The Payment

by Mysty McPartland

  Dianne became truly frightened at the look in Jesse’s eyes and knew she didn’t have any choice. She slid her gaze to Dane and wanted to shriek in anger and frustration when she saw how unconcerned he looked. Turning away, she hurried to where she left her clothes. As she dressed, she swore that she would get even with Jesse for ruining everything.

  After Dianne rode away, Jesse holstered his gun turned to his brother and growled in disgust. “For God sakes, what in the hell were you doing?”

  Uncaring over his brother’s anger Dane shrugged his shoulders.

  Dane's indifference was the last straw, Jesse swung back his fist and hit his brother square on the jaw, sending him backwards and falling at his feet. “For crying out loud, dress yourself.” Turning away, he hung his head and drew in ragged breaths. He felt so hurt and disillusioned at his brother, and he turned around and looked at Dane sadly. “In all my life never would I have thought I would say that you disgust me. But you have. For God sakes, you damn fool; you have one of the most beautiful women sitting at home crying her eyes out over concern for you. A woman I might remind you who is having your baby.”

  He looked away and then back. “And where are you? Here drunk and about to let that whore do something that should only be shared with someone you love. You’re a fool brother, a damn fool.” With one more disgusted look at his brother, he spun around and headed back to his horse, reaching the animal, he swung into the saddle and headed home.

  Dane lay sprawled in the dirt; he rubbed at the pain in his jaw. Each word his brother spat at him, he cringed in self-disgust and horror. When Jesse walked away, he sat up and bowed his head in shame and self-loathing over what he nearly let happen.

  The picture of his wife floated through his alcohol-filled mind, and even though he might not have physically betrayed her, he had. If Jesse hadn’t come along when he did, he knew he would not have stopped Dianne. Just thinking about what nearly happened he leaned to the side and vomited on the ground.

  Once again, their mother's poison seemed to have done the job. Because of it, he just may lose the one thing other than his brothers he loved dearly. Oh God what had he done? What in the hell had he done?

  Jesse rode home overwhelmed with what transpired; he doubted he would ever be able to forgive Dane. Of all the people, he knew he would never have imagined his brother would act in such a manner. No matter the circumstances, he could never dream of Dane doing such a despicable thing. With a sore heart, he gave a disillusioned shake of his head; he wondered what he could to say to India.

  She was already upset and he hated to think how she would react if she ever found out what Dane came so close to doing. No, he could not tell her and hurt her more, but he needed to think of something because he sure did not intend to be the one that destroyed her.

  He foully cursed his brother. When he reached the barn, he swung down from his saddle and led his horse inside. After unsaddling him, he drew in a long deep breath and headed for the house. Reluctantly he went inside. Relief washed through him when he saw Tuff and his younger brothers. Suddenly he found the answer. “Tuff, see that the boys get packed, and you too India. Dane said we should all go to town and visit with the twins.”

  Tuff looked curiously at Jesse; he could see his eyes were filled with pain. After the boys gave a wild cry and rushed upstairs, about to question Jesse he snapped his mouth shut when India joined them.

  “Jesse is Dane all right and are you sure he wants me to go to town?” India finally managed to calm herself down and tried to act normally when Tuff and the boys came home. Now though her worry returned.

  Jesse forced a smile, reaching out he took India’s hand. “Yeah, he said the twins needed to see them to keep up their confidence, and he would be along later.” When he saw her shoulders relax and the worry leave her eyes he gave her hand a light squeeze then let go. When she turned away and went up the stairs, he pulled off his hat and tossed it angrily across the room.

  “All right boyo, what’s really going on?” Tuff grabbed Jesse’s arm, swung him around to face him and cursed silently when he saw the tortured look in his eyes.

  Unable to keep the pain hidden, Jesse fell against Tuff and wrapped his arms around him. “Oh God Tuff I can’t believe Dane would do such a thing.”

  Completely undone by Jesse, Tuff lifted his own arms and held him as the boy poured out the horrible story. Tears ran down his wrinkled cheeks and sorrow filled his heart. There is only one person he blamed for what is happening to them all, and somehow he would try to find a way to stop the woman before she destroyed his boys and the loving woman now upstairs.

  The bitch caused enough damage to this family, and he would not allow her to do it anymore. The boys were starting to change over the last few months and were starting to trust and respect a woman. They were finally getting over the damaged she had done to them all those years ago. He swelled with determination to get her out of their lives forever.

  FORTY

  After dunking his head several times, emptying his guts of the alcohol he consumed, Dane sobered himself up. He now knew he could not put off going home any longer. Rising to his feet, he strode to his horse and mounted. As he rode home, he wondered if Jesse would tell India what he witnessed.

  With a slight negative shake of his head, he knew Jesse would not say anything. He felt miserable and guilty knowing that he lost his brother's respect and possibly his love. He deserved to after what he so foolishly nearly let happen. He did not know how he would find the courage to face his wife or Jesse when he arrived home.

  He could not understand how he came so close to nearly betraying his wife. No matter how angry or upset he felt, he should never have let things with Dianne go so far. He did not know if he could even bear to tell India how he nearly betrayed her. He knew if he told her she would most likely leave him, and he would not blame her if she wanted to.

  When he rode into the yard, he frowned when he noticed no smoke coming from the kitchen chimney or lights lighting the windows. Fear gripped his heart as he stopped his horse. Hurriedly he swung from the saddle and raced across the yard, bound up the steps, crossed the porch and threw the front door open.

  Utter silence met him. With dragging steps, he entered the house closing the door behind him. He dragged his hat from his head and crushed it in his hand. Gone they were all gone, and he deserved it, he betrayed them all especially his wife. Love filled his heart for his wife, but knew it to be far too late. Why did he never realize it before? Why after he ruined everything did he finally realize just how much he loved her?

  Now he would probably never have the chance to tell her how he felt. Damn Jesse. He was sure Jesse would not have said anything, how could he have been so wrong? Moving inside the study, he collapsed on the chair behind the desk and tossed the hat on top of it.

  What should he do? How would he make things right again? Could there be any hope of bringing his family and his wife back home again? Is there any chance of winning their love and respect back? Bowing his head, he covered his face with his hands and wept for what he so foolishly lost.

  Her fingers twisting together on her lap, India peeked through her lashes at Jesse. She wondered what caused him to look so upset. She knew, even though he tried to hide it from everyone, that something troubled him. “Jesse, did Dane tell you about your mothers visit today?” She asked him softly not wanting the younger boys to hear.

  As Jesse drove the buggy through town, he tried to banish the picture of his brother and the bitch Dianne from his mind. He found it hard and every time he looked at India’s sad face, he felt as guilty as hell.

  His head turning after her question, he stared wide eyed at India. “No, he never mentioned it. Why don’t you tell me what happened?" As he listened to India softly tell him all the ugly things said, he now understood why his brother got himself drunk out of his head. No doubt, the anger boiled up inside him and consumed him. However, it still did not explain or excuse him for what he nearly did with
Dianne.

  The admiration he always held for his big brother vanished, and he did not know if he could ever forgive Dane. One thing he did know is that he would never let India find out what happened.

  The rest of the trip through town, he forced himself not to remember what he witnessed. Relieved, Jesse pulled up in front of the hotel. He tied the reins. Jumping down, he helped India out. Once everyone else jumped out of the buggy, he led them inside the hotel. He quickly booked rooms and let Tuff take them upstairs to their rooms, while he went out for the luggage and to take the buggy to the livery.

  He hurried back to the hotel and collected everyone to go to the jail. When they reached the jail, he ushered them all inside.

  Deputy Parks looked up from the papers he studied and smiled when he saw Jesse come in with his family. “Jesse I guess you’re all here to see the twins?”

  “Yeah thanks Parks.” Jesse said and reached out and shook his hand.

  Parks rubbed his jaw thoughtfully for a few moments after shaking Jesse’s hand. “Well you’ll have to make it quick, Sheriff Butt don’t want them boys to have any visitors. Don’t understand it myself and can’t see any reason for it. Come on I’ll take you back to the cells.”

  They all silently followed the deputy to the back room that held the cells for the prisoners.

  Both Reese and Traye jumped up when the door opened, and they grasped the bars and grinned when they saw their family come into the room. Their smiles died when they noticed Dane missing from the group.

  India moved closer and smiled reassuringly at the twins. “We’ll do everything we can to get you both out of here so don’t worry.”

  Both Traye and Reese grinned back at her.

  Traye cleared his throat. “Yeah well it can’t be too soon for me.”

  “Traye, Reese yah ain’t going to stay in here for long are yah?” Tye reached his hands through the bars to take their hands.

  Reese ruffled his hair. “Don’t worry Tye we’ll be home soon.”

  Concerned when seeing how upset Tye and Mason started to look, Jesse thought it would be a good idea to get the boys out now and gave a slight nod to Tuff and Chin Li. He remained silent as he watched them all leave with India.

  “Where’s Dane, why didn’t he come? And why the hell is India looking as if she’s been crying and looking so damn miserable?” Traye asked as soon as the door closed behind his family.

  A furious look came over Jesse’s face and quickly explained to the twins what happened. He watched Traye closely and his heart broke as seeing the betrayal and disillusionment in his eyes.

  “Bullshit, God damn it, you’re lying. Dane wouldn’t do such a thing.” Traye yelled as his grip on the bars tightened even more. His heart and soul ripping apart, and he felt utter devastation to think Dane would betray him in such a way. In a way he knew would poison him to his very soul.

  “Christ, what in the hell is wrong with him? Damn fool.” Reese spat out.

  Jesse jammed his hands in his pockets, feeling more miserable by the minute. “I’m sorry Traye but it’s true. Let’s just put it aside for now and let’s concentrate on getting you both out of here.”

  Traye remained quiet, still shaken and sickened over what Jesse told them. He would have thought Dane of all people would never have done such a thing and in his heart, he did not want to believe it. He couldn’t.

  Suddenly, the door banged against the wall and Sheriff Butt stepped inside the room and sneered his contempt. “Get the hell out Mathews. Those boys ain’t allowed visitors.”

  Deputy Parks followed the Sheriff in and frowned. “But Sheriff everyone’s entitled to visitors.”

  “Shut up Parks and get him out of here.” Butt snarled.

  Jesse shrugged, removed his hands from his pockets and sauntered towards the Sheriff. “Don’t worry boys; you won’t be in here for much longer.” He said over his shoulder and gave his brothers a confident smile.

  Reese grasped hold of the bars, his lip turned up in a snarl. “How often is our Ma spreading her legs for yah Sheriff? I sure hope she’s worth losing your job and honor for.”

  His face turning molten red, Butt sputtered turned around and stormed out of the room.

  Reese let go of the bars and turned to face his brother and his shoulders sagged at seeing Traye so devastated. He wished he could find some words to say to him that would help, but what could he say.

  Outside, Parks looked over his shoulder and saw the Sheriff must have gone out back. “Listen Jesse, I’d like to talk to you. How bout we meet at the Redeye in ten minutes?” He whispered hurriedly

  “Yeah sure thing Parks.” Jesse quickly replied as he watched Parks step back inside the jail. He wondered what he wanted to say. With a shrug of his shoulders, he headed for the saloon to wait.

  FORTY-ONE

  India slowly walked down the hotel stairs, tired and fearful. She stayed awake all night waiting for Dane to arrive. It broke her heart when he never arrived; she hoped he would come today, prayed that he would. Entering the dining room, she forced a smile and quickly joined her family at the table. “Good morning everyone.” She thanked Jesse as he helped her into her seat.

  “You’re looking a bit peaked gal. Are you sure you’re all right?” Tuff asked her with concern.

  “I’m fine Tuff don’t worry about me. After breakfast, I intend to see the doctor and do a bit of shopping.” India replied and patted the older man’s hand, smiling reassuringly at him.

  “Well then Tuff and Chin Li can take the boys, and I’ll accompany you.” Jesse said and sipped his coffee.

  India sighed. “I’ll be fine Jesse and it would be better if you concentrate on getting the twins out of jail.”

  Jesse noticed the determined light in her eyes and gave in. His brother was a damn fool, and if he lost this woman, he would have only himself to blame. If he ever found a woman like India, he would treasure and love her all his life. Yep his brother is definitely a damn fool.

  “Right then we’ll all meet back here at noon.” He stood up and headed out of the hotel. He would go and see Jeff and see if he came up with anything that might help get the boys out of jail.

  As she left the doctor’s, India felt a little lighthearted knowing that her pregnancy seemed to be progressing well. She headed for the mercantile; pushing the door open, she stepped inside and smiled warmly. “Good morning Mister Larkin.”

  “Why now ain’t you a pretty sight Mrs. Mathews.” Mister Larkin finished wiping the counter and smiled brightly.

  Before she could answer, from the corner of her eye, India spied not only Dianne King but also Dane’s mother. A shiver of apprehension skidded up her spine as she saw them both smiling smugly.

  As soon as she heard the shopkeeper greet her son's wife, Irene knew it would be too good of an opportunity to pass up. “Well now look who’s here Dianne. The sight of his wife must sicken him now that she’s growing so fat.”

  Dianne, without hesitation, quickly took her cue. “Oh yes he told me yesterday when we met at the river how ugly he found her increasing weight. Did I tell you he was in such a hurry to see me he didn’t even bother to put on his shirt or boots?”

  Distraught over the words India turned away, grasped hold of the counter, she tried not to let their words tear her apart. Her chest ached and she could not seem to draw in a breath. The words just kept swirling around inside her head. Somehow, she managed to turn around and hurry out of the store, tears burning her vision and anguish shooting through her heart. She tried to keep herself together until she reached her room at the hotel.

  Lisa, about to enter the mercantile stopped when she saw India rush outside, one look at her pale tortured face she rushed to her side. “India are you all right?”

  India grasped the other woman’s arm in desperation. “Please, I have to get back to the hotel.”

  Worried, Lisa put her arm around her and was about to lead her away, when Dianne King and another older woman stepped outside.


  “Oh dear I think the poor little thing is upset.” Irene commented and laughed.

  Titling her head to the side Dianne could not keep the smugness from her voice. “Yes well, I suppose when one learns her husband prefers another woman she would be upset. I must say Irene your son is magnificent. Not only is he handsome but has such a perfect and marvelous body.” Once again, both women laughed before they walked off down the street.

  Lisa wanted to slap Dianne and the other woman but feeling India slipping from her hold turned to her with concern and tightened her arm around her. “Come on India, I’ll take you back to the hotel. Don’t you pay any attention to those two wicked and nasty women.”

  Jesse, the boys, Tuff, and Chin Li met on the corner and were about to cross the street to the hotel. Suddenly Tye cried out and started rushing wildly across the street, just missing being hit by a wagon. Cursing, Jesse gave a quick look before he took off after him; he spotted Tye and then India being helped along the street. His worry grew and he raced to meet them.

  One looked at India’s face when he reached her he knew something terrible must have happened. Without a word, he swung her up in his arms and carried her quickly to the hotel and up to her room. Gently, he placed her down on the bed and turned concerned eyes to his family who were now came rushing into the room.

  He dragged his hat off his head and tapped it against his leg. “Can you tell us what has upset her Lisa? Do we need to send for the doctor?”

  Lisa took a quick look at everyone before she turned back to Jesse and down to India’s distraught face. “I don’t think it is something I can say in front of the others.” She whispered softly for only Jesse to hear.