Chapter Four

Lori leaned into the corral fence and straightened the post which tilted towards the ground threatening to fall over, dead. With the toe of her boot, she thrust a rock at the base and eyed the Marshall suspiciously. Heightening Lori's anxiety was the figure of Quint Asper who rode along side the Marshall.

Lori prayed the boys had not targeted Quint for a joke the way they had Dell Kendrick's window. She met Quint the day she sold Kitty her emerald taffeta, and for Lori, the meeting proved fortuitous. The left front wheel on the wagon hit a bump loosening its bolts; Quint was quick to her side offering assistance and refusing pay. His polite refusal warmed Lori and reminded her of gentlemen back east - not at all like that skunk, Kendrick. Lori shook off the unpleasant image of her neighbor.

"Miss Durant," Marshall Dillon tipped his hat.

Quint rode in close and gave the boys a wide mouthed grin. He spied Lori and noted how the wind played with the long braid of her hair loosening strands to frame her jaw in a sunset of color. This appraisal was not lost on Brett who felt a strange urge to punch out Quint's front teeth.

"Marshall, Quint, what brings you out our way?"

"I need to ask you some questions Miss Durant," came Matt's sharp reply. Billy gasped and nipped behind Lori's legs.

Lori pried Billy's arms from her legs. "You don't need to hide sweetheart," she said and pulled him around to her front. Draping a protective arm over his shoulders she braced herself. "Marshall I thought we settled Mr. Kendrick's…claim." She laced the final word in a downpour of November sleet. For Heaven's sake, it was one small window, not some storefront's plate glass.

Tired and dispirited, Matt was in no mood for female contrariness. He had a murder to solve with nary a lead. His words when he spoke were direct and to the point. "We did. This is different." He dismounted and towered over Lori. His goal was not to intimidate her; his size was a fact of nature he could not control. "Billy, how are you son?" He said patting the boy's shoulder.

Quint hopped off his horse hoping to lighten the mood. "I was out hunting and thought you folks could use some fresh meat. Met Matt here on the prairie and rode over with him."

"Venison!" Bobby cried at the sight of the carcass. Billy drooled at thought of anything other than cornmeal mush. Brett crossed his arms and scowled.

"Lori while you and Matt talk maybe the boys and I could put the meat away," Quint suggested.

Tears stung Lori's eyes. Quint's gift meant she wouldn't have to butcher anymore of her stock. Overwhelmed, she hugged her new friend while Billy and Bobby gaped at the sight. Brett's scowl deepened.

"You shouldn't have," Lori gushed and abruptly broke off the embrace. "But I'm thankful you did."

"Don't mention it." Quint reddened with embarrassment. "We'll get this put up for you," he muttered and took the boys with him in the direction of the smokehouse. Brett stood to the side, brooding.

"Marshall, let's not stand out in the sun." Lori directed Matt to the Soddy and motioned for him to sit at the bench anchoring the side of their old, rickety table. "If you'll give me just a moment," she said and scooted across the room to the quilt separating the space. Lori took a silent hand and pulled the material gently to the side. Ceilia lay on the bed, her chest rising and falling in deep slumber. Satisfied, she joined Matt at the table.

"I'd offer you some coffee, but we're out." Lori formed her hand into a half moon shape and swept it over the table brushing leftover lunch crumbs onto the floor.

Matt thumbed in the direction of the cook stove. "I suspected you were out when I saw the wildflowers in the coffee pot."

"Bobby picked them for me, without bees," Lori said smiling. "What can I do for you Marshall?"

Matt took the next ten minutes laying out Chad Brewster's murder, its proximity to her farm, and his reason for questioning her. For obvious reasons, he did not inform her about Dell's agreement to keep an eye on her or the kids. "Now Miss. Durant what I need to know is have you or the children noticed anything or anyone out of the ordinary near your place?"

Lori clasped her hands on top of the table. "Funny, the only thing out of the ordinary is that our neighbor, Mr. Kendrick, seems to be riding by a lot lately." She hastily added, "He doesn't stop and the boys leave him alone."

"Lori think hard. Have you or the kids seen anyone, strangers or cowboys from the Texas drives in the area – anything out of the ordinary? Have the boys found anything unusual on the prairie? Anything, no matter how slight, may be the key I need to solve this murder."

Lori did as the Marshall requested. The farm was a quiet place, as farm living goes. "The storm the other night was awful. It scared Ceilia. That must have been the night Chad was murdered?"

Matt sat stoically, giving no indication of thought or emotion.

Lori turned her mind inwards and focused her thoughts on the farm, its outlying areas, and the wheat field. Neither she nor the children had seen or heard anything to cause alarm. The single person or incident to come to mind was Dell Kendrick, and she only saw him briefly at daybreak. He was gathering strays, for once keeping them from her wheat. Lori's thoughts drifted to the man; the way he sat his horse, his movements, his skill. He and his mount worked together like a finely honed machine, his movements as slight as the twist of an arm or pressure of a leg. She watched him mesmerized, unable to tear her eyes away. Recalling the effect the man had on her senses, Lori shuddered.

"Did you think of something?" Matt asked.

Blushing, she said, "I'm sorry but I can't recall anything for you. The shiver was for my wheat. I can't seem to keep Mr. Kendrick's cattle from tramping through it. I plan to visit him with a business proposition soon."

Years of experience kept Matt from rolling his eyes or laughing out loud. Hiding his true feelings behind a veneer of civility, he said, "Kitty mentioned your plan."

Lori, accustomed to parlor room exchanges, saw through the veneer. "It's not what you're thinking. I hope to establish a better relationship with the gentleman by offering a lease on our land. As you can see," she said highlighting the room, "it's all we can do to literally keep a roof over our heads."

Ignoring her remark he said, "You're positive you don't recall anything." Matt pulled the pocket watch out of his shirt pocket and laid it on the table in front of Lori.

Ceilia whimpered and Lori jumped up to check on her. "All I can tell you," she said over her shoulder, "is that Chad and I met briefly the day I arrived in Dodge. I needed transportation to George's farm and Chad suggested Moss Grimmick." Lori patted Ceilia back to sleep and softly made her way back to the table. She looked closely at the watch and picked it up. "Oh, you've dented the fob on your watch. That's too bad."

"Lori this isn't mine," Matt said. "It belonged to Chad. I found it were I discovered his body."

Lori dropped the watch on the table and paled.

"Lori what's wrong?"

"Marshall, Chad didn't own a pocket watch. I know because he told me."

The sound of the front door falling off its hinges drew the attention of both Matt and Lori. They watched in mute silence as the door crashed to the floor bringing up a cloud of dust on impact. Light flooded the interior of the Soddy silhouetting the trio of Quint, Billy and Bobby in the door way.

"There ya done it," Billy chided pushing past Quint into the interior of the house. "Broke our door. Aunt Lori, Mr. Quint done broke our door."

"Don't worry about it Quint," Lori said to the man. "It's the hinges. Unfortunately, we've never gotten around to fixing them." Lori smiled at Matt and shrugged her shoulders. "See what I mean."

Puzzled, Quint stood the door against the side of the Soddy. "I'd be happy to fix those hinges and re-set it," he offered.

Brett made his way inside and stood behind Lori resting a hand on her shoulder. The wagon wheel was enough; the meat was taking things too far. He didn't need any more help. He could take care of his family and his farm just fine.

Quint felt Brett's angry stare and figured a bull in a pasture was less territorial. "Brett," he said hoping to sooth things, "if you'd like my help on those hinges just come on into town and we'll see what we can do."

"No thanks," Brett said.

"Lori let's get back to the watch," Matt said redirecting everyone's attention. "You said Chad told you he didn't own a watch."

"Yes. Simply put, I asked Chad for the time of day, and he told me he didn't have a watch-never owned one."

"Marshall that's Gus Maynard's watch." Brett pointed at the item.

"You sure about that Brett?" Matt asked.

"Yes sir. See that fob at the top? It's dented on the side. Gus did that in his shop the day I dropped off my harness for mending."

"Wow! That was the day I shot out Kendrick's window," Billy cried with excitement. When he realized what he'd said, he immediately bent over and let lose an exaggerated groan, "My busted ribs are paining me something fierce."

Lori rubbed her forehead in response to the Marshall's half grin. "Billy where did you put the eggs?"

"Oh eggs. Yeah I better go fetch 'em. Bobby you come on and help." The boys raced out side. "Come on Bobby, last one to the chicken coops a rotten egg."

"Marshall do you have any other questions?"

"Brett," Matt stood and locked his eyes on Brett. "Are you certain this watch belongs to Gus Maynard?"

"As sure as I can be. Like I said, when I dropped off my harness, he was messing with his watch and accidentally smashed in that part on the fob. Made him mad too."

"Well I guess that'll be all. Thanks Miss Durant." The Marshall picked up his Stetson and slapped it against the side of his leg.

Quint caught Lori's attention and gestured towards the door. "If you need help setting this door-"

"She don't need anymore of your help," Brett scowled at the man. "Stay away from my Aunt."

Stunned at Brett's rudeness, Lori whirled around and ordered him to check on Ceilia.

Brett shot Quint a warning look and scuffed over to the quilt pulling it aside. Lori put a finger to her lips and motioned for the others to step outside.

Trumpeting a fresh smile to cover for Brett's rudeness, Lori said, "Quint I'd like to thank you again for the meat. You've no idea how much we appreciate it. And Marshall, if I remember anything else, no matter how insignificant, I'll contact you."

Matt nodded in the direction of the Soddy. "Lori you got your hands full."

"You may not believe this, but Brett and I have come a long way."

"I don't mean to butt in, but Brett hates Dell Kendrick more than me or even Quint here. You still plan on approaching him with that business proposition?"

"Yes. Brett's fighting it of course. But in order to keep our farm we're going to have to make some changes."

Matt held his tongue. Tipping his hat to Lori, he mounted his buckskin. "Well Quint you ready to head out."

"Will in a minute Matt." Quint fidgeted with the reins in his hands. "Lori there's a dance in town Friday night."

"We ain't going." Brett stood in the doorway of the Soddy holding a sleepy eyed Ceilia. "Are we Aunt Lori?"

Lori drew in her breath and exhaled it slowly. "I'm sorry Quint. Brett's right, we haven't planned on attending. There's too much work to do here."

"Well if you change your mind, I'd sure like a dance."

"She won't change her mind," Brett growled. "Aunt Lori, Ceilia's hungry. You better feed her."

Lori gave Quint a quick apology and excused herself. She took Ceilia out of Brett's arms and pushed her miscreant nephew inside.

She held her tongue and watched out of the Soddy's lone window till the men had ridden out of ear shot. Once they were clear, she lashed out at Brett. "How dare you treat people the way you treated Mr. Asper and the Marshall." Handing Ceilia her doll she seethed, "Your behavior was beneath contempt and you better have a good explanation."

Brett lowered his head pouting. "Don't like the way that blacksmith is always sniffing 'round you."

"Always Sniffing? I've only met the man once and that was in town the day I sold my dresses. He was good enough to fix the wagon wheel. Now he's brought us fresh venison. He's been kind and gentlemanly which is more than I can say for you."

"We don't need his charity because I can hunt. Its just I ain't got time. I gotta make sure the place is running smooth and I gotta work the wheat – keep Kendrick's cattle outta it. He's started sniffing 'round here too. Saw the way you was gawking at him this morning out at the wheat field. You was on one of those walks of yours."

"What did you do follow me?"

He shrugged.

"So you followed me. For your information the only time of day I get to myself is daybreak. Are you going to begrudge me a half hour? It's about all the time I manage to get by myself."

"Bull-"

"Don't you curse," Lori warned him. "Brett I just got through telling the Marshall how difficult it's been around here: Our door; our corral fence; the way Kendrick's cattle are tramping our wheat, and our barn leans, which I know you're doing your best to fix. But honey you can't fix something if you don't have materials or the money to buy them with."

"I know."

"Look, we need to put aside any bad feelings towards Kendrick and offer him a lease."

Brett sucked in air and his face became animated. "We still have the wheat. We can pay on the note when it's harvested. Besides, you promised to fight off Kendrick. You sat right there in the sun all coated in paint – remember?"

Lori rubbed her forehead. "I remember. Believe me I know what we pledged – we unite to keep Kendrick from getting our land. But don't you see a lease isn't the same as selling out. We'd still own the farm, and with the money from the lease we could pay off your father's bank note. We simply can't count on the wheat harvest."

"Sure we can. Aunt Lori like I said time and again; Archer's gonna extend pa's note. He has too and once the wheat's harvested we pay."

"No honey, Archer doesn't have to extend anything. And I can't trust the wheat to produce a sizeable profit either. If Archer calls in that note, we will lose the farm. The bank will foreclose and Kendrick will buy it outright. Now can you understand why I want to offer the man a lease? It isn't because I wish to break my pledge or because I've lost faith in you. I know you can hunt and you do a wonderful job at working the wheat and what little stock we have left. With Kendrick leasing the land, we have a sure thing; money for the bank note with maybe enough left over for a hired man."

Brett flamed red from his neck to the tips of his ears.

"Just until Billy and Bobby are big enough to be a help is all," Lori hurriedly added. "Its time I said something to you Brett. And for once you need to listen. Before I arrived, all your brothers and Ceilia had was you. You fed them and took care of the farm all by yourself. That's a man's undertaking and nobody will dispute that you've done more around here than anyone would expect. Giving Kendrick a lease or even hiring help doesn't mean you've failed. On the contrary, it's a wise decision."

"I still don't like it." Brett raised his voice. "And another thing I don't like is having a bunch of men sniffing around like you was the last slice of pie on the plate. We don't need some man wanting to marry you and bust up our family."

"Brett no one is going to bust up our family."

"That's what you say now. And I don't want no hired man."

"Fine then. We'll put the extra money into savings." With what little stamina remained she added, "I have no other choice. I will offer Kendrick a lease."

Brett puffed out his cheeks and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Guess I better get started on the door," he grumbled. Stopping outside the entrance to the Soddy, he muttered over his shoulder. "When?"

"Soon."

"He starts sniffing around you like Asper, I'll kill him." Brett stomped off in the direction of the barn for his tools.

Lori watched his retreating back. "Well Brett if I didn't know better I'd swear you called us a family – Lord above you might even care a little for me." Lori pivoted on her heels. "Ceilia," she said, "How 'bout an apple?"

Two days later

Two sets of fingers, one chubby and one skilled in the art of mischief, deftly slid Dell's shirt and pants off the chair and tugged them ever so silently under the gap between the floor and the plywood dressing screen. A second later, those same skilled fingers snatched one boot and then the next. The heel of the last boot became trapped between the floor and the edge of the plywood screen. A smarter tug to the sound of creaking wood, and it was soon free. Actually, had Dell paid attention to the creak of the board or turned his ear toward the sound of childish giggles, he would have saved himself an afternoon of embarrassment.

"Run for it Billy," Bobby encouraged his brother in a loud whisper outside the bathhouse. They darted down an alley and ducked behind a pickle barrel saving them from capture by Mr. Quint. He stood in front of his blacksmith shop shoeing an old black draft horse. "Whew, that was close," Bobby whispered.

"Do you think we got saw?" Billy asked trying to peer around his older brother. Bobby pushed Billy's head down behind the barrel. "I said, you think that skunk Kendrick saw us?" Billy asked in a loud whisper.

"Naw, he and Mr. Festus was too busy jawing bout the dance tonight. Now shut up while I do some thinking." Bobby scrunched his face and thought.

"What about we make a run for it," Billy suggested.

"Hold on," Bobby said keeping his eyes peeled for trouble. "Mr. Quint is shoeing a horse. We gotta wait till he goes inside or something." In a few minutes Quint released the horse's front hoof, patted its neck, and stepped inside his shop.

Bobby tightened his hold on Kendrick's boots and with his free hand grabbed Billy by the arm. "Okay," he said and drew in a deep breath. "You gotta keep close cause this is gonna be dangerous."

"How much?"

"Like when The Waco Kid had to escape from the clutches of the evil Tater Logan on account of Logan was gonna tie him to an ant hill."

"Face down?"

Bobby nodded gravely and Billy gulped. After counting to three in loud whispers, the boys stampeded out of the alley and across the street with Dell Kendrick's clothing flapping at their sides.

They reached safety behind Moss Grimmick's livery, and once Billy caught his breath, the wheels began churning in his devious, seven-year-old mind. "Hey, Bobby, I got an idea. Let's throw that skunk Kendrick's clothes into Mr. Hank's manure pile."

A broad grin stretched the smattering of freckles over the bridge of Bobby's nose. "Good one Billy. We can fill his boots too." A spasm of giggles erupted at the thought of filling Kendrick's boots full of horse manure.

Billy cupped his hands over his mouth to control his giggling. "I bet the Waco Kid never thought of this."

Festus flung the soapy rag at Dell's face. "You ain't never answered my question. Now you planning on asking Miz Lori to dance?"

Dell caught the rag and began scrubbing the back of his neck. "Why would I do that for Festus?" He asked. The thought of asking Lori Durant to dance bothered him; not so much because of their past disagreements. Those would soon end once she lost the farm. What bothered Dell was something entirely different. He saw her the other day at first light. Strays needed gathering and he rode near the Durant place like he promised Matt, and there she was dressed in her brother's old army trousers strolling along as if she owned the prairie. The sight stunned Dell who never thought he'd see the dainty little ninny attired in US army issue. She was the lace and tea type, or that's how he pegged her. A vision of taught material showing off curves, a lot of curves, flashed through his mind. She curved in all the right places from her softly rounded bottom to the hourglass of her waistline. Remembering the sight of those curves caused his body to react. I'm over due for a trip to Maddie's house, he silently lamented.

"What's you frowning about?" Festus asked.

"You trying to dance," Dell lied. He'd rather lie than allow anyone to know how the ditzy Durant woman affected him. "You know what doc says about those spurs. Did you at least take 'em off to bath."

"They's my good luck spurs I'll have you ta know. And yes, I took 'em off on account of I don't want 'em to rust. But that ain't the point of this here conversation. If you ain't asking Miz Lori to dance; I reckon I just might."

"You have no idea what you're getting yourself in for," Dell growled. He flung the rag smacking Festus against the side of his ear. "You best scrub some more of that trail dust off your hide," Dell said and jumped out of the tub to dry off.

"Trail dust yourself," Festus snorted.

"Festus?" Dell croaked. "Where's my clothes?" He scratched his head. "And where's my boots?" Lost in a fog Dell picked his way around the room searching for his clothes. He lifted the soggy pile of Festus' winter underwear. "What the…" he muttered. Festus insisted on performing his laundry chores while bathing - no point in wasting a good tub of water.

At Jonas's Store

Kitty held the new bolt of fabric against Lori's cheek appraising the color. "What I wouldn't give for your coloring," She sighed wistfully.

"Thanks. It comes from hard work around the farm," Lori replyed. "You know when I first got to Kansas; I thought the prairie was an empty treeless desert. Now after living here, I've grown to appreciate the beauty of a red sunset, the singing of meadowlarks first thing of a morning, and the way the air smells after a rain."

"You almost sound poetic. In my case, I'll take the city over the prairie any day, and I'll skip the damask till a new color comes in," Kitty said setting the bolt back on the counter. "By the way I never thanked you for the apples. I wish you'd change your mind and stay for the dance."

"I can't. Once I get my order filled, I'm off to pick up the kids. Brett took them over to the Garrick's to show off Ceilia's new tooth." Lori leaned across the bolts of fabric and lowered her voice. "Kitty, who is that man? The one at the counter? He's been staring at us."

"That's Gus Maynard. He owns the harness shop. I thought you knew him."

Lori held her gaze on the man. "His watch was found with Chad Brewster's body."

"You're mistaken Lori. Chad won Gus's watch in a poker game shortly before his death."

"Really?" Lori shrugged and shifted her gaze away from the counter. "Well I guess that explains things."

"And leaves Matt back where he started – nowhere. Would you like me to introduce you to Gus?"

"No," Lori replied. "His staring has made me nervous."

"Well it appears he's leaving now," Kitty observed as Jonas handed the man his purchase. Before he left the building, he stared directly at Lori his features coated in a strange combination of sadness and longing.

Lori shivered. "I've read novels about the hair standing up on one's neck. But until today I always thought it was some writer's imagination."

Kitty frowned. Gus certainly acted strange. Normally, he'd come over and say hello or ask how business was at the Long Branch. Gus was not a man given to rude manners, just the opposite. He was a considerate sort. Maybe it was his health. Doc said he'd been treating Gus for some sort of malady.

Sounds of scurrying feet and children's cries filled the air. "Aunt Lori save us," Bobby cried rushing into Jonas's store grabbing Lori.

"He's trying to kill us!" Billy shrieked clutching the spare folds of Lori's skirt.

"Who's trying to kill you?" Lori asked.

An angry shout brought about a customer's scream toppleing her egg basket. Two women grinding coffee beans gasped in mortification and the younger hastily placed a hand over her mother's eyes. An uneasy silence engulfed the store as Lori blinked in rapid succession.

Kitty looked down at the boys clinging to their aunt's skirts. Bobby peered over a fold doing his best to play the innocent victim. Kitty gave him a conspiratorial wink and Bobby's heart skipped three whole beats. He figured when he grew up, he was gonna marry Miss. Kitty.

Dell ignored the reactions of Jonas' patrons and stomped inside the store, barefoot, dripping wet from his bath. Later, The Dodge City Epitaph would, in a lengthy editorial, draw comparisons between Dell's flight down Front Street and Lady Godiva's historic ride through the Coventry marketplace.

However, unlike Lady Godiva's wonders of God's work, Dell hid his form under the thin pink wrapper he kept pulled tight. Sprinklings of white daisies adorned the shawl collar. Dingy white lace, tattered in places, accented the cuffs and the belt, which was a horrendous shade of pink, refused to stay tied. Kitty twisted her mouth in strange contortions to keep from laughing out loud. The younger woman at the coffee grinder tightened her hand over her mother's eyes. The woman who lost her egg basket staked out a spot near the potatoes to get a better look.

Lori regained her composure and spoke first, "You setting a new fashion style, Mr. Kendrick?"

"I think Dell looks good in pink. Don't you Lori?" Kitty remarked recovering from the shock of Dell's hairy leg. "Dell if you ever get tired of wrappers, I imagine I have a few old dresses you might like."

Dell gave a mocking laugh and tightened the belt.

Lori felt a playful surge of cockiness spurt through her veins. "Kitty, I bet if you add a few ruffles and some matching slippers, Dell here might be the bell of the ball tonight."

"Those two…" Dell indicated the boys nestled in the safe regions of their aunt's skirt.

"Those two what? Bobby, Billy, did you do something to upset Mr. Kendrick?" Lori asked patting the two golden headed monsters.

"He says we stoled his duds, but we didn't. He says he's gonna wallop us too," Billy whined.

"He chased us all over Front Street Aunt Lori," Bobby cried. "He's scaring me."

"I can see why," Lori said. "I imagine Mr. Kendrick scared a lot of people on Front Street."

Mr. Jonas emerged from his stock room carrying a large bag of flour. "Sorry this took so long Miss. Lori…..good gracious…oh good gracious…"

"It ain't what you're thinking Jonas," Dell sneered making way for the mother and daughter as they fled the store.

"No mother, don't look, it's obscene," the younger cautioned. The mother fanned herself threatening to swoon.

The other woman, whose name Lori discovered was Bertha Starkey, circled Dell admiring his legs. Uncomfortable with Bertha's scrutiny, Dell wrapped the garment tighter.

Approving his form with a nod of her head, Bertha rested her back against the counter and grabbed a peppermint stick.

"Those two mini hell raisers…" Dell growled.

"Don't you dare call these innocent babies hell raisers," Lori warned him. "Can't you see you've nearly traumatized them both into fits? Shame on you chasing them all over Dodge dressed like some…some…."

"Some I don't know what," Mr. Jonas said gawking at Dell's get up.

"I kind of like it. Wish my man had legs like his," Bertha remarked.

Kitty let out a belly laugh. "Oh Lori, I'd love to stick around but I've got account books to go over."

"Don't leave us Miss. Kitty," Bobby cried. "We might need you to help fight that skunk if he tries to traumatize us more."

Kitty laughed and mussed Bobby's hair. On her way out of the store, she whispered in Dell's ear, "When you decide to get rid of that wrapper, you might send it over to Maddie's house. Looks like the one Corinne usually wears."

Dell fumed in silence. Shortly after he figured his clothes had been stolen, he heard a ruckus from the livery and spied Moss Grimmick chasing Billy and Bobby. Draping a wet towel around his midsection, Dell took off forgetting it was the middle of a business day in Dodge. Corinne spied Dell from her garden and took pity on the near naked man loaning him her favorite wrapper. Better than a wet towel, he began chasing the two hell raisers down Front Street amid gasps, fainting, and few wisecracks about bad liquor. Now that he caught them, it was a fine line between meting out a thrashing and keeping out of jail.

Kitty spied Moss marching across Front Street. He grasped manure covered clothing in one gloved hand, and manure filled boots in the other. And she had an inkling where he was headed. "In there," she pointed.

"Much obliged," Moss grumbled and moseyed inside Jonas' store. "Miss. Kitty said….oh my….oh mercy me…"

"Mr. Kendrick is setting a new fashion style." Lori's eyes danced in enjoyment at Dell's discomfort.

"Howdy Moss," Dell said knitting his brows together in sheer misery.

"You find them two I reckon," Moss said.

"I found 'em." Dell's voice dripped acid.

"He's in on it too Aunt Lori." Billy cupped a hand over his mouth so Mr. Grimmick couldn't see. "Don't let 'em get us."

"Who's in on what?" Lori asked. "Mr. Grimmick do you know what's going on here – other than Mr. Kendrick's obvious mental breakdown?"

"Well I don't know nothing about that," Moss Grimmick severely replied. "What I do know is that I caught those two little hooligans filling these boots full of horse manure. They ran off when I caught 'em. I met up with Festus who said Dell here lost his clothes, so I went back to the manure pile and dug around – found a shirt and pants. Still haven't come across his hat."

"That's on account of those two scamps cut holes in it for ears and put it on Ruth's head," Festus said from the doorway. He let out a low whistle. "Miss. Kitty was right Dell. You look right pretty in pink," he grinned.

Dell shot Festus a warning to shut up.

"Nut uh," Bobby said. "We never did nothing to Mr. Kendrick or Mr. Festus' mule."

Festus sidled next to Bobby and gave him his sure fire get the truth outta the scamp, technique. Bending close enough to count each of Bobby's eyelashes individually, Festus spoke in a tight voice. "Bobby I ain't knowed you to lie to me never. That's cause I can always tell when youngins is lying to me. There's this little veiny thing on the side of your neck. And when you're lying it goes to a bobbin and a jumping up and down like a fish on a hook. So tell me straight out, are you innocent of this here mischief?" Bobby turned his head into Lori's skirts unable to meet Festus' sure fire get at the truth scrutiny.

"Answer him young man," Lori ordered.

"I can't, on account of it's gonna cause my veiny thing to bob."

"So you did steal Mr. Kendrick's duds. It that it?" Lori huffed.

"Well, you'd a got mad at us if we told you the truth," Billy said. "But you gotta stick by us on account of your our aunt and all. It's like the law or something."

"Of course I'll stick by you. However, what you did, no matter how much in the spirit of a joke…."

"Joke my hind sites," Dell fumed.

Lori sighed. "Oh alright, what you did - no matter the reason- was entirely wrong. You'll both be punished when we get home today."

"I'd like to see that. What do you plan on doing – take away their bed time story?" Dell sneered.

Lori hadn't given the idea thought. It was a good one though. Both Bobby and Billy were far too obsessed with the exploits of The Waco Kid and Tater Logan. "Perhaps," she said.

"Figures. What they need is good walloping," Dell said. "And I'm in just the mood to do the honors."

"You lay one hand on these babies, and you'll regret it," Lori declared stepping in front of her nephews who clung tighter to her skirts.

"Babies?" Dell jeered. "Let me baby those two." Dell took a threatening step towards Lori who backed into Mr. Jonas' counter. She turned pleading eyes on the men in the store.

Bertha laughed. "This just keeps getting better and better."

"Dell I don't want no trouble in my store," Jonas warned.

Dell raised a restraining hand, "I know Jonas; I don't intend any trouble."

"I got stalls to muck," Moss said. "Bertha, Quint said to tell you that mare's ready." Bertha nodded, torn whether or not to leave the excitement.

"Hold on Moss," Dell said. "I figure you got two able bodied stable hands right here who can do the job."

"I said I'd handle their punishment when we got home," Lori lifted her chin at the insufferable man. Dell's eyes blazed and he took another step towards her effectively cutting off any escape. "On the other hand, mucking stables is good honorable work," she relented and breathed a sigh of relief when Dell backed off.

Festus raised an eyebrow, "I reckon stable mucking ain't hurt nobody. I know Ruth could use a good rub down too."

"Yeah, so longs as they work and stay outta mischief," Moss stared at the two clinging to their aunt. Round eyes, gaping mouths, they reminded him of two baby birds at feeding time. He shot birds for sport.

"We don't hafta muck stalls," Billy piped up. "My aunt won't let you make us."

"Oh yes she will," Lori said before Dell could move. "And I bet Mr. Festus will be happy to take you over to Mr. Grimmick's and keep an eye on you both."

"You bet I will," Festus spoke up. "Come on you two little scamps, let's go." He grabbed them by the collars of their shirts and began to march them out of the store. "Miss. Lori you don't worry 'bout these two."

"Thank you Festus," Lori said sweetly, "I appreciate that."

"Dell, these clothes are ruined," Mr. Jonas held up the stiff manure encrusted shirt to show him. "Same for the pants. Lori I have clothes in Dell's size but I'm afraid it's costly."

Lori wilted at the thought of her rapidly shrinking funds. "What about the boots?" She asked.

"I ain't touching those," Jonas announced and began pulling a new set of clothing off his shelves.

Harnessing her sass, she proclaimed, "Boots will wash. I won't purchase new boots for you Mr. Kendrick."

"No, you'll clean them out," he said taking the bundle from Mr. Jonas. "Mind if I get dressed in your store room?"

"Not at all. Lori I'll get you the bill," Mr. Jonas said and took out his receipt book.

Lori ran a hand over her forehead before ripping out the lining from her reticule. The tiny amount left paid the bill in full, but left her without emergency resources. Never in her life had her accounts been depleted so quickly. But, she reminded herself, I've never had a dead brother's debts or his desperados entrusted to my care.

Lori was on her way out of Jonas' store when Dell grabbed her by the arm.

"Running away?" He jeered.

"As much as I'd love to clean your boots, I simply don't have the time. I have errands to run before I pick up the children."

Lori jerked away from the man who she decided looked quite handsome in the new clothing. The blue in the shirt intensified the deep indigo of his eyes. She liked Dell's face. It was a strong masculine face, but his eyes, the way they flashed from light to dark, captivated her. She didn't especially enjoy the knowledge that she was smitten by his looks. And that ridiculous wrapper he held to the side. She knew it belonged to some creature who worked at Maddie's place – a house of ill repute. Having a saloon owner for a best friend kept Lori abreast on all the worthwhile gossip. She pointed to the strumpet's robe. "As far as I'm concerned, you can take your boots to the same place where you got that thing. I'm sure the lady's there would be happy to do most anything for you."

"Her name is Corinne. And we're good friends," he drawled, "But like I said, you're cleaning my boots."

"I don't have time." Lori stood her ground.

"Then you'll make time," Dell responded taking her firmly by the arm. "Thanks Mr. Jonas," he called over his shoulder tugging Lori in the direction of the bathhouse. "Once you get my boots clean, we'll get the kids and head for the dance."

"I'm not going to the dance," Lori replied indignantly. "And even if I were, I wouldn't go with you."

"This dance is only once a year, so I reckon we'll go. Besides, I bet you got a least one dress for dancing," he said pulling Lori down the boardwalk. Dell certainly hadn't planned on asking Lori to the dance. The words sprang from his mouth before he gave them a thought. Worst of all, they felt natural.

"I do have a lovely peach organdy, but it's hardly for dancing and it's at the farm."

"Then we'll stop by Kitty's and she can lend you something like that yellow dress you bought from Jonas' store."

Lori stopped in her tracks. "I didn't think you noticed."

"I noticed," he admitted.

Feeling butterflies nick across her stomach, Lori said, "You look ridiculous without boots. I hope you pick up a long sharp splinter."

"Then you can nurse me back to health."

"They don't make enough salt to rub into your wounds Mr. Kendrick."

Dell grinned and propelled her inside the bathhouse.

The man stood off in the shadows of a doorway watching the interplay between Lori and Dell Kendrick. Folks ignored him, they always ignored him and he liked it that way. He was a patient man. He'd bide his time. He was good at biding his time.