by DiAnn Mills
“He’s got good reason to dislike him. But stating a man is evil implies Zack has witnessed something else,” Morgan said. “He’s a twelve-year-old and too young to remember what happened a few years ago. Grant, have you left anything out?”
Grant shook his head. “I never cared for the man and his showy ways, but that’s my personal opinion. And the more I learn about what he’s doing, the more I’d like to lay a fist alongside his jaw. Pardon me, Brother Travis.”
Travis had long since felt the same sentiments, but he dared not reveal it. God was already dealing with him about not loving Lester like he should.
Grant raked his fingers through his hair. “Disgracing Bonnie makes my blood boil, and I can’t seem to make sense of him taking offense to her refusing his wine. Unless . . . bringing her the wine guaranteed him a visit there without Sylvia. If he really wanted Bonnie’s affections, those visits increased his chances to convince her to his way of thinking.”
“So everyone thought he changed after the woman left town and took his boys,” Travis said, his thoughts taking voice. “He and Sylvia are real active in the church, but I don’t believe for one minute that his heart is committed to God. There’s too much about him stating otherwise.” He wondered if he’d said enough. Some folks would consider his observations akin to gossip, and he should stick to preachin’.
“You seem to know something you’re not saying,” Morgan said.
“Must be a lawyer in the midst of us.” Travis attempted to add a little humor to the bleak situation. “I hate to keep making accusations against the man without knowing the whole truth, which is why I wanted to have a little more information.”
“Since we told you what you asked, what have you experienced?” Morgan said.
Travis dampened his lips. “Weeks ago when the reverend and I went to see Rosie, she made a statement that stayed fixed in my mind. I’ve mulled it over, and after last night, I think I understand.”
“Don’t leave us dangling like two possums,” Grant said.
Travis offered a thin-lipped smile. “Lester had just left the room after reading scripture to the three young women housed there. The reverend and I visited briefly with them, mostly Rosie, since she’d just been beaten the night before. As we were leaving, Rosie said the reverend was like Jesus to her, then she added Mrs. Hillman, Jenny, Bonnie, and Casey. But she didn’t mention Lester, and he’d just left the room.”
Morgan set his jaw. “Want me to look into it a little deeper?”
“I sure do. I know I’m a preacher, not a lawman, but we’re talking about folks who are a part of my flock.”
Grant blew out a heavy sigh and turned to his brother. “Morgan, can you get someone to tail him?”
“That may not be necessary,” Travis said. “I caught him at Heaven’s Gate last night. I’d forgotten the list of prayer requests and was on my way back to the church when I stepped into a hornet’s nest. Lester was talking to Rosie, more like trying to persuade her to do something. Of course it was pitch dark and fixin’ to storm, but I recognized both of their voices. She refused his request, and he hit her. I shouted at him to stop. Let me just say, he didn’t appreciate my interfering in his business.”
“Rosie needs to report what happened to the sheriff,” Morgan said.
“I tried to make her see that, but she wanted me to stay out of it. You gentlemen may have already figured this part out, but Lester is the one who beat her.”
“No surprise to me,” Grant said. “He has to be stopped.”
“Well, Rosie isn’t the one who’ll help us,” Travis said. “I’m convinced she’s more concerned about Sylvia learning about Lester than her own safety. She told me if I went to the sheriff, she’d deny it. Anyway, Lester told me the church would believe him before they’d believe me. He also said I needed to learn a lesson. The gossip must be what he was referring to.”
“Trust me, gentlemen, Lester Hillman has met his match when he takes on this family.” Morgan’s ice-cold stare gave no doubt to his position. “I will find out his motives for all of this, and I’ll put an end to the preying on the womenfolk of Kahlerville. His affair with Martha is not old enough for folks to have completely forgotten what he did to his wife. Let him initiate more gossip, even church discipline for Brother Travis. But he doesn’t have the hand of God on his side.”
“Amen,” Travis said. “Tomorrow is a day of thanks, but I think for us it needs to be a day of prayer for what lies ahead and which road we should take. Bonnie has things she knows. You two have had different encounters with him just as I have. I’d like for us to write down all we’ve experienced so we can compare the findings.”
“Sounds like you should have been a lawyer.” Morgan laughed.
Travis joined him. The laughter eased the seriousness of their conversation. “Well, if Lester is successful in his plans, I might need a job.”
Grant walked back to the table. “I’ll write down all I know, including what I learn at Heaven’s Gate today. I’m not so sure I want Jenny there anymore without me. If Lester is threatening Bonnie, Rosie, Brother Travis, and whoever else might get in his way, then my wife might be next.” He paused. “Poor Sylvia. I wonder if she really knows her husband.”
“I imagine she does.” All Travis could think about was Bonnie. Oh, Lord, haven’t we been down this road before? I’m not good at defending women. The last time I lost. But as much as he vowed he’d never become involved in separating gossip from truth—and then taking a stand—here he stood knee-deep in it again. His heart ached for Bonnie’s happiness and peace of mind. She’d come far, just like Zack, in climbing out of a well of despair and trying desperately to live for the Lord.
Surely Lester had more sense than to hurt her. Morgan and Grant were God-fearing men, but they’d not put up with any more of Lester’s tricks. He’d hurt Rosie more than once, and Travis believed she most likely started Lester’s gossip—out of fear. Travis had heard the threats. Would the man do the same to Bonnie? What was his motive in all of this?
Sweet Bonnie. She was no match for the man . . . so tiny and frail . . .
*****
Thanksgiving had not been the celebration Bonnie had envisioned, but the entire family was together, and she felt whole for the first time in years. As the children played outside, the women chatted in the parlor and the men walked to the horse barns. Bonnie found it hard to concentrate on women-talk. Recipes, new babies, weddings, and quilt patterns interested her today about as much as a man enjoyed embroidery.
“So are we going to discuss the snake pit here in the middle of us, or pretend the creatures will slither away?” Casey said.
“Oh, you mean Lester Hillman,” Jocelyn said in such a matter-of-fact tone that it was almost amusing. “If I wasn’t sixty-six years old, I’d fill his backside with buckshot.”
“You’re sixty-eight, Mama,” Bonnie said. “And is that any kind of talk for a preacher’s wife?”
“I was a mama and a wife and handling the recoil of a rifle and shotgun long before the reverend asked me to marry him.”
Jenny giggled. “If some of my old friends from back in Ohio could hear our conversation, they’d be mortified.” She shrugged. “Until I met Grant and got introduced to real women, I’d have been the same way.”
“What are your thoughts about the whole thing?” Bonnie said to Jenny. “Other than packing our guns and running Lester out of town?”
Jenny paused a moment. “I’m remembering why I originally came to Kahlerville. My sister had run away from home, become a woman of questionable employ, and given birth to a baby girl before she passed on. My heart goes out to all the women who have ever found themselves a slave to prostitution. That’s why Grant and I built Heaven’s Gate.” She looked around quickly. “Goodness, all the children are outside, aren’t they? I can’t believe I was so blunt.”
Casey waved her hand. “Yes, we’re alone.”
“My point is that Heaven’s Gate was established to protect those women from the ugliness of that life and to help them get started with changed lives. Lester has taken advantage of his position in the community and church—along with Sylvia’s kindness—to frighten Rosie into a life far too similar to what she led before. He makes me want to do things a good Christian woman shouldn’t ever consider. Sometimes I wonder about Sylvia. Does she ever let him know that he’s not following God’s path?”
“Probably not,” Mama said. “Why she loves that man is far beyond me.”
“You might have noticed that he hasn’t been bothering me,” Casey said. “For once, I’m glad my past reputation as an outlaw has scared him off.”
The women laughed, and Bonnie thanked God for her precious family.
“Honestly,” Jocelyn said. “I feel badly about Brother Travis. He’s in the heart of a mess that he didn’t bargain for in accepting the call to pastor Piney Woods Church.”
“I cannot let the day go by without giving him my personal condolences regarding all the trouble I have brought his way,” Bonnie said. “I owe him my gratitude for what he’s done for Zack. Instead, he’s a victim of gossip.”
“Are you sure those are your only feelings?” Jocelyn said. “Daughter, you have changed considerably since Brother Travis arrived.”
Bonnie sensed a deep flush rising up her neck. “Mama, I had determined to live for the Lord and not myself before he came.”
“He’s a good man,” Casey said. “And I think there is more to him than—”
“Hair and beard?” Bonnie said in an attempt to make light of the conversation. Odd, Juanita had stated the same thing about him the day of the twister. Suddenly she felt ashamed of herself. “I’m sorry. He is a jewel.” She stood. “I’m going to talk to him now before you three embarrass me any further.”
“If you are embarrassed, then it must be the truth.” Jocelyn covered her mouth, but a laugh still escaped. “Marrying Brother Travis means your brothers wouldn’t worry about you any longer.”
“Hush, Mama, before someone hears.” Bonnie hurried from the room before she had to explain the heat flooding her face. Besides, a good walk would help the uneasiness in her stomach—not from eating more than she should but from all the turmoil in her family.
The men all leaned against the corral like young cowboys bragging about all the horses they’d broken and the young girls they’d impressed.
“Are you admiring my horse stock?” she said.
“Possibly,” Morgan said. “Somebody’s done a fine job.”
She laughed. “I’ll give Thomas the credit. He’s attempting to teach me ranching, and I’m trying to learn.” She glanced about. “I’m sure he could tell you our plans for raising thoroughbred quarter horses.”
“We saw him earlier, walking with Juanita,” Grant said.
“Ah, best leave them be,” she said. “I suspect a wedding in the future.”
“Thomas and Juanita?” Morgan said. “There’s a bit of an age difference there.”
“To quote our mother,” Bonnie began, “love isn’t measured in years.” She then remembered her mother’s words from a few minutes before. Mama didn’t have all the answers. Did she?
“What brings you out here, pretty lady?” the reverend said.
Oh, my. “I wanted to tear Brother Travis away from you for a little while. I’d like to learn a little more about my son and his schooling. That is, if he doesn’t mind.” Why did her heart beat faster than a hummingbird’s wings? This was ridiculous.
“I’d welcome a walk after all the wonderful food,” Travis said. “Let’s head toward the river.” He grinned. “Do you suppose we can escape a twister?”
“With everything that’s happened lately, I doubt it,” she said.
As the two turned and walked toward the path leading to the river, she heard her brothers laughing. Now, what could be so funny?
Chapter 23
“Thanks for inviting me for Thanksgivin’. Don’t know when I’ve had such a fine meal and good company.”
Was it Bonnie’s imagination, or did Travis appear nervous?
“We enjoyed having you here. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Zack this happy. With all you’ve done, I believe you’ve established yourself as part of this family.”
“That’s right kind of you, Bonnie.” She appreciated the deep sound of his voice and the way he said her name.
“You wanted to talk to me?” Travis said as they ventured farther from the house.
“I said back there that I wanted to talk about Zack, but actually I wanted to say how very sorry I am that you’ve been dragged into this horrible predicament with Lester. I’ve apologized to you in the past, but after yesterday, I wonder how many times you must have regretted your decision to come to Kahlerville.”
“Never. I was called to this community, and God has a reason for all the misfortune.”
“Have you figured out the reason?” Her heart raced at his nearness. How could such a strange-looking man affect her so?
“No, have you?”
“Are you sure you didn’t make God mad about something?” Oh, teasing Brother Travis was a whole lot easier than the uncomfortable moments of acknowledging how the poor man had become entangled in a series of problems.
“Probably.” He laughed, then sobered. “I’m afraid for you, Bonnie.”
“I’m fine. Lester would have to be an idiot to come out here with my brothers looking for an excuse to fight him. Then there’s Thomas watching the house like a hawk.”
“You forgot Zack and me.”
She swallowed hard. “Yes, my son is very protective, and I respect your concern.”
Silence. Not a single topic of conversation entered her head.
“Since you apologized to me, then I need to do the same. The gossip is my fault.”
“My brothers said you’d make that claim.”
“It’s true. Folks are going to spread more rumors each time they see us together.”
“Over the years, my family’s been the root of more than one nasty rumor. Some of them have been true.”
“You’d think Lester would have picked a more handsome man to accuse you with.” Travis laughed.
Bless you, Brother Travis, for lightening up the tone. “For shame, Brother Travis. The good Lord gave you fine looks.” If you’d let Hank give you a shave and haircut, we might all benefit from what’s there. “I’m wondering if we should avoid each other until the gossip fades.”
“We could, but the moment we start talking, the tongues will wag.”
“I suppose you’re right, and we have a boy in common.” What was she thinking? Her comment sounded . . . sounded very improper. “Pardon me, I meant Zack living with you.”
“I understood exactly.” He paused.
“Thank you.” But she wondered what thoughts rolled around in his head about her.
“Miss Scott is also hurting from the gossip.”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure if this is something I should repeat, but I trust you will keep it to yourself and pray for Miss Scott.”
“Certainly.”
“She mistook the help I gave her for her solo as genuine interest. When I corrected the situation, she became quite upset. Still makes me feel bad.”
“I’m sorry. She is a good woman.”
He shrugged. “Not sure why I felt compelled to tell you.”
They made their way to the riverbank where trees had been uprooted from the twister. Brush and grasses had been swept away as if a huge bird had plucked them for its nest. The landscape would grow come spring, but the memory of the tragedy was embedded in the hearts of those who’d endured i
t.
The problems with Lester were like the twister, but worse. He was relentless in his accusations and evil. Today had been like the eye of the storm. Where did he intend to strike next? Whose life would he blow through and threaten to destroy?
Bonnie felt a twinge of fright, but no one would find out. Some of the afternoons while Lydia Anne slept, she saddled up her mare and rode to a secluded spot to practice with her rifle, a Colt Lightning with a caliber that allowed her to shoot larger animals and protect herself. The beauty of the lightweight rifle was that it didn’t send her scrambling in the dirt and bruising her shoulder. She’d had enough of that attempting to use one of Ben’s rifles.
Amid the serenity of songbirds and the timeless seasons, she wove a mixture of prayer and target practice. Some folks might think her habit an unholy alliance, but with every cartridge that kissed its target, she prayed she never had to rely on her marksmanship to protect her family.
*****
Travis climbed onto his horse, and Bonnie handed him a basket of food. She’d done the same for Zack. Travis hated to leave the ranch, and he hated his feelings for Bonnie at the same time.
“We’ll be able to eat for a week,” Zack said. “I hope the good Lord gives Brother Travis the gift of cooking real soon.”
“I’m not bad compared to you,” Travis said. After a moment’s contemplation over some of his disastrous attempts, he reconsidered. “I suppose we could put my cooking on the prayer list. Yours too.”
“You’re welcome here every night,” Bonnie said.
From the flush on her cheeks, she must have been thinking about the town’s gossip.
“Thank you.” His mouth suddenly felt dry. How could one woman consume him like Bonnie Kahler?
Felicia.
His heart hadn’t yearned for her in months. He prayed she remembered her promise to Jesus. But the idea of being married to Felicia had left him when he’d lived out his sabbatical in the mountains. If he’d truly loved her, then she’d still be in his mind and heart, and he’d be assaulted with guilt for dwelling on Bonnie.