Passage (Soul of the Witch Book 1)

by C. Marie Bowen

  Jason said nothing as he stared into her black eyes.

  “Make this happen, Jason, for your cousin’s sake and your own. Convince her.”

  The front door slammed. Jason started and looked toward the entry.

  Kevin patted Cecil Cobb on the back and showed him into the office. He waved at Jason to join them. “Renata, you come too. Cecil needs everyone mentioned in Pa's will to be present.”

  Chapter 13

  Nichole Harris

  Nichole preceded Merril into the library.

  Seated behind the desk was a heavyset man whose bald head reflected the light from the window. He had only enough hair to fringe his neckline and rise over his ears. White whiskers continued down both sides of his cheeks and over his lip to meet beneath his nose. He rubbed his hand over his clean-shaven chins. He wore a brown suit with a string tie bound at the neck by what looked like a gold nugget.

  Merril escorted her to the desk as the large man rose to his feet. “Nichole, this is Cecil Cobb, our attorney. Cecil, you remember our neighbor, Miss Harris.”

  Cecil wiped his hand down his suit and smiled before he held out his beefy fingers. “Of course, I remember Miss Harris. So nice to see you again.”

  Nichole took his hand and smiled politely. “Hello, Mr. Cobb.”

  When she turned to the room, she noticed Jason and Renata sat at opposite ends of the settee.

  Jason's elbow rested on the arm of the couch, his hand covering the lower half of his face. His vacant stare was aimed at the fireplace, and he appeared unaware Nichole had entered the room.

  Renata toyed with a handkerchief in her lap, a slight smile on her face.

  Kevin leaned against the mantel, drink in hand. He gave her a cold stare, then shook his head once and sipped his drink.

  Nichole turned back to Cecil and lowered herself onto the leather chair. From the corner of her eye, she saw that Merril remained standing beside her chair.

  Cecil resumed his seat and arranged the papers on the desk. “First off, I want to extend my condolences to the Shilo family—Kevin and Merril. Your father was more than a client. He was a good man and a friend. News of his passing came as quite a shock.” He paused, nodding to both Kevin and Merril.

  “There are a couple of ways we can proceed. I think I would like to read the most recent codicil first and work backward by date. Once the codicil pertaining to you is read, and Phil's wishes are expressed, you may ask questions, or leave the room if you wish. If there are no objections, I will begin.” Cecil looked to each person, then reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a pair of wire spectacles. He placed them over his bulbous nose and wrapped the ends around each ear.

  “This addendum is dated January thirty-first, eighteen seventy-two.

  To my dearest, Renata, I do bequeath the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars. In addition, any and all clothing and jewelry that I have gifted to you shall be yours to keep and shall not be considered part of my estate. It is my request that you be allowed to remain at The Shilo Ranch for a mourning period after my passing.”

  Cecil looked up from his papers and addressed Renata. “The time given here is arbitrary and at the discretion of the heirs. It can be extended or shortened as they see fit.”

  Nichole looked to Merril and then at Kevin, but both watched Renata. Nichole peered around the chair just as Renata dabbed her eye with a lace-trimmed handkerchief.

  “My Philip was a generous man,” she said softly.

  “Miss Renata, if you have no questions, I will proceed.” Cecil shuffled the papers and gazed at Renata over his spectacles.

  “I have no questions,” she murmured and sniffed into her hanky.

  Cecil nodded and looked down through his glasses at the document in his hand. “This addendum is dated October tenth, eighteen seventy.

  To my good friend Quincy Harris, his family and heirs, I do bequeath all use of water and waterways as they originate on my property, The Shilo, and flow northeast onto his property, The Harris-Highlands Ranch. The waterways shall be free from claim or forfeit for as long as The Harris-Highlands Ranch is owned or operated by the Harris family—whether in partnership with my heirs or as an individual interest.” Cecil looked to Jason. “Any questions Mr. Harris?”

  It was a small thing, but it irked Nichole. The attorney should have asked if she had any questions. She looked to Jason, but he appeared deep in thought and didn't act as though he'd heard the attorney's question. “We have no questions at this time, Mr. Cobb. Thank you.” She smiled at Cecil and then looked back at Jason in concern.

  Jason's head came up when Nichole spoke. “I'm sorry. No questions at this time, Cecil.” Jason rested his elbow on his knee and ran a hand over his face as though he just woke up. He glanced around the room then looked at Nichole.

  “Are you okay?” she mouthed to Jason.

  He nodded and sat back against the couch.

  Nichole's attention returned to Cecil when he began to speak.

  “The stipulations and conditions stated herein were witnessed by my hand on the fifth day of May, eighteen sixty-seven.” Cecil paused and looked to Merril and Kevin. “I usually read the assets and liabilities at this point, but what is attached here is old. I’ve had an updated portfolio drawn up for you. I see no need to read this aloud.” Cecil handed a sheet of paper to Merril and one to Kevin. He paused a moment while they looked over the document.

  Merril folded his and slid it into his back pocket. Kevin slapped his face down on the mantel.

  “Is there a problem?” Cecil addressed his question to Kevin.

  Kevin downed the rest of his drink and poured another before answering. “Just get on with it, Cecil. Quit drawing it out.”

  Cecil glanced from Kevin to Merril then cleared his throat and looked back to his papers. “To my beloved sons, Kevin and Merril, I do bequeath each exactly one-half of each of the above-stated interests, to be used and owned in accordance with the stipulations and conditions set forth herein and made a part hereof.”

  “That is pure bullshit.” Kevin interrupted and took a step forward. He pointed at the document in Cecil's hand. “That is not what Pa wanted—I can tell you that.”

  “Young man, I assure you, these are your father's wishes. He and I reviewed the entire document when the codicil regarding Miss Renata was added three years ago. There is more, if I may continue.” Cecil had paled at Kevin's outburst, and although his voice remained firm, his chins quivered.

  Nichole glanced over her shoulder at Jason and Renata.

  Both sat forward on the couch. Jason nodded at her glance while Renata chewed her lip.

  Nichole looked up at Merril.

  He was tense and had his sight pinned on his brother. He crossed behind her chair and repositioned himself between her and Kevin, only a step from Kevin's path to Cecil.

  Kevin downed the rest of his drink. “Ah, hell, read the goddamned thing, then.”

  Cecil gathered the papers into one stack and tapped them on the desk. He licked his lips and cast a worried glance at Kevin.

  “It's all right, Cecil. Go ahead,” Merril said.

  Cecil took a breath and looked down at the document. “Where was I, then? Oh, yes, here we are. The following stipulations were added to your father's will at the same time the codicil for Miss Renata was added.

  “Number one: Any commitments requiring legal or binding agreements must be signed by both owners. Neither party shall carry the option of individual contractual agreements as they pertain to the above-mentioned interests.

  “Number two: Any liquidation of assets must be agreed upon in writing by both owners. Neither shall carry the option of selling his share of the assets. This includes a sale to the other owner.” Cecil looked up from the paperwork and addressed Merril. “This means you can't sell or give any part of the stated assets to Kevin, or Kevin to you, of course.” Cecil paused for a moment, but the room was silent except the clink of glass on glass as Kevin poured another drink. Cecil looked bac
k to his papers.

  “Number three: Should either owner abandon their interest, their half of the above-stated assets would immediately transfer to the owner that remains living at The Shilo.”

  “I think we know who Pa was thinkin' of there, don't we?” Kevin sneered at Merril, then looked at Cecil. “How are we supposed to make this work?”

  “Your father intended you to work together. This is set up as a partnership agreement, similar to what he and Quincy considered at one time. There are only a few loopholes that I see, if you'd care consider them.”

  “What are they?” Merril asked.

  Kevin stepped up to the desk beside Merril. He glared at his brother, then stared coldly at Nichole, and finally gave his attention to Cecil.

  “Agree to sell the entire estate. Liquidate everything and walk away with enough cash for each of you to start again somewhere else.”

  Kevin swore and walked back to the mantel.

  Cecil watched Kevin and swallowed. “If that doesn't suit you, and I see it doesn't, you could sell to a third-party escrow. They would sell the ranch, and other assets, back to you in a predetermined manner. For example, Kevin would purchase back the ranch and Merril would purchase the stock and mining interests. Any difference in value could be settled in cash. Those are the only loopholes I can find in your father's will.”

  “This is bullshit,” Kevin yelled at the fireplace.

  Everyone came to their feet at once.

  Merril stepped between his brother and Cecil, holding his open hand to the attorney. “Cecil, thank you for coming. We value your advice. I'm sure you understand that this is an emotional time for everyone.”

  Cecil took Merril's hand and nodded. “Of course, of course. These are your documents to keep. I should really be on my way.” Sweat beaded on Cecil's head.

  Nichole found Jason by her side, his hand on her elbow. “We need to go, as well,” he said. They followed Cecil and Merril out of the library.

  Nichole looked back and saw Renata place her hand on Kevin's shoulder as she whispered in his ear.

  Cecil and Merril took their hats from the pegs and stepped outside. Jason picked up the parasol and gloves from the table and handed them to Nichole. “Are these yours?”

  “Yes and no. They're Renata's. I didn't thank her for the loan of the dress.” Nichole began to turn back, but Jason stopped her.

  “Now would be a bad time. Send a note of thanks when it's returned.” He plucked his flat crown hat from a peg and set it on his head, and then steered Nichole out the door.

  Behind them, glass shattered in the library.

  She looked back at the windows as they crossed the porch, but the reflection blocked her view. The heat of the midday sun touched her face, and she opened the parasol.

  Cecil climbed onto his buggy and the boy who tended his horse clambered up on the seat beside him. “Send a note if you need anything, Merril. I wish you boys the best of luck.”

  Merril ran his hand through his hair and set his old hat back on his head. “I'll take that luck, Cecil. I have no doubt we'll need it. Take care on your way home.”

  Cecil turned the wagon around in the yard and shook the reins. At the end of the drive, he turned to the right. A cloud of dust hung in the still air after the wagon disappeared.

  Merril walked to another buckboard that stood hitched and waiting between the long building and the corral. He checked the harness and bridle then patted the horse on the neck before he led the vehicle into the yard. A horse trailed behind the wagon tied with a lead rope and harness.

  Jason shook his head as Merril approached. “What the hell are you going to do? I'm not sure you can reason with him. I've never seen Kevin act like this.”

  Merril reached out and shook Jason's hand. “I know. It's the liquor. Then again, I never thought him a pleasant person, to begin with. The reverend will be here in the morning for Pa's service. After that, I plan to hunt mavericks and finish the work at the branding site.”

  Jason looked toward the house, then back to Merril. “Nicki and I won't be able to attend Philip's service. We'll come by and pay our respects to your father at a more settled time. I hope you understand.”

  “I do, and I'll see you at the end of the week.”

  “Yes, at the barbeque.” Jason glanced between Merril and Nichole, then climbed onto the wagon and took a seat.

  Merril placed his hand under Nichole's elbow to steady her as they walked to the other side of the wagon. “When you spoke of my choices, I don't suppose you imagined this.”

  She looked up at Merril's face when they stopped. “No. You were so sure you'd be sent away. Are you happy? Relieved? I can't tell.”

  Merril glanced at the house. “I'm concerned.” He looked back to her and captured her gaze with his, then smiled. “I bet you're glad to be going home.”

  Nichole fought the rush of emotion at his closeness. She could look into his eyes forever, and yet his nearness still caused a worried ache in her heart. “I don't remember home,” she admitted. “This is the only place I know—so far.”

  “You both realize Kevin is watching from the library,” Jason commented as he took up the reins, then adjusted his hat. “Make your goodbyes short, or he'll be out here.”

  “Allow me.” Merril took her parasol, closed it, and handed it to Jason. “Put your foot here.” He indicated the front axle near the wheel.

  “I'm afraid I'll fall.” Nichole gathered her dress with one hand and placed her boot beside the wheel.

  “You won't,” Merril said in her ear.

  She took Jason's hand and felt Merril hold her waist from behind as she climbed to the footboard.

  “Are you steady?” Jason asked before he released her hand and elbow.

  She nodded, arranged her dress, and took a seat beside her cousin. She opened the parasol and then looked down at Merril. “Thank you.”

  Merril tipped his hat to her and grinned. “You're welcome, ma'am. I'll see you both Friday. Oh, and if you find my good hat, hold onto it for me.”

  Jason shook the reins, and Merril stepped back.

  Nichole kept her gaze on him as long as she could.

  When Jason turned left at the main road and they started up a small incline, Merril was lost from sight.

  “What is today?” Nichole asked as she turned back to the rutted road ahead.

  Jason smiled at her as though he read her mind. “Today is Monday.”

  Chapter 14

  Nichole Harris

  A cool breeze gusted across the prairie and folded the grass in waves. Nichole lifted her face to the chilled air and was comfortable, despite her heavy clothing. She was glad Katy thought to provide a parasol and gloves to keep her pale skin from blistering. They traveled in companionable silence for some time. Jason appeared lost in thought, and she marveled at the endless sea of grass and tall white thunderheads in the distance. The mountains, which seemed so close this morning, now looked distant and small in the afternoon light.

  “See that?” Jason pointed ahead.

  She followed his direction and spotted the overturned carriage ahead off the side of the road. “Is this where it happened?”

  “Yes, it is. I hope my rifle's still there.” He pulled the reins, and the buckboard came to a slow stop. He secured the straps and set the brake, then winked at Nichole. “Not likely to forget to do that again.” Pausing beside their wagon, he studied the area before he walked through the grass. While making his way toward the carriage, he bent every so often to look at things on the ground. Finally, he rounded the capsized buggy, bent down and disappeared from her sight.

  When her cousin reappeared, he strode back with several items in his hands. “Found it,” he called as he reached the dirt road. He slid the rifle onto the floorboard and handed her a woman's hat, a small purse, and a brown felt cowboy hat with a leather band. “No one's been here.” He climbed onto the seat and unwound the reins, released the brake, and they moved forward again.

  Nich
ole set both hats on the seat between them and opened the purse. “Someone must have been here. It’s empty.”

  “What did you have in it?” Jason glanced at her, then back to the road.

  “I don't know,” she paused as several possible items flashed through her mind, but before she could articulate what they were, she knew they could not have been in this bag.

  Not yet.

  That realization startled her, and her pulse quickened. The knowledge was there, but fleeting—a feeling she couldn't define, and then, it slipped from her mind.

  She studied Jason's profile and wished she could ask for an explanation.

  “What?” He caught her stare and smiled. “Are you worried you may have lost something?”

  “No... I don't think so.” She turned away from his curious gaze. “How much farther until we're home?”

  “It's roughly two hours from The Shilo to The Highlands, so a little more than an hour left. You seem anxious. Is everything all right?”

  She shrugged and twirled the parasol. “Can I ask some questions?”

  “Of course.”

  “How old am I?”

  Jason grinned. “You turned twenty on March tenth.”

  “Oh.” She looked away across the prairie.

  What is that? A tree?

  “I thought I was younger. How old are you?”

  “Me? I was twenty-five at the end of April. It's June now, by the way.”

  “I was going to ask.” The object in the distance gained height as they drew closer. After a few moments of silence, she continued. “When did you get married? How old is your wife?” She looked at Jason.

  He kept his eyes on the road as a grin split his face. “Amy and I married in August of '73, so we've been married almost two years. Amy is the same age as I am, well, a few months older. She'll be twenty-six in October.”

  “Is that a tree up ahead?”

  “That is a tree.” He chuckled at her. “A cottonwood. There's a creek that winds back and forth toward The Highlands from the top of that ridge. It dries up in the summer.” His voice trailed off, and he slowed the wagon.