Chapter XIX
“Where you bound for now, Captain?” Tibbs asked as the two men turned their horses on the fork of the trail leading toward Springfield.
Bohanin adjusted his arm in his sling and tried to find a comfortable position in his saddle. “California, I guess,” he said in an absent-minded fashion, more concerned with his arm than Tibbs' question.
“You want a smoke?” Tibbs asked.
Bohanin sighed and nodded. “I could use one.”
Tibbs rolled a cigarette, lit and handed it to Bohanin.
As Bohanin took a few puffs, Tibbs looked toward the ranch. “You know, her story never did work out with Nobel's. You suppose Dawdrey will be all right back there?”
Bohanin held up his gelding and looked toward the outline of Springfield on the far horizon. “I don't know. I guess we'll never know just how much she was involved.”
“Maybe we should go back and get him.”
Bohanin smiled as he thought of trying to talk Dawdrey into giving up the woman and the ranch. “You think we should knock him in the head and drag him out?”
“Might not be a bad idea. I got me a funny feeling about that woman. I think maybe she's capable of about anything if she's crossed.”
“And if she's treated right?” Bohanin asked.
Tibbs slapped his reins on his saddle horn and smiled. “Might be the best damned woman a man could have.”
“I think you're right on both counts. I believe Dawdrey Lance is as fair a man as I know. Might be the two of them can do just exactly what she wants. Raise a family, build a ranch and do for each other till they go under.”
“I guess the rest don't matter much, does it?” Joe asked.
“I don't think it does. She's a driven woman. I got no doubt she'll be hell to live with at times. But sometimes that's the best kind. Keeps your nose to the grindstone. Keeps men from ending up like us.”
“Ain't nothing wrong with me. Why, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be,” Joe said.
Bohanin watched Tibbs, wondering if he was serious.
“Hell, Bohanin. It's the truth. I'm probably as good a range boss as there is in the country. I don't have hardly any bad habits. I bathe at least five or six times a year, and I'm a fair hand in a scuffle,” Joe said defensively.
“And modesty marks your every word,” Bohanin said.
“If a man don't know what he's worth, damn few others are going to tell him.”
Bohanin shook his head.
“I'll bet you never see me tied up with some woman who's used to running things like she is. Can you see me jumping and gushing to some woman's petty coat? A yes, honey, and no, honey. How high, honey? No, I'm gonna find me a woman who takes her leave and aims to please, or I don't want any woman at all.”
“You know,” Bohanin said. “I believe every word.”
“Damned straight.” Joe turned silent and thought for a moment. “I just hope we aren't wrong about that woman. I'd hate to see any grief come to the kid.”
“Maybe you should stay and help run the outfit?” Bohanin said.
“You think so?”
“Sure. That way you could keep an eye on them and watch for signs of trouble before it develops.”
“The kid could probably use me. I could give him some pointers when he got to letting her order him around too much.”
“Sure. You could be a real blessing when the kid gets down in the dumpers. You know, all that money and land to manage. Having a woman who wants kids as bad as she does. Why she might hurt his health if careful attention isn't paid, what with all those demands and such to fulfill.”
Tibbs slapped his reins on his saddle horn as he considered Bohanin's words. He sat up in his saddle and pulled down his hat.
“Damned if you ain't right. That poor youngster could probably stand some of my guidance from time to time. Hell, all of them other fellers work for her. He could probably use a good man to back him. You gonna be all right on your own?”
“I can make it just fine,” Bohanin said.
Bohanin turned his horse and started slowly down the trail.
“When you find that woman, I hope things work out for you,” Tibbs called.
“I'm heading for California, Joe. I got no interest in that woman,” Bohanin said.
Tibbs held up his mount. “Doc Ball said that he'd try to learn as much as he could. Said he'd check out some things with other sawbones in the country. Said a woman like that would be hard to hide. I bet he could give you some suggestions if you asked.”
Bohanin tried to ignore the cowboy.
“It might be, she was just scared. It might be she sent word to Doc Ball so's you could find her. It might be she's waiting for you right now,” Joe called.
Bohanin stopped his horse, gently turned it about and glared at Tibbs.
Tibbs shrugged. “It might be. Hell, Bohanin what else you got to do? Go to Californy and shine up your rocker?”
“You gott-damned pain in the ass,” Bohanin said.
Tibbs grinned broadly and gently spurred his horse toward the ranch. “Might be,” he said to himself.
As Bohanin neared Springfield, he kept drifting back to Joe's words. He felt betrayed by the woman and his pride was hurt. Yet, if there was a chance that the woman was waiting for him, even a slim one, he felt he ought to try to find her.
Netty Johnson's boarding house was upon him before he knew it. A gentle south breeze was rattling the leaves of the young cottonwoods as he approached the front door.
Netty saw him from the front window and opened the door before he reached it. The handsome woman smiled kindly. He tried an uneasy smile.
“I'll bet you could use a hot cup of coffee,” she said.
He smiled more easily and nodded. “Especially if you could brace it up a bit.”
She held the door as he passed into the house. “I'll bet I can find something to your liking.”
Netty produced two cups of coffee and a small bottle of Bourbon from the pantry. She placed a cup before him and poured an ample helping of the whiskey. She waited quietly as he tried a sip and smiled at his reaction to the strong brew.
Bohanin placed his hat on the table and nodded. “That hits the spot. Thanks.”
“I heard about the trouble at the Bochart ranch. The story's all over town.”
“I'll bet it's a good one.”
“I heard that Millie left without a word. Do you have any idea what happened to her?”
Bohanin shook his head and took another sip of the coffee.
“I'm going to be frank with you. I would have never guessed such a thing of Millie. But as for Logan Bochart, many of us knew how he treated Augustina. He was a rounder and a cad. She deserved better. Most folks in Springfield felt that he got what he deserved.”
“Did he?” Bohanin asked.
“Yes, he did. A man owes something to his woman. If my husband would have treated me like that, God rest his bones, he might have been looking down the barrel of a shotgun.”
“I didn't call him out for that. I called him out because I thought he was behind trying to kill her. I would have never shot it out with him for his adultery.”
“But you did. There are a lot of folks hereabouts who admire your courage, Captain. Logan Bochart was not a well-liked man by many that knew him. You, Dawdrey and that cowboy are heroes of a sort. Believe me, if you hadn't done it, it was only a matter of time until someone else would, and with a good deal less reason.”
“Thanks, Netty,” Bohanin said.
“And what now?” she asked with a smile.
“I don't know. I guess I'll head on out for California. I've got nothing else holding me here.”
“Haven't you?” she asked.
Bohanin cut his eyes toward her. Her features reflected concern and determination. “What do you mean by that?” he asked.
She looked toward the coffee cup. “I would suppose you would try to locate Millie. It's obvious to me that you care for that woman and are very concerned.”
Bohanin shook his head. “She made a fool of me.”
Netty took hold of his hand. “She made fools of all of us. She used us and she paid a price for it. She's lucky she's not dead. But still we don't know that for sure. Maybe Bochart deceived her. That baby is nothing more than the product of bad judgment. I hardly think we can hold that against her.”
“There was no baby,” he said abruptly.
“Are you sure?”
“According to that doctor in Hasty. He examined her and was certain that she had never been with child.”
“Pshaw, what would he know? Those doctors don't know everything, as much as they would like you to think so. Why would she claim such a thing, if it weren't true?”
“For the money, Netty.”
“You mean to tell me that she claimed she was with child to get money from Logan? That it was all a hoax? I can't believe that she would do such a thing.”
“What else would explain her leaving without a word? Why would she do the things she did once the doctor had examined her? Why would she...”
“Leave you without a word?” Netty asked.
Bohanin stared at the floor. “Yes.”
“There was more to your relationship than simply an escort, wasn't there? That's why you feel so betrayed.”
He nodded. “I thought she loved me.”
She took a deep breath and sighed. “Maybe she did. I could see how any woman could develop strong feelings for a man like you. You are kind and generous. It may be that things just got out of control and she didn't know how to confront you with the truth. That would be very difficult, especially if she did care.”
Bohanin shook his head. “I'm old enough to be her father. There's no fool like an old fool. Isn't that what they say? I guess you're looking at living proof.”
“So you're just going to give up? I'd have thought that a man like you would find out the truth. I think you owe that much to yourself.”
“What? Ride all over Colorado looking for a woman who probably couldn't care less?”
“If I truly cared, yes,” she said.
“And what would I do if I found her?”
“Whatever you feel in your heart is right,” she said. “It's your life. If you really care for her, you should do what's right for you. You worry too much about your pride and not enough about your heart.”
“So she can make a fool of me a second time?”
“No. You'll know the difference now. It will be your choice. If you really care, you'll find her and tell her how you feel. If you still have strong feelings for her, then tell her. Otherwise, you'll just carry the doubt and the pain the rest of your life. You seem to be a brave man. What would a brave man do?”
Bohanin smiled and patted her hand. “I don't know. This is a kind of bravery that I've never had to show before. I would have to commit to a woman who....”
“Isn't perfect?”
“Yes,” he smiled.
“Well, welcome to the human race. Listen to me. No one is without some kind of fault. When a man and a woman get together, it doesn't take very long to recognize them. But if you care and she cares, then the two of you work it out. That's when love replaces infatuation.”
Bohanin nodded. “You're a wise woman, Netty Johnson.”
“I don't know about that,” she said. “I could be wrong. It's just that I feel you owe it to yourself to learn the truth if humanly possible. You'll never be free of her if you don't.”
“What the hell. I've got nothing better to do with my time.”
“You'll come back and tell me? Won't you?” she asked.
“I'll be back.”
After they finished the coffee, he left.
When he was gone she remained at the window staring at the empty trail. She asked herself why she hadn't been bolder and told him. But she knew that he would never truly accept her until he had resolved his feelings for the other woman. Maybe he would return, rid of her memory once and for all. If that were the case, she would tell him then. She didn't want half a man. She wanted Bohanin for herself but only if she could have him all. Otherwise, she was better off alone.
Chapter XX
Millie was writing the final assignments on the blackboard for the next week when she heard the school door open. She turned and glanced at the doorway but couldn't make out who had entered. She reasoned that it was probably a parent coming to fetch one of the children home.
When Bohanin stepped into the light she became quiet. The children turned in their seats to see what held her attention. She dismissed school, telling them that they could go home a little early.
As they filed past, each took a good look.
She smiled as she slowly stepped toward him.
“What brings you to Fort Collins?” she asked.
Bohanin smiled. “I don't know. Just a hunch, I guess. It was about the only town I hadn't checked.”
“You look well. Have you been feeling good?” she asked as she stood uncomfortably before him.
“I'm feeling good,” he said.
She flashed an embarrassed smile. “Still using horse liniment on those knees?”
“Yes, it's still the only thing that seems to work worth a damn. How have you been?”
“I have been doing quite nicely.”
“I wish you had left some word. It was important that I knew that you were all right.”
A tear formed in her eye. “I didn't think it would be a good idea. I felt it would be best if we just parted ways.”
“Logan Bochart is dead,” Bohanin said. “You don't have to worry about him anymore.”
She walked toward the desk at the front of the room. “Yes, I know that. I read it in the paper some time back. It sounded like quite a scandal.”
“Oh, it was. But everything worked out for the best.”
She closed a window near the blackboard, gathered her shawl and some books.
Bohanin opened the door for her and followed her out of the school building. He waited as she locked the door.
She turned and stood uncomfortably. “I suppose you'll want some kind of explanation,” she said.
Bohanin smiled and offered his armed escort to the street. “It would be nice.”
She took it and walked with him to the street. When she noticed the saddled gelding tied to the hitch rail, she smiled. “I see you've given up buggies.”
“Yes, I decided I could get along just as well with a horse. Besides, I owned one once and took a substantial loss on it when I sold it.”
“How much did you pay for it?” she asked.
“About what I was paid. I guess I threw in the horse at a discount. It wasn't such a bad loss when you think about it,” Bohanin said as he reached for his gelding and stroked its forehead. “You waiting for someone?”
She nodded. “Yes, I am as a matter of fact. I'm a little early. Usually school isn't dismissed until right about now.”
“Well, then we better talk fast. I wouldn't want to cause you any embarrassment.”
“Oh, it wouldn't be any embarrassment. I could introduce you if you'd like.”
“As what?” Bohanin asked.
She smiled. “As my good friend and defender.” She cleared her throat. “I didn't tell you the truth about the situation, I guess.”
“I guess,” Bohanin said.
“You're not going to make this easy at all, are you?”
“All I want is the truth. I think you owe me that.”
“I guess you have learned that I never was pregnant.”
He nodded.
“I told Logan Bochart that story to get some money from him. After all, I think he owed me.”
Bohanin smiled coldly. “Most women in certain professions do.”
Anger flashed across her face.
“I want to know why you didn't tell me where you were going and why you didn't wait for me. I don't give a damn about you and Bochart,” Bohanin said.
Bohanin's black buggy came around the corner. A tall man was driving it behind a familiar black mare.
Bohanin smiled as he recognized the rig. “Nice outfit,” he said with a smile.
The man held up the mare with his left arm. The right one was missing. He smiled pleasantly at Bohanin.
Bohanin smiled back.
“Grant, I would like you to meet an old friend. This is Captain L.J. Bohanin. He was a...”
“I was on the school board in Springfield,” Bohanin said as he offered his hand.
“I hope you won't hold it against us. You know, Millie telling you she was single and all. I just couldn't seem to find a decent job and we wanted to buy the farm. We thought that if she could teach for a couple of years and we saved our money then we would be able to buy the place. The advertisement stated that only single women would be considered.”
“Think nothing of it,” Bohanin said. “I've been thinking of trying to get that policy changed.”
“When she returned, I never dreamed that she could have saved so much. We owe that school district a lot. If it hadn't been for the kind folks in Springfield, I don't know that I'd have ever been able to save enough money.”
“You lose your arm in the war?” Bohanin asked.
“Yes, sir, I did.”
“What was your regiment?” Bohanin asked.
“1st Colorado volunteers.”
“Tough bunch. I hear they were a good outfit,” Bohanin said.
“Lost my arm at Glorietta Pass,” he said.
Bohanin nodded. “I bet it was tough adjusting.”
“If it hadn't been for Millie, I don't know what I would have done. She was like a rock. I figured she wouldn't want anything to do with me when I returned.”
Bohanin smiled and looked toward Millie. “A good woman is difficult to find. You were lucky, my friend.”
Millie looked down at the ground. “We need to be going, Grant. We don't want to be late.”
Grant smiled. “Yes, I'm certainly ready to eat. Say, Captain Bohanin, there's a church supper tonight. I've got plenty of extra food in the back of the buggy. Why don't you join us as our guest?”
“Oh Grant, I believe the Captain has...”
No, thanks. I'm afraid I can't accept. I have another engagement. Maybe some other time?” Bohanin said.
“Too bad. Millie is going to sing for the congregation. Some of the children are going to perform as well,” Grant said.
“I'm certain that would be very enjoyable, Mister?”
“Kirkpatrick, Grant Kirkpatrick. Millie, didn't you tell the man our name?”
“I guess it just slipped my mind. How silly of me.”
Bohanin turned toward her and offered his hand. “Well, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, I'm glad you're doing so well. Maybe you'll come and visit me sometime?”
She glared into his eyes but smiled and went through the formality. “Why that would be quite nice, Captain.”
“Stop by anytime,” Grant Kirkpatrick said. “I'm sure you'll always be welcome.”
Bohanin tipped his hat and gathered up his reins to mount his horse. He swung easily into the saddle and waved toward the couple as he rode out of town.
As he topped the rise that overlooked the city, he noticed that the buggy was following him. He looked up the road to see a small frame church. Buggies and wagons were parked around it and people were stepping into the building. He waited for the buggy to pass. Kirkpatrick waved as the buggy sailed past. Millie glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. She had a look of refined civility as she nodded Bohanin's presence.
Bohanin sat back in his saddle and crossed one leg over the saddle horn. He pulled a bag of California Gold from his shirt pocket and made himself a smoke. Bohanin took a puff and patted the horse on the neck. He chuckled, shaking his head.
“The evil seducer of poor pregnant women, the helpless school teacher, and the crippled wife languishing at home. Pony, if you ain't being ridden by the mother and father of all fools, you'd be hard pressed to find a replacement.”
The gelding shook its head as it tried to loosen the bridle. Bohanin took another puff and flicked the cigarette into the road. He turned the animal down the trail that led to Fort Garland. He gave brief thought of heading back to Springfield, but reasoned that if he did, he would never see California.
END