“Otis, I wonder if you have time for a few questions?”
Looking up, the mountain of a man with arms as big as tree trunks set down his hammer and walked over. “What can I do for you, Nick?”
Briefly, Nick told him about the two men who brought in a string of horses. Leaning back, Otis plucked at his bushy brown beard. “I seem to recall them a few weeks ago. They brought in a cream-colored mare and had me take her shoes off. I thought it odd because they looked like they couldn’t have been put on but more than a week.”
“Do you know their names?”
“No, they didn’t say, and well, I’m not one for asking. It keeps me out of trouble that way.”
Nick patted him on the back. “I understand, Otis. Thanks for the information, though.” He left and went to the sheriff’s office.
Jess was taking his afternoon meeting with himself and snoring loudly.
Nick knocked on the door.
Startled, Jess put his legs on the floor and tried to look wide awake. “Nick, how can I help you.”
“Sorry for waking you up. Have you found anything about the horse thief?”
“No, I’m sorry. I hope you get your horse back. He was a good looking one.” Jess rushed his hands through his hair to try and make himself look presentable and not like he’d just woken up.
“I got my horse back, but Jacklin’s King Rock is missing.”
Jess frowned. “No, that’s not good. She put a lot in store by that horse.”
“Whoever took it, used my horse to stand in for him in the paddock. So, he must have been taken sometime last night.”
Hauling in a loud breath, Jess nodded. “Any of her men missing?”
“I suppose you’ll have to ask her. But David said the cowboys that brought in the string of horses that I bought mine from come in regular maybe three or four times a year with a few good animals to sell. This time, they had one more horse than the tally. David thinks my horse was to switch out King Rock and wasn’t supposed to be sold. I just happened along at the right or wrong time according to whose eyes you're looking through.”
The sheriff put on his gunbelt. “So, your horse is back, but hers is missing. I guess I better ride out to the ranch that is selling those horses.”
“Want some company?”
“I just might. You offering?”
“I am. I’ll saddle my horse. He might lead us to his old home.”
Jess popped his fist against Nick’s right arm. “Good idea. I’ll meet you at the livery.”
Nick knew he should stop at his office, but he really wanted to help Jacklin. So, he bypassed his building and went straight to the livery. “Saddle Prince for me.”
“Well that was quick, I just got him in the stall. It will just take a minute.” David disappeared into the barn.
Nick looked around and wished he could find the two men who had brought the horses in. As he waited, the sheriff rode up.
In minutes, David came back out with Prince and handed the reins to Nick. “Hi, sheriff. You and Nick going after the thieves?”
“Yeah, I think we might just go and see if we can find them. Where did you say that ranch was?”
“They told me west and south of here. But you know as I think about it, they rode west and north.”
The sheriff smiled. “Thanks, that might be just the break we need. There are no towns that way, so it could be where the ranch is.”
They rode to the north of town, and the sheriff stopped Nick. “Why don’t you just drop the reins and let Prince there go where he wants. He might just lead us to his old home.”
Nick had just dropped the reins when they heard a galloping horse and a female voice call for them to stop.
Nick turned to see Jacklin riding toward them. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d go with you two to see who stole my horse.” Her blue-gray eyes were set like flint, and there would be no persuading her to stay in town.
Nick looked at the sheriff.
Sheriff Adams grinned. “I don’t think I could stop you. Let’s go. Nick just dropped the reins to see if Prince might show us his old home.”
“Prince? Good name since he must be King’s son. And good idea. Let’s go.”
“Jacklin, I don’t want you involved if there’s any shooting. Got that?” The sheriff darted an authoritarian gaze at her.
She nodded.
Nick gave Prince a kick and let the horse pick his way over the rocky terrain. For a while, they meandered from grassy patch to grassy patch. Then as if Prince got the idea, he picked up speed and went due north.
Jess undid the latch on his gun. “Check your rifles. If we come up on anyone, I don’t think they’ll be too happy to see us. And they definitely won’t like seeing Prince coming back like a bad penny.”
Jacklin rode up beside Nick. “I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
“You were upset, and it was understandable.”
“Thank you for that. I realize I have to learn some manners and etiquette if I’m to be taken seriously as a woman.”
Nick stared at her. “You look all woman to me, Jacklin.”
She blushed and then dropped back so Prince could go on.
Taking the lead, Prince nickered as they rode over a hill. Another horse answered. Nick stopped by a stand of scrub oak and waited for the other two to catch up. He pointed across the meadow. “There’s a nice group of mares. Even a cream-colored one on the far side.”
Jacklin whistled.
Within minutes, King Rock came running and slid to a stop in front of her. Jacklin dismounted and held out her hand, giving him a sugar cube. “Easy boy.” She slipped the halter on him and then the lead rope. “You’re coming back home with me, big boy. I missed you.”
King Rock looked back over the mares and whinnied.
A couple answered, and a rider came over the hill.
Jacklin gasped.
Hiding closer to the tree, she held onto the King’s rope.
Sheriff Adams looked toward the man, but he’d ducked behind some brush. “Did you recognize him?”
Jacklin stared where the man had ridden. “I know the horse. I couldn’t see the man.”
Nick was beside the sheriff. “Are we going after him?”
Sheriff Adams shook his head. “No, we know where they stay. I’ll come back with a posse and round them up.”
Jacklin shook her head. “I got my horse back, Sheriff. That’s all I wanted. I won’t press charges.”
Jess looked at Nick. “And you?”
Nick looked at Jacklin. “If the lady isn’t, I guess I won’t.” He wasn’t sure why Jacklin wasn’t pressing charges. Perhaps it was the man she’d seen. The one she recognized or thought she did. He’d talk it over with her later.
Chapter 11
Jacklin didn’t want to say, but she knew the horse as one that Harlen rode. A tall yellow gelding, she always knew Harlen was around when she saw that horse. Today wouldn’t be any different.
She would have to confront her foreman when she got home. Ask him why he would betray her and steal her prized stallion. He must have used that cream-colored mare as a decoy to interest King Rock.
Angry and hurt, she was quiet on the way back into town. She couldn’t admit to herself much less the sheriff that her foreman was involved in horse stealing, and that was a hanging offense.
She didn’t look forward to the confrontation. Harlen would defend himself. The man had a smooth tongue, and she’d caught him before lying to others. Small things. Even now, she didn’t want to admit that he lied.
Already, she wondered about the other night after the dance when Harlen had her stay in the hotel. Was that because he was stealing her horse? How many mares had been seeded in her pasture?
She left the sheriff and Nick and rode to her ranch. Nick wanted to go with her, but she’d told him no. He’d see her tomorrow anyway. She put King in his paddock and then raced her big gelding to the ranch house and dismounted.
&
nbsp; Jacklin didn’t see Harlen’s big yellow horse, so he was either still gone, or she’d beaten him back to the ranch. She was sure he would have been trying to get here before she would. She walked to the barn.
“What are you in such a hurry about?” Harlen came from the tack room.
She stared at him. “How long have you been here?”
“All morning. Some of the boys needed their tack mended. I loaned my horse out to Justin and told him to make sure the cattle were on the train.”
“What horse was he riding?”
“The big yellow.” Harlen walked to her. “Why? Is something wrong?”
“Maybe.”
“The cattle are on their way. You should get a wire from the boys. I sent Curly and Tom with them. They’re good men.”
Harlen was right. She’d have sent the same two men. Justin, she didn’t know. He’d signed on maybe a year or two ago.
“Did you know that Nick’s horse was stolen the other night?”
Harlen tensed. “No. Why should I know? I don’t watch out for his stuff. Besides, it was at the livery.”
“We spent the night in town after the dance.”
Harlen stepped close to her. “If you’re trying to say something, spit it out.” He was angry. His eyes were piercing.
“When I’m ready, I will.” She matched his glare. “Right now, I have a lot to do to get ready for my sister’s arrival. Have the hands clean up around her and find me a couple of gentle horses they can ride.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Harlen wheeled around and stomped toward the barn, shouting orders.
Well, she’d made him mad. Good. Later, she’d tell Bucky to put a guard out at King’s paddock. For now, she’d have to get inside and make sure Marianne’s old room was clean and waiting for her.
***
Nick thought about following Jacklin back to her ranch, but then he knew better than to provoke her when she was angry. At least, she had her horse back. He rode to the livery and put up his horse.
David looked at him. “How did it go?”
“Fine. Jacklin got her stallion back. We didn’t get the thieves, though.”
“The sheriff rode in and is getting a posse up. You going with him?”
“No, I’ve got some work I need to finish.” Nick grinned at him. “I’ve got a couple of boxes of papers to go through for some client of mine.”
“Oh, that. No rush.”
“Besides, I’m going to Jacklin’s tomorrow. Her sister is coming into town.”
David took the reins from him. “Sure is a nice-looking horse.”
“Yeah, he is.” Nick walked back to his office. Jacklin had either recognized the horse or rider or both, but she’d kept quiet. That led Nick to believe it had to be Harlen. Even though he didn’t like the man, he didn’t think he was a horse thief.
It was almost evening when Nick finally turned off the light on his desk. He’d gone over the books to Jacklin’s ranch and wanted to make sure he had checked everything. Money had gone back in her account at the bank to pay the difference he’d seen earlier.
There was a knock on his door. After stretching, Nick opened the door. Harlen stood in front of him, hat in hand, and a frown on his face. “We need to talk.”
Nick shrugged. “Come in.” He pointed to a chair.
“I guess you know why I’m here.” Harlen sat down and took off his hat.
“No, why don’t you tell me.”
“I saw your light. I know you’ll go over the books tomorrow with Jacklin. I wanted to tell you why I had to take money for the dip. I put it back in yesterday.”
Nick nodded. “I saw that. You know, money leaves a trail just like a hoofprint.”
Harlen nodded. “Look, I know you want Jacklin. I like her too and think we might be a good match, but just so you know that this isn’t about fighting over her, I wanted to come clean with you.”
“About what?”
Harlen stood and paced the length of the office. “Years ago, when I was young, I got in with a gang. I thought I was free of them, but the leader bought a ranch just north of the Paint Rock. I tried to ignore them. Tried to tell them I’d gone straight. But they threatened me. Then the other night, they stole King. I couldn’t let them get away with it. I sent Justin out to bring him back, but he saw you and the sheriff and worst of all, Jacklin.”
“So, you’re saying you didn’t steal the horse? What about the money?” Nick eased back in his chair. He couldn’t figure out Harlen’s angle. Why would the man tell him about what he’d done?”
“No, I didn’t steal the horse. I didn’t steal yours either. But I am guilty of salting mares in with King. I’ve gotten several good colts from him and sold them. That’s how I paid Jacklin back for the money that I took.”
“What did you need the money for?”
“A ranch. I couldn’t ask Jacklin to marry me if I didn’t have anything to offer her. I bought the Sowell Ranch just south of here. It’s got good water and will tie in with the Paint Rock Ranch. That is if we are to marry.”
Nick stood and blocked Harlen’s path. “Why me? Why tell me all of this?”
“Because the gang stole her stallion, and I didn’t want her or you to believe it was me. And I’m asking you not to tell her about the money I borrowed from her account.”
“Why shouldn’t I? Wouldn’t that betray her trust of me?”
“I know you want what is best for her. I could make her happy. For the longest time, I thought you’d ask her to marry, but you never did. I’m going to do just that.” Harlen stared him straight in the eye.
Nick wanted to punch the man. But he was doing this all for Jacklin. Here, Nick had known her all her life and hadn’t gotten the nerve up to ask her. Why? He thought they’d make a good marriage, but he’d never asked.
“When are you going to ask her?”
“Tomorrow, when we’re having dinner with her sister.”
Nick turned from him. “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.” He faced Harlen. “If you really love Jacklin and think she loves you, I believe you owe her the truth. Secrets have a way of being found out.”
Harlen nodded. “I know. But I know Jacklin. She’d just a sure shoot me if I told her I’d taken money from her account to buy that ranch. Even if I’ve paid it all back, which I’ve done.”
“How did you do that Harlen? By selling King’s colts?”
“Some. I’ve got some good stock of my own. Bought fair and square.” Harlen’s hand rested on his pistol.
Nick wondered if he turned him down if he’d pay with a bullet. “You ask her to marry you, but you tell her the truth. I won’t say anything until tomorrow night. If she loves you, then she’ll marry you.”
Harlen shook his head. “I can’t. She’ll be mad.”
“She’ll find out. She already knows about the cream-colored mare. She saw my horse, and he’s a dead ringer for King. Those two who work for you will tell on you. Jacklin will find out whether I tell her or not. And I’m not one to lie to her.”
“This because you want her for yourself?”
“No. I know her. She’s too smart to be taken advantage of by you.”
“You saying she won’t marry me?”
“I don’t know what she’ll do. I might just ask her to marry me tomorrow too.”
“Don’t push me, Nick. I came to ask you, man to man.”
“And I told you, man to man. I’m not afraid of you.”
“Maybe you should be.” Harlen left and slammed the door behind him.
Nick watched as he mounted a sorrel horse and rode away. He wasn’t sure what to think about Harlen. Other than he better make his intentions clear to Jacklin. If she married Harlen, it would be a mistake.
Nick shook his head. Who was he kidding? He needed to ask her to marry him.
Chapter 12
Jacklin was at the depot an hour before the train was due in. Yes, she knew it was usually late. Still, she was anxious to see her sister and wanted
Marianne and her children to feel welcome. After pacing the platform, Jacklin finally sat on the bench only to hear the lonesome whistle of the train.
She jumped up and eagerly waited. Jacklin was excited about seeing Marianne. That she’d never met the children was an added regret. She vowed not to let the years fall away without seeing Marianne and her family.
Finally, the train chugged into the depot and stopped.
Jacklin stretched her neck and looked in the windows. With an enjoyable shock, she saw Marianne looking out. Her sister waved excitedly and held up her daughter.
In minutes, the three of them came off the train, and Marianne ran into Jacklin’s arms. “I’m so glad you sent me that wire. I have missed you.” Marianne waved her children over. “This is Jackson and Allison.”
Jacklin smiled and bent down to shake their hands. “Welcome to Texas.” They were beautiful and sweet, and Jacklin couldn’t wait to spoil them. “I have horses picked out for each of you.” She looked at Marianne. “I hope we can take a lot of rides together.”
Marianne smiled. “We’d love to. All the way here, Jackson asked me if he could have his own horse.”
“Good. I had Bucky, remember him, to pick out the sweetest horses for you.”
“Ah, Bucky. He’s still on the ranch? He was always my favorite.”
Jacklin nodded. Indeed, he had been. She remembered how he spoiled Marianne. A twinge of the old jealousy reared its head deep in Jacklin’s heart. She shoved it away as she didn’t want anything to ruin this visit.
Marianne put her arm around Jacklin’s waist. “So how are you, dear sister. I have missed you so.”
Jacklin squeezed Marianne’s hand. “I’m good. I wanted you to come because I would like to settle down, get married, and have some children of my own.”
Marianne whirled around to face her. “Oh, is that true? I have prayed for you.”
“I need your help. You were always Daddy’s little girl.” Jacklin pulled at her leather split skirt. “As you can see, I haven’t changed much.”
Alone in Austin Page 7
