Cowboy Caveat

by Vanessa Brooks

Lucy and Ethan glanced at each other and Ethan winked at his sister, who was actually quite shocked by what Ed’s grandmother had just told them.

  “Well, darling, that is probably because I am English, but you already knew that! Now then, tell me who this little gentleman is, hmm?” Hilda was gazing at Luca with a strange expression on her face.

  “I’m Luca, an’ Millie and me is gonna be family ‘cos Mr. Ethan and Amy are gonna adpopit me!” he told her proudly.

  “A-D-O-P-T...and yup, we certainly are!” confirmed Ethan, ruffling the small boy’s hair.

  “He certainly looks as though he belongs. Why, he is the absolute spitting image of my Daniel at the same age...how old are you child?”

  “I don’t rightly know, ma’am, but I think I’m seven, maybe eight or even nine!” Luca ran ahead of the family as they made their way inside the staging post for refreshments, kindly provided by Carmella. Lucy helped Millie pack everything up and goodbyes were said to Elmer and Carmella with promises of returning within a month to collect two puppies, one each for Millie and Luca. Finally, they were on their way to Dallas, and to Amy. Ethan sat back, impatient for this journey to end so that he could be reunited once again with his bride.

  Hilda and Lucy had agreed not to tell Millie and Ethan that Tyler had been kidnapped until they were all settled into the coach and on the move; then the whole thing could be discussed calmly. Once everyone had made themselves comfortable within the tight confines of Hilda’s ancient carriage, she broke the news of Tyler’s kidnap by Henderson. Ethan was livid that he had no horse to ride back home on then and there.

  ”That man is jus’ a skillet full of rattlesnakes!” Millie said heatedly and promptly burst into tears. Hilda drew her grand-daughter to her and patted her consolingly, there was nothing to be said in comfort, Tyler was in big trouble and that was a very raw fact.

  * * * * *

  Tyler was actually not at all afraid; in fact, he was being treated rather well by his enforced host, Lawrence Henderson. Truth be told, Tyler felt somewhat guilty at being caught creeping around Henderson’s place and had no idea that Henderson had sent a wire bargaining the homestead land for Tyler’s safe return, with all charges against Amy dropped.

  “So, boy, I wonder why you were spying on me?” Henderson studied the kid in front of him, a sturdy boy with a look of his father, Daniel Campbell, about him. Tyler had a hunch that Henderson was holding Amy captive on his ranch somewhere and he had come to spy to see if he was right.

  Henderson had not disliked Daniel Campbell and he’d been sorry to have him killed. He hadn’t ordered Suzie’s death though, it was that damn Mexican raping the woman and killing her afterwards. Henderson had felt quite sick when he’d heard of the pretty Mrs. Campbell’s end. He had pistol-whipped the renegade for that, and he would have shot the man if he hadn’t been so useful to him.

  The Mexican and his companion in crime had successfully robbed a number of banks and trains, while Henderson grew rich on the proceeds. Their method was to keep the crimes far from each other and not to commit robberies too often. Henderson always formulated the plan, and the Mexican followed his orders to the letter. He paid them fairly well, too; no point in doing otherwise, in case they got resentful and cut him out of the deal. After all, they took most of the risk. The partnership had served Henderson very well over the years and he made damn sure he always had an alibi in place for every job they pulled. He was always miles away when the plan went into action and he was careful there was no paper trail connecting him to Tex Mex and his cronies.

  Henderson watched Tyler thoughtfully. The only time that he felt any sort of remorse for his crimes was when he thought of Suzie Campbell’s death and her skillet full of kids growing up with no mother. He knew nothing of what happened to the missing baby and could only assume that a cougar or coyote had got the child.

  He gestured for Tyler to sit at the dining table. He had no intention of mistreating the boy and they would eat a civilized dinner together. Henderson couldn’t see that he was committing a crime, especially since the lad had been skulking around his ranch. Henderson was detaining the boy for his own safety, at least until Campbell came to collect his brother, whereupon they would discuss terms for the sale of the homestead. At last, he had some leverage over Edward Campbell that he could use to force a sale. He would hand over this rapscallion and offer to drop all charges against Amy. Once the sale was completed, he would be free from a life of crime from then on. He would contact the drilling company, set up business with the oil he extracted and become a very rich man. Yup, he could afford to be pleasant to this boy because at last everything was going his way!

  * * * * *

  Ed and Rick met up with the rest of the Ranger outfit rendezvousing at the Lazy Z, where they sat drinking coffee and forming a plan of attack. Ed explained about the oil that Tyler had inadvertently found on the land they inherited from their father.

  Rick nodded. “It all makes sense now that we have the pieces of the puzzle. Henderson wanted the land your father owned but when your father wouldn’t sell, he orders his Mexican henchmen to kill him and your mother but we don’t yet know what happened to the baby. Could have been a wild animal took him, I guess. Sorry, Ed,” he added remembering that the child was Ed’s baby brother.

  “Over the years, he makes you numerous offers to buy the land but when you refuse he resorts to scare tactics, poisoning cattle and that type of thing. Meanwhile, he does all the planning for the robberies that the Mexicans carry out, gets slowly rich on the proceeds but makes darn sure he has a good alibi when his henchmen instigate the crimes.”

  “Henderson has no idea we found Tex’s hideout and all his loot tying him to the robberies, so he figures he’s safe blackmailing me after Amy shot the slimy bastard,” Ed added.

  “Yup, that’s about the size of it, but there’s one more piece of evidence that I have here.” Rick pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket; he unfolded it and handed it to Ed to read.

  It was a wire from Henderson to Tex giving detailed instructions concerning a train that had been robbed the previous year. It was addressed to him at the hotel in the town and it was signed by Henderson. The very proof needed to link the Mexican back to Henderson.

  “I wonder why he kept this,” Ed mused.

  “Insurance I should think,” said one of the Rangers.

  “I agree,” said Rick nodding.

  “Or for blackmail?” Ed wondered.

  “Yeah that, too. Well now, gentlemen, are we all agreed on the plan?”

  “Yup. I’ll ride up to the ranch alone and in full view. Once inside the house I’ll pretend to negotiate with Henderson, come to some agreement with him and draw him outside where y’all will be in position to surround him. What about any hands that feel inclined to interfere with their boss’s arrest?”

  “Jus’ you let us worry ‘bout that, son, but make sure you keep that brother of yours low down and safe inside the house.”

  “Will do.......OK boys, let’s ride!” Ed swung off his chair, reached for his hat and led the way outside to where their horses awaited them.

  CHAPTER 14

  Amy had been overjoyed to see her husband and sister again. Ethan questioned Amy about her forced journey to Dallas and wanted to know how Rick Cook had treated her. Amy was only too happy to reassure him about Rick’s treatment of her and was glad he hadn’t thought to ask about her treatment of the poor, long-suffering Ranger.

  When they had finally stopped at Mountain Creek, Rick had removed her gag and untied her hands. Amy had promptly slapped his face, then leapt from the cart and ran behind some bushes to dress and relieve herself. She had then verbally abused the Ranger all the way to Dallas.

  After a luncheon of cold collation, Judge Richardson closeted himself away in Hilda’s small parlor with Ethan while the ladies took a walk. On their return, Ethan popped his head out of the parlor and called Amy inside. The judge gestured to a high-backed chair next to where Ethan sat o
n the other side of the desk. Ethan pulled out the chair for his wife. After Amy was seated and had removed her gloves, the judge begun to explain the seriousness of her situation.

  “The thing is, Mrs. Walker....”

  “Amy, please.”

  “Amy then,” the judge said and smiled at her, “shooting an unarmed man comes with a harsh sentence. Usually two years or more in the penitentiary.”

  Amy gasped and reached for Ethan’s hand.

  “My hands are tied rather as far as sentence is concerned but an alternative punishment for a woman is a public whipping.”

  Amy gasped and swivelled to look at Ethan, her face white and her throat so dry she couldn’t speak. Ethan clasped her hands in his and said, “It’s not as bad as it sounds, darlin’. Jim here,” he said and gestured to the judge, “thinks if we don’t allow the newspaper to get hold of the story, nobody would need to be there but the judge, me, you and Rick.”

  “Rick?”

  “Yup, that’s the great news: Rick can administer the whipping. He’s a lawman – a Ranger -- who better!”

  Oh great news, thought Amy sourly. After the way she had behaved on the trip to Dallas, Rick Cook would skin her alive, given a whip in his hand!

  “I know what you’re thinking, Mrs. Walker,” the judge said.

  I don’t think you do, Amy thought.

  “But have no fear. This whipping will be administered safely in a controlled environment and it will be limited to your buttocks only.”

  “Gee, thanks!” Amy sneered.

  “Amy, behave yourself,” Ethan told her. “Jim has done us a good turn here, darlin’ – you didn’t think we’d be getting off scot free, did you?”

  “What’s with the ‘we’, Eth? Are you gonna take the whipping for me, then? Actually, can he?” Amy turned to the judge hopefully.

  “I am afraid that is not possible. No, Amy, you committed the crime, so you must pay the price.”

  Amy sighed heavily. “Well alright, I guess, but how many lashes and with what type of instrument do I get this whipping?” she asked, shuddering.

  “Usually a strap is kept for the purpose, but sometimes a switch can be used, and in this instance, I favor a switching. It might just suit the crime. The number of strokes is up to me as the judge. I shall decide how many after Henderson has been apprehended and questioned. Now my dear, I am sure that you and your husband have some catching up to do. I will take my leave of you both. Good day.”

  Ethan shook the judge’s hand and walked with him out into the hallway. Amy stayed where she was, stunned by the news of her public whipping.

  “Amy, come on upstairs where we can talk freely, darlin’.” No sooner had Ethan closed their bedroom door than he pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her passionately. All his fears and concerns for her were in his kiss. His emotions were beyond relief to have her back with him, safe and sound and under his protection once again.

  Amy was surprised at how secure she felt wrapped in his strong arms. She relaxed into his lean body and allowed him to ravish her. She didn’t think or speak; she was simply at one with her man, and when he had pleasured her to such a pitch that only entering her would end her tumultuous need, Ethan assuaged them both until Amy was left feeling completely whole and totally replete. Held safe in her husband’s arms and hidden from the entire world, Amy was content to stay where she was. At last, her demons were held at bay and she fell into a dreamless sleep.

  * * * * *

  Once the Rangers were in place and well-hidden from sight of Henderson’s ranch house, Ed began his slow ride up through the main gate. To say he was nervous was an understatement; he was a sitting duck and he fully expected to be shot at any moment. Not that it would benefit Henderson to shoot him, Ed knew, but he didn’t trust Henderson’s men any more than he trusted the man himself.

  Henderson must have been watching Ed’s progress because he opened the house door and languished against the wall, watching Ed’s approach. Ed dismounted and threw the reins over the hitching post.

  “Howdy neighbor, thought I’d pay a visit and chew the fat a while,” Ed said with what he hoped was a lazy grin.

  Henderson was happy to play the game and grinned in return. “Edward Campbell, welcome. I’m real honored, sir! I have your brother Tyler here visiting as well. When does the rest of the Campbell clan arrive?”

  “When they hear how neighborly you’re being, Lawrence, I’m sure they’ll be hot on my tail!” Ed quipped lightly, removing his hat and entering the ranch house as Henderson moved inside, gesturing for Ed to follow him.

  There was no sign of Tyler in the hallway, but as Henderson led the way into a large and sparsely furnished front room, Ed spotted his brother in a heavy wooden chair in the corner. Tyler was sitting by a window which fully overlooked the front of the ranch. Ed quickly realized that he needed to block the view from that window if the Rangers were going to move nearer to the house. He strode over to Tyler and pulled him up into a bear hug, quickly whispering into his ear, “Stay standing up and block the window view. Hey, little brother, what are you doing up here bothering Mr. Henderson? There are Rangers all around keep your head down and do as I say!”

  “Hey, Ed, -- I came vistin’ same as you! Okay.”

  “Can I offer you some refreshment, Edward?” Henderson asked.

  “Why, that’d be mighty nice of you, Lawrence, and I wouldn’t say no,” Ed replied while seating himself away from the window to draw Henderson’s eye to him rather than the view out front. Tyler stood and lounged behind the chair, leaning over the back looking into the room and successfully shielding the window. Every now and again, Tyler shifted from leg to leg, hoping that any movement outside would be blocked as he changed positions in front of the window.

  Henderson poured a couple of shots of whiskey out and handed a glass to Ed. They drank in silence for a few moments and then Henderson set his glass down on the small table next to him and said. “Well now, I guess you’re considering my offer to drop all charges against that hot-headed sister of yours in exchange for your pa’s homestead and land, eh?”

  Ed cocked his head and pursed his lips. “Hmm, I’m tempted...given the price is right, o’ course.”

  Henderson was confident everything was going according to plan. He didn’t mind paying the going rate for the land; heck, he never had minded. Of course, he knew that once that oil was drilled he’d be a rich man.

  “I’ll still pay you the going rate, Campbell. I’m a fair man,” he told Ed magnanimously.

  “Alright Henderson, you write out a statement withdrawing all charges against Amy and I’ll sell you Pa’s land at whatever is the going rate, plus let’s say twenty percent.” Ed sat back and sipped his drink, watching the man over the rim of his glass.

  “Ten percent,” countered Henderson.

  Ed kept silent and waited.

  Finally, Henderson said, “OK, you got me -- fifteen percent, and that’s my final offer!”

  “I dunno. What do you think, Tyler?”

  Ed frowned as he looked at his brother, who, surprised to be asked, raised his eyebrows questioningly and shrugged. “I dunno, either.....but twenty sounds about right to me.”

  Henderson glared at Tyler and shook his head, turning to Ed. “Hell man, he’s just a kid. What does he know!”

  Ed looked surprised and said, “It’s his land, too, Henderson. It was his father who was murdered just as much as mine. I figure Tyler has a right to decide how much we sell for. Tell you what, you give us a moment alone and I’ll talk to him an’ see if’n we can’t agree on fifteen.”

  Henderson glowered at them, but he was thinking fast -- if he locked the door, there was no way out of the room, short of breaking the window, and they had to know that on the first sound of breaking glass he’d be in there with his gun blazing and one of them would end up dead. “Alright, Campbell, you got two minutes, but if I hear breaking glass, hell if I hear anything other than wind break, your baby brother gets it f
irst.”

  He left the room and they heard the key turn in the lock. Straightaway, Ed jumped to the window and pulled a small mirror out of his pocket,

  He angled it through the glass, turning it back and forth to catch the sun. Then he stopped and waited, and almost immediately a responding flash blinded them and then stopped. Ed pulled Tyler away from the window and repositioned his chair away from the glass. “Listen to me, Tyler, we are gonna agree to fifteen percent and I am going to suggest you leave. If Henderson agrees to you leaving, you go out the main entrance and keep on going until you are out of sight. If you spot a Ranger, ignore him. Don’t give him away with even a glance or a nod, got that?”

  “Yeah, OK, but what about you?” Tyler didn’t like the idea of running out on his big brother.

  “I’ll be jus’ fine, kiddo, don’t you worry! Now, if he won’t let you go when I give you the signal, hit the deck behind that chair, got it?”

  There was no time for Tyler to reply; the key turned in the door and Henderson walked back in.

  Tyler took the initiative, surprising Ed by saying, “We’ve agreed fifteen percent over the land rate but we want a written statement about Amy and the land to take away with us.”

  Henderson grinned; He’d done it! He knew they’d cave! “Fine, young man, that’s just what I agreed, but you have to sign a bill of sale now, Campbell. I just happened to have my lawyer draw one up in case we reached an agreement today.” Henderson held out his hand to Ed and with only a slight hesitation, Ed grasped it and shook on the deal.

  “OK, Tyler, you go on home, and Lawrence and I will sort out the paperwork. It might take a while so there’s no point in you hanging around here. We ought to have another drink to seal the deal, don’t you think, Lawrence?”

  Henderson rubbed his hands together and said, “Good idea, Ed. Mind if I call you Ed?”

  “No, not at all. Off you go then, Tyler,” Ed nodded at the door and Tyler walked slowly toward it, looking extremely reluctant.

  “Get on, boy, you heard your brother, off home with you!” Henderson almost shoved Tyler out of the door before fetching more whiskey. This time, Ed only pretended to sip the liquor. Henderson fetched the documents his lawyer had drawn up and Ed made a show of reading them slowly, as if checking every detail. Meanwhile, Henderson sat and wrote out a statement exonerating Amy of any wrongdoing.