Bernie faced the door, hoping to make a clean break this time. A sarcastic voice spoke from behind.
“This ain’t over by a long shot. You keep a watch for old Sam coming to collect his merchandise.”
Chapter 7
Outside, Bernie scanned the storefronts and sighted the jailhouse. He crossed the road and went inside.
“Morning – Mr. Drysdale, isn’t it?”
“I’m at a disadvantage. Have we met?”
“I make it a practice to know who passes through town. The name’s Deputy Will, and Henry at the store told me he sent you out to help Mrs. Rimes. Was going pay a visit soon, make sure everything was all right.”
“She hired me. Lots of work to do around the place to prepare for spring planting.”
“We both know she’s as poor as a church mouse.”
“Food and a bed in the barn are worthy trades for surviving February in Wyoming.”
“Suppose you’re right,” he said. “What can I do for you?”
“There is a man, goes by the name of Sam Spalding. I understand he’s hired on at the Silver Aspen Ranch but seems to be in town when he should be working. The man has threatened Mrs. Rimes on a prior occasion and has now reminded me that he’ll be returning to the farm to claim his property – namely her. What gives this man the gall to talk like that about a widow woman, and what are you going to do about it?”
“Been called to settle arguments that the man creates every time he comes to town. Didn’t know about him visiting at the farm. You staying out there long?”
“Until spring for sure. No plans after that. She figures to make a living from her piece of land.”
“Without a man?”
“Appears so.”
Deputy Will chuckled. “Won’t last long. She’s a frail thing. She’ll hightail it and run when the going gets rough.”
“I wouldn’t count on that,” said Bernie. “So, what about her problem with that Sam character?”
“I’ll keep a closer eye on his comings and goings. Until he makes a move, my hands are tied.”
Bernie sighed. “Well, I appreciate you writing him up and keeping an eye to his activity. If he shows up at the farm, I may have to defend the lady.”
“That’d be fine with me too. One less troublemaker to worry about.”
Bernie nodded his head, “Good day to you, deputy,” and left the building.
He caught up with Janelle and Davey at the general store. She hurried over to greet him.
“Bernie, I dropped over to Belles Café and Joseph said that their part time waitress was in the family way and would appreciate a few months home. I’ll come every school day with Davey and work the breakfast and through lunch. I’m off at two but I can wait until the school bell rings at three.” She took a deep breath. “Isn’t it perfect? By spring I’ll have enough to pay off my store loan, buy a work horse and seed for the ground. And now you won’t have to hand out all your hard-earned savings on a family you barely know.”
Yesterday the idea had sounded better, but in light of his recent run in with Sam, he wasn’t so sure anymore. “Are you sure, Janelle? I don’t mind helping folks, especially those helping me. Seems we’re both getting a fair shake with the arrangements out on the farm.”
She backed off and her face clouded. “I thought you liked the idea of my working?”
“Just because I know how independent you are. No harm in that.” Bernie regrouped his thoughts. “Okay, here’s the deal. I’ll bring you and Davey in every morning and come pick you up at three.”
“That’s a nuisance,” said Janelle. “I was going to go and talk to Patrick at the livery about weekly payments on a good horse.”
Bernie squirmed. How could he object any further without telling her that Sam was still a threat? Honesty – isn’t that what they’d decided on? He sucked in a deep breath and blurted it out. “Ran into an old admirer of yours at the saloon. Seems the man is still smitten with the widow Rimes and plans on laying claim to his property.”
“I’ve no admirers,” Janelle began to dismiss his concerns when the identity of the culprit finally sunk in. She placed a hand to her throat and with more disgust than he ever heard from her lips, she said. “Sam Spalding thinks he owns me?”
“His words. The bloke is rather peeved that you let me stay out at the farm and ran him off at the end of your gun.”
“But you’re a gentleman and he’s a scoundrel – an offense to a respectable woman.”
Henry lingered within earshot and Bernie spoke to him. “What do you think? Is this Sam fella all talk?”
“Heard reports about his carryings on when he comes to town. Ranching doesn’t keep him busy enough in the winter, or he’s just plain lazy. I lean toward the second option.”
“Just concerned about Janelle and Davey traveling back and forth to town every day,” said Bernie.
“I see your point.” Henry looked at Janelle. “Maybe you should take your hired man up on his idea of an escort – for now anyway.”
“How will I survive alone if I don’t take a stand now? Bernie won’t be here forever to bail me out.” She squared her shoulders and that independent stance Bernie knew all too well replaced the fear. “I’ll not be bullied by the likes of that man. I have a gun and I’m not afraid to use it.”
“Spoke to a Deputy Will over at the jailhouse. He’ll be watching out too.”
Janelle gazed at him. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I want your boy to grow up with a Ma in her right mind standing by his side, not some defeated
