Chapter Nineteen
In Wadesville on Friday, Sheriff Brody Wade received a big surprise. A lawyer from Austin arrived to see Randee, explaining to Brody how he had just learned about the Carsons’ deaths and how he needed to show Miss Hollis the will which made her the heir to the ranch. Shocked, Brody cleverly revealed that he was Randee’s fiancé and that she was away visiting relatives to get over her grief before their marriage. Deceived by the sheriffs claims, the lawyer disclosed how Lee Carson had changed his will two months ago, cutting off Dee Carson Hollis Slade and naming his niece Randee Marie Hollis as sole inheritor of his estate.
The lawyer confided, “I think there was an awful reason why Mr. Carson did not want his sister to inherit his property. He was most adamant about getting his will changed quickly and leaving all he possessed to his niece. Perhaps it had to do with Miss Hollis’ stepfather, this Payton Slade. I remember clearly that Mr. Carson’s look was most cold when his sister’s second husband was mentioned.”
Brody stared at the man’s retreating back and wondered if he had made a mistake in alerting Randee’s family to her location. And if he had made a mistake in sending out those fake posters. If someone wanted the money badly enough, they might injure his love trying to claim it. He knew Storm had been sighted late yesterday in a small town near Fort Worth, but Randee hadn’t been with him. He read the telegram again, glad Foley Timms was sneaking down their trail ….
Upon rising late that morning after their long night, Marsh wrote another letter to President Grant, using their code names for secrecy. He had to update the President about Brody Wade’s involvement and about the clues he and Randee had gathered last night. He told his blond partner that the letter was to a trusted friend— which was the truth—just in case something happened to either or both of them.
He and Randee discussed the matter of how to get the letter mailed, as it seemed dangerous for him to be seen in this area before he could reach Willard Mason with his second letter and have the man straighten out this new mess. “Willard knows I’m not guilty and he has proof of it. He’ll find some way to clear the record and get those new posters recalled. Until such time, we have to be extra careful, woman.”
“He needs to do it quickly, Marsh, to keep us out of peril. If we can’t move around freely, we can’t defeat that gang. Of course, that’s probably the reason for them trying to get at you. This tells us that we’re getting too close to them and they’re getting nervous. I’m sorry I was the one who gave them a weapon to use against you.”
“Don’t think that way, my clever partner. We couldn’t have planned better strategy to draw them into the open.”
“I’m glad you aren’t angry with me. After all, I did do it for the wrong reason, and they were careless slips. It won’t happen again.”
“This time, I’ll hide outside of town and you’ll ride in to mail these two letters. I know a beautiful stranger will snatch some attention from the locals, but try not to be more enticing than necessary,” he teased.
“I’ll be on my best behavior, Mr. Logan,” she promised.
“Let’s get out of this area first. I know a small town a day’s ride from here, where it might be safer to handle this task. We can’t risk meeting up with those eager cowboys again. We’d really be in big trouble if we started shooting down innocent citizens who’ve been cleverly misled, even to save our hides.”
By three o’clock Saturday afternoon, Randee had mailed the two letters at the stage depot, to be picked up Monday morning. She remained alert, and decided no one was taking particular notice of her. But to be on the safe side, she pretended to shop leisurely for a while in the mercantile store. Later, she went to a restaurant and purchased a nice meal for an early supper with her waiting partner.
Marsh had told her they would ride until dark to put distance between them and this second small town. By Monday evening, they should make it to Wadesville to work on Brody Wade. She realized it was a good thing that Marsh had not come into town; this one, as with the other place, had posters of Storm Hayden mounted in the stage depot and in other locations! That told her how widespread the false posters were. Clearly, her love was in jeopardy.
Randee rejoined Marsh and reported her activities. He smiled at her success and confidence. They talked a few minutes, then headed for the overland trail to Wadesville, as being seen on a public road would be dangerous. It did not matter, as trouble struck quickly.
After topping a hill and heading down the other side, Marsh suddenly motioned for Randee to halt. They reined their mounts, and he looked around. Tension showed in his gaze and expression, and in the way his body was taut. Randee asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I heard a horse whinny. My gut instinct says something’s up.”
She watched him twist in his saddle and scan their surroundings. He was wary and alert, and had good reason to be. Riders came at them from all directions, shutting off any escape route. Fear seized her.
Marsh quickly assessed the situation and knew flight was impossible. He couldn’t shoot the men, who obviously made up a legal posse. All he could do was curse his second blunder and wait for the riders to approach them. He hastily warned, “No gunfire, Randee.”
“What are we going to do?” she asked frantically, noting the size of the group encircling them, and the silver stars on several vests.
“Nothing we can do except surrender,” he replied sullenly.
“After you explain— “
Marsh interrupted her, “Let me do the talking. Keep quiet.”
Randee froze as she recognized one of the lawmen. “That’s Foley Timms on the big roan,” she murmured fearfully.
“Recognize any of the others?” he asked instantly.
Randee’s gaze looked over the posse and she shook her head. “I must have been seen and trailed,” she whispered. “I’m sorry, Marsh.”
“It wasn’t your fault, woman. This was a neatly planned trap, and I stupidly rode right into it. Seems Wade and Timms outguessed me.”
“They can’t harm you, because those posters aren’t for real.”
“Look at those faces. Do you think they would believe me?”
Randee eyed the numerous riders and the guns in their hands. It looked bad for them, especially for her love. “You have to try,” she said.
Foley Timms halted his mount nearby and grinned triumphantly at Marsh. He announced to his men, “We got him, boys. You’ll each get your share of the reward when it arrives. He’s tricky, so keep your eyes and ears open. Wouldn’t surprise me none if he’s been riding with that Epson Gang.” To Marsh, he said, “We heard you were in this area, so we’ve been waiting for you to ride this way, figured you would. Your wicked days are over, Hayden. We’re gonna hang you at noon Monday. Too late to do it today and Sunday ain’t proper.”
Marsh knew he was wasting his breath, but he tried to bluff the posse. He responded pointedly, “I bet you have, Marshal Timms. There’s only one problem; those reward posters are false. You boys can’t earn any reward on me ‘cause there isn’t one. I’ve been trailing that gang for months, and somebody wants me stopped. This little trick won’t work, ‘cause I’m not Storm Hayden; I’m Marsh Logan from Jacksboro. I’m after that gang because they raided my place and killed my family. If you don’t believe me, check with Willard Mason in Fort Worth. He can prove I’m innocent of this ridiculous charge.”
Timms scoffed, “You can’t fool us, Hayden. We got you dead to rights. Every place you’ve been seen, bodies have been left behind. I’ve been investigating you for weeks. You can do all the denying you want, but we don’t believe you. Do we, boys?”
The greedy men promptly concurred because they didn’t want to lose their slice of this big reward pie. “Let’s get him back to jail.”
“You heard ‘em, Hayden,” Timms said, laughing coldly.
“What about the girl?” one of the men queried.
Foley’s eyes roamed the apprehensive blonde, and he grinned at some
private joke. “We can’t leave her out here alone, too dangerous. We’ll take her into town with us and I’ll question her there. If the report’s correct, she’s not involved with Hayden’s crimes.”
“That telegram you showed us said she’s Sheriff Wade’s woman, said she’s Hayden’s prisoner. That true, girl?” another man asked.
Before Randee could answer, Marsh replied, “The stage she was on was attacked by Indians and I rescued her. I’m taking her back home because she’s paying me to do so. She’s in no danger.”
“She is wearing a gun,” another man remarked.
“He probably has her fooled. You know how trusting women are.”
“Yeah, you said he was a sly varmint, Marshal.”
Randee and Marsh had no choice but to be led back into town. At the jail, the names of the posse were recorded and a promise of payment was given. Marsh was locked inside a cell, and Foley Timms told Randee to take a seat at the local sheriffs desk.
After everyone cleared the office, Timms leaned against the wall and glued his gaze on Randee. “You best git out of this town on the next stage, girl, or you’re in big trouble. I’m only releasing you because I know you’re Brody Wade’s sweetheart, and he’s spoken up on your behalf. If you stay here, you’ll have to witness Hayden’s hanging at noon Monday, and that ain’t a pretty sight. Once people learn you were traveling with him, your reputation will be blacker than old ink. These townfolk are mighty nervous about that gang, and might get nervous about you. It would be kind of hard for one marshal to protect you against a bloodthirsty mob.”
Randee glared at the cocky man and said, “You know he isn’t guilty! If you harm him, you’re the one who’ll be in big trouble. Contact Mr. Willard Mason at the Fort Worth newspaper. He’ll tell you the truth. He’s known Marsh Logan for years.”
“Well, now, I can’t rightly do that, Miss Hollis. You see, Mr. Mason was reported killed a few days past. If he’s the only one who can clear Hayden’s name, I’m afraid Hayden’s in a terrible bind.”
At that stunning disclosure, Randee’s lovely face paled and she trembled. “Willard’s dead?”
“Afraid so,” Timms replied nonchalantly. “Anything else I can do for you?” he offered almost sarcastically.
“Let me speak with Marsh privately,” she demanded, rising.
“I can’t do that, Miss Hollis; he’s a dangerous prisoner. Why don’t you go get yourself settled at the hotel, and get ready to catch that Monday morning stage heading southward?” he suggested.
Randee angrily retorted, “I want to speak to the local sheriff. He’ll listen to me.”
“He’s gone home. I’m in charge here. Didn’t you know, U.S. Marshals have more authority than local lawmen? What I say, goes.”
“Damn you! You know this is a frame!” she shouted at him.
“Where’s your proof, Miss Hollis?” he taunted.
“This isn’t over, Marshal Timms. You’ll regret this day.”
The man straightened and scowled. “Are you threatening the law, Miss Hollis? Do you realize I can imprison you for such insults?”
Randee knew she couldn’t help Marsh if she allowed this vile beast to capture her, so she frowned at him and fell silent. She glanced at the alert Marsh and sighed in distress. She whirled and left the office, heading for the telegraph station. She knew Foley Timms was watching her from the window, but she didn’t care. If he had lied about Willard Mason’s death, she had to alert the man to their peril. It probably wouldn’t do any good, but she would telegraph Brody Wade for help. If he wanted to impress her, perhaps he would halt this crazy episode, even if she had to marry him to get Marsh free!
It was almost closing time when she reached the telegraph station. To her horror, she was told that the lines were down and no messages could be sent out before Monday’s repairs! She asked how far she was from Fort Worth and from Wadesville: Both were too distant to allow her to get there, obtain help, and return before …
No! her mind screamed, she could not let Marsh hang. But if she tried to break “Storm Hayden” out of jail, she would be viewed and chased as a criminal. She was partly responsible for her love being captured and threatened, so she had to think of something.
Saturday night was busy and noisy in the small town. Randee had registered at the hotel and was pacing her room pensively. She figured that Marsh would be guarded closely until noon Monday, so how could she rescue him? Their horses and gear were in the livery stable down the street, but how to get Marsh out of jail was the problem.
Inside the jail, Foley Timms and two of his men were harassing Marsh. With a satanic gleam in his eye, Foley taunted, “I have you at my mercy, Logan, and these hands are itching to get at you. Ever experienced real pain? I bet a tough gunslinger like you would die before bending or breaking, wouldn’t you?” Timms looked Marsh over sullenly and scratched his greasy head. “Maybe I’m giving you too much credit for strength and prowess. It don’t make no never mind, because I’m gonna see how much you got. You would be real disappointed in me if I didn’t prove you right about me, wouldn’t you?”
Marsh held silent, but caught the name Timms had used. That told him the insidious lawman believed him and was ignoring the truth, which revealed how dangerous and evil the man was. Never—even when captured by the bounty hunger—had Marsh felt more vulnerable or helpless than he did at this minute, locked inside a sturdy jail. Or ‘ so the secret agent prematurely thought …
“You’ve guessed the truth, haven’t you?” Timms taunted merrily. “Won’t do you any good. You’ll hang Monday, just like I said. How much does the girl know? Speak up, the truth, or she’s dead too.”
“You’re making a big mistake, Timms. I’m a U.S. Marshal, who’s working undercover on this mission. I’ve already reported my findings to my superior. I know about you and Brody Wade’s connections to the Epson Gang, and my report’s been filed. If you’re involved in my hanging, they’ll have all the evidence they need to hang you in return. The law won’t believe my death was an accident, a mistake made because of those fake posters—not with you handling it.”
“You’re lying,” Timms declared, but looked anxious at that news.
“You willing to bet your life and neck on it?” Marsh challenged.
“I’ve already sent word to Brody that I have you and the girl. He’ll arrive just in time to see you swing and to carry his woman home to comfort her in his big bed.” When he saw Marsh’s uncontrollable reaction to those statements, he laughed devilishly. “I think I’ll go fetch that girl and lock her up as your accomplice. If you’re really a lawman, then you know what her fate will be inside a jail or a prison. By the time your little report is read and acted upon, your little whore will be used up by those prison guards. Tell me what you know, who you notified, and keep your mouth shut to her— and she’ll be safe.”
For two hours, Marsh was beaten brutally and questioned, but he held silent. His pride was injured as badly as his body was. There was no way he could save his love, no way to protect her. It looked as if he was going to die this time, die without Randee knowing the truth.
Mercy, this defeat tasted bitter in his throat, especially when combined with the metallic taste of his blood. If only his hands and feet weren’t bound securely and he wasn’t getting weaker by the minute from this savage assault. No escape. No help. No future.
Randee went down the hall to the water closet and pretended to be bathing. She eluded her guard by sneaking out the window. She located the local preacher’s home and explained her perilous dilemma.
“Please, sir, you have to help us. At least find a way to get this message to Willard Mason in Fort Worth. They told me the lines are down, so I can’t telegraph for help.”
“I can’t ride to the next town this late at night, Miss Hollis. I have church services in the morning; it’s Sunday.”
“God will forgive you for missing services one time in order to save an innocent man’s life!” she stormed at him angrily. “P
lease, you have to help us. They’re going to hang him at noon Monday.”
The religious man considered her plea and relented slightly. “I’ll send my older son with your message. Will that do?”
Randee smiled and nodded. “Tell him to hurry, and not to fail. I’ll reward both of you as soon as possible. Thank you, sir.” Randee gave him the letter to Willard, which explained the dire situation and asked him to bring help and proof of Marsh’s innocence quickly.
Randee sneaked back inside the hotel washroom and unlocked the door. She returned to her room and prepared things for her daring plan. She could not depend on help arriving in time to save Marsh’s life; she could only hope that Willard’s imminent explanation would call off the search for them after she aided her love’s escape.
She needed to see Marsh to try to let him know of her plans. She went to the jail and knocked persistently. When Foley’s man answered, she demanded to see Marsh Logan. The man refused.
Randee’s gaze went past his thin frame and saw Marsh’s battered body secured by ropes to the bars. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “What have you done to him? This is an outrage! This is criminal!”
“He tried to escape while being questioned,” the man lied.
“That’s ridiculous! I swear you’ll all be punished. Don’t you know how much trouble you’re in? He’s a lawman who’s working secretly for the governor,” she alleged desperately to frighten the guard. “When the State Police arrive and they see what you’ve done to their best man, you’ll be the one hanged! If you keep him alive until they get here Monday, I’ll speak in your favor at your trial. Let me talk to Marsh, see if he’s injured badly. He might need a doctor.”
“Marshal Timms said nobody was to get inside.”
“Marshal Timms is a liar and a villain! He’s responsible for those false posters because he wants to get Marsh Logan off that gang’s trail. If you ask me, Timms is part of that vicious gang. If you allow him to harm Marsh, you’ll be just as guilty of murder. The governor will have all of you hunted down and killed.”
Passions Wild And Free Page 39
