“Hmm, well okay, if you say so. Look, I’m here if you ever want to just talk. Sometimes it just helps to talk, ya know.”
“I know. Thanks.”
“Well, you don’t be a stranger, all right?”
“I won’t. Thank you for the delicious meals and the heavenly bed. I will be back for more of that steak, that’s for sure. How much do I owe you for all of it?” Rayne asked picking up her saddlebags.
“Well, I reckon four bits will cover it all.”
“That’s a mighty fair price for two meals and a soft bed,” Rayne commented.
“Keeps my customers happy, and makes them want to stop back by on their way through town,” Bessie responded with a smile and a wink
†
It appeared that the lanky man, dressed in a tailor-made suit, had just opened his office door and sat down for the day when Rayne walked in. He immediately looked up with a smile as he stood. “You must be Rayne Mathews. I’m Mark Benton. Let me welcome you to Willow Springs.”
“Thank you. From what I’ve seen so far, it’s a nice town and news sure travels fast.” Rayne replied. “It is my understanding that my Uncle Luke left his place to me.”
“Yes, he did. I’ve tried to keep it up since his passing.”
“I appreciate that. Are there any papers I need to sign or anything? How much do I owe you?”
“None at all, on both counts. I sold the cattle that your uncle had and took my fee right off the top. The rest is in an account for you at the bank. I did ride out there yesterday and made sure there weren’t any unwanted varmint of any variety stayin’ out there. To be honest, the place looks good. There may be a few things that need fixin’ up but nothing huge. I’m sure by the time winter comes, the Rocking M Ranch will look in fine shape.”
“Thanks, I hope what you’re sayin’ is true. I can’t wait to get out there and take inventory and see what needs to be done to it. ” Rayne said.
“Well then, let’s get you going. If you want, I’ll ride out with you. First we can stop by the bank and introduce you to Tim Wilson. He runs the bank.”
“That sounds great.” Rayne nodded and headed out the door with the attorney close behind.
The introductions at the bank didn’t take long. Wilson was a short, round man with a sour look on his face. Rayne shook his limp, sweaty hand then surreptitiously wiped her hand along her pants leg. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Wilson.”
“I’m a very busy man, Miss Mathews. I’ll get you your bank book but know it isn’t much.” He looked squarely at Rayne. “You have no business doing a man’s work. You should just sell the place and settle down somewhere else. With a husband.”
Rayne’s jaw worked as she suppressed anger toward the banker. “If I can just get my account information I’ll be on my way.”
“Very well, young lady, but mark my words you are making a big mistake.”
In less than a minute, Wilson returned and shoved a small bankbook at her. “Is there anything else,” he said brusquely.
“No.” Rayne knew the instant she saw the amount in her account that it wouldn’t last long. As soon as she was able, she would close the account, ride into the neighboring town, and find a banker who wasn’t as rude as Tim Wilson was. Hopefully there is one, she thought. Rayne turned and left the bank quickly with the lawyer scurrying along behind her.
“Miss Mathews, wait a moment please,” Mark Benton said.
Rayne turned around on the sidewalk and waited for the lawyer to catch up.
“I want you to know that not everyone in town is like Mr. Wilson.”
“Yes, I understand. I’m just going to the livery to get my horse, then we can ride out to the place.”
The lawyer nodded. “I’ll meet you in front of my office then.”
As the two rode out to her ranch, Mark filled Rayne in about the ranch and the town.
“You’ll find most everyone in town is friendly and nice. I know some of them have been gossiping about you but they don’t mean any harm. As for Mr. Wilson, I know he was a bit gruff with you but that’s his way. Just steer clear of him and if he says anything to you, just smile. He is a very influential man and not someone you want to be on your wrong side.
“Thanks for the advice,” Rayne said. “But you haven’t changed my mind about the man. I know he is going to be trouble and I want to avoid trouble at all costs.”
“Then don’t rile him.”
Perturbed, Rayne looked at the lawyer, ready to challenge him.
“Look up ahead on the right, Miss Matthews.” The tall man pointed to where a fence began. “That’s your place now.”
The problem with the banker vanished from her mind that moment when she saw the land. Her land.
“Over there is the boundary that marks your land.”
As they rode over the rise, they pulled their horses to a stop.
“There.” The lawyer pointed down into the valley. “That’s all yours.”
Rayne looked down into a valley covered with lush green grass with a silver-tinged creek running through it.
“If you look closely,” he pointed to a barely visible fence. “That’s the fence that marks your property. Can you see the house there?”
Rayne nodded as she spied the house set just off from the creek next to a barn, and another building that looked like a small bunk house.
“Is that part of the boundary?” Rayne asked.
He nodded. “I’ll ride the fence line with you and show you where the canyon is and where the end of your property is.”
Rayne was in awe of what her uncle had left her. She was also a little overwhelmed with the responsibility that lay ahead of her in getting the ranch back into shape.
“Miss Mathews, there are a lot of people here that thought highly of your aunt and uncle. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Mr. Benton.”
“It’s Mark. Please feel free to stop by for anything. Once you are settled, the wife would like you to come by for dinner. In fact, she told me to invite you this evening. May I tell her you’ll be joining us?”
“That’s a very kind offer. Considering I don’t have any supplies here and I’m sick of biscuits and beans, I’d be happy to accept the offer.”
“Great, I’ll tell Emily to expect you around sundown?”
“That sounds great.”
“Fantastic. Just ride to my office and we can go from there. All right?”
“You bet, and thank you for everything, Mark.”
After riding the fence line the two rode back to the meadow where, what was now Rayne’s new home, stood.
“Thank you for showing me the property, Mark. It’s quite something. .”
“You’re very welcome. Now, don’t forget about dinner. I’ll see you then.”
Rayne watched as Mark headed back to town before she dismounted the big bay. She took her time and walked around the outside her new home taking inventory on what needed to be done. When she stepped into the house, her heart sank with the realization that never again would her aunt greet her with fresh baked cookies, nor would she smell the scent of her uncle’s tobacco as he lit his pipe. While walking through the house she had to smile at long forgotten memories. She was touched anew by the sight of a special item that her aunt had loved and treasured. Bits and pieces of forgotten conversation filled her mind and made her heart soar. How she had loved them!
The house was small, for it had only been the two of them, but Luke and Martha Mathews had loved the place. The kitchen looked tidy and neat. While there was room for a new stove, she knew her Aunt Martha preferred saving the money and cooking out of the fireplace with the well-built hearth providing her with plenty of space.
Rayne turned around and walked back outside, and began walking around the grounds. Before she knew it, she stripped off her top shirt and was hard at work scooping out the rotted straw and hay in the barn before tearing off rotted boards. She looked out the barn window and
judged by the sun that it was late afternoon. Rayne shook her head at all the work she wanted to do before heading to the creek to wash up and leave in time to meet Mark and his wife for dinner.
She stopped for a moment and leaned against the barn as her eyes surveyed the area. Her heart broke anew and sadness filled her mind. She had so looked forward to seeing them again, Becoming the owner of their place was nothing she had ever imagined would happen. Her Uncle Luke and Aunt Martha were gone and she would never see them again. She swiped at the tears that began as a single one rolling down her cheeks but turned into a sudden torrent that she could not stop.
†
Dinner that evening was delightful. The meal was delicious and the company entertaining and friendly. Rayne enjoyed the time she spent with Mark and his wife, Emily, who she found to be an excellent cook.
“Emily, I must tell you how much I enjoyed this meal. The roast was perfectly cooked and moist.” Rayne smiled at the woman. “I loved the carrots and the roasted potatoes were delicious. When I was growing up, we had a cook for about a year that made the best meals. After she left we never did have another cook who cooked as good. She has had no rival until tonight.”
“Why, thank you, Rayne.” Emily blushed.
The three talked and laughed until late that evening.
“Would you look at the time,” Emily said finally. “Rayne it is much too late for you to ride home on an unfamiliar road. You might get lost. Please stay with us.”
“I’ll be okay and if I think need to stay over, I can get a room at Bessie’s place.”
“Nonsense. We have a perfectly good extra bedroom that you can use.”
“I wouldn’t want to put you out.”
“You won’t. Now I won’t hear another word on the subject. You are staying here tonight.”
“I insist that you stay, Rayne. Emily is right, it’s much too late to have you out riding in the darkness trying to find your place,” Mark said.
Rayne could see the love and devotion he held for his wife in his eyes and, deep in her heart, she felt a pang of envy.
“If you don’t stay, I won’t sleep a wink,” Emily said.
“In that case, how can I not accept your invitation? I couldn’t have you not sleeping because of me. If you’re sure I’m not imposing.” Rayne smiled at the smaller woman.
Emily beamed and soon Rayne found herself in the guest room.
Chapter Three
The fire was warm and crackling in the fireplace and the soft sound of the wind blew against the outside of the small house. She felt soft kisses and whispered words against her neck. She heard soft laughter and murmurs as she felt fingertips gently roaming over her naked body. The scent of roses drifted to her nose. Her heart raced and she felt as if she could not get enough of either air or of the tender touches. As she felt the warm mouth leave her lips, her eyes opened to see the golden blonde hair pushed back from the face that looked down at her.
She heard sharp knocking at the door and the woman vanished.
Rayne sat straight up in the bed and looked around as sweat rolled off her. ”Oh, God. Not again,”‘ she whispered.
“Rayne.” Emily’s voice came through the door. “Coffee and breakfast are ready.”
“Be right there,” Rayne answered. Sanity and realization reclaimed her mind and with a low groan, she fell back against the pillow. Who is she? It wasn’t the first dream she’d had of the woman. In each dream she would catch a glimpse of the woman only to wake in a sweat with her heart racing and an ache deep within. It was making her crazy.
“God, help me find this woman or put me out of my misery.” Rayne whispered as she rose and dressed to face the day.
With a hug from Emily and a promise to return soon, Rayne headed toward town with Mark. She had a list of supplies that she had made the day before. Her plan was to stop by the mercantile, place an order, and buy a few items that she could take back with her. She also wanted to see if she could set up a delivery of lumber. Mark had given her a couple of leads on where she might be able to find a wagon, and a couple of horses, and the name of a rancher that had a few cattle he wanted to get rid of.
“I’m no rancher,” Mark said. “But from what I could tell, the cattle looked in good shape.”
“I’ll have to look into them.” Rayne knew quite a bit about livestock since, while traveling with the wagon train, Wilber Richardson had taught her how to size up cows and pick the ones that were the healthiest. As for horses, it was from her Uncle Luke that she had learned what to look for and recognize as a solid horse.
Once in town, Mark rode toward his small office and Rayne made her way to Gillum’s mercantile. She dismounted and tethered Apache to the hitching post in front. As soon as she stepped up to the boardwalk, she heard a deep voice calling to her from across the street. She looked up to see Jeremiah Sprigs rapidly crossing to join her.
“Well, good morning to you, Miss Mathews. It’s a fine day isn’t it?” He gave Rayne a big smile.
“Mornin’, Mr. Sprigs. Yes, it is a fine day.”
“Oh, here, let me get that for ya.” He rushed to open the door to the mercantile for her, and once she passed through, he stepped in behind her.
Rayne flashed Sprigs a smile that stopped short of her deep blue eyes. She headed to the counter, where the owner stood, or so she assumed. He was a short man with a trim body. “Hello, I’m Rayne Mathews. I’m lookin’ for Mr. Gillum.”
“Well that would be me, missy. What can I get fer ya?”
“To start off with, I’ll need a couple of pounds of bacon, some flour, salt, pepper. Do you have any type of fresh meat?” Rayne asked.
“We got some fresh venison, elk, a few chickens…what would you like?”
“I suppose a couple of chickens and some elk, just what I can carry in saddle bags for now, but once I get a wagon I suppose I’ll be wantin’ more,”
“Miss Mathews, I can help ya out with some fresh beef if you’d like.” Sprigs walked up behind Rayne. “I’d be happy to drop it by later, maybe you could cook up a couple of steaks, and we could get to know each other a bit better.” He smiled at her.
Rayne’s skin crawled. “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Sprigs, but I don’t wanna put you out, nor do I want to cut you short on your own meat supply.” Rayne looked at him and then back to Mr. Gillum. “I got a list here for the rest of the supplies I’ll need. If you can get em ready for me, I’ll be back in a couple of days to pick it all up.”
“Now, missy, ya wouldn’t be putting me out nor cutting me short, after all, what are neighbors for? It would be my pleasure to help ya out, and I gotta say I’m kinda getting tired of my own cookin’. The company of a beautiful dinner companion and some stimulating conversation would be nice.”
“Mr. Sprigs, I just moved into town and I’m tryin’ to fix up my home and get settled. Entertaining a total stranger, let alone cooking for him, is not something I find appealing right now. I’ve tried to be polite today but you are not pickin’ up on that. Thank you for your offer of the beef, but no thank you.” Rayne turned and started to walk to the door.
“Mr. Gillum, thank you for your help. I’ll be by in a couple of days to pick up the supplies and pay you for them.”
“Welcome to town, Miss. Mathews.” The owner behind the counter smiled as he looked up from the list Rayne handed him.
“Where do you think you’re goin?” Sprigs’ hand shot out and grabbed Rayne’s arm. “You ain’t gonna talk to me that way and just walk out.”
Rayne’s eyes flashed with anger and her tone was cold as ice when she looked up from the hand that had grabbed her arm into the eyes of its owner. “Let go of me now.”
The short man behind the counter walked around toward Rayne and Sprigs.
Just then, the door of the store opened and the sheriff walked in. He seemed to size up the situation right away. “Sprigs, Cyrus, how are things goin’? Is there some trouble here?” the sheriff asked.
Sprig’s hand dro
pped immediately. With a red face, he looked at the sheriff. “No. Nothing at all, Tom. All is fine. Cyrus, I forgot I got some things I need to do. I’ll be back later with a list of things I need.”
Sprigs rushed out of the shop.
“Looks like I walked into something here. Either of you wanna fill me in?” the tall sheriff asked.
“Old Jeremiah has a thick head, Tom. This here is Luke and Martha Mathews kin, Rayne. She stopped in to leave an order for supplies and well, Jeremiah decided since he was polite enough to offer some fresh meat to Miss Mathews, the least she could do was cook him dinner. The lady declined both offers and he didn’t appreciate that.”
Tom finally looked at Rayne and nodded. “Miss Mathews, welcome to Willow Springs. My condolences to you. Your Aunt Martha and Uncle Luke were fine people and we miss them. I wanna also apologize for Sprigs. He ain’t got the manners God gave a goose. I don’t believe he means any harm, he is just a might pushy at times.” The sheriff offered his hand.
Rayne took his hand. “Sheriff, nice to meet you. I was gonna stop by your office later. I’d like to talk to you about Uncle Luke and Aunt Martha’s death.”
“All right. I’m not quite sure what I can tell you but if you’re ready we can talk now.” The big man said with a warm smile, and held the door open for Rayne.
Together Rayne and the sheriff walked toward his office.
Chapter Four
For the past ten years, Tom Kennedy had lived in Willow Springs and had been sheriff for the past six years. He liked his job and cared about most of the people in Willow Springs. With the exception of a few rabble-rousers, the town was quiet and peaceful. Like any town of course, it had its share of troublemakers and youngsters looking for trouble. Also, an occasional cowboy would get out of hand when he got to drinking or thought someone had cheated at cards. Overall though, he had nothing bad to say about his town.
Jeremiah Sprigs, on the other hand, was a completely different matter. Tom wasn’t sure there was anything truly good he could say about the man. In his opinion, the man was a lying sleazebag. He treated women badly, and his animals even worse—the ones he worked with anyway—the others, like the cattle he sold, were well-fed and healthy animals. That was the best Tom could say about the man.
Rayne Comes to Town Page 3