Texas Blood Feud (13 page)

The next day, he sent his hands under Dale Allen south to sort cattle out—except for Reg, who he left to guard the place. Then he and Susie drove Louise to Mason so she could catch the mail wagon the next day. Her trunk in the back, she sat on it in her new poncho, which she wore against the chilly wind. She also wore one of her late husband’s felt hats with a chin string against the wind. Straight-backed, she endured the ride, obviously anxious to see her long-separated kin and the old South that she remembered.

The four-hour drive ended with her taking a room for the night at the Sutter House. Then they had lunch with her at a small German café, and made ready to leave for home.

“Have a nice trip,” Chet said as Susie and Louise hugged.

“Oh, I will. I am sure that to be back in civilization shall be a large treat. You two be careful going home. I will inform you of my future plans after I look over the opportunities in Shreveport.”

“That would be fine,” Chet said, grateful for a calm separation.

They went out and climbed on the buckboard and headed for the ranch.

“You think she’ll be shocked at what she finds?” Susie asked.

“Yes. Her image of the South with slavery is very different than it is there today.”

“What about our brother and her?”

He closed his eyes as the thin wheels sliced through a shallow ford, spraying water. The yellow cottonwood leaves still clung in places to the limbs and spun in the wind. What could he say?

“I’m not certain about anything. When he lost Nancy, I think he lost a lot inside. He rushed out and courted, then quickly married May, and somehow she didn’t fill that void. His boys remind him so much of Nancy that he ignores them.”

“Will it ever get any better?”

“Dale Allen will have to find himself.”

“May won’t divorce him. She can’t go home. She told me that it would kill her to fail as a wife.”

He clucked to the team, which started up the long hill. “What if Uncle Mark came home one day?”

“Oh, you don’t think he’s dead?” She frowned hard at him.

“I’m not certain of anything. Just don’t be surprised at anything that happens.”

“I won’t.”

“I’m hiring some more hands. Leaving Reg there in charge worries me. He’s a good boy, but he’s never shot a man. That’s not easy. Knowing when to pull the trigger is a problem, too.”

She put a hand on top of her flat-crown Western hat and tightened the string under her chin against the wind. “You think we’ll have to kill more of them?”

“What I think doesn’t matter, sis. They aren’t through feuding. They could be watching for us to leave, too.”

“I can tell you’re concerned to get back today.”

He nodded.

“You had that talk with Kathren Hines yet?”

He shook his head and forced a grin. “I think she found out all she wanted to know that day she asked me if I’d hung her husband.”

“Oh, she’ll have cattle to send to market, I’m certain. With him gone, she might even need some help in that matter.”

He glanced over at her. “You know it roils my guts just being around her to this day. And I have never bothered her in the same way.”

“You don’t know.”

“You can tell in minutes if you’re connecting with someone. What about your fella?”

“He’s nice. He’s polite. He knows about my job at the ranch and respects it. I think he’s more there to have a dance partner than a real partner. He’s bashful and this way, he doesn’t have to ask other girls to dance who might decline him.”

Chet laughed aloud. “I thought the war would be over and I could go ride over the hill. Then the Comanche got worse. I wanted to ride to where the sunset goes and see the ocean, but I couldn’t leave. I’ve never been a damn boy. Oh, I’ve been a fool all right several times, but I lack something in my life—I’d hoped once that Marla might fill in that gap and make me feel more satisfied with my place.”

“Oh, you’ll find someone.”

Stopped on the high point to let the horses catch their breath, he looked over the pale winter hills. He didn’t in any way feel certain about that notion—
find someone
.

“Let me down,” she said.

He helped her off and she disappeared behind a cedar. It bothered her some, he knew, that Ryan Thomas Stanton was almost two years younger than she was. Not unusual on the frontier. Age wasn’t much of a factor in matching people, and Ryan acted mature. But Chet felt that either she couldn’t leave her job as caretaker of their folks, or Ryan just wasn’t the right one for her.

Squatted in the warming afternoon sun beside the wagon, he nodded when she came swinging back through the waving brown grass in her pretty blue dress. A man could do a lot worse than marry his sister. He wouldn’t know what to do without her—they better hurry back. Maybe Doc had come by to check on Rachel. He hoped the physician had some answers that would settle May’s concern and improve the child’s health.

The dogs barked at their approach, and that made Chet feel better. Dogs barking meant there hadn’t been much to upset them. They were in their place. He reined up and Heck came running out.

“Get her off okay? I’ll put them up, Uncle Chet.”

“Yes, she’ll be on her way in the morning. Thanks. Any trouble?”

“Naw. We cut out several head today and sent them south.”

“Good.”

Astria had supper about ready. May smiled at them, then checked on her oven with the little one on her other arm. Susie took over for her and Chet poured himself some coffee.

“Doc came by and checked Rachel today,” May said.

“He know anything about what was wrong?” Chet asked.

May shrugged. “He said to keep getting her to eat. He said sometimes children had some problems that he couldn’t find. Like they didn’t digest food or had an infection he couldn’t find or treat.”

“He leave you any medicine?”

“Yes. It’s an elixir supposed to help her appetite and thicken her blood.”

“Where is she now?”

“Worn out and asleep.” May shrugged. “She tires very easy.”

“Your stepsons now know they aren’t supposed to get that far away?”

May nodded and took a seat at the table to feed her baby. “They were scared when they got back. I think they know now. Dale Allen is going to buy them a pony.”

“He needs to do that.”

“What are you going to do next?” Susie asked, refilling his coffee.

“I guess I’ll ride over tomorrow and see Kathren Hines and see if she wants me to take her cattle north.”

“I think that would be the thing to do.”

“I’m also going to hire some help.”

The next morning, a cold bitter wind followed him. He wore his fleece-lined canvas jacket, collar turned up, and huddled in the saddle on Strawberry. Crisp leaves danced around Strawberry’s hooves, and even the crows fought to stay in the air. At mid-morning, he rode up to Kathren’s frame house. Wood smoke from her fireplace churned by the wind filled his nose when he dropped from the saddle and hitched the gelding.

Nothing looked out of place when he stepped on the porch, and a friendly stock dog caught up with him. He knocked, wondering if she was home. Then he petted the dog and waited.

Kathren cracked the door. “Yes?”

“I dropped over to talk if you have the time.”

“I think we’ve said all we needed to.”

“I didn’t come over here to ask to be forgiven. I came over here on business.”

She looked undecided, and then relented and said, “Come in.”

With her arms folded, blocking his advance any further, she stood looking at her shoe toes peeking out from under the petticoats and skirt. He didn’t unbutton his jacket.

“I came to ask if you wanted to ship any cattle with us this year.”

“I’d thought I might look around and find another drover.”

“That’s fine. I wondered since we’d done business in the past that you might need some help gathering or whatever.” He felt too hot in the buttoned coat.

She chewed on her lower lip and then shook her head. “I’m sorry about Marla.”

“I’m more sorry they ruined her name.”

“Oh, take off your coat. My manners are horrible—” She turned away and sniffed. “I’m sorry I wanted you to pay—but I had no call—”

He undid the thick buttons. “You had every right.”

She held out her hands and took the heavy jacket and hung it on the wall peg. Then he gave her his hat and combed his too long hair back with his fingers.

“We can talk at the dining room table.”

He held out a chair for her and she acted embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I forgot what real men do.”

“I don’t know anything about that.”

“How is your sister?”

“Susie is fine. She sent her regards.”

“She runs the household, doesn’t she?” Acting nervous, she clasped her fingers together on top of the table.

“The folks are in bad shape. Dad does a little, but he isn’t there mentally all the time. Mother stays in bed. They live in the past.”

“Sorry. I told Cassidy I’d send my cattle with him this year.”

“I understand.” While the man wasn’t his choice, he’d not argue with her.

“Do you really understand?” Her blue eyes looked hard at him.

“I knew Hines’d cut his ties with you when he drove those horses out of our north pasture gate.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head with a pain-filled expression. “That’s hard to realize. You marry a man for his strength and you’re married for over a decade. But you don’t know him. I never knew what he thought.”

“I didn’t come to bring you bad news. I came to offer some help gathering your cattle if you need help no matter who you ship with.”

“Thanks, I’ll manage.”

“You change your mind or need help, let me know.”

“Thank you. I know coming here was a hard thing for you to do. A lesser man would not have bothered. But I really wouldn’t have felt you’d’ve done any different.”

“Excuse me then. My offer stands even if you ship with him.”

She wet her lips. “Maybe someday I can face this better.”

“Don’t worry on my part. You need help, call on me.”

He rose and took his coat down. There was so much unsaid between them, but it wasn’t the time or the atmosphere for them to talk.

“How is your daughter?” he asked.

“Fine, she’s visiting at her friend’s house today.”

He nodded. She must be six or seven, maybe older than that. He buttoned his coat and put on his thin goatskin gloves. His hat was in her hands, and he nodded to her while taking it. She was pretty as always; she still made his guts roil. Afraid he might be tempted to sweep her up and kiss her, he made a grim face and left her.

The first blast of cold swept his cheeks, and he realized he had not gotten over her and probably never would. He put a boot in the stirrup and swung in the saddle. Why didn’t she go inside? She was standing on the porch, hugging her arms in the cold like it was her obligation to see him off.

“Get inside,” he said, shaking his head. “You’ll freeze.”

She nodded, but did not move to obey him.

For a long moment, he considered getting down and putting her inside the cozy comfort of her house. Not his job. Better that he rode on. He reined Strawberry around and with a nod, sent him moving out. But when he reached the high point and looked back, she was still on the porch. Damn, she’d freeze to death.

All the way home, the thought of her bothered him. Like he’d left something on the table with her—what was it? Damn, if he knew more about women—

It was after supper, the folks in bed. The boys gone to the bunkhouse. He and Susie sat at the kitchen table, sipping some fresh hot coffee she’d made for them.

He went over his tale of the meeting earlier, and ended with him telling her about Kathren standing in the cold until he was out of sight.

“You must have touched her.” Susie reached over and squeezed his forearm.

“What would make her do that?”

“I don’t know, except your visit took her back enough to shake her.”

“I guess I’ll never know what she thought.”

“Oh, Chet, she has had a tough time. She said she did not know his thinking even after being married to him for so long.”

He nodded in agreement. “You know being close to her still bothers me.”

“I know. But you did the right thing.”

“Good.” He finished his coffee. “I won’t bother you any more.”

She smiled, stood up, and kissed his cheek. “We still have each other.”

“Yes. And we’re going to the dance Saturday night at the schoolhouse, too.”

She frowned at him with concern. “Do we dare?”

“They aren’t scaring me out of living.”

She agreed and he left for his room. He was still thinking about the figure of Kathren standing on the porch watching him ride away. Damn.

He drove up to the ranch that morning in a cart with a snowy-muzzled old mule powering it. His face hidden behind a full reddish beard, he sat on the cracked leather seat and nodded at Chet.

“My name’s Matt Green. I heard you were headed for Kansas and might need a cook.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I was looking for that job.”

The man was in his forties. Appeared to be no stranger to work, and when he climbed down and swung his left leg, Chet could tell he was a cripple.

“I can’t run a footrace, but I can cook, set broken bones, and make a team of mules head out.”

“Who’ve you been north with?”

“Staver boys, Circle T. I went north with Howard Carr last year.”

“He not going this year?”

“No, he got killed in Abilene last year.”

Chet frowned at the man. “I saw him up there alive before I left for home.”

“So did I, but some gambler named Riggins shot him. His widow’s got her a new man and I didn’t cotton to him.”

“What’s his name?”

“Yarnell.”

“Logan Yarnell?” That worthless loudmouth wouldn’t suit him to work for either.

“That’s him.”

“I reckon I can use you. We’ve had some trouble with some folks and it might get kinda tight around here.”

“Tight?”

“Earl Reynolds and the Campbell clan have made it a feud.”

“I ride for the brand.”

“Get your gear.”

“I got it here.” He spread his hand over the cart.

“Come on and meet my sis Susie. The folks are little vexed, so don’t mind them. My brother Dale Allen and the boys will be in tonight. They’ve been sorting cattle off our land.”

“What shape’s the chuck wagon in?”

“My brother’s spent hours working on the hardware. Painting it. I’d say it was good as any ever rolled north, but you inspect it. He keeps it under cover when we’re home. Down in the last barn. Come in now and meet Susie.”

They drank fresh coffee and Susie laughed with them. Matt Green satisfied Chet that he’d fit in. Rock came by and shook his head. The old man hadn’t been able to ride with the boys for several years. “You ain’t smart joining this outfit.”

Then Rock ambled off and Matt said after him, “Sounds like an outfit needs me, Mr. Byrnes.”

Rock never answered him.

“You have any good dessert recipes that you’d share?” Susie asked, refilling their cups.

“I can take oatmeal and make a mean pecan pie.”

“I want to learn that one,” Susie said, and smiled.

“We’ll get together and make some.”

Chet was wondering who else he could hire. “Know any good boys that won’t work for your ex-boss worth a hoot?”

“Berry, Pinky, and Stovepipe were sure getting restless listening to that damn loudmouth telling them what to do. They ain’t point riders, but they’re sure enough hands in a storm or stampede.”

“How would you get word to them?”

“I’d go over there and tell them they can find work here.”

“Hold that off till next week. Some of us plan to go to the dance Saturday night and I’d like you to stick around here and guard things.”

“Makes me no difference. I ain’t much on dancing with this stiff leg anyway.” Matt laughed aloud. “I’m here for the ride with you.”

“I’ll show you the bunkhouse and you can put your things up. These girls ring the bell for meals.”

“Maybe I could help them?”

“Lord knows, they won’t turn down help.”

He showed the bunkhouse to the new trail drive cook. It was early to have him on the payroll, but he needed the extra guard as well. After lunch, Chet shod Strawberry and Sam Bass. Most horses in the cavy didn’t need to be shod because they weren’t ridden enough. But the horses he grained he kept shod since they got the most usage. His back complained afterward, but he felt satisfied he’d done something that day—hired Matt and fixed two horses.

The cowboys and Dale rode in before Susie rang the supper bell and dismounted heavily. Dale began stripping out the latigos. “We moved several head today. There’s lots of ’em out there eating our grass.”

“We’ll just work on it. You know we can’t leave with the herd and have all this feud going on.”

“I’ve been wondering about that.”

Time to break the news to his brother. “I want you to take the herd north this time.”

Dale Allen shrugged, “Guess I can find my way.”

“I’m not worried about you finding it. I’m more worried if them boys’ll work for you.”

“Huh?”

“Being a cattle drive boss ain’t the same as ordering slaves around. Don’t tell them to do something you can do. You’ll in time earn their confidence, and then they’ll do those things for you without being asked.”

“I’ve got to hold my temper is what you’re getting at?”

“Part of it, and you can’t go hide in the shop when things close in on you up there.” He tossed his head toward the house.

Susie’s bell was ringing for supper.

“I guess you made it plain enough for me,” said Dale Allen.

“I just want you to make it. You know how important these drives are to everyone. Making a profit is only part of it.”

Dale Allen looked around and, satisfied the boys had gone on, said, “Thanks for giving Louise the money to go home. She needed to go see it for herself.”

Chet bit his tongue and saved his answer for another day.
You need to stop your damn affair with her
. He nodded and went on. “Oh, I hired a cook today. A fella named Matt Green who knows the way.”

“Good. I may need lots of help getting up there.”

Chet shook his head. “Follow that old North Star. Kansas ain’t that far.”

They went on to supper. The meal was topped off with Matt’s oatmeal pie, and the boys all agreed it was larruping good. Dale Allen even agreed.

Chet held everyone up when they finished. “Dale Allen and I have talked it over. Due to this feud and all its implications, he’s going to take the herd north for the ranch this spring. I want everyone to pitch in and make it a big success.”

The reassuring head bobs around the room made him feel better. He’d see as time went on how successful it looked. A good crew had to be a well-knit outfit, and it started with the trail boss down through the cook’s helper.

“This Saturday we’re going to the schoolhouse dance. I expect trouble, but they aren’t going to bully us out of living our lives.”

“Will they be there?” Reg asked.

“It’s a free country.”

Reg nodded that he understood.

“Matt’s staying here. Any others?”

“I’ll stay,” Dale Allen said.

“You two should handle it.” The others faded out of the room, and soon only Astria and Susie were left washing dishes. Chet sipped on his coffee.

“Dale Allen act satisfied about getting the trail boss job?” Susie asked.

“I think he wanted a chance to show his leadership.”

“He should do all right.”

“He’s been getting on better with the boys, sorting out the strays.”

“You certain it’s safe for us to go to the dance?”

“Safe? Are our lives ever going to be safe?”

Susie frowned at him. “Is this a curse that goes on and on?”

Chet slowly nodded. “I believe it is.”

The next morning, they rushed around loading the wagon, currying down the big mares, and the whole place was in action. The buckboard team was brushed down and harnessed, too.

“Those are some big mares,” Matt said, admiring them.

“They’re bred to a mammoth jack. They’ve been raising our mules we use on the drive to haul the chuck wagon and to farm with. We keep over a dozen of them.”

“I wondered what you drove up there.”

“Two teams of mules. They’re ten times tougher than horses on a long haul. But those big sisters like to pull, so we use them in the off season.”

“That chuck wagon does look new. He’s done everything to it I can see.”

“Dale Allen’s a good mechanic. He keeps up our farm machinery. Those two mowers in there are his pride and joy. I bet when I start haying, I’ll have fits with them and him not here.”

Matt laughed. “Better find you a real mechanic.”

“I’ll start looking.” Chet went to see how Susie was coming along.

By mid-morning they were under way. Reg handled the mares. Susie drove the buckboard and the rest rode horses. The Warner School House was on everyone’s mind. The trip proved uneventful. Several others were already there when they pulled up in the schoolyard and Heck scotched the wheels with blocks. Tarps were strung despite the warm sunny day, and Susie served a light lunch of cold meat and biscuits made earlier. Things fit quickly into shape. A mesquite-oak chunk fire in the ring soon roared under the coffeepot, which was full of fresh water from the barrel.

Reg had gone off to find Molly and her bunch. J.D. and Heck went to trade pocketknives with some boys their age.

Ryan Thomas came by looking like a fox ready to steal a chicken. All dressed up in a suit and tie. His hair was obviously fresh cut when he swept off his hat for Susie. Chet could see the pleasure in his sister’s averted eyes. Good, maybe she’d have some fun.

Neddy came by, and they talked about Bugger.

“Them boys about got him broke, Neddy.”

“Aw, you keep him and ride him like he’s your own. He’s more horse than I need right now.”

“Want to sell him?”

She wrinkled her nose. Then she shook his arm to make her point. “You use him. I ever need him, I’ll let you know.”

“He’d dang sure pull a cow out of a bog.”

“Might break a rope, too.” She laughed, then lowered her voice. “Them Reynolds boys done any more to your bunch?”

“Two are dead. One’s in jail, and two more are wanted for Marla Porter’s murder.”

“I heard all about that. Sorry about your loss.”

He felt uncertain about what to say.

“Porter never treated her right.” She hugged his arm and hauled him a short distance from the camp, then made certain she wouldn’t be heard. “Must have broken your heart to find her like that.”

“I hated they ruined her reputation as bad as they did.”

“She was a proud woman. You know that can get in your way, too.”

He looked off at the bare hillside. “I guess it did.”

“I’d’ve been proud if you’d’ve come and courted me on the sly.” Then she gave him a small shove. “You were supposed to laugh at that.”

And he did as he hugged her.

“Don’t let old Bugger throw you,” she said. “I’ve got to catch Susie and tell her about Maudie Slavin.”

“What about her?”

“She’s going to have a baby.”

“Ain’t she a little old?” He guessed the woman past fifty and most of her family grown.

“Ain’t nothing like an old fool. Thinks she was twenty-five.” Neddy laughed, and went up the rise to the wagon to find Susie.

He knew the young man with his back to a big oak was waiting his turn to talk to him. When Neddy left, he came sauntering over. The youth in his twenties stopped and folded his arms. “My name’s Sammy Martin, Mr. Byrnes.”

“My name’s Chet. Mr. Byrnes didn’t come along this time.”

“Chet, you know who I am?”

“Not really. My boys may.”

“I’m a swing rider. I’m a damn good one.”

Chet nodded.

“My brother Marco’s married to Earl’s middle girl, Talley. I ain’t married to no one.”

“Put you on the opposite side of the fence from your kin.” He studied the suntanned face for an expression.

Sammy shook his head. “I sure didn’t fall in love with her. I’m looking for a job as a swing rider.”

“Going to make it hard for you at home?”

“If you hire me, I’ll go get my gear, tell my folks good-bye, and that will be it.” The cold set of his blue eyes looked hard enough that Chet believed him.

“How many times you been north?”

“Three times. Once as a swing rider—one and a half. We were well up in the Indian Nation with Carp Belton. Johnny McCormack drowned in some flooded creek. I went the rest of the way as the right swing. Went back last year with Belton, but after that drive he took off with some dance hall gal and went to Cheyenne, I guess, and blowed them folks’ cattle money.”

“Left his wife and three kids destitute and took money that wasn’t his with him.” Chet shook his head. Belton wasn’t the first, and wouldn’t be the last to abscond with others’ proceeds and then leave a wife and kids for a high old time.

Sammy nodded. “You need a swing rider?”

Chet nodded. “But I’m not going north this year.”

“Huh? I heard you had several small herds lined up—”

Chet put his finger to his lips. “No one needs to know. My brother is taking it up there. I can’t leave because of the feud.”

“Your secret. I won’t tell anyone.”

With his hand stuck out, they shook. “Get your gear and come on to the ranch. We’ve got gathering and road-branding to do this winter. As well as driving strays off our grass. You’ll earn your pay. But I have to warn you. They may shoot at you as quick as they’d shoot at me.”

A smile crossed his handsome face. “They’ll just have to try. Thanks for the job.”

“You ain’t even had a taste of it yet. You may cuss me before this is over. We’ll eat supper about six tonight. Come by and get a plate.”

“That ain’t mooching, is it?”

“No, Sammy, you’re part of the crew right now unless you change your mind.”

“Thank you. Mister—I mean Chet.”

Chet went on to look for his cronies. How old was that boy? Early twenties. Ryan Thomas might have some competition for his sister Susie. No telling.

He noticed the towering cloud coming in off the gulf. Warm as it was for that time of year, they might have a storm building. Time would tell. He saw Wade Morgan and some of the other cattlemen squatted down on their heels. The talk was all about a yearling buckskin colt a boy held by the lead.

“Get in here,” Morgan said. “Brooks’s got a dandy colt he says he wants to sell. Show him how light on his feet he is.” He motioned for the boy to lead him off.

Chet pushed his hat back and studied the high stride of the young horse. He looked like he was walking on air. Head high, his thin black mane unfurled in the wind, he made a stride like an artist had captured in painting he once saw in a San Antonio bar.