Rosalinda looked out toward the wagon where Callie sat straight and rigid on the bench. “Ma’am you have my sincere sympathy because you have to live with this faker.”
“You having some trouble here, Rosalinda?” Juan came up behind his wife.
“Just sending these people along their way. They’re the ones Mr. Wyatt warned us about.”
“In that case…” Juan turned toward Hezekiah. “If my wife told you to move along, I suggest you do it.”
“Now, mister, you look like a reasonable man. I think you’ll let us rest here until the others get back.”
“No, sir, I won’t let you rest here. If you want to get in your wagon and ride out about five miles, I can’t prevent you from sitting there, but you’re on Singleton land here and you’re not welcome to stay. Only Mr. Singleton or Mrs. Singleton have the authority to invite you to stay here.”
“What about Miss Reeson? I hear the woman is in mortal need of prayer to save her soul to keep her from passing into hell. I want to pray with her.”
“Again, you can’t. Now leave.”
“You heard my husband. Get along.”
When Hezekiah didn’t move, Juan looked at Rosalinda. “I’ll get my gun. I bet he’ll shut his mouth and get along then.”
Hezekiah stuck out his chest. “You’re all going to be sorry. God will deal with you. He’ll never let people who turn their back on His disciple be shunned and ridiculed the way you’ve done.”
“My God will protect this household and me.” Juan met the man eye to eye.
“How do you know God?”
“I’ve gone to church all my life. So has my wife.”
“Some people in churches aren’t saved. Where do you go?”
“It’s none of your business, but we attend the Chapel of the Good Shepard.”
“Oh, Lord. You’re Catholic. That’s worse than the unsaved. You worship idols.” Without another word, Hezekiah whirled round and down the steps. “Let’s get out of here, Callie. I had a vision. God is going to rain down his destruction on this place soon. He told me to leave in a hurry.”
“You better leave before I call the priest to do an exorcism on you.” Juan almost smiled.
Rosalinda shook her head and laughed quietly. “Juan, I can’t believe you said that.”
“Well, he needed some kind of threat. He’s handed out enough of them.”
“I know. Have you ever heard a man spew such mean words before?”
“No, I haven’t. I’m glad he came when the Singletons were gone. I’d hate for Miz Edwina to be exposed to this man’s hate now that she’s happy.”
“To be raised by such despicable people, it’s a miracle she turned out to be the sweet, wonderful, gentle lady she is.”
“Come on, Rosalinda. Don’t fret about them. They’re not worth wasting time thinking about.”
“I wholeheartedly agree, Juan.” She turned to go inside. “I just made some fresh coffee for Mrs. Reeson. How would you like to snatch a cup?”
“Let’s hurry and get it. I’d like some of the good coffee my wife makes before hail and brimstone begin to fall on this place.” Juan reached out and patted Rosalinda’s behind as he followed her.
“Juan Garcia, behave yourself,” she said as she giggled.
* * * *
“Well, Wyatt. What are you doing back so soon?” Ben looked up as his son came into the private room at the hotel where the poker game was always held.
“Thought I’d check on you fellows,” he said and headed toward the table where Ben was playing cards with his friends.
“Where’s Edwina and Adam?”
“Edwina and I ran into Lucy Davie and Miss Sprinkle at Anderson’s General Store and I left Oleen and Lucy talking baby talk to Adam. Miss Sprinkle said she’d love to make Edwina some dresses and I suggested she go with the woman and have a few made. I think Mrs. Davie was going with them.”
“Oleen would have gone if I wasn’t here with you fellows taking my money.” Jerome Anderson laughed.
“Well, you sure take enough of ours at that store of yours,” Sol Bohannan, the feed store owner, said and they all laughed.
“I’m sorry Lucy went with your wife, Wyatt. If anybody knows about getting dresses made, it’s Lucy and knowing her, she may order one for herself,” Yancy Davie, the mayor, said. “Nothing goes on around here that she doesn’t have to have a new dress for.”
“Women always want to have pretty new dresses. I guess they think it makes them look better,” Sol Bohannan said. “’Course Bessie could lose a few pounds. I think she has to have so many because the ones she already have get too tight on her.”
“I figured the way you make her work throwing around all those bales of hay at your feed store, she wouldn’t have a weight problem,” Yancy said.
“She don’t do much work at the store anymore. Garson’s old enough to run things now and Clem Dockery’s always at work. Gives me a chance to meet you fellows here occasionally.” Sol shuffled the cards.
“Want to sit in on this, Wyatt?” Paul Marlow, the hotel owner spoke up.
“Might as well.” Wyatt pulled out a chair and sat beside Paul.
“Since I don’t get into town often nowadays, how about you fellows catching me up on the gossip.” Ben looked around at his friends.
“Since Wyatt put a stop to that rumor Thourgood Reeson was spreading about Mrs. Singleton, and it’s died down, not much has gone on that I know of. We’re a pretty quite place.” Jerome looked at his cards.
“Yeah.” Paul fanned out his cards and frowned. “Speaking of Thourgood, he and Graham Calhoun were in here last night arguing about something. Don’t know what it was.”
“Reeson may be having a little financial trouble. He kind of overdid it when he put out all the money to finance a horse breeding ranch for his niece’s husband down in Texas. He thought he was going to get rich, but I knew right away a tenderfoot didn’t know a thing about breeding horses.” The mayor looked at his cards and said, “I’ll take two.”
“That’s a fact. When Mildred was in the store the other week, she said they’d done given up on that deal and the dandy had abandoned the ranch and taken their niece back to Philadelphia with him.” Jerome tossed a card on the table. “Give me one.”
“I also heard he’d been gambling a lot more lately,” Paul said.
“I heard something about that, too,” Sol added.
“By the way, Wyatt,” Yancy said. “I heard Reeson’s daughter was at your place. It was a shame about her getting hurt like that.”
“She’ll be going home as soon as the doctor thinks she can be moved.” Wyatt looked at his cards.
“We all thought you’d end up married to that gal,” Paul said.
“Never was a chance of that.”
“She sure is a pretty one and we knew how you liked pretty women.” Paul laughed. “Of course, you came out with one much prettier than Cora Sue.”
“Thank you. I think she is, too.” Wyatt laid down two cards. “I’ll take two.”
“Now, Son, don’t bet the ranch. I know how you play poker. Give me one, Sol.”
Sol dealt a card to Ben. “Dealer takes two.” He gave himself two cards and anted up.
“How is the Reeson girl, Ben?” Jerome asked.
“She’s in a bad way. Somebody did a number on her with their fist and a knife.”
Sol frowned. “That’s bad. I figured she was shot.”
“No. She was beaten and according to the doctor, the bastard cut up her pretty face and body awfully bad.” Ben studied his cards.
“That’s terrible. I’m sure she’ll be upset if it leaves scars,” Yancy said.
“How about Palmer?” Paul asked.
“We were told he was shot,” Wyatt explained.
“I hear he was shot in the head.” Yancy put his chips in the pile. “Me and Lucy went to see his folks last night and they’re sure taking it hard. The funeral’s tomorrow.”
“Does Jeff have any
clues?” Wyatt asked.
“Not that I know of. Any of you folks heard anything?” Paul threw his cards down. “I’m out.”
They all shook their heads.
“Speak of the devil and he pops up.” Yancy laughed as Sheriff Jeff Bodger walked in.
“Hello, fellows.” He grinned. “I guess it pays to wear a badge. Your wife let me right in.”
They greeted him, but he declined their offer to join them. “I thought I saw Wyatt come in the hotel, but when I didn’t find him in the dinning room, I figured I’d find him losing his money in your special gambling room.”
“I take it my gambling luck’s well known around this town.” Wyatt laughed.
“It sure is, Son.”
“Well, if you fellows can carry on without him, I need to steal him away for a few minutes.”
“Sure. I’m going to drop out anyway. As usual, I didn’t get a thing to bet on.” Wyatt threw his cards on the table and stood.
“Does this have anything to do with the Palmer killing, Jeff?” Yancy asked.
“I’m afraid not. Vera wanted me to set up a time with Wyatt for us to get together with him and his wife.”
“Edwina’s at the dress shop. Why don’t we mosey down there? Maybe she’s finished.”
“Don’t count on that, Wyatt,” Sol said. “When women get around dresses, you have to pry them away.”
“You may be right.” He nodded to the other men and turned to his father. “I’ll be back in a while.”
“I’ll be right here testing my luck.”
“Just don’t gamble away Adam’s inheritance.”
They all laughed as Wyatt and Jeff went out the door.
Chapter 30
“I know you didn’t get me out of there to talk about a visit, Jeff Bodger. What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure, but I need you to come to the office where we can talk privately.”
They headed down the plank sidewalk.
“Look at that.” Jeff indicated the bank at the end of the street. “Seems like every time I come outside I see Thourgood Reeson coming out of or going into the bank.”
“One of the men at the game said something about him being in some financial trouble. Maybe he’s trying to get loans or something.”
“Could be,” Jeff muttered, but didn’t elaborate. “I’m surprised he’s not at your ranch with his daughter.”
“He was, but I asked him to leave.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. All he wanted to do was harp on how Edwina’s uncle had proof she and I aren’t married.”
“Well, you are, aren’t you?”
“Of course, we are. I have the certificate to prove it.” Wyatt avoided Jeff’s eyes by looking ahead.
Jeff nodded. “There’s something else, Wyatt.”
“What’s that?”
“I think your former step-mother is in town.”
“What?” Wyatt was shocked. “You’ve seen Roxy?”
“I won’t swear to it, but I’m almost positive I saw her go into the bank yesterday.”
“Damn, I hope you’re wrong.”
“Maybe I am, but I thought I’d mention it, just in case.”
“I’m glad you did. I can now be prepared if the bitch shows up at the ranch.”
“I figured you’d want to know.” Jeff changed the subject. “Edwina’s uncle is in town, isn’t he?”
“He’s staying at the Reeson place. I guess he’s been spewing his poison to them and Thourgood believes him.”
“What about Mrs. Reeson and Cora Sue? Do they believe him?”
“I think Mrs. Reeson knows I’m a married man. I have no idea what Cora Sue thinks.”
They reached the jail and Jeff unlocked the door. Wyatt followed him inside.
“Now, Jeff, what’s all this secrecy?” Wyatt pushed his hat back and took the chair in front of Jeff’s desk.
Jeff sat behind the desk, opened a drawer and took out a flyer. “I want you to take a look at this.”
Wyatt took it and frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Didn’t you say there was a homesteader on your place?”
“There was. Terrence Kerr and his family.”
“Did you read the flyer?”
“No, but you’ve got me curious.” Wyatt began to read. As he worked down the page, his frown grew deeper. Finishing, he looked at Jeff. “So there’s a family going from ranch to ranch setting up homesteads, then getting a large amount of money from the landowner to move on. Do you think this refers to the Kerrs?”
“I have no idea, but I thought you should know about it.”
“This says somebody’s behind the family. If so, they’d have to know about my ranch and the way I use the north pasture.”
“At least this will give you something to look into.” Jeff put the paper back in his desk. “If you can determine whether or not they’re the ones, let me know. Haven’t ever had women and children in my jail.”
“I can’t believe the Kerrs would be a part of this. He’s working hard to pay me back for letting them live in one of my line shacks.”
“That does present a dilemma, doesn’t it?”
“As if I didn’t have enough to keep me busy.” Wyatt laughed. “By the way, come on Saturday for supper. I’m sure the Reesons will be gone by then.”
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t come. I’m sure Vera’ll agree. She says Rosalinda is one of the best cooks in New Mexico.”
“I agree with Vera.”
Wyatt hurried to Miss Sprinkle’s dress shop as soon as he left Jeff’s office. It was time to round up his family and head home. After mentioning Rosalinda’s cooking, he realized he was getting a little hungry. If they hurried they could make it home in time for supper.
* * * *
Mildred walked to the window in the downstairs bedroom of the Singleton Ranch. She looked across the well-maintained lawn to the road which circled in front of the Spanish style house. She could understand why Thourgood wanted Cora Sue to marry Wyatt and be mistress of all this, but if the two of them weren’t in love it didn’t matter. Besides, Asia seemed to be a wonderful man. He would make Cora Sue happy if…no, she wouldn’t let her mind even imagine that Cora Sue wasn’t going to get well and be the daughter she’d always been. Though Thourgood had spoiled her and demanded she do things his way, she was still a loving daughter to both her parents.
Thinking of Thourgood made Mildred wonder if he was coming back today. He really shouldn’t have upset Wyatt Singleton. After all, the man had opened his home to their injured daughter and Mrs. Singleton had been nothing but kind and generous to them. Mildred was sure when this was over she and Cora Sue could be friends with Edwina Singleton. And Adam was a precious child. Even Mr. Ben Singleton had been more than accommodating, and he and Thourgood had often locked horns over the years.
A moan came from the bed and drew Mildred’s attention. She rushed to her daughter.
Cora Sue continued to moan and groan. It was the first time she’d made a sound, but Mildred could tell the girl was in pain.
She turned to the medicine the doctor left. She wondered if she would be able to get a spoonful in Cora Sue without spilling it. She was about to try when there was a light tap on the door.
“Come in.”
Edwina opened the door. “Mrs. Reeson, we’re about to have supper and I’d like to invite you to eat with us.”
“Oh, thank you, but Cora Sue is beginning to make moaning sounds. I think she’s in pain.”
“I’m sorry. Could I help you in anyway?”
“If you would. I need to give her some medicine, but I’m afraid I can’t do it by myself.”
Edwina crossed the room. “What do you want me to do?”
“I’ll hold her head up if you’ll see you can get a spoonful of it in her mouth.”
Edwina took the spoon and filled it with the medicine. As soon as Mildred had Cora Sue’s head up, she slipped the liquid inside. She noticed when the wo
man automatically swallowed. “I’m sure she got it all.” Edwina put the spoon down and smiled at Mildred.
“I hope this is a good sign. It’s the first time I’ve heard her make a sound.”
“I’m sure it is.” Edwina watched as Mildred smoothed the cover back around her daughter. “Now that she seems to be easing off, will you please come eat with us? I know you’ve only snacked since you’ve been here.”
“I don’t want to leave her, but I do thank you.”
“I knew you wouldn’t want to leave Cora Sue alone so I asked Dena to come sit with her. She’s very dependable. I’m sure she’ll come get you if your daughter wakes up.”
“Excuse me. Did you send for me to sit with Miss Reeson, Mrs. Singleton?” Dena said from the door.
“Yes, Dena.” Edwina looked at Mildred.
“All right. I’ll go eat with you if Dena will promise to get me if there’s any change in Cora Sue.”
“Oh, yes, ma’am. I’ll get you right away.”
Edwina and Mildred left the room.
“I’m sure Cora Sue would want you to take care of yourself, Mrs. Reeson.”
“You’re right, Mrs. Singleton. She would.”
“I’d like for you to call me Edwina.”
“I will if you return the favor and call me Mildred.”
“But—”
“No argument. It’s only fair.”
“All Right, Mildred it is.”
Wyatt stood, came around the table and handed Adam to Edwina. “I’m glad you decided to join us, Mrs. Reeson.”
“Wyatt, I told Edwina to call me Mildred. I hope you’ll do the same.”
“I’d be happy to.” He took her arm and led her to the left side of the table. He pulled out a chair and she slipped into it.
“I’m glad to have you eat with us, too, Mildred,” Ben said. “It’s always nice to have another pretty woman at the table.”
Mildred blushed. “Thank you, Ben.”
Edwina put Adam in the chair beside her, which was to the right of Wyatt’s place. Adam looked up at her and said, “Ma-ma.”
“Yes, darling.”
When Wyatt came up behind her and held her chair, Adam reached up his hand and said, “Da.”
“Yes, Son, it’s Daddy.” He ruffled Adam’s hair. “Now, we’re all going to eat supper. Is that all right with you?”
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