Damaged Hearts

by Angel Wolfe

  “I’ll meet you there then.” She clicked to her horse and kicked him lightly taking off slowly in the direction of the bakery. She rode at a sedate pace enjoying the morning sun for the first time in what seemed like forever. As she turned Dusty down Glory Lane, she could see Lucifer, Warlock and Star all tied to the posts out in front. As she guided GoldDust to the post next to Star, Rick stepped out of the bakery and walked up to the horse to help her down.

  “You better mind your manners better today horse.” Rick threatened with a laugh. “Your mistress needs help that you can’t give her unless you’re going to kneel down.”

  Kat accepted Rick’s help with a grin. “Remind me later to show you what he can do given the opportunity. Believe it or not, he does kneel down on request. I just haven’t thought to ask him here lately.”

  “You can show me after you’re feeling better; how about we go inside and have a little coffee while we discuss everything that’s going on?” Rick replied as he looped an arm over her shoulder and pulled her against his side.

  They went inside and as Kat looked around, she noticed the bakery was pretty well packed. Both of her brothers were there as well as Angel, Matt, Mr. Jamison, her attorney Jacob Weatherby, James, Willie, and of course Ruby, the owner of the bakery.

  “Who’s guarding the jail?” She asked, worried about the possibility of Henry Fairchild escaping. “I hope you have at least two men on him.”

  “Jack showed up this morning and between he and old Doc Applewhite; I think we’re good.” Edward spoke up. “We have him locked in and there really shouldn’t be any worry of him getting out any time soon.”

  “He’s a lot more wily then I think any of you realize.” Kat stated. “About the time you think he’s complacent, that’s when he’ll make his move. Do me a favor, keep at least three experienced men on him. I don’t want to run the risk of him on the loose again.”

  Looking worriedly at Kaitlyn “We’ll send someone back over there to help them out then Honey; I know you’re concerned, and with reason.” Rick told her soothingly. “Willie, would you mind hanging out over there for a few hours? After our meeting, we will bring you up to date then we have a couple weddings to get ready for.”

  “No problem Mr. Jamison. I don’t trust him either after spending last night listening to him.” Willie replied as he headed towards the door.

  “Ok Hun, we have that covered now so let’s get on with our meeting so we can get to our wedding.” He said as he kissed the top of her head. “Ruby, can we get some coffee with lots of cream for Kaitlyn?”

  “Of course; one coffee with lots of cream coming up.” Ruby repeated as she came out from behind the counter carrying a cup, a pot of coffee and a small pitcher of cream. “Here you are Miss Kat. Anyone need a warm up or another cup?” She asked looking around for confirmations.

  “I could use a bit more please ma’am.” Charley said, looking at her closely as she poured him another cup, and liking what he saw. “You make a pretty good cup if you don’t mind me saying so.”

  “Ok everyone” Rick said effectively silencing the room. “We are all assembled here to decide what we should do about the previous sheriff of La Plata County. Everyone knows something, if not a lot about what he has done. Cattle rustling alone is a hanging offense; the man has done that and much, much more.”

  “I say we hang him.” Matt spoke up. “I know I’m not the judge here but the man has done a lot of things that make hanging seem like the best way to go.”

  “We just got back to town but his activities began way before we ever left.” Mark added. “He is not the kind of person that any town would want to have around. If he were to leave here, some other place would have a menace to deal with.”

  “I agree.” Charley said. “We have to think of women and children everywhere; not just here. Too many people have already paid the price for his life going on for this long.”

  “Before we continue further, is anyone against the hanging of this man?” Judge Jamison asked, looking everyone in the eye.”

  “I’m sorry Kat.” Marie’s soft voice came from the doorway. “He’s still my father and no matter what he’s done, I still have to speak in his defense.”

  “Why would you defend him Marie?” Kat asked sharply. “He not only made my life hell, but he also attempted to use your best friend as a shield to escape justice.”

  “I know what he’s done but I also know him as a loving father. He met all my needs all my life.” Marie stressed. “He’s never been anything but a father to me.”

  “Well Marie, at least one of us had that luxury huh.” Kat scowled. “While you were having a wonderful time living out your life, I was scraping by trying to do everything I could to keep my head above ground and counter-act all that he did to try to make me fail. Keep in mind though that while he not only shot my mother in the head years after he raped her, he was also attempting to ruin me when he was my father too. What kind of man is that?”

  “I don’t care. He’s still my father and I love him.” Marie said stubbornly. “What would you do if it was your father?” She asked looking around the room.

  “I’m not sure.” Charley answered. “He killed my father so I never had a chance to spend a lot of time with him like you did yours.”

  “Don’t look to me for help, Charley and I shared a father until yours killed him.” Mark said almost as savagely as Kat had acted earlier.

  “Marie, I’m very sorry you have to go through all of this.” Matt started. “But our father wouldn’t do something like that either. Like your father, he is part of the law in this territory but he hasn’t used it to ruin people, take lives, and make life hell for others.”

  “James, you haven’t had a single word to say since you got here; what do you think?” Edward asked.

  “Sir, after only seeing part of the hell that Kat went through; I’d say that if you don’t hold a hearing where the jury finds him guilty then I’ll make sure he’s out of the way myself”. He answered quietly. “This girl offered Frank and me a new life even though we were involved in the theft of her cattle. She looked past our current situation and into our hearts. After everything she has been though, she hasn’t turned bitter. Since she brought us into her home, she has become like a daughter to me.”

  “I’m sorry Marie but after all he has done, I can’t see a way to spare your father.” Edward told her gently. “He has done too many bad things to make us think he’s anything but bad.”

  “Doesn’t it matter that he’s my father?” Marie sobbed. “Doesn’t it matter that I’ll be left alone in the world with him gone? My mother passed away when I was born and I have no other family.”

  “Pardon me for saying so Miss Marie, but Kat didn’t have a mother or a father at home to see after her well-being and she made it through just fine.” Frank interrupted. “And she didn’t have no man back then to watch out for her either; she did it all on her own.”

  “Oh Frank, what do you know about how she lived?” Marie asked sagely. “You weren’t around her all the time back then so how would you know what she did to survive?”

  “I used to see her in town Miss Marie. When I did, she was always nice when everyone else was rude or pretended they didn’t see me.” Frank replied quietly. “Every time I saw her, she was always very busy and seemed very intent on making a living by selling or trading some form of goods whether it was food, horses, cattle or skins. She never acted like she was too good for anything.”

  “So because she was nice to you when no one else was and she was always selling and trading stuff; that makes her a paragon of virtue?” Marie asked almost in a screech. “She was nice to you when you saw her in town and then she gave you a job after you stole her cattle. I think that makes her stupid, not well off.”

  “Enough!” Rick shouted. “This arguing isn’t going to get us anywhere. Dad, my thoughts on the matter are; get your jury together and let’s get this over with. Marie, I’m sorry but I can’t have Kaitlyn look
ing over her shoulder for the rest of her life wondering what’s coming next. After two separate incidents, I can’t see that the man has even a slim possibility of hope that he could change. I vote we hang him.” He said as he turned away, grabbed Kaitlyn’s hand and walked out of the bakery with her in tow.

  “Wait just a second Rick. Angel and I are supposed to meet Aunt Josie at the dress shop after the meeting. As much as I’d love to spend the day with you, I can’t see that happening with all that we have to get done before 7:00.” Kat protested. Turning back towards the bakery, she stuck her head inside “Angel, please hurry if you would. I have a surprise for our wedding that we need to show you.”

  Edward looked at Angel. “Well, what are your thoughts on the matter? I’ve heard from pretty much everyone but you and Kat’s attorney.”

  “My honest opinion sir matches everyone else’s. After all that he has done to make our life hell, I feel he should be hung so he can’t ruin other people’s lives too.” Angel replied. “Now, if it’s ok I’d like to go get ready to be married.”

  “Run along girl.” Judge Jamison said with a partial grin. “Jacob, I realize Kat was your first client but being an attorney what do you think of the matter?”

  “Your honor, in this tablet I have compiled an entire list of grievances. If at all possible, I would like to opportunity to bring suit against Mr. Fairchild. I think between the losses he has caused and the crimes he has committed, he deserves much worse than hanging.” The attorney replied. “Sell off his assets and split it up amongst his victims.”

  “Is there nothing I can do then?” Marie wailed. “I don’t want to be left alone with no one else in the world to care whether I’m alive or dead. How about you Mr. Weatherby, can I hire you to defend my father?”

  “I’m sorry Miss Fairchild but I already work for Miss Carson.” He shook his head sadly. “It would be a conflict of interest to work for both the prosecutor and the defendant.”

  “Who can I hire? There has to be another attorney in this stupid town. Judge Jamison, who are the defense attorneys that have gone before you? There just has to be someone I can hire.” Marie said desperately.

  “Marie even if there was a good defense attorney I could suggest, you wouldn’t have any way to pay them. Attorneys cost quite a bit of money and right now it seems like that’s one commodity that is in short supply for you.” Edward told her not unkindly.

  “Well sir, if you’re done with us I think I’ll head on out to the land office and see about finding a place to settle in.” Mark said. “You coming Charley?”

  “I’ll be along later Mark. I think I’ll help Ruby straighten up in here since there are those two wedding cakes that need to be made.” The younger Carson brother replied.

  “Alright. Take your time.” Mark told him looking back and forth between Charlie and Ruby. If he wasn’t mistaken, he could see the sparks flying even though they had just met.

  “I’ll head that way with you if you don’t mind Son.” James said coming to his feet. “I need to talk to them about finding a couple acres of land myself if I plan on sticking around to see my grandchildren.”

  “I think I’ll get over to the office and see about building my case for…” Jacob stopped and looked at Edward. “What day do you plan on holding the trial your Honor? I know both of your sons are to be married this evening and no one would want to have a hanging on their wedding day; but when do you want to hold the trial? How long do you think it will take to select a jury?”

  “I’m thinking that since this is Saturday, if we have the weddings tonight, we can begin jury selections Monday and have the hearing start the end of the week or the first part of next week.” Judge Jamison said thoughtfully. “Will that give you time to prepare your case?”

  “His case?” Marie exclaimed. “What about my father’s case? How do you expect me to find an attorney for him and build his defense in a week’s time?”

  “To be honest dear, I doubt if there is a defense in the territory that could save your father.” The judge replied. “You heard the discussion. I’m afraid that most people in this area are going to feel the same way.”

  After hearing that small bit of information Marie stomped out of the bakery and headed for the general store, almost running head long into Frank as she turned a corner. “Oh get out of the way.” She muttered. “Can’t you see that I’m upset and don’t want to deal with anyone right now?”

  “I understand you’re upset Miss Marie but we do need to discuss what happened between us sometime soon.” Frank said more forcefully then she’d heard him say anything.

  “Oh, ok.” She relented; suddenly tired of fighting everyone and everything that was happening in her life. “Can we talk tonight after the wedding?”

  “That would be fine Marie.” He answered, calling her by her given name for the first time. “Right now, I had better get on over to the dress shop. Mrs. Andrews asked for my help getting everything back to her house after she buys it.”

  “Sometimes I think you care more for my sister then you do for me.” She said defeated. “Just because you work for her, you seem to be totally devoted to her.”

  “Marie, can I tell you something?” Frank asked nervously. At her nod, he continued. “While it’s true that I hold a deep respect for your sister; it’s you that I’m in love with. It’s you Marie that I want to marry and spend the rest of my life with and it’s you that I want to have children with. If you’ll have me Marie, I promise to give you a comfortable life. You know I’m not rich but I will do the best I can by you.”

  “Frank, I know you care for me but I just don’t know if I’m ready to give up my independence to become a wife and mother.” Marie said carefully. “I had planned to come to town, work for Ruby at the bakery and live in a small house sharing rent with Anna. Now, I’m not sure what I want anymore.”

  “I had best get going Marie.” Frank said quietly. “Just please think on what I said. I promise, I’ll spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to make you happy.”

  “Ok Frank, I promise to think about it.” Marie replied equally quiet.

  Frank turned and walked off towards the dress shop wondering as he walked what he was going to do if the woman he loved denied his claim. He was already a bit worried after talking to Matt. He hadn’t thought about the possibility of getting her with child the first time that they made love; but after a couple of carefully asked questions he had learned a few startling facts about the conception of children.

  ~XXIX~

  “What do you think Kat?” Angel asked looking in the mirror concerned. “Can you tell my belly is a little bigger?”

  “Oh Angel, if anyone counts the months they’ll know right away anyway.” Kat replied. “What matters is that you’re marrying the man you love and that you’re going to have a family together. I wish I was as sure of my ability to have a family.”

  “It’s ok Kat. Rick loves you regardless of whether or not you can have children. I know how badly you want one but at least you are getting some kind of chance at happiness.”

  “I know but I would dearly love to be able to give him a son.” Kat sighed. “I suppose I can always dream. That’s one of the only things that kept me going anyway was the ability to dream.”

  “Come on out dear and let me see how it looks.” Josephine said from the other side of the curtain.

  Sliding the curtain open, Angel presented herself for an examination by her newfound aunt. Pinching or tugging the material here and there, she circled her finger telling Angel to spin around. As she looked critically at the fit, she noticed how well the color flattered her young niece.

  “What do the two of you think of this dress?” She asked looking from Angel to Kat. “I think the fit is quite flattering and effectively hides your small bundle. The color is bright enough to add color to your face but not so flashy as to be tacky.”

  “I think it looks absolutely beautiful.” Kat said a little in awe. “You have a radiant glow
and your smile is lighting up the room. You should get it Angel, it’s perfect on you.”

  “She’s right Angel. You look radiantly beautiful. This dress was made for you.” Their aunt agreed.

  “Now we just need to find one for you Kat.” Angel told her. “Do we still want Ali to be our flower girl?”

  “I’d really like it if we could. Maybe have Frances, Anna, and possibly Morgan be our bridesmaids. I don’t want Morgan to feel left out now that I’m finally breaking through with her.” Kat replied.

  “Then it’s settled.” Josephine announced walking quickly out into the main part of the store. “Frank, could you please go back to the house and ask Frances and Anna to come down here? After they agree, I’d like for you to keep an eye out on the road. Everyone that was out at the ranch houses should be about to town since we sent word out there with you last night that the wedding is going on this evening. Once you find them, we need Morgan and Ali brought here as soon as possible. If we’re really lucky, maybe they’ll already be at the house.”