“Alabama?” Edmund felt one of those prickly sensations creep up his neck. “I thought he was from Georgia.”
“Nope, he’s from down near Mobile—”
“The one outlaw I saw was riding a paint gelding.” Gabe’s nasally voice cut into their whispered conversation. “Fine looking animal. Pure quarter horse, in my opinion.”
Lula May’s face turned pale beneath her freckles, and she gripped the lectern for support. “A paint?” Her gaze shot to Edmund.
Beside him, Snowden pulled in a sharp breath. “It can’t be.”
Edmund’s thoughts jumbled around in his brain. He gave Lula May a quick shake of his head. The fewer who put these details together, the better.
She returned a nod as she inhaled a deep breath. “All right, men. Here’s what we have so far. At least one of the rustlers, if there’s more than one, rides a paint gelding. Next, someone here is passing along information to the rustlers. I don’t mean you intend to do it, but maybe you’re putting your trust in the wrong person.” She swallowed hard, and Edmund could see her hands were shaking.
“Here’s what I propose,” she went on. “Here’s what we need to do. If you have any evidence of any kind, bring it to Sheriff Fuller instead of to the whole group.” She nodded in the sheriff’s direction, and he returned the gesture. “Our three posse captains will be the only ones who know where they will stand watch each night. And maybe we should have two posses out at a time.”
Edmund sent her an approving smile.
Rumbles of further approval came from the other ranchers.
“Now, I know the cattle rustling is our most important concern. That’s why we’ve formed this association.” She glanced at Edmund and gave him a tiny smirk. “Once we put an end to the rustling, and I’m sure we will soon, I want you to consider another important matter for our entire community, cattlemen and townsfolk alike.” She waved a hand toward the canvas wall that the wind continued to blow inward. “I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time we started building a real church. We ladies of the quilting bee did our best to raise money on Founders’ Day...”
While she went on with her favorite argument about the men needing to provide money for the project, her mention of Founders’ Day sparked Edmund’s memory of the fire at the Carsons’ and their cattle being stolen. Nancy Bennett had been there, but not Lucas. Lucas now had possession of Lula May’s paint gelding. And the good man sitting beside Edmund had told him he reported back to Lucas every word spoken at these meetings, including the posse schedule. As if that weren’t enough to incriminate Lucas, he also came from Alabama. Could he be the one who informed Floyd Jones about Lula May’s life? Were the two men in cahoots? Edmund had no doubt they were, and his anger at Floyd flared up again. When he took Lula May home, he planned to threaten her uncle within an inch of his life.
* * *
Lula May used every ounce of self-control in her power not to grip the lectern with both hands to steady herself and stiffen her wobbly knees. Few of these men ever came out to her ranch, so few of them knew about her paint gelding. The cowboy Zeke did, but he wasn’t here tonight. Of course there were other paint geldings, but Gabe had described hers in more detail, even mentioning that the horse appeared to have a sunburned pink nose. So Lucas hadn’t taken care of the animal, as he’d promised. That alone was enough to anger Lula May. But to use it for stealing, putting it in danger if the posse shot at him—that was too much.
She did the best she could to calm the men down. Some didn’t like being left out of the inner circle, as one rancher called it, especially those whose cattle had been stolen. Good thing Sheriff Fuller spoke up with his agreement to her plan. Men whose herds hadn’t yet been affected, ones who hadn’t lost income, were more open to her ideas about the church, but others soon joined in. She appointed Pastor Stillwater and Mr. Magnuson to look into the matter and see what supplies would be needed. In spite of his opposition to her leadership, Magnuson looked pleased at being chosen to lead this project. Of course, like the Carsons’ new barn, the community would come together and build the new church.
She dismissed the meeting and joined the sheriff, posse captains Edmund, CJ Thorn and Abe Sawyer, who remained behind the others. Edmund invited Hank Snowden to remain as well, and she had a suspicion she knew why.
“Everyone who was in this room tonight was at the Founders’ Day celebration.” Edmund glanced around the group. “That’s when the first cattle were stolen and the Carsons’ barn was burned down.”
“Tell me about it.” CJ touched his shoulder like it still hurt from when a board fell on him during the fire and his scuffle with one of the rustlers. “If I just could have stopped him then...”
The sheriff patted him on the back. “You did your best.”
CJ returned a grateful smile. Lula May knew that event had also deepened his friendship with widow Molly Carson Langley, who was now Mrs. CJ Thorn. A tiny pinch of envy touched the back of Lula May’s mind. If only Edmund could love her as CJ loved Molly, she would marry him in an instant.
She listened while Edmund brought up his thoughts about Lucas Bennett. When he gave her a nod, she added, “That gelding sounds like the one I sold to Lucas just last week.”
Edmund snorted. “You mean that Lucas cheated you out of.”
She shrugged indifferently, but inside, her heart did a little skip. As sad as she was about the paint, Edmund’s protectiveness made her feel awful good. Were his feelings for her growing, or was it just his natural sense of justice?
“I think with all of these details, we pretty much agree Lucas is probably our man.” Sheriff Fuller hitched up his gun belt like he was ready to ride out and arrest him. “Anything else anyone can tell me?”
Edmund nudged Snowden, whose face grew red beneath his deep tan.
“Yes. He’s been pumping me for information about these meetings,” Snowden said. “Especially the posse schedule. I feel like a fool for not seeing through him.” He huffed out a hot breath. “I’m going out there tonight to quit. That is, if I can find the scoundrel.”
“Now, hold on.” The sheriff lifted one hand in warning. “We need to make a plan. And we need to confront him as a group.”
“I don’t want Nancy to get hurt.” Lula May’s heart ached for her friend. It would be bad enough when she learned her husband was the thief. “Can you confront him someplace other than the ranch?”
They all thought for a moment.
“I know just the place.” Snowden’s dark frown mirrored the way Lula May felt. “There’s a box canyon east of the Bennett place. Lucas has told me to stay away from there. Claims there are cougars on the prowl. Maybe he’s taking the cattle there.”
The group fell silent for a moment as each pondered the situation.
“Here’s a plan.” Abe Sawyer spoke up. “Let’s put out the word on the sly that tomorrow night we’re going to watch Magnuson’s and Stillwater’s ranches. But we’ll gather near Lucas’s place. If he brings the cattle back to that canyon, we’ll have him.”
“Not a bad idea,” the sheriff said. “But we should go in the daylight. And no need to say anything to anyone else. Meet up with me at my office tomorrow morning. I’ll deputize each of you, and we’ll ride out together.”
With all in agreement, they parted company. Edmund and Lula May retrieved the children from Mercy’s and headed home.
Lula May could tell Edmund had more to say, but she wouldn’t prod him. Like Frank, he’d speak his piece when he was ready. Now, if she could only wait that long.
It turned out to be less time than she’d expected. They arrived at the ranch to find Calvin, Samuel and Floyd seated in the parlor, a game of checkers set out but not played. After putting the younger children to bed, they joined the others.
“Floyd, I have a bone to pick with you.” Edmund sat on a wooden ch
air, one leg crossed over the other in a relaxed pose.
“I cannot imagine what further indignity you plan to impose upon me, McKay. Is it not enough that you have turned my niece, my only kin, against me?” Uncle stood from Frank’s chair, which he’d claimed as his own since arriving.
Edmund also stood. “Sit down.” The low, angry rumble in his chest was far different from the laugh that often generated from there.
Floyd’s eyes widened, but he did as he was told. “Wh-what do you want? Do you plan to murder me?” He fell back in the chair and cast wild looks at Calvin and Samuel. “Will you not lift a hand to save your uncle?”
To their credit, Lula May’s older sons refrained from showing their disgust.
“Why, Mr. Jones,” Calvin said mildly, “you’ve made it clear as day you don’t claim Sammy and me as kin, that you’d just as soon we vacate this ranch as soon as possible.”
Samuel leaned one arm on his brother’s shoulder. “Not that we’re inhospitable, but maybe you should be the one vacating the premises.”
“That’s enough, boys.” Lula May didn’t mind Uncle getting a set-down, but it wasn’t good for her sons to gang up on anybody. Beside, Edmund could manage this, whatever it was, all on his own.
“Floyd.” Edmund sat back down, too. “I learned something very interesting tonight. Turns out Lucas Bennett is from Mobile, Alabama, right near where you lived. Isn’t that something? One would almost have to assume you and he are friends.”
“What?” Lula May gasped. “Did you know Lucas?” Her mind reeled. So not only was Lucas the cattle rustler, he must surely be Uncle’s informant.
Uncle shifted in the chair. “I may have known his family.”
Calvin and Samuel gave her questioning looks. She shook her head, unable to speak. Unable to think of this horrid man sleeping in her house tonight.
Apparently Edmund had the same thought. “Floyd, I think we’d best pack you a bag and take you over to my place tonight.” Rising from his chair, he stepped over to the chair, gripped Floyd’s arm and hauled him to his feet. “I’ll take you to the train station first thing in the morning. Let Lula May know where you set your feet down, and she can send your trunk.”
Uncle sputtered and blustered, but eventually saw it was useless. He stomped from the room to obey Edmund’s order.
Lula May touch his arm. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Glad to help out.” Edmund gave her that appealing crooked grin she liked so much.
“I’ll give you a note for Mr. Henley to withdraw fifty dollars from my account. You can give it to Floyd.”
“I can do that.” Edmund’s eyes held a look so serious, Lula May couldn’t help worrying about their other problem. “I think I’ll have the pastor cart the young’uns over here tomorrow. A couple of my cowhands can help you ride herd on ’em, and you can teach ’em about training cow ponies. Would that be all right with you?”
Raw fear shot through her. As they’d decided after the meeting, Edmund and the others were going to confront the cattle rustlers tomorrow. Would she ever see Edmund alive again?
Something in her demeanor must have alerted the boys.
“Can I go with you tomorrow, Mr. McKay?” Calvin, always so perceptive, gave Edmund an earnest, eager look. “I know how to draw real fast, and I always hit my target.”
Edmund placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “I’m sure you do. We’ll have to practice together someday soon. There won’t be any shooting tomorrow, but I do need you to help your ma wrangle those young’uns.”
She knew he didn’t mean to lie. Yet Lula May hadn’t the slightest doubt there would be plenty of shooting if Lucas got desperate enough. He’d nearly killed CJ, so no telling what else he would do.
After Edmund practically dragged Floyd out of the house, Lula May knelt by her bed and prayed for all of the men who planned to confront Lucas. Nancy Bennett’s sweet face rose up in her mind, and she sent up many tearful prayers for her friend’s safety. Yet it was Edmund’s face she saw as she finally fell asleep late into the night.
Chapter Fourteen
In spite of all his prayers, as he drove to town, Edmund had to struggle to keep his temper contained while he pumped Floyd for more information about his relationship with Lucas. Using Nancy’s friendship with Lula May, not only had Lucas sent news of Frank’s death, he’d also sent descriptions of each of Lula May’s children and what they liked, what they did. Such a betrayal disgusted and further enraged Edmund. Floyd even volunteered, bragged actually, that Lucas had supplied him with liquor, which shouldn’t have surprised Edmund. He’d sometimes smelled the drink on Lucas’s breath.
By the end of his questioning, Edmund had difficulty following Lula May’s orders to take Floyd to the bank, but did it anyway. The old man didn’t deserve this kind generosity. Still full of bluster, Floyd had no idea how close Edmund came to tossing him out of the wagon at the train station. Then he stayed to be sure the old man boarded the train.
Once the train departed, Edmund next drove to the livery stable to leave the wagon and horses. Zephyr, who’d been tied behind the wagon, tossed his head in appreciation at finally being ridden. The small posse gathered at the sheriff’s office to be deputized, and soon the four men were on their way to face Lucas. They rode out to Bennett’s Windy Diamond Ranch, skirting the house and barnyard where the cowhands might see them. No telling who else was in on the rustling, so they had to be careful.
The box canyon was half a mile from the house and set among craggy hills and flat mesas. If a man didn’t know about the unique hiding place, he’d never think to go looking for it. Keeping to a brisk trot to minimize the noise of their approach, they made their way through the long, winding mouth of the gorge. Soon the bawling of countless cattle echoed off the canyon walls and met their ears, and the posse slowed to a walk. Boulders on either side of the ravine provided cover in case the outlaws spotted them and began shooting.
Finally they dismounted. With not even a scrub bush to tie their horses to, they voted to leave Abe with the animals. If there was a shoot-out, he could keep them from spooking.
Another twenty yards into the canyon at a passage about thirty feet across, Edmund peered around a massive rock formation. There stood Lucas, alone except for Lula May’s paint gelding ground-tied some ten feet away from him. Lucas was securing barbed wire fencing to a crude wooden post. With the cattle making so much noise, he obviously hadn’t heard their approach.
Edmund gritted his teeth. Here was the man who’d just the same as sold Lula May to her evil uncle by sending information only a friend would know. Once again, his anger roared up. Instead of waiting for the sheriff, he strode out from behind the rocks.
“Bennett!”
Lucas spun around, shock registering across his face.
“What are you doing, McKay?” The sheriff’s voice held a warning, but nonetheless he moved up to Edmund’s left side, Winchester rifle in hand.
“Hold on, McKay.” Snowden stepped up on his right.
Edmund was too angry to be bothered by their objections. “I have a personal bone to pick with you, Bennett.”
“That so?” Recovering quickly, Lucas took a stance that showed he meant to draw his six-shooter.
“It’s bad enough that you steal my cattle. But then you sell out a decent Christian widow to her conniving thief of an uncle. You even steal her prime cow pony.” Edmund’s voice had risen to an angry shout. He needed to calm down, so he pulled in a deep breath. Still, if he could distract Lucas long enough, maybe they could all move in closer and tackle him.
“What are you going to do about it?” The sneer on Lucas’s face held as much desperation as it did bravado.
Without warning, he drew his gun faster than Edmund expected. Edmund’s own revolver was only halfway out of the holster when gunfir
e exploded on either side of him, a Winchester 94 to his left, a Colt .45 to his right. As Lucas slammed backward to the ground, his gun fired, the bullet whizzing harmlessly past Edmund’s arm. Behind Lucas, one of the fence posts flew into pieces.
Panicked by the gunfire, the gelding took off running, while the cattle turned every which way to get away from the explosive noise. Several broke through the fence and climbed all over each other like they meant to stampede.
“Hyah! Hyah!”
Hank waved his hands to stop them, but Edmund grabbed his arm and pulled him back behind a boulder. Sheriff Fuller grabbed Lucas’s arms and dragged him to the shelter of another boulder across from them just in time to avoid being trampled. As the cattle thundered past them, Edmund prayed Abe would hear the commotion and mount up before they reached him. All Edmund and Snowden could do was flatten themselves against the canyon wall and pray the stampeding animals caused no harm to any man or beast.
With the paint horse running free in front of the herd, well over a hundred head of cattle passed them before the box canyon was empty. Dust filled the air, choking the men, and bringing on desperate coughing. At last the final steer tore past them and the air began to clear, helped by a wind whipping down the canyon walls.
At last catching his breath, Edmund huffed out a sigh of relief and clapped a hand on Snowden’s shoulder. Instead of the same relief, Snowden wore a sick, almost haunted expression. It only took a moment for Edmund to realize why. For the rest of his life, Snowden would probably wonder whether he or the sheriff had killed Lucas. Edmund didn’t want to know, wouldn’t even ask. The only thing that mattered was that none of them had been shot. In fact, they’d done the scoundrel a favor. Now he wouldn’t have to wait around to be tried and hanged. What a waste of a life!
“Let’s get our horses.”
They helped the sheriff carry Lucas’s body up the gorge, where they met Abe, who was mounted up and leading the other horses like any smart cowboy would.
A Family for the Rancher Page 20
