by DiAnn Mills
“Where is your decency? To think you cover what you’ve been doing under the blanket of God’s work.”
Rosie moved away from Lester. “Leave us, Brother Travis. I can take care of myself.”
“Like you did when he beat you the last time?”
“You don’t understand,” she said.
“You’re protecting Sylvia?”
Rosie said nothing, and Travis clearly recognized the power Lester held over her.
“Keep walking,” Lester said. “This is none of your concern.”
“I’m making it mine. The sheriff will learn about this. There are laws to protect the innocent.”
“These girls aren’t innocent, and threatening me only means trouble for you.”
“I don’t see how.”
“Who do you think the town will believe? An established pillar of the church and community who generously gives to others or a new preacher who nobody knows anything about?”
“Rosie can speak for what’s been done.”
“No, she won’t say a word, because she’s tasted my anger. I’m warning you, Preacher, keep out of my business or you’re going to be real sorry.”
“Listen to him,” Rosie said. “Forget about tonight.”
“Won’t you go with me to see the sheriff?” Travis said, incredulous that the young woman refused to seek help from the sheriff.
“No, I can’t. And if you do, I’ll deny it all.”
“Why?”
Lester laughed. “’Cause she’s smarter than you.”
Rosie walked to the back of the house and up the steps. The creak of the door told Travis she’d gone inside.
“You need to learn a lesson,” Lester said. “I’ve warned you long enough.” He took off down the road toward town as another crack of thunder pierced the air.
Travis watched him. In the blackness, the only part of Lester recognizable was his voice—and his arrogance. Lord, what am I supposed to do with him? He can’t get by with what he does, but he picks on weak folks who are afraid of him.
Travis stared up at the second floor of Heaven’s Gate. A faint light from a kerosene lamp shone dimly through a curtain. He vowed to stop Lester, and he didn’t have any problem calling on the Andrews men, the reverend, or the sheriff to do it.
*****
Bonnie said good-bye to Michael Paul and drove the wagon away from the schoolyard. Odd, Miss Scott had not returned Bonnie’s wave this morning. She must have other matters on her mind.
“Are you ready to see Grandma?” she said to Lydia Anne.
“How long are we staying?”
“Not too long. I wanted to invite Grandma and Grandpa to Thanksgiving breakfast as well as dinner.”
“Brother Travis, too?”
Bonnie sensed a little flip in her stomach. Ever since the twister, Lydia Anne thought Brother Travis hung the moon. And Bonnie’s mind tended to drift his way far too many times. Why, he wasn’t the least like Ben, and she really had no idea what he looked like beneath that mountain of hair. He could be one hundred years old, and who would know? Except his beard and hair held very little gray. She’d noticed that—and his light brown eyes with little flecks of gold. Mercy, she was behaving like a schoolgirl.
“Mama, is Brother Travis coming, too?”
“We’ll ask him and Zack.”
Lydia Anne clapped her hands. “Goody.”
At the parsonage, Bonnie helped her daughter down from the wagon and took her hand. Mama and the reverend stood in the backyard, each with a cup of coffee.
“Good morning,” she called.
The reverend waved, and the older couple made their way toward them while Lydia Anne raced to lessen the distance between them. The reverend snatched her up and swung her into his arms.
“Reverend, she’s getting too big for you to lift.”
“I’m old,” he said, “not weak.”
Bonnie turned her attention to her mother. Added lines to her face told of troublesome matters.
“What’s wrong? Are you ill?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“You’re pale. Bad news?”
Mama peered at the reverend. He cleared his throat. “Best tell her, Jocelyn. She needs to hear it from us, not from someone else.”
Irritation threatened to rob Bonnie of her festive mood. “Simply tell me.”
The reverend planted a kiss on Lydia Anne’s cheek. “How about a biscuit and honey?” In the next instant, the two disappeared into the house.
“Please tell me what is going on?” Bonnie said.
“It’s ugly.” Mama’s tone startled her.
“Gossip or truth?”
“Gossip for sure.”
“Then tell me, Mama.”
The older woman’s face hardened. “You know I despise folks who try to pass lies off as gospel truth.”
Bonnie nodded. “Must be a story from a church member.”
“Sylvia came by early this morning with a story about you and Brother Travis.”
Bonnie shivered. She could only imagine what Mama’d been told. “What kind of a story?” Lester’s threats blared across her mind.
“She said one of the girls from Heaven’s Gate saw you two together—in an embrace.”
“When? How? Which one of the girls? You know that came from Lester. He put her up to it. I’m sure of it.”
“I agree, Bonnie. But Sylvia said Lester is taking this information to the deacons, Jenny—”
“She won’t believe a word of it.”
“Of course not, but the deacons might. But it doesn’t matter whether they do or not. The information will discredit you and Brother Travis in the church and community.”
Bonnie covered her face. “There’s more to the story, Mama. Much more.”
“Do you want to tell me?”
In the morning stillness, with the scent of Thanksgiving in the air, Bonnie confessed her past problem with the wine that Lester supplied, his attempt to bully her when she stopped his gifts, and his visits to the Morning Star without Sylvia. Then she told her mother what happened with Morgan during the pouring rain.
“Why does he persist?” Mama said.
“I’m not sure, but I have an idea.” Bonnie dabbed the perspiration on her forehead, and it wasn’t even warm.
“I do too.”
Bonnie’s gaze flew to Mama’s face.
“You’re a beautiful woman, and he has a roving eye.”
“I thought he might still be upset because Ben refused to sell the ranch.” Bonnie closed her eyes. In an instant, the many times Lester continued to bring the bottles even after she’d asked him to stop flashed across her mind. “Sylvia is the most precious woman I know.”
“Is this why you haven’t told her of your indiscretion? Don’t you think she’s an intelligent woman who knows what Lester is doing?”
“I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. Then why wouldn’t she confront him about his actions?”
“I think she simply loves him. How did Lester threaten you?”
“He said the information would destroy my entire family’s fine reputation.”
“Hogwash. We’ve stood against this town with worse.”
“What can I do to stop Lester?”
“Probably nothing until he breaks the law. Some folks are going to believe him, and others will ignore the gossip. Perhaps a talk with Jenny and Grant is in order.”
Bonnie nodded. “That makes sense since she built Heaven’s Gate. She and Grant had a tough time with gossip long before they were married. They’ll understand.”
“My point. Remember Lester was more than involved with that gossip, too. If you want to take care of a few things this morning, I’ll keep Lydia Anne w
ith me.”
“But tomorrow’s Thanksgiving.”
“I’m sure Juanita has everything under control, and Casey and Jenny are bringing food.”
“All right. I’ll go see Jenny and Grant now, then Morgan.”
“Make sure your older brother keeps his temper in check. The town may be better off without Lester, but let’s not have Morgan handle him.”
Bonnie smiled. “I’ll reason with him. I hope.”
A short time later, Bonnie sat in Grant’s office with him and Jenny. She described the recent events, including her problem with Lester supplying her with wine. “Before the day is finished, I’ll tell Morgan the truth, too.” She waited for one of them to speak.
“He wants you dependent on him,” Grant said. “I’ve seen Lester in action. However, I thought after Martha left town with his boys that he might have changed. I mean, he’s built an orphanage, and he’s the first to contribute to worthy causes.”
“I’m going to talk to the girls at Heaven’s Gate,” Bonnie said. “What could he have done to persuade one of them to lie?”
“I have no idea, but I’ll try to find out,” Jenny said.
“We’ll find out together,” Grant said. “Lester may think he’s bought this town with Sylvia’s money, but some of us can’t be bought.”
“Grant, what do you mean, ‘Sylvia’s money’?” Bonnie said.
“Lester wouldn’t have a wooden nickel without her, which could be why he didn’t follow Martha. If there’s one thing in this world I hate, it’s wagging tongues, and I need to shut my mouth before I’m guilty of the same thing.” He blew out an exasperated sigh. “Let’s go see Morgan and get his opinion about all of this.”
He took Jenny’s hand. “Depending on how many patients I have, we’ll head over to Heaven’s Gate when I return. I’ll be back shortly. Don’t you dare go near there until I return, Mrs. Andrews.”
Jenny nodded. “Yes, Doctor. I’ll do as you ask.”
*****
“Lester sure is giving us good reason to run him out of town,” Morgan said. “I nearly flattened him a week ago when he accused Bonnie and Brother Travis of the same thing.”
“Shall we go see our favorite banker?” Grant said.
“Ah, I don’t think so. That may be exactly what he wants, and I don’t relish the thought of playing into his hand. Which one of the residents of Heaven’s Gate made the accusation?”
Bonnie’s mind focused on each young woman. She’d established a relationship with all of them—and she thought they were close. “I have no idea. All three appear devoted to God, Sylvia, and living upright lives.”
“Jenny and I are headed over there to find out as soon as I have a break from patients. I don’t want her going over there alone.” Grant stood and paced the floor of his brother’s law office. “What does Lester really want?”
Morgan glanced at his brother and then at Bonnie. “It could be as simple as our little sister, the ranch . . . or to destroy all of us.”
“But why?” Bonnie said. “Sometimes I think he has a sickness when it comes to . . .”
“Say it, Bonnie. We’re your brothers,” Morgan said.
“All right. I think he has a problem with being faithful to Sylvia.”
“He’s already proved his unfaithfulness,” Grant said. “It doesn’t help the situation that I delivered his illegitimate sons and persuaded Martha to talk to Morgan about starting a new life away from Kahlerville.”
“And I refused to tell him where she moved,” Morgan said. “Which leads me back to the idea that he may want to destroy all of us. Most folks in this town let him have his way because he’s the banker. But we don’t.”
“And neither does Brother Travis,” Bonnie added.
Grant continued to pace the floor. “I wonder how he feels about the gossip.”
“Maybe he doesn’t know,” Bonnie said. “He spends most of his mornings with Zack.”
Morgan stood from his chair. “Let’s go pay him a call.”
A short while later, the three sat at Travis’s kitchen table. Bonnie sent Zack to the parsonage to fetch Lydia Anne and the wagon.
“Lester threatened to spread that rumor,” Travis said. “I caught him red-handed doing something no law-abiding, godly man should do, and he ordered me to stay out of his business. I’m real sorry, Bonnie.” If she hadn’t been there, he might have stated what he saw happen between Rosie and Lester.
“He threatened me with the same. We’ve come to the conclusion that Lester is more put out with the three of us than you,” she said. “I think you got in his way when you refused to follow his orders.”
Travis shrugged. “We’ve had our share of disagreements about different matters. Last night was the worst. And,” he hesitated, “I’m not surprised with this at all.”
“What do you want done about it?” Morgan said.
“Church discipline is the first step.” Travis shook his head as though frustration was about to get the best of him. “Of course, since he has a witness to his accusations, he may already have that lined up for me instead.”
All too soon, Zack returned with Lydia Anne. Nothing had been resolved. No definite steps to be taken.
“I know tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and all the family will be celebrating at the Morning Star, but whatever you decide, please tell me then.” Bonnie said. “I’m not too proud to say that I’m concerned about his next move.” She gathered up Lydia Anne, kissed her sweet son, and drove home with a heavy heart.
Chapter 22
Travis glanced up at Zack. “I need to send you on an errand so I can talk to your uncles.”
“This must be about Lester Hillman.” Zack dipped the ladle in the water bucket and drank deeply. “I’d like to listen.”
“I understand,” Travis said. “But I’d rather talk freely and not involve you. You’re real close to being a man, but these are serious matters.”
Zack nodded. “Grandma was baking pecan pies for tomorrow. I’ll go see if she needs a little company.”
Once he disappeared, Travis thought through what he’d experienced with Lester and the questions on his mind.
“I’m amazed at the change in Zack,” Morgan said. “You will always have my gratitude.”
“Thank the Lord for what He’s done, not me,” Travis said. “I had no training for dealing with him. However, he is a fine boy.”
“Guess we don’t need to be looking for a military school,” Grant said. “And I told him he’s welcome at my house anytime.”
“We’ve been talking about his future, what the Lord wants for his life and his talents. Zack’s doing fine, real fine. He likes ranching, but he’d like to go to college first. He even talked about being a doctor or a lawyer. Then he said he wanted to be his own man.”
The brothers laughed. They all understood the strange workings of a young man’s heart and mind.
Travis took a breath and forged ahead. “I’d like to have a conversation with you that can’t go any further than right here.”
Morgan smiled. “I have many of those conversations.”
Grant chuckled. “So do I.”
“I want to know all about Lester and Sylvia Hillman. I’ve heard bits and pieces already, but since I’m being accused of behaving improperly with your sister, I want to know what I’m fighting.”
Morgan rubbed his palms together. “Do you have information of your own to tell us?”
“Yes, but I need to state what’s on my mind first. Lester’s a proud man who is fond of being the largest contributor to the church. Most folks think he’s a saint because he gives to so many good causes, but I question the reasons why he puts up such an outstanding front. Zack doesn’t like Lester, and he has good reasons not to. I need the truth about him before I tell you what I’ve seen and
heard.”
“Go ahead, little brother,” Morgan said. “You know more about the whole situation than the rest of us.”
Grant appeared to deliberate the request. He stood from the chair and paced across the room, opened the curtain, and stared out into the street. Finally he turned around. “I’m not one to gossip. Despise it. Y’all know that. So what I’m about to tell you is the truth, just like you asked.”
“I feel the same way. I don’t hold any stock in hearsay.” Travis hoped and prayed what he’d experienced last night with Lester could somehow be explained away.
“Before Heaven’s Gate was built, a brothel stood there. Lester and the woman who owned it were involved for several years. I had firsthand knowledge about their relationship because they had two sons together. I delivered them but kept my mouth shut until a few things happened here in town, and I confided in Ben Kahler, who was sheriff at the time. Through a series of unfortunate incidents, Sylvia found out about Lester and his relationship with the brothel’s owner, but she didn’t leave him. Shortly afterward, the brothel burned to the ground.” He held up his hand. “I know what you’re thinking. Sylvia didn’t set it on fire—a scoundrel managed that all by himself. The mother of Lester’s sons left town, and Sylvia and Lester supposedly worked out their problems. He got back into church and has been a model citizen ever since—despite his past. Our town is a forgiving community. Many fine folks. You already know that Sylvia works tirelessly at Heaven’s Gate, a good, good woman. Lester does quite a bit of work there, too, but mostly he tries to find work for the girls and contributes money to keep it running. In the beginning, there were six young women. The other three moved away from town.”
“You’ve confirmed one thing I believe—Sylvia must love Lester more than I could imagine,” Travis said. “Or she loves God more and would not consider breaking her marriage vows.”
“Probably both.” Grant eyed him curiously. “Has Zack given a reason why he dislikes Lester?”
“He’s made a few comments. One of which puzzles me. He said everybody thought Lester was a fine church man, but there were things about him that folks were afraid to say. Later he said he didn’t like the way Lester looked at his mother.” Travis stopped. “Zack knew about Lester supplying his mother with wine.”
