Wild Rain

by Beverly Jenkins

  “I will.”

  They parted ways.

  Regan was appalled to hear about Garrett’s shooting and agreed with Spring on Ketchum’s probable involvement. “From what you’ve told me, McCray hasn’t crossed anyone here but Ketchum,” she said. “I hope Whit finds what’s needed to place him before a judge.”

  “So do I. When Garrett left my place this morning, he planned to stop by here to set up an interview. Did he do that? He was shot not too far from here. Did you hear any shooting?”

  Regan shook her head. “He didn’t come by and I didn’t hear any gunfire.” She eyed Spring and asked, “And how are you feeling?”

  “Angry enough to go after Ketchum myself, but Whit reminded me that it’s his job. He said I’d hang if I take matters into my own hands.”

  “And that would break my heart.”

  “He said that, too. Now that I’ve cooled off I know he’s right, but I still want to send Matt to hell.”

  “Has McCray’s family been notified?”

  “Colt’s going to handle that. Not sure how he’ll word it without scaring them to death.”

  “True, but this isn’t the first time he’s had to present bad news to a patient’s family. I’m sure he knows what to say.”

  Spring agreed. She couldn’t rid her mind of Garrett lying so still, but held on to Colt’s assurance that he would recover.

  “If it will help, I can put up a reward for information that leads to an arrest.”

  “That would be very helpful.”

  “And I think it should be a significant enough amount that anyone who may have been an accomplice will be seriously tempted to come forward. How about ten dollars gold?”

  “I like the way you think.”

  “Let Whit know so he can have the posters put up as soon as he’s able.”

  The sound of Colt Fontaine crying made Regan rise to her feet. “I guess my siesta is over. Thanks for letting me know about McCray, and that Colt won’t be home this evening.”

  “Do you need me to get Anna from school?”

  “No, Lucretia’s bringing her home, but thanks for asking. Give me a hug.”

  They shared a tight embrace and Regan whispered, “I know you aren’t showing how worried you are, but if Colt says Garrett will be okay, he will.”

  Spring was again grateful for having Regan in her life. “Thanks, and thanks for the reward offer. Now, go get my nephew before he screams the house down.”

  Regan smiled tiredly. “I’ll see you later.”

  She left the parlor and Spring let herself out.

  At home, Spring fed the horses and put Cheyenne in his stall. She grabbed her bedroll, placed a few toiletries and a couple of clean shirts into a bag, and saddled Lady for the ride back to town. Her growling stomach reminded her that she’d not eaten since breakfast, so a trip to Dovie’s dining room was warranted at some point once she arrived.

  In town, her first stop was her brother’s office to check on Garrett. He was still sleeping.

  “He’s fine,” Colt told her. “Did you speak with Regan?”

  “I did.” And she told him about the reward. “I’m so glad she married you.”

  He chuckled. “It was touch and go at the beginning, but I am, too. Where are you going now?”

  “To let Whit know about the reward, then to Dovie’s. I’ve not eaten since breakfast. Do you want me to bring you a plate?”

  “No. She sent me food a little while ago.”

  “Good. I’ll be back.”

  Leaving her gear in his office, she made the short walk down to the sheriff’s office. After letting him know what she’d learned from Regan, and telling him about the reward, which he approved of, she left to go eat.

  “How’s Mr. McCray?” Dovie asked as Spring took a seat at one of the tables.

  “Colt says he’ll pull through, but it may take a while before he’s fully healed up.”

  Dovie shook her head sympathetically. “Such a terrible thing to happen. Everyone I’ve talked to is pointing the finger at Matt Ketchum because of what happened at Glenda’s party.”

  “So am I, but Whit needs evidence. If you hear anything let him know.” She then told her about the reward Regan was offering.

  “That’s a lot of money.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “You think I can talk her into offering a reward to anyone wanting to take Wallace Junior off my hands?”

  Spring smiled for the first time since learning Garrett had been shot. Wallace Junior could be a terror, but she knew Dovie wasn’t serious. She loved her son. “You can ask her next time you see her.”

  “Will do. What can I get you?”

  Spring studied the chalkboard on the wall that listed the dishes of the day. “I’ll have the beef stew and some biscuits.” Dovie’s biscuits were the best around.

  “Okay. I’ll be right back.”

  After she departed, Spring nodded a greeting to some of the others in the room. The elderly Emmett Davies, one of the local cattlemen, was seated with two other ranchers.

  “I hear doc got McCray patched up,” Emmett said to her from across the room.

  “He did.”

  “Shame something like that happened. Worked with him on Porter’s place. Nice fella. Hope Whit catches who did it.”

  Spring replied, “Mrs. Doc’s offering up a big reward for information.” Mrs. Doc was the nickname the locals lovingly bestowed upon Regan after she married Colt.

  “Do tell.”

  Spring nodded. “Whit’s going to put up posters to let everyone know about it.”

  The interest on the faces of the others in the room was plain. Once word got around about the size of the reward, she was confident someone would volunteer the evidence needed. It wasn’t every day someone could earn ten dollars gold for simply turning on a skunk like Ketchum.

  As if conjured up by her thoughts, Matt Ketchum entered the dining room with Jarvis, the male secretary Swan, and the daughter, Hazel. Silence descended as they took seats and all eyes watched. Spring took a perverse joy in seeing the lingering damage to Matt’s face by Garrett’s well-placed fist. It was bruised black-and-blue from his very swollen and crooked nose to his eyes. Upon noticing Spring, his mouth twisted nastily.

  “I hear someone put that man of yours in his place,” he said nasally. “Glad they did. I know you probably think I was involved, but you can’t prove it.”

  Dovie returned with Spring’s food. As she set the plate down, Spring replied to Ketchum, “You know, Matt, that might have had more sting if you didn’t resemble and sound like a raccoon with cotton stuffed up its nose.”

  Snickers were heard.

  Spring glanced up to see Dovie smiling. “Thanks, Dovie.”

  “You’re welcome.” Dovie then turned to Ketchum. “Any more of your ugliness and you’ll be asked to leave.”

  “Says who?”

  Dovie walked over to where he sat. Towering over him from her six-foot-plus frame, she replied calmly, “I whipped you when we were nine. I whipped you when we were fourteen. If you want to try me again, let me know.” Matt turned beet-red beneath his bruises. Upon hearing the chuckling, and taking in the grins of those looking on, his face twisted with anger and he got up and walked out.

  The amused Spring began eating her stew. For all his bragging and threats, he’d always had a thin skin. She expected Jarvis and his companions to follow his exit, but they stayed.

  After placing their orders with Dovie, Jarvis got to his feet and walked over to Spring’s table, much to her ire.

  “Miss Lee?”

  She looked up and waited for him to say more.

  “I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for what happened to McCray. I did warn him as you remember.”

  She wondered why he’d added that last part. If he’d come to express true concern, he could’ve done it and moved on. “Were you involved?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Just wondering why you included the �
��told you so.’ Couldn’t help crowing, I suppose.”

  His anger plainly showed he didn’t like where she’d taken the conversation, but someone tried to put McCray in his grave. She didn’t have to play nice. “You should probably go back to your seat.”

  He gritted out, “You might need to be taught a lesson, too.”

  “Someone already did. You’re speaking to the result.” She refused to be intimidated, especially by a man ignorant enough to believe being allied with Ketchum was a good idea. She again wondered what the two were really up to, but her food was getting cold. “Anything else?”

  “I hope I’m around to witness you being brought down a peg or two. I’ll enjoy it.” He turned and went back to his seat.

  She supposed she could’ve told him he wasn’t the first person to wish her ill, and probably wouldn’t be the last. Being a burr beneath some people’s saddles seemed to be part of her charm, as McCray called it. Thinking about him put a damper on her mood, so sending good thoughts his way, she refocused on her meal.

  When she finished eating, she paid Dovie and left.

  Before going back to her brother’s office, she wanted to talk with Odell, so she stopped at the telegraph office. To her surprise, there was no checkers game underway. In fact, Odell was alone.

  “I sent the telegram to McCray’s people,” he told her. “Hoping we’ll hear something back soon.”

  She wondered how they’d respond. Even if she and her brother were still estranged, getting word that he’d been injured, she’d’ve been on the next train heading his way. She wondered if his family would do the same. “Okay. Came to talk about the Ketchum land we purchased. Matt told Jarvis the acreage was sold illegally.”

  Odell rolled his eyes. “Matt’s so full of manure, I’m surprised he doesn’t leave a trail of pies every time he takes a step.”

  Tickled by that, she then relayed the details of Jarvis’s visit, adding, “Says he wants to build a mill.”

  “According to what I’ve been hearing there’s a bunch of back-East fellas wanting to buy land here so they can chop down all the trees.”

  Spring was confused.

  He explained. “There’s a big thirst for lumber to build houses and such, but not enough trees anymore. So companies are turning their eyes to places out West. Man like Jarvis could make a small fortune with a mill, especially a new fancy one.”

  “So has Jarvis approached you?”

  “No. This is my first time hearing why he might be sniffing around. He can’t be very bright if he’s hitched his wagon to Ketchum.”

  She agreed.

  “And if Arnold Cale hears that Matt is telling folks his pa’s land was sold illegally, Arnold’s going to have his head. He takes a lot of pride in his reputation, and this would be a big smear if it were true, which it isn’t. Cale put adverts in papers from San Francisco to Chicago looking for heirs after Mitch Ketchum died. Didn’t hear a peep from Matt.”

  “Anybody know where he’s been?”

  “Hiding out, apparently. I heard rumors he was back East. That big politician in Cheyenne whose daughter Matt assaulted died recently, so I guess he figured it was safe to come back.”

  “And stir up trouble.”

  Odell nodded.

  Spring admittedly didn’t pay much attention to politics but wondered if the Territory politicians were promoting the land sales to the big back-East investors. There were certainly plenty of trees to be had.

  Odell added, “If you’re worried about your land being legal, don’t be. It is. I’ll be talking to Ben and some of the ranchers to let them know about the lies Matt and Jarvis are spreading and find out if Porter James knows about the mill Jarvis is talking about building.”

  “Thanks, Odell.”

  “You’re welcome, and we will find out who shot McCray, one way or another.”

  “Regan’s offering a reward for information.” And she told him how much.

  His blue eyes twinkled. “Mrs. Doc is such a gift to Paradise. That much money would tempt a saint.”

  “I agree.”

  He studied her for a few moments before asking, “The man means something to you, doesn’t he?”

  She gave him a nod.

  “Not many men worthy enough to be with a woman as special as you. I hope you know that.”

  “I do.” She valued herself even if others didn’t.

  “Walking through life alone has its advantages, but so does walking with someone you have feelings for. Keep that in mind.”

  “Thanks, Odell.”

  “You’re welcome, Little Rain Girl.”

  His nickname for her made her smile. Over the years, whenever they discussed life or things close to the heart, he always affectionately addressed her that way. He also used it when he was upset with her about something she’d done, like not checking the hooves of her horse for stones or an ill-fitting shoe, or taking on a mustang he thought too dangerous for her to break. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “Why am I named after my grandmother? The way Ben felt about her, you’d think my folks would’ve called me something else.”

  “Your mother wanted to honor your grandmother’s memory. Ben pitched a fit of course, but Isabelle didn’t care. She said your grandmother was due the tribute.”

  “So I’ve been a lightning rod of sorts since I was born.”

  He smiled. “I suppose you could say that, but like you, your grandmother had a deep well of strength. Ben stupidly used up every drop. It’s why she left.”

  Her grandmother had rarely been discussed when Spring was young, but she knew a bit of the story about Ben and his Shoshone bride, and how he kept her from her people in a misguided attempt to turn her into what he called a civilized wife. She’d suffered loneliness, bore slurs from the townspeople, and one day Ben woke up to find his infant son Lewis tucked in bed beside him, and his wife gone. His search for her spanned years, but she was never found. “I’m going to check on McCray. You’ll let me know when his folks reply?”

  “Sure will.”

  Chapter Eleven

  For the next few days Spring divided her time between her place and helping with McCray’s care so Colt could get some sleep. Odell and Whit took turns, as well. Colt showed them how many drops of laudanum to put in his tea to help him sleep, and how to change the dressings covering his back. The laudanum was alternated with bark tea. The bark tea wasn’t as effective, but Colt didn’t want Garrett to become dependent on the opium-based laudanum. On day four Dr. Crane, the Chinese doctor in Green River, sent word that Colt’s help was needed with yet another measles outbreak, this time at a different mining camp.

  As he prepared to leave, he told Spring, “I’d rather stay here and look after my patient, but babies are dying up there. Promise me you’ll send someone for Lucretia if he gets a high fever or his healing stalls.”

  Lucretia Watson was the local midwife, and the grandmother of Anna’s best friend, Livy. “I promise. Don’t worry.”

  “Okay. I’m going by home to pack a bag, kiss my wife and children, and ride to the camp.”

  His weariness was plain, and she wondered when he’d get the rest he needed. “Be careful. Send word when you arrive so Regan won’t worry.”

  “Will do. Take care of McCray. I’ll be back as soon as I’m able.” Picking up his medical bag and bedroll, he left the office. Watching through the window as he rode off, she sent up a silent prayer for his safety. During her wilder younger days, her outrageous behavior had caused a deep rift in their relationship. No matter how many times he tried to talk her into mending her ways, she’d refused to listen. Now, thanks to Regan, they were in a better place. It wasn’t perfect and because of their personalities it might never be, but she was glad to have him back in her life, and she couldn’t be prouder of his dedication to his profession.

  That evening as she slept on her bedroll on the floor of the back room, she heard Garrett stirring. Still half-asleep, she got up, pla
cing her hand on his forehead to assess his temperature.

  He croaked, “Spring?”

  Elated that he’d finally awakened, she replied, “I’m here.”

  “Where am I?”

  “Colt’s office.”

  He made a move to sit up, but she stalled him gently. “You have to lie still. You’re hurt pretty bad.”

  He quieted for a moment as if assessing her words. “What happened?”

  “You were shot. Hold on, let me light a lamp.”

  She did and when she glanced his way, found him asleep again. Sighing, she doused the lamp and returned to her bedroll.

  Garrett opened his eyes, glanced around the small windowless room, and didn’t know where he was. Sleep tried to drag him under again, but he fought it to clear his mind enough to make sense of his surroundings. He tried to sit up, but pain dropped on him like an anvil, making him pant until the agony lessened somewhat.

  The door opened. Odell appeared. “I see you’re awake.”

  Garrett, still riding the wave of pain, thought he nodded but wasn’t sure.

  “How are you feeling?”

  The call of nature was strong. He whispered, “Need to relieve myself.”

  “Got a chamber pot here.”

  “No. Outside.”

  “Letting you up is going to get both of us in trouble with Spring and Lucretia, but I understand.”

  Odell walked over to the cot. Garrett managed to get himself upright and sat head down on the edge of the cot. Shaking from lack of strength and doing his best to ignore the roaring pain in his back, he fought to catch his breath. He glanced at the loose nightshirt he was wearing and its origin was another mystery. “What happened to me?”

  “You were backshot.”

  “When?”

  “About five days ago. Ben found you and brought you here. Colt patched you up.”

  “Spring?”

  “Been here with you the entire time. She went to eat. I’m watching you until she gets back.” Odell assessed him. “You sure you want to go outside?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. That door there leads out back. You’ll have privacy. Let’s do this quick before she returns and cusses us both.”