Jessi said, “I’d like to call her Eula and see if she turns around.”
Griffin shrugged. “Might work. Sometimes it’s the little things that give people away.”
Neil said, “That’s true. Remember that greenhorn Pinkerton that tried to pass himself off as an outlaw back when Rosita owned that saloon up near Denver?”
Two Shafts began to laugh, “The one with the Bloomingdale boots!”
“That’s him.”
Preacher laughed too. “Bloomingdale boots?”
Griffin joined in. “Yeah. We’re in the saloon and this kid comes over and says he wants to join the gang. Starts bragging about the outlaws he knows, how many trains he’s robbed. We don’t believe him of course, because we were the ones who’d done one of the jobs he was taking credit for.”
Neil slid a pan of biscuits into the oven then took up the tale. “We figured he was either a Pinkerton or a cinder dick not only because of his lies, but because of his boots.”
Preacher asked, “What was wrong with his boots?”
“They were brand spanking new, not a speck of dirt on them.”
Neil said, “When Shafts admired them and asked him where he got them, the fool boy said, ‘Bloomingdale Brothers’.”
Two Shafts began to laugh again. “And Miss Jessi, you should’ve seen his face. The moment those words came out of his mouth he knew the jig was up.”
“What happened next?” Jessi asked, thoroughly amused.
“We took him outside, hauled him over to the train depot, and hung him up on the water tower. When he finally managed to get himself down, he took the very next train out of town.”
Jessi smiled. Any fool would know that folks out here didn’t order boots from the New York-based Bloomingdale Brothers. Abe Thomas’s store had one of the big back east store’s catalogs and you could order everything from fashions to dry goods to housewares. However, folks out here ordered their boots from places like Justin’s, one of Texas’s premier boot makers because they made boots to last.
Neil came and took a seat at the table while he waited for his biscuits to bake. “What I don’t understand is why’d the sheriff change his mind?”
Jessi replied, “Guilt, mostly—that, and what Griffin said to him about his mother’s dying as we were leaving. It touched a chord in him, I believe.”
Preacher quoted, “In my distress I cried unto the Lord and he heard me.;”
“Psalm one hundred and twenty,” Griffin said solemnly.
Preacher smiled. “I’m impressed.”
“My mother loved the psalms.”
Jessi was also impressed and moved. She remembered that the only keepsake of his mother he possessed was her Bible.
Two Shafts had a question. “Well, let’s suppose this really is Minerva Darcy. Do you think her husband knows about her past?”
Jessi shrugged. “It’s hard to tell. Everybody in town is whispering about all the drinking he’s been doing.”
“I’d drink too, if I had Reed for a father and Minerva for my wife.” Griff quipped.
Preacher asked, “Miss Jessi, didn’t I hear you say that the drifter wanted to know if Roscoe Darcy was her new pigeon?”
“Yes.”
“Then that tells me he probably doesn’t know.”
“But what could she be up to?”
“The Wanted poster says that when she vanishes, so do large sums of money,” Neil pointed out. “Maybe she’s after Darcy’s money clip.”
“Well, if this really is her, I can’t take her off your hands until we get some proof,” Preacher told them.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Jessi said.
After dinner, Two Shafts and Neil rode into town to see Auntie’s girls and Preacher went to avail himself of the midweek service at the church. Although Jessi had been baptized at Vale’s King David A.M.E., she and Joth hadn’t attended in many years. Being hissed at while you’re praying tends to discourage attendance.
Jessi and Griffin were on the rooftop watching the sunset, each very much aware that they were alone for the first time in what felt like weeks. Griffin looked out at the sun making its slow descent and thought about how he’d slept apart from her last night. He didn’t like being separated from her. “I missed you last night.”
“I missed you too,” she admitted truthfully. It pleased her that they were able to reach an understanding and patch things up without a lot of yelling and recriminations. “Are you really going to repair the roof?”
“Yep.”
Jessi thought it time to ask the obvious question. “Have you ever done it before?”
He chuckled. “Quite a few times actually. Reverend Blake was a carpenter by trade. Learned all I know from him.” He laughed at her look of amazement. “Bet you thought all I could do was rob trains and chase pretty women.”
“Frankly yes.”
“Well, now you know different. A man has to be able to provide for his family.”
Jessi held his eyes. Was this man really serious about wanting her for his wife? He seemed to be quite serious. “Griff, I’m not marrying you.”
“Can’t talk about that right now, Jessi Rose. I’ve got a sunset to watch.”
So they watched the sunset, and after the colors were extinguished by the darkness he said, “I had a dream last night.”
“What was it about?”
“Me and you making love.”
Seated next to him in the dark, she smiled but said nothing.
“We were in a big bed that had carvings all along the headboard.”
“What type of carvings?”
“I didn’t see them real close because I was too busy watching you.”
“And what was I doing?”
“Shouting the house down, of course.”
She punched him in the arm.
His voice then turned serious. “I think I’m supposed to make that bed.”
For the first time, Jessi turned to him and she searched his night-shrouded eyes. “What do you mean?”
“I believe I’m supposed to build that bed. I don’t know why, but it’s how I felt when I woke up this morning.”
Jessi hadn’t an inkling as to how to react to such a statement.
“You’re probably wondering if I’ve been dipping in the tequila.”
“A bit.”
“I’ve been a dreamer all of my life, so was my mother. Sometimes, I see little glimpses of things that may be coming my way. Like Joth. I looked into his eyes that first morning I was here and knew I’d seen him before and I had—in one of my dreams.”
Jessi shrugged. “You know, if I hadn’t been around Gillie all of my life, I would think you’d been sneaking tequila, but there are many things in this world we can’t explain, and even a skeptic like me can be a believer sometimes. So, if you wish to make a fancy hand-carved bed because you dreamed it, then you have my blessing.”
“And after it’s done, I’ll invite you to a very private christening ceremony,” he promised, as he nibbled her ear.
“I can’t wait.”
His caresses journeyed down the soft skin of her neck. “So, how’re you holding up on our little wager? Still think you can last the rest of the week?”
She turned her head so she could brush her lips across his mouth. “Truthfully, no.”
His grin and kiss mingled. “What happened to all that stamina you were bragging about?”
Her eyes and voice were filled with a sultry innocence. “What bragging? I never bragged about anything…” She then gave him a kiss that she hoped would make him forget all about the bet.
When she slowly eased away, he traced her kiss swollen lips and husked out, “You’re getting real good at this…real good…”
He dragged her onto his lap and then showed her just how good he thought her kisses to be. Soon, the buttons on her blouse were surrendering one by one and he began seductively wooing each newly bared patch of skin. He bared her breasts next and Jessi could feel the night air m
ingling with the heat of his hands as they stroked her peaks until they hardened and sang. He took one into his mouth and then the other, driving her wild and making her arch back over his strong arm.
“I think we’d better go inside,” he murmured against her throat. “The moon’s coming up…”
Jessi didn’t want to go inside; she didn’t want to do anything but ride the bliss-filled sensations he created inside her.
He wantonly rolled a nipple between gentle fingers and she crooned just for him.
He pressed his lips to hers. “Come on.”
He took her by the hand and led her to the hole in the roof. A hazy and pulsing Jessi climbed down the ladder after him, but about three quarters of the way down, she felt his presence behind her and then the warm, strong feel of his hands sliding up her bare legs beneath her skirt.
“Hold still a minute…”
She could do nothing as his brazen hands began to explore. He raised her skirt and set her slowly and exquisitely afire. Jessi sagged against the ladder as he played. He silently but erotically coaxed her to widen her stance and she did so breathlessly, willingly. Her compliance only made him that much bolder and Jessi knew she’d never be able to climb this ladder again without remembering this sweet seduction. He untied her drawers and eased them down her legs. Firm and possessive hands toured her now bare hips and the treasures they sheltered. Just when she thought she would die from the pleasure, he took her down and carried her to her room. They were so eager for each other, they barely took the time to remove their clothing. All Jessi wanted was to be filled by the hard soft power of him and he was more than ready to oblige. They made love wildly, possessively, magnificently, and when they finally exploded into nirvana, Jessi wasn’t the only one shouting the house down.
Afterward, as they lay sated in the dark, quiet room, he held her close and said, “Now that you’ve lost the bet, how’re you planning on paying up?”
Still dressed in her blouse, an outdone Jessi looked up at him. “We both lost the wager. You ambushed me coming down the ladder.”
“And you loved it, admit it.”
She grinned. “That has nothing to do with this discussion.”
“Sure it does. When we were up on the roof, what did you say when I asked if you could really last the rest of the week?”
“I don’t remember.”
He pulled her on top of him and filled his hands with her silk-skinned behind. “You don’t remember?”
Jessi could feel him hard and vibrant against the front of her thighs. “No.”
“Then maybe you remember this…”
She heralded the slide of his maleness into her softness with a throaty gasp of delight. The dulcet pace of the rhythm he set made her purr. “I remember this…”
“I thought you would.”
In the end, Jessi surrendered. She admitted losing the wager, and as the passion climbed she agreed to forfeit whatever he desired. Griffin rewarded her for her truthfulness until fulfillment shattered them both.
The return of Joth, Gillie, and Doyle a few days later fueled a celebration. Jessi was so glad to see her nephew, she kept grabbing him close and hugging him. He squirmed of course but didn’t balk too much because he was happy to be home. Jessi and Griff introduced Doyle and Gillie to the Twins and Preacher, then invited them to stay for the evening’s meal. Neil cooked a grand dinner and everyone ate until they were stuffed.
After dinner, Gillie and Jessi took a walk across the open land behind the house. Gillie needed to stretch her ancient legs after sitting through the day-and-a-half journey to Austin, and Jessi was more than happy to leave the boisterous, wall-rattling atmosphere evoked by the men for a while.
Once the two women were out of earshot, Gillie stopped and said, “Now I can hear myself think. Lord, men are noisy.”
Jessi’s affection for Gillie showed in her smile, “I keep telling myself I’ll adjust to it, but I haven’t so far.”
Jessi set down the stool she’d been carrying for Gillie to sit upon, in case she got tired during their walk. Gillie sat and Jessi chose a spot in the thick dry grass at her feet.
“Did Joth have a good time?”
Gillie smiled. “Yes, he did. We all did. How about you? Did you and Griffin have a good time?”
Jessi lowered her head, hoping Gillie wouldn’t see just how good a time she’d had, but Gillie wasn’t fooled. “That wonderful a time, huh?”
Jessi looked up and wondered if her happiness really showed.
“Well, I’m glad. It’s about time somebody started showing you some tenderness and care.”
Jessi rested her chin on her knees. “He’s so unlike any other man I’ve met. He’s caring, funny, strong when he needs to be, gentle too. He wants to marry me.”
“And you said?”
“No.”
“No? Jessi Rose Clayton, what is wrong with you?”
“He’s younger than I am.”
“And? A man like that will have energy long after you’ll ever need it.”
“Gillie!” Jessi giggled with wide eyes.
“I haven’t always been this old, little girl.”
“Little girl” had always been Gillie’s diminutive for Jessi.
“All right, then, what about his profession? He robs trains.”
“If he wants you for his wife, I don’t think train robbing’s going to be much of a priority anymore.”
Jessi had to admit he had talked about wanting to change his life. “Gillie, I’m a fairly intelligent woman, and women like me do not go cow eyes over a man in less than two weeks.”
“Why not? Some liaisons catch like lightning and burn for a lifetime.”
Jessi pulled up some blades of grass. “Not for me. It wouldn’t make sense.”
“Jessi you’ve built your whole life on decisions that made sense, and look what it’s gotten you. Do you care about him?”
“I do. In fact, I think I’m in love with him.”
“Then what is wrong with you? Glorious men like that do not go around courting old women like us everyday unless they have railroad cars crammed with gold, and since we both know you do not—he must be sincere.”
“But for how long?”
“What do you mean how long?”
“Will he stay?”
“Who knows? I can’t answer that question.”
“Neither can I, and I don’t want my heart broken. I keep envisioning waking up one morning and finding a note on the kitchen table telling me he’s gone.”
“No woman wants to be hurt, Jessi, but it comes with the territory sometimes.”
“Then why risk it?” Jessi asked, continuing to yank at the blades of grass.
Gillie placed a gentle hand on her arm. “Because you, of all the people I know, deserve some happiness in your life, even if it’s only for a little while.”
Jessi mulled over her mentor’s advice.
Gillie declared, “I was right to come home when I did. You needed me back here to keep you from making a fool of yourself.”
Jessi chuckled and shook her head. “What would I do without you?”
“Probably throw away this chance at happiness, and that would be too bad.”
Their eyes held, then Gillie placed a tender hand on Jessi’s cheek. “He can bring you light, Jessi Rose, embrace it. You’ve lived in the dark for too long.”
Jessi looked up and nodded.
“Good girl. Now let me walk these old bones back. I brought you something from Austin.”
The something turned out to be a dress. She and Gillie were behind the closed door of Jessi’s bedroom when Jessi lifted it from the box. It was beautiful, fashionable, and blue. Due to the life she led, Jessi didn’t dress up very often. In fact she owned very little clothing outside of her everyday wear. She’d no idea when she’d get the opportunity to wear such a lovely garment, but when the time came, she’d be prepared. She walked over and kissed Gillie’s soft brown cheek. “Thank you.”
“
You’re welcome.”
Jessi hung the dress in her wardrobe as Gillie asked, “Anything of import happen in Vultureville while I’ve been away?”
Vultureville was the name Gillie had given Vale many years ago.
“They’re still calling me whore.”
Gillie shook her head. “Have you heard from Bob?”
“Griffin says Bob is dead.”
“I know I shouldn’t say this, but I’m glad to hear it. You’ve had enough hell for one lifetime. Have you and Griffin broached those years yet?”
“No.”
“You’ll have to eventually, you know that?”
“Yes, I do.”
It was not a discussion Jessi wanted to have either. She’d no idea how Griffin would react to hearing about the eighteen months she spent riding with Calico Bob and his gang, and truthfully, she dreaded the prospect.
“It might be easier to tell him than you think.”
Jessi wanted very much to believe Gillie, but Jessi didn’t know. She did know that if she agreed to marry Griffin, he’d have to hear the story beforehand just in case he wished to change his mind.
The men were in the kitchen playing dominoes, and by all the yelling and laughter coming through Jessi’s bedroom door, it was quite apparent they were having a good time. “I need to get Joth into bed,” Jessi told Gillie. “Oh, by the way, Lydia Cornell sent some eggs over the other day, along with a hello to me.”
“Lydia Cornell!” Gillie exclaimed. “Was she drunk?”
Jessi laughed. “I asked the same question. And Garland Findley let Griffin buy enough wood and supplies to fix my roof.”
Gillie’s old eyes were perplexed. “Does Reed know about this?”
“I’m not sure. And Uncle Cap’s quit as sheriff and is leaving town.”
“That poor man. He was never the same after Betsy died.”
Jessi then told her about the visit Casper Hatcher paid and their attempt at reconciliation.
“That’s good, Jessi. Glad to hear that somebody’s making peace.”
“I doubt we’ll ever be as close as we once were, but I will miss him, and he left me something quite remarkable.”
Jessi told Gillie about the Wanted poster that might or might not be Minerva.
Gillie’s eyes lit up like Christmas morning. “Wouldn’t that be something if it did turn out to be true? Embezzlement, huh? It would serve Reed right if she took every cent he has. Well, that is very interesting. When I get home, maybe I’ll do a little sniffing around myself. Is it okay if tell Valeria?”