Barnett had a few more comments to make, and then the two men descended the platform to find many people had additional questions. Austin found himself separated from Barnett as men and women pressed around the two for answers.
“Ranger Todd,” one of the men began, “you boys gonna hang ’em when you catch ’em?”
Austin shook his head. “No. We’ll see them brought to trial and let the courts deal with them. The days of lynching are a thing of the past. We’re civilized now, and we’ll abstain from taking the law into our own hands.”
“Well, those rustlers sure don’t care about the law,” another man claimed.
“True enough,” Austin said, feeling as if the pressing crowd would soon trample him into the dirt. “But we honest citizens do. Upholding the law is important—otherwise we’re no better than the thieves stealing our cattle.”
“If they show up on my land and I catch up to ’em, I’m puttin’ a bullet in ’em,” a stocky man declared. There were murmurs of approval, but Austin waited until the crowd quieted down before finally speaking.
“You can certainly handle things for yourself—protect what’s yours—and most likely you won’t run afoul of the law. However, I know what it is to kill, and it’s not a pleasant thing to live with. I doubt most of you have had to kill a man and watch the life go out of him.” Austin looked around at the disgruntled men. “It’s easy enough to talk about putting an end to a man’s life and quite another thing to actually do it.” This quieted any further comments about killing. It seemed his words had sobered even the angriest of men.
There was another round of rapid-fire questions, and Austin began to regret ever having agreed to come. Moments later, a rescuing angel came to his side.
“I’m sorry, but Austin is needed elsewhere,” Marty Wythe declared. “You can speak with him later.” She didn’t wait for comment but pulled Austin by the sleeve, forcing him to follow.
Once they were well away from the crowd, Marty dropped her hold. “You looked like you were a drowning man going down for the third time.”
“I felt like one,” he admitted. “Folks definitely get themselves riled up over these things.”
She shrugged. “Well, beef is their livelihood. Take that away, and we’ll have another financial crisis on our hands.”
“I’m sure that’s true.” He glanced around. “You here with your family?”
“Of course. Robert and Alice are showing off their baby over there.” She pointed and Austin easily spotted the couple. “And Jake is over there, where they’re roasting pecans and handing out samples. The older boys wanted to watch and, of course, eat.” She smiled.
“And what about the two little ones?” he asked to be polite.
“With Jake. The baby was sleeping, and Johanna was her busy self. I did promise Jake I wouldn’t be gone for long.”
Austin started to say something, but the stunned look on Marty’s face stopped him. He turned to follow her gaze and found the same tall bearded stranger he’d met in the jail. “Mr. Cuker.” He gave the man a nod.
“His name isn’t Cuker,” Marty declared. “It’s Paul Morgan. He once employed my husband.” She shook her head. “I knew there was something familiar about you when I saw you from afar a while back. Why are you trying to conceal your identity with the heavy beard and change of name?”
Morgan smiled. “The years have been good to you, Mrs. Wythe. You are even more beautiful than you were when you first married our Jacob.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Our Jacob?”
He chuckled and looked to Austin. “I don’t believe I know you.”
“Austin Todd, cattle inspector with the Texas Rangers,” Austin replied, trying to reassess the man. Usually if a man hid from his name, he was up to no good.
“Glad to meet you. Always appreciate a good lawman.” He turned to Marty. “I suppose you deserve to know why I’m here.”
“I’d definitely like to know how you even found us.”
“It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world, but I had my ways,” he said, grinning as if he’d really managed something good.
Austin could see that Marty didn’t think it was good. Her brows were knit and her lips formed a frown. Usually nothing disturbed this strong woman overmuch. He couldn’t help wondering what was wrong.
“You said you were good friends with the Wythes.” Austin eyed the man, determined to get some answers. “How is it you really know them?”
“My dear sir, the Wythes are good friends,” Morgan protested. “I gave Jacob his first banking job in Denver.”
“You took it away from him, as well,” Marty added.
Morgan looked at her with great sympathy. “Now, Mrs. Wythe . . . Marty . . . the financial troubles this country suffered robbed your husband of his job. However, I’m here to offer it back to him. It’s taken a good two years, but I’ve managed to get back on my feet. That’s why I’m here.”
“To ask Jake to come back to Denver and work for you?” Marty gave a bitter laugh. “That will never happen. He hated banking then, and he hates it even more now. He’s doing what he loves to do—ranching—and you can’t say anything that will convince him to return to Denver.”
“Still, I’d like to ask him about it myself.”
Austin could see her apprehension. For the little time he’d known her, Austin had never seen her look so afraid. He couldn’t help but wonder what her worry might be. Was this man a threat to her or to Jake? Austin gave the man another close look. He was well groomed and nicely dressed. He seemed friendly enough. Maybe Marty was just afraid her husband would agree to go back in this man’s employ.
“I’ll take you to Jake. He’s with the children right now.”
“I had heard you had a family. Adopted some boys, didn’t you?” Morgan asked.
“Yes.” Marty seemed unwilling to offer any more information. “Come along, Mr. Morgan. I don’t wish you to have to wait for your answer.”
Austin smiled to himself as Marty made her way through the crowd. She was a strong woman and could no doubt handle the matter on her own. Making his way back to his horse, Austin gave the scene one final look. Folks were enjoying themselves with the revelry. Celebrating the harvest was something everyone could get behind. Barnett had told him that next month they would begin slaughtering hogs and a few steers. Putting up food for the winter wasn’t nearly so critical in the southern part of the country, but Barnett had maintained that his wife was a stickler for planning ahead. With that in mind, they had already ordered a large shipment of ice from Dallas in order to preserve the meat they didn’t smoke.
Austin had to admit he admired these people. They were good, God-fearing folks who had a penchant for reaching out to those in need—like him. Heading for his horse, Austin almost wished he could stay and share their company a little longer. But deep in his mind a warning sounded that he was getting too close, caring too much. It was time to put some distance between him and the others.
As the band struck up a rousing rendition of “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” Austin felt someone touch his shoulder.
“Hey there, Austin. Why don’t you come join us?” Robert Barnett was all smiles. “Alice brought some mighty fine pies, and the town fathers roasted three of the biggest hogs I’ve ever seen.”
His stomach rumbled at the thought of such a delicious meal. “I suppose I could force myself to stay a little longer,” Austin said with a grin.
Robert laughed and slapped Austin’s back. “That’s the spirit. I knew you were a smart man.”
Marty wasn’t at all happy to see Paul Morgan. The man had all but left them to die back in Denver. He’d stripped away Jake’s job and their home. How could he possibly think Jake would want to work for him now?
“I must say I’m surprised you would even attempt this,” Marty told the older man. “After all, you deserted us in Denver.”
“Not by choice, I assure you.”
“Oh, well that makes it all better.” Her sarc
asm was not lost on him.
“Mrs. Wythe, you must believe me. We were all suffering. I had no choice but to close the bank. I lost a great deal, too.”
Marty tried to rein in her anger. “I’m sure you did. I have to warn you, however, Jake is back to doing what he loves. He’s not going to return to banking. I’d stake my life on that.” She spotted Jake just where she’d left him and the children. “He’s over there.” She made her way to Jake. “Darling, look who’s come to see you.”
Jake was holding an exhausted Johanna. The two-year-old was sleeping peacefully in his arms and looked rather angelic, Marty thought. Jake glanced up and frowned in disapproval at the sight of the man standing beside Marty.
“Mr. Morgan? I hardly recognized you.” He gently placed Johanna on their ground blanket, where the baby was sleeping, and got to his feet. “I have to say this is a bit of a surprise.”
“Yes, isn’t it,” Marty declared. “I asked him how he found us, but he wasn’t forthcoming with an answer. Perhaps you’ll manage to get more out of him.”
Morgan appeared to ignore her comment. Instead, he extended his arm to Jacob. “I’d like for you to join me for a little while. I have some things to discuss with you.”
Jake shrugged. “I guess that’s all right.” He turned back to Marty. “The boys are gettin’ some pecans. They’re supposed to come right back.”
“You could have your discussion here,” Marty said, looking to Morgan.
“Nonsense. I wouldn’t dream of imposing on your day of fun,” the man replied.
But you already have. You have imposed and made me most uncomfortable.
The two men left her standing there, wondering what they would discuss and why Morgan had invaded their peaceful lives. She didn’t trust him, especially now that he’d lied about his name and had worked to hide his face from recognition. He’d not done anything to help them when the economy went bad, yet here he was thinking Jake would just give up his dream and return to banking. Or was that not really what he had in mind?
“Wasn’t that Mr. Morgan, the man Jake used to work for in Denver?” Alice Barnett questioned, coming alongside Marty.
“Yes. I’m afraid so. He thinks he’s going to talk Jake into coming to work for him again.”
Alice touched her arm. “How did he even find us?” There was real fear in her eyes.
Marty didn’t wish to worry Alice, but she felt as fearful as the younger woman looked. “I don’t know. He said it wasn’t easy, but that’s all he told me. He clearly had no desire to waste his time with me.”
Alice glanced over her shoulder in a nervous manner. “But if he could find us, others could, too. We haven’t exactly been hiding out, but I was hoping we were safe . . . from the past.”
“Don’t let your imagination get the best of you,” Marty cautioned, hoping she sounded reassuring. She certainly didn’t feel it. “The economy isn’t doing so well that folks can afford to throw their money around. No doubt the men who hired Smith will be just as strapped for cash as many others. They wouldn’t have been so frantic for the gold certificates if not.”
“Yes, but that’s what worries me—they were frantic. I’d feel better if I knew what Mr. Morgan had done to locate us.”
“Even if we knew, Alice, we couldn’t prevent others from using the same avenue.” Marty frowned and shook her head. “No, we’ll just need to be on our guard and keep an eye out for strangers. If Mr. Smith shows up, we’re bound to see him before he sees us.” At least she hoped it would be so.
Jessica smiled, feeling rather shy at the appearance of Harrison Gable in her bedroom. Mother had escorted him in only moments before. She had taken a seat in the corner in order that propriety might be observed and pretended to read. At least Jessica presumed it was pretense.
“I brought you these,” Gable said, pulling a bouquet of roses from behind his back.
Jessica gasped at the sight of a dozen pink roses. “They’re beautiful. Oh, Mother, look.”
Her mother glanced up from the book. “They are lovely. If you give them to me,” she said, getting to her feet, “I’ll have Lupe put them in water.”
Mother took the roses and headed for the hallway. Leaving the door open, she turned from the hallway. “I’ll only be a moment.”
Jessica knew it was her mother’s way of letting them know there would be no time for anything untoward. This seemed to amuse Mr. Gable, who gave a low chuckle.
“She must think me the worst of rogues.”
Jessica shook her head. “It’s not that. She just doesn’t want my reputation ruined. I’ve never had a man—who wasn’t a relative—in my bedroom.”
“Well, I’m honored to be the first.” He pulled up the chair Mother had used during Jessica’s worst hours of sickness and sat beside the bed. “I must say, you are looking quite lovely.”
Jessica laughed. “You are a sweet-talker. I know how ghastly I look, so you needn’t try to persuade me to think otherwise. This sickness took its toll.”
“I’m glad to see that you’ve recovered, but you’re wrong. You are far from ghastly in appearance. There are roses in your cheeks and a warm glow of joy in your eyes. Dare I believe it’s because of my arrival?”
Her cheeks flushed hot. “I am happy for the company,” she admitted. “It’s been rather dull. Did you manage to attend the harvest party? I’m sure they’re still having a wonderful time, so you might not want to remain here for long.”
“I did indeed walk through the crowd of festive folk, but without you to accompany me, it wasn’t nearly so pleasant. That’s when I got the idea to leave and ride out here to see you. I had to assure myself that you were past the worst of the illness.”
Jessica believed him to be one of the most striking men she’d ever known. His perfectly sized nose and thin, well-formed lips gave his face a dashing appearance. And those eyes—those dark, dark eyes—suggested power and capability and also passion.
Mother slipped back into the room and retook her chair. Jessica ignored her, but she knew that Harrison had noted her return.
“I appreciate your concern. I am feeling much better now.”
“Perhaps we’ll have a chance to try again,” he replied, lowering his voice.
Jessica nodded. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll be tied up most of next week, but I’ll do my best to call again on the Sunday after next, if that would be acceptable?”
Feeling overwhelmed with happiness, Jessica could only nod and smile. She didn’t trust herself to speak. Gazing into Harrison’s eyes, she found herself feeling rather consumed. He seemed to look right through her, almost as though he could read her thoughts and feelings.
“I see you’ve been reading the Good Book,” he said, noting the Bible beside her.
“Yes,” Jessica said and picked up the book. “It’s afforded me a great deal of comfort.”
“I can well imagine. I’m particularly fond of the Psalms. How about you?”
“I do love the Psalms, but of late I’ve been reading the Gospels—particularly John.”
“I can’t say that I’ve read that one lately. I’ll have to give it a go when I can find the time.” He glanced at his pocket watch. “Speaking of which, I must go. I have to catch a train this evening, and I still haven’t packed.”
“Are you going far?” she asked, trying not to sound overly interested.
He smiled, as if knowing her concern. “Not at all. I’m going to be in Dallas filing paper work and holding meetings with the railroad and with bank officials most of this next week.”
He took hold of her hand and rubbed his thumb over the back of her knuckles. Jessica shivered from the sensation. The feel of his warm fingers upon her skin left her almost breathless. Looking into his eyes, she could see his desire. It both frightened and excited her. Jessica wasn’t at all sure which emotion was stronger.
“I . . . uh . . . I’ll look forward to your return,” she finally managed to say.
Har
rison lowered his lips to the back of her hand, and again Jessica shivered from the rush of emotions. He kissed her hand and stood. Looking not to Jessica but to her mother, he said, “I believe Miss Atherton is chilled. She seems to be shivering.” He looked back at Jessica and winked.
She could see the amusement in his expression as her mother came forward with a shawl. “Here, this will help,” she said, wrapping it around Jessica’s shoulders. But Jessica knew from the look on Harrison’s face that they both understood that it wouldn’t help at all.
He took his leave, and Mother escorted him downstairs while Jessica threw off the shawl and leaned back against her pillows feeling rather breathless. How was it that this man should affect her so strongly? He was certainly handsome, but then, so was Austin Todd, and she hadn’t gone all weak-kneed and silly over him.
At the thought of his name, though, Jessica found herself forgetting Harrison Gable. What was it about Austin that fascinated her? He clearly wasn’t interested in her. Maybe that was the attraction.
Maybe I see him as a challenge.
She pondered that idea for a moment. Perhaps it was only because the man came across as aloof and disinterested that Jessica found herself wanting to know more about him.
“He’s certainly a fine young man,” Mother said, breaking Jessica’s thought. “It was particularly thoughtful that he would come all this way to check on your health.”
Jessica put aside her contemplations of Austin Todd and returned to the subject of Harrison Gable. “He was very thoughtful. I have to say I was surprised to see him.”
“I don’t think it was such a surprise to me. He seems quite smitten,” Mother said, smiling. “I think the two of you make a handsome couple.”
A Matter of Heart Page 12