“What if we can’t fight that will, Jessie? What if the law sides with them?”
“They can’t battle us from prison, Gran. I have that evidence, so I’m going to call their bluff. I’ll send word we have proof against them and they had better not threaten me or challenge me again! I’ll even blackmail them if I have to. We don’t know if they’re telling the truth about wills and inheritances. I’ll let them know I’ve already seen the Sheriff, and I’ll fight them in court. I’ll claim I have all of their old letters to Wilbur and have his incriminating journal. That should scare them. I’ll threaten them with a scandal and imprisonment.”
Martha’s blue eyes widened. Her face paled. “That’s too dangerous, child. They might come after you. Wait until Matt returns.”
Jessie frowned in dismay. “I was going to, Gran, but that’s months away. I have to act fast. I don’t want them coming here and starting another battle while we’re low on men. I have to protect you and Tom and the ranch, not to mention the baby. If I notify the governor, Army, the Rangers, the U. S. marshal, and a lawyer and tell them I’ve done so, that should at least frighten them into holding off for a while. Hopefully for good.”
“Send a letter or telegram to Matt. He’ll get it when lie reaches Dodge.”
“No, Gran; that’ll only worry him. Being so far away and hearing we’ve been in danger for months will frighten him. And there’s nothing he can do from there. He’ll blame himself for us being in danger. It’ll be two months before he’s home, and the Fletchers are almost knocking at our door.”
“You think we should move into town until he’s back?”
“No, Gran; nobody is going to force me off my land or out of my home. If we run scared, they’ll smell it and pursue us. We take a stand and don’t budge.”
Martha clasped the redhead’s hands in hers and confessed, “I’m afraid for you and the baby, child, and for Tom. I’m an old woman. I’ve lived along and good life. My safety doesn’t matter. What if they hurt you? These are violent and desperate men, Jessie.”
“I know, Gran. But we took a stand against Wilbur and won, and we’ll do the same with his brothers. Lane blood and spirit run in my body; I’m no quitter or coward. After they’re exposed, we’ll be safe. Don’t worry.”
Jessie met with the foreman and hands. She explained the new predicament. She handed Rusty the letters to the authorities she had mentioned to her grandmother, a terse letter to her treacherous sister, and a bold one to the Fletchers. “These will put our daring plan-into motion, Rusty. I pray they work. You men stay on full alert, but don’t take any chances.”
Jessie returned to the house and related the trouble to Tom and Annie. “I think we’ll be safe, but keep your eyes and ears open. Annie, if you want to go into town for a while, I’ll pay your expenses there until it’s safe to return. You weren’t part of this trouble and I can’t ask you to risk your life for us.”
“I’m staying here, Jessie. All of you are more of a family to me than my parents ever were. If those buzzards come, we’ll show them how women clip wings.”
“I think you should stay in the house with us. We’ll put up a cot in the extra room upstairs. I don’t want you out there alone.”
Over two weeks passed without trouble. Jessie, Gran, and Annie occupied themselves making clothes for the baby and working on Jessie’s garments, as she had told the girl about her pregnancy and let Annie think the child was Matt’s. She did not give any details about her due date, but she knew Annie would realize how far along she was in a few weeks.
Jessie knew her letters had reached the Fletchers and the authorities by now, and she wondered what was happening.
It was five weeks since Matt left home, and she was anxious for his return. She prayed for his safety on the trail, and she missed him. Some nights she found her hand stroking his side of their bed, and she wished he were lying there in his arms. It was strange, but she thought and dreamed about him more now than Navarro.
Yet a few times she had allowed herself to think and worry about the desperado. She hated to think of him alone, bitter, and in danger. There had been moments when she was tempted to write the Arizona governor to see if she could help exonerate him. Each time she warned herself it was too risky. It could stir up new interest and a search for him. She could be the reason he was captured and hanged. It might bring the authorities to her ranch.
Navarro had told her that day at the windmill she needed a man raised as she was, a rancher. He had pointed out Matt’s love for her several times. Had he knowingly pushed for this union? Navarro had said, “Be strong and never look back,” so how could he blame her for believing and obeying him? His failure to return or write had proven she had made the right—the only—choice.
Tuesday, October seventeenth, a rider approached the house with Rusty. Jessie walked outside to see who it was and what he wanted. Her heart pounded in dread.
Chapter Twenty-one
Jessica Cordell studied the stranger. It was obvious to her that he was not a horseman from the awkward way he sat the saddle and dismounted. His neat brown suit and white shirt suggested he was a businessman. His looked aggravated and uncomfortable. As he straightened his clothes, dusted himself off, and walked toward her, she read arrogance and purpose in his gaze and stride. The Fletcherss’ lawyer? she posited.
Rusty accompanied him to Jessie and said, “I found him heading this way, so I rode in with him. Says he’s here to fetch Annie.”
“That’s right. Where is she? I’ve come a long way and I’m in a hurry.”
Jessie took an instant dislike to the impatient and unfriendly man. There was something about him that made her uneasy. “Who are you, sir?”
“I’m Jubal Starns from El Paso. I’ve come to fetch her home. Call her out.”
It was the hotel owner who had given Annie a hard time. “Home, Mr. Starns? Annie is home; she lives here with us.”
“I assume you’re Mrs. Cordell?”
“That’s right. How can I help you?”
“You can’t. I’m here to speak with Annie and take her back to El Paso.”
“Annie didn’t like El Paso, Mr. Starns; that’s why she moved here. I’m sure she has no intention of leaving her new home with us.”
“That’s not for you to say, Mrs. Cordell. Call her out,” he demanded.
“Everyone on this ranch is my responsibility, sir. She doesn’t want to see you.”
“That’s none of your business, woman. I insist you not interfere.”
“I’m afraid it is my business. I know why Annie left El Paso and your employ. I’m positive she doesn’t want to see you or speak with you again, and I agree with her. You should leave. I don’t like your manner.”
Starns glared at Jessie. “I’ll discuss this with your husband.”
“He’s away on business. However, I am the owner of this ranch, not him, so you’ll have to deal with me. Annie isn’t leaving here with the likes of you.”
He puffed with anger and his eyes narrowed. “You can’t keep her prisoner here. I’ll fetch the law if necessary. You can’t keep me from my fiancee.”
“I’m not your fiancée!” Annie shrieked from the doorway and joined them.
The man turned to face her. “You promised to marry me, girl, after my wife died. I buried her two weeks past. You have to keep your word to me. Get your things and let’s go. I’ll buy a horse for you to use. The folks in town told me I couldn’t make this ride ina carriage.”
“While your wife was dying, you asked me to marry you, but I didn’t accept. I never will. I hate you, Mr. Starns. And you know why.”
“Don’t be airing our private affairs before strangers, girl,” he warned.
“I know all about you, Mr. Starns. Annie told me,” Jessie informed him. More anger and now embarrassment colored his expression. “Rusty, show Mr. Starns the way back to town.”
“I’m not leaving without her,” Jubal announced coldly.
“Yes, you are,” Jess
ie stated.
“If you don’t come, Annie, you’ll leave me no choice but to put the law on you. I don’t want to do that, girl, but I will.”
That threat infuriated Jessie. “For what reason?” she asked.
“Annie knows” was his reply as he stared at the wide-eyed girl.
“What is he talking about, Annie? Maybe I can help.”
“I borrowed—”
“She ran out on a legal debt,” the man interrupted. “It’s against the law to flee a creditor. I had a man track her to Davis, then here. As soon as time allowed, I came after her. Since she couldn’t repay me, I told her I would forget the loan if she married me. I understood her answer to be yes.”
“That’s absurd, Mr. Starns!” Jessie declared. “A woman like Annie James doesn’t sell herself into marriage. She could have repaid you, if she hadn’t quit your employ because you were forcing your unwanted attentions upon her. You also made it impossible for her to get another job in El Paso. She had no choice but to move to another town. You have no legal claim on her.”
“I have a contract that says she owes me money. I thought Annie was honest and reliable, so I trusted her. Her father cheated lots of men out of money. Some folks in El Paso still hold a grudge against him. The law wouldn’t be lenient with his kin doing the same.”
“That wasn’t my fault,” Annie cried. “When Father died, his creditors took all I had but for my clothes. After what you did to me, I had to move to support myself.”
“And flee without telling me? And no word since. Can you pay me off, girl?”
“No, sir, but I’ll send you money every month until it’s settled.”
“The contract says it must be repaid within a year. Your time has lapsed. Cost me more money to track you here. If you don’t settle up today, I can have you jailed for escaping your debt. You sneaked off without telling me and making arrangements to honor your liability. That’s the same as cheating or stealing. The law is on my side. Think hard, girl. Me or debtor’s prison?”
Annie looked terrified of the man and of going to jail. “Please, Mr. Starns, give me more time. I promise to repay you, but I can’t marry you.”
“A deal is a deal, girl. If I leave without you, I’m going straight to the law.”
“How much did you borrow, Annie, and why?” Jessie inquired.
“One hundred dollars. It was to pay off a debt of my father’s or go to jail.”
“I don’t understand. A sixteen-year-old isn’t responsible for her parents’ debts. Who told you such a lie?”
“Mr. Hobbs. He said he talked to the sheriff and a lawyer. They told him I had to pay the bill or go to jail. I was already working for Mr. Starns, so he agreed to loan me the money. I was to repay him out of my salary. By the time I paid for boarding, meals, and clothes, there was little left. The same was true in Davis. I was going to start sending him money this month to avoid trouble.”
“But you went to work for a seamstress after your parents died,” Jessie reasoned. “Why did Mr. Hobbs wait so long to approach you?”
“I don’t know. He said he was giving me time to heal and work.”
“Did you speak to the sheriff and lawyer?”
“No, Jessie; I was afraid to cause trouble.”
“I see,” the redhead murmured. “Are Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Starns good friends?”
“Yes, they—”
“Hold on a minute! What are you implying, Mrs. Cordell?”
“You know what I’m charging, sir. You had this man frighten and trick Annie into a corner so you could take advantage of her. She can’t be held accountable for her father’s old debts. She was almost a child.”
“I don’t know about the law or if Hobbs tricked her, but I made a legal loan.”
“Did you, sir? I wonder what the El Paso sheriff, that alleged lawyer, and Mr. Hobbs will say when I contact them. Better still, when the U.S. marshal does.”
“How dare you threaten me or insinuate I’m a liar!”
“I think you’re despicable, sir. If you press this matter, so will I. However, I am willing to see if Mr. Hobbs lied and Annie’s debt to you is real. If it is, I’ll gladly send you the money to settle her account. Please give me their names and addresses. I’ll have my lawyer check it out and handle it for us.”
“You’re making a big mistake intruding in my affairs!”
Jessie saw how flustered and outraged he was. “No, sir, you made all the mistakes in this offensive matter. You dared to push yourself onto a helpless girl. Worse, while your wife lay dying! You had a man trick her into an illegal debt. You tried to ruin her life by driving her into poverty and desperation. You dared to come here and threaten her. Get off my land. If we ever hear from you again, sir, you’ll be the one in court, then in jail.”
“Try to do something nice for someone, and this is what happens!”
“You don’t have a nice bone in your body, sir.”
“If your answer to my proposal is no, Annie, I’ll be leaving.”
“It is,” the girl replied, having gained courage from her boss and friend.
The defeated man slyly eyed Jessie and Rusty, then said to the girl, “I guess I should apologize for being so mean. I love you and want you so much, Annie, that I lost my wits. You’re what’s important, not the money. If you change your mind, you know where to find me. If you’re scared to travel alone, just send for me. You were a good worker, so I’ll cancel your debt to me.”
“That would be wise,” Jessie said, although she didn’t trust him.
“Good-bye, Mrs. Cordell. Annie.” Jubal Starns went to his mount and struggled onto its back with difficulty. Then he rode away from the watchful group.
“Thank you, Jessie,” the tearful girl said, then embraced the redhead.
“You’ll never see that vile beast again, so forget him,” Jessie advised.
After Annie returned to her chores, Jessie remarked to the foreman, “I thought Sheriff Cooper was going to alert us to strangers in town, especially one who asks for directions to our ranch. I’m surprised that greenhorn made it alone. Of course the sheriff might not have been around to take notice.”
“I’m willing to bet Toby never saw Starns in town. He would have come along.”
“You’re probably right. At least we solved one nasty problem. I’m sure Annie’s been afraid something like this might happen. She can relax now.”
“That was a low-down man, Jessie. He needs a good lashing with a whip.”
“I know. It’s a shame there are so many like him around who take advantage of vulnerable females. I’m glad Matt found her and brought her here.”
Rusty grinned. “So is Miguel.”
“I’ve noticed. I think they’ll be good for each other…Any problems on the range?” she asked, leaving the subject of romance behind them.
“None, but the boys are still on alert.”
“We should have news by the end of the month. Hopefully we can settle it as quickly and easily as we handled Mr. Jubal Starns.”
On Monday, October thirtieth, Jessie hurried to meet the mail deliverer, as she had been watching for him all morning. She took the twine-bound letters, thanked him, and returned to the house. She hadn’t bothered to put on a wrap, as the days in southwest Texas were still pleasantly warm. She closed the front door and sat in the parlor to learn the news.
Jessie dreaded opening the letters. There were so many of them today. She began with the ones from the authorities she had written for help. She sighed in relief as the Texas Rangers and U.S. marshal offered any assistance needed to avert more trouble with the easterners and revealed that the Fletchers had been notified of such intentions. She smiled as the governor said he would never sign permission for a rail line across her ranch, and particularly if something happened to drive the Cordells off their land. He also related that he had informed the authorities back East of the charges against the Fletchers and that he would press for an investigation of them if Mrs. Mathew Cordell was harme
d in any way.
Jessie’s smile and satisfaction increased as she read a letter from the lawyer who had handled the sale from Mary Louise Fletcher. He was certain it was legal and would stand up in court. He offered his services to fight the case for her.
Feeling confident, Jessie ripped open the missive from the Fletchers. Her gaze traveled it rapidly, then slowly, to absorb each word. It was apparent the Texans had reached the eastern men with their warnings before this letter was written. It was also obvious that the brothers feared challenging the “alleged evidence” she possessed. They retreated by giving the ranch to Wilbur’s widow, to dispose of as she desired. They even apologized for the “shameful trouble” with their “headstrong and misguided” brother! And they swore they were not involved in that attempted landgrab and could prove it. They had assumed Wilbur was obtaining the land needed for the proposed railroad by legal means. To prevent a “scandalous, time-consuming, and costly battle in court,” they suggested the matter be dropped.
Jessie whooped with elation and victory. Gran came to see what was wrong. “Nothing, Gran. I’m just excited. We won! They backed down.” She read the letters to the older woman, who laughed and cried in joy.
“We beat them this time without a bloody fight. Matt will be so relieved. I can’t wait until he gets home, so I can share all this wonderful news with him.”
“You’ve got a long wait, child, at least another month,” Gran reminded.
“A busy one, too. My waist and tummy are changing. I’d better work faster on my clothes. I’ll be five months on Wednesday and I’ll start getting fat.”
“It doesn’t happen overnight, child. Your waist will thicken slowly and your tummy will begin to round. You won’t be very big when Matt returns.”
“I hope not. I want him around as it happens; then, it won’t be such a shocking change. I should write Mary Louise about the baby, but I hate—I forgot; we haven’t read her letter yet. Let’s see what little sister has to say about all this trouble. I dread to,” she murmured, ripping open the last envelope.
Follow The Wind Page 47