Mail Order Bride - Westward Justice: Historical Cowboy Romance (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 6) (11 page)

              Joe said, “You can’t even tell where all of that stuff is hidden on her.”

              “Nope.  It’s pretty amazing.  I need to find a deputy like that,” Mitch said. 

              Sammi came back and sat down again.  “What a night.  What the heck got into everyone?”

              Joe shrugged.  “Who knows?  I didn’t cause any of it, though, so please don’t throw me out.”

              Sammi smiled at him.  “I won’t as long as you don’t do anything stupid.”

              “Don’t worry.  I’m heading home to my lovely wife.  You guys have a good night,” Joe said and headed out.

              Mitch didn’t want to leave, but he needed to get some sleep.  “I’m afraid that it’s time for me to go, too.”

              Sammi didn’t want him to go, but understood.  She hid her disappointment with a smile.  “Ok, Sheriff.  Pleasant dreams.”

              “Goodnight, Sammi,” Mitch said and kissed her cheek. 

              Sammi watched him leave and then noticed a couple of men smiling at her.  “What are you lookin’ at?” she demanded angrily.

              They quickly went back to minding their own business.

              “Why have you asked for this meeting?” Black Fox asked Joe as they sat in the meeting lodge.

              All of the council was present for the meeting with Joe.  Some of them knew and liked Joe, but there were some who didn’t.  Marcus was acting as translator since not all of the council spoke English.

              Joe smiled.  “I’ll get to that, but first, I’d like to thank you for agreeing to meet with me.  I’m very grateful.”

              Once Marcus translated, the council members nodded and a couple smiled. 

              Joe looked at each of the eight men in turn as he said, “I want you to know how much I respect your people and would like to thank you again for the help you gave me after the fire at my ranch.”

              Black Fox smiled.  “The two foals we have from your mare are very good horses.”

              As a horse lover himself, Joe fully comprehended how important horses were to the Lakota people.  “Good.  She’s a fine mare and I wanted you to have her and the first foal,” Joe said.  “Ok, on to the reason I’m here.  I’m running for mayor of Dawson and I want to include you in the voting.”

              Black Fox frowned.  “Why would we care about who the white people are electing as leader?”

              Knowing that he was probably going to meet resistance, Joe had come prepared to lay out reasons for the Lakota to care about the election.

              “Lots of reasons, actually.  First and foremost because I like ya’ll and I care about your future, unlike my opponent,” Joe said.

              That got their attention.  “Go on,” Black Fox said.  His dark eyes watched Joe with a piercing intensity and Joe saw a different side of him.  The tall Indian was not speaking as his friend now; he was speaking as the new chief.  Joe knew that Black Fox had a huge new responsibility on his shoulders as the main decision maker of the tribe.

              Joe met Black Fox’s gaze without flinching.  “Jessie Wilkes is not a friend of the Lakota and would like to see your land area reduced if not get rid of you completely.”

              Black Fox’s brows rose at this news and he turned to Marcus.  “Is this true?  Do not lie to me,” he said in Lakota.

              Marcus frowned at his brother.  “When have I ever lied to you?” he asked in an annoyed voice.  As the chief’s brother and council member, Marcus had the unique position of being able to talk back to Black Fox without recrimination.  “I’ve heard the same thing with my own ears, brother.”

              “I’m sorry to be rude, but you have to understand something; while you walk equally well in both worlds that’s not the case for the rest of us.  This will not be a decision made lightly and we need to know that you have our best interests at heart as well as those of your white world,” Black Fox said a little more kindly.

              Marcus nodded.  “I certainly understand, and I would not have helped arrange this meeting if I didn’t feel that it would benefit my Lakota family.  Believe me, I am very protective of all of you and wouldn’t do anything to bring harm to our tribe.”

              Black Fox was satisfied with Marcus’ answer.  “Very well.”

              Joe closely watched the exchange between the brothers.  He may not have understood the words, but from their body language and facial expressions, Joe surmised that the chief was asking for verification of what he’d said. 

              “What exactly is this man planning?” Black Fox asked.  “I warn you that we will fight for our land.”

              Joe nodded solemnly.  “I know and that’s exactly what I want to avoid.  Things have been peaceful for quite some time between our people and I’d like to keep it that way.  That way, if I have another fire, you’ll help me out again.”  He flashed a grin at him and the council members chuckled.  “I’ve got a baby on the way and I plan on raising him or her as a friend to the Lakota.  I’m probably in the minority, but I think you’ve had enough land taken from you that was yours in the first place.  If I’m elected mayor, I’d have enough power to help assure that we would leave your land alone.”

              Black Fox crossed his arms over his chest and asked, “What’s in it for you?”

              “What’s in it for me?  I don’t want any bloodshed for either culture.  Once it starts, it’ll just get worse.  Black Fox, ever since I was introduced to you, haven’t I been a friend?  I’ve never done anything harmful to you except get you drunk from time to time,” Joe said with a smile.

              More chuckling filled the lodge.

              Black Fox smiled.  “This is true.  We have never felt threatened by you.”

              “Ok.  Marcus’ family is helping with my campaign and you’re friends with all of them,” Joe said. 

              “Dean is a little iffy,” Black Fox said.

              Joe laughed.  It was strange to hear the chief say “iffy”.  “Well, don’t worry, he won’t stand against you.  With me as mayor and Marcus’s family as respected members of the community on your side, we can keep relations between our cultures peaceful and even be helpful to one another.  Plus, Sheriff Taylor is also a friend of yours.  I believe that together we can all prosper.”

              White Horse, an older council member asked, “What do you mean?  How would that be possible?”

              Marcus translated for Joe.

              “Good question and I have the answer.  There are things that the Lakota make that we white people don’t or can’t,” Joe said as he reached out and touched the beautiful moccasins that White Horse wore.  “I’d love to have a pair of those and I’m guessing that a good many people I know would, too.”

              White Horse was surprised by Joe’s familiarity in touching him, but didn’t seem to be offended.  If anything it impressed him that Joe had no fear in doing so.  It didn’t hurt that Joe had complimented the man.

              “My wife makes them,” the old man said.

              When the translation came, Joe said.  “She does?  Remind me to talk to you after the meeting about them.”

              Marcus gave Joe a hard stare.  “I’m not translating that.  It would be rude.”

              “What good are you then?  I don’t need you to translate.”  Joe pulled out his wallet, fished out a twenty-dollar bill and held it out to White Horse.  He gestured that he wanted to know if White Horse would ask his wife to make him a pair of moccasins for that price. 

              Joe made the Lakota sign for “please” and smiled.  White Horse nodded and took the money.  There was a twinkle in his eyes as he regarded Joe.

              “See?” Joe said to Marcus.  “He didn’t think it was rude.”

              Black Fox laughed as Marcus glowered at Joe.

              “Black Fox, did you see what just happened there?  I don’t speak but maybe five words of Lakota, but I got my point across and we made a deal.  He had something I wanted and he wanted money.  Trade, Black Fox.  We can work together and prosper from one another.  I want to promote more trade between us.  Jessie doesn’t want that.  He’s too stupid to understand how it could work to everyone’s advantage,” Joe said.

              Black Fox said, “You surprise me, Joe.”

              Joe asked, “How so?”

              “You are smarter than you look,” Black Fox joked which made the council laugh.

              Joe laughed with them and then said, “You’re so cute when you try to be funny.”

              More laughter followed his remark. 

              “Ok, so what do you want from me in order to get you to vote?” Joe said. 

              Marcus cleared his throat and said, “Joe, as your campaign manager, I have to advise you that it’s not ethical to buy votes.”

              “I’m not talking about material things changing hands, Silver Ghost.  I’m talking about things they’d like to see change,” Joe said using Marcus’ Lakota name.

              Black Fox said, “Some of our tribe enjoy coming into your camp—“

              “Town,” Marcus corrected.

              “Your town,” Black Fox repeated.  “They are harassed even though they have done nothing more than try to buy something from the, um…do not tell me…store.  What good is your white man’s money if we cannot spend it?”

              “Excellent point.  Since Mitch is sheriff now, he has no deputy and Jessie isn’t going to hire one if he gets elected, which is going to leave us with no more law enforcement than him.  It’s going to be hard to keep the peace and help make sure people behave when any of you come to town,” Joe said.  “If I get elected, I plan on hiring two deputies right away, which will help greatly.  I only ask one thing when you come to town; wear a little something more than a loin cloth?  Some of us are used to it, but you have to understand that our women and children aren’t used to that sort of thing.”

              A councilman around Marcus’ age named Red Bear rudely said, “If that’s the case, then you should have to wear our clothes when you come to our camp.”

              Joe read the contempt in his eyes as Marcus reluctantly translated.  Instead of getting angry, Joe smiled and said, “I can do that if you really want me to, but I’m pretty pasty compared to you fellas.  Plus, I don’t think my wife wants your pretty squaws and maidens looking at my body.”

              Marcus was glad when the other councilmen and even Red Bear laughed.  This was a very tense situation for him and if it hadn’t involved such high stakes for all concerned, he would have refused Joe’s request to set up a meeting.  It was just a good thing that Joe had considerable charm.

              Black Fox said, “I think we have heard all that we need to for now.”

              “Thank you for speaking with me.  Just know that whatever your decision, I’m not gonna stop being friends with ya’ll,” Joe said as he stood.  He grasped arms with each man and then left the lodge.  Marcus followed him.

              “I’ll walk you out of camp,” Marcus said. 

              “Ok,” Joe said.

              Once they were out of earshot of the lodge, Marcus said, “That was some pretty risky behavior, Joe.”

              Joe turned his hazel eyes on Marcus.  “I think you’re touchier about it than they are.  The old fella didn’t seem offended.”

              Marcus had to concede that point.  “Maybe you’re right.  His name is White Horse.”

              Joe smiled.  “No wonder I like him.  I’m partial to white horses.”

              Marcus said, “Yeah, I know.”

              “Marcus, how do you think they’ll vote?” Joe said.

              “I don’t know.  I know how I’ll vote, but I can’t speak for them.  I also won’t tell you our decision.  That’s Black Fox’s place,” Marcus said.

              “Fair ‘nough,” Joe said as they entered the woods.

              Joe let out a low whistle to let the sentry know he was friendly and Marcus smiled.  A little ways up the trail, Marcus was going to turn back so he could confer with the rest of the council when he saw Jack’s horse Raider up ahead.  Marcus was surprised to see Jack. 

              Jack saw his uncle and swore silently.  He put a smile on his face and said, “Hello, uncle,” in Lakota without thinking.

              “I’ll see you later, Joe,” Marcus said as he stared at Jack.  “Hello, nephew,” Marcus said back in Lakota.  “What brings you to camp?”

              “What?” Jack said trying to cover his gaff.

              Marcus could tell that despite Jack acting as if he hadn’t understood his question that Jack comprehended. 

              “You smell like a dead fish,” Marcus said still speaking in Lakota.

              “I do not,” Jack protested.
              Marcus switched to English.  “How is it that you know so much Lakota, Jack?”

              “I’ve heard you speak it for five years.  Not to mention Mikey and Aiyana.  And Aunt Claire,” Jack said.

              “Not buying it, Jack.  You’re not just using words here or there.  You understand syntax and the correct verb and adjective usage.  How much are you coming to camp?  I didn’t know you were,” Marcus said.

              Jack shrugged.  “I don’t know.  Off and on.  What’s the problem with it?  I would think you’d be glad.”

              Marcus shrewdly asked, “Are you seeing a girl here?”

              Jack looked down and didn’t answer.

              “Jack, get down and come with me, right now,” Marcus said.  He was mindful of the fact that a sentry might be listening.  “Tie Raider here and come with me,” he said in English.

              Jack scowled but did as Marcus asked.  He followed his uncle as Marcus made his way silently through the trees.  When Marcus felt they had gone far enough, he turned around and asked, “Are you seeing a girl in the camp?”

              Jack looked Marcus in the eye and said, “Yes.”

              Marcus both wanted to laugh and throttle his nephew.  “Who?”