Lightning and Lace (29 page)

“Liar. I heard him say he had lumber to load.”

“That won’t take long. I’m warning you.”

“Warning me against what? Bonnie, you know I’m in love with you. Have been for a long time. And I think you’re in love with me, too.”

“Don’t make me sick. Need I remind you that you’re married? Sylvia is a wonderful woman, and you don’t deserve her. I’ll never understand why she took you back after your affair with Martha.”

“Sylvia’s never let me forget that.” He rubbed his gloved palms together. “Why did you tell her about our little arrangement?”

“The wine? Because she deserved to know the truth. I played a part in that ruse and needed to ask for her forgiveness.”

“You only wanted to cause trouble between Sylvia and me.”

Bonnie lifted her chin. “You manage trouble before you get out of bed in the morning.” Disgust sprinkled on her like dirt in a dust storm. “I’m asking you one more time to leave, or I’ll get help.”

He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a revolver. “You and I are going to have a talk inside.”

Sylvia wept silently for several minutes before she lifted her dampened face. “I’m sorry, gentlemen. I will do better.”

“It’s all right.” Travis squeezed her hand lightly.

She glanced straight ahead, not at any of the men listening, but beyond Heaven’s Gate to a place where agony twisted at her heart. “I expected him to have affairs. He’s an attractive man and needed . . . those indiscretions. I ignored them with an understanding that without me, he had no funds to grow his business. He’d never leave me. The hardest one to endure was his relationship with Martha. When I learned her sons were his, I thought he might leave me. He threatened, but she left town before he could stop her. He never forgave me. Thought I’d given her money.”

“Did you?” Travis said. “Not that anyone could blame you.”

“No. She didn’t need me. Martha was a strong woman. She came to see me the same day she left town. Told me that she had to leave—because of the boys. She’d decided to tell them that their father had died so they’d never be branded with being fatherless. I was very angry with her and Lester.”

“Can I get you a glass of water?” Travis said.

She tilted her head. “What a dear man you are. No, I don’t need any water. If I stop for too long, I’ll not have the courage to continue.”

“I wish all this wasn’t necessary. I see what it’s doing to you.”

“But we must. You are here because the truth must be spoken.” She lifted her hand to Morgan and Grant. “I have a lawyer to hear my story, a doctor to help me when the pain becomes unbearable, and a man of God to walk with me through this living hell.”

Travis swallowed hard.

“I believed Lester when he asked me and the church for forgiveness. He said he’d made his peace with God and would never be unfaithful again. And for a long time I trusted him. Jenny and Grant are saints to have built this house where the brothel once stood. When she asked me to direct it, I was thrilled. My days were often long, and it not only gave me something to do, but I also had purpose and something to talk about with Lester. He encouraged me and then asked if he could help. I was pleased. So very pleased.”

*****

Bonnie tried desperately not to show her fright, but fear nearly paralyzed her. Juanita and Lydia Anne were in the house. “Why, Lester? I don’t want to have a relationship with you.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ve had every woman I ever fancied.”

“Even the ones who abhorred you?”

“None do after they have a taste of my affections.”

Bonnie backed up toward the house. “What happens when a woman refuses you? Or is that why you killed Rosie?”

He chuckled. “Can’t pin her murder on me. I had nothing to do with it.”

“She was carrying a child. Was it yours?”

“If it was my child, why would I have killed her?”

“Sylvia.”

“You have no idea what you are talking about. But I didn’t kill her.”

“You can tell that to all the folks when they learn what really happened. You killed Rosie, and it’s only a matter of time before the people of Kahlerville find out.”

An odd look passed over Lester. Was it regret? Or remorse? But the look quickly faded to arrogance. He waved his revolver. “Do you really want me to use this in front of your daughter and Juanita?”

“The ranch hands would hear.”

He raised a brow. “None of them are around. I looked real good before I rode in. Now we’ll step inside so you can pack Zack’s things.”

“You know he lives with Brother Travis.”

“When will Zack arrive? Don’t tell me he isn’t coming this afternoon, because I heard the good reverend and Brother Travis talking about it yesterday.” He laughed. “To think you are such good friends with that revolting-looking man.”

“Why do you need Zack? I thought it was me you wanted.”

“Oh, it is pretty lady. Having him with me is a deposit on my requests from you. You won’t talk to a soul as long as I have your son.”

“There is no military school, is there?”

He laughed. “Believe what you want.”

“You are an animal.”

“I’ve been called worse. Sylvia has a wonderful vocabulary when it comes to labeling me.” He raised the revolver. “Inside.”

Bonnie trembled. She remembered years ago when an outlaw had held her, Mama, and Casey at gunpoint. Grant had been shot trying to help them. His blood had splattered the kitchen floor. At the time, she’d nearly fainted with fright. Not this time. Lydia Anne’s and Juanita’s lives were at stake.

The door behind her opened, and Lydia Anne rushed to her.

“Mama, I can’t wait to tell you what happened with my kitty,” she said. “Juanita said for me to take a nap, but I wanted you to tuck me in so’s I could tell you.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” Bonnie bent and kissed her cheek.

“You’re shaking.”

“I’m a little cold.” Her throat constricted as though a snake coiled around her. Indeed, he had.

Lydia Anne peered up at Lester. “Hello, Mr. Hillman. Nice to see you.”

“I have a cinnamon stick for a sweet little girl.” He reached into his pocket and bent down to hand it to her.

He’s a demon.

Lydia Anne smiled and took the candy. “Thank you.”

“Your mama just offered me a cup of coffee. We’re going to have a nice chat while you’re sleeping. Can you save the story about your kitty until later? I might still be here, and I want to listen, too.”

“I can tell you now.”

He touched her cheek, and Bonnie wanted to kick him in the face.

“Oh, sweet girl, you look so very tired.”

She yawned as though he’d directed her every move. “All right. I will nap now.”

Dear Lord, help me. I don’t know what to do. How long would Thomas be gone? Why had she sent Jesse with the others?

Bonnie took Lydia Anne to bed, tucked her in, and gave her a big hug. She wanted to cry and hold her little daughter. Instead, she shut the door and made her way back down the stairs.

*****

“Lester has a soft spot for children, and I thought of the girls living here as my daughters. I thought he did, too. I was not blind to what their lives had been like at the brothel, but God had given them new life, and I wanted to, also. They were my little girls—the babies I never had. I gave them all of me. Just like I did Lester. Then I stumbled onto the truth.”

“And what did you learn?” Travis said.

“That he had his way with Rosie, Laura, and Daisy. I’m not sure about the others who once lived at Heaven’s Gate.”

“Sylvia, I understand this is so very hard, but we must hear the whole story to help you.”

Her lips quivered, but she finally managed a faint smile. “I suspected it all along, but it wasn’t until Rosie was beaten the first time that I put the pieces together. You see, my girls love Jesus. They were finished with the sordid life, and Lester wanted them as before. I was so stupid to believe Lester had changed, such a fool to believe he wanted to lead them in Bible study because of concern for their souls. And then he started using them—putting them to work just like Martha had. Except this was worse. My precious girls wanted freedom, and I did nothing. I covered it up in hopes the sin would stop. I prayed. I really prayed.”

“What happened to Rosie?

“She had such dark moods, and I worried about her. When I asked her what was wrong, she’d say nothing. The other girls claimed they had no idea. One day, she and I were alone here at the house, and I begged her to tell me what tormented her so. She cried and said she had to leave Heaven’s Gate, but that was all. I suggested a long walk, perhaps a picnic. She laughed. Said it was too cold for a picnic, but we went anyway.”

“Did you wear Lester’s boots?”

Sylvia sucked in a breath. “How did you guess?”

Travis patted her hand. “I assumed it yesterday.”

“They’re an old pair, and I don’t like to get my shoes dirty. It had been raining earlier, and my shoes, well, I didn’t want to ruin them.”

“So you went on a picnic?”

“Yes, I wrapped a loaf of bread with a bit of ham.”

“And the knife?”

“No, I forgot the knife, so we stopped at my house to get one. We walked out to the woods north of town. Well, you know where.”

“What happened?”

“We talked for a long time, and then she began to cry. I held her and told her that whatever was wrong, I could help her. When she confessed to me that she was with child, I knew the child had to be Lester’s.” Sylvia stiffened then shook her head.

“I’m so sorry. What did you do then?”

“I walked away and left her there crying. When I got back to my house, I told Lester. He left and returned several hours later.”

“Have you told me all of it?”

“Yes, Brother Travis. The next thing I learn is . . . she’s dead.” She buried her face in her hands. “Lester must have killed her.”

“Are you ready to talk to the sheriff about this?”

“What will happen to him?”

Travis turned to Morgan. “I think you could answer her question much better than I.”

Morgan cleared his throat. “With your testimony, the sheriff will arrest Lester. I imagine Laura and Daisy will testify, too. He’ll be held in jail until trial.”

Sylvia clutched her hands to her heart. “Morgan, could you represent him? I’m sure he didn’t mean to hurt her.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I’m not Lester’s favorite lawyer. But if he asks me, I’ll represent him.” Morgan walked over to her and bent down to his knees. “You have to be prepared for a harsh penalty.”

Sylvia paled. “But I’m sure it was an accident.”

“A young woman is dead, and she was carrying his child.” Morgan stared into her face.

Travis waited. Time seemingly stopped. He hoped Morgan and Grant were praying for the truth. “You know this means that Lester will face trial for Rosie’s murder,” Morgan said.

“What will happen to him?”

“He’ll be executed, or he could get life in prison.”

Sylvia gasped. She stood up from the swing and walked across the porch. “Lester has hurt me badly for all the times he was with other women. When I hurt the most was when he gave money to the poor. That was his way of saying he was sorry.”

Morgan walked to her side. “Now is the time to talk to the sheriff. I’ve already asked him to come by here. Lester needs to be arrested.”

She nodded. Long moments passed. She shook her head while tears flooded her eyes and streamed over her cheeks. At last she took a deep breath and looked at Travis. “I thought I could blame him, but I can’t.”

Travis stood on the other side of Sylvia. “Loving someone when they have done something wrong is hard.”

She shook her head. “I can’t do this, not even to Lester. I—I lied,” she whispered. “I—I stabbed Rosie. I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t bear the humiliation of Lester fathering one more illegitimate child. He sold the other two girls to those men, but he kept Rosie for himself.”

Travis wanted to believe his suspicions had been wrong, but by her own admittance, Sylvia had killed Rosie.

“I threw the knife as far as I could,” she said. “The boots had drops of Rosie’s blood on them, so I wiped off the blood and set the boots in the garden. I couldn’t look at them.”

“Are you covering up for Lester?” Travis said. “Do you love him so much that you would take the blame for something you didn’t do?”

She shook her head while tears flooded her eyes and streamed over her cheeks. “I thought I could blame him, but he’s innocent of Rosie’s death.” She peered into Travis’s eyes. “What will happen to me?”

“I’m not sure, Sylvia, but I will be with you all the way. And so will God.”

“Can He ever forgive me?”

“All you have to do is ask Him.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt Rosie. I was slicing the bread, trying to distract her so she’d say what was on her heart. When she told me, I seemed to lose my senses. And then I listened to Lester claim you or Bonnie’s precious boy had killed her. I said nothing, too scared to admit I was a murderer.”

“I’ll help you,” Morgan said.

“Do I go to jail now?”

She sounded more like a little girl than a grown woman. Lester had hurt her beyond any human comprehension. She’d been pushed to murder, and now she must suffer the consequences.

“I imagine the sheriff will be along shortly,” Morgan said.

She nodded. “I suppose y’all knew I did it. The guilt was torturing me. I kept seeing Rosie with blood all over her chest. I hated myself, but I couldn’t take back what I’d done.”

They sat with Sylvia on the front porch of Heaven’s Gate. She and Travis swung in the glider. Back and forth. Like the mountains and valleys of life. No one said a word. Travis grieved and prayed, and from the looks on Morgan’s and Grant’s faces, they did the same. She clung to his hand, and Travis wondered when the last time was that Lester had touched her in tenderness.

Lester sat sprawled on Bonnie’s sofa, puffing on a cigar. A disgusting man smoking a disgusting cigar in her parlor. She loathed the very sight of him. And to think he sat in church every Sunday making contributions to all the varied needs of the community.

“Sylvia is far too good for you.”

“She would never leave me, my dear. What would her church friends say?”

Bonnie considered crashing a lamp across his head. Something. Anything to protect those she loved.

He patted the sofa beside him. “Come, sit down, dear. We have much to discuss.”

She lowered herself onto a chair across from him. “What must I do to stop you from taking Zack?”

“Nothing. I plan to take him regardless of what you say or promise. If you want that no-account boy of yours to stay alive, then you’ll do whatever I ask, when I ask.”

“How do you live with yourself?”

“Quite nicely, thanks to the bank and my investments.”

Bonnie chose not to respond. She needed time to plan how to stop him.

Juanita stood in the arch of the parlor. “Good afternoon, Mr. Hillman. May I get you something?”

“I’m fine, Juanita. Thank you for offering.”

She nodded and turned to Bonnie, giving her a questioning look. “Anything for you?”

A gun. Go for help. “Not at the moment.”

“Congratulations on your upcoming wedding,” Lester said.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Sylvia was telling me that she’d like to help with the preparations. I was certain we’d be invited.” He shifted on the sofa. “On second thought, I’m a mite hungry. Do you happen to have any eggs?”

Confusion wrapped around Juanita’s delicate features.

“I’d love a plate of scrambled eggs and some potatoes to go with them. Do you have time?” he said.

Juanita glanced at Bonnie, but Bonnie could not give away Lester’s threats. He’d hurt all of them.

“I will make them for you,” Juanita said.

When Juanita disappeared, he pulled out his pocket watch. “I give you fifteen minutes to pack his things. He shouldn’t have much here since he’s been living with Whitworth. By then Zack will be here, and you can tell him that you’ve changed your mind about military school.”

Bonnie would like nothing better than to claw his eyes out. “You’ll never get away with this. The law will be breathing hot on your every move.”

“Not if you want your boy to live. Now run along like a nice mama. Time’s wasting.”

With clenched fists, she rose from the chair. Lester was right. She had no choice but one.

“If I hear any noise or you take too long, I’ll be up the stairs.”

“I understand.”

“Don’t look so forlorn. You’ll come to enjoy this arrangement. No one else has ever regretted my advances except Rosie. She threatened to go to the sheriff one too many times until a good beating took away her stubbornness. I demand obedience. Perhaps I hadn’t made that clear.”

“You may have Laura and Daisy bullied into keeping their mouths shut, but not everyone in this town believes you’re a model citizen.”

He smiled and pointed to the hallway. “I doubt it. Go. You have a job to do. Oh, before you leave, let me give you a clue as to Zack’s new home.”

Her heart slammed into her bosom.

“I have a friend who has a farm in Arkansas. He needs good strong boys to work it. We made a nice arrangement for Zack.”

She sank her teeth into her lip to keep from saying anything that she’d regret later. Hurrying up the winding staircase, a plan began to form. She willed her body to cease shaking and her mind to clear. Papa and Mama would have splattered any man’s blood across the walls of their house if their children had been threatened. Mama would still do it.

And I’m an Andrews.

Bonnie crept past Lydia Anne’s bedroom, stopping briefly to make sure the door was closed. Fear made her dizzy. Later when Lester sat behind bars or was laid out cold in a pine box, she might give in to the terror. But not now. Sudden realization shattered her. She couldn’t put an end to Lester’s evil, not on her own. She needed God, and she hadn’t even prayed.

Lord, have mercy. You are the only one who can help me here. Guide me. Give me strength to see this through.

In the bedroom, she took a quick glimpse out of the window to see if any of the ranch hands had returned. The barns looked deserted. Taking a ragged breath, she turned her attention to the loaded rifle beneath her bed. She dared not make a sound, for she knew Lester had not made an idle threat. She didn’t really want to kill a man, but she would. The many times she’d slipped away for target practice now had meaning.

Once her fingers wrapped around the cold metal barrel, she scooted it to the rug beside her bed. Her gaze flew to the doorway and back. With the ease of a mother who practiced the art of working quietly, she checked to make sure the rifle was loaded. A shotgun would have cut him in two. Not a bad thought.

Rising to her feet, she swung the rifle into her right hand. Her babies were at risk, and no one was going to hurt them. She’d die trying and take Lester with her.

“Mama.” Lydia Anne’s small voice shook Bonnie’s resolve.

“What are you doing up?” she whispered. “You’re supposed to be in bed.”

Lydia Anne pointed to the rifle. “Why do you have that?”

Bonnie laid the weapon across her bed. In an instant she knelt to her daughter’s level and grabbed her shoulders. “You get back to bed this instant, or I will whip you very hard.”

The little girl’s eyes filled with tears.

“Do you understand me?”

Lydia Anne nodded.

“Do not leave your room until I come to get you. Is that perfectly clear?”

Again, Lydia Anne nodded.

“Now go. If I hear as much as a whimper, I’ll not only whip you but take away your kitty.”

Never had she spoken so harshly to Lydia Anne. When this was over, she’d apologize. The little girl scampered across the wooden floor and slammed the door. The crash echoed over the house. Bonnie held her breath.

“Bonnie?” Lester called from the stairway. His boots thudded as he mounted each step.

“Lydia Anne got up from her nap. I’ll be right down.” Her voice sounded more like a frightened child than a confident woman. She snatched up the rifle from the bed and lifted it to her shoulder.

“I’ll see for myself.”

“No need. I’m on my way.”

She made her way to the hallway. Lester hadn’t gone back down the stairs. Maybe he needed a little help.

Lord, my thoughts are so brave, but I’m not. I’m not so sure I can squeeze the trigger, either.

At the top of the stairway, she saw him standing midway on the steps. His eyes widened, then he laughed.

“I didn’t know you knew how to hold a rifle.”

She took aim. “Lay your revolver at your feet. Now.”

His smirk turned to a frown, but he obliged.

“Get out of my house.”

“What are you going to do, hit me with the rifle?”

To reinforce her words, she started down after him. “When I was eleven years old, my father taught me how to shoot. No one else knew. The only reason I practiced and listened to Papa was because he said the day would come when I’d wish I knew how to use it. The day’s come. Your day of reckoning.”

“You expect me to believe that?”

“You’d better, or your blood is going to paint my steps. I’ve never gotten over your spreading gossip about Brother Travis and me, accusing others of killing Rosie, and vandalizing the church and blaming it on Zack.”

He chuckled. “Breaking those windows and destroying a few hymnals hurt my bank account, but it was necessary.”

“What about the reverend’s Bible?”

“It’s in my office.”

“Is there anything you won’t do?”

“Try me.” He planted his foot on the next step.

“Get out, Lester. My finger’s itching to pull the trigger.”

Lester backed down to the entrance with Bonnie following him. She prayed Juanita would stay in the kitchen. The front door opened wide, and Zack walked in. He glanced up at her with a puzzled stare. Before Bonnie could warn him, Lester whirled around and grabbed Zack’s shoulders. His hand slipped to her son’s neck.

“Maybe you’d better drop the rifle.” Lester meant business, but so did she.

Bonnie’s mind raced back to all the times she’d slipped away in the past few months for target practice. With God’s help, she could save her son from this monster.

“What is happening here?” Zack attempted to shake off Lester’s hold, but the man appeared to hold him tighter.

“Don’t worry, Zack.” This time her voice did sound stronger.

“But you don’t know how to use a rifle, Mama.”

She forced a smile. “Remember the coyote that Thomas found dead outside the chicken house a few months back?”

Zack nodded. “Shot right between the eyes, and none of the ranch hands owned up to it.”

“That’s because your mama shot it, just like I’m going to finish up the coyote who has his filthy hands on you.”

She squeezed the trigger just as Lester threw Zack on the floor and reached for the door. The bullet lodged in the wood just above Lester’s head. She raced down the stairs after him, but when she reached the door, Lester had already been stopped. Travis had him pinned to the ground with his knee into his back.

“That woman is mad,” Lester said. “She tried to kill me.”

“I heard enough of the conversation to know you’re lying.” Travis glanced up at Bonnie. “Are you all right?”

She nodded. “He still didn’t acknowledge killing Rosie.”

“That’s because he didn’t do it.”

“Then who did?”

“Sylvia. She confessed earlier today. Laura and Daisy went to the sheriff this afternoon once they learned about the confession and revealed Lester’s dealings. He’s on his way out here now to arrest Lester for abusing Rosie and the others.”

“Sylvia killed Rosie?” Lester winced as Travis tightened the hold on his arms. “She couldn’t hurt anyone, not with her gentle spirit.”

“Well, Lester, she did.”

“But . . . but Sylvia cared for my no-good brothers when they came begging for handouts.”

“Love and jealousy often rule a person’s judgment.” He glanced up at Bonnie. “I’ll tell you the whole story later. Right now I need a rope.”

“What did you ask me?” Slow down. You’re angry with Lester, not Travis.

Travis startled. “A rope. I need a rope to tie up Lester.”

“I’ve spent the past hour with a man who was threatening me and my children, and now all you do is ask me for a rope?”

“I’ll get one,” Zack said. “I want him tied real tight.”

All the fear and fury from the ordeal sent shivers up and down her arms while her face flushed hot. “And to think I wanted you to ask me to marry you.”

Travis sputtered. “What?”

Realization of what she’d just said hit her like a blast of cold air. Maybe she was mad. He hadn’t made an unreasonable request. What was wrong with her? She shook all over. “I’m sorry. Oh my, I must go see about Lydia Anne.” She whirled around in time to see Juanita staring with her mouth open. Instead of making one more ridiculous statement, Bonnie avoided them all and hurried after her daughter.

*****

Travis went through the motions of tying Lester’s hands while his mind spun with what Bonnie had said.

“Did you see what my mama did? Why, she sent a bullet into the front door right where Lester had been standing,” Zack said. “But why did she get so mad about the rope?”

“I have no idea, but I’ll find out when the sheriff gets here. He was right behind me. I was afraid of this when your uncles and I found Lester gone from the bank.”

The sound of horses’ hooves punctuated his words. Within minutes, Sheriff Arthur had Lester in custody. “I’ll take him into town,” he said. “Thank God our womenfolk can now live without fear.”

“A prayer answered.” Travis stood and glanced at Zack, who happened to be grinning.

“What are you smiling about?” Travis said.

“The look on your face when Mama said she wanted to marry you.”

“She must have been real upset,” he said.

“You mean upset enough for the truth to come spurtin’ out?” Zack laughed. “You best go see what you can do to make her happy. And be careful. She’s a good shot.”

Travis trembled all over. Without another word, he made his way into the house.

“Bonnie, I need to talk to you.”

No answer.

“Bonnie?” He still shook like a scared rabbit. Maybe because he felt like one.

“She’s upstairs,” Juanita said from the front porch.

Travis made his way up the staircase, all the while rehearsing what he should say, yet realizing the words would refuse to come. One thing he knew for sure: He loved Bonnie Kahler.

“Bonnie?” he called softly. He didn’t want her aiming that rifle at him.

“I’m right here.”

He glanced up and saw her holding Lydia Anne. Both were crying. How was he supposed to handle that? Lord, I’m in trouble here, and I need help.

“Is she all right?” he said

“I scared her,” Bonnie said with a sob. “I said ugly things to her when I was afraid Lester might hurt her.”

Lydia Anne snuggled against Bonnie’s shoulder. It looked to him like the little girl was doing better than her mama.

“We need to talk,” he said.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I was upset about Lester and said things I didn’t mean.”

Standing there in the hallway with the western sun shining through the window, Bonnie looked like an angel, his angel. “I think you meant every word. I’ve been in love with you for a long time, but I never thought you’d have any feelings for a man like me.”

She tilted her head, and a fresh glazing of tears sprinkled her cheeks. “That’s not true, Travis. You are a fine man, and I love you.”

“You do?”

“Yes.” She sniffed, and he pulled out a handkerchief for her. “You’re always doing this.”

“I’d like to do it permanently. Take care of you, I mean.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m more than sure, and I want your children as mine.”

“What is Brother Travis saying?” Lydia Anne said.

“I’m asking your mama to marry me and let me be a papa to you, Zack, and Michael Paul.” There, he’d said it, and the words came out just fine.