The Fire in Ember

by DiAnn Mills

Ember seemed glued to the porch. “It’s a … pleasure, Mr. Lockhart.”

  “Come on in,” Mama called. “I’ve set an extra plate.”

  John studied Ember. Something about Steven bothered her. Frightened her. Did she know Steven? One way to find out.

  CHAPTER 41

  Leah liked Steven the moment he smiled and thanked her for allowing him to have breakfast with her family. The least they could do was feed him and hope he found work. John could have given him plenty of chores for the day, but she respected his decision. Couldn’t be too careful. However, the Bible did speak clearly about taking care of the homeless and feeding the hungry.

  “These are the best biscuits,” Steven said. “My own sister couldn’t have made better. Miss Bert, I thank you for these.”

  “Where’s home?” Ember stared at the man. Belligerence sparked from her voice and eyes.

  Why doesn’t she like Steven? Does she know him?

  “Missouri. I hired on to a rancher in Wyoming, but the winters are too cold. I plan to earn some money and head home. Gotta girl waitin’ for me there.”

  “I’m sure those at home are missing you,” Ember continued. “Do you have any brothers?”

  Steven smiled, revealing a few missing teeth. “Two brothers younger than me.” He jabbed a slice of apple with his fork. “The apples are right tasty.”

  “Ember takes the credit for those,” Leah said.

  “Thank you, miss. Now is your name Bert or Ember?”

  Ember stared at Steven. She hadn’t touched a thing on her plate. “I answer to both.” She turned to Leah. “Is Mr. Zimmerman stopping by this evenin'?”

  “Not tonight. He rode into Denver.”

  “When will he return?”

  Odd that Ember was interested in when Wirt planned to visit them. “Less than a week. He promised to stop here on his way back.” She paused for a moment to consider how God had blessed her with such a fine man who never tired of demonstrating his love and devotion for her. She missed him whenever he was gone, but he was always in her heart.

  She sighed. How could a US Marshal and a widow with five sons form a family? Wirt said for her not to worry. She inwardly smiled. Worry was a woman’s lot in life.

  The boys talked noisily—as usual — each one vying for Steven’s time. And he did not fail them. A good-mannered young man. He did his parents proud. Yet, it bothered her about Ember, and she promised herself to find out why.

  The next morning, John walked to the barn to hitch up the wagon. His brothers gathered up the tools they’d need to mend fence, and Ember was packing them a noon meal. Steven rode up about the same time as the previous day.

  “Mornin',” Steven said. “I’m like an old flea-bitten dog. I’m back to see if you’d sent that wire to Wyoming and if your brothers had made a decision about takin’ me on as a ranch hand.”

  John shook his head, never liking to be the one to give bad news. “I’m sorry. I can’t afford to pay you until Aaron, Mark, and Davis are back in school. Evan plans to leave for university training shortly after. Then I’ll need to hire help.”

  Steven slowly shook his head. “What about the option of helping out for a bunk and food for a little while? I’m powerful tired of an empty belly. I like the stars as a roof over my head but not in the rain and snow. I didn’t ride out to those other ranchers you told me about. Didn’t want any of them thinking I was up to no good.”

  Compassion touched John. Never be it said that he let a man go hungry. But he hadn’t ridden into town to send the wire. A lot of work had beset them of late. John inhaled deeply. “I’ll go in and talk it over with Mama and Evan.”

  “I’ll wait.”

  John hesitated while his thoughts raced. Might be nice to have Steven here when he had to do deputy work, especially when Evan left. All Steven claimed he wanted was food and a place to sleep. Since he’d offered information for John to wire the ranch in Wyoming and his parents’ home in Missouri, he surely wasn’t a rustler. And none of them could spare the time today to ride into Rocky Falls to send the wires.

  John refused to give in to pressure and then realize he’d made a dangerous mistake. Being head of the household seemed to get harder instead of easier. He walked to the barn and searched for his brother. “Evan, can I see you in the house for a minute?”

  Evan obliged. He waved at Steven and pushed a shovel onto the wagon before following John to the house.

  “What does Steven want now?” Evan said.

  Alarm raced through John. “I take it you think there’s a problem with him.”

  Evan shrugged. “Too mannerly for me. Like he’s hiding something.”

  “He wants to work for food and a bunk.”

  “Sounds like he’s hungry and tired of sleeping outside.”

  “I can tell him no,” John said. “Remind him we need to hear from the ranch in Wyoming or his folks in order to verify what he told us.”

  Evan stopped on the porch and stared at the man still mounted on his horse. “Seems to me a man wouldn’t offer that information if he was up to no good.”

  “My thoughts too. I want to ask Mama’s opinion.”

  Inside the house, he flashed Ember a smile, and she returned it—along with a strange look he had no idea how to decipher. Women … so hard to figure out. He wanted to ask her about Steven last night, but she’d gone to bed early.

  The moment Evan closed the door behind them, he turned to Mama and Evan. “Steven’s back. He wants to know if he can work for food and a bunk until I can bring him on.”

  “I’ll wait outside while you discuss this,” Bert said.

  “No need,” Mama said.

  “Uh, I think so.” Without another word, Bert stepped onto the porch.

  She must be sick. Or possibly Ember didn’t feel like she should be present during family discussions. Later he’d discuss the matter with her.

  Mama peered up at Evan. “What do you think, son?”

  Evan hesitated and John gave him time to form his words. “Do you think it’s wise with the cattle rustlin’ going on?”

  John studied his brother’s face before he responded. “You told me outside that you thought he was too mannerly. Do you have doubts about the man’s character?”

  “It’s probably me,” Evan said. “Puts me in mind of a bully.”

  Mama looked at the door, and John wished he could read her thoughts. “I watched him with the same concern as Evan, and I know you were sizing him up too. Did Ember recognize him?”

  “She hasn’t said a word.” John turned to Evan. “Has she talked to you about him?”

  “Nothing. And she’d give that kind of information to you, brother.”

  “I failed to see anything to be leery of,” Mama said. “In fact I like him.”

  John weighed Mama’s and Evan’s words. He hoped he wasn’t making a mistake. Offering Christian hospitality was one consideration. Opening up his home to a thief or a murderer was another. “Trust for me can be hard to come by. But we could give him a chance today. If we see anything that makes us uncomfortable, then I’ll ask him to leave right then.”

  “Sounds fair enough,” Evan said.

  “I agree,” Mama chimed in.

  Two voices out of three made sense. He’d put Steven to work for the day.

  Bert couldn’t tell what was being said inside the house. She wanted to know, but she didn’t. For sure the topic had something to do with Simon. She’d fought hard to get the courage to tell John about her brother, but her dearly loved family could be murdered in their sleep.

  How could Simon have such a powerful hold on her? Because I’ve seen him kill without blinking an eye.

  Simon dismounted his horse—one she hadn’t seen before and probably stolen. Davis had managed to make his way to Simon, and the child’s position frightened her. She’d heard the tale more than once about how outlaws had kidnapped the boy when he was a four-year-old. Davis had to be kept safe.

  Bert clenched her fists. If she w
ere strong enough, she’d shoot him herself. But Gideon’s words echoed in her mind. Families must stick together. Oh, the horrible confusion.

  She didn’t love Simon; she despised him. He pretended to be a ranch hand who wanted a job. He’d taken a gamble by giving John two places to wire about his “trustworthiness.” If she didn’t help Simon, he’d kill the Timmonses. And if she did, then she’d be stealing from those she loved. How did one choose between two horrible wrongs? Her insides ached.

  Bert wanted to bury herself in a remote place where no one could ever find her. She’d never thought things could get this bad. Simon had done all he’d ever threatened, and she feared what would come next. He’d shot John and probably Leon and Mr. Hawkins. Now he wanted to work for John. All the while he was planning something terrible. Where was God when she needed Him? How could He view this nightmare and do nothing?

  “Mornin', Miss Bert.” Simon touched the brim of his tattered hat. “Sure is a right pretty day.”

  Could John or Marshal Culpepper or Wirt or even God stop a killer?

  “John Timmons and his family have a handsome ranch. I see all of you work good together.”

  Gut-wrenching hate whirled through her. Where were Clint and Lester? Were they waiting for orders from Simon as they always did? Trapped and cornered, and she saw no way out.

  CHAPTER 42

  John and Steven rode fence along the northern parcel of the 5T. John noted more broken fencing, an endless job. Later in the week, they’d get the repairs made. The rest of the boys were felling trees, which suited John fine since he wanted time alone with Steven to make sure he was a fitting man to be around his family. His family. And that meant Ember Rose. He’d never felt so certain about anything in his life than wanting a future with her.

  “That is some horseflesh.” Steven sent an admiring glance at Racer.

  John grinned and patted the stallion’s neck. “He’s a champion. I bought him on a whim a couple of years ago when cattle prices were up. Never regretted it. There’s a powerful feeling sitting atop him when he’s racing with the wind.”

  “Must be where you got the name.”

  “You bet.”

  “Have you bred him?”

  John nodded. “The owner of the Wide O—Victor Oberlander—bred Racer to his prize mare. I’m real curious to see the colt once it’s here next spring.” John wasn’t about to give the circumstances surrounding Ember.

  “The Wide O, you say. I was going to stop by there to see about work. Like I said earlier, I figured other ranchers are skittish, like you, because of trouble with cattle rustlers.”

  John nodded. “A man can’t afford to make mistakes when his family and his means of earning a living are at stake.”

  “Oh, I understand. My folks would feel the same.”

  John breathed in relief. The concerns he had for acting foolishly may not have substance. Steven talked a lot about his family and the girl waiting for him in Missouri. Evan’s reservations were unfounded.

  Four days later, Bert realized she had to find a way to turn the Timmonses against Simon without telling them the truth. The thought occupied her waking and sleeping hours. Leah and John suspected she was ill, and that was fine with her. Anything but the struggle within her to protect those she loved from evil — the worst imaginable.

  She remembered reading in the Bible about the truth setting a person free. But free from what? Telling anyone about Simon invited her brother to start a killing spree. From the past, she knew his vengeance could be taken out on anyone who got in his way.

  While she drew water from the well, she heard Simon talking to Davis—an innocent child who’d seen enough tragedy in his life.

  “I brought you something.” Simon dipped into his pocket and pulled out a peppermint stick. He bent down and presented it to Davis. “I went with your brother into Rocky Falls. Saw this and thought you might like it.”

  Could it be that John had finally sent those telegrams?

  Davis beamed. “Thank you, Steven. Peppermint’s my favorite.”

  “Good. I thought so. And I brought one for Miss Leah and Miss Bert.” Steven pulled out two more candies from his pocket.

  How would Simon explain the money to buy penny candy? He thought through everything he said, and this would be no exception.

  “I’d be glad to give it to them,” Davis said.

  Simon patted Davis on the back. “Someday I hope to have a son as fine as you are.”

  Bert wanted to scratch his eyes out — take his rifle and blow a hole through him. What can I do?

  “Where did you get the money to buy candy?” Evan said as the two washed up for supper.

  “I had a few dollars. Didn’t want to spend them unless I had to. A few pennies for candy are the least I can do for all your family has done for me.”

  Bert lifted the bucket from the well while she fought the urge to be sick. Simon was close enough for her to smell him. Normally she walked to the stream where cool, fresh water tasted the best, but she feared Simon might find her alone. Glancing toward Evan, she caught his attention. He’s the only member of the family who doesn’t trust Simon.

  A gasp nearly escaped her lips. She must act soon. Keep an eye on Simon and follow him when the others were asleep.

  Davis reached out to give her a peppermint. “No, thank you. Why don’t you save it for yourself?” The child’s eyes sparkled.

  Bert had to find a way to end this. If only she knew what Simon planned. If only she could figure out how to get all three of her brothers together so the law could make an arrest. They’d hang for sure.

  How could she live with herself after that? The Bible didn’t say a thing about what to do when families were killers. At least she hadn’t read anything about it yet.

  Bert carried the bucket of water inside the house and set it on the table. Leah kneaded bread, and Bert could feel her friend’s gaze.

  “I thought perhaps you were sick,” Leah said. “But now I sense something else.”

  “I feel fine,” Bert said. “Would you like for me to take the ham off the stove?”

  “Not yet.”

  Bert recognized Leah’s motherly tone of voice, and there was no escaping it. And she’d pry until Bert told her something that satisfied her.

  “You don’t like Steven, do you?” Leah continued to knead the bread.

  Bert picked up the broom and swept an already clean floor. “Why would you ask me such a question?”

  “Because when you’re upset, you stay to yourself. You talk, but you don’t add anything to the conversation. You’re with us, but you’re not. Excuse me for putting the situation this way, but the lantern is lit except no one’s minding the house.”

  Please, Leah. “I’ve had much on my mind lately.”

  “Are you jealous because John spends a lot of time with Steven?”

  Tears filled Bert’s eyes. If only the truth of her feelings could be explained so easily. “No ma’am. Watch him, Leah. He’s only out for himself.”

  “Do you know him?”

  How could Bert answer the question? She was a child of God. Lying was wrong. But Simon would kill all of them. “I have to make a choice, Leah. And no matter which way I decide, something horrible is going to happen.”

  “Choices are usually right or wrong.”

  “Leah, you are so dear to me, but in this instance you’re wrong.” She glanced toward the door, her thoughts filled with the wickedness of her brothers. “I’ll place the ham on a platter now.” Without another word and feeling the intensity of Leah’s gaze, she smiled all the love in her heart. “I may be a new believer, but I know God is watching out for those who love Him.”

  The answer to the nightmare frightened her, the choice that would change the lives of all of them. But when she weighed the magnitude of all Simon and her brothers had done and all they were capable of doing, she knew she must commit herself to the task.

  Clint and Lester allowed Simon to give them orders. When he wasn
’t around, they didn’t hurt or steal from others. Without Simon, her brothers lacked a leader. If she knew where her brothers were camped, then she could lead Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Culpepper, and John to them. Since that seemed impossible, she’d have to expose Simon and pray her brothers left the area and rode back to Idaho.

  The whole nightmare would be over. Gideon’s words about families sticking together no longer meant anything to her. Gideon may have been the only member of the family who’d protected her, but his kindness didn’t make him always right. In the last several weeks, she’d learned what it meant to live and love according to the Word. God had laws about how people should treat each other, and those who chose to commit crimes still needed to answer for what they’d done. Even if they were family.

  She had to do this. Her life had been filled with turning her eyes away from unspeakable things. But no more, and she had to do her part. Mr. Zimmerman could return as early as tonight. Lately her songs had been influenced by the Bible and Leah’s hymnal. This one seemed to come from God Himself.

  In Your hands I place my trust

  In Your hands I find righteousness

  In Your hands all fear is gone

  And by Your Spirit I find rest.

  CHAPTER 43

  The following day, Sunday afternoon, Leah strode into the barn where she knew John was brushing down Racer. She made her way to his side and admired the sleek stallion’s glossy coat.

  “I need to have a word with you.”

  “Sure.” He grinned. “I can tell by the look on your face something’s on your mind. No one’s here in the barn.”

  “I want Steven gone.”

  He startled. “Why? He’s been a big help and a friend to all of us.”

  “I don’t trust him.”

  John ceased the brushing. “What’s happened to make you think this? You know how I feel about keeping the family safe.”

  How did a woman explain feelings to a man? “The way he looks at us. The way he glares at Ember. The way he never slips and shouts or says something improper. It’s not real.”

  “I disagree, Mama. I need something I can see and hear to discard a new friend. Do you want me to tell him that you don’t trust him?”