Every Little Thing About You (Yellow Rose Trilogy 1) (31 page)

"Since I haven't figured you out--yes."

"What's to figure out?"

Liberty's look was pointed, but Slater had no time to

question her.

Every Littk Thing About You 223

"So tell us, Cash," Kate began, "how large is your

ranch?"

That started the conversation ball rolling, and in seemingly

no time at all, Slater said he had to get to work,

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thanked his host and hostess, and stood.

"I'll walk you out," Liberty offered after Cash told him

he would see him that night at the Hathaways'.

Slater stopped on the porclj, turning to Liberty as she

came out and shut the door.

"So whaf s to figure out?"

"What?" Liberty questioned right back.

"Thafs right. What?"

Liberty laughed. "I think next time I'll keep my mouth

shut."

"Don't do that. 111 never find out."

Liberty could hear the smile in his voice. There was so

much she wanted to say but found her mouth empty.

"Griff will be looking for me/' Slater spoke when she

didn't. "I'd better scoot."

"Okay. Thanks for coming.''

"Thank you. Take care of Cash for me."

"We'll do that."

Slater hesitated. There had been one advantage about

working construction: Come darkness, you had to quit

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Seeing no hope for it, he bid Liberty goodnight and went

on his way, asking himself when he was going to have time

to get to know this woman better.

"It was nice of you to show me the way, Ubby," Cash

said as they walked toward the Hathaways'. "If s too bad

Slater couldn't be with us."

When Liberty didn't answer, Cash pressed her a little

more.

"You do wish Slater could join us, don't you, Libby?"

"I wouldn't have believed it!" she exclaimed suddenly.

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"What?" Cash asked from some distance over her

head, his voice indicating true confusion.

"Your Texas Ranger brother was something of a matchmaker

too. I wouldn't have thought it could run in the

family."

392

Cash hooted with laughter, but just as soon as he found

his breath, he tried again.

"What did Dak learn?"

"No more than you're going to."

"Come on, Libby," he coaxed, having swiftly fallen into

easy familiarity with her. "Just a hint."

Liberty stopped in the street and looked up at him,

dark as it was.

"What is it you want to know?"

"Just how you feel about Shotgun's deputy. Nothing

more."

"Is that all? Well, if I had known that..."

Liberty began walking again/-and Cash fell into step

beside her.

"In case you haven't noticed, Dak and I think a lot of

Slater," he said after half a block. "Watching him with you

makes us care about you as well."

Liberty stopped suddenly, her heart coming to her

throat.

"What do you see when he's with me?"

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"Ah, Libby," Cash replied, his voice gentle. "He'll have

to tell you that."

Cash heard her sigh in the dark.

"Going to finish walkingme to the house now?"

"I already did. That's the Hathaways' right there."

Cash looked toward the trim two-story and back to his

companion. "Well, thank you, Libby. I appreciate your

showing me."

"You're welcome, Cash. I'm glad you can stay a few

days. It should be fun."

"Indeed."

Every Little Thing About You 225

"Goodnight," Liberty said and started away, coming

to a stop only when Cash fell into step beside her. "Where

are you going?"

"I'm going to walk you back," Cash said simply. "I

can't let a lady walk all the way home after dark. And

besides," he added outrageously, "I just might get some

information out of you yet."

394

They started back toward the Peterson house to the

sound of Liberty's laughter.

gr

"Oh, you're cold. Have you been outside?" Tess asked

as Griffin climbed into bed late Friday night

"Yes. We had to check out a disturbance at the Potters'

--one that turned out to be nothing at all--and

Maddie Flowers kept us standing on her porch until she

was completely dressed."

"And all for nothing."

"Yes. The Potters must have started early in the day,

because everyone but Rush was passed-out drunk."

"What had Mrs. Flowers wanted?"

"She said she heard noises, and this time we thought

we'd catch them in the act. It was dead quiet by the time

we arrived, and she was ready for bed."

Tess laughed at his disgruntled tone. Griffin kissed her.

"Your man is freezing in the cold, and all you can do is

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laugh."

Tess chuckled again.

"If I wasn't so tired, I'd kiss you again," he threatened.

Tess only snuggled close. "There's always the morning."

Griffin sighed "and talked to himself. "It's like you've

known for some time now, Griff, you should have married

the woman the moment you laid eyes on her."

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Tess chuckled softly this time, thanking God as she

often did that He had brought her husband home safely

one more time.

gl-%r

kay/'

Liberty said to her small charges the next

morning, "we're going into the general store next. Josie,

you stick close to Laura, and both of you remember to look

with your eyes, not your hands."

Little heads bobbed in agreement, and Liberty watched

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as her sister, an old pro at shopping, led Josie down the

aisle that displayed the toys. When she saw that they were

safely ensconced, she began on her list. So much had been

on her mind lately. She could still feel herself in that closet;

Desna Frank's funeral often came to mind; the Lord was

showing her new things in the book of Romans; she was

still trying to sort out Slater's feelings on her wearing a

badge--and then there was Slater himself. It was a relief for

her mother to ask her to shop.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," a soft voice whispered

in her ear.

Liberty couldn't stop her smile as she turned to see

Slater at her shoulder.

"How are you?" he asked warmly.

"I'm fine. How about yourself?"

"Better all the time."

Liberty smiled into his eyes, her thoughts very loving,

and then caught herself.

"We had fun with Cash last night," she said, pretending

to be interested in the set of bowls on the shelf.

397

"He said he enjoyed it too," Slater answered as he

studied her profile. He thought her nose turned up in the

most adorable way. "He said a very pretty lady escorted

him home."

Liberty laughed. "Did he tell you he escorted her right

back?"

Every Little Thing About You 227

"He didn't have to. I would have been surprised if he'd

done anything else."

Liberty shook her head. "I think the mold was broken

after the Rawlings boys were born. I've never known such

manners."

"I'll teU Mother next time I write."

"How often do you hear from her?" Liberty wondered

aloud.

"Every few months."

"Are they pleased with what you're doing here? I

mean, do they wish you'd settled closer to them or the

ranch?"

398

"They know that we're Texans through and through,

but my mother would like to see us more often."

"Not your father?"

Slater smiled. "He loves us, but that man is an adventurer.

As long as we write and tell him what we're doing

and what we've seen, he's happy."

The thought crossed Liberty's mind that his father's

feelings might change if there were grandchildren

involved. She thought about saying so and then realized

how embarrassing that would be.

"Are you blushing?" Slater asked without thinking,

causing Liberty to turn even redder.

Slater's manners kicked in at that point and he turned

away, only to see Laura and Josie coming toward him.

"Hello, girls," he said quietly. Much as he wanted to

question her, he turned away to give Liberty a chance to

compose herself. "How are you today?"

"This is my friend Josie. She likes toys too."

"I think toys are pretty fun. Did you have a favorite,

Josie?"

399

"Is the deputy in her ?" a man's voice called from the

door, and Slater turned away to answer. The three females

didn't hear why he was needed. Liberty was tempted to

follow and see if she could help, but she would not leave

the girls in anyone else's care, not with Josie along. They

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went on with their shopping before heading to Duffy's

office for a visit. Liberty, never knowing where her sister's

mind would head, was glad that Laura waited to talk to her

until they were gone from the general store, their purchases

wrapped in neat brown paper.

"I want to tell you something but not have you be

shocked/' Laura said as they neared Duffy's office door,

Josie going in ahead of them.

"I'll do my best not to be shocked/' Liberty told her,

already wanting to laugh.

"I hope you marry Slater."

"Why do you hope that?"

"So you can protect each other with your guns."

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Liberty only smiled, leaned close, and kissed her soft

cheek.

"Now, can I tell you something?"

Laura nodded yes.

"Thank you for not saying anything in front of Slater or

anyone else. As long as you always talk quietly to me about

Slater, without everyone listening, I won't be shocked.

Deal?"

"Deal."

The two joined Josie in Duffy's office, and he was

delighted to have them. Liberty, on the other hand, spent

some time looking out the window that gave a view of

Main Street. She could hear the girls' chatter and Duffy's

soothing replies, but her mind was elsewhere; namely, on

why Slater had been called away. It was all Liberty could

do not to head home, change, and go to his aid. That he

wouldn't thank her for this did not enter her mind. She

only knew she wanted to protect and be with that man.

S-* 3' ^*

401

Slater and Cash made their way up to the Petersons'

front door. Ready as they were for Sunday dinner, they

moved slowly. They had the rest of the day together, but

Every Little Thing About You 229

Cash was leaving in the morning, and they didn't know

when they would see each other again.

"I knew from your letter, Slate, that you were growing

in your church, but it was good to be here and see it firsthand.

Pastor Caron does a fine job."

"He's taught me a lot. Griffin has too and probably

doesn't even know it"

"It will be great to give such a good report to Grandma,

but I know that Dakota is not going to be happy with me.

He'll want to have heard that I came here and straightened

you out."

"Tess Drake said something to me one day that was a

big help with that. She said that Dakota might run into the

same man that led me to Christ. I haven't forgotten that. I

402

had had some contact with Des, but never did I dream he

would have such an impact on me. I need to be reminded

that I'm not the only person who could talk to Dakota or

who prays that he'll see the truth. By the time you see him

again, Cash, it could be that he'll have done some real soul-searching."

Cash looked at his youngest sibling.

"When did you grow up, Slater?"

Slater smiled a little, but his eyes were thoughtful.

"Funny, but some days I find I have so much to learn that

I think I'm still a child."

Cash reached to put an arm around his shoulders.

"When I forget how good God has been to me, Slate, I

have only to remind myself of the way He reached down

and saved Grandma, me, and then you. Considering how

self-centered we all were, I call that a miracle."

"I'll miss you, Cash," Slater said, his eyes having to

look up a little.

"I'll miss you too. Don't be a stranger."

The men went inside then, Cash so glad that he'd come

403

and Slater having a sudden daydream. He'd like to go

home, he'd like it very much, but he wanted to go with a

certain woman on his arm; God willing, his wife.

$evw(ei

the gunshots started at dawn, just 24 hours after Cash

left town. The house sat off a piece, but the nearest structure

was the schoolhouse. Had it been a weekend, Griffin

might have let her get it out of her system, but not on a

school day. And because it was Bemie, he had to have Liberty.

Not even noticing the tightening of Slater's mouth

when he told him, he mounted his horse and rode for his

mother's, Slater right behind him. And all the time the

shots could be heard.

"I need Libby, Mam/' he said as he met her in the

kitchen.

"I heard the shots, so I think Libby must have too. I'll

go up and check."

Kate slipped away, and some time later Liberty arrived

on the scene, dressed in work clothes. She looked as calm

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and confident as ever.

"Bernie?" she asked, strapping on her gun belt.

"Yes. She's a little early this year."

"Too bad she couldn't wait for the weekend."

Slater didn't question any of this but understood that

Bernie must be a regular.

The three rode out as soon as Morton had been saddled,

Slater stepping forward to do this against his better

judgment. The sky was lighting fast, always a help. They

rode toward Bemice Shambles' house, coining in on the

barn side. She never shot that way. Every year they confiscated

her gun, but she always managed to come up with

another one. Daryl Shambles had left Bernie more than ten

231

232 lori wick

years before, but she had never gotten over it. Every winter

she took shots at the tree he'd planted, the main problem

405

being that the tree sat between Bernice's and the schoolouse.

"We'll have to get around, Lib, or she'll never hear us.

The side we tried last year didn't work. Let's go to the other

side this time."

"That will give me a better view of the windows," Liberty

said. "Let's hope she stops firing long enough to

listen."

The horses had been tied, and the three now made their

way along the far side of the barn, their steps punctuated

by gunshots.

"What is she shooting at?" Slater finally asked.

"The huge tree on the west side of the house."

"Right toward the school," Slater muttered.

"She would be crushed if she hit anyone/' Liberty filled

in, "but she never thinks of that ahead of time."

"How often does she do this?"

"Once a year too often," Liberty said.

They were in position now, and Griffin tried to holler

up at her. He waited for the shots to stop and then began.

"Bernie, put the weapon down!"

406

More shots were his answer, so the next time they

slowed, Liberty gave it a try.

"I want to come in and talk to you, Bernie, but you have

to put the gun..."

There was no point in going on.

They were patient. They tried calling to her for close to

20 minutes, but it was no use. Liberty finally got disgusted

enough to take the upper hand. Stepping out just enough,

she systematically took out four of Bernie's windows.

Dead silence followed and then a small voice.

"Libby?Isthatyou?"

"I'm out here," she called back.

"Why didn't you say so?"

Every Little Thing About You 233

"I've been trying^ but you just kept shooting. Are you

hurt?"

"No, but I'm sad."

Liberty started forward but suddenly found herself

407

hauled backward.

"Don't even think about it," Slater said in a voice not to

be argued with. He had taken Liberty by the waist and

pulled her back until she was against his chest in a no-nonsense

hold.

"She'll be calm now," Griffin explained. "We can all go.

The only person she'll ever put her gun down for is Libby."

"Then I'll go first," Slater said, moving Liberty behind

him and leading the way, knowing he could die in the next

instant. Every town had its regulars, but no one could predict

everything. As it was, not another shot was fired. The

three moved to the door, and Bernie was even there to let

them in.

"This is the day," Bernie said, but Liberty didn't comment.

Bernie always said the same thing, but over the years

the date had fluctuated. Liberty believed that when a

person hung onto grief, he or she changed.

"We'll come in and talk to you for a while," Liberty said

as she took the gun from her hand.

"You're welcome to talk to Bernie, Lib, but it will have

408

to be at the jailhouse."

This said. Griffin took the cuffs from his belt and handcuffed

Bernie's hands behind her back. "This has to stop,

Bernie/' he went on. "I don't know how else to get through

to you. I've been dealing with you since I became sheriff,

and how many years had it gone on before that?"

Both Bernie and Liberty stared at him in shock. Griffin

ignored his sister and continued to address his prisoner.

"Too long, I'll be bound. Maybe a little time in jail and

a hefty fine will make you think about someone other than

yourself next year."

"But I miss him," Bernie whined pitifully, but Griffin

was not moved.

234 lori wick

"You think you miss him? How do you think the parents

of the child you shoot will feel? Daryl left here of his

own free will. The child or schoolmarm you hit will be a

victim."

Liberty was still in shock when Griffin began to lead

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Bernie away, Slater falling in behind him. Since none of

them climbed back onto their horses, they had a bit of a

walk as they headed toward town. Bemie was very subdued,

and Liberty was angry. She had never seen Griffin

act like this toward a woman. What had changed? Slater

was an incredible gentleman, but could he have had a hand

in this action?

"In you go/' Griffin said to Bernie as he opened the cell

door. He removed her cuffs but shut and locked the door

without looking back. Slater had put Bernie's gun on the

desk, and Griffin now tagged it and locked it up.

"Could I see you a moment, Griffin?" Liberty asked,

her voice tight.

Griffin had been expecting as much, but not quite so

soon.

"Can it wait a few hours, Lib?"

Liberty nodded, but she was not happy. Knowing that

her job was done, she told Griffin she'd see him later and

bid Slater goodbye, but she didn't go right home. She was

so overcome with fury that she didn't think she could be

410

civil even to her own family. She completely disagreed

with the way Griffin had handled Bernie, and she never