Buster shivered, recalling the way the man called Walter looked at her. “Dub said those three men have been fired and run out of town.”
“I’m worried about them seeking revenge. You know they blame us instead of themselves. Apparently they’d been warned before.”
His face registered surprise. “Dang, I forgot. You missed the big news.”
“What’s that?”
“Last night, Walter Jensen and his two friends tried to rob their former boss. Shot him but Marshal Wentz happened to be making rounds and intercepted the three men. Jensen wouldn’t give up and the marshal shot him.”
“Good heavens, did he survive?”
“He did not. Other two were eager to raise their hands. Marshal had Jensen hauled to the mortician. Soldiers loaded the other two with Hansen and his men in the prison wagon this morning.”
“Jensen was an awful man but I hate he’s dead. How’s Mr. Van Buren?”
“Doctor Spense dug the lead out of his shoulder and patched him. Van Buren said he’s coming to the sale later this afternoon.”
Cesare banged his gavel on the crate he used as a podium. On a makeshift table, Harold Bidmead and Dub each kept a record of sales.
“Folks, time to get this sale underway. We’ll start with this group of three horses and your bid will be per horse. Who’ll open the bidding?”
Dexter, Tony, and Joe each rode a horse into the ring.
This early in the day, bids were cautious. Nevertheless, several prospective buyers joined with varying signs. A short man in the front raised a forefinger to bid. At the side, a tall fellow who looked kind of familiar nodded to show his bid. In back, a burly man raised his hand.
Buster could barely stand watching horses she loved being sold to strangers, yet she couldn’t force herself to leave. Having them all driven away at once by the Army was difficult, but not prolonged as this would be today. She forced herself to concentrate on the joy Jesse would discover with her horse.
After a couple of hours, Thad escorted Buster to the food table. “You’re making yourself crazy. Have something to eat and drink.”
“I have to watch until after Jesse has her horse. I promised to signal if one up that’s good for her.”
He turned a crate on its end. “Sit here and watch then. Your sad face is scaring customers.” He found another crate for a seat for himself.
“I feel as if I’m auctioning off my children.” When he shook his head at her, she said, “I know it’s silly. For heaven’s sake, I sell horses and cattle for a living. So many going drawn out like this is hard, though.”
Briefly, he caressed her between her shoulder blades. “You won’t have to go through this again. So far, the prices are holding well.” He brought a cup of cider and a cinnamon bun from Ailsa McNair and gave them to Buster before he ordered the same for himself.
She broke apart her bun then licked the sticky sweetness from her fingers. “Marnie went back to the ranch this morning. I’ll stay on at the hotel until all the horses are sold. Do you think they’ll finish today?”
“Yes, I think so. Maybe too late for you to leave town, though. Riding alone late at night isn’t a good idea for any woman.”
“I’ve already told Diantha I’ll be here through tomorrow. I hope all these guests have given her the financial boost she needs for now.”
“With the extra you’re providing, that should do the trick.”
“There were sixty-eight women who were either widows or unmarried. Many moved back to where they had other family or to a larger town where they could find work. Only forty-seven of us are left.”
“How are you deciding who gets how much?”
Buster drained her cider then pulled out her handkerchief to wipe her hands. “Hester and I worked it out. A child up to six years counts as a fourth. From seven years to twelve counts as a half. Thirteen years and up count as one. So, you see, every widow will get a boost and those with children will have extra.”
She leaped to her feet when Billy was led out of the corral. “Oh, here comes one of the horses that would be good for Jesse.” She rushed to stand where Jesse and her father could see her. She gave a slight nod.
Mr. Cooper bid. Jesse looked around as if bored. When the bidding concluded, Jesse had her horse.
“Yay!” She jumped up and down and hugged her father.
Mr. Cooper exchanged Billy’s halter for one he’d brought then gave the reins to Jesse. “You’ll have to give him time to get used to you.”
Buster went to congratulate the little girl. “I’m glad you got the horse that chose you.”
“Me, too. He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” She stroked the horse’s nose and kissed him.”
“He’ll be a wonderful horse for you. You can count on him returning all the love you give him.”
“We’re going on home now. I hope I see you again.”
“I hope so, too, Jesse.”
As the father and daughter led the horse away, Thad joined Buster. “Now you can relax and go shop or visit friends or go to your hotel room and read. You don’t have to stand here and watch.”
“I think I should be available in case someone has questions.”
He put his hands at his waist. “Don’t you trust your employees to answer correctly?”
Good heavens, now she’d insulted him. “Of course I do. Many people like to speak to the owner.”
She sighed. “At least they did when Papa was alive. Now they may prefer you or Dub or Tony because—just like the Army Quartermaster—they believe men know more about these things.”
“You know good and well that’s not what I meant.” He took her hands in his. “Since watching the sale causes you pain, I wanted to spare you.”
He brought a smile to her lips and lightened her heart. “Thank you. I’m a little sensitive since the Army deal fell through even though it worked out for the best for the women in Wildcat Ridge.”
She watched a group of men amble over. They didn’t appear to be together, but arrived almost at the same time. They must have come from the hotel or the café. She glanced at the sun and decided it was too early for them to have come from one of the saloons. But, what did she know about saloons and brothels?
“People are still arriving. Hard to believe they’d wait so late.”
He stared at the newcomers. “No doubt they figure you’re saving the best horses for last.”
“Aren’t the hands just bringing out whichever horses are closest to the gate?”
He faced her and grinned. “No, Dub wants the multiples to go first. He brought out Billy as a favor to you and to Mr. Cooper. Dub said Sugar will come up late today as will several of the others that are among the best on offer.”
Wistfully, she glanced toward the corral. “Sugar’s such a sweetheart I almost kept her.”
“Can’t keep them all. You’ve made the right choices to build the strongest lines.”
“If you sell me your horses. Have you decided yet?”
His face was a mask. “Haven’t quite worked things out yet.”
Chapter Twenty-four
Thad didn’t know how such things were handled. After talking things over with Dub, he’d appealed to Aubrey Bowles for assistance. The lawman had promised to expedite matters if possible. Owen Vaile had also promised help.
Thad had ridden over to look at the house in which Silas Hansen had lived. The place had sturdy walls but the interior was a pigsty without much in the way of furniture. Apparently the entire gang lived in the house because the bunkhouse was riddled with roof leaks and broken windows.
The large barn also needed roof repair before another winter. Even though the acreage was less than the Rafter O, it was still a large ranch. He’d spoken in confidence to the four new men and they wanted to stay.
Thad stood lost in thought with the sounds of the auction fading into the background. He’d never been a gambler, but here he was taking the biggest gamble a man could. Every dime he’d saved would be tied
up.
What if he bought the place and Buster was so angry she refused to have anything further to do with him? Would she carry the grudge to her dying day? She was one stubborn woman, but he was betting everything she would forgive him.
Between starting the day tired from the dance the night before and the nerve-wracking auction, Buster was so exhausted she could barely stand by the time the night arrived. She watched Rafter O Ranch hands escort the money to the marshal’s office.
“You were right, Thad. Sugar was the star of the sale. I never dreamed she’d bring so much.”
He escorted her toward the hotel. “You came out ahead from the Army, didn’t you?”
“Even after Cesare Delaney’s commission, receipts were far more than the Army would have paid for the same horses.”
“Tony and Dexter are staying at the marshal’s office to help Cordelia and Aubrey Bowles guard the take.”
“Hester and I will divide the cash tomorrow. I’m so pleased the widows will have money to help them. The women are supposed to go by the marshal’s office tomorrow afternoon. I guess now is when we should have scheduled the dance since there’s reason to celebrate.”
“Naw, better the way you arranged it. I believe things are working out to your benefit and that of the widows. The soldiers hauled Hansen and his men off this morning. Most buyers have left town. Heard Crane left as well, though I imagine he’ll come back soon.”
Buster grimaced at the man’s name. “You can count on that slimy snake returning. I doubt he’s gone far.”
“Mac and Eddie are both here at the hotel tonight. Mac will leave for the ranch in the morning. Not sure when Eddie can travel.”
“Maybe we should bring in the wagon and take him home in that. You could put a mattress from one of the bunks in the wagon bed. I’ll ask Doctor Spense about doing that.”
“Good idea. Eddie’s eager to get to the ranch.”
She wanted to prolong their parting. “Are you going to the ranch tonight?”
“I have a couple of things to take care of in the morning before I head for the Rafter O. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“I hope so.”
“Well, guess this is goodnight but I sure hate to leave you here alone.” They stood in the shadows.
He pulled her into his embrace. His lips were warm and tasted of cider they’d drunk all day at the sale. She melted against him with her arms around his neck.
When they parted he gazed into her face. “Your kiss gives me something pleasant to dream on.”
She rested her hands on his broad chest. “Do you mean it? Will you dream of me?”
He took one of her hands and kissed her fingertips. “Have been since I arrived. Can’t help myself.”
“I hope they’re happy dreams.”
“Very but I’d rather have you close in person.”
Dub called, “Let me walk you to your room, Buster.”
She stomped her foot. “Dub, sometimes you are downright ornery.”
Thad looked at Dub then kissed Buster quickly. “I have errands still waiting. I’ll see you in the morning.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked away whistling quietly.
Buster put her hands on her hips. “Dub Reilly, how is a woman supposed to find romance with you around?”
“She’s supposed to take romance slowly until she’s married. Don’t want you having too much temptation.”
“I am a grown woman and have a right to some privacy.”
“True, but not too much. Remember I promised William I’d look after you as if you were my own daughter. I wouldn’t let my daughter hang around in the dark kissing a man who hadn’t made a commitment to her.”
“That’s just silly. How will he know whether he wants to commit if he hasn’t kissed me?”
“He has kissed you. Now you just be patient and reel him in. I figure once he saw you in that dress he was a goner for sure.”
“I don’t want a man who only wants me in a dress. I wear overalls on the ranch and you know that. Dresses aren’t practical for herding cattle or horses.”
“You have employees for those things, Buster. ’Bout time you realized that fact.”
“Papa did not sit at home in his office while everyone else worked and I don’t intend to either. The ranch is mine and I will not be some hobby rancher who never gets dirty.”
She punched his chest with her forefinger. “Any man who wants me will have to take me as I am. I had fun at the dance, but don’t you think for a minute that I’ll be wearing a dress at the ranch.”
He held up his hands in surrender. “All right, I get it. Now, get to bed before you drop. You’re always cranky when you’re overtired.”
“I give up on you. Goodnight.” She stomped inside the hotel and up to her room.
She was as tired as Dub said, but she didn’t need him reminding her. Maybe she did feel out of sorts. The past couple of weeks had been more exhausting that usual.
Although she longed for her own bed, she was grateful she didn’t have to postpone crawling between the sheets tonight. The hotel was comfortable and Diantha did a nice job operating the establishment. She drifted to sleep wondering if Thad would dream of her tonight.
The next morning, Buster woke early to unfamiliar noises. She rose and dressed in her split skirt and shirtwaist then went to settle up with Diantha. People clustered around the reception desk.
Diantha took Buster aside and spoke low. “I can’t charge you, Buster. You’re helping me out too much. A slew of the horse sale people stayed here.”
“You will charge me same as anyone else or I’ll be really offended. I owe for the refreshments for the dance, the rooms for my employees, and my room.”
After obvious reluctance, Diantha settled on a number and gave it to Buster on a bill.
Buster peered at the low total and figured the amount should be doubled. She leaned over and whispered, “You are so full of it, Diantha Ames. I’m taking this with me and will get you cash. First, though, I’m having breakfast at the café and then meeting Hester to divide the proceeds from the horse sale.”
Diantha was busy with people checking out. Aloud, she said, “We’re all so pleased the auction went well.”
“Yes, we had good results and every horse was sold. You’re busy so I’ll see you later.”
She strode toward the café across the alley. She saw Hester and waved at her. “Join me for breakfast before we divide up the proceeds?”
“Lawsy, my very thought.”
Inside, they found a seat in the busy eatery.
Tillie McNair was helping today. “To speed up meals, Garnet’s offering two selections. Steak, eggs, potatoes, and coffee or eggs and coffee. Both come with biscuits.”
Both women chose the smaller meal.
Buster said, “I loved those buns they sold at the corral yesterday morning. Wouldn’t have minded another one of those.”
“I had one of those, too. Very tasty. I believe they were the recipe of Garnet’s late sister-in-law, poor thing.”
After they’d eaten, they strolled to the marshal’s office. Tony and Dexter were seated at the marshal’s desk. Aubrey Bowles was asleep in one of the unlocked cells. Dinky Moon was in another one.
Tony nodded toward Cordelia’s house across the street. “Marshall is asleep. Dexter and I slept the first part of the night.”
“Thank you for staying. I know you were both tired from the auction. After we finish here, go to the hotel and get a good rest.”
Cordelia came into the office. “I thought I heard women’s voices. We counted the take again last night. Quite a sizable amount of money.” She opened the safe and hefted the bag onto her desk.
Hester unfolded several sheets of paper. “I made a list of everyone in town who will receive funds and how much each woman gets.”
Cordelia looked taken aback. “Don’t we all get the same?”
Buster pointed to the list Hester had placed on the desk. “Adults do, but
children also get a share.” She explained the system she and Hester and devised. “That makes six and three-quarter shares for Ailsa and her ten children.”
Hester leaned her hands on the desk. “This is the only fair way we saw to divide the proceeds among the women.”
Cordelia nodded. “I see what you mean now. Since I don’t have children, I hadn’t thought about those who do. Of course, with more mouths to feed, they need more money.”
Hester pulled her pencil out of her purse. “Okay, we’ve counted up the widows and dependents and how much one share will be. Now we halve the money for Buster’s cut and repay her for her loan to get the work on the springs started. Then, we can start counting out everyone’s receipts.”
Buster counted out her half and stuck it into her purse. “This is exciting. Now no one will have to leave—at least not for a while. Forget the loan for the springs. Perhaps there will be enough weddings that our town will survive and grow.” She looked at Tony and grinned.
He shook his head. “Oh no, no, no, Buster Odell, do not look at me with that matchmaker gleam in your eye.”
Dexter said, “Me either, at least not until I have money saved. A man should have enough put by to furnish his bride a ring and give her a decent place to live. I have neither.”
Buster appreciated his forethought. “You will, Dexter. I’ll remind you in a year or so.” She looked at Hester. “Tell me the first person and how many shares she gets.”
Hester had prepared well and brought envelopes with names on them. As Buster counted out each widow’s share, Hester produced the appropriate envelope. The process continued smoothly until all the widows were assigned their portion.
Ailsa McNair was the first to arrive. She accepted her envelope and peeked inside. “Oh, my word. I never dreamed we’d have this much.”
Tears appeared on her cheeks. “Thank you so much, Buster. You can’t know how relieved I am.”
“I’m relieved as well, Ailsa. I’m glad the auction was a success and now my life can go back to as normal as possible.”
Blessing (Widows Of Wildcat Ridge Book 2) Page 14