“No, Amelia. I must tell you now. That’s what Roberto wanted.” She took a deep breath. “The funeral will take place as soon as we finish up the business here. We will then bury my Roberto. Though it’s unusual for things to happen this fast, Father Dellrio has given his permission for the burial. He has someone preparing a grave at the chapel.”
“So soon?” Amelia frowned.
“It was the way Roberto wanted it done, Mrs. Wainwright,” Father Dellrio said. “Under the circumstances as he explained them, I have no objections to doing it his way.”
Juanita looked again at Amelia. “I know it must upset you to know your father’s ranch hands were responsible for my husband’s death, but I don’t hold anything against you. You’ve been a wonderful friend. Not just since Roberto’s beating, but from the time we met.”
“I don’t know how much my father knew about the beating, Juanita, but I want Lance to investigate every aspect of it. If my father was involved, he should answer for his crime, just like anyone else.”
“Mr. Donahue was not with them, but his foreman was.” Miguel spoke for the first time.
“He sat on his horse and held me with a rope. He made me watch, but I didn’t know the two men who kept hitting and kicking Poppa.”
“Don’t worry, Miguel. The guilty parties will pay. I’ll see to that.” Lance lifted his coffee cup and drank.
Juanita nodded. “Now, to get to the business my husband wanted me to handle this morning. Since Mr. Donahue’s man told Miguel they would be taking over the ranch as soon as my husband was dead, Roberto came up with a plan to keep him from getting any of our land and Miguel and I agree with his plan.”
Jed said, “Mrs. Garcia, Curt and I will do anything we can to help you keep your ranch.”
“We sure will,” Curt said. “Roberto and I would often talk when we met at the edge of our property. He had plans for his place.”
“Yes, he wanted to build a big ranch someday, but even if we wanted to keep this place, there’s no way Miguel and I can carry out those dreams. There’s too much owed on the ranch and there is no way we could ever pay it off. There are other bills, too. Also, there’s too much work for the two of us.” She paused. “As I said, Miguel and I had a talk and we’re going to do things just the way Roberto told us to. That way we’ll be safe and know we honored his last request.”
Curt asked, “What did he want you to do, Juanita?”
Juanita smiled at him. “To carry out my husband’s plan is the reason Mr. Fielding is here, Mr. Allison. Roberto signed all the proper papers to make everything legal. Now to conclude the deal, all that is needed is for you and Mr. Wainwright to sign them and this ranch will be yours.”
Chapter 14
“Come in, Sheriff.” Rafe stood and held out his hand as Elizabeth showed the lawman to Rafe’s study.
“Hello, Donahue.” Lance took the outstretched hand.
“Could I bring you gentlemen some coffee?’ Elizabeth asked.
“No, thank you.” He smiled at the woman.
“Then, I’ll leave you alone.” She went out and closed the door.
“Well, Sheriff, now she’s gone would you like something a little stronger than coffee?”
Though Lance would have liked to have a glass of Rafe’s expensive liquor, he decided he didn’t want to move this meeting away from the business at hand. “This isn’t a social call, Donahue.”
Rafe raised an eyebrow. “What kind of business could you possibly have with me? Has that dirty bounty hunter done something to my daughter?”
“Of course not. The business I have is with your foreman. Would you send for him, please?”
“That’s impossible.”
Lance frowned. Was Donahue going to cover for Callahan? If not, why was he refusing to bring him into the house? “Why can’t I speak with him?”
“The simple reason is that Vince left on the cattle drive before dawn this morning. He’ll be back in a week or so. Whatever you need to see him about will have to wait.” Rafe narrowed his eyes. “What business could you have with Vince anyway?”
Lance ignored the question. “Was he at the ranch yesterday?”
“Of course. He was getting things ready for the drive.”
“Could he have left for a while?”
Rafe’s voice became hard. “I told you he was here getting the cattle ready to move. Why are you so interested in where my foreman was yesterday, Lance Gentry?”
Lance twisted the gray Stetson in his hand. He had a feeling Rafe was lying. “I want to talk to him about a murder.”
“What the hell do you mean? I’m sure Vince doesn’t know anything about a murder.”
Rafe’s defense of his foreman wasn’t convincing Lance. “I was told differently.”
“Well, whoever told you differently was lying. I’d trust Vince with my life.”
The Sheriff eyed Rafe. He could tell the man was angry. He decided he had nothing to lose. He was going to push him as far as he could. “I’m sure you would trust him with your life, Donahue. After all, you trusted him enough to try to push your daughter into marrying him.”
“Damn it, Lance Gentry. Who I intend for my daughter to marry is none of your damn business.”
“Not unless you force her to be a bigamist.”
“How dare you. When she finally tires of that Indian bastard, I’ll see this frivolous marriage of hers is annulled and she’ll marry Vince.”
“From what I’ve seen of the Wainwrights, there’s no way there can ever be an annulment of that marriage.” He chuckled. “Those two are so in love they can’t keep their hands off each other.”
Rafe’s face turned red as he jumped from his chair. “Get out of my house.”
“Please, calm down, Rafe,” Lance said in a calm voice. “I apologize. I guess I was concerned about why you’d rather your daughter marry a murderer than a decent man like Jed Wainwright.”
“There’s nothing decent about Wainwright and I know damn well Vince Callahan didn’t murder anybody.”
“How do you know, Rafe? Were you with him all day yesterday?”
“I know the man. He wouldn’t hurt anyone.” Rafe still looked mad, but he settled back in his chair. “He’s the best hand I’ve ever had and someday soon he’ll be my son-in-law.”
“You’re dreaming, Rafe. Amelia will never marry Vince Callahan. She hates the man.”
“She only thinks she hates him. She’ll come to her senses.”
Lance knew he wasn’t going to convince Rafe, so he leaned toward the huge carved desk and spoke slowly. “Why haven’t you asked me who was killed, Rafe? One would think you were more interested in covering for your foreman’s actions yesterday than who lost their life.”
“I don’t give a damn who died. I only know Vince didn’t do it. He’s not that kind of man.”
“As I said, someone saw him and two of your men commit the murder.”
“That’s it.” Rafe jumped up again. “Get out.”
“I’m going, but don’t think this is the end. Your foreman committed murder and I intend to see him and those who helped him hang for it.” Lance stood and put on his hat. Looking directly into Rafe’s eyes, he said, “And if you ordered the killing, I’ll see to it you pay for it, too.”
“What do you mean, if I ordered it? That makes no sense.”
“It makes sense to me.” Lance opened the door. “Everyone knows how bad you want Garcia’s ranch.”
“What does Garcia have to do with it?”
Lance watched for Donahue’s shocked reaction when he said, “He has everything to do with it. Roberto Garcia is the man Callahan and his cronies killed.”
* * * *
Astride Rambler, Amelia rode beside Jed as they headed toward Settlers Ridge. She was thinking what a busy day they’d had yesterday. After the shock at breakfast, they agreed to take over the Garcia place then they attended Roberto’s funeral. Afterward they returned to the Garcia cabin to eat the dinner Juanita insisted o
n cooking. They then left Curt at the ranch to protect Juanita and Miguel and headed home. By the time they took care of a few of their ranch chores, night fell and they were exhausted. They fell into bed and slept soundly.
When they awoke, she made breakfast and they ate. Jed hurried out to work until noon. She cleaned the kitchen, fixed a small dinner and straightened the house, including Curt’s room.
With the increase in the size of the ranch Jed and Curt had decided yesterday they needed to hire at least three extra cowhands to work on both places. Jed insisted he do the hiring. Amelia was surprised until he told her, “Honey, a lot of men will refuse to work for a man with Indian blood. I don’t want them coming to the ranch, then riding off because of who my mother was.” Though she thought it unfair, she understood his reasoning.
Now it was early afternoon and they had ridden the last mile toward Settlers Ridge in silence. It seemed there was little else to say. Amelia was still thinking about what had happened and in such a short period of time. When the thought struck her, she looked over at Jed and said, “Didn’t you tell me Lance said he was going out to the Double D either yesterday afternoon or this morning?”
“That’s what he said.”
“I wonder how he made out there.”
“I’m sure Callahan will deny being involved, but that won’t faze Lance. He’ll bring him in and make him name his partners in the crime.”
“I wonder if Daddy will deny it.”
Jed gave her a quick smile. “Amelia, please don’t dwell on it. I’ll check with Lance while we’re in town. I’m sure he’ll talk with your father, too.”
“It’s hard not to dwell on it.”
“I know it is.” He reached over and touched her arm.
She nodded and didn’t say anything for a little while. Then she again broke the silence. “I’m sorry I got you into all this, Jed. I never dreamed when we got married it would turn into so much trouble.”
“I’m used to trouble and this time, I’m not dodging bullets and fighting rattlesnakes or cougars.”
“If Vince gets away from Lance, you may have to dodge those bullets, yet.” She gave him a weak smile.
“At least you avoided marrying the man.”
“Thanks to you.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “And I’m reaping the benefits.”
“I guess you have gotten the ranch you wanted out of it.”
He chuckled. “I wasn’t thinking about the ranch or the money.”
Amelia knew exactly what he was talking about and couldn’t help blushing.
Jed laughed out loud and winked at her.
She didn’t say anything else.
When they reached Settlers Ridge, Jed reined his horse up in front of the hotel. “Why don’t you go in and visit with Grace. I’ll see if there’s any men around we can hire. After I talk with the sheriff, I’ll join you here for supper.”
“Sounds good.” Amelia dismounted and watched him ride down the street and stop his horse in front of Brown’s Mercantile. Her heart fluttered. She frowned because her heart had been doing this a lot whenever she looked at Jed. Shaking her head, she entered the hotel. Waving at Frank Olsen, who was busy with a customer, she went directly to the dining room.
As she entered, Grace motioned her toward a table near the window. “I’ll be right with you.”
Amelia nodded and sat down.
Grace set plates before two cowboys then hurried over to Amelia’s table. “I think it’s time you finally came to town. How’s married life?”
“It’s fine.” Amelia waved to the chair in front of her. “Won’t you join me?”
“Let me serve you first.”
“I’ll just have tea for now. Jed is taking care of some business and he’ll join me for supper in a little while.”
“I’ll get your tea and be back in a minute.”
While she was waiting for Grace, Amelia was surprised to see Wilma coming down the plank sidewalk. Tapping on the window, she motioned for her friend to come inside.
Minutes later the three friends gathered around the table. “I told Mrs. Olsen you both were here and she said it would be all right for me to join you if I’d watch for customers coming in.”
“Great,” Wilma said and turned to Amelia. “I guess you’re still happily married?”
Amelia nodded. “I am, but right now I want to know what you’re doing here. How in the world did you talk your mother into letting you come back to Settlers Ridge?”
“My mother had nothing to do with it.”
“Oh?” Amelia looked confused.
Wilma explained how she talked her daddy into letting her come back and it wasn’t long until the friends were chatting as if there had been no changes whatsoever in their lives.
There was a pause in the conversation and Grace said, “Would you two excuse me for a minute? There’s something in my room I need to get.”
“Sure, but hurry back,” Wilma said.
When Grace left, Amelia turned to Wilma. “Now, tell me. Have you seen Stanley Brown?”
“Yes, I have. I actually talked to him a few days ago. Grace brought Dr. Wagner’s new nurse in the general store. I took her up to Stanley and explained to him how he should help her.”
“That’s a start, Wilma.”
“I know. I think seeing you marry a man like Jed Wainwright has given me courage. If you can handle a strong tough man like him, surely I can handle someone as sweet and gentle as Stanley.”
“I’m sure you can, but let me assure you, Jed’s not as tough as some people thinks he is. He’s really very sweet and kind, and gentle, too.”
Before Wilma could answer Grace returned and handed Amelia a wrapped package. “Since we didn’t have the chance to get you a wedding present, Wilma and I thought you might be able to use this.”
“And we thought Jed would like it, too,” Wilma added.
“Oh how sweet of you both.” Amelia took the gift and tore into the wrapping. She couldn’t help blushing when she pulled out a lacy light blue nightgown. “Oh, my goodness. It’s beautiful. I love it.”
“Do you think Jed will like it?” Wilma cocked an eye at her.
“I don’t have to think. I know he will,” Amelia said and blushed again.
Wilma and Grace had big smiles and Amelia knew they were delighted with her reaction.
* * * *
Andy Brown looked up when the bell over the door of the mercantile jangled. “What can I do for you?” he asked when Jed entered.
“I’m looking to hire some hands. Thought your pa might have an idea of some men looking for work. Is he around?”
“He’s sick. Ma made him stay home today.” Andy bit his lip. “You looking for somebody to work on your ranch?”
“I am. You happen to know anyone who’d be interested?”
“I’m interested.”
Jed raised an eyebrow. “How could you work for a man who you think took Vince Callahan’s woman away from him?”
“I’m not so sure about Vince anymore.”
“May I ask why?”
“Well…” Andy stammered then went on. “Grace and Wilma have been talking to me.”
“What have they been saying to you?”
“They said Amelia never loved or wanted to marry Vince. They said she loves you and she’s happy being your wife.”
Jed’s expression didn’t change, but his spine tightened. It was the first time somebody had said the word “love” to him. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but he’d have to decide later. “And you believe them?”
“Yeah. Besides, my brother Stanley says Vince can’t be trusted. He’s seen him pocket some things when he was filling the Double D supply order. I know it weren’t very valuable, but stealing is stealing ain’t it?”
“It is to me.” Jed looked at him carefully. “Are those the only reasons you’ve decided you can’t trust Callahan?”
Andy shook his head. “I think he’s lied to me.”
; “What about?”
He shook his head again. “I don’t want to say.”
Jed watched him for a minute then drawled, “Then, I don’t think I’d be interested in hiring you.”
Andy looked puzzled. “Why not?”
“When I ask a man a question, I expect an answer. If he can’t be honest with me, I don’t want him on my ranch.”
“All right, I’ll tell you.” Andy seemed nervous, but he went on. “I hate this damn store. I don’t want to work here. I want to be a cowboy. I love to be around horses and cows, not shut up in this place waiting on grumpy people all the time, but my pa wants me and Stanley to run this blasted store. A couple of months ago I asked Vince for a job on the Double D. He told me when he married Miss Donahue he’d give me one.”
“And now you know he’ll never marry Amelia?”
“I realized she cared about you the day you came in and bought the stuff for your ranch. She told me if I ever called her Miss Donahue again she’d make my life miserable. I knew right away she didn’t like me calling her Miss. I was confused because Vince was telling me that he was going to marry her as soon as she left you. At the time I wasn’t sure what to believe so when you came back in, I left to deliver the preacher’s order. I saw Vince when I was leaving the preacher’s place and he acted like he didn’t want to talk to me. He came in here one time since and he said he didn’t know if he’d hire me or not ’cause I weren’t reliable since I couldn’t tell him nothing about you and your wife. I ain’t seen him since. I guess it was then I realized he don’t intend to ever give me a job.”
“Thanks for telling me all this, Andy. Why don’t you talk it over with your pa? If he’s willing for you to leave the store, come see me. I think I could find work for you.”
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Wainwright. I’ll do you a good job. I promise you and I’ll never call Amelia Miss Donahue again.”
Jed suppressed a grin. “In the meantime, could you give me more names of men who might be interested in work?”
“Sure. I know one man. Ward Kyler was in here the other day. He used to work for Donahue, but when he got hurt busting a mustang Vince fired him. He’s well now and needs work. I don’t know nobody else. You might check with Stanley or Pa later.”
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