Xenia’s Renegade (13 page)

Henry and Tony started to stand.

Ty waved then back down. “Anything you want to say to me can be said in front of my men.”

“As you wish.” He pushed the cards aside. “I heard a breed broke into Lou Bullins’s hotel room and got him arrested. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you?”

“I heard about it. I also heard Bullins was arrested for kidnapping. You wouldn’t happen to know why he’s not still in jail, would you?”

“I heard he was out.”

Ty gritted his teeth. “What’s this I hear about a contest you’re having?”

He watched Seymour lift an eye. “You want to put down a bet on one of them?”

“No, damn it!”

“You’ll wish you had.”

“I hear you’ll not be able to pay off on those bets.”

“The hell I won’t.”

“What if you can’t? The men who’ve put down good money are going to expect you to make good on your promise or give them their money back.”

“Oh, I’ll make good on them, alright.” Seymour looked at the two men with Ty, licked his lips and went on. “In fact, I know how profitable it could be for both of us.”

“How would I possibly make a profit?”

“I’ll pay a big bonus to the man who gets my merchandise here in good shape.”

“What’s that got to do with me?”

“Alright, Eldridge, I’ll lay it out for you. I know damn good and well my nieces came in on the stage the other day. The same stage you and the peddler came in on. Now the girls have disappeared, and I want them in this saloon by Saturday. That’s when the bidding closes.”

“Do your nieces know what you plan for them on Saturday night?”

“What the hell difference does that make?”

“It makes a lot. You have no right to use unsuspecting ladies like that for your own profit.”

“My nieces are beautiful and they’ll make themselves and me good money. When the money starts rolling in, it won’t be long until they’ll be used to the jobs. I bet they’ll even turn out liking it. The women who work for me always do. If they don’t, I’ll whip them into shape soon.”

“You’re scum, Seymour Longstreet.”

“Don’t be such a harsh judge of the way I run my business.” He nodded toward Sassy Sue. “You’ve been in here enjoying the merchandise, and I expect you’ll be coming in for a long time yet.”

“We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about your two innocent nieces.”

He laughed. “They won’t be so innocent when the winners get through with them. Why I bet you’ll be one of the men in line to taste their favors.”

Ty could stand it no longer. He jumped up and grabbed Seymour’s collar. “Listen, you sonofabitch, if you come near either of those women, I won’t be responsible for what happens to you, but I guarantee you won’t like it.”

Seymour’s eyes narrowed. “So…you
do
have them. Bullins said you were the one who took one of them away from him.”

“Yes, I did. Not only that, but they’re both under my protection. If you try to get them from me, you’ll be sorry.”

“We’ll see about that. There’s always a way to get somebody to leave.”

“Try it if you dare, Longstreet.”

“Do they know you’re a breed?”

“We’re not discussing me.”

“You’re right, and since I never want to discuss you, I’m going to change things around here. I’ve decided to make a new rule for the Golden Door and I can do it because it’s owned and operated by me, Seymour Longstreet. As of this minute, no breeds are allowed upstairs with a woman.” He eyed Henry and Tony. “No. I’m changing that to add, no breeds in the saloon at all. I can get along without the little money they spend here. They’re going to have to get their pleasure with a woman and their liquor somewhere else.”

Ty shoved him backward. “Then, I think it’s time my men and I leave. Been thinking I’d support the new saloon that’s going to open down the street, anyway. I hear their girls are going to be something special and they aren’t going to water down the whiskey.”

Seymour looked confused. “I ain’t heard nothing about a new saloon being anything more than a rumor.”

“You will. Let’s go men.”

As they went out the door, Seymour yelled, “And don’t ever come back through that door again. I’ll have you arrested if you do.”

When Tony started to say something, Ty took his arm and pulled him out the door. “Don’t bother. I have a plan for bringing him down.”

“Count me in,” Tony said.

“Me, too, Boss.”

“You all head home. I’ve got to see a man about a new saloon for this town.”

The next evening, Wilt stared at Ty as if he thought his cousin had suggested they burn down the town. “What do you mean, we’re going to finance a saloon?”

Ty had expected this reaction, but he plunged ahead with an explanation. “Longstreet has banned anyone with any Indian blood from his establishment. That includes you and me, our hands, and everyone else in town who happens to have an Indian ancestor.”

“At least we don’t have to go to Longstreet’s place for a drink. We keep a pretty good supply in the house.”

“Sure we do, and I know it doesn’t matter to us, but what about the guys that work for us? We can’t supply them with beer and liquor.”

“So what? They’ll manage to find their hooch somewhere.”

Ty eyed him. “Do you really believe what you’re saying?”

Wilt frowned. “I guess not, but I still don’t see us financing a saloon so our hands can get drunk.”

“We and most of our hands aren’t the only Indians in and around Deer Meadow, Wilt. Think about them, too. As I said, Longstreet banned
all
Indians.”

“But what about our promise to Aunt Chapa?”

“Did I hear my name mentioned?” Chapa came through the front door to the veranda where the cousins were sitting in chairs, drinking coffee and smoking cigars. She had a cup of coffee in her hand.

“You just might have heard your name, but you know it was something good if I said it.” Ty nodded to a rocker. “Have a seat and join us.”

“Where’s Mea Ann?” Wilt asked.

“Xenia’s much better tonight, and since Johnny has gone to sleep, Mea Ann wanted to spend some time with her. I thought I’d give them some privacy. They haven’t been able to spend much time together since they got here, and this will give them a chance. Now, what’s this I heard you saying about me?”

Wilt looked at Ty. “It’s your idea so I think you should tell her what you have in mind.”

Ty nodded. “I need to explain a few things to both of you. But first, Aunt Chapa, how about pulling your chair where you can see through the door.”

She frowned. “Why in the world?”

“I don’t want Mea Ann to hear what I’m about to tell you and you can warn me if she starts outside.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will as soon as I tell you what I found when I went to town yesterday.”

Chapa moved her chair. “I can see directly to the hall. Now, what’s this all about?”

When Ty finished telling them about Seymour Longstreet and his plans for the Poindexter sisters, Chapa looked stunned, but Wilt said, “I’ll kill that sonofabitch.”

“My first thought, too, but then he came to have a little conversation with me.”

“About what?” Chapa asked.

“The fool knows his nieces are here. He even asked me to bring them to him and…well, you can guess what he said my reward would be.”

“That dirty scoundrel.”

“I think that word is a little weak to describe him, Aunt Chapa.”

“You’re damn right it is,” Ty said. “That’s why I decided to hit him where it’ll really hurt.”

“Where’s that?”

“He’s the greediest man I’ve ever seen. He’ll stop at nothing to try to get Xenia and Mea Ann. That’s why he said anybody with any Indian blood in them would no longer be allowed in his saloon. I’m sure he thought the Indians would put so much pressure on me we’d let him have the sisters.”

“Now, I understand.” Wilt nodded. “You want to set somebody else up in a saloon so he’ll not only lose the Indian trade, but others will desert his establishment when he can’t pay off the bets people have placed.”

“That’s right, and I have just the right person in mind. The barkeep, Hiram Albright has wanted to get away from Longstreet for a long time and he knows all about how to run a saloon. He just hasn’t had the money to start a place of his own.”

Chapa looked directly at him. “And you were going to do this without talking to me?”

“Not at all, Aunt Chapa. That’s why you heard your name when you came out here. I was telling Wilt why I needed to talk to you.”

“I see.” She glanced through the screen door. “Here comes Mea Ann. We’ll have to discuss this later.”

Wilt jumped up and met her at the door. “I know you’re still limping a bit, so let me help you.”

“Thank you, Wilt, but my foot is getting much better.”

“I’ll get you a chair so you can join us.”

She smiled up at him.

Ty almost shook his head, but stopped himself from saying anything to them. His mind didn’t stop working, though.

How can Wilt fall for this woman so quickly? Didn’t he learn anything from my episode with Verna McGill? Does he think this woman is different? I know we have to prevent Longstreet from getting his hands on these sisters, but then, we need to send them packing for Virginia. They don’t belong here and never will, no matter how he feels about Mea Ann.

“Is Xenia asleep?”

Mea Ann took the chair Wilt pulled up beside his and answered Chapa’s question. “Yes. I heard Johnny moving around and went to check on him. He went right back to sleep. I went back to join Xenia, but when I looked into her room, I decided not to enter. She was sleeping peacefully.”

Chapa nodded. “Rest is what she needs.”

“I agree. She’s beginning to look a lot better. I’m sure she’ll be her old self in no time, thanks to Chapa’s care.” Mea Ann looked at Ty. “Did you ever find out why that horrible salesman did this to Xenia?”

“I haven’t been able to talk to him.”

“Why not? I’m sure the sheriff would have let you see him.”

“Somebody had bailed him out of jail.”

“How could somebody do that?” She grew angry. “He kidnapped my sister. You said so yourself. He should never get out of jail.”

Wilt took hold of her arm. “Don’t blame Ty because the man was out of jail, honey. He’s furious about it, too.”

She shook her head. “I’d never blame him. I’m sorry if you thought I was accusing you of not caring, Ty. I know you’re concerned about Xenia, but it frustrates me when they put somebody like him back on the street. Who knows who he’ll attack next?”

Ty couldn’t help but be a little surprised when she apologized to him. He decided to tell her a little of what was going on. “It frustrates me, too. I did find out that the hotel threw him out of there after he was arrested. I don’t know if Bullins is still in town, but my guess is that he’s around somewhere.”

“Do you think he’ll try to get to Xenia again?”

Chapa butted in. “You don’t have to worry about that, Mea Ann. There’s no way these fellows are going to let that scoundrel get anywhere near Xenia, or you either, for that matter.”

“Why would they want to get me?”

Ty shot Wilt a look, but she saw it. “What’s going on?”

Wilt stood. “Mea Ann, will you take a walk with me?”

“But—”

“Do you trust me, Mea Ann?”

“Of course, I do, but—”

“Then please come along. I’ll explain some things we’ve learned are going on. I think you need to know them.”

“But my ankle.”

“We won’t walk far. Just down to the creek, and if you get tired, I’ll carry you.”

“What if Johnny needs me and—”

Chapa interrupted. “Don’t worry about Johnny, Mea Ann. I’ll take good care of him if he wakes up.”

Wilt reached out his hand to her. “Are you ready?”

She took his hand. “Yes, I’m ready.”

Ty watched them go across the veranda. “I wonder if he’ll tell her everything.”

“Maybe he should. She’s stronger than you think, and she can handle it.” Before Ty had a chance to answer, Chapa jumped up.

“What is it?”

“Xenia moaned. I better check her.” She headed into the house.

Ty followed.

****

As they neared the creek, Wilt reached down and took Mea Ann’s hand. He was pleased when she didn’t pull hers away.

“When are you going to start explaining to me what’s happening, Wilt?”

Her voice was soft and he let it wash over him. “I’m trying to decide where to begin.”

“What’s wrong with the beginning?”

He chuckled. “You’re right. Then let me begin with this. Your uncle is not now, nor has he ever been, in jail for a crime he didn’t commit—and he’s never faced a hangman’s noose. He wrote you that lie to trick you and Xenia into coming to Deer Meadow.”

She stopped and glared at him. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying your uncle Seymour had a more nefarious plan for you and your sister.”

“Why would he do that?”

He turned and put his hands on her shoulder. “Everyone in this world is not trustworthy, Mea Ann. Your uncle happens to be one of those who isn’t.”

He saw tears gather in her eyes. “I don’t want to believe you, but my whole family in Virginia says Uncle Seymour isn’t one to be trusted. Yet—”

“You said you trusted me.”

“I do.”

“I wouldn’t tell you something that wasn’t true.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” His face came close to hers. “I knew the minute I climbed into that stagecoach and saw you sitting across the aisle from me that I’d never be anything but honest with you. You looked so wonderful with Johnny in your arms I told myself that if you didn’t have a husband, and if I ever had the chance, I’d—well—”

She frowned at him. “Please, don’t stop. Tell me what you were about to say.”

“I’m not sure I should.” Before she could ask him why, he blurted, “I know you will probably never feel that way about me as I do you, but I care deeply for you, Mea Ann. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t seem to help myself.”

“Why shouldn’t you?”

“You know why. You’re from the city, and I’m a rancher. You’re used to the finer things in life and though I have some money, I lead a simple life. Besides all that, you’re white and I’m part Indian. In this day and time, that’s a big hurdle to overcome.”

“I understand that. I’ve already felt it because of Johnny.”

“That’s only a small dosage of what you’d feel if I were to escort you into some strange town in the west.”

“So you’ve decided what I’ll feel?”

“Not exactly, but I bet your parents would be beyond upset if they knew you were staying at a ranch owned by cousins, and their Indian aunt is the housekeeper.”

When she said nothing, he asked, “Don’t you have anything to say?”

She touched his cheek and whispered, “I was waiting for you to finish talking.”

“I’m through.”

“I don’t want to say anything.”

His brow wrinkled. “Why not?”

“Because I want you to take me in your arms and kiss me.”

Stunned, Wilt could only stare at her. He watched as she dropped her gaze, and he knew if it wasn’t getting dark he would see her face had turned crimson. He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head back. Tears slid down her cheeks.

Using his thumb, he rubbed them away. “I’m sorry, Mea Ann. Please, don’t cry. I don’t want you to be hurt.”

She pulled away. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I made a fool of myself.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Of course I did. I thought you felt the same way about me as I do you, but I couldn’t be more wrong.” She pulled away from him. “As soon as Xenia is able to travel, she, Johnny, and I will go away. You won’t have to be nice to me anymore.”

As she started to walk away, Wilt grabbed her arm. “I won’t let you leave me.”

“I don’t see how you can stop us. Besides, I now know you care nothing about us. Especially me.” She began to sob. “Let me go, Wilt. I can’t stay here and humiliate myself any longer.”

“You didn’t humiliate—”

“Of course I did. I thought you cared for me, but I know now, you were only being kind. I should have never let my feelings for you show. Then, I could have gone away and still thought you cared.” She broke loose and headed for the house.

Wilt caught her. “You’ve got it all wrong, Mea Ann.”

“No, I—”

“Yes, you have. If you’ll listen, I’ll tell you the truth. If you want to go to the house, then I won’t stop you.”

She sighed. “Alright, Wilt. If you insist, I’ll listen; but I don’t think you’ll make me not regret my confession about my feelings.”

“Let’s sit on that rock over there.” He led her to the rock and sat beside her.

She didn’t say anything as she spread her skirt out, indicating she wanted him to sit somewhere else. He ignored it and pushed skirt next to her leg then sat down beside her.  He reached for her hand, but she pulled it away.

He took a deep breath. “Mea Ann, I realize you wanted me to kiss you and the Good Lord knows how much I wanted to do it, but I was scared.”

She gave him a quick look. “I can’t imagine you scared of anything, Wilt Eldridge.”

“Most things don’t scare me, but that did. I’m also scared about telling you something that you have a right to know.”