Sarah‘s chin quivered. “And now we’re going.”
Grace’s eyes held empathy, and she gave a sympathetic nod. “Yes, Sarah’s right. We really should be going.” She turned to Frederick and offered her hand. “Thank you for your hospitality to sister and I, Mr. Chessher.”
Frederick accepted Grace’s dainty hand. “Uh, you’re…uh, welcome, Miss Winnie.”
Sarah didn’t say anything for fear she might burst into tears.
Frederick squinted and rubbed his chin.
“Ta-ta!” Grace said as they went out the door.
9
Not a word was spoken all the way from their uncle’s office to the hotel. Inside the lobby, Sarah followed Grace into the atrium and sat down.
Grace sat down too. She patted her honey-blonde hair-do before turning her full attention to her sister. “All right, Sarah, let’s start with the real reason we came to Galveston.”
Sarah couldn’t stop the tears from spilling over her cheeks.
Grace handed her a handkerchief.
Sarah explained the whole story in jerky sentences between wiping her eyes. “And that’s all of it.” She sat back. “I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life.”
“You should be embarrassed, Sarah Jane McKinney. Whatever were you thinking, coming all the way to Galveston, dallying with a man…and at your age!”
“Have you forgotten I’m nearly eighteen years old, sister?” Sarah dipped her chin in consternation. “And it wasn’t my sole intention to come here to see Frederick. I came to discuss the cattle drive with Uncle Jeremiah. How was I to know he was out of town?”
“It seems you got sidetracked.”
“Nice detective work. Maybe you should apply as a Pinkerton.”
A cloud of silence floated between them.
Grace pushed up from her chair. “All right, then, let’s just go home.” She offered a hand to Sarah.
They walked toward the desk to retrieve their bags.
“Do you think you could possibly not mention this to Mama?” Sarah asked.
“We’ll see.” Grace frowned as they stepped in line at the hotel desk.
Sarah’s attention was drawn to a posted advertisement sign. Trail Hand For Hire. The information stated the man had twenty years’ experience on the Shawnee and Chisholm trails, then strangely, a blurb stating they wouldn’t work in Dickinson County, Kansas. Serious inquiries come to Pier 15.
A young porter came out of a back room carrying one tiny bag and one huge suitcase. Grace gave him a tip and thanked him. She turned and smiled. “Are you ready to go?”
Sarah nodded and lifted her small case.
“Sarah, would it be too much trouble for you to carry my suitcase too?”
How long would she be blackmailed by Grace in exchange for her silence? “Of course, sister. I’d be more than happy to.” What have I gotten myself into? But she didn’t have time to worry about that. Before hefting Grace’s bag, Sarah ripped the posted advertisement off the wall. “Follow me. There’s one more stop I need to make before we leave Galveston.”
~*~
The trolley driver tugged the reigns, and the mules came to a stop.
Bags in hand, Sarah and Grace exited.
An early evening fog rolled in, shrouding Pier 15 in a blanket of unnerving gloom.
Grace dropped her bag and took hold of Sarah’s arm. “Sister, this place gives me the creepy crawlies.”
Sarah shushed her and listened intently to the surrounding sounds. There was an unidentifiable clanging noise. Was it a bell or something hitting one of the many boats moored along the dock? The smells were familiar, a fishiness combined with fuel odors. Seagulls glided above, a random one or two landed on wooden pylons lining the pier. Their mocking laughter made chills run up and down her spine. This place was definitely the seediest Sarah had ever been, and it was nowhere two young women should be.
Grace didn’t deserve to go any farther.
Sarah pointed to a decrepit building across the street advertising an egg, bacon and biscuit breakfast. “Why don’t you go wait for me in that restaurant. This won’t take very long.”
“I can’t leave you alone here.” Grace protested.
“I’ll be fine. I’m going to speak to the man who posted this advertisement at the hotel.” She held the sign up. “I won’t be but a few minutes.” She nudged Grace toward the café. “Now go on. Get something to drink.”
Grace pulled her long skirt revealing the dark stains covering the hem. “Oh…all right. I really don’t want to get my skirt any dirtier.” She dropped the fabric and pointed toward the docks. “But if you’re not back soon I’ll notify the constable.”
“I’ll be fine…look.” Sarah showed Grace the derringer tucked inside her handbag.
Her sister’s jaw dropped open.
“Satisfied?” She walked to Pier 15 leaving her stricken sister behind.
Men hauled heavy crates and rolled big barrels off boats tethered to the dock. One of the men wore a flat cap and held a pencil and clipboard. His writing utensils rested on his knee, which was propped on one of the short pylons.
Sarah made her way toward him.
Flat Cap frowned and gave her the once over. “What do you want?” His voice was gruff.
“Y…yes, I’m looking for this man.” Sarah showed him the advertisement. “Do you know where I can find him?”
The man stood to his full, enormous height and looked down at the paper. “What do you want with him? He your daddy?”
“Why no. Of course not.” She spat the words at him. “Just please answer my question. Is he here or not?”
The man smiled sardonically and raised his voice. “Hey, Reinhardt. Someone here to see you.”
One of the men looked in their direction. Older than most of the young men working on the dock, he rubbed his back after he set a heavy crate on the ground.
Sarah twisted her hands together as he walked toward her.
The man looked older than her father had before he’d died. He was also an extremely handsome man. He pulled off his heavy gloves and ran a hand through his hair slicking it away from his face. The gray at his temples and his black mustache made him look all the more distinguished. When he reached Sarah, he put his fists on his belt. “The name’s Reinhardt. Who are you?”
It took all the courage she could muster to hold out the notice. The paper shook in her trembling hand. “I’m Sarah McKinney. I saw this advertisement posted at the hotel and I’m interested in hiring you.”
“Is that so? You don’t look old enough to be away from your mama. And just what would you know about cattle anyway?” He shook his head, threw the paper on the ground, and walked away.
Sarah’s spine stiffened. “Look, mister! All you need to know is that I own over a thousand head of cattle and I need to drive them from Bolivar up to High Island. The advertisement said you’re an experienced hand, and that’s what I’m looking for. Now do you want to come work for me, or do you want to stay here and lift crates, old man?”
Reinhardt turned with a mocking smile. “Them’s some mighty strong words coming from such a little ol’ girl.”
Sarah picked up the paper and pulled a pencil from her reticule. She scribbled on the back then shoved it toward him. “Here’s what the job pays. Are you interested or not?”
He looked down at her writing, scratched his chin, and nodded his head. “All right. I’ll take it. But let’s get one thing straight.” He pointed a long, stiff finger at Sarah. “I’m the trail boss.”
“Fine…just don’t forget. You work for me.” She took the flyer, wrote some more, and then handed it to Reinhardt. “Get a crew together as soon as you can. Here’s the directions to my place. Mr. Reinhardt…my family is in a bad way right now, and I really need your help. Please don’t let me down.” Sarah turned to leave.
“What did you say your name was?”
“Sarah McKinney…I…” Sarah replied. “I own the MK Ranch in Bolivar.”
“You can count on me, Sarah McKinney.”
She gave him a nod before walking away from Pier 15. Well, he may not be Mr. Frederick Chessher, but he’s certainly the man for the job.
10
There was much work that needed to be done, but Frederick’s brain wasn’t performing as it should. He reclined in his desk chair and stared at nothing. His mind was feasting on long, blonde tresses, sun-kissed cheeks, and eyes so blue a man could get lost in them. Oh, how you distract me, Miss McKinney…
Sarah Jane infiltrated his mind, his heart, his very being. She was so strong and independent with her rugged Texas spirit. She could transform into a sophisticated gentlewoman in the blink of an eye. She was like a wild tiger wrapped inside a delicate rose. How could such an amazing creature be interested in the likes of me?
“Are you all right, Mr. Chessher?” Mrs. Gilley stood at the office door. Her entrance snapped Frederick back to reality. “You look as if you’re in a trance.”
Frederick bolted upright and fumbled with some papers. “Oh, uh, yes, of course I’m all right. I just have a lot on my mind and…and I suppose I’m tired. Yes, that’s it, I’m tired.” He sat back and rubbed his eyes.
“Here’s the Garner file.” She shoved it toward him. “It took me forever to find it.”
“Whatever are you giving me that for?” Frederick scowled. “That case has been closed for more than a year.”
Mrs. Gilley glared back. “That’s exactly what I said to you when you asked me to fetch it earlier.” She released the heavy ream of legal papers with a thud on Frederick’s desk. “And who is this Miss McKinney, and why does she have you in such a frenzy? I could hear your conversation from the other room.”
Frederick crossed his arms and looked down. He couldn’t stop the burning flush creeping up his neck. “I…”
Mrs. Gilley sucked in an audible gasp, and her eyebrows arched high. “Mr. Chessher! You have feelings for Miss McKinney!”
“Whatever are you talking about?” Frederick shook his head in denial as he fished for a reply. “Certainly, you are mistaken. Miss McKinney happens to be the niece of your boss, and if you had half a mind, you would have treated her and her sister a little more graciously.”
The young woman’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t think I’m mistaken one bit. And to think…you have a precious young lady friend waiting for you in Beaumont. You should be ashamed.” Mrs. Gilley charged out of the room.
Thank goodness, that’s over. Frederick shuffled through a stack of documents Mr. Logan had asked him to handle. The City of Galveston was thriving, and lawyers were in demand. He was grateful to have a position under one of the best. Frederick looked for the J. L. Rose file. Mr. Logan told him it was a priority. “Rose, Rose, Rose…where are you, Rose?” He froze. His thoughts betrayed him once again. What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet. Shakespeare’s words resonated through his mind. Oh, Sarah…my beautiful rose in fullest of bloom. His eyes widened at his shameless desires. Why is this happening to me? “Mrs. Gilley! Come to my office at once!”
“What is it?” She came in with a flustered expression.
“I need you to send a telegram right away.”
“Let me get pencil and paper.” She went out and returned. “Go ahead, I’m ready.”
“Eliza, traveling to Beaumont on the weekend. Please be prepared to accept me. Sign it…” Frederick struggled with how to end the message. “Oh, just sign it, sincerely, Frederick.”
Mrs. Gilley dipped her chin. She stalked out of his office radiating disapproval.
~*~
Tired of hair slapping her face, Sarah turned into the wind. The ferryboat was slow, but a stiff Gulf breeze was blowing, making it hard to keep her eyes open. She gave up and let them close. Unwanted as they were, thoughts of Frederick came to the forefront of her mind.
His words taunted her. “I have a lady friend in Beaumont…she would interpret our hand holding as entirely inappropriate.”
Her emotions were all jumbled up. She was mad and confused that he had called her a distraction. Was she not as good as his Beaumont lady? Oh, Lord, it’s my time to start courting. Why is the only man I’ve ever been interested in already taken? Help me get him out of my mind. She felt so angry, rejected and…jealous. A tear rolled down her cheek. She swiped it away. Stupid man…you don’t even fear the Lord! You and your stupid emerald-green eyes and your stupid long, brown hair. Why do I even bother trying? And what a stupid name…Frederick Chessher. Sounds like that stupid cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Oh, Frederick…Fred-er-ick…Freedrick…Freddy…Fritz. Good morning, Fritz…
“Stop!” Sarah clamped her hand over her mouth.
“Stop what?” Grace swung her head toward her sister.
“Oh, sorry. I’m tired of the wind in my eyes.”
“So you thought you would tell it to stop.” Grace grinned.
“I know…stupid.”
Despite the breeze fluttering its pages, Grace went back to writing in her journal.
Sarah didn’t need to be thinking of such things when she had a trail drive to get ready for. Someone would have to travel with her. She wasn’t comfortable being alone with Mr. Reinhardt, and Mama wouldn’t allow it anyway. She glanced at her sister, contemplating if she could handle the trail drive. Closing her eyes, she chuckled.
Grace grimaced. “Now what’s the matter with you?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just had a really funny thought go through my mind.”
“Would you like to share?”
“No. You wouldn’t understand.”
“Fine, suit yourself.”
Sarah squeezed her small handbag. She smoothed her fingers over the cool metal outline of her pistol. Mr. Reinhardt, you’d better think twice before messing with me.
11
“Would you just listen to the noise that rabble is making out back!” Louise let the kitchen curtain fall back in place.
Sarah continued cutting potatoes.
Grace poured cornmeal into a bowl. “Now, Louise, you shouldn’t talk about Sarah’s hired hands like that.” She grinned mischievously at Sarah.
“They aren’t my hired hands, Grace. They work for Mr. Reinhardt, who works for me.”
Mama turned from the stove. “That Mr. Reinhardt is one handsome man, and rugged too. I’ve seen him out there working with the cattle. Now that’s a cowboy!”
“Ew, Mama, don’t talk like that. You’re too old to think about men in that way. Besides, Mr. Reinhardt is absolutely revolting,” Louise said.
“Have you seen the tobacco spittle running down his chin, and how he scratches himself?” Grace shuddered and picked up an egg.
“I can’t believe I raised such prissy girls! The three of you wouldn’t know a manly man if you saw one.” Mama’s tone was lofty.
“Don’t include me with those two, Mama. I like manly men.” Sarah frowned at her mother.
“Oh? Like who, Sarah? Frederick Chessher?” Grace asked.
“Hold your tongue, Grace!”
“What’s this all about?”
“It’s nothing, Mama. Grace doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
Grace wrinkled her nose at Sarah.
“Hush up, you two.” Mama had a faraway look in her eyes. “I don’t know…having Mr. Reinhardt here reminds me of how virile and handsome Sarah’s daddy was. It takes a mighty strong man to run a ranch.”
“Yeah, Sarah, Mr. Reinhardt is a good-looking man, and he’s proven how much he knows about cattle.” Louise patted her belly. “Since you want to run this ranch so bad then maybe you should marry him.”
Louise and Grace had a laugh.
Sarah glared at them. “He’s an old man, Louise! He might be handsome, but if you knew Reinhardt, you wouldn’t even want me going on the cattle drive with him.”
Concern washed over Mama’s face. “Why do you say that? Has he given you reason to doubt his integrity?”
“Yo
u don’t need to worry about me, Mama. I’ll have Pedro and Inez to protect me. Besides, there are two more things I’m taking to ensure my safety.”
“Oh, what’s that?”
“My Derringer pistol and Daddy’s Winchester rifle.” Sarah was convinced she’d be safe on the trail.
~*~
Sarah leaned against a fence post and watched the vaqueros practice their roping skills. The three days they had camped out on the ranch with Reinhardt gave her time to see how proficient the men were with handling cattle.
Reinhardt ambled up beside her and crossed his arms. “Good lookin’ bunch of vaqueros, aren’t they?”
“I don’t know about that, but they sure know what they’re doing.”
“Yeah, they do…even if they’re a bunch of pepper bellies.”
“Don’t call them that.”
“Just calling it the way I see it.”
“They are a wild bunch. Mama is none too happy about all their singing and carousing until all hours of the night. She’s afraid to let me go with you.”
“I can appreciate that. I’ll see what I can do.” Reinhardt rubbed his chin. “So, how’s the supply gathering coming?”
“Almost done. We’re still on schedule to head out in the morning. How about you, are your men ready?”
“Ready as they’ll ever be.” Reinhardt stretched and yawned. “That Mexican woman of yours a good cook?”
“Inez happens to be a good cook, as well as close as a family member to us.” Sarah didn’t contain the censure in her voice.
He held his hands up. “Oh, well, pardon me. I just want to make sure me and my men have some good grub to eat. A man can work up a powerful appetite driving cattle.”
“You don’t need to worry. Inez will make sure you and your men won’t go hungry.”
“Mr. Reinhardt…there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
“Oh yeah, what’s that?”
“On your advertisement you stated you wouldn’t work in Dickinson County, Kansas. Would you mind telling me what that’s all about?”
Reinhardt acknowledged her question with a slight nod. “Young lady, you might as well learn now that not everyone in the world is honest and trustworthy like you might think.”
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