by Sharon Ryan
“What made you change your mind?” Shamus asked.
“I’m not deaf. I hear the horrible things some folks are saying about Mrs. Harding. I was selfish. That’s not fair to her. None of this has been. Lucy’s been worried about her friend.”
“It sure isn’t fair.”
Joe nodded in agreement, silently drinking his hot toddy.
“You speak highly of that nephew of yours, the one in Ohio, Arthur. Write to him, see if he wants to move into politics and serve this fine community. Hell, he’ll probably be better at that silly game than I; my place is here with Willa.”
“That’s a great sentiment.” Mr. Wilson looked suddenly sad.
“Your nephew sounds smart. See if he can find any reports of missing cattle, see if maybe they resurface in Wyoming or Montana. I have a feeling that with enough research, we can tie the stolen livestock right back to Sorensen. If he’s responsible, he’ll be out of the game and in jail where he belongs. I hate to think what actual criminals would do to a dandy like Andy in jail.”
“Wait?” Joe exclaimed. “Whatever makes you speculate on such a specific crime?”
Mr. Wilson leaned his body forward, listening to Shamus.
“Let’s just say,” said Shamus, “that a pretty, smart songbird I know very well figured things out while I was away.” Shamus winked playfully at the two men as he took a sip of whiskey, ready to return home to his wife, knowing that he would not be leaving her again anytime soon.
Epilogue
Willa stepped outside and felt the morning chill rush up to greet her. Each morning, she now felt her heart sing as she set about her work, for she was no longer alone. Shamus was already working on the chores. She watched as he broke ice for the horses along with Sandy’s help. The playful pup ran circles in the dusting of snow that had fallen late last night.
Willa was filled with both happiness and pride as she watched Shamus reach his gloved hand out to pat the necks of both the mare and stallion before he moved on to the next chore. Willa felt relieved at having Shamus home to help her. They shared the chores now, both inside and outside, so that they could be together as they worked. They reveled in each day they had together and looked forward to building a solid and fulfilling future as a couple. Shamus was supportive of Willa’s desire to manage and grow the venture her brother Clay had started with the horses.
Mr. Wilson’s nephew, Arthur, had come to town, settled in nicely, and was waiting for his first, long trip to Denver. Arthur’s investigative nature and interest in big-picture affairs led him into newspaper work. These skills lent themselves perfectly to his understanding of government. Mr. Wilson and the town leaders were confident of Arthur’s success in serving the townsfolk in the political arena.
Not long after Willa had gathered the information and Shamus had shared it, Andy Sorensen was formally charged with cattle rustling and had been transported to Fort Morgan to await his trial. Mrs. Sorensen took every opportunity to cry about the unjust system that was going to try her boy and vowed to retain the best lawyer money could buy.
Willa walked over to the shed where the halters and tack were housed. Shamus had put everything in its proper place within the shed when he’d come home from town after resigning his position. The chance to organize the equipment gave him some time to transition into his new life. Besides, he always felt better when his environment was in order. He had reminded Willa to put things back as she had found them; otherwise, he cautioned her that there would be consequences.
Willa picked up the milking stool, pail and Buttercup’s halter, but as she turned to exit the shed, she felt a mischievous nudge. She walked back over to the line of pegs that held each bridle, harness and halter untangled and ready for use. Willa plucked the harness from the peg and wadded it up so that the leather would have to be untangled. She smiled, and as she thought about the ‘consequences’, heat swept through her whole body, forcing her cheeks to blush. She imagined what would happen when Shamus saw the mess. Willa’s cheeks flushed, and her smile widened.
“Oh, my,” she said, as she turned to get back to her chores, hoping her husband would find the harness soon. Willa eagerly anticipated Shamus’ reprimand.
The End
Sharon Ryan
Sharon Ryan was born and raised in Colorado. Early in life, Sharon developed a love for horses, the old west, and science fiction. Currently, Sharon is a cat mom to six felines: Henri, Buttercup, Rhubarb, Lilli, Sheba, and Waldo. She also enjoys turtles and shares her backyard with a red-eared slider named Jacques. Sharon assists pet guardians as well as teaches and tutors writing at various Colorado colleges.
You can email her here: [email protected]
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