Chapter Four

Victoria and Audra headed into town to see the dressmaker and go to an orphanage meeting after lunch. They stopped in to see Elaine Jason and drop off a list from Silas.

"Vic? Can we talk privately like?"

"Of course. Audra, would you head on over to the dressmaker and tell them I am on my way."

"Of course Mother."

The door shut and the longtime friends were alone in the small store.

"Vic—-you know there's been a lot of talk about Jarrod's quick wedding?"

"Yes. Sad people with nothing else to do but stir a pot. It will run out of steam. It always does. Audra heard some things too. Poor Beth would have been fodder too if not for her untimely death."

"Well—-I think it may be more than that." Elaine frowned.

"Do tell," with her arched eyebrow.

"Do you know Mildred Spence, housekeeper in town? Works lots of odd jobs. Single men, storekeeps, city hall?"

"I do. And I have heard she has lost more than one job for loose lips."

"That's her. She was in here telling tales on Jarrod and Tessa to my silly girl, Bertie who stocks for me. I listened at the curtain before I threw her out "

"I assume she was making innuendos about my son and his new wife."

"Kinda. She works one day a week for Phil Archer's home and office. She overheard him and a man from Modesto—-he was headed over there for a new client. Wanted to best Jarrod and embarrass him. Plans to splash bigamy charges all over the papers for this man to drop out of a race. Jarrod's client. He also took that vermin, Doolin, over to Modesto."

Victoria narrowed her eyes and inhaled, "Thank you, Elaine. Jarrod went to Modesto yesterday but I will get a message to him. Is there anything else?"

"Yes. She also knew from the courthouse that Tessa's statement about the rustlers was kept confidential. Jarrod used his influence somehow. And supposedly it was because—-"

"Go on Elaine, please."

"That Tessa and Jarrod lived together for ten days in sin. Why he had to marry her? She said it broke Meg Travis's heart when she heard about it. And all the stuff in the society columns in San Francisco. I am sorry Victoria. I kicked her out and told her she wasn't welcome in my store again. Spreading such vitriol"

"And so you know the truth, Tessa's statement was used to get a confession out of the rustlers and is a matter of public record. Jarrod did ask for it not to be splashed about in the papers. You know she is just getting used to being a Barkley and our world. She is an amazing young woman and I am proud of her. And—I highly doubt anything untoward happened in a house half destroyed by a tornado and all the windows shot out as evil men terrorized her. That man killed out at the ranch was one of them. Came after her for killing his brother.—-every time I think people can't get any lower, they do. Gossip is such a sin."

"I know Victoria. I felt like you should know. You know I don't believe a thing."

"I do. Thank you, again. Elaine, you are a good friend."

And she went out of the mercantile like nothing ever happened.

—-&—-

Jarrod sent a note to the desk addressed to Phil Archer. A porter brought a reply within ten minutes.

Meet in my room 304 at quarter past ten.

Jarrod looked at his watch. He had ten minutes. He would arrive in twenty. He took a long drag off his cigar and readied himself for battle.

—&—-

Jarrod thought about Joshua Hawke's hit and run tactic in his governor's run a few years before—-"it will make what I have to do you—such a pleasure."

He knocked on the door with two raps.

"Well, Jarrod, good to see you. Even under these circumstances. It isn't like you to be late. More like Nick or Audra."

Jarrod nodded and walked into the room. A beautiful blonde was sitting at the table. A vivid purple gown accentuated her well-placed curls and blonde locks cascaded down from a half chignon. He could appreciate her beauty—-–from afar.

"Yes Jack, she is very attractive, I would have wanted her in my bed too—as an unmarried man. Brother Jack, we got the better women in our beds I must say," thinking on their discussion of the past of his escapades with Dorothy Johnson in St. Louis and the con they ran.

Jarrod's keen mind stayed discomfited at their shared tastes, mannerisms, and responses. But at least now, he accepted them and discussed them with Jack. He was often taken aback by their frequency. Their twin wives seemed to think nothing of them. "Maybe that is normal for them."

Her eyes flew open in recognition of the eerie resemblance between Jack and Jarrod. She had heard all about it but could not believe it was really such a coincidence.

"Phil, Miss Johnson." he introduced himself.

She immediately scowled at the affront, "Mrs. Dorothy Darby." she pointedly clarified.

Jarrod shrugged his shoulders and sat down, "Phil? Any more coffee?"

She was still angered at Jarrod, "I expect an apology, Mr. Barkley."

He sipped the coffee Phil poured, "From whom? I saw Mrs. Zella Darby yesterday and I believe Jack was an only child—-married to his cousin, uncle? I am only familiar with one Mrs. Darby."

Phil intervened, "Now Jarrod. Let's not be rude to the lady. We are planning on having a civil conversation."

"Rude? Well please forgive me, Miss Johnson. I am only going by the Pinkertons and law enforcement records from last October. Your profile was very interesting to read." Jarrod smirked, glad he had kept that information to himself. He tasted his coffee and lifted his eyes to meet hers.

Phil blanched for a moment; he hadn't been told Jarrod had already investigated the bigamy charge. He was told it was dropped when the rustling complaints were filed.

"I shoulda known this was too easy. Five hundred in gold for a few days work."

"Mr. Barkley? I am Dorothy Darby. I will have you know." with a steely gaze.

"She definitely would be a worthy opponent at a poker table."

He sipped his coffee and stared at her. He didn't answer her statement. She answered his stare moment by moment.

"Bigamy is a felony. Punishable by five years in prison and a $500 fine I believe. I assume you have researched that?"

Phil looked a bit sheepish. He had been told by the Finn associates that it would never get to court. His job was to help the lady end a political campaign by a dishonest candidate. He took the job to make Jarrod look foolish.

"Yes Jarrod, I know the law." he spat back with more vigor than he felt.

"Good deal. When do we head to Sacramento? They are state charges, I am sure you know."

"Sacramento? The hell I am leaving Modesto. I just got here," the lady yelled back.

Jarrod stirred his coffee and tapped the spoon several times on the rim. Its noise resounded in the silence.

Phil looked at Dorothy and shook his head, "My client and I need to speak. You understand that don't you, Jarrod?"

"Of course. Good Day, Miss uh uh Dorothy, Phil. You know where to find me. Also, you may want to discuss defamation of character implications with your client. They will be filed at the same time—-with the bigamy charges."

The woman was seething and Phil looked uncomfortable as Jarrod gave them a small smile and mock bow as he left.

He shut the door behind him, "I have a feeling she's not backing down either. Too much money and pride are at stake. Now let me get to the front desk and get a second bedroom for tonight."

—-&—-