Rena's Cowboy

by Agnes Alexander

  Jasper trotted his horse toward the oncoming buggy.

  “I’m glad I found you, Jasper.” Wadell pulled to a stop and took off his hat. He wiped his brow with a big handkerchief. “We’ve got a big problem.”

  “I figured as much. You’re not prone to running about the prairie in your wife’s buggy.”

  “This is important, Jasper.”

  “What?”

  “Bertram Eller came to see me shortly after you left town this afternoon.”

  “What did that shyster lawyer want?”

  Wadell wiped his head again. “He showed me some papers that prove you never purchased the ranch.”

  “How the hell did he…”

  “He got them from Phoenix. He said a US Marshall is coming to town in a few days to arrest you and maybe me, too. He said they were looking into what we’ve done with the money that should have gone to the Haywoods.”

  “How are you going to stop this?” Jasper Wigham’s eyes grew hard and cold.

  “I don’t have any idea how to stop it.”

  “Then you better start thinking of a way.”

  “I’m getting out. I told Mirabel we’d move to Santa Fe. She’s packing as I speak.”

  “I’ll be damned.”

  “I felt I had to warn you, Jasper, but as soon as I get back to town, I’m taking my share of the money and we’re leaving.”

  Jasper jerked his gun from his holster and pointed it at a surprised Wadell.

  “What…”

  “Don’t think you’re skipping town and leaving me to cope with this.”

  “But…”

  “No buts.”

  Wadell stared at the gun. “What are you going to do with that?”

  “I’m thinking seriously about shooting you.”

  Wadell began to tremble. “But I warned you about the Haywoods.”

  “I’m not worried about the Haywoods. Their days are numbered.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m going to kill them both.”

  “I can’t be involved in that.”

  Jasper laughed. “You fool. You’re in this as deep as I am. You’ve been charging them twice what they’re supposed to pay, ever since that lawyer in Kansas set up the sale for their half- brother.”

  “So? It was your suggestion I take advantage of that so we could split the money.”

  “True, but your name is on all the papers. You didn’t have any problem going along with it.”

  “Mirabel is an expensive woman. She…”

  “Don’t hand me that shit. You spend more on Molly Ferguson in a week that you do on your wife in months.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Molly told me everything. She used to laugh at what an easy touch you are.”

  Wadell squirmed in his seat. “I’m going back to town now.”

  “The hell you are.” Jasper waved the gun. “Now start that buggy and head over to where the men are waiting. We’ve got to plan our raid on the Haywood ranch.”

  “I’m not going to raid anyone.”

  “You’ll either go or I’ll shoot you right here.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Just what I said. I’m giving you a choice. I shoot you right here or you go with us to Haywood’s ranch.”

  “I can’t believe…”

  Jasper cocked the gun.

  Wadell slapped the horse’s rear with the reins.

  When they reached the waiting cowboys, Jasper said, “We’ve got one more man to help kill those damned Haywoods.”

  “Jasper, I don’t think you should do that.”

  “I don’t give a damn what you think, Dusty Allison.” Without saying anything further, Jasper pulled his gun and shot the sheriff in the stomach. The lawman lurched forward and fell from his horse.

  Jasper turned to Wadell. “Now we have a horse for you to ride. Get your ass out of that fancy carriage and get on it.”

  “But what…”

  Jasper turned his gun toward the banker. “Get on the horse.”

  “I will. I will.” Wadell climbed out of the buggy and got on the horse. “What am I going to do with Mirabel’s buggy?”

  “Leave it here. If you live through the raid maybe I’ll let you take it back to town.” He turned to his crew. “Now, men, this is what I want to do.”

  “Excuse me, boss.” Ralph drew his gun. “The sheriff is still moving. Want me to shoot him again?”

  “Nah. He’ll bleed to death before long.” He straightened. “Now as I was saying, I want to ride in there again. You men hold back a ways. I’m going to the house alone. I want to talk to that wife of Jake’s one more time. I want her to be out there on the porch when I gun down her husband. After that, I’ll grab her and I want you to take care of the rest of them. Got it?”

  Ralph nodded. “Got it, Boss.”

  The men nodded and prepared to ride to the ranch.

  * * * *

  “Are these all the guns we have in the house?” Jake looked at the two rifles, the shot gun and his side arm.

  “Silas took the other shotgun and a rifle along with his gun,” Adela said.

  Rena started to speak, but changed her mind. She wasn’t yet ready to let anyone know of her gun.

  “I know there’s one in the bunkhouse,” Leona suggested. “Mrs. Coxette insists on keeping one with her. She says she can’t shoot straight, but she can pull the trigger and scare any animal on two or four legs.”

  “Would you like for me to go get it, Jake?” Rachel asked.

  “They might need it,” Adela said.

  “Let them keep it with them. Have Billy come in here. I’m sending him with all the visiting women toward the back of the range for protection.”

  “Shall I go get him?”

  “Please do, Leona.”

  “I think if they can keep the ones we have loaded, we’ll be okay, Jake.” Rena looked at him and smiled. “Now that we have everything ready, please sit back and rest a little. You’re going to need all your strength when they get here.”

  He took her hand. “Honey, will you please quit worrying about me. I’ll be fine.”

  “Rena’s right, Jake. There’s no need of you sitting here waiting. Go lie down and we’ll set up watch. As soon as we see dust in the distance, we’ll get you.” Rachel shook a finger at him.

  “No. I’ll…”

  “Jake, please. We need you with all your strength if they raid this place today.” Adela smiled. “Maybe Silas will get here and then we’ll be fine.”

  “Please, Jake.” Rena took his hand. “I’ll go with you.”

  “How can you turn down an offer like that?” Adela grinned.

  “I can’t. I’ll go as soon as I explain to Billy what I want him to do.”

  “I can tell him.” Leona paused at the door. “I’ll help him hitch up the wagon.”

  “I should…”

  “No, Jake. I can hitch a couple of horses. Now you go rest.”

  “I guess you women leave me no choice.” He stood and headed out of the room still holding Rena’s hand. “Now you promised to call us.”

  “You can count on that.” Adela chuckled. “You don’t think I’m going to try to take Rena’s place behind a gun, do you?”

  When they reached their room, he dropped her hand and closed the door. “You will lay down with me, right?”

  “Of course.” He reached for her and she said, “Don’t you dare try to lift me, Jake Haywood.”

  “But…”

  “No buts. I’ll walk to the bed with you.”

  “If you insist.”

  “I do.” She led him to the bed. “Now sit down and take your boots off.”

  “But…”

  “Will you quit saying but. You’ll have plenty of time to put them on when they call us.”

  “Since I’ve been out of commission, you sure have gotten bossy.”

  She leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Honey, I’ve always been bossy.”

&nb
sp; “True, true.” He dropped his boots and leaned back. “Now you take your shoes off.”

  She did.

  In a matter of minutes she was snuggled against him. “It feels good to be in your arms.”

  “That’s where you were meant to be, Rena.”

  “I know.” She sighed. “It amazes me to think about how my friend Barbara made me tour that cave. I never dreamed it’d turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  “I’m glad she talked you into it, too.” His lips brushed her forehead. “Do you regret not having the courage to go into that cave and finding your way back to your century?”

  “I’ll never regret that, Jake.”

  “I hope you feel that way when we’re old and gray.”

  She put her hand on his chest. “I’ll feel that way as long as we live, my darling.”

  Jake took her chin in his hand and turned her face toward his. “I’ll love you as long as God lets me live, Rena. You make my life worth living.” He kissed her, long and passionately.

  When he let her go, she smiled and whispered, “Now, don’t you go getting too carried away. You’re still a weak man.”

  “I’m not that weak.”

  “Then why are you gasping for breath?”

  “Because my beautiful wife makes me gasp for breath.”

  “Then hold your wife in your arms and let’s enjoy the closeness until you’re stronger.”

  “But…”

  “There you go with that word ‘but’ again. I told you no buts.” She slid her arm around his waist; he pulled her closer. “Your wife is looking forward to making love with you again and soon, but I have no intention of letting you tear your wound open. Give yourself a few more days to recuperate.”

  “I’ll do it on one condition.”

  “And what is that condition?”

  He didn’t answer, but began to unbutton the bodice of her dress.

  “Jake…”

  “I promise…”

  There was a sharp rap on the door.

  “Already?” Jake called.

  “I’m sorry to bother you, but there’s dust in the distance,” Adela said. “It looks like several horses.”

  “We’ll be right there.” Jake sat up and reached for his boots.

  Rena buttoned her dress and they went out the door together.

  Chapter 36

  “They’ve stopped at the edge of the yard,” Adela said when the riders came into view. “Wigham and somebody else is coming to the house.”

  “That’s Wadell Jefferson,” Jake said. “I wonder why he came along.”

  “I didn’t think he ever left town.” Rachel McGregor walked up. “I’m going to see about this.” She started out the door.

  “Don’t…” Jake started, but he was too late. Rachel was already on the porch.

  Rena started after her, but Jake took her arm. “You wait.”

  “Well, gentlemen, pray tell what’s going on? Is Yellow Creek being evacuated?” Rachel asked as the two startled men stopped their horses at the steps.

  “Mrs. McGregor! What the hell are you doing here?” Jasper demanded.

  “I think I just asked you the same question.” She looked at Wadell. “Are you lost or something?”

  “No, ma’am. He made me come.”

  “Shut up, Wadell.” Jasper frowned. “I want to see Rena.”

  “About what?”

  “This is none of your business.”

  “I don’t see why not. Rena Haywood is a friend of mine. I want to know what you plan to say to her.”

  “I don’t want to hurt you, Mrs. McGregor, but I will. Now get back in the house and send your friend out.”

  “Do you plan to hurt her?”

  “I said it’s none of your business. Now get her.”

  Rena came onto the porch with Jake on her heels. “I’m right here, Jasper. Leave Rachel alone.”

  He gave her an evil grin. “I’m not interested in harming Rachel McGregor. She’s free to go inside and then we’ll conduct our business.”

  “We have no business with you, Wigham. All we want is for you to get off our land.” Jake’s eyes showed hatred. “And I’m not just talking about this small ranch.”

  “So you know about that?”

  “Of course, we know. We also know you’re in this to your neck, Wadell Jefferson. The both of you should be run out of town.”

  “I was leaving, but he wouldn’t let me go.”

  “Shut up, Wadell. If you open your mouth again, I’ll close it for you permanently.”

  Wadell looked as if he was ready to cry.

  Jasper turned back to Jake. “Do you see that crew out there?” When Jake didn’t answer, he went on, saying, “We’re here to take this ranch. You and your woman and Mrs. McGregor are not going to stop us.”

  “So you’re going to kill us all?” Jake stared back at him.

  “I think I’ll let your wife live for a little while. Since you haven’t been back to the Silver Slipper lately, I figure you little wife is more fun than Molly. I want to try her out and see for myself.”

  “Why you…” Jake started to raise the gun, but Rena jumped in front of him.

  Jasper had his gun pointed at her. “So you’re going to hide behind your woman’s skirts, Jake Haywood.”

  “Rena, move. I’m going to…”

  “Maybe I’ll do it for you, brother,” Silas Haywood said as he came through the door behind them with a drawn gun.

  “And I’ll help him.” Curly was behind Silas.

  “So will I.” Whitt followed.

  Within seconds Adela and Leona followed the men. They both carried one of the loaded guns.

  “Lord, Jasper. There are enough people here to kill us all,” Wadell whined. “Let them have the damn ranch. I’m getting out of here.” He turned his horse and headed out of the yard.

  “Come back here, you lily-livered cowered,” Jasper blustered, as he turned and fired.

  Wadell tumbled from the horse.

  “You sure like shooting people in the back, don’t you, Jasper?” Rena asked.

  He whirled to face her. There was murder in his eyes, but the sound of several guns on the porch being cocked stopped him from firing. He looked confused for a minute, before he motioned for his men to come to his aid.

  There was some hesitation in his crew. Four men rode in the other direction, three started toward the house and the rest followed, but at a slower pace.

  “Looks like your crew is having second thoughts, Wigham,” Jake said. “I don’t think they liked the way you turned on your friend Jefferson.”

  “The fool is no friend of mine. If he’d done things the way he should’ve, none of this would be happening.”

  “What do you mean?” Silas demanded.

  “I’d have this ranch and Rena and you two would be out of our lives forever.”

  “What gave you the idea that my wife would ever be interested in you? She hates people who break the law.”

  “Royalty doesn’t have to go by the law. They make their own.”

  Rena smiled. “What gave you the idea I was royalty, Jasper?”

  “You told me you were.”

  “I lied.”

  Several emotions played across Jasper’s face. He dismounted and staggered toward her. “You’ve got to be royalty. What about the letter?”

  “It was a lie, too.”

  “But I mailed it.”

  “Nobody will get it.”

  “So you’re not…I wanted you. I could have loved you. I still want you, but now I have to kill you.” He raised his gun and aimed at her. He didn’t get a chance to pull the trigger.

  Rena whipped her gun from her pocket and fired. Jasper’s gun flew to the ground.

  “What the hell?” He grabbed his hand.

  The man beside him moved, but Rena turned toward him. “Do you want to die for him?”

  “If I can’t have you, neither can Jake Haywood!” Jasper screamed. He took a small
gun from his pocket and fired at Jake. The bullet went into the wall above Jake’s head.

  Silas started to fire, but Rena said, “Please let me have him, Silas. You keep the other men at bay.”

  Rena walked to the edge of the porch with her gun pointed at Jasper’s head. “You’ve shot at my husband for the last time, Jasper Wigham. You’ve also threatened to rape me for the last time.”

  “You won’t shoot me. Ladies don’t shoot men in cold blood.” Jasper backed up, but his eyes never left her gun.

  She hesitated. “Maybe you’re right, Jasper. Killing you would be too easy. I think there’s another way to deal with you.” She lowered the gun from his head to his crotch.

  “Oh, God no!” His cry was too late. Blood covered the front of his pants, and he fell to the ground screaming.

  She calmly turned to the people on the porch. “I don’t guess he’ll be threatening to rape anyone ever again.”

  Ralph jumped off his horse and rushed to Jasper. After looking him over he turned to Rena. “Ma’am, he’s in a bad way. We need to put him in bed until someone gets the doctor.”

  Rena shook her head. “He won’t die. I just shot the end of it off. Take him to a doctor.”

  “But, ma’am…”

  “I won’t have that man in my house.” She looked at her sister-in-law. “You don’t want him here either, do you Adela?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “I assume this ends the feud,” Rachel said. “I think the sheriff should…”

  “The sheriff is dead, ma’am,” Ralph said.

  “You don’t say.”

  “Then, as Rena said, you’d better get your boss to the doctor. And I advise you to take him back to the hotel in town to recuperate,” Silas said to the man.

  Ralph nodded and turned to the other cowboy standing there. “Ride back and get Jefferson’s buggy. The boss is in no shape to ride a horse.”

  Rena turned toward Jake. He was holding to the back of a rocking chair. “Silas, help me get Jake back to bed. He’s overdone it again.”

  When she had Jake tucked in, he took her hand. “You were wonderful out there, Rena.”

  “I’m just glad it’s over.”

  “Don’t you ever get mad enough to shoot me like that.”