Jonathan was trying to concentrate on the wound of Big Roy. It was hard to concentrate, however, with Cade Walker staring at him intently though the bars of the cell.
“She loved you, you know,” Cade suddenly said acrimoniously. “She said she loved you like a brother, but I think that changed as time went on.”
Jonathan glanced over and then began bandaging Roy’s hand. “I put some soothing ointment on it, which will also help it heal at a faster rate. Just keep it clean.”
Cade stood up and sauntered to the wall of bars separating them. He rested his arms against the iron over his head. “She was always comparing me to you. Bringing up all the times you two did things together, told me what a good man you were, a kind man.”
Jonathan slowly stood up looking straightforward and ignoring the icy stare caught in his peripheral vision. “Is there a purpose to your words, Mr. Walker?”
“It’s leading to a question.” He paused, the arrogance fading to a worried crease in his forehead. “Will you pursue her?”
This time Jonathan did look over. “Is that why you’re here? To win back your wife?”
Cade’s jaw stiffened. “You never did like me, did you, Jonathan?”
“I thought Rose deserved better,” he said blatantly. “In concern to your first question, no, I do not plan on pursuing Rose. I have never led her to believe I feel more than a deep friendship. Unlike some men, I do not proclaim to be one way while secretly being another.”
Cade smiled with a trace of melancholy flickering in his eyes. “Is that what you think of me? What Rose thinks?”
Jonathan picked up his bag. “I cannot speak for Rose.” The doctor nodded and turned his back on Cade passing the sheriff who was walking in with a pressed vest and slick hair.
“Thank you, Jonathan.” Ben bid the doctor good-bye and glared at the chuckling Big Roy. “What are you laughing at, Roy?”
“Cade Walker?” Roy wiped his nose. “The hero who saved Tall Pine. The man who stopped the ranches and farms from being covered in steel tracks.” He snorted. “This be Cade Walker and ’lil miss perfect Rose cheated on him with a black man.”
The iron bars shook as Cade clenched them with white knuckled hands. “Watch what you say or—”
“Or what?” Roy spit on the ground. “You going to bend those bars and strangle me?”
Cade growled. “Test my patience and you’ll see.”
Ben walked over to Roy’s cell and closed the door. “Spit on my floor again, Roy, and you’ll be facing more than pulling a gun on a man. More than that, I won’t have gossip being spread about a lady like Rose.”
Roy let out an apathetic grunt. “There was a whole street watching us. You know one of them is gonna recognize this dandy and spread the word around.”
Ben didn’t hear Cade’s response to be being called a dandy. He stroked his eyebrow thinking of the indubitable words of Roy. Word would spread quickly, and already people were passing by the jail looking in before turning to their companion in whispers. He needed to get Cade out of here, out of town, if possible. Sitting here or in the hotel would only ignite more gossip that could hurt Rose.
“You two keep quiet,” he snapped, heading out again. Who could he ask? Who could he fetch that would keep Cade’s arrival secret until things blew over. He did not have much time to think; his wife was waiting for him to head over to the Hughs’ place. There was only one name that came to mind, and he hoped that in asking he would not break a friendship.
Jeffries was glad that the Castles had left early and were not around when a message was sent for Jeffries to fetch Cade. Clark would have wanted to confront Cade. Mrs. Castle would have been worried, and Miss Rose—she did not deserve to know her husband was sitting in jail after shooting the trigger finger off of a cocked gun. Jeffries walked in, immediately spotting Cade who sat in his cell looking like a mixture of misery and pride. The jutted jaw, the narrowed eyes that contrasted with the sagging shoulders and limp muscles: It brought back memories to Jeffries, memories that reminded him to be gentle and forgiving.
Ben stood up from his desk and walked over, extending his hand. “I am sorry about this, Jeffries.”
Jeffries nodding, throwing a sharp look at Cade over the sherriff’s shoulder. “I understand, Ben. I appreciate you being sensitive to the Castles.”
“Of course,” he nodded to Cade’s cell. “Let me get him for you.”
Ben walked over and unlocked the cell. “Any trouble in the saloon or anywhere else, Mr. Walker, and I won’t be so quick to interfere with the violence that follows a drunken man.”
Cade shrugged and stood up without argue. “Speaking of trouble, you may want to look into those two cowboy brothers—Jim and Theodore.”
Ben hid his interest, focusing on the lock, “And why do you say that?”
“Cracked teeth, shoddy clothing, but with stacks of cash and buying fine whiskey? They came into money fast and any time money is fast, it usually isn’t legal.”
Ben chuckled. “You ever thought that they are having a stroke of good luck with poker?”
Cade walked out, squinting at the twilight rays shooting through the doorway. “Poker doesn’t leave blood stains on a man’s coat. It was obvious they tried washing it out, but failed in spots.”
Ben frowned and grabbed Cade’s arm before he exited with Jeffries. “Awfully observant for the gambling drunk I arrested.”
Cade blinked and slowly removed Ben’s hand. “Being highly intelligent and making wise decisions are not always synonymous.” He gave a curt nod. “Have a pleasant evening, Sheriff.”
Cade sauntered over to Jeffries who turned and walked down the street before Cade could fully reached him.
Ben watched them go, mulling over what Cade had said. Jim and Theodore were harmless cowboys that worked whatever ranch was in need of them. What kind of trouble would ensue cash and blood? His brain raked over the scene of slaughtered cattle he’d found. He had found no trace or inclination of anyone other than horse tracks that eventually faded into the thick trees of the woods. Besides, Jim and Theodore worked on the Hugh’s ranch and Mr. Hugh paid his workers handsomely. Ben didn’t think that Jim and Theodore would jeopardize their stable jobs for the quick cash in rustling.
He looked out the door; he needed help digging up this mess. Work was taking its toll on his family and he couldn’t remember the last time he had dinner with his wife and children. Suddenly remembering that he was running late, Sheriff Ben put on his hat and headed on home to fetch his wife.