"Nodine will never hang," Reeves said sullenly. "The only way we'll bring him in is draped over a saddle."
Lovell nodded. "Sure enough."
"Parker wants us to get together a posse of at least fifty and run him down," Syle said. "What do you think of that notion?"
Lovell swirled his dregs and threw them into the fire. "If we knew where he was and had him cornered, but I don't want that many men to drag along just now. We'd be better off to spread out and meet together when we have some leads."
Syle nodded. "That's what I'm thinking. Men alone without badges will learn a hell of a lot more than a full blown posse. We can always get men when we need them."
"As far as I'm concerned you're the lead marshal on this assignment," Lovell said. "I'll do whatever you suggest, Pete."
"Me too," Reeves said.
Syle nodded and poured another round of coffee. "Then here's my plan. Rance Banford knows I'm a marshal but as far as I know he's never laid eyes on the two of you."
"Is that your informer's name?" Lovell interrupted.
"Yes, does he know you?"
Lovell shook his head. "No, I don't think so. I've seen him and his woman in Fort Smith buying whisky, but I don't think he paid any attention to me or my badge."
Syle knelt by the fire. "Word is the woman is something of a head case. She seemed nice enough about the place when I've seen her but I've heard stories that she likes her men and has had more than a fair share. It might be that a looker like her would naturally attract attention and stories, especially when she's living with the likes of Banford. Just the same, I'd be careful of her."
"What's your plan?" Lovell asked, uncomfortable with the rumor. He had built her up in his mind and didn't like the let down.
"I'll go in with Ned a few hours after you two. Make a fuss when I arrive. Talk me down for being a marshal. I'll try to get Banford drunk as usual, learn whatever I can and ride out. You two stick around for a while and see what develops. If Banford rides out or passes on information, follow. Ned and me'll snoop around Harper and see what we can learn. Meet me there within five days after we split. We'll make plans from there."
Lovell nodded and went to unsaddle his horse. He thought of Banford's woman as he worked. He had always considered himself a good judge of character. The stories of this woman didn't match what he saw in Fort Smith. She seemed like a caring mother, dignified and modest. Her children were clean and well cared for. Her eyes did not have the coldness in them that Lovell associated with such women.
He gazed into the darkness. What about her association with Banford? If he was the kind of drunk Syle indicated, why would a woman like her be with him? He was ill-kept, small and coarse—certainly not the kind of man to have such an attractive woman living with him.
He hobbled the black and carried his saddle back to the campfire. He gathered his plate and ladled some beans and back fat before returning to his saddle to eat. He allowed his thoughts to drift back to the woman; he reviewed all that he could remember of her appearance and demeanor. He realized that he really hadn't noticed much about the appearance of the children, Banford or his wagon. He had been totally fixated on her. Seldom had he been so taken by the sight of another person. He didn't like the idea of a woman having such an effect upon him. It wasn't a good sign and he probably did need to stay clear of her. He had been taken in before, humiliated, played for a fool and hurt. He told himself that he didn't need any more of that shit in his life.
* * * *
When Leah Walsh entered the room Banford was sitting at the table with a jug within easy reach. He sat back in the chair and gazed stupidly at her. His eyes were glassy from too much liquor.
"Where have you been?"
She placed the basket of laundry on the table and stepped to the stove to see if it was hot enough to bake the bread. "I was down at the creek doing some wash."
"I told you I expected several men in tonight. What about supper?"
"Supper will be ready. Don't worry."
"What are you fixin?"
"I plan to use the ham."
"Is that all?"
"What would you like me to fix?"
"Don't get smart with me. I want these men to have a good meal."
"They'll eat good."
"I want you upstairs with the brats when they get here. I don't want you sashaying around in front of them."
She gathered her basket and placed it on a table against the wall without answering.
"What did I just say? Are you not talking?"
"Rance, you've had too much to drink."
He rose unsteadily from his chair and staggered toward her. "What do you mean by that?"
She looked at the floor. "Nothing. I didn't mean anything."
"Listen to me, you whore. I'm the only one who'd take you in. If it weren't for me you and your brats would be without a pot to piss in. I guess I'll drink all I want."
She didn't answer. She looked at the table to see if anything that he could use to hit her with was near.
"What the hell did I say?"
She wondered if she could act like she had more laundry outside and slip out of the door. She dumped the clothes on the table. "I've got some more clothes on the line." She started for the door.
He stepped in front of her and shut the door. He smiled and leaned against the doorway. "Not yet. I ain't through talking to you yet."
"Please, Rance, I need to get the clothes if you want supper ready on time."
He grabbed her arm and squeezed. She bit her lip and steadied herself rather than cry out. She didn't want the children to see.
"I know what you'd like," he said coldly. "And, I'm just the man to give it to you."
"Please, I need to finish so I can get on with supper."
"Where's Rosy? Why can't she get the laundry."
"She took Levi down to the creek."
"Get in the other room. I'll show you what you need."
"Rance, please. Your guests will be here and I won't have supper ready for them."
He blinked stupidly and released his grip. "Alright, I got all night. I want you out of here when they arrive. You get your ass to the bedroom when the table's set and stay there until I say different. I know how you are with men around."
She turned back toward the stove and decided to put the bread dough in the oven. Maybe if she acted busy, he'd leave her alone.
"I thought you had laundry to get."
"I decided it can wait until I after I put the bread in the oven."
He returned to the table and took a swig from the jug. "Shit! That's the way it is with you all the time. I don't know what you'd do if I wasn't around. First one thing and then the other. How the Hell did you ever get anything done?"
She placed the bread and shut the oven door. She wiped her hands on her apron and looked toward the floor.
He rose from his chair and stepped to her. "We wouldn't have trouble if you'd just do as you're told."
"I know that. I'm sorry."
He nodded and turned to the jug. "If I didn't love you so much, it wouldn't matter. It's just that you act like a slut around men. I gave you and them kids a home 'cause I love you but you've got to make an effort to be the wife you should be. I guess it was that time with the Indians that made you the way you are. I guess you just don't know no better."
She nodded. "I'm sorry. I'll do better."
"I know you will." He took another drink and made for the door. "I got chores to finish before supper."
She waited for him to close the door and cursed herself for not starting supper earlier.
Chapter 4
Lovell opened the door brusquely and led Reeves into the room. Lovell made an effort to swagger and gun stroll like so many drovers do when they are looking for strong drink and a hard night to abate the boredom of the trail. He passed a table of four men eating without acknowledging them and tapped his finger heavily on the bar. "We'll have whisky here."
Banford threw a grimy bar
towel over his shoulder and shook his head. Lovell's actions spelled trouble and he didn't need any. "You got a brand?"
"Well, shit. What you got?"
Banford gestured broadly to draw Lovell's attention to the bottles lined behind the bar. "Take your pick."
Lovell scanned the rows and pointed out a bottle. "What's that John Dover's Rye?"
"I'll pour you a shot and let you decide."
"Set the bottle. I ain't in no mood for a shot." Lovell turned to Reeves who had joined him at the bar. "Got a nice amber color, don't it?"
"You got money?" Banford said. "Ain't no drinking without no money."
Lovell fished a dollar from his vest and allowed it to ching across the bar. "How's that?"
"Ain't enough for the whole bottle. It'll take twice that."
Lovell sighed and flipped another dollar across the surface. "Bass and me will be needing a glass or two." He turned to study the men eating while Reeves filled the glasses. "How you boys doing? How's the vittles?"
A dark-haired cowboy with a withered left arm nodded and forked another mouthful. The others ignored him.
"Must be pretty damned good. Is that ham they're eating with them taters?"
"I got some extra. Meals are two bits."
Lovell turned to Reeves. "I bought the whisky. You up to standing for a meal?"
Reeves downed his shot, nodded and poured another.
Lovell nodded and downed his shot. "We'll take two of them over there at the table by the window."
Reeves followed him to the table, downing another shot as he went. They loudly scooted the chairs back and settled in. As Reeves poured another round, Lovell casually studied the men at the table. "Do you know any of them, Bass?" he quietly asked.
Reeves spoke softly without looking up. "The little fellow with the withered arm fits the description of Yancy Parks. He's been known to ride with Nodine's gang. The droopy looking gent in the corner is Thug Yates. I got papers on him for horse stealing, bunco swindles and petty theft. I don't know the other two."
Lovell turned away from them and concentrated on his whisky. "I thought the one might be Yates. I hear he's a knife and alley man."
"From the looks of them, I doubt that any of these gents are active in Sunday school instruction," Reeves grinned.
Banford served the meals and waited for Reeves to fish his four bits. "You fellows drovers?"
Lovell did not look up, trying to look as suspicious as possible. "Yeah, who wants to know?" he answered abruptly.
Banford accepted Reeves' money. "Just making conversation."
"Make it elsewhere. We're in a hurry to eat and ride."
Banford nodded and returned to the bar.
The sound of a rider triggered a quick glance through the window by Yancy Parks. He swore softly and announced to the entire room, "Marshal."
Lovell threw a disturbed, nervous look to Banford who nodded and waved Lovell's concern with a settle down motion. "He stops here regularly. Don't worry. He's here for the whisky."
Lovell gave a look at the corner table then turned to his plate and ate in silence. Reeves followed suit.
Pete Syle entered the room. He was wearing his suit; his revolver was holstered and his marshal's badge was proudly displayed. As was usual he looked every inch the solid, reputable lawman. Ned Bells followed and took a seat by himself in the corner. Syle gave a quick glance at both tables and stepped to the bar.
"Long time, no see," Banford said as he poured a Bourbon shot. "As usual, first is on the house."
"How's it going?" Pete smiled. "Am I drinking alone?"
Banford smiled and poured himself a shot. "The last time you was here, I had a hangover for two days."
Syle grinned. "Didn't fare too well myself. How's Leah and the children?"
"Fine. They're gone to bed."
"Kinda early for that."
"They was tired."
"Sure. Sure." Syle said as he turned to inspect the men at the tables. "Kind of busy tonight."
Banford wiped the bar with his towel. "Can't complain."
"Have another on me," Syle said as he studied each man in the room. "Looks like a lot of drovers for this time of year." He spoke loudly for all to hear. "You boys working a herd north?"
Thug Yates turned in his chair. "We're on our way to meet one. They come up short-handed and we're riding to fill in."
Syle nodded. "Who's your trail boss?"
"Jim Flood's outfit."
Syle nodded approval and cut his eyes to Lovell. "What about you gents?"
Lovell acted nervous and stammered. "We're to pick up some Cherokee cattle and trail them back to the Red."
"Going south instead of north?"
Lovell looked down. "We ride for the brand and do as we're told."
"What brand?" Syle asked.
Lovell hesitated.
"I think it's the Rolling C," Banford volunteered. "Loren Grant's outfit."
Syle did not take his eyes off Lovell. "Grant's Rolling C?"
Lovell nodded meekly. "Yeah, we're riding for the Rolling C."
Syle turned and gave Banford a knowing glare. "Convenient you were able to help him remember."
Banford smiled. "You know these boys. Sometimes they're nervous around the law."
Syle poured a round for Banford. "Yeah, I know these boys."
Thug Yates stood and turned to Banford. "We need to be drifting. We'll see you round." His men came to their feet and followed.
"I was kind of hoping for a round of poker tonight," Banford said.
"Maybe next time. I'll pass along that message for you. See you round," Yates said as he led his men out the door.
Banford nodded.
"Message?" Syle asked.
"Yeah, I'm looking for some mules to hold for trading stock. He thinks he knows of a feller who might be interested."
"Oh, who's that?" Syle asked.
Banford shook his head and acted casual. "I'm not certain I recall. He's supposed to get in touch with me if he has some available."
Syle poured another Bourbon and smiled grimly. "Pretty forgetful bunch tonight."
Leah Walsh came down the stairs and hesitated at the foot when she saw Banford's glaring disapproval. She looked to the floor and made for the kitchen. As she passed Lovell she threw him a look of recognition.
Lovell turned away and returned to his meal.
"I thought you had gone to bed," Syle said as Leah passed.
"Levi needs a drink of water," she said with a meek smile.
Banford glared at her as she slipped into the kitchen. When she was out of sight he followed. A few moments later there was the sound of a slap. Lovell's eyes urgently cut to Syle. Pete gave a knowing look of resignation and shook his head. Banford returned smiling broadly. Leah followed and quickly went up the stairs. Her left cheek was red.
"Let's drink," Banford said.
Syle nodded and walked to a table in the corner. "You fellows care to join us?" he asked Lovell and Reeves.
Lovell shook his head. "We got business to attend to," he said abruptly.
Syle nodded. "Have it your way. Just being neighborly."
Banford studied Lovell and Reeves as he followed with the bottle. Lovell figured Banford was curious and suspected he and Reeves were wanted or had something to hide from the law.
As Syle and Banford settled in for drinks and conversation Reeves spoke softly to Lovell. "What now? You think we should go? They'll be a while."
"We need to hang around. Make a connection with his asshole." Lovell couldn't control his need for sarcasm. "Perhaps we can watch him slap the woman around some more."
Reeves smiled. "I knew that wouldn't sit well with you. I was afraid you'd cause some trouble."
"If we weren't playing this game of hide and seek, I'd a scattered that bastard's teeth all over this bar room floor."
Reeves nodded. "What do we do?"
Lovell hesitated then turned toward Banford. "We're kind of played out. You got a pla
ce for us to sleep tonight?"
Banford sat back in his chair. The drinking was already affecting him. "You can bed down in the barn loft. I just don't want no smoking in there. It'll cost you a dime a piece for horse feed."
Lovell nodded. "We'll take it. You serve breakfast?"
"We'll fix biscuits and fat side if we know you'll be eating. It'll cost you extra."
Lovell fished another four bits and placed it on the table. "We'll take it."
Banford nodded. "Put your horses in the back stalls. I'll grain them in the morning."
Lovell and Reeves made their way to the barn, found the stalls, unsaddled the horses and climbed into the loft for a night's sleep. It seemed like Lovell hadn't been sleeping long when he woke to the sound of someone in the barn.
"You boys up there?" Pete Syle asked softly.
"Yeah, come up the ladder," Lovell said as he drew his Colt from under his bedroll.
"You want a light?" Reeves asked.
"No, I don't want them knowing I doubled back."
Lovell recognized Syle's slim form as he worked his way through the loft portal. "What did you learn?"
Pete came up to him and squatted. He smelled of whisky and cigars. "Not enough to make any bold moves. Banford didn't get wordy for a couple of hours. I almost drank too much trying to get him talking. Anyway, those four hombres at the table ride with Nodine. Banford started bragging about a big deal going down near Black Fork. Nodine has taken up with an Indian woman down there and she's got a line on some money coming into the trading post for an Army horse deal. Banford seems to think that he's going to supply some remounts for Nodine's gang after they hit the trading post."
"He told you all of that?" Lovell asked.
"He talked around it. It took me close to three hours and two bottles of whisky to piece it all together. It's a good thing I had Ned around to get me to my horse."
"Does Nodine realize that he talks like that when he's been drinking?"
Syle shook his head. "If he did, Banford would be under the ground. I figure it's just a matter of time before Banford's whisky tongue catches up with him." He smiled. "Until then it's good for me…as long as I don't go bankrupt buying him his own liquor."
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