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“Oh?”
“So, get the money ready; I’ll have the deed ready. Meet me at the bank on Friday.”
“Friday? But that only gives me a couple days to raise the cash,” Jeffries protested.
“I’m in a hurry.” Lee chuckled. He looked over his shoulder at him. “Besides, you got a big enough reputation in town, you can raise it.”
“Yes…of course I can. But why?” Jeffries asked.
“Why what?”
“Why you sellin’ out?” Jeffries asked innocently.
“‘Fraid that’s personal.” Lee smiled and opened the big heavy oak door.
“I guess Frank scared you more than you’ll admit.” Jeffries chuckled.
Lee turned around to stare at the man. “No, that’s where you are wrong. He didn’t. I’ll admit I let my guard down, but I’ll only do that once. I’m a fast learner. And Frank should know it.”
He left Jeffries standing in the middle of the room with a puzzled look on his face.
Walking slowly out the door, Lee stood and admired the beautiful day. The birds sang in the trees. Not a cloud in the sky and he felt more relieved and satisfied than a stuffed cow.
For the first time, the lifting of a real burden on his shoulders told him he’d done the right thing. Jeffries didn’t ask if the water rights were included, that was his loophole. The land would bring him enough money to live on for a long time. Enough money to plant crops and get them to market. Enough money to support his family. He smiled to himself. He’d never felt better in his life. And now, he’d have his Hattie and the life he always wanted surrounded with children and good friends like Chase and Katherine.
He felt a sudden contentment that made him want to run his horse and lift his hand to the sky and thank God it had all come right for him.
But his trip home was cut short when Frank and his men met him just past the ranch gates.
“Again?” Lee shook his head, glancing at Frank closely now. Frank was dressed in his usual silver and black outfit, easily picked out of any crowd. His guns were shiny, his horse a well trained stallion. There was nothing shoddy or cheap about Frank, except his mind perhaps. Lee couldn’t understand why Frank hadn’t done better with his life as he was a great horse trainer. But his talent got hung up with wanting to be the top cowhand on the ranch and the top gun.
“Well Lee, I thought I done took care of you, but looks like you’re tougher than I first thought. However, my daddy just told me you are sellin’ your land to him. Is that right?”
Lee nodded, leaning on the saddle horn as he stared at Frank. “That’s right.”
Frank’s grin turned to a snarl. “Why? Don’t make no sense. You been fightin’ us for years over those water rights. Why you sellin’ to us of all people?”
“Didn’t he tell you? I’m leavin’.”
Frank spit his tobacco on the ground, and tied up his tobacco pouch and stashed it in the pocket of his vest. “And why are you leavin’?”
“That’s my business…”
“You takin’ that pretty black gal with you?” Frank asked, his lips curling into a snarl.
“That’s right, I am.” Lee firmed his lips. He hadn’t wanted to tangle with Frank, but the mention of Hattie stopped Lee cold. Never again would Frank have the advantage over Hattie.
“You’re a Negro lover, is that what you’re tellin’ me?” Frank laughed and looked around at his men who snickered too.
“Frank, if you are lookin’ for a fight, you are fixin’ to get one.” Lee gritted through his teeth.
“Whoa now, hear that boys? I wouldn’t be talkin’ so big after I whipped you already. I thought I done learned you who the boss was around here. You willin’ to die for that little black bitch?” Frank chuckled.
“If need be,” Lee said, dismounting and standing squarely in front of Frank and his horse. “And it looks as though we’re gonna have to settle things between you and me, aren’t we?”
Frank looked him up and down. “You gonna have a shootout? You, with one arm, are gonna draw on me, with two? Well now, that ain’t hardly fair.”
“Afraid, Frank?” Lee ground out.
