The Marshal's Mission

by Barbara Goss

  He undressed, turned off the lamp, and curled up in his bed. He closed his eyes and there was Glenna, looking up at him. His heart gave a little bump in his chest. How could he stay in Salt Creek? Maybe the man who owned the lumberyard would sell it to him. He hadn’t that much money saved. How in the world could he make a living there? A relationship with Glenna was out of the question—he had to keep his distance from her.

  Chapter Nine

  Luckily for Spence, he woke up to pouring rain, which meant he could go to the bank and question Asa Livingston instead of starting the addition to the stables. He dreaded facing Asa, but it had to be done. If the land wasn’t open for grants, how had four farmers started farms there? Spaulding was dead.

  He slipped on his rain slicker and saddled Starfire. He practiced what he’d ask Asa as he rode into town.

  By the time Spence had reached the bank, the rain had let up, and it was just drizzling. He took off his slicker and put it in his saddlebag.

  Asa, it seemed, had a large man standing guard at the door. Spence asked him if he could speak to Asa Livingston.

  “He’s with someone now, but you can have a seat over there.” He pointed to an area near Asa’s desk.

  Spence took a seat. The only thing separating Spence from Asa’s desk was a row of large plants in urns. He couldn’t hear the conversation Asa was having with the two men, but he could tell it was becoming heated. Suddenly, one of the men pointed to Spence and said, “There he is.”

  Spence didn’t know what to expect, but he stood and watched the color drain from Asa’s face. He recognized the man who had called out to him as Mr. Smith, one of the farm owners.

  The man with Smith motioned for Spence to join them.

  Another chair was brought in by a staff member, but the three of them stood.

  Smith shook Spence’s hand and introduced him to his attorney, Grant Putnam.

  “This is the man who visited me and said he’d help us,” Smith said.

  Asa pointed to Spence. “What’s he got to do with this?”

  Putnam studied Spence. “What’s your interest in this situation?”

  Spence had no choice. He pulled his badge from his pocket and showed it to the men. Asa gasped.

  “U.S. Deputy Marshal, eh?” Putnam said. “This is fortuitous. I’ve discovered the whereabouts of the Spaulding sons. They’re living in Buffalo, New York with relatives. They’re young men now. They lost their homesteads due to failing to complete the requirements. The land then reverted back to the government—that is, until a Mr. Lanahan took it upon himself, and possibly Mr. Livingston here, to resell the land without recording it. We’re here to get to the bottom of this.”

  Putnam turned to Asa Livingston. “So, were you in on this deal?”

  “I had nothing to do with it,” Asa yelled. “I dare you to prove I was.”

  “Wait,” Spence said. “Why would they sell the land, allow the farmers to refine and produce on the land, and then scare them off?”

  “Because the government, thinking the land was still vacant, sold it to the Union Pacific Railway Company,” Putnam said. “They plan on expanding the railroad right through that land.”

  Spence nodded knowingly. “I see.”

  “I’ve sent the sheriff to bring Mr. Lanahan here. I don’t know what’s taking so long.”

  Asa shook his head. “I had nothing whatsoever to do with this.”

  “Asa, did you or did you not try to sell the farmers protection for their farms?” Spence asked.

  “I did. It’s not against the law. I had men from the salt mine helping with that. After the carnage on the farms, I thought it a wise business to get into. I had nothing to do with the vandalism, but like a smart business man, I took advantage of it.”

  Putnam turned to Spence. “Could you go and see what’s taking the sheriff so long to bring Lanahan in?”

  “Yes, sir.” Spence left the bank and headed for the land office.

  Spence didn’t bother taking his horse. He walked down to the land office and opened the door to find Sheriff Small lying on the floor with blood dripping from his head. The office was deserted. He knelt down and felt Small’s pulse. When he was satisfied he wasn’t dead, he made his way to Lanahan’s living quarters behind the office. Spence didn’t knock but kicked the door open with his foot while pointing both guns straight ahead. There, he found Lanahan frantically packing a suitcase. He froze while looking down both of Spence’s gun barrels.

  “Where ya’ goin’ Mr. Lanahan?”

  He watched the expression change on Lanahan’s face from fright to anger. He saw his right hand edge inside the suitcase.

  “Hands in the air, or I swear I’ll shoot,” Spence yelled.

  Lanahan frowned and raised his hands. Spence removed his gun belt from the wall and took the small pistol from his suitcase. “I just came to escort you to the bank. There are people waiting for you there.”

  “I’ve done nothing wrong,” Lanahan said. “What have you to do with this? You aren’t the law.”

  Spence took delight in pulling out his badge and flashing it at Lanahan. “United States Government.”

  He kept one of his guns against Lanahan’s back and he escorted him to the bank. As he passed a man on the street, he yelled, “Get the doctor for Sheriff Small. He’s unconscious at the land office.”

  All eyes were on Spence and Lanahan as they made their way to Asa’s desk.

  “Mr. Lanahan knocked Sheriff Small over the head and was packing for a trip,” Spence said.

  “I’m not taking the rap for this alone!” Lanahan cried. He pointed at Asa. “It was all his idea and his plan.”

  Asa flew out of his chair. “Liar!” he cried.

  “I’ll take over from here,” Spence said. “I’m taking Asa Livingston and George Lanahan to jail. I’m sending for assistance from the United States Marshals. They’ll deal with the two of them.”

  “What about the sheriff?” the attorney asked. “Is he all right?”

  “He’ll live, but I think he’ll be replaced. I’m going to talk to the city council and have them appoint someone more capable,” Spence said. He pointed his gun at Lanahan while he patted Asa down—he wasn’t armed—and marched them to the jailhouse.

  By the time he had the two men locked in separate cells, a man came into the jailhouse and introduced himself as Silas Jones, head of the town council.

  The two men had to step outside the jail to talk since Lanahan and Asa were arguing so loudly they couldn’t converse.

  “It’s all over town about Asa and Lanahan,” Jones said.

  “You’re going to need to install a new sheriff here, Mr. Jones. Small is not only ineffective, he’s a drunk. He may have even been bullied by Asa and George into looking the other way while they carried on their schemes.”

  “What exactly did they do?” Jones asked.

  “They sold land that didn’t belong to them, and when they heard the railroad had bought the land from the government, they had to get the farmers off the land. The government records show the land was unclaimed.”

  “What will happen to the families that lost their homes?”

  Spence shrugged. “I’ll let the government figure that one out.”

  Tired and hungry, Spence finally entered the house and was eagerly greeted by Rory and Glenna.

  “We heard!” Rory said. “Garrett was in town getting supplies, and he heard the talk.”

  Glenna looked up at Spence, “So, you’re a U.S. Marshal here, on a case?”

  “Yes. I’m a temporary deputy marshal assigned to this land scheme case.”

  “Why did you get a job here?” Rory asked.

  “Father, I think we should feed Spence some dinner and talk about it afterward. He looks exhausted and hungry,” Glenna said.

  Spence nodded. “I am.”

  They sat sipping beverages after dinner, and Spence told them the whole story. Usually, Glenna would be smiling and jovial, but she looked pensive and w
orried. Spence wasn’t sure if she was upset because he had not been totally honest with them about who he was, or because he’d come to their ranch thinking she and her father were behind the scheme.

  Rory seemed interested in every detail, and he expressed his only concern honestly.

  “So, Spence, does that mean I won’t get the extension to my stables? I suppose you’ll be heading back to Arkansas?”

  Spence thought about his answer carefully. “You and Glenna have treated me like family while I was here, and I can’t thank you enough. I’ll build the stable extension before I leave.”

  Rory smiled. “Thank you. We knew you were a gentleman from day one.” He nudged his daughter. “Didn’t we, Glenna?”

  Glenna smiled weakly and nodded. She placed her cup down and stood. “I’m turning in for the night. Good evening.” She picked up her crutches and hobbled out of the room.

  “Now, what’s eating at her?” Rory asked.

  Spence shrugged. “Maybe she’s upset by my deception.”

  “I was actually suspected of partnering with Asa Livingston?”

  “Yes. The head office couldn’t figure out why the most productive property in the area wasn’t touched. They figured you had to be in on it.”

  Rory hung his head. “I feel ashamed now that I tried to trade my daughter to a criminal for protection.”

  “You wanted the best for your daughter and didn’t realize what a scoundrel Asa was. Don’t blame yourself.”

  Rory looked up suddenly. “Maybe it isn’t you Glenna’s upset with. Maybe it’s me.”

  Spence began the addition to the stable and was kept busy for days. He missed having Glenna following him around. The fact was, he didn’t see much of her at all. At meals she was quiet and never stayed for tea. Sometimes, from his perch on top of the stable roof, he could see her riding out in the meadow. She seemed so withdrawn. When, at mealtimes, she was noticeably dismal, Spence would look at Rory, but he’d just shrug. Spence decided Rory didn’t know why she was so down either. Was she angry with her father? With him? He tried to keep his mind on the job so he could finish and go home.

  He was cleaning up his tools at the end of a long day working on the stables when Silas Jones rode up to the ranch, wanting to speak to Spence and Rory. They sat on the front porch as it was one of the hottest days of the summer.

  Rosa brought out cool lemonade.

  “What’s going on?” Rory asked.

  “We had to let Asa go free,” Jones said.

  “What?” Rory and Spence said in harmony.

  “I know he was in on it, but we have no proof that he did anything wrong, and we couldn’t hold him. Besides, with him in jail, the salt company and mines nearly ground to a halt. Those men need the work. We had no choice.”

  Rory shook his head. “I know he was in on it, but how can we prove it?”

  Spence rolled his eyes. “I’m going to have to wire my home office. I don’t know if I’m supposed to stay on the case or go home when I finish the building.”

  Jones stood. “I thought I’d let you know. Oh, and we voted in a new sheriff. The Thompson boy…well, he’s a man, now. Zeke Thompson is the new sheriff. He’ll be a good one.”

  Rory stood and shook Jones’s hand. “Thank you for the news. Will Thompson be working on the case?”

  Spence looked up, interested in Jones’s answer.

  “Yes. As of now, he’s combing through all the paperwork at the land office. Hopefully, he’ll find something.”

  As Jones rode away, Spence and Rory became aware of Glenna, standing in the doorway.

  “Did you hear the news, Glenna?” Rory asked.

  Glenna nodded and vanished back into the house.

  Chapter Ten

  Glenna went up to her room to brood. She didn’t think she could handle any more bad news. Her father had tried to sell her to a thief and conniver, and as soon as the stables were finished, Spence would walk out of her life forever. A pain jabbed through her chest at the thought. Now, to top things off, Asa Livingston was free. She knew he was guilty. Anyone could tell by looking at his riches and those beady, dishonest eyes. Glenna shrugged. There was nothing she could do about any of it.

  It had taken every ounce of her strength to resist going out to the stables and talking to Spence these last few days, but what was the point? He’d soon be out of her life forever. How could she have fallen in love with someone she thought was a gentleman drifter? She had to shake off her feelings for him…somehow.

  What was it about him that was so difficult to shake? His gentle, warm, brown eyes? His soft, alluring voice? His dimples or the twinkle in his eyes when he smiled? Or was it because he was the first real gentleman she’d ever met? He wasn’t like the common cowpokes in town. The only men even close to being a gentleman in town were the minister and Asa.

  Glenna shifted to the bottom of her bed to gaze out the window. She liked to watch Spence working on the stables. Earlier in the day he’d removed his shirt, and her heart nearly popped out of her chest. But now he was finished for the day, and there was nothing to see except the sun setting across the meadow.

  Spence still accompanied them to church, but Glenna remained quiet sitting between him and her father. After the service, they were introduced to the new sheriff, Zeke Thompson. Glenna was surprised to see he’d turned out to be a fairly handsome man. He was just a year older than she was, and they’d gone through school at the little schoolhouse together. Zeke smiled broadly at her. She was thankful she was no longer hobbling around on crutches.

  “Why, Miss Glenna, I haven’t seen you in a coon’s age.”

  Glenna smiled at him. “It has been a while, hasn’t it?”

  “I don’t see many of the kids we went to school with—do you?” he asked.

  Glenna brought her index finger to her chin. “Molly Crabtree ran off with one of the butchers.”

  “I heard about that,” Zeke said.

  Zeke and Glenna walked away from Rory and Spence as they chatted about old times.

  Glenna realized she’d rudely left her father and Spence on the wooden walkway. Well, she supposed she’d meet them at the diner. She tried to end her conversation with Zeke.

  “I really have to go. I’m meeting my father and his builder for lunch at the diner.”

  “I was on my way there, too.” Zeke walked her to the diner. “My ma doesn’t cook on Sunday, and I’m in the mood for more than a sandwich today,” Zeke said.

  “How do you like your new job?”

  “I like it just fine.” He patted the badge on his breast. “Got me some metal and good pay.”

  “I wish you could lock Asa Livingston back up.”

  “I’m working on it. Jones has me going through all the files at the land office. I’ll be doing that for a long time. I’ve never seen so many papers.”

  They walked into the restaurant to join Rory and Spence.

  “Father, Spence—you don’t mind if Zeke joins us, do you?”

  “Not at all,” Rory said.

  Spence pulled out a chair for Glenna and pointed to the one next to it for Zeke. “Nice to see you again, Zeke.”

  After they’d eaten, Zeke turned to Rory. “Sir, do you mind if I take your daughter for a buggy ride?”

  Rory frowned. “Don’t you have papers to go through at the land office?”

  Zeke smiled. “Not on Sunday.”

  Rory looked at Glenna and raised his eyebrows.

  Glenna knew all eyes were on her. If she couldn’t have Spence, she could at least try to like someone else. She couldn’t stay single forever. Maybe, just maybe, she would find herself attracted to Zeke. So far, he was just a familiar face that she was glad to see again.

  Glenna nodded at her father.

  Rory said, “Sure, but have her back by sundown.”

  Zeke drove her to the river where they sat on the rocks and talked about old times. They walked back to the buggy shortly before the sun was due to go down and Zeke asked, “Are yo
u being courted by that builder?”

  “Why, no,” she answered. “Why would you think that?”

  “He frowned when I asked your father for permission to take you for a drive.”

  “Really?” Glenna’s heart struck an extra beat. She thought Zeke had probably imagined it. “He’s not courting me. I was briefly courted by Asa, but I ended it. Spence Blackwood is a temporary fixture on our ranch. He’ll be leaving as soon as he finishes the stables.”

  “I hear he’s a deputy marshal.”

  “He is, but we didn’t know it until all of this business with the land office and Asa. We thought he was just a drifter looking for work, but now I wonder about the elderly woman he visited in Mead. Perhaps she’s an agent, too. Strange he’d have a friend here, in Kansas. I find it quite exciting.”

  Zeke sighed. “Well, we still got Lanahan in jail. I got a telegram from the U.S. Marshal’s office saying they’re sending some deputies to pick him up.”

  After helping Glenna into the buggy, Zeke jumped into the driver’s seat and pointed the buggy toward the ranch.

  Before going into the house, Glenna asked, “Zeke, could I help you go through the papers at the land office? I just have to find something to lock Asa Livingston up.”

  “Sure, you can help. It’ll be fun.” Zeke kissed her hand. “Come to the land office in the morning about nine, and we’ll get busy.”

  Glenna watched Zeke drive away. She turned in time to see Spence leaning against the stables with a cup in his hand. Glenna nodded at him and went into the house.

  As she prepared for bed, Glenna thought that maybe Zeke wasn’t so bad after all. He’d made her feel like a schoolgirl again. Maybe it was because of how they’d met. Still, she hadn’t felt a thrill when he kissed her hand or when she’d looked into his eyes. In fact, his gray eyes seemed cold compared to—she had to stop comparing him to Spence. She’d work with him while looking for some evidence on Asa while searching for some of the heart-throbbing she felt when she was around Spence.