CHAPTER SIX
“So the drive went well? Your wire said so,” Blue asked his brother, patting him on the back, as they walked toward the station.
“Real good, big brother. Got top price. Those boys were eager to get beef headed east.”
“Hontou?” Silka asked.
“Yeah, really.”
All three laughed. Deed said again that the cattle-drive money was hidden away in his gear. He added, “Lost three steers crossing a river. Another five were trampled during a stampede. But we picked up twenty stray head along the way. Willy found most of them. Unbranded stuff.”
“What started the stampede? A storm?”
“Yes and no. One night the herd was tense, wouldn’t settle because a storm was coming. You know how Willy can start burping when he’s nervous,” Deed explained. “Well, he belched so damn loud after eating, it took us half the night getting the herd back together,” Deed said, chuckling. “Some of the men took to calling him Boom.”
“Is he worth keeping? That could’ve been bad.”
“Willy works harder than three men,” Deed said. “Belches louder than three men, too.”
“Sure. Your call.”
“He’ll stand.”
Blue glanced at his younger brother and started walking again. “While you were gone, we had some terrible tragedies around here.” He paused and frowned. “The Regan family was murdered in their home. Looked like Comanches hit the Bar 3.”
“My God! Jason and Martha . . . their kids? That’s awful, Blue.”
“Yeah, it was; Isaiah Tuscott came to our ranch just after dawn to tell us,” Blue said. “He was going there to help Jason with an addition to their main house. We rode there as fast as we could. Little Jeremy had hidden. We found him and brought him home to stay with us. But he was the only one that made it.”
“How’d you know it was Comanches?”
Shifting his shoulders as if to remove an unseen burden, Blue explained about finding arrows, a tomahawk, unshod horse tracks, and that the adults had been scalped.
Deed grimaced. “I’m surprised the war party attacked at night. Thought they were afraid a warrior killed would never find his way to heaven. Did they burn the ranch house?”
“No.”
“That’s strange too.”
“Yeah. You know, usually a ranch is pretty empty during roundup and trail-drive time, but Jason doesn’t go on the drives anymore. That busted leg of his won’t hold up. So it was he and his family except for their six-year-old son, Jeremy. All dead. And scalped.” Blue looked away. “You remember Ol’ Joel, don’t you? They got him, too. Bless his soul. Looked like he fought them for a long time.”
“Damn. How long did he work for the Regans?”
“Must’ve been thirty years, at least.”
Blue straightened his back. “It gets worse. The Wilkon Bank foreclosed on the Bar 3. Had a big loan, according to the bank president.”
“So who owns the Bar 3 now?”
“Same fellow who bought the bank. Lives in El Paso. It all happened not long after you left for Abilene,” Blue said. “He bought the H-5 and the Roof-M, too.”
“That’s convenient,” Deed snorted. “So only three ranches around here now. His combined spread, the Lazy S, and us.”
“Hai. It is so,” Silka agreed. The former samurai studied the brothers without saying more, then examined the station area, and looked at the Corrigan boys again.
“I take it you don’t think it was Comanches,” Deed said, cocking his head.
“Not sure. Once I got him to talk about it, Jeremy said some things about white men attacking the place,” Blue said, a little above a whisper. “And the whole thing with the bank loan. Don’t know why they would have borrowed money. Not them anyway. Must have been a cash-flow problem.” He rubbed his chin. “I can understand the H-5 and Roof-M selling out. They’re both small. Probably tired of it all. You know, they’ve been putting their trail herds with the Bar 3 the last couple of years.”
“Well, I saw the Bar 3 herd on the trail when I was coming back. A big one. At least three thousand head,” Deed said. “Didn’t recognize any of their hands on the trail. Or their trail boss. Thought it was strange. Now it makes sense. So, what happened to the money from their drive?”
“Bank has no record of any deposit like that.”
Silka’s face hardened. “Hai. Blue, you know it was not Comanche. You know it was this Agon Bordner.”
“Who’s Agon Bordner?” Deed asked.
“The guy who bought the bank—and the Bar 3 and the other two.”
Deed glanced at Silka. “That’s a mighty big spread. Biggest around here. Even bigger when you add in the H-5 and the Roof-M.”
“It is so,” Silka declared and studied Deed’s face.
Blue explained he hadn’t met Agon Bordner, only heard that he lived in a big house in El Paso, adding that he thought a man had a right to take advantage of a situation if he could. It was like him to view everyone in a positive light. Almost as much as their late mother had.
Silka looked at him and grinned. “He is velly fat, they say.”
Blue quickly added Bordner had a fine reputation in El Paso—that he was active in the Baptist church there, even sang in the choir.
“What happened to the Merefords and the Hansons? Are they still around?”
“No. Both families left right away, right after they sold,” Blue said. “And that’s even worse. Comanches hit their wagons somewhere north of here. Killed them all.”
“That’s awful. Awful.”
“Yeah, they were good folks,” Blue said.
All three men were quiet.
Deed was the first to speak, “Well, who’s running the Bar 3 now?”
“A fellow named Dixie Murphy’s the new foreman. Met him once in town. A hard man to like. But I’m sure he’s a good cowman.” Blue licked his lips and changed the subject. “How many of our boys are coming back?”
“Just the regulars. Willy, Harmon, Chico, Little Jake and Too Tall are bringing back the chuck wagon and the remuda—and Judas.”
Judas was the name they called a large, black longhorn steer that led their herds to market. The rest of the drovers had hooked on to a drive headed for Wyoming. Too Tall was what everyone called their cook, a short, stocky man with a temper to match. Deed said Taol Sanchez hit town with a big herd of over two thousand, two days after they got in. Oldest son of Felix Sanchez, the owner of the huge Lazy S, he was also happy with the prices received for his beef.
Blue stopped walking and turned to Deed. “How are those folks doing, the ones inside?”
“About like you’d expect, I guess. Mrs. Forsyth’s trying to go on,” Deed said, glancing at the station as they resumed walking. “The Forsyths had turned this into a damn good relay operation, you know.”
Looking around at the readied coach, Deed added, “Guess Mrs. Forsyth and her kids will need to go in the stage. To somewhere safe. El Paso’s the next big town. Unless they want to go into Wilkon. Don’t think they have much money. Won’t be easy for her.”
A black snake slid across their path. Blue reached for his holstered gun as it stopped and hissed.
“Let it go. He’s not disturbing us,” Deed said and knelt beside the snake. Behind him, Silka drew his long sword.
“It’s all right. No one will hurt you,” Deed spoke to the agitated reptile.
Neither Blue nor Silka moved, but watched the snake. Slowly, it uncoiled and resumed its journey. Silka said something in Japanese. Deed stood and the three men began walking again with no further mention of the reptile. Blue knew his younger brother had a sense for nature that few could match. It reminded him of their mother.
Silka thought he should remain outside and let them bring him something to eat, instead of going into the station. Not everyone liked to have Orientals near, he indicated. Both Corrigan brothers rejected the idea.
“If they don’t want you, they don’t want us,” Deed said and slapped Silka on the back.
The old samurai faked being hurt by the affectionate display and smiled.
Stepping inside, Cooper growled as they entered, then hurried to greet them with his tail wagging. Deed bent over to return the greeting. They were surprised to see Atlee Forsyth serving Hannah, Rebecca, and Tade around the long table as if nothing had occurred. Large bowls of beef stew, baskets of biscuits, and fresh coffee were being enjoyed. Hermann Beinrigt was lying down on the couch, and Olivia was putting a wet rag on his forehead. Little Elizabeth stood next to her, holding a bowl of water. Deed walked over to them and put his hand on the farmer’s good shoulder.
“How’s he doing, Mrs. Beinrigt?”
“He ist fair, I think. Much blut ist lost. Du save his life.” Olivia held out a slightly shaking hand.
Taking hers with both hands, Deed leaned toward her and smiled. “He saved mine.” Releasing the handshake, he stood and introduced his brother and Silka who removed their hats.
Olivia looked up and greeted both.
Stepping next to Deed, Elizabeth declared, “My papa is dead, you know. He is in heaven.”
Deed blurted, “I’m so sorry.”
The little girl lifted the bowl so it could be fully seen. “I’m helping Mrs. Beinrigt.”
“I’m sure you are. I’m sure you are.” Deed realized the little girl had no concept of death. Why should she?
Her next statement made him wince. “Papa is with Washington now. He was our cat, till he died last year.”
Deed knelt beside her and brushed away the long strands of hair that had stuck to her warm cheek. “Uh, I’m sure they will be very happy together.”
She turned to him and declared, “I think Papa will be back in a week or so. Like when he went to El Paso.”
Deed swallowed and couldn’t think of anything to say.
From behind them came Atlee Forsyth’s, with what seemed to be an overly bright salutation. “Deed, I’m glad you’re here. Mr. Hannah said you’d be coming inside. There’s plenty of stew and biscuits. Coffee’s hot and fresh.” She wiped her right hand on her apron. “Who are your friends?”
Deed turned toward her. “This is my brother, Blue Corrigan. We own a ranch not far from Wilkon.” He pointed at Blue, then at Silka. “And this is our best friend and partner. Most folks call him Silka.”
Silka bowed formally.
“How nice to meet you,” she said. “Please have a seat. You are most welcome.”
Blue touched the brim of his hat with his hand. “Glad to meet you, ma’am. Awful sorry about your husband.”
Her eyes took in his sewn-up sleeve, then went to his face. “Thank you. He was a very good man. But we’ll make do. We have to.” Her eyes brightened. “Caleb would have wanted that.”
Tade rose from his chair and waved his arm. “Told her she should go with us to El Paso. She won’t go. Maybe you can talk her into going into Wilkon.”
Still holding the bowl of water, Elizabeth walked over to her mother. “Is that like going to Heaven?”
“I’ll tell you later, sweetheart. Please be quiet now.”
Folding her arms, Atlee stared at the three men. “Please sit down. Mr. Balkins informs us the stage will be leaving soon.”
Mrs. Beinrigt came over and guided Elizabeth back to the couch, asking for her help. Deed sat down at the table with Silka and Blue on either side of him. With separate trips, Atlee placed bowls of stew in front of them, along with ironware, cups, and a basket of biscuits. Blue murmured a prayer of grace before beginning to eat. Hannah watched him without saying anything.
“Ma’am, I know Willard Epson, your district agent. A good man,” Blue said, looking up and watching her move along the table, refreshing coffee cups.
“Yes, I have met Mr. Epson several times.” Her voice was rigid.
“Of course”—Blue licked his lips—“he will need to know—”
Atlee Forsyth stiffened, holding the coffeepot near her bosom. “Because he will want a man running this station?”
Blue looked at Deed, then Silka, and said, “Most likely . . . ma’am.”
“So don’t tell him. I just told you that we will do just fine.”
Blue stared at her, wishing he hadn’t started this line of conversation.
“I can run this station. I’ll hire someone to help Mr. Montez—and we’ll keep serving passengers well as we have always done.” Her eyelids blinked back tears that were trying to get attention.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m sure you can.”
The room was silent while Atlee resumed pouring coffee for everyone. The others were finishing their dessert, fat slices of gooseberry pie. Pushing away from the table, Tade Balkins headed for the door and announced the stage would be leaving in five minutes.
Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, Tade said, “I have to report what happened, Mrs. Forsyth. Part of my job.” His eyes didn’t meet hers as he opened the door.
It was Deed who spoke first, “Tade, if you have to say anything, tell your boss the station is operating well, and that Mrs. Forsyth has hired additional help.” He looked at Atlee. “If you’ll let me, I’ll stay on and help Billy till you can find somebody regular.”
Blue tried not to look surprised, but this was so like his younger brother to step into a fight. Any fight.
Deed glared at the stunned driver. “You don’t have to report that last part.”
For a moment, Deed thought she was going to rush over and hug him. Instead, she swallowed, bit her lip, and said, “That would be most helpful. W-We appreciate your generosity.”
Rebecca Tuttle put down her coffee cup hard, almost spilling the remaining contents. “You mean you’re not going on with us? What will we do for protection? Mr. Hannah can’t do it all.” Her eyes were wild and her hands trembled.
Deed glanced at Blue. “My brother will be riding guard, Miss Tuttle. You will be quite protected. We’ve got business in El Paso.”
A hint of a smile tugged at Blue’s mouth. He should have known Deed would pull him into the situation. He always did.
“But he’s, he’s . . . injured.”
“Blue can shoot better with one arm than most with two,” Deed said. “He’ll keep you safe.”
With a deep sigh, Rebecca nodded and stared into her coffee cup as if just realizing it was there.
Blue glanced at his brother. “Yes, I intend to ride as the guard to El Paso.”
Blue recalled Deed carrying a hurt fawn two miles to their home when he was ten. He had found it when out hunting. The little deer had healed under his care and been returned to the wild, but it always stayed close to the Corrigan house. Blue and Holt teased Deed that the animal thought he was its mother. One day the deer didn’t come back. Deed and his brothers searched for the deer all day before deciding it had found a deer family of its own. Much of the rest of their childhood was deeply marred by their parents’ deaths.
Tade rubbed his hands and feigned more satisfaction than he felt that a one-armed man would be riding guard. “Mighty good. Finish up folks. We need to get going.” He turned and left the station, slamming the door behind him.
The Corrigan brothers talked quietly for a few moments, with Deed thanking Blue for understanding his sudden change of heart. Silka said he would return to the ranch, taking Blue’s horse with him. The extra mount brought for Deed would remain at the station for their later return. Blue would throw his saddle, saddle bags, and bridle onto the coach for the ride back from El Paso on the new stallion or he would buy an extra mount there. Silka was to tell his wife what had happened. Bina wouldn’t like it, but she would understand. The former samurai would take the trail-drive money with him, too, after Blue took what he needed for the new stallion and expenses in El Paso.
Her shoulders rising and falling with relief, Atlee came forward and said, “I should be able to hire someone in a few days.”
“Sure.”
Benjamin burst in from the kitchen, his eyes reddened and his face flushed. “We don’t need anybody’s help, mister. I’m the head of the family now. It’s my job to take over for Pa. Nobody else.” Cooper was at his side.
Setting his fork on his plate, Deed hesitating before answering, “I know how you feel, son. Blue and I lost both of our parents when we were about your age. It’s rough. Nobody’s taking the place of your pa. I’m just helping Billy with the horses. You and your ma will run the place.”
“That’s enough, Benjamin. Mr. Corrigan is being most generous.” Atlee’s face was hard and her eyes sought her son’s.
The boy started to say something else, then spun around and went back into the kitchen. Cooper trotted alongside. Elizabeth noticed his performance and headed toward the kitchen, almost spilling the bowl with its remaining water.
Blue, Deed, and Silka returned to eating without more comment. Atlee left the table and went over to the Beinrigts at the couch.
“If you want to stay here until your husband is better able to travel, you are most welcome,” she said, putting her hand on Olivia’s shoulder. “There are two beds here. For drivers and guards when they need them. Nobody will be needing them.”
Olivia patted her hand and said, “Danke. Dat vould be most gut. Mein Hermann ist . . . veak. I could also vork for du. To help.”
At the table, Blue introduced himself to the bespectacled gunfighter, “James Hannah, I believe.” He stood and leaned across the table, extending his hand.
Pushing his glasses back with his left hand, Hannah rose to shake Blue’s hand. “Glad to meet you.”
“My brother tells me you made the difference today.”
“Glad I could help.” Hannah returned to his seat. “Say, do any of you know anything about a fella named Agon Bordner?”
“Well, he just bought the bank in Wilkon . . . and a big ranch near here, the Bar 3, and two others. Biggest rancher in this neck of the woods now,” Blue said. “Likes to sing in his church choir, I hear.” A frown gathered above his eyes. “Why do you ask?”
“He wants to hire me. Sent gold for my expenses. I’m supposed to meet him in El Paso. To discuss a job.”