Blood on the Verde River

by Dusty Richards

  “They will be coming. They are no doubt taking their time. We sent a man to get Betty Lou Scales. His name is—”

  “Orlando,” Marge said. “A polite vaquero who will deliver her here with fresh clothes to wear. And Monica is bringing her rancher and they will sleep in separate bedrooms.”

  Susie laughed. “Our aunt is coming with her man. They will sleep in one.”

  Chet made a sliced beef sandwich with mustard. “Either of us get a letter from JD?”

  “No. But Lucy and Reg were invited by mail in plenty of time.”

  “They’ll come if they can.”

  “He may not want her to ride in her condition,” Marge said.

  “She’d be a damn sight harder to convince than you were,” he said before taking another bite.

  “Someone is coming now,” Marge said, looking out the front windows.

  “That is my husband to be and he is driving the buckboard he and Hampt rebuilt with John the blacksmith.” Susie ran out, kissed him, and on the way in she told him that Chet was back.

  A big smile on Sarge’s face, they shook hands. “Glad you’re back, boss man. This has been a whirlwind, but I couldn’t be any prouder that she wants to be my wife.”

  “She said you want to stay at Windmill and herd cattle. I said we’d build you two a house to live in. Weather lets up, she wants a tent over there, but we will start on it as soon as they get done at Hackberry.”

  “You can’t beat that. I am impressed and I’ll do my damndest to make it work. We’ve got time for a short honeymoon and then she’s coming back here and I’ll need to head for New Mexico. The boys have them all bunched close so we can leave in a week.”

  “Sounds great. Robert from the sawmill will be here. We’ll start cutting timber for your house over there.”

  “Boy, I recall riding out here the first time and saying, ‘Well, I’ll try this job and in six months I’ll go on down the road.’”

  “You ever want to?”

  “No. I was so busy and having so much fun, I never thought about that again.”

  “You’ve made a good hand and you’ll make a good brother-in-law partner in this outfit.”

  Sarge wet his lips. “Hampt and I both talked about the deal we’ve got here with Tom and we all three said it won’t get no better.”

  “It will. We’ll be real big ranchers one day,” Chet predicted.

  “You worried any about this paper they hand me for the cattle?”

  “I’d like to have the cash, but that’s how they do business in D.C. If they can’t pay us, they can’t pay lots of their suppliers. My banker isn’t worried. He says it will come through. Meanwhile, we will supply them cattle.”

  “You feel safe. I won’t worry.”

  Chet clapped Sarge on the shoulder. “We will survive.”

  “Good and thanks. I am very proud to get to marry your sister. I know people will talk about it being too soon, but life ain’t that long. I don’t want to miss a chance to have her for my wife. I was too dumb before so she escaped me, but not this time.”

  “I hope you two have a great life together. I won’t trade mine for anyone else.”

  “We will. Susie said you will have some federal prisoners held here at the ranch?”

  “Yes. I aim to deliver them to Sims on Monday. Know that we won’t ever ranch on the north rim of the Grand Canyon.” Chet shook his head.

  “Tough country?”

  “Very harsh. I liked the Kaibab Plateau and the Joseph’s Lake region, but I’ll leave it for others.”

  “How tough were the men you arrested?”

  “Just thugs.”

  Sarge nodded he understood. “We haven’t had any more Indian trouble. Guess they are in a wickiup till spring.”

  “Keep your eyes open. They have not called it quits yet.”

  “We will.”

  The train had arrived from the sawmill. Tom assigned guards. The prisoners were chained together and he locked them in a log barn. Marge took charge of Kathrin, escorting her up to the house. Chet assured Leroy they’d jail the prisoners on Monday and that his wife was on her way.

  “Oh, that is so good of you. I sure have missed her. But if you and those two men had not come—I’d be dead. All I went to do was to settle an estate and come home. I didn’t carry any money because that road is steeped in people getting robbed and killed.”

  “Naw, you’d have found a way out. Thank Betty Lou, too. She came and convinced my wife to send me looking for you. One of our men went to get her since we knew you wanted to hug her.”

  “Hug her? Oh, you are sure right.”

  “Stay and enjoy the wedding. You can take her home in the rig tomorrow. There are plenty of rooms at the big ranch house tonight.”

  “Thanks. We will have an enjoyable time.” Leroy shook his head. “I am glad that I don’t have to haul those outlaws another mile.”

  “We will deliver them, like I said, on Monday, but I’d like you to be there to talk to the prosecuting attorney about Evans’s actions.”

  “Oh, I will be there.”

  “Thanks.”

  Marge showed up, wearing a light coat over her dress. “How are your men?”

  “I guess fine. I have not spoken to them yet. Just Leroy here.”

  “Oh. I really like Kathrin Arnold. I think we can help her. She appreciates all you have done for her. I would, too.”

  “Fine. Everything is going well. We will be ready for it all.”

  “I imagine you are worn out, aren’t you?”

  “I’m fine. I am home at last with you. That’s what counts.”

  She hugged him. “So am I.”

  Despite the weak sun, he felt warm to have her attached to him. Something about being with her simply made him feel good. Of all the great women in his life, Marge had power that they shared and it powered both of them.

  Cole and Jesus found them.

  “We’re coming to the wedding. Tom has guards to watch the prisoners,” Cole said as both of them took off their hats in respect to her.

  “Chet tells me you have been busy,” Marge said.

  “We sure have, but I can tell you that isn’t any place to take a vacation,” Jesus said to her and they laughed.

  “Chet did mention he thought it wasn’t ranch country,” Marge said. “Thank you for looking out for him.”

  “He looked after all of us,” Jesus assured her.

  “I know,” she said. “We all use him.”

  Chet shook his head at their banter. “You two guys have a good time tonight.”

  “We will,” Cole said. And the young men left them.

  Chet and Marge walked to the house to change clothes. Betty Lou arrived and she danced with Leroy in the yard. Chet saw them from the window and smiled. “They’ll have fun tonight.”

  Marge joined him and watched the two dancing.

  “That is wonderful. Well, I’m just glad things are settling.”

  “A few months ago, I would never have gotten away with changing clothes at the same time with you,” she said buttoning up her dress.

  “I am not that numb, but it didn’t seem proper with all we have to do.”

  She kissed his face. “I was only making a point.”

  He two-arm hugged her and kissed her. “Next week, I will be yours.”

  “No. You have prisoners to deliver. You will want to check on Reg and then Sarge’s deal while he’s on his honeymoon.”

  “I swear I will.”

  “I know and I love you. Don’t change for a silly pregnant wife’s whims.”

  “Good. It has been a tough near ten days on the trail.”

  She silenced him and they kissed hard.

  The wedding was ready to start. The schoolhouse would bulge, but there was room for all. Standing room only. Chet led Susie down the narrow isle and they chatted under their breath.

  “You two have fun up there,” Chet whispered.

  “We will. He’s a wonderful guy.”

/>   “Yes, he is. All right, you are on your own.”

  “Thanks Chet, I love you, too.”

  After the ceremony, the married couple ran out to the buckboard, and folks threw rice at them before Sarge took charge and drove away.

  Chet and Marge faced the crowd. “Let’s all go eat. There is plenty of cake and we should have fun,” Chet hollered. He was ready to go to the ranch house, but they stayed and danced.

  All at once, someone shouted, “Reg and Lucy are here.”

  Soon the tall Reg came through a doorway crowded with well-wishers. Lucy, on the end of his arm, was coming along behind, talking to everyone.

  Chet’s nephew looked exhausted and his wife shook her head at Chet. “You’ve been out chasing outlaws again.”

  “Yes, we got them, too.”

  “Hey, we tried to be here on time,” Reg said. “I guess we missed the newlyweds.”

  “They drove off minutes ago. How are the two of you?”

  “Fine,” Reg said. “And Lucy’s doing great. House

  is nearly completed and she says the baby will be a boy.”

  “This spring we’ll have a new generation of kids in this family.”

  “We’ll each have our own gang.” Reg laughed. “Snow has slowed down our mavericking and we could’ve come faster on horseback, but I worried about her. She didn’t think it would hurt her and the baby, but I wasn’t taking any chances.”

  “Good idea. I’m sure you’re getting lots done up there.”

  “We are sure trying.”

  “Good. Cattle delivery is going fine. We have not been paid for any, but my banker says it will come.”

  “God, I hope so.” Reg looked taken aback by that news.

  “Standard federal procedure. Before you go back, I want us to sit down with Tom and look at all the things you need.”

  “Good enough. Lucy and I made a list.”

  “Go get something to eat. We’ll be here.”

  “They are the cutest pair on this earth,” Marge said as they headed for the food line, talking to each other all the way. “I loved her when she showed us around that first trip, but those two together are simply cute along with sweet to one another.”

  “I agree. We better dance.” So they waltzed and then danced to another tune. They had magic and she moved so smoothly with him, he really enjoyed dancing. Good to be back home. That damn country above the Grand Canyon was a real wasteland.

  About midnight, they went back to the big house. All parties came over about the same time. Without Susie to organize things, Marge made coffee and served them cinnamon rolls Susie had laid out for them. Chet’s aunt and her man, Monica and her rancher, Betty Lou and Leroy, plus Reg and Lucy made a houseful. Hampt and May had gone home to their place earlier. Tom and Millie dropped by, but by then Chet and Marge were tired. They told them all good night and headed up the stairs.

  From the stairs, he stopped and thanked them all for coming and said he was sure happy with the ranch, all the workers, and the wedding. “We are all one here.”

  They cheered.

  In bed, Marge said he was so sweet to tell them that.

  “I wasn’t lying. This is growing into a large successful operation on the frontier.”

  She snuggled closer to him. “I know what you’ve done for the ranch and me.”

  They kissed and he wondered if the baby was going to survive their frolicking. So far so good.

  In the morning, Monica and Marge made breakfast. Lucy and Betty Lou joined them and the meal was soon set out. Chet sipped coffee and watched them take their places. Susie would have been proud. He was surprised she hadn’t stayed to make this meal herself.

  Dishes done, he and Marge headed for their house. Tom was bringing the prisoners in a buckboard and then taking them into Preskitt in the morning. He’d have four armed, mounted men to guard them. That would cover it.

  The trip uphill was without incident. The sun had warmed some when they turned toward Preskitt and headed home. It was a sparkling day and Chet was satisfied that things should iron out across his operations. JD was still on his mind, but that boy was big enough to take care of himself. Wherever he was.

  CHAPTER 20

  Word had spread all over about the prisoners and Preskitt was crowded with the curious despite the bit of cold. A known stage robber gang and the kidnapper of a local man drew their attention. Lots of folks knew Leroy and wanted his kidnapper in jail.

  Chet rode his roan in, balancing a rifle on his leg. He and his men rode up to the courthouse. Tom stopped the wagon with the prisoners next to them.

  An undersheriff, Ralston, came out. “Who are these men?”

  “U.S. Deputy Marshal Chet Barnes. Three are Marconis wanted for stage robbery and the murder of Joseph Smith in this county near Lee’s Ferry. The fourth man is a kidnapper, Evan Evans. He kidnapped Leroy Scales in this county and took him to Utah and held him for ransom. His wife was to send him money for his release.”

  “Marshal Byrnes, are you prepared to file these charges?”

  “I am, sir.”

  “Are there any rewards on these men?”

  “The Marconis have a Wells Fargo Reward on them. That goes to my men.”

  “Are these men wearing your irons?”

  “They are.”

  “Where’s the gawdamn Sheriff?” an angry onlooker shouted.

  A yell went up from the crowd. “Sims! Sims!”

  Chet shook his head, but they didn’t stop. The prisoners were marched inside and the door closed on the jail entrance.

  He spoke to his men in the crowd that he’d buy them a beer at the Palace and turned his horse to go across the street. He hitched the roan at the rail and went though the left side tall doors with the batwings tied back for winter entrances.

  He found them all at the bar. “I’m buying two beers for this bunch.”

  The bartender counted noses and gave the count to him. “Be two dollars.”

  Satisfied, Chet put the money on the bar. Must have a few noncrew members in the lot—oh well. He waved away any change and turned on his heel. Outside the bar, he mounted his horse and rode over to Jenn’s diner for lunch.

  The girls welcomed him and had to hear his story. He made it brief and ordered a plate lunch and coffee. Jenn came out and slid in to talk to him. “Do you know the Nelson brothers? Lonnie and Delta?”

  “No, why?”

  “I got word they’ve been hired to gun you down.”

  Chet frowned at her. It couldn’t be true. “Who hired them?”

  “I’m not sure. But word is out that they’re coming to kill you.”

  “I trust your information, but is there any description of them? I’d also like to know who hired them.”

  “I’ll find out what I can. Meanwhile, you better get loaded for bear.”

  Chet nodded. He, Tom, Hampt, and Reg were meeting in the morning. Maybe one of them knew the pair. Damn. Where in the hell did they come from? He picked at his food. A shame Marge hadn’t come along with him. He’d go back home and try to find out who they were. His problems never ended.

  The meeting of ranch foremen was at his house. All except Sarge were there. Chet had paper and pencils set out for taking notes.

  When they were all settled with coffee, Chet began. “Thanks for coming. I wanted us to go over the operations and get everyone’s ideas on what we should do in the future. I mean, we all are in this together, so I want to hear about each aspect and what we need. But first, I want to ask have any of you ever heard of Lonnie or Delta Nelson?”

  “Where are they from?” Reg asked.

  “Damned if I know. Jenn said she had word they were hired guns coming to kill me.”

  “I never heard of them,” Hampt said. “She know anything else?”

  “Not any more than that. But Jenn doesn’t carry idle threats around. She’s looking for more information.”

  “You think they’ve been sent from Texas?” Reg asked.

  “Wait
. Let me look on the sawmill payroll. Several of those men have come and gone. Robert has fired some for drinking on the job. I figured most of them were on the run anyway and liked the isolation up there better than working on the ranch.”

  Chet nodded. “Check it and let me know. Last time I looked on those books the sawmill was making us money. Now we still have another house to build on the Windmill Ranch for Sarge and Susie. You all know we have not been paid yet for any delivered cattle, but Mr. Tanner at the bank says that is not unusual, and that we will eventually get our money. It will be a considerable amount, but we will keep it for a rainy day and try to buy the Rankin place. Now, how are we doing with other things?”

  Hampt began first. “I have three hundred mother cows and I think the range, if we have rain, will improve. I have fifteen Hereford bulls and we cut any longhorn bulls on our range. I should have a half whiteface calf crop by next year and all part whiteface calves the next year. We are fencing some acreage down on the Verde with barbed wire this winter. John has ordered wire. We’ll twist and put barbs on it here. It was the cheapest way to go. I have four Mexican boys cutting posts.”

  “Everyone knows those log fences don’t keep cattle out of alfalfa.”

  “We used wire and stakes in Texas. This barbed wire takes less maintenance. I think our hay fields are under stake and wire.”

  “It takes two full-time men to keep it repaired, too,” Tom said. “Of course, the previous management used the cheapest material to build it.”

  “Our hay contractor is going to return our equipment. He’s buying his own. We need for John to look at it and have it ready. We need hay equipment for Sarge, and for you two, Hampt and Reg. Tom, what we have may not be worn out too bad for you to use for a year or so. To get anything new here, I need to order it soon.” Chet wrote it down on his list.

  “Tom, how are you doing?” he asked next.

  “Four hundred fifty range cows and twenty-five bulls—either Hereford or Shorthorn range bulls. That doesn’t count the purebreds. We have around a hundred of those and five bulls at the Perkins place. I weaned eighty-nine calves. Forty are good bull prospects, five were culls, and the rest are heifers. I have them on some fenced grass upriver that I rented.”