Boundless Hearts Enduring Love (Book 3)

Chapter 5

Flossie walks into the parlor after helping Corine with her wedding dress. “Thank heavens she’s getting married tomorrow. I can’t take another night hearing that man’s name.” She sits down looking at Salome, Lisa Marie, and Takoda on the sofa sleeping.

Richards chuckles while rocking Mahpee. “Who's that dear Geraldo?”

“You're in big trouble Richard Abbott, you said that man’s name to bug me. Lord my sister has worn his name out." Flossie points at him, “If you say that name again, you’ll feel my frying pan, Richard Abbott."

“Oh, dear I don’t want to feel your deadly weapon.” Richard looks out the window at Dog Star, Running Water, Big Beaver, Arrow Keeper, and fifty more warriors riding out to follow the stagecoaches. He tells her about the telegram he received from Qaletaqa.

Flossie laughs, “our children can’t go anywhere, and trouble doesn’t follow them. I just hope they’re home before our daughter starts showing. I would like our grandchild to be born here. I’m still taking in that she gave birth to all those kids while standing up. That husband of hers never left her side. He held her up and looked into her eyes the entire time. That’s one weird man, but I love the way he cares for her.” Flossie looks on the floor at Tokalah, Tarantula, and Tashunka asleep. “I’m going to miss these little ones when they leave for the camp.”

“So will I, but they have to go because their parents are expecting them.” He frowns “Sweetheart today Emma Jean and Nettie came to the jail to visit Mary Catherine. Something about their demeanor didn’t and still doesn’t sit well with me. I told Clu to keep his eyes open tonight."

Flossie is about to say something when she hears a horse in front of the house. “Are you expecting company?”

He shook his and looked out the window. “I wonder what brings that young man here.” Richard walks out of the room.

“What young man?” Flossie mumbles walking behind him.

“Cort what brings you here this time of night?” Richard stares at him.

“Sir I've been sitting down the away while trying to get my nerves up. I’m sorry for barging in.” Cort enters the room and takes his hat off.

“Well, son what’s on your mind?" Richard walks into the living room and glances at Flossie, she's looking at him confused.

“Since Treasure and Qaletaqa isn't here I figure you would be the one that I should speak with regarding Marie. Sir, you know, Doc and I became pretty close friends. I don’t agree with what he did but that was his business. I may be wrong, but I have feelings for Marie and yes, I know that’s she expecting Doc’s child. But I would like to marry her and raise her child as my own. I was speaking with Christopher about it and he said I’ll have to get the Abbott's approval before asking her." Cort is looking between Richard and Flossie. He notices they're staring at each other. "I went to the bank this evening right before closing and bought John's old farm. Christopher said he would help me fix it up. So I have a home for her."

Richard sits down, “what does the young lady say about this?”

“I haven’t discussed it with her yet. I wanted to make sure it was okay with you before I asked her out for dinner or breakfast at the diner. Then I’ll ask her.” Cort sits down across from Richard .”I promise I’ll never mistreat Marie or the child. I know she still loves Doc. He saved me from making a huge mistake this is my way of repaying him.”

“Son it seems you have your mind made up. Okay, then I’ll permit you to ask her. If she says no then don’t push it. It’s Marie's choice. I hope Doc realized what a good friend you were.” Richard extends his hand to Cort “Good luck.”

“Thank you, sir. Mrs. Flossie,” Cort rushes out of the house.

Flossie walks to the door “I hope he isn’t planning on asking her to dinner tonight. The poor girl may be in bed. That young man has changed a lot since he came here.”

Richard nodded and rubbed his chin, “yes, he has. Dear, I’ll help you tuck the kids in then I’m going to ride into town. I can’t get those young ladies off my mind.”

*****

The four Pinkertons are in the saloon. Quint is disappointed that he missed Treasure. He has to agree with her about how quiet and beautiful Willow Creek Falls is. Angus tells him to forget about Treasure for two reasons, she's married, and the Legend won’t hesitate to kill him if he tries anything with his wife. Murdoc agrees with Angus. Elwood can't believe the saloon doesn't have any saloon girls this is a first for him.

Albert and Joseph are about to leave the saloon but thought they would ask Jamie how Ned is doing since they haven’t seen him. Joseph said he wanted to visit him but thought it might be too soon. Jamie agreed with him. He said his father seemed to be grieving his mother’s death and was also punishing himself for her death.

Cort arrives when Albert and Joseph are leaving. He tells them he wants to buy them a drink. The two men aren’t turning a free drink over. Cort tells Albert tomorrow morning he has something to discuss with him and he’ll be at his house around ten.

Milton narrowed his eyes wondering, "What could this man have to talk with me about.” He drinks the whiskey and says his goodbyes. Joseph yells for him to wait up to walk out with him. When the two men walk outside, they see Richard, Daniel, and Tom riding in. Now they’re wondering what has Richard in town this time of night. They look at the three men walking inside the jail.

Richard is pacing and looking in the direction of the cells. “I can’t shake this feeling.” He motions for Tom and Daniel to come with him. He stops walking in front of the jail and looks up and down the street. Then he looks toward the alley and starts walking down the street.

In the back of the jail, Emma Jean and Nettie are walking to one of the windows of the cell peeping in for that evil woman. They didn’t see Mary Catherine in the first cell. Nettie takes a deep breath, “do you want me to kill her? I’m younger than you. Mr. Abbott may not hang me.”

“No it was my idea, so I’ll do it and take my punishment.” Emma Jean looks in the next window and sees the woman. “Here goes nothing,” she whispers and takes the pistol out of her purse.

“Young lady I wouldn’t do that if I was you. Yes, I would hang you both,” Richard is standing behind them.

Emma Jean doesn’t look at him “We should have killed her a long time ago. But she would threaten to kill Wilma if we fought back. I have to do this “ She raises the gun.

Daniel and Tom are reaching for their guns. Richard motions for them not to. “ So you two are going to allow that murderer to win. If you kill her, yes you would have rid the world of a demon. But you two would also break your father’s heart more. Because I’ll have to hang you both. I sure would hate to do that, but nevertheless, I will. Now Daniel, Tom, and I are going over to the saloon for a drink. I'll send Clu back here to arrest you two after you shoot Mary Catherine.” Richard turns to walk away. “I’ll tell your brother where to find you until the hanging.” Richard turns slightly, "damn it's a shame you two will be the first women we hang. Poor Ned will think about you every time he rides by the gallows. Not to mention you two would be the headline of the newspaper."

“This might not be a good idea. Mr. Abbott didn’t mention a trial. He’s going to hang us.” Nettie wraps her arm around her sister’s arm. “Emma Jean let’s forget about this and go home.”

Emma Jean is watching Richard and the two men walking across the street. Then she looks back at Mary Catherine lying on the cot. “I dreamed of watching her take her last breath. If they don’t hang her, I’ll hire someone to hunt her down and kill her.”

In the shadows behind a wagon, two people have been watching the incident and are looking at the two women leaving.