Chapter 14 Grimesgirl

Byron sat in the darkened den, deep in thought. The fact that he recognized Adam and the possibility that Adam would recognize him if they came face to face, complicated matters. He frowned. A small incident from the past could ruin everything he and his father had built. If only that no-account Dirk had turned out differently. There would be no upcoming trial, no testimony from Ben Cartwright that could send Dirk to prison. He leaned back in the deep cushions and closed his eyes. He was tired. Tired of cleaning up after his irresponsible brother, tired of seeing that his father's 'business' concerns went smoothly. Although most people looked at Ray Farrow as an honest business man, Byron knew the truth. Oh, most of their dealings were honest and above board. It was the other dealings that he had to see to.

And now he was faced with having to eliminate the man that could ruin everything . Who would ever have thought that an innocent dinner in a small restaurant from so many years ago could bring their world to an abrupt end. No, he couldn't, wouldn't allow that to happen. He'd spent his adult life taking care of all the little 'problems' that had plagued them. It was too late to change his ways. Adam Cartwright would have to be taken care of and taken care of soon.

Hoss hurried from the hotel and quickly made his way to The Yucca. He stood in the doorway looking for Folly. He saw no sign of her. Making his way to the bar, he ordered a beer. Taking it to a table in the corner, he sat with his back to the wall and watched the staircase. She just had to come down those stairs. Hoss needed to talk to her. He felt that she knew what was going on. He could still remember the smell and knew that she had to have been with the man that shot his brother.

It was a good half hour later and Hoss' excuse of hunger was quickly coming true. He drank the last of his second beer and was about to give in to his rumbling stomach when Folly appeared and make her usual entrance. Hoss had to admire her poise as she slowly descended the stairs.

Hoss rose and took three quick steps to the bottom of the stairs and, taking Folly's hand, led her to the table. Folly didn't come willingly but her better judgment kept her from making a scene. She sat, straight backed and defiant.

"Well, Hoss, it's good to see you. How is Adam doing? I hope he's going to be able to head home soon."

"You otta know, Folly, you had your ear to that wall and heard what was bein' said. I'm not here to talk about that. You seem to be pretty involved with the Farrows and I wanna know just what is goin' on."

"Involved? Why do you say that Hoss. I'm not involved with any of the Farrows."

"Don't lie to me, the whole town knows you and Dirk are thick as thieves."

"I don't have to sit here and listen to these accusations," Folly protested and started to rise. Hoss grabbed her arm and the pressure of his hand made her quickly sit down again.

"Folly, someone paid one of the girls to tell them where Adam was. I wanna know who it was and why they were huntin' for Adam."

"Why would I know about that, Hoss? Maybe it was an old friend of Adam's. We have people asking questions all the time. That's part of our job, to try to help the customers."

"Folly, listen. Someone shot Adam and I think you know who. Now someone is trying to find out where Adam's staying. I don't think it's a coincidence. There's somethin' goin' on. I'm thinkin' Adam's in danger and I'm aimin' to find out what's it is. That marshal and his deputy ain't here on no pleasure trip."

A chill ran through Folly. Should she take a chance and tell Hoss what little she knew? If Farrow found out her life wouldn't be worth anything, but could she let something happen to Adam if she could prevent it? Her thoughts seemed to be becoming more and more confused. She rubbed her forehead. She had to think! Had to decide what was the right thing to do or at least the thing that would cause her the least trouble. But wasn't it true that either way she decided would cause her trouble? She looked at Hoss. He looked almost menacing to her. She knew he usually kept control of his tremendous strength but this time it was his family and she well knew how the Cartwights reacted when a family member was in danger.

Holly decided to give Hoss a small piece of information. Maybe that would satisfy him.

"Maybe you should check into Byron, Hoss".

"Byron? Who's Byron?"

"Byron Farrow. The oldest son."

"I didn't even know there was another son. Is he here? Where can I find him?"

Folly laughed, " I have no idea where you can find him. Probably at the house. All I know is that he's very involved in Farrow's business. He's usually in San Francisco. But I understand he's here. Been here for several days now. Probably for the trial."

"What do you mean 'involved'? What exactly does he do?"

"Well, from what I hear he 'cleans up' things. Maybe he's here to clean up things for Dirk. Heaven knows the boy needs someone to cleanup after him."

"That's a funny thing for you to be sayin' Folly seein' as how it is between you an' Dirk."

"Well, Hoss, I do like Dirk but I'm not blind, I know what kind of a man he is."

"Well, if'n that's true, why won't you help us. Tell me what Farrow's plannin'."

"Hoss, I've told you all I can. I don't know about anyone's plans. Now, please, I've got to get to work. Pete will be firing me and I can't afford to lose my job."

Hoss sighed as he watched Folly hurry to the bar and start a conversation with the men there. He felt disappointed. He really hadn't found out what he wanted to know. But, at least, he had found out something new. Now he needed to find out more about this Bryon. Funny that there was a Farrow that he'd never heard about.

Dirk slammed the door and threw his hat on the table. Ray and Byron were deep in conversation but stopped when they saw Dirk.

"Something wrong, brother? You seem upset."

"Is none of your business, brother. I don't need you sticking your nose into my life."

"Dirk! That's enough. Your brother asked you a simple question. You don't have to fly off the handle."

"Then tell him to mind his own business. He comes here and is trying to take over. I don't need a nursemaid and I'm sick of him asking me questions."

Ray stood. His anger was starting to build. "You ungrateful whelp. You get into trouble with the law. I get you out on bail. Your brother comes home to help and you have nothing but backtalk for both of us. If you can't keep a civil tongue in your head perhaps you best leave and take care of the upcoming trial all by yourself".

Dirk swallowed. It was rare for his father to lose his temper with him. He usually let his actions slide by with a mild reprimand. Maybe he should back off. He needed his father on his side if he was going to beat this robbery charge.

"I'm sorry, Pa. I'm just upset with something I saw in town this evening."

"Do you want to tell us what it was? Maybe we can help."

Dirk walked to the fireplace. Should he tell them what had happened? Would it put Folly in a bad light? In his own shallow way, he did love her but as he thought of what he had seen his anger returned. He turned and blurted out, "It's Folly. I saw her talking to Hoss Cartwright."

Farrow smiled. "Well, that was what we instructed her to do wasn't it? Get close to one of them, be their friend. Sounds like the girl is doing fine."

Dirk couldn't control himself. "Folly's my girl. You shouldn't have ask her to cozy up to the Cartwrights. I don't want her anywhere near one of that bunch."

Farrow's eyes narrowed. "I don't care about your 'girl', boy. We have to find out exactly what is going on. What the Cartwrights are planning and why that Marshal is in town. If she has to get cozy with a Cartwright, so be it. You'll keep away from her and let her do what we ordered. Now come sit down. Bryon and I need to go over some things with you."

Dirk threw his father a dark look, turned, grabbed his hat and leaving the house, slammed the door behind him.

Bryon smiled. "Doesn't look like little brother's going to go along with our plans. Do you think I need to do something about him?"

Farrow eyes narrowed as he looked at his eldest. "It may just come to that, son. It may just come to that."