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Chapter Thirteen
Three days before the rodeo, Portia was working in her office when her uncle Rhine stopped by. “How are the letters coming along?” he asked. “Do you need my help?”
“No. I’m almost done.” She was sending out letters to all the guests scheduled for the rest of the spring and summer to let them know that due to circumstances beyond the hotel’s control, the dude ranch was closed and their deposits would be refunded. “I received a few cancellations even before I sent out the letters from people who’d read about Geronimo’s escape in the newspapers. Many of the wedding parties from back East have already cancelled as well.”
“Not something I like hearing but it’s understandable.”
“On a happier note, I’m also sending out letters on my own behalf.”
He looked confused. “Concerning what?”
“I’ve decided to open my bookkeeping business, so I’m alerting some of the other businesses to the services I plan to offer.”
A smile spread over his features. “That’s wonderful, Portia. You and I talked about this a few years back but I thought you’d given up on the idea.”
“No. I was just afraid I’d fail,” she admitted.
He stilled and studied her for a moment. “Takes a strong person to admit something like that.”
She nodded and thought about Kent’s support. “I plan to keep doing the books here though, if that’s okay with you.”
“Of course, but you may become so successful I’ll have to increase your salary to keep you on.”
“You don’t have to worry. I’m not going anywhere and what you pay me now is just fine.” He’d given her her start. She’d always be grateful for his faith in her abilities, no matter what the future held. “Any advice for me?”
He thought for a moment. “Yes. Don’t listen to naysayers about what you can’t do, and get up every day and do your absolute best.”
“Thank you, Uncle Rhine.”
“You’re welcome. Proud of you, Portia.”
She was proud of herself. That she might fail still loomed inside but it wasn’t consuming her anymore. “So what’s happening with the search for Parnell? Are you going to be discussing a posse at the Ranchers Association meeting this evening?”
He looked frustrated. “No. The meeting’s been cancelled because none of the White members wanted to leave their homes because of Geronimo.”
She was frustrated by that news as well. Were Farley and Buck ever going to get the justice they deserved?
Rhine did have a bit of comforting news. “The sheriff dropped off one of the Wanted flyers earlier today.” He removed the folded bulletin from the inner pocket of his suit coat and passed it to her.
“This is a very good likeness,” Portia said, looking at Parnell’s unshaven thin face.
“The sheriff’s daughter drew it. He said she’ll be going back East to one of the art schools in the fall. He had enough of them printed to put up in town and to pass out around the territory to other lawmen.”
“Let’s hope it helps,” she said.
“I agree.”
Portia passed the paper back to him.
“I’m going to let you get back to work, but again, I’m real proud of you, Portia. If I can be of any assistance let me know.”
“I will, Uncle Rhine. Promise.”
He nodded and left her alone.
Smiling, she went back to work only to have Regan stick her head in the door a few minutes later. “Are you coming to the meeting? Everyone’s here. We’re waiting on you.”
For a moment, Portia had no idea what her sister was talking about, but then she remembered the Tucson Good Works Society was meeting that afternoon. She jumped to feet. “Oh shoot. I’m sorry. Let me get my report. I’ll be right there.”
