by Bobbi Smith
Jack stood there glaring after them.
"What was the problem?" Brent asked. He had been watching what was going on, and had noticed how his pa's old friends were treating him.
Jack turned on Brent, not willing to admit how he'd been shunned. "There was no problem."
"That's not how it looked to me."
"Mind your own business," Jack said with a snarl.
Brent hadn't heard everything the men had said, but he could imagine the exchange. He started to say more, but his father turned his back on him and walked away. Brent didn't even consider going after him. He was just glad that there hadn't been any real trouble. Satisfied that things were quiet for now, he went back to his friends.
Jack sat down at one of the empty tables away from the dance floor. He realized how very alone he was as he watched the activities going on around him. Laughter and gaiety abounded as the dancing began, but none of it included him.
Jack's mood grew black.
He knew what he needed, and he knew where he wanted to go-where he had to go. He waited a few minutes longer, then got up and left the social. It did not surprise him that no one noticed him leave, and he didn't care.
He was heading for the Lone Star Saloon.
He'd needed a drink for a long time now, and he was going to get one.
Brent was standing off to the side of the dance floor that had been set up outdoors for the evening's activities. He'd lost track of his father and was considering going to look for him when Melinda sought him out.
"There you are, Brent!" Melinda cooed as she came to stand at his side. Brent was the handsomest man in Diablo, and she was determined to make him her own. "I've been looking for you."
"You have?" he asked with a smile.
Melinda was a pretty enough girl with her dark hair and blue eyes, but as he looked down at her an image of Opal flashed in his mind. He'd thought of the lovely singer often at first, but as the weeks passed, the memory of their encounter faded. Opal was gone from his life. They wouldn't meet again.
Melinda gazed up at him adoringly, believing she had his undivided attention. "Yes. I was afraid you would be in a hurry to get back to the ranch after the dinner, and I wouldn't get the chance to see you.
"No, we're staying in town tonight."
"I am so glad."
"Would you like to dance?" Brent offered, trying to focus his thoughts on the present-on the pretty girl who wanted to be with him, and not on his father, or the beautiful blonde he would never see again.
"I was hoping you would ask," Melinda answered. She had never been accused of being shy, and she went straight into his arms.
Brent swept her out onto the dance floor. His mother had taught him how to dance at a young age, and the lessons had stayed with him. He smiled down at Melinda as he whirled her about.
Melinda knew Brent was watching her, and she batted her eyes at him flirtatiously. She was glad she'd worn her prettiest gown. She wanted to look her best for him. He didn't come to town that often, so she had to make good use of what little time they had together. Her secret plan for the evening was to get Brent alone, so she could steal a kiss. Of course, he had to think the kiss was his idea, but she would find a way to do it. She'd waited too long for this night to waste one minute of it.
Brent glanced away from Melinda for a moment to scan the faces of those looking on. He was hoping to spot his father, but saw no sign of him standing in the crowd. He looked beyond the dance area, and he caught sight of him heading off down the street in the direction of the Lone Star Saloon. Brent frowned.
"Is something wrong?" Melinda asked, noticing the change in his expression.
"No, everything's fine," he lied. He had no intention of sharing his concerns with her. What went on between him and his father was going to stay within the family. He turned his attention back to her.
Melinda was pleased to have his undivided attention again. She gave him a coquettish smile and allowed herself to simply enjoy being in his arms, for that was right where she wanted to be. This was going to be a wonderful night. She was sure of it.
"We've got some new entertainment tonight, boys," Babe told the men standing at the bar in the Lone Star Saloon as she came to join them.
"What kind of entertainment?" a cowboy named Joe asked the pretty dance-hall girl. He was more than ready and very willing to be entertained by the beautiful Babe. He had heard tell that she knew all kinds of exciting ways to please a man.
"We've hired a new singer to perform for you, and I think you're going to enjoy her."
"I'd rather enjoy you," Joe told her.
She gave him a throaty laugh. "Thank you for the compliment, Joe, honey. Let's talk later. Right now I want you all to welcome Miss Ruby."
The piano player started a tune, and they all turned to the small stage.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Crystal said as she came out onstage, smiling.
The men in the Lone Star took one look at the beautiful redhead in the red dress, and they immediately fell in love.
"Evenin', Miss Ruby," one drunken cowhand called back.
Crystal smiled and winked outrageously at the man. As she began to sing, they all fell even more completely under her spell.
Crystal looked as beautiful as ever, but she was close to exhaustion. The weeks since she'd fled San Antonio had been long and tense. She had hoped to start a whole new life for herself in the small town of San Miguel. Liking the look of the place, she'd gotten off the stage there, and had tried to continue the ruse of being a widow looking for employment, but no one in San Miguel would hire her.
Night after lonely night, she'd lain in bed in her room at the hotel, unable to sleep. Her thoughts had been haunted by the fear that Dan or the law would find her. To calm herself, she'd thought of Brent Hunter. She'd remembered how the handsome stranger had rescued her during the robbery, and she'd washed he would show up again and save her from the terror her life had become.
But Crystal knew that was just a young girl's fantasy-being rescued by a handsome knight. Crystal knew the truth about life. That night with Brent had been an aberration. If she was going to be saved, she would have to save herself.
When her funds ran dangerously low, Crystal packed up again and moved on-this time all the way to Diablo. She resigned herself to returning to work in a saloon. She took a room at the small boardinghouse in town, registering under the name of Ruby Morgan, and then set about changing her looks once again. The widow disappeared, to be replaced by Miss Ruby, a flame-haired seductress.
Crystal had been worried about how Anne Pals, the owner of the boardinghouse, would react to the change in her appearance. The first time Anne saw her with red hair she'd been startled, but had not questioned her. Crystal had been glad to find out Anne respected her boarders' privacy. Perhaps she'd found a safe haven in Diablo after all.
When Crystal approached Ken Gilbert, the owner of the Lone Star Saloon, he hired her right away. She made certain he understood her job was for entertainment only, and he had eagerly agreed after hearing her sing.
Even though she was relieved that her concerns about money were over for now, Crystal could not completely dismiss the possibility that someone might find her. Dan didn't forget when someone double-crossed him-and she was sure her brother believed she'd betrayed him. But worse than her worry about Dan was the thought that the law was after her. She hadn't seen one yet, but she realized there might even be a wanted poster out for her.
It took a major effort on her part not to give in to pure panic, but Crystal managed. She kept smiling and concentrated on her performance.
Jack entered the saloon and went straight to the bar. He noticed there was a pretty woman singing, but paid her no attention. All he wanted was a drink. He had been ten years without one, and that was way too long.
Everyone in the bar was intent on watching the woman's performance, and Jack was glad. He didn't want anyone paying attention to him. He just wanted to drink in peace. The barkeep
approached, and Jack was pleased that he did not recognize the man.
"Get you something?"
"Whiskey," Jack ordered.
"Coming right up." The bartender served him quickly.
Jack picked up the tumbler and studied the golden liquid for a long moment before taking a deep swallow. The whiskey was potent, and he relished its power. Soon, very soon, he would be feeling better.
"I could use a cool drink; what about you?" Melinda suggested to Brent when their dance ended.
Brent escorted her to the refreshment table and got them each a cup of punch.
"Thank you."
They enjoyed their drinks together.
"I wish I could see you more often," she said, gazing up at him adoringly.
"It's hard for me to get away from the ranch. Running the Half-Moon is a big responsibility."
"I know." She smiled. That big ranch was one of the reasons she wanted to marry him.
"Would you like to dance again?" he invited as another tune began.
"Of course. I love dancing with you."
Melinda went eagerly into his arms.
As they moved about the dance floor together, Brent saw Leroy again, and his thoughts were drawn back to his father. A part of Brent almost felt sorry for him, but he pushed that emotion away. It was going to be a while before he could deal with all the difficulties of having his father back home again after so many years away.
Brent wondered if Jack had gone to the saloon, as he suspected. If he had, there was no telling how drunk he'd get. He knew he would have to go check on him, but first he'd finish his dance with Melinda.
Edmund turned toward the table where Iona and Abby were sitting together, a slight distance away from the dance floor. He had left Iona there with a promise to return, but returning had been the farthest thing from his mind-until he saw Abby join her. He'd been trying to escape the company of his fellow deacons from the church ever since.
Edmund's gaze narrowed as he saw Dr. Gibbs approach Iona. He watched as the physician offered her his hand with a smile and then leaned toward her to study her with professional scrutiny. Edmund was ready when Dr. Gibbs looked his way, and he did not react to his angry, accusing gaze. When the doctor finally moved away and disappeared into the crowd after speaking with Iona and Abby for a few more moments, Edmund excused himself from his companions and went to join his wife.
"I'm glad you're back," Iona said when he sat down.
"I came as soon as I could." It wasn't a lie. He'd been trying ever since Abby had joined her.
Iona's smile was overly bright. "Abby has been keeping me company, but I missed you, you know. What have you been doing?"
"I'm sorry, dear. Some of the men asked my advice. I'm afraid the discussion lasted longer than I realized."
"It was good of you to help them, but..." Iona paused, then continued more softly, "I've been looking forward to dancing with you tonight."
Abby spoke for the first time, whispering, "Are you sure you want to dance, Iona?"
Attempting to stand with dignity, she replied, "Oh, yes, Abby. I'm sure."
Edmund managed a smile as he took Iona's hand and guided her out onto the dance floor. He couldn't remember the last time he'd enjoyed himself with his wife, and holding her up while she staggered through the dance was not his idea of a good time.
As they danced, Edmund realized disgustedly that Iona was beginning to sober up. At least when she was drunk it was easy to elude her. He would pay enough attention to her now to shut her up for a while, and then he was going to invite Abby to dance. He didn't know if she would accept, but just the thought of holding her close excited him.
"I think that's Jack Hunter at the bar," Seth Richards, one of the hands from the Bar W Ranch, told the other men sitting at the poker table as they listened to the new girl sing.
"Isn't he the one who-"
"That's him."
"They let him out already? Damn."
"Who's Jack Hunter?" another cowboy at the table asked.
Seth quickly explained about Jack's scandalous past. The other man eyed Jack suspiciously.
"I'm surprised he came back to Diablo."
"I imagine everybody in town is surprised by his return, but it ain't no surprise that he's here getting drunk. He was nothing but a drunk before, and it looks like he ain't changed any. If his coming home wasn't already the talk of the town, it will be after tonight."
The new singer began another song, and the men turned their attention back to her. Watching Miss Ruby was far more entertaining than watching the old drunk at the bar.
Jack drained his drink and signaled the bartender for another refill as he watched the pretty little entertainer. She was a talented girl, and he meant to tell her so once she was finished performing. He was very glad that he'd left the church dance. He was having a far better time here with his whiskey.
"Get me a bottle to take with me," Jack told the barkeep when he was filling his glass.
"How big?"
"Something I can carry in my coat pocket."
"Coming right up." The bartender brought him a good-sized flask of whiskey.
Jack smiled and put it in his pocket. So much for Brent's ordering him not to drink on the HalfMoon. It was his ranch, and he'd drink there if he wanted to.
Crystal finished her last song to rousing applause. In keeping with her usual friendly manner, she left the stage to greet everyone in the saloon. The cowboys gloried in her attention.
As she went from table to table talking to the men, Crystal noticed the older man standing at the bar. Something about him seemed vaguely familiar, although she was certain she'd never met him before.
"Good evening," Crystal said as she stopped before him.
"Miss Ruby, you sure have a pretty voice," Jack told her.
"Why, thank you, sir."
"I'm only speaking the truth," he assured her. "My name's Jack. Would you care to join me for a drink tonight?"
"I'd love to." Crystal looked at the bartender and ordered a sarsaparilla.
Jack was surprised. Usually the women who worked in saloons were heavy drinkers. "Why are you drinking that? Have some of the good stuff," he encouraged.
"Sarsaparilla is good stuff, for me," she answered. "I have to perform again a little later, and I don't want to risk not doing my best for my audience."
"You are a rare woman indeed, Miss Ruby," Jack said.
"I'll take that as a compliment, Jack." She beamed at him.
"That's what it was."
Crystal moved on to chat with the other customers. She wasn't sure why she'd felt drawn to the older man, but she had enjoyed talking with him.
Jack watched her go, and he was most impressed. She was pretty and talented, and she'd been kind to him, which was something that hadn't happened a lot since his return.
Edmund and Iona returned to the table where Abby was sitting alone.
"May I have the honor of the next dance, Abby?" he asked.
"I'm sorry. I don't dance."
"I could teach you."
"I'm perfectly happy sitting here with Iona."
Edmund studied her as boldly as he dared, keeping his expression carefully benign. He imagined himself touching her soft skin and running his hands through her dark hair. There were other things he wanted to do with her, too, but he put those lecherous thoughts from him-for now. Iona was already looking at him strangely, and he didn't want her to suspect the truth of what he was feeling for Abby.
Frustrated, Edmund silently cursed them both. He excused himself and left the two women, moving away from the crowd around the dance floor. He breathed deeply of the evening air as he struggled to control his anger. He was startled when Dr. Gibbs stepped out of the shadows before him.
"Iona is taking laudanum again, isn't she, Edmund?" he demanded accusingly. "I could see it in her eyes when I talked to her tonight. I warned you it was dangerous when I prescribed it for her. She was only supposed to use it temporarily, and now,
with her present problem, there's a risk-"
"Her present problem?" Edmund countered coldly.
Her drinking."
"Iona enjoys a glass of sherry now and then, but her drinking is controlled."
"Are you that naive?"
"Believe what you like," Edmund snapped back at him. "Iona asked me to find a way to get the medicine for her when you would no longer supply it. I found it was available through my contacts back east, so I complied with her request."
"But I told you-"
"I don't care what you told me. Iona is satisfied, and so am I."
"I'm warning you, Edmund-"
"Warning me?" A tight smile twisted his mouth. "What will- you do? Report me to the sheriff?"
Dr. Gibbs went pale at his words.
Edmund gave a short, confident laugh. "No, I don't think you'll be doing that."
Edmund turned his back on the silent doctor and moved off to rejoin the crowd.
"Are you having a good time, dear?" Iona asked Abby.
Abby wasn't enjoying herself at all, but she couldn't admit that to Iona. It was painful to watch all the girls her age dancing and having fun while she sat on the sidelines feeling miserable. She had never been included in their merriment, and she never expected to be.
The music has been lively," Abby said, hoping Iona would not notice that she'd sidestepped her question. "I believe Mr. Harding has improved his skills on the fiddle."
Iona nodded, and they sat in silence watching the festivities.
When Iona asked Edmund to dance again, Abby went to find Brent, She was aware that some of the people were staring at her and that some of the women were whispering to each other as she passed by, but she ignored them. She had more important things to worry about than what the folks in town thought about her.
"Where did Papa go?" Abby asked Brent.
"I have an idea, but I'm not sure," he responded.
"I don't understand. I thought he said he was going to stay here at the dance and visit with his old friends."
"That didn't work out, so I think he's renewing his acquaintance with some bottles of liquor down at the Lone Star. I'll go over there now to check on him. Will you be all right here by yourself for a little while?"