The fury at the words spoken rose in Mathews’ face. “How dare you sit there and tell me I can’t take my grandson home with me. Just who the hell do you think you are? I can assure you that I am not about to just stand back and let this happen. I will not leave this Godforsaken place without him. You’ll be sorry you decided to keep my grandson from me,” he shouted.
The judge nodded at the sheriff and Tom grabbed Mathews’ arm. “I think some jail time is in order for you. How long should I keep him, Judge?”
“Till he’s cooled down. But keep in mind he has threatened me. I leave that determination up to you, Sheriff.”
Rayne stood there in shock. She had no doubt that her father would walk out with Ben. She looked at Lisbet with tears in her eyes. They had won. Ben was going to stay with them. It barely registered in her head that Tom had handcuffed her father and dragged him out of the house. The next words the judge said were heard clearly by her, however.
“Rayne, I’m sorry you had such a rough childhood but I’ve given you the chance to give this young man a life you didn’t have. Teach him right from wrong, respect, and responsibility. Teach him to be a man his pa would be proud of. But most of all show him what it is to love. I can see just from watchin’ you and this young woman that you are both very capable of that.”
Judge Martin placed his hands on his knees and watched as the family wrapped their arms around one another and their child. He had no doubt that he’d made the right decision.
†
Tom and Sam both stood outside holding on to an infuriated Clayton Mathews as they waited for the judge. Tom uncuffed one of Mathews’ hands as Sam held the reins. “Get yourself up there on your horse.” Tom got real close to the man’s ear. “Don’t be tryin’ any funny stuff…I’d take great pleasure in shootin’ you.”
Mathews complied and once he was astride his horse, Tom closed the other handcuff around the saddle’s pummel. “Keep a hold on those reins, Sam. I want to speak with Rayne, Lisbet, and the judge. If he tries anything, shoot him.”
They were all standing on the porch when Tom approached them. “A very good thing has just happened. Congratulations, Rayne and Lisbet. I will ride out tomorrow and we can talk about it all.” He looked at the judge. “You ready to head out?”
“Yes I am. I’m hankering for one of Bessie’s dinners and a soft bed in the hotel.”
“Then let’s git goin’.”
They mounted their horses and followed the cloud of dust ahead of them. Tom looked at the judge. “You know that there is trouble still brewin. I expect we will have to escort him out of town and keep a lookout in case Mathews decides to return.”
“How long do you intend on keeping him in jail? Judge Martin asked.
“A night or two.”
“Make it two. I saw what you meant by the man being evil and for an instant thought about asking for an escort out of town. But I am a man who lives by the law and will face whatever results and reactions come my way as to my rulings. Knowing I can stay the night and leave before he is out of jail eases my mind.”
“He will be tucked away in my jail, Judge, no worries for you.”
†
Tom, Sam and the judge all met for breakfast the following day. They sat quietly eating their meals, occasionally speaking to one another.
“More coffee?” Bessie asked.
“Sure, fill mine up,” Tom said.
The judge shook his head. “Well, gentleman, I do believe I will be heading back to Crescent Hill. I trust you can handle whatever happens from here on. Am I correct?”
“Of course, Judge. As long as I have your judgment,” Tom held up the signed document, “we will have no worries. Thank you for comin’ like you did.”
“I was just waiting for you to send word you needed me. After we talked, I did some talking to other judges, and they all agreed that it would be in the best interest of the boy to have him stay where he was. No man asks that his father not raise his son unless there is trouble in the family.”
“Well for sure ya made Rayne and Lisbet very happy. From what I’ve been able to gather, ya secured a happy future for that boy,” Tom said. “You needin’ one of my deputies to ride back with ya to keep ya company?”
“Nah, I reckon that Mr. Mathews ain’t gonna mess with me. Besides, I will be home by the time you let him out of jail. But, I do suggest that you escort him from town and keep an eye on them two women for a few weeks.”
“Yeah, I figured I’d see Mathews on the first coach out of town and have a deputy out at the Rockin’ M for a couple of nights just to make sure,” Tom said, knowing that he was going to have a fight on his hands when Rayne found out his plans. “I’ll ride out there later and let Rayne know the plan. She ain’t gonna like it, I can tell ya that.”
“Yup, she sure ain’t,” Sam said. ”She’ll probably throw a fit.” He looked at Tom who was finishing his coffee. “You suppose that Mathews will try something so soon?”
The judge mused. “I think he was surprised by my ruling and it won’t be long before he starts to figure out how to get what he wants. That is why I suggest he get as far from town as you can get him, as soon as you can.”
“I agree, Sam. Mathews don’t strike me like a man not used to gettin' his way,” Tom said.
“I was hopin’ I was wrong.” Sam sat back in his seat. “Well shit, I better see which room is his and pack his bags and give them to him before he heads on out of town.”
“Sam, be careful and don’t turn your back on him when you give him his belongings. Have Mark there with you when you open that cell door.” Tom said before his deputy left in search of Bessie.
Chapter Eighteen
Mathews had pure rage coursing through his veins after the deputy put his valise outside the cell. There was no way he was going to leave without his grandchild and would do whatever was necessary to see that it happened. That bitch of a daughter had cost him his pride, his son, and his grandson, he would be damned if he’d simply walk away now. He wouldn’t leave this town without making her pay for all she had done.
His mind wandered back to the day she hit him on the head and left him there to die…
“What the hell do you mean she ran off? You told her we had come to an agreement? That she and I were supposed to get married and that I would treat her right and she just took off?” Martin Sinclair said as the shock and surprise made its way into his voice.
“Well now, Martin, that’s exactly what I told her. I said you and I had talked, that you would be a good husband to her and take care of her, provide a decent home, all in return for her being a devoted wife and providing a young’un or two.” Mathews’ hand was trembling as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Next thing I know, she is gone. She left no note or nothing to let her poor mother know where she went to.”
“Preacher, I don’t believe you taught that girl any manners, and if it were not for the fact she has brought embarrassment upon me, I’d say I got lucky not having to deal with her. But I am embarrassed. There are several people in town who I had told about my upcoming nuptials. Now how am I supposed to face them?” Sinclair said as the full weight of Mathews’ words sank in and the anger surfaced.
“Now, wait here, I’m not the one that told you to go off telling folks like you did. But I do see your situation, and I’m sorry for that.”
“Sorry? You’re sorry for it? Well that just makes it all right now, doesn’t it?” Sinclair shouted as he slammed his fist on table with enough force that it made their cups clatter and caused Mathews to shrink back in his seat. “I wanna know what you intend on doing to make this right, Mathews.”
“I can’t do much but I can pay a little money to help with your embarrassment if that’s acceptable to you.” Mathews sat closer to the table hoping that Sinclair would take him up on the offer and not want something more.
“Humph, I suppose five hundred dollars would ease the suffering. Don’t you have another daughter, Mathews? Maybe you might
consider tossing her into the negotiations.”
Mathews had a sick feeling in his stomach. “Five hundred will be tough to come up with, sir. If you give me some time I’ll have it for you. As for Maggie, she is already promised to someone.”
“What a shame, it would have been nice to teach her a thing or two,” Sinclair said with a laugh. “Fine. You have a week to come up with the money. See that you have it or I can’t promise I won’t do something in my state of despair. After all, grief can make a man do things…,” he said as he leaned forward to take his hat off the table before he stood. With a nod, he placed the hat on his head and left the room, leaving Mathews rattled.
Mathews had heard stories about Martin Sinclair. He knew he wasn’t a man to be crossed. When he made the deal for Rayne to marry the man, he felt he was securing a better standing in the city than his leadership of the congregation afforded him. As Martin Sinclair’s father-in-law he would have had more respect and opportunities than he had now. Yes, his future would have set.
Mathews stood at the window as he remembered the day Rayne dashed all his plans. She hadn’t been around to see how the townspeople had looked at him or how Sinclair took every chance to humiliate him. No, she didn’t think of anyone but herself. Well, as soon as he got out of jail, he would see that she realized her mistake soon enough.
He heard the door open and watched as the deputy opened a cell door and led a very inebriated man into it.
“When am I getting out of here?” Mathews asked.
“Sir, I was instructed to make sure you were on the coach out of town as soon as possible.” Sam said.
“Excuse me…you’re going to see me out of town?” Mathews said as the implication sank in. They wanted him gone so that he couldn’t cause any trouble. How could these idiots believe he would cause trouble? It is all Rayne’s doing. Had she just given him the boy, he would be on his way this very minute, but no, she was again only thinking of herself. His anger rose. He needed to teach her a lesson.
“Yes sir, the judge and sheriff think its best. There’s a coach comin’ in tomorrow mornin’ and heading out once it’s loaded.”
“I see, and if I don’t wanna be on that coach?”
“Well, then, I suppose you’ll have wait for the next one which will be here next week sometime. You can stay in jail until it gets here.”
Thinking of his options, Mathews decided it was best for the deputy to see him get on the coach, and think he was leaving town. He would sneak back to the ranch, get Ben and then leave.
“Well since it seems I don’t have much of a choice. I’ll settle up for my stay at the hotel.”
“It’s already been taken care of. If you’ve checked your valise you will find everything that was yours in there.” Sam replied.
“Do you suppose, deputy, that you and I could ride out to the ranch, I’d like to say bye to my grandson and take one last look at the place. After all, it was my brother’s place and I do have some fond memories of it.”
“I don’t think that’s a problem. Hold out your hands.” When Mathews complied he handcuffed him then opened the cell door. The two men headed out to their horses.
Mathews was seething inside. Who were these people to tell him he needed to leave town? He would leave when he was ready and not one minute before. He still had business to finish and by God, he would finish it. With a fake smile plastered on his face he looked at the deputy. “I know I blew my stack earlier when the judge made his decision, I suppose it just came as a shock. I know Rayne will do a fine job of raising the boy. Please forgive my outburst.”
Lord, please forgive that lie, and understand I’m doing Your work.
Sam had just swung into his saddle surprise filling his face. “Not a problem. I suppose I can understand the emotion behind it all. I believe Rayne and Lisbet will bring Ben up right. They will teach him all he needs to know about being a good person.” Sam waited for Mathews to step up into his saddle.
What would those two know about being good people? Didn’t Rayne admit to killing a man, didn’t she take a paperweight and hit me in the head and leave me for dead? As for the other, she is sinning against all that’s natural. She has no sense of what being a good person is either.
“You’re right, Ben will be fine. Maybe Rayne will take it in her heart to let the boy visit us, his grandparents, when he is older.”
“She may, one never knows.” Sam nudged his horse down the main street heading toward Rayne’s ranch, with Mathews riding beside him.
Fool, it will be a cold day in hell before I let Ben grow up with them two. He will grow up with me, go to a good school, and get a good education. Not some small town school where all he will ever hope to be is some farmer or rancher. And he will learn the Lords word, be a God fearing man with values and standards. What the hell could those two he’s with right now know about standards or values? I should have gotten rid of that devil’s spawn when she was born. I knew she was nothing but trouble from the day she was born. I’ll make damn sure I take care of her before I leave town, that’s for damn sure.
“I imagine you’ll be eager to get back to your family, and let them know that Rayne is doin’ fine,” Sam said.
“Oh, right. Right you are. Her mother has fretted so since we got the letter tellin us about Jason. She was hoping I could maybe convince the girl to come home with me, you know. She doesn’t much like the idea of her girl living out on a ranch so far from any real civilization,” Mathews said.
Sam laughed. “Well, I don’t see that happenin’. Rayne loves the ranch. And with Lisbet there now, I don’t think she will ever leave. Them two have worked hard makin’ a life together. They’ve had some hard things to go through as a couple. I didn’t think they would make it after the whole Dobson ordeal I’ll tell ya.”
“Who’s Dobson and what ordeal?” Mathews asked.
“Dobson was a deputy here in town, had it in for Rayne real bad. Caused her troubles somethin’ fierce, I’ll tell ya. Decided to pay Rayne a visit one day and found Lisbet alone, well he figured he would just have his way with her. From what I hear, Rayne came in just in time and shot the man dead. Shot him right square in the heart.”
“Wait, so Rayne has managed to kill two men in this town and is still walkin’ around free? What kind of justice you got around here?”
“Now it ain’t like she done anything wrong, Mr. Mathews. Both times she was protectin’ someone and to be fair, Sprigs drew on her first.”
“Killing a man is never right. As a deputy you should know that and as a God fearing man you should certainly know that. Seems to me you all’s idea of justice is a tad off.”
Mathews wondered what kind of law there was around there. Although he was fairly certain he knew, by the judge’s ruling earlier. One thing he was certain of—there was no way he would leave Ben to live here in this Godforsaken place and certainly not with Rayne. As he rode, he thought of how to get Ben. All he had to do was find a good sized rock. It would be easy to do. Hell, Rayne had managed to whack him and knock him out. Why not knock the deputy out? I can easily take care of Rayne and that scrap of a woman, take Ben and then ride out of town.
Hell, the more he thought about the more he liked the plan. He had a good memory of the roads out of town, and the neighboring towns. He could ride all night to another town and catch the coach out from there, and be on the way home with his grandson before anyone would be on the lookout for him. That was what he’d do. As soon as they got closer to the ranch, he would pretend his horse picked up a stone. He’d get off the animal, pick his front hoof up, pretend to examine it. Maybe he could convince the deputy to remove the handcuffs. All the while he’d be looking for a rock to pick up. Yeah, he liked his idea more and more.
†
Tom had a nagging feeling something was off even after an hour or so walking around town making sure there was no trouble. The judge had taken off toward his home and as far as he knew, Sam went to the jail to inform Mathews that he’d be
on the next coach out of town. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. He hadn’t seen Sam for the past hour or so. So he decided to walk over to the hotel and check to see if Sam was still there.
“Howdy, Bessie, how are things going?”
“Hello, Tom, did you come back for more coffee? I take it things went well out at Rayne’s place yesterday.”
“Mr. Mathews is in jail. He riled the judge so that he ordered him to go to jail for a couple days.”
“Really?” Bessie’s eyes widened. “That can’t make him happy. I bet he is angry as all get out that Judge Martin decided young Ben would be raised here with Rayne and Lisbet.”
“Have you seen Sam lately?”
“I saw Sam and Mr. Mathews headin’ out of town a while ago.”
“You what?”
“Saw Sam ridin’ out of town with Mr. Mathews toward Rayne’s place. Didn’t see any trouble between the two. They were actin’ friendly like.”
“Damn. Look, I’m gonna take a ride out to the Rockin M. I may just be over reactin’ but I’d feel a lot better knowin’ where Mathews is and what he’s doin’ outta jail.”
Rayne's New Beginnings Page 16