“How long was he gone?”
“A while. I don’t know. I was asleep when he come back.” Duke slammed his fist on the table. “There’s no way he’s a cattle thief.”
“No one believes that for a minute.” Jake leaned over and placed his hand on Duke’s shoulder. “But we got to prove Artie’s innocent. His bein’ gone last night looks bad.”
“We know that no-account Bart is to blame,” added Cookie.
Jake looked from one man to the other. “Let’s keep Artie’s story to ourselves for now. No need jumpin’ to conclusions till we can actually talk to him.” He turned as the door opened. Evangeline appeared, strands of hair trailing down her neck. She wiped perspiration from her forehead and closed the door behind her. All conversation ceased as the bloody mess in her arms captured the men’s attention.
“The wound wasn’t as bad as it looked.”
Duke’s face relaxed. “Artie’s gonna be okay?”
“As long as there is no infection, yes.”
“Praise the Lord!” Cookie exclaimed with a broad smile.
Jake expelled a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Told you, Duke, God answers prayer.”
Duke’s relief was evident. “Can I see ‘em?’
“Not right now. He needs rest. Maybe in a few days.”
“A few days?” Duke looked confused. “You said he was gonna be fine.”
“I also said as long as there is no infection. Too much company could spread germs.”
Duke’s eyes widened. “Germs?”
“You don’t want to know,” Manny said.
Jake stood and put an arm around Evangeline’s shoulders. “Duke, I trust my wife. If she says we got to wait a few days to see Artie, then that’s what we’ll do. Understood?”
“But, Boss, I need to thank him for savin’ my life.”
“There’ll be plenty of time for that,” Jake assured him.
“All you men, out of the kitchen … now.” Selena strode across the room toward the kitchen sink, shooing them with her hands. “Ahora vallense de mì cosina. I must prepare dinner.”
Evangeline readjusted the bloody clothing in her arms. “Jake, can you bring a shovel. I want to bury this mess.”
Jake tried to read his wife’s face. “What about Artie?”
“The patient will be fine while we take care of this. No one disturb him while I’m gone.” Evangeline looked around the room, focusing on Duke. “No one. Is that clear?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the men responded in unison.
“While I help bury this stuff, you all get back to work.” Jake waited for them to leave before turning his attention back to his wife. The flush on her cheeks warmed his heart. The top two buttons of her blouse had disengaged from their holes, revealing her soft, white neck. How he wished this time together had a different purpose. He led her to the shed and grabbed a shovel.
“We need to talk,” she whispered.
Jake moved to an open area behind the corral. “Is this a good spot?”
“I’m not as concerned about where we bury this as being overheard.”
Jake looked around and began digging. “Start talkin’.”
“Artie didn’t die, because Artie is a she.”
Jake’s shovel stopped in midair. “What?”
“Artie is a woman. She had some kind of binding fashioned from corset wire and very thick padding. That kept the bullet from going deeper. It nicked a rib and lodged in the muscle. She lost a lot of blood, but the bullet missed any vital organs. God truly intervened.”
“Artie’s a woman,” Jake said more to himself than his wife. “How did I not see that?”
“Because she dressed and talked like a young man and did her best to respond like a man would to any situation. You saw what you expected to see.”
Jake wagged his finger at her. “You knew all along.”
“Suspected as much.”
“What made you suspicious?”
“Men have Adam’s apples and women don’t. Her hands are small and her face too smooth.”
Jake felt foolish for his jealous thoughts. “No wonder you were so friendly with Artie.”
“I told you I don’t care for any man but you.”
Jake laughed with embarrassment as he dug the hole. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“I was frightened.” Evangeline kept her head down. “Besides, revealing her secret would have accomplished nothing.”
“I’m sorry. I should have trusted you.”
“It’s in the past.” Evangeline pushed a stray hair behind her ear. “We need to learn to trust each other.”
Jake dug in silence. Trusting women had never been his strong suit. But their marriage would never get beyond the convenience stage if he didn’t put more effort into it.
Evangeline placed her hand on his shoulder. “Now, what do we do with her secret?”
Jake removed his Stetson. Staring at nothing, he mulled over the problem. Replacing his hat, he turned and caught the trusting look in her eyes. Oh, how he wished he had an answer to earn that trust. “Not much we can do at present.”
“Is it still possible Artie might be hanged as a cattle thief? Does being female change things?”
“If she’d been known as a woman all along, it might make a difference. But because she played the part of a man, it might make things worse.” Jake finished the hole. “I’ve heard of a few women being hanged as cattle thieves in other parts. For now, we keep everyone out of the room, and we pray—a lot.” He took the bloody things from Evangeline and buried them. After the last shovelful of dirt was in place, he stomped it down as flat as he could. “Why didn’t we burn this?”
“Because corset stays and wires don’t burn.”
Jake picked up the shovel and took her hand as they walked back to the house. “You’re somethin’ else, Mrs. Marcum.” Jake lifted her hand and gave it a feathery kiss. “You had everythin’ ready like you knew somethin’ was gonna happen.”
Evangeline looked straight ahead. “I was afraid you’d get killed before I had a chance to be a good wife to you.”
“Lucky for me you still got time.”
Evangeline’s smile filled her face.
Jake returned the shovel to the shed as Evangeline went back to the house. His mind was distracted as he approached the porch. Manny had joined Juliet next to Dog. Jake saw that Juliet had a book in her hand, something she rarely did.
Manny grabbed the book from her. “I said, did you hear Artie is going to be okay?”
“Yes, now give that back.” Juliet tried to grab it. Manny raised it far above her head. Just as Juliet stretched to retrieve it, Jake snatched it away.
“What is this?” Jake asked as he skimmed the pages. “Juliet Elizabeth Marcum, did you have permission to read this?”
Juliet’s downcast eyes focused on Dog. “No, sir.”
Jake signaled for her to follow him. She rose without looking at Manny.
“I’ll keep an eye on Dog,” Manny called to her.
Jake took Juliet into her room and closed the door. “Why?”
“’Cause I wanted to know.”
“Don’t you think if she’d a mind for you to read her journal she woulda told ya?”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself.” Juliet began to cry, and the words came in a rush. “I thought I’d peek at one of her journals— you know, to see how she done one. I found her childhood so fascinatin’ I had to keep readin’. Then I had to read another one.”
“How many did you read?” Jake’s nerves tightened as the girl squirmed.
“Three. I know it was wrong, but I been cooped up in this room watchin’ over Dog. Then you two went off visitin’, and then Artie got shot, and with everyone lookin’ to their own business, I just kept readin’.”
Jake sat on the bed and wrapped her in his arms. “You know you gotta tell her. Apologize and take whatever punishment she gives you. I’m mighty disappointed in you, princess. You kno
w better.”
Juliet cried as if he had thrashed her with a switch.
“Juliet, what’s wrong?” Evangeline called from the other side of the door.
Jake opened the door, and Juliet held out the book. His niece cried even harder when her aunt’s face paled. Evangeline took the book and walked out of the room without a word.
“Go and plead with her for me. Tell her how sorry I am.” Juliet clung to him.
“I don’t think that’ll do any good.”
“Uncle Jake, will she ever speak to me again?”
“I imagine she will. But if I was you, I’d keep quiet and wait for her to speak first.”
CHAPTER 23
For two days, Evangeline kept vigil over her patient. Each time she emerged from the room, exhaustion claimed her body, but her mind was fresh with a plan that needed executing.
“Selena, have Cookie take you to town. I’m hoping my order for more laudanum has arrived.” Fatigue added brusqueness to Evangeline’s tone. She pulled off her apron and smoothed her wrinkled skirt.
“I can go this afternoon, Señora.”
“No, I want you to leave now!” Her voice was sharp. “Once you’re ready, come with Cookie to see me. I’ll have instructions for you.”
“Sí.” Selena went to the door and shouted, “Manny, tell Cookie the Señora needs him to come right now, and you hitch the wagon!” Selena grabbed her shawl as Cookie rushed in and let the door close behind him.
“What’s all the fuss? Artie worse?”
“The Señora will tell us.”
Evangeline sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea. “Forgive me for snapping at you, Selena. Fatigue makes me contrary, but that is no excuse.”
“I understand,” Selena said as she sat next to her. “What is it you need from us?”
Evangeline reached over and gave her friend a hug. Her response ministered comfort to Evangeline’s heart. “I need you to check at the mercantile to see if the medicine I ordered weeks ago has come in. I’m almost out of laudanum. There is probably another package waiting for me as well. Please collect it. I have a few letters to be mailed. I need you to do all those things. but …” She patted Selena’s hand before continuing.
“Cookie, I need you to send a telegram. It is imperative Mrs. Hanks does not see it. Give it only to Horatio, and make sure he returns the message to you after he has sent it.” She handed the note to Cookie. “Tell him to bring the answer out to the ranch when he gets it—only him.”
Cookie put the note in his vest pocket. “How you gonna keep that nosey woman outta your business?”
“Offer Horatio twenty dollars to keep it quiet and to deliver it personally. Remind him I’ll know if anyone else has found out the contents. Once he delivers the response to me, he will be paid, and not a moment sooner.”
“Smart thinkin’.”
“Here is more than enough money to pay for what I ordered and the telegram.” Evangeline handed Cookie some folded bills, then looked at Selena. “If the medicine has not come, go to Mr. Wong. See what he has that might work.”
“Sí, Señora.”
“Selena, I think it’s time you let Cookie in on Artie’s plight.” She caught the confused look on Cookie’s face at Selena’s solemn nod.
“There will be much time to tell on the way to town,” Selena assured him as they rose from their places.
Their departure left Evangeline alone and longing for an uninterrupted nap. She enjoyed the flavor of her tea, which reminded her she would soon be out. “I should have asked them to add tea to their list.” Evangeline spoke the words out loud, thinking she was alone.
“Want me to catch up with the wagon and tell them to get you some?” Juliet’s question startled her.
“No, that’s not necessary.”
“I don’t mind. It don’t take long to saddle my horse. I could catch up with Cookie in no time. He drives slow.”
“I said no.” Her voice was shrill.
Juliet’s eyes were brimming with tears as she turned away, and guilt tapped on Evangeline’s shoulder.
Forgive me, Lord.
***
Juliet raced from the house to the stable. By the look on her face, Jake could tell she was upset again. Every little thing turned into a drama with his niece.
He knew Manny was still working in the stable. Poor kid is going to have to endure her foolish chatter. Nora used to pour her sorrows to Robert often enough as they were growing up. Should have seen the signs. Maybe Manny is Juliet’s Robert. Jake put away the ridiculous thought. Maybe I’d better relieve Manny of his burden. Jake realized how much he avoided Juliet’s woeful lamenting. What kind of a man didn’t listen to his kin?
“Hey, sunshine,” Jake called, making his presence known as he entered the stable.
Juliet wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “Oh, Uncle Jake.” Tears still glistened in her eyes as he drew her into a hug. “How can I help her to be happy again?”
Manny touched her shoulder. “When she has made Artie well, she will be ready to talk.”
“You think so?”
Manny returned to brushing Sage. “Yes, I do.” His words seemed to bring her comfort.
“Do you think I should write her a note?” Juliet sought out her friend’s counsel even with Jake standing near. A new sort of jealousy danced in his mind.
Manny glanced at Jake before he answered. “Maybe, but don’t ask me. I am not the one she is mad at. Ask your uncle. She is his wife. He would know if a note would be good.”
The sound of thundering hooves broke up the discussion. The three gathered at the stable door as Thomas Farley and two of his men came into the yard. Jake regretted not wearing his holster. This can’t be good. He strode out to meet Farley, careful to keep his face expressionless. The youngster followed close behind.
“Marcum, we came to collect the prisoner.” Farley’s voice filled the space between the house and the stable.
“No need,” Jake replied coolly.
“He works for you. I don’t think you can be trusted to turn him over to the law.”
“Right now, I ain’t even sure he’ll live to be turned over.”
“I’ll just send my men to check, if you don’t mind.”
“I do mind.” Jake stepped forward, every muscles on high alert.
“And I most certainly mind.” The voice came from the porch where Evangeline held Cookie’s shotgun.
“Surely you are not serious.” Farley laughed as he pulled out a cigar.
“Deadly serious.” Evangeline pulled back both triggers.
Jake heard Juliet gasp behind him. Fear for those he loved constricted his heart.
“A lady of your refinement wouldn’t shoot anyone,” Farley responded while trying to light his cigar. A menacing smile appeared on his face. “You do realize three guns are pointed at your husband.”
“You do realize this shotgun is pointed at that fine thoroughbred horse of yours. I assume you paid quite a fortune for it—good bloodlines and excellent markings. But I must say, Mr. Farley, it makes no difference to me. It’s a horse, and I dislike horses.” Her voice was venomous.
“You would shoot my horse, madam, and risk your husband’s life?” His voice had a tinge of doubt in it.
Jake’s answer was cold as steel. “That shotgun kicks up a hair when you fire it. Best keep that in mind, Evangeline, or you’ll kill Farley instead.” He touched his non-existent holster then placed his fisted hands at his side, feigning a relaxed stance. He saw Solomon sneak around the north side of the house.
“Let me propose a compromise, Mr. Farley.” Evangeline’s command was unwavering.
Manny nudged Jake and pointed toward Farley’s flinching horse. The animal appeared to be sensing his master’s fear.
Farley puffed on his cigar as Evangeline spoke.
“Give me one week. Either Artie will die, or he will be well enough to stand trial. Either way, you can come and get him. I don’t like to let a patient ou
t of my care until he is either recovered or dead.”
“Why should I trust you, madam?” Farley’s words were laced with fear.
“’Cause I got my rifle beaded on you, Mr. Farley,” Solomon bellowed. “This here buffalo rifle will blow your head clean off. If she don’t git you, I will.”
“I must say, Marcum, your wife certainly has grit.” He held his cigar up to his lips with a wavering hand. “If that cattle thief isn’t dead in the next week, I will be here with many more men and the territorial marshal to see he stands trial.” Farley signaled to his men and rode out.
As the group left, anger rose up in Jake at the thought of what might have happened. He stomped toward Evangeline and jerked the shotgun from her hand.
“Never, ever do that again.”
“I will do whatever needs to be done and no one, including you, will tell me different.” She turned on her heels and slammed the door.
***
Jake was seething as he stormed into the house. “Evangeline!” The temper he kept so closely guarded erupted. Knowing she had willfully put his life at risk unsettled him. He flung the bedroom door hard against the wall. The sound of smacking wood reverberated, releasing more of his irritation.
Her strangled sobs reached him as she lay shivering on the bed, face buried in the pillow. Jake stared at the helpless scene, and his anger drained away. He perched on the edge of the bed, not daring to touch her.
She turned her tear-streaked face to him. “Forgive me, Jake, I didn’t mean anything. I’m so afraid. What are we going to do?” By now she was shivering uncontrollably.
He pulled the quilt over her. When she didn’t recoil, he lay down next to her and stroked her cheek, curving his body to match hers. It felt so right, so natural to comfort her this way.
After a time, she relaxed. Sniffling, she spoke again. “What are we going to do?”
“We wait and see how Artie does.”
Evangeline rose from the bed. “She’s recovering. I keep her sedated so no one knows. In a week, I’m sure that horrible man will hang her before the marshal ever comes.”
Jake stood and pulled her close. “We could sneak her out.”
“We need to think of something to save her.”
Secrets & Charades Page 17