by Lynn Wolfe
“It’s alright, Father, I was just hoping.”
It broke Mary’s heart when she saw Andrew’s lip quiver as he talked with his father, but he didn’t cry. Mary knew he wanted to, but he kept his tears at bay. But little Matilda ran sobbing into her father’s arms, never saying a word but allowing her tears to tell her feelings .
“I’m so sorry, sugar, but it’s like I told you before, there are things in life that are hard to accept. We must accept the bad with the good and go on.” James gently told her, trying to sooth Matilda’s wounded heart.
Instead of tonight having a happy evening ending with new hope, the evening ended with everyone feeling badly for Andrew and Matilda and wondering why James still wouldn’t budge on keeping Lightning and Star.
Mary glanced to Edward. He showed no emotion but looked her straight in the eye and gave a slight nod with a noticeable look of satisfaction on his face. Mary tried to muster a smile in return.
What was going to happen after she married James? She hadn’t lied about her home being big enough to accommodate him and the children. She only neglected to tell him how large her home was, and how wealthy she’d become. She was glad he never asked many questions regarding her inheritance. She prayed he’d understand her motives once she told him the truth, sometime after the wedding.
Chapter Eighty-Four
The Auction
The day of the auction turned out to be a lovely, sunny day. People started arriving at daylight to look over the many items in and outside the barn. The colt and pony had been tied to the corral and several children who were attending the auction with their parents were petting and admiring them.
James could hardly stand to watch Andrew and Matilda as they tried to wipe their tears and tell how wonderful their animals were. He knew this was breaking their hearts. He only hoped that after the auction was over, and the animals gone, they’d find a way to forgive him. Then, maybe they could find some pleasure in attending the wedding to be held tomorrow.
The house was buzzing with activity between preparing the auction meal for those who’d helped, and preparing to feed those who were staying over for the wedding. At least the women could combine their efforts for the different occasions.
James knew many of the people who’d come to do their bidding this day. They’d all apologized to him before hand about their intentions of bidding, but James assured them he was not only fine with their bidding, he was grateful. Most everyone present knew James needed the money.
He noticed a young man had seemed to take an interest in the colt and pony and also many of the household items. James could only surmise he was new to the area and needed to furnish his home, for James had never seen him before today.
“Edward, do you know the young man who arrived on the bay horse, the one talking to Andrew and Matilda.”
“He doesn’t look familiar, James.”
Edward hoped James didn’t ask any further questions. He, like Mary, didn’t like to deceive James or the others. He hoped James would understand their reasoning when things could be explained later. He was counting on the fact that once James found out the truth, he’d already be married to Mary for a couple of weeks or so.
The auction started at nine sharp. It went much quicker than anyone expected by only lasting until four in the afternoon. That was probably a good thing, since everyone was exhausted by the time the last item went up for bid.
Edward had planned ahead and had a couple of wagons ready to be leased in case someone bought more than they could take, and needed a way to transport their goods. He knew of one young man who’d be in need of help taking his purchases home if all went as planned. Edward knew the sooner things were gone from the property, the better for everyone.
*****
“James, the young man who came early this morning bought several items from the house. He must have recently come to the area and needs to set up his home,” Clayton surmised as James had done earlier.
“Did you catch his name?” James inquired.
“No. But I believe Edward has it. He did a great job keeping track of the money and who’d purchased what,” Clayton said, pleased and thankful his good friend had been able to help them out today.
“Yes, I don’t think we could have done it without Edward’s help. And do we know who the unknown buyer for the plantation is? He also purchased Lightning and Star, according to Edward. He said the new owner of the plantation would be moving in once the money transaction was completed and the deed is signed in a few weeks.” James added.
“Edward only said the bid made for the plantation and also Lightning and Star, was to be paid by cash and the new owner lived quite a distance from here. The bidder wished to remain anonymous. I’d first suspected Edward, you or Thomas of bidding for Lighting and Star, but Edward assures me neither he, you or Thomas, bid on any item today.” James said, still wondering who the anonymous bidder was.
“I think you’d better get cleaned up, James, I believe dinner is almost ready and you need to eat and get your sleep. Tomorrow you have a wedding to attend,” Clayton said as he headed for the house.
“Yes, I think getting married to Mary will be a sign of good things to come. That and knowing the unknown buyer bought the entire plantation for top dollar. Strange how things turn out, for Edward said the new owner sent a sealed bid addressed to the man in charge of the auction. It included a letter from the Bank of Washington, assuring the bid price would be honored without question. Edward said he’d find out who purchased the plantation once he changed the deed over and confirmed the transaction at the bank. I can’t thank you enough for your offer to watch Andrew and Matilda, Father. I noticed they weren’t upset about spending a few days with you and mother.”
“I should hope not! It’ll be a wonderful chance for us to spoil them. I’m not sure how often we’ll get to Washington to visit, but you can bet we’ll make every effort whenever we can.
Chapter Eight-Five
Edward had promised Mary he’d take care of inviting everyone on her list to their new home for a surprise celebration once she and James returned from their honeymoon. Mary felt it would be for the best if she waited until the surprise reception to inform James and the others about her and Edward’s trickery. So far, James hadn’t a clue about Mary’s surprise.
The only difficult part would be to get Clayton and Annabelle to Washington before she, James and the children arrived. Unfortunately, Clayton and Annabelle wouldn’t be able to leave their home until after she and James picked the children up in Baltimore. Somehow, she’d have to delay James for lunch so Annabelle and Clayton could pass them.
After the auction dinner, Thomas, Anna, and Jane said their goodbyes and Mary joined them in the carriage as they headed home. Tomorrow they’d be returning for her wedding. Jane had fallen asleep in Anna’s arms and Mary sat silently praying for morning to come quickly. Tomorrow her dream was about to come true. She still had a few things to talk over with Edward, and prayed he could get everything accomplished before she, James and the children returned to Washington, after their honeymoon.
Chapter Eight-Six
Late in the afternoon, on the day of the auction being held at the Parker Plantation, Chester Hartley casually rode onto the property owned by Thomas Ball. He did his best to appear as a concerned cowhand as he approached one of the cow hands preparing to mount his horse. “Howdy, I’m looking for Thomas Ball. I need to speak with him right away, if he’s around.”
“He’s over at the Parker Plantation. But Will McKee, our foreman’s here.”
“That would be fine since I have a message to pass on to him, also.” Chester was pleased with his act. He already knew the location of Ball. He also knew who William McKee was. He and Henry had staked out the Ball farm earlier. During that time, they’d asked a few questions to know who worked for Thomas.
Chester and Henry had almost gotten caught a few weeks earlier. Fortunately, they spotted the ranch hand when they were about fifty yar
ds away from him. They remained hidden in the trees until it was safe for them to move about. It was just by a stroke of luck they hadn’t ridden right out in plain sight and had a shoot out right then and there. Although, thinking back on it, Chester wondered if they shouldn’t have killed that man when they had their chance. Dead men don’t talk.
But Henry would hear none of it. He didn’t want to take the chance someone from the homestead would be checking on the cattle and find a dead man, for that would surely ruin the element of surprise.
“Our foreman, Will McKee, is there,” the ranch hand said, as he jerked his head toward the corral by the barn, “in the red shirt and black hat.”
“Thanks,” Chester said, as he got down from his horse and walked quickly over to speak with McKee. He stopped long enough to tie his horse by the watering trough to make the appearance he’d been riding hard.
Henry was right when he said most people believe there’s good in everyone. No one, so far, had taken undue notice of him. Chester thought Henry was, indeed, the cleverest man he knew and tonight, everyone would know it.
All hell was about to break loose for Thomas and his family. The only disappointment for Chester was he and Henry would not be able to take credit for the kill. It must look like an accident. Chester never liked the idea of giving up bragging rights. Nor was he happy with confronting Ball and his family prior to killing Parker.
Will McKee looked over his shoulder and realized he didn’t recognize the man approaching him. He wasn’t sure he liked the way the man looked, but he also knew that wasn’t a fair way to judge someone. Yet, there was something off about the man walking towards him.
“Are you McKee?”
“That’s right, who’s asking?” William countered, as he racked his brain wondering if he’d seen this man before.
“I was asked to stop by the Ball place and give you a couple of messages. The first one I got from a man stopping me for directions to this place a couple of miles back. I told him that was where I was headed and he could join me if he wished.
“He said it wasn’t a social call and would I mind taking a message for William McKee. I’m sorry to bring bad news, but it seems your brother, near Washington, has been shot in the stomach and may not make it through the night. I feel real bad he didn’t give me any other details.
“The second message was the reason I was coming here. A man named, Jack, who claims to work for Mr. Ball, asked me to ride here to let Ball know he spotted a couple of men prowling around the herd. He needs a few men sent his way to catch the scoundrels. He said he didn’t want to risk leaving the cattle unguarded.
“I told him I’d help him out. I was actually heading this way anyway to try to catch the auction at the Parker place, but I fear it’ll be over by the time I get there.
“Sorry to bring you such bad news about your brother, sure hope he makes it. Well, I better head out. I’m running late as it is. Good luck with everything.
“Did Jack happen to describe the two men?” Will asked, hoping for any details the informant might have forgotten to mention.
“Sorry, all I know is what I’ve told you. The cowhand was in a big hurry to get back to the cattle.”
Chester left McKee shaken. He smiled as his horse trotted off the Ball farm. He was pleased with his performance and the way he stretched the story. He always could lie and get away with it.
He knew he stunned McKee with the news of his brother. He only knew McKee had a younger brother was because he overhead him at the tavern mentioning a younger brother who lived near Washington, and it was going on two years since they’d last spent time together. Chester and Henry had kept their back turned to the Ball cowhands so they couldn’t see their faces as they sat and listened to the information given.
*****
Will was devastated about the news brought this day of his younger brother, Jake. Yet, he had no choice but to leave immediately. Who would want to shot his brother and why? Jake was easy to get along with. What kind of a mess was he caught up in?
He quickly called the hands together and explained the situation. Since all had been quiet on the farm for several months, the news from Jack of two men prowling around the cattle called for quick action. It meant they were having their first encounter with Ball, Will was sure of it. The cattle were being kept a good three miles north of the homestead.
“Men, Jack sent us a message. He spotted two men prowling around the cattle. He wants help in capturing these trespassers. There’s a good chance these are Ball and Hartley, who burned the stable over at the Parker place.
“I think you know what this means. If you locate them, try to bring them in alive. If they start shooting, no one will care how they come in. Don’t give them the chance to cause you any harm.
“Jack’s been up there alone. I sure hope nothing has happened to him,” remarked Shorty, one of the hands.
“We all hope he’s safe, but you better call out when you get close to the shack, so Jack doesn’t mistake you for a rustler. Hank, you stay here and watch the place while we’re gone. Thomas should be home in the next couple of hours. There shouldn’t be any concern here.”
Will felt certain Thomas would be back to the homestead about eight-thirty so he left a note on the kitchen table explaining where he was headed and where he’d sent all the men, but Hank. He then headed out to his brother’s while the remaining men went north to where Jack watched over the cattle. Their previous hope of securing the cattle in a place that couldn’t be found by Ball obviously hadn’t worked.
Chapter Eighty-Seven
Henry and Chester waited until they saw everyone ride out but one. After they hid their horses by the trees, they carefully made their way to the barn and found a man cleaning out the stalls, as if he had no cares in the world.
Chester snuck up from behind the ranch hand and hit him on the back of his head with the butt of his gun. The man was knocked out cold. Chester tied and gagged him before they went inside of Thomas’s home to wait for their prey.
They found the note from McKee and quickly shredded it to pieces. They sat at the table and propped their feet on two chairs. They knew they didn’t dare chance lighting the kerosene lamp so they sat in darkness and waited. They’d brought some rope and kerosene; now all they had to do was wait for the fun to begin.
Chapter Eighty-Eight
Thomas pulled the carriage as close to the house as he could. He quickly got down and was relieved to be home. But he was worried, the bunkhouse showed no signs of life. What could have happened to pull everyone away? Normally, there’d have been a light in the bunk house and at least two or three of his men outside smoking.
He picked up his sleeping daughter and decided he’d get Jane settled in bed before he checked the property. Hopefully, Will left a note. He felt unsettled, yet entered his home with Anna, Jane and Mary following close behind, anxious to see what had happened to everyone.
Thomas immediately knew he’d made a critical error. He heard the unmistakable sound of a gun being cocked. He froze in his tracks. He should have followed his instincts when things felt out of place. Yet, he never expected to find danger in his own home. He’d allowed himself to become too tired and heed the obvious signs something was amiss.
“Well, bout time you’ve returned. We’ve been waiting for you. Welcome.”
Thomas felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He and Mary knew who belonged to that voice. It was none other than the sinister and evil, Henry Ball. The lantern was soon lit and reflected the faces of two men who looked eager to start trouble and far worse.
“What the hell are you doing here? Put that damn gun away and get out! You and your friend aren’t welcome here! What happened to my men?” Thomas prayed no harm had come to any of his hands. “Answer me, damn you.”
By this time Jane awoke crying. Anna tried to sooth her as best she could, “Thomas, you know these men?” Anna asked surprised. These men weren’t the kind of men Thomas would normally have de
alings with.
“Why don’t you all take a seat, now!” Henry bellowed, as he waited until they sat before continuing. “You must be Thomas’s wife. I’m Henry Ball. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Henry said, ever so sweetly, after eyeing Anna over.
“And as for you, Thomas, is that any way to treat your father?” Henry sneered. “And look at the bonus we have, Chester, This lovely lady with the dark hair, is my daughter, Mary. I had no idea you were in the area, Mary.
“Thomas, you have yourself a beautiful wife and daughter. Who’d have thought you would have landed such a prize and bred such a beauty.”
“You pot licker! You don’t need to pretend any longer. I know you’re not my father, nor Mary’s. Anna, this is the bastard who deceived everyone into believing Edward died many years ago. Why don’t you leave before anything further happens and take that jackal you run with along? Now, where are my men?”
“So, you finally know the truth about your parentage?
“He saw you at the docks. Edward had wondered about me ever since Clayton mentioned how similar we were in appearance. After meeting up with you in Baltimore, he went to England to verify if his suspensions were correct. Minnie told him what she knew, and between them, Edward realized that not only did I belong to him, but Mary did also. If anything should happen to us, Edward will hunt you down, Henry. I know him; he’ll not stop until he destroys you.”
“Tsk, Tsk. First he’d have to find us. Edward was a fool then and probably still is. I’ve no fear of him.”
“I demand you to leave!” Thomas yelled again. He knew the look of a killer, he saw it Henry’s eyes, but there was nothing he could do.
“Thomas, Thomas, you’re in no position to demand things. Nor tell me what to do. Don’t you want to introduce me to your wife and child? But first, please allow me to explain where your men and your foreman have gone. It seems McKee’s younger brother, from Washington, got shot and requested McKee at his bedside. Of course, to my knowledge, there’s no truth to that story. But McKee didn’t know that. Then, all but one of your men has gone looking for two prowlers, near your cattle north of here. Did you think we wouldn’t find them, Thomas?