of people who had, or professed to have, two or three or more personalities. This was, he believed, the first time he’d ever met one of those people. He sincerely hoped he would never meet another.
“Finished him off? What do you mean, Robert?” Smoke knew exactly what he meant, but he wanted to hear the words out of Robert’s mouth.
“Killed him, of course. Oh, the young man was dying anyway. Max just took the brick and beat his head in with it. I was appalled, of course. I abhor violence of any kind.”
“Yeah. I can sure see that.”
“It was in the dead of winter. And my heavens, but it was cold. Max took the body and threw it into the river, after tying several heavy objects to it. We’re brothers, you know. Brothers help each other.”
“Yeah. Right.”
“It was just after that when my father got into his ... ah ... predicament. Max took care of that, too. Then he headed west. He always kept in touch with me, though. We’re brothers, you know.”
“How did he take care of your father’s ... ah ... troubles?”
“Killed my father’s mistress. She was attempting to blackmail Father. That would have done poor Mum in had she ever found out about it.”
“I’m sure it would have, Robert.” It’s just about doing me in listening to it, he thought.
Robert sat up straight in his chair and clasped both hands to his knees. “Well, my good fellow. I certainly am glad we had this little chat. I feel so much better now that I realize what an understanding man you are.” He stood up, a broad smile on his face. “I must go see my patients now. They need me, you know? It’s such a nice feeling to be wanted.”
Robert walked back into the house, took his doctor’s bag, and got into his buggy, clucking the horse forward. Smoke sat on the porch and watched the doctor drive out of town.
“The man is nuts,” Smoke said. “Crazy and dangerous. Very dangerous.”
He was sitting on the porch when Vicky strolled up, her arms filled with packages. She did not seem surprised to see Smoke sitting there. He helped her with her packages, then waited on the porch for her to come out of the house.
“Are you waiting for Robert?” she asked.
“No. I had a long chat with Robert. He just left. I was sitting here ... ah ... sort of catching my breath after our conversation.”
“Whatever in the world do you mean, Smoke?”
Smoke did not know how to handle this. He was not the type of man who relied on finesse. His way was straight ahead and get the job done.
He shook his head and stood up. “Nothing, Vicky. It was just that our conversation got a little deep for me. Medical stuff.”
“Oh! Are you ill? Is Sally all right?”
“Both of us are fine. Where is Lisa?”
“Playing with a friend.” She smiled. “Don’t worry. The kids are well guarded.”
Smoke nodded. “Vicky, could I ask you some questions without your getting angry?”
“Why ... of course.” She studied his face. “It’s Robert, isn’t it?”
“Ah, yeah. It is.” Smoke really didn’t know how to get into this.
“He’s a good man, I believe. But a very strange man at times. It’s ... and please don’t think I’m criticizing him or talking behind his back; I’ve tried to discuss this with him....” She paused. “It’s almost as though he is several different people in one body. Do you know what I mean?”
“Yes, Vicky, I do.”
“I’ve been worried about him ever since we came out here. My goodness, I haven’t even told this to Sally. You’re easy to talk to, Smoke.”
“Has his ... ah ... behavior been sort of odd, Vicky?”
“Why ... yes. That’s it. You’ve noticed it, too?”
“Oh, yeah. I sure have. He sort of ... ah ... rambled, I guess you’d call it, while talking with me.”
She stared at him for a moment, then rose from the chair and walked to the edge of the porch. She stood for a moment, looking at the mountains in the distance. Smoke could hear her sigh. “I don’t know what to do, Smoke,” she said. “I don’t have a penny of my own money. I am totally dependent upon Robert. He has violent mood changes. I’m frightened of him, and so is Lisa.”She turned to face Smoke.
“I know he used to meet Max Huggins in town. I thought that very odd. And I have no ides what they discussed. Except ...” she flushed deeply, “... me.”
“And Lisa,” Smoke said, taking a chance.
“Yes. Max came to the ranch lots of times. Robert would laugh and joke with him. Usually outside, away from me. But sometimes in the living room. I never could understand the ... well, call it a bond between them.”
“They’re brothers, Victoria.”
She fainted, falling off the porch.
22
Smoke yelled at a passing boy to run to the hotel and fetch Sally, then go to his office and tell his deputies to get over here.
