“That’s fine. I don’t figure Wigham’s going anywhere.” Silas went out the door of the only building made of stone in Yellow Creek and headed down the street to the mercantile. He knew if he forgot the honey Rena would kill him. Though he’d never admit it to a living soul, Rena baffled him. Not only that, he was a little afraid of her. Maybe it’s because of the day I hit the floor at her feet.
Chapter 27
“Adela, can’t you convince Rena to get some rest? She hasn’t been to bed since yesterday.” Leona folded the dishtowel she’d used to dry the dishes. “It ain’t good for her just to sit there and look at Jake.”
“I doubt I can get her to leave him.” Adela handed Eliza back her baby.
“You’d make a good mother, Adela.” Eliza took the sleeping child and hugged him to her breast.
“I hope we have another child someday.”
“Another one?” Leona looked at her. “I didn’t know you had children.”
“We had a baby boy last winter. He died.” Adela didn’t want to talk about her baby. “I’ll go try to get Rena to rest. Maybe she will if I offer to sit with Jake.”
When she left the room, Leona turned to Eliza. “Adela and Rena are good women.”
“They sure are and they get along so well living in the same house. Of course now they’re married, Rena and Jake may build a cabin of their own. I wanted a place of our own when Sam and I married. We planned to live in town, but when his parents disowned him, we had to move to the farm. Daddy died that year and we ended up with that place.” She sighed. “That sure didn’t last long, thanks to those awful men.”
“I moved in with Owen when my husband died. His wife died the year before and I’ve kept house for him ever since.”
Sammy began to stir and Eliza began rocking back and forth. “Sam and I are happy here. I wish we could stay.”
“Owen wants to ask the Haywoods for a job, but I think he’s afraid they’ll say no. It’s the first place he’s found where people don’t treat Billy like a freak because of his missing foot.”
“They’ve sure treated us nicer than Sam’s family did.” Eliza sighed. “Sam really liked working in his father’s bank, but they couldn’t accept me in their tight little society. Sam said I was more important to him than any bank job.”
Leona broke into a grin when she saw Rena enter the room. “I’m glad you finally decided to come out of the sick room. How’s Jake, honey?”
“No change. He moves an arm now and then or moans a little, but he hasn’t opened his eyes.” Rena took a deep breath. “But I know he will.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Do you want a cup of coffee?”
“Yes, please. Adela is going to sit with Jake. She kept insisting I rest, so I promised her I’d take a short nap. I’d like a bite to eat first, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind one bit. I know you didn’t eat anything for breakfast or lunch. What would you like?”
“I’ll just have some of whatever is left over.”
“Adela killed a couple of chickens this morning and I’ve got a chicken stew cooked for supper. Would you want some of that?”
“That’ll be fine.”
The baby began to cry and Eliza stood. “I think I’ll go to the bunkhouse. I don’t want his crying to bother Jake.”
“I don’t think Jake is aware enough for it to bother him, and I’m sure none of the rest of us mind.”
“I understand that, but Iris and Mrs. Coxette are good when little Sammy starts to cry. Mrs. Coxette says he might be cutting teeth. I think he’s too young at nine months, but she says lots of babies have teeth that early.”
“I bet you hope he doesn’t.” Leona laughed. “I’ve heard a nursing baby with teeth can be painful.”
As Eliza went out the door, Billy came upon the porch. He stood aside to let Eliza out then poked his head inside the door. “Aunt Leona, did you want me to go get the stuff from the spring for supper?”
“Not yet, Billy. I’ll let you know.” She smiled at her nephew.
Rena laid her spoon down as a thought crossed her mind. “Billy, if you’re not busy, could I ask you to find your father for me?”
“I’d be happy to, Miz Rena.” He grinned at her. “I think he’s out by the corral.”
“Thank you, Billy.”
As Billy hobbled off the porch his crutch make a thumping noise on the boards.
“Rena, you made that boy’s day. He needed somebody to make him feel useful and he’s found that on this ranch. You’re good people.”
“He’s a nice boy, Leona.”
By the time Rena finished her bowl of stew, Owen appeared at the back door. “Did you want to see me, Miz Rena?”
“Yes, Owen.” She got up. “Let’s step out on the porch. I don’t want Adela to overhear me.”
Leona arched an eyebrow, but quickly turned away.
Rena stepped onto the porch. “You may think I’m silly, Owen, but while I was sitting with Jake, I began to worry about Silas.”
“Why, Miz Rena?”
“I started thinking that the man who shot Jake may decide to go after Silas. I should’ve asked him to take someone to town with him this morning.”
“I hope you’re wrong.”
“So do I. Is there a couple of men freed up enough to meet Silas?”
“Curly is at the corral, and Sam Winfree rode in a little while ago. The three of us will go.”
“I’m sorry to ask you for more favors since you’re doing so much for us, but I’d feel better if you would go.”
“Miz Rena, don’t you worry yourself about that. I don’t mind at all and I’m sure the others won’t either. We’re almost through with the branding. I expect to wind it up this week, then we’ll be taking the cattle to market.”
“We don’t expect you men to help with that. I’m sure Silas will hire some cowhands since we have some money now.”
“I know you don’t expect it, ma’am, but I want to be one to help. In fact, I’ll be honest with you, Miz Rena. I’ve seen my boy smile for the first time since he lost his foot. He likes it here and I hope to stay around as long as you need me for anything. Even if it’s just mucking out the barn.”
“I’m glad you like it here, Owen. Leona has been a Godsend to help us in the kitchen.”
“She’s happiest when she’s in front of a stove. I’ve always been afraid some man would snap her up and take her away from Billy and me.”
Rena smiled. She didn’t know what to say because she didn’t want to pry into their personal lives.
Owen went on. “I’ll go round up the boys and we’ll head out. Would you mind telling Leona we’ll be late for supper?”
“I’ll tell her.”
“Thanks, ma’am.” He tipped his hat and stepped off the porch.
Rena went back inside. “Could you hear what we were saying, Leona?”
“Only bits and pieces.”
Rena stepped close to her and lowered her voice. “I don’t know why, but I’m concerned about Silas. Owen and a couple of guys are riding out to meet him. He said to tell you they’d be late to supper.”
Leona nodded. “I’m sure Silas will be fine.”
“I hope so, too, but I’d rather Adela not know I’m worried.”
“I understand. I won’t say a word.”
“Now, I think I’ll check on Jake and then lay down for a little while.” She looked into Leona’s eyes. “The rest of them will probably want me to sleep for several hours, but I’m depending on you to get me up in a maximum of four hours.”
“But…”
“No buts, Leona. Four hours.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll do it.”
“Of course, if there’s any change…”
“I know. If anything at all happens, I’ll wake you right away.”
“Thank you, Leona.”
* * * *
“Damn that Wigham!” Silas fumed as he crouched behind one of the cottonwood trees. He’d stopped where J
ake and Rena had been attacked to see if he could figure out how Jasper had set the trap for them, and then got trapped himself.
Silas had gotten a glimpse of Jasper going into the bank when visiting the lawyer’s office. He should’ve known the bastard would leave town early and wait here for him.
It’s a good thing, I heard him step on a limb. It gave me time to dive for cover. He’d have done more damage than this scratch on my shoulder if I hadn’t been able to avoid his bullets. I know Rena wanted to kill him herself, but she may have to settle for me doing it. I sure as hell am not going to sit back and let him get away with attacking this family twice.
Silas eased his head around the tree and looked in the direction the first shot had sounded. Instantly another bullet whizzed past his head and he drew back. On the heels of that shot, another one came at him from a different angle.
“Damn, he must have somebody with him,” he muttered and pulled his gun from the holster. He wished he had his rifle, but it was still tucked in the scabbard. Another error on my part. I should’ve taken it when I dismounted. A good cowboy keeps his rifle handy.
He glanced around. There was little use in trying to get to his horse. He’d be in the open. Though from the way the bullets were off target, he was beginning to think Wigham wasn’t much of a shot. Even a bad shot can hit what he’s aiming at some of the time.
Another bullet hit the dirt close to Silas’s leg. He pulled himself in tighter. Maybe if they could be drawn out, he’d be able to get at least one of them with his gun. And he meant for that one to be Jasper Wigham. But until he could get them from under cover, he would be pinned down here. He only hoped they wouldn’t try to work their way behind him. Or maybe he hoped they would. They’d be a little more vulnerable if they tried to give up their positions with the sun still out.
Thirty minutes passed, with only an occasional shot sent his way. He wondered why they hadn’t tried to rush him. If he were in their position, that’s what he’d do. But Jake would say to wait them out. Well, Jake, this is one time I’ll take your advice. At least, if night falls before he gets tired of this game, then I might have a chance to get to my rifle before he kills me.
More time passed. The sun was getting low and dusk was falling quickly. There would be only a quarter moon tonight, so he knew there wouldn’t be as much light when the sun was gone. This would work to his advantage.
Silas was planning his path to the horse and his rifle when he heard the sound of hoof beats in the distance. Damn, if those horses belong to Wigham’s men, I’m probably a goner.
Chapter 28
“There haven’t been any shots for a while.” Owen slowed his horse and leaned toward Curly. “What do you think?”
“They’ve either killed their target or they’re biding their time.”
Owen pulled his horse to a stop. “I think the best way is to split up. Curly, you take the left flank. Sam, you stay straight and I’ll go to the right. I’m not sure what we’re getting into. I don’t even know if it’s somebody shooting at Silas or if we’re sticking our noses into some stranger’s business. Either way we’ll have a better chance if we go at them from all angles.”
“I agree.” Curly took his rifle from his scabbard and turned his horse left.
Owen came up on one of the men shooting from behind a boulder. The man turned and raised his gun. There was nothing Owen could do but fire. The scrawny cowboy fell backward and lay motionless.
He heard a commotion about a hundred yards away. In a minute, Sam came into the opening following a man with his hands in the air.
Silas recognized Curly when he circled around to the clearing and he then stepped out from behind the trees. “What the hell are you doing here? You’re supposed to be branding cows.”
“Looks to me like I might be helping save your sorry ass, Boss.”
Silas grinned. “Looks like you’re right.”
Sam nudged the man he held at gunpoint into the clearing. “Caught this one trying to sneak away. He walked right up to the front of my horse. Scared him so bad, he dropped his gun without me asking him to.”
Silas looked at the young man, but didn’t recognize him.
Owen came into the clearing. “The other one wasn’t so lucky. He pulled a gun on me and I had to kill him.”
Silas’s heart quickened. Had Owen done the job for both him and Rena? Was neither of them going to have the pleasure of killing Jasper Wigham? “Where is he, Owen.”
“Right over there behind that little thicket.”
Silas thought it really didn’t matter who killed Wigham, as long as the bastard was dead. Then he saw the scrawny body lying in the dust and knew it wasn’t Wigham. “Any of you ever seen these men before?”
Sam shook his head.
Curly said, “I think this one works for Jasper Wigham. Seen him with that big burly fellow Wigham keeps on to intimidate people. The one who’s as strong as a buffalo, and about as stupid, too.”
“Newt’s not stupid,” the captured cowboy said. “You just have to get to know him.”
Curly snapped. “You’re pretty stupid yourself. Attacking a man when he has backup.”
“We didn’t expect you to come along.” The young cowboy staggered, but caught himself before he fell.
Silas realized he’d been drinking. He also saw the man was not much more than sixteen. He thought it amusing that the only way to describe the young man’s voice was whiney. “Why were you shooting at me in the first place?”
“I didn’t shoot at you. It was Bart.”
“I’m sure you didn’t do any of the shooting. Those bullets just came flying at me from out of nowhere.” He glared at the man. “Which one of you fired first? That’s the one who winged me.”
“It weren’t me.” He staggered again, but was able to catch himself a second time.
“Can you prove it?” Sam broke into the conversation.
“You got my word on it.”
They all laughed. “Are you crazy enough to think we’re going to take the word of a murderer?” Curly shook his head.
“I ain’t no murderer.”
“Why were you shooting at the man, then?” Owen looked the younger man over. “Drunk men shouldn’t be shooting where someone could get hurt.”
The man looked confused as his eyes darted about.
“Tell me why you were trying to kill me and I might decide not to let these fellows hang you.”
That must’ve pushed the young man over the edge because he began talking fast. “Wigham said we was going to kill you today, since he killed your brother yesterday and stole his wife. Newt wanted your wife and Wigham said he could have her after you was dead. I don’t know what happened, but Wigham changed his mind. He said we weren’t going to kill nobody today because he had a better plan. That sure made Newt mad. Wigham didn’t like the way Newt turned on him, so he shot and killed him right there at the barn this morning.” The man stopped his story.
“So, what has that got to do with you trying to kill Mr. Haywood this afternoon?” Owen glared at him.
The man said nothing.
“Want me to get the rope, Boss? There’s trees strong enough here to hang a scrawny fellow like him,” Curly said.
“No!” the man cried. “Bart got drunk and decided since Newt was gone he’d kill you and take your wife himself. I didn’t want to do it, but Bart said he’d kill me if I didn’t help him. I never shot close enough to hit you.”
Silas’s eyes narrowed. “And just what did you plan to do with my wife?”
“Nothing. I ain’t never had a woman and didn’t want one, but Bart wanted her.”
Silas started toward the man, but Curly put his hand on Silas’s arm. “He ain’t worth it, Boss.”
“What are you going to do with me?” His whiny voice was filled with terror.
“Why don’t we let him go back to Wigham with the news that Jake is alive and that…”
“No!” the boy cried again. “He’ll kill me just l
ike he did Newt. He told us to stay off your land or he’d make us sorry. Me and Bart was going to Oregon.” He looked at Owen. “Why’d you have to kill Bart? When he ain’t drunk, he was my friend. He said I was too young to do things by myself.”
“I killed him to keep him from killing me.” Owen looked at the boy’s eyes. “When little boys play grown men games, they have to take grown men consequences. You and your friend should’ve headed for Oregon and not tried to kill Silas. Now you’ve lost it all. Silas is still alive. You don’t have his wife and your friend is dead.” He took a breath. “I bet if you had it to do over, you’d do it differently.”
The boy dropped his head and began to sob.
The crying embarrassed everyone, but Silas couldn’t let the young man get away with attacking him. Or could he?
All the other men looked at Silas. It’d be a damn shame to hang a crying man. He took a deep breath and made his decision. He wasn’t sure if it was the right one, but he was going to follow his instinct. “Stop that blubbering and tell me your name and how old you are.”
“It’s Cornelius, sir, but everybody calls me Corny. Corny Brown. I’m fifteen.”
“Well, Corny Brown, fifteen, I’m going to give you three choices. If you’re man enough to shoot at another man, you’re old enough to decide what happens to yourself.”
“What’s that, sir?” His sobs were subsiding.
“You can either go back to the Wigham ranch and let him kill you, or you can go into town and confess to attempted murder and kidnapping and let the sheriff put you in jail. Or for your last choice, you can bury your friend somewhere here under these trees, go into Yellow Creek for some supplies and head to Oregon and see if you can grow up. But let me warn you, if you take the third option, you better never show your face in these parts again. If you do your life won’t be worth a thing.”
“You mean you’d really let me head to Oregon?” He looked shocked and surprised.
“I said you could make the decision. I’m a man of my word.”
“Thank you, Mr. Haywood. Thank you so much. I promise never to pull another stunt like this. I shouldn’t have let Bart talk me into it, but I was scared of him when he was drinking. I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll never listen to anyone like him again.”
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