Brave the Wild Wind

Chapter 10

TROUBLE began soon after they rode into Cheyenne. They left their horses at the livery stable, and Jessie went on to the hotel to get a room. She hadn’t told Chase her plans, so he was obliged to follow her, wondering what she had in mind. They were barely speaking. Jessie told him where he could find a doctor if he thought it was necessary, and then she continued to ignore him. Her set features and angry stride told him she didn’t want his company, and he knew damned well that if he asked about her plans she would tell him it was none of his business.

At the hotel, Jessie signed the register, and then Chase started to do the same. But before he could even finish, the book was suddenly snatched out of his hands.

“It’s just like he said, Charlie,” the man next to Chase called over his shoulder, chuckling. “There’s a K in front of her name.”

“Do you mind, friend?” Chase said angrily.

“Oh, sure thing, mister.” The man shoved the register back in front of Chase. He grinned. “Just wanted to check something.”

As he walked away, Chase glanced at Jessie’s name. Yes, there was a K in front of it. He then turned around to see that her path to the front door had been blocked by a squat, barrel-chested fellow. The lanky man who had just left Chase came up behind Jessie and slipped her gun out of her holster before she could stop him.

Chase waited for her reaction. It would be nice to see her let loose her terrible temper on someone else for a change.

But Jessie was just standing there, her back stiff, her hands on her hips, glaring.

“So Laton wasn’t joshin‘.” Charlie laughed. “He said the name on the deed was Kenneth Jesse Blair. But I said no, old Blair must have a son somewhere. That’s who he’s left his ranch to. Couldn’t be no girl named Kenneth. Didn’t I say that, Clee?”

“Your exact words,” the lanky Clee agreed, nodding.

“But Laton was right as usual,” Charlie went on. “We got us a bona fide Kenneth here. Don’t she look just like a Kenneth?”

“Britches and all,” Clee agreed again, snickering.

“You’ve had your fun, mister, and I’ve had enough of you,” Jessie said in a low voice, looking at Clee. “I’ll take my gun back now.”

“Will you?” Clee grinned. “What for, unless you’re man enough to use it. Are you man enough?”

The men laughed, delighted at the jest. Jessie didn’t think twice before she threw a punch at Clee’s mouth. Her gun dropped out of his hand, and Charlie’s face mottled with rage. He kicked her gun out of reach and grabbed her arms.

Chase had seen enough.

“Let the lady go, friend,” Chase said, shoving Clee against a wall.

“You call this wildcat a lady?” Charlie growled.

He released Jessie, however, and she retrieved her gun. “Did Bowdre send you to harass me?” she demanded, facing Charlie squarely.

Charlie didn’t like this turn of events. Laton wouldn’t like to hear about this. If she went to him and made a fuss in front of others, he would be furious. Laton wanted to be sure no one would point a finger at him.

“Laton don’t want no trouble with you, gal. All he wants is his money. It was Clee’s idea to have a little fun with you. And we were only funnin‘. You just ain’t got no humor, gal,” Charlie grumbled.

“Oh, I’ve got humor.” Jessie smiled unpleasantly. “I’d think it was real funny if I put a ball in your gut.”

And then she said, “Just stay away from me, mister.”

“Real pleasant, ain’t she?” Charlie sneered as he and Clee watched her stalk out the door.

Chase caught up with her in the middle of the street. “Hold up, kid.” He had to grab her arm to make her stop.

“What do you want?” she snapped.

He looked at her incredulously. She was actually angry because he had interfered!

“I swear, kid, someone ought to take a stick to you. You can’t go around throwing your fists at anyone you please. Next time you might not be so lucky.”

“Who the hell made you my guardian angel, Summers?” she spat.

They were at a standoff—again. And she was right. He wasn’t her keeper.

He grinned. “I thought we agreed you would call me Chase.”

“I have a name, too, and it’s not ‘kid,’ ” Jessie said stonily.

He laughed. “Touché.” She continued walking and he fell into step beside her. “Where are you going now—if you don’t mind my asking?”

“To the sheriffs office.”

“Because of what just happened?”

“Now why would I bother the sheriff about that?” She seemed truly puzzled.

“Then why?”

“Who would know better who’s in town, who’s just passing through, who’s looking for work? I’m hoping he’ll have a few suggestions so I can finish my business today and head back to the ranch in the morning.”

“Then I’ll just come along with you, if you don’t mind,” he said. “The sheriff should be told about our encounter with that Indian.”

Jessie stopped short. “Why?”

“There could be others in the area,” Chase replied. “Don’t you think he should know?”

“No,” she said emphatically. “Look, the sheriff would only laugh at you if you started jabbering about hostiles in the area. He knows better. But if other people heard you, it could cause a ruckus. Then you’d look mighty foolish, because Little Hawk was alone, and I’m sure he’s already gone back north.”

She walked on, but Chase didn’t follow any longer. He stared after her with eyes like burning coals. She’d done it again, made him feel like a complete ass. Damned if she didn’t do it on purpose!

He found a saloon without much searching. After several drinks he was able to cool down. He even joined in a card game. It was a surprise to find himself introduced to Laton Bowdre, sitting in on the game. The skinny, mustached man with thin, wispy hair, sharp cheekbones, and a decidedly avaricious look about him was just what Chase had pictured. The day wasn’t going to be a total loss after all.