His brow wrinkled. “Do what, Aunt Chapa?”
“Where in the world is your mind this morning? You haven’t heard a word said here.”
“I’m sorry. I was thinking about all the work we have to accomplish out on the range this morning. Since I didn’t get into town last night, I want to get the work done so I can go this afternoon and see why Bullins is out of jail.”
Xenia looked at him. “He’s out of jail?”
“That’s what one of the hands said.”
Xenia trembled and dropped her fork to the table. Her voice was a whisper. “Will he find me here?”
Ty realized he’d frightened her. He put his hand on her arm. “Don’t be afraid, Xenia. Nobody is going to bother you here. We’ll all see to that.”
“That’s right, Xenia,” Wilt said. “We’ve even told the hands to be on the lookout for strangers or anybody that isn’t supposed to be on the ranch. You have nothing to worry about.”
Ty could tell Xenia wasn’t convinced. He picked up the bowl of eggs. “Here, eat a few of these and you’ll feel better.”
She frowned at him.
He chuckled. “Aunt Chapa always told Wilt and me that if you weren’t sure about something, grab a bite to eat and you’d feel better about it.”
“I sure did, and it works, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does, Aunt Chapa,” Ty and Wilt said almost in unison.
Xenia gave them a wry smile, took the bowl and dished out a spoonful of eggs. “Then, if you both think it’ll work, I’ll try it.”
Johnny let out a yell and Mea Ann said, “It looks like my son wants to join the rest of us for breakfast.”
“Do you want me to get him?” Wilt looked at her.
“I will.” She stood. “Just don’t eat all of those eggs before I get back.”
Ty started to say something, but there was a banging on the back door. He got up. “I’ll get it, Aunt Chapa.”
Ty opened the door. He was surprised to see Tony standing there. “What’s going on?”
“We’ve got a problem, Boss.”
Chapter 13
Chapa picked up the bottle of laudanum on the table beside Xenia’s bed. “Are you sure you don’t want to take a little? Your face tells me you’re in pain.”
Xenia shook her head. “I think I just overdid it getting up for breakfast.”
“Don’t try it at the midday meal. I’ll bring it to you.”
“I’m sorry to put you to so much trouble.”
Chapa shook her head. “It’s no bother. The boys may not be back, anyway. They said they didn’t know how long it would take to fix the fences and round up the cows.”
“What happened? They left so quickly I didn’t understand what they were saying.”
“It seems sometime during the night, somebody cut the fence and either ran the cows out or they managed to wander out. Tony said it looked like they were run out because there were a several horse tracks about.”
“Why would anyone want to do that?”
“I don’t know, but there are some ruthless people in this world. Somebody probably decided we had a nice herd and wanted to take a few of them for themselves.”
“But don’t they have your brand?”
“The old ones do, but there are a lot of new stock. We planned to do the branding in a few weeks.”
Xenia sighed. “I wish I knew more about ranching.”
Chapa patted her shoulder. “Anything you want to know, you just ask me. I’ll tell you all about it. But right now, I think it’s time you took a nap. You look plum tuckered out.”
“Thank you, Chapa. I think I’ll do that.” Xenia followed her to her room and climbed into bed. “Do you mind opening the window? I sleep much better with the fresh air, and it’s a little stuffy.”
“I’ll do it right now, and I won’t bother you so you can sleep.” She started toward the door. “When Mea Ann finishes bathing Johnny, I’ll tell her you’re napping and we can get started on her lessons.”
“Lessons?”
“She asked me to help her learn some things about being a ranch wife. I thought we’d start with cooking. Wilt likes to eat.”
“That sounds good.” Xenia closed her eyes. “I won’t sleep long.”
“You sleep as long as you want to. I’m going to close the door so we won’t bother you.”
Xenia felt herself already drifting off, so she didn’t bother to answer.
****
“This sure looks suspicious, Boss,” Newt said as he picked up a section of the downed fence. “The cows didn’t break through this fence. It was cut.”
Ty took the wire Newt held toward him. “You’re right. This wasn’t broken.”
Wilt walked up. “Are you looking at the same thing I am?” When Ty and Newt nodded, Wilt went on, “Somebody wanted to make sure our cows got out of this pasture. This fence was cut in several different sections.”
“And it looks as if the cows were run out in a hurry. Look at those tracks. Some were made by shod horses, not cows.”
“Who’d want to do such a thing, Boss?”
“I don’t know, Newt, but I aim to find out.” Ty looked at Wilt. “Vester and Tony went to see if they could round up the cows. We should string more wire in case they get them back soon. I’ll go to the ranch and get it if you and Newt want to see if there are any places that can be patched.”
“I’ll go, Boss. I moved it out of the tack room the other day and you might have trouble finding it.”
Ty nodded. “Then Wilt and I will get busy on these downed wires.”
“We could use some of the broken wire to wrap around the cut ends. That will help us get it up faster.” Wilt looked at Ty. “Do you have any cutters in your saddle bag?”
“Don’t think so. I wasn’t expecting to work on fences today.”
“I think I have some.” Newt headed to his horse. “I seldom take them out of my saddlebag ’cause you never know when you’ll find a downed fence out here.”
“Thanks, Newt.”
“Here you go.” Newt handed the cutters to Ty. “If you fellows think you can handle the repair work, I’ll get the extra wire from the ranch and then ride out and see if I can help the guys round up them cows.”
Ty picked up the end of a cut wire. “Let’s get busy, cousin.”
The cousins worked mostly in silence, but occasionally one or the other would offer an explanation of why somebody would want to cut the fences and steal the cows. None of their guesses seemed likely, so they gave up trying to figure it out. By midday, the fences were repaired.
Wilt pushed back his hat, ran his fingers through his hair and looked across the meadow. “Well, it looks like we finished just in time.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look coming here.”
Ty looked in the direction Wilt pointed. “Well, I’ll be damned. It appears they found most of the cows.”
Wilt frowned. “Wonder why Vester’s not with them.”
“I don’t know, but let’s get enough fence open so we can get the cows back in the pasture.”
After the cows were secured, Ty turned to Tony. “Where’s Vester?”
“When we learned the cows had been scattered in all directions we each took off in a different way. I ain’t seen him since he headed off.”
Ty’s brow wrinkled. “Which way did he go?”
“He went south. I remember, ’cause I went north. When Newt caught up to us, he went east. We figured nobody needed to go west ’cause they’d be headed back here.”
“Wonder why he didn’t come back here?”
“I don’t know, Boss. You know he ain’t much of one to tell us what he’s doing. He didn’t this time. either. He just rode off.”
Wilt walked up. “Couldn’t help hearing your conversation. Maybe he went back to the ranch. All he’d have to do is circle back a little and he’d be there.”
Ty nodded. “You could be right. Since we’re done here, let’s head back to
the ranch.”
“Hold it, Boss.” Tony pointed across the field. “I think I see somebody coming now.”
It took Vester twenty minutes to get the three cows with him to the pasture. Two were muddy from their bellies down. After getting them in the pasture, he looked at Ty. “Took me too damn long to get them fools out of the mud. I should of left them, but I knowed you wouldn’t like that.”
Ty almost smiled. “I appreciate you taking the time to get them out, Vester. Every cow is important to this ranch.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought you’d say.”
Wilt nodded. “Well, fellows we appreciate your help with rounding up and getting the cows back. Why don’t you knock off early and head back to the ranch? I’m sure you—”
Two shots rang out in the distance. No other shots followed.
“That’s a distress signal,” Newt said.
“Yes, and it sounds like it came from the house.” Ty headed for his horse.
Without taking time to ask any more questions, the others followed.
****
“Do you think they heard the shot?” A teary Mea Ann asked as she cuddled Johnny close to her.
“I’m sure they did. It won’t take them long to get here.” Chapa put the rifle down beside the back door.
“Maybe you should have waited, Chapa.”
“Absolutely not, Xenia. When you let out that blood curdling scream, I thought the devil had you for sure.”
“I know, but—”
“No buts, young lady. If you hadn’t awakened and saw that man climbing in your window, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”
“But he’s gone now.”
“That doesn’t matter. We can’t let him get away with this.”
Mea Ann looked at her sister. “Chapa’s right, Xenia.”
Chapa shook her head. “I shouldn’t have opened that window.”
“I asked you to open it, Chapa. I wanted the fresh air.”
“Yes, but—”
“Please, I want the two of you to calm down. I’m calm, and I’m the one who saw his ugly face.”
“Can you tell us what he looked like, Xenia?” Chapa asked.
“I didn’t get a chance to look him over very well, but I know he was kind of short and had a beard. He looked mean.”
“Had you seen him before?”
“I don’t think so, but he scared me so much I don’t even know if I’d recognize him again.”
“I think you’re still in shock, sister.” Mea Ann shifted Johnny to the other shoulder. “When it hits you what happened, you won’t be so calm about everything.”
Xenia smiled at her sister. “Maybe not.” She turned to Chapa. “Do you think you could make us all a cup of tea?”
“Of course I can, if you’re sure you’ll be alright.”
Xenia nodded. “I’ll be fine.”
She hurried to the kitchen and Mea Ann sniffed back tears.
With a weak hand, Xenia reached out and touched her sister’s arm. “Please, don’t be so upset. I know it was scary at first, but I’m fine, and I’m sure it’ll never happen again.”
“Are you sure you’re alright? When you fell out of bed, I know you landed on your sore side.”
“It hurts a little, but I’ll be fine.”
“You’re so brave, Xenia. I could never take this as well as you are.”
“I don’t know, Mea Ann. I think you’re pretty brave, yourself.”
“Why would you say that?”
“You’re about to marry a man you’ve only known a short time and you know without a doubt our parents would object to your union. I think that’s brave.”
Mea Ann smiled. “I really do love him, Xenia.”
“I know you do, and I truly believe Wilt loves you. In spite of everything, I’m proud of you for having the courage to go against what everyone in the family would say about your marriage.”
“Everyone in the family except you, little sister.”
“You’re right. I’m the exception. I’ll always support my big sister.”
Chapa returned with three cups of tea. “Here you go, ladies.”
“Thank you.” Xenia reached for the cup.
“Oh, my goodness, Xenia. Look how your hand is shaking. Don’t spill it. It’s hot.”
“I’m fine, Chapa. I—”
The sound of horses sounded in the back yard. Almost instantly, the door opened, and Wilt and Ty rushed in.
All the strength Xenia had used to keep herself calm seemed to slip away when she saw Ty’s face. Tears filled her eyes and the cup of tea tumbled to the floor.
Though everyone started toward her, Ty reached her first. She couldn’t control herself any longer. Without a moment’s hesitation, she threw her arms around his neck and began to sob.
****
Ty was shocked. Not only because the women all looked scared, but mostly because Xenia was clinging to him. He wanted to push her away, but he also wanted to crush her against him closer than she already was.
“Is she alright?” Wilt asked.
“She will be.” Mea Ann reached for his hand. “She woke up when a man tried to climb into her room through the window. She screamed, and it must have scared him off, because by the time Chapa and I got in there, he’d already climbed back out and was running toward those woods on the side yard.”
Chapa took up the story. “By the time I got the gun and came back, he was gone. I didn’t know what else to do but send a signal to you fellows.”
“You did the right thing.”
Ty looked down at the sobbing and shaking woman in his arms. “Did he hurt you, Xenia?”
She didn’t answer and he looked at Chapa. “Do you know?”
“She fell when she tried to hurry out of the room and re-injured her side, but I don’t think he touched her.”
“I knew she was taking this too well,” Mea Ann said.
“What do you mean?”
“She hasn’t even cried or complained at all. She’s been as calm as she could be. She’s even tried to calm Chapa and me down.” She looked at her sister. “She only fell apart when you two came in.”
Wilt patted her shoulder. “When we arrived, it must have hit her how much danger she was in from him.”
Ty looked up at him. “Wilt, will you go out and tell the hands what happened. Also, set up a schedule for them to get back to watching the house. I don’t intend to leave the women again without a man being available.”
“Kerry’s usually here,” Chapa said.
“But this time, he went with us to fix the fences. That won’t happen again.”
“I agree.” Wilt leaned down and kissed Mea Ann’s cheek. Then, he kissed the top of Johnny’s head. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
She nodded and smiled at him.
Ty looked at Chapa. “I think she needs to go back to bed, but not in that room.”
“I’ll change rooms with her,” Mea Ann said.
Ty shook his head. “No. I have a feeling I know who was behind this, and that puts both you and Xenia in danger. I’ll be sleeping in that room for the time being. Xenia can sleep in my room.”
“That’s a good idea. Your room will be safer with the thorny bushes outside the window.” Chapa moved to Xenia’s chair. “Honey, do you want some more tea?”
Xenia seemed to realize she was clinging to Ty. She let him go and bit her lip. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t worry about it.” He awkwardly patted her shoulder. “Now, how about that tea Aunt Chapa seems to think you need?”
She nodded. “Fine.”
“Will you be alright if I go outside for a little while? I need to check around out there.”
“I’ll be alright. Thank you for lending me your shoulder.”
“Anytime.” He knew if he didn’t get out of there, he’d do something foolish—like take her in his arms and kiss her until tomorrow. And that would never do. Best to get away while he could. He’d questio
n her about the attack later.
Chapa came with a fresh cup of tea for her and that gave him the perfect chance to escape.
Outside, he found the hands had gathered around Wilt. He joined them.
“Is that little woman alright, Boss?” Henry asked.
Ty nodded. “She’s frightened, but otherwise, she’s fine.”
“Don’t blame her.” Tony shook his head. “I wouldn’t want to wake up with some bloke climbing in my window. I’m surprised she didn’t faint.”
“Most women would,” Vester added.
“Well, she didn’t,” Ty said. “Of course, we’re going to put her in another room. The fool won’t find her where she is if he decides to come back.”
“Maybe you should sleep there, Boss,” Kerry suggested.
“I’m thinking about it.” He turned to Wilt. “Have we got things set up for the men to guard the house?”
“Yeah. There’ll be somebody watching every day and night. They’re going to work out the schedule themselves, but I told them when you and I are here, they won’t have to do it at night. We’d take care of it.”
“I don’t mean to stick my nose in where it don’t belong, Boss, but why are these women here in the first place?” Newt asked.
“You’ve got a right to know.” Wilt looked at Ty. “Want me to tell them?”
“Go ahead.”
“The women are sisters. They came here because they thought their uncle was in trouble and needed their help. He only told them this to trick them into coming to Deer Meadow. He had planned to kidnap them and force them into prostitution.”
“Are they the ones we keep hearing rumors about? The nieces Longstreet is trying to sell?” Henry asked.
“They’re the ones.”
“Damn, what kind of man would do that?” Vester asked.
“Seymour Longstreet,” Ty spat. “He doesn’t care that they’re innocent and only came here to help him. They thought he was about to hang for something he didn’t do.”
“Probably should hang for something he has done,” Tony said, and they all chuckled.
“What about that baby I saw one of them carrying?” Kerry asked
“Ty should tell you about that.”
“That baby’s parents were killed, and that women rescued the child.” Ty went on to tell them about the attack on the way station. He ended with, “When the hotel and the boarding house in town refused to let them stay there because the baby is a half-breed, we saw no alternative except to bring them here.”
Xenia’s Renegade Page 16
