Recognizing the graveled voice, Jim didn’t doubt the bounty hunter knew something about the unfolding events. “Evening, Jeb,” he said, leaning against a post. “What brings you out tonight?”
“We-ell, fer one, Ah got the proof yu need to recoup my client’s property.”
The sheriff looked unconcerned. “Oh?”
Dismounting, Jeb approached the boardwalk. “Is that all yu got to say? Ah just said Ah got proof, and yu just stand there?”
“I’m just wondering what’s on fire, and who started it.”
“Ah didn’t start no damn fire, that’s fer sher. But yu’ll be pleased to know, Ah caught the culprit fer yu.” Jeb signaled with his arm. “Bring him on up, boys.”
As the riders parted, the one who had remained behind came forward. Sheriff Hadley quickly descended the steps when he saw a large black man cruelly roped. “Good Lord!” he raged, withdrawing a pocketknife and slicing cords. “This is Reuben Kincaid! He’s a free man!”
“Ain’t free no more,” Charlie snickered, looping the rope around his arm. “We caught him running out of th’ barn whilst it was burning.”
“Reuben’s no criminal. I’ll vouch it wasn’t him who started it,” the sheriff said, cutting away the twine. “Whose barn is on fire?”
“It were th’ old woman that lives on th’ edge of town, all by herself,” Charlie supplied.
Jim looked alarmed. “Gabriella Bruester? Is she all right?”
“No need to git riled,” said Jeb. “We saw the old laidy tending her driver. Appears he got hurt fighting the fire.”
“What the hell were you doing there?”
“Gitting the evidence Ah need to satisfy the good judge!” Jeb snarled. “Y’all seem to fergit Ah got the right to seize runaways by whatever means necessary.”
“But you keep fetching the wrong people,” Jim said. “Reuben isn’t a runaway and neither were Reagan or Amanda.”
Jeb grinned. “Ah got more’n that, now. Ah got a witness proving yer townsfolk are nuthin’ but lawbreakers. And all Ah’m asking is fer yu to do whut Ah cain’t do mesself.”
Hadley stared at the giant. Having sworn to uphold all laws and not just the ones he liked, obliged him to hear Jeb out. “You sure pick the most unhandy times to demand legal process. I don’t suppose you’d consider delaying this until after the Thanksgiving celebration?”
“Nope. By then, Ah’ll be heading home to collect my bounty.” Reaching under his pelt, he withdrew a tobacco plug and bit into it. “When faced with jail, the guilty c’n git helpful, real quick.”
“We’ll see who’ll end up in jail,” Jim promised while taking Reuben’s arm. He sniffed suddenly. “Reuben, are you burned? Should I send for Doc Turner?”
“No thanks, I’m Okay.”
Jeb snorted as he chewed his quid. “Huh! Ah cain’t believe the way yu-uns molly coddle them that ain’t no better than stupid, filthy mules!” He spat a stream of tobacco that splattered Reuben’s boots. “It’s no wonder nigra’s want to lickity-split up North. Next thing yu know, they’ll be putting on airs like they wuz our equals or something.”
“Of course, that would imply you were above the Negro race, Mr. Johnson. An assumption not proven by any act on your part.”
Jeb’s lip curled. “That’s the trouble with y’all. Yu think yer better’n us just cuz yu outlawed slavery! Yu’uns quote the Bible with one hand whilst stealing property with the other. Yu tell me sheriff, how’s one worse than the other?”
“I’m not here to argue the morality of slavery. Right now, I want this over with so we can all go home. If you present your witness within the hour, I’ll hear your evidence and then determine if it’s worth bothering Judge McCleary.” As the sheriff pushed Reuben up the steps, a deputy emerged from the jailhouse.
“Done,” Jeb said as he mounted his horse. “And me’bbe this’ll be the last time we lay eyes on one another.”
Once the riders departed, Hadley spoke to his deputy. “Ed, see what’s taking Joe so long. He’s at Miss Bruester’s place.” He opened the jailhouse door, allowing Reuben to enter. “And, fetch Doc Turner in case anyone’s injured.”
“Sure thing,” Ed said.
Once inside, Reuben sat in a chair while the sheriff grabbed a wet rag from the back room. “Here, this should help.”
“Thanks,” Reuben said, holding the cloth against his eyes.
“Is there anything else I can do?”
“I’d be obliged if you sent a message to my wife Eliza that I’m all right. Tell her while I’m detained, she’s to go to Purvis, our neighbor, if she needs anything.”
The sheriff nodded as he pulled paper and a pencil from his desk. “I’m ready for your version of what happened tonight. Take as much time as you need.”
Afterward, having settled Reuben in a cell, Jim waited at his desk, wondering what trickery the giant was up to this time.
Chapter Thirty-Five
After applying a cold compress to Ben’s head, Gabriella insisted he drink a mixture of water and aspirin powder. She then opened the back door and watched as firemen passed buckets while others pumped water into a hose aimed toward the burning building. Yet, despite their efforts, it was apparent the barn would be a total loss. Soon after, the firemen gathered their equipment and retreated a safe distance.
“Well, Ben, I guess we can forget about that coat of paint the barn needed,” she said, closing the door. “We can at least be thankful you and Reuben saved the animals.”
“Re-Reuben?” Ben sat straighter as images of being picked off the floor drifted like vapor through his mind. “Oh, Reuben…he was here because…” He searched for an answer, coming up blank. “I can’t remember,” he said as another, smaller form floated before his eyes. “But, I think I saw--”
Gabriella canted her head. “Where is Reuben?” She opened the door and peered out. “Do you suppose he left without telling us why he was here?”
Ben shook his head. “That’s not like him. He would’ve let us know he was all right.”
“Good heavens! Do you think he’s trapped in the barn?”
“I’ll go see,” Ben said, rising. “I feel better now.”
As Gabriella opened the door wider, a man entered while removing his hat. “Excuse me, ma’am. I’m Deputy Welch. Sheriff Hadley sent me to see what happened and report if anything’s amiss.”
Gabriella spoke hurriedly. “There’s a man missing, a friend. He rescued my driver from the barn but we haven’t seen him since.”
“What’s his name?”
“Reuben Kincaid,” Ben said as he grabbed a spare coat and headed out the door with Joe close behind. “We’d given him a wagonload of donations to take to the Negro settlement. He must’ve been returning the wagon even though we told him to keep it until tomorrow.”
Standing in the doorway, Gabriella witnessed flames break through the barn’s roof and she slowly closed the door. The loss of the barn meant nothing. Yet, combined with Nell’s death, it broke the barrier of her pent up emotions and she bowed her head and wept.
Ben and deputy Welch approached the fire wagon and asked the gathered men if anyone had seen a large black man.
“I ain’t seen no black feller, though I did see a group of white fellers leaving when we first got here,” volunteered one while storing a bucket. “I heard the captain found a man’s coat before it got hotter than Hades and we had to skedaddle!”
“Where’s the captain?”
Looking around, the young man pointed his finger. “Here he comes now. He’s the one with the cap on his head.”
After Deputy Welch spoke to the captain, the man approached the fire wagon and pulled out a man’s woolen coat. “Is this what you’re looking for?” he asked.
Ben looked closely at the garment. By its size, he could tell it never would’ve fit Reuben. “I’d like to keep this, if it’s all right with you,” he said as a peculiar odor emanated upward, stirring memories of a medicine cabinet and broken bottles.
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The captain shrugged. “It’s your barn. I don’t see any reason why you can’t.”
Ben laid the coat over his arm, turning to Joe. “I remember a man inside the barn just as it caught fire. I didn’t get a good look at him, but I believe this is his coat.”
“And it wasn’t this-Reuben?”
“No, this man was much smaller. I caught him rummaging through the barn. That’s when the fire started. I tried putting it out, but couldn’t. That’s when Reuben came and helped with the horses. When I got knocked senseless, Reuben carried me to the house.”
“Do you have any idea who this other man could’ve been?”
“I think it’s one of Jebediah Johnson’s men. They’ve been following Miss Bruester for weeks.”
“This doesn’t seem like an accident,” the deputy said. “I’ll need to take that coat to the sheriff.” Ben handed it over as he continued, “Since you’re a witness, you’ll need to give the sheriff an accounting of what happened.” At Ben’s nod, Deputy Welch spoke to the captain again before riding off with the coat slung over his saddle.
Ben then hurried through the kitchen door. “I think we better get to Sheriff Hadley’s office,” he told Gabriella. “Reuben may be in some trouble.”
“Yes, I believe you’re right,” she said. “Tell me, did we lose the carriage?”
“I’m sorry. They weren’t able to save it.”
“No matter, our neighbor’s the Thompson’s, will allow us the use of theirs.”
As Ben turned to go, they heard a rapping against the kitchen door.
Gabriella fumbled with the ties of her wrapper. “My goodness, who else could it be?”
“Doc…” Ben’s voice rose in surprise as he opened the door. “What are you doing here?” As he stepped back, Doctor Artemus Turner entered with his medical bag.
“I was sent by Sheriff Hadley to see if you or any firemen needed tending.” Setting his bag on the table, he removed his coat. “I came as soon as I could.”
“There’s your patient,” Gabriella said, indicating Ben. “He has a head injury.”
“Please have a seat. I’d like to examine you.”
“Is this really necessary?” asked Ben. “I feel fine.”
“I want to be assured you’re not hurt,” Gabriella encouraged. “We’ve had enough sorrow for one night.”
Ben sat down, flinching as the doctor felt his head. “Ouch! That hurts!”
“Hold still,” Artemus commanded. “It appears you have a good-sized lump.”
“Yes, I kno-ow! I got slammed against the wall by a fifteen hundred pound animal!”
Taking a candle out of his bag, the doctor lit the wick and proceeded to move it back and forth in front of Ben’s eyes. “Good, your pupils are responding. Now follow this,” he said, holding up one finger. Swinging the digit in different directions, he watched as Ben’s eyes tracked the path of his finger. “How does your head feel?”
“Fine until you started messing with it. Can I go now?”
“He doesn’t seem to have a concussion,” Turner said. “But, to be on the safe side, I’d like to do a thorough examination in my office tomorrow afternoon.”
“Of course,” said Gabriella. “I’ll see to it.” Ben rolled his eyes but remained silent as the doctor put on his coat.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, Miss Bruester? A sedative to help you sleep, perhaps?”
“Oh, no,” she said. “I’m afraid I have too much to do.”
Ben opened the door. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go fetch Thompson’s carriage.”
The doctor looked surprised. “Surely you’re not going out at this late hour?”
Gabriella forced a smile. “I’m afraid I must. But thanks for coming to examine Ben. He was a little confused at first. However, he now seems to be his old self.”
“Very well. I’ll take account of the men outside. There may be some burns that need attention.”
After Artemus left, Gabriella hurried to get dressed. Much time had passed since Reuben disappeared and she felt something was amiss.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Just as Hadley requested, Jebediah returned to the jailhouse with Ted and Willy. All three sat in front of the sheriff as he leaned against his desk, taking notes. He raised a hand. “Slow down, Jeb. Before you go further, I need to hear the story from your men. I just can’t take your word for it.”
“Why not?” he growled. “Yu’s accepting the word of that nigra yu got locked in that cell of yurs!”
“I only recorded the account he gave about himself,” Jim said. “And I can only accept direct testimony from your men. Understand?”
Jeb swiveled his shaggy head. “Well boys,” he barked. “Give the sheriff whut he wants! Ah ain’t got all night.”
“We-ell,” Ted began. “We wuz watching the old lady’s house. Surveying, see, to see if she wuz doing anything illegal.” He nervously cleared his throat. He never knew if their activities were legal or not, and didn’t care as long as he got paid. He swallowed hard. “Anyhow, when she-the old lady I mean-”
“Miss Bruester,” Hadley corrected. “You’ll refer to her as Miss Bruester from now on.”
Ted licked his lips as the sheriff began scribbling. “As I said, we followed Miss Bruester and seen that she’d bought lots of blankets and winter coats…”
“So far, you’ve not told me anything Miss Bruester’s done that’s illegal.” Jim tapped his pencil against the pad. “Keep going.”
Ted nodded. “We decided to watch at night, since Miss Bruester twice come home without us seeing her leave a’tall.” He glanced toward Jeb, wondering if he was supposed to reveal that bit of information. “So, we wuz only doing our job when we catched the black feller running out of the barn that wuz on fire.”
“Why would you take a freeman into custody if you’re only looking for runaway’s?” asked the sheriff. “Why waste everyone’s time over an unfortunate accident?”
Jeb smirked. “B’cause that Nigra wuz transportin’ a runaway when we caught him, that’s why!”
“He was what?”
“He was breaking the law! We snagged the one he wuz taking directly to the Bruester house!”
Sheriff Hadley stared at Jebediah. “Do you mean to tell me, you have a slave who claims Reuben took him to Miss Bruester’s to help him escape?”
Willy snickered. “Grabbed his skinny ass whilst he was trotting past our camp--”
“Shut up!” Jeb flung a fist into Willie’s chest. “Cain’t yu see we’s conducting business?” Willy quieted, but grinned at Ted while Jeb continued. “Not only do we have the little cripple, he’ll even testify he was taken directly to the Bruester place after admitting he was fleeing his master!”
“How do I know you aren’t making this up?” Jim asked. “So far, you haven’t produced anyone.”
“Ah’ll do better’n that,” Jeb boasted. “But first, don’t yu want to question yer prisoner? Or, did he already confess to his crimes?”
“I think it’s time we get to the bottom of this,” Jim said. “I’ll bring Reuben out for questioning while you get your prisoner. I’m anxious to speak with this escapee.”
“Of course!” Jeb nodded his agreement. “Ted, go fetch the little whippersnapper!”
Jeb’s laughter still echoed as the sheriff entered the cell where Reuben slept. “It’s time, Reuben,” he said, touching his shoulder.
Reuben sat up and rubbed swollen eyes. “Is it morning?”
“It’s several hours before daylight, if that’s what you mean,” the sheriff said. “I need you come out to my office and tell your story again.”
Reuben shielded his eyes from the lamplight as he entered the room. “Have a seat,” Jim said. “I’d like you to retell the events as you explained it to me. Start with the arrival of Miss Bruester’s wagon to your home.”
Reuben took a deep breath. “Miss Bruester, she’s always bringin’ provisions to the settlement, especially around wi
nter-time. Actually, it was Ben that brought the wagon to the dry goods store where I was working. I guess he’d seen me earlier that day, and decided to go there, rather than all the way to the river. He told me I didn’t have to return the wagon til morning.”
“What was in the wagon?”
“Blankets, clothes and vittles. Miss Bruester’s a good woman.”
“So why did you return the wagon tonight rather than tomorrow morning, like Ben suggested?”
“I didn’t want to be seen at Miss Bruester’s whilst she was gone. Y’see, Ben said they were going to her brothers house the next day. I was afraid if someone saw me there when no one else was about, it’d raise suspicions. I was trying to avoid problems, but it seems I got troubles anyhow.”
Jeb leaned forward. “An’ whut kind of cargo did ya have under the straw? Seems yu fergot to tell the sheriff ‘bout that!”
Reuben thought quickly. If Whipper had been captured, how much had the runaway revealed? He tried recalling if he had mentioned Gabriella’s name. Not knowing what to say, Reuben stared silently at the bounty hunter.
“Whut’s a’matter? Ain’t yu gonna tell the sheriff who wuz in the wagon? Seems the old boy ain’t so talkative now, is he?”
The sheriff recognized uncertainty in Reuben’s face. “Is there something you need to tell me?” he asked.
Reuben shook his head. “Don’t know nuthin’ ‘bout that. Anyone could’ve sneaked into the wagon whilst I wasn’t looking.”
“Just like someone snuck into the barn and set it afire!” Jeb scoffed, rising to his feet. “Ah suppose that’s just a coincidence, too!”
“I didn’t set no barn on fire! Me and Ben, we saved the horses, is all.”
Jeb leaned over Reuben. “Then why’d yu go back into the barn after the animals wuz out?” At his continued silence, Jeb chuckled. “Mayhap, yu wuz lookin’ fer a runaway to keep his hide from frying. Mighty noble of yu, considering the old boy couldn’t wait to tell us who took him to Miss Bruester’s.” Jeb looked triumphantly at the sheriff. “He ain’t so innocent now, is he?”
“We still have the matter of you producing this runaway,” Hadley said. “My report isn’t complete until I question everyone.”
Threads of Betrayal Page 17