Night Hawk (26 page)

Ian and Charlie shared a nonspeaking look.

Olive Jeffers was known for speaking her mind. “If you ask me it was that Draper, or one of his guns. He came to see us the day before we left to see Julia over in Casper.”

“Does he do that often?”

“He's stopped by a few times in the last month or so.”

“Why?”

She sniffed. “To offer us a loan. Said he wanted to help us get back on our feet. Then asked if we'd been having any trouble with our fences being cut. Caleb told him no.”

Caleb took up the telling. “And he says to me that with all that's been happening lately, maybe I should have a couple of his hands ride my perimeter and keep an eye on things. Like maybe I can't shoot my own gun.”

Olive added, “And we'd only have to pay him five bucks a month for the privilege of his protection.”

Ian heard Harp sigh before saying, “Wish we had some solid proof.”

Jeffers grumbled, “So do I. I loved those horses.” He wiped his hand hastily over his eyes to keep them from seeing his emotion.

Ian was certain the screams would haunt everyone for some time.

Charlie asked, “You two want me to take you over to Georgie's for the night? You know she won't mind.”

“We'll stay put,” Jeffers said. “I may be getting old but I've never run from a fight and I ain't starting now.”

Olive added, “Thank you boys for your help. We'll be okay, but find some evidence, Sheriff, and get that skunk Draper out of here. This is God's country, not a place for the devil.”

“Yes, ma'am. I'll do my best.”

They stayed until the fire was completely out, and then by the light of the moon used axes and pitchforks to turn over what was left of the smoldering rubble to make certain it didn't flare up again. After adding more buckets of water to wet everything down, they waved good-bye to the couple and rode away.

“I was on my way back to town when I saw the smoke,” Harper explained. “It's sad that he had to lose those horses.”

Ian agreed. “So what next?”

“I'll drop in on Draper. He'll express his concern for the Jefferses, tell me he had nothing to do with it. I'll threaten him and then leave. I know the scene by heart at this point.”

“Tom Benton said he's got Pinkertons sniffing out Draper.”

“Let's hope they find something, but until they do, how about we meet at my office and talk about putting together some protection of our own? I'm sure most of the men around here would volunteer to take turns night riding to keep an eye on things.”

“Good idea.”

Charlie said, “Count me in.”

“Thanks. I have to go up to the court in Casper in the morning, so let's make it day after tomorrow.”

“I don't want to wait that long. I'll be rounding up riders in the morning, that way when you get back, we'll be ready to ride.”

Harper agreed. With a wave good-bye, he rode on to town.

Ian and Charlie rode for home guided by the moonlight.

They returned to find Maggie rocking on the porch in the dark with the rifle across her lap. “Was anyone hurt?” she asked.

Ian dismounted. “Jeffers lost his stallions.

Charlie took Smoke's reins and walked the two mounts around to the stables. Ian sat on the porch and told her the sad story. “Jeffers thinks Draper was behind it and so does Harp. He just can't prove it.”

“I hope he'll be able to soon.”

“So do I.” He then told her of their plan to form a night patrol. “I'll be riding first thing in the morning.”

Chapter 26

A
fter breakfast, Ian rode away on Smoke and Maggie stood on the porch until they disappeared. Since the night of the ambush she worried about him riding alone. He was a celebrated bounty hunter, a former gunslinger, and a United States deputy marshal; the man could undoubtedly take care of himself, but he was also her husband and the love of her life. As his wife, she was concerned about his safety.

Charlie stepped out onto the porch and handed her a clean blanket. “Wrap this around yourself and wear it for a little while.”

“Why?” It was far heavier than it looked.

“You're going to put it on your mare. If it has your scent, she might take to it better.”

“We're going to try and saddle her?”

“May as well see.”

Maggie agreed, so she placed the blanket around her like a wrap and sat in the rocker. It had become her favorite place to sit. She could view the endless sky, the snow-capped mountains, her newly planted lilacs; and savor the vast beauty that surrounded the place she now called home. She never wanted to leave Ian's Wyoming. Since the day her parents died, her life had been one hardship after another. Had finding him been her reward for all she'd had to endure? It certainly felt that way. For the first time since being on her own, there was peace in her heart. She was scared to spend too much time dwelling on how wonderful her world had become for fear it might be snatched away, and she'd find herself clawing and scratching all over again, but she had a good life, and she was very thankful.

The blanket had been around her shoulders for only a few minutes, but she felt like she was sitting inside a stove. “Charlie! How long do I have to wear this? I'm starting to melt!”

He came to the door. “Give it a couple minutes more.”

She shot him a look.

“Okay, okay.”

“Thank you.” She dragged it off. “Lordy.”

He chuckled. “Come on, let's go find her majesty. Here's some carrots.”

They walked out to the pasture. Jack appeared and was rewarded with carrots from Charlie. Lightning was nowhere to be seen, so Maggie stuck her fingers into the corners of her mouth and let a whistle fly into the silence. Seconds later Lightning came galloping to her side and instantly began to nudge Maggie's neck.

Charlie shook his head. “I still can't get over this.”

Maggie greeted the horse fondly. “Good morning, sweet pea. How are you?” Talking to her the entire time, she fed the mare a carrot, then unfolded the heavy blanket she was carrying. “Hold still now, honey and let me—”

Lightning neighed and stepped away.

“I just want to put this on you. It smells like me. See? Come give it a sniff.”

The horse wanted no part of it, period. Maggie remained patient. She stepped closer. The mare stepped back. She glanced at Charlie. He shrugged.

“Okay, honey. How about we—?”

Lightning galloped away.

Maggie said, “Guess that was a no.”

“Guess so.”

“I'll try it again later.”

But Lightning kept her distance for the rest of the day.

I
n the days that followed the arson increased. Ian and his night riders did their best with the patrols, but with so many ranches spread out over such a large area, it was impossible to catch the arsonist in the act. Maggie saw very little of him because he slept by day and rode all night. The patrols had about as much success as Maggie had with Lightning, which was no success at all.

One morning while Ian slept inside, Maggie was outside beating rugs when Little Dove drove up. On the seat beside her was Georgie Reed, the area matriarch. Maggie hadn't seen her since the night at the Bentons' and was honored by the unexpected visit.

“Morning, Maggie!” Georgie called out as Little Dove pulled back on the brake. “How are you on this hot as hell morning?”

Maggie grinned. “Hot as hell.”

“I like a plain-speaking woman.” She was wearing well-worn denims, a man's shirt, and a large-brimmed man's hat. It suited her so well, Maggie wanted one for herself just like it.

Georgie got down from the wagon, and aided by a wooden cane slowly made her way to the porch.

”What happened to you?”

She waved off the concern in Maggie's voice. “Damn horse backed over my foot. Doc says it's not broken, but for me to take it easy.”

“She wanted to drive herself here, but I told her no,” said Little Dove. Maggie could see the mock scolding in her new friend's eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Georgie said, and eased herself into one of the empty rockers. “Where's that handsome man of yours, Maggie?”

“Sleeping. He just got home a few hours ago. Can I offer you a cold drink of water? Charlie's made fresh lemonade.”

“Sure.”

Maggie went inside. She was placing the drink-filled tumblers on a tray when Charlie came in the back door.

“Who's here?”

“Little Dove and Georgie.”

“Oh.”

The way he uttered the one word made her look his way. She knew he thought the world of Little Dove so she assumed whatever was going on with him had to do with Georgie. “Do you and Georgie not get along?”

He didn't respond at first, then confessed, “Got along real well until we got married.”

Maggie almost dropped the tray. “You two were married?”

“Yep, for a couple years, then she divorced me.”

“How long ago was this?”

“Forty years, give or take a few.”

Maggie was stunned and speechless.

“Go give your guests their drinks, before the 'ade warms up.” That said, he went back out the door.

For a moment she stood there rooted in place. A dozen questions clamored to be asked, but she shook them off and carried the tray outside.

“The patrols are a good idea,” Georgie declared, taking a drink from the tray, while Little Dove did the same. “Whoever's behind all these fires, and we know who it is, needs to be stopped, one way or another.”

Maggie agreed, but she wanted to ask about what she'd just heard in the kitchen.

“But I didn't come here to talk about Draper. Came to talk about the school Little Dove said you'd been expecting to find. Something wrong Maggie?”

She didn't know whether to ask her questions or not. “I'm not sure. Charlie just told me you were married to each other at one time?”

A bittersweet smile crossed her face and she sighed. “Yes, but he the loved the trapping and the wrangling and everything else more than he did me. It was like trying to keep a puma in a cage, so . . .”

“I'm sorry. It was rude of me to say anything.”

“No apology needed, my dear. You live here now. You were bound to find out sooner or later. He and I had some grand times, and then it was over.”

Little Dove had a noticeable sadness in her eyes.

“Anyway, back to what I was saying. Since Ian and the rest of the men are too busy chasing Draper to put up a building right now, I'd like to offer the old house on my property as a temporary solution. We dearly need a teacher now that Vivy's the mayor.”

“Where'd she hold her class?”

“In my parlor mostly. The old house was occupied back then, but the family moved down to Denver and the place's empty. Might as well put it to good use.”

The offer was a surprising and much welcome one. There was no way of knowing how long Ian and the men would be on patrol and Maggie knew personally how busy they were; she and Ian hadn't slept together in over a week. “Does the house need repairs of any kind?”

“No. It's in fine shape. If you want to ride to my ranch with us and see it, Little Dove can drop you back here on her way home.”

The idea of seeing where she would be teaching was too tempting to turn down. “How soon can we leave?”

“Whenever you're ready,” Little Dove replied.

“Let me go tell Charlie.”

Georgie said, “I haven't seen him in a while. Tell him I send my love. That ought to shake him up.”

Maggie wondered if Georgie could possibly be still in love with him. Realizing she'd probably never know the answer to the question, she went to find him to tell him she was leaving. There was no need to wake Ian for such a trivial reason. Charlie would tell him where she'd gone.

She found him in the stables tossing clean hay. “I'm going with them to Georgie's. She thinks the old house on her property would be a good place for the school.”

“Okay. I'll let Ian know when he wakes up.”

“She also said to tell you she sends her love.”

He paused in mid-stroke. “Did she now? Tell her I send mine back. That ought to get her.”

Wondering what the heck was going on, and if this was some type of game the two former lovers played, she shook her head in confusion and left the stable to rejoin the women on the porch. Maybe Little Dove could help her with the answer.

The house in question was a little over an hour away by wagon and Maggie found it to be perfect. It was a small, two-story structure trimmed in gingerbread and painted pink. There was a pot-bellied stove in the front parlor, along with a fireplace that would keep the children warm during the winter months. The kitchen was small but adequate. Georgie suggested that Maggie consider using the upstairs bedroom as an office, and after seeing it she agreed. There was a stable near the house where the children could house their horses, and Maggie wondered if Lightning would ever be tamed enough for Maggie to make the journey to school on her back.

“Well, what do you think, Maggie?” Georgie asked.

“I think I'd like to start as soon as possible.”

“Then that's what we'll do.”

After all the riding and touring the house, it was easy to see that Georgie had tired, so they drove the short distance to her large, sprawling ranch house. She tried to invite them in for sandwiches and cake, but Little Dove had to pick up her son from her neighbor's place where he'd spent the morning playing, and Maggie wanted to get back to share her news about the school with Ian. So after making sure Georgie was comfortable, the two friends set out for home.

“So tell me about Georgie and Charlie?” Maggie asked.

“From what I can see, she still loves him. Not sure how he feels about her, but they're both pretty stubborn.”

“Do you think there's a chance they'll reconcile?”

“No idea. You heard her say they've been apart for forty years.”

“That's a long time.” Maggie wondered how she and Ian would be in forty years' time. Still very much in love, she imagined. She also wondered which of Charlie's many wives Georgie had been.

“Her first, his second, I believe,” Little Dove answered in reply to the question. “He gave her all the land she owns when they parted. At one time, Charlie owned more land around here than anyone. She married twice more. Both passed away leaving her more and more wealthy. She said she had to stop taking husbands because the more she married, the richer she became and she had no way to spend it all.”

Maggie was surprised to hear about Charlie's past and his wealth.

When they reached Maggie's home, she gave Little Dove a hug. “Thank you for today.”

“You're welcome, schoolmarm.”

Maggie grinned. She watched the wagon ramble back to the road and hurried inside.

She found Ian in the kitchen eating and she recapped the morning's exciting turn of events. “That's great news,” Ian replied. “Make a list of the supplies you'll need and we'll see about getting them purchased.”

She'd made a mental list the moment she left the old house. She'd jot it down later. For the moment, she was focused on her husband. He looked so weary. She wondered how much longer it might be before the Draper business came to a head so he could get a full night's sleep again.

“I'm glad Georgie stepped in,” he told her, “because I've no idea when I'd be getting around to building the school I owe you.”

“I'll get my pound of flesh some other way.”

“I miss sleeping with you.”

“I miss you as well.”

He sat her on his lap and gave her a kiss, which she responded to warmly.

“We have the house to ourselves, you know,” he murmured while his hands began slowly roaming. “Charlie's gone into town for supplies and I'm no longer a one-armed man.”

She giggled and said, “Race you!” And took off at a run.

“Cheater!”

He ran after her and caught her before she reached their bedroom door. Scooping her up, he carried her inside and closed the door behind them.

For the next few days, Ian rode night watch and Maggie spent her days over at her school. The former tenants had left their furniture behind so there was ample seating at the large dining room table for the children. Georgie helped spread the word about the school's scheduled opening and let Maggie know that there would be at least four children attending.

When she wasn't at the school, she continued her work with Lightning, who'd finally accepted the blanket. Charlie said it was because Lightning watched Maggie drive off in the wagon every morning and probably wondered where she'd been spending her days. Maggie had seen the mare standing by the house in the mornings but she wasn't sure she agreed with Charlie's theory, but he knew horses better than she and so she didn't argue.

The first day of school, Maggie was so excited, she could barely contain herself. According to Georgie, the four children belonged to Sarah Green, the daughter of the cool-eyed Jolene that Maggie met the day of Henny's party. The gangly woman drove up with the children in the wagon.

“Good morning,” Maggie said to the children as their mother escorted them inside. “I'm Maggie.”

There were two boys: twelve-year-old Nathan and five-year-old William. The two little girls were eight-year-old twins Hester and Hannah. Hester had a strawberry birthmark on her cheek, which helped Maggie be able to tell them apart.