Bohanin's Last Days Read online

Not more than ten minutes had elapsed when the front door opened and a tall man, well dressed and handsome, entered the center hall. He was clean-shaven with streaks of gray through his temples. He waited quietly for Mrs. Johnson to step from the kitchen to attend to him. She addressed him as Mr. Bochart. Bohanin put aside his Harper’s Weekly for a moment to have a second look.

  Bochart requested Mrs. Johnson to summon Millie down as he had some final school board business to conduct. Bohanin was especially intrigued with Millie’s reaction when she stepped into the central hall within his view. She seemed strained and uncertain as she greeted Bochart. Bochart seemed uneasy as though he wanted a private conversation.

  “Why don’t I give you folks some privacy. You are more than welcome to use this room,” Bohanin offered.

  “Thank you, Captain. That won’t be necessary. We can go out on the porch,” Millie said.

  Bochart stood in silence.

  “I’m sorry, Logan. Where are my manners?” Millie asked. Logan Bochart this is Captain Bohanin from Kansas.”

  Bochart shook Bohanin’s hand. “ It’s nice to meet you. Yes, we can talk on the porch.”

  “It might be a bit chilly for the lady,” Bohanin said. “I believe I’ll free this space just in case. It was nice to meet you both.”

  The couple stepped to the porch.

  Bohanin neatly folded his paper and made preparations to go to his room. He thought of the odd mannerisms of Bochart and Toland. Maybe her leaving the district was more than just an opportunity to teach closer to her parents. Perhaps the board had made it uncomfortable for the young woman, or perhaps she was not happy with conditions at the school. Perhaps the board was just unhappy that the attractive and capable woman was leaving her position, especially since it was so difficult to get competent teachers in such an isolated area. Whatever the circumstances, it was certainly none of his business.

  Bohanin placed the paper on the table and blew out the lamp. As Bohanin started up the stairs, Mrs. Johnson stepped into the hall and asked if he would care for an evening sherry before he retired. Bohanin accepted graciously. Mrs. Johnson produced a decanter and filled two small glasses.

  Mrs. Johnson was quite pleasant and Bohanin found himself amused by her wit. She was exhausted from her long day and upon finishing her drink she bade him good night. Before leaving, she offered Bohanin a second glass of sherry. Bohanin accepted and rather than sit at the table, chose to return to the comfortable chair in the sitting room to enjoy a few moments with his sherry. Moonlight spilled into the room through the windows. Only the regular ticking of a mantle clock kept him company as he sipped his sherry and relived the events of the day.

  Millie Toland and Logan Bochart changed position on the verandah. There was a small padded bench directly in front of the window nearest to Bohanin’s chair. They moved so quickly that Bohanin did not have time allow them privacy.

  Millie Toland sat on the bench and Logan Bochart’s angry voice carried through the open window.

  “I can’t understand why you have elected to have this child.”

  Chapter VII

  Bohanin placed the empty glass of sherry on the table waiting for the teacher’s response.

  “It is so easy for you, isn’t it, Logan? It’s such an easy decision to send me to Denver for an abortion,” she said.

  “I don’t see any other choice. I’m in a delicate position. I could lose everything in the scandal. Augustina would set me out the door, penniless.”

  “There will be no scandal. Where I’m going, no one will know. I’ll tell them I’m a widow.”

  Bochart was silent for several moments before he spoke bitterly, “For now.”

  “Just what do you mean by that statement?”

  “It is one thing to make all of these plans for the moment. But later, when the child is older, when you consider the money, I can see where you’ll be back wanting more, wanting recognition of rights for the child,” Bochart said.

  “I told you. That will not be the case. As far as you or this child will be concerned, its father is dead.”

  “I know what you told me. I also know that you are well aware of the fact that Augustina and I will never have children of our own. We have fifty thousand acres of land and over two thousand head of cattle. The place is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Are you honestly trying to tell me that the temptation for you to get that property for your child isn’t or wouldn’t be present?”

  “That’s all it is to you, isn’t it? The money. Never mind the child or the fact that you’re the father.”

  “And why not? Do you know what I was before I married Augustina? Nothing. Just another drifter from the war. No future, certainly never any dreams of the position that I have now.”

  “Maybe you should have thought of that before you slept with me,” Millie said.

  “You know what it was like for me? Augustina is not capable of sex. I was lonely, starved for that kind of attention.”

  “And you certainly received your share from me, didn’t you, Logan?”

  “I told you the score from the beginning. You used me,” he said.

  “And you used me. Now you want me to give up this child, perhaps the only child that I will ever have. What kind of man are you?”

  “I’ll tell you what kind of man I am. If you ever come near Augustina with this information or if you ever try to gain recognition for that child, I will kill you and the child.”

  Bohanin thought of his revolver still hanging under his hat in the hallway. He felt his hands tightening on the arms of his chair.

  “Kill me? You couldn’t kill me, Logan. I know you better than that. And, you know me better than that. Give me the money for the care of the child and I will never darken your door again. Do you honestly think I would want my child to know what kind of man his father is, especially after the threat that you have just made? Give me the money and I will never even utter the name of Logan Bochart.”

  There was a long period of silence.

  “Here. There’s three thousand dollars. That’s all I can raise without Augustina becoming suspicious. Will that suit you?” Bochart asked.

  “It is more than generous,” Millie said coolly.

  “I think it is. That’s all the personal savings that I have. There isn’t any more, and the way Augustina is, there won’t be any more for quite a spell,” Bochart said.

  “This will do fine.”

  “I don’t ever want to see you again,” he said.

  “That’s fine with me,” Millie said as she started for the doorway.

  “Remember what I’ve said. If I ever see or hear from you again, if you ever threaten me with the presence of that child, I will destroy you both.”

  Millie stopped by the door. Her voice was trembling. “My God, how I hate you,” she said before advancing quickly up the staircase.

  Bohanin sat dumbfounded. He had heard of such things, especially in the military where officers are separated from their wives for lengthy periods of time. He knew that there were rumors of Custer fathering a child by an Indian woman. He could certainly see the attraction that the woman would have for such a man. He could see how the temptation of a woman such as Millie Toland would be great. He could understand that part of it. But to threaten the woman and the child with death was an abomination. Bohanin rose to see where the man had gone. Bochart was talking in the shadows to Nobel and Starbuck.

  Suddenly it all made sense. No wonder Nobel and Starbuck had acted as they had. They were testing Bohanin to see why he had come to Springfield and were trying to learn if he had any relationship with the school teacher.

  He watched as Bochart motioned toward the second story of the house. He was making plans to have the men kill the woman. He couldn’t be sure that the woman would remain silent in spite of the money. If his hired thugs could take care of her before she had the child then his problems would be solved. Bohanin retrieved his revolver and buckled his holster about his waist.

  T
he men turned and walked away together down the street.

  Bohanin relaxed and holstered his Colt. He went to his room and found his Winchester. He quickly loaded the rifle and returned to the chair in the sitting room, turning it about so he could stand guard watching out the window. He waited in the darkness, the Winchester across his lap, watching the shadows of the moonlit night.

  He saw a horseman coming down the street toward the boarding house. The rider came to the picket fence but remained mounted for several moments. It was Bochart. He strained to see what Bochart was doing, but the man simply sat on his horse staring at the house. Finally, Bochart turned his mount and rode off toward the south.

  After a few moments, Bohanin recognized Nobel and Starbuck ride past the house. They continued in the direction of the ranch.

  Bohanin stepped out onto the verandah and watched the riders make their way out of town. He paced about the verandah considering his options. He stepped into the yard and walked to the picket fence. He turned and faced the house. There was a light on in a second story room. There was movement in the room. He recognized that Millie was still awake, packing.

  Bohanin went to her room but hesitated before knocking. Eventually he mustered the courage and knocked softly.

  “Who’s there?” she asked.

  “Miss Toland, it’s Captain Bohanin. I know that it is late but I wonder if I might have a few words with you.”

  There were several moments of silence.

  “Captain Bohanin, this isn’t really very proper,” she said.

  “I know that Miss Toland. But it really is terribly important. Believe me, I don’t have any alternative.”

  Millie opened the door and looked down the hall to see if anyone else was present. She looked at the Winchester in his hand.

  “Come in, Captain. Quietly,” she said uncomfortably.

  Bohanin entered and placed the Winchester against her vanity. She watched him closely and shut the door.

  “You were in the sitting room, weren’t you?” she asked.

  “Yes, I was. I overheard everything,” Bohanin answered.

  “With the light out,” she accused.

  “Quite by accident, I assure you, madam. I had no intention of overhearing your conversation.”

  She nodded.

  “Please take a seat, Captain Bohanin. I’m sure we were a bit loud. Things were rather intense for a few moments.”

  “Believe me, I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t extremely concerned for your welfare,” Bohanin said as he sat in a rocker beside the window.

  “I don’t think there is anything you can do. It’s very noble of you to make this gesture, but I don’t see how your involvement would help anything.”

  Bohanin shook his head. “I don’t agree. I remained in the room after you left the verandah. I have knowledge of some things of which I am sure you are not aware.”

  Millie smiled. “You’re concerned about Logan’s threats.”

  “More than concerned. I have reason to believe that he truly does intend to have you killed.”

  “Nonsense. He’s just frightened. He doesn’t trust me. When I leave Springfield, all will be eventually forgotten,” she said.

  “He spoke to some men after you had gone to your room. He pointed your room out to the men. I have had dealings with these men. They are tough customers. I believe he was instructing them to kill you. I honestly believe he intends to make his threat good.”

  “If anyone but you were to come to me with such information. I know your reputation, Captain Bohanin. I believe you to be an honorable and stable man. But really, I can’t believe Logan would hand me three thousand dollars and then instruct his men to kill me.”

  “If you will forgive me, miss. I believe that it is exactly what he would do. The money will buy your silence until you are out of town. Somewhere away from here, he can see that you are done away with and the money retrieved.”

  Millie turned pale and sat on the edge of the bed.

  “What do you suggest, Captain?” she asked.

  “What are your plans?” Bohanin asked.

  “I intend to buy a rig and drive myself to Julesburg,” she said.

  “I thought as much. Madam, if you venture onto the plains alone, you will be at the mercy of those men. You are placing yourself in the perfect situation to be in harm’s way.”

  “No rail line goes north. No stagecoach makes the route. I have to go to Julesburg.”

  Bohanin nodded. “But you do not have to go alone?”

  “And you are gallantly offering me your protection?” she said with a smile.

  “Don’t let these old bones fool you, Miss Toland. In certain quarters I am considered a man of ability and resourcefulness. I am not a man to be trifled with.”

  “I believe you. Believe me when I say that I can think of no better man to be my knight in shining armor.”

  “I may look the part, but I am no Don Quixote. I have reason to believe that your life is in danger and I am offering you my protection to Julesburg. If I am wrong, you are certainly no worse off. If I am right, it may mean the difference between life and death.”

  A solemn expression grew across Millie’s face.

  “How would we go?” she asked.

  Bohanin smiled. “In my buggy. It is a new rig and quite well turned out. I could have you in Julesburg before week’s end. From there, you could go your way and I would go mine.”

  “Just a pleasant buggy ride with a gallant gentleman,” she smiled.

  “Nothing more, I assure you,” Bohanin answered.

  “You will allow me to pay you for your expenses?” she asked.

  “I won’t argue the point. Pay me or not, it’s entirely up to you.”

  “Yes, Captain Bohanin, I agree to accept your protection to Julesburg.”

  “Good. I’ll have my buggy ready out front at first light,” Bohanin said with a smile.

  Chapter VIII

  Starbuck cursed as he watched Bohanin loading the woman’s things into the buggy.

  “I knew that old fart was involved in this. Now what the hell do we do?”

  “Three thousand dollars is a lot of money. More money than we’ll ever see again in our lifetimes. Killing one more shouldn’t make that much difference,” Nobel answered.

  “One of us should still go back to the ranch and pass the news,” Starbuck suggested. “It could make a difference, although I doubt it.”

  “You’re the better tracker. In this country we’re going to have to give them quite a lead or they’ll spot us,” Nobel said.

  Starbuck nodded. “Fine. We know what trail they’ll follow. I’ll give them an hour or two before I start. If you don’t catch up with me, plan on meeting me near the washes. I’ll be camped in one of the gullies, out of sight.”

  “Should I get Espironsa?” Nobel asked.

  “Naw, this ain’t no three-man job. We’ll take the old man first then the woman. Make it look like Injuns done it.”

  “How?”

  Starbuck smiled. “By the way they find the woman’s body. Her being a woman and all, we can make it look like the Injuns wanted her.”

  “I wondered if you’d get to that,” Nobel said.

  “And why not? You didn’t think I was going to let all that go to waste. I mean, hell, if it’s good enough for Logan, it sure as hell is good enough for us,” Starbuck grinned.

  “For you. I want no part of that. We’re being paid good money for killing that woman. I don’t know that the boss will take much to our doing that,” Nobel said.

  “I hardly think it will make much difference after it’s over. Do you?”

  “No, I guess not,” Nobel said.

  Nobel mounted his horse and rode for the ranch, being careful not to be seen. Starbuck leaned on a hitch rail and spit in the dirt. He covered the spittle with the dust of the street with his boot as he considered how he would leave the evidence to make the assault look like Indians.

  Millie Toland was wearing
a plain blue cotton dress and a cape when she exited the boarding house. Netty accompanied her to Bohanin’s buggy.

  “I think it is a terribly grand gesture for you to escort Miss Toland to Julesburg, Captain Bohanin. I was hoping you’d spend more time with us, however,” Netty said.

  “I’ll have to return this way, Mrs. Johnson. I promise to stop,” Bohanin said as he helped Millie into the buggy.

  “I’ll take that as a promise, Captain,” Netty said.

  “Goodbye, Mrs. Johnson. I don’t know how to thank you for all your kindness these last two years,” Millie said.

  “It was a pleasure, child. I’m only sorry that you and Dawdrey were never able to work anything out. You would have made such a lovely couple.”

  “Give Dawdrey my love, won’t you?” Millie asked.

  “No, I won’t. I’ll tell him you said goodbye. I’m afraid if I said that, I’d break his heart.”

  “And you take care of yourself, Captain Bohanin,” Netty said.

  “I will. I’ll see you in a week if all goes right,” Bohanin said as he snapped his buggy whip to urge the mare forward.

  Netty waved several times as the buggy made its way to the north. Within a few miles the town of Springfield was only a few vague shapes on the horizon.

  Millie chose to speak when they were isolated upon the plains. “You must think that I’m quite a notorious woman.”

  “How’s that, Miss Toland?”

  “My relationship with Logan Bochart, and my condition.”

  “Young lady, when you get to be my age, you don’t get so excited about such things. People are human and make human mistakes. I doubt that such a thing will happen to you again. It has been my experience that we all do things in the passion of the moment that we later come to regret. It’s what makes us human.”

  “You’re a very open-minded man.”

  “Is that what you call it, Missy?”

  “I certainly don’t know what else you’d call it. There are certain people in Springfield that would be outraged by my actions. I can just imagine what Mrs. Johnson would say.”

  “Can you? I think you may be selling Netty a little short. You’re right about a lot of people. I’m sure they would raise a fuss. I’m sure there’s a certain element that would cause you all sorts of grief. But, I’ll bet you that Netty Johnson wouldn’t be one of them. More likely she’d come to your defense.”