Frontier Secrets

by Anna Zogg

  She couldn’t think of that right now.

  “What about the others?” Ellie lowered her voice. “Where are they?”

  “Guy Bartow fired three men earlier.”

  “Why?”

  “Heard-tell they wasn’t doing their job. A’sides, he’s got some new fellers coming next week. He told the boss this afternoon.”

  Told? Not asked? But Ellie kept the question to herself while Mrs. Johnson scurried back into the main room.

  Three men gone? That didn’t make sense considering how much work there always seemed to be. Remembering Rhett’s warning, she couldn’t help thinking that Bartow was planning something evil—perhaps taking over the ranch?

  She wanted to warn Will...but would he even listen? Above all, she would do nothing that would jeopardize her plans to leave undetected. She hardened her heart. After tonight, that would no longer be her concern. By Will’s own shortsightedness and stubbornness, he had brought this upon himself.

  Taking a seat at the table, Ellie nibbled at her dinner. As the thought crossed her mind that this might be her last meal for many hours, she tried to force herself to eat more. But the men around the table seemed to have lost their appetite too. Their usual banter was missing.

  When she heard heavy footsteps outside and Guy’s voice, Ellie picked up her plate and hurried into the kitchen. She couldn’t abide the idea of spending her last evening on the ranch anywhere near him. As she stood in the kitchen, scraping her plate, the door in the main room banged open.

  “Why didn’t you just shoot him?” Guy’s irate voice rose.

  “He weren’t hurting nothing,” Dietmeyer answered. “Just raving in some foreign lingo.”

  Whitey snickered. “His skill with a rifle helped convince you to move along, I’m sure.”

  “We was looking for that chucklehead, remember?” Dietmeyer answered with heat. “You didn’t tell us to go around shooting anyone we saw.”

  Guy growled, “I don’t like strangers on our land.”

  Our? Ellie stiffened at his word choice.

  “He wasn’t. He was up in the foothills a little ways.”

  “So no sign of the skulker?” the foreman asked.

  “Nope. Maybe he really is gone.”

  Guy blew out his breath. “Tomorrow, we’ll make sure. Got it? What’d you think about us having a lil’ hanging?”

  “Fine by me.” Sounded like Whitey was cracking his knuckles. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Cold dread slipped down Ellie’s spine. His words confirmed her determination to leave the ranch as soon as possible.

  Silence, amid the clatter of dishes, fell over the group.

  “What’re you all staring at?” Whitey’s voice cut through the room.

  The scrape of benches responded to his snarl. Several men muttered their good-night. From the sounds they made, most hastened out the door.

  Ellie remained in the kitchen, undecided about what to do. She dreaded the idea of walking through the main room, even to return to her bedroom. Without Will there, she feared what might happen. Guy sounded like he was already taking over.

  Two other men entered the main room. As soon as one spoke, Ellie recognized Hoskins—another of the foreman’s close cronies. “Everything’s buttoned up for the night.”

  “Good.” Guy spoke with his mouth half full.

  “Marshall’s in his cabin.” Blade was the speaker.

  “Huh.” Guy smacked his lips. “Pass me the potatoes. This all there is to eat?”

  “We got more.” Mrs. Johnson hastened to say.

  She rounded the corner, startling Ellie. After glancing over her shoulder, the housekeeper drew closer.

  “Go check on your uncle, miss.” The woman spoke in a whisper. “I’ll tend to the men.”

  When she remained frozen in place, Mrs. Johnson jerked her head at the back door. Heart hammering, Ellie grasped the handle.

  “Hurry it up, woman,” Whitey yelled.

  “Hold yer horses, I’m a’coming.” Mrs. Johnson’s voice rang out, covering any sounds Ellie made as she slipped away.

  The warm evening wrapped around her, a red beam from the setting sun filling her vision before blinking out of sight. She paused, debating which way to go to her uncle’s cabin. Definitely behind the house, rather than through the yard, in case Guy or his men exited. When she reached the side of the building, her feet slowed.

  The minute she rounded the corner, she would be visible to anyone on the front porch before reaching Will’s cabin. But why go there at all? As she lingered by the spot Rhett had stood the night before, she wrestled with herself. She had nothing more to say to Will Marshall. If she were brave, she would escape to the hills right now. Rhett would find her.

  But as darkness descended, the night sounds awakened. Creatures scurried in the murky fields nearby. A large bat flew in the cerulean sky. The mournful hoot of an owl chilled her. Brave? No, she would be foolish to strike off on her own.

  She reminded herself that she had no sense of direction. No way to protect herself. No outer clothing for the changing elements. She needed to wait for Rhett. Tonight.

  But she could not, would not, go back into the main house while Guy and his henchmen were inside, acting as kings of the castle. Over the past few days, their attitude toward her had subtly shifted. The foreman openly studied her while his friends treated her with veiled contempt.

  Ellie shivered again, but not from the breeze that brushed her. Wisdom told her to go to Will’s cabin. Perhaps wish him well to hide that she was really saying goodbye. But as she made her plans, she worried she would inadvertently give herself away. While she and Will talked, she needed to guard her words. And her heart.

  Then tonight, when Rhett came for her, she could leave with no regrets.

  Chapter Eighteen

  All through the afternoon, Rhett had watched the ranch. He and Pete had moved closer, staying just outside Marshall’s property, but the worry kept returning to his mind. Something had changed. And not for the better. The way the ranch hands acted seemed out of character. He saw no signs of their usual activities. They weren’t working, and yet there was no horsing around. Instead, they lingered in the yard, going out to the fields in groups of two or three. The atmosphere at the ranch felt somber.

  A chilling memory struck him.

  Soldiers gather in clusters. As they talk in low voices, they throw glances over their shoulders. Their movements are slow. Measured. Eyes always prowling. Mouths set in hard lines. Their fingers tighten around their weapons. The slightest noises cause them to flinch.

  Rhett recalled the soldiers’ behavior the night before the incident that claimed so many lives, including his stepfather’s. Before his and Ma’s world crumbled into tears and pain.

  He flexed his back, hating the way the memory felt. Instead, he sought to concentrate on the sounds around him. Pete remained at their makeshift camp, consuming the provisions he had brought, ones he had shared. Again, Rhett found himself praising God for the man he was proud to call friend.

  As the sun set, three riders crested the hill, riding toward town. Easy to see they weren’t looking for Rhett, but what filled him with anxiety was what they wore and carried. Their coats and gear seemed to indicate they were leaving. For good? Rhett identified them as men he knew to be good workers. Loyal to Marshall. Handy with cattle and horses.

  Then it struck him.

  Bartow was getting rid of anyone he didn’t control. Anyone who might rebel.

  Rhett’s anxiety turned into full-blooded fear.

  The sound of Pete, crawling his way, met his ears.

  Settling beside him, his friend studied him. “What’s the plan?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t have one. Yet.” He licked dry lips, tortured with indecision. Everything inside himself said to shoot his way into
the yard, find Ellie and run.

  As though you’d get within twenty yards of her before getting cut down.

  Pete scratched at his ribcage. “You wanna share what you find amusing about our situation? Or that not a grin I just saw?”

  He confessed his crazy idea, then added, “I have no gun. You have a limited amount of ammo. I count at least eleven men below. What good are two blades and a rifle?”

  Pete’s slow smile proved the news left him undaunted. “When has that ever stopped you?”

  “True.” He recalled telling his friend about childish pranks, like untying horses, barricading the outhouse door with someone inside, stealing items—which he always returned. Mischief for which Mr. Callaway thoroughly chastised him—when his deeds were discovered. But the fun came from not getting caught.

  Perhaps youthful games held the answer to this situation.

  He and Pete had no need for guns. Stealth was by far the better choice. That way, fewer people would get hurt. Especially them.

  “Promise me—” Rhett gripped his friend’s arm as he spoke “—promise that if matters get out of hand, you’ll save yourself.”

  “And leave you?”

  Rhett nodded. “I don’t want your blood on my conscience.”

  Pete’s gaze returned to the scene below. “I doubt they’d waste a bullet on us. I’m thinking they’ll string us up in the nearest tree.”

  Chilling words. Likely true.

  “We’ll move when it’s full night.” Rhett stared down at the ranch as he spoke. “After I speak with Ellie, I’ll know what to do.”

  He didn’t add that they had already worked out a prearranged signal. Although she said she would put a candle in her window, perhaps she had changed her mind in the light of day. It didn’t matter. Tonight, Rhett would give her an ultimatum—leave with him or stay. If she refused to go, he would bid her farewell.

  But where would he find the courage to leave? If he was forced to roam earth for the remainder of his days without her, how could he live without his heart?

  * * *

  Ellie knocked at Will’s door. Before he answered, she could hear him coughing. It sounded bad.

  “Be right...there.” His hacking seemed to go on indefinitely.

  When he opened the door, he held a dark handkerchief to his mouth. He frowned. “What brings you here?”

  She blurted the truth. “Guy and his men are in the house. I felt uncomfortable. Without you there.”

  That struck a nerve. She could see it in his narrowing eyes.

  Will turned. “Come in. Sorry for the mess.”

  As Ellie stepped inside, she grew aware that she’d never been in his one-room cabin. Besides the narrow bed, the place contained a small writing desk, a chest of drawers and one lone chair beside the fireplace.

  “Have a seat.” After closing the door, her uncle perched at the edge of the bed.

  She did as he bade. After sitting, she realized she had no idea what they would talk about. She doubted Will would bring up their conversation from that morning.

  He wheezed a little as his gaze met hers. “You probably shouldn’t be in here. It’s not safe because of my condition.”

  “I know.” At this moment, she feared his illness less than she feared Guy and his men. The sooner she left, the better for her and Rhett. But would anywhere be safe?

  For several minutes, she and Will sat in silence.

  He stared at his hands as though seeing them for the first time. “After the outlaws burned the place—almost twenty years ago now—not much was left. Except this cabin. And the shed. As soon as it was decent, I started rebuilding. But I wanted the house to be in a new location. I planned the place, you know, for Adel. And me.” A sad smile touched his lips. “I never thought I’d end up in the cabin again. But it’s best. For everyone.”

  As though to emphasize his words, Will coughed, turning his head aside.

  He sounded worse than he had in some time. As was his habit, he hastened to fold the fabric to hide the splotch of blood.

  Hands clenched in her lap, Ellie didn’t know how to reply.

  “Your hair is about the same color as your mother’s.” His raspy voice fell on her ears, full of wistful longing. “Maybe a little more golden.”

  Ellie’s breathing slowed. Never before had she seen this man’s soft side so openly displayed. Except when she was a child. When she thought the world revolved around herself.

  “You’ve definitely got Adel’s spunk.” He chuckled mirthlessly to himself, then grew somber. “And I loved her all the more for it.”

  “Are you my father?” The question burst from Ellie.

  Will’s gaze slowly raised to meet hers. “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”

  “How could you not?”

  “I suspected.” Mouth flattening, he shook his head. “But Adel wouldn’t tell me. No matter how much I pressed.”

  Why not? Ellie sat back, confounded.

  “My last visit to Chicago, when you were a child. I knew my brother would be gone. That’s when I asked her.”

  Of course. Frank had been conspicuously absent. That detail had never struck her as forcefully as it did now.

  Will’s eyes again got a faraway look in them. “I think Adel knew if she admitted the truth, nothing would’ve kept me from taking her—and you—away from Frank. But we both knew my brother would’ve hunted me down. He had the law, the power and, of course, Tess behind him with all her money and influence.”

  Gulping, Ellie stared at her hands, clenched in her lap. Now that she knew what Will was like, she believed he would have done as he claimed. Frank Marshall, the man she’d once called her father, would not have stopped until he’d gotten his revenge. How well Ellie remembered his vindictive and tenacious nature. He had proven it on many occasions.

  When she met Will’s gaze, she saw that he was staring wistfully at her.

  “But regardless.” He visibly struggled with what he wanted to say. “I’d be honored to claim you as my daughter.”

  Would he really? Despite her determination to remain detached, Ellie’s eyes stung with tears. What would it be like to have a man like Will as her father? No doubt they would continue to have their differences. But somehow she sensed she would never have to prove herself every day in an attempt to win his affections like with Frank. She and Will might argue, but Ellie would have no fear of speaking her mind.

  With painful clarity she recalled the times Frank had slapped her when she dared voice her opinion. Afterward, she learned to stew in silence.

  That had never happened with Will. Even when he disagreed with her, he had never laid a hand on her. He had never shamed her.

  But however much she wanted to agree to Will’s tender offer, she must make one demand. Otherwise, he would prove he was all talk.

  “If I mean anything to you, if I matter the tiniest bit, believe me when I tell you Rhett is not a thief. Please allow him the chance to speak in his own defense.”

  Brow lowering, Will’s chest rose and fell as he considered her request.

  “But even if you won’t,” she continued, gathering her courage, “I beg you not to go through with your plans tomorrow. Don’t hunt him down.”

  Will’s eyebrows shot up. “I wasn’t going to. And I told the men so.”

  His words confounded her. “But that’s not...” She paused.

  “I need to personally verify the facts before I hang a man for theft.”

  The news relieved her on one level but distressed her on another. “I heard the men talking about forming a posse.” She paused, trying to recall the exact wording of Guy’s conversation with his cronies, after they had arrived for supper. “Whitey said—no, it was Guy. He said something about making sure Rhett was gone. Tomorrow.”

  “What?” Will shot to his feet. “I told him s
pecifically to call it off.”

  Ellie rose, as well. “I think he’s still planning to. He mentioned a hanging.”

  Will’s jaw jutted. “You know, he’s been pushing me a little too much lately. I think it’s high time he and I had a chat.”

  Although the news thrilled Ellie, it also frightened her. As far as she knew, Guy was inside the house with his four buddies. Did Will still have the authority to control them?

  She hadn’t time to caution him because he yanked open the door and headed out. Knees shaking, she followed. He strode across the yard and was halfway up the steps when Guy exited the house. His raucous laughter abruptly ended when his gaze lit on Will. It skipped to Ellie, then back to the ranch owner.

  “You and I need to talk.” Will stepped to within inches of his foreman. “Now.”

  With studied nonchalance, the foreman hooked a thumb into his belt. With the light at his back, Ellie couldn’t see his face clearly.

  “Sure thing, Mr. Marshall.”

  Something about the way he drawled the name made her skin crawl.

  With an elaborate gesture, he waved for Will to precede him into the house. Ellie hurried to join them. As she reached the porch, she caught the smirk Guy threw his men.

  “You boys can wait outside,” he instructed.

  But his next gesture confused her—the way he jerked his head at his men. Was he signaling them? To do what?

  Her curiosity leaped to alarm when she caught sight of Whitey and Blade slink around the back. Why?

  “After you, Miz Marshall.” With an innocent smile and outstretched arm, Guy waited for her to go inside.

  Ellie couldn’t help but feel that she stepped into a predator’s lair. When Guy slammed the door behind her, she jumped.

  “What’s this I hear about you getting together a posse?” Will didn’t waste any time.

  “Don’t know what yer talking about.” Guy leaned against the door.

  Will crossed his arms. “I think you do.”

  The foreman spread his hands and shrugged. “You musta misunderstood.”