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The Texas Cowboy’s Courtship (Testament Creek Book 1)

Page 15

by Maya Stirling


  Cal lay back on his bed inside his jail cell and peered through the bars at the deputy sitting behind the desk. "When is Sheriff Brady due back?" he asked Deputy Tyler Smith.

  The young man, who Cal had already taken a liking to, glanced up and shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not supposed to be speaking to you, Cal."

  Cal stood and walked to the bars. "I know that, Tyler. But you seem like a reasonable kind of a man."

  "So you keep on saying," Tyler replied, trying to sound serious. Tyler went back to reading the paper he was holding.

  "You know there's a judge coming to town," Cal said.

  That got Tyler's attention. He looked up and squinted at Cal. "How do you know that?"

  Cal shrugged. "Word gets around."

  "Has Grace got something to do with that?" Tyler asked. He stood, came around the desk and strode slowly over to the Cal's jail cell.

  "Might be," Cal replied cautiously. He didn't want to say anything which might bring Grace any unwanted attention. Cal figured he could trust Tyler. Having spoken to Tyler in confidence days before, Cal knew that the young deputy had serious concerns about Sheriff Brady's close connections with Largo. And it wasn't just Largo who the sheriff was involved with. It seemed Tyler had personally witnessed the sheriff taking bribes from Largo and other criminal types around town. That explained the small number of convictions for crimes which Cal had noticed in recent months.

  "Which judge is coming?" Tyler asked.

  "I don't know. But, it might mean Brady's days are numbered." Tyler looked thoughtful for a long moment. Cal reckoned it was time to put some pressure on the deputy. "Maybe the time has come for you to decide whose side you're on."

  Tyler frowned. "I'm on the side of law and order," he snapped.

  Cal nodded. "I know you are. That's why I'm telling you this. Take it as a warning, if you like."

  Tyler grunted. "Does Brady know about this?"

  "Do you think he'd still be here if he knew?" Cal asked. "With the way he's been acting, I reckon he'd be riding out of town today." Cal narrowed his eyes at Tyler. "You're not planning on telling him, are you?"

  Tyler gazed at Cal for a long moment. Cal saw hesitation in the young man's eyes. Cal knew he'd taken a risk telling the deputy. He was about to find out if that had been a bad move.

  Tyler sighed and then shook his head. "No I'm not. And I don't think he knows the judge is coming to town. At least, he hasn't said anything to me."

  Cal leaned against the bars of the jail cell. "You know there's trouble coming, Tyler," Cal murmured. "And Largo is the one who's behind it."

  Tyler nodded. There was a serious look on his face, now. "I don't like that man," Tyler said. "I've seen the way he treats people over on his ranch. Some of those Mexicans he has working for him. They're scared out of their wits."

  Cal thought about what had happened when Largo's rustlers had raided the Circle T. "But there're also some who like doing what he tells them. I saw them when they raided our spread. They were bad men. I'm sure Largo pays them well."

  Tyler nodded. "I know the ones you're talking about. I've been out to Largo's place. I've seen some bad things. Whippings and punishments and the like." Tyler shook his head. The memories twisted his features into an expression of pure disgust. "It ain't right."

  "And we can make it stop," Cal said, seizing his chance. Tyler saw things his way.

  Tyler's eyes brightened. "You're right, Cal. We can bring some peace to this town."

  "If we get rid of Largo. And this corrupt sheriff, then maybe Testament Creek can have a chance to be free of this evil. Because that's what it is, Tyler. Largo is an evil man. And he's corrupted the law in this town. We can't let that continue."

  Tyler dragged in a deep breath and nodded. "What are we going to do?"

  Cal smiled at Tyler. "We have to wait until the judge arrives. Until then, we have a big problem."

  "What's that?"

  Cal thought about what would be going on up at the Circle T. The women he was supposed to be protecting were at the mercy of Largo and his crew of desperadoes. Of course, Prudence, Grace and Hope would think they could take care of themselves. And with the shooting lessons Cal had given Hope and Grace, he figured they had some chance of doing that. But Largo had plenty of men at his disposal. Now that Cal was locked up, Largo might see this as his only chance to drive the women off the Circle T. And he'd use whatever means he saw fit to do so.

  "I'm worried about the women on the Circle T," Cal told Tyler.

  The young man nodded. "I can see that."

  An idea floated into Cal's mind, but he discarded it immediately. "I'm not going to ask you to let me out of this jail. If you did that, Brady would know you're on our side. I don't want to show our hand. Not until the judge gets here."

  "So what do you want me to do?"

  Cal peered sternly at Tyler. "I want you to go to the Circle T and watch over those women. Make sure no harm comes to them."

  Tyler nodded and considered Cal's suggestion. "I can do that. When Brady comes back, he'll expect me to go out anyway. He usually wants me wandering around town, keeping an eye out for trouble."

  Cal smiled. "Only tonight, you'll be keeping an eye out for trouble over at the Circle T."

  "Do you think Largo is going to make a move tonight?" Tyler asked.

  "I don't know for sure. But, I wouldn't be surprised if he did. My ranch hands will put up a fight, if they have to. Their loyalty to the Circle T is unshakeable." He peered at Tyler. "And if they have the law on their side, they'll do whatever it takes to keep those women safe."

  "I'll be there," Tyler said and thrust his hand through the bars. Cal took the man's hand and shook it firmly.

  Removing his hand, Tyler frowned. "I still don't understand why Largo wants his hands on the Circle T."

  "That's what we were trying to figure out, Tyler. We couldn't come up with an answer that made any sense. Maybe, if he shows up tonight, you'll find out."

  Cal heard footsteps out on the boardwalk. The handle to the door of the jailhouse twisted and Tyler took a step back.

  The door opened and in walked Sheriff Brady. His brows furrowed when he saw Tyler standing over by Cal's cell. "Is there a problem with the prisoner, deputy?" Brady asked sharply.

  Tyler shook his head. "He was asking when his food is coming. I told him he'd have to wait."

  Brady grinned and threw his hat down on the desk. Hoisting up his gun belt hanging from his fat middle, the sheriff scoffed. "Maybe about time you started getting used to prison food, Logan," the sheriff taunted.

  Cal lay back down on his bed and watched as Tyler went to the sheriff. "You don't need me here, do you, boss," Tyler said.

  Brady shook his head. "Just go do what you're good at, Tyler. I'll see you later."

  Tyler took his hat and turned to look at Cal. The corner of Tyler's mouth creased with the hint of a smile. Then he left the jailhouse.

  Cal stretched out on the bed, resting his hands behind his head. He'd done all he could, for now. Tyler was a good man. He'd do his best to keep the law up at the ranch.

  Since the moment he'd been locked up in the cell, Cal had been thinking about the Circle T and the women who, right at this moment, would be sitting up there. They'd probably be worried. Maybe they'd even be concerned about his welfare. Cal was sure Prudence would be thinking about him. There was a twisting sensation in Cal's gut as he thought about the possibility that the women would come to harm.

  There was no doubt in Cal's mind that things were about to come to a head. Largo was going to make a move. About that, Cal was certain. He wanted to be at the Circle T. Needed to be there so he could keep his promise to Prudence, Hope and Grace.

  Frustration made Cal groan. The sheriff looked up from his seat behind the desk. "You okay, Logan?"

  Cal nodded. "Fine, sheriff."

  Sheriff Brady would face justice when the judge came to town. And Largo, too.

  Cal lay quietly on the bed for a while. Sher
iff Brady busied himself with some paperwork. Cal closed his eyes and recalled the visit to the church earlier that morning. His heart warmed as the image of Prudence's pretty face drifted into his mind. He smiled to himself, savoring the joy which filled his heart. He missed her. Right now, he longed to be by her side. He wished he was up at the ranch, sitting on the porch, right alongside her. He dearly wished he was holding her in his arms and kissing her.

  Cal recalled how he'd been affected by the prayers at church that morning. The words had touched him profoundly. Until that moment, he hadn't realized how he could be moved by being amongst believers. During the entire service, the church had seemed filled with light and joy and love. Cal realized he wanted that in his life. Now that Prudence had come to the Circle T, he wanted to be with her. Wanted to protect her. Wanted to love her.

  A sensation shifted in his chest, somewhere around his heart. Cal dragged in a deep breath. Maybe now was the time to do something he'd been avoiding for too long. Now was the time to pray.

  He lifted up his heart. He said the words to himself, silently, in his mind.

  Lord. I know I have been gone from You for a long time. And I truly regret that. But, now I have found You again. And it is all down to the beautiful woman whom You have graciously brought into my life.

  Cal paused, feeling the hope in his heart like never before. He continued:

  Lord, I love Prudence. All I want is to do Your will and make her my wife. If she will have me, of course. But I am stuck here for now because I know You wish me to obey Your law. Please protect Prudence and Grace and Hope. Those women mean the world to me, Lord. Forgive me if I have transgressed Your law in any way. I am sorry for any wrong I might have done. And I live in hope that You will protect the women of the Circle T from all evil. And that You will grant me my freedom.

  Amen.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Night had fallen when the deputy arrived at the Circle T. Prudence was in her room when she saw, from the window, the rider arriving at the ranch. She recognized Tyler at once and went to Hope and Grace's rooms. When she told the two of them that the deputy had arrived, they followed Prudence downstairs.

  They went outside and saw a couple of the ranch hands approaching the deputy. The ranch hands held rifles in their hands. Tyler peered steadily at the men as they walked toward him.

  "Its okay, boys," Prudence said to the ranch hands. The men lowered their rifles. Things were tense around the Circle T.

  Tyler relaxed and came to Prudence, Hope and Grace. His gaze lingered a while on Grace. Prudence saw Grace's cheeks flush pink.

  "Cal asked me to come," Tyler stated.

  "Is he okay?" Prudence asked urgently.

  Tyler nodded. "He's still locked up. The sheriff ain't going to let him out."

  "Has he even charged him with anything?" Grace asked.

  Tyler titled his head. "He has. And he hasn't," Tyler said.

  "What does that mean?" Hope asked.

  "Sheriff Brady told Cal he's holding him in the jail pending an inquiry."

  "He can't do that for long," Grace said. "When the judge comes, we'll soon get Cal out of jail."

  Tyler stepped closer. "Cal told me about the judge arriving."

  "He did?" Prudence asked. She wondered if Cal had come up with some kind of plan to deal with the situation with the sheriff and Largo. Ever since returning to the ranch, she, Hope and Grace had been worried Largo might pay a visit.

  "That's why he asked me to come to the ranch tonight," Tyler said. Prudence recalled what Cal had said about Tyler being a friend in their battle to bring Brady and Largo to justice. "He asked me to make sure you were all safe."

  "He said that?"Prudence asked.

  Tyler nodded. "He figures you all might need some help. Especially if you get some unwelcome visitors. It seems, with the sheriff going off the rails, I'm the only lawman who can be trusted around here." The deputy laughed nervously. Then Tyler's gazed darkened. When he spoke there was some bitterness in his voice. "But, I've known that for a while now."

  Prudence went to Tyler and rested a hand on his arm. "We're grateful for your help, deputy," she said.

  The young man's eyes brightened. "I came armed," he said pointing at the rifles in their scabbards hanging on his horse. He patted his holstered pistol. "I'll do all I can to help."

  "We've got our ranch hands, too," Grace said. "If Largo comes looking for trouble, I reckon we can put up a good fight."

  "Hopefully, it won't come to that," Prudence said.

  Prudence could see the concern in Hope's eyes. Maybe she was thinking of having to treat any casualties. That was if there was shooting, she told herself. There wasn't any guarantee that things would get ugly. But if they did, she was sure all her ranch hands would stand alongside her, Grace and Hope.

  Prudence asked Tyler if he wanted to come into the kitchen and take some coffee, but he refused. He insisted that his place was outside, with the ranch hands, patrolling the big house.

  Prudence followed Hope and Grace into the house. While the other two went to the kitchen, Prudence went upstairs to her room. If she was going outside, she wanted to wear her woolen shawl. Once inside her bedroom, Prudence was seized by the impulse to pray. Of course, the instant she'd returned to the Circle T earlier, she'd prayed for Cal's release from the jailhouse. But now she felt a great urgency to speak with her Lord.

  She kneeled down by the bed, clasped her hands and bowed her head.

  Lord. I thank you for sending us the help tonight. Tyler seems like he is being guided by Your hand. And we thank You, Lord for your gracious bounty. I ask that Cal be protected while he is in jail. That he be kept safe from all evil. Forgive me, Lord if I have done anything to transgress Your righteous law. I am truly grateful that You have brought Cal into my life. He is a good man. And, in time, I am sure he will find it in his heart to make his way back to You, Lord.

  Prudence felt a stirring in her heart. It was a familiar sensation, one she'd felt when she'd been with Cal earlier that day in church. Joy filled her spirit. She lifted up her heart and continued her prayer.

  Lord. I love Cal Logan. I know that now. And I thank You for bringing him into my life. You have granted me the treasure of love, Lord. And I am truly grateful. All I can hope is that someday, Cal might feel the same way about me.

  Lord, grant us Your protection in this moment of trial. Protect us from evil.

  Amen.

  Prudence opened her eyes. Prayer had always lifted her spirits. She felt a renewed joy and delight in her heart. She retrieved her shawl from her cabinet and went downstairs. Hope and Grace had finished making the coffee. Grace said she wanted to take the coffee personally out to Tyler. Prudence and Hope exchanged a knowing smile. Grace insisted she was just being courteous, but Prudence knew what was going really on.

  Once Grace had left, Hope and Prudence went to the parlor with their own cups of coffee. Through the window, Prudence could see Grace and Tyler talking. Hope came to Prudence's side. "They look good together," Hope observed. Then she added: "Just like you and Cal."

  Prudence drew in a sharp breath. "Don't go saying that. I'm already going crazy worrying about him. I hope he's okay down at that awful jailhouse. And with that terrible sheriff watching over him."

  "I'm sure Cal can take care of himself," Hope said reassuringly. "He'll be out before you know it."

  "But we need him here tonight," Prudence said. "I don't know what Largo is planning to do. But, whatever he has in mind, it isn't going to be good."

  "You think he's going to come here? Even with all our men and that deputy as a witness?"

  Prudence sighed. "Hopefully he doesn't know about Tyler being here. But he will know that Cal is in the jailhouse. And that might encourage him."

  "We're not going to give up, Prudence," Hope said. "We've made our mind up. You and me and Grace are in this together. To the end. No matter what happens."

  Prudence smiled at Hope. "That's what I like about you, H
ope. You've got a fighting spirit."

  "I reckon that's what we've all got in common," Hope said.

  They heard Grace laughing. Looking out to the yard, they saw their friend shaking her head and giggling at something Tyler had just said.

  "It's good to see Grace enjoying herself," Hope said. "Sometimes I think she takes life too seriously."

  "It must be all that legal training," Prudence said. "I guess it makes her suspicious of everyone."

  They saw a rider thundering his way rapidly into the yard. He drew his mount to a halt. Prudence recognized one of their ranch hands. Tyler strode over to the man and started speaking to him. "Something's wrong," Prudence said. "Come on."

  Hope followed Prudence outside. Tyler turned and came to Prudence and Hope. "Luke has come from the boundary between the Circle T and Largo's spread. He heard something's going on over at Largo's ranch house."

  Prudence glanced at Luke. "What's happening, Luke?"

  Luke, who was only in his early twenties, ran his hand through his blonde hair. He was still out of breath from his hard, fast ride. "There's a fire at the Largo place, ma'am."

  "A fire!" Grace exclaimed.

  Luke nodded. "I was keeping an eye on the boundary fence out west when I saw some of Largo's riders charging off in the direction of the house. I heard one of them shout to the other one that there was a fire at Largo's house. And that the place is burning down."

  Prudence glanced at Grace and Hope. There was no pleasure on either of the women's faces. In fact, they both looked horrified. Prudence saw that Tyler was weighing up his options. Maybe he had some duty to ride over to the place and see what was happening. But she knew he'd also promised Cal he'd stay with her and Grace and Hope.

  For a long moment, Prudence was lost for words. Only a short time ago she'd been up in her room praying to the Lord, asking for help. Was this some kind of divine intervention? Were they being protected from Largo because of the disaster which had befallen their neighbor. She thought back to the pastor's sermon in church. Loving their neighbor had proven hard in recent days. But Largo was in trouble. Were they going to stand by and let that happen without offering help?

 

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