“And aren’t we all worried?” she muttered. “Your young man will be just fine. And he’ll watch out for the others as well.”
Amanda’s wedding date had been set before everyone left, but she hadn’t heard a single word from Sawyer or her brothers. Even Willow hadn’t written to her, as she’d promised when she left. “I hope nothing went wrong. Leonard and Willow should be exonerated from any charges of wrongdoing. Neither of them would harm a fly.”
“I agree with you. But some men can manipulate the truth to the point no one knows right from wrong.”
“Some fast-talking lawyer, you mean?”
“Exactly.” Mrs. Sheridan patted Amanda’s hand.
“Sawyer and Daniel won’t let that happen.” Amanda spoke with more conviction than belief. Anything was possible it seemed. Only a few months ago, everyone believed Willow was Willie Hughes. And then the McLennon family learned about these ridiculous accusations concerning Leonard and Willow and their uncle.
“Hopefully, a judge won’t fall for any trickery and those young people will be free to live their lives.”
The back door opened and A. J. McLennon strode into the kitchen. He tossed his Stetson on the table, his expression clouded with worry.
“Papa, what’s wrong?” Amanda leapt off her chair.
“I’m not certain.” Her father waved off her concern. “I received a telegraph from Adam inquiring if I knew of any honest judges near Cactus Plains. I wracked my brain and came up with no one. I haven’t been in Texas in decades. I replied suggesting Daniel inquire at the Pinkerton Agency for a name. I’m hoping Daniel or Sawyer succeed in finding a lawyer who will straighten out the mess that caused Leonard and Willow to flee their hometown.”
Amanda seated herself at the table. “I’m worried I haven’t heard from any of them either.”
“Never been one to sit around and worry. I wish I’d gone with them.” AJ stood hands on hips. “Maybe I could have helped in some way.”
“Papa, someone had to stay and look after the ranch. With Adam gone, Jackson required your help with the horses. And in another few weeks, Simon and Michael will be up to their ears preparing for roundup.” Amanda’s fingers worried her handkerchief.
Mrs. Sheridan poured AJ a cup of coffee. “Sit and drink this,” she said, setting it on the table.
AJ slumped onto a chair. “I’ll send another telegraph tomorrow asking for an update on their findings.”
“That would be wonderful, Papa. Let me know the moment you receive a reply.” Amanda hopped up. “I’ll be returning to town as soon as Lily is ready. Young Edward was fussing, and she considered a nap a necessity before we set out.”
“Lily’s an excellent mother, but she could have left the lad with me.” Mrs. Sheridan smiled. “Would have enjoyed spoiling the little gaffer.”
“And Papa would have helped you,” Amanda accused, smiling.
Lily walked into the kitchen holding her son. “We’re ready. And I’ve got a cheerful little fellow here now that he’s had his nap.”
“Wonderful. I promised Aunt Ruby and Nancy I would be in town to help them today, so I can’t dawdle any longer.” Amanda grabbed her reticule off the table, knowing Saturday was the busiest day of the week at her clothing store. “I’ll tell Davie we’re ready to leave for Milestone.”
“No, I’ll drive you. I’ve changed my mind. I’m not waiting another day to send Adam a telegraph. We need to know what Daniel discovered about the problems facing Willow and Leonard.” AJ reached for his Stetson. “If I don’t hear anything back, I’ll be heading to Texas myself.”
“Maybe there will be a letter from Willow waiting for you at the general store,” Mrs. Sheridan suggested. “That girl promised to write and she’s a person who keeps her word.”
“Perhaps they haven’t been gone long enough for a letter to reach us,” Amanda speculated. “Our best hope is to receive Adam’s reply in a telegraph that all is well.”
Mrs. Sheridan handed them a package. “There’s a bit of cheese and some biscuits in there for the road. If you’re not back by supper, I’ll assume you’re staying in town for the night.”
“We should be back, but you never know,” AJ admitted. “I fully intend to return and if we’re not here for supper, send Davie to look for us.”
“All right, I’ll do that.” Mrs. Sheridan hugged Amanda and then Lily. “Say hello to Ruby and Nancy for me.”
“We will. And thank you for packing the food.” Amanda looked deep into their housekeeper’s eyes. “You are so thoughtful. I have no idea what we’d do without you.”
Mrs. Sheridan waved off the praise, her face reddening. “Travel safely.”
Amanda dashed out the door and climbed up onto the buggy seat. With so many people who cared about her, she shouldn’t be concerned that something was terribly wrong in Texas. Her brothers, Adam and Daniel, would never allow anything to happen to their new friends. And Sawyer’s experience with the Pinkertons would serve them well.
“I’m just being silly,” she whispered to herself.
“Did you say something?” Lily leaned closer.
Amanda shook her head. “Nothing important.” She would simply bide her time until she heard from Sawyer or her brothers or Willow. No news was good news. She just had to believe it. And deep in her bones she felt that things were going to work out for everyone.
No news was good news.
No news was good news.
No news was good news.
She would repeat the mantra in her head until her heart believed it was true.
Chapter 22
Cactus Plains
Willow gasped when Mrs. Griffith lumbered into the hallway, squinting at them. What had happened to her eyeglasses? Her shabby green dress hung on her wasted body and she limped slightly. Her shoes appeared worn to the point of falling off her feet. Her graying hair had turned near to white and Willow would bet that endless worry had caused those creases on her once wrinkle-free face. In her early sixties, Mrs. Griffith looked closer to eighty.
“Is it truly you, Miss Harrison?” the housekeeper whispered.
“Yes! Oh, yes! It’s me. Oh, my goodness!” Willow burst into tears and gently wrapped the emaciated woman in her arms. Their housekeeper had aged twenty years in the months they’d been separated, and she’d wasted away to a fraction of her once vibrant self.
Willow moved out of their embrace and looked the woman up and down. Dark circles under her eyes. Walking with a distinct limp. Appearing not much more than skin and bones. “What happened, Mrs. Griffith? Are you ill?”
The woman patted her tear-filled eyes with a grimy lace handkerchief. “No, I’m fine. Mostly been heartsick since you left.” She met Willow’s eyes. “I cannot tell you how wonderful it is, seeing you safe and healthy. I worried about my dear girl every day.”
Willow glanced about the house, wandering into the parlor. The house appeared immaculately kept without a speck of dust in sight while the plank floors shone, and the rugs and furniture remained dirt free. “Our home looks wonderful, but Red told us you haven’t any help left.”
“Mr. Pearson fired all of them, including me. I told him I was staying on, even if he didn’t pay me. I refused to leave that horrible man alone in this beautiful house. He’s a drinker and a gambler, you know.” Mrs. Griffith slowly shook her head. “Needn’t have worried. He’s seldom here. I’ve never met such a disagreeable fellow in my entire life. Mr. Platt told me the bill at the general store hasn’t been paid in months. He stopped granting the ranch credit, but no one could blame him. We’ve been fortunate there was plenty of food in the pantry, and the root cellar was filled with preserves, root vegetables, and the like. If not, I fear we all would have starved.”
“You’ve continued to cook for the seven or eight people left here?” Adam inquired.
Mrs. Griffith nodded. “There are seven of us left, and I did what I could. We all pitched in to keep the ranch going the best we were able.”
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p; “Seven?” Adam exclaimed. “There should be at least twenty-five men caring for this property, and that doesn’t include three or four ladies to cook, to clean the house, do laundry.”
“And that many folks worked here when Mr. Harrison owned the ranch.” Mrs. Griffith glanced at Willow and then met eyes with Adam again. “Who are you, young man?”
Willow felt her face redden and wrapped an arm around the older woman’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I’m in shock and forgot to introduce you. This is Adam McLennon. The Montana rancher who hired Leonard and me to work with the Thoroughbreds and other horses on his family’s ranch.”
“You were in Montana? My goodness, I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. McLennon.” Mrs. Griffith extended a bony, age-spotted hand and shook hands with Adam.
“Willow obviously loves you, and I’m happy to meet you.”
The housekeeper’s expression brightened with a smile. “I love this girl like she was my own.”
Willow smiled. “I’m so sorry you were put in this situation. But I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done. Feeding the men who worked without pay to keep the ranch running. And cleaning the house despite it being empty.”
Mrs. Griffith waved off the compliments. “Oh, girl. I’d never avoid my work for any reason.”
“But you’re nearing complete exhaustion. And you’ve prepared meals from next to nothing, while no doubt eating very little yourself. Ensuring the men were fed.”
“Those men work much harder than I do,” she argued. “I don’t require much—”
“Nonsense! You need to eat. And we’re going to ensure the root cellars and pantries are filled again,” Adam interjected.
Willow touched his arm. “Thank you for your help,” she whispered. “We’ll pay back every penny.”
Adam waved off the offer. “Don’t worry about that. We need to ensure the Circle H is restored to its original state. I’ve already telegraphed my father and I’m hoping he knows a judge or someone who can convince a judge to grant Leonard authority to take over operation of this ranch.”
“And Leonard needs to hire more men to help with the horses and to return the ranch to an acceptable state,” Willow added.
Mrs. Griffith clasp his hand. “Bless you, young man. I’ve prayed someone would help us. Now Willow and Leonard have returned home. And you’re here, too. My prayers have been answered.”
“I’m so sorry we’ve waited so long to return home. But we were so frightened…”
“The night Red fetched me home when something just told me I needed to return early… I understood why when I found that fellow bleeding all over the floor in the study. Red hauled him to town and the doctor saved his life.” Mrs. Griffith hugged Willow. “I’ve heard all those rumors. The stories of attempted murder and the money robbed from the ranch safe. Whoever done it must have had a good reason. That Pearson fellow blamed you and Leonard for all of it. I never believed a single word!”
“Thank you for your faith in us,” Willow whispered.
“Neither you nor Leonard would ever do such a thing. And anyone who’d think it is a complete fool.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Adam touched the woman’s shoulder. “Come with us to town and we’ll settle up with the fellow at the general store. Then you order what staples and other items are needed to fill the pantry.”
“I’ve already made a list, hoping someday I could use it,” Mrs. Griffith admitted, grinning.
“Adam, we need to visit the banker first. I’m not certain the ranch has the money to—”
“I’ll pay the shopkeeper for everything needed.” He reached for her hand. “Then we’ll worry about the funds in the bank.”
Willow gaped at the man she’d fallen in love with. He must be carrying hundreds of dollars in cash on his person to make such sweeping statements. Leonard handled all of their earnings and no doubt carried a substantial amount of cash in his saddlebags as well. Goodness, she’d be a nervous wreck, worrying herself into a state for fear someone would rob her. Of course, she’d be much easier to rob than a strong, muscular man like Adam or her wiry brother. Regardless, she and Leonard required Adam’s assistance. Their savings would be eradicated in a matter of minutes, considering the state of the ranch. She doubted they could cover both the account at the feed store and the general store, never mind pay the men on the ranch.
And she wouldn’t be surprised to discover the ranch bank accounts at the First National Bank in Cactus Plains were completely empty. Perhaps Adam intended to arrange for funds through the banker, accessing his own money in Montana. Regardless of how Adam planned to help them, she couldn’t love him more for his generosity.
* * *
Three hours later, Willow and Adam met up with Leonard, Daniel and Sawyer in the First National Bank. At two-thirty in the afternoon, a couple of customers were talking to the clerk, and the manager could be seen seated at his desk through the glass window of his office in back.
“Did you have any success at the feed store?” Willow touched her brother’s arm while they waited for the clerk to fetch the manager.
“I settled up with Jake and arranged for a large order. Cost a few extra dollars but the feed will be delivered today.” Leonard hugged his sister. “Red has the men rounding up the horses still on the ranch. Fortunately, a local vet was in the feed store when we were there. He’ll be out to the Circle H tomorrow to check on all of the horses. And poor old Joe also.”
“Thank you for stepping into the role of manager, Leonard. The ranch needs you desperately.” Willow hugged him tightly.
“Good afternoon. I’m Stanley Webber, the bank manager here. How may I help you?” The stout gentleman peeked at them over the top of his wire-rimmed glasses.
Leonard stuck out his hand. “I’m Leonard Harrison. My father owned the Circle H Ranch.”
“Leonard, how nice to see you.” The manager’s expression brightened. “I remember you.”
“Mr. Webber, I’m Agent Daniel McLennon with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. And this gentleman is a retired agent, Sawyer Manning.” Daniel removed his bowler and showed the manager his badge. “We’d like to ask you a few questions about the Circle H bank accounts.”
“Well, I don’t know if I can divulge information on accounts if you don’t have a signatory on file,” the manager began.
Willow stepped forward. “I’m Willow Harrison, Hartley Harrison’s daughter. A few years prior to his death, Father gave me signing authority on the accounts. Can you please tell us if there are any funds left in the accounts since we suspect they’ve been drained by Clarence Pearson?” The manager took a step back, appearing shocked by her bluntness. Willow couldn’t care less. “If the accounts are empty, then there isn’t any reason for worry about propriety in talking to the Pinkertons.”
The manager glanced over at the teller area. “Come with me, please. All of you.”
Leonard and Willow followed the manager with Adam, Daniel and Sawyer bringing up the rear. Leonard glanced at Willow and shrugged. She hadn’t a clue what that meant. Was he as perplexed by the manager’s request as she was? Soon, the manager seated them on hardbacked chairs squeezed into his office with the door securely closed. “I didn’t want anyone listening in on our conversation,” he began, seating himself behind his enormous oak desk littered with paperwork.
“Why is that?” Daniel demanded.
“Nothing illegal is going on, Agent McLennon,” the manager assured him. “But there are a few items I need to discuss with Leonard and Willow.”
Leonard straightened in his chair. “Items? What does that mean?”
Willow glanced at Adam and he reached for her hand. He squeezed it gently and nodded. Did he fear the manager would be communicating bad news? She didn’t expect to hear anything other than the accounts had been emptied by Clarence Pearson. Could the situation be worse than she thought?
“First of all, your fears about the ranch accounts are true. Mr. Pearson has meticulously withdra
wn funds from both accounts at will. Whenever revenues were received at the bank through past winnings at races and the like, the majority of the monies were removed almost immediately by Mr. Pearson. Not to mention the funds your father placed there to cover operating expenses.”
Willow’s eyes filled with tears. “I knew it. We’re broke,” she whispered. “All of father’s hard work for nothing.”
The manager slid forward in his chair. “Please hear me out, Miss Harrison. All is not lost.”
Leonard sat in his chair, arms crossed and staring at the manager. “Please explain yourself.”
“Years ago, your father set up accounts for you, Leonard, and for your sister. One joint account is in Hartley Harrison’s and Leonard Harrison’s names, and another account is in his name and Willow’s. Now that your father has passed, these accounts belong to you. And only you.”
Willow gasped and one hand covered her mouth. “And Clarence Pearson has no claim on the monies in them?”
“Absolutely none whatsoever.” The manager smiled. “In fact, I didn’t believe it prudent to even mention those accounts to the man.”
“I can’t… I can’t believe this,” Leonard muttered.
“Your father adored both of you, and he wanted to ensure you were provided for when his time came. After your mother passed so suddenly, Hartley requested funds be set aside for both of you to ensure you weren’t left penniless should he pass just as unexpectedly. Or should the ranch have failed, his family could have been left destitute. Your father wanted better for the two of you.”
“Bless your father for his forethought,” Adam whispered, smiling at Willow.
“I knew father loved us, but…” She blinked back her tears.
“The Circle H Ranch had prospered over the years and your father set aside a substantial sum for his children.” The manager stood. “I’ll be right back.”
When the manager left his office, the five of them sat in stunned silence. Willow couldn’t imagine what ‘a substantial sum’ meant. She prayed there was enough money to repay Adam and to resurrect the Circle H left in shambles following her father’s unexplained bequest to Clarence Pearson.
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