The Marshal's Mission

by Barbara Goss

  She shook her head. “Does it show?”

  “Yes, it does. You’ll have to be more careful.”

  Glenna sighed. “It’s my father. Like most fathers, he’s concerned about my future. He thinks Asa’s wealth will impress me.”

  Spence thought it best to change the subject. “What about the sheriff?”

  “Oh, him! He’s about as useful as a cold branding iron.”

  Chapter Four

  Asa took Glenna for a carriage ride to the salt mine where he explained the functions of the mine in detail. Glenna was bored with the conversation, but she nodded anyway. She studied him as he rattled on. He wasn’t exactly an unattractive man—his face was nice enough, but it was a bit pudgy, like his fingers. In fact, his whole body was kind of stocky. His dark hair didn’t curl around his ears as Spence’s did but rather, laid flat over them. He wore his hair longer than Spence’s, too. He had a thin mustache which often twitched as he spoke. She supposed that what she disliked the most were his eyes; large, cold, and slightly bulging, they reminded her of a fish’s eyes. There was no warmth in his eyes or face, even when he looked her up and down, which made her wonder why he was so determined to court her, particularly when he didn’t seem overly enamored with her.

  Finally, she asked, “How do you know so much about the mine?”

  “I own it,” he said boastfully. “I purchased it a year ago. I have close to fifty men working for me. Do you see all those houses next to the mine? That’s where most of the miners and their families live.”

  Glenna was unimpressed with the shabby homes where children played in the yards and laundry blew in the wind from the clotheslines.

  “Do the people own their houses?”

  “No, they have to rent them.”

  Glenna nodded knowingly. “And you’re the landlord.”

  “Yes, but I provide them with a fair rent, and if they do special favors for me, I give them a substantial discount.”

  “What kind of favors do they do for you?”

  “They work overtime, or do something else, not in their job description. I also own the salt company in town, and I have little jobs there I give them.”

  “Is guarding our ranch one of those extra jobs?” she asked.

  Asa sputtered for a moment but seemed to control himself fast enough. “Yes. Exactly.”

  Glenna wondered if she should tell Asa how she and Spence had been shot at that morning, but she clamped her mouth shut. She wondered just how much protection he was giving their ranch—enough to please her father into letting him court her, perhaps?

  She wished she were anywhere other than with Asa at that moment. Not only was he boring, but most of his conversations were self-promoting. Glenna was sick of hearing how rich he was, how big his house was, and what a good manager he was. Wealth and success wasn’t what made a person, at least, not in her eyes. Her mind roamed to Spence as it often did. She realized she was happier in the company of the stable hand. She only grew fonder of Spence each time she was with him.

  Glenna wasn’t sure if Spence was handsome. Her friend, Celia, always bragged about how handsome the man who courted her was, but when Glenna finally met him, she didn’t think him attractive at all. She supposed everyone saw people differently. Some women might find Asa attractive, while she didn’t. To her, Spence was the most handsome man she’d ever seen, but that isn’t what attracted her to him. First, it was his gentlemanly ways; second, it was his gentle voice, and finally, his work ethic. She wasn’t quite sure how she knew, but she strongly felt that he was a good man. Could he be a godly man? That would make him perfect. She knew Asa only went to church occasionally, and it was usually for special occasions or for show as he made sure everyone saw him there.

  Dinner at the local cafe was lovely, but the conversation made Glenna uncomfortable.

  As soon as their plates had been set in front of them, Asa said, “What do you think of your new ranch hand? Spencer, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes, Spence. He’s a good worker, quiet, and likeable, I suppose.”

  Asa cut his steak slowly and methodically. “He’s the type most women would find attractive; do you agree?”

  Glenna set her fork down and took a long drink of water. “I suppose.”

  “I don’t like him,” Asa said firmly. “He popped up out of nowhere, is definitely a gentleman, and he takes a job as a ranch hand? Very suspicious. I will have to speak to your father about him.”

  Glenna wanted to add his building expertise to Asa’s list, but thought better of it. The less said the better.

  She shrugged, hoping Asa would assume the subject meant little to her. The last thing she needed was to give him the impression she was fond of Spence.

  “I hope you’ll enjoy the surprise I have for your after dinner enjoyment. We’re going to the opera house.”

  Glenna inwardly cringed. The opera house was a tent where traveling would-be opera singers performed. She’d heard the performances were not the best, and opera wasn’t her favorite music. She smiled politely and sipped the last of her tea.

  While sitting through the horrible opera—which was little more than a play with music and something that sounded more like bellowing than singing—she yearned to see a real opera, the kind larger cities had. Asa, however, seemed to enjoy the performance.

  After the “opera,” they had to walk two blocks to where Asa had parked since they’d arrived late. As they walked, Glenna realized that this was their second outing, and she feared he’d try to kiss her when he took her home. The thought made her grimace.

  “Is something wrong?” Asa asked as he helped her into his carriage.

  “My shoes,” Glenna blurted. “I didn’t wear my most comfortable ones.”

  “Well, you won’t have to walk far in them anymore tonight.” It was just like Asa not to apologize.

  All of Glenna’s fears had been for nothing. Asa didn’t try to kiss her lips, but he did kiss her hand at the door.

  When Glenna awoke in the morning, she did her usual check out the window before getting out of bed—she had a good view of the stables and corral from the foot of the bed. Usually, she’d see Spence working with Lightning as he did each morning after his ride, but before he started his regular duties. Glenna frowned. It was raining. There was no one in the corral.

  She stretched, said her morning prayers, moved to the wardrobe, and slid her dresses along the metal rod. She grimaced at the yellow—too bright. The pink? Too party-like. She finally pulled the blue dress down. A rainy day seemed to call for a blue dress. She hadn’t worn it in a while, besides. Her father said it brought out the blue in her eyes.

  When Glenna entered the dining room, she was surprised to see her father and Spence sitting at the table together, nursing their coffees. Spence seldom ate breakfast with them as he was usually at work by then.

  After they exchanged greetings, Rosa brought out the dishes of eggs, ham, toasted homemade bread, and cornbread.

  Spence wasn’t shy at the table—he always helped himself to a large portion, but he never went back for seconds. Glenna always took smaller helpings, but often went back for seconds.

  Spence looked at Rory and asked, “What time does the service start?”

  “It doesn’t start until eleven. That gives the farmers time to milk their cows and do their chores,” Rory said. “I’m pleased you’ve decided to come with us.”

  Spence smiled. “I try not to miss a service at home. It seems if I miss for some reason, my whole week turns out badly.”

  Rory laughed. “Same here. We all need to start the week off with church.”

  Glenna said, “We have a guest preacher this week; Reverend Peters is at a conference.”

  Spence looked at her for the first time that morning and smiled. “I look forward to hearing him.”

  Rory laughed. “Don’t pay any heed to my daughter. The only reason she likes the guest preacher is because he’s young and single.”

  “Father!” Glenna s
colded. “That’s not true!” She was angry with him until she noticed the wink he had given Spence.

  “I was joshing,” Rory said. He looked at Spence. “I think she and Asa will make a fine couple.”

  Spence gave him a quick nod.

  Rory helped himself to more eggs. “How about you, Spence? Is there a special woman in your life? Maybe back in Arkansas?”

  Spence blushed.

  Glenna was curious about his answer.

  Finally, Spence replied, “I’ve had a few flirtations, but I haven’t courted anyone seriously. The lumber mill and yard has taken up all of my time, I’m afraid. It’s good to get away from it.”

  Glenna noticed her father frown, but for some reason, she loved Spence’s answer. She also was glad that he was a church person.

  The sermon that morning was about the adulteress who the town was about to stone until Jesus stepped in. The preacher expounded on the verse, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” The preacher gave examples that would apply to the present, everyday life. Glenna thought him very wise for his years. He looked to be about thirty, but he wore a beard, and Glenna disliked beards. She gazed up at Spence whom she’d managed to sit beside. He was clean-shaven, just like she preferred—Glenna didn’t think she’d like cozying up to a bristly beard.

  Spence didn’t stay for dinner. He told Rory McKay he had business in Mead and that he’d be back early the next morning for work. Glenna sulked a bit at dinner. What business could Spence possibly have in another town? Did he have a woman friend there? If he did, why hadn’t he settled there instead of Salt Creek?

  Her father frowned at her. “Is there something wrong, my dear?”

  “It’s nothing,” she replied.

  “Is Asa going to call on you this evening?”

  “I don’t think so.” She took a deep breath and said, “I’m glad. Father, I don’t feel comfortable in his company.”

  Rory’s voice boomed. “Has he tried something?”

  “No.” She fumbled for the right words. “I don’t think he fancies me at all. I don’t know why he wants to court me.”

  Rory’s voice returned to a normal tone. “Perhaps he’s just being a gentleman.”

  “Do you think he hopes to marry me to get our ranch one day?” she asked.

  Rory patted her hand. “Of course, not. He’s rich enough to buy most anything he wants. You’re a beautiful woman with breeding. Any man would be proud to have you on his arm.”

  “Do I have to continue to let him court me?”

  Rory pushed his plate away, propped his elbows on the table, and rested his head in his hands. “You’d be set for life and want for nothing if you married Asa. Dear God, I don’t know what to do.”

  “Are you praying about it?” Glenna asked.

  “Yes. I think we both should. God will give us the answer.”

  Chapter Five

  Spence left the church and went to visit the town’s sheriff. The name on the door read Lester Small, Sheriff. He found the door locked. The sheriff’s office was closed? He realized it was Sunday, but someone should be on duty. When he turned to leave, he heard the door to the office open. He turned again to see a disheveled, middle-aged man, wearing suspenders, with mussed up hair. Spence guessed he’d been sleeping in the back or a cell.

  “Can I help you?” the man asked gruffly.

  “Yes. May I come in?”

  The man, whom Spence guessed was the sheriff or a deputy, stepped aside so he could enter.

  Once inside, he didn’t offer him a seat though there were several wooden chairs.

  “I want to know about the homeowners being forced from their land,” Spence asked. “What’s going on?”

  The man looked him up and down and said, “What business is it of yours?”

  “Are you Lester Small, the sheriff?”

  “That’s right. Who’re you?”

  “Spence Blackwood, and my interest in the situation is that I’m thinking of buying land here. From what I hear, Salt Creek isn’t too wise a place to settle.”

  “A few farmers had some bad luck is all. If you’re interested in property, the bank has several reasonably priced pieces of acreage for sale.”

  Spence scratched his head. “How can I be sure I won’t have any of this bad luck?”

  “You can get protection,” Small said.

  “Ah, I get it.” Spence walked to the door and opened it. “And Asa Livingston sells the protection.”

  “That’s right,” the sheriff said. “The bank sells the protection. It ain’t against the law.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff.” Spence tipped his hat and walked to the Lame Horse Saloon. He walked up to the bar and ordered a sarsaparilla. He paid the barman and said, “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure,” the mustached man said.

  “Are there any farmers still around that were forced off their land by…um...bad luck?”

  “Just one. Tobias Smith. He’s staying at the hotel. Rumor has it he’s hiring an attorney. He thinks it was more than bad luck that forced him out.”

  Spence sipped his drink “What do you think?”

  The barman shrugged. “I don’t know nuthin’, and I don’t want to.”

  Spence finished his drink and walked to the Salt Creek Hotel, but the man behind the registration desk refused to give out Tobias’s room number.

  “He’s afraid of someone and has requested we not give out his room number.”

  “Yes, but he’ll see me. I’m investigating his case.” Spence tried not to lie unless he had to.

  “Oh, you must be from the attorney’s office. He’s in room eight. Up the stairs and to the left.”

  “Thank you.” Spence walked up the stairs, found room eight, and knocked.

  A middle-aged farmer opened the door cautiously. Spence could see a frightened woman behind him who he supposed was his wife.

  Spence removed his hat. “I’m investigating the case of—”

  “Come in, come in,” the man said, opening the door wide. “Have a seat.

  “Ena, get the man the good chair.”

  The woman dragged a cushioned chair from the far side of the room. She sat on the bed and the farmer took the flimsy wooden chair.

  Spence took out his diary and yellow pencil. He tried to act like an attorney’s investigator. “My name is Spencer Blackwood, and I need to know what happened, exactly.”

  “As you already know, I’m Tobias Smith, and this here’s my wife, Ena.” The man folded his hands on his lap. “I’ll start at the beginning. One day, a man came to our house and asked us if we wanted to buy home and land protection. I told him we weren’t interested. About three days later, our barn caught fire and burned to the ground.” Smith’s voice grew louder and he became more emotional. “Then, someone set our cornfield on fire. We came home from church one day, and the house was in flames.” Smith buried his face in his hands. “We have nothing left, and the bank wants full payment for the loan I took out to build the barn.”

  Spence jotted everything down. “Do you have any idea who might be behind this?”

  Smith shook his head. “I didn’t recognize the man selling protection, but the bank isn’t understanding our tragedy. Right away, they want the money I owe them for the barn I built. I haven’t any money, and farming is all I know.”

  “Did you report all these ‘accidents’ to the sheriff?”

  “Yes, each time. All he said was that he was working on the case. To tell the truth, I don’t think he’s doing a thing.”

  Spence leaned over and patted the man’s shoulder. “Listen, I must confess to you: I’m not who you think I am. Don’t worry, though—I’m going to get to the bottom of this and try to help you.”

  “You’re not from the attorney’s office?”

  “No, but I’m still on the case. It’s sort of a secret mission. I hope I can depend on you and your wife to keep this visit between us. This is very important.”

 
; Smith looked over at his wife, who nodded. “You can trust us. I hope you can help.”

  “I aim to try.” Spence stood and walked to the door. “Prayers won’t go amiss either.”

  “Oh, we’re praying, all right,” Smith said.

  Spence rode to Ruth Madison’s place in Mead. A man at the livery gave him directions to her home which was a small cottage on the outskirts of town.

  An elderly woman answered the door and asked, “Are you Spencer?”

  Spence removed his hat and nodded.

  “John wrote me a letter telling me you might stop here to report your findings. I’ll get your report back to him.” She pointed to the kitchen table. “You’re just in time for dinner.”

  So many thoughts crowded Spence’s mind as he traveled back to Salt Creek before dawn the next morning. Had Asa asked to court Glenna instead of selling protection to Rory McKay? Was the courtship meant to stand in for Rory’s protection? If Glenna refused to allow Asa to court her, which was a strong possibility, what would Asa do next? Would he sell Rory protection?

  Spence had to admit he had developed a soft spot for Glenna. She was the prettiest little thing, and so sweet, it wasn’t easy keeping away from her. Not only did she follow him around the ranch, but she followed him in his thoughts, too.

  Dagnabbit! He couldn’t let himself get involved. As soon as the land scheme had been solved, he was headed back for Arkansas. He wondered what would become of her after he’d left, and his heart skipped a beat.

  Rory found Spence that morning as he was mucking the stalls.

  “I see you made it back. I was afraid I’d lost you to another job in Mead.”

  Spence turned. “No, I wasn’t looking for work. A family friend lives there. If she found out I was that close and didn’t stop, she’d have been upset with me.”

  “I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t returned—at least until the cattle drive crew returns.” Rory clapped his back. “I know this job is beneath you, Spence, but I’ve got big plans for you when the crew returns.”