by DiAnn Mills
“What about you?”
“I’m fine. I—I want Pete’s killer found. He was a good man.”
“I understand, and I’ll do all I can to help.” He hesitated. “I’ll drive to Santa Fe tonight and make the report to the sheriff’s office.”
“Thank you.”
The moments until Rex returned with Eva’s rifle were spent in silence. He coaxed his thoughts into logic and reason. Every morning Pete went over the night’s happenings, and every afternoon Tahoma went over the day. Neither of them ever found reasons to suspect anyone of stalking Eva. But Pete was a private man. Although Tahoma called him a friend and the man hadn’t indicated any prejudice, perhaps he didn’t trust an Indian.
In the meantime, the ranch hands returned from the horse barn.
“He’s dead,” Juan said. “Sorry, Miss Charlotte. I hoped you wrong.”
“Me too,” she said.
Juan turned his attention to Tahoma. “I stay with women while you check on Pete.”
“Thanks. I’ll meet you at Charlotte’s house.”
Tahoma and Rex walked to the horse barn. Answers. If only he could find answers.
“You two were friends.” Rex’s statement was more of a question. “I saw you together almost every day.”
Who else had seen him with Pete? Their meetings weren’t hidden. “He had some health problems.”
“Not now, Tahoma. He ain’t feelin’ no pain.”
“You hear a lot of talk. Any of the men mention having a problem with him?”
“Naw. He stayed to himself and did more than his share of work. A little green, though. But his home was in New York. Can’t expect a man to learn much about ranchin’ up there.”
“Guess not.”
“But he caught on fast. Smart man.”
“I think he was educated. Probably couldn’t find work with the depression.”
“Wonder why no one heard the gunfire?” Rex said.
Tahoma questioned the same thing. He had a suspect, but he’d best keep it to himself without proof. “Another good question,” Tahoma said. “Makes me think he was shot and brought here.”
“Wouldn’t someone have seen him?”
Tahoma’s mind continued to twist and turn. The killer could be someone on the ranch.
“I’ve known you long enough to realize when you don’t say some-thin’, it’s because you’re thinkin’ on it,” Rex said. “So let me say it for you. Looks like Pete’s killer was probably a man we call by name.”
“Maybe. Do you know something I don’t?”
“No. But it makes me a little nervous that a killer could be workin’ alongside me.” Rex picked up the lantern and struck a match to his boot heel then lit the wick. Late afternoon had turned into evening. After sliding open the barn door, he handed the lantern to Tahoma, and they walked back to the stall.
Tahoma bent to examine Pete’s body. A bullet had entered his forehead. Probably a crack shot. And rigor mortis had set in throughout his arms and legs. He touched Pete’s neck and arm and noted that his body had cooled to the temperature of the barn.
“How long do you think he’s been dead?” Rex said.
“More than twelve hours but less than twenty-four.”
Rex knelt beside him. “I imagine the body needs to be taken to Santa Fe.”
“I’ll take him.” Tahoma stood and did another mental check on the body. “I’ll get my truck and wrap his body in a blanket.”
“A couple of us will help you.”
Tahoma took in the surroundings to see if there were signs of a struggle. Nothing caught his attention. His scrutiny led him to the pathway leading to the barn door and a splotch of blood that stained a piece of straw. He knelt to see if there were more. Picking up a stick, he feathered the straw and found more red drops.
“His killer brought his body inside.” Tahoma pointed to the blood. “He was smart enough to cover up the blood.”
“But how did he get here without folks noticing? One of us is in and out of this barn all day long.”
Tahoma searched every section of the barn to make sure the body had been taken in through the door and back to the stall. “His body could have been dumped here during supper. But his killer had to know Pete’s horse’s stall.”
“Which tells us that the man works here. I’m tryin’ to think who wasn’t at supper.”
Tahoma recognized a good man when he saw one. “If you could find out before I leave for Santa Fe, that would help the sheriff’s investigation.”
“You might want to talk to Juan. That Mexican doesn’t miss a thing.”
“I will.”
“I need to tell you somethin’.” Rex scratched his whiskered jaw and joined Tahoma in the middle of the barn. “Not sure how to do it.” His voice quieted.
Tahoma studied the weathered man’s face. “You have an idea who did this?”
He shook his head. “Pete told me what he’d been doing. Asked me to keep an eye on the other men. Thought one of them was bent on killing Miss Eva.”
Tahoma listened, being careful to mask his reactions. “I appreciate your telling me this.”
“There’s more.” He stared at Tahoma for several seconds. “He told me you and your father guarded her by day. Now, I don’t know why anyone would want to see Miss Eva dead, or how you and Nascha are involved, but I’m in this with both feet.”
“What are you saying?”
“Let me take over for Pete. No one would suspect a toothless old man. Why, I can’t talk good either. But I got good eyes and my hearing’s sharp.”
Rex made good sense. Still— “Why would you want to get involved in something that could get you killed?”
“I liked Pete, and I like Miss Charlotte and Miss Eva. I owe both those ladies for savin’ my life. Now it’s my turn. Good people shouldn’t have to fear for their lives. Miss Charlotte’s mourning for Pete, and she watches over Miss Eva like an old nesting hen.”
“I’ll see about getting you paid for the trouble.”
“Don’t want nuthin’. It’s my way of givin’ back to those who helped me live a few more days.”
“You’re sure?”
Rex nodded. Tahoma shook the man’s hand. “Be careful.”
“I will. The good Lord’s on our side, and He’ll watch our backs.”
“That He will. Let’s check on the women. Charlotte was going to write a note for the sheriff.”
They ventured out into the cold and on to Charlotte’s home. Juan sat in a rocking chair on the front porch with his rifle across his lap.
“Thanks for keeping an eye on the women,” Tahoma said. “Did you miss anyone at supper besides Pete?”
Juan shook his head. “Everyone was there. I count them.”
“If you think of anything that could help us figure out who killed Pete, would you let me know?”
“Sure, Doc Tahoma. Pete a good man. Work hard.”
Tahoma grasped his hand and watched the foreman walk toward the bunkhouse. He knocked on the door and Charlotte answered. She handed him a folded piece of paper.
“This will help explain what happened,” she said.
He understood the sheriff would not trust an Indian bringing in a dead white man. “Thanks. I’ll ride back to get my truck.”
“Tahoma.” Eva appeared in the doorway. “I’m going with you to Santa Fe.”
CHAPTER 26
I saw the disapproval on Tahoma’s face when I announced my intention to accompany him to Santa Fe. But I would not be deterred. Even if he was a doctor, Tahoma would be suspected of murder, and I would not allow that to happen.
“Why, Eva?” His tone was kind, but I heard the chiding.
I moistened my lips and did my best to control the trembling. “I need to tell the sheriff about Pete’s real responsibilities here. I also need to call Mr. Murdock and tell him about Pete’s death. Other things are important too. Did Pete have family, and what I can do for them? For my own peace of mind, I have to be sure he re
ceives a proper burial.”
“That’s all good and noble, but what you’re asking is dangerous. We could be followed, and you know how desolate the road is. If we were attacked, our bodies wouldn’t be found for days.”
“You’re not scaring me from going with you. I could be shot stepping out of my cabin. I could be poisoned during breakfast or supper. A few times the cook’s meals have bordered on that.” When he didn’t respond to my attempt at humor, I found the strength to continue. “I won’t live in a self-induced prison until this madman is found.” I lifted my chin. “I’m ready to leave when you are.”
“There’s more information that you should know.” He glanced at Rex. “Looks like whoever killed Pete is here at the ranch, one of the hands.”
Charlotte gasped and touched her heart. I feared this stalwart woman might faint. “You’re right. When I think about where I found him, his killer has to be among us.”
“Then I’m safer with you than here,” I said. “Mr. Murdock will need to appoint someone immediately because—”
“Miss Eva,” Rex said. “Pete told me why he was working here, and I asked Tahoma if I could take over. No one would ever suspect the likes of me snoopin’ around. And I can guard you at night like Pete. I’m sure your friend in New York will want a man more qualified, but until then, I can help.”
I swallowed my tears. “Rex, I don’t want you hurt too. I refuse to see anyone else wounded or killed on my behalf.”
He grinned a toothless smile, one probably meant to reassure me. My stomach had knotted with the tragedy, and as brave as I wanted to sound, I feared I might become ill.
“I’m your man, Miss Eva.” Rex crossed his arms over his chest. “Most of the men don’t think I have enough sense to stay out of the rain. Do you want me to go with ya to Santa Fe or stay put?”
“I’d rather both of you stay here.” Tahoma’s determined glare should have shaken me. Apparently he hadn’t figured out that I was a stubborn woman.
“I’m going.” I stood as tall as I could. “I’ll be waiting when you return with your truck.”
Tahoma’s eyes narrowed, and I turned away. “Then, Rex, keep an eye on things while we’re gone. You’ve got the easier job.”
I started to say something flippant but changed my mind. Arguing with Tahoma made no sense.
Two hours later, with night claiming the earth, I climbed into Tahoma’s truck. Familiar smells that were only his didn’t comfort me. Grief had touched the depths of my soul. Pete’s body lay in the back, and every time we hit a hole, I ached for his ultimate sacrifice given to keep me safe. I’d made it through Grandfather’s death, and I could make it through Pete’s murder. I recalled Tahoma saying I was stronger than I thought. His words were definitely being tested tonight.
From the silence, I could tell Tahoma wasn’t pleased with my company.
“Don’t you understand that I have to talk to Mr. Murdock about this—this conspiracy? And I’m not a fool about your bringing in Pete’s body. The sheriff would suspect and probably arrest you. I think you need me as a witness and an alibi.”
He kept his attention on the road.
“Tahoma, please talk to me.”
He turned toward me then back to the road. “I’m concerned that we might get ambushed along the way.”
“I’d rather die fighting than hear you were killed while I slept in a warm cabin.” I punched every word.
“Very brave talk.”
His words stung. “Excuse me. I’m doing my best to be strong.” Then I remembered Walt Chambers and how I’d believed every word he’d said, and that he could have killed Pete.
“Eva, I have no idea of the emotions you’re feeling. But we both lost a friend tonight. I want to honor him by keeping you from the killer.” Tahoma’s gentle words nearly made me cry. He had a way about him that made me feel emotions so fiercely that I struggled to be a proper lady. Finishing school had not taught me how to manage Tahoma Benally.
“I could be of help if we’re attacked.”
“You’ve done a fine job at learning how to hit a target. But what about a man?”
“If a killer came after you, I’d blow his brains out.”
Tahoma chuckled. “So now you’re my bodyguard?”
“Yes sir.”
“And what happened to your hundred-dollar words?”
“I spent them.”
He laughed. Humor would help us make the drive to Santa Fe and endure the tragedy of losing a dear friend.
“Oh, my dear lady, you’re full of surprises.”
I loved the tender side of him. “Is that so bad?”
He palmed his hand on the steering wheel. “We’re from two different worlds. We’d grow to resent each other.”
The darkness made it much easier to express my heart. “We don’t have to live in separate worlds.”
“I’d never fit into yours.”
What we weren’t saying screamed louder than our conversation. “You’re an educated man. Of course you’d fit.”
“I tried that once in Chicago. I was an outsider.”
My thoughts were racing faster than logic, but I had to keep going. “I’d help you.”
“A man doesn’t want a woman to help him. A man wants to stand on his own merit and take care of the woman he…”
What had he not said? “Is it your pride or your culture?”
“Both.”
I wanted to reach out and touch his face, tell him of my fragile feelings. See if there was a way for us to be together. But I understood the hollow sound of a fairy tale. No one lived happily ever after. Not my parents, not Grandfather, not Pete.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so bold.” I took a deep breath to calm my pounding heart. “I won’t speak of such things again.”
He wiped the dash with his hand, and I wanted to crawl under the truck seat. Humiliation flooded my cheeks. How could I ever talk to him again? My attention should be focused on the horrible murder of the evening, not on selfish whims that held no more merit than water running through a sieve.
Tahoma sat in the sheriff’s office in Santa Fe with Eva and listened to her explain why they’d brought a body to him. She relayed Pete’s role as a bodyguard at night and Tahoma’s role during the day. As Tahoma expected, the sheriff had not addressed him except for hardened condescension. The sheriff frowned and wrote down the information about Pete and Mr. Murdock. Andrew Fortier would be proud of his courageous daughter.
“Mr. Murdock will give you the needed information to help you find Mr. Davidson’s family and possibly his killer,” she said.
“Why can’t you tell me about this Murdock fellow?” The sheriff, a balding man with a round belly, had not reacted kindly to Tahoma and Eva bringing him a body in the middle of the night, especially when the man had a bullet in his head.
“Sir, I don’t know the facts. All I know is Mr. Murdock, my attorney, directed Pete Davidson to seek employment at Ghost Ranch and keep me safe from a killer.”
The sheriff broke the lead on his pencil and swore. “I need more information.”
“I witnessed a murder in Syracuse, New York.” Eva took a deep breath. “And the killer missed his opportunity to commit a perfect crime. Obviously he’s followed me to Ghost Ranch. There’s a man whom you might need to question, Walt Chambers. He could have information about the killer.”
“Never heard of the man. How am I to know you aren’t lying?”
“Why ever would I do that, Sheriff, and then give you a prominent New York lawyer’s name to verify my statement? The poor man outside has family who need to know about his demise, and you are the law enforcement officer who can make this happen expediently.”
Tahoma looked away to keep from chuckling. She had a way of putting a man in his place even if the man wasn’t smart enough to recognize it.
She pointed to a completed form in the sheriff’s hand. “I strongly suggest we contact Mr. Murdock now. If you don’t mind, I’d like to place
the call from here.”
“Won’t he be in bed?”
“Yes sir. But he is like family to me. He’ll want to hear from me about this tragedy. I can pay for the call.”
The sheriff yawned and pointed at Tahoma. “Is this your driver?”
Tahoma saw a hint of indignation pass over her face. If only… He stuck out his hand to the sheriff, but the man didn’t take it. When would the whites realize that beneath a man’s skin, everyone looked the same? “Dr. Tahoma Benally.”
“I’ve heard of you.” He hesitated then shook Tahoma’s hand. Would the prejudice ever end?
“Sir, may I use your telephone?” Eva rose from her chair across from the sheriff’s desk.
The sheriff rubbed his jaw. Slowly he moved and gestured toward his chair. In a few minutes, she had James Murdock on the phone.
“Mr. Murdock, this is Eva. I— Yes, I’m fine. I have some bad news. Pete Davidson was found murdered tonight at Ghost Ranch.”
She stared into Tahoma’s face, her eyes moistened. “He’s all right. In fact, he’s with me. I rode with him to bring Pete’s body to the sheriff in Santa Fe.”
She nodded and glanced at Tahoma. “His father told me everything. I wrote you a letter inquiring about the Benally men, but you can disregard it. I have the answers. Yes sir.” She handed the phone to the sheriff. “He’d like to talk to you.”
Before the conversation with Mr. Murdock was complete, the sheriff had calmed. He handed the receiver to Tahoma. “Dr. Benally, he’d like to discuss the situation with you.”
Tahoma explained the circumstances around Pete’s death and the suspicion that one of the ranch hands had committed the murder. The sheriff continued to write as Tahoma spoke.
Murdock sounded alert. “Pete mentioned Rex to me. Let him help, and I’ll get another man out there as soon as I can find one who’s qualified.”
“I’ll keep you informed,” Tahoma said.
“How’s Eva holding up?”
He glanced at her. Tired lines formed around her eyes. He’d urge her to sleep on the way back to the ranch. “She’s doing well, considering. You’d be proud of the way she’s adapted to ranch life.”