Lovell's Prize Page 4

  "Put it on your expense account. Hell, I'll sign it."

  "What do you want to do?" Reeves asked.

  "I still need to go to Harper and check out some things. I figure Banford won't do much but there's a chance he might try to contact Nodine. I think we interrupted a meeting tonight and he's nervous about that. Someone needs to ride to Black Fork and see if there's anything to this story. If there is, we need to set a surprise party for Nodine."

  "I know that Poteau River country," Lovell said. "I can do that. I don't much like this spy business."

  "You willing to keep an eye on Banford?" Syle asked Reeves.

  "Yeah, the locals might know something," Reeves said.

  "Then it's settled. I want you boys to hang around for a while and try to make friends with Banford. He thinks you boys might be a couple of desperadoes. It might be he could use you for a while, Bass. But be careful. Too many men know you're a marshal and a black man will be noticed."

  "Where and when will we meet?" Lovell asked.

  "Right back here in one week. Hell, this is about half way. If it looks like Nodine will pull a raid pretty quick and you don't have time to ride back here, we'll wait one day then burn leather to Black Fork to try to give you some support. How's that sound?"

  "Well, hell, it's a plan," Lovell said.

  "I don't like splitting us up like this and putting everybody on their own but I don't know what else to do."

  "If we liked socializing, we wouldn't be marshals," Lovell smiled.

  "That's a fact," Pete said. "I'm getting out of here. Find someplace to make camp and sober up."

  "I just hope you remember what we planned," Reeves joked.

  "Don't worry, Bass. I was drinking moonshine when you were sucking on the sugar teat."

  Syle started down the portal.

  "You take care of yourself, old man," Lovell said.

  "Don't worry about me. I'll have Ned with me. Worry about your own selves. I got the easy job this round." He disappeared into the darkness.

  Lovell placed his Colt back under his bedroll, rolled over and drew up his blankets. He thought of the woman and the red mark on her cheek. He wondered why women put up with the abuse, especially one that could find a man anywhere. After a while he tried to think of contacts to make in Black Fork. Thinking about the woman would keep him awake all night and he needed his rest.

  Chapter 5

  The boy crawled quietly up the ladder through the loft portal and waited until Lovell or Reeves acknowledged him. He was small, sandy haired and sharp featured. He was nervous and reluctant to approach them. When Lovell saw him, the boy spoke with a nervous and quiet voice, his speech barely perceptible. "Mamma said you should come to breakfast."

  Lovell could barely hear him but was able to figure out what he was saying. "Is there a place where we can wash up?"

  The boy studied Lovell's face and nodded. "There's a bucket on the back porch. That's where we clean up."

  Lovell finished buttoning his vest and drew on his hat. He smiled. "Show the way."

  The boy nodded nervously and started down the ladder.

  Lovell turned to Reeves who was rolling up he bedroll. "Come on, we can finish that later. I could use a biscuit and some bacon."

  Reeves nodded. "And a good cup of coffee."

  The boy was waiting as they climbed down the ladder. Lovell tried to make some conversation to put him at ease. "What's your name, young man?"

  "Levi."

  "That's a good name. What do they call your sister?"

  "Rosy."

  They followed him across the yard toward the house. "This is a nice place. Do you like living here?"

  He didn't answer. Lovell decided he'd let the kid have some peace.

  The wash bucket was full with a dipper and two wash bowels waiting. As they washed Leah stepped to the back door with a towel. She smiled but did not speak. A moment later, Banford came to the door and she stepped back into the kitchen. Banford's eyes were swollen; he hadn't shaved and his hair was twisted into an undisciplined pattern of neglect.

  "There's a table over there under the maple tree. I'll bring your breakfast. You want coffee?"

  "A pot full," Reeves said.

  "I'll send the boy out. I don't want you going near the women."

  Lovell and Reeves were surprised by the odd transition. They studied each other's reaction to be certain they had not misunderstood and nodded. Banford stepped back into the house.

  "He sure keeps a close watch on his lady and the girl," Reeves said as they relaxed on stump seats next to a crude table.

  "Ain't my concern," Lovell said.

  Reeves smiled. "The hell it ain't. I know you better than that."

  "What that's supposed to mean?"

  "I never seen an hombre more likely to get on his white horse like some kind of knight and ride to the rescue of some skirt. What about that whore in Fort Smith who got cut up, or that gal getting slapped around at the stage depot, or Mike Webster's woman?"

  "Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's enough," Lovell said with an embarrassed grin. "You've made your point."

  Levi came out of the house managing two cups and a coffeepot that seemed almost as big as he was. Lovell jumped to his feet. "Here, here, youngster. Let me help you with that before you burn yourself." He lifted the pot from Levi's arms and set it on the table.

  Reeves took the cups and started to pour. The boy turned toward the house.

  "Thanks, son," Lovell said.

  Levi did not answer.

  "Odd, quiet little rascal, ain't he?" Reeves said.

  Lovell thought for a moment. "I think he's hard of hearing."

  "How you know?"

  "The only time we get a response out of him is when he's looking straight at us. If his back is turned, we get nothing. I'll bet the little guy can't hear worth a damn."

  "Could be," Reeves answered. "I didn't notice."

  Levi came out again, carrying two plates of biscuits and bacon. Lovell waited until the boy was at the table. "Thank you, young man."

  "You're welcome," he said with a grin. He turned back toward the house.

  "How about another biscuit?" Lovell asked as soon as he turned his back.

  Levi did not respond.

  Reeves nodded. "You're right about that. Deaf as a post."

  Lovell nodded. "Yeah, too bad. I hate to see that sort of thing."

  Banford came from the house carrying a coffee cup and a bottle. He worked his way to the table and took a seat. "You need a little something for your coffee?"

  Lovell declined. Reeves accepted.

  Banford filled his cup half full of the whisky and the rest with coffee. "Where are you fellows headed?"

  "We're there," Lovell said. "Thanks for the help with the marshal last night. I was in kind of a spot.

  "Figured as much," Banford said as he poured another whisky coffee mix. "If I ain't imposing, what are you fellows looking for?"

  "We need to lie low a while here in the Indian Territory. After a week or so, we thought we'd ride back to Missouri."

  "Missouri, huh? I could cut a deal with you for board and lodging. It might cost a bit if you want things kept quiet. I got a cabin near here. It's right cozy, out of sight and private."

  "How much?" Lovell asked.

  "Ten dollars a week," Banford said as he emptied his cup and grabbed the whisky bottle.

  "That's a little steep, isn't it?" Lovell asked.

  Banford nodded and smiled. "It is for most places but this place is real private and no one comes there, if you get my drift."

  Lovell turned to Reeves. "What do you think? You're the one who will be staying there."

  Reeves turned to Banford. "No one and I mean no one is to know I'm there."

  Banford nodded, then turned to Lovell. "What about you?"

  "I got some business to take care of. I may be back in a day or so and I may not."

  "Rents the same. Suit yourself."

  "Sounds good," Reeves said.<
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  "You know, I can be very helpful to fellows like you. We got us quite an operation here. We have buyers come in real regular, there's plenty of booze and I know how to get a hold of people and fresh mounts. If a man is hurt, I know a Indian who can help."

  Lovell nodded. "You do have an operation."

  "If you just let me know what you need and you're willing to pay the price, I can help with most anything."

  Lovell cut his eyes to Reeves then asked Banford. "Got any references?"

  Banford hesitated. "You'll have to take my word. I can't give that sort of information out."

  "You're awful friendly with that marshal," Reeves said.

  "Old Pete Syle? Don't worry about him. He just comes in for a drink or two on occasion. He's harmless."

  Lovell sipped his coffee. "Didn't look harmless to me."

  "I got to stay on his good side so's he don't become suspicious. Parker's marshals come through on occasion but they ride on. This is sort of neutral ground, if you get my drift."

  Lovell nodded. "Sounds cozy. We'll give it a try."

  "One other thing," Banford said. "Stay away from the woman. She ain't for sale. She's mine. You need a whore, I'll get you one, but you stay away from her."

  "What about the girl?" Reeves asked. "She's about the right age."

  Banford hesitated. "How much is she worth to a nigger?"

  "I don't know. You tell me."

  Banford poured another whisky. "She's thirteen. Right pretty. I'd have to make arrangements. Her mother wouldn't go for it but I'd need to talk to the girl. She's fresh. It would cost you."

  Reeves shook his head.

  "I know a half-black Cherokee woman. She's damn fine. I used her myself. She enjoys it. I think she'd be better for the likes of you," Banford said.

  "But if I wanted the girl?" Reeves persisted.

  Banford smiled. "We'd work something out." He stood. "I'll get you some bedding for the cabin. I'll take you down there when you're ready."

  As he walked toward the house, Lovell harshly cut his eyes to Reeves. "What the hell was that business about the girl?"

  "I just wanted to see how low a character he was. Pimp his own woman's child. Shit, I'll bet he'd sell the woman if he was short of whisky."

  Lovell nodded. "Be careful. I don't trust him. Keep sharp or you're liable to get your throat slit. A lot of gents ride into the Territory and simply disappear. If he thinks you have anything worth stealing, you might not wake up some morning."

  "When you leaving?"

  "Might as well go now. We're getting nowhere here and it will take me three days to get to Black Fork."

  They went to the barn and Reeves helped him saddle his horse. They took leave of each other and he started down the trail toward Arkansas. When he reached the creek at the bottom of the hill, the woman was sitting on the bank, washing her legs and feet. Her legs were slender and well formed. She looked up, acted surprised, and lowered her skirt below her knees.

  "You're leaving then," she smiled. "Where's your friend?"

  Lovell tipped his hat. "He's staying on a while. I've got some business to attend to."

  "Are you coming back this way?"

  He stopped his horse at the bank and allowed it to drink. "Yes, I imagine I will unless my plans change."

  She looked to the water. "Rance doesn't know you are a marshal."

  "You didn't tell him?" Lovell asked, wondering if he should return and tell Reeves that she did remember him from Fort Smith.

  "No, I don't interfere in his business. He told me to ask no questions so I don't ask and I don't tell."

  Lovell was surprised by the answer. He could read the resentment in her voice and manner. "You don't have to stay with a man like him, you know."

  She did not look at him, choosing instead to stare into the water. "I don't? How would you know?"

  "It's none of my business, but it strikes me that an attractive young woman like you could do better. There's no reason for a woman to have to take a beating or be treated like property."

  "It ain't as bad as it looks."

  "Isn't it?"

  "He's good to the children."

  "Is he?"

  She looked up. Frustration was etched across her features. "You don't know how it is. You don't know me."

  Lovell looked levelly into her eyes, as if trying to read into her soul. "I know the girl is part Indian from your kidnapping. I know the boy can't hear very well. I know you've had a rough go because of your past. I also know that such things won't matter to the right man."

  She turned away. "I'm no good. No decent man would want me. He treats me well enough and he loves Levi. That's more than I've had before."

  Lovell paused. "Then why don't you tell him I'm a marshal?"

  "I don't want anyone hurt."

  "Strikes me that someone is bound to get hurt eventually."

  "At least I won't be the cause." She picked up a small stone and tossed it into the creek.

  "Don't change your mind. If anything happens to Bass Reeves I'll be looking for you as well as him."

  She turned. Her light blue eyes glistened with emotion. "Don't threaten me, Marshal. There's nothing you can do that will hurt me. If I'd a wanted to hurt your friend, I'd have said something long before now."

  He hesitated and nodded. "Alright, I'll trust you. You have a point."

  She smiled wryly. "Do you always make it a habit of telling people you barely know how to live their lives?"

  He smiled and turned his horse into the creek. "Yep, it's the lawman in me. Especially when a woman is being abused. It's your choice but if you ever want out, get a hold of me. I'll make sure you and your children are protected."

  "And if I was twenty years older and fifty pounds heavier?" she asked.

  He stopped the gelding and turned in the saddle. He again allowed his eyes to burn into her. "It wouldn't matter who you were, or how old, or how attractive."

  She smiled slightly. Her eyes settled into his. "I believe you."

  He returned the smile and rode on.

  She watched him go and wondered if she could believe him.

  Once he was out of sight, he tied his horse in some brush along the trail and made his way on foot back to the buildings. He believed her but it made good sense to warn Bass Reeves that she knew.

  Chapter 6

  The trail to Black Fork was narrow, rocky, and shrouded with overhanging branches and shrubs. Lovell didn't like traveling some of the Ozark trails into either Missouri or Arkansas and this was no exception. It was slow going and a rider had to keep to the trail to maintain his bearings. The Ozarks were a haven for road agents and footmen on the prowl. It was too easy for a man on foot to sneak up behind a rider and gun him down. The isolation of the region made for a citizenry that made its own laws and had little respect for federal marshals. Many marshals, especially those on the scout like Lovell, made a habit of concealing their badges until it was time for official action to be taken. The badge branded a man and made him a target of every tough on the trail. Lovell never really knew the history of any stranger he met on the trail but his badge instantly told his. It was a disadvantage that he did not care to endure.

  He was midway through the second day of traveling when he came upon a buggy parked at the edge of the trail near a stream crossing. The buggy's right front wheel was busted and it rested precariously against a group of rocks. A small camp was situated a few yards away in a narrow clearing with a bay horse staked in the trees. No one was visible. He rode to the buggy and examined it without stepping down. He turned around in his saddle and swept the area for any sign of the owner. "Hello, there. It anybody around?"

  A tall blonde woman in her thirties and two adolescent girls stepped into the clearing. She held a cocked Henry rifle with the barrel down but could use it at a moment's notice. Lovell studied her carefully. She was well dressed and quite attractive. Her dark blue eyes were set deeply into an evenly featured narrow face. She was gracefully thin and
moved smoothly. The girls were copies of their mother and held the promise of inheriting her beauty.

  "Is your man about?" Lovell asked.

  "He went to get some help," she said.

  Lovell cut his eyes to the horse staked in the trees. He figured she was lying. Her man would not have walked from such an isolated spot if he could have ridden. But he might have had another mount or might have been too green to realize what bad country they were in.

  The first thing Lovell had to do was put the woman and the rifle at ease. She acted like she knew how to use it and she was nervous. He reached slowly into his vest pocket and produced his badge for her to see. "My name is Don Lovell. I am a deputy United States marshal. You have nothing to fear from me."

  Her eyes focused on the badge. She sighed when she recognized that it was a marshal's badge and seemed to relax. "I have a bit of a problem."

  "May I step down and give it a look?" he asked.

  "Please. I'd appreciate it. My name is Bonny Black. These are my daughters Stacy and Melinda Runyon."

  The younger of the girls, Melinda, stepped forward to take the reins of his horse. He thanked her and went to the buggy. The right front wheel had two broken spokes.

  "I did it when we crossed the creek. My wheel dropped into a hole. We heard the spokes snap against the rocks."

  Lovell nodded as he studied the spokes. "You are thirty miles from the nearest settlement. Which way did your man go?"

  She hesitated. "I have no man. We are traveling alone."

  Lovell shook his head without looking up. "I figured as much. This is no place for a woman and two girls to be traveling alone."

  "I know. I didn't feel I had much of a choice. I am trying to get back to my parents' place in Kansas. I'm pretty good with a rifle."

  "You aren't good enough. Not if the wrong people find you."

  "You don't need to try to scare me. I've already kicked myself for making the decision."

  He looked up and smiled. "No, I probably don't. I'm sure you've been mighty concerned."

  She smiled back. It was a pretty smile. "I have been. Can you fix it?"