by DiAnn Mills
Bert startled. “Are you sure?”
“I am,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. “I’d like it even more if you’d write Wirt and me a special song.”
Bert had already been forming words for a song ever since she learned the two planned to marry at Thanksgiving. “All right, since I have a few months to work on it.”
“Oh, a song from you would be a wonderful gift.” Leah giggled, reminding Bert of a schoolgirl. “Unless you and John want to make this a double wedding.”
“Leah!”
Leah’s eyes widened, accenting her freckles. “Don’t tell me you and John haven’t talked about marriage.”
“He’s not asked. We … we haven’t gotten to that point.”
“Mind you, he’s thinking about it. Knowing John, he’ll want a house built and a garden dug and a barn raised, then expect you to say ‘yes’ without hesitation.”
Bert raised her chin and nodded. “You’re probably right.”
Leah tossed the jeans into a barrel of rinse water. “I still like the idea of a double wedding at Thanksgiving.” She picked up one of Davis’s shirts. “Wirt said he had a surprise for me. Wouldn’t say what or when.”
“Knowing Mr. Zimmerman, he’s probably got a half dozen orphan kids on their way here, all of them dirty, hungry, and crying for a mama.”
“Merciful beans and cornbread, Ember. We have fallen in love with two men who’ll make sure we never have a dull moment.”
Ember Rose Timmons. The name had a pretty ring. John hadn’t asked her officially, but he’d said he wanted her in his future. And he loved her. And he never said anything he didn’t mean.
She felt like a princess in a child’s story.
CHAPTER 50
On Thursday evening, John sat near the middle of the crowded church between Bob and Wirt, and Mama sat on the other side of Wirt. Victor Oberlander had called a town meeting about the cattle rustlers and killings. Only the church could hold that many men and women.
John figured Oberlander planned to point out the inability of the local law and a US Marshal to find the culprits and protect the ranchers. Curiosity had drawn John here. The other folks were likely here for the same reason.
Mixed into the crowd were a few storekeepers and business owners. Rocky Falls hadn’t grown as much as other towns, but John believed their isolated status would change once the narrow-gauge railroad line grew to a standard gauge. Timber and the stone quarries were bound to draw the attention of huge railroad conglomerates who had roared through from the east, developing areas and providing jobs wherever they laid down track. All of this confirmed the town’s need of a lawyer … possibly a future position for John.
Oberlander slowly walked to the front of the church, his boots tapping along the wooden floor. The man had sat in the back, and John figured his march down the aisle was so everyone would take note that the largest landowner in the area had come to address them. The move accentuated the man’s pride—something John disagreed with. Even if half of Colorado belonged to John, he’d still remember who’d provided it for him and not have people look up to him like he was a god.
Oberlander stood behind Preacher Waller’s pulpit bearing the commanding stance of a military leader. “Folks, I want to thank you for coming out tonight. I won’t take up much of your time. We’ve had trouble in our area, and although our marshal and deputy along with a US Marshal have worked hard and caught one of the lawbreakers, more are still on the loose. This meeting is not about our lawmen, because I think they’re doing a fine job. This meeting is about how I can help some of you who are struggling with loss of livestock.”
He took a step down from the raised pulpit and unbuttoned his coat. “We’re a community, and although I’ve had my losses, it’s a drop compared to the devastation some of you have experienced. The idea of a man worrying about keeping his land or putting food in his children’s bellies doesn’t sit well with me. That’s not how a Christian man is supposed to live.”
John maintained a stoic composure. He chose not to look at Bob or Wirt beside him. Oberlander was laying the groundwork for something sure to benefit himself.
“All of my ranch hands have been ordered to shoot anyone who rides across our land. I’m sorry if some of you take my measures personal, but I’m not losing one more cow or horse to a thief. If you have business with me, come to the house. I won’t be held responsible otherwise.”
He paused and looked out into the crowd. “A few of you have indicated your losses have ruined you financially, and I hate to hear some of you have chosen to leave our area. I’d like to help in one of two ways. I can offer you cash loans with the same interest rate as a bank, even sell you some cattle, or I can buy you out at a fair market price.”
John’s insides twisted. At this rate, Oberlander would end up owning most of the land around Rocky Falls. A hard and devious man preyed on those who were down on their luck. He paused in his thinking. Perhaps he hadn’t given Oberlander a chance. Maybe the man meant well.
But the longer he observed Oberlander and his pompous ways, the more something didn’t sit right with him.
I know I’m right. I just need to find a way to prove it.
Some folks might think Oberlander’s offer was an answer to prayer—a way for them to start all over again, whether they chose here or somewhere else. But not John. And the longer the cattle baron talked about hard times and opportunities closer to Denver where the law could keep their families and property safe, the more his mind swayed toward what he felt in his gut.
After the meeting, several men and women crowded around Oberlander. He joked and complimented the women like a politician who was only interested in votes and not the real problems and concerns of the people. John had never seen this type of behavior in his Uncle Parker, and it sent a ripple of doubt through him about every good and decent thing Oberlander had ever done.
John left the church with Bob, Wirt, and Mama. No one said a word until they reached the road.
“I could use some coffee and pie from the hotel,” John said. “Haven’t seen Bess in a while either.”
Bob chuckled. “I have a few ideas about why this meetin’ was called too. What about you, Wirt?”
“Let me form my thoughts before I say anything.”
Mama remained quiet as the group made their way toward the hotel. John wished Ember was walking beside him. But she’d stayed at the 5T where she’d be safe.
At the hotel, they talked to Bess and ordered pie and coffee. John studied Bob’s and Wirt’s faces. He hesitated to speak his mind without evidence.
“John, something’s eating you,” Bob said. “I want to hear it.”
John leaned in closer. “Oberlander offered me a generous price for the ranch.” He nodded at Wirt. “Anyway, I turned him down. But his interest in the ranch after I’d just purchased acreage from him got me to thinking. Then I learned a few things from Ember about Simon.” He shook his head. “Is it me, or does it seem suspicious that Oberlander suddenly has a generous heart?”
Bess returned with cups and a fresh pot of coffee. “Here, now I won’t be bothering you folks by filling cups. Your pie comes next.”
John smiled up at Bess and watched her swish back to the kitchen while he waited for one of the others to comment.
“I heard in Denver the railroad will be expanding out here more than what the folks here have seen.” Wirt lifted the steamy brew to his lips.
“Is that so?” Bob said, barely above a whisper. “Are you saying my partial homestead will be worth a lot more money than it is now?” Sarcasm topped his words.
Mama gasped and touched her lips. “Are you men suggesting Mr. Oberlander is taking advantage of these people?”
John leaned back in his chair and juggled the thoughts burning into his mind. “What if he is behind all the cattle rustlin’ and murder?”
Bob shook his head. “I don’t think so, John. You’re climbing your own mountain with this one. I wouldn’t put it past hi
m to buy up land so he can make a fistful of money when the railroad brings more business to Rocky Falls. And I’ve heard rumors that more gold ore’s been discovered. But Victor Oberlander is not a killer.”
“I have to agree,” Wirt said. “Look at what happened to his mare. And he had more cattle stolen than the other ranchers, and …”
“My point,” John said. “Does it matter how many of his cattle were rustled or his mare stolen if he knew where they were?”
“But not murder,” Bob said. “He may be a horse’s a — “ He glanced at Mama.
“John, you’re wrong,” she said. “Not murder. Why, he’s been in church ever since he moved here.”
“What if,” John began, “he was trying to court you to get his hands on our ranch?”
Bess approached them with a tray of pie slices.
“Think about it.” John reached up to take a generous slice of custard pie from Bess’s tray. If he was wrong, he’d gladly concede to Bob, Wirt, and Mama. But if he was right, then all the problems, questions, and suspicions made sense.
“What did Ember tell you about Simon?” Wirt sliced his fork into the pie and popped it into his mouth.
“He made two trips here. One was business and when he returned from the second trip, he rode Oberlander’s mare. He told Ember the horse was a gift.”
Wirt studied a second bite on his fork. “And what are you thinking?”
“I’m only relaying what she told me.” John needed to find proof for what he guessed those sharing pie and coffee with him would call folly.
Over three weeks passed, and school started for Aaron, Mark, and Davis. Evan would be leaving at the end of the week for Fort Collins to begin his studies. Bert scattered feed around the barnyard and watched the chickens flock around her skirts. A chilling wind that matched her mood made her wish she had her shawl. The last of September should not be chilly, and she realized the cold inside her was from the unrest in the community. The mountains were alive with color. The deep reds and golds and oranges held their own beauty, even though they’d be covered in snow in short order.
Her attention swung to the road. She longed for John to return home from town. He said he had business, but she assumed it had to do with his worries. The past few days had worn on all of them. The cattle rustlers were like ghosts who herded up cattle and caused them to disappear. More ranchers had reported stolen cattle. One rancher’s barn burned to the ground. Poor John. He seldom slept, and he frowned more than he smiled.
Leah fretted about him too, and when the boys left for school each morning, the quiet gave both of them more time to think … and worry … and pray. John tried to be friendly, but Bert understood him enough to know he’d not rest until justice was served.
As though her wishes for John to return had been a prayer, she saw him riding in with another man who wore a black duster. Finished with feeding the chickens, she left them alone to pick at the corn. An instant later, Leah burst through the door and down the steps, waving and laughing at the same time.
“Parker Timmons, how dare you not let me know you were coming!” she said to the man who jumped from the saddle and caught Leah by the waist.
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“And where is Sage?”
“Mornings aren’t agreeing with her.”
Leah laughed again. “And will this one be another boy?”
“I wanted eight girls, and so far I have two boys who are as ornery as I ever was.”
“Serves you right.” Leah whirled around to Bert. “I’m forgetting my manners. Parker, this is Ember Farrar.”
He reached out and took her hand. The moment he faced her, Bert saw the startling resemblance between him and John. The same blue eyes that rivaled the sky sparkled back at her. The same broad shoulders too, and the way they leaned on their right leg. “So this is the woman who has stolen John’s heart. I can see why.”
She felt herself grow warm and glanced at John, who slid his hand around her waist. “And I’ve heard much about you—all wonderful,” she managed.
Leah wagged her finger at John. “Why didn’t you tell me Parker was coming?”
“Just like he said—a surprise.”
Leah’s eyes narrowed. “This is all about the trouble we’re having, isn’t it?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And your ridiculous suspicions?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“John’s filled me in on what’s been happening. And Wirt and I spent time together when he was in Denver. I’ve been doing some digging on my own. So we’ll see what turns up.”
“You and John are so much alike. You deserve each other for a few days. But the rest of us will enjoy your time here in the evenings.”
Bert peered up at John. He’s already told his uncle about me? He does love me. He truly does.
As though reading her thoughts, his hand tightened around her waist. I love you too. She sensed his determination to end the law breaking, as he exchanged glances with his uncle. Hope rose in her too.
With Parker Timmons here, the mystery of who was behind the crimes of Rocky Falls would soon be over.
CHAPTER 51
John and Parker rode into Rocky Falls. The chill of autumn seemed to give their horses an extra lift in their step, and the gold and scarlet leaves added a splash of color to the landscape. The trees had turned early this year, and he assumed everyone was in for a hard winter.
John’s gaze lifted to the mountains. He never grew tired of their splendor or feeling powerless when peering up at them. The Indians revered them as sacred. Some folks claimed they were God’s throne. John viewed them as majestic proof of God’s hand in creating the world, and like all of nature around him, he respected the lofty peaks.
“Tell me what you’ve learned about what’s going on,” John said. “Curiosity is eating at me.”
Parker laughed, the familiar rumble that John missed. Oh, how he ached for the days when Parker and Sage had lived in Rocky Falls. “If Victor Oberlander is a friend, you’re going to be disappointed.”
“The man has a temper, and in my opinion he’d do whatever it takes to get a job done.”
“Tell me what you’ve experienced. Hard to read between the lines in a telegram. He’s expanded considerably since I lived here, and he’s ambitious. Never had a problem with him. Seemed congenial and interested in growing the community.”
John considered his words before speaking. “He’s the largest rancher in the area, which makes him the wealthiest. He’s offered advice to me on several occasions. In fact, he’s gone out of his way to treat me well. But that was before Wirt started courtin’ Mama.”
“He was interested in Leah?”
“Oh, yeah. Like a backwoods fool, I didn’t take note of it for a long time.”
“Sounds like you believe his befriending you was due to his interest in your ma.”
“I do. And a few other things too, which I mentioned earlier.”
Parker pulled in the reins of his horse, and John did the same. “I think you’re right.”
John nodded. “Makes sense, doesn’t it?”
“Especially with what I learned. Rocky Falls is on target to grow, bringing business folks from all over. Land prices are going to jump.”
“When I think of all that’s happened, it makes me mad enough to ride over there and confront him. But I don’t have anything to go on but the feeling in my gut.”
Parker urged his horse on. “Can’t fault a man for buying up land. We’ve got to catch him negotiating.”
“Nice way to say hirin’ a gun. Did you have any luck with Simon?”
“He refuses to talk. Most likely his brothers are still working for whoever’s behind this.”
“When I asked Ember about the trip she made here with her brothers nearly two years ago, she said Simon claimed to have business with a man living in this area. No name. Then Simon made a trip back alone. That’s when he returned riding Oberlander’s mare. He said the owner
gave him the horse. I mentioned this to Wirt and Bob, but neither of them thought it was reason to suspect him.”
Parker nodded. “I’d like to pay the Wide O a social call once we finish in Rocky Falls. Nothing like saying hello to an old friend. You know, most folks would think Simon Farrar meant he stole the mare, but you and I think differently.”
“I wonder if Oberlander gave him the horse to seal the deal and make himself look innocent. It would also pave the way for what would happen to other ranchers by being the first victim. And—” John hesitated.
“Speak your mind.”
John thought a minute longer. “My other thought is Simon did steal the horse to make sure Oberlander kept his side of the bargain.”
Parker grinned. “A man who thinks like me. But we still have to prove it.”
“Wirt may have a few ideas. Now that you think I may be on to something, he and Bob might listen.”
“They didn’t always agree with me either.”
“It’s the Timmons in us.” A memory of his Uncle Parker’s trials and triumphs flashed in his mind. “I’ve thought of keeping a vigil on the Wide O. Might have to dodge his ranch hands since all of them have orders to shoot trespassers on sight.”
“Could be a long process.”
“If we can—”
“We?”
John ignored the sarcasm. “As I said, if we can get Bob and Wirt to help, the job wouldn’t be so taxing on a single man.”
“Single as in one man doing all the work, or single as in a man who’d rather be spending his time courtin'?”
“Does Sage take this from you?”
“What do you think?”
“You probably give her no choice. But she does have her pet hawk to protect her.”
Parker laughed. “That’s exactly why I’ve been storing it all up for you.”
“You can spread it out among my brothers.”
“Oh, I will. Are you reading the law books I sent?”
“Reread a few of them. Another topic I want to discuss with you.”
“And here I thought you wanted to invite me and my family to another wedding.”