“How are we supposed to deal with this?” someone shouted.
“Yeah, Judge. He’s your prisoner!”
Florence and Minnie lit into Hubie and Carl again, and the noise level rose until Johnny couldn’t hear himself think.
Judge McMann picked up a glass and banged it on the bar, trying to restore order.
“Settle down! I can’t hear myself think!”
Eventually the hubbub quieted enough for the hearing to proceed. Accusing eyes centered on Johnny, now standing beside the judge.
“Excuse me…pardon me.” Jo threaded her way to the front to stand beside the accused.
“Go sit down,” Johnny said under his breath.
She stiffened her stance and remained.
“Jo!” he snapped. She didn’t realize what trouble her show of support would cause.
Ragan took a posture on the opposite side. The two women took hold of his hands and held on tight.
“Both of you sit down. This doesn’t concern you.”
They ignored him as if they didn’t hear. The judge rapped for order again. “Folks! The least we can do is hear John’s side of the story.”
He wished he had one. Wished the town’s animosity wasn’t directed at him. Wished Ragan and Jo weren’t risking their reputations for him.
The judge turned to look at him. “Son?” He wished he could erase that betrayed look off Proctor’s face.
“I was teaching Everett to shoot.” A hush fell over the crowd. Hubie Banks stared daggers at him.
“Everett was practicing for the contest, the bullet went wild, and the shack exploded.”
His stomach tightened when he felt Ragan’s grip tighten.
Shaking his head, the judge looked away. “You both could have been killed.”
“We didn’t mean to cause any trouble.” Everyone present knew the incident had not only shaken the town, it had also put the judge’s program in more jeopardy.
Jim Allen slowly got to his feet. “What are you going to do now, Judge? McAllister isn’t supposed to handle a gun.”
Judge McMann’s eyes focused on Ragan’s hand resting in Johnny’s. She met his visual warning with respectful defiance. He turned back to face Johnny.
“Teaching someone to shoot isn’t the same as handling a gun. You don’t have to plow and plant a garden to explain how it’s done,” Johnny argued.
Proctor shot him a stern look. “The matter is out of my hands. The shack’s gone. It’s up to the residents as to how they want to punish the culprits.”
“Everett should be here. He’s in on this too,” Millie Crocker complained.
“Everett’s out cold,” someone pointed out. “No tellin’ when he’ll come around.”
Ragan tightened her hold on Johnny’s hand and spoke. “It’s only nails and boards. Nobody was hurt or fatally injured in the accident.”
The crowd fell strangely quiet. Anger was still evident, but it was obvious that tempers had begun to cool. Would they demand that Judge McMann send Johnny back to Judge Leonard? If so, Judge Leonard would order him to be hanged.
“I won’t let them send you back,” Ragan murmured.
“How can you stop them?”
“I’ll think of something. I can’t imagine why you would betray the judge for such a silly cause, but I know you well enough to believe you must have a reason.”
The judge rubbed his lined forehead. “Austin, will you accompany Mr. McAllister to Rudolph’s stable and stay with him until we can determine what to do about this matter?”
The farmer slid out of his seat and made his way to the front. Giving Johnny’s hand a final squeeze, Ragan released it, smiling. What he saw in her eyes was almost worth the misery.
Austin took his arm and walked him though the crowd. Julia Curbow reached out to pat his shoulder as he passed, her eyes warm with affection. “You’re a good boy, Jonathan. You were only trying to help Everett.”
Nodding, he allowed Austin to lead him away. It wouldn’t take long to find out if the rest of the town shared Julia’s opinion.
Common sense told him they wouldn’t.
Chapter Forty-Four
Austin?” Ragan stood in the livery doorway, holding Kitty in her arms. The town had been meeting for more than an hour now.
Austin glanced up. “Any decision yet?”
She shook her head. “May I have a moment with Johnny?”
The farmer got up from the pile of hay, reaching for his battered hat. He looked worn out, older than Ragan remembered. Austin used to give her brown sugar treats when she was a child. She’d always sought him out in a crowd, holding tight to the old farmer’s callused hands. When he reached the doorway, he turned to look back. “Can I trust you to be alone with him? You won’t do anything foolish, will you?”
“I give you my word.”
He nodded. “Gonna get a dipper of water. A little parched.” He left the barn, and Ragan listened to his footsteps fade into the shadows.
Johnny refused to look up as she approached.
“I brought Kitty.”
He raised his head, frowning, and then dropped his gaze back to the floor.
Lowering the cat to his lap, she sighed. “I thought you needed a friend.”
“Darn cat. Nothing but a nuisance.” He reached for the animal just the same, scratching her behind the ears.
He could deny he loved that cat all he wanted, but Ragan knew differently. He could deny that he cared for her, but she knew differently. She took a seat beside him.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
“Why not? I have a stake in your future.”
He kept his eyes down, his features sober. “What future?”
“Your future. Our future.”
He slowly turned to meet her gaze.
“Our future,” she repeated softly. “We could have one, you know, if you weren’t so bent on destroying it.”
“You don’t need a man like me. Ragan, be realistic. You need a man you can be proud of, a God-fearing—”
She rested a finger across his lips. “Johnny, maybe you’re a more God-fearing man than you imagine yourself to be.”
“I’m a man who’s not worth all this trouble. Get that through your head.”
She reached for his hand.
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you a man’s supposed to make the first move?”
“I don’t hold with all rules.” She smiled. “And by the way, you haven’t kissed me today.”
“Come on, Ragan. You can’t be seen kissing a convicted bank robber.”
She feigned surprise. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.” She removed her hat.
A grin played at the corners of his mouth. “I thought about it.”
“When?”
“This morning, when you were dusting the parlor. Your cheeks were pink, and that piece of hair was in your eyes. And I thought about it when you were treating my head wound.”
“What piece of hair?” She unconsciously smoothed back a strand.
“The piece that’s always in your eyes.”
“So, hush up and kiss me now.” She leaned closer, drawing his mouth over to meet hers. He tasted cool and sweet.
“Ragan, I’m bad for you.” He set Kitty on the ground and drew her closer, holding her. “Why can’t you see that?”
“You’d like nothing better than to convince me that you’re bad to the bone, but so far, you haven’t even come close. I’ve seen you with the town widows and Papa.”
Settling against his shoulder, she sighed. “You’re a gentle man at heart, Johnny. You’ve made some foolish mistakes, and this thing with Everett is just plain poor judgment, but we’re all guilty of poor judgment at one time or another. I think since I’m in—” She caught herself. “Very fond of you, I’m entitled to be curious about why you decided to violate the terms of your sentence.” Her gaze met his in the dim barn interior. “Wouldn’t you say?”
His eyes focused on her lips, and she knew he was c
onsidering kissing her again. Knew it with every fiber in her soul. And there was nothing she wanted more.
“You’re fond of me.”
“Yes, I am.”
“That’s crazy—”
She laid a finger across his lips again. “You can’t stop me from liking you very much. We may not always see eye to eye on everything—”
“Name me one time we’ve agreed on anything.”
“ And I’m worried sick about your spiritual state, but I figure God will deal with you on his terms. You have a friend in me, Johnny.” She sighed and went on bravely. “Believe me, I’ve tried to deny I feel anything but compassion for you. But today, when I realized you could very likely be hanged, it only reinforced my knowledge that my feelings went much deeper than that. I don’t expect you to be in love with me, but I think it’s important that you know there is someone in this world who loves you.”
“How did your feelings go from fond to love so quickly?”
She blushed, but her eyes locked with his. “You know what I mean. I will be heartbroken if you carry out your threat to kill Dirk Bledso.” She knew her heart was in her eyes now. “Don’t do it, Johnny. Don’t let Bledso take your life too. Anger is eating you alive. I understand your need to avenge your family’s deaths, but by doing so, you will be giving Bledso the victory. Is that what you want?”
“Bledso slaughtered my family.”
“An eye for an eye?”
“That’s right.”
“Why not ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord’ ?”
He stood up, running his hands through his hair. “Stay out of my problems, Ragan.”
“I almost wish the town would ask the judge to send you back.”
He stared at her in disbelief.
“It’s true. If they send you back, Judge Leonard will sentence you to prison.”
“That’s what you want? He could order me hanged.”
“It’s not what I want, but I think Procky could dissuade him from hanging you. If you’re in prison, you won’t be able to continue this insane search for Bledso.”
“Do you know what you’re wishing? If I’m sent to jail, I could be there a long time.”
“Death is longer. If you kill Bledso, they’ll for certain hang you. If you serve your time, you walk away a free man. Free, Johnny. Free to fall in love, free to marry, free to live again.”
“Meanwhile, Bledso is also free. Free to go on killing. I can’t buy your argument, Ragan.” His eyes softened. “I wish I could.”
She rose and stepped over to him. Hooking her arms around his neck, she pulled his mouth down to meet hers.
The contact was electric. All reason left her, and all she wanted was his embrace. She was prepared to do whatever she had to, to spend a lifetime in his arms.
They stepped apart when they heard the barn door open, and Austin appeared in the shadows. “Judge wants to see you, McAllister.”
“I desperately hope he sends you back.” She kissed him once more and then whispered, “Don’t do it. Whatever the judge decides, don’t continue this search for Bledso.”
The citizens of Barren Flats wore solemn faces when Ragan and Johnny entered the Oasis. Judge McMann looked drained, his complexion pale. This couldn’t be good. What would she do if something happened to Procky? The day had been taxing beyond belief.
He motioned toward a couple of stools. “Sit down.”
Johnny sat down, and Ragan stood beside him. The room fell silent.
“The town has made its decision.”
Johnny nodded. Ragan’s hand tightened on his shoulder, and he knew he was only kidding himself. Feelings for her were starting to override his attraction for blood. That couldn’t be. He had spent sixteen years of his life looking for Bledsoe. What had Ragan Ramsey ignited in him that no other woman had ever set fire to? The thought scared him.
“Everett regained consciousness a few minutes ago. He sent word that he, and that he alone, was responsible for the accident.”
Johnny stood and took a step forward. “That’s not true, Judge. I took advantage of Everett.”
The judge peered over his spectacles at him. “In what way?”
If he told them he wanted access to a gun, that admission would seal his fate. If he didn’t, Everett would shoulder the blame. He couldn’t do that to a friend.
Ragan spoke up. “Isn’t it obvious, Judge? Mr. McAllister is feeling a sense of guilt for his part in the accident. He was befriending Everett and feels they both share equal blame.”
Proctor eyed her impatiently. “Mr. McAllister is capable of speaking for himself.”
“He’s capable, but he won’t do it.”
Julia Curbow was on her feet in Johnny’s defense. “The gun was never in his hand. Everett swore to that.”
The town murmured in agreement.
“Speak up, son. Did you handle the gun?” Procky asked.
“No, sir.” That at least was the truth.
The judge smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.” He looked at Ragan and then at Johnny. “The town has decided to let you stay.”
“Yesss!” Jo bounded to her feet, and Holly pulled her back down to her seat. She flashed Johnny a smile.
He couldn’t let them believe a lie. “Judge, I—”
“Order! We aren’t accepting testimony from the accused.” The judge’s voice was firm. “The decision to let you stay in no way excuses what you’ve done, John, but it seems the consensus is we want that dynamite shack more than we want a piece of your hide. You and Everett will rebuild it, at your own expense, and you’ll start come daylight tomorrow morning.”
“Yes, sir.” Johnny exhaled in deep relief. Building the shack back wasn’t a problem—leaving Ragan would have been.
Chapter Forty-Five
After supper Johnny excused himself and went to the porch. Sitting down in the rocker, he reached for Kitty. The town had gone easy on him. He didn’t deserve their clemency, but he was grateful for it. Rebuilding the shack would take every cent he had, but he didn’t begrudge the lost funds. It could have been much worse.
The screen opened, and the judge wheeled out. When his honor saw Johnny, he nodded. Proctor had been unusually quiet during supper. Johnny had the feeling that the town might have forgiven him, but it was evident Proctor hadn’t.
“Thought I’d get a breath of air. The house is hot tonight.”
Johnny got up to give the judge his favorite seat. “It’s cooler out here.” He helped the judge from the wheelchair, into the rocker, and then he sat down opposite him.
Kitty bounded onto his lap, and he smiled. The cat purred and rubbed against his shoulder, wanting attention.
“Get down, Kitty.”
“She’s not bothering me, Judge.”
Pulling his pipe from his pocket, the judge packed it with tobacco. Johnny stroked Kitty’s head. The two men sat in silence on the porch, enjoying the faint breeze.
Proctor struck a match, and the flame illuminated his weary features. Johnny wished he hadn’t been the one responsible for the dark circles under the old man’s eyes tonight.
“I’m disappointed in you, son.”
“I know, Judge. I didn’t mean to endanger your program. I was wrong, and I apologize.”
Fanning out the match, Proctor drew on the pipe stem. A pleasant cherry scent perfumed the air. Kitty settled herself on Johnny’s lap and stretched out. In a few moments, she was purring softly.
“It isn’t so much the program. I knew when I started it that I would have setbacks. It’s more about you. I want you to get back on your feet and start living life to its fullest. I’ve known you long enough to form my own conclusions, and you know the Lord, son. You’ve just blocked him out of the way. You stepped back; he didn’t. Take your problems to him. Let him guide your decisions. You’re smart enough to know life goes a whole lot smoother when you follow the plan God has for you.”
At one time Johnny would have stopped him, but he knew he spoke
the truth.
The judge settled back in his chair. “I know you must wonder why I allow myself to be wide open for defeat, but there’s something you need to understand. Giving a man more freedom is the only way I can be assured he can be trusted, that he does what he does because he wants to, not because he’s made to. I want to feel, beyond a doubt, that the person I’m working with can be rehabilitated. In your case, I had no doubt you were a man of your word, that I could trust you.”
Johnny wished the judge’s words were filled with condemnation; it would have been easier. He heard failure instead, and he knew he had put it there.
“You can trust me, Judge. I give you my word. There won’t be any more problems.”
The judge snorted. “Hubie and Carl should’ve known better than to store liquor in there in the first place.”
Johnny leaned back, absently stroking Kitty. “I suppose you can take comfort in the knowledge that Hubie and Carl have a much bigger problem than a dry Founders’ day.”
The men chuckled softly at the thought of Minnie and Florence lighting into the mayor and his bumbling accomplice in front of the whole town.
Then Johnny said quietly, “I am sorry, Judge.”
Drawing on his pipe, the judge set his rocking chair into motion. The gentle squeak mingled pleasantly with the sounds of tree frogs. “I’m an old man. I’ve learned to roll with the punches. It’s Ragan I’m concerned about.” He turned back to face Johnny. “She’d never fall in love with a man who didn’t know and respect the Lord. Don’t let her down, son. If you do one thing in life right, don’t let down the Lord or Ragan.”
Johnny didn’t have to ask how he knew about Ragan’s feelings. The judge had witnessed her openly holding his hand that afternoon. Proctor didn’t want her hurt. Neither did he.
The old chair creaked back and forth. “She’s like a daughter to me. I love that girl, and wouldn’t take kindly to anyone who would cause her a moment’s grief.” The old man’s eyes drifted shut. “Do we understand each other, John?”
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