...Continued
Heath arrived home after supper and was grooming Charger in the barn when Nick entered, “Hi Heath. Silas is keeping your supper warm for ya’. Any other sections of the fence down?”
Heath paused and glanced at his brother before he continued using the curry brush, replied softly, “No, everything’s fine Nick. Sorry, for what happened at breakfast.”
“I’m sorry too, Heath. I shouldn’t have growled at you like that. Thanks for taking care of that fence today.” Nick smiled “We wouldn’t want our new neighbhor thinking we were invading her ranch, now would we?”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that, Nick” chuckled Heath as he put the brush away and shut the door on Charger’s stall.
Nick walked with Heath up to the house, “You know Heath, anytime you need to talk or anything, I’m a good listener. That’s what brothers are for.”
Heath stopped and looked at Nick in shock at his remark and gentle tone of voice.
Nick looked at Heath with puzzlement, “What?”
“I didn’t know you were a good listener.” said Heath innocently with a wide eyed stare.
Putting on an offended look, Nick complained, “Heath, you can’t believe everything that our brother Jarrod says. He just thinks I don’t listen to him when I actually listen to everything he says. I just pretend to ignore him. It’s a lot of fun!”
Heath laughed and continued walking, “I don’t think you better let Jarrod hear that.”
“That’ll be our secret, little brother.” whispered Nick as they entered the foyer.
Victoria was coming from the kitchen and saw the two men enter, “Oh Heath. We missed you at supper, but Silas has a plate he’s keeping warm for you.”
Heath nodded and smiled slightly, “Thanks. I’m gonna wash up.”
Smiling, Victoria nodded, “Take your time, Heath. Oh, Miss Weston has been asking for you. I told her I’d tell you as soon as you got home. Now if you boys will excuse me, I have to help Audra decide which dress she’s wearing to the festival.”
Heath watched his stepmother walk up the stairs. He couldn’t keep from feeling giddy and warm inside at her happiness of seeing him when he arrived home. The only other time he had that same feeling was when his own mother would greet him at the door. “How can she so willingly accept me when I have so many reservations and fears” thought Heath with a frown.
Watching the frown form on Heath’s face, Nick slapped his brother on the back, “Heath, I don’t think we’ll see the ladies of the house for the rest of the evening, heck, maybe even for a couple days. Audra’s got enough dresses to outfit all of the women in the state of California.”
Heath grinned at Nick’s remarks. “Well, I better eat and wash up before I visit Sue. Do you wanna see her with me?”
“No, I’m gonna challenge Jarrod to a game of pool. I feel lucky tonight.” stated Nick as he turned to walk to the study. “After you’re through visiting, you can play the winner – ME!”
Chuckling, Heath shook his head as he headed to the kitchen to wash and eat his supper.
Silas smiled when Heath entered, “Mr. Heath, I kept your supper warm for ya’.”
Heath smiled as he greeted the old black butler and washed his hands at the sink, “Silas, you don’t have to call me Mister. Heath’s just fine.”
Silas shook his head as he set the plate on the table before the hungry cowboy, “Now ya knows I can’t do that, Mr. Heath. We discussed this before.”
Heath shook his head and grinned, “I think we have the same discussion everyday, Mr. Silas. How was your day?”
“It was fine, Mr. Heath. Your friend’s doing much better.” Silas informed Heath as he drank his milk.
“That’s good. I was really worried about her.” admitted Heath.
Silas leaned over and whispered, “I heard Miss Audra and Miss Charity Jones were tryin’ ta convince her to wear a dress to the festival dance.”
Heath chuckled and whispered back, “Do you think it worked?”
Silas shook his head as he cleared the table and laughed, “No.”
Heath laughed and smiled, “Thanks for supper, Mr. Silas. I better clean up before I visit Sue. Good night.”
“Night, Mr. Heath.” said Silas smiling as Heath walked up the backstairs to his room.
Feeling clean and refreshed, Heath knocked and entered the guest room when Sue called out.
“Hi stranger.” said Sue from where she was propped up against the headboard.
“Hi yourself. I hear you’re feeling better.” smiled Heath as he sat on the edge of the bed.
“I’m feeling a whole lot better than yesterday, but not as good as I will feel tomorrow. Did you get your cows off my range?” teased Sue.
“Yes, our beeves are back on their home range. Can I get you anything?” asked Heath with a grin.
“No, you can’t get me anything but you can tell me something.” Sue said softly.
“What can I tell you?” asked Heath puzzled.
“What’s going on between you and your stepmother?” asked Sue as she watched the blush spread on Heath’s face.
“What do you mean?” mumbled Heath lowering his eyes.
Sue took his chin, raised his face, looked him in the eye and stated firmly, “Boy howdy Heath! I am not blind, just mildly concussed.”
“I’m know you’re not blind. I’m just not sure what you mean.” said Heath evasively.
“Heath, we can do this the hard way or the easy way.” Sue informed Heath with a sigh.
“Everything’s okay, why would you think it wasn’t.”
‘The hard way’ thought Sue and softly said, “When Mrs. Barkley was in the room this morning, why did I see that look on your face, Heath? What’s wrong?”
Heath took a shaky breath, “I called Mrs. Barkley, Mother.”
“What’s wrong with that?” smiled Sue.
“I don’t have the right to call her that. I’m just her husband’s mistake. Someone who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and who doesn’t know anything about the side he’s on now.”
“Heath, has anyone of the Barkleys insinuated that? Has Mrs. Barkley said anything like that?”
“No, but you don’t understand.” stated Heath.
Looking into his crystal blue eyes, Sue calmly stated, “I’ve never judged you because of your birth. I know there are people that have, but you have to rise above those people! You’re far better than them!”
“The Barkleys are respected and looked up to throughout this community. I don’t think I’ll ever truly fit in with them and all that is expected of being a Barkley.” explained Heath.
Sue nodded in empathy towards her friend, “I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for you. You must have been so angry when you found out about Tom Barkley being your father. Just look at what they had growing up. You and your mother could barely eek out a living even with you working.”
“I was angry when I arrived here.” admitted Heath. “But then I got to know them.”
“And are you still angry now?”
“I’ve learned to deal with the anger. It’s a waste of energy since I can’t change the past and make everything different. I feel out of place here.”
Sue held his hand, “Heath, I think you’re feeling overwhelmed, not out of place. Those are two different feelings. All this is different from what you’re used to. Not in terms of the ranch work, you’ve always known that. I mean in terms of having to learn how to deal with a family, all of the feelings and thoughts that come with a family. Also, trying to find your place in this new family not as a child but as a man! You’ve been on your own for a lot of years and now all of a sudden you have the feelings of a whole family to consider before your own. You just have to be yourself and everything will work out in time.”
Heath frowned as he considered Sue’s opinion and instinctly felt what she said was right. “I don’t know, Sue.”
“Heath, remember that time your mama came to visit you in Texas. I was impressed by her. She was a loving, vivacious and genuine person.”
“She really liked you and all of the crew, Sue.”
“You were lucky to have a wonderful mother growing up. The Barkleys could have tossed you out on your ears when you came here, but they didn’t. Heck, they could have tied everything up in court for years with their money, but they didn’t.”
“Sue, I know that but..”
“Heath, let me finish. I think they didn’t because to them you’re family. You’re their flesh and blood! Because of the man you are, they chose to give you love and acceptance! I will admit though from what you said, it seemed to take Nick a while to warm up to you.”
Heath smiled as she continued, “Heath, you’re blessed with a chance to have the love of two mothers in your lifetime, not just one. I’d give anything to have had a mother growing up and to know that feeling. I can’t believe you’re gonna throw this chance away!”
“Sue, but my mother was not married to my father. Mrs. Barkley has no blood tie to me.”
“Who cares! Heath, my stepmother was married to my father and I wouldn’t wish her on my worst enemy. I saw the love and respect you have for the Barkleys when you were describing them to me and Jack. It shines out of your eyes like a beacon and you can see it in theirs too.”
“I never said I didn’t love and respect Mrs. Barkley or the others.”
“Then, what’s the problem? I don’t understand why you drag yourself down like this. You’re a good man Heath. A man anyone should be lucky to call friend, brother or son.”
“I’m guess I’m afraid Sue. Afraid of doing something wrong, saying the wrong thing or what if they don’t approve of what’s in my past.”
“Heath, your life experiences in the past, the love of your mother, Hannah, your Aunt Rachel and the war among other things have all made you the man you are today. I know your past has been difficult, but its not as if you’re not a criminal or anything like that. When the time is right, you’ll be able to share these things with your family, too.”
Sue paused, placed her hand on his cheek and looked into Heath’s blue eyes, “This family accepts you for who you are, not for what you have or haven’t done in the past. They know you’re a good person. Open your heart and you’ll find it’s a lot easier to accept their love rather than shutting it out.”
Heath sighed, “How is it you always set me on the right path? I’m a lucky man to have a friend like you.”
“Don’t I know it, Heath Barkley! I’m exhausted! It’s hard work being a friend to you, so I better get ready to go to sleep before your MOTHER comes back in here and gives me that look.”
Heath chuckled and kissed his friend on the cheek, “You’re right, I shouldn’t be throwing away this chance.”
“Anytime you need your ears boxed, you come see me now ya’hear.” snickered Sue as she closed her eyes emotionally and physically drained.
Heath sat by his friend, watching her and thinking on her words as Sue’s even breathing indicated she was asleep, Heath kissed her on the forehead and smiled, “Thank you, Miss Weston.”
Heath sighed and straightened the blanket covering her as Victoria entered the room.
“Heath, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I guess I’m too late to see if Sue needed anything before I went to bed.” said Victoria as she glanced at the sleeping young lady and then at Heath.
Heath smiled, “She was pretty tired after all that boxing she had to do.”
“Boxing?” asked Victoria with a puzzled look.
Heath chuckled, walked towards his stepmother and wrapped her in a big hug, “The future may not be all rosy and smooth sailing, but I love you and would consider it a great honor for you to be my mother.”
Victoria clung to Heath and cried softly as her heart was bursting with love, “I’m the one who’s honored to have you as my son.”
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Dr. Merar had given Jack Franklin permission to take Sue to her home to finish mending on Sunday afternoon. Sue smiled as she thought back on her breakfast with the Barkleys that morning. A warm feeling came over her when Heath addressed Victoria as mother after he had walked Sue into the dining room.
The faces of the family outshone everything in sight at the endearment Heath had used. Sue winked at Victoria as she took her place by Heath at the table. The topics of conversation were steady and varied throughout the meal as everyone at the table enjoyed the feast Silas had prepared.
Heath said adamantly, “Nick, I’m telling you no one’s ever been able to ride Satan without Sue on his back with them.”
“Oh come on now Heath! Horses aren’t that particular.” gwaffed Nick as Sue stifled a laugh.
“When I have my arm out of this sling, I’ll bring Satan over and then we’ll see if you’re right about horses not being particular.” smiled Sue as she looked into the hazel eyes and added, “Victoria, when I do come over you should invite Dr. Merar for lunch, just in case.”
“What?” shouted Nick as the others at the table snickered.
“Of course, I’ll gladly pay for any damage incurred.” stated Sue.
“There’s not gonna be any damage. I’m not gonna ride him in the corral.” Nick informed Sue with a huff.
Sue looked at Nick, her green eyes dancing with merriment, “I was talking about the damage to you, Nick.”
Nick blushed as the rest of the family laughed.
Sue thoughts were interrupted as Jose came running to the porch where she sat, “Miss Sue! Miss Sue! The men are coming.”
“Thank you Jose!” said Sue as she stood and sat on the railing of the porch to watch the group of men heading up the road and dismounting in front of the house.
Sue rushed down the steps to greet the men with hugs and questions on their trip.
Davey smiled, “Hey boss, great to see you home again!”
“Davey, its great to be home.” smiled Sue. “I’m so happy to see everyone and to have you here with me. Davey, show the boys to the bunkhouse and the barn, then come up to the house for some lunch so we can catch up with each other. After that we can unload the wagon.”
The men followed Davey to the bunkhouse peppering him with questions regarding their boss’ condition.
“Davey, she looks worse than you said!” exclaimed Harold with a growl at the younger man as he stabled his horse.
Davey defended himself to the angry men, “I told ya’ she had a mild concussion and separated shoulder.”
“And the bandage around her head?” asked Pedro.
“It’s just some stitches, heck, we’ve all had that before.” explained Davey. “I didn’t think they were as big a deal as her concussion and shoulder.”
“Davey, it’s a big deal because it’s not the same as us having stitches.” said Hank quietly as Curly and Bill nodded. They felt the same as the others towards their boss.
“Boys, let’s cut Davey a little slack here. You know how his memory keeps failing him the older he gets.” snickered Curly as he walked out of the barn towards the bunkhouse with his personal effects as the other men laughed and followed suit.
“Very funny, guys!” Davey shouted as they walked away. “I should have left you back on the trail! I can’t believe I actually missed you people!”
Jack laughed as he heard Davey’s comments directed at the back of the others as he walked into the barn.
“Davey, they’re just kidding ya know.” stated Jack as he stabled his horse.
“Yeah I know, but I don’t like being the youngest of the crew. I feel like I have six older brothers picking on me. I’m gonna put a notice in the paper to see if we can hire someone younger than me.” said Davey as they walked to the house.
Jack chuckled and put his arm on his young wrangler’s shoulder, “I’ll run that request by the boss for ya’”
Davey rolled his eyes and smirked, “Gee, thanks for your support.”
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Maria had prepared a feast to celebrate the arrival of the men. After partaking in the banquet, Sue watched as the men helped Jose clear the table and then sat down with coffee in their cups.
Sue smiled as she watched them, her eyes dancing with merriment at the teasing going back and forth between the men. The camaraderie had been forged between them from hard work, toils and troubles. They watched each other’s backs like a mama bear watching over her cubs. These men, whose loyalty couldn’t be bought or sold, would go to the depths of hell for each other and her.
“Boss, when do we pick up the herd?” asked Harold. Harold was the quietest of all the men and the studious one. He would gnaw at a problem from all angles until he had figured it out.
Sue laughed, “Are you sure you old timers won’t need some rest before going back to work?”
The crew laughed at the long standing joke between her and them. Sue was younger than the crew, except for Davey and she who was only a couple weeks older than him.
Bill, the father figure for the rest of the crew, shook his salt and pepper head and smirked. “Didn’t think you would let us off that easy, Boss.”
Sue chuckled and sipped her coffee as the men started spouted comments to her, “Yeah we could use a few more days of rest” “Lets take in some fishing” “Hey, we could visit the highlights of our new town.”
Sue, grinning, held up her hand, “Sorry boys, can’t spare you this week. How about if we pick up the Swenson herd tomorrow morning.”
Pedro, the dashing vaquero whose dark handsome features had caused many a maiden to swoon, smiled, “It is good to be back together again, boss.”
“It sure is, Pedro. I’ve missed you all.” stated Sue as she rose from the table. “How about if we unload the wagon and get that all taken care of.”
The men drank the rest of their coffee and rose to follow their boss as she opened the front door.
“Dammit!” they heard her exclaim as a thud and the retort of a shot was heard after Sue jumped out of the open doorway.
The men ran to the windows with guns drawn as Jack rushed to Sue’s side. Holding her hand against the side of her face, she lay on her side on the hardwood floor.
“Lemme see!” said Jack as he pried her hand away revealing some slivers from the doorframe embedded in her right cheek.
“Great! Just what I need another love scar from my secret admirer.” Sue whispered sarcastically as Jack started pulling out the slivers.
“You guys see anything?” called Jack to the others at the windows.
“No! I don’t even see a blade of grass moving.” shouted Curly, his hat pushed back revealing his bald head.
Jack closely inspected his boss’ cheek one last time for any other slivers before helping her to her feet. Sitting her at the table, Maria brought out the linament bottle and a towel.
“Miss Sue, are you okay?” asked Maria as she dabbed the linament on her face.
Inhaling her breath when the linament stung, Sue smiled “I’m fine Maria. Don’t worry. It seems worse than it is. Are you okay, Maria?”
“I am fine, Miss Sue. Just startled.” replied Maria.
When Maria finished her ministrations, she went back into the kitchen and refilled the coffee cups of the men who were now crowded around their boss.
“Jack, what’s going on? Why’s someone shooting at our boss?” asked Curly angrily.
Jack shook his head and replied softly, “I don’t know Curly. I thought maybe the first time, it was a mistake. Now we know its not.”
“Boss, I think we should go get the Sheriff and let him know what’s going on.” suggested Davey as the others voiced their agreement.
“Boys! Just settle down and take a seat.” sighed Sue as she waited for the men to settle down.
After the men had quieted and took a seat, Sue smiled, “I’m okay. Obviously, someone is just trying to scare me.”
“Sue, what if the next time it isn’t a warning!” exclaimed Jack with concern in his hazel eyes.
“Yeah, this is the second time! What if he gets tired of taking potshots?” asked Hank, a giant of a man, as he pounded his fist on the table angrily.
Sue nodded and agreed, “Let’s not fly off the handle. After we unload the wagon, we’ll take a run into Stockton and let Sheriff Madden know what’s going on.”
“Okay boss, but I don’t think you should go anywhere alone. One or more of us should be with you.” stated Harold as the others voiced their agreement with his plan.
“I’ll agree to that for now Harold, but we can’t run a ranch with one of you babysitting me all the time.” sighed Sue.
“We know that boss, but we’ll work something out. You’re our first concern.” said Jack as the others nodded.
“I can watch Miss Sue also.” informed Maria to the crew. “I know how to shoot and so does Jose.”
Pedro grinned, “Thank you Senora. That would be most helpful.”
“Harold, will you check outside? Go out the back and around the house. Holler if you need help.” stated Jack as Harold walked to the back door while the others looked out of the windows.
“I didn’t see anything.” Harold informed the others as he walked through the front door.
“Okay boys, let’s get the wagon unloaded and then we’ll go to Stockton.” said Sue as she walked out with her crew. “Maria, if you don’t want to stay here by yourself, you can come with us.”
Maria smiled, “It’s okay. I can take care of myself and Jose will be here.”
Sue nodded, “I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to take your job back at the hotel until this is all settled.”
“No, we stay here.” Maria stated firmly as she walked back into the house.
Jack chuckled, “Boss, you sure know how to pick your employees.”
Watching the others unload the wagon, Sue nodded and looked at Jack with cold green eyes. “Yeah and when we catch this guy, he better hope they don’t get to him first.”
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The residents of Stockton glimpsed the small army, surrounding its queen on a black stallion, walking their horses up the street and stopping in front of the office of Sheriff Madden. The queen and the knight dismounted and tied their horses to the rail before heading inside. The pawns, alert and steadfast, sat their horses and watched the civilians around them. Ten minutes later the queen and the knight returned and climbed back on board their mounts.
“Boys, Jack and I are going to see Dr. Merar.” said Sue as she turned her horse towards the other end of town. “Go have a drink. Jack’ll get ya’ when its time to leave.”
The men looked at each other and Pedro spoke for them all, “We go with you boss. We’re not thirsty.”
Jack smiled and nodded as Sue sighed, “Fine with me boys.”
The small army moved as one cohesive unit with the knight in the lead and started down the street, bypassing all other buildings and stopping in front of Dr. Merar’s residence. Sue dismounted and tied Satan to the rail.
“I’ll be out in a little while.” smiled Sue as she knocked and walked inside when the door opened.
“Miss Weston, how nice to see you.” said Mrs. Merar as she led the patient into the examining room.
“Nice to see you too, Mrs. Merar.”
Dr. Merar entered the room and smiled. “How’s your shoulder feeling Miss Weston?”
“It’s fine Doc. Just a little sore is all.” stated Sue as Howard examined the shoulder. “How long do I have to use this sling?”
“You can start taking it off for short intervals of time. But you will find that your shoulder will take some time to completely heal. I have written down some exercises that I want you to do at home. Make sure you put the sling back on if you feel too uncomfortable.” explained Howard as he removed the bandage on her head.
“I will. Can the stitches come out today, Doc?”
“Any other dizzy spells?”
“Haven’t had one for a couple of days.” reported Sue
“Good. The stitches can come out as its healing quite nicely. Want to tell me what happened to your cheek?” said Howard softly as he watched the blush rise on her face.
“Door frame lept out and bit me.” said Sue
“Uh huh.” replied Howard “Don’t see that too often.”
“No, guess not. Maria put some linament on it for me. Nothing to worry about.” stated Sue with a smile.
“Stitches are out. Your cheek looks fine, but come back and see me if you have any problems.” smiled Howard.
“Sure Doc.” said Sue as she jumped down from the table and paid him. “Hope I don’t have to see you for a while, nothing personal.”
Howard laughed, “I, also, hope you have no need of my services for a long time.”
Sue nodded and headed outside to her crew. Looking at her guardians, she smiled knowing they were more like a bunch of mother hens. Tucking her sling into her saddlebags, she climbed aboard Satan.
“Boys, I have to meet with my attorney. His office is across from the saloon. Go have a drink while I’m in there.”
Harold shook his head, “Boss, one of us will have to go with you.”
Sue looked at the men, “No. This is private. You can see his door from the window of the saloon. Just watch for me to come out.”
“I don’t like it.” said Jack with a frown. “Why don’t I just tell Dan that you need him to come out to the ranch?”
Sue smiled and laughed, “Boys, thank you but I’m only going to be a short ways off. I’ll have Dan tell you when we’re done, okay?”
Begrudingly, the men agreed. Jack and Hank tied their horses on either side of Satan and walked their boss to the door of the lawyer.
Hank sat on the bench outside Dan Baldwin’s office. “I’ll just wait here for you boss. The others can have a drink.”
Squeezing his thick forearm, Sue smiled and entered the building.
“Sue, I didn’t know you were going to be in town.” exclaimed Dan as he held out a chair for her.
“Hi Dan. How’s the family?” inquired Sue as she took off her hat.
“They’re wonderful. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I have a small problem.” said Sue as she took the coffee Dan had poured for her.
When Dan seated himself at his desk, he said. “What’s the problem?”
“I was shot at again today.”
“What!”
“My guess is he’s after the ranch. I imagine he thinks that because I’m a woman, I’ll scare easy.” chuckled Sue.
Dan nodded, “That could very well be.”
Sue smiled and said, “He doesn’t know me very well. I’ll never be scared off my ranch.”
“What can I do? Have you talked to Sheriff Madden?”
“I spoke with the sheriff earlier.” stated Sue. “He’s gonna take a ride out but there is really nothing he can do. We already checked and couldn’t find where he was hiding when he took the shot.”
“Do you know of any reason why someone would go to this extreme to get the ranch?” inquired Dan
“That’s the key that unlocks this whole puzzle. If I could figure that out, we’d be closer to finding out who it is.” frowned Sue. “But in the event that he gets tired of trying to scare me and decides to take matters further, I need some papers drawn up that will keep the ranch from falling into his hands.”
“I certainly hope he doesn’t take it any further. However, I’m not sure what we could put in the papers that would prevent his getting the ranch. You don’t know who it is that’s doing this and he could just buy it when it comes up for sale.” explained Dan.
Leaning forward in her chair, Sue smiled widely and explained to Dan what she wanted done as he listened to her with admiration.
“I’ll bring them out to the ranch tomorrow for you to sign.” said Dan as he stood and walked her to the door.
“We’re gonna be busy the next couple of days picking up the new herd. I’ll be in Saturday for the festival. We can meet and sign the papers then.” explained Sue as she shook his hand.
‘Sure, Sue. I’m looking forward to introducing you to my family.” said Dan as he looked up into the face of the giant that stood by his client.
“Hank, this is my attorney, Dan Baldwin.” Sue said as the men shook hands. “Dan, this is Hank Bardo.”
“Nice to meet you Mr. Bardo.” smiled Dan as he watched Hank’s face split open with a wide smile.
“Same to you Mr. Baldwin.” came a deep voice from the belly of the giant.
“Sue, I will see you on Saturday. You be careful now.” said Dan as he went back into his office.
Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Sue turned to see Hank squeezing the hand of John Travis and growling at him. “Can I do something for you, mister?”
Travis knees started buckling from the pain radiating up his arm.
“Hank, let him go.” stated Sue calmly watching the snake writhing in pain as Hank opened his hand.
“You could have broken my hand!” shouted Travis as he held the damaged limb as the ranch crew and the other saloon patrons came out to see what the ruckus was all about.
“Mr. Travis, Hank was just doing his job by watching out for his boss.” smiled Sue slightly. “What can I do for you.”
Travis flexed his hand and stated, “I was going to ask to escort you to the festival, Miss Weston.”
Untying Satan as the others followed suit, Sue mounted and looked down at the man on the boardwalk. “I told you before I don’t mix business with pleasure.”
Travis watched the group of them riding down the street and thought angrily of the girl that had been invading his dreams, “It’ll be my pleasure to watch you squirm when you realize you should’ve been nicer to me.”
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Duke McCall rode from Stockton towards the Barkley ranch, deep in thought and puzzling, over what the foreman of the neighboring ranch had told him when he stopped in the saloon for a beer.
Entering the swinging doors, Duke walked over to the bar and heard someone call his name, “Duke! How’s things?”
Turning towards the voice, Duke saw Jack Franklin sitting with a table of men by the window of the saloon. Walking over, Duke shook hands with the men as they were introduced by Jack.
“Boys, Duke is foreman of the Barkley ranch. Our new neighbors.” smiled Jack.
“Nice to meet you boys. I thought maybe you’d be picking up the Swenson herd today, Jack.” stated Duke as he joined them at the table.
“We’re gonna pick them up tomorrow. The boss had to come into town to see the doc and sheriff.”
“Sheriff! What’s going on?”
Duke listened as Jack told him the events that occurred at their ranch today. Looking at the cold eyes of the others around the table, Jack felt a chill run down his spine. ‘Whoever is doing this better watch his back’ he thought.
“Jack, there are plenty of other ranches around. I don’t understand why that one would be of more value to someone. Are you sure its not someone maybe from her past or something?” inquired Duke.
Harold nodded, “Yeah, you’re right. We’d have to consider that too.”
“That don’t make sense though. Jack would know if he saw someone he knew from Texas.” stated Curly shaking his head.
“Curly’s right. None of this started until she moved here.” agreed Bill as he took a sip of his beer.
“What the?” exclaimed Pedro, springing up from his chair, as he watched Hank grab a stranger’s hand from his boss’ shoulder and the shouting that followed.
The crew left the saloon and joined their boss as she mounted Satan. The other saloon patrons had also rushed outside to watch the happenings from across the street. Duke watched as the group left town and headed to his own horse.
Dismounting in front of the mansion, Duke walked to the door and knocked.
Victoria opened the door and smiled when she saw the foreman, “Duke, come in.”
“Thanks Mrs. Barkley but I just wanted to give you this telegram from your sons.” replied Duke as he handed her the telegram. “I’ve gotta ride out and check on the men.”
“Thank you Duke.” replied Victoria as she watched Duke mount and leave the ranch.
“Mother, who was at the door?” asked Audra
“Duke. He brought us a telegram from the boys.” said Victoria as she opened the telegram. “They met Eugene in Sacramento and they’ll be back Friday night.”
“Great, we’ll all be together for the festival. Its going to be so much fun, I can’t wait.” said Audra as the excitement rushed through her.
Victoria smiled as she gave her daughter a hug before they started into the dining room for tea, “This will be the first outing the whole Barkley family has been to. It will be a momentous occasion.”
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The sun was edging over the horizon as Sue and Jack rode from the ranchhouse towards the new herd they had driven over on Thursday. The crew had worked as one cohesive unit bringing the herd to their new home and had celebrated their new start that night.
“Looks like Charity’s gonna have a beautiful day for the festival. Not a cloud in the sky.” stated Sue.
Jack smiled, “Yeah, she was a bundle of nerves last night. She just wants everything to be perfect.”
“Well, its definitely a worthwhile cause. What time are you meeting her?” asked Sue.
“I’ll meet her at the festival at noon. Do you want to have lunch with us?”
Chuckling and shaking her head, Sue said, “No way would I want to come between you and your lady.”
Watching the crimson rise in his cheeks, Sue chuckled and nudged Satan into a gallop as she called back to Jack, “Lets hurry so you can go into town earlier.”
Laughing, Jack galloped after his boss catching up with Satan in a few minutes. As they topped the rise, Sue reined in Satan abruptly watching the birds circle in the sky. Jack stopped beside her and followed her upward glance.
Taking her rifle from its sheath, Sue started towards the area the birds were circling with Jack following behind. Riding through the herd, they were greeted by the sight of two steers on their side laying in their blood. Dismounting with rifle in hand, Sue walked to the steers as Jack cautiously looked around the area.
“Shot in the head.” stated Sue when Jack knelt beside her, cursing at the implications the dead animals held.
“Jack, get the boys. I want the herd moved closer to the house.” said Sue as she walked away from Jack and the steers.
“Sue, I can’t leave you here alone.” said Jack as he ran after her.
Stopping, Sue looked at Jack, “Get the men. I’m gonna look around for tracks.”
“Sue…”
“Just do what I say Jack!” said Sue angrily with eyes flashing like fire.
“Boss, I’ll get the men.” said Jack and then added a heartfelt plea, “Please promise me you won’t leave this area until we get back.”
Sue nodded and started walking around slowly searching the ground for indications of the gunman. Jack ran to his horse and left the area in a gallop to get the men.
....Continued
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