A loud crash sounded followed by gunshots.
Dear Lord, please protect Bret and Moose.
Fire blazed inside the bunkhouse.
Charlotte laid a hand on Davie’s shoulder. “Wait right here.”
She grabbed a bucket and ran toward the horse trough. After scooping a bucketful of water she went toward bunkhouse door.
Bret dragged a body onto the dirt and dropped it. “Give me the bucket. Moose is beating at the fire with a blanket.”
“I can help.”
“Better see about that man. I think he’s dead but we need to be sure he won’t cause us more trouble.” He hurried into the bunkhouse.
Charlotte held her revolver as she checked the man’s pulse. When she didn’t feel any, she pressed on his chest. There was no movement.
Davie stood at the house’s front door. “Mama, can I come help?”
She shook her head because she didn’t want him seeing a dead person up close when it wasn’t necessary. “No, son. We’ll be in as soon as the fire’s out.”
How horrible that a man had died tonight. She wondered who had shot him, Bret or Moose. This made four people who’d died over the ownership of this ranch. Why did Winfield persist in such tactics?
***
The next morning, Charlotte was still shaky but managed to keep her feelings to herself.
Bret and Moose had located the dead man’s horse last night and fed and watered the animal. Now they loaded the body across the saddle.
She cornered Moose privately and handed him some cash. “This is an advance on your paycheck. I wanted to be sure you weren’t too strapped to get anything you wish while we’re in town.”
Looking embarrassed, Moose shoved the money into his pocket. “You’re a real thoughtful lady. Glad Bret’s gonna make sure you don’t lose your place.”
She had to settle something she’d wondered. “Who shot that man last night?”
“Reckon we both did. We didn’t plan to but he opened fire on us. Sidewinder planned to set fire to the bunkhouse with us inside. Sure glad you had that notion we ought to stay in the house.”
“Me, too, but now I’m almost afraid to leave for fear someone will try to burn us out.”
Bret overheard her. “He won’t want to lose the house or barn. I’m surprised he’d set the bunkhouse on fire. Would have suited his pocketbook if he’d simply planned to slit our throats in our sleep.”
Moose rubbed at his jaw. “Might have been his intention ‘til he saw we weren’t there.”
Jimmy tugged at Bret’s sleeve. “Can I see the dead man?”
She snapped, “You may not.”
Bret put a hand on Jimmy’s shoulder. “He’s rolled in his blanket and not a good sight for anyone. Just remember that bad people come to a sad end.”
As soon as breakfast was cleared away, the six of them piled into the wagon and headed for Palo Pinto with the dead man draped over his horse that Bret had tied to the wagon.
Once they’d reported to Sheriff Haney, he took charge of the body. “Now how did this happen?”
Bret explained Charlotte’s premonition and what had happened.
The sheriff shook his head. “If that don’t beat all? I’m sure eager to get this matter settled so the county will go back to being a peaceful place to live.”
Bret drove the short distance down the street and parked in front of the bank. He helped Charlotte down while Moose set Susie on the boardwalk. Davie and Jimmy jumped to the ground.
Moose shifted from one foot to the other. “Y’all don’t need me. Reckon I’ll mosey around town.”
Bret shook his head. “Might need you as a witness. Do you mind waiting a bit to look over the town?”
Moose grinned. “Naw, I just didn’t want to butt into your business.”
Jimmy tugged on Charlotte’s sleeve. “Mama, can us kids go to the store and get some candy while you go to the bank?”
“No, you three will stay with me. Behave your best in the bank and I’ll take you to the store afterward.”
Susie took Jimmy’s hand. “We will.”
Inside, they went to Mr. Edmondson’s office. He stood when he saw them and smiled. “How are things going for you, Mrs. Dunn? Gentlemen? Won’t you adults have a seat? Sorry I don’t have enough chairs for the children also.”
The three adults each sat in the chairs facing his desk. The children stood straight and quiet against a wall.
Pleased her children were so well behaved, Charlotte adjusted the skirt of her lavender damask dress so the folds fell gracefully. “The children are fine standing by the door.”
She made introductions and gestured to Bret. “Mr. Craig has business with you today.”
Bret leaned forward. “Might as well get to the point. I’d like to pay off the mortgage you hold on Mrs. Dunn’s ranch.”
Mr. Edmondson’s smile widened. “I must say this is a relief, Mr. Craig. I trust this means she won’t have to leave the ranch. Let me gather the paperwork.” He turned to some files in a drawer behind his desk.
When he had a sheaf of papers in hand, he turned back to his desk. He mentioned the exact number owed. The sum was not outrageous—it had been a bargain for the amount of acreage acquired and part had been paid last fall. But when you had almost no money and no cattle, the amount seemed an unconquerable mountain.
Bret counted money as he placed it on Mr. Edmondson’s desk. When he’d reached the total, he leaned back in his chair. “That should settle the debt.”
The banker signed the deed then pushed a sheet of paper toward Bret. “Mr. Craig, if you would sign here, I’ll give you the deed.”
Bret took the pen and wrote his name where indicated. “There you are. Now, her debt is cleared.
