It wasn’t unusual for him to wrestle control of a community away from the hands of criminals within a week of his arrival. If it took much longer than that, it usually meant trouble. Given a dollop of luck and careful planning, hardened criminals could be swiftly harnessed and sent on their way. The key was to outwit them, not outgun them. They had to be wounded, yes, and sent off with their tail between their legs, but they needed to be convinced their foe was smarter than them, and no matter their numbers or firepower, they had to believe they’d never win.
Rising to his feet, he ambled across the meadow to the water’s edge, peeled off his clothes, hid them under the same bush he’d used before, and waded into the cool, clear, refreshing pond. Diving into the depths, he could feel his soul being rejuvenated, and as he popped his head above the water and gazed around at the idyllic spot, he felt a wave of peace. Everything would work itself out, he could feel it. Spring Junction would be safe once more, and Dolly? Dolly was a beautiful package he would lovingly unwrap.
* * *
To Dolly’s great relief, when she walked into the house she discovered her father was busy working in his study, and had been all afternoon. Hurrying up the stairs, she moved swiftly to her bedroom, made sure her door was locked, then stripping off her split skirt and drawers, she peered at her punished bottom in her mirror. It was red, very red, and still hot and sore, but determined to follow Tucker’s instructions, she picked up her hairbrush and delivered the first swat. It hurt, and she grit her teeth to stop from crying out, then rubbed it, trying to soothe the freshly burning sting.
“You stupid girl for arguing,” she muttered, then moving the hairbrush to her other hand, she repeated the smack on the opposite cheek.
The sting was significant, but not as bad as the first; using her left hand had been awkward. Placing the brush back on her dresser, she couldn’t help but smile. She was crazy about Tucker, more than she could express, but why? And why did she like the burn in her bottom?
Flopping down on her bed, she closed her eyes and relived the amazing, incredible, wonderful kiss. A warm shiver shuddered through her body, and rolling on her side, she wished she was lying next him, wrapped up in his powerful arms.
“Tucker,” she whispered, “what’s happening to me?”
She wanted to talk to someone, and through the years that someone had been Maude, but Maude had become a fuddy-duddy. Who else could she trust? Who would listen to her and not scold her for disobeying her father yet again? Then it dawned her; the priest. Priests weren’t allowed to reveal the secrets people told them, and they were wise. Yes! The priest. When he arrived in the morning, she would find a way to get him alone and ask him for guidance.
Chapter Twelve
Tucker, dressed as Father O’Brien, pulled Ranger to a stop inside Duke Baker’s stable yard. In the daylight the house appeared even more impressive than it had the night he’d delivered Dolly. It was two tall stories, and was sprawled over the knoll. Why the man needed such a large residence was a puzzle to him, but when he knocked on the door and Maude invited him in, he could see Duke had a need for space. The foyer was vast, and the reception room behind it was equally expansive; Tucker realized it wasn’t so much the number of rooms, but the size of them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Father O’Brien,” Maude said warmly. “When Duke told me a priest would be arriving to help Tucker Prescott, I was so pleased. A man of God is what this town needs.”
“I thank you for saying so,” he replied, “though I’m not sure some of your citizens respect the Lord as they should.”
“That is the truth, to be sure,” Maude sighed. “Will Tucker be joining you and Marshal Bragg?”
“Tucker’s away for the morning, some business in town. It will just be the marshal and me meeting with Duke.”
“If both you and Tucker are gone, would it be convenient for me to nip down and cook you up a fresh stew?”
“That would be most welcome,” he said warmly, “but I won’t be here very long, and I’m not sure when Tucker will be back.”
“Then I’ll be quick,” she promised. “If I’d known you were coming I would have left more provisions, but Tucker didn’t mention it, and neither did Duke,” she tutted. “How is a woman supposed to know these things?”
“I like to arrive quietly. Not only is it safer, it makes it easier for me to do what I need to.”
“Pardon me if I’m being nosy, but may I ask, what is it that you do for him?”
“I look and listen,” he grinned. “I can learn a great deal just keeping my eyes and ears open.”
“Oh, of course. I can understand that,” she said nodding her head. “Come on through. You’re a bit early, so I’ll just let Duke know you’re here before I take you to his office.”
“No need for that!” Duke declared, striding into the foyer. “Mornin’, father, great to meet you. You want coffee?”
“I’d prefer tea if you have it, strong tea, with milk and sugar.”
“I can manage that,” Maude said, smiling, “and Duke? Coffee for you?”
“Yep, thanks, Maude, and I reckon Marshal Bragg will be wantin’ that too, so bring enough for the both of us. Come with me, father, my study is through here.”
As Tucker fell into step beside the wealthy rancher, he took in his surroundings. The man was rich beyond measure. Paintings graced the walls, the furniture was expensive, and an imposing grandfather clock sat against the wall just outside the doors to his office. Tucker silently sighed. How could he offer Dolly such a grand lifestyle? The answer was simple; he couldn’t.
“Have a seat, father,” Duke said, waving his arm at a leather tufted chair in front of his desk. “Dolly gave me Tucker’s message, and when you see him, please tell him thank you for bringin’ her back here. She’s a good girl at heart, but she can be a handful.”
“Young or old, I think most women can be a handful. Even the lasses back in Ireland are full of mischief, and they have the church to help rein them in. Doesn’t seem to make much difference.”
“Females are the same the world over, I expect,” Duke grinned. “So, tell me, what’s the news? Do you and Tucker truly believe this town can be saved?”
“We do, but before I get to that, as Dolly would have told you, we suspect Marshal Bragg may not be trustworthy.”
“She did,” Duke frowned, “and I find it hard to believe. He’s been here for years, he’s a friend, he was even sweet on Dolly for a while. I simply cannot imagine that man goin’ along with the McGill brothers.”
“Hard to say what’s inside a man until trouble and temptation comes knocking,” Tucker said soberly, his thick Irish brogue making him sound like a wise old sage, “but you cannot always fault a man for choosing the wrong side until you hear the reasons why.”
“Valid point,” Duke sighed.
“I’m here early because I needed the chance to talk to you before he arrived.”
“I’m listenin’.”
“The McGills want my tough Irish hide, so let’s tell Bragg that I’ll be dropping by Kitty’s Korner around noon to visit one of the girls. If I get ambushed, we’ll know he’s working with them.”
“But that’s risky,” Duke protested. “Are you sure you wanna put yourself in that kinda danger?”
“Trust me, I won’t be the one walking out the worse for wear.”
“How do you know?”
“I know, and there’s something else I have to tell you before he arrives. This afternoon at three o’clock, the stagecoach will be set upon outside the mining office. I don’t know if the McGill gang is behind it, but I do know it’s going to happen. The action side of things is Tucker’s business, not mine, so I won’t be there, but he will, and he’ll need some help, say about, a dozen of your bravest lads?”
“How did you find out about this holdup?”
“That’s what I do for Tucker. I uncover things, then he takes over.”
“Quite the team,” Duke said, obviously impr
essed. “I can see why he was so secretive about you. You sure couldn’t wander around town and talk freely if the McGill brothers know you’re workin’ for me.”
“Cat’s out of the bag now,” Tucker remarked, raising his fake bushy eyebrows.
“Where does he want my men this afternoon?”
“He’s going to place them on the roofs of the buildings overlooking the office. They’ll have the element of surprise, and that will do more to protect them than anything.”
“Where will Tucker be?”
“He hasn’t told me, so I don’t know, and that’s best. In our business we never know what might happen. He’ll be here to meet you and your men early this afternoon to go over it all.”
“Excellent,” Duke said, nodding his approval. “What about this snoop I supposedly have here in my house?”
“That’s another problem,” Tucker said, leaning forward in his chair. “I understand the woman I just met, Maude, has been with you a long time.”
“She certainly has. Maude is very special to me, and to Dolly as well. She basically raised the girl after my wife died. I care deeply for Maude. She’s a fine woman, one of the finest.”
Tucker detected something in the man’s voice, and the way he tilted his head and brought his hands together suggested Maude and Duke were more than just longtime friends.
“Then you wouldn’t suspect Maude.”
“Never, no, never!” Duke exclaimed.
“Forgive me,” Tucker said apologetically. “In that case, I would suggest you bring Maude into your confidence. She can keep her eyes open. She might spot the culprit.”
“I’ll do that,” Duke nodded. “That’s a good idea. She’s sharp, that woman, real sharp.”
A knock told them that Marshal Bragg had arrived, and it was he who opened the door, holding it for Maude who moved past him carrying a tray.
“Father O’Brien, a real pleasure,” the marshal exclaimed as he walked in and extended his hand. “The town’s buzzin’ about you. A catholic priest who carries a gun. It’s a real novelty.”
“Only for self-defense, marshal, I can assure you,” Tucker declared, standing up, but staying slightly bent over as he shook Bragg’s hand.
“Did something happen I don’t know about?” Duke asked.
“Do you wanna tell him, father, or shall I?” Marshal Bragg asked.
“Nothing much to tell,” Tucker said, sitting back down. “I just defended myself.”
“It was more than that,” the marshal declared. “A whole lot more.”
“Now I’m intrigued too,” Maude remarked as she poured the coffee and passed around the mugs.
“Some of the boys from McGill’s gang dropped in to see the good father yesterday,” Bragg said dramatically, “and he shot two of them, completely disarmed all four, then sent them on their way.”
“You did?” Maude said, her eyes wide in astonishment. “How on earth did you manage that?”
“Luck o’ the Irish,” Tucker said with a wave of his hand.
“That right!” Duke declared, smiling broadly. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised considerin’ you’re workin’ with Tucker Prescott. Thank you for the coffee, Maude. Best leave us now.”
“Men talk,” she said, shaking her head. “Here’s your tea, father, and in a cup and saucer.”
“Ah, many thanks,” Tucker said gratefully. “A proper cup of tea is always welcome.”
Duke waited for her to leave and close the door, then looked across at Marshal Bragg.
“I know you and Tucker were supposed to meet this mornin’, Kenny, but apparently he had to be somewhere.”
“He did indeed, marshal,” Tucker added, “but we work as a team, so I’ll give him a full report, and he wanted me to extend his greeting to you.”
“I appreciate that, but I’m kinda sorry he’s not here,” Bragg said solemnly. “I know you think he can make a difference, Duke, but I’m not sure he can. The McGills, well, truth is, and you know this, Duke, they gotta noose around this town as tight as it could be, and a few of his gang gettin’ wounded ain’t gonna make much difference. Every day more boys are joinin’ up. It’s either get money, or get beat up real bad, or worse. Kinda like a choice that’s not a choice.”
“The man has agreed to try,” Duke replied, “and I’m gonna give him the chance. He and the father here, they’re my last hope, our last hope. Don’t you wanna see Spring Junction the way it used to be?”
“Sure as heck do,” Bragg said defensively, “but I don’t like pokin’ an angry mountain lion, and that’s what this Tucker fella’s been doin’. I reckon it was him who beat up Conan McGill, and from what I hear, that made Patrick spit fire. Tucker’s goin’ down, and I’m sorry, father, but the minute they find him will be his last on this earth. You’re not safe either, not after what happened yesterday.”
“I have a powerful bodyguard,” Tucker said softly. “I’m not concerned about my safety.”
“If you’re talkin’ about the man upstairs, I’m not sure even he can stop a bullet,” Bragg said emphatically. “You should leave. They wanna skin you alive.”
“The Lord works in mysterious ways, and I fully intend to continue my work here, which includes saving souls. At lunchtime I’ll be dropping by Kitty’s to counsel a young woman. She asked if she could talk to me around noontime, and I have no intention of letting her down.”
“I wouldn’t be goin’ into town if I were you,” Bragg warned, lowering his voice. “I sure as heck wish you wouldn’t.”
“As I said, I’m not concerned.”
“Kenny, tell me what you’ve learned about the gang,” Duke said, changing the subject. “How many are there are? Tell us what you know.”
* * *
While Duke was having his meeting with Marshal Bragg and Father O’Brien, Dolly was in the kitchen perched on her very tender backside. She had delivered the requisite swats before going to bed the night before, and again that morning, and as she watched Maude bustle around getting provisions together to take to the cabin, she was finding an odd pleasure in her discomfort.
“Is it safe for you to go down there?” Dolly asked. “I’m surprised father is letting you.”
“I won’t be there long, and I’m not worried. I’ll have my shotgun, and I don’t think the gang would dare hurt me. Just call it a feeling.”
“I should come with you. The two of us together would be safer than you there alone.”
“We both know that’s not going to happen,” Maude said, raising her eyebrows and shooting Dolly a look.
“I don’t see why not!”
“Of course you do,” Maude tutted, placing some cakes in the basket.
Dolly stared at them longingly. She was positively craving something sweet.
“What’s that?” Dolly asked urgently, pointing out the window.
“What, where?”
“In the sky. I just saw something strange in the sky.”
As Maude hurried across the room to stare out the window, Dolly nabbed one of the cakes, along with two other sweet biscuits, and slipped them under her skirt.
“I don’t see anything,” Maude declared. “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” Dolly said emphatically. “It was a flash of light.”
“Probably just a reflection on the window, now let’s see,” she mumbled, turning back to the counter, “what else will I need?”
“How long will you be gone?”
“As long as it takes me to set a stew to cook. It can simmer all day. The more time it spends on the low fire, the better it’ll taste. Hmm, I think I have everything. I’d best be off. You try to stay out of trouble.”
“Where’s Betsy?”
“She’s just popped off to the chicken house to collect the eggs. She’ll be back any minute.”
“What’s Father O’Brien like?”
“A kindly man, very kindly,” Maude said with a smile. “I liked him. Perhaps you can collect the tray from your father’s office
after he and Marshal Bragg leave.”
“What about Lucy?”
“Lucy’s upstairs changing the linens and doing the floors. It won’t hurt you to collect the tray.”
“No, I don’t mind. I was just wondering.”
“I’m off. I’ll see you later,” Maude said, picking up the basket.
“If I hear a shotgun blast I’ll come running.”
“So will Duke and all his boys,” Maude laughed. “As I said, I’m not worried.”
Dolly watched her leave, then pulled her treats from under her skirt, quickly wrapped them up in a cloth, and was hurrying toward to the door when she heard Betsy’s heavy footsteps. If she wanted to keep her cakes she’d have to retreat through the kitchen door that led into the grounds behind the house.
Taking only seconds to make up her mind, she hurried outside and started across the yard. When she went back inside through the side entrance she’d have to walk directly past her father’s study and across the widest part of the foyer. If her timing was off she could run into him and his guests; that was the last thing she wanted to do. She paused, wondering if she should stash her booty somewhere and collect it later. There was a pair of urns on either side of the hallway. One of those would be the perfect hiding spot. Pleased with her plan, she was about to continue when she heard a man and woman talking. The conversation seemed to be coming from around the side of the house, and drawing closer she realized the female voice belonged to Lucy.
“I’m sorry, I just don’t know.”
“Ya gotta get stuff to tell me!” the male voice demanded. “Ya gotta find out what Baker and this priest are plannin’.”
He sounded young, but gruff, and shocked at what she’d stumbled across, Dolly stole closer and strained to listen, not wanting to miss a word.
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