Damaged Hearts

by Angel Wolfe

  “My father is here?” Marie asked astounded that the mayor would even allow him into his house with all the scandal that was sure to come up. “We mustn’t allow him to see me.” Marie told her friend. “Please make sure Thurston knows how important it is that Father does not know I am here.”

  Frances quickly led the two women up the stairs and to the bedroom across the hall from her own. “If you’re not opposed to sharing a bedroom, I think this will be the best place to put you.” She said before leaving them and heading to her room.

  “Let’s get our clothing put away and then I’ll sneak downstairs to see if I can overhear anything from that conversation.” Marie instructed. “Maybe we can get some kind of information to give to Kaitlyn and Angel that might help them.”

  “We must be careful though Marie.” Anna said bluntly. “I don’t think the mayor is a man to be trifled with, any more than your own father is. I’m sure they could both be quite dangerous.”

  “You’re right about that Anna.” Marie agreed. “But I am not certain what game the mayor is playing at agreeing to help Matt one moment and then seeing my father in secret the next. It’s so very confusing.”

  “We’ll get through it. We do need to find out more about what both of them are up to but we’ll need to start looking at our position bright and early in the morning.” Anna reassured. “In fact, what do you say about going to the bakery first and then going to the land office after that?”

  “I’m not sure I can concentrate on finding employment or a house with this headache I am getting.” Marie said dramatically, forgetting about putting away her clothing or eavesdropping on her father.

  “Marie, look at me!” Anna demanded. “We are absolutely not going to stay at this home indefinitely. We must find our own lodging and employment for you as soon as possible. I don’t think the store clerks are going to let you live free off your name for long, if at all.”

  “Oh what do you know?” Marie asked sarcastically. “Just because you have a job and a nice room at your parents’ house I’m sure; doesn’t make you an authority on living life.”

  “Well, if you want to go to those lengths Marie…” Anna took a deep breath. “No, I have not been spoiled by my parents. They are not even my true parents, I was adopted when I was young; my parents were killed coming out to the area in a terrible wagon accident. My brother and I were found by people passing by and brought here and separated.”

  “Oh my!” Marie gasped; temporarily brought out of her huff by Anna’s story. “Why does no one know about this?”

  “Well Marie, my guess is that most people are not such snobs that they must dig into everyone else’s lives to find drama to talk about.” Anna spit out. “Most people are more intent on living than about gossiping about other’s hardships.”

  “But I just assumed that Rick and Matt Jamison were your true brothers. They act like they are blood and don’t seem to mind having you in their family at all.” Marie said confused again.

  “You know something Marie?” Anna said barely containing her mirth. “You truly are a snob and I’m not so sure you even know how terribly rude you sound.” Shaking her head, Anna left Marie in the room to think about what she said as she went across the hall to ask Frances for directions to the necessary.

  “I almost have to agree with you Anna.” Frances turned to her as she came into the room after knocking lightly on the door. “Marie has never had any idea how rude she can sound because it has never before been an issue for her. Although my father is mayor, our family only moved here about ten years ago. The first few months we lived here were dreadfully boring for me. Marie was away at school out east and I didn’t know anyone. I went to school at first but my father is a lot like Marie’s father and after a short time, I was pulled out and given a tutor in the form of a nanny.”

  “Seems like we all have our own little secrets.” Anna said thoughtfully. “If you don’t mind telling me, I don’t mind listening to your story.”

  “There’s actually not a lot to tell. Marie came back from out east and we were thrown together by our fathers. Plan this and design that. We became great friends and accomplices. Our fathers would decide the town needed some sort of event and presto; Marie and I came up with an event.” Frances took a breath. “All we have known these past many years is how to be a china doll; pretty and fragile to look at but not to be touched. I was really hoping that Marie had finally found a man that wanted her for herself and not for who she is. It doesn’t look like it was meant to be though if she is here instead of with him.”

  “I think there’s more to it than that Frances.” Anna said cautiously. “I think Frank did indeed want Marie and I believe that scared her. After spending quite some time together, all the sudden she up and left. I honestly think she got spooked.”

  “That’s something I have to think on. I may need to enlist your aid on this Anna. And for the record, I’m really glad to have you staying here if even for a short time. I’d be happy to count you as my friend.” Frances added.

  “I’d be delighted to have you as a friend.” Anna replied. “Now, what do we do about that conversation going on downstairs? It worries me that Marie’s father is here in your house behind closed doors with your father.”

  “For now; we wait.” Frances said quietly and thoughtfully. “From what I have seen and heard about Marie’s father, I am not sure we want to go up against him alone. What we need is a plan and some help. Any ideas?”

  “If we could somehow get word back to Rick and Matt, they would be here in a heartbeat. If you could see all the pain and damage that was inflicted on Kaitlyn, you would totally understand my meaning.” Anna told her. “In that kidnapping that was orchestrated by Marie’s father, she had her ribs broken and fractured, her wrist sprained, a broken cheek bone, numerous bruises, abrasions and a really nasty cut on the back of her leg that had to be cauterized twice it was so big. I’d say get word to the ranch and let’s finish this.” Anna said with finality.

  “I suppose I’m with you on this.” A quiet voice came from the door. “Sorry Anna, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but I wasn’t sure where you went and thought I’d come talk to Frances. If you are serious about sending someone to the ranch for the men, send Willie. He’s the quickest and probably the most trustworthy at this point since we have no real idea what’s going on down there.” Marie finished indicating below them.

  “Ok, so let’s get this right…” Frances started. “First we need to gain Willie’s attention and send him to the ranch for the men, then what?”

  “We need some sort of diversion to keep my father here so that he can’t escape again.” Marie said sounding almost defeated. “I can’t say that I like this but I’m at a loss as to which way I should turn.”

  “I’ll leave the two of you to discuss the diversion.” Anna told them. “I think I’ll speak with Willie as you call him. When I knew him, his name was Billy Alexander; and he was my brother.” With that, Anna left the room and hurried in the direction she assumed was the back way out, leaving Marie and Frances to stare after her with their jaws open.

  “Oh my goodness.” Marie finally said. “I never dreamed in all those years of having him as my driver that he could possibly have had another life.”

  “Marie,” Frances started. “You truly are a snob. I mean it in the most affectionate of ways of course but listen to yourself. Our friend just said that your old driver is her long lost brother and all you can think is how the man may have had a previous life that you didn’t know about?”

  “Oh forget it Frances, that’s the second time tonight that I’ve been called a snob and I’m starting to believe it.” Marie sighed. “So, what are we going to do for a diversion? I have an idea but you may want to listen to it before we decide.”

  “Ok, out with it. What’s your idea?” Frances asked, impatient to get started with what she saw as an excuse to get away from the dullness of her life, if just for a little while.

  “Well, he
re it is.” Marie began. “We need to be downstairs in plain sight; either playing cards or sitting by the fireplace or something normal. Once our fathers finish with whatever they are discussing in private, they will come out and my being here should be enough to begin the diversion. Once I speak with my father, that ought to add more than enough drama to our diversion to keep him here and temporarily occupied.”

  “Let’s get to it then.” Frances said in agreement. “I’m going to go with your idea and hope we don’t regret it.”

  “Don’t worry my friend.” Marie patted her shoulder. “If there’s any regret to be had, it’s all mine.”

  ~XXV~

  They silently and cautiously went down the stairs and Marie situated the chairs as Frances got out the cards. They dealt a fourth hand several hours later and pretended to be highly involved with it when the door to the study opened and their fathers came out both looking equally serious.

  Marie drew a card, as she looked out of the corner of her eye curious about her father’s reaction. “Well, well, well.” He came to her chair. “If it isn’t my missing daughter.”

  “Hello Father, how have you been?” Marie asked innocently. “I have been staying for a short time with a new friend, getting to know her. You know how important it is to have all the women in the area happy what with the Right to Vote issue being the thing right now.” She said playing the long time game.

  “How right you are Marie.” Her father agreed. “I was sorely disappointed to hear about how much time you have been spending with disreputable men and rough women though. It can’t be good at all for your reputation.”

  “Oh bother!” Marie groaned under her breath. “Father, I think there is much more to be concerned with then where I am choosing to spend my time.”

  “Oh really?” Her father said arching his eyebrows. “Please tell me Daughter; what is more important than your sterling reputation?”

  “Well Father,” She started. “Maybe at this point in time your reputation has more to be concerned about.”

  “Is that right?” He asked nastily. “And why might that be, may I ask? What are you hearing that has not hit the ears of Mayor Andrews or myself?”

  “Well, um Father. I…um…well I have heard something about some cattle rustling and kidnapping.” Marie finally said.

  “What?” Her father yelled. “What are you talking about? Cattle rustling and kidnapping? That’s just utterly ridiculous!” He protested.

  Now knowing the truth of the matter, “It doesn’t matter Father.” Marie blurted. “Your reputation will still be hurt all the same by the rumors that are circulating.”

  “It’s true.” Frances interjected. “I just heard something of the sort when I was at the dress shop earlier this week. I just ignored it but I did hear the talk.”

  Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Mayor Alexander looked back and forth at the two young women. “Now, now; let’s not get too riled up over what may be nothing.” He said knowing the truth, but not what to do with it.

  Anna picked this time to walk calmly back into the room, looking around as if it was nothing out of the normal for her to be wandering around the mayor’s home. “I am so sorry ladies. Do you want to deal me in on the next hand or are we changing the game?”

  “Where did you come from?” The sheriff said threateningly. “Where have you been lurking and why are you just now coming in?”

  “My goodness Sheriff!” Anna acted quite shocked. “Frances and Marie invited me to play cards with them this afternoon and if you really must know, I had to make a trip to the necessary. Am I under arrest now?” She asked him impertinently.

  “Father, please.” Marie almost shouted. “Why are you antagonizing Frances’ guest? Please, sit down Anna and we will deal you back in.”

  “Father, shall I summon Thurston and have him serve both of you drinks back in your study?” Frances asked, attempting to calm the two men and put control of the situation back into the women’s hands.

  “Oh, why not.” Mayor Andrews sighed. “Henry, would you please join me back in my study? Maybe we can make some sense of these rumors the girls are speaking of.”

  Frances quickly pulled the rope to summon Thurston and quietly instructed him to bring a bottle of brandy and serve her father and the sheriff in the study. After sitting back down, she nodded at Marie who then proceeded to deal out the cards for a hand of Rummy. The last card hit the table, as the front door flew open admitting the Jamison brothers, Frank, James, Willie, Samuel, Edward Jamison, Jacob Weatherby and Josephine Andrews.

  The door to the study opened in response to the commotion. “What is the meaning of this?” Mayor Andrews yelled above the scuffling and talking.

  “Where is the sheriff, Jack?” Edward strode forward. “We know he is here and there is no sense bringing your family down by hiding him.”

  “Jack, please.” Josephine pleaded as she came through the door. “Tell me what is going on. I thought we had agreed that Henry was not to be allowed in this house after everything that had happened. And please tell me who all of these people are.”

  Looking wildly around, Henry Fairchild emerged from the study only to grab Frances and drag her in front of him using her as a shield as he held his gun to her side.

  “Father, stop this nonsense at once.” Marie shouted and stomped her foot. “Frances is my friend and I can’t believe for an instant that you are doing this.”

  “Stay out of this Marie.” Her father ground out. “I didn’t want it to come to this but it looks like I have no choice in the matter. Come with me now and we’ll pretend our last arguments never happened and I’ll think seriously about letting Frances go.”

  “You will let Frances go right now!” Mayor Andrews bellowed. “What are you thinking Henry, using my own child as a hostage?”

  “He’s done more than that and you know it, Mayor!” Matt hollered from across the room. “Why would it surprise you that he would take your daughter hostage after everything else we told you the other day?”

  “Jack!” Josephine stomped her foot. “Why is this man in our house and what are you going to do about our daughter?”

  “Henry, step away from the girls and back up against the wall over there and no one will get hurt.” Edward stated calmly. “You don’t want to hurt Miss Andrews and you definitely don’t want to hurt your own daughter.”

  “Why would he stop now?” Rick stepped up. “He has terrorized his other daughter for pretty much her entire life. What would stop him from hurting Marie?”

  Marie and Frances looked at each other communicating silently with their eyes; simultaneously they slid to the ground. As Frances pulled away from the Sheriff, Marie fell into him knocking him slightly off balance as they seemingly passed out.

  Once they were out of the way, guns pointed towards the sheriff. Frank and James flanked the man, each grabbing an arm.

  Crawling out of the way, Marie and Frances stood up on the other side of the room away from their would-be abductor. Glaring at her father, Marie let her displeasure be known. “Father, I cannot even begin to understand why you have done all that you have done. Tonight, you have just proved to me however how misguided my own life has been.”

  Josephine pulled Frances and Marie to her and walked primly from the room with Anna bringing up the rear leaving the men to deal with the sheriff. Stepping forward, Edward took control of the situation. “Mr. Weatherby, if I assume correctly you are probably not here to help the sheriff; is my assumption correct?”

  “Yes sir, you are correct.” Jacob answered. “I am actually here to listen to proceedings and look out for Kaitlyn Carson’s welfare.”

  “Kaitlyn Carson?” Mayor Andrews asked. “What does any of this have to do with her? I thought she was just an illegal squatter that had attempted to homestead on already claimed property. In fact,” He turned looking at Sheriff Fairchild, “You told me that she had stolen horses and cattle and was under suspicion of poisoning water holes.”

 
“What?” Rick and Matt both yelled. “He was the one that poisoned her water holes, shot her cattle and horses, rustled her cattle, and set her house on fire.”

  “He’s also guilty of several murders.” Willie said stepping up. “Something that Anna did not know was that he was responsible for our parent’s deaths in addition to several others; that’s why I made sure I went to work for him. I planned to make him pay for it.”

  “What are all of you talking about?” Mayor Andrews asked confused. “Are we talking about the same person? I mean, this is the sheriff not some common criminal.”

  “Mayor, this may be a surprise to you but Sheriff Fairchild is nothing but a criminal.” The elder Jamison said. “We need to hold a hearing but I feel it will probably be pointless. With all the evidence stacked against him, I figure we should prepare ourselves for a hanging.”

  “A hanging?” The sheriff spoke for the first time since he lost control of the situation. “Don’t you all think you’re getting a little ahead of yourselves?”