by DiAnn Mills
“On the way back from Denver, Wirt and I can call on a few ranchers who had missing cattle in the past,” John said.
“Wait for me to ride with you on those calls,” Bob said.
“I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“Right. You can protect me.”
John shook his head. A town marshal and undertaker who had a sense of humor. And Bob was a crack shot.
“I’m taking care of this my way.” Oberlander swung a look at Simon. “Be glad you’re leaving because someone could put a bullet in your head.”
“Word of advice,” Bob said. “Break the law, and you’re under arrest. Think about that.”
Oberlander flashed him a look of contempt and stomped out onto the boardwalk.
With Simon Farrar delivered to the US Marshal’s office in Denver, Wirt stayed behind for a few days while John rode back to Rocky Falls. He and Bob checked with other ranchers about their cattle, but no one had experienced any more problems. John pondered riding home. His family could take care of themselves, but no doubt his ranch and the Wide O had been singled out. He assumed Clint and Lester were taking revenge for Simon’s arrest.
John and Bob rode onto Sparky McBride’s High Plains Ranch in brilliant sunshine, not at all the kind of day a man would expect crime to burst from unexpected places. Four more stops after this, and if no problems were reported, John would check back with his family.
Sparky’s wife said her husband had left early that morning with their son to cut a few trees to add another room to their house before winter. They’d be on the northeast portion of their property. John knew the location, which would make them easy to find.
“Do you mind if we take a look in your barn?” Bob said. “A couple of ranchers found their horses missing this morning, and we’re making sure the other ranches are all right.”
“Go right ahead.” Sparky’s wife walked their way, a robust woman who could hold her own in any brawl. “I just came from the barn about two hours ago. Everything looked fine.”
“Then no need for us to see your barn.” Bob leaned toward her on his saddle, his tone soft.
From beneath her bonnet, she shielded her eyes from the dazzling sunlight. “Sparky said you’d caught the cattle rustler.”
“Thought we did,” Bob said, “until this morning.”
John noted the casual way Bob stated the announcement about more trouble. Folks were jumpy, quick to press the triggers on their rifles.
“None of us can handle losing any more of our cattle—or our friends.” Her gaze moved to the east. “The barn’s empty.”
“We’ll be going then, ma’am,” Bob said.
“After you talk to Sparky, would you stop back and let me know he’s all right. All this makes me nervous. Our oldest boy is with him, and he’s only eight years old.”
Bob tipped his hat. “Sure thing, Mrs. McBride. I understand your apprehension.”
They left her standing in the barnyard, her arms crossed over her chest like a soldier on guard duty. Although Mrs. McBride and Mama didn’t share the same size, they shared the same fears for their families and the same stubborn courage. He’d seen it in Ember too. Those qualities were what counted when adversity stood on its haunches, bared its teeth, and growled.
John led the way to where he believed Sparky McBride was cutting timber. As the two men neared the area, a tree crashed to the ground. The two sunk their heels into the sides of their mounts and headed toward the fallen tree in the foothills.
They found Sparky and his young son, who had carrot-colored hair like his father, tightening rope around a previously downed tree and hitching it to the wagon.
“What brings you up here?” Sparky said, with a firm grip on the horse’s bridle. “Don’t suppose you found my cattle.”
“Wish we had good news,” Bob said. “But looks like trouble is trailing some of us.”
“Who?”
John took heed of what he said in front of Sparky’s young son.
“Someone stole my stallion and Victor Oberlander’s prize mare. Have you had any more problems?”
“Not at all.”
John pointed to the tree he and Bob had heard crash against the earth’s floor a few moments before. “Want some help, trimming some of the branches and hooking it up to your wagon?”
Sparky nodded. “I never turn away another pair of arms.”
Bob and John dismounted and walked with Sparky and his son toward the tree. Any other time, he and Bob would be on their way, but John sensed in Sparky what they’d seen all morning—folks needed reassurance that Bob and John were there to establish order. And if calming a family’s fears meant taking time to help a father and son, then so be it.
“Who do you think is behind all the trouble?” Sparky said, his tone hushed while his son walked several feet ahead of them.
“Oh, John and I think Simon Farrar’s brothers are still working the area and possibly the ranch hands from the Wide O who disappeared weeks ago.”
“Makes me wonder if the fellow in custody is the one leading the gang.”
John hadn’t considered another gang leader before. What would it take for Simon to take orders from someone else?
Sparky glanced ahead at his son, who’d stopped in his tracks. “What is it?”
John followed the rancher’s gaze and gripped his rifle. Could be a bear … a wolf … or a man.
“Poppy, the tree fell on a man. He don’t look so good.” The boy swung his attention back to Sparky. “A skunk must have been here too, ‘cause the smell is awful.”
Hours after John had left, sadness still settled like a heavy blanket upon Bert and those she loved. Rowdy had yet to regain full consciousness. Bert thought she understood the grim feelings. Perhaps a person might have a chance to defend himself, but a horse and a dog depended on man to do the caring. At least, that’s the way she felt, as though she were somehow responsible.
She hadn’t thought Clint or Lester could stoop as low as Simon, but their involvement made sense. In the past, she’d been consumed with staying out of Simon’s way. While she avoided her older brother, had she ignored Clint’s and Lester’s decay?
“What do your brothers look like?” Evan said. He’d announced earlier they’d all stay home today and work on last minute tool and building repairs before school started.
Bert questioned the logic of talking about her brothers … But like Simon, they could ride onto the ranch and deceive any of the boys. “Clint’s the shorter one, and he’s not as tall as Mark. He has broad shoulders, and he’s strong. Never says much. Lester took after Simon. He’s thinner, taller.”
Talking about Clint and Lester dredged up old memories, but in forcing herself to relive them, she might think of something that could help the law. “Guess I’ve been stupid thinking they weren’t smart enough to carry on after Simon was gone. But if Simon was riding with someone else, then who? Hard for me to believe Simon would take orders from any man.”
Aaron studied a huge wasp’s nest attached to the stone by Leah and Bert’s bedroom window. “John says a man who breaks the law does so for money or power or both. Which would it be for your brothers?”
Good question. “I never thought about it.”
“Power could mean they break the law to show they can,” Aaron continued. “And that means they get more pleasure out of getting away with something than whatever’s stolen or done.”
Bert recalled her childhood. “We grew up hungry, always wanting food in our bellies. Made my brothers mean and want to fight. Pa said his boys were like lean wolves. They made him proud.” Made me sick.
“But you escaped.” Evan’s voice gave away his longing, and she refused to look at him.
“I could have been just like them. God must have had His hand on my life.” Was God there when Simon … “Simon did the talking and the planning and gave the orders. He got Clint and Lester to do what he wanted by reminding them other folks looked down on us. He said they turned their heads when
we walked by ‘cause we were poor. Laughed at our dirty and torn clothes. He told them he brought self-respect back to the family and took care of them like they deserved.” She paused while the sound of Simon’s voice haunted her. “Odd how they believed him, but I knew he lied.”
“How’s come you’re different?” Davis said.
Goodness, Davis didn’t need to hear this conversation. She tossed her best stern look at the other boys that meant to hush them. She’d seen it from Leah many a time. “I’d like to think God smiled on me and pulled me out of the snake pit.”
“Yep. Me too,” the boy said.
“You’ve just heard grown-up talk,” she said. “Promise me you won’t be telling any of your friends at school about my brothers or what your brothers have said.”
His eyes widened. “No ma’am. I mean, yes, ma’am.”
“Thank you. Your friends will find out about bad men soon enough. You don’t need to be telling them before they’re ready.”
“You sound like Mama.” Mark laughed.
First good thing she’d heard all day. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Maybe you’re practicing for when you and John get married,” Mark said.
Ouch. Evan shouldn’t have heard that.
“Yeah, John may find he has a bossy wife.” Evan laughed, and when she whirled around to see if his words were sincere, she saw a sparkle in his eyes.
Relief swept over her. She smiled at him and brushed the hair from her eyes. She turned toward the wasp nest and where they all were standing. Making her way to Davis’s side, she took his hand and led him away. The boy stood much too close to the nest. “Wait until tonight to knock it down,” Bert said to the two pranksters. “No point in any of us getting stung because you two want to have fun at our expense.”
“See, I told you,” Mark said. “She’s practicing on us for when she’s married. Poor John. He’ll never have a minute of rest.”
She began to laugh, and it felt like all the worries of the day had been lifted. Leah peeked around the front porch, and from the look on her face she’d heard every word. And she was laughing too.
“I have great news,” Leah said. “Rowdy is awake, and he’s acting fine. Of course, he can’t tell us his head hurts. But he’s alive.”
Now if only John were here, so Bert would know he was all right.
CHAPTER 48
Ralph Hanson had been dead for about a week when Sparky McBride’s young son found him. John and Wirt wrapped his body in an old blanket from Mrs. McBride and borrowed a wagon from Sparky to take the body back to town.
John thought about Ralph’s sister. He’d write her a letter tonight and explain the circumstances as delicately as possible and ensure her that Ralph would receive a proper burial. Now he wondered if Oberlander’s other ranch hand was dead too. He and Wirt had combed the area and found nothing. So many questions and no answers.
Sure hated the boy had found the body. John had done the best he could to shelter Davis from the harsh realities of life. He’d be introduced to it soon enough.
One more reason to find out who was behind the crimes in Rocky Falls. A past conversation repeated itself in John’s mind. He tossed it aside, attributing it to sheer absurdity. But the notion still stuck like a tick to a dog’s hide.
A few days after they found Ralph Hanson’s body, Wirt joined the Timmonses for supper. John could read nervousness in a man, and tonight Wirt looked like a hen ready to hatch her eggs. Once supper was over, Wirt cleared his throat. Twice. John figured he’d have some fun and make his future stepfather sweat.
“I’d like a word with you, if you don’t mind,” Wirt said. “Can we take a walk?”
John figured he and Mama had set a date for their weddin', and out of respect, Wirt wanted to make sure John approved. “Sure. Grab your coffee.”
Outside, in the coolness of evening, John walked toward the corral. For a moment he expected Racer to join them. Deep longing coupled with fury bubbled up inside him. Justice would find its way to those who stalked their community.
“Leah and I would like to get married soon,” Wirt said.
“When are you thinking? Tomorrow? Next Sunday?” John chuckled.
“You know how hard this is for me, and you’re not making it any easier.” Wirt laughed too, but it sounded weak. “We’re thinking about Thanksgiving. Sort of fittin'.”
John let the reality of Mama and Wirt marrying sink in. He’d thought about the situation for weeks, and Wirt Zimmerman was a fine man. He’d loved Mama for a long time, and she deserved to be happy. Life had been hard on her after the Civil War, dealing with the move from Virginia to Colorado, mothering five boys, and the problems with Pa’s drinking.
“Wish you’d say something,” Wirt said. “Is the date not agreeable to you?”
John clasped his hand on Wirt’s shoulder. “Nope. The date’s fine. I’m thinking you and Mama make a fine pair. I’m glad for both of you.”
“Good.” The word breathed out like a sigh.
John thought for a minute about his dream to study law. He’d need to toss it aside since Wirt would be busy with his job as a US Marshal. The 5T couldn’t run by itself, even if Mark welcomed the opportunity to show his mettle. He and Ember could build a cabin nearby, leaving Mama and Wirt to their own home.
“I want to make you an offer,” Wirt said.
“I’m listening.”
“I’d like to buy the 5T. I have the cash, and I’d also make sure Aaron, Mark, and Davis received their homestead parcels when they turn eighteen. We could work out the details, put it all in writing, note acreage you’d want to keep for yourself, and I’ll help your brothers with their education. Like you, I believe they should have a stake in it, but I don’t want you to worry about a thing. And Mrs. Felter and her children are fine living in Parker’s cabin. I wouldn’t want to interfere there.”
Shocked best described John, as though a mountain stream had frozen solid in summer. “How are you going to keep your job as a US Marshal and work a ranch?”
“I’m going to resign. You see, I don’t want to put Leah through the worries of another husband working for the law. It’s not fair, and I’ve always wanted a ranch of my own. This may come as a surprise, but I even know how it’s done. Grew up on a ranch.”
Could this be God’s way of clearing a path for him to study law?
“The last thing I want is for you to think I’m trying to take over your ranch. This is an offer, an idea. Because—”
“And a fine one.” John spoke before Wirt could say another word. “I’d welcome the opportunity to put some figures together and see what we can do. I’d want to present it to the other boys. Make sure everyone is in agreement. Until then, I’d rather they not know about our discussion. And let’s hope we don’t lose any more cattle.” He remembered a recent conversation. “Victor Oberlander offered to buy the 5T. But I told him I wasn’t interested. I’d rather keep the land in the family.”
“Are you sure, John? This ranch has been your whole life since you were fourteen years old.”
“Sometimes a man has to move on.”
CHAPTER 49
The following evening, John helped Ember finish the dishes after supper, giving Mama a little rest and his brothers something to snicker about. While Davis showed the rest of the family his lasso trick, John needed to ask Bert a few questions about Simon.
Ember cast her big brown eyes his way. “Now, why did you offer to dry dishes?”
“I wanted to talk.”
“We could have taken a walk once Leah and I were finished.”
“But then you might have been tired or the other boys would want to join us.”
She studied him for a few moments. “This has to do with finding the lawbreakers, right?”
He nodded. “I have a few questions about Simon, because I’m beginning to think he was taking orders from someone else.”
She handed him a wet plate. “Not Simon. He wouldn’t take orders
from anyone.”
“Would he pretend to if enough money was involved?”
She hesitated and tilted her head. “Possibly. What are you thinking?”
“Let me ask you a few questions first, then I’ll explain myself.”
She smiled, and his knees felt like jelly. “But then I want to see Davis lasso a fence post.”
“All right,” he began. “Remember when you said you rode with your brothers up through this area some time back?”
“Yes. It was almost two years ago. Simon had me ride along in case I decided to take off.”
“Do you know why he came to this part of Colorado?”
“He had business with a man here. But I never heard the man’s name.” She handed him another wet plate. “I figured he lied about it.”
John couldn’t get the timeline in his head straight. “Simon must have made a second trip here to steal Oberlander’s mare.”
“Right,” she said. “Sorry I didn’t make myself clear. When I asked him about stealing the horse, he said the owner gave it to him. As if I’d believe him.”
He allowed her final words to sink deep into his mind. “Anything else he might have said that you found unusual?”
She appeared to be thinking through her answer. “Simon always bragged about getting rich and folks respecting him. Honestly, John, I never paid much attention. His bragging got old.”
He brushed a kiss across her cheek. “For sure he won’t bother you again.”
“Right. Now all I’ll have to contend with is you. And I love it.”
He frowned but couldn’t hide the smile. “Don’t forget it either.”
As they returned to the dishes, John couldn’t let go of a gnawing notion.
Will you sing at my wedding?” Leah scrubbed a pair of jeans on the washboard.
