“Well, I would too, if I were her. The way your father treats her is abominable.”
Alex undressed and pulled on a robe. “I know. He’s threatened us both if we cause him trouble.”
“Never mind the fact he’s caused you both more trouble than you deserve,” Michaela threw in.
“Exactly,” Alex continued. “He’s pressing for a presidential appointment, so he’s sidling up to Senator Winthrop. He’s probably bribing and threatening him as well.” She sat down on the chair beside Michaela’s bed. “Then tonight, Mr. Harper took liberties with me.”
“No! What did he do?”
Alex felt the disgust well up inside. “I’d overheard him saying some things that were rather incriminating. He was talking to my father, and after my father had gone, he realized I’d overheard the conversation. He forced me to a secluded place, threatened me, then tried to woo me by touching me and kissing me. I tried to fight him off, but of course he was much too strong.” She shuddered. “I just wish I’d never heard what he told my father.”
Michaela leaned forward. “What did he say that was so bad?”
“He plans to eliminate the competition for Senator Winthrop.”
Michaela laughed and eased back against the headboard. “Is that all? Of course he wants to eliminate them. The fewer people running against his man, the better.”
“No,” Alex countered. “He really wants to eliminate them—kill them if necessary.”
Michaela’s eyes grew wide but she said nothing, so Alex continued. “But don’t you breathe a word of this to anyone.” She grew silent for a moment as she contemplated the situation. “I don’t know what to do.”
“In what way? I mean, what is there that you have to do?” “That’s just it, I don’t know. If Mr. Harper is being truthful, then someone should notify the authorities. But how can I be certain of the truth? I don’t know if he’s just talking big, trying to scare me and everyone else into cooperating with his plans. Then I guess I want to be helpful to my mother, but at the same time . . . well . . . I guess I’m afraid for her and for me. While I don’t know what Mr. Harper is able to do, I fully understand what my father is capable of. It just scares me that I won’t do the right thing . . . that someone I love will suffer because of my poor choice.”
Michaela shook her head. “That doesn’t sound like you. Why be afraid? God’s big enough to handle this, isn’t he?”
“I guess it’s just a real test of my faith. I feel like crying, but I know I’d be better off praying.”
“Then pray.”
Alex nodded. “I guess you’re right. It’s just that . . . there are other things too.”
“Like Luke?”
Alex looked at her friend—hesitant to reply. “I suppose he’s a part of it as well. Miss Winthrop told me something tonight that didn’t sit well.”
“And you believed her? Goodness, Alex, you’ve grown into a ninny while I was gone.”
Alex smiled at her friend’s good-natured teasing. “Well, she said that her father was offering him quite a deal. A ranch of his own to run in Wyoming and plenty of money, and . . .”
“And?”
“And I guess he’s even offering Miss Winthrop, at least that’s how it sounded.”
“I thought she was engaged to that Mr. Harper menace.”
“She is, but she implied . . .”
“Oh, Alex, just listen to yourself. Why should you give anything the woman says a second thought? She’s out there wearing next to nothing for clothes, dressing more scandalously than anyone I saw on my travels, and playing games of romance with every man she meets. Obviously she’s just come to realize you’re in love with Luke and wants to put a stop to that while she decides how to deal with it. Only problem is she didn’t count on the fact that Luke’s in love with you.”
“That’s crazy talk. You’ve said as much before, but Luke and I are just friends.”
Michaela laughed. “Sure you are and I’m going to get the nomination for presidency. First woman president. Makes about as much sense as you and Luke being just friends.”
Alex got up and began to pace. “I don’t know how I feel about anything. I don’t understand half of what’s happening around me, and with my mother and father at odds the way they are, I certainly have no desire for love or romance.”
“Why not? Your mother and father are no example of what happens in romance. By your own admission, you’ve told me about your parents and their history. Your mother was of a good family with money. Your father knew that, as an only child, she’d inherit everything and, if they married, then he’d be wealthy. And so he is. And that’s the basis of their relationship. But none of that has anything to do with what you and Luke share.”
“But that’s just it. Luke and I don’t share anything—not really—unless you count friendship.”
“Friendship’s a good place to start. But you and Luke have gone beyond mere friendship—and I think if you look deep into your heart and forget about everybody else’s problems for a few minutes, you’ll see what I mean.”
Luke looked at the advertisement his brother had sent in his last letter. The notice was about a ranch for sale in Wyoming, just north of Laramie. The Broken T Ranch was well within a price Luke could afford. It wouldn’t have many provisions to start with, but there was a small house and a few outbuildings and corrals. A very small starter herd was included in the price, but it would take some time to build the herd into a productive and profitable business. Of course, Luke hardly expected to walk right into a well-established business. These things took time and money.
His brother’s letter explained that the man who owned the ranch had taken ill and had never been one who managed things well to begin with. His vast herd had dwindled over the years as the man battled his illness. Now, knowing his days to be numbered, the man simply wanted to sell the property and be done with it. The rest of the letter told of the family and of his brother’s interest in moving to California.
Putting the letter and advertisement back in the envelope, Luke contemplated what he should do. The answer seemed so hazy in his mind. If he left the canyon and bought the ranch without Alex as his wife, he might never see her again. Yet the ranch was a good offer, probably better than what he could get elsewhere. And if he could convince Alex of his love and commitment, he’d be able to provide her a home near to her sister. That way she’d have family close, and her mother would probably be able to travel between the two families with relative ease.
Luke pulled out his Bible to consider some of the Scripture from last Sunday’s church service. He prayed there might be an answer to his dilemma, but his mind wasn’t on it. Again he thought of what he had seen.
Why had Alex been with Joel Harper? What did she think to accomplish by enlisting his help? Harper was nothing but trouble, and she’d already mentioned a deep dislike of the man.
His wrist irritated him, causing Luke to leave his desk and seek the comfort of his sofa. There didn’t seem to be easy answers tonight. Just frustration and misery. Why, Lord? Why did that mule have to kick me? Why do I have to be laid up like this? Why did I fall in love with a woman who has absolutely no interest in loving me back?
The questions flooded his conscious mind. If he fell asleep, no doubt they’d pester his unconscious mind as well. Why couldn’t things be simple?
He thought about the advertisement. I want a ranch for Alex and me together, he reasoned. I want to settle down and start a family. He glanced to the ceiling. “I thought you wanted that for me, God. I mean, it sure seemed like something you were leading me to. Lord, if this isn’t supposed to be the way I’m to go, then why can’t you take the desire from my heart? If I’m not supposed to marry Alex, then why don’t you send me the woman I am supposed to marry?”
He mentally ran down a list of the current Harvey Girls. There wasn’t a single one, except Alex, who had ever struck his fancy. He could see himself having fun with any number of women, but with Alex, he had
completely different visions. He saw himself marrying and living happily with a lifelong companion. He saw himself fathering children and raising them with Alex. No matter what scenario he dreamed up, he always saw Alex in the middle of it.
“This is crazy,” he said, getting up off the sofa, ignoring the ache in his arm. He crossed to the desk and took up his brother’s letter. Sitting down, Luke reached for pencil and paper. He’d send a letter to the Broken T and let the owner know his interest. It couldn’t hurt to just let him know. Then if it were meant to be, God would work out the details. Including Alex.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The morning train brought the arrival of additional political supporters and adversaries. The front contender, John Davis, had been unable to attend the party at the Grand Canyon due to complications with the American Bar Association. The reporters noted that one of the Bar’s board members had somehow been charged with bootlegging and Davis himself was called to answer in regard to the matter. Joel smiled to himself to see his plans come into play.
Bradley Jastrow, a solid citizen with a war hero record and brief state representative experience in Alabama, was also a contender for the Democratic nomination for president. His appearance at the Grand Canyon sent reporters scurrying to get information and pictures for their papers. Joel thought it all rather amusing. They were like dogs running from person to person, begging scraps as they went.
Jastrow cut a rather dashing figure with his red, wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. As a lieutenant in the army during the Great War, Jastrow had led his troops against a German trench, resulting in its capture. Later he was severely wounded while single-handedly taking out a machine gun position. His wounds resulted in a lengthy hospital stay, a battlefield promotion to captain, and, if Joel’s research proved correct, an addiction to morphine.
Jastrow, the eldest son of a wealthy shipping magnate in Alabama, maintained his bachelorhood at thirty-six and seemed to draw more than his fair share of feminine attention. Since women now had the right to vote, Joel needed to take his appeal seriously. Appearance had always had a certain amount of importance, but that usually lent itself to the image of the “older, wiser” contender. The man who convinced the nation of his experience and knowledge of certain matters, showing his patriotism and ability to connect to the general public, always made a strong showing. The country had always looked for father figures—a strong, steady man to stand at the helm.
Eyeing Jastrow, with his winning smile, broad shoulders, and classic looks, Joel reconsidered the matter. Women would change the political arena. Their desires and views would matter. Jastrow would appeal to the emotional, feminine voter, especially those who were single. Valerie had pointed this out, noting he had a certain charisma, especially in light of his hero status. Still, Joel felt confident that he could arrange to have the man taken care of if the need arose. There was always the possibility that Jastrow’s popularity had been underestimated. Not only this, but the tide of support could easily turn from one candidate to another, depending on the mood of things across the nation.
Jastrow was very much against prohibition, unlike many of his other Democratic contenders. The attitude won him friends among those in southern society and big cities, but elsewhere he was seen with contempt. He was also very supportive of the Ku Klux Klan, which again split his support.
“So what do you think of the news that President Harding has . . . food poisoning?” Senator Winthrop asked Joel in a low, rather hesitant tone.
Joel smiled. “Food poisoning, eh? Well, life is sometimes hard on all of us. The president certainly is no exception to that rule. The trip he made to Alaska was quite arduous. I’m of the mind that this adventure was probably too difficult. The man has heart troubles, or so I’ve heard.” Joel wasn’t about to tell the senator everything he knew. After all, there might come a time when they would be called upon to deny any knowledge of certain . . . affairs. Better the senator have no knowledge of those unpleasant matters.
“I find it more of a concern to us that Bradley Jastrow and John Davis should still have a large following of supporters,” Joel added. “The others are hardly worth our time, but those two need to be watched. They will be a challenge to be sure.”
The senator hooked his thumbs in his vest pocket as he was wont to do. “I welcome the challenge. I have nothing to hide and a positive record to support me. Davis was nothing more than a minor candidate in 1920. He’ll be nothing but a minor candidate in ’24.”
Joel smiled. Winthrop could be very naïve, but it worked to Joel’s advantage. “I’m sure you’re right.”
“Now, Jastrow’s father is a well-known friend of the south,” the senator continued. “We have many of the same friends. There will be supporters who will find themselves torn right down the middle. What shall we do about that?”
“I have some thoughts on the matter. I think in the long run, we won’t need to worry about Jastrow. His health isn’t all that great.”
“But of course not. He was wounded in the Great War,” Senator Winthrop added.
“Yes, but his war wounds aren’t causing near the problem his addiction to morphine is creating.”
“I didn’t know about this.”
“And you really don’t need to know more than that. I have it under control. I don’t believe Jastrow will be a problem. Addictions have a way of resolving themselves,” Joel said, just then seeing Rufus Keegan enter the room with Valerie at his side. He wanted to get the senator’s blessing once and for all on announcing the news of their engagement, so he quickly put the issue of Jastrow aside. “Senator, I’m grateful that you would share the limelight with your daughter and announce our engagement at the main gala. I think many people will be swayed to vote for you because of the family image you’ll portray.”
“Nothing’s too good for Val. She’s my pride and joy. My life.”
Joel nodded. “Yes, and the public will find that heartwarming.” He watched Valerie simper over Rufus Keegan. “If you’ll excuse me, Senator, I have some plans to discuss with Valerie. I see she’s just come in with Rufus Keegan.”
“Good man, that Keegan. He’s offered me the support of all of Arizona and part of California.”
“Let us hope he has the ability to deliver on such a promise.”
“We should find something for him to do once the election is won. I’ll need people like him. After all, when you and Valerie marry, I know your time will be divided.”
Joel started to frown, then caught himself. “Nonsense, Senator. Valerie knows very well how time-consuming politics can be. She’ll understand my allegiance to you.”
The senator nodded, smiling. “She’s a good woman. Always looking after my interests.”
Joel could see Valerie toying with Keegan’s tie and felt a surge of jealousy. “Indeed,” he managed to say.
Joel left the senator to his own devices and crossed the room to greet Keegan and his reluctant fiancée. “Good to see you, Mr. Keegan,” Joel lied. He had so little use for the man. His overinflated sense of self-worth was an irritation to Joel. More worrisome was Winthrop’s apparent belief that the man was of value. Joel would have to deal with that soon. “Hello, darling,” he added, turning to Valerie. He kissed her on the cheek, surprising her momentarily. “You look positively radiant.”
Valerie eyed him suspiciously but said nothing. Joel smiled and continued as if nothing were amiss. “I hope you’re looking forward to tonight’s party,” he said to Keegan. “The senator is eager to discuss his plans for the campaign.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I’m eager to hear his plans and know his mind.”
Yes, I’m sure you are, Joel thought. He took hold of Valerie, however, without comment. “Val, darling, we need to discuss our plans for announcing our engagement.”
“I thought you’d worked that all out with Daddy,” she said rather sarcastically.
Joel laughed. “You’re such a goose, Val. Of course we’ve worked it all out. I simply need t
o tell you what’s expected of you.”
Keegan laughed out loud at this. “Good man. Put her in her place and tell her what to do. That’s the way to groom them. If you don’t catch them early, they’ll turn out like my daughter. Headstrong and inconsiderate of the men in her life.”
“Now, Mr. Keegan, I find your daughter quite delightful. Quite . . . delightful,” Joel said, emphasizing the words. “I’ll look forward to her being close by in Washington should you accept the senator’s position once he’s installed as president.”
Joel watched the man’s face contort from an expression of anger and disgust to the realization that someone was actually mentioning a position for him. Joel loved to throw crumbs to the dogs that way. If nothing else, it often proved entertaining just to watch them fight amongst themselves. Of course, this time, he wanted to make clear that he considered Alex a part of the package. Keegan seemed to understand rather quickly and, as that understanding dawned on him, he nodded.
“I’m sure Alexandria would love Washington.”
Valerie frowned and tried to pull away from Joel but he held her fast. “Perhaps Val and she can be great friends.” Joel tightened his grip on Valerie’s arm. “Ah, here comes your lovely wife, Mr. Keegan. I’m sure you’ll have things to discuss with her, so if you’ll excuse us . . .”
“Of course,” Keegan said, giving Valerie a wicked smile. “I enjoyed our time together.”
Valerie smiled in return. “As did I. Perhaps we can spend time together later. I’ll expect to dance with you this evening.” Her voice dripped honey, and Joel felt as though she purposefully worked to humiliate him.
“You may count on it,” Keegan replied.
Joel yanked Valerie away from Keegan with the briefest acknowledgment of Mrs. Keegan. The woman looked haggard, so he offered nothing more than his greeting before forcing Valerie into a quiet corner.
“Your father’s campaign is dependent upon you playing your part, my dear. I have plans for you that do not include playing the tramp with Rufus Keegan.”
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