Xenia’s Renegade (17 page)

Rathbone looked surprised, but nodded. “If you want to, but most people want to keep their own copy.”

“I need to work at the Golden Door for tonight because tomorrow is when I get paid. If I walk out tonight, Longstreet won’t pay me what I’m owed. He operates that way.”

“Tomorrow is Friday. I know you’re always here on Friday before the saloon opens to deposit your earnings.”

“Yeah, and at times, I’ve found that somebody has gone through my things. I figure they were looking for money, so that’s why I bring it here as soon as I get it. I don’t want to take a chance on somebody finding a copy of those papers.”

“Then, Mr. Albright, I’ll be happy to keep your copy here. I’ll put it in an envelope and you can watch me seal it. Then, you can write your name across the seal. That way you’ll know it hasn’t been tampered with while it stays in the bank.”

“Thank you, very much.”

“No thanks necessary. Now, let’s get these papers signed.”

****

Mea Ann looked up from the baby blanket she was sewing. “Xenia, what are you doing in here? I thought you were going to rest in Ty’s room.”

“I feel better now.”

“I’m glad, but shouldn’t you have stayed in bed?”

She couldn’t tell her sister how being in Ty’s room had affected her. When she got over her fright and realized where she was, she could feel his presence all over the room. A pair of his boots sat near the window. A shirt was hung on the back of a chair. His hairbrush lay on the dresser beside the beveled mirror. It was as if he was in the room with her. This made her uncomfortable, not because of his belongings, but because deep down, she wished he was there with her in person. Knowing she shouldn’t feel this way, she had to get out of there. Biting her lip and forcing a smile, she said, “I was lonely in there. Do you mind if I sit in one of those rocking chairs and watch you sew?”

“Of course not. In fact, you can help me if you feel like it.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Chapa gave me some cloth and colored ribbons and I wanted to sew them around the edges of the blankets I’ve made. I know plain white is more practical because we can bleach them if they get soiled, but I wanted to add some pretty color.”

“I know I don’t sew as well as you, but I should be able to handle that.”

“Which one do you want to sew?”

“Let me do the yellow ribbon. You know yellow is my favorite color.”

Xenia finished the yellow and had started on the green when Chapa came into the room. “There you are. I went into Ty’s room to see if you needed anything. You gave me a start, young lady.”

“I’m sorry, Chapa. I just needed to get up for a while.”

“Are you sure you feel like being in here?”

“Oh, yes. I’m enjoying sitting in this rocking chair and sewing with Mea Ann.”

“Where is she?”

“Johnny woke up a few minutes ago and she has gone to get him.”

“Can I get you something to eat or drink?”

“No, thank you, Chapa. I’m fine.”

“Then I’ll get back in the kitchen and finish up supper. I figure the men will be coming in before too long and they’ll be hungry, as usual.”

“I heard that, Aunt Chapa.” A voice came from the kitchen.

“Wilt Eldridge, you’re in early.”

“We rounded up a few wild horses and ran them back to the corral. I’m surprised you didn’t hear us drive them in.” He came into the parlor. “Thought I’d come in and say hello before I went back out to help.”

Chapa frowned. “Are you going to be breaking them today?”

“Ty said there was one he wanted to put a saddle on this evening.” He looked around the room. “Where’s Mea Ann?”

“Right here.” She came through the door carrying Johnny.

Wilt moved beside her, leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Wanted to make sure everyone in here was alright.”

“We’re fine.” She smiled up at him. “I heard you talking about breaking wild horses. I want you to be careful out there.”

“Don’t worry. Ty’s the one who needs to be careful. We ran in a big black stallion and he decided he wants to start trying to break him right away.”

“Why in the world would he want to do that?” Xenia spoke for the first time.

“Who knows, Xenia? My cousin gets some crazy notions now and again.” He smiled at her.

“Will he be alright?”

“He will. Ty’s broke many a horse in his time. This is just one more.”

“It sounds dangerous,” Mea Ann said.

“I guess it is, a little.”

“Tell them the truth, Wilt. Breaking a horse is not only hard work, it’s more than a little dangerous. Many men have broken limbs, busted heads and some have lost their lives because they decided to sit atop one of those crazy wild animals.”

“Oh, my, Wilt. I don’t want you doing that.”

Wilt patted her arm. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m not doing anything that you need to worry about.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” He kissed her cheek again, patted Johnny, and said, “Now, I better get out there. Somebody has to keep an eye on Ty.”

Xenia didn’t say anything, but her heart began to race. She said a quick prayer that Ty wasn’t putting himself in danger.

After Wilt left, Chapa shook her head. “Those men are something else. I need to get my liniment out. Ty is going to have some sore muscles tonight.”

“I hope he won’t get hurt,” Xenia said.

Chapa smiled at her. “It’s part of the job of a rancher to break horses. Now, don’t you worry about him. He’s done it plenty of times, and he’ll be fine.”

“I’ll try not to worry.”

Chapa nodded and headed to the kitchen. It wasn’t long until there were the sounds of pots and pans being put on the iron cook stove.

Later, Xenia began placing the plates on the table for supper and the back door opened. She bit her lip when she glanced up and saw Ty walk in.

His shirt sleeve was ripped to the elbow. His pants covered in dust and he had his hat in his hand. She couldn’t help noticing he winced as he hung it on the peg. She didn’t want him to know she’d been worried, but she couldn’t help asking, “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Just a little sore.”

She turned around so he wouldn’t see the relief in her eyes.

“Go get yourself cleaned up. We’ll be eating soon,” Chapa said, and picked up the liniment bottle from the shelf. “You might want to use some of this.”

“Thank you, Aunt Chapa. I’m sure I will.” He went by and winked at Xenia. “I appreciate the fact you worried about me.”

“Who said I worried?”

He didn’t say anything else, but headed to his room.

Xenia slammed a cup on the table.
I don’t understand that man. How did he know I’d been worried? I sure don’t want him to start reading my thoughts.

Johnny woke Mea Ann before daylight the next morning. She got up, changed him and went into the kitchen to get milk. She sat at the table and began to feed him as the door from Chapa’s room opened.

“Well, I see the young man decided to get up early today.”

“He was wet and hungry. I’m sorry if I woke you. I tried to be quiet.”

“You didn’t wake me. I always get up this early so I can get breakfast cooked before the men head out on the range.” She moved to the stove and added wood to the firebox. She pulled the ready-to-boil coffee pot to the hottest area of the cooktop. “I think I’ll make flap-jacks this morning. Do you like them?”

“I do. Is there anything I can do to help you?”

“Looks like you’re busy with your boy there. Just sit still. The coffee will be ready in a minute, and I’ll get the food going.”

Shortly, Ty came into the room. “Good morning, ladies. I think I smell coffee.”

“You’re up early, too.” Chapa got three cups and poured coffee.

“I don’t sleep as well in that room where Xenia has been sleeping as I do in my bed.”

“Did anyone bother you in that room, Ty?” Mea Ann asked.

“No, and I was hoping they would. I haven’t been able to get a lead on who tried to get to her, but I’d like to get my hands on the scoundrel.”

“I agree with you. I’d give him a hard time, too.” Chapa handed him coffee.

Ty drank it, set his cup down and headed for the door. “I’m going to the barn. Don’t bother to come out. I’ll milk the cow for you.”

“Thanks, Ty.”

As the back door closed, Wilt came into the kitchen. “Good morning.”

“My, heavens,” Chapa said. “I didn’t expect everybody to get up so early. Get yourself a cup of coffee, Wilt. I’ve got to get to cooking.”

“Thanks, Aunt Chapa.” He walked by and touched Mea Ann’s shoulder. “Hi, sweetheart.”

She glanced up at him and smiled as a shiver went down her spine. “Hi, yourself.”

He winked, went to the dish rack and picked up a cup. Filling it with coffee, he came back and joined her on the bench. “How’s our boy this morning?”

“Just look at him and you’ll see he’s fine.” She took the bottle from his mouth and put him on her shoulder. As she patted his back, he let out a big burp.

Wilt laughed and reached over to touch him. “That’s my boy.”

Mea Ann shook her head. “Since you’re here, how about you finish feeding him and I’ll go gather the eggs for Chapa. I see her counting the ones in the basket.”

“I can go get them.”

“Let me, Wilt. There isn’t much I can do to help her, but gathering eggs is one thing I’m good at.”

He set his coffee on the table. “Come here, Johnny Boy. Let your soon-to-be papa finish feeding you this bottle.”

She shook her head and stood. “He’s probably going to go right back to sleep now that I have him dry and almost full.”

“Don’t worry. He and I will be fine.”

“Then I’m going to get dressed and gather the eggs.”

In a matter of minutes, she returned. Going to the shelf in the pantry, she picked up an empty egg basket. “I’ll be back in a minute, Chapa.”

“You don’t have to get the eggs, Mea Ann. You know what happened the last time you went to the chicken coop. I’m sure you don’t want another sprained ankle.”

She laughed. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

In the chicken coop, she was finding more eggs in the nests than usual. She was glad there would be plenty for breakfast plus some for the baking Chapa had promised to help her with later in the day. She’d learned Wilt loved not only bread, but pies and cakes. She’d asked Chapa if this could be her first session in learning to cook.

She set the basket on the nest next to the one she was searching and was so intent on getting the eggs that she didn’t hear the footsteps that came up behind her. Nor did she have time to scream as a hand came around her head and covered her mouth.

****

When he came into the saloon, Hiram spent time polishing and cleaning the bar as he usually did. He knew this would keep Seymour Longstreet from becoming suspicious. It must have worked, because when Seymour came down, he glanced at the polished wood and nodded. He then handed Hiram his weekly pay, turned and left the bar without speaking.

Hiram didn’t care. The only things he had on his mind were collecting his belongings, getting to the bank, depositing his money, then going to Emma Wright’s Boarding House and renting a room. Before anyone else had arisen this morning, he’d put his clothes and a few paltry possessions in a beat-up suitcase and stashed it behind the water barrel in the alley beside the saloon.

Again, to prevent Seymour or anyone else who might wonder what he was up to, he took the time to drink coffee and eat a quick breakfast in the saloon kitchen. As he started out the back door, Seymour came into the room.

“Hurry back, Hiram. I’m expecting a big crowd today. Miners are already on the streets getting supplies. I’m sure they’ll come in before going back to the mountains.”

“I won’t be long.”

“Good. I also have a feeling I’ll get a lead on at least one of my nieces today. If so, there’ll be a rush to get a look at her since I put the auction off till the last of the month. People are getting more and more interested in seeing them.”

Hiram wanted to tell him there was no way the Eldridge cousins would ever let him get his hands on either of those women, but he only said, “I have everything ready for today’s business in the bar.”

“Then, don’t tarry. Even if the nieces don’t make it today, I heard there was a cattle drive camped outside of town. I’m sure the drovers will be in here to spend some of their money. It could get busy, and I’ll need you here if the miners and cowboys decide they want to fight over the women.”

Hiram didn’t answer. He went out the door thinking he’d like to see Seymour Longstreet’s face when he realized his barkeep wasn’t coming back today—or ever. It would be chaos if a lot of rowdy cowboys and miners did show up and there was nobody to serve them the rotgut they wanted. He had to smile to himself when he grabbed his suitcase and headed down the street toward the bank.

“Where you going, Hiram?”

Damn.
He turned to see Little Lil coming out of the privy. “Just going to the bank.”

She nodded. “Why do you have your valise with you?”

He knew he had to think fast. “Needed to pick up a couple of things.”

She grinned. “Whatever you say.”

“Look, Lil. Please don’t mention I have the suitcase with me.” Since he’d always been good to her and they had been sort of friends since Longstreet brought her into the business. He hoped he could trust her.

“Don’t worry. I won’t say a word. In fact, if I could do it, I’d get my valise and go with you.”

He wondered what she meant, but he didn’t ask. “I better get going. Seymour told me to hurry because he’s expecting a lot of men in today and tonight.”

She frowned. “Oh, no. I don’t want to hear that!”

“Why not, Lil?”

She sighed. “I don’t…it doesn’t matter. I don’t have a choice.”

“I wish I could help, but—”

She gave him a strange look, then said, “You won’t be coming back, will you?”

Dare he tell her the truth? He decided he was going to trust her. “No.”

“You’re the one person here that’s treated me like a human being and I wish you wouldn’t go. I’ll miss you, Hiram.”

He wasn’t sure why he said what he did because he’d never been an impulsive person. But knowing he was getting his own saloon gave him courage. “You don’t have to stay here if you don’t won’t to, Lil.”

She stared at him. “I don’t have a choice, Hiram.”

“Sure you do.”

“Like what?”

“Come with me, Lil.”

She continued to stare at him. “How would I live?”

His heart beat faster. Still, he didn’t turn from her. “I’ll take care of you.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, I’m serious. I want you to come.”

Tears came into her eyes. “It won’t take me long to pack. Will you wait?”

He knew he had to get to the bank. “I’ll wait for you in front of the general store. Try to be there in thirty minutes.”

“I’ll be there.” She turned and ran through the kitchen door.

Hiram watched her disappear and shook his head. What was he thinking? Asking Lil to go with him could blow the whole deal. What would the Eldridges think? Would they call the whole thing off?

Still shaking his head, he turned and walked toward the bank.
I’ve already asked her to come with me. I can’t back out on that now. Besides, I don’t want to back out. I want Lil with me. She deserves better than what she’s got here. I just hope having her with me won’t keep me from getting the saloon.

****

Though she’d never been more frightened, Mea Ann knew she had to do something to get away from this man. He was practically dragging her toward the back of the barn. There was no way she was going to let him hurt her or take her away from Wilt. She had too much to live for. Trying to decide what to do, she stumbled on a root sticking out of the ground. This threw him off balance and his hand slipped off her mouth.

Mea Ann didn’t hesitate; she let out a blood-curdling scream.

The next thing she knew, Ty was running toward her and the man took off toward the woods.

Wilt came out of the house. In a few long running steps, his arms went around her and she melted against his chest. “What happened?”

Ty didn’t answer his question, but yelled as he took off, “Take care of her. I’m going after him.”

Mea Ann looked up at Wilt. “I was so frightened.”

“You’re safe now, honey.” He pulled her close. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“I’m not sure. I was getting the eggs and suddenly a man grabbed me. He tried to pull me away from the house, but I stumbled and was able to scream. Then you and Ty came.” Tears filled her eyes. “Oh, Wilt, what if he’d succeeded in getting me away from here?”

“Try not to think about that, Mea Ann. You managed to get away.” He swooped her up in his arms. “Let’s get you into the house.”

“What about my eggs?”

“Don’t worry about the eggs. I’ll get them after you’re safe inside.”

“Where’s Johnny?”

“Chapa has him. He’s fine.”

“Good.” She snuggled against his chest. “I love you, Wilt Eldridge, and I feel so safe when I’m with you.”

He chuckled. “And I love you. I’ll always keep you safe.”

She shivered. “I hope Ty catches the man.”

“Knowing Ty, he will.”

Mea Ann smiled to herself. She was glad it was over and she did feel safe in Wilt’s arms, but she couldn’t help wondering how long those rough hands on her mouth would stay in her memory.

****

Lil slipped into the modest green cotton dress with sprigs of white flowers she kept hidden in the bottom drawer of her small dresser in her cramped room. When her father had brought her to the Golden Door, Seymour had taken away the clothes she brought with her and made her dress in the skimpy garments like the other girls in the saloon. When she asked about her regular clothes, she was told she would never need them again so they’d been destroyed. She decided at the time she’d buy a decent dress as soon as could save up the money. She was surprised she was able to get it sooner than expected, thanks to one grateful cowboy who gave her a bonus. She didn’t tell anyone about this money, though she knew if Seymour found out she would have to endure a severe reprimand, if not a beating from the saloon owner.

As she picked up the small valise she had filled with her few personal items, Lil reached to open the door. Voices from outside made her jerk her hand back. Her heart began to beat faster when she recognized Seymour asking Sassy Sue what she found out at the telegraph office.

“Franklin Poindexter should be here anytime. His return wire said you’d better do all you can to get his daughters away from those renegades before he arrives.”

“He doesn’t have to worry. I’m trying my best to get one of them before he gets here. I want him to suffer, knowing I’ve ruined at least one of them.”

“You did send someone to kidnap one of them today, didn’t you?”

“I sent Bullins, but I’m not sure we can trust the Indian to fix it so he’ll be able to grab her. If he fails today, I don’t have much time left to get one of them working here before Poindexter arrives.” He sighed. “You know it didn’t work when the redskin told me to have the fences cut and run the cows out and that’d draw them away from the ranch. He’d listened under the window and knew exactly where one of the women was kept.”

“I know all that, Seymour, but why do you want to make sure you have one of them working before he gets here?”

“I want to laugh in his face and show him that he didn’t get away with snubbing me all those years. Can you think of a better punishment than to find one of his precious, perfect daughters spreading her legs for any man who will give her a few dollars?”