The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge
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Evie stood. “You sold Spice.”
“We needed the money.” His gaze shifted, wouldn’t quite meet hers.
“You didn’t say he was only green broke and needed more training. That horse was nowhere near ready for a young rider to handle.”
He lifted one shoulder. “Let the buyer beware.”
A sick feeling settled in her gut. Evie shook the shirt she held out hard. To have a moment, steady her thoughts, she moved over to where the rest of her wet clothes hung and threw it over a free branch to dry. She drew in a breath then turned to face him again.
“Eddie Talbert was thrown.”
His face impassive, Ben didn’t say a word, showing no remorse. Her heart sank, but hope died hard and Evie prayed that some remnants of the man she’d married lay hidden under that brittle shell.
“He broke his arm.”
“He didn’t die.”
Stunned, she couldn’t hide her shock. “Ben.”
“What? I should feel sorry some little rich boy took a tumble?”
“Yes, you should, and accept responsibility for your part in it.”
“I didn’t put him on the horse.”
“No, but you didn’t tell-”
“Drop it.” His tone was now stone cold.
Evie held her temper in check, just. Her fingers curled so her nails bit into her palms. “Some of Talbert’s hands were here last night.”
“Oh?” He angled his face away. “What did they want?”
“A pound of flesh? I don’t know exactly but I think you should return Mr. Talbert’s money.”
“Too bad.”
“Ben they were six men - angry, armed, men. Nothing I said satisfied them. I went in the house, shoved the table in front of the door while they rode around outside shouting threats.”
“Just trying to frighten you.” Ben dismissed her words with a wave of his hand.
Her jaw dropped. She’d been scared out of her mind with good cause. Their homestead was a good hour from the town of Cedar Ridge, the nearest neighbor miles away, unspeakable things could happen to a woman alone out here. Ben knew that.
“Well, it worked. I was terrified long after they left, sat up all night with the rifle in my lap.”
“So you were fine.”
Her body went rigid with indignation. “I was not fine.” Her words were slow and precise, each one distinct. “You should have been home. I needed you.”
“I can’t be here to baby you all the time.”
“I don’t expect that.” Anger as bitter cold as the snowmelt fed creek she stood beside knotted her insides. “But when you kick up a hornet’s nest, you should face the consequences.”
“Fine, you made your point.” The cold, hard words, delivered without a trace of regret, shook her to the core. “I’m leaving. I’ve work to do.”
“Like you did last night? Tell me, what sort of horse training is done after dark?” Bitterness, sharp and painful, seasoned her words, crafted to provoke him.
“Don’t start in again.” His gaze locked on hers. “I have to support us.”
“There are other ways.”
“Which I tried, and they earned me a tiny cabin and an almost empty barn. There’s no reward for being good, doll.”
“How about honor and self respect?”
“I’d rather have the coin.”
“If you’re so pleased with this way of life why do you need to soak yourself in whiskey?”
I need a drink or two to unwind.”
“You were full as a tick when you finally came home.”
“That’s my business.”
Her jaw clenched. Evie looked down and brushed a bit of dust off her skirt. A breeze caressed her face, bringing the scents of moss and recent rain. “I don’t want to argue.”
“Good.”
“But-”
“Evie for the love of-”
“But.” Her tone unyielding, she paused, looked up, meeting his gaze squarely then continued. “Things have to change.”
“Like?” His voice sounded dangerous, a confrontation itself.
“No more lying, cheating and-”
“That’s the way of the world sweetheart.”
His sarcasm stung. “It’s wrong.”
“I do what I need to do and I will again,” he growled with conviction.
The day after Evie married, her brother and only living relative, Henry, had taken off in search of gold. She’d never heard from him again. Ben was all she had. It took no small measure of courage to stand firm.
“I won’t stand by and watch it anymore. You’re hurting these people.”
“Well, you don’t have to.”
“You’ll stop?” Hope laced her voice.
“Of course.”
His voice, silky smooth, disturbed her. “That’s a sudden change of heart.”
“Maybe.” Ben moved close. “I only want … ” His hand reached out and played with a loose strand of her hair. “To make you happy.”
The gesture reminiscent of their early days, when simple, affectionate touches were common, made her heart ache. Evie blinked back tears. The back of his fingers left a trail of tingling nerves across her cheek. She allowed it, savoring the moment then stepped back.
“I get the feeling you don’t believe that.” His voice sounded hoarse, shaded with mockery. She shook her head, unable to speak. He’d traded on her love too many times before and her trust was frail.
“Fine, you won’t have to worry about our poor neighbors any longer because we won’t be here. It’s time we moved on.”
Anxiety made it hard to breathe. The thought of starting all over yet again was almost unbearable. “No.”
“What?”
“I’m not moving.”
“Don’t be foolish.”
“I’m not.”
His head tilted slightly to one side, he studied her. “Do you want to see me arrested?”
“For gambling?”
Ben held her gaze but didn’t say a word. The sick feeling she’d tried to ignore for so long threatened to overwhelm her. She sensed he was waiting for her to ask, to bring things out in the open.
“The sheriff suspects you of something?”
“After last night, it’s just a matter of time.”
“What did you do?” Disappointment tasted like ashes in her mouth.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”
His tone set her teeth on edge. “Of course not.”
“Good then-”
“If this is how you want to live then it’ll be without me. I want no part of it.”
“But I’m your husband.” His expression incredulous, he stared at her as if she’d grown horns.
“Yes, I know.”
“Do you know what would happen if I abandoned you? Do you really want to find out how vulnerable a woman alone is?”
“I already have.” The dreadful pressure around her chest increased. She crossed her arms over her stomach. “Last night.”
Silence stretched between them. For a long moment, the only sound came from the wind blowing through the branches of a straggly oak tree near her. Despite the warm spring day, she shivered.
“Look, Evie I … I’m sorry about that.”
Though his words felt sincere when he stepped toward her she put one hand in front of her, palm out. “Please don’t.”
“All right.” Ben stilled. “Just hear me out. We’ll start fresh. We’ll-”
“Own land as far as the eye can see and you’ll build us a grand home? I’ve heard this before.”
“It’ll be different this time.”
Evie fought the urge to cry. “Like it was supposed to be when we lost the boarding house in Montana, the saw mill in Salmon or the little farm right outside Cedar Ridge?”
“I’ve learned from my mistakes.”
“You were passed out in the barn a few hours ago.”
“What do you want me to do?” His hands clenched at his sides and his voice sounded edgy.
“Stop lying to me. Stop cheating people. And please, please stop doing whatever it is you’re doing that has the sheriff asking questions and is driving you to drink. Remember your dreams? Riding the range in the Wild West? You could make that happen. We have good land. We could have a good life here if you’d just-”
“I can’t chase those dreams here.”
“You won’t know unless you try.” Her tone fierce, Evie scowled at him.
“We have to move.”
“Don’t give up, please Ben.”
“We don’t have a choice anymore.”
“Yes, we do.” Tired and cranky, Evie snapped. “I do.”
“I sold it.”
Her vision blurred. A headache pulsed to life, pounding behind her eyes. “You did what?”
“I sold it.”
“Our home?” Her voice trembled, a whisper, barely audible. Dazed, she stared at him. “How could you do that?”
“I did what I thought was best.”
“Without even discussing it with me?”
“It had to be done and I didn’t want to argue.”
Tears clouded her vision. “You knew I wouldn’t agree.”
“Doesn’t matter, it’s done.” The note of finality in his voice made her stomach clench. “We’re moving as soon as possible.”
Her poise precarious, it took her a second to respond. In a voice soft, but clear, she forced words out. “You are. I’m not.”
“You can’t stay here.”
“Yeah, you made sure of that.” Sick at heart, she averted her face, looking away.
“Evie-”
“I guess that explains the money.” A short burst of ugly laughter escaped her. “I should be relieved it came from a lawful source, shouldn’t I?”
“Sweetheart, I just-”
The gentle coaxing tone caused tears to spill down her cheeks. “No. Excuses.” She choked out, his attempt at softness now made her want to hit him. Pride kept her upright but she couldn’t take anymore. “Just go.”
Ben stood, studying her silently for a long moment then turned and walked away. Evie stiffened when she heard him pause for a few seconds a short distance up the trail. “I do love you.”
His words sparked a heated response. As the sound of his footsteps faded, Evie kicked the basket hard, sending it flying over the rocky bank. She snatched the flannel up and threw it in the creek with a hoarse cry. Her chest heaved. Tears streamed down her face. She collapsed on the ground and wept until it hurt to breathe.
When the emotional storm passed, Evie got to her feet, slow like an old woman. Her hands rubbed her temples as she tried to ease her vicious headache. She shuffled over to the creek, bending down to splash water on her hot face and her swollen eyes. As she straightened, she noticed the shirt she’d flung, tangled on a fallen log some distance downstream. She made no effort to retrieve it. The sweet connection she’d felt moments earlier had soured.
Dread stalked within as she headed back to the cabin. Her steps dragged. The steady breeze chilled her despite the bright sun. She swayed on her feet, exhausted, though it’d been a short walk to the simple log structure. Still and quiet, it seemed to reflect her loneliness.
Her gaze swept the area. As she’d expected, the pasture appeared empty. He’d left. Arms crossed, her hands rubbed over her upper arms.
Ben wasn’t coming back.
Worn, weary, she felt hollow inside.
All of a sudden, Evie heard shouting in the distance from the direction of the road. Her heart raced. She gathered her skirt up enough to run, dashed into the cabin, grabbed the rifle then peeked outside. No one had ridden in.
An ominous feeling settled in her gut. Warily, Evie stepped outside. Normal day sounds greeted her as she slowly scanned the surroundings. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. Though she knew it wasn’t wise, she headed down the road.
A few hundred yards from the homestead, Evie stopped just around the first bend. Shock rooted her to the ground. Sounds evaporated, until only her heartbeat remained. Ben’s flattened hat rested in front of her boot next to a patch of new spring grass, splattered with blood.
Chapter Two
The low rumble of several horses soon became thunder on his heels. His fingers tightened on the reins. Ben twisted in the saddle, looking behind him. The number of riders who approached him at a fast pace didn’t bode well. As he straightened in the saddle, his gaze swept the area.
Flat grassland stretched for miles to his right. A thick stand of pines sat an impossible distance from the other side of the road. His only hope rested in the direction he had chosen just moments before, down the road toward Evie. Although his gut warned him to put his heels to the mare, race around the bend for home, Ben refused. He’d been a poor excuse for a man but whatever trouble was about to descend upon him, he wouldn’t endanger his wife.
Edgy, he pulled up then hunched forward to hide his actions from view. Ben fumbled, his fingers clumsy, to open the hidden pocket his friend Henry had fashioned in the saddle after they’d been robbed one too many times. He stuffed coins out of a small bag in quickly, gauging how long he had to work by ear. When the riders sounded close, he fastened the flap and tossed the last of the money into his saddle horn bag.
Ben turned to face the danger head on. He didn’t have to wait long as within minutes several men rode up, surrounding him. The stench of stale sweat and rotgut whisky filled the air. The man right in front of him with greasy blond hair and bloodshot eyes glared at him for a second then all six of them dismounted.
“Is there a problem?” Ben strove for calm.
“Yeah.” A man to his left cocked his revolver then ordered in a low, lethal tone. “Get down.”
“Why don’t we just talk for a while?”
Ben heard movement behind him and turned to face it a second too slow. Rough hands pulled him from the saddle. He hit the ground hard, pain radiating from his shoulder, side and hip.
A man stood over him, his expression fierce. “Shut up.”
“Look guys let’s-” With effort, Ben got to his feet.
“You cheated our boss.” A fist slammed into his face. His nose cracked. Blood, warm and metallic, streamed down into his mouth. He staggered back. “And cost us our jobs.”
Talbert’s men. “I can make this right. I-”
Another punch landed on his jaw, jerking his face to one side. Ben remained upright through sheer stubborn will. In rapid succession, several punches slammed into him. He tried to defend himself, landed a couple of blows, but the pummeling continued unabated. Outnumbered and overwhelmed, he soon collapsed.
With him flat on the ground, barely responsive to the most vicious kicks, their attack started tapering off. A heated exchange erupted. Disoriented, Ben struggled to focus. It took some minutes before he grasped the meaning of their words. Raw terror struck his heart. They were arguing over which of them would comfort his widow first once they finished him off.
His fingers curled, forming a fist. Ben lifted his head off the hard packed earth. Anger burned. They had gathered to one side and focused on each other, paying him no heed. His gaze found Sugar about a yard to his left. Seconds felt like hours while he crawled to his horse. He painfully pulled himself up into the saddle.
Ben clutched the reins along with a good hunk of mane and slumped forward. He pointed Sugar toward the trees and put his heels to her flanks, his only thought to get the men as far from Evie as possible. Each stride jarred and sent shards of pain through him. He heard angry shouts then the sounds of pursuit. Desperate, he urged the mare on, faster.
Blood roared in his ears, drowning all other sound, still he sensed the men were closing in. Sadness filled Ben. There was little hope of survival. He’d never get to hold Evie again or tell her he was sorry. She’d never know that he’d turned around and headed back home, that he’d wanted a second chance.
Dear God, I want a second chance.
Pain eroded the remnants of strength. Ben started to slip off one side and barely caught himself. For only a moment, the world came into sharp focus then his thoughts clouded. His grip weakened. The mare started to slow. A moment later, he lost his hold, toppling off her.
Ben rolled for some distance over rocky ground before he at last came to a stop. He ended up flat on his back, stunned. It took several seconds for him to remember how to breathe. Limbs leaden, he tried to get up but could hardly move. A shadow fell over him. He looked up to discover the blond man beside him, a smirk on his face.
A boot slammed into his side and his body exploded in pain. The man kicked him a couple more times. Ben felt ribs snap and moaned, a raw animal sound.
White-hot pain pierced his shoulder then rough hands seized him, pushing hard. He had no strength to resist. They rolled him over an edge and Ben tumbled down a hillside, battered by brush and stones. His misery ended when his head hit something with enough force that agony consumed him and he lost consciousness.
Fingers pressed against the rifle stock hard in a painful, numbing grip, Evie stepped forward, moving past the hat that she couldn’t bring herself to pick up. Her gaze studied each stump and bush for any sign of her husband. Minutes passed like an eternity. Reality pressed upon her, ruthless. The land that surrounded her appeared empty of all but small wild creatures.
By the distant tree line, a couple of deer meandered along. Some small brown rabbits played by a rotting log. A turkey vulture flew by so close her nose wrinkled at its stench. Unsure of what to do next Evie started to turn around to head back home, and then stopped cold.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted distant puffs of dust on the previously deserted road. Rhythmic beats of horse hooves against the earth soon disturbed the quiet. Wind swayed tall blades of roadside grass on either side of her. Evie brought a hand up, shaded her eyes and spotted a rider. The image roused hope. She wanted to believe it was Ben, safe and sound, on his way home.
Apprehension swept over her when it became clear the rider wasn’t alone. Evie could make out three, none with a mount that had Sugar’s coloring. With the realization that Ben wasn’t one of them, another possibility occurred to her.
It could be the men from yesterday.
Alarm rooted her to the ground. Her mind screamed run but her feet refused to move. Nausea churned her stomach. Her legs threatened to buckle. Yet Evie stood, a statue, the entire time it took for them to reach her.
As they neared, it became clear she’d never seen these men before but the sight of strangers brought little relief. They slowed then stopped only feet in front of her. Evie kept a calm façade even as her heart raced. Expressions serious, they didn’t look lost and the only destination on this section of the road was her home.
“Gentlemen.”
“Mrs. Rolfe?” The stocky older man in the center wearing a dusty dull white hat moved his horse slightly forward.
Evie cradled the firearm against her mid-section. “Yes?”
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m William Talbert.”
“Mr. Talbert.” Nerves sharpened her tone. “Did you know some of your men harassed me last night?”
“I’m aware of that ma’am.” He dismounted with the ease of a man who’d spent a lifetime in the saddle. “And I don’t hold with craven behavior. I let those boys go as soon as I found out what they’d done. It won’t happen again.”
Evie inclined her head, acknowledging. “Thank you.”
“It was the right thing to do.”
“And you rode out here just to let me know?”
“No.” Anger threaded into his voice as he stepped away from his horse. “I’ve business with your husband.”
His long strides ate the distance between them. With each thud of footfall, her anxiety intensified. Evie inched back, keeping space between them.
“Please stop.”
“If you’ll just-”
“I said.” Her stance wide, Evie brought the rifle Ben had insisted she learn to shoot, and shoot well, up to brace against her shoulder. The firearm wobbled in her hands for a second then steadied. “Stop.”
Mr. Talbert stilled. He raised both hands chest high, palm out and spoke in a tone pitched to soothe. “Ma’am there’s no call for that. Put it down.”
“Not another step.” Evie issued a firm command.
The other men started to protest. Mr. Talbert made a sharp gesture and they fell quiet. “Easy now, there’s no need to get upset. I just want to talk to him.”
“Not today.” Evie stalled as she bore the weight of his steady gaze. Like a cornered animal, she felt trapped. Her grip on the smooth wooden stock tightened until her knuckles gleamed white, a finger hovering over the trigger. “Come back tomorrow.”
“No, he will explain himself today.” His tone was firm.
Her lips parted but no words emerged. Evie couldn’t admit she didn’t know where Ben was, that would reveal she was here alone and she couldn’t ask them for help. These men had reason not to wish her husband well. Seconds stretched into almost a full moment of silence while she tried to decide what to do.
Unexpectedly the sound of another rider interrupted the tense standoff. Evie flicked a glance in the direction of the noise. On a dappled gray horse, a lanky man, the tallest she’d ever seen, wearing a battered black hat, was easy to identify even at a fair distance.
“You asked the sheriff to ride out?”
“I just want to keep things civil ma’am.”
“By threatening me?”
“I haven’t.” His jaw tight, his words came out clipped. “Nor will I.”
Evie wasn’t certain she believed him but with the lawman closing in fast, she made a gesture of good faith. She lowered her weapon, pointing the muzzle to the ground. They waited the few moments in awkward silence until Jim Green joined them.
The sheriff positioned himself between Evie and the other mounted men. His fingers tugged the brim of his hat. “Mrs. Rolfe.”
“Sheriff Green.”
“Though it’s a fine day for a walk.” His voice was studiously polite. “Perhaps we should head back to your place. Mr. Talbert and your husband can settle matters there.”
“I’m afraid that isn’t possible.”
“Ma’am?”
“Ben isn’t home. In fact I’m worried he-”
“Where is he?” William Talbert demanded.
“I don’t know. He-”
“Do you know what that horse he sold me did?”
“He threw your son.” Her face stiff and hot, Evie spoke in a soft tone. “I’m truly sorry. I-”
“Your husband conned me.”
“I-”
“My son could’ve died.”
“Again, I’m so sorry but Ben-”
“I’ve no tolerance for lies.”
“Mr. Talbert I don’t-”
“Mrs. Rolfe-”
“Kindly have the good manners to let me finish a sentence.”
He jerked his hat off to hit it against his thigh. “Ma’am.”
“Thank you.” Slow, even breaths eased her agitation. “I don’t know where Ben is.” She held up her free hand when Mr. Talbert started to open his mouth and shook her head. “I don’t but with the sheriff as my witness I give you my word, if it’s possible, I’ll make things right.”
“He should face me like a man.” The older man’s contempt a barb, she flinched. “Not hide behind your skirt.”
“I think you should accept the lady’s offer.” The sheriff’s calm voice of reason entered the exchange.
Seconds passed before Mr. Talbert muttered, “fine.”
“I need to speak to the sheriff first.” Without waiting for agreement, she looked up at the lawman and at last gave voice to her gut-wrenching fear. “Something has happened to Ben. I … ”
Her throat closed. Evie couldn’t continue. Her emotions reactive and raw, tears threatened. She bit down on her bottom lip, struggling to keep control. Sheriff Green dismounted and put a hand on her shoulder. She drew in a shaky breath.
“Ben rode off and I … ” Evie pulled away. “I … ”
“Easy ma’am, take your time.”
“After a time I heard…” Evie paused, drew in a breath. “I thought I heard an argument out here. I came out and … ” She shook her head unable to continue, stepped back and gestured to what she’d found.
His face a blank mask, Sheriff Green studied the scene for a moment. “You go on home now and I’ll take a look around.”
“But I-”
“Can you settle things peacefully with Mr. Talbert?”
“Ah yes but-”
“Trust me ma’am, I’m good at my job.” As he walked past Mr. Talbert to his horse, the sheriff addressed him. “Would you escort Mrs. Rolfe home?”