Stout Bertha Snootley stepped up and said to Dixie, “Come along, my dear. I know it doesn’t look like much, but there’s a few genteel ladies about like myself who are trying to bring class to Texas. Anyone can see you’re from the finest people, and I’ve been so short of women like you to converse with. I thought when you got your new home built, we might form a ladies’ club for culture.”
“Texas and culture?” some wag called. “Don’t rightly seem to go together.”
“Oh, shut up!” snapped the stout fashion leader, elbowing all the others aside. “Abner,” she called to her husband, “let’s escort these good folks to the hotel.”
The Snootleys took the banker and his wife to their buggy and drove away toward the hotel. As the crowd drifted off the platform and toward the buggies tied near the platform, Lark drew a sigh of relief. As strange as it seemed, evidently the banker had not recognized the pair, and Dixie had decided to keep her mouth shut. This was going to be a three-way Mexican standoff. It would not be in Dixie’s best interest to have the town discover she used to be a whore at the Last Chance Saloon in Oklahoma Territory.
Lark linked her arm in Larado’s. “We need to talk,” she said through clenched teeth. She continued to smile and wave as the important people exited.
“I thought you might.” Larado smiled, nodding to the people who waved and spoke to him. Lark took his arm as any wife might do, and they walked back to her shop.
When they got inside, she closed the door and whirled on him. “Of all the dirty—!”
“Sweetie, I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.” He leaned against a display counter and rolled a cigarette, but she noticed his big hands were shaking so badly that he kept losing tobacco. He seemed as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
“Don’t give me that. Somehow, you’ve contacted Dixie and she’s come because you’re here.”
“No, you got that wrong.” He shook his head. “I had no idea. But she’s got as much to hide as we do. We need to be more afraid he’ll recognize us.”
“Land’s sake,” Lark sighed, “what are we going to do?”
Larado managed to finish rolling the cigarette. “Damned if I know. Wait and see if he finally puts two and two together, I reckon.”
“And when he does?”
He stuck the smoke in his mouth and reached for a match. “Reckon it ain’t smart to borrow trouble. Maybe he never will.”
“And you’d have me believe it’s just a coincidence the two of them came here to start a new bank? I saw the way Dixie winked at you as she left the platform.”
“She probably had something in her eye. I swear—”
“I wouldn’t believe you if you were standing on a stack of Bibles, and don’t you dare light that smelly tobacco in my shop. Ladies don’t like the smell.”
He looked like he might argue but decided it wasn’t worth it. “Look, Lark, I don’t know nothin’ about this, honest. She didn’t come here for me. It’s probably a coincidence. And after all, she’s got a soft spot there, bein’ married to a rich banker who may not know her past. I don’t reckon she’s gonna rock the boat.”
“Maybe you’re right, but I won’t draw an easy breath from now on until I find out what her game is.” In the distance she heard the train whistling as it gained speed on its way out of town. She wished she’d emptied her cash register and run to get on it. But there wasn’t that much money, and she couldn’t do that to the people who had funded her. She was paying them back gradually, but it would be several weeks before her business was free and clear.
“You gonna be all right?” He looked at her anxiously.
“Oh, sure,” she snapped. “Let’s see, I’m married to a bank robber when I thought I was marrying his upstanding brother, and said robber involved me in his mess, and now two people who might tie us to the whole thing have just showed up in town. Of course I’m worried, you idiot!”
He made a soothing gesture. “I’ll talk to Dixie—find out what the situation is.”
“Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? Any excuse to cozy up to that whore.”
“Well, somebody needs to. That settee is harder than a tax collector’s heart.”
“It’s not as hard as mine,” she snapped. “Get out of here. I’ve got some hats to decorate.”
“Okay. Oh, did I tell you the town council has planned a big Fourth of July celebration, complete with a shooting match?”
“You going to enter?”
He squinted at her in the bright light. “Of course not. Why, as good a shot as I am, no one would enter if I did. It wouldn’t be fair to the other men.”
“I reckon that’s true. You’ve got a real reputation with guns.” She had a thought. “They let women enter?”
He stared at her. “You must be jokin’.”
“I’ll have you know, I’m a damned good shot.”
He shrugged. “Okay, enter. And when you beat a bunch of Texas men, how many of them will let their wives buy hats in here anymore?”
She chewed her lip. “I reckon you’ve got a point.”
“Glad you’re willin’ to admit I might be right now and then. See you at home tonight, sweetie.” Before Lark realized his intent, he whacked her lightly across the bottom as he headed toward the front door.
“Don’t you ever do that again!” she seethed. “Keep your hands to yourself from now on, you hear me?”
He grinned and winked. “But you’ve got such a nice bottom. It just seems to fit my hand.”
“Do it again, and you’ll draw back a nub.”
“I can remember when you liked me puttin’ my hand on your bottom.”
She felt the blood rush to her face. “We will not discuss that. Now get out of here.”
“I’m goin’, I’m goin’.” He backed out the door. “They’re havin’ a welcomin’ thing at the hotel for the banker and his lady.”
“Land’s sake, I had forgotten about that.”
“You comin’?”
“I don’t think I can face that pair until I’ve had a chance to steel myself. Tell everyone I’m feeling poorly.”
He paused. “That’ll look suspicious.”
“I’m not as good a liar as you are,” she snapped. “I’m afraid I’ll give myself away.”
“Okay, whatever you say. You know, I’d forgotten how purty Dixie was until I saw her again today.” He sauntered away whistling:…as I walked out in the streets of Laredo, as I walked out in Laredo one day….
An emotion flickered through Lark, an unfamiliar emotion. Could it be jealousy? Naw, of course not. She went to the door and looked out, watching Larado cross the street toward the hotel.
Then Lark collapsed in a chair and shook a moment. This was her worst nightmare. She’d thought things couldn’t get any worse when she’d ended up married to Larado rather than his nonexistent brother—and now two more people from the past had shown up. It was probably only a matter of time until she and Larado were both unmasked and arrested.
When Larado left the shop, he ambled over to the hotel, his emotions not nearly as relaxed as his expression. Sure enough, the reception continued with sherry being served to the ladies and the men going for stronger stuff. The mayor looked up. “Well, here’s our brave sheriff. Where’s the little lady this afternoon?”
“Uh, she was feeling poorly,” Larado said.
Several people snickered. “She couldn’t be, ah, in the family way, maybe?”
“Already?” Larado said.
“It doesn’t take much time.” Mrs. Bottoms smiled at him.
He thought about Lark having his baby. It wasn’t a bad thought. However, unless she let him back into her bed, the chances were slim.
“Well, Sheriff,” Dixie said and came forward and put her hand on his arm, “I don’t believe I caught your name. I’m Mrs. Wilbur Barclay.” Her hand was warm, and she squeezed his arm.
“Uh, Witherspoon. Lawrence Witherspoon.”
“Well,
Sheriff Witherspoon,” she gave him a big smile, “I’m pleased to see our bank will be so well protected.”
She was looking at him in a way that made him feel hot under his collar. He ran a finger around the collar that suddenly seemed to be choking him. “I do my best, ma’am.”
The banker had wandered off to talk to Abner Snootley and some of the town council. No one seemed to be paying much attention to the sheriff and the banker’s wife. Now she looked up at Larado and ran the tip of her tongue over her lips in a suggestive way that no one else seemed to see. “Have you and your wife been married long?”
All he could see was the tip of that pink tongue flicking in and out, and he imagined that moist ribbon caressing his body. Dixie knew how to please a man. However, it hadn’t been as good as it had been with the innocent Lark—but Lark had made it clear that he would never be touching her again, and a man had needs.
“Sheriff?” she said.
“What?” He could see the swell of her full, creamy breasts in the neck of the blue dress.
“I asked about your wife?”
“Oh.” Larado came back to reality. “We’re newlyweds, actually. And you and your husband?”
“Last April.” She smiled a little too sweetly. “Wilbur and I are looking forward to a very prosperous business here in Rusty Spur…That is, if we don’t get robbed.” She winked very slowly.
Larado looked around to make sure no one else was paying attention. “This is a very law-abidin’ town, Mrs. Barclay. Your bank will be safe.”
“That’s so comforting,” she almost purred, putting her hand on his arm again. Her fingers caressed ever so slightly there. “You live in town?”
He pulled his hand away, nodding. “Got a ranch picked out, but a sheriff don’t make enough money to buy land.”
“Maybe you’ll come into some money,” she said.
He shook his head. “Not likely.”
She smiled. “You just never know what will happen.”
“Dixie, dear,” the fat banker called as he pushed his way through the crowd. “Oh, hello, Sheriff.” He gave Larado another puzzled look.
“Hello. I was just assurin’ your wife how safe your bank will be in this town.”
The banker nodded and smiled. “Have to tell you, Sheriff, one of the reasons I picked this town—besides the fact it’s got a bright future—was I heard about the legendary sheriff who protects it. I’d like to see you shoot sometime.”
Larado shook his head. “I’m a peaceful man, sir. I kill as few men as possible. My reputation keeps trail scum outa this town.”
“Good. Well, come along, Dixie, dear, I want you to meet some of the other important folks in this town.”
They both nodded to Larado and walked away. As she left, Dixie turned ever so slightly and winked at Larado.
Oh hell, now what was he gonna do? He figured Dixie had some fun and games in mind, and he suddenly realized he didn’t want to play unless his partner was Lark. He realized at that moment that the truth was, he really cared for Lark and he’d never had as much ecstasy as he’d experienced in her arms. Of course Lark would never believe that, so it appeared hers was a bed he’d never share again.
In the meantime, Dixie had made it clear that she was interested in renewing their old acquaintance. If he didn’t take the bait, would she act the spurned, jealous woman, blowing the whistle on him for the Buck Shot bank robbery? And what had happened to Snake Hudson?
He excused himself and left the reception, returning to his office to sort through the wanted posters and think.
Paco came in. “Hey, boss, you’re not at the reception?”
“I was. I reckon it’s still goin’ on.”
“That bank gonna make a big difference in this town?”
Larado nodded. “Reckon so.”
“That banker’s got a pretty wife.” The young Mexican sat down on the edge of Larado’s desk.
“I didn’t notice.” Larado leafed through the posters.
Paco laughed. “Didn’t notice? Boss, you must be blind. She’s a beaut. Blond as a palomino filly.”
Larado shrugged. “Rich men can attract women like that.”
“She’s not as pretty as your lady,” Paco noted.
“No, she’s not, is she?” He pictured Lark’s face and dark eyes. She had a mane of black hair that made a man want to tangle his fingers in it. Tangle his fingers in it, pull her to him, and kiss her and kiss her and…
“Someday, you gonna teach me to shoot, si? Remember, you said you would.”
Oh damn, he’d forgotten about that. He didn’t want his worst secret uncovered. “Sure, maybe sometime when things slow down around here.”
“Boss, it couldn’t get much slower. Here it is, almost the beginning of July, and there’s two dogs and a burro asleep out on Main Street.” He stepped to the window and looked out.
Larado groaned. “Magnolia out again?”
“Sí.”
“Bertha Snootley will be bellyachin’ about that. I reckon I’d better go put the damned donkey up.” He got up and went outside, squinting against the blinding sun. Texas at this time of year was hotter than the hubs of hell. Texans not only relished the heat, they bragged about it to Yankees who came in on the train.
He went and caught Magnolia, taking her back to her stable. He stuck his head in the hat shop. “You closin’ any time soon?”
“Why would you care?” Lark snapped. “You tired of flirting with Dixie?”
He should have known this was coming. “I was just puttin’ in an appearance. Everyone asked about you. I told them you’re feeling poorly.”
“Good.” She turned her back and began to rearrange a display case.
“Some of them hinted they think you might be in the family way.”
She whirled on him. “I hope you didn’t encourage that thought.”
He grinned. “Actually, maybe I did. I got to thinkin’ how cute our kids would be—”
“I’m not having children sired by a bank robber.” Her dark eyes widened with horror.
“You’ve made that clear enough.”
“I can’t close yet. I’ve sold several hats, and I might sell more. Ladies are all getting new hats for Sunday services so they can impress the new banker’s wife.”
Larado snorted. “If Dixie comes to church, the roof may fall in.”
“Well, it didn’t when you came to services, and she’s no worse than you are.”
“Point well taken.” He moved closer. “Lark, do you reckon we could reach some kind of truce?”
“Why should we?” She turned on him.
“Because it would make it easier for both of us.”
Her expression turned as hard as her biscuits.
“I’m perfectly satisfied with things the way they are.” He had hurt her, and she was angry with him for it.
“But I’m not satisfied.” He sounded serious for a change, and he reached out, putting his big hand over hers. He was standing so close, she could feel the heat of his big body and smell the scent of tobacco and sunshine and bay rum hair tonic.
She had forgotten how big and hard the palms of his hands were, and she remembered now as his hand covered hers. She hesitated a long moment, remembering his touch, the safety of the embrace of his strong arms. As she weakened, she reminded herself that he had married her only to keep her from testifying against him, and that knowledge stung her pride—no, it hurt her soul. She pulled away from him.
“Don’t try to sway me, Larado. Now that your whore is in town, I’m sure she’ll find a way to keep you from being lonely.”
“You really think I sent for her, don’t you?”
She looked up at him, wishing she didn’t believe that. “Now what are the odds she and her banker would end up in this tiny, dusty town when there are a thousand more appealing ones across the West?”
“But most of them aren’t in Texas,” Larado pointed out. “And the worst town in Texas is better than the best one in the rest
of the states. Any Texan will tell you that. Maybe it’s just because there’s a lot of money in this town now with the railroad here, and new settlers.”
“Haven’t you got work to do?” She kept her voice icy. “I certainly have.” And she began to bustle about, rearranging merchandise.
“Well, I reckon I’ll see you at the house later.”
She nodded and gestured him out the door. He left whistling his favorite song, but it had a muy slow, sad quality about it today. She had begun to care about the man, even though he had hurt her deeply. She would not forgive or forget that, and she could not—would not—trust him. She closed her eyes in mental anguish. Had Dixie come to town for Larado? And if so, did Lark even care? She wasn’t sure of the answer to that question.
Chapter Fourteen
Between them, they managed to get supper cooked that night. After that, she watched Larado looking through the newspaper as he sat at the table. He appeared frustrated, squinting and leafing through the pages.
Oh my, he can’t read, she thought. Well, that wasn’t so unusual on the frontier; lots of people were illiterate. “Would you like me to read it to you?” she blurted without thinking.
“You think I can’t?” He seemed angry and defensive.
“No, I merely thought that since I read pretty well, I’d be happy to—”
“I don’t need you to do that,” he snapped.
“Okay,” she shrugged. “I think I’ll go to bed.”
“By the way, you don’t need to put the chair under the door,” Larado growled. “I won’t try to come in without a personal invite.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” she said. “I presume you and Dixie will be sneaking clandestine meetings in someone’s barn?”
“You know I don’t know the meanin’ of big words like that. I never had much chance to get much schoolin’ after my ma died.”
Her heart softened as she thought of a motherless child trying to make it in a hard world. She thought of him as uncaring, yet he had hung on to both his mother’s photo and her gold-framed eyeglasses. “I just figured you and Dixie—oh, never mind, you’d just deny it anyway.”
“Lark, I swear to you, I didn’t know she was comin’.”
Georgina Gentry - To Tease a Texan Page 20