Dark Journey Home

by Cherie Shaw

  “After you went into the hacienda, I told her not to come back to this ranch again. She causes nothing but trouble.” Consuelo folded her hands in front of her, and tearfully asked once again, “Will you please excuse a foolish woman? I love the Triple-B Rancho, and would not want to leave here because of such a small thing.”

  “Of course, Consuelo, there is nothing to forgive, and you are such a good worker, and cook, how could we get along without you? Besides Trudy did nothing to me. I shouldn’t have been so hard on the girl, perhaps Mr. Wakefield enjoys her visits, and I would be the last to question his taste in females.” Olivia finished lamely.

  “Oh, no, Señorita. You have it wrong. It’s not Trudy he likes. The Señor Wakefield, he left the courtyard quickly, soon after you came into the house. Trudy, she knows that, and only wants to stir up trouble. That is fact.” Consuelo stated. “Now with your permission, I shall go finish dinner. It will be ready in one hour, Señorita.” Consuelo turned to Maria, “Señora.” She said, then went back down the corridor.

  Olivia stood in the doorway for a moment, looking after the housekeeper, then turned to Maria. “Is it so obvious? Am I so open?” She asked. “I’ve never felt this way before and don’t know quite how to handle my feelings. Maybe I’m afraid to venture into an unfamiliar world. What if………what if Logan is only grateful, because Uncle and I rescued him back there in England?” She moaned.

  “Is Señor Claude, so wrong in his judgment of character?” Maria asked, “He appears to set much faith in your Logan Wakefield.”

  “He could be wrong, Maria. Just once in his life, he could be mistaken.” Olivia cried.

  CHAPTER 19

  In the Cookhouse, Ricardo now sat talking to Claude and Logan, while Hank was busy frying up beef steaks and potatoes for the crew for supper. Now Hank wiped his hands on his apron, and walked over to the open door, looking outside. “Clouding up out there.” He said. “Maybe rain tonight. Hey, rider comin.’”

  Logan got up, and walked to the doorway, peering out. “Looks like Sheriff Denton. That’s his horse alright.” He stated. “Wonder what’s up.”

  “He rides this way often, right in time for supper with the hands. Guess he misses the old times, on the Triple-B.” Hank answered. “An’ I see some of the hands ridin’ in from the south range. Guess I’d better get that hot grub ready.” Hank went back to the cook stove, to turn the steaks, and Logan walked outside to greet the Sheriff

  Sheriff Denton reined his horse in near the corral, and stepped down from the saddle, then led the horse to the nearest water trough. Logan approached him, as he walked towards the smell of supper cooking in Hank’s kitchen.

  “How’s it going, Paul?” Logan asked the sheriff. “You’re in time for a good meal, and I figure on joining you and the hands for supper tonight. Consuelo mixes up a tasty meal, but it smells so good in here, I can’t resist one of Hank’s good steaks.

  “Good to see you, Logan. I’ve a bit of news, but it’ll keep. Is Beckford around?” Denton asked.

  “Sure thing.” Logan replied, as they walked together to the door of the cookhouse, “He’s right inside, talking to Ricardo Cortez. I think they’re comin’ to some sort of an agreement for Ricardo to run the Triple-B for Claude, while Beckford, and his niece, travel to Wyoming with me. That is, if it is agreeable with the womenfolks.”

  “Sounds like quite a venture for them.” Denton replied. “I’ve seen that Wyoming territory. Good country, an’ nice folks up that way. Most of ‘em anyway, that is if you avoid that outlaw trail.”

  “Heard of that trail.” Logan chuckled, “But for myself, I’ve no use for it. My folks have a horse ranch up northwest of there. I’ve been on my way home for quite a spell now. It’s about that time.” He added.

  Lord Beckford walked into the dining room of the Hacienda of the Triple-B, right at suppertime, with a smile on his face, and a warm greeting for the ladies. Ricardo followed, and he was grinning ear to ear.

  As Consuelo brought steaming bowls to the table, Lord Beckford turned to Olivia saying, “That Perkins girl was here at the ranch for awhile, but those cowhands, Cougar Olson and Bart McCain, rode with her back to her father’s place.”

  Olivia shrugged, and retorted, “I really couldn’t care less about the movements of the Perkins child or who is with her. Are you sure Logan didn’t ride along with her too?” She asked, then added, “The more the merrier.”

  Beckford raised his eyebrows, and stared for a moment at Olivia. Maria shook her head, and gave a deep sigh.

  Amelia looked seriously at Olivia, and spoke, “Well, the bloke isn’t here at the table now, is he? He probably did ride back with that one. Maybe the Perkins girl could have a regular harem down there at her pa’s place. However, that cowboy, Logan, and Trudy would suit each other perfectly.” She finished.

  “Oh……I didn’t mean……well, I…….” Olivia stammered, now embarrassed by her former outburst.

  Lord Beckford cleared his throat, and said, “Shall we all enjoy our dinner? And as for Logan Wakefield, he is enjoying beef steaks in the cookhouse, with the cowhands, and with Sheriff Denton, who rode in a while ago. The Sheriff had a bit of news, which we can discuss after supper in my study.” Lord Beckford then began passing bowls of food around the table.

  After supper, as everyone gathered in Lord Beckford’s study, Beckford began explaining what the Sheriff had told him. “It’s about the Perkins chap.” He began. “It seems Mr. Woody Perkins is somewhat of a poor loser, also a bloke who can’t hold his liquor well, and, as a result, should never drink. Mr. Perkins rode into town this morning, and went directly to Hawk’s Red Eye Saloon.

  The man’s always been known to be a bully, so after drinking more than a man of his character should, then causing a disturbance and trying to pick fights with everyone in the saloon, he then started an argument with the bartender and he was asked to leave. Hawk keeps a weapon under the bar, to encourage men like Perkins to leave when they’ve had enough. Woody had other plans anyway, so with his courage built up he headed on down the street to the bank.

  “Once inside, he tried to cash a bank draft for a large amount, against the Triple-B account. Of course that old account, which he, Holderman and Phillips had access to, had been closed, and the funds transferred to my new account, which I had opened upon arriving in town.

  I had let Perkins keep about five-hundred cash, when he left the ranch, though he had much more stashed in that valise he had packed, which we, of course, confiscated. Also, feeling bad for the bloke, I had sent a small wagonload of supplies to his place, to help him get another start.”

  Beckford paused, then continued. “I guess that wasn’t enough. I had even planned to send over about twenty head of beef, during the roundup too, and Perkins knew that. The man is basically dishonest and doesn’t seem to want to work for a living. He had a soft life here, falling into a successful working ranch like this. Chester Burns, and yes, even Holderman, were running it for him. Perkins doesn’t have the business head to run this place. Now I’m not so sure he wasn’t knowingly in on the swindle, though none of them will admit to anything, of course.”

  “What happened at the bank then, Uncle Claude?” Olivia asked.

  “Marshal Rhodes had seen Perkins go into the bank, after he’d left the saloon, so he followed him, wondering what the bloke was up to. The Marshal walked in just as Perkins pulled a gun on the teller, then demanded he withdraw funds from my account. He was obviously pretty well intoxicated at that point, but that is no excuse. All the same, it still borders on attempted bank robbery.

  “Marshal Rhodes was able to disarm the man, and haul him off to the town jail, where Perkins now sits, awaiting trial. He had been drinking heavily all morning, and became abusive towards the Marshal, but from what I have heard, Marshal Rhodes eats up loud and aggressive boys like Perkins for supper. Also to back up his authority, he usually totes a pretty persuasive weapon, if not a Winchester, then his double-barreled shotgun.


  “Anyway, we have to await the traveling judge once more. Drunk or not, attempted bank robbery doesn’t sit well in any territory. Now Mr. Perkins just may have bought himself some time in prison and added to this attempted bank robbery charge, I just may decide to press charges against Perkins for illegal trespass on my ranch, along with conspiracy to steal proceeds from the sale of cattle. I felt bad for the man at first, only for his ignorance, but I quickly changed my opinion. No one can be that ignorant of the law.”

  Maria spoke up, “What will his daughter do? She can’t stay alone on that rancho?”

  Logan, who had just entered the study, and listened to Beckford, answered Maria, “The girl was pretty upset when she found out about her pa, but Cougar Olson and his pard, Bart McCain, have volunteered to run the ranch for her, while her pa’s locked up. So now the Triple-B will be short two hands for a while, and with roundup around the corner, Claude will have to hire more men. Though the men that are still here are good hands, more will be needed.”

  Lord Beckford broke in, “As far as the hiring, for the present, I’ll leave that to Ricardo here, or possibly Chester Burns. Also Miss Perkins has planned on asking our housekeeper, Consuelo, to stay at the Perkins’ ranch with her. Not sure how that request went. I’d hate to lose a good cook, and this has been Consuelo’s home for many years.”

  Maria took offense, “You think I couldn’t handle the cooking, Señor Beckford? I would run circles around that one. We could handle the kitchen, and the housework fine here, besides there are many young Señoritas in the territory, who would be glad for a job as kitchen helper. Maybe we could even persuade Señora Lulu, at the Mercantile, to move out here, as helper.”

  Amelia’s eyes flew open, and Olivia snickered. Amelia had well heard about Lulu’s previous antics towards Lord Beckford.

  Beckford chuckled, “I doubt if we would be that desperate.” He then added, “Though that would be one idea.” Amelia glared at him.

  “If Consuelo leaves,” Maria began, “I will do the cooking, and that is final.”

  Olivia ventured, “Of course, Maria, you will not do the housework though. I would not allow it. You would also have help in the kitchen, but we will cross that bridge, when we come to it.” She stated firmly. Then as an afterthought, “Oh, and of course, thank you and Ricardo, for your offer to remain here on the ranch. That is an offer we can’t resist.”

  Upon leaving her uncle’s study, Olivia wandered out to the front courtyard, and stood on the covered patio watching as storm clouds gathered. Thunder rumbled, and lightening streaked across the dark sky, making her skin prickle.

  “Stormy weather all around us. Inside the house and out.” Logan’s voice spoke softly behind her.

  Olivia jumped, then turned quickly. “Oh, you startled me.” She breathed.

  “Hadn’t meant to. Sorry, just wanted to inhale some of this fresh air.”

  “Yes, it is nice, isn’t it?” Olivia said. “Stormy weather always seems to invigorate me.”

  “Well, does it now?” Logan looked down at her, his green eyes gleaming with that old familiar look. “Does that mean you can still outrun me?” He teased, giving a soft laugh.

  “Well, of course it does.” She retorted. “Though, with the rain coming on, I wouldn’t venture out from under this roof. I would have to run into the house.”

  “Well, I don’t want you running into the house.” He laughed again, then added, “How would that look to the others? The lady with the umbrella may come after me then.”

  Olivia laughed at the vision of Amelia chasing Logan, out into the rain, no less.

  The rain began with a fury, heavy droplets falling from the roof onto the patio edge, and several cowhands ran to the corral to lead the few horses into the dry stable.

  As a harsh wind blew the icy rain onto the darkened patio, making Olivia shiver, Logan moved nearer, “Cold?” He asked, as he ventured a warm, comforting arm around her shoulders.

  “A little.” Olivia answered, though she started to pull away.

  “Afraid Amelia might come out with her dangerous weapon?” He chuckled, as he hugged her tighter.

  Olivia stopped trying to move away, and said, “I am not afraid of Amelia.”

  “I didn’t think you were. Can I be honest with you, Olivia?” He asked.

  “Of course, Logan.” She whispered, expectantly.

  “Well, first of all, I like being with you, like this. Second, I really enjoyed our walk together this afternoon and I hope you did too.”

  “I…….I did very much. It was so…….well, very nice, and I love this ranch already.” She spoke softly.

  “But you’ll go back to your Manor in England eventually, right?” He asked seriously.

  She hesitated, “I….don’t know. I’m not sure. No…..I don’t believe I will.” She then turned to look up at Logan.

  He dropped his arm from around her shoulder, and looked down at her curiously. “Is there a good reason for your decision not to return?” He asked softly.

  “Oh, I…..I love this ranch, and could live here the rest of my life.” She stated.

  “Is that all? The only reason?” He asked.

  She countered with a question of her own, “Are you still going back to Wyoming?

  “Actually, I had planned on leaving in the morning, but now I’m not so sure, well, with the bad weather too. Though, I know your uncle has obligations here now, my folks do expect me back home at some point in my life.”

  He paused, then added, “It’ll be snowing up there at pa’s ranch before long, and I should be there before that happens. Also traveling in snowstorms isn’t the best way to travel, though we do have another few weeks before that time, hopefully anyway.”

  “Oh…..I see.” She moved toward the doorway. Then, “I suppose I should be going in.”

  “Alright, Olivia. It is pretty cold out here for you. Guess I haven’t been thinking. Maybe we can talk more tomorrow?” He finished.

  “Of course. Good night, Logan…….oh, and thanks for this afternoon. I really did enjoy the walk.”

  “You are more than welcome, Olivia. Maybe we could go riding before I leave, if the weather permits. You do ride, don’t you?”

  “Oh, yes. I rode Uncle Claude’s horses, at the Manor. He was away so much, about six months out of every year, busy with his shipping industry. I rode almost every day when uncle was away. Amelia rides too so we rode together a lot. Of course, my brother, Garth, will now take over uncle’s business, for a while anyway.”

  “How about riding with me tomorrow, then? These western horses are a little different from what you’re used to, but I believe you will like them.” He offered.

  “Tomorrow will be fine, Logan. I’ll look forward to it. Good night, again.” Olivia turned once more toward the doorway.

  “Wait, Olivia.” Logan called, as she walked away. He walked over to her, as she turned, put both hands on her shoulders, and brushed a tender kiss, across her soft lips. “Now, good night, Olivia.” He whispered.

  Olivia was caught off guard. Breathlessly she whispered, “Good night.” Then she disappeared into the dark entryway.

  Logan stood there, looking after her, not even noticing the cold, steady rainfall. You are being reckless, Logan. He quietly said to himself. You know this can’t work, don’t you? He turned to stare out into the dark stormy night, hardly seeing it.

  Olivia rushed to the safety of her room, closed the door, then leaned against it, as a single tear fell from the corner of her eye. He’s only grateful to you, for caring for him while he recovered on the Silver Princess. He can’t be serious. She moaned.

  Morning came, wet and cloudy, but the rain had stopped. Breakfast was served by a sullen-faced Consuelo. As she placed two large platters of flapjacks on the table, she spoke. “Señor Beckford, please do not be upset with me as I do not wish to do this thing that was asked of me by Señorita Perkins. Though I feel the girl is her own worst enemy but alone on that small rancho, she wi
ll do naught but cause trouble for herself and any others who venture around.

  “At times, when she was growing up, I was able to control her somewhat. I feel that I am needed there, to look after her. At least until she learns to manage on her own. I do not wish to leave this, my home for more than twenty years. But I must. The Señorita Trudy will not admit it, but she feels lost, and she does need someone to look after her. Someone who knows her well.”

  Lord Beckford nodded, and said, “Consuelo, do not hesitate to do what you need to do, however, there will always be a place for you here. No hard feelings. When you leave, let one of the hands take you to the Perkins place in the wagon. I will have your pay ready at that time.”

  “Then I shall leave this afternoon, Señor Claude. If the weather permits, maybe sooner. I do not have many things to pack.”