you figure that. I’m shot, got a hole in my boot, my damn horse is sick, I ain’t got any money to pay the bank, and I’m a wanted outlaw.” Wade wasn’t whining but awful close to it.
A grin flirted with the corner of Logan Bartee’s mouth as he wrapped a bandana around the wound. “You’re alive, aren’t you? That’s something, all considering. And they can’t get you for bank robbery since there wasn’t nothing in it to take. You’re young enough to start over.”
Wade squinted at him. “I won’t ever go back to Hard Luck as long as I live. Hey, Logan, we could try another town—like Petunia or Loveland. Those sound safe.”
“No!” Logan rose and strode to his horse that had moved to a few sprigs of wild grass.
“I’ll bet we’d have better luck in Buttercup.” Wade limped after him.
“No!”
“How about Sweet Springs?” Wade asked. “No bad luck there.”
Logan helped him onto the roan then rested a hand on the saddle. “Stop or I’ll stuff your boot in your mouth. I’m done. No more bank robbing for me. If you decide to try again, count me out. That back there was the last straw. I owe you more than I can ever repay but no more crime. I’ll help you in any other way.”
He climbed into the saddle and they rode along in silence for a spell. It was nice listening to the hawk soaring overhead and the roan snorting.
“Thank you, Logan,” Wade said, ruining the quiet. “You’ve got a lot more smarts than I do. I sure thought that bank owner was going to kill me when he opened the safe and whipped out that gun. I was almost afraid to look down, expectin’ to see my whole foot shot off. That town really had a powerful lot of bad luck.”
“Crime doesn’t pay. Let that be a lesson to you.”
The West Texas wind blew through the short grass and juniper dotting the landscape. Logan relaxed, soaking up the sight he loved.
“Hey, I just had an idea!” Wade exclaimed. “There’s a dance coming up in town and the women are raffling off the bachelors for Valentine’s Day. I won’t be able to waltz with my hurt foot but I can shuffle. How about we try that? Between you and me we could get the money for Snodgrass. We’re both handsome and the ladies seem to like us—uh, you more than me—but I reckon I carry my own. This plan will sure enough work”
Logan rolled his eyes as Wade continued, the words coming faster than bullets from a Gatlin Gun.
“Still, I guess you’ll probably bring in the most. It’s easy. Nothing can go wrong. This time, it will be like taking candy from a baby. I promise. We just stand there, smile real big and wink. They’ll love us. I think my middle name has something to do with the ladies refusing to let me court ’em. I can’t think of any other reason. I’m nice and polite and have an irresistible grin that brings out the cleft in my chin. What do you think about my idea? You can ponder it for a bit before you decide.”
“I can’t hear you. I’m asleep,” Logan growled.
~Part Two~
“Now tell me again how this is supposed to work?” Logan gave Wade his best scowl. Something told him that it wouldn’t turn out any better than robbing the bank. “We get raffled off to the highest bidder and then what? We don’t get the money. You know that, don’t you?”
Wade snorted. “How dumb do you think I am?”
Well, pretty damn dumb to Logan’s way of thinking. But despite that, he was a good friend.
Logan got up to refill their coffee cups. “You tell me. Sometimes things tend to get lost between your mouth and your brain.”
“That’s not so.” Wade swelled up. “If you don’t want to do this, just say so.” He paused and leaned close, stabbing his finger on the table. “But you owe me.”
There it was—the pity card. Wade wasn’t going to let him forget.
He blew out an exasperated breath. “Back to the raffle and dance. Focus.”
“We need two rich women to buy us and we’ll work our charm. They’ll open up their pocketbooks to us.”
Rich women? In Coyote Springs? Fat chance. “How many single rich women do you know, Wade?”
“Well there’s … uh well.” His friend frowned. “Just because I cain’t recall doesn’t mean they’re not any.”
“So, they’re hiding?”
“Maybe.”
“Let’s say two rich ladies show up. How do you think we’ll get them to bid on us?”
“We’ll have to make sure they do, that’s all. We will be the most handsome ones there. Have you looked at our competition? One has buck teeth, one losing his hair, and one as big around as a fish barrel.” Wade died laughing.
Logan didn’t see the humor. All he saw was trouble with a capital T. “If I do this, we’re even. Got that? I never want to hear again how I owe you.”
“Oh sure. We’ll be square. As soon as I have the money to pay the bank.”
“No. Not when you get money, not when you satisfy Mr. Snodgrass, and not when you decide the debt is paid. This is the last damn time.”
“All right. You don’t have to get so huffy about it.”
“I’m also going to be the one in charge.” Logan gave his friend a side glance. So far, Wade held his anger in check but then he really had no choice in the matter. He knew Logan would back out faster than he could spit.
Wade huffed. “Why all the rules? I never thought you wouldn’t be in charge.”
“Grab your hat. We’re going to buy you some new clothes and then I’m giving you lessons on how to talk proper to a lady.”
“I know how to do that!”
“Trust me, you don’t.” Logan got his hat and they rode into town.
Colorful banners hung across the dirt street advertising the Valentine’s Day raffle and dance. They tied up at the hitching post and strolled into the mercantile. Twenty minutes later, they emerged with packages under their arms.
Now the real work would begin and Logan had no idea how to make a silk purse out of an ugly old sow’s ear.
* * *
A week later, as twilight fell they rode up to the platform on Main Street and dismounted. The ladies of the Garden Club were putting finishing touches on the decorations. A bad feeling rumbled in Logan’s gut. This wasn’t going to turn out well.
“Now, remember to smile and swallow all your bellyaching no matter who wins you in the raffle,” Logan lectured. “Dance with her and show her a good time. Understand?”
“I’m not exactly stupid, Logan.”
Maybe not but then again, Wade definitely wasn’t in line when the good Lord handed out brains. However, he’d proved to be his best friend all these years.
Folks jostled for a place near the stage. Logan herded Wade into a line with the other bachelors.
Pretty Cali Rose rested her arms on the stage and smiled up at Logan. “I have a whole two dollars and I’m wagering it all on you.”
He squatted down to give her a kiss and the scent of roses wafted around him. He could see himself settling down with Cali Rose and having a mess of kids. She was the only woman in town he’d ever wanted to be with. “We’ll have a good time, darlin’.”
Soon the front rows were packed with single women and they appeared anxious for the bidding to begin. The cr
oss-eyed barber was the first to step onto the auction block. A heavyset woman won him with a mere fifteen cents. One by one they all went off with their women partners for the dance.
Then it was Wade’s turn. He stepped forward with a wide smile for the ladies in the front row. He turned to the left with his arm bent to reveal a muscle, then to the right as though showing himself off. A thin, reed-like woman offered a nickel and the bidding war grew with the amount reaching fifty cents.
Suddenly, a woman near the back stood and called out, “One dollar.”
Logan craned his neck to see who the voice belonged to but she was in the shadows.
“We have one dollar. Who’ll make it one dollar and ten cents?” the auctioneer asked.
No one spoke. The lady auctioneer banged her gavel. “The lady in the back has Wade Catfish George for the evening.”
Wade’s eyes were large and he swallowed hard as the thin woman came to claim him. She had her hair pulled back in a severe knot on the back of her neck and she wore a thick shawl that she clutched to her.
Well, it could’ve been worse, but Wade’s frown showed bitter disappointment.
Logan was dead last. He moved into place. Cali Rose’s hair glistened like pure gold in the lamplight as she fidgeted in her chair. He didn’t think he’d ever seen a more beautiful woman. Or kinder.
Cali Rose was the one he was going to marry. She just didn’t know it yet.
The bidding commenced but soon became a war between Cali Rose and the Widow Harvey. He didn’t even know her first name, but she seemed desperate, going toe to toe with her opponent. Although she had nice eyes and pretty smile, he’d heard she had a mess of kids. Maybe she needed some work done around her place. That he could and would do no questions asked, but the widow had best not have courtship in mind or she’d be sorely disappointed.
The last tally was one dollar and fifty-five cents. Cali Rose only had two dollars.
Sweat rose on Logan’s forehead. Why had he let Wade talk him into this?
“Do I hear two dollars?” the woman in charge asked. “Who’ll give me two dollars for Logan Bartee? He’s one fine specimen of a man with a heart of gold to match.”
“Two dollars,” Cali Rose cried.
Logan held his breath. The silence stretched for what seemed an eternity. He couldn’t bear to glance at the Widow Harvey, staring at the back and the darkness that stretched beyond.
The auctioneer asked again. Still nothing.
A fly buzzed around Logan’s head but he didn’t shoo it away.
He stood frozen.
Waiting.
The pounding gavel made him flinch.
Cali Rose rushed forward. “I did it, Logan. I’ll pay my money and we’ll dance.”
“I’ll wait by the punchbowl.”
She disappeared and Logan wandered toward the refreshment table.
Wade caught his arm and dragged him to the side. “I can’t do this, Logan. I can’t spend the evening with Mazie Snodgrass. Of all people to win me.”
“What’s wrong with her? Mazie seems pleasant enough.” He glanced at her standing all alone, clutching her shawl. She tried not to show her disappointment but tears filled her pretty green eyes.
“She’s not rich. She can’t help me keep my land.” He let out a loud moan and whispered, “What am I going to go? I think I’m going to throw up.”
Logan grabbed his shoulders and shook him. “Look at me, damnit. You knew the risk. You’ll be a gentleman and act accordingly because if you don’t, I’ll whip you within an inch of your life. Now smile like you mean it and go dance with her.”
Wade wandered back to the austere woman and said something that made her smile, revealing pretty dimples. There appeared more to Mazie than a first glance revealed. The lamplight softened her angular features, making her more approachable. Logan prayed that Wade would do right by her.
The Widow Harvey smiled and stopped on her way to the punchbowl. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out for us. I saw how badly Cali Rose wanted to win you.”
Surprise rippled through Logan and he gave her a narrowed glance. “Mrs. Harvey, did you stop bidding on purpose?”
“Is that so hard to believe?” she asked softly.
Up close, he noticed barely a visible line yet she had to be around thirty. Or was that only something in his mind? It struck him that he didn’t even know the littlest details about her. Had he cared so little? He shifted. The answer seemed obvious.
He was as bad as Wade at having preconceived notions about folks. Uncomfortable pricks ran up the back of his neck.
“At the risk of being too familiar, what is your first name, ma’am?”
“Jewel, and no I don’t think you’re being too forward.”
“That’s a pretty name. I like it, Jewel Harvey.”
She met his eyes and he noticed hers were a rich dark brown that matched her hair. “You deserve to know why I participated in the auction.” She raised her chin a trifle. “I thought I’d ask for your help with something. You look like the type of man a woman could depend on.”
“I’ll be happy to lend a hand with whatever you need, Mrs. … Jewel. You have only to ask. Anytime.”
“Very well.” She adjusted the reticule on her arm. “My oldest son, Jeffrey, is breaking my heart, indulging in bad behavior, and speaking disrespectful. I wondered ….” she paused, tears filling her eyes. “I wondered if you’d speak to him. You’re a fine, upstanding man, Logan Bartee, and I think he’d listen to you. He misses his father and needs a man to look up to.”
Her high opinion startled him. He certainly wasn’t any role model. He couldn’t even keep Wade out of trouble.
Logan laid a comforting hand on her arm. “It’s as good as done. I’ll ride out to your place tomorrow morning and take Jeffrey fishing. That’ll give us some privacy.”
A smile lit up her face, making her eyes gleam like the color of rich, newly turned earth. “You’re every bit the man I thought you were. Now go dance with Cali Rose.”
Little she knew. He was nothing more than a bank robber and a fake. He just hadn’t gotten caught is all. Yet somehow, that she thought him better than he was put a warmth in his chest.
“There you are, handsome.” Cali Rose slipped her hand around his elbow.
“Yep. Waiting for you.” Logan put an arm around her and swung her out into the center of the waltzing couples. The woman of his dreams was cozying up to him and all he could think about was his own shortcomings.
And the color of Jewel’s eyes.
Tomorrow, he’d start on changing things and live up to the bargain he’d made with her.
* * *
The rooster had yet to crow and someone was pounding on his door. Logan jerked on his trousers and yelled, “Don’t get your drawers in a wad!”
When he could force his eyes open, he was surprised to see Wade on his stoop. “You’re up mighty early.”
“You’ll never believe what I have to tell you.” The words left Wade so fast they almost formed a plume of steam. He didn’t wait for an invite—just barged right past Logan.
“Don’t let me stop you. Come right on in,” he growled.
“What’s the matter with you, grouchy butt?”
“I don’t know, Wade. Maybe it has to do with being jarred out a sound sleep.”
“It’s time to get up. You can’t lay in bed all day.”
Truth be told, it was about last night. Cali Rose hadn’t lived up to his expectations. She seemed shallow where Jewel Harvey showed a lot of gumption in picking up after her husband died and carrying on. That was one strong woman.
“Must need coffee.” He stoked the fire on the stove, added a stick of wood, and slid the coffee he’d made yesterday on to heat. “Now what’s so god-awful important?”
“Well, it’s about Mazie.”
Logan rubbed his face and sat on the bed to put his boots on. “What about her?”
“She’s … well she’s you know … a girl. I kis
sed her. Do you know who her brother is?” When Logan didn’t say anything, Wade went on, “Her brother is the president of the bank, Todd Snodgrass.”
“Okay.” Damn, why couldn’t Wade learn how to get to the point? He’d have to shave off a long white beard by the time Wade finished. “Just get on with it, for God’s sake!”
“Mazie talked to her brother last night about my loan and Todd agreed to give me more time. Not only that, he wants me to work for him to pay off the loan. Can you believe that? I didn’t get a wink of sleep for thinking about it.” Wade glanced up from beneath the brim of his hat. “Logan, I think I’m in love.”
“See how things work out when you least expect it? You were all in a panic when Mazie paid the winning bid for you. Remember that?”
“Why do you always have to bring up sour grapes? Huh?”
“Look, I just want you to learn from them. Want some coffee?”
“I wouldn’t mind if I do.”
Over the next hour, Logan told him about Jewel Harvey and her request. “I could’ve crawled into a hole somewhere when she said I was a fine, upstanding man. I’m never going to get involved in your schemes again. Never.”
“Well, you don’t have to. I’m doing good on my own.”
Logan gave Wade a grin. “Yes, it appears you are.”
Working for the money instead of having it handed to him was just what Wade needed.
* * *
After breakfast, Logan saddled his horse and rode over to get Jeffrey Harvey. They located an excellent fishing spot and settled down on the bank.
Logan glanced at the boy who had yet to see his first shave. “Your mother is worried about you, Jeffrey. Is something bothering you?”
“I miss my daddy. Why did he have to die and leave us?”
“I don’t have that answer. Sorry. Some things no one can explain. I suppose it was his time.”
Jeffrey met his gaze that was filled with pain. “Mama cries at night when she thinks we’re all asleep. She works so hard trying to make ends meet—washing and ironing folks’ clothes, taking care of their kids, selling eggs and butter. It’s never enough.”
