by Sue Heasley
Lillie said nothing as he climbed into his saddle. He gathered his reins and held out a hand to her. She slipped her foot into the stirrup and swung up behind him.
“Answer me one question. Does Ben know I’m his father?”
Lillie sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist to hold on while he urged his horse forward. “No, because I didn’t know if you would ever return to the ranch. I don’t want to get Ben’s hopes up. I decided it’s best not to tell him in case you decide to leave us again. Do you understand?”
Rex gave her no answer. He urged his horse into a lope but regretted not given her a reply when her tears wet the back of his shirt. Neither spoke as he maneuvered his way down the muddy mountain trail.
At one point Lillie’s hands slipped from his waist, and he grabbed them to steady her. He could feel her heavy breathing. The warmth of her breath filtering through the back of his shirt made him sigh.
His conscience bothered him over all the people he had hurt in his life by running away from the ranch that fateful day. He hadn’t expected the overwhelming feeling of guilt now plaguing him. But most of all, he regretted not being around for the birth of his son. He’d abandoned Lillie when she needed him most.
She stirred behind him. “Where are we?”
“We will be coming up on the river soon.”
Lillie suddenly cried out and jumped off his horse.
Rex reined him in. “Hey, what the hell are you doing?”
“It’s Star.” She ran to the side of the trail and knelt beside her dead horse. “I can’t remember what happened to him.” She stroked the neck of her roan stallion. “I raised him myself.”
“I remember.” Rex rested his wrist on the pommel of his saddle.
“Why would Jose shoot him?” Lillie stood and looked over her horse.
“It looks like he injured his leg. Possibly while crossing the river or climbing up the embankment.”
“I must have been passed out when this happened.”
“There is nothing you can do for him now. Let’s go, Lillie. There is a possibility your father or even Ben could be in danger.”
She whirled around. “Jose would never hurt them.”
“Look what he did to you.” Rex held out his hand to help her back on the horse. “Right now, I don’t trust him. He’s stirring up trouble. And we need to figure out why.”
Chapter Twelve
Mabel untied her apron and slipped outside the front door. She patted the holster which held her small pistol under her skirt. She glanced over her shoulder. Ben would probably not even notice she had left the house since he kept busy playing cards with his grandpa. She made her way past the barn to the front of the bunkhouse. She pushed the old creaky door open to find Jose passed out on his bunk and an empty liquor bottle broken on the floor. Two ranch hands sat at a table in the corner playing cards and drinking coffee.
Mable turned toward them. “What the hell are you doing in here? The fence on the west end of the ranch is down.” She didn’t mind lying; she’d done it plenty of times before. “If any of those cattle get out, I’ll make sure your weekly pay is cut short.”
The men glared at her then threw their cards down on the table. They cursed as they slammed the door after them. She turned to face Jose. The room smelled of whiskey. He snored loudly as she attempted to wake him.
“Jose, get your ass up. We need to talk.”
He ignored her and turned over on his side.
“Damn you.” She stomped outside, stood for a moment with hands on hips, and decided the only way to get his attention would be to shock him. She headed toward the well, grabbing an empty bucket on her way. She filled it to the brim and returned to the bunkhouse. Water splashed over the rim and onto the floor. Mable prepared herself as she threw the water in his face.
Jose choked and made gurgling sounds as he stumbled and fell to his knees. “Hey, what the hell did you do that for?”
Mabel kicked him in the gut with the toe of her boot. “What the hell is right. You were supposed to stick to the plan. We had a deal.” She lifted her skirt, grabbed her pistol, and shoved it under his chin.
“Hey, take it easy. Everything is falling into place.” He shoved her arm away as he climbed back onto his bed.
She stood over him. “Our plan doesn’t work without Lillie. Where is she?”
Jose ignored her, unbuttoned his wet smelly shirt, and pulled it off as he walked to a chair in the corner. He grabbed the dry shirt hanging over its arched wooden back. He turned back to her.
“She’s in a safe place.” The side of his mouth turned up in a quirky smile. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Damn it.” Mable walked closer. “What the hell did you do to her?”
“Roughed her up a little to show her who’s in charge.” He turned around and picked up a leather lead strap hanging on the post of his bed.
“You’ve ruined everything. Now she’ll never marry you.” Mable walked to the window and stared out. “I need my cut of the bank money so I can head back east. We had an arrangement. I kept my end of the bargain in helping you gain a management position. I tried to set things up so you two could get married. Now you’ve ruined everything. We’ll need to make new plans if you want any more of my help. For that I want a larger cut of the money.” She could feel Jose’s presence close in behind her.
“I’ve made other plans.”
The tone of his voice changed, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up. She raised her gun and tried to whirl around. The thought no sooner crossed her mind that she was in trouble when a leather strap slipped around her neck like an evil snake and tightened. She couldn’t catch her breath. She dropped her gun. Her arms flailed in the air as she struggled. Lightheadedness overwhelmed her.
“I don’t need you anymore.” Jose’s voice whispered in her ear as she collapsed to the floor.
****
Jose took a deep breath as he glanced out the bunkhouse window. No one was around. He had to get rid of the body. But he couldn’t let anyone see him. He grabbed a blanket from his bunk and rolled Mable in it. Jose grabbed the end and dragged her outside to the back of the building. He had no problem covering up her body up with brush and rocks until he could relocate her later that night a few miles away in a deep grave.
Jose smiled as he reentered the bunkhouse and picked up Mable’s gun from the floor. He placed it under his pillow. He grabbed another bottle of whiskey he had hidden under his bed. After lighting a cigarette, he propped his filthy boots on the small table and took a large swig of whiskey. Now he had one less person to tell him what to do. He’d been fed up with Mable’s nagging. In fact, he’d thought about getting rid of her several times before.
It had been time for him to step up and make new plans. It pleased him that her share of the bank money would now be his. He’d have no trouble convincing the sheriff and his men that he’d taken complete charge of the ranch. Even though Mable offered him advice, he wouldn’t miss her. But most of all she could never call him stupid again. When people inquired about her, he’d tell everyone that she’d left town.
Jose downed another two shots of whiskey. One more person stood in his way of success. The time had arrived to get rid of Rex Utah for good. His old friend had picked the worse time to return home. It had interfered in his courting of Lillie. Although he had to admit, Rex happened along right in time to take the blame for the bank robbery and the teller’s murder. Only one problem interfered with his plans. He had assumed Charlie hated Rex for abandoning his daughter and grandson. He never expected the old man to send Lillie and the ranch hands to rescue Rex from the hanging. Jose had no choice but to play along. He needed to impress Lillie and gain her confidence. But most of all, he had to get her to marry him. Then his dreams of owning the ranch would become a reality.
The shuffle of cowboy boots across the front porch drew Jose’s attention to the rustic door. A ranch hand shoved it open and paused. He looked frustrated.
“Hey, do you know anything about a fence being down?”
“No, who the hell told you that?” Jose stood and shoved his chair back.
“Mabel sent us out. She said she’d dock our pay if we didn’t fix it right away.”
Jose handed the dusty and tired looking cowboy the rest of his bottle of whiskey. “You don’t have to worry about Mabel anymore. She left town.” He stood straighter and squared his shoulders. “I’m in charge of this ranch. Lillie and I are getting married soon. So, go ahead and take the rest of the day off. Tell the boys to go and have a good time in town at the saloon.”
“Well, I did promise little Ben I’d give him a roping lesson this afternoon.” The cowhand paused before taking a drink.
“I’ll take care of Ben.” Jose headed outside and shut the door behind him. He leaned against a wooden post and lit a cigarette. Lillie would do anything for Ben, maybe even marry him to save his life. He had to put a plan together. But first he needed to check on her; she hadn’t had water or food since yesterday. Maybe she’d even marry him to get out of that old jail cell. He lifted his chin, feeling proud. Next, he’d have to show Rex who managed this ranch. Even though his old friend still had feelings for Lillie, his days were numbered. He’d let no one interfere in his plans to take over the Cohen ranch. Not even Charlie. Soon people would respect and look up to him. Jose ground out his cigarette with the heel of his boot. He had work to do. Now where the hell was his horse.
Chapter Thirteen
“Damn.” Rex reined in his horse at the edge of the river’s bank.
“What’s wrong.” Lillie loosened her grip around his waist and leaned backward away from him as she tried to look around his shoulder.
“The river,” he barely got out when the warmth of her body against him suddenly got replaced with a cold breeze between them. She had to feel the difference too.
“Do you think we can make it across?”
Lillie’s voice reflected fear. Rex wanted to hug her but stayed focused on their problem. He took in the increased speed of the flow of the river caused by the rainstorm. The water level had risen higher compared to its location on the muddy banks the day before. Even his horse began to get skittish at the sight and noise of the rushing water.
“Easy, boy.” He patted his horse’s neck. “We have two choices.”
“What are they? I have a feeling I won’t like either one.” Lillie placed her hand on his arm. “I must get home to Ben and my father.”
“I don’t want to endanger either of our lives.” Rex glanced over his shoulder and looked her straight in the eye. “We can camp out and wait for the water to calm, or try to find a better place down river to cross. Depending how far we need to travel, it could add hours or an extra day to return to the ranch. You choose.”
“I can’t sit here waiting. Let’s head down river.” Lillie placed her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his back. “We could get lucky.”
Rex smiled as her full breasts pressed against his back. “Maybe I will,” he said in a low husky voice.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.” He urged his horse into a trot as Lillie bounced up and down. He smiled enjoying the feel of her behind him.
****
Jose could feel the blood pulse in his neck as anger surged through every vein in his body. “How the hell did he find her?” He had appeared around a cluster of trees on the trail when he caught sight of Rex and Lillie heading down along the riverbank on the opposite side. He had underestimated his ability, or else Rex was one lucky son-of-a-bitch.
Damn, his scheme had started to fall apart. He’d lost control of the situation. Jose turned his horse around and headed toward the ranch at a dead run. He didn’t want to use Ben as a pawn to force Lillie’s hand. But he had no choice. Rex was destroying his dreams of ever owning a cattle ranch. He’d pay with his life in due time.
Chapter Fourteen
Charlie mumbled and rolled over on his side to see big brown eyes staring at him only inches from his face. Clearly concerned about something, Ben tugged on his arm.
“Grandpa, Grandpa, wake up.”
“Sorry, I guess I must have dozed off while we were playing poker.” He pulled himself into a sitting position. He stretched his aching muscles. “I’ve got to get out of this darn bed. Now, what’s wrong?”
“Ma still isn’t home yet. And I can’t find Mable. I’m hungry.”
“Well, it so happens I’m hungry too.” He patted the top of Ben’s head. “Hand me my crutch.”
“Yes, sir.” Ben took his hand and urged him forward toward the bedroom door. “When is Ma coming home?”
“I’m not sure.” Charlie grew more suspicious as they entered the kitchen area. There were dirty dishes by the wash basin. The fire had burned out in the cast iron stove. Usually by now the aroma of fresh bread or biscuits had taken over the house. And the table would be set for the next meal. He didn’t much care for Mabel even though she could make the best stew around. Charlie made his way to the window and recognized something was wrong. Usually horses were tied to the hitching post. There were none. Every day the men were breaking broncs or testing their roping skills against each other in the large corral. He didn’t see a single soul. Where were Lillie, Rex, and Jose? Not to mention Mable. What the hell is going on? He looked over his shoulder at Ben who watched him closely. He smiled.
“Not to worry. Everyone is probably out rounding up stray cattle.” He hobbled to the iron stove. “How about we rustle up some grub.”
“Can I help, Grandpa?” Ben picked up a piece of wood from a pile beside the stove.
“You sure can.” Charlie opened the stove door, and Ben threw in the small log. In no time, the stove heated up the kitchen, and the coffee started to simmer. He had a feeling he would need plenty to get him through the rest of the day. He spied the medicine Mable had been putting in his coffee every morning sitting behind a sack of flour. He pushed open a window and poured it outside. He turned around to find Ben watching him again.
“I’m glad you threw it away, Grandpa. I don’t like you sleeping all the time.” Ben pushed his chair over to the counter and climbed up on it. He pulled down two plates and a cup.
“How did you know it put me to sleep?” He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat in the chair closest to Ben. He didn’t want to mention that his bad leg caused him pain. He would ignore it.
Ben set their plates on the table. “Mable and Jose were talking about your medicine.”
“Do you remember what they said?”
“Yes.” Ben frowned. “They wanted you out of the way.” He walked over and hugged him. “I don’t like them, Grandpa. They are mean sometimes.”
“Don’t worry. When your ma gets home, I’ll have a long talk with her.” Charlie rose from his chair and turned toward the stove. “Well, let’s get some grub in our bellies. How does pork and eggs sound?”
“Good. My tummy is growling.”
Charlie laughed. “Mine too. Do you think you can run out to the hen house and grab us a couple eggs?”
“Sure, I do that chore for Mable all the time because she doesn’t like it when the rooster chases her.”
Charlie smiled as he imagined Mable screaming and running away. He glanced over his shoulder at his grandson. “He doesn’t chase you?”
“No, I bring him feed, and he eats it out of my hand.” Ben giggled and headed out the door with the egg basket.
“Smart boy.”
Charlie had finished cooking the pork when a loud commotion coming from the chicken coop made him pause. He placed the meat on each one of the plates and refilled his coffee cup. Ben was taking way too long. Maybe he had a problem with the rooster after all. He limped toward the door and opened it. The chickens were running loose across the yard. Ben’s basket which held the eggs lay on the ground. His heart raced, and a sinking feeling settled heavily in his stomach.
“Ben,” Charlie yelled several times.
No response.
He grabbed his dusty rifle which rested on two pegs displayed above the fireplace. A wooden crutch supported him under one arm. With his rifle in the other, he slowly made his way down the front porch steps. He gritted his teeth as pain shot up his bad leg.
“Ben, where the hell are you?” He arrived where his grandson’s egg basket lay on the ground. A collection of small foot prints was obvious since it had rained.
“Damn.” Horse hoof indentations were evident next to Ben’s. Someone had taken him. Charlie made his way to the barn and saddled his horse. Whoever took his grandson would pay. He shoved the rifle in its scabbard. He led his horse to a bale of hay where he struggled to pull himself up. He figured it would be the only way he could climb onto his horse’s back with his bad leg. Suddenly, the sound of a galloping horse drew his attention. He made his way to the barn entrance.
****
Before Rex could pull up his horse, Lillie jumped off. She ran up the porch steps two at a time and into the ranch house. He could hear her calling Ben’s and Charlie’s name as she searched through the house. Just as quickly, she reappeared on the front porch with tears in her eyes. She fell to her knees.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Rex dismounted his horse and went to her.
“They’re gone.” Her hands covered her face as she cried harder.
“We’ll find them.” He pulled her into his arms.
“I’m over here.” Charlie called from across the farmyard.
Rex and Lillie raised their heads at the same time. They turned toward the stables. She pulled away from him and ran toward her father.
“Papa, are you okay?” Lillie ran into his waiting arms.
“You look terrible. What happened to your head?” Charlie hugged her back. “Where the hell have you been?”
Rex noticed the tears building in Charlie’s eyes. Something else is wrong. But what?